Chapter 38: New Beginnings
PART I
Prachi came out of Alaap's room and he followed her. The small temple of their house was situated next to Alaap's room. They were standing in front of it when Alaap held her hand and she stopped.
Alaap: "Prachi…how can you be like this? Takleef nahi hoti tumhe?"
"Takleef???" Prachi said with a wry smile. "Prachi", Alaap uttered, not able to say anything to comfort his sister. He didn't know whom to blame for his sister's predicament. Was it his punishment to see his sister like this because he had ruined someone else's happiness.
Ritwik came running towards Prachi and stood by her holding her hand. Alaap bent down on his knees and looked at his child's face with remorse hitting him for the first time. What have I done to this sweet child, he thought, as he cursed himself. He raised a hand to Ritwik's cheek but he moved away from the touch and Prachi took a step in front of him. Alaap looked up to see Prachi's face hardening. He deserved that, and his eyes lowered in guilt. He got up and went back into his room. He felt like he was going to go crazy. He needed time to think things through. There was only one thing he knew for certain at this point…that his life was about to change drastically. He was about to change, or had he already? He had been one way his whole life, and to change now…the thought was scary.
Prachi stood in front of the mandir and stared at the idols. Ram and Sita were their family deity and she had prayed to them all her life. Now she stood in front of them holding Ritwik's hand. She silently prayed for strength to do the things that needed to be done. She somehow felt relieved to have been able to tell Alaap everything. She was sure he would change. He was part of her family after all. There has to be an iota of goodness in him. But she would wait until the day everyone saw and believed in that change. She looked at Ritwik who was imitating her. She knelt down and turned him to face her.
Prachi: "Munna aapko Alaap uncle achche nahi lagte?" Ritwik shook his head.
Prachi: "Aur Sukriti Anty?" He seemed thoughtful.
Ritwik: "Thooooooooda sa, lekin voh baat nahi karti" he said with an innocent query in his eyes.
Prachi: "Achcha Asha tai?". Ritwik looked shocked and Prachi laughed.
Prachi: "Aur aapke mamaji?". Ritwik replied with a grin. PL interrupted them. "Prachi, Ritwik kya Milind ko mamaji kehta hai?"
Prachi: "Nahi. Voh maamu kehta hai aur Milind gussa ho jaate hain. Kyun?" Prachi asked smiling.
PL: "Prachi!, Ritwik tumhe mummy aur Milind ko maama kahe toh kaise chalega? Ya toh voh Milind ko papa bulaaye ya tumhe maami. Varna log kya sochenge? Yeh aadat badalni hogi."
Prachi was in thoughts as she left her mother's house. She would talk to Milind about it, and a few other things.
Later in the day she remembered that she had to call Anjali and find out what exactly was going on in Turkey.
Prachi dialed the number and waited. After several rings someone picked up and Prachi heard a stranger greeting her.
Prachi: "hi can I talk to Anjali please?"
Stranger: "Sure ma'am, Please hold on one moment."
Anjali: "Hello?"
Prachi: "Hi Anju. Its me."
Anjali: "Prachi? hi. Kya hua? Is everything alright?"
Prachi: "You tell me! Whats going on with you? Since when are you living with Kavya? And why?"
Anjali: "How did you know?"
Prachi: "Answer the question" she demanded
Anjali: "Just this week. And its not the way you are thinking. Kavya is just a friend."
Prachi: "Oh 'just a friend'. Ok. I thought you met him first at my wedding. Then how are you living with 'just a friend' you have known only for a few days."
Anjali: "Prachi please, its not like that."
Prachi: "I know Anju that you make friends easily …and he is Milind's friend and Milind must trust him enough, so he must be a good guy but to move in with someone you just met a few weeks ago…zaroorat kya hai iski Anju. Why couldn't you stay in the hotel?"
Anjali: "I know how this must look to you. But you know me better than that. Kavya and I are only friends. There is nothing else going on between us. If there was, you'd be the first to know. And as for moving in with him…I had to. And I don't want to discuss that over the phone. So just relax. I am fine. Everything is fine. And don't ask me anything else. I can't tell you nor can I hide from you."
Prachi sighed. "Fine. When are you coming back? At least tell me that."
Anjali: "umm..maybe in a month or two."
Prachi: "Why so long? What are you doing there anyway? Oh wait..i am not supposed to ask."
Anjali: "Ok let that go please. Tell me how you are? And howz junior?"
Prachi: "Junior is happy and that makes me happy. We'r going to send him to school soon."
Anjali: "WoW. And you agreed to send him? He'll be away from you for hours and hours. How will you survive Prachi?" Anjali said sarcastically
Prachi: "Alright, go ahead. Make fun of me. You'll never know what I go through."
Anjali: "Achcha Maha Maate…I have to go now. I'll talk to you later. Bye."
Prachi: "Bye."
Anjali hung up the phone as the maid opened the door to Kavya.
Kavya: "You are not ready yet? Lets go we'll be late for the appointment."
Anjali: "Kavya I am ready. I was just talking to Prachi. She wanted to know why I am staying with you."
Kavya: "What did you tell her?"
Anjali: "What she needed to know. I told you this was not a good idea."
Kavya: "Don't start that again. You are just like her you know. You don't take care of yourself at all. And I am not letting you stay alone. I need to send you back home in the same shape you came in."
Anjali smiled and let Kavya help her out the door. She had hardly been in a dependent state and the way she was being a burden on Kavya was not making her feel any good. But Kavya made it feel like his right to be taking care of her and it was hers to be cared for by him. It was a strange feeling of ease that she had never felt with anyone else. What was it really between them. Was it just friendship. Didn't she want it to be more than just friendship. Yes, she did. But Kavya belonged to Anjum. He belonged to her memories. How could Anjali think of taking him away. But shouldn't he move on, be happy. And wouldn't it be just perfect if he moved on to be with her. The closeness she was enjoying between them now would all go away if she expressed her growing feelings for him. So she decided against it. But for how long. It must be evident to him, she thought. She really wasn't trying too hard to hide it.
"Uncle koi hindi gaana dalo na" she told the Indian driver once they were in the car. He turned the radio station to a channel that played Hindi songs. It was currently playing Dheere Dheere from Shourya and the two of them sat side by side not really talking but not uncomfortable either. The car went over a bump on a road causing a shooting pain in Anjali's leg. She held one arm to it and Kavya immediately yelled at the driver. His left hand instinctively held the back of her head and the other assessed her legs. "Dard ho raha hai?" he asked foolishly. She smiled at him and replied, "Nahi. Bohot achcha lag raha hai". He shook his head smiling and straightened himself on his seat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~Part II
Thankyou Rima😃
A few days later.
Ayesha: "Are you still at work? Come home already."
Neev: "Yeh I am just leaving. How are you feeling now?"
Ayesha: "I am all better. So I'll see you at home."
When Neev came home he found Ayesha waiting outside their room leaning on the railing that lined the stairs. "Looks like you are feeling better" he said looking at her smiling face. "And looks like you have my headache now" she replied seeing him making the effort to climb up the stairs. "No, I am just tired. Need some really strong tea." He replied. "Ramu Kaka.." he called out, wanting to ask for tea. Ayesha took his coat from him as he loosened the tie and entered his room. "You know what you really need…a hot shower" she said commandingly and took out his clothes for him, pushing him into the bathroom. "But I still want my tea when I get back" he insisted.
He did feel very much refreshed after the shower. He found everyone except for Alaap waiting at the table for him. "Where is Alaap" he questioned. "He didn't want dinner" Soumya replied. They all sat down for dinner and PL served them. Soumya made a face at the spinach on her plate and PL scolded her to eat it.
PL:"Soumya you need to eat more green leafy vegetables. Remember what the doctor said."
Soumya: "Fine mom but do I have to eat it everyday. It gets so boring"
PL: "ok I'll make you something else tomorrow. Eat that now."
Neev: "PL aaj kya special hai. I smell halva."
PL: "Kyun tum special din hi halva khaate ho?"
Neev: "No, just asking. Halva and I don't need to make appointments" he replied.
He quickly ate his food so he could get to the halva. But the moment he tasted the first bite of the delicious dish, his face contorted. "PL, mujhe diabetes bilkul nahi hai. Phir aapne cheeni kam kyun daali?"
PL: "Neev yeh halva maine nahi banaaya"
Neev turned to Soumya: "Soumya tum Vishaal ko aisa halva khilaati ho? Bechaara"
He saw Ayesha leaving the table abruptly and commented "Isse kya hua".
Soumya: "Jeej you really are dense."
PL: "kitna bura laga hoga usse. Itne pyaar se banaaya tha usne. Tum kisi ka dil rakhne ke liye bhi jhoot nahi bol sakte.
Neev: "Oh shit!! Ayesha made this?"
Soumya: "Yes, genius. She made it all by herself for the first time. And its only lacking a bit of sugar. You didn't have to be that mean."
PL: "Ab jaake manaa usko."
Neev: "yeh, but where did she go" Neev asked getting up.
Soumya: "I think she went towards the garden"
Neev found her sprinting across the grass and called out. She stopped in her spot and waited for him to catch up.
Neev: "Oh Ayesha plz yaar aise muh mat phulao. I know I am the biggest idiot in the world. I am sorry. It really wasn't that bad. I thought Soumya made it so I was just pulling her leg."
Ayesha: "Don't lie Neev. Mujhse ek halva bhi nahi banta." She was very upset with the outcome of her efforts. She had been so sure that he would like it.
Neev: "Come on Ayesha don't be like that. I am really sorry for being a class one duffer. It really wasn't bad. Just lacked a bit of sugar. Only because I am used to eating sweeter halva."
Ayesha: "Well I am not that sweet, so things I make are not going to be sweet either."
Neev: "Really, hmm…I'll have to see about that." A smile crept up on his face as he bent down and pecked her lips. "umm…no you taste sweet to me" he said matter-of-factly.
"Neeeeev!!" Ayesha pushed him playfully and they both laughed. "Next time you can maybe taste the food you make. I am sure it won't lack any sugar" he said hugging her and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Ab chalen?", he said separating and pulling at her hand. But she remained in her place. He looked back, "Not so fast" she said in a mischievous tone. "If you really want to make it up to me…"
Neev: "What…what do you want?"
"Come with me" she said pulling him in the opposite direction. Ayesha turned on the lights as soon as they entered the outhouse. Neev asked again, what are we doing here Ayesha? She smiled, "Just wait right here" she replied and headed to one of the inner rooms. Neev sat down on the sofa and closed his eyes, resting his head. Several minutes later he was awakened by some loud startling music.
When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more
He opened his eyes to see Ayesha changed into a black, knee high, skirt with white sequences on it and a black top. She held out her hand to him and he took it as she pulled him to get off the sofa. "Dance with me" she beamed. "Here?" he asked.
Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me
"Unless you want to bother everyone with the loud music.." she asked twirling in circles around him while he held her hand on top. "Why is the music so loud…I can't even hear you" he said. "Shhhhh..", she put her thumb on his lips and then moved it to his hips and they did a cha-cha routine as she mouthed "just sway with me.." and closed her eyes. Neev gave into the music.
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak
Ayesha opened her eyes and the happiness radiating on her face reminded him of the first time they had danced. They had come a long way since and it felt like ages ago. He was familiarizing himself to her curves again but she was in a world of her own. She couldn't stop grinning.
I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
Sway me, make me
Thrill me, hold me
Bend me, ease me
You have a way with me
Their hands remained in touch with each other as she shifted from one side of his body to the next and he twirled and turned her finally bending her in his arms. She smiled back and swayed in his arms like a branch in the wind as her hair came undone.
Sway with me
Sway (sway) (Sway)
He pulled her straight and her open hair fell on his head and covered her face and he pushed it away holding her face.
Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have that magic technique
When we sway I go weak
I go weak
She let go of him and turned away still swaying her hips and ruffling the end of her skirt. He held her waist and followed her movements. She moved her hair to one side of her shoulder and he pulled her back to his chest and planted kisses on her exposed neck while they swayed together.
I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
Make me thrill as only you know how
His hands traced her from her waist up her arms that were raised to meet in the back of his hair. The movement sent shivers all over her. She twisted her neck to look up at him and he gently kissed her waiting lips.
Sway me smooth, sway me now
Sway me
Sway me
Sway me now
She turned her full body to him and he lifted her up by the waist and she bent down and kissed him, her arms playing with his hair. They remained in the lip lock as he took her inside the room she had come out of earlier and she lifted her feet to remove the heals she was wearing.
Neev smelled the sweet fragrance of the scented candles in the room and realized that Ayesha had planned this. She was looking at him expectantly and he smiled against her lips as his hands snaked underneath her black top, backing her onto the bed. She fell on her back pulling at his shirt. "Ouch" she reacted to something that had hurt her back. "What happened" he immediately pulled back. She brought out the object that was pricking her back and smiled… "I think we need different music" she said pressing on the remote. Sach hui played in the background and he looked at her smiling face and just to make sure he asked, "Ayesha are you sure…" She hushed him with a kiss that left him breathless and she turned him on his back. "Do you need more proof" she whispered into his ears. She pulled her head back and he cupped her face and she bent down again for a perfect kiss, the kind she was waiting for. The night passed slowly as if knowing that it was an awaited night, giving them ample time to know and explore…to completely belong and to surrender their wills to each other. Finally they fell to sound sleep, Ayesha with her back to Neev fitting perfectly into his body, her head on his right arm and her fingers intertwined in his as his left hand fell over her waist.
Lyrics to Sach Hui
pyaar dekar tune di hai mujhko zindagi
tu mila hai to mile hai mujhko har khushi
tere nazar me jab se li hai panah is dil mein
tab se yun lagne lagaaa
sach hui sach hui mein sach hui
khwaab thi tere liye mein sach hui
koi khayal thi ya parchaai koi
shayaad sawaal thi mein dhundlaai koi
tune mujhse pechaana mujhse jana mujhe apna liya
mera matlab tune mujhe samjha diya
sach hui sach hui mein sach hui
khwaab thi tere liye mein sach hui
koi gila nahi abb to naseeeb se
jaana hai mene jo tujhko kareeb se
paya hai jo tujhko mene payaliya hai khushiyo ka jahan
teri nazaron ne khud ko paliya yahan
sach hui sach hui mein sach hui
khwaab thi tere liye mein sach hui
I really tried but this is the best i could do...😕
[code]Translations:
Takleef nahi hoti tumhe? Don't you feel pain (discomfort)
"Takleef???" Pain
Prachi: "Munna aapko Alaap uncle achche nahi lagte?"Munna do you like Alaap uncle
Prachi: "Aur Sukriti Anty?" and Sukrity Anty?.
Ritwik: "Thooooooooda sa, Little bit lekin voh baat nahi karti But she doesn't talk" Prachi: "Achcha Asha tai?". And Asha Tai
Prachi: "Aur aapke mamaji And your mamaji (uncle/ mother's brother)
"Prachi, Ritwik kya Milind ko mamaji kehta hai?" Prachi, does Ritwik call Milind 'maama?
Prachi: "Nahi. Voh maamu kehta hai aur Milind gussa ho jaate hain. Kyun?" No, he calls him 'maamu' and Milind gets angry. Why?
PL: "Prachi!, Ritwik tumhe mummy aur Milind ko maama kahe toh kaise chalega? PRachi how can Ritwik call Milind uncle and call you mummy. Ya toh voh Milind ko papa bulaaye ya tumhe maami. Either he should call Milind 'papa' or you 'maami' (aunt) Varna log kya sochenge? Otherwise what will people say. Yeh aadat badalni hogi. You must change his habbit."
Prachi: "I know Anju that you make friends easily …and he is Milind's friend and Milind must trust him enough, so he must be a good guy but to move in with someone you just met a few weeks ago…zaroorat kya hai iski Anju what was the need for it. Why couldn't you stay in the hotel?"
Anjali: "Achcha Maha Maate…Ok Great Mother
"Uncle koi hindi gaana dalo na" please play a hindi song.
"Dard ho raha hai?" is it hurting?
"Nahi. Bohot achcha lag raha hai". No it feels very nice.
Part II
Neev: "PL aaj kya special hai. I smell halva." PL whats so special today?
PL: "Kyun tum special din hi halva khaate ho?" Why you only eat halva on special days?
"PL, mujhe diabetes bilkul nahi hai.PL I don't have diabetes Phir aapne cheeni kam kyun daali?" They why did you not put enough sugar?
PL: "Neev yeh halva maine nahi banaaya" Neev I didn't make this halva
Neev turned to Soumya: "Soumya tum Vishaal ko aisa halva khilaati ho? Soumya you make such Halva for Vishal Bechaara poor guy"
"Isse kya hua". What happened to her?
PL: "kitna bura laga hoga usse. She must have felt so bad Itne pyaar se banaaya tha usne. She made it with so much love Tum kisi ka dil rakhne ke liye bhi jhoot nahi bol sakte. Can't you just lie to not break someone's heart
PL: "Ab jaake manaa usko." Now go appease her
Neev: "Oh Ayesha plz yaar aise muh mat phulao. Now don't make that face.
Ayesha: Mujhse ek halva bhi nahi banta." I can't even make a damn halva
Ab chalen?" shall we go?
[/code]
JC
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