This is one hell of a Long story... I actually had planned to keep it short...but it just went on and on and I still havent finished what I set out to write😕 I hope u all will enjoy reading it... This scenario was something I always wanted to see... and with festive season around the corner, I thought it would be the Perfect timing for this story. This is not a story as such... just a moment in the llives of MICHI and Neev-Ayesha(Very little of them though😕)
It is Krishna Janamastami's eve, Milind's friends invite him and 'Bhabhiji' over for the celebrations in the chawl. Milind decided to go but he is not quite sure of Prachi because he knew there was a Puja at home aswell.
Milind comes back from office Prachi tells him to get ready for the Puja as they do it at the stroke of midnight, so he decides to talk to Prachi about it after the Puja. Being the newly married couple and the head of the family now, Milind & Prachi start the Aarthi. They both thank god for blessing them eachother's companionship and also pray for their future together.
Neev stood at a distance watching Prachi do the arthi without him for the 1st time, but he had no complains because he during the last few days he had seen Prachi radiate with happiness and that for him was all that mattered. He always wanted to see her happy and was glad that Prachi's choice had proved right… he had been wrong about Milind he assumed… because he could see every action of Milind was directed towards making Prachi happy. Milind & Neev surely had their differences even to date, but kept out of eachother's way & a sense of truce had become apparent between the two. Neev himself was planning to shift out of Shah Mansion in the next 2 weeks time… he had found a house and the interior decorations were about to begin. He wondered how Ayesha would react when he would break the news to her… on that thought he shifted his attention to Ayesha who stood next to him. He shook his head in dismay… there was an unmistakable scowl on her face as she saw Milind-Prachi do the Arthi and exchange glances and smiles even as they prayed.
Ayesha during the last few days had sensed she had lost out on Milind for good, but she was finding it difficult to accept it. What hurt her the most was that Milind didn't even notice her existence to atleast avoid her…. he was simply wasn't aware of her presence. She never had a lot of regard for the institution of Marriage due to the experience of her mother. She never understood the pride on Prachi's face when she was addressed to as Mrs. Mishra… but the last week around, she felt that pride seep into her when she was present with Neev in a boardroom where Neev made an impressive presentation that had won them a huge tender. She was lost in her thoughts when Neev nudged her and she responded with a mock irritated glance. He indicated that they had to do the Arthi now. Milind-Prachi waited for them to come and take over the Arthi thali and stepped aside after handing it over to them.
This was a new experience for Ayesha, though she always had ridiculed the rituals, she couldn't help but feel different when doing this Arthi with Neev. There has been a lot of occasions when exercised her right as Neev's wife(which most of the times was to show Prachi down) but today having to perform this puja along side Neev as his wife, she could feel potency of being married. Confused at her own thoughts she looked at Neev, who gave her warm smile. That smile, she wondered was so different from the one Neev used to give her, they were always sarcastic which made her victory seems futile. But today it just put her confused mind at ease. Watching them from the side were Milind-Prachi. Both of them had wanted Neev-Ayesha to move on life and find martial bliss the way they had…and they said a silent prayer for Neev-Ayesha.
Since the puja was over the night itself, Milind thought of telling Prachi about the Chawl celebrations… just then Dadi came up and told Prachi that there would a lot of work trow as the festivities would continue through the day. Milind was disappointed, he let go of the idea of asking her because she would be caught in a awkward situation. He went upto Sukruti and told her about the celebrations and she was very excited like always and asked about Bhabhi, He said she had work at home and he didn't want to disturb her and they would just make a dash to the place and be back. His visible disappointment didn't go unnoticed by Premlatha who was standing around. She told Prachi about it and asked her to go and she would manage at home. Prachi was overwhelmed at her husband choosing to keep his silence so that she isnt forced to choose. Milind hardly spoke...but his actions did more than convey the message across. &am p;am p;nb sp; & amp; amp; nbsp;
Ayesha also intended to go to the Chawl the next day…but Neev had asked her to come with him, he needed her suggestion for something. Esp after the unexplainable experience at the Puja, she couldn't say no to Neev. The way he had asked her to accompany her made her wonder what could it be that Neev wanted her opinion and that her opinion would matter to him. She tried brushing it away as something official… but she knew they weren't working the next day… so what was it that Neev had planned?
The next day Milind came out of the shower and his eyes halted at the beautiful form in front of him, his lovely wife looking ethereal in a Red Banarasi silk saree. So lost he was in beauty of his wife that it took sometime for him to realize it was the saree he had got for her the festival. Off late he had gotten into the fetish of shopping for Prachi. The fact that his hotel had an ace designer's boutique made it all the more easy for him. By now it had it was routine that the designer sent across Milind the catalogue of her fresh stocks before she had it open for sale. Milind wasn't aware about the joke that he contributed to more than half the revenue of the designer that floated around the staff of the hotel. He remembered how he wanted to make this particular gift a lot more special for Prachi as it was their 1st festival together after Marriage and actually had an hour long discussion with the designer and who at last in exasperation suggested that he should try getting a handwoven saree made specially for the occasion. The designer had suggested keeping in mind the festival of Janamastami that a moment of the Divine couple of Radha-Krishna woven into the Pallu of the saree. When he was told it would take almost month to weave a single Saree, he insisted that he needed it in 2 weeks and he had got it delivered just in time last evening. He was supposed to present it to her this morning, but by the look of it seems that his wife had helped herself. Prachi turned around and saw him gazing at her, she told him 'Kya karen hain Aap? Tayar nahi hona? dher horahi hai na… humhe nikalna hai' Milind perplexed asked 'Hum?' Prachi getting his clothes out went, 'Haan, Hum! Kyunki Humhe invite kiya gaya tha, hai na?' Milind was extremely happy that Prachi would come along with him, but he was confused as to how Prachi came to know… looking at his confusion Prachi offered that Ma had told her. She turned around and asked him 'Ek bhar kaha tho hota…'a ' Milind with an earnest voice replied 'Kehena tho chata ta… lekin ghar mein bhi tho teri zarurath ti na?' Seeing Prachi's eyes well up he said 'Waise tujhe nahi lagta ki Gift, gift tabhi maani jaati hai jab koi use detha hai?' indicating the Saree. And Prachi was back in a jovial mood and commented 'Haan, par gift ko gift ki tarah bhi tho rakni chahiye na? Aap meri gift ko humhare cupboard mein samne rakenge tho wo surprise tho rahega nahi. Aur waise bhi humhe nikalna hai jaldi.' Milind gave her out with the truth look… and she confessed 'Actually yeh Saree itna kubsurat tha ki, I couldn't wait till you could give to me' Milind smiled 'Waki hi Bahut kubsoorat hai' Prachi didn't mistake that glint in his eyes… with a futile attempt to hide her blush, she dumped his clothes in his hands and said 'Mr. Mishra, tayar hojayiye.' & pushed into him to the washroom. She truly felt like a bride today in the beautiful red saree that her husband had got for her. Her excitement knew no bound because this was the 1st time she was going to what was her 'Sasural'. This was the 1st time she would be going to the Chawl after Marriage with Milind. Milind came out dressed and was fidgeting with something in briefcase. She was about to pick up jewellery… when Milind came from behind and said 'Ek minute Mrs Mishra…' Even as she saw him questioningly through the mirror he pulled out a necklace and placed it around her slender neck and fastened the hook. The Necklace was exquisite as the Saree…An intricate kundan work studded with uncut diamonds and rubies to match her saree. Looking at Prachi's stunned expression he bent down to her level and whispered into her ears 'tere pati ko gift ko gift ki tarah rakna bhi aata hai' with that he picked up the earring and very gently put it on for Prachi, thoroughly enjoying her coyness his proximity had caused. Just then Sukruti barged in and went 'Aap dono abhi tak tayar nahi huhe?' Milind in the most casual tone went 'Teri Bhabhi se puch, tab se keh raha hoon humhe dheir horahi hai' Prachi was about to say that he was the one delaying… but gave up when she saw Milind challenging smirk from behind Surkruti, she mumbledin defeat 'Bas hogaya Sukruti, apni purse lena hai' Milind came up top Sukruti and handed over another jewellery case… She opened and let out a squeal and hugged her brother and rattled off a series of 'Thank u, Bhaiya, u r simply the best'… it was an intricate delicate diamond necklace. Sukruti showed Prachi the gift and soon both the women were engrossed in the jewellery conversation, having patiently waited for a whole minute for them to realize they were getting late, Milind said 'tum dono kal tak tho aajaoge… lekin mujhe aaj hi jaana hai, tho main akele nikloon?' Prachi and Sukruti gave him an irate look for his taunt and followed him.
All through the way Sukruti filled in Prachi about how the celebrations take place in their chawl. Prachi was very excited about experiencing the festivities and she has heard numerous stories of how her husband dearest used to break the matki year after year. Milind felt unexplainably happy to see Prachi trying to relate to his roots. He wanted to share with Prachi every aspect of their lives and often wondered if she would be able to relate to the most important part of his identity, which still very much connected to his roots. Prachi & Sukruti's laughter and giggles took away all the strain of navigating through Mumbai's traffic. Milind watched the two most important women in his life all happy & cheerful… he silently prayed to help him keep both of them happy.
On reaching the chawl, Milind was taken aback at the welcome he was awarded. The last thing he wanted was a formal welcome into a place he spend most of his life uptil now. After he made it big in the world of Business, Milind was tired about being stalked around by the media most of the time, He missed his privacy and the sense of being just another face in the crowd, he had hoped that he would have some respite on his trip back to the chawl… but here again they made him feel he belonged no more among them. But the could feel that people of his chawl were genuinely happy for what he had achieved. Their happiness for him warmed his heart. The Mishras were escorted to a specially designated place to view the celebrations from. Milind hated the way he was being treated like the guest… but still kept quiet as he knew it would all change in a hour's time, they would be back rooting for the Milind who grew up in the same place… and he only knew that the moment will surely come… It has always happened that way. Sukruti left Milind-Prachi to catch up with her friends in the chawl.
The Human pyramid to break the matki started and Prachi is horrified at it being such a dangerous game. So many people climbing on eachother…with water being splashed at the players mercilessly... and then everyone collapsing from that height. She was thanking stars Milind wasn't doing anything of that kind. And Milind could make out Prachi wasn't enjoying this game one bit… but he also knew why she didn't like. She was far too delicate and vulnerable to the ways of the real world…which made him feel the need to protect her all the time…even though she was delicate for outside, only he knew her inner resilience. He remembered how she had ventured out into the deluge in search of him and how she had yelled at him for being inconsiderate to everyone's feelings. He couldn't help but muse at the fact that he drove her up the wall with his difficult behavior and how cutely she complained why does he trouble her so much. Prachi rarely lost her cool, but when she did she really looked adorable and that thought brought a huge smile on his face. Prachi turned to see Milind…who was looking her way but with a far away look with an indulgent smile playing on his lips. She felt disheartened at the thought of him remembering his days in the chawl and that would mean he was lost in Ayesha's thoughts. Prachi always wanted to have an insight into the world Milind came from because Milind always had spoken about how important his roots were and how much he values what his life in the chawl had thought him. The thought that she may never be able to share that world with him saddened her.
Just then Milind's smile widened and he held Prachi's hand and dragged her saying he wants her to meet someone really special. It is Kiran Massi who was like a mother figure to Milind and Sukruti. Sukruti was already in a deep conversation with Massi when Milind came along. 'Yeh Massi! Kaise hain aap?' saying this Milind engulfed the elderly lady in a bear hug. Prachi was overwhelmed to see Milind's childlike exuberance, she could easily sense the importance of this lady in the life of her husband, the warmth and happiness on Milind's face & a glints of moisture in both their eyes spoke volumes for it. Massi chided him and said 'Ab aayi Massi ki Yaad?' Milind replied 'Arre nahi Massi mujhe laga ki aap Nagpur mein hai Rajesh ke pass. Kab aayi aap? Rajesh kaisa hai?' A sadness formed on her face for a split second, though Milind missed it due to his excitement, Prachi noticed it and saw Sukruti's face also harden. Massi brushed his question aside pointing to Prachi asked him about her and he very proudly introduced her 'Massi, yeh apki Bahu hai... Prachi!' Prachi bent down and took Massi's blessing, Massi hugged her and looking at Milind said 'Mere es Gunde ko yeh Pari kaise milgayi?' Milind looked at Prachi who fought hard to stop a chuckle & Sukruti laughing her gut out he said 'Massi aap ka yeh Gunda kafi layak hogaya hai' Massi refuted it saying 'Chal, main tujhe bachpan se janti hoon…kudh ki dum par tho tu suderaga nahi….zarur meri Bahu haath rahi hogi es mein' and Milind's smile acknowledged that it was the truth and caught Prachi's eyes to say he was Thankful to her for making a difference in his life for the better and Prachi reciprocated the same emotions…her life had gone a tremendous change from the time he had been a part of her life… she felt her spirit being more free, She felt alive than ever before.
The eyelocking session was interrupted by a loud crashing noise and everyone turned to that directions… well it was for the 14th unsuccessful attempt at reaching the Matki. Prachi looked horrified while Milind gave a casual laugh. 'Lo Bhaiya 14 attempts hochuke, ab…' before Sukruti could complete what she had to say, Ali & Pakiya shouted out 'Milind aaja, yeh Matki tere siva koi aur nahi thod sakta' Prachi eyes grew big in horror while Milind grinned a victory smile. Finally, his friends realized that he still was the same old Milind. He was about to go join them when Prachi held his hand and stopped him. He should have guessed seeing her reaction to the game that she would never let him go… but then again he wanted to do it for her, he wanted her to get the taste of the life he had lead and he had no other way of doing it. Seeing him unrelenting to her fears Prachi tightened her hold on his hand refusing to let him go, tears welled up in her eyes threatening to unleash. Milind held her hand assuring her that nothing will happen to him 'Prachi, Mere ko kuch nahi hoga… yeh mereliye naya nahi hai, ese pheli bahut bhar karchuka hoon. Bas 5 min. Main bas yun gaya and aaya. Just one try, agar nahi huha, I promise phirse nahi karunga.' Even that wouldn't make Prachi feel any better, but she realized that Milind was going to do it anyway, he was just stubborn about what he wants to do. Milind freed his hand, looking at Massi & Sukruti he nudged them to handle Prachi. He handed over his suit & shirt (The original Milind style) and walked to join his friends.
The chawl music system resounded with 'Mach gaya shor sari nagri re…' the entire chawl erupted in deafening applause as they took in the familiar sight of Milind walking upto the center of action twirling his fingers to the beat of his fave song. The human pyramid formed all over again, and this time Milind directed them. Prachi looked at Sukruti who was enjoying the events unfold with pride shinning on her face and Massi looked on with a motherly affection towards Milind. Milind began his ascend carefully managing a graceful balance braving the water being splashed at his face and yet maintaining a single point focus, Sukruti said 'Ab dekhiye Bhabhi, Bhaiya kasie us Matki ho 2 min mein thod te hain!' Prachi wasn't amused in the least, she knew her husband was a real life hero, she didn't need to witness horrific game for that. Her heart sank when the Milind reached the top of the human pyramid and it collapsed…but by then Milind had caught hold of the rope and was now dangling from about 30 feet height. There was a silence all over with an under current of excitement waiting to unfetter, the moment was here…it was a matter of a few more seconds and Milind would break the Matki. Milind strengthened his hold on the rope and glanced at Prachi for a moment and with one hard knock using his head he broke the Matki and the entire atmosphere was electrified and the festivities broke out. Prachi's fear was far from over… how will he come down, as if answering her Milind tugged at the rope with force and it gave way from one end… Milind slid down holding the rope. Prachi lost sight of him as he got surrounded by all the people… she ran towards him, just then he was back in view, this time his friends carrying him on their shoulders and the others doing a victory dance infront of him.
Finally it was all over, but Prachi was far from being cheerful… her fear had given way to anger because Milind didn't seem realize the last 5 mins she had her heart in her throat and here he was acknowledging the crowd with a victorious smile. Milind's eyes caught Prachi and he smiled from within knowing today again he is in for some temper dose from his wife. He got off the shoulders of his friends and walked to Prachi. Prachi took sight of him, he was a mess… he was drenched and mud all over him because he had landed in slush… but what irked her more was the grin he was wearing as of now. Sukruti rushed to his sid and hugged him… this was the 18th time he had broken the mutki and was a quiet a record in itself… the brother sister duo bragged about that achievement for a while longer as Prachi watched them. The dangerous situation he had put himself not only this time but 17 time before came crashing back to Prachi and a tear fell off her eyes… the sight killed Milind who was looking at her all the time while talking to Sukruti, He wanted to make the entire experience as normal as possible for Prachi because he knew she was all shaken up. He tenderly took her face in his hands and wiped it away…she refused to look at him, he said 'Prachi…' in a gentle yet firm voice that made her look up at him. 'Dekho main theek hoon' he said in a reassuring tone. She looked at him closer and panicked when she saw a cut on his right side of his forehead, his hair covered it to a large extend, but it was positively bleeding now… he had hurt himself when he broke the matki.
Prachi insisted that they leave and take some medical help. He calmed her down saying it isnt much…a first aid at home would do. Sukruti agreed and said Kiran Massi would have the 1st aid kit. Massi handed over the 1st aid box to Prachi to attend to Milind saying this guy is too fussy when it comes to medicines and she has no more patience with him at this age to run behind him. Prachi replied with in the same frustrated tone 'Ab bhi kuch nahi badla, Massi…bas mujhe kudh ke peche bhagate nahi hai…varan zidd to wahi hai' Milind enjoyed Prachi wifey act complaining about her husband and fussing over him…both at the same time! The slight smile playing on Milind's lips annoyed her a bit more and demanded what he wanted to prove by the act that he put up a few minutes ago. Just then Sukruti mobile rang, it was Saket so she went out to talk. Massi came to his rescue saying 'Beta tu yunhi pareshan horahi hai… yeh bachpan se matki thoda tha aaya hai. Aur dekhna es Chawl ki matki sirf Milind ke hathoon hi tutdegi. Mujhe tho lagta hai ki Milind ke badh sirf uska beta thod payega' Saying so much Massi went into the kitchen to get Milind some water.
Massi's words stunned Milind and he looked at Prachi who looked seriously offended with what Massi had to say. Obviously, thought Milind. When Massi was out of sight… Prachi stopped nursing Milind's wound and in a frustrated tone said 'Mr. Mishra, Mera beta apki tarah yeh katarnak Govinda ki Matki nahi thodne wala, aur wo apki tarah tho bilkul nahi banega' Prachi's outburst stunned Milind even more…that is when he realized she was still annoyed with him to realize what she just said. This just had to be his lucky day he mused… deciding to play on… 'Theek hai, jaisa tu chahe!' relatively calm with the reply Prachi leaned into him to put the Band aid and Milind using this opportunity asked her in a hushed tone 'Tho kya banayegi?' 'Kisse?' came Prachi's confused reply… 'Humhare Bete Ko?!?'
Prachi stared at him confused for a moment and then the drift of what she had said dawned on her and her cheeks instantly coloured red. She looked at Milind who had a naughty glints in his eyes unable to look into his eyes for a moment longer, pushed him back and got up and said 'Apki 1st aid hochuki' Prachi was thankful that Massi showed up right in time. Massi looked at Milind's messed up appearance asks him to take a bath and change into a fresh set of clothes, he could probably borrow her sons's clothes. Milind says 'Nahi, massi waise ghar mein mere kapde rahenge, main wahi pehen leta hoon…waise bhi Rajesh ke kapde mereko kaise fit hoga?' Sukruti walked in muttering under her breath… Saket was annoying her all over again. 'Tujhe kya hua' Milind asked. 'Kuch nahi, Bhaiya' said Sukruti. Milind asked her for the keys of the house and said he would go change. While handing him the keys she says 'Bhabhi aap kabhi ghar nahi aaye na… chaliye apko apki Sasural ki trip par le chalte hain' Prachi's mood was back and so was her excitement of going into the house where Milind grew up for the 1st time. All the 3 headed to the door… when Massi stopped them saying, if Prachi is entering the house for the 1st time, then it should be given a proper Grahapravesh. She tells Sukruti to be with Prachi as she goes with Milind to arrange for the Prachi's grahapravesh.
Prachi was getting nervous like a new bride, she truly felt like a new bride today. Sukruti sensed that excitement and hugged Prachi. Prachi confides in Sukruti how she felt she had missed out on something important without having the experience of the in-laws despite having a wonderful husband and a great sister-in-law like her. But Massi had filled up that void by treating her like a daughter-in-law. Sukruti agrees and tells her how Massi had been the maternal influence in their lives and a lot of what she and Milind were today was because of her. Prachi wondered who else stays with Massi, she felt that there was something that bothered Massi and she was hiding it from Milind. Prachi guessed Sukruti knew the reason and waited all along to get to talk to Sukruti about it. Sukruti told her about Massi's son Rajesh who now has settled down in Nagpur and how he sides his wife against his own mother… so much so that the dejected mother at this age had left her son's support and was back to Mumbai ready to lead a life all alone rather than go back to her son and face humiliation. Prachi guessed from where Milind's self respecting attitude came from.
Milind entered showered and wearing a new Kurta his dad had bought for him long back. 'Chalo tum dono, Massi bula rahi hain' Milind looked at Prachi and she put her head down after looking into his eyes for a split second. Milind himself was excited about taking Prachi home, rightfully his home. Seeing Prachi's happiness beam in her eyes through the thin layer of moisture that was formed, he could sense the magnitude of the moment for Prachi. He put out his hand for her… It wasn't a mere gesture…but a promise to be by her side Forever. She took his hand pledging the same love and commitment to him. The walked the distance from Massi's house to Mishra's house in silence, allowing their heart to talk to eachother.
Massi awaited them with a Arti ki Thali in hand. When they reached the threshold of the house, She performed the Arti and asks Prachi to step in. Prachi looks at Milind who acknowledges it with a smile, Prachi knocks the Kalash down and steps into the house with Milind taking the step inside with her. Prachi is asked to step into the sacred kumkum mixture (don't know what it is called) And walk into the house marking her foot prints. They walk up to the modest puja room where Prachi leaves her hand prints on the wall of the house. They take blessings of Massi. As the last ritual, Sukruti hands over the keys of the house to Prachi saying 'Yeh ligiye Bhabhi, ab yeh zimedari apki' Milind loving pats his little sister on her head, she hugs both of them wishing them all the happiness to last them a lifetime.
Prachi's long cherished dream was finally a reality and what made it more special was the fact that she today realized that it was Milind's dream aswell…This was the actual beginning of their lives together, Their 1st dream together was a Reality now…..
-Prachi
Sajan ghar aana tha
Sajan ghar aaye hai
Piya mann bhana tha
Piya mann bhaaye hai
Har khushi hai ab tumhari
Mujhe de do gam
Jaaneman jaaneman
-Milind
Sajan ghar aana tha
Sajan ghar aaye tum
Piya mann bhana tha
Piya mann bhaaye tum
Har khushi hai ab tumhari
Mujhe de do gam
Jaaneman Jaaneman
Part- II
Ayesha sat beside Neev as he steered through the roads of Mumbai towards their destination. Ayesha still had no clue where they were headed to and she majorily annoyed at the fact that Neev wouldn't tell her where they were going and she decided she wouldn't show she cared where they were going and she complimented herself on keeping her cool… the fact that Neev was still in shape to be driving to their destination she felt was because she had not given into her urge of banging his head for the suspense he had created. Her attention went back to the song playing on the Fm… she cursed aloud when she heard a Himesh Reshmmiya song on it (Sorry HR fans😕😆) and went on to change the FM station. Neev mused this was probably the 10th time she had changed the FM station in the last 5 mins.
Despite her best efforts to hide her curiosity…she had failed miserably, A small smile crept up on Neev's lips when he remembered how she had tried to get out the 'Surprise' from him all night and morning. When he had told her the prev day about the plan she had began discussing about all their projects on table to figure out if it was something official. She had woken him up earlier than usual to remind him they had an appointment, and Neev refused to get up saying they had a late afternoon meeting and will leave after lunch, he shifted on his side and went to sleep or pretended to sleep… A furious Ayesha had thrown a pillow at him and walked off. Neev had foiled another attempt of hers when she had tricked Saket who was on his 'Jogging Trip' to the Shah Mansion early in the morning for a glimpse of Sukruti, But of course! Neev was in the gym when Saket went upto him and unwittingly asked him where he and Bhabhi were going today, Neev would have answered but by them had caught Ayesha peeping through the slightly opened door in the mirror infront of him. He walked up to the door and jerked it open almost causing Ayesha to fall… and gave her a 'Better Luck next time, Darling' Look. She shoved the glass of juice she had got for both the brothers saying 'Mujhe koi shauk nahi hai jaane ka, main tho tum dono keliye Juice layi te….' Neev's enjoying his little game replied 'Arre apne kyun taklef ki Malkin, wo bhi apne es nacheez naukar keliye' Ayesha stomped his feet with her own and stormed out even as Neev cried out in mock pain.
Neev had come out of the shower and encountered a thoroughly irritated Ayesha sitting on the bed with her wardrobe open. On seeing him she asked 'Ab yeh tho batado… hum kiskeliye jarahen hain? Official ya koi party, function ya jahanoon mein? Mujhe phena kya hai? Business suit, Formal ya Casual?' Neev walked out silently to his wardrobe and pulled out a gift packet and handed it to her. 'Chahe tho yeh pehen sakti ho.' Ayesha looked at the packet in his hand… and before she could ask him, Neev offered 'Mom ne festival par tumhareliye bijwaya hai… Wo saket aaya tha na' Knowing he was lying Ayesha mocked 'Tumhari mom aur wo bhi mereliye thofa?!? Aur waise tumse milne se phele Saket mujhse mila tha' Knowing he didn't have an option out nor wanting to admit he had got it for her… he said 'Kya farak padta hai, Ayesha?' 'Padta hai, Kyunki yeh meri zindagi ki phela thofa hai. Ese phele kissi ne mereliye kuch laya hi nahi… ya yeh kahoon koi ta hi nahi jo mereliye kuch laaye' The pain in her voice touched Neev probably for the 1st time in their so many months of their marriage. Knowing Neev wouldn't have an answer to her questions, just the way she did have an explanation on what she was feeling now…she let it pass but not before saying 'Tu laya na? Thank U, Neev!' 1st time short of words Neev nodded in sober acknowledgement.
Neev was brought back to the present by Ayesha swearing all over again, reason? Himesh Reshammiya it was all over again on a different Fm station as well 'Bhagwan Kare es permanent zukam hojaye, Gana tho band karega'(Sorry HR Fans, yet again😕😆) Neev smiled inwardly at her childishness as she switched off the Music System all together and turned to look out of the window instead. Ayesha looked different today Neev noted, draped in the baby pink saree he had got for her, her long lost innocence shone through. She looked simple with zero make-up baring the kajal in her eyes & a dash of lip stick. She looked natural and real today… and yes, he had noticed the Mangal Sutr & the sindoor that she was sporting after so many days. With the traffic getting dense again, he concentrated back on his driving, mentally rehearsing how he would break the news to Ayesha.
Back in the Chawl.
Having completed the rituals of the Gruhapravesh, Sukruti showed Prachi around their modest home for so many years. The house could have smaller than the smallest room in their mansion, but Prachi knew this was truly a home, a warm cozy home… she could feel the moments spend by a family here, Her family now and she felt connected to the place instantly. Massi suggested that since they would be leaving soon, why doesn't Prachi make a quick dish as completing the ritual. Since it was beyond time for lunch, Prachi said she would cook up a meal itself… but there was nothing at home. Sukruti said she would make a dash to the grocery shop in their chawl and will be back in 5 mins with the minimum stuff. Massi stayed back with Prachi to get the kitchen in order to start the cooking. Milind would have gladly sat around watching Prachi move about in that house with a sense of familiarity and belonging… but he remembered something and decided to have it done before the meal is ready. No one was hungry because they had feasted on Massi's homemade sweets & savouries for the festival. He called out to Prachi saying he would be back in an hour's time. Prachi came to see him off…. Watching her hesitant about something he asked her what was bothering her. She had two things on her mind as of now and she knew Milind would agree to both, but she needed his consent for that. After waiting for her to speak up, Milind asked her 'Kya bath hai, Kya soch rahi ho?' 'Wo main soch rahi ti ki Massi humhare sath ghar mein aajaye tho…' seeing his confusion, Prachi told him about Rajesh. Milind was livid at how someone could treat his own mother like that. Prachi clamed him down saying, there is no use to ponder on that, Massi is clear that she would never go back to Rajesh's place…'Massi hamesha se aapki aur Sukruti ki Ma bankar apka kayal raka hai. Ab yeh moka humko mila hai… Ab humhe unke bache bankar wo farz pura karna hai' Milind nodded and said he will be back and speak to Massi about it.
There was still something bothering Prachi, 'Aur kuch?' he asked. 'Main soch rahi ti ki kya hum aaj yahin rehjaye?' Milind flashed a smile 'Kyun nahi' Just then Sukruti came back with the groceries and Prachi shared the news with her and a frown formed on Milind's smiling face… he was looking forward to spend a quiet day with his wife, but Prachi spoiled it by telling Sukruti the plan. Prachi had observed Milind's change of expression obviously knew what had caused that frown…she couldn't deny she felt a bit foolish herself… but as if God had answered both their prayers… Sukruti declared she has plans for the evening, She along with Soumya, Bobby & Saket had planned to go out for a Movie and a dinner after that… so she would leave after sometime… and with that the glints was back in Milind & Prachi's eyes they looked at eachother's way sharing a secret smile.
Sukruti waked past them to the kitchen and yelled from the kitchen 'Arre Bhaiya wo Pakiya & Ali apko bulrahe te' 'Haan, wahin jarahan hoon' Looked Prachi's way and she nodded 'Jaldi aahiyega… varna' 'Pata hai, Tanda Khana kilaogi' Milind finished with a gleeful smile and left her with a smile & a thought 'What would I ever have done without You, Milind'
Strange, she couldn't imagine her life without him ever, not only the Present & the Future but also the Past. It always amazed her how they had bonded with eachother and the only explanation that seemed to satisfy her was that they shared a relationship beyond time and life itself… if there was any truth in the belief 'Janamoon ka Saath' then she truly shared one with Milind and this was just continuity and would forever continue long after they had gone. Lost in the thoughts she still stood by the door with a smile on her face…when she saw a finger snap at her face, Milind it was. Aap? She quizzed. 'Kuch kehena tha tumse' with that he moved dangerously close to her and whispered into her ears 'Yun Kissi ke kayaloon mein ko kar, Khane mein Namak aur Masale mein lafda math kardena, Main tanda bhi khalunga, Jaisi bani hai khalunga… par apki saas bhi khayengi… aur unka approval chahiye na.' Taking her hand in his lovingly he said 'Bas en ungliyoon ka jadoo chala do…jaise kabhi mere pe chalaya tha' she shied away from him, taking this opportunity, Milind planted a quick kiss on her hand and said 'All the Best, Biwi! Teri pheli din hai na es kitchen mein.' Stunned by his kiss Prachi watched him, he winked at her and ran down answering Ali who was yelling out for him. Her cheeks flustered by what had just happened, she walked back to the kitchen and Massi's experienced eyes didn't miss that… she smiled … her Gunda must have been upto his badhmashi! Prachi's blush deepened when she saw Massi give her all knowing smile.
Very far from the Chawl, Neev's car pulled into the driveway of a house. He switched off the ignition of his car… turned to Ayesha 'Manzil par pohanchgaye' he said. The way he said, it sounded more profound than merely reaching the destination of their drive. Ayesha looked even more confused when Neev came to her side and opened the door and held his hand out to her. He wore a determined and a definite look of his face, Ayesha knew him enough to figure out he has never been so sure of what he was doing. Dazed, she placed her hand in his and let him take the lead because she herself couldn't figure out otherwise.
Neev walked towards the house holding Ayesha's hand. In her confused state she could make out that no one inhabited that house asyet… It was a ready made house a lot smaller than Shah Mansion, the basic renovation was going on there were a few workers who were at the job. The door was open as the renovation was under way. They entered the house and Neev looked around to see the progress and Ayesha with mere confusion trying to find clues. Finally she found her words "Neev, Kissa ka Ghar hai?" "Apna Ghar!" came Neev's firm reply.
He let go of Ayesha's hand and turned to face her. "Yeh Ghar maine karida hai. Main ab Shah Mansion mein aur nahi reh sakta. Wo ghar kabhi mere apne ghar se bhi zyada apna tha… lekin ab wo mereliye sirf ek makan banke rehgaya hai… na ghar raha, na hi wo ristey. Agar mere kismat mein ek ghar nahi hai, atleast main ek makan chata hoon… jo mera apna ho. Ayesha, main janta hoon tumne humhare shadi ko kabhi manna nahi hai, Humne kabhi ek dusare par es ristey ki zimendari ka bhoj nahi dala na hi wo haq diya hai ek dusare par. Yeh rista hamesha se bematlab ka raha hai, naam ka bhi nahi. Lekin aaj faisla hojaye Ayesha, ya to hum es rishtey ko katam karte hain, ya es ristey ko ek sachi koshish dete hain, jo humne kabhi diya hi nahi. Main nahi janta hum ek dusare ko kabhi pyar kar payenge ya nahi… haan ek dusare ko samajne ki koshish tho kar sakte hai na, ek dusare ke dost tho bansakte hain? Main tumse koi vaada nahi kar raha hoon, bas yeh yakeen de raha hoon ki es koshish ko main apna pura dil aur imaandari dunga. Faisla tumhe karna hai, Ayesha. Tumhara jo bhi faisla ho, mujhe manzoor hai. Chaho to tum mere sath es ghar mein shift hosakti ho ya phir…. Bale yeh ghar kabhi 'Humhara' na hopaye… par yeh Tumhara utna hi rahega, jitna Mera hoga."
Neev watched the words sink into Ayesha… she wore a blank expression on her face… her eyes clouded with a thin film of moisture, averting Neev's gaze… she looked around the house and said 'Mujhe yeh boring se white nahi chahiye apne living room mein…. Ese phirse paint karana padega' she turned to neev who had a broad smile on his face… 'Jo hukum mere Aaka!' he said bowing down to her.'Interior designers aarahe hain, aur tum hi decide karogi ki yeh Ghar kaisa sajega' 'Nautanki kahin ka' concluded Ayesha with a feeling immeasurable happiness in her heart. She was HOME
She looked at Neev showing her around the house with enthusiasm, she corrected herself… 'THEY WERE HOME… Finally!'
Playing in the backdrop was
Sajan ghar aana tha
Sajan ghar aaye tum
Piya mann bhana tha
Piya mann bhaaye tum
Har khushi hai ab tumhari
Mujhe de do gam
Jaaneman Jaaneman
Cricket
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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