BeHir FF We are different (Chapter28&29UPDATED on page 34) LASTUPD - Page 16

CHAPTER 20

Everyone was still clapping when they both came down from the raised mandap. They went and sought blessing from panditji and then went around seeking blessings from everyone. Once done, Mahir went to wear his shoes, but to his surprise, he found that his shoes were missing. He looked around but there was no sign of his shoes. Sumi ma, Amma and Appa were busy feeding each other sweets. Pratham Suhani were not far off chatting with each other. It looked like they were having a moment so Mahir decided that he will not disturb them. He saw Kuhu standing nearby, assisting Bella to wear her shoes. Bella was finding it difficult to manage the kalide that were still attached to her chooda. Rehan was nowhere to be seen. He went upto Kuhu

M: Kuhu have you seen my shoes? I had taken them off before entering the mandap. Now they are nowhere to be seen.

K: Yes I have seen them.

M: Where are they?

K: With Rehan.

M: What is Rehan doing with my shoes?

K: He has stolen your shoes.

M: And you let him do that! How could you Kuhu? Okay now go and get them from him.

K: And why would I do that? Look for them yourself.

M: If you know that Rehan has stolen my shoes, then you will also know where he has hidden them right?

K: Yes. (By now she was wearing devilish smile on her face)

M: Then tell.

K: Why should I? Look for them yourself or if you don't want to take extra efforts then give us nek. We will return your shoes.

It was then Mahir realised that Kuhu had helped Rehan in stealing his shoes.

M: Kuhu! I will not leave you.

And he starts chasing after Kuhu. His scarf which was still tied to Bella's dupatta fell off as he ran behind his younger sister. Kuhu ran off and hid behind Amma and Sumi ma.

K: Amma see your son-in-law is troubling me. (And sticks out her tongue at him)

M: Ma, she let Rehan steal my shoes. She is supposed to be on my side.

Sumi ma: Kuhu! (In a mock threatening tone)

K: But ma, I am on Bella's side.

M: How come?

K: Well, I am Bella's friend. Friends are supposed to help in stealing the shoes. And I am Bella's bhabi. See if you are going to take away my sister-in-law then I am not going to make it easy for you right?

M: Fine! You dagabaaz! Dhokebaaz! I will ask Pratham and Suhani to help me.

Saying this he walked away to where Pratham and Suhani were standing chatting with each other.

M: Pratham...

Pratham: I know Rehan stole your shoes.

M: Then why are you still here, chatting with Suhani? Come help me find them, otherwise I will have to pay a hefty ransom for them.

Pratham: Then pay up.

M: What?

Pratham: I said pay up, and we will return your shoes.

M: That means even you are with them?

Pratham: (Simply smirks)
M: Suhani come let's go and look for my shoes.

Suhani: (Remains where she is)

M: Hey that's not done. You are my bhabi. A bhabi is always supposed to side with her brother-in-law.

S: Yes. You are right. A bhabi is always supposed to side with her sister-in-law.

M: Huh?

Pratham: Appa, come here for a minute, will you?

M: Suhani, how come you are Bella's bhabi?

Suhani: First of all I am Bella's friend. And second point, Appa each year Bella ties rakhi to Pratham along with Rehan, right?

Appa: Yes, that she does.

Suhani: So that makes Pratham her brother, and I am her bhabi right?

Appa: Technically speaking it's true.

Suhani: So Mr. Bridegroom, cough up or else you will have to go without your shoes.

While Mahir had been roaming around for his shoes, Bella had gone upstairs to change into a different dress for the next set of functions. She saw that Amma had already laid out a saree for her along with the matching jewellery. This was a light champagne coloured saree with delicate golden border. Sumi ma had specially selected it for her form Kuhu's collection. Delicate golden jewellery went with it. Before she took off her wedding dress she saw herself in the mirror for the first time since her marriage.

Hawa ke jhonke aaj mausamon se rooth gaye
Gulon ki shokhiyaan jo bhanwre aake loot gaye
Badal rahi hai aaj zindagi ki chaal zara
Issi bahaane kyun naa main bhi dil ka haal zara
Sanwaar loon haaye sawaar loon

Delicate mangalsutra stood out prominently amongst her pearl and diamond jewellery. Bright red sindoor adorned the parting of her hair. Mahir had not done a very good job of applying sindoor. The hair around the parting had become red where the sindoor had spread. And yet she looked radiant. She had heard neighbourhood aunties say that sindoor enhanced a girl's beauty. Bella had never believed that. How could a simple red powder change anything? But it had changed her entire look. The red colour had lent her face an exceptional glow.

She was still admiring her reflection when Amma entered the room, chuckling. When she saw Bella admiring her look, she smiled even more broadly.

B: What happened Amma? Why were you laughing?

Amma told her what was happening downstairs, how everyone had ganged up against Mahir to make him pay nek. While talking with her, Amma was swiftly removing all of Bella's accessories. Once she was done, she helped her out of her dress. She helped Bella wear the saree and the delicate gold jewellery that Sumi ma had gifted her. Bella once again touched up her make-up and went downstairs with Amma only to find Mahir still looking around for his shoes. She laughed at his drenched puppy face.

B: What happened Mahir? Still not found your shoes?

M: No.

B: Where's Rehan? I am sure he's got the shoes.

R: I am right here Bells and I don't have the shoes. I have hidden them really well. Mahir cough up or else you will have to go barefoot.

M: Okay fine. What do you guys want?

K: We will tell that to you later on.

M: Okay. So can I have m shoes back?

Pratham: By all means but first you will have to promise that you will fulfil all of our demands.

M: I solemnly swear that I will fulfil all of your demands.

Suhani: Okay, so Rehan give him his shoes.

Rehan takes off the shoes that he had been wearing and presents them to Mahir.

R: Your shoes. I had been wearing them all along. If only you had looked at my feet, jijaji!

B: Oh stop it Rehan. Stop teasing him.

R: Okay Bells.

Sumi ma: Okay now everyone, let's go and eat something. I know everyone is really hungry.

They all went and sat down for lunch. BeHir were made to sit at the head of the table, and everyone else sat at the sides. Dolly and other servants had prepared the food. Now they brought out plates of food for everyone. Once food was served to everyone, Amma asked BeHir to feed each other. So Mahir took up a laddoo and fed a bit to Bella. Everyone clapped. Then, Bella took a whole jalebi and instead of feeding him a bit of it, stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. She laughed at his surprised expression. Once that was done, everyone began to have their food.

After having food, everyone gathered in the living room for the bidai ritual. Rehan stood with a plate full of puffed rice, and Bella took some in her cupped hands and threw them over her head five times signifying that she wished that house a lot of prosperity even in her absence. Then Mahir was supposed to take her out of one front door, make her sit in the doli and take her to the second front door where Sumi ma and Suhani were waiting for her grihapravesh.

As soon as they stepped out, they found Kuhu, Rehan and Pratham blocking their path with their hands outstretched.

M: Now what?

Pratham: You are crossing border, whenever you cross a state border, you have to pay toll right?

R: And you are taking away with you something so precious, you will have to pay extra tax as well.

K: Otherwise, pay the toll, and go to the other side alone. Leave this precious diamond with us.

M: There is no such practice okay?

K: Well technically no, but in most Bidaais people are so busy crying that they don't have

time for these things. Since we got time for this... Cough up!!

R: Cough up jiju! Otherwise you will have to stay right here.

M: Okay fine, I will give you whatever you want. I solemnly swear.

Pratham: Fine. You can go now.

They shifted aside to reveal a beautifully decorated doli standing there. Amma and Kuhu made Bella sit in the doli and Rehan and Pratham picked up her doli; and began carrying her to Mahir's house. Mahir was left standing behind.

Amma: Mahir, don't you want to go? It's okay if you wish to stay with us.

M: What? NO. I want to go.

Saying this, he took off running after the doli. When they reached, Suhani stepped out and helped Bella out of the doli. Sumi ma had already poured mustard oil on both the sides of the entrance and was waiting for them. When BeHir stepped up to the door, Sumi ma did BeHir' arti and told Bella to push the kalash full of rice with her right foot and enter the house. Mahir took Bella's hand in his hand and together, they entered the house. Bella gently kicked the kalash and entered the house. Then Suhani placed a thali with thick kumkum paste in front of her. Bella, stepped in the thali, and dyed her feet red and stepped onto the white cloth that was laid out in front of her. She walked on the cloth, leaving red foot prints behind. That completed the grihapravesh ritual. Now Suhani brought another thali with kumkum paste in it. Sumi ma told Mahir to pick up Bella and carry her to the mandir. Mahir picked up Bella and carried her to the mandir. Once there, Sumi ma told Bella to dip her hands in the kumkum paste and leave impression on the mandir wall.

After completing that, Mahir lowered her to the floor. By the time grihapravesh was being completed, Rehan, Kuhu and Pratham had removed the partition and were ready for angoothi dhoondne ki rasam complete with a huge bowl full of milk, water and rose petals. In order to further confuse the couple they had added some keychain rings to the water. When, Bella and Mahir came inside, they were made to sit opposite each other. Kuhu showed both of them a ring which she then dropped in the bowl and she them swirled the water a bit.

K: Okay. Ready, steady and GO!

They both began to search for the ring together, Mahir came across something round and pulled it out only to find that it was keychain ring. Bella signed him that they will look for the ring together. Bella found the ring and looked at Mahir. Mahir realised that Bella had found the ring, but still he continued to pretend to search for it. Even Bella continued to pretend to search for the ring, while tightly clutching the ring in her fist. After few minutes, Mahir took his hand near Bella's and they both pulled out the ring together. Everyone clapped for them.

Then Sumi ma announced that Mahir will search for his initial in Bella's henna. If he is successful, then he can enter her chamber at night, if not then he will have to sleep in the living room. Bella sat with her hands spread in front of her. She had tried very hard to find M in her henna so that she could help Mahir but was not able to find it. Mahir looked at her, expecting some help, but she looked back helplessly. Mahir looked at Bella's hands carefully. Even Bella was trying to find M in the design. After carefully looking for few minutes Mahir concluded that there was nothing in the design that even closely resembled a M. Bella suddenly thrust her feet forward. Mahir understood that here was a possibility that the girl had included M in the design on her feet. After looking at the design very minutely he found a M in the design on the right foot. He showed the M to Sumi ma and got her permission to enter the room at night. Saying this all the elders mysteriously disappeared.

After that Kuhu announced that they had planned surprise for them. When BeHir tried to protest, Suhani shut them up by saying that they were going to perform no matter what anyone says.

K: Come on Mahir, Bella let's have some fun.

R: Or are you guys so impatient to be alone?

Pratham: If that's the case then tell us...

B: NO!!! Do whatever you want to do.

Rehan and Kuhu made them sit on the couch and for some weird reason they had decorated their dining table like a bed, complete with fresh flowers. BeHir looked at each other and shrugged. They could not guess where this was headed. Sundenly music began to play and Suhani came and sat on the table with her face covered like a new bride. Rehan was mock troubling Pratham while Pratham tried to enter the "room. Suddenly Bella guessed what was happening and she blushed. Mahir was totally clueless.

Kuhu came out pretending to be an old lady. She was looking directly at Bella with a devilish smile on her face.

Sumi ma: Mahir, as per tradition a husband is supposed to gift something to his bride. These are your nani's kangans. I want you to gift them to Bella.

M: Ma, have you spoken with nani? I don't want her to create a scene when she finds out.

Sumi ma: No. She had gifted me these when I was eighteen. So they are technically mine. I can do whatever I want with them. There were four originally. I gifted one pair to Kuhu and one I had kept for Bella. I wanted to gift these bangles to her on her wedding day.

M: Okay ma, I will give her these bangles. But I also have a gift for her. The necklace which we had ordered last Sunday came in yesterday. I want to gift her that.

Sumi ma: There is no rule saying that you can't gift her two things.

M: Okay ma. Bye. Goodnight.

Sumi ma: Mahir, listen. It's your first night as a married couple. I want you to take utmost care of my daughter. Remember she is still your best friend.

M: Ma, I will never forget that. And don't worry, I will prize her more than my life. Happy now?

Sumi ma: Yes. Goodnight dear.

When Mahir came out of Sumi ma's room, he found Rehan and Pratham waiting for him.

M: What are you two doing here?

R: We are here to give you a few tips, since we are a little more experienced than you in this regard.

M: What tips? I don't need any tips. Your dance has already taught me what I am NOT supposed to do. Ever in my life.

Pratham: Come on Mahir! I wish someone had given me some tips before my first night. You have that privilege which I never had, and you are not going to utilise that?

M: No. I know you guys are here just to delay me from going into our room.

R: Smart boy!

M: So since I saw through your pretence, shall we proceed?

R: Well, yes. Let's go.

M: What? Just like that! No more demands?

Pratham: Well do have some demands, but not here.

Saying this they took Mahir to his room. When he entered the room he saw that Sumi ma had beautifully decorated the room in pristine white colour. One wall was full of BeHir's photographs from their childhood. Sumi ma had turned the adjacent room into a walk-in wardrobe. The bed was set right in the middle of the room. There was small coffee table with two bright coloured bean bags on one side while two tall back cushioned chairs and a table sat on the other. There was large working area near the door that lead to the walk-in wardrobe. There was a full length mirror right beside the bedside table. There was still plenty of room for them to decorate the room, as per their wish. And right in the middle of the bed, Bella sat with a ghoongat covering her face and Kuhu and Suhani were sitting with her.

What the hell?' thought Mahir.

M: Ummm hey guys! What are you doing here?

K: Oh! We came here to chat with Bella. But you know we can go if...

Suhani: Yes we can go if you pay the nek.

Pratham: Look at it this way bhai, we have kidnapped your bride. Pay the ransom and take her away.

R: Yes we are very understanding kind of kidnappers.

M: Listen, as it is you guys have looted me a lot. I don't even know what I have promised. Now what is this?

K: Relax. There no compulsion.

R: Kuhu waht are you saying? (She signs him to relax)
Suhani: Yes Maahir nek is just a fun ritual. You don't have to pay it you know. We were just pulling your leg.

M: So it's okay if I don't pay anything?

Suhani: Yes. Absolutely. Come Kuhu let's go.

K: Yes. Let's go. Bella come with us.

M: What?

K: Yes. You don't pay the ransom. You don't get the kidnapped bride.

Suhani: You know, at my mom's place they have this ritual called Kaal Ratri.

M: Meaning?

Suhani: Meaning, on the first night of the wedding, the bride and groom are made to sleep separately. It is said to bring good luck. So we can do that here. Even that is very traditional ritual you know.

K: Yes. You don't want to follow one ritual; you will automatically be forced to follow another one. Come Bella, we'll do lots of masti in my room.

R: (In a very low voice to Pratham) These girls are terrific. They have hit, where it hurts the most. (And they snicker.)

Praatham: Yes, got to be careful around them. Otherwise they will try this kaal ratri thing on us.

M: What are you both laughing at?

Pratham: Nothing Mahir. Continue. We will go and set up Rehan's room for the masti session. Come Rehan.

R: Yes, jiju. Have a good night. All alone.

M: Bella say something.

She simply shrugged.

M: Kuhu that's not done.

K: Mahir, want to do masti with Bella? Then pay up.

Mahir felt himself blush furiously at this. Even Bella felt heat rise up in her cheeks under the ghoongat.

M: No. It's not like that...

K: You don't want to do masti with Bella? Fine then. Come Bella, Suhani let's go.

M: No. That's not what I meant...

K: Oh! So you want to get naughty with her? Fine then. Pay us.

M: Fine. I don't know what you guys want. So here is my credit card. You can shop for whatever you want. Happy?

Suhani: Yes. Very happy. Come Kuhu. Let's leave these two alone.

K: Bye Mahir. Bye Bella. Have a very naughty night.

Saying this they both went out of the room. Mahir went and closed the door after them and turned to look at Bella. His Bella. Finally, he was all alone with his best friend.

He approached Bella.

M: Bella, what is all this? Why this ghoongat and all? Come on remove it

Bella signed that she wanted him to lift her ghoongat.

M: You want me to lift your ghooogat? What is this nonsense Bella? WHY are you suddenly behaving like shy new bride?

She again signed that she wanted him to lift her ghoongat.

M: Okay fine, if that's what you want, I will do it.

He sits down on the bed and gently lifts up her ghoongat only to jump back in horror. From underneath the veil, staring back at him was a face of an evil witch.

M: Ahhh. What is this Bella?

B: I am witch and I will now kill you! (She laughed an evil laugh)

M: Bella?

B: Don't you know, witches kill handsome young men and drink their blood to maintain their youth. Today it's your turn. (She laughed an evil laugh)

CHAPTER 21

Saying this she placed her hand on his throat, but she couldn't maintain the facade any longer and she burst out laughing.

B: God Mahir! The look on your face!!! Seriously! Priceless.

M: Bella!

He picks up a pillow and starts hitting her with it.

B: Owww! Mahir that's not fair!!!

Even she picks up a pillow and they have a pillow fight. After a few minute of intense fighting, they both fall back on the bed, exhausted. They both are laughing very hard and quite breathless from the fight. After getting his breath back Mahir turns on his side and looks at her.

M: Where did you find this mask?

B: You remember it?

M: How could I forget it? My darling best friend wanted a Halloween themed party for her eighteenth birthday. And so she decided to make roam the streets of Crowford Market looking for the perfect witch's mask.

B: Yes. I found it the other day when I was looking for something.

M: When did you plan this?

B: The day I decided to marry you I had planned this prank for you. But Kuhu and Suhani complicated things for me. Luckily they did not ask me to lift up my veil. They thought I had covered my face as per the tradition.

M: Even I thought so for a moment. But you genuinely scared me for a moment.

They both laugh once again. When they stop laughing a comfortable silence settles between them. Each is lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly Bella sits up.

B: Mahir, this saree is making me very uncomfortable. I will go and change it.

She went inside the changing room cum walk-in-wardrobe and realised that the hooks were on the back side of the blouse. Amma had hooked up her blouse when she wore the saree. Now she couldn't call Amma. So she called in Mahir.

B: Mahir, come here a sec!

Mahir knocks the door and enters the room.

M: What happened Bella?

B: Can you unhook my blouse for me? The hooks are on the backside and I am unable to reach them.

M: Ummm okay.

He closed his eyes and tried to unhook the blouse. She saw his reflection in the mirror.

B: Mahir, what are you doing?

M: What you told me to do.

B: Are you a cat? Or are stealing something?

M: What?

B: Why are your eyes closed? When a cat is drinking milk stealthily she closes her eyes. She thinks that if she can't see the world, even the world will not be able to see her.

M: No I was just trying to give you some privacy.

B: Mahir, I had simply told you to unhook my blouse not take it off completely. Listen, we will have to get used to it. I can't call Amma or Sumi ma for these things now. And I can't do these things on my own either. You will have to help me with these matters. There is nothing to feel shy. This is just one of the many little things that have changed.

M: Okay fine. So it will be okay if I keep my eyes open?

B: Yes.

He unhooked her blouse and also took off the safety pin from her pallu. After having done that he went out the room with his clothes. Bella changed and knocked the door.

M: Yes I am done. You can come out.

When she stepped out she saw Mahir setting up his mattress on the floor.

B: What are you doing Mahir?

M: Setting up my mattress. You can sleep on the bed.

B: Are you out of your mind? Do you think that I will let you sleep on the floor? See Mahir, we can share a bed. The bed is big enough for four people. We can sleep there quite comfortably.

M: But I have the habit of rolling around in my sleep. What if I...

B: What if you end up coming close to me during the night? Or what if you end up hugging me in sleep? How does it matter? It's fine Mahir. I know we don't love each other in that way but we do hug each other quite frequently. We do hold each other's hands. The action doesn't matter, what matters is the emotion behind that action. And that emotion will always be friendship. Why would marriage change that emotion? The very reason why we married each other was to keep this friendship. So come let's sleep unless you are afraid that I will take advantage of you while you are sleeping?

M: No Bella, I trust you completely. I know tum meri izzat pe kabhi haath nahi dalogi.

B: Good night Mahir.

M: Oh! I almost forgot, ma has sent a gift for you. These are nani's bangles which she had given ma when she turned eighteen. Ma has given one pair to Kuhu and the other one she had kept for you. She wanted to gift them when you got married. So these are yours now. And here is the necklace which we had ordered the other day.

B: Oh wow! These are so beautiful and the necklace is very pretty. Thanks Mahir!

M: Good night Bella. Don't kick me during the night.

B: Don't worry. I will.