Hello to all my bootiphul bootiphul forum wale waasees , 😃
As most of you would know I have been ranting, cheer phadding, drooling and dhak dhakking with my episode wala takewas 😆
A few days ago, I had a sweet little PM from a lovely girl Vinu@missreddy7 from sunny Sydney. 😳
Vinu kindly told me how she loved my daily rants and my daily dose of humor and how I make her laugh till her ribs hurt. Thanks a lot again Vinu my darling. Vinu then went on to make the strangest proposition and asked me if I would ever consider writing a FF. It was my turn to laugh my heart out😆, as at that time it seemed to be the most outrageous proposition to me. How on earth could a rookie rusty writer like me even attempt to write a FF, as let's face it I don't have the talent or the imagination to do so.
HMM but never is a word that doesn't exist in my dictionary. So I politely replied to Vinu, that you never know, I might just start writing a FF out of sheer frustration if the CV's push me to my limits. 😉
Vinu went on to say, that she had complete faith in Gulneet and assured me that soon I would be at my wits end and would eventually be pushed to the point where I will end up writing a FF😉
So Vinu my darling, you were right all along. I have been eventually pushed to my limit and here is my first take at writing a FF. The first ever FF of my life and I would like to dedicate this to you
VINU @missreddy7 😃
I have to also give full credit to Sharaa ji for giving me the light bulb moment that resulted in this FF, coz recently on one of my threads Sharaa told me how she wanted a Mehendi for Advay and Chandini, and that's when this idea struck me like lightening and here I am.
Disclaimer
I haven't read other OS's similar to this one, but if in case this concept has already been exploited, then I am duly sorry, coz as far as I am aware this is totally based on my own idea and not inspired by any other OS's that I know of.
So guys please read it and please give me your honest reviews, with honest wale criticisms, kaahe ki I can take it on the chin HEHEH with a smile on my facewa HEHEHE!!! 😆
If you LOVE it: GREAT I will continue writing. 😃
It you HATE: EVEN BETTER as I will still continue writing 😉and eating your brainwas KAAHE KI FF writing ka lahu muh lag gaya (I have tasted the blood of FF writing DT UMA mu love) BAS BOL DIYA!! (A line I have churafied from my darling Honey Bunch PSharada HEHEH !! 😆 )
I have read and re read to see if there are any typos or goof ups, but if you still happen to find any pls let me know so I can correct the errors.
So prejhenting to you all the ADVAY CHANDINI MEHENDI that we never ghat !!
ENJOY !!!! AND ALLL THEE BESTWAA 😉!!!! ( you can borrow my brick wall wala Emo for free HEHEH !! )
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As she walked out of the kitchen holding a plate full of noodles, Chandini realised that it was her Mehendi Rasam today. All the ladies of her family had gathered and the preparations had begun. Chandini spotted her mum and walked up to her with her plate. She always felt better when her Maa had tasted and enjoyed her food.
She lovingly offered the plate to her mum, waiting for Maa to praise her in return. Indrani took a morsel with a fork and instantly it felt like the gates of heaven had opened in her mouth. She couldn't help but "hmmm "as the delicious noodles cooked in a fiery shezwan sauce tantalised her taste buds. Chandini smiled to herself with satisfaction, for now she was happy as her mother was happy.
Indrani smiled at her daughter, "Chandini, beta, it's your mehendi today. Soon you will belong to another family, and soon this house will feel empty Indrani almost choked as the words fell out of her mouth naturally. She was an incredible actress and had mastered the art of displaying her fake love towards the only thorn of her life, her stepdaughter Chandini.
Indrani commanded Chandini "Tum jaldi se jaake taiyaar ho jaao, PP ki maa aati hi hogi (Go Get ready quickly, PP's mum will be here soon)
Chandini nodded her head in obedience and walked towards her room. She wondered, if what her Maa had just said to her was true. Was her Maa really going to miss her? Just the thought of her mother longing for her, tugged at her heart.
Chandini quickly got dressed in a soft pink lehenga and a white blouse and matched it with a pink net dupatta embellished with silver sequins. She reminded herself to remove all her bangles and her rings.
As she removed her rings, she spotted a grim faced Advay walking towards his room. "huh she thought to herself, " He thinks he is too chatur, I wonder how he plans on foiling my Mehendi rasam today. No matter what, Chandini, Tum uss Rowdy professor ko aaj jeetane nahi de sakti , Bohut ho gaya. Aaj iss Ajeeb Singh Raizada ko haarana hi hoga " ( No matter what, Chandini, you can't let ASR win today, Today he will have to face defeat for sure ).
" Why she wondered with confusion " Why I am always thinking about him , " Why does he matter to me ? " Nahi " she mouthed loudly, "Nahi , wohh jeete yaa hare mujhe koi farak nahi padta ( I don't care if he wins or loses ) " Main bas Chahti hoon , ki yeh shaadi bina kisi rukawat ke ho jaaya, Meri Maa ka dil nahi todne doongi, iss rowdy professor ko aaj ( I just want this wedding to be done with, without any problems. I won't let this Rowdy professor break my mother's heart for sure)
She quickly brushed her hair for the millionth time and made her way to the lounge where everyone had gathered. She was apprehensive, today she would have to have PP's name written on her hand. Just the thought of having a P written on her hand made her cringe in disgust. She closed her eyes hoping that this would all end like a bad dream and turned around the corner, only to walk straight into the arms of the Devil himself. Advay smirked at her. His smirk had always irritated her and she badly wanted to slap the smirk off his face. She knew he was up to something, just didn't know what exactly.
Advay had been whacking his brains all morning. He knew it was her Mehendi. He couldn't let her have PP written on her beautiful soft hands. "She belongs to me "he exclaimed loudly. "Chandini Meri aur sirf Meri hai. Main uske haathon main kisi aur kaa naam nahi bardaasht kar paoonga (She is mine and mine alone. I won't be able to bear the sight of another man's name on her hand)
But how, he wondered, how exactly was he going to pull this feat. He had a plan in place. Just the execution of the plan had been worrying him. This is definitely a tough one, he thought to himself. He walked out of his room, to get himself a cup of coffee. He was always able to think with clarity while sipping his extra strong black coffee with no sugar. The bitter taste of the coffee helped soothe the bitterness that engulfed his heart. As he walked towards the kitchen occupied in the thoughts of how he was going to outwit Chandini, like a damsel right out of his dreams, Chandini with her eyes closed, walked straight into his arms.
He couldn't help but smile at his luck. Even though he hated her guts, yet he loved teasing and mocking her. Gosh how he had missed teasing her, he fondly reminded himself as memories of their childhood flashed before his eyes.
Chandini jolted back to reality as her soft supple limbs, met a rock hard muscled body. She could feel her breath leave her lungs, as she realised that she had crashed into the one person she had been wanting to avoid meeting that day.
"Hello Chandini Advay greeted her, still holding her in his arms. Chandini froze under his intense gaze, was it passion or anger she couldn't quite tell. Whatever it was she saw in his eyes, was quickly replaced by a mirthful twinkle. She instantly knew what he was thinking about " Nahi " she snapped , as Advay raised his brow in surprise, " I won't let you win today, It's my turn today, I am going to win and am going to have P... . "Enough "he thundered, while Chandini trembled in his arms, "How many times do I have to remind you, that I will not tolerate his name on your lips. Tum sirf meri ho , Samjhi tum "( you belong to me .Do you understand?). He snapped back.
Chandini shook as she saw rage take over Advay. But she wasn't going to let him intimidate her; she tried to wriggle out of his arms, only to be held closer to his heart.
Advay closed his eyes as he kept holding her tightly in his embrace. He couldn't lose his calm now. He had to manipulate her, he had to break her. He knew that if he broke her morale then he had already won half the battle.
"Tum meri ho , Chandini " Advay said it again, this time softly , " Sirf Meri he opened his eyes and smiled in a way that made her heart skip a beat. Chandini gathered her wits and told herself that she had to keep her guard high if she wanted to defeat this man today.
"Jiji, Kahan hai aap "(Jiji, Where are you?) She heard Shikha call out to her. She started to squirm in Advay's arms, and almost pleaded with him to let her go before Shikha finds them in each other's embrace. Advay couldn't help but chuckle to himself at her helplessness. She was never a match to his strength or to his wit. He let her go for now, " Yaad rakhna, tum aaj apne haaton par "A hi likhwaogi, Yeh Advay Singh Raizaada ka waada hai tumse " he exclaimed .. (You will be getting a letter A tattoed on your hands today, and that's a Promise)
"Apne sapne main, Mr Advay Singh Raizada, Apne sapne main "(In your dreams ASR In your dreams) Chandini retorted with irritation
Chandini quickly ran towards the lounge and froze to the ground. The Haveli looked stunning; it felt like as though she had entered the most magical romantic place on earth. . The Mehendi programme was an evening event and hence the he haveli had been lit up. She never remembered the haveli looking this beautiful.
"The haveli looks more like a bride she thought to herself.
The music was playing and some of the girls were dancing to the remixed version of "Mehendi lagake rakhna, Doli sajake rakhna. She smiled to herself, she loved this song. Everything seemed perfect.
Meghu quickly ran up to her, she too was wearing a simple soft pink anarkali that had a simple bordered embellishment in silver and had matched it with silver jhumkas. Chandini smiled and put her hand out to Meghu. For now, she had forgotten all that had happened a few minutes ago with ASR.
Meghu dragged her, to where a beautiful cushioned diwan bed awaited her at one end of the lounge. Everything was themed Pink and white today. Lilies and roses in shades of pink had been bunched together with strings of jasmine woven in between them. The heady fragrance of the flowers made Chandini forget all her woes. She just wanted to enjoy this moment.
"Maa, knows me so well, right Meghu Chandini added with a smile " she knows I love soft pinks and roses. Hence why she has chosen this theme Chandini felt heart flutter at this thought, she felt that maybe the wedding had eventually managed to break the icy cold heart of Indrani. She hoped in her heart that her relationship with her mother would improve, once she was married to PP ji.
Meghu bit back her lip before whispering "ASR . Chandini was shocked, "What ?
"Yeh decorations ASR ke hai. He suggested the theme of Pink and white to Maa and she agreed. Infact he has arranged everything himself, the lighting, the drapes, the flowers, everything has been arranged as per his instructions. Meghu replied with her head low.
"How ? Chandini wondered. "How did he know that pink is my favourite colour. How did he know that I love simple pastels? She asked herself. "Maybe he had overheard her, or maybe it was just a coincidence She assured herself.
She couldn't understand this Man though. Why did he go to the extent of spending all this money on this extravagant lighting and decorations she wondered? She nodded her head in disapproval "I can't believe that he is so confident that he is going to marry me "She chuckled to herself.
Meghu quickly showed her the latest designs, and the ones that she and Shikha had shortlisted for her.. Chandini looked at them with interest, but none of them seemed to appeal to her. "Kaise bure bure designs select kiya hain , Meghu tum dono ne ( such terrible designs you two seem to have selected for me ) She taunted her sister sweetly. "Aur designs dikhayine naa she asked the Mehendi designer. She asked her to show her simple designs of roses in an Arabic style. Just simple roses; drawn in bunches seemed appealing to her at the moment. The designer handed her a book. Chandini was enthralled at the intricate patterns presented to her.
But this was not quite what she was looking for. The designer finally exclaimed to her, that there was one design that might wow her for sure. She removed a single printout out of her purse, and handed it to Chandini. It was the most exquisite design Chandini had ever seen in her life. It was simple yet beautiful. The pattern was perfect, with a series of roses intertwined around each other forming a perfect circle in the centre. She smiled and the mehendi lady instantly got to work on her hands. She beamed at the beauty with which the roses would frame around the initials of her husband "DEV, she smiled to herself mindlessly.
"Pratham Chandini cringed as she heard Meghu tell the Mehendi lady, "hamare hone wale jijaji ka naam Pratham hai, toh aap centre main P likhiyega (our would be brother in laws name is Pratham , hence pls write a P in the centre )
Chandini's heart sank at the thought of marrying PP. Suddenly It felt like someone had turned off the lights within her. There was nothing but darkness around her, for once she felt like she was trapped. "Tum kahan chale gaye Dev "(Where are you Dev?) she thought to herself, as a lone tear made its way down her cheeks. She looked up in despair, only to find Advay staring back at her with concern from across the lounge. Their eyes met briefly, but something stirred within her. A ray of hope, hope that everything was going to be alright
Advay had come to the lounge to pay the decorators, and couldn't help but watch Chandini. She seemed so happy with the decorations. He knew she would love it. He knew her like the back of his hand.
He looked on as she flitted about like a nymph in her soft baby pink lehenga. He had suggested the pink and white theme to Indrani, as soft pink was Chandini's favourite colour after all. Indrani was skeptical at first, she was sure that Chandini too was into bold colours just like Indrani herself. But Advay had insisted and had put his foot down on this matter.
He watched her as she chose the designs, the way she smiled and looked so happy and care free. "If only , If only things had never changed, he wished as he felt a sharp prick in his heart "she would have been having his name "DEV " written on her palm. Rage shot back in his eyes as Advay reminded him of the past. "Not now "Dev almost pleaded with Advay. " Please, let me for now watch her from a distance.
"Advay bhaiyya, Murli called out to him almost breaking his trance. "What? he barked at Murli in anger for having distracted his attention? "Sorry bhaiyya. But could you please pay the caterers? ". Advay looked at him intensely as he wrote out a Cheque to the caterers.
With Murli out of his way, he calmed himself down and went back to watching Chandini.
"Damm it "he cringed. Chandini was sniffling silently with her head held low. He looked around with confusion. What had just happened in two minutes, what had he missed, why was she crying. "Did someone upset her "he thought to himself angrily? He looked around to spot PP, but he was nowhere to be seen.
He looked back at Chandini with concern, as she looked up and met his searching eyes. Their eyes met briefly, Advay couldn't bring himself to hold her gaze. Advay winced as she looked at him hopefully.
"Did she look helpless "he wondered? He looked back at her, as she still kept staring at him, "Why has she agreed to marry PP if she is this miserable Advay flinched. He looked back at her intensely "I am not going to let you marry PP, Chandini, he exclaimed to himself. "Even if I have to kill everyone in this room, I will, but I will never let that piece of shit PP lay his hands on you, EVER "he vowed.
Advay gained back his focus and knew he had to do something. He had to stop Chandini from getting a P tattooed on her hands, and he would do anything to stop her. But it was a ladies only event, so he had to find a way to enter the lounge without raising eyebrows, not that he cared anyways. But for now he was going to have to lay low.
He looked at Murli and winked at him, in an instant the lights went out. The women in the lounge started to shout out for help, as Mausaji and others gathered to fix the problem. Indrani called out to Advay and requested him to sort the lights. Everything was exactly just like how Advay had planned. The main circuit was set up behind Chandini. But Murli had the fuse trip in his hands, which he would use to trip the lights on or off as instructed by Advay through a buzzer that was in his pocket.
Advay walked into the dark lounge and started to fidget with the wires and quickly buzzed to Murli on his buzzer, and in an instant the lights came back again. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Chandini was relieved as the function could move on smoothly. Advay was about to leave, but Indrani insisted that he stayed back just in case the lights went off again. So he agreed innocently and asked her if he could sit behind Chandini, so he could access the circuit board with ease. This was all a part of his elaborate plan anyway.
Advay had planned this moment since morning. He had arranged the lights himself, so that at the right moment he could have Murli turn them off and could then himself tattoo an "A on Chandini's hand. He even had a mehendi cone in his pocket, ready at his disposal. No one would know, not even Chandini. He could leave the lights turned off for a while and create confusion and call off the ceremony.
Chandini would only realise later that she has had an A written on her hands, but it would be too late by then. It was that simple. He smirked with confidence at his fool proof plan. No one could outsmart him, not now, not ever.
He sat close to Chandini. Chandini and could feel her back burn under his gaze. Her pulse picked its pace and she began to breathe heavily. He was way too close to her, and was making her nervous. She tried to avoid his face, but couldn't stop herself from turning sideways, only to find him look at her hands lovingly. She scowled at him, but he still kept smiling back to her. "Yahan kya dekh rahe hai aap (Why are you looking at me?) she asked him in an icy cold voice. Advay moved closer to her. Chandini suddenly realised she was all alone.
The Mehendi lady had received an urgent call and had left to answer her phone. Meghu and Shikha were busy chatting to one of their friends on the other side of the room. For now she was all by herself with Advay inching towards her.
"Nice Design he beamed at her. Advay's expressions always left Chandini confused. One minute he could be glaring at her in anger and in an instant he could turn all warm and loving. "Who is he? What is he really? "She wondered.
"Thanks "she replied curtly, hoping that her Mehendi designer would come back quickly. "What was keeping her "Chandini wondered?
"So "he said "Chandini Yash Narayan Vashisht, Seems like none of the designs in the books were up to your liking.
"How did he know Chandini asked herself, "Oh, maybe he was watching her she told herself wryly.
"Its bad manners, to be watching someone " She spat back " I thought you were from the UK, I thought you were a Gentleman, but alas , guess I was wrong "
"Gentleman, I am a gentleman, Chandini, at least for now "He smiled back
"Oh really "she blurted
"Trust me, you will know it when I stop being a Gentleman Advay whispered in a husky yet blunt voice
Chandini jolted back at his statement, what could he possibly mean by that she wondered? Her heart had now picked up pace and was literally pounding against her chest. She was about to be married to PP, and here she was shaking with confusion at the way Advay made her feel just with his gaze.
"Please leave me alone "she requested him.
He ignored her and took her hands into his "Toh, where was I. Oh yes, so of all the designs, you chose this one, My, My I wonder why "he smiled back.
She felt a tingle in her palm at his touch
"I love roses and I love the way they delicately lace around my palm, its beautiful "she blurted out without giving a thought to what she was saying. She looked at her hand painfully, for some unbeknown reason; the design reminded her of Dev.
"I know he replied tenderly. "Hence why I had this design made for you. It was Chandini's turn to look at him with surprise. "You made this mehndi design for me "She chuckled. " Haha! That's the best joke I have heard in my life. A serious, humourless, maths professor wants me to believe that he has spent hours designing the perfect mehndi FOR ME "she added with mirth.
"Yes ", he shot back "I had this design specially commissioned for you.
"That's impossible, Chandini exclaimed, I chose this design from hundreds of designs presented to me.
"Yes that's true he added. "But I wanted you to choose this design by your own free will and I was confident that you would choose this design. Can't you see, it's not from a book, it's on a single piece of paper that the designer offered you when you were unhappy with all the other designs presented to you?
"Advay, I am serious here, this is serious stuff, Please don't turn this into a joke "Chandini choked on her words. She knew there must have been a mistake. Advay could not have possibly commissioned this Mehendi design for her. She was so happy till a few minutes ago and he had to come ruin the moment for her.
He smiled at her cheerfully, he was enjoying this "Its ok my Katto gilehri "he added.
"It's ok you liked my design. Just learn to accept it, I told you, You are mine "he chuckled. "Mujhe harane chali thi
"How she shot back, she could feel tears welling up in her eyes and tried hard to blink them away.
Advay felt a tug at his heart; he couldn't bear to see her cry. He carefully picked a single strand of hair from her face and tucked it back behind her ear. He had been meaning to do this for a long time. The single strand of hair had been bothering her for a while now, which she couldn't get off her face, owing to the mehndi on her hands. "It's Okay Chandini he assured again softly "I chose the design for you and Yes I knew you would love it instantly he smiled back
"How "she enquired as her voice almost cracked
"Because, I know you "he looked at her with all the love in his heart. Chandini could barely breathe.
They were lost in each other's gaze, the mehndi lady had returned, and Advay broke his gaze and smiled at the Mehendi designer. He got up and walked away.
The designer smiled at Chandini, who kept looking at Advay as he began arranging the lights around the pillar behind her.
"Aap ke hone wale Pati, aapko bohut achchi tarah se janate hai Chandini ji she said. (Your fianc seems to know you very well)
Chandini looked her with confusion "Yeh design, humne unke kehne pe hi toh banaya, khaas aap ke liye (We have made this design especially for you at his request). Chandini closed her eyes "so he was telling her the truth she bit back.
"Unhone kaha tha ki aap isi design ko choose karengi "(he told us that you would definitely choose this design) the mehndi lady added with a chuckle. "Aap bohut lucky ho, Chandini ji , ki aape hone wale pati aapse itna pyaar karte hai " ( you are very lucky, that your fianc loves you so much)
"Love Chandini sighed. She knew very well that Advay hated her from the depth of his heart. She had seen it in his eyes. "But why she thought to herself "Why is he hell bent on marrying me? she asked herself with confusion.
Chandini couldn't help but look at the pattern on her palm sadly. The design was beautiful, infact it was perfect. It was everything she had hoped for and more. The dcor of the haveli, the theme, the flowers, the lights and the Mehendi design, everything was perfect. "How does he know me so well She wondered? "I am going to get to the bottom of this for sure she vowed to herself.
Advay on the other hand, felt on top of the world. He stood behind the pillar smiling to himself. So she had after all chosen the design her had commissioned for her. He leaned against the pillar with his back pressing against the cold marble, as he remembered where the design came from.
Chandini was 5yrs old and had a pretty little Barbie doll that Dev's mum had presented her for her birthday. One day her friend tried to grab the doll from Chandini and in the process, the lehenga on the doll tore. Chandini was beyond grief, she had cried all morning. Dev eventually found her hiding under his bed, crying her eyes away.
He immediately knew he had to do something to cheer her up. So he took the lace from his mother's hand-made curtains that hung in her bedroom and tore them to make a dress for the doll. The lace was pink and it had intricate roses that entwined around in circles. The pattern was forever etched in his memory, as he remembered his mother making it lovingly. It was special to him as his mother had designed it and because it had put a smile on Chandini's pretty face that day.
Chandini had hugged him and they had later together played with the doll. He knew that if Chandini picked this design, then there was still some hope. The Dev in him was delighted at the thin ray of hope that shone upon him for now. "Maybe she still remembers me, he thought to himself. "Maybe, all's not lost "
As he was lost in the sweet memories of the past, he had a call from Murli, from across the room. "Bhaiyya, aap kya kar rahe hain? Chandini didi ki Mehendi poori ho gayi yaa nahi? ( Bhai , what are you doing? Is the Mehendi done with or not?)
Advay suddenly jolted back to reality. He had completely forgotten about the mehndi. He turned around and tried to see from behind the pillar, how much of the design was remaining. "Damm it he sighed, the design was complete and the designer was busy tattooing the initial. She had already drawn a straight line to from a P and was about to draw the loop when Advay pounced from behind the pillar in an attempt to stop her from doing so. He grabbed the cone, while Chandini furiously pulled her hand away as realisation struck her, while Murli, who was watching the scene turned the lights off before anyone noticed the commotion.
Everything happened in quick succession, Advay leaping on the cone, Chandini pulling her hand away and the lights going off. Even before Advay could come to his senses, Chandini had disappeared. Where was she he wondered? He wasn't sure if he had stopped the initial P from being tattooed. But the cone had slipped and a loop was executed, so he was sure that a P was made on her hand.
"Damm it he kicked himself, or rather Advay kicked the Dev in him for having distracted him in his mission. It was dark everywhere and the women were calling out for help. But he couldn't tell where Chandini was. He had to find her. So he quickly buzzed Murli, to turn the lights back on. The lights flickered back to life, while Advay's eyes searched for Chandini. "Where the hell did she disappear he wondered?
He looked for her in her room, in the kitchen, around the halls of the Haveli, He even went up to the terrace but she was nowhere to be found. "Where had she disappeared he looked around angrily. A dark thought crept in his mind "Had PP found her? he couldn't let that lecher lay his hands on his Chandini.
He ran down the stairs with heat seething out his eyes, only to bump into Shilpa, "Sir , What happened She enquired with concern, "Tumne Chandini ko dekha hai kya ? He spat back. "Yes, Maine unhe storeroom ki taraf jaate hue dekha( I saw her go towards the storeroom) she replied. Advay ran towards the storeroom even before Shilpa managed to finish her sentence "Yeh sir ko kya ho gaya she wondered.
Advay reached the Storeroom, only to find the door bolted from inside. He was fuming mad. "Chandini he shouted, Chandini I know you are in there. Open the door he commanded.
"Chandini open the door Warna he threatened her, "Warna!! Warna kya kar lenge aap " she choked "Aaj aapko haarana hee hoga Mr Advay Singh Raizada, Yeh darwaza ab tabhi khulega jab yeh mehendi mere haaton pe sookh jaayegi she taunted back at him. (today you will have to lose Mr Advay Singh Raizada, this door will only open when the Mehendi has dried on my hands )
Advay clenched his jaws and punched the door. Chandini shuddered as the door rattled against its hinges. He looked at the door and decided to break it open. But realised that it would cause too much commotion and draw attention. He paced up and down the corridor, trying to work out a solution. This was not how it was supposed to end. This was a fool proof plan. He was not going to lose after having come so close to victory. He decided to go back to his room and think of a way to sort this mess.
Chandini cowered in a corner, not sure what Advay planned to do next. The storeroom was dark, and the lights to the storeroom were outside the door and she couldn't risk opening the door with Advay hovering around. She could barely make out the design on her palm in the dark, She was generally afraid of dark places. But this storeroom always felt like a safe haven.
She would always hide here under the table, whenever Indrani would punish her. Many a times Indrani had made her sleep alone in the storeroom as a punishment or sometimes even for no reason at all. Over the years Chandini had developed a relationship with the storeroom. The smells of the spices mixed with that of the pickles and the many condiments that lined up the shelves, were all too familiar to her.
She always felt safe and secure in this little corner, as though locked away in her own little fairy tale, except that it was a far cry from any fairy tale by any means. Even before she realised, Chandini had dozed off under the table curled in a ball.
When she finally opened her eyes, she could hear the birds and see a ray of light enter through the crack in the window above. She rubbed her eyes; she had slept in the storeroom all night. She woke up in a shock. She had to get back to her room before anyone noticed. She quickly got up and tried to crawl out from under the table, only to bang her hand against the table. "Oh Dev, she winced with a smile as she remembered Dev. Her day was always a good one, when she woke up thinking of Dev. She came from under the table, confident that today too was going o be a great day, thanks to you Dev she whispered
Chandini scurried to her room, and quickly bolted the door. Her sisters were not in her room and she thanked god for that. So how was it that no one had noticed that she was missing she wondered. "Maybe she didn't matter to anyone she told herself sadly
She went to the bathroom, to wash her face , when she suddenly realised that she had Mehendi on her hands. She looked at her hands to find the P in the design, but was stunned beyond words when all she found was a beautifully shaped "D sitting pretty in the centre of the design. Tears stung her eyes at the sight of the letter D on her palm. She had yearned for this moment since she was a child and here it was. She lovingly touched the D with a finger and beamed back at her reflection in the mirror, as realisation struck her at what had happened the previous evening. "When Advay pulled at the cone, the loop stretched out and formed a "D instead of a "P, she smiled to herself. "Was this fate or coincidence she wondered. Whatsoever it maybe She was going to keep this D she promised herself
Advay couldn't get a wink of sleep all night. Chandini had locked herself in the storeroom and he paced around his room helplessly. There was no way of getting her out of the room without hacking the pure teak antique door
He knew that there was a P on her hand for sure. He had to find a way to get it off her hand. It was almost dawn and by now the tattoo would have developed. So the only alternative was to somehow erase it off her hands. He knew that a mild solution of bleach would do the trick, but he didn't want to take any chances.
He looked up on the internet to find a solution that called for the use of hydro chloric acid in mild proportions. He knew it would burn her hands slightly, but for now he was willing to go to any length to have the P erased from her hand. He quickly called out to Murli and asked him to get the ingredients he required immediately, while Murli suspiciously looked at the list. He was about to question Advay , but swallowed back his words as Advay gave him one of his intense stares "Don't even dare open your mouth Advay hissed while Murli ran out as quickly as possible. He knew it would be pointless arguing with Advay when he gave him one of his classic intense glares.
Advay quickly freshened up while he waited for Murli to come back. Once Murli was back, together they worked on the solution. He then tried it on a piece of cloth stained with Mehendi to see if it worked. Viola, it worked like a charm. So he had the solution ready, he just had to wait for Chandini to emerge from the Store room, so he could rub off the P with his acidic solution.
"Par bhaiyaa Murli asserted "issey toh Chandini didi ke haath jal sakte hai (This could burn her hands )
"Jalte hai toh Jalne doh, Murli "he spat back at him angrily "I don't care.
"Jao jaake mere liye coffee leke aao (Go and get me a cup of coffee) he commanded. Murli put his head down and walked away sheepishly. He wondered if he should tell Nani about this crazy plan and get her to try and stop Advay from burning Chandini's hands.
Advay was still in two minds. He wanted to remove the tattooed P from Chandini's hands, but Murli did have a point, it could scar her palm and inflict a lot of pain. He had to test the solution, so he decided to test it on himself first. He took the solution and squeezed a drop on his palm. It tingled at first, before burning against his skin. It felt slightly more painful than applying Dettol to an open wound and nothing more. This is bearable her assured himself. He rubbed away the solution to see if it had burnt or charred the skin. It had done neither. It's safe to use he assured himself. All he had to do now was to find Chandini.
He walked towards the storeroom, taking care that no one saw him. But to his shock, the door was open. He went inside to find it empty. "Chandini ki bachchi he swore under his breath. Where was she? Surely she must be in her room. He strode towards her room, driven with just one purpose of holding her hands and ensuring that he removed the initial P from her hand.
Advay knocked on her door. "It must be Meghu or Shikha Chandini thought to herself as she opened the door mindlessly.
She was stunned to see Advay standing in front of her. Chandini quickly tried to shut the door, but she was no match to Advay's strength, as he pushed the door open and entered the room. He quickly bolted the door from inside, before anyone else came in.
Chandini was shocked beyond words "This was the worst possible moment of her life she thought to herself shaking like a leaf.
Advay walked towards her till she hit the wall behind her, with the single purpose of taking her hands and erasing the initials of PP. Chandini saw a tiny little bottle with a transparent liquid in his hands and wondered what it was with confusion.
Advay tried to take her hand, but as realisation struck her, Chandini instantly put her hands behind her back and clasped them tightly. Advay got closer and stood over at. He looked menacing and imposing standing at six feet against her puny petite five feet frame.
Chandini was determined not to let Advay get hold of her hands. Her instincts told her that whatever was in that bottle was intended to get rid of the Initials in the tattoo. Advay pulled her hand from behind her back, while she yelped softly. She was no match to his strength. She quickly clenched her fists forming a ball
Advay glared at her with anger. "Chandini stop fighting me he hissed. "It's pointless; I am going to remove the initial one way or another. Co-operate with my so that I don't end up hurting you he commanded.
"What do you care? she spat back with tears threatening to form in her eyes "Please, She pleaded with him "Please let me go while Advay continued to hold her hands in a steel grip.
Chandini's hands felt numb at the pressure of Advay's clasp. She knew she would be left with bruises on her wrist. She couldn't feel her fingertips as the blood drained out of her hands.
Tears began to stream down her cheeks and no amount of blinking would stop them from rolling down. Chandini wanted to save the D on hand. She was willing to put up a fight if necessary.
Advay continued to hold her. "Why does she care so much to have a P on her hand he thought to himself with confusion and anger. A thought crept in his mind "What if she actually loves PP his heart sank. Rage took over him as his tightened his hold on her wrists.
"No Chandini he thundered "I will not tolerate any other man's name on your hand. You are mine and will only have an "A written on your hand. So don't fight me or else you are really going to get badly hurt today he hissed.
Advay had never caused any physical pain to her. That was never his intention. He always wanted to hurt and upset her. But he never wanted to inflict physical pain upon his Chandini. But today he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goal.
Chandini tried to push him back but in vain. Advay took both her wrists in one hand and tried to open her fist with the other. Chandini kicked around and struggled, but he had pinned her against the wall and held her in place with his body pressed against hers. The softness of her body pressed against his hardness was maddening enough to tip him over the edge of control. But he was a man of great determination. He was not going to let her affect him today.
Chandini looked at him with tears as she pleaded. She knew she was no match to his strength. She begged him "Please Advay. Please jaane deejiye mujhe. Please don't do this. Aap ko nahi pata ki iss naam ko likhwane ke liye kitne barson se intezaar kiya hai maine( you don't know , how long I have had to wait to have this letter on my name).
Advay glared back with hate filled eyes. "How dare you? He hissed "How dare you say this to me, don't you still realise Chandini, you are bound to marry me for sure.
Saying so he forcefully opened her fingers as she let out a soft cry filled with pain and anguish. He knew he was hurting her, but there was no stopping him now.
He opened her fingers while she still tried to wriggle and squirm. He broke his gaze and looked down at her palm to see the letter on her hand and ...It Felt like he was hit by a train at what he saw.
A beautiful D smiled back at him. Chandini had a D on her hand. His eyes shot back at her in surprise and in shock, while Chandini continued pleading "Please Advay, Please try and understand. Please let me be, I beg of you, Please
The tiny bottle of the acidic solution fell from his hands and clanked against the white marble flooring. Advay was stunned beyond words as he continued to look at Chandini in a complete state of confusion. He let go of her hands and took a step back. Chandini quickly clasped her hands and put it against her heart as she continued to sob with her head low.
Advay closed his eyes in agony as memories of the past began to flash before his eyes.
His sweet little 8 yr. old Chandini had cried her eyes out at their family friends daughter's mehndi, she too wanted to have Dev's name written on her hand.
Dev's mother has comforted her by telling her that a woman only writes her husband's name in her mehndi and assured her that one day she too would be able to get the name of her husband tattooed on her hands.
She had run out of the wedding hall and right into Dev's arms. No one comforted her like he did.
"Kya hua Ms Badbad (What's up Ms talkative) he had mocked her while he wiped her tears away with a smile
"Dev, wohh tumhara naam nahi likne de rahe hai mere haaton pe she sobbed. (Dev they are not letting me have your name written on my hands)
A 16yr old Dev couldn't help but chuckle at Chandini's innocence. Chandini was a child; she didn't know what she was talking about. But Dev knew for a fact that he loved her and only intended to marry her in the future.
"Koi baat nahi Chandini Dev assured her lovingly as he picked a single strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. "Jab hamari shaadi hogi, tab likhle na Mera naam apne haaton par (No worries Chandini, you can have my name written on your hands when we get married)
"Pakka promise she had held out her hands so that she was sure that it was a promise "Pakka promise, Don't worry Tumahari shaadi mujhse hi hogi he had assured her with a chuckle.( Don't worry , you are going to marry me for sure)
Advay opened his eyes as the bittersweet memories of the past tugged painfully at his heart. He had made a promise to her. Hence why he was here to fulfil that promise, he reminded himself. After all he had always only ever wanted to marry Chandini, and here she was standing in front of him wearing the tattoo of his name on her hands. Advay couldn't believe if this was happening for real. "Was Chandini really fighting him all this while to protect the D on her hands he wondered.
"Who? Advay choked on his words. "Whose...Whose name is it? he stammered.
"Hai koi? She replied softly. "Wohh jise main apna pati maanti hoon (the one whom I have always considered to be my husband)
Advay was stunned beyond words. "Could it be actually possible? he wondered "Was it Dev that Chandini was referring to he asked himself in disbelief.
Advay could feel tears stinging his eyes. He knew he had to get to the bottom of this matter as soon as possible. He wanted to hold her close to his heart but instead, He stepped back, turned around and walked out of her room silently. Chandini cowered and collapsed against the cold marble floor still clenching her hands close to her heart.
Advay paced up and down his room with anger and confusion. "What was happening to him? he questioned himself. This was not how he had planned his revenge. He could not falter now that he was so close to accomplishing his goal: The revenge that he had been carefully planning, for the last 16yrs.
"Dammm It "He took the coffee mug on the table and threw at the wall in a fit of rage.
For once it seemed that Dev was right. "So Chandini had been fighting him all this time to protect the letter D written on her hand he concurred.
The realisation that Chandini pined for Dev, made him happy for once. "So after all these years, she still loved him and still wished to be married to him he thought to himself as a smile made its way to corners of his mouth.
But Advay was not going to give up so easily. "Chandini Dhoka hai, Chandini chalava hai remember he taunted Dev. (Chandini is a betrayal, Chandini is an illusion)
Dev quoted:
"Mere ladakpan ka pyaar hai jo (the one who is love of my adolescence)
Iss toote dil ka sahaara hai wohh (the one for whom my broken heart yearns)
Aag ke angaron ko tandak dene (She is here to soothe the fire within)
Chandini aayi hai iss banjar se dil main"(Chandini has finally come into this draught ridden heart of mine)
For once Dev knew that he was right all this time. His Chandini could have never wronged him; she was after all his childhood love. He smiled to himself as a weight had been lifted off his chest.
He was going to tell her who he really was. He was going to ensure that she would be his wife as he had promised her all those years ago. Advay immediately got up and got out of his room, he had no time to waste. Today for once he wanted to be happy, he wanted to go back to the carefree days of Dev, because today he was sure that Chandini loved him.
He walked past the kitchen, only to find Chandini, Meghana and Shikha preparing breakfast. He was disappointed for he was hoping to find her alone in her room. For now he would have to wait a little longer to tell her the truth he thought to himself as his heart fluttered with joy. He was about to turn around and leave, but instead decided to hide behind the window and watch her beautiful face from a distance. How he had longed to hold her in his arms and to kiss her perfect heart shaped pink lips.
"Jiji, aap inte udass kyon hai Meghu enquired after her. (Why are you so sad?)
"nahi bas kuch nahi she replied sadly. "wohh kal main chali jaaongi yeh soch ke todha ajeeb lag raha hai she lied ( just the thought I will be leaving this house tomorrow is making me sad)
Chandini was just sad that she would be marrying PP tomorrow, while she had always promised herself that she would marry none other than Dev. Just like a D had magically appeared on her hand. She hoped in her heart, that Dev too might magically appear and claim his right to her heart.
Shikha quickly changed the topic and asked her sister to show her, her mehndi. "Oh wow jiji, She said. Yeh design toh bohut hi sundar hai she said brightly. Advay smiled to himself as the thought of her wearing the design of his choice made his heart flutter with joy.
"D Meghu exclaimed with surprise. Advay looked at Chandini intently to see what she was going to say in her defence. "Did her sisters know what D stood for? he pondered.
"Nahi wohh "P hi likhena that, par light chali gayi toh Mehendi wali say Galati ho gayi hogi Chandini lied softly. ( I had to get a P , but the lady made a mistake since the lights went off at that time)
"What a natural liar "Advay sharply reminded himself.
"Oh, hamein laga Ki aapne apne dost ka naam likhwaya (Oh we thought you had your friend's name written) Shikha teased, as Chandini looked at her with surprise and confusion. Advay smiled to himself "so her sisters knew that she loved Dev after all he assured himself.
"Arey wahi jiji, Dibakar Banerjee. Wohh Chasmis. HAHHA Shikha and Meghu burst into laughter together, while Advay froze to the ground.
"Stop it, Shikha, Chandini retorted quickly "Dibakar mere college ka sabse achcha dost tha. I really liked him very much. He was my best friend she said sadly.
"Yes, we know jiji, But after the kidnapping, everyone assumed that you had run away with Dibakar. Meghu reminded her
"Do you know where he is now jiji Shikha asked her innocently
Advay had heard everything he had wanted to hear, he stormed back into his room. "So the D stood for Dibakar, someone Chandini loved during her college years. So the kidnapping was also a lie. The rumours were true, she had eloped off with her lover Dibaker he thought to himself as rage once again took over his heart.
"You are a hopeless fool Advay rebuked Dev.
"Chandini sirf ek dhoka hai, Chandini sirf ek khoobsoorat chalava hai (Chandini is betrayal, Chandini is a beautiful illusion) he reminded himself.
He once again resolved to destroy her. "Nahi Chandini, tumhain main itni aasani se maaf nahi karoonga he promised himself. (No Chandini, I am not going to forgive you so easily)
Dev was broken; Dev never stood a chance with Advay anyways. "Chandini had forgotten him he consoled his grief stricken heart.
Advay had heard enough, he resolved to sabotage her Haldi and marry her by force if necessary. But he vowed to himself that he would make Chandini suffer every moment of her life once she fully belonged to him.
Advay shouted "Murli, Shut the doors to the haveli, make sure the family is trapped. Today is Chandini and my Haldi and Today is Chandini and my wedding he concluded with hate filled eyes while Murli shuddered at the sudden turn of events.
Cheers, Chitra 😉
Udne Ki Aasha
Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile
Fan Fictions
