EPISODE 3: ISHQ CHUPTA NAHI CHUPANE SE
Part 6
Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai
Scene 1
Raman Kumar Bhalla was the cynosure of all female eyes as he moved around the party venue, the Sky Restaurant on the rooftop of the Oberoi Hotel, meeting and greeting his guests.
It wasn't just that he was an extremely handsome man, or the fact that he looked like an advertisement for Vogue in his beautifully tailored and elegant tuxedo. It wasn't just the confidence on his face or the arrogance of his gait either. There was something else, perhaps a certain vulnerability beneath that polished exterior, an intensity in those deep brown eyes, that drew the attention of all the women in the room. Matrons and maidens alike, they preened as he approached them, and their eyes lingered on him long after he had moved away.
Raman was oblivious to all the stares however. Even as he played the perfect host, shaking a hand here, kissing a cheek there, laughing at someone's comment, making small talk with someone else, his eyes waited hungrily for the one woman who his soul was yearning for, the woman who completed him and who had given anchor to his life - his Ishita.
He had texted her some ten minutes previously, only to learn that their car was caught up in a traffic jam, and that it would be another twenty or so minutes before she and Mihika would reach the Oberoi. He bestowed a dazzling smile on the young lady who had been talking earnestly to him, aware that he had not heard a word she had said, so caught up had he been in musings of his Ishita.
"Bhai" Mihir called out to him, approaching him with Mr Malhotra and an unknown tall young man in tow.
"Mr Malhotra" Raman excused himself and strode forward, grasping Malhotra's proffered hand."How good of you to come. I know you are off to London tomorrow, it's good of you to take the time, Sir"
"This project of yours is so innovative and exciting, I wouldn't have missed the completion party for anything, Raman" Mr Malhotra shook Raman's hand with warmth, before turning to his companion.
"Subbu, this is our host and one of the most dynamic young CEOs in India, Raman Bhalla. And Raman, this is Subramaniam, a rising young star in the Reddy Group of Companies in Chennai."
"Pleased to meet you"Raman offered his hand to Subbu.
"Likewise" Subbu took the proferred hand.
"Subramaniam seems to be quite a favourite name in the South" Raman observed." Our Finance Manager is also Subramaniam. And...anyway, how are you finding Delhi?"
"I've been so busy with work, I haven't really had time to do much this trip." Subbu replied with a wry smile. "Anyway, Delhi isn't really new to me. My brother lives here and I used to live with him before I got married, so I am pretty familiar with this place. And please, call me Subbu."
Raman curved his lips into a smile, brushing aside the momentary pang in his heart as he thought of the other holder of the Subbu moniker.
"Good, good" He said. "Mihir, please organise drinks for Mr Malhotra and Subbu. If you"ll excuse me Sir, I see the Mayor just arriving. I"d love to talk to you later in the evening Subbu. I have a special affinity with Chennai" With that, Raman walked off to greet his other guests.
"Subbu" Mr Malhotra said. "You should think about getting a placement with Raman's company for a period. You would learn so much from him, Raman is truly the most dynamic and innovative young leader I have come across in the business world in a long time".
Subbu smiled "Raman Bhalla" he said quizzically. "His name sounds very familiar. I wonder where I have heard it before."
Scene 2
Raman had settled the Mayor with drinks when the sound of new arrivals caused him to turn towards the door again. His heart skipped a beat, wondering if Ishita (and Mihika) had finally arrived. His mouth fell though, as he saw that it was only Ashok and his girlfriend. They walked in through the door with loud hellos and exaggerated laughter. the silvery fairy lights strewn at the entrance casting a garish hue on their gold and black outfits.
Raman watched them with amusement. He could not understand how he had once been so naive and so foolish as to imagine that Shagun was the woman of his dreams. He thought back on the anguish he had felt when she had dumped him for Ashok, the blind hatred which had led him to become the success he was now, but which had caused him to almost loose the essence of himself in the process. He felt nothing for her now, his indifference causing him quiet amusement, as he watched her exhibit her too obvious charms.
"Bhai, are you ok?" Romi stood at his shoulder, peering down at him with his sad puppy dog eyes. "Woh Shagun ko dekh rahe ho?"
"Romi, are you ok?" Raman retorted. "Beech raaste mein se bhaag kar kyon aa gaya mere bhai? Aakhir baat kya hai?"
"Kuch nahi Bhai" he said, just as Shagun and Ashok sashayed up to where the two brothers were standing.
"Hello Raman" Shagun smirked at him "Woh tumhari behenji biwi nahi ayi?" Ashok sniggered at her comment and they both looked at Raman with a collective sneer.
Raman simply smiled back at them. He had not seen Shagun since the time he had realised his love for Ishita, and if he had any question or doubt in his mind about whether any remnants of his past love for Shagun still remained in his heart, it was answered today by the fact that he felt nothing but total indifference towards her. Even her snarky reference to Ishita failed to irk him, since he knew that Ishita's imminent entry would dispel any behenji myth about his stunning wife.
"Shagun, Ashok, welcome. Enjoy the party please. And don't worry about my wife. Ishita aa rahi hai. Kaho kaise ho tum log? Ashok business toh thik hai na?"
"Of course" Ashok smirked. " Why are you asking?"
"Oh, toh shayad Delhi mein kapde khatam ho gaye jo tum logon ko apni ghar ke curtain pehen kar aana pada" he couldn't help getting in one taunt. Aadat se majboor tha shayad.
Shagun was about to make an angry retort when Romi exclaimed " Bhabhi" looking towards the door. All their heads swivelled towards the door as Ishita walked in, Mihika at her side.
Scene 3
Ishita and Mihika paused at the doorway, their eyes searching for Raman and Mihir respectively.
Raman stood mesmerised as he looked at his wife. Framed in the glow of the glittering fairy lights, she looked like an angel in her white net sari, it's black border and pallav providing a sharp contrast which only enhanced her look of angelic innocence. Her make up was subtle, her jewellery limited to his newly gifted diamond strand and two silver bangles, the diamond ring he had gifted her in Kama's temple adorning her ring finger. She had left her hair down, just as he liked it, flowing straight and true past her shoulders and down her waist in a midnight cascade.
Ishita intuitively felt his eyes on her and looked unerringly towards him. Raman was standing next to Romi, a fuming Shagun and Ashok close by. All the others faded from view as her eyes locked with Raman's. She felt as though she was looking into a mirror, which reflected her soul back at her.
Raman walked up to her, his eyes riveted on her face, just as Ishita and Mihika started to walk up to him. They met in the middle, just as Mihir, coming up from the opposite side of the room, joined them.
"Hi Jiju" Mihika chirped up, as they came together. "Mihika" Raman dragged his eyes away from Ishita to acknowledge her sister, who was looking beautiful in a baby pink sari with an embroidered border. "You look stunning...both of you."
"Absolutely" Mihir piped up. "But I have to say Mihika, Bhabhi looks extra beautiful today. Sorry huh, lekin aaj to tum koi competition nahi jeet sakti, Bhabhi ke samne."
"I know" Mihika responded happily. "Akka looks just like an angel tonight. Aakhir sister kis ki hai."
"Devil ke behen angel kaise?" Mihir laughed as Mihika threw a mock punch at him. "Come" Mihir said to Mihika, taking her arm. "I'll introduce you to my team. Bhai, Bhabhi, excuse us please"
"Hmm, yes of course" Raman was barely listening as Mihir walked away with Mihika. He continued to stare at Ishita with an intensity which sent shivers down her spine. She looked into his eyes, lost and mesmerised by the love she saw in them.
They were both so engrossed in each other that they failed to notice Romi, who had come up to stand close to them, escaping from Ashok and Shagun, with whom Raman had left him standing.
"Jaan" Raman said huskily. "Ab nahi chupa sakta mein yeh. You are so beautiful, I want to take you into my arms right here, right now."
"Raman" Ishita smiled softly at him "Aap ke clients aur investors hai yahaan. Kya sochenge sab?"
"Yahi ki I am the luckiest man in the world" he replied, catching one of her hands. "The most beautiful woman in the world loves me."
"Raman" Ishita blushed becomingly. "Kuch bhi...chodo mera haath."
Raman laughed softly. "Kabhi nahi" he replied, his voice intense with passion. "Never".
Part 7 - Page 61 - Jhoot Bole Kauwa Kaate Edited by Veeann - 11 years ago
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