Posted:
Translation for Part 124B
Arnav read the metallic board hung just outside the door.
It read: Mirchandaani Niwaas
"Aa ja beta, aa ja!"
Arnav saw an old lady approaching Khushi with open arms.
Khushi hugged her before touching her feet.
The old lady kissed her forehead and hugged her yet again.
Arnav(thinks): Looks like she's really fond of Khushi.
Suddenly her gaze fell on Arnav who was standing outside the door.
Old lady: Areh beta, why are you standing there? Come inside..
She turned around and yelled: Areh Shirisha..! Halle..! (come)
Khushi: Arnavji, meet Asha tayiji.. And tayiji this is..
Tayiji: Areh, I know this is jamaaiji! Your tayiji is not as old as you think!
Khushi(teases): Oh,really?
Tayiji: Oh yes! (cups her cheek) The glow on your face told me that this is your husband! And I can this with surety that he ensures that you're always happy and glowing! Am I right?
Khushi nods shyly.
Tayiji(places her hand on Arnav's arm): Aao beta. Bhali karay aaya! (welcome)
She blessed him profusely before introducing him to other members of her family.
Tayiji: This is my son Shirish.
Arnav was about to extend his hand when Shirish came forward and hugged Arnav.
Tayiji: And thats my daughter-in-law Sapnaa.
The lady greeted him with folded hands before hugging Khushi.
Tayiji pinched the cheeks of a rather mortified teenager.
Tayiji: And this is my dear kiko(bachchha)!
Teenager(shrugs off her hands): Dadi!
Khushi: Raj! You're so tall!
Sapnaa: He's become taller than me! And in a few months he'll grow taller than his papa!
Khushi: That is what it seems like!
Raj was about to go inside when his grandmother pulled him.
Tayiji: Areh where are you going? (points to ArShi)Your fui, fuffad are here. Puchha, keda haal aayo? (ask them,how are you?)
Raj: How are you fui?
Khushi: I'm fine,you tell me. How are you? And I hope you're doing well in school.
Raj: Yes,I'm doing quite well. How are you.. fuffadji?
Khushi knudged him when he didnt respond.
Arnav: I'm fine.
Raj: Excuse me..
Tayiji: Areh kiko..! Listen to me..!
Khushi: Let him be,tayiji. Kids of his age are usually shy!
Tayiji: Anyways, you tell me beta, how are you?
Khushi: As you can see, I'm pretty well and very happy to be here today! How are you all?
Tayiji: As you can see, we're all well. And equally happy to recieve you!
Khushi(shakes her head): Tayiji, you're too much!
Tayiji: Areh beta, why are you so silent?
Arnav: Ji?
Tayiji: Say something..
Arnav(turns to Khushi): What.. do I say?
Khushi slightly shakes her head before turning to tayiji.
Khushi: He's also.. a bit shy!
Tayiji: Dont feel shy, beta! Think of this as your own house! We've always thought of Khushi as our daughter! She's been coming to our house ever since she was a kid. Till Khushi lived here,the entire neighbourhood was lively! Now your house and neighbourhood must be lively because of her presence..
Arnav: Ya, of course! Khushi takes happiness with her wherever she goes! Her vivacity is so infectious!
Khushi knudged him slightly to remind him that he had to speak in Hindi.
Arnav: Ki.. sablog uss k fans ho jaate hain! (that she wins people over wherever she goes)
Tayiji(pinching her chin): Our dear Khushi is like that!
Sapnaa entered with a tray laden with snacks.
Khushi(gets up to help her): Areh bhabhi, why did you make all this?
Sapnaa: Shut up! (serving it) Its only a simple breakfast that I've made. And I know..(smiles) that you love the chhola-chaap
that I make! You're lucky that you came to visit us the day I made chhola-chaap for breakfast!
Tayiji: Exactly! Your bhabhi has brought it straight out of the pan. Have it before it turns cold, beta.
Khushi: You know it very well, tayiji! (stares at the tray) I've been a fan of bhabhi's chaap-chhole since so many years! The aroma itself is enough to make me hungry!
Everyone shares a laugh while Khushi takes a huge bite.
Sapnaa: How's it?
Khushi: As always- spicy and tasty!
Tayiji caresses her head fondly.
Sapnaa: Please have it..
Arnav: No,thanks! I'll just.. taste some of it from.. Khushi's plate..
Tayiji: Why are you feeling so shy, beta?
Arnav: Nothing like that,tayiji. Its just that.. I'm quite full.
Khushi: Since he has blood sugar, he's.. pretty careful about what he eats and.. how much he eats. He doesnt compromise even a bit when it comes to his health!
As she said that, an image of Arnav licking chocolate from her finger emerged in her mind.
Khushi(thinks): Its a different matter when he's in a naughty mood! Then he doesnt care about anything, not even about his sugar levels!
Tayiji: Feed him beta..
Khushi: Yes tayiji.
She extends her spoon towards Arnav with a smile.
Khushi: Here you go..
Arnav returns her smile while eating a spoonful of the snack.
Arnav(clears his throat): Its delicious!
Sapnaa: Then you can have some more of it!
Arnav: no,no! this will do.. thank you!
Tayiji: Najar na lage! (taking her balaaiyyan)Khushi,beta you're looking so,so pretty today! And your saree is so beautiful!
Khushi: Then why didnt you say that.. suthho, suttho!?
Tayiji(smiles): Daaddo suttho! (its very nice!)
Sapnaa(sitting opposite Khushi): Khushi was fonding of dressing up ever since she was a child!
Khushi nods while savouring the snacks.
Sapnaa: I'll tell you something,jamaaiji. When.. we were newly married, Khushi and the other girls from the neighbourhood would come to meet me everyday!
Khushi: Since you were the 'new bhabhi' of the neighbourhood!
Sapnaa(nods with a remenescent smile): And they all loved my shringaar ka saamaan(bridal kit)! Some would wear my glass bangles, some would apply my bindis.. Paayal used to love my green chunni(dupatta), it was her favorite!
Khushi(nods): Since it had that beautiful golden embroidery!
Sapnaa: Thats why she would drape it and sit like a bride! And do you know what Khushi liked?
Arnav(inquisitive): What was it?
Sapnaa: Hair!
Arnav: Sorry? I mean.. what?
Khushi laughed as she recalled those incidents from her childhood.
Sapnaa: My hair wasnt all that long when I got married. Thats why ma had bought false hair or wig for me. Khushi was really fond of long hair!Thats why, everytime she would put on that wig,which was way larger than the size of her head and check herself out in the mirror!
Arnav smiled as he imagined the scene.
Khushi(sighs): Those days were awesome,bhabhi! Now when I think of those days,I feel like my childhood got over very quickly!
Sapnaa: Thats what everyone feels about their childhood!
Shirish: thats what I feel about Raj as well! Seems like he grew up a tad too soon!
Khushi: Now when I see Raj, I get the same feeling,bhaiyya! By the way,how's your work?
Shirish: Everything's fine,by the grace of Jhulelaal!
Arnav: Where do you work?
Shirish: I have a small hardware shop,which I co-own alongwith my cousin. How about your work? How's your business?
Arnav: Its in a pretty good state,thank you!
Khushi: Excuse me. I'll just go n wash my hands..
Arnav nodded as she left.
Shirish: Your business is based out of Delhi,right? So.. How come you're in Lucknow?
Arnav(lies): I had a meeting yesterday and.. since I had an off today, we thought of.. meeting Khushi's neighbours.
Tayiji: You did the right thing,beta! Do visit us whenever you get time. I'm getting old and weary now. I rarely venture out of the house because of my aching joints.. So I feel very happy when someone comes to meet me!
Arnav: I understand..
Khushi: We'll take your leave,tayiji.. We're yet to meet many of our neighbours
Tayiji: Wait a minute beta. (yells) Arih Sapnaa..!
Sapnaa appeared almost immediately with a plastic bag.
Khushi: Whats this,bhabhi?
Sapnaa: Some fried paapad and biscuits. They'll be useful when you travel back home.
Khushi: But we'll be travelling by a plane and we'll reach Delhi in 2 hours!
Sapnaa: Keep it. Have it once you're home. This will remind you of your bhabhi!
Khushi: Areh bhabhi, you all are always there in my memories! Ask Arnavji, he'll tell you how I keep telling him about my childhood and about everyone associated with it!
Sapnaa(cups her cheek): I know dear. I was just kidding! (hugs her) We all remember you as much as you remember us!
Khushi's eyes misted as they parted.
Tayiji(smacks her back): Chari(paagal)! Who cries while leaving? If you leave with a smile,it ensures that your journey is happy and peacefule!
Khushi(with tears running down her cheeks): Since I did not have my bidaayi ceremony over here, I'll cry this time!(hugging tayiji)Next time I'll leave you all with a smile!
Tayiji(pats her back): Okay beta. Cry as much as you want.. and make us teary eyed as well!
Khushi broke the hug to find tears in tayiji's eyes.
Khushi: Tayiji! You're ensuring that I dont stop crying!
Tayiji(wipes her tears): Na beta, thats not what I want! I want you to be happy,now and always! Give my regards to everyone at home!
Khushi nods.
Tayiji: Aa ja beta. (turns to Arnav)Aa jaao beta aap bhi..
She took a 10 rupee note and rotated it around their heads thrice.
Tayiji(hands the note): Take this Shirish. Give it to the beggarwoman on your way to the shop.
Shirish: Okay.
Tayiji: Chal beta.. Take your tayaji's blessings first and then I'll give you my blessings.
Arnav(wonders): Where's tayaji?
Khushi: Come with me..
She leads him to a corner of the room where a garlanded photograph of an old man was kept on a wooden table.
Khushi folded her hands and bowed her head so Arnav did the same.
When they touched tayiji's feet,she blessed them with a 50 rupee note each.
Khushi: Tayiji..
Tayiji(interrupts): Chup kar chari! Have this..
She stuffs some rock candy in Khushi's mouth.
Tayiji: It is your Sugun.. And beta,thi is your moonhdikhaai! Now.. since you have sugar, I cant feed you somethingsweet. That apart, if our hospitality was lacking in any manner(folds her hands)then please consider us as you own and forgive us!
Arnav: Please dont embarass me by saying that! And there was nothing that lacked in your hospitality.so please.. dont think like thaty! You ned not ask for my forgivness!
Tayiji(pats his head): Khush raho,beta. And whenever you're in Lucknow and you have some time at hand,do come to our house!
Arnav: Ya,sure!
Tayiji(yells): Areh kika..! Fui-fuffad are leaving..
Raj came out to bid them goodbye.
Raj: Come again fui! Bye fuffadji!
Arnav: Bye and.. you can call me uncle!
Raj: Okay.. uncle!
Arnav(extends his hand): All the best for your exams!
Raj(shakes his hand): Thank you!
The family came out of their house to see them off.
Arnav noticed Khushi looking sadly at the house next to Mirchandaani Niwaas.
Arnav: Are we going to that house now?
Khushi(shakes her head): No,we're not going to that house..
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Before climbing the staircase, Arnav casually glanced upwards.
That is when he saw a woman in her late twenties scowling at them.
She went away as soon as she realized that he had seen her.
Arnav(while climbing): Who's house is this?
Khushi: This Dhaniram tauji's house. He's babuji's close friend.
Arnav: Okay.
*Meanwhile,inside the house*
"They're coming upstairs.", announced Kshama as she entered the kitchen.
"Meri balaa se!(my bad luck)",replied her mother Manisha while washing the dishes.
Kshama: Mark my words,Khushi will be so arrogant and she'll show off everything,right from her husband to her riches!
Earlier she had beauty but now she has a rich husband and all the perks that come with him! (sighs) Whereas I niether have a husband, nor do I have
In the meantime they heard Arshi being welcomed into their house.
Manisha(whispers): Your papa is no less! There'll be no end to his demands. Prepare this, prepare that! (scowls)
Rasoi ka kaam kam tha kya jo ab yeh bin-bulaaye mehman tapak pade! (as if the kitchen chores were not sufficient, these uninvited guests will only add to my troubles!)
At that moment they heard Dhaniram calling them outside to meet the guests.
Both of them unwillingly walked outside,fake smiles intact.
Manisha: Areh Khushi beta.. how come you're here? And how are you?
Khushi(smiles): I'm fine,taiji. How about you?
Manisha: I'm alright. (when she touches her feet)Its okay! Jeeti reh.
Khushi: And how about you,jiji?
Kshama: I'm fine as well.
Arnav finds it odd when she doesnt ask about Khushi's well being.
Khushi(points to Arnav): That's my husband..
Kshama nods at him while eyeing his expensive clothes.
Kshama(thinks): They're wearing such heavy clothes as though they got married today itself!
Dhaniram: Bring some tea and snacks for them..
Manisha(fake smile): Why not!? What will you have, tea or sherbet?
Khushi: No,thanks tayiji! We're just here to meet you.
Kshama(thinks): You're here to meet us or to make me jealous!?
Manisha: Ya,I can see that! You've totally changed after marriage,Khushi! Saree, kangan, jhumkas.. everything's suiting you!
Khushi(smiles): Thank you!
Manisha: Jamai babu mustve bought these for you,hai na?
Khushi: Yes. The Kangan belong to my saasuma whereas he's given the Saree and jewellery.
Manisha(thinks): Its pretty obvious! Before you got married, you didnt have the kind of money it takes to buy any of these!
Just because he's given her expensive clothes and jewellery, she's acting as though she is the queen of some princely state!
Dhaniram: Why are you still standing here? Jamai babu is here for the first time. Bring something sweet for him..
Arnav: No,please let it be. I cant have sweets since I'm diabetic.
Manisha: Oh ho ho! How did you get sucha disease at this young age?!
Arnav: I'm diabetic since childhood..
Manisha: Areh re! So.. what will you have?
Arnav: Nothing, thanks!
Dhaniram: You have to have something. (turns to his wife)Get some mathri for them! And if there's any other namkeen then bring some of that as well!
Manisha: Sure!
As soon as they entered the kitchen, Kshama pulled her mother aside.
(A/N: They are whispering throughout the conversation)
Kshama(convinced): Now I'm convinced that Khushi got married to him only because he's rich! Otherwise why will a girl as beautiful as Khushi marry a man who'll be lifelong dependent on medicines and injections?
Manisha(nods): I always knew it! First the older sister charmed a rich fellow. Then the younger one came to know that he has an unmarried brother so she charmed the brother! Even if he dies tomorrow, he will leave a major chunk of his wealth for Khushi!
Kshama(makes a face): Yeah and she'll continue to live like a queen!
Manisha(mutters): Gupta parivaar is so lucky! They got not one but two rich jamaais,that too in the same family!
Kshama: No wonder they shifted to Delhi! And they've shown no interest to come back ever since they left!
Manisha: Only a mad person would leave the riches offered by their affluent samdhis to stay in this poor neighbourhood!
Kshama: Sach me! Khushi & Paayal have forever acted as though they're really simple and sweet but I knew that they're very smart!
Manisha: I also know the true colors of this family. But who'll explain all this to your naive papa! Sahshi bhaiyya behaves as though he's a close friend of your papa. But when the time came to sell of his house and shop,who did he choose? Banwaari bhaiyya! Who doesnt know about ourt financial status and the sorry state of your papa's shop. Had he decided to sell his shop to us, we wouldve
earned more because of the second shop. There wouldve been more money to run the house, we wouldve got better matches for you and we wouldve been able to spend some more money on your wedding. But no, that was not to be! He didnt think of us even though he knew very well thatBanwaari bhaiyya's son earns well enough to buy a house for himself!
Kshama: They're all acting as though they're innocent while they're very wicked in reality!
They continued to blame Gupta family while arranging snacks on a tray as though they(Guptas') were the sole reason behind all their problems.
Manisha: Go and serve the snacks. Meanwhile I'll hunt for something which I can give to Khushi as a gift.
Kshama(enraged): There she's making me jealous by flaunting her husband and here you're bothered about selecting a gift for her?!
Manisha: Had things been under my control, I wouldnt have wasted a single rupee on her! But who can stop your kind hearted papa?! I'm only worried that if I dont give her something, he'll end up giving them whatever is there in his pocket!
Kshama: Alright, make sure you give something which is of no use to us.
Manisha: Yes,I'll do that. Dont worry!Now go and serve them before your papa calls you.
Kshama: Ji.
She served the snacks and pretended to listen to the conversation taking place between Dhaniram and ArShi, hardly saying anuything to either of them.
Khushi: We'll make a move now..
Dhaniram: Wait for your taiji.. (calls loudly)Aji sunti ho..
Manisha: I'm here.. (turns to Khushi)This is your shagun,Khushi and this is for you, jamaai babu..
She hands a box to Khushi and 21 rupees to Arnav.
Khushi being Khushi is unable to resist the temptation. So she immediately opens the box and is delighted with the gift.
Khushi(smiles): Glass bangles!? I loved your gift taiji! Thank you so much!
Manisha: Glad you liked it! Now.. we cant afford to give you gold kangan so we gave whatever we could..
Dhaniram,who was about to give Khushi some money,felt embarassed and withdrew his hand from his pocket.
All this did not go unnoticed by Arnav.
Arnav: heartfelt emotions add a charm to the gifts and make them priceless in the eyes of the reciever! The gifts
given without any emotion are meaningless,regardless of their monetary value.
Kshama(thinks): Look at his arrogance! Khushi is no less! She's behaving as though she'll ditch her gold bangles for these glass ones!
Manisha(thinks): He's talking as if he'll reject precious stones if they're given without hearfelt emotions!
Arnav: Its time to leave. Namaste..(turns to Dhaniram)tauji.
Dhaniram(folds his hands): Namaste jamaai babu. Stay happy and keep our bitiya happy as well! (to his wife)I'll just be back..
Khushi: Please dont take the trouble of taking the stairs,tauji. I know how much your kneeache bothers you. So let it be, we'll go downstairs on our own. Namaste taiji!
Manisha(fake smile): Namaste! Tell amma to give me a call when she finds time.
Khushi: Sure! Bye jiji.
Kshama nods with a fake smile.
Khushi(turning to Arnav): Lets go
She took him to meet other neighbours who greeted them with love, respect and warmth.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
*Later that day,6 pm*
Arnav greets a middle aged couple who smile warmly at him.
Khushi: She is..
She gives the lady a bear hug.
Khushi: My dearest Poonam mausi!
The lady smiles while placing her arms lovingly around Khushi.
Man: And I'm her husband, that is your Maadhav mausaji!
Arnav bends to touch their feet.
Mausi: Stay happy!
Mausaji: Do well in life! BTW.. your wife is not really fond of me!
Khushi: What are you saying, mausaji? Did you hear that,mausi?
Mausi: He's just joking,bitiya! Please make yourself comfortable,daamaadji..
Arnav nods and sits beside mausaji,his eyes glued to his wife,who was still hugging mausi.
Mausaji: No,I'm speaking the truth! Now I'll tell you the reason behind my statement! Ever since she was a kid, Khusi bitiya shares a wonderful bond with your mausi! Both of them are fond of cooking, eating sweets and singing! Since I dont possess any of these qualities, I would relax on the rocking chair,hear them sing and wait to taste the delicious sweets made by them!
Arnav is glad when Khushi finally addresses him.
Khushi: Mausi's makhaane ki kheer is out of the world! Amma would never make makhaane ki kheer jiji and babuji dont like foxnuts. So, whenever mausi would decide to make that kheer, she would call me. And I would leave all my work incomplete to be with her!
Mausaji: And bhaiyya allowed her to do so!
Khushi: Thats because babuji knew that I would not be able to concentrate once I heard about makhaane ki kheer! So he thought it would be better to let me go rather than have me making calculation mistakes and incurring losses in the shop!
Mausi: She's right! We would sing old bollywood songs while preparing the kheer!
Khushi(turns to mausi): do you recall the song which we often sang? Areh the one which featured your favorite actress Asha Parekhji?
Mausi(nods): Of course I do! How can I forget that song? I still remember the lyrics by heart!
Mausaji: And she still sings that song pretty often!
Khushi: Areh waah! Your voice must sound as melodious now as it did back then!
Mausaji: Yes,yes,it does! I would suggest you both should sing that song today!
Mausi(bashful): What are you saying? (whispers)Daamaadji is here..
Mausaji: So what? I'm sure daamaadji would love to hear Khusi bitiya's sweet voice!
Arnav: Yes, I'd love that!
Khushi stares at Arnav momentarily before walking upto mausi and holding her hands.
Khushi: Come on mausi! Please say yes! Dont know when we'll get to sing like this again..
Mausi(relents): Okay,fine! One,two..
Khushi(grins): Three!
The gentlemen smile as the ladies start singing.
Mil gaye,mil gaye aaj mere sanam
Mil gaye,mil gaye aaj mere sanam
Aaj mere zameen par
Nahi hain kadam!
Aaj mere zameen par
Nahi hain kadam!
(Figurative meaning: I found my lover!
And I'm on cloud 9!)
Mausaji: Why dont you both sit down?
Mausi: Yes. Come bitiya..
They sit on the diwaan,facing their husbands.
Khushi: Please start the next stanza. I'm sure I'll recall the lyrics once you start singing it.
Mausi(sings): Aye nazaaron zaraa
Kaam itnaa karo (oh surroundings,do this work for me)
Khushi(looking at Arnav): Tum meri maang me
Aaj moti bharo (fill my parting with pearls)
Mausi and mausaji notice the smiles which ArShi share.
Mausi(to mausaji): Aise kisse zamaane me
Hote hain kam, (such stories are rare in the world!)
Khushi joins mausi in repeating the first stanza.
Mausi: Now will you be able to sing the next stanza?
Khushi: Yes..
Mausi: So, go ahead bitiya.
Khushi: No mausi! We'll sing together.
Mausi: No bitiya. You sing that stanza while I'll get something for you both. Youve been here since so long and I've offered niether tea nor water to daamaadji..
Arnav: Please dont be so formal!
Khushi: He's right mausi. Please dont take the trouble. We've had so much food at everyone's place that we're totally full! (keeps her hand on her tummy)There's no space here!
Mausi: Atleast have some sherbet?
Mausaji: Why sherbet? Make jaljeera for them! Bitiya loves it and it'll also aid in digestion.
Khushi: Now.. how can I refuse if you offer jaljeera?
Mausi: Dont even think about refusing! I'll just be back..
Khushi: I'll help you.
Mausi: No need! You sit here and sing that song for your mausaji & daamaadji. I'll also hear your from the kitchen.
Khushi: Okay
She turns towards Arnav and resumes singing.
Khushi: Umra bhar ki tadap ko
Qaraar aa gaya. *blushes*
Unse aankhein mili,
Mujhko pyaar aa gaya!
(the thirst which I felt throughout life
Was finally quenched.
I fell in love with him
The moment our eyes met!)
Arnav's lips curve into a smile as he recalls their first meeting.
Khushi(lowers her gaze): Yaad karti rahi main
Unhe dam-ba-dam,
(I kept remembering him
With each breath I took)
Aaj mere zameen par
Nahi hain kadam!
Aaj mere zameen par
Nahi hain kadam!
(looking at Arnav)
Mil gaye,mil gaye aaj mere sanam
Aaj mere zameen par
Nahi hain kadam!
Mausaji: That was excellent, bitiya! (in a louder tone)What do you think?
Mausi(from the kitchen): Why are you even asking me? Humein toh pataa hi hai ki humari Khushi k pag me Lakshmi aur kanth me Saraswati ka vaas hai! (which means I know that Goddess Lakshmi(associated with wealth and prosperity) resides in her feet while Goddess Saraswati (associatyed with knowledge and music) resides in her throat!)
Arnav(frowns): Lakshmi?
Khushi: Its a Hindi saying..
Arnav: Oh..
Mausi: You should ask daamaadji about his opinion?
Mausaji: So tell me, daamaadji..
Arnav(loudly): You sing very well,mausi!
Mausi(laughs): Thank you! But I was asking for your opinion on Khushi's singing.
Arnav(looking at Khushi): Khushi knows what I think about it!
Khushi: a.. I'll just go and see what mausi's doing..
Mausi(entering the living room): Sit right there! Have this cool jaljeera and sing another song for me!
Mausaji(approves): Yes please do! And you can always join her,Poonam!
Khushi: He's right, mausi. We'll sing the next song together,from start to finish!
Mausi: Alright,alright. Have the jaljeera first..
Khushi gladly accepts the offer.
Mausi: And listen,inform me well in advance before you visit us next time! Had I known earlier that you were coming today, I wouldve prepared makhaane ki kheer!
Mausaji: Ya,you could have called us.
Mausi(embarassed): Daamaadji is here for the first time and.. we're offering only jaljeera. It doesnt look proper,bitiya..
Khushi: Dont worry about him. He wont mind it at all! And yes, I'll call you before we visit you again. And your house will be the first house we'll come to once we enter the neighbourhood! First I'll meet you,then I'll have kheer you,then I'll sing a song with you and only then shall I leave to meet the other neighbours!
Mausi: Promise?
Khushi: Promise!
They share a warm hug.
Mausi: Stay blessed,bitiya. and keep smiling. And you too,daamaadji.. Stay happy forever and keep showering our bitiya with love and affection..
Arnav(smiles): Of course!
*10 minutes later*
Mausi: Which song would you like to sing?
Khushi: Whichever you like!
Mausaji: Why dont you sing that song which was picturized on Dev sa'ab? Areh that one which had the whistle in between the stanzas..
Khushi(knudges her): I remember! You would whistle while looking at mausi!
Mausi(whispers): Shut up!
Mausaji(laughs): Ya,you got it!
Khushi: So,will you whistle along today as well,mausaji?
Mausiji: Yes,why not bitiya!?
Mausi(glares): What are you saying?!
Mausaji: Areh why are you getting angry? If not for me then.. sing that song for Khusi!
Mausi: I cant even recall the lyrics. Do you remember them, bitiya?
Khushi: Yes. Once you hear the song,I'm sure you'll be able to remember the lyrics.
Mausi: Okay,lets start..
Arnav turns to Khushi as they start singing..
Hum hain rahi pyaar ke,
Hum se kuch na boliye!
Hum se kuch na boliye!
Jo bhi pyaar se mila
Hum us hi k ho liye!
(We are travellers on the path of love
Dont say anything to me!
I belong to that person
Who meets me with love!)
While mausaji whistles to the tune of the song,Arnav notices that,unlike the previous song, Khushi does not sing this song while looking at him
He keeps looking at her while she keeps looking at mausi while singing..
Khushi: Dard bhi humein qabool,
Chain bhi humein qabool!
Mausi: Humne har tarah k phool
Haar me piro liye.
(I'm ready to accept
Both pain and relief,
I've strung all sorts of flowers
Into a garland.)
Khushi & mausi together: Hum hain rahi pyaar ke,
Hum se kuch na boliye!
Jo bhi pyaar se mila
Hum us hi k ho liye!
Mausi: I dont remember the next stanza,Khushi..
Mausaji: No problem. Sing after me..
Khushi(nods): Dhoop thi naseeb me, dhoop me liya hai dum.
She waits while mausi repeats the line.
Khushi: Chandni mili toh hum
Chandni me so liye!
(When there was sunshine in my destiny,
I lived under the sun.
When I got moonlight,
I slept under the moon!)
The lyrics stir something within Arnav's heart and he instantly withdraws his gaze from Khushi.
His mind reminds him of the time when he threw Khushi out of the bedroom and she was forced to sleep in the open poolside.
His heart aches as a vision of Khushi trembling in the cold unnerves him.
He's brought back to the present when mausaji gently places a hand over his shoulder.
Mausaji: Arent you listening,daamaadji?
Arnav nods,even though he missed the previous stanza.
He is relieved when he hears Khushi saying..
Khushi: Now on to the last stanza,mausi.
Mausi: Go ahead bitiya.. I just cant remember it!
Khushi: Then let it be..
Mausaji: No bitiya. Since you remember the lyrics,you go ahead and finish the song!
Khushi(reluctantly): Okay..
Khushi(sings): Raah me pade hain hum
Kab se,aapki kasam!
Arnav's heart skips a beat and his eyes automatically go to Khushi,who appears a bit hesitant.
Khushi(sings): Raah me pade hain hum
Kab se,aapki kasam!
Dekhiye toh kam se kam,
Boliye na boliye!
(I swear on you,
I've been lying on your path since a long time!
Atleast spare me a look
Even if you dont wish to speak to me!)
Arnav gets up with a start before Khushi could continue.
Mausaji(shocked): What happened?
Arnav: a.. its an important call.. Excuse me..
He walks out of the house without even sparing a glance at the others who keep looking at his retreating back.
Mausi: Why did Daamaadji go out.. like that..?
Khushi: Please dont mind.. Actually he keeps getting work related calls 10 times a day! Thats why he keeps his phone on silent mode. As such he doesnt answer any call on sundays but.. it must something very important. So..
Mausaji: We understand,bitiya. Its not easy to handle sucha huge business!
Khushi(glancing at the wallclock): I lost track of time. We should get going now..
Mausi: Atleast wait till.. daamaadji is back..
Khushi: His calls are neverending,mausi! He wont be free for the next half an hour..
Mausi: Really?
Khushi: Yes. So.. I'll go outside and inform him. (folds her hands)Namaste from both of us..
Mausaji(places a hand on her hand): Blessings to both of you!
Mausi: Take this bitiya..
She hands her 101 rupees.
Khushi: No mausi. This is too much.. I cant take this.
Mausi: Yes,you can!And you shouldnt refuse your Mausi!
Khushi: Thank you!
Mausi(hugs her): Say sorry to daamaadji on our behalf.. We couldnt do much this time. You have to stay back for lunch the next time yoyu are here!
Khushi: You dont need to say sorry! Please dont worry about him, he wont feel bad at all. And I'm telling you honestly-the thing I got here was something which I didnt get in any other house- thats the chance to sing! Everyone gave us something or the other to eat and drink but only you offered a chance to sing and relive the golden days!
Mausi: I know what you mean,bitiya.. I keep humming everyday but I got a chance to sing with someone else after a long, loing time! That too with my dear bitiya!
Khushi(smiles): We'll sing again the next time we're here. So memorize a few old songs!
Mausi(smiles): I will!
She touches their feet before nearly running outside.
Arnav catches hold of her and steadies her.
Arnav: What happenedKhushi?
Khushi: Lets go back to the hotel..
Arnav: Are you sure? I mean.. Wouldnt you like to meet other neighbours?
Khushi: We'll meet them some other time.
Arnav: Fine. Lets go..
Khushi turns around to glance at her house before accompanying Arnav out of the lane.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
*Later that evening @ the suite*
Khushi: Whats the matter,Arnavji? You've been quiet ever since we started for the hotel. You didnt even ask for coffee once we came back to the Suite.
Arnav(sighs): I'm sorry Khushi. Its because of me that..
Khushi: What?
Arnav: I dont know.. (sighs)I mean.. how should I say.. sorry? I've just..
Khushi(interrupts): So dont say sorry! (hugs him)I know I shouldnt have sung that song.
Arnav: Its okay,Khushi.You sang the song only coz mausaji liked it. Theres nothing wrong with that.
Khushi: But the lyrics of the song.. (sighs)Thats why I didnt look at you while singing it.
Coz I knew you'd think about those days and become emotional. And i was right!
Arnav(breaks the hug): Didnt you think of those days while singing the song?
Khushi(accepts): Yes,those thoughts did come to my mind but I brushed them aside! Didnt I tell you what you should do when such thoughts bother you?
Arnav: I know I shouldve recall some happy incident..
Khushi: Then what stopped you from doing that?
Arnav: My guilt got the better of me.. (kisses her forehead)I'm sorry!
Khushi: Again sorry?!
Arnav(hugs her): You had to leave Poonam mausi's house abruptly because of me. It must have been difficult to explain yourself.
Khushi places her head on his chest and closes her eyes.
Khushi: Leave all those things aside. And let me stand here, in your arms,for a while!
Arnav(smiles): With pleasure!
Khushi kisses his chest and sighs.
Arnav(runs a hand through her hair): Tired? *when she nods* You sit comfortably on the bed meanwhile I'll prepare tea for you and coffee for myself.
Khushi: But you're equally tired. So..
Arnav(interrupts): Okay then I'll order it through room service. You want something to eat?
Khushi(shakes her head): I've had so much today that my stomach feels too full. I was thinking of having something light like soup for dinner..But,I'll have tea first! We'll have soup after a couple of hours,okay?
Arnav: As you wish. I'll place the order for tea..
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Arnav: Feeling better?
Khushi(nods): The tea has infused strength in my body! And my heart was anyways happy! I was so elated to meet all of them after so long!
Arnav: We couldnt meet all the neighbours,though. Some were not at home and we couldnt visit some others..
Khushi: Ya but I'm glad to have met all those whom we did manage to meet. It felt like I'd returned to those good,old dayus
Its so strange na Arnavji? We went to the neighbours' houses but.. we couldnt go to our house and shop!
Arnav(holds her hand): We'll go there next time when,both the house and the shop will be in a much better condition.
Khushi nods.
Arnav: I didnt get one thing..
Khushi: What was it?
Arnav: Why did you ask me to hide the fact that its your birthday today from your neighbours?
Khushi: Didnt you see how they were all so engrossed in welcoming us? Had I told them about my birthday, we wouldnt have been able to return to the hotel today!
Arnav(smiles): I know what you mean! You must've noticed that none of the neighbors gave 11 rupees in shagun!
Khushi: Thats because of you! Otherwise they normally give 11 rupees for shagun.
Arnav(frowns): Because of me?!
Khushi: I mean.. since you're so rich,they.. mustve thought that it wouldnt be proper to give you only 11 rupees.
Arnav: Tell me somethin, whats the difference between 11 rupees and 21 rupees?
Khushi: There's a difference of not 1 but 10 rupees! And 10 rs might mean nothing to you but these people make money after facing many hardships and so each rupee counts for them! Thats why they spend their money cautiously..
Arnav: I dont get it. I mean it didnt seem like they spend cautiously since they went all out to recieve us. Sweets, lunch, gifts, this, that.. I mean did they do all of that only because I'm rich?
Khushi: Of course not! Had you not been rich,even then they wouldve done all that they did today for you and meDont think about shagun,money and all that! You should think about their feelings rather than thinking about the shagun that they gave!
Arnav: I know what you mean. I'm sorry.. I shouldnt have said that.
Khushi: hmm.(pouts) You scold me when I talk about money and see, you're talking about money today!
Arnav: I wont talk about it any further,I promise!
Khushi walks into the attached balcony and stares at the various lights which illuminated the hotel.
Arnav comes to stand behind her.
Arnav(placing his hands on her shoulders): Are you upset?
Khushi(nods): I thought you'll talk about the neighbourhood.. about the way the neighbours recieved you with love and respect.. about the way they treated you.. about the way you spoke to them freely.. But you're only bothered about the have nots! Youve only been talking about the negative things and youve ignored the positives in the process!
Arnav: Khushi.. (turns her around to face him) Baby,its not as if I dont appreciate the positives. Or I didnt have fun with them. I had a pretty good time o'er there! In fact I was quite shocked..
Khushi: Shocked? Why?
Arnav: I mean.. the way they invited me to their houses,they way they recieved me,the way they welcomed me through the rituals..
It didnt seem like we were meeting for the first time! They were so warm! Except.. you know who..
Khushi: They're different,Arnavji. Kshama jiji is a year older than Paayal jiji and she's unmarried till now. Whereas both of us and most of our friends are married despite being younger to her. This has made her and taiji jealous. It happens.. In our part of the society, if the girl doesnt get married at the right age,then she and her family have to go through a lot.
Arnav: No wonder they behaved like that.But tauji..
Khushi(interrupts): Tauji is a gem of a person! He holds nothing against anyone! Lets not talk about their house. At the other neighbours' houses..
Arnav(interrupts): I felt loved and welcomed! Initially I was feeling awkward and the heat was bothering me but.. later on I forgot about it. You know why?
Khushi: Why?
Arnav(cups her face): Coz I saw you- laughing,crying,chatting with them.. You were so elated with everything! Your happy face didnt allopw me to think about anything else!
He kisses her cheek.
Khushi: Dont forget that we're standing outside!
Arnav(kisses her other cheek): Like I care! I'm just happy about the fact that you had a fabulous birthday and that my decision to visit Lucknow was proved right!
Khushi(smiles): Thats true! I'm actually feeling better now! The way you interacted with everyone today.. you won my heart all over again! And especially when you asked them not to treat you like the Arnav singh Raizada but like their (pulls his cheeks) daamaadji!
Arnav: Dont forget that we're standing outside! ! In full public view!
Khushi(smacks his arm): Keep quiet!
Arnav: And?
Khushi: And what?
Arnav: I thought you were very happy..
Khushi: Yes,I am. Yesterday I was introduced to your past and the people associated with it while today you were introduced to my past and the people associated with it. I accepted your people and you accepted mine! What could be better than that!?
Arnav(cocks an eyebrow): So,wont you say something..?
Khushi: I already told you that m very happy and you've won my heart all over again!
Arnav: Ya but you didnt say something,which you normally say 10 times a day!
Khushi(feigns ignorance): What?
Arnav(folds his arms): I've observed that you didnt thank me even once since this morning.I guess it was intentional..
Khushi(smiles): You're right!
Arnav: So tell me the reason behind it..
Khushi: I was collecting all the thank you so that I could shower them on you,all together,once we returned to the hotel!
Arnav: I see! So, we're back to the hotel now..
Khushi: Yes!
Arnav(leans closer): Have you thought of something?
Khushi: Of course,I have! I've made all the arrangements! Just come with me.
She holds his hand and drags him inside the suite.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Precap:
Khushi: The Big Bazaar over here..
Arnav: Yes?
Khushi: Was the first mall of my life! Me & jiji were so excited upon seeing it that we lost track of time and thus finished the work for which we were in Hazratganj in a haste! We didnt want to come out of the mall!
Arnav: Did you guys just roam around or did you actually buy something?
Khushi: Yes,we did buy Lakme's strawberry facewash! Back then it was priced at 40 rupees. We kept it in a hiding place at home and kept using it without amma's knowledge. We both loved it so much that we emptied the tube in 10 days!
Arnav: Why the secrecy?
Khushi: Coz amma-babuji didnt know of our mall visit. Had Amma known she would have admonished us coz she didnt like the concept of malls. She always said that things are sold for double their actual price in the malls and big stores. And they are exhibited in such a way that even though one would have gone to buy one thing from the mall, he/she would end up buying 5 other things! Hence she never allowed us to go to any mall or.. superstore.
Arnav: Oh.. so once the facewash got over, you mustve repurchased it from a medical store or.. general store..
Khushi(shakes her head): No,we never bought it again.
Arnav: But didnt you say that you liked the facewash?
Khushi: Yes,I loved it! But..
Arnav(interrupts): So here it is! (thrusts a tube of the same facewash in her hands)Enjoy!
Khushi(shocked): This facewash?! How did you come to know that I love this?
Arnav: Paayal asked me to give it to you. And she's sent some other things as well. Have a look..
Kindly ignore typos & mistakes.Next update on Friday, 17th March,2017.
Hindi TV Shows
193