Part 16: Shashi Kala versus Shashi KapoorBeepKhushi, I am already regretting asking this. But how did Ka-Ka reunite if Niharika accidentally married Varun?
Oh Raizada! I did not realize that it was possible to love you more?!
Well, thank you, I think. So tell me.
I can't tell you. That will spoil it for you when we watch it after we are married.
I see. Is watching Shola aur Shabnam a non-negotiable clause in our marriage?
Absolute deal-breaker, Raizada.
But seriously, tell me. What is life without a good spoiler?
That might have been the most profound thing you have ever said.
Thank you.
You are welcome.
So?
What a pesky fangirl you are turning into?!
You know how they say that people begin to resemble their pets after a while?
Am I your pet, Raizada?
Why do I feel this is a trick question, Tommy?
Please, no Tommy and Bruno. If we ever have a dog, we will name him Julius Caesar.
Interesting that you just indulged in gender selection by choosing a male dog. Tsk tsk.
What? Rubbish. I might have a pronoun problem, but I am a feminist.
It was on your Bucket List - to become a feminist. So, well done.
Haha. Raizada, do you have a shrine for me, you know with my jewelry and my pearls?
Is that a euphemism?
Pfft.
So it didn't go too badly with Daadaji, eh?
Not bad at all. I was prepared to hate him, but when I saw how handsome he was, I just melted.
Shallow, are we?
Why do you think I love you, Raizada? For your beautiful mind? Deep down all of us are pretty superficial.
Now who is being profound?
Ava Gardner, that is who.
By the way, I didn't know that playing golf was on your already long list of accomplishments. I am impressed.
Even I didn't know that. I had asked NK for advice on how to impress Daadaji. Given how useless Payal was. NK suggested that I profess love for golf and single malts.
I see. This is going to come back to bite you in your ass, don't you think?
Undoubtedly. But I like living on the edge. In fact, Daadaji has invited me to play golf with him and his buddies tomorrow. So I had better go now and watch some golf videos on Youtube.
Your plans are the worst.
Maybe. But they work.
Something is off with the world.
Yes, Raizada. What is it like, under that rock you live in?
You have become very sarcastic lately.
I guess we do turn into our pets.
We do. So, you go watch your golf videos. Good luck with that.
Thanks, Raizada. And about how Ka-Ka finally reunited, go watch Love Scene 264. I will send you a link to the episode analysis that I posted on a forum.
Wait. If fake marriage was love scene 180 and they got reunited in love scene 264, that means they had 83 love scenes when she was married to another man.
Raizada, no need to be so fastidious. Love scenes can never stop, okay?
Okay. Good night then.
Sweet dreams, my pet.
**
"What is the point of spending lakhs on a wedding planner if we have to do all the gadha mazdoori ourselves?"
Khushi and Daadi sat on their living room floor, with post-its and notes scattered all around them. Khushi had checked-out of the Taj after her free package of 7 days and 7 nights were done with. She had to admit a fresh coat of paint had done wonders to the house. Everything looked spiffy and nice.
When Khushi walked into her erstwhile bedroom and saw the pretty, designer wall, she found that her longing for the Taj suite immediately faded away. This was lovely.
"Wow Daadi, European Paints guys have done an awesome job. The walls look... artistic almost."
"We didn't go with European Paints, we used Pizza Paints, you know the brand that Ankit Khanna and Priyanka Guha endorse."
Khushi just died and went to fangirl heaven for a bit. Yes, it was good to be home. She wished she could just lie on her bed all day, watch this crazy city go by, drinking endless cup of chai while listening to her current ear-worm.
But sadly this was a wedding house and there was work to be done, lists to be made, money to be spent and Daadi's playlist to be listened to, which only comprised of hits of Mohammad Rafi.
Main gaoon tum so jao..
"Daadi it is cruel to play a song like this and not allow me to sleep."
"Oh shut up! There is no time to sleep. There is so much work to be done. How can you think of sleeping? Have you allotted Meenal her rooms?"
Khushi looked at the Excel sheet staring at her. There was a complex chart on room allocation for all the out-of-towners attending the wedding. Since it was impossible to accommodate everyone in their house without causing the building to collapse and god knew that every day a dilapidated building was collapsing in Bombay, they had hired a couple of guest houses, serviced apartments and small bed and breakfast places run by enterprising Gujuratis. While the caste system had been long gone in India, but when it came to hierarchy of importance and reverence in families, it was still thriving. Daadi had a complex yet very elegant algorithm, which Khushi was certain had been inspired by one of those airline loyalty programmes and all guests were classified into: VIPs, IPs and Ps. VIPs got deluxe room with continental breakfast in guest house. IPs got Guju hotel with theplas and masala chai. While poor Ps got serviced apartments where they had to buy groceries and cook it themselves.
"Daadi, why the hell does Meenal Bua need four rooms for? Does each member of the family want a separate room?"
"One room for Meenal and Daamadji. One for the girls. One for Meenal's Devar and one for her Nanad."
"Wait, why are all these people coming to the wedding? Do you know the Leela people are charging us Rs 4000 per plate. We can't have random people coming in."
"Don't be silly. This is a wedding, we need to invite the whole village. That is how it works."
"Fine. So we have only one more room left in the Guest House. I am giving that to Asya."
"Asya Raichand?"
"The one and only."
"Why is she from the girl's side?"
"Uff ho, Daadi. Raizada said that Anjali Di was being difficult about Asya attending the wedding, so he asked me if it was okay if I took care of her. Besides she is my client, so I thought I will use this opportunity to network."
"I think Anjali is right. I don't understand why that Anagha is there at the wedding, now Asya. Why don't you invite Rana also?"
"Umm. Who Rana?"
"You don't remember Rana? He was your first love, I thought."
"Ooh. You mean Rana Duggal? Haha. Where did that come from?"
"Well if Arnav wants Asya, you should get Rana, the first boy you kissed."
"Please Daadi, we were 14 then. And it was a peck on the cheek, that too to annoy him. Besides if we invited all the women Raizada kissed, I am sure we will go bankrupt over the catering bill."
"Why? Is he Emran Hashmi?"
"Daadi, how can you? Kahan Emran aur kahan my Raizada."
"Stop calling him Raizada. Tennis match thodi hain. Besides, it is disrespectful."
"What should I call him that will be respectful? Aji sunte ho, Shashi ke Papa."
"Who is Shashi?"
"Future children with gender neutral name. Shashikala ya Shashi Kapoor, take your pick."
"Shashi Kapoor obviously. Woh kitna cute tha."
"Khilte hain Gul yahan, khil ke bikharne ko... Time to switch to Kishore Kumar playlist, perhaps."
"Yes, good idea. Anyway, where are you going now. Finish this room allocation at least. And I hope you and Arnav don't regret this Asya episode."
"I am going out with Anagha now. I will come back and finish it. And don't worry Daadi, Shashi Ke Papa said that Asya had ticked plus one on the RSVP."
"So one more Rs 4000 plate then."
"Dammit Daadi."
**
"Payal, you just missed Khushi. She has gone out with Anagha and left everything in the middle. How is this girl going to be a responsible married woman, tell me?"
Payal smiled at Daadi. She was hoping to catch Khushi alone and have the "talk" with her. But looked like that would have to wait.
"So what has Khushi been saying, is she okay? I think she and Aakash's Daadaji are BFFs now."
"Yes, she seems happy. Full of her usual sanak. We were discussing baby names. Apparently Arnav and her child will be Shashi. At least she doesn't want to name the child Juilis Caeser, we ought to be thankful. Payal are you okay? Your face has gone completely white."
"I am fine Daadi. I just remembered something. I will be back tomorrow."
**
Team Ka-Ka has shared a link with you.
What the!
Oh wait, that must be Khushi and her fangirl forum name. He clicked on the link and sure enough it opened to couchaloo.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1234FDGHH
Congratulations Ka-Ka-ians, Kabir and Niharika finally said those magical three words we have been waiting for - Bakwaas Bandh Karo and Bahut Ho Gaya respectively.
Haha. Fangirls were hilarious, Arnav thought. He was just about to text Khushi saying he will read her post later when he spotted Shashank. For a guy who was completely at ease when the camera was on, Shashank was incredibly self-conscious in real life. Arnav watched as he walked along the corridor and a bunch of giggly teenage girls nudged and pointed towards him. Shashank determinedly looked at his shoes and walked into the cafe, almost bumping into an elderly lady on her way out with take-out. He apologised to her immediately, helped her pick up her bag and assorted things that she had dropped on the floor and even walked the lady to the car.
They had been shooting for a week now and Arnav had to admit that he actually enjoyed the experience so far. Balwant really knew how to tell a story and got the characters just right and brought in her layer of interpretation to his story, yet being faithful to the original script. Begrudgingly he had developed respect for her.
The Sunaina Situation had reached some kind of mutually agreed upon but not really discussed truce. She pretty much kept to herself, preferring to eat her lunch in the quiet of her vanity van. Shashank on the other hand, was the one to mingle with the masses as it were, preferring to share greasy food with the crew. He was already the favourite among everyone. Arnav could see that the boy would go places. He was a good actor and the camera absolutely loved him. However, inspite of everything, he got nothing but the cold shoulder from Sunaina. Arnav had a hunch that this meeting had something to do with Ms Kapoor.
"Hey Raizada. Sorry to have kept you waiting. The table-read for the new film took longer than expected."
"Not a problem. So, you have signed movie two already. Great going."
"Actually, this is movie three."
He grinned as he sat down. This guy calls me Raizada too. Maybe I should tell Khushi about it, will please her fangirl heart. Actually she may paste Shashank Kapoor posters in their house then. It would be best not to tell her this.
"I am sorry we couldn't meet the other day, something came up."
"It is okay, Raizada. I.. heard you are... getting married in a few weeks. I understand you are busy."
"Yes, I am."
"Oh, congratulations to you and your fiance."
Arnav noticed with amusement that Shashank's face was a mixture of utmost relief and happiness.
"So what did you want to discuss? Don't tell me you want writing advice too."
"No, no. Far from it. I am not a... writer at all. This is kind of awkward."
"Is this about Sunaina?"
"Of course, you would have guessed. You are a writer, you understand things."
"Not really. She had a bit of a crush on me, but I think she has moved on. Or in the process of it. I don't think there is more to it."
"Yes.. I mean.. no. I mean, I understand what you are saying, but there is a bit of a situation."
"What kind of situation?"
"The other day I was at Sunaina's house. Our families go back a long way, so they meet often. But Sunaina and I have drifted apart over the years. Anyway, she didn't come out of her room, so I went up to see her there and she was reading something. As soon as she saw me, she put it away. So when she stepped out to take a call... I saw it and realised it was your diary. And then I wondered.."
"Ah."
"I know I shouldn't have spied on her."
"Not judging you, Shashank."
"That is good then. I just thought that you should know."
"Thank you."
"So, will you speak with her, but if you do, I am not sure you should tell her that I.."
"Got that, Shashank. Don't worry and thanks for telling me."
"Thanks, Raizada. You are a good guy. By the way, if it is okay to ask, who is your fiance? Is she a writer too?"
"Why? Is that a rule? Actors marry actors and writers marry writers?"
"Sorry. But who else will marry actors anyway?"
"True. Actually writers are even less marriageable. But Khushi, my fiance works in advertising."
"Ah, pretty name. I guess, in a way, she is a writer too."
"Yes. Except that more people probably read the copy of her ads than they read my books."
"I am sure tons of people will read Accidentally in Love. It is a great book."
"Are you saying you actually read the book?"
"Yeah, fine, I am not a reader, but Balwant made all of us read the book and even had a written quiz. I passed. Sunaina aced it, of course."
"Of course."
**
Anagha and Khushi sat outside Dr Amit Basak's clinic. The waiting room was filled to the capacity with several pregnant women.
"I hate hospitals."
"Nobody loves hospitals, Khushi. Besides, this is not a hospital. It is a clinic."
"Why couldn't you come with your mom here? You know, pregnant women terrify me."
"What?"
"No need to be so scandalized. People have phobias about all kinds of things. Mine is pregnant women. I am sure there is a word for it."
"So are you planning to be celibate?"
"WIth that hot mess I plan to marry? Madorwhat?"
Mrs Chaturvedi, you are up next, a stern voice announced.
Khushi and Anagha turned towards the nurse as she pointed them towards the doctor's room.
"So you have retained your maiden name?! I am impressed."
"Shut up, Khushi. Hold my bag while I go and pee for the test."
"The things I do for you woman."
"I know. You are my sister, I love you."
"Anagha, I think you need a neuro consult. Are you having a stroke?"
"Just had a moment, which you ruined. Like always."
"Awww."
"By the way, since we are here. Do you want to see Dr Basak?"
"What for?"
"You know... to understand stuff."
"What? No. Eww. I had this conversation, one very awkward summer, when I was 12, with dad. Then again with Mrs Lobo in school, you remember."
"Haha. After the Rana episode, when you attempted to ravage him. By the way what news of him?"
"Let me stalk him on Facebook while you go and meet Dr Basak."
"No, Khushi. Please come with me. I am nervous. But if you are uncomfortable..."
"Don't be silly. Dosti mein no sorry, no thank you and will hold your hair while you throw up."
"I am touched."
"So is this Basak cute?"
"He actually is."
"Why didn't you lead with that, woman?!"
**
"Hello, Manorama."
"Hi, Madhumati."
"So I heard your nephew is off the market?!"
"Kaun? Arnav? Yes, he is marrying next month."
"Congratulations. Who is the girl who managed the impossible? That same Raichand girl?"
"No, no. This is Khushi Gupta, you know Aakash's sister-in-law."
"Ah, I know that girl. Pretty girl. She is friends with Anagha, that Chaturvedi girl whom Aakash was going to marry."
"Yes, they are."
"In fact, yesterday when I took my daughter-in-law for her check-up, I saw the two of them at Basak's clinic. Had I known she was going to be Arnav's wife I would have congratulated her."
"So when is your daughter-in-law due?"
**
Anjali was pacing up and down the room. She had asked Arnav to be home by 7, so that she could talk to him before Daadaji arrived. Normally Anjali would be completely frazzled when Daadaji made those rare appearance at their home for dinner. But with bigger problems occupying her mind, she no longer sweated the small stuff.
When she heard a car pull up in the driveway, she immediately went to the door and opened it. And sure enough it was her brother.
"Arnav, I asked you to be home by 7? What took you so long?"
"Relax, Di. I was meeting a friend for coffee and got late. Anyway Daadaji will come in only by 8. I have about forty minutes to freshen up and talk to you."
"First, let us talk. There is something very, very important that we need to discuss."
"Di, I am feeling filthy. I will take a shower and be back. ten minutes tops. Promise. You get yourself a drink till then and relax."
"But I can't drink now."
"Oh, then fix yourself a vanilla milkshake or something. Be back."
Anjali asked the cook to make her a cup of tea and waited for her brother. And sure enough, he kept his promise and arrived in ten minutes.
"So what is the absolutely important thing that we need to discuss."
There was amusement in his voice, as if he expected his Di to have something ridiculous in mind. Arnav was scanning the well-stocked bar that Abhi kept and fixed himself a drink. Just then the doorbell rang and the house help let Daadaji in.
"What important thing do you need to discuss, Gudi?"
Gudi, only Daadaji was allowed to call Anjali that.
"That.. I wanted to.. I mean, I thought Arnav and we should discuss what song should our family perform for the Sangeet. We need to begin practicing."
"Di, seriously?! That was the important thing we needed to discuss? I thought we were discussing something really important like whom do we vote for in the next elections or something."
"This is important too. I bet Khushi and her family have already begun practicing."
"I don't think Khushi is doing anything of that sort."
"What is wrong with Khushi?"
"Nothing is wrong with her. She is just.. feeling under the weather. She had texted me a while back."
"Oh."
"Di, no need to worry. She is fine."
"Wait a second, you two. Is my grand daughter-in-law not coming here for dinner? I agreed to come, because I thought that she will be there. I will just watch ESPN till dinner is served."
Arnav rolled his eyes, even as his sister looked on pensively at him.
**
Hey Khushi, What a lovely surprise to hear from you. I am in Mumbai, I work with a company called Saale Nautanki Sab that makes content for television. What do you do? If you are in Mumbai, we should catch up. I have shared my coordinates with you.
Hey Duggu! OMG. Were you involved in Shola aur Shabnam? Can you tell me the real reason why they shutdown the show? And please bring Season 2. I am in London, work in advertising. Now in Bombay, getting married in three weeks.
Oh wow! Does the to be groom know that you will kiss only on a dare ;) Oh where are my manners?! Congratulations kiddo. I am happy for you. Also, fills me with hope. If crazy Khushi can find love, I think all of us can! And about Season 2, can I just say, careful what you wish for.
Yes, yes. I am the beacon of hope for all the people with ridiculous hair, if I can find love, everyone can. You must totally come for my wedding. There will be Anagha, Vidur, Jehan, Samira and Nitz from school.
Wouldn't want to miss it.
**
Ankit Khanna to enter as a wildcard entry in Shudh Desi Ghee
Popular TV actor, Ankit Khanna is all set to enter Shudh Desi Ghee as a wildcard entry later this week. Ankit Khanna, who rose into prominence after playing the character of Kabir Khurana, on the hit show Shola aur Shabnam will be the twelfth participant to enter the show. As viewers will be aware, Shola aur Shabnam, the highly rated show was abruptly pulled off air by Ringo TV following protests by some political groups.
Shudh Desi Ghee is a reality show featuring celebrities from all walks of lives as they cook up a meal each day. The meal they prepare is tasted by a group of grandmothers and each week one celebrity is eliminated. When we asked Priyanka Guha, Ankit's costar if she planned to enter the show too as fans would like to see the popular pair together again. Priyanka said, "Ankit and I have separate personal and professional lives, fans need to appreciate that. I wish Ankit the very best, hope he cooks up a storm."
As viewers will be aware, Kabhi Shola Kabhi Shabnam the movie sequel to the hit show has been shelved owing to creative differences between the producers and the actors.**
BeepDon't cry Khushi.
Raizada, I am over Ka-Ka already.
That is a pity. I enjoyed reading the very eloquent post by Team Ka-Ka, full of wry observations and gentle fangirling.
*giggle*
And Khushi I didn't know you were a semiotician also, all that symbolism and analysis. Impressive.
Raizada, are you mocking me?
No, I am not. Promise.
Fine. I believe you.
How are you feeling now?
Melancholic.
I thought you said, you were under the weather. Melancholia sounds dangerous.
I guess I am PMSing, but I don't want to be a stereotype. Melancholia, like Shashi is gender neutral.
You really need your head examined.
Only if it is by Dr Derek Shepherd.
How many people do you fangirl over?
I am a highly polygamous fangirl, okay?
Okay.
BTW I met Shashank Kapoor for coffee today.
WHAT? Why wasn't I taken along for this. It would have cured all my ailments.
Sorry. Next time. Anyway, turns out that Sunaina has my Diary, she probably took it from my house when the crew had come for dinner to my place.
Good lord! That is so... creepy.
I guess. But poor girl. She is messed up.
Wait, you are sympathizing with her?
No, I am not. But I don't think she deserves our censure. I mean, look at you, fangirling over so many people.
Raizada, surely you can't compare the two.
I am not, I am just saying, don't judge her.
I see. So when you thought that I had taken your precious Diary you were all but ready to call off the wedding, but Sunaina gets the benefit of doubt.
Khushi, you are overreacting as usual. I guess you are really... melancholic. We will talk later.
Whatever, Raizada.
**
"Did you speak with Khushi?"
"I couldn't. She was not at home when I went. I will be going again tomorrow morning. Did you speak with Arnav?"
"I couldn't. Daadaji just came in when I was about to ask him."
"Maybe it is all just a misunderstanding."
"Maybe. But Arnav mentioned that Khushi was not feeling too well. He was vague about it."
"And Daadi was telling me about Khushi was thinking of baby names."
"I don't know what to feel about this?"
"Me too, Di. It is so confusing. Also hilarious, if all of us are pregnant at the same time."
"Maybe it is a misunderstanding."
"Yes, I hope so. The family will be scandalised."
When they heard the clicking of heels, they immediately switched topic. It was Manorama Maami.
"Good that the two of you are here. We need to send one invite to Madhumati. She apparently knows Khushi, she says."
"Oh yes, Madhu Aunty was our neighbour for a while."
"She apparently ran into Khushi at Dr Basak's clinic yesterday."
"What?" Anjali and Payal said in unison.
**
Dear Khushi,
Thanks for sending me the guest house details and airport pick-up related details as well. I hope that I am not intruding on the hospitality of your family. I am writing specifically about something which is a little awkward. I will be bringing along a friend with me to the wedding, Shyam Jha. Given the history I was wondering if it would be okay. If you think it will be awkward, let me know. Shyam and I will both understand.
Look forward to seeing you and Arnav soon.
Love,
Asya
**
"Khushi, stop moping around."
"I am not moping, Daadi."
"Did you and Arnav fight again?"
"I don't know."
Daadi muttered something under her breath and walked out of the room when Payal came in.
"Good Payal, you are here. Please go and fix your sister."
"Why, what happened to her?"
"She is being sad and not at all like a bride."
"Daadi, been ages since I had a cup of tea made by you. Can you make me one? I will speak with Khushi."
Daadi nodded, smiled and went to the kitchen.
"Khushi, I wanted to discuss something with you... Khushi, what is wrong with you? Why do you look so off?"
"Oh nothing. Just got my period this morning. It sucks to be a woman..."
And just then her sister enveloped her into a hug and said, "Oh Khushi, I am so happy."
What the f**k is wrong with my family, Khushi wondered.
**
Part 17.1:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/96337216 Edited by TabassumR - 11 years ago
Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
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