FLAVOURS OF LOVE : Chapter 2

Dear All,

With enough encouragement from few of the kind souls here, I post the first chapter of my story - " Flavours Of Love". But before you proceed to read this one I need to warn you all.. so here are few things that you need to know..

1. I'm bad with tear-jerkers. Usually that's what drives me away from the show. So my story will be as light as it can get. There is love but the happy, happy love. There is jealousy and ill-will but nothing outright evil.
2. Yeh gaadi zara dheere chalthi hai. So you might not see anything action packed here..just so that you aren't disappointed..
3. Hindi hamari rashtra basha hai. Irrespective of that you will find abundant use of the language in the story. Please do let me know if you would want the lines translated.
4. And please please please let me know if you think this is utter crap. At least I will not waste your time by continuing to write.

So here I go.....

FLAVOURS OF LOVE

As Mohini watched the sun setting from her terrace, her heart was filled with joy. Her only son was getting back after a long stay away from her. It was for his good and she had wished it too, but staying away from him had not been easy. Now those days were over. He had finished his education and wanted to join Basu Group.

It was no secret that Anurag was her favourite amongst her kids. During their childhood, she had heard the maids murmuring that her love for Anurag was more than what she felt for her daughters because he was her only son. Some also said that it was because daughter's would move out eventually and it would be the son who would remain with her. How regressive, she had thought. Her daughter's always complained about how she overlooked their wants and achievements.And how all that Anurag did was appreciated always... But nobody knew that her love for her son stemmed from the fact that Anurag was the only one amongst her kids who was just like her. And she feared if he would do the same mistakes that she did early on in life.

She was jolted out of her thoughts by a stern voice. "I want the interviews to be scheduled today. No excuses. Have I made myself clear?". Mohini turned as her lovely daughter put down her phone. "Dreaming about your son getting back, Ma?" asked Nivi. Mohini did not miss the mocking tone in her voice or the stress on "your son". "He is as much as your brother as he is my son", retorted Mohini. "Come on Ma!. I just wanted to tell you that I might not be here when your beta arrives. There are some meetings that cannot wait and I'm off to Delhi for a week. Will meet him once I'm back". With that she hurried out answering another call from work.

Nivedita, her first born was the brightest of all her kids. She had the the perfect business acumen like Moloy and sometimes Mohini felt she outdid her father when it came to matters related to growth of Basu Business empire. Nivedita was a beauty with lot of brains and many did say that she took after her mother. But Mohini knew it wasn't so. Nivedita was a beauty with brains but was ruthless when it came to business. This won her many deals but not many friends. Her heart had no role in even the biggest decision of Nivi's life. It pained Mohini to see her daughter so, but she felt helpless and a bit guilty too.

Her thoughts were again interrupted by someone singing.. " O meri, o meri, o meri Mohini, aao na.. tadpao na.., o meri, o meri, .." Moloy stopped the moment he entered room and saw his darling wife staring at him.

"Mohini, tum yahan ho, aur main poore ghar mein tumhe doond raha tha!!"

"Haan, suna maine Moloy!"

"Toh tumne jawab nahi diya?"

"Kya jawab dethi main? Tum ga rahe the...."

"Tumhe bhi gaana chahiye tha, "tumne pukaara aur hum chale aaye".... ya shaayad ye zyada acha hota..."jaanejaan doondthi fir rahi.."

Mohini didn't know what to say. It was impossible to have a decent conversation with her husband. They hardly ever agreed on anything.

"Moloy, tum ab bhi bachhon jaisi harkaten karthe ho.. Kuch tho sharam karo. Tumhaare bachhon bhi ab jawan ho gaye hain"

"Arey, main kyun sharam karoon. Tum meri biwi...tumse nahi tho kya padosi ke biwi se romance karoon?? Waise bhi padosi ki biwi kuch khaas nahi hai. Aur bacchon ka kya hai, woh samaj jayenge....."

"Kya samaj jayenge?"She let the remark on padosi' wife slide. With time you learn that some things don't change.

"Ke abhi tho main jawan hoon..." Moloy started with a song and Mohini knew there was no respite for now. She had too much to do. As she turned to leave, Moloy said, " Aur bachhon se yaad aaya ki dono agle hafthe pahunch rahen hai".

"And you are telling me now?? This is just too much Moloy. But why the change in plan? What happened?? Are they alright?" Mohini was suddenly worried. Anurag never changed his plans. Then what made him return earlier?

"Maine poocha nahin, woh aa rahen hain. Main kush, tum kush... agar kuch hotha tho Anu zaroor kehta..,don't worry.."

Mohini wasn't so sure. Anurag had everything planned. He didn't make changes unless it wasn't absolutely necessary. Now he was returning a month earlier. She was happy that her son would be with her soon. But still worried on what caused him to change his plans. There was no point in asking Moloy anything further. So she decided to call her Anurag.

As Mohini hurriedly left their room, she failed to see a naughty smile on her husband's face. Moloy was thrilled. He had successfully got his wife so hassled that she failed to realise why Anurag had changed his plan. He knew that everything related to their son was of great importance to his wife. So much so that he felt all others in the family were neglected when it came to Anurag. But all of them had got used this behaviour of hers and he wickedly thought how they had taken advantage of this so many times... He knew that the next thing that Mohini would do would be to call up Anu. But she wouldn't be able to reach him. This might keep her worried, but that was the plan..

An hour or so later when Moloy came down for dinner, he saw Mohini pacing up and down the living room. He knew that by now she would have tried reaching Anurag many times. She would also have called his friends. He also knew that she might not agree to any of this too soon.

"Mohini, badi bhook lagi hai, chalo dinner kar lethe hain. Kahan hai sab?" He didn't get any response but she called out to Debu da to serve dinner to Moloy.

"Aur tum?" asked Moloy. "Bhook nahin hai.." she said.

This wasn't going according to plan..

"Kyun kya hua?? You look a bit worried. All fine?".

She knew that if she mentioned about the calls and cause for worry, Moloy would again start off with how partial she was to Anu and didn't care for anyone else..

She had to get some more information out of her husband. It was usually the case that he never shared all that he knew.. it was shared in bits and pieces shredding her patience totally.

She had to tread carefully. "So when did Anu call you?" she asked.

"Anu? Why will he call me?"

"You said that they are coming next week...so he would have called.. right??"

"No, no. He didn't call me. Rajesh told me that they are coming next week."

She didn't like what she heard. All these years she tolerated the fact that his friend was the most important person in her husband's life. More important than her. Was she loosing her son also?? If this was the case now, then....

Moloy disrupted her thoughts with.."I was in a meeting when he called. Got to know from Rajesh later that they will reach next week. He also said that there were some get-togethers planned with friends, so he might not be reachable for a couple of days"..

Mohini was relieved. So that's why her calls didnot go through. But even her messages weren't delivered. Well, maybe the network wasn't good. Still the question remained as to why was he changing his plans. That wasn't at all like Anurag. Well, she would call him as soon as he gets back from his get-together and friends. Till then she will have to do with the bits n pieces of information coming from her husband.

"Ab lag rahi hai??" asked Moloy.

"What?"

"Bhook", he said.

She hadn't realised that she had pulled a plate and served dinner for herself once she was sure of Anu's well-being. She escaped from having to respond to her husband's query by the ring on her phone. It had to be Anurag. Maybe her messages reached him after all. But it was Panditji. She moved away from the table to discuss with him about the dates and all the preparations needed.

Once she got back, Moloy asked why the Pandit had called so late. "Abhi tho time hai", he said.

His remark annoyed her. She didn't like what transpired in his mind. And she was sure neither would Anu approve of it. But she wanted Moloy to hear it from Anu. That would put an end to this matter.

She said," I was trying to reach panditji today. Wanted to have a Pooja here once kids arrive. But he called back only now."

"Haan, abhi toh saare bhagwan so gaye honge." he chuckled.

"Moloy!!" That's all that she could say. Rest of the dinner was spent in small talk on the happenings of the day at work. Usually matters related to business interested Mohini. But today, she wasn't in the mood for it. Maybe a good nights sleep would calm her, she thought. And Anu would call her as soon as he sees her messages. With these thoughts she retired for the day.

Beautiful narration dear... Loved reading it❤️❤️❤️ i could actually imagine all the characters doing exactly how you narrated in the show...😊 please please continue waiting for your next post 🤗

Unlike the show, you are portraying Anu as a parchaayi of Mohini. And that is like an unexpected twist, which is making this FF intriguing & interesting. Hope you will update the upcoming chapters soon.

Good start waiting for new version of anurag

Thank you Rahuldravidfan, grace4317 & Paricarocks for the comments. And ame for liking my post. And thank you to all those who took time to read the story.

Yes, Anurag is different from what we have in the show. But more than the difference in Anurag, it's Mohini's perception that I wanted to bring out here.

Anyways, will get back with the next chapter soon.

FLAVOURS OF LOVE - Chapter 2

Back To The Roots

Across the ocean, as the mighty sun rose to start a new day, he was greeted by none other than his best friend. A friend who was always up before him. It didnot matter which continent Anurag Basu was on, he always beat the sun when it came to starting the day. Anurag was ready and waiting for Sid. They were to take the flight from Sydney to Singapore where Rakhi would join them. Initially he had planned to leave after the seminars scheduled a few weeks later. But when Sid changed plans to attend his elder brother's engagement, Anurag was left home-sick. And when he got to know that Rakhi was also planning to reach Kolkata around the same time, he thought of altering his plan.

Anurag was not aware that the mastermind was Tapur, the youngest of his siblings. She wanted all four of them to reach just in time for Mom's birthday. She had colluded with Moloy to convince Rakhi to close her exhibition in London soon. Getting Nivi to agree to the drama was the tricky part, but her Nivi di surprised her when she not only agreed to set aside her meeting but also agreed to do all arrangements for the party. Tapur knew that Anurag wouldn't miss Ma's birthday but just like their Mom, he didn't like the idea of surprises.. her boring bhai..

That's where Sid & Rakhi came to help. Sid changed his plan to get back home sooner and talked so much about Kolkata and family that left Anu home-sick. And when Rakhi called to say that she was heading home, he could no longer hold himself back. But now he was worried. Sid hadn't answered his calls nor responded to messages. Finally he decided to take a cab and head to the airport. He picked up his bags, locked the apartment that was his home for past 3 years and headed towards the waiting cab. But there he was, seated like a boss, in the cab, his childhood friend Sid.

"Patha hai kitni der se wait kar raha hoon", ranted Sid.

But a good stare from his friend was enough to let Sid know that Anurag Basu was annoyed.

"Abey tu aadmi hai ya machine??, Inspite of reaching so late last night you were up by 4 in the morning and disturbing my beauty sleep. Tujhe sharam nahi aati?"

Anurag chose not to reply. But Sid went on.

" Tu tho aane hi nahi wala tha. Phir achanak plan kyun badal sits?. I would have gone alone..peacefully. Abhi tho tujhe dhek kar school wali feeling aa rahi hai.. woh jaise school mein PT teacher ground mein daudathe the late aane par. Bilkul waisa lag raha hai."

In response Anurag plugged in his earphones and completely shut out his blabbering friend. But that's exactly what Sid wanted too. At least he was spared from a lecture on punctuality.

Once their flight landed in Changi International, Anurag quickly switched on his phone. And soon enough a message from Rakhi was on his screen," waiting for you at the gate, bhai." They finished the security checks quickly and headed towards the gate for the next flight. And there she was, his favourite sister. Dressed in a long blue flared skirt and a cream full sleeve top, she looked angelic inspite of the long journey she had just finished. Though he never agreed whenever Tapur brought this up, he was particularly fond of Rakhi. Nividi was always the big sister and Tapur was a kiddo. But he and Rakhi were a team. For a moment he was back at the beach building sand castles with Rakhi and...

"It's been a long time bhai", said Rakhi hugging him snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Yes, a little more than two years and five months.We somehow seemed to be giving each other a miss since a long time", said Anurag.

"You were so busy. I was always ready to visit you...lekin hamesha koi bahana doond hi lethe the tum", complained Rakhi.

"Koi bahana nahi hai, bada hi padaku bachha hai tumhara bhai", said Sid joining them. Rakhi nodded in agreement.

Anurag was more surprised than irritated. Rakhi and Sid didn't know each other much, but seem to be quite comfortable chatting. That was quite unlike Rakhi. Sid was shameless though.

Soon the boarding started and they queued up. Sid was looking around. "What?" quizzed Anurag.

"Nahi, dekh raha hoon ki kitne bachhe hain..take off hote hotel sab ke sab roke kudh bhi thak jaathe hain aur mujhe pareshan kar dethe hain." said Sid

"Bechare! I hear it really disturbs them", said Rakhi sadly.

"Yep, while taking off, the aircraft and cabin pressure...", Anurag started to explain.

"Yaar mere bas. Not another lecture. Main kisi kone mein baith jaunga." pleaded Sid.

With that they proceeded to find their seats and settled down quickly. Rakhi and Sid had their seats exchanged so that she could sit with her brother. There was so much to catch up.

"So, how was the exhibition? I saw your work on the web. It's beautiful." said Anurag

"Yes, sand art pieces were included for the first time, though I wasn't sure. Usually I stick to my paintings."

"You are so dedicated to your work Rakhi. I'm always amazed at the level of patience you have. I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to do any of those." said Anu appreciatively.

"You say so as you are my bhai. I feel a bit stuck. Want to try something different."

"Mom would have the perfect solution for that." said Anurag with a wide smile remembering how Mohini was always hinting about getting Rakhi married. And everytime Rakhi had found some excuse or the other.

"Haan,soch kar hi dar lagtha hai. Hope she isn't too annoyed. She had wanted me to meet a couple of guys in London. I couldn't."

"You couldn't or you didn't??" chuckled her brother. "By the way, when was the last time you spoke to Ma? I'm not able to reach her since yesterday. I had left a message about my journey but haven't heard anything from Ma. That's so unusual. Only Baba messaged wishing us well for our flight back home."

"You worry too much bhai. I spoke to Baba and Tapur before leaving London. All's fine. Relax." assured Rakhi.

Rest of the journey went in updating each other on the happenings in the family & friend circle that one of them had missed out on. Rakhi had been in Kolkata more than her brother in the past two years, so obviously she had more to say. Starting from Basu Group to Debu da's daughter's marriage all was shared and discussed. They also made a list of dishes that they had missed and wanted to have as soon as they reached home.And somewhere along she realised Anurag had drifted off to sleep.

As they waited for their luggage, Rakhi looked a bit worried. She was checking on her phone and trying to call someone. "What's up Rakhi", asked Sid.

"I see that my baggage hasn't reached. The layover in Singapore was very less. I'm just worried!!" said Rakhi, trying to avoid looking at Anurag.

"Don't worry. They might get it in a couple of days. Happens sometimes. Is it insured? You can claim for lost baggage if they loose it." Sid tried to assure her.

"No,no,no.. they can't loose it. And I can't wait for 2 days. I need it by tomorrow before the exhibition." Rakhi was distraught leaving Sid puzzled.

"Your sister is paranoid. Aisa kya hua hai? Luggage hi tho hai. You wanna check?"

Anurag nodded but he did have an inkling. As he walked up to Rakhi, she turned to face him. "Woh bhai, I had some important stuff in my baggage. I just checked with the airlines. They said that the luggage hasn't arrived yet. They will deliver it home. Don't worry."

"I'm not worried but can't believe that you are still doing this. I know that look Rakhi. You had that painting with your luggage and you are worried that you will loose it... right?"

Sid had walked up to them by now.

"I know that you don't approve of it. But some things don't change. That's my belief and I don't see a problem with it."

"Even I wouldn't have a problem with it if it was some deity or our parents whose portrait that you carry around everywhere. But this..." Anurag was interrupted by the questioning glances from Sid.

"Let's get out of here."muttered Anurag and walked ahead. Rakhi followed. Sid was left wondering why would Anurag be bothered about what's in his sister's luggage. But then he was always strange. "Hoga kuch" he said to himself as he followed the duo.

As they walked out into the warm Kolkata night, the air smelled of the sea. Anurag was happy to be back and couldn't wait to get home. It was nearing midnight but his mother would be waiting he knew. Still no calls or messages from Ma. Should he be worried?

Suddenly there was a scream and a young girl with bright pink hair flung her hands around him. He was startled. Looking up he saw Nividi and Rakhi hugging. As he cleared the pink strands from his face, the girl looked up at him. He was aghast,"Tapur, what have you done to yourself??"

"Come on bhai. You sound like Ma now!!. This will come off in a few days.. or maybe hours. But how's it? Acha hai na?"

Anurag rolled his eyes and walked up to Nividi. "It's so good to see you." He said as he gave his big sister a warm hug. She looked a bit tired. "Working too much?"

"Nope. Just had a long day. Had been for a meeting to Bangalore. Landed just an hour back."

"Oh. You should have left..."

Nivedita looked at her youngest sibling and Tapur realised that she was left with the task to fill in her boring bhai with the details.

"Woh bhai, its Ma's birthday that is.. in another 29 minutes.. and we all decided to get here to give her a surprise.. we have a party later in the evening and then..."

"Wait, wait..so Ma doesn't know that we are coming..??" asked Anurag looking around. Rakhi avoided looking at him. Nivedita continued tapping on her phone.. and Tapur said "surprise hai bhai...tho bathake kaun surprise detha hai?" Sid stood at a distance to see the drama unfold. He liked seeing his friend hassled like this.

"Grow up Tapur. Ma doesn't like surprises. She might have even slept by now. You want to wake her up at this hour?? And party without asking her. What if she wants to do something else? And why didn't anyone tell me about this??"

"Maybe we can continue this in the cab..." said Tapur

"Chill bro. Enjoy and have a good time. Wish Aunty on my behalf." Said Sid hugging Anurag

"Did you know about this?" asked Anurag.

Sid feigned ignorance."Call you tomorrow", said he hailing a cab.

By then his sisters had loaded their luggage into the cab and were waiting for him to get in. He was confused. All of them reaching Kolkata at almost the same time, Rakhi changing her travel dates and she being quite fine with all that was happening now... was all this a coincidence? Too much of a coincidence it appeared to be.

As he sat next to Rakhi, he asked," you knew? Or you are preoccupied with your luggage? Just wondering as you don't seem surprised."

"Well bhai, I knew. And regarding the painting, I guess you should let it go. It been years and you need to get over it.." with that she turned to Tapur and they started discussing about their plans for the party.

Yes, it's been years. Fifteen to be precise. But he hadn't been able to forget or forgive. Ma always said that it was nice to forgive our loved ones when they make a mistake unknowingly. But here his trust was broken and he was so sure that whatever happened wasn't a mistake. It was deliberately done!!

But he needed to get over his thoughts. It was Ma's birthday. He had thought that she knew about the change in his plans. From the time that he could think of, he was always the first one to wish Ma on her birthday. She would come to his room like everyday, and he would wish her. When he was younger, he would write small poems for her or a thank you note that she would cherish. As he grew older, he got her gifts from his pocket money. Even when he left Kolkata, she would call him first thing in the morning on her birthday and they would have a sweet conversation before either of them started the day. But this year, she would be disappointed. His sisters planned to wake her up at this hour. And how could he wish her before everyone else?

Moloy was lost in thoughts. His kids would arrive soon. He quietly got out of bed not wanting to wake up Mohini. He had seen her tiring herself earlier in the day with endless chores. She had got Debu da to dust Anu's room. She had personally checked if his clothes needed to be washed again. Anu didn't like dust, he was allergic to it she had claimed. When Moloy reminded her to get Rakhi's room also cleaned, she had been apprehensive. Rakhi had so many of her art works, paints and sculptures in her room that Mohini always feared that she might spoil something. Rakhi never agreed to have a separate studio, so her room doubled up as her in-house studio.

Moloy was relieved that she had occupied herself with these tasks and hadn't got the time to fret over not getting Anu's calls or not being able to reach him. He wasn't sure if he would be forgiven for keeping his return under wraps. He knew that he had to give them the space she desired and ensured that Anu would be the first one to wish her. Then all would be forgiven!!

But what bothered him right now wasn't Tapur's big surprise idea. It was the matter that he had to discuss with Anu.He hadn't anticipated his son returning early. He wasn't sure how would his son react to his proposal. Given that the mother-son duo were carbon copies of each other when it came to likes and dislikes, he was apprehensive. And he knew that Mohini didnot approve of Prerna!

Such a sweet and homely update it was. Especially that part were you mentioned about the baby's crying while the plane takes off and lands & Anurag trying to explain the reason. It would have been nice to know whether he knew the remedy for it. If not, the remedy is to either keep their ears closed with your fingers on both sides or feed them with milk or water in a bottle. That sucking process will give them relief from the pressure variation happening.

Now eagerly waiting for the next part.

Thank you Grace for reading through..

Yes, I do that all the time with my kid. But didn't know initially that sipping water helps. Then during one of the journeys the hostess gave her gummies. That's when I got to know that chewing also helps.

Sometimes kids teach us so much..

Haven't started the next chapter yet. Will update by end of the week..

Loved reading the 2nd update dear.. ❤️..

So rakhi character is a part of this story .. l loved her in season 1 ... She was so much supportive ...And i am getting similar vibes from your update 😊..

Each sibling's identity and nature is beautifully described ... ❤️I can actually imagine them doing it...😆

I am dreading the last line.. 😆like grace dii said anu and moh are carbon copies in mol's words is surprising to hear as he is known for his keen and correct judgement ...😊 really eager to know whether this is a perception developed by them or it is reality .. 😆

Loved the way you have kept a suspense cum intriguing angle... ❤️At the same time the way you have narrated is beautiful to read..👏 pls pls continue waiting for 3rd one 🤗