Hi!
So I just want to say I'm really over whelmed by all the really encouraging comments you have all
Posted. I have tried to answer each one but apparently
I can only post 10 times a day! This is all new to me, but this has meant I haven't replied to everyone so I am sorry for this. I have written the next chapter so
Without further ado here is chapter 3 - I hope you all enjoy it
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Chapter 3
It was late when everyone had left. Pragya had attended to everyone. She made sure dadi had her medicines, bunty and bubli had their milk and fruit before bed. She had purposely kept out of Abhis way. She knew she had to face him sooner or later. She had just about worked out what she would say to him. She had gone over it in her mind every spare second she got. Now that all the wedding functions would take place tomorrow, and the wedding itself the day after, she did not want to delay her staying in this house any longer. She knew if she did it would make it all the harder for her to leave. She was finishing up in the kitchen when she heard tanu coming her way. Pragya did not want a confrontation. Not because she couldn't handle Tanu, but as the woman that her husband prefers to her, it is natural for Pragya to want to claw her eyes out.
" ap ko ghar nahi jana hai..?" Pragya asked sarcastically
Tanu seethed
"Oh shut up, tum Kon ho mujhe kehne ki? Kuch dino ki bat hai, phir yeh ghar mere hongi"
"Hongi, Lekin abhi to nahi hai na?" She retorted back.
Pragya was about to walk away when she heard Tanu speak.
"Abhi, tum agaye, kaha Te tum, me tumse kitna miss kiya"
And just like that she shamelessly started kissing his cheek. Abhi new she was doing this to make Pragya jealous. Pragya who didn't turn around continued to walk towards the stairs, up them, into their room and straight in the bathroom. She closed the door and bolted it shut.
Abhi looked helplessly as she walked away from him again. He did not want her to cry like she had last night. He had been looking for her once everyone had left so he could apologise about what she heard yesterday. But aliyah was being very demanding as was Tanu. The more and more time went on, the more he was beginning to get annoyed with Tanu's ways. Today she scolded dadi when dadi had asked her to wear something less revealing and respectable for the wedding. Daadi had deflected this comment herself, but Abhi was starting to wonder if she really was the daughter in law for his dadi.
"Chordo Tanu, yeh Sab Kya hai? Dadi ne dekh liya to?"
"Oh come on abhi, dadi ko ye baat jaldse pata honewali hai, to she should get used to it na?"
Abhi couldn't believe how Tanu was behaving. What had gotten into her.
"Please Tanu me is waqt yeh Sab ke bare me nahi baat karna chaata hoon"
Before she could respond he walked away from her following Pragya to their room. Once he had gotten there he realised she wasn't there. It had been two days since he had had a proper conversation with her and he was missing it. He missed their on going banter and teasing of one another. He missed those precious smiles she bestowed on him when she was surprised at something nice he has done. He stepped on the balcony taking in the cool night air. He thought about what he would say to her when he came face to face with her. He turned to go back into his room and noticed the washroom door was closed, and her night clothes were on the bed stand. Abhi being the rockstar he was seized this
opportunity like no other... He braced himself, walked over to the bed stand, gathered her clothes and tapped lightly on the washroom door.
"Fuggy... Tum andar ho?... Tumara sone ki kapde to yaha hai"
Inside Pragya froze when she heard him knock on the door. She was in such a hurry to keep herself detached and composed, picking up a change of clothes completely escaped her mind. She panicked.
"Tumara haath Bahar kardo me tumse dedu"
She took a deep breath, opened the door slightly, outstretched her arm and grabbed her clothes. She made sure she was stood directly behind the door so he could see nothing. But he brushed her hand as she felt for her clothes and it felt like an electric shock. She quickly took them from him and closed the door.
Abhi looked at the door... He put his palm carefully in the middle of the door as though about to touch her and then withdrew it,he turned around and started walking towards the bed when he heard
"Suniye... " quietly through the door
"Thank you"
Abhi couldn't help but smile. She was so cute. He loved the fact she was so shy and virtuous. He made his way to his bed and sat on there with his guitar. It had been so many days since he had held his most beloved possession in his hands, and while Abhi sat and contemplated what he was going to say to Pragya, he strummed a light melody.
Pragya stood in the bathroom changed and ready into her nightwear. This was it. She was going to tell Abhi that she would talk to dadi about them breaking up, and that she would not stand in his way of happiness with Tanu. Pragya looked at herself in the mirror. She hardly recognised herself. When she came into this house she was a strong willed, hopeful girl with dreams of a simple life and a loving husband. She would not accept that today stood a broken women. Yesterday a broken woman stood in her place, but today Pragya looked at a new version of herself. A version that was toughened from life's lessons, one that understood that not everything shiny in life was made from gold.
She made her way into the bedroom to find him playing his guitar. It was one of the rare times he looked completely carefree. She never liked his lyrics as such, but even Pragya could appreciate the talent Abhi possessed musically. She allowed herself for one moment to be proud and admire her husband. He had his eyes closed, gently brushing the strings and boucing his head rhythmically to a playful gentle tune. His image there brought a smile to her face. He was lost in his world of music and Pragya was lucky enough to see the master in action. A million girls would kill to be able to witness what she could see and that thought gave her some comfort.
Abhi had not realised when she had walked back into the room. He had his eyes closed strumming a new melody. He was lost in thoughts of love, meadows, glasses and lord knows what else. For the first time since he had come to know about her love for him he embraced it instead of questioning it and allowed that to resonate through his music. Abhi couldn't admit it to himself but it felt good. The idea of her loving him. It felt nice. Just then Abhi noticed Pragya staring at him. He slowly took his guitar strap from around him and placed it back on it's stand. All the while his eyes never leaving Pragyas. Today those eyes of hers were telling him something else. They looked sad but determined. Slowly as if hunter not wanting to scare of it's prey, Abhi rubbed the bed as an invitation for her to sit down. It didn't register as to what he was doing, but suddenly she realised he was gesturing for her to take a seat beside him. Slowly as though not to make any sudden movements in front of the hunter, she edged her way to the side of the bed and sat down.
Abhi inhaled sharply and began.
"Dekhiye... Muje kuch der se apse kuch bat karni hai... Kal tumne jo suna... Uski liye I'm really sorry Fuggy"
Pragya was taken back. He was apologising? And he seemed actually sorry about it.
"Kis bat ko ap mujhse maafi mang rehe ho? Muje bewakoof banae ke liye ? Aur shaayad is bat ki ke ap mujhse joot bola tha?"
Pragya didn't know where that came from. She knew perhaps she had said it with a sharp tongue, but she did not regret it. After all she wasn't a bimbo and she preferred it that Abhi realised she did not accept being treated in that way.
"I know tum mujhse naraz ho Fuggy, Lekin us waqt me daar Gaya tha aur shaayad muje tumse tab kehne chaiye Lekin kehe nahi paya" he looked distressed but genuine.
"Please Fuggy us din mujhse bohat galti hui thi, ho sakta hai to please ap mujhe maf kardo.
Pragya could see that he sincerely was sorry. And as much as she wanted to stay annoyed at him, She couldn't because his heart really was a kind one and she could just imagine the situation on the day of lori to make him lie to her. She did not condone his actions, but to a certain extent, she did understand them.
"Dekho apko maafi mangne se koy zaroorat nahi hai, me janti hu ap ne ye Sab jan buch se nahi kiya hai, Lekin ap ne mera dil dukhaya hai. Muje is bat se bure lage ke apko lage ke me vo bat kehnike laiyak nahi thi"
"Essa kuch nahi ta Fuggy, muje tumahara dil se chot nahi paunchana chaata tha"
"Lekin hua to essi hai na?"
Pragya looked down and then away from Abhi and stayed silent, letting the last sentence echo in his mind. Abhi looked at her again. She looked away as she said it. That stinging pain came to taunt him again. Which ever way this went, she was definitely going to be the one that got hurt. He would happily stayed married to Pragya under different circumstances, but he had promised himself to Tanu, afterall she had her heart set on marrying him and she was a nice girl, she had never wronged him. He hoped Fuggy would understand this. Abhi didn't know what to say. She had such a big heart, even though he hurt her she didn't hold a grudge against him. If anything what she said next came as such a surprise to Abhi it left him speechless.
"Suniye... Me ne faisla kiya hai, me dadi ko hamari shaadi ke bare bataungi."
Abhi looked at her as though she had gone mad. What was she saying?
"Please apko muje bolne dije aur ap
Suno meri baat se"
Abhi looked at her and gestured her to go on.
"Dekhiye me janti hu ke ap
Mujhse pyaar nahi Karte, ap ki liye sirf Tanu hai, aur main nahi chaati ke meri wajase ap apne pyaar se door rahe. Aur hum is shaadi ke bare me kab tak joot bolenge?"
"Is liye Maine socha me dadi se bat karungi. Me dadi ko samjavungi ke hum dono ne koshish kiye Lekin kuch cheezo hamare haath se nikaljata hai"
Abhi didn't know how to respond. What was she saying? She would gracefully step aside for Tanu.For the last two days he had been in such a state wondering how on earth he would handle Tanu, dadi and Tanu's parents regarding this entire situation. Most of all he wondered how he would break this to Pragya and what would she say? And here Fuggy was, telling him she would handle one half of the situation. He should have been grateful, but somehow he was angry at her.
"Tum pagal hogayi ho Fuggy? Hum
Dadi se yeh Sab kese batounge"
"Meine kab hum kaha? Meine dadi se akele me baat karungi, vo meri baat sunthi hai, kam se kam apse to nahi naraz hongi"
" yeh tum Kya kerahi ho Fuggy"
Pragya didn't understand. Abhi should have been relieved. She was handing him everything on a plate and he was still arguing with her. She was utterly confused. Why was he arguing with her solution? He wanted to be with Tanu, and here she was giving him the perfect opportunity to set things straight.
Abhi was confused, furious, anxious and god only knows what other feelings. Why? Why did she have to be this bloody amazing. Here he was thinking he had to sort through this mess and as ever like a solid brick wall she was there in his corner, defending him till the final second. Part of him wanted to strangle Pragya and make her be unbearable so that at least Abhi could feel he was being punished for his deeds. But here she was taking all the responsibility of breaking this to his dadi on her own head. He had to admire her. She was one strong woman. How was she dealing with all of this? Abhi rubbed his temples with his fingers and closed his eyes. This was all too much for him. He literally did not understand. Why was he not happy? He would finally get to be with Tanu. She was going to speak to dadi, if anyone could make dadi see it his way, it was Fuggy. So why then was he feeling anxious? Surely he was just nervous because he didn't know how dadi would react. Yes that was it. It categorically had nothing to do with the fact that once she spoke to dadi it meant the her days as his wife were numbered.
He looked at her again. She was sat on her side of the bed forward facing but her face was turned towards him her eyes flitting up and down trying hard to not look at him for too long. The gravity of this thought hit him. She would be leaving him forever. Abhi was capable of many things, but in matters of the heart he was just as inexperienced as Pragya. Abhi preferred to be blissfully oblivious and held to the fact that he could deal with Pragya leaving when it actually happened. Once she spoke with his dadi he was sure his family would create some drama and it would be at least a few weeks before she would actually leave.
She sat there trying not to look directly at him for few moments. She could have sworn she saw an inkling of disappointment and anxiety when she had said she would speak to dadi. As if this had come as a shock to him. Pragya thought her heart was playing tricks on her to try and see things that were not there. Humanity and Guilt. Those two reared their ugly heads again and put Pragyas heart in it's place. She looked down again with an expressionless face and said
"Dekhiye..."
He was still looking at her intently she wanted to tell him that she planned to speak to dadi tomorrow. But somehow she couldn't bring herself to tell him. She knew he would worry about dadi's reaction, and with him taking on the responsibility of Bulbuls wedding, she didn't want to add that to his worries. She would tell him after she had done it.
"...app please tension mat liye, mene apse pehle bhi kaha hai, muje apse koi umid nahi hai"
She said this softly so that there was no double meaning in her voice. She really did not expect anything from him, least of all a forced sense of duty towards her. He still did not answer her but she put this down to the fact that he had not expected her to come out with what she did.
Not wanting to linger on such thoughts any longer she stood up from the bed and made her way to the cupboard where her bedding was kept She had her back towards Abhi when she heard him say.
" Thank you Fuggy. I know tumne meri liya Kya Kya nahi kiya hai? Aur mene tumne kitna dard diya hai" he shook his head as he said this. He really did feel disgusted when he thought back to how he had once treated this amazing woman. The thought made Abhi feel a little sick.
She continued to handle her bedding.
"Ha, yeh bat sach hai, ke apne mujhe dard diya hai, Lekin apko kisne kaha sirf dard diya hai? Apka pyaara parivaar, apki dosti diye hai, mujhe Kya patha tha ke mere Naseeb me likha tha ke me Ek rockstar ki biwi banu gi, kam se kam uski dost rahungi"
Abhis heart felt instantly lighter. She was an outstanding human being. He still felt upset at himself for judging her before he had gotten to know her. But he of all people was happy that their relationship really had reached calm shores. He was so happy in that moment. She considered him her friend. Somehow she knew what to say to make him feel better. He genuinely smiled for the first time in ages. He laughed and she smiled at this
"Oh Fuggy, tumne kaunse kaha hum dost rahenge"?
Pragya's eyes widened at his dig, and she threw her pillow at him, which made Abhi giggle further.
"I'm just joking yaar, Fuggy tum meri life se sabse achi dost ho"
Pragya felt happy. At least if they couldn't be husband and wife, in time they could learn to be friends and she appreciated his words.
She continued to put together her sofa bed
"Yeh tum Kya karehi ho...?"
"Me sofa aur kambal ki platform bana rehe hu, aur mera concert ki tyaare kare hu" she said with a pout pretending to still be annoyed at him
Abhi had made himself comfortable on the bed at this point laying with his head rested on his bent arm. He laughed at her childish antics.
"Mera matlab itni honse baad, ap yaha bed par so jaona, akhir kuch dino ki baat hai..."
His trailed off smiling as he said it. She looked over slightly surprised at his very blatant gesture. She thought about it for a moment, put the bedding back in the cupboard and a slowly edged her way to the bed and got in.
"Me tum ko kha tori na jao,tum itne daari hue kyu dekhti ho"
Kuch nahi... Wo hamara pillow wall?"
Abhi laughed, he started to arranged four pillows neatly between them. She smiled as he did this. Secretly he did feel a pang of disappointment
"Damn that pillow wall..."
He didn't really know why he was so put out by that barrier. Who was he kidding? He knew it was because he wanted to sleep with her they way he did last night. He had such a restful night and today his burden had lessened so he anticipated he would only sleep better! He had never ever felt this urge with Tanu. Even after the times they had been intimate with one another, they never cuddled or lay in each other's arms afterwards. She was a messy sleeper and preferred her space. But Pragya, she was like having a security blanket. Always ensuring you got a good nights sleep. Still he knew it was not fair on her. He didn't want to make this harder for her. He wanted to be close to with her and Abhi argued with himself it was purely a friendship thing, but he didn't want to create any extra turmoil for her. Especially when he couldn't even begin to imagine what she must be feeling. After he finished arranging the pillow wall, he lay back down on the bed turned his head towards her.
"Abh kush...?"
She gave him a coy smile and nodded her head. Secretly she couldn't contain her heart at all, it was like there was a gala with fireworks and an orchestra homing in her chest. She was so incredibly happy. She allowed herself to appreciate this and enjoy it. After all these memories were all she would have once this all ended. But she put that to one side of her mind, slid down in the bed and closed her eyes. She had not realised how tired she was until she had gotten into bed. She turned so that she was facing Abhi. She opened her eyes slowly but closed them immediately. Over the top of the pillow she could see Abhi facing towards her looking at her with an intent gaze. She squeezed her eyes shut. She felt embarrassed that he had caught her trying to steal a glance at him. He didn't feel the same way and it made her cringe to think that maybe he thought of her as one of his crazy fans, but even Pragya couldn't takeaway from herself the fact that she was in fact his wife, of course she would be a crazy fan. She suppressed a smile at this thought conscious she was still facing Abhi. The next moment she felt someone's hands moving the hair by her ears and pulling off her specs. Her eyes flew open.
"Fuggy tum bhi na, koy sone ke waqt chashme perthe hai Kya?"
He reached over and put them
On her bed stand. She closed her eyes again not saying anything.
"Dhak dhak" she could hear her own heart thumping against her chest. She took a breath and heard abhi chuckle.
"Pagal..."
It was the last thing she heard before she fell asleep.
Abhi heard her breathing even, he knew now she was asleep, he moved so he was fully facing her. There faces were separated only by a pillow. He continued to stare at her face memorising all of it's features and like that he drifted off into sleep.
The next morning the Mehra house was full of life,colour and commotion. The haldi would be taking place after lunch and then the evening would be mehendi and games. Both sides bride and groom would complete the haldi ceremony together. Yesterday when discussions had taken place the elders had been convinced to complete the ceremonies together. Afterall this was a new age, and such formalities should be left behind. It would be fun to have the entire house alive with family and friends there together to celebrate the union of those two families, and why not start as they mean to go on, together.
It was 7am in the morning, and Pragya had risen bright and early to busy herself in today's preparations. She had woken up,showered and dressed quickly. She had done her morning puja asking god to make the days event go well and to bless Bulbul and Purab. She made her way out of the room quietly so not to disturb him while he slept. She stole a glance and saw him sleeping on his front, hair messy and arms out stretched. He looked... Pragya couldn't even describe it to herself. She never saw any man in the way she saw Abhi, it was strange to her to feel desire? She didn't even know how that would feel. All she knew is the feeling was concentrated in her whole body the thought of him filled her with a need. A desperate need to be held like she had been yesterday morning.
"Ba's ki je Pragya,bohot shauk hai na ap ne ap se torture Karne ki liye"
Pragya scolded herself for her scandalous thoughts and swiftly exited the room. She went straight downstairs to find most of the ladies of the house already awake. Dasi was commanding and supervising the decorating of the hall, while dadi was sat having robin make a list of all the small tasks that would need to be completed throughout the day. Her mother had already arrived and was busy helping her mamma and Puneet transport things back and forth from the kitchen. Utensils, groceries, pots and pans! The house was like a cattle market. Pragya decided to start with the preparations for the haldi. She took
dadis advise on what to do and made her way over to the Mandir room. The haldi had already arrived this morning, and Pragya started to prepare it into a paste. It brought memories back from her own ceremony. How lucky bulbul and purab were, they would get to apply haldi to one another before they got married. She smiled at the romantic thought. The happy atmosphere was the stark opposite of what her heart felt. She had a big task ahead of her today and the the thought and gravity of it shuddered her bones. She could not think about that though at this minute. Today was Bulbuls day and she didn't want to be distracted by her own heartache. No today she would enjoy the fact her little sister was to marry the love of her life. Bulbul had sacrificed a lot along her path and finally by tomorrow she will be united with her love in a way she will always be with him. Pragya really wasn't a selfish person. She truly was happy for her little sister. Her heart felt a deep pang for her other little sister
Though. The one that was currently estranged from her family on accounts of kidnapping her and her husband. Pragya knew she needed to sort this out too. But again that was a task for another day. She returned her concentration back to the haldi at hand...
Meanwhile upstairs, a rock star stirred. It took a moment for his bleary eyes to register he was alone in the room. Today was the first part
of the wedding and Abhi needed to be fully engaged in this. He decided he would talk to Fuggy after the wedding about what she would say to dadi. Today and tomorrow he wanted to be there for his friend who had always had his back. Finally Purab, after the roller coaster ride that was the last year, would be united with his love and this thought relieved him. He decided not to delay getting up any longer, fearful his dadi would pull his ears, he got our of bed and went over to the bathroom.
As soon as he closed the door. Another one had opened. Pragya had come to check if her husband had managed to wake himself up. She went into the room and quickly established that he was showering so took the opportunity to make the bed, straighten out the pillows and leave his coffee on the side. Pragya did all this in record timing and made her way out of the bedroom and back downstairs to busy herself amongst preparations again.
Abhi was in the bathroom still. There was nothing like a hot shower to wash away the tension of yesterday. Abhi was happy he and Pragya had
gone to sleep on a light funny note. He had really missed this about their time together and he knew it was something he would miss when she was gone. He got out of the shower wrapped a towel around himself and made way into his closet to get his clothes. When he came into his room again, he noticed the bed had been done, and there was a steaming hot mug of coffee on his bed stand. He smiled... What was he going to do when she left? Tanu had never made Abhi a mug of coffee in her life, but then again there were a lot of other things that were different about Pragya to Tanu. Even still, Tanu had other redeeming qualities that Abhi was attracted to. Right? He decided not to give way to his thoughts right now, got dressed and went downstairs.
He stood like a king at the top of his castle, over looking his kingdom. The house had been beautifully decorated. Orange and pink flowers
adorned the stairwell rails all the way the way down. They were intertwined with golden ribbon and soft white fairy lights. The already glamorous chandelier had been crafted with leaves and flowers intricately to resemble a giant glowing hanging basket. The hall way had been cleared of furniture and in the middle lay two slightly raised seats, made of wood and lain with cushions that had been decorated to match the surroundings. There were an assortment of things that would be needed throughout the ceremony thoughtfully arranged in front of them.
There she was with his back to him, placing two large trays of yellow paste on the floor beside the whole set up. He thought of the coffee she had left him this morning and his body filled with a warm sunshine like feeling. His feet started to walk down the stairs towards her. He glided almost slowly, not really noticing any of the other ruckus going on around him. She was the only thing in his sight... He continued to walk towards her on complete auto pilot and before he knew it he was stood directly behind her.
Pragya was having a busy morning. She had prepared the haldi, and everything else needed to go with the ceremony. Then she made breakfast for the whole family while they ordered the staff around regarding the decoration. Pragya then took over the organising of all the decor and personally took care of all the small details. She had finished putting the haldi in place for the ceremony later and stood up to go to dadi. She turned around shocked to see Abhi stood directly behind her. He looked really peculiar with a smile on his face. A face Pragya had to say she had never seen him with before
"Unko Kya hogaya" she thought. He looked kind of goofy. She made a weird face at him and raised her eyebrows and a gestured a silent "Kya?"
He let out a small laugh.
"Apko ko bhi good morning Fuggy"
"Kya.."
"Kya? Kya?, tum bhi na Fuggy me yaha apko good morning kehne Aya hoon aur tum..." He was putting on that childish complaining voice on. Throwing theatrics with his arms. he hadn't actually known what he was doing walking up to her like that and "good morning" was definitely a spur of the moment response rather than a planned one.
"Apko kuch chaiye Kya?"
"Kya?!?"
But Before they could continue their playful argument, they were interrupted. Unknown to both Abhi and Pragya, someone was silently watching this scene in the shadows, seething at what she could see in front of her. Tanu was jealous person. If Abhi was THE rockstar, She was THE supermodel and they belonged together. They were from a world of fame and fortune, and in their world rockstars didn't marry professors. She had to hand it to her bespectacled nemesis, she really had woven some magic on her lover. She had witnessed a change in Abhi, he was much more preoccupied in other nonsense now. Family, extended family, ethics. He used to be a man that she planned to rule the world with. And he understood her principles as she did his. But lately Tanu was fighting a loosing battle holding on to that Abhi. She couldn't understand the fact that he had changed. In any other situation and if Tanu was a selfless person she would have walked away but she was not. She needed Abhi, she needed the life, name and relationship they had promised one another. She could change him back to the way he was after they were married. But right now she was scared that this chashmish may actually beat her and claim her prized trophy. She cursed the day she let Aliyah talk her into allowing Abhi to marry some other woman. It was time to get her man and her life back. And no one was going to stop her she would cross any line to ensure her name was attached to Abhis famous and rich one. After all, all was fair in love and war. She stormed over to Abhi from out of the shadows and grabbed one of his flailing arms.
" Abhi, tum yaha me ap ko kabse dund rahi ho" she spoke directly, softly and seductively to Abhi feeling his arm and completely ignoring Pragya.
For the first time in his life Abhi's heart sank seeing Tanu there. He knew she took every opportunity to taunt Pragya with their relationship and her first claim on him. He could
Understand why Tanu felt threatened by Pragya but in all honesty she had no reason to feel so and Now she had even less reason to do so. Pragya knew and fully understood the situation regarding Tanu and she was willing to walk away.
Abhi looked at Pragya who was looking away from them. Her body was now turned to face away from
them both arms folded with a kind of scowl on her face. Abhi felt guilty for even he knew She may be understanding but anyone in her position would struggle seeing someone they loved in someone else's arms.
He turned his head to Tanu, forced
a smile and answered
"Kya hua Tanu.."
Abhi reeled in his anger. It wasn't her fault either he thought. She had given him everything he wanted from her. She was the trophy on his arm, independent, capable and most of all Tanu had given herself to him. He couldn't ignore the promise he had made her all those years ago.
"Kuch nahi, meine apko miss kiya tha. I can't wait Abhi..." She was cut off when dadi came walking over. Abhi removed her arm from his.
She glared at Tanu for a second then ignored her presence.
"Abhi tum ooth gaye, ja kar nashta kije, bahu ne tumare liye Khanna rakha hai, phir mere pas aja me
Tumse kam doongi" she gestured Abhi and started walking him towards the kitchen.
"Par dadi..."
"Par kuch nahi, ja beta aj bohat kam hai aur thodi der me mehman aur purab ka parivaar bi aajai ga"
"Daadi please ap tension mat li jiye, hum Sab hai na..."
"Ha beta me janti hoon, lekin abhi Andy bhi Aya hai yaha, Sab ki liye kapde la kar, aur sirf tum aur Pragya bakhi hai"
"Dadi uski koy zaroorat nahi, mere pas hai na..."
"Tum chup kar aur mere saath chal" she left Abhis arm and grabbed hold of Pragyas and started dragging her in the opposite direction towards Andy.
"Nahi dadi aur bi kaam hai..." Pragya protested trying to make dadi see. But there wasn't much point in this, dadi wouldn't listen.
Tanu stood there seething. When she ruled this house, there would
Be no more of this. His dadi would
Respect her, and those god awful
Daasis would be shipped back to Ludhiana as soon as possible. She huffed and went upstairs to find Aliyah.
Abhi walked into the kitchen. There were many bodies busy with preparations for the events of today and tomorrow. On one side Pragya mamma was chopping an array of vegetables ready to be cooked into some delicious curry. Robin was busy carrying out instructions given to him one after the other. Puneet was bent down next to a giant frying pan frying hundreds of samosas on a mobile gas cooker. Sarla ma was amongst them,in her element preparing mithai along the counter all the while seeing to the smooth running of other operations in the kitchen
"Ap unse undar le kar janna... Sambal se" she was instructing robin when she saw her son in law stood by the counter
"Beta ji, app, kaise ho, Kya chaiye apko muje Batana, me liyate hoon tumare liye..."
"Namaste mummy ji, theek hoon me, kaise hai app? Ap yaha Kya kare ho? Yaha itne sare log hai kam kar ne ki liye app aur dadi kyu tension laye Te ho?"
" are betaji apne itne jo kiye hai hamare liye..."
"Ap please mujhe sharminda mat ki jiye. Apka beta hoon, itna me nahi karsakta hoon."
Sarla ma being the emotional wreck she always was couldn't help the tears that had formed. She was so lucky Pragya had found such a caring thoughtful husband. She prayed to god that he always kept her daughter happy. She wiped her eyes and smiled.
"Acha theek hai, betaji lekin bataaya to Zaroor Kya chaiye apko?"
"Dadi ne mujhe yaha mera nashta lene ki liye bheje hai"
he started looking for his breakfast around the carnage that was currently his kitchen. His mother in law put down the spatula she was using and walked over to the top of the microwave. She picked up the plate covered with tin foil and walked back over to Abhi
"Ye li jiye, Pragya ne apki liye vaha rakha tha, pointing towards the microwave"
Abhi smiled in gratitude at Sarla ma grabbed the plate and headed to warm it up.
***
Elsewhere In the Arora household a nervous bride to be sat in her bedroom in front of her mirror. Bulbul
looked at her appearance. She was a carefree girl, one with a strong will and determined outset. But even Bulbul had seen hardships befall the best of people In her life and recently it had made her question everything she knew. After her conversation with her Di yesterday, she had become increasingly worried her sister was up to something. She knew her sister well, and could always coax and bully Pragya sweetly into giving into her but yesterday Pragya was different. She seemed like she had aged in wisdom and had set her mind on something she wasn't sharing with Bulbul. She tried to speak to Purab yesterday and explained that something felt off with di. he had promised to speak Abhi to find out what was going on. They didn't get chance to talk much as there wedding was now coming together quickly. She and Purab where busy with their respective families. She had begun to apply her make up with these thoughts when her phone rang.
"Purab ap! Kisi ko itne der lagti hai Kya phone kar ne me? Jab hamari shaadi hogi tab esa bilkul nahi chalenga varna...
"Varna kya...? His teasing voice made her laugh.
"Vaise bhi do dino ki bat hai, phir phone ki Kya zaroorat, me tum hare samne rahunga"
"Oofo purab tum bi kitne filmy ho" she chuckled. She really loved Purab, he had proven to her time and time again he would stand by her against all hardships in life.
"Acha suno, apko jeeju se bath hui?"
"Nahi bulbul, nahi hui hai, me aj karlunga" bulbul fiddled with her ring on her hand.
"Muje dar lagta hai, I hope di kuch decision na le, me janti hu jeeju unse pyaar Karte hai, aur unse lar na hoga unke pyaar ke liye"
"Me janta hu bulbul Lekin Abhi ko
Bi pata chalne chaiye ke vo
Pragya Di se pyaar Karte hai... Dekho hum baad me bat Karte hai, muje janna hai, chachi bolare hai"
"Theek hai...rakh dehte hoon, bye"
She put the phone down. And started back with her make up and hair. She had to be ready for her haldi ceremony which would take place at the Mehra house. She was excited to be getting married, somehow though she couldn't help feel sad towards her sisters situation. Whatever happens she wanted to help her sister. Help her claim her love. Bulbul knew she had promised her di she would not do
Or say anything. Luckily for Bulbul Pragya had not coaxed the same promise out of Purab, whatever meddling that was to be done, she would have to execute through Purab in order to keep her promise.
Bulbul giggled at her own cunningness and Purab. Whatever was to happen, Bulbul would
Not allow her big sister to endure anything alone if that meant searching for loopholes In her promise to Di, then so be it.
Back at the Mehra household dadi was fully taking charge of what Pragya was to wear. dadi knew her daughter in law was one with simple tastes. But she was a rockstars wife and her sister was going to be married she wanted Pragya to look the part. She had made her try on several different sarees and suits tasking her with choosing three. One for each the ceremonies today and one for the wedding tomorrow. Pragya hated choosing clothes. She had picked three simple
Suits but dadi was not happy.
"Bohat saadi hai na beta, app kuch aur Dekhiye na"
"Don't worry dadi ji me hoon na, me Pragya darling ko tip top sajav doonga, rockstar ki Kya, raja ki biwi dekhe gi" a voice came out from amongst the racks of various anarkalis and sarees.
Andy was a colourful character, eccentric and flamboyant in nature. But he was a kind soul. He particularly liked Pragya, she was grounded and witty. She wasn't like the airheads he was used to dealing with. Pragya had substance and he loved that about her.
" Me kuch nahi sune ga, ja kar tum ye pehen kar avo muje dekhna hai..."
Pragya begrudgingly took the pale pinky peach saree. It was beautiful. It was embroidered with stones and pale gold and silver detailing. The fabric was shimmery like water. She did like this and asked if she could wear this one for the wedding. Andy smiled
"Off course darling... Par ab tum Kya perhengi?
He rummaged through all the clothes. He found a dark green and silver chiffon saree.
"This one..." He said enthusiastically, throwing the saree in her direction.
"Is me tum mind blowing lag ne wali ho!"
Dadi looked up from pile of
Sarees she was fishing through to see which one he was referring to.
"Ha bahu, yeh wala acha hai, ja pehen kar aja, aur vo wale side me rakhna Andy, kale ki liye"
Pragya went upstairs to her room to put on the dark green saree. It was light in fabric with chiffon with panels of dark green velvet in the hem. This was decorated with soft floral silver embroidery and beading. The blouse was very revealing and not in the usual style she wore. It had practically no back, with only one flimsy dori at the bottom of blouse the back was cut out deeply. Laced with tiny silver beads at the back around the piping, and the front was simple In a princess cut. The blouse was completed with delicate green lace long sleeves. She was feeling apprehensive about wearing this. But she knew she wouldn't get away with not wearing it. She looked at the time, she was getting late. Soon the guests would be arriving and she needed to be downstairs to help with the rest of the preparations. She hurriedly draped the luxurious saree around her. She had to admit, she did feel like royalty in it. The fabric felt so nice against her skin. She arranged her hair into a messy side fishtail platt and kept her make up simple. When she looked at herself in the mirror. Pragya hardly recognised herself. There she was looking like she actually could be the wife of a rockstar. She put her glasses on and completed her look.
"Abh teacher jessi hi lagti hoon" she laughed at herself.
She decided she was done, sprayed a final spritz of perfume and left to join the rest of the family.
Abhi was in the drawing room with dadi discussing the style of his sherwani with Andy. Abhi unlike Pragya was very fashion conscious and love getting dressed up for any occasion. He was disregarding various creations Andy was suggesting for him not finding anything suitable to wear.
"Nahi yaar...I'm a rockstar, kuch rockin to batao..."
His eyes suddenly fell on a dark green sherwani with an uneven collar. Andy noticed him eyeing the green piece and mischievously encouraged Abhi towards it.
"Abhi darling, tum is me fabulous dekh honga". He ushered Abhi behind the makeshift dressing screen to try it on. Abhi obliged and changed into it and a pair of dark trousers and admired himself in the mirror.
"Not bad Andy... Muje yeh wala pasand hai..."
"I thought so..." Andy said triumphantly.
"Aur Dekho apni gorgeous wife bi ah Gaye...tum dono green colour me kitne cute dekhte ho"
Andy laughed wickedly looking over at dadi. She had cottoned on to what he had done and smiled at him approvingly.
Abhi peered his head from behind the dress screen. There she stood, his wife. She was quite a vision in green. The first thing he noticed was how flimsy the material was. The material clung to her curves like water to skin. The stark colour displayed a beautiful contrast against her pale complexion.
She looked divine. Somewhere in Abhis heart and stomach. Something stirred. That blouse left very little to the imagination and right now Abhis imagination was on over drive. He could see each of her curves through the almost translucent fabric. Her hair was brushed to one side in a platt revealing that delicious swan like neck. If she hadn't have been wearing her glasses, he could have easily mistaken her for some
Hot shot supermodel. She really did look amazing in that saree, it was making him think about her body in ways he hadn't before. He imagined how good that saree would look on his bedroom Floor...
"what?!?"
Abhi was shocked at his own scandalous thoughts. This was chashmish. How could he possibly be thinking of her in that way. He didn't know and right now he didn't care. He couldn't take his hooded eyes off her.
If Pragya wasn't uncomfortable wearing this saree before, she certainly was now. She had come into the drawing room to speak to dadi about the guests only to find Abhi in there trying on a sherwani the same colour as her saree! If that wasn't enough, he was now looking at her in a way that unnerved Pragya to the core. She felt conscious that his eyes were on her and tried to adjust the saree so that it covered her more, but with such material this was an impossible task. She stood there for what felt an eternity.
"Pragya beta, tum kitni khoobsurat dekhti ho..." Dadi praised her
"Bas tuje kissi ka nazar na lag jaye" she said while waving her hands around Pragyas head warding off
Any evil eyes.
Abhi who was still gormlessly staring at Pragya came over to her and dadi.
"Dekho Abhi, bahu kitne achi lagti hai na...?"
Abhi looked at his dadi and then returned his gaze back to Pragya. She was avoiding looking at him and Abhi new it was because of what she was wearing. She was feeling coy and it was very evident from
Her facial features. This made Abhi smile inside.
"Tum bohat achi lagti ho"
Pragyas eyes snapped up. Did he just compliment her...again? She remembered the first time he had said that to her in the jungle when she was wearing someone else's red saree she had found in the hut. She couldn't say anything at all. It was one of those situations where all her words dissolved in her throat before they could make it out of her mouth. This didn't go unnoticed by Abhi. He simply said it, stared for a
Second and walked away with a smile leaving her flustered.
Pragyas heart was doing all Sorts of acrobatics in her chest. He just told her she looked nice. Not just nice, but really nice. Inside her heart was smiling. She quickly reprimanded herself for letting herself get carried away. But after all she was a woman. And when a woman recieves a compliment from her husband, naturally she was going to be beaming.
Purab had arrived with his family. The whole house was even more alive with music and cheer. Children were running about playing. The guests were all being attended to by waiters carrying various snacks and drinks on large silver platters. It was nearly time to start the haldi ceremony and everyone gathered around the middle of the hall. Bulbul had arrived with her dadi and was wearing a white and pale pink lehenga. She looked every bit the bride to be. People kept coming over to compliment her on how she looked and to congratulate her and Purab. But Bulbul was distracted to say the least. Since she had arrived she had desperately tried to corner Pragya Di about what they had discussed yesterday, but she felt Pragya was deliberately avoiding her so that she didn't have to talk about it. It didn't help that she was after all
Centre of attention. She couldn't just slip away for long periods of
Time without being noticed. She wondered whether to go and speak to her brother in law herself, but decided against for now, as the entire House was gathering for the haldi ceremony which was to start imminently.
The ceremony was in full swing. One by one both sides of family lined up to smear the paste on the newly weds to be. the couple both sat in the middle in their respective seats looking fabulous and in love. The whole family was joining in laughing and teasing each other. Pretty soon in true punjabi fashion, things quickly got out of hand, Bulbul and Purab turned on their guests and started chasing their close family members with haldi. Everyone was laughing and joking. The atmosphere felt relaxed and happy.
Purab was chasing Abhi around the stairs and around dadi trying to colour his cheek with haldi. Both friends acted as though they were children running around, their laughter filling the air. The pair had been through a lot together and it was safe to say that their friendship had been subjected to it's fair share of ups and downs. But today Purab couldn't be happier or more grateful for a friend like Abhi. This filled Purab with a sense of duty. He needed to talk to his brother from Another mother and find out where his head was at regarding Pragya di.
Abhi stood behind his Dadi whining using her as a shield from Purab.
"Ab bus purab, muje pe yeh please mat lagaye mere chehre kharab ho jayega"
"Abhi yeh bilkuul nahi chalega aj meri haldi hai yaar, kam se kam
Aj mere kehne ko tumne Zaroor suna hoga..."
Abhi give his friend a quizzical look.
"Kya ?"
"Ja ke yeh haldi Pragya di ka chehre par laga do"
"Kya? It ni si hai baat... Ok" and with that he grabbed some haldi and walked in Pragyas direction.
Pragya observed from the side lines. Seeing the happiness on everyone's faces gave her sorrow filled heart some contentment. She looked on at Bulbul and her antics with the whole
Family. She was always the more extrovert one out of the two of them. Bulbul was made to command and right now that is what she was doing. Making everyone laugh with her ways and talks, Pragya smiled at her little sister. Elsewhere she watched her mother and Purab's chachi sat idly chattering and becoming properly acquainted with one another. She continued to look
Around the room when she saw Abhi walking directly towards her with his hand behind his back. He was up to something. His face wore that smile
Which meant only bad things for Pragya...
"Hi Fuggy..." He approached her with the haldi hidden behind his back. Her face was a picture of confusion. She knew he was up to something.
"Kya hua...app Kya kare rehe ho?" She accused him.
"Maine yaha meri biwi ki sath khara nahi rehe sakhta Kya?" He quickly tried to defend himself but he knew he had to be quick. Nothing escaped the professor.
"Ap ka chehre par likha hua hai,ke ap kuch Kare rehe ho, saaf saaf bata dije varna...
But before she could finish. Abhi had squared straight up to her leaving only an inch or two worth of a gap between them both. His face was looking down on to hers and she had her face staring up at his eyes. There noses were almost touching and Abhis eyes were dark and hooded like she had seen them before.
"Chup. Bilkul chup... Ap bohat bolti ho" he said huskily so that only she could here.
Pragya didn't know what to do with herself. He was so close to her and she could feel her heartbeat increasing and her breathing becoming uneven. She wanted desperately to look away from his gaze, but she was finding it impossible to turn away and escape his dark expression filled eyes.
Without any warning he started slowly bringing his hand towards her face letting his hand brush the side of her arm on the way up. Before she could register what it was he was doing, he lightly brushed her cheek with haldi. He could feel her uneven breathing. Every once in a while her eyes would stay closed longer than usual when she blinked. When his hand touched her face her eyes flew open in shock. She didn't understand what was happening. Why all of a sudden was he being like this with her. Pragyas already fragile state couldn't take it as soon as his hands where off her she ran away towards the kitchen in an attempt to compose herself. Abhi
On the other hand was becoming increasingly restless. What was he doing. She would be leaving him soon, why was he behaving in this way with her. He told himself for a
Moment it was because Purab had told him to do so. But Abhi knew he couldn't use that as an excuse every time he needed one to be close to her.
As alive and happy as the Mehra household was, there was at least one person there that wasn't happy with this union at all. Aliyah Mehra was an interesting woman. Not because she had the morals of a common street thug, but rather that her attitude and perspective on life truly didn't reflect the upbringing that she had had. The once young and sweet girl who had lost her parents had turned into a selfish greedy woman with a blackened heart and soul. What lows had she not stooped to, in order to prevent this marriage happening. She had planned, plotted, attempted murder amongst other crazy psychotic things in order to win the heart of her love. But to her compete dismay she had failed at every possible opportunity. Today she looked on helplessly as her love completed the rituals one by one that would make him belong to someone else. Aliyah took a deep breath. She had begun to live with the constant burning rage that was homed permanently in her mind and body. She hated Bulbul and she hated Pragya. But most of all she hated, that despite her best efforts and superior connections these two Sisters had out shone her unknowingly in every way. Aliyah knew there was nothing she could do now. The corporator had not been caught yet and she needed to think of some serious leverage to convince him to take Purvis name when questioned. It was only a matter of Time before he was caught and right now Aliyah's main priority was to make sure she was not implicated in this. Begrudgingly she left the ceremony and went to her room. She had endured enough pretence for one day and it was quite enough.
Meanwhile downstairs the haldi ceremony was coming to an end. The hall had been cleared of the mornings props and new preparations were underway for the mehendi. Abhi was upstairs in his room taking time to find some peace
Amongst the hustle and bustle of the house. Purab had seen Abhi slip
Away earlier and saw this as a good opportunity to speak to him about Pragya Di. He followed Abhi upstairs and into his room. He found him stood out on the balcony staring off
It. Abhi turned around when he heard footsteps approach.
"Purab, tum yaha, Kya hua? Kuch kam tha? Dadi ne bolaya hai"
Abhi turned around to welcome Purab in.
"Nahi Bhai, kuch kam nahi tha, bas apse kuch zaroori bat karni hai" Abhi looked towards Purab cautiously. His friend looked slightly tense.
"Kya hua Purab Sab kuch theek to hai na..."
Purab was silent for a moment and looked down. He took a breath and looked towards Abhi and came straight out with it.
"Bhai, ap Pragya di ke bare me Kya kar rehe ho...?"
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