SS: Kaash Aisa Hota (A Joint Venture on the ending of NAUC) - Page 2

Gangwal House never looked more beautiful. Lights gleamed everywhere; the courtyard was decorated in the most elegant way. Every part of the house reflected the happiness of its members, the happiness which found them after a long time. The 50 year celebration of the shop was going to take place and guests were arriving

Nisha stood in front of the mirror in her room. She stared at her own reflection. She refused to believe that it was her reflection staring back at her. Dolly dii and Kirti finally had their way and she was all right about it. She had to say she looked good in the blue knee length dress and light make up. She heard Kirti calling her and stood up to go downstairs when someone yanked her by the hand and pinned her to the wall.

"Kabir ..What the..When did you come ? where is maa?" Nisha asked surprised

"I am trying to romance you wifey and you are asking me about maa...are you dressed to kill me? Is that your plan?" Kabir asked as he moved towards Nisha. Nisha smirked at him.

"Why the smirk wifey? Do you know what am I thinking?" He smiled standing dangerously close to Nisha. "Do you really wanna go down to the party wifey? Lets party here, just you and me' Kabir came even closer if possible.

"Nishu...come down yaar...even your husband and mother in law have come- Kirti came barging into the room. Kabir moved away swiftly from Nisha cursing himself for not closing the door. One glance at the couple and Kirti understood what just happened. "Kabir, what are you doing here? You are in charge of the party too. Don't you have work?" Kirti asked as if ignorant of the situation.

"Mm..Me...Work...Oh yeah...I wanted the number of the catering service...food you know ...and Nisha had saved it on her phone... I came to ask her" Kabir said fumbling with words. "Then what were you doing near Nishu?" Kirti asked controlling her laughter. Kabir blushed and fumbled with words "Nisha...me...Dust ...yeah dust went into Nisha's eyes and I was helping her with it ...right Nisha?" Nisha didn't know whether to be embarrassed or laugh at the situation, she just nodded.

"Oh all right then...Come on Umesh bhaiyya is waiting for us ...he needs help" Kirti said finally laughing unable to control herself. Nisha and Kabir followed Kirti with bright red faces. They found Umesh closely followed by Sukku and Jwala in the hallway

"Guys...where were you...there is so much work pending ..." Umesh said dragging an excited Sukku and smiling Jwala with him as he moved towards Kirti.

"Oh some dust went into Nishu's eyes and Kabir was trying to remove it ...so we got late" Kirti said casually. Umesh stifled his laugh and Sukku coughed uncontrollably. Kabir and Nisha turned even redder than they already were.

"Is it all right now Nishu bro?...did you wash your eyes?" Jwala asked concerned. Sukku began coughing even more.

"It's all right Jwalu...jeeju took care of everything at the right moment...go and look for bunty yaar ...guests are arriving" Kirti said and winked at Kabir. Jwala ran off to find Bunty

"Yeah guests are arriving lets go downstairs." Kabir said pointedly scowling at Kirti and began walking dragging Nisha with him. The cousins laughed and followed them downstairs. They stopped on their tracks as they heard Leela's voice.

"Dolly beta...Sumit is your husband and father of your child...will you live in your house your whole life?...wont you come to your sasural?" Leela was at the height of her dramatic self. Dolly was angered beyond reason. Ramesh Lakshmi and Mohan stood angered as they listened to Leela's lies. Viren and Vimala stood behind Dolly as Leela continued with her melodrama. "Viren Bhai saab, do you want your grandchild's father and your daughter's husband to be in jail? Please make Dolly understand."

" Leela ji...I understand what you are saying...even I don't want my daughter's husband to be in jail-"

"But Bhaiya- Ramesh began but Viren held up a hand to stop him.

"Let me talk to Leelaji chote...as I was saying I don't want my daughter's husband to be in jail either...so " He gave an envelope to Leela

"What is this bhai saab? Papers to bring out Sumit? " Leela asked in glee.

"No Leelaji...Divorce papers" Every one stared at Viren unable to believe what he said..."as I said I don't want my daughter's husband to be in jail...so...Now if you would be kind to leave, we have a function to host...it's our shop's 50th year celebration...Kids." Viren gestured to the cousins standing at the corner."Please show Leelaji to the door."

"Our pleasure tauji" Sukku said smirking at Leela. Nisha and Kirti came forward and held Leela's hands.

"But bhai saab- Leela tried to talk as the cousins dragged her towards the door.

"Aunty ji I hope we never meet again...Have a good night" Nisha said as they left Leela on the road. They moved to the house. Dolly was still staring at her dad unable to believe everything that has happened.

"Papa... She said. Viren hugged her. "I am sorry beta...it took me long to realize what you wanted and what is best for you...Go live your dream of being independent...your mother and father would always be with you and your child...always" Viren said as he broke the hug

"And we will always be there with you" said Kabir gesturing at himself and the cousins. Dolly moved towards them and they shared a group hug.

Ramesh placed a hand on Viren's shoulder. "Bhaiya..." He didn't have anything to say. " Chote ...see this is all your fault... I ended up being a father like you. "He said and laughed through tears. Viren hugged Ramesh. "I am sorry chote...for all the things I have done, we have done...for everything...we love you...but we took you for granted...sometimes the elders too are wrong...forgive us yaar..."

"Haan...Chote forgive us" Mohan added as he placed a hand on Viren's shoulder

"Bhaiya...please don't ask for forgiveness... I have done my share of mistakes too" Ramesh said earnestly. Viren shook his head in wonder and placed a hand on the shoulder. " Never change chote...never change."

"If you guys have finished being sentimental...lets go and party" Nisha's excited voice sounded. Everyone laughed and moved towards the courtyard where the party was going to take place. Guests were arriving and the party went on in full swing. But someone was watching the Gangwals and their happiness unable to join in but wanting to. Vasundhara stood at the corner gazing at the happiness shining on the face of her son. He was talking with his wife and her cousins. It seemed like they were making fun of each other. Finally Nisha noticed the gaze of her mother in law. She went to her and brought her to the cousins smiling.

"Nisha ...what are you- Vasundhara began but was cut off by Sukku.

"Here comes aunty, I am going to ask her...Aunty please please please tell us Kabir's pet name...Nishu is on her hubby's side...she is not telling us anything...please tell -" Sukku's mouth was clamped shut by Kabir. "Mom ...No ...I am your son...you won't say anything..aaah" Kabir screamed as Sukku bit him. "Doggy.." Sukku ignored him "Aunty please tell us " Jwala Kirti and Bunty also joined him in pleading.

Vasundhara laughed at their gestures. "You guys are so cute,...i guess I will tell you"

"What ...Mom ...NO DON'T... Kabir tried to stop her but he was held down by umesh and Saurav. Dolly and Aman were laughing." His pet name is ...Jojo. "MOM!!" Kabir shouted. The cousins were having the time of their lives. They were laughing uncontrollably and Vasundhara joined them. "Why the angry face ..JOJO?" sukku asked Kabir innocently. Kabir scowled at him and Sukku ran. Kabir ran after him. Sukku was shouting jojo on top of his voice. Everyone laughed as they watched the duo. Sukku ran towards Nisha and stood behind her. Kabir fell on top of Nisha. Everyone laughed as the couple blushed.

"Guys it's a party...and where is the music and dance...come on guys." Saurav said to the cousins as the laughter died down. He took the mic and began"Ladies and Gentleman, Today we are going to have those three words." Everyone looked at him questioningly. "Entertainment, Entertainment and Entertainment." He said shrugging his shoulders. " Saurav..." Jwalu hit him in the head and everyone laughed. " I meant today we are going to have so much fun and to entertain you guys here we have the coolest gang in Jaipur, no in the country, no in the world." he pointed at Nisha and shouted and the cousins joined him. "NISHA AUR USKE COUSINS". Everyone clapped.

"Oye ...aur uska Husband" Kabir shouted pointing at himself. Everyone laughed. " Oh yeah ladies and gentleman and JOJO" Saurav said and hid behind a laughing Nisha. Kabir gave him the I-will-kill-you-later look as people began laughing at him.

"Ok first of all we have Sukku and Umesh on stage. Our own desi boyz" Saurav announced. Everyone enjoyed as sukku and umesh gave a hilarious performance on desi boys. Jwala and Kirti too performed on a beautiful song. Everyone was enjoying the party. Vasundhara stood gazing at his son and Nisha. She was happy that he was happy. She felt great full to Nisha, it was because of her that her son had forgiven her. It was because of Ramesh, the man she hated. How was she foolish enough to hate him and this family. The gangwals had been kind to her after all that she did. She gazed at Lakshmi and all other women of the gangwal family. They had been kind to her. Vasundhara's thoughts drifted to Viraj. She wanted to meet him badly, to tell him everything, to hear him calling maa. She thought about revealing everything to Kabir and the Gangwals. All in good time she told herself. But she needed to meet Viraj. Lakshmi saw Vasundhara standing in the corner.

"Vasundhara ji.." she called as she approached her. "Come on join us " Vasundhara hesitated but Lakshmi took her hand and led her towards the ladies. "Vasundhara beta come on sit down" Dadi told her kindly. She found herself enjoying with the ladies as time passed. They watched bunty and Sukku trying to match their steps with Kirti on the dance floor and failing badly leading to laughter. Everyone clapped loudly as they finished their performance.

"Ladies and Gentleman, it's time for a romantic performance by none other than the most romantic couple of the night. Kabir and his hus- I mean wife Nisha" Saurav announced and everyone clapped loudly as Kabir and Nisha came forward.

Hmmm...hmm

"Wifey are you ready? You are dancing with one of the best dancers in the country probably...are you nervous" Kabir asked Nisha as he held her by the waist. " No...jojo" Nisha replied laughing."Ha ha very funny " Kabir replied and they began dancing.

Dehleez pe mere dil ki
Jo rakhe hain tune kadam
Tere naam pe meri zindagi
Likh di mere humdum

Haan seekha maine jeena jeena kaise jeena
Haan seekha maine jeena mere humdum
Na seekha kabhi jeena jeena kaise jeena
Na seekha jeena tere bina humdum

They danced gracefully; moving in sync and everyone were left with a smile as they watched the young couple.

Dehleez pe mere dil ki
Jo rakhe hain tune kadam
Tere naam pe meri zindagi
Likh di mere humdum

Haan seekha maine jeena jeena kaise jeena
Haan seekha maine jeena mere humdum
Na seekha kabhi jeena jeena kaise jeena
Na seekha jeena tere bina humdum

Kabir twirled Nisha and brought her closer to him. Both of them were in a world of their own. They forgot about the eyes of the guests on them.
Hmmm.. hmmm..

Sacchi si hain yeh taareefein
Dil se jo maine kari hain...

Sacchi si hain yeh taareefein
Dil se jo maine kari hain...
Jo tu mila to saji hain
Duniya meri humdum

Kabir ran his hand through Nisha's arm holding her and made her turn. Kabir moved away from Nisha, she ran towards him. The audience watched in awe as he lifted her.

O aasma mila zameen ko meri
Aadhe aadhe poore hain hum
Tere naam pe meri zindagi
Likh di mere humdum

Kabir spun her as he himself spun. The audience clapped loudly. He brought her down slowly looking into her eyes, but held onto her carrying her in his arms. And he danced with her on his arms

Haan seekha maine jeena jeena, kaise jeena
Haan seekha maine jeena, mere humdum
Na seekha kabhi jeena jeena kaise jeena
Na seekha jeena tere bina humdum

Hmmm... hmmm..

Kabir and Nisha ended their performance but were lost in each other's eyes. Saurav cleared his throat loudly bringing the couple out of their reverie. Everyone laughed yet again as they blushed. Ramesh clapped along with everyone as he saw his Kids' perform. He was happy today, but he felt that something was missing. He looked around for his father but he saw that he was not at the party. He felt the need to talk to his bauji. Where would he be? He excused himself from his brothers and began searching for his father.

Nisha excused herself from Kabir. She wanted to talk to her father. After everything that has happened she never had time to talk to him. She began looking for him and got a glimpse of him moving upstairs. She followed him.

It was another morning just as many in the Gangwal house. All the elders have woken up and were about with their business. The previous day's party had exhausted them but not enough to forget their chores. But unfortunately that was not the case of the younger lot of the house. They had the most fun in the party but they also were the most exhausted.

"Arrey who's there yaar? Let me sleep ..."

Nisha opened her eyes hearing the loud knock on her door. She turned only to find herself on top of someone wrapped in his arms. She came to her senses at the realization. It was Kabir and he was sleeping like a baby oblivious to the racket at the door. The events of past night rushed into her mind. They had the time of their lives at the party. And later the night Kabir had brought her into her room and they had talked about everything. Everything which was unsaid between them, every feeling, every emotion, they shared with each other everything. They had fallen asleep unknowingly, Nisha tried to remember when but nothing came to her mind.. They were still in their party clothes. Nisha's thought was broken by Lakshmi's sound

"Nishu...Kabir...wake up ...your dadaji has called everyone downstairs...get ready fast and come down" Lakshmi shouted urgently.

"Laxmi...relax me...we will be there soon...please go and wake everyone else" Nisha said shaking her head at her mom's anxiety. Lakshmi went towards the other cousins' rooms to wake them up, whispering to herself urgently.

"Kabir...wake up yaar..." Nisha tried to wake up Kabir but he got hold of her hand and hugged it not allowing her to get up "Kabir yaar...leave my hand...and wake up...look at the time yaar" Nisha tried reasoning with him. "Please yaar Nisha ...lets sleep some more please...come on yaar..." Kabir said eyes still closed. Nisha smiled at his antics, suddenly she had a mischievous thought. "Kabir ...wake up...Singham" Nisha shouted urgently. Kabir sprang up from the bed as fast as possible." Singham ...where?" Nisha laughed as answer and Kabir scowled at her.

"Singham has called everyone downstairs...we need to get ready fast and go" She said as she pushed Kabir off the bed."But wifey-" Kabir began but Nisha gave him the look and he silently went to freshen up.

When the cousins and Kabir finally came downstairs still half asleep and staggering they were surprised to be led to the common dining area for breakfast. They were seated at the dining table and the elder women served them their breakfast as Dadaji and dadi joined them. The cousins looked at each other questioningly but found each other to be ignorant of everything. Dadaji smiled a rare smile seeing the confused faces of the children.

"Patience is a virtue children, we will talk later" He said to them signaling them to have their breakfast. The cousins ate silently still puzzled. After they had their breakfast , they gathered at the courtyard. They were surprised to find the couches laid and the elders sitting on them clearly waiting for them. They sat on the couches silently puzzled. The elders looked clueless themselves. They all got up as dadaji and dadi entered. Both of them looked at each other and then at their children. They were at peace today, seeing their kids together. Dadaji sat down on the sofa with Dadi. He looked at all of them before he broke the silence.

"Arrey...why are you people so serious?" He asked trying to break the ice. The cousins broke into a smile at his question. "I called you people here today because I have made some decisions and I wanted you people to know it." His voice turned serious. "Its been 50 yrs I have been in this business. I have done a lot of work to keep this going. I have faced a lot of hard ships. A lot of sweat has gone into the process. Today Nemichand Gangwal is a lot of things, One of the most respected businessmen in jaipur, one of the most successful businessmen in Jaipur yet...yet I made a lot of mistakes when I come to my own family." He looked at them gravely as they began to protest.

"No children it's the truth... I made a lot of mistakes... " Dadaji continued

"No Bauji...it's us who made mistakes ..." Viren began. But dadaji held up his hand.

"No son..the mistakes you made were my fault too...if only I was a bit more understanding... Children, I always wanted the best for all of you...yet I was a bit selfish myself...the shop was my dream...it was my dream to become a successful businessman...and now I realize in the business of giving what is best for you ,I imposed my dream on all of you... I wanted you to live my dream... I never found it important to ask you what your dreams were..." He looked at Ramesh sadly. "And when you did tell me what you wanted... I never gave a chance to full fill it "

"Bauji... " Ramesh began. " Let me Son... I never realized everyone had the right to live their dream...or maybe I never saw above your betterment and hence missed out on your happiness."

"It's of past now ..." Saroj said

"You are right Saroj and you say something about mistakes...what was it ?" Dadaji asked her.

"Mistakes are forgiven as long as they are rectified by the doer and if he is truly sorry for it" Dadi said smiling and shaking her head.

Dadaji looked at the cousins." I am going to rectify my mistakes with my grandchildren. Umesh..."

"Dadaji" Umesh looked up surprised.

"Do you wish to get out of the job in the shop?" asked Dadaji kindly.

Umesh looked towards his parents and then Aman. Aman gave him a reassuring nod indicating that she would be with him for anything.

"D-Dadaji...as you know I am very fond of cooking... I want to start a restaurant of my own with Aman...so I do want to leave the shop." Umesh finished confidently looking up at dadaji.

Dadaji smiled. "You can start your restaurant beta along with Aman... I am sure your work in the shop all these years have fetched you enough money for this... I know you wouldn't want to ask for financial help but we would surely be with you beta...for any kind of help you want" Umesh's eyes welled up hearing dadaji's words

"Thank you ...dadaji..." He said with difficulty. Dadaji nodded his head."Dolly..." He looked up at her. Dolly too looked at dadaji. "ji Dadaji.." dolly said with apprehension.

"Beta...you are getting legally separated from Sumit...you are also pregnant...We know that you want to be independent...And the business you are doing with Saurav, I know you want to continue it...I hope you are doing well with the business beta...and I wanted to say that we are proud of you beta...I am proud of you." He placed a hand on her head. " We are with you ...the whole Gangwal pariwaar...be what you want to be ...be independent." Dolly smiled through her tears.

"Kirti..." Dadaji looked at her turning a bit serious.

"Haan Dadaji" Kirti looked up at dadaji

"Kirti... I have an idea of your dream...but tell about it anyway so that everyone can hear."

"Dadaji... I want to pursue a career in fashion...I want to go to Mumbai for my course in fashion designing" She looked at the elders who seemed a bit unhappy at her statement." I know that it is unconventional...but I believe I have talent in designing... I promise that I will be responsible...I will give up all my childish behavior... I promise that I will be focused in career and never ever deviate...I promise I will be responsible truly" Kirti pleaded.

"And I believe you." Dadaji said shocking everyone. "But Bauji.." Mohan began. " No Mohan...look at your daughter. Is she the same Kirti she was before her engagement? Mohan our Kirti has grown up...she has begun to understand responsibilities. Kirti,...Beta... I still don't have faith in your career choice" Dadaji said. Kirti's face dropped. " But ...I have faith in you...You are the granddaughter of Nemichand Gangwal...your determination is sure to bring you to the top..."Dadaji held up a letter he was holding and gave it to Kirti. "So ...I give you the letter of acceptance from the college you have applied for secretly." Dadaji smiled at a shocked Kirti."Follow your dream and Make us proud."

"Sukku..." He moved to Sukku who seemed embarrassed for some reason.

"Ji..D-Dadaji " Sukku stuttered.

"You want to be a movie star?" Dadaji Smiled. Sukku's ears reddened at the blunt question. He was unable to meet dadaji's eyes. Finally he nodded."You know you are talented, But beta...you need to look at reality more closely. You are only one of the thousands of people who carry around the same dream which in reality can be full filled only by a small number of people. I am not telling you to stop dreaming. Rather... I am telling you to dream but make it happen. But before that you will have to promise me something, two things actually. I want you to continue your education. And if you can do a job as well somewhere else if not in the shop, it would be great... Beta I am not ordering you to do anything but think about it. I have seen you taking responsibilities in the shop...I am sure you can take responsibilities now."

Sukku looked at Dadaji. Then he made the decision. "Dadaji I will continue my education and I want to continue working in the shop." Dadaji patted him on his shoulder and moved towards Jwala and Bunty.

"What will I have to say to you two?" Dadaji wondered out loud. "Study well? I know I don't have to say that to Jwala. But beta Bunty... I am not telling you to be as good as Jwala but do work hard." Dadaji smiled."When the time comes..."He whispered as he moved from Jwala and Bunty.

"Nisha..." Dadaji stopped in front of her. Nisha looked up at him silently.

"In this house, in all these years there was only one person I dare say who had the guts to oppose Singham." Dadaji smiled at the nick name cousins had for him as everyone looked up at him astonished. "You...You had your reasons and problems for everything. You never agreed upon anything easily with me. You always had plans to go around my plans. You always had to live in your own terms. Even your marriage." Dadaji looked at Kabir for a moment.

"You Nisha always surprised me. Yet I know you Nisha, deeper than you imagine. Nisha I want to say that I am proud of you. You have turned out to be a wonderful young woman. Surprise to many but definitely not to me. Beta I know you want to continue your job in the Shop. But I would like to ask you to do something just like I asked your brother here. I want you to practice shooting. I know it was your dream but you gave up on it. But beta your talent shouldn't be wasted. Promise me that you will get back to training."

Nisha moved forward and hugged Dadaji. Dadaji was taken aback for a moment but he reciprocated. "I will Dadaji...I will." Nisha said through her tears. Dadaji placed his hand on her head for a moment and then moved to Kabir.

"Kabir ..." Kabir looked stunned for a moment as he heard dadaji utter his name. He never expected him to.

"Arrey bhai...why so surprised? You are my grandchild as much as any of these people here. Besides you blend well with this lot. Just as mad, maybe more." Dadaji said shaking his head. "First of all I should say that you are one of the good idiots I have come across in my life. A smart idiot, an idiot with a good heart but an idiot all the same. Yet you are the perfect match for Nisha. Ramesh told me something about a London school of Dance." He looked at Ramesh and he nodded. "You want to be a choreographer?" Kabir nodded. Dadaji shook his head. "I suppose you don't want the job at the shop? Dadaji asked." No Dadu...it's not a job for me" Kabir said slowly. "And how do you plan to make a living?" Dadaji asked. Kabir looked at Nisha, they had taken a decision the last day, Nisha nodded assuringly. "I am planning to open a dance school. I am also going to look up job as graphic designer. I think Nisha and I can manage with this." Dadaji nodded approvingly. "I want to make a suggestion...If you want to open a dance school why don't you join hands with Ramesh. Ramesh can teach music and you can teach dance. " dadaji looked expectantly at Ramesh and Kabir while they looked at each other. They both had the same line of thought that this might just work. They nodded at each other.

"That's a great idea Bauji" Ramesh said and Kabir agreed.

"But you will try for London School Of Dance next year? Dadaji asked Kabir."I would like to.." Kabir said doubtful of Dadaji's reaction. "Oh do try...and take Nisha if you go to London. I doubt you both would survive without the other" Dadaji said casually to general astonishment while Kabir and Nisha blushed.

Dadaji looked at his children and grandchildren sitting in the courtyard. He felt a sense of satisfaction. The heaviness he felt ever since he found out the truth seemed to be disappearing." Viren, Mohan... I hope you have understood the depth of your doings. I hope you are truly sorry for everything. Viren... I am glad about what you and Vimala have decided for Dolly...and Rupan" Rupan seemed startled at hearing her name. Dadaji smirked

"Ji Bauji..." Rupan said nervously.

"Bahu...Second chances to correct your mistakes are rare so people should make maximum use of it don't you think?" Dadaji asked Rupan with warning tone. Rupan flushed in embarrassement.

"Ji Bauji" she said.

"...and Ramesh...Beta I am sorry."

"Bauji..." Ramesh intervened.

"Arrey bhai... cant you let me apologize to my son. And Lakshmi beta...I should say thank you for staying with Ramesh. You are indeed the best thing that has happened to him" Everyone laughed at this.

"Saroj, that's my mistakes rectified. Isn't it ?" Dadaji asked. Dadi smiled nodding her head. " With this can we have a selfie for the moment?" Dadaji asked and everyone laughed. Kabir came up with the selfie stick as everyone lined up for the selfie. "Ok guys 3, 2,1...WHOA" the selfie was clicked at the moment the cousins fell down tripping. Laughter echoed throughout the Gangwal House.

The End