Shani was sitting in her room and contemplating her next plan of action. She had been ignoring all of Arjun's calls, messages, sorry notes with bouquets of flowers that she's been getting for the past three days. She was in no mood to forgive. She cried her heart out. Locked herself in the room away from her puzzled parents. She missed him. She wanted him to come to her and say he's sorry and make everything ok. But she wasn't ready to forgive him so easily either.
Arjun was no better. Every evening after work he would land up at the warehouse and pour out his pains to Shlok and Astha who were busy making arrangements for their wedding. But they made time for their friend. Astha would prepare his favourite dishes he would eat with gratitude. They kept telling him to talk to her face to face. But he was sure Shani won't see him. She will not hear him out.
Arjun was practically living with them. It was a full house indeed. Two horny couples and one with a broken heart.
On the fourth day Arjun decided to give their relationship one last chance and went to Gehi residence after work, hoping to speak to Shani face to face and resolve the differences. He knew she was home as well as her parents, whom by now knew him well. Her mother tried to call Shani but she refused to meet Arjun. He talked to them explained to them his stand and that he wants to marry her not because it's the right the thing to do but because he loves her. Her parents understood him and appreciated his honesty and told Arjun it's her decision. They were progressive in their thinking and allowed their children to make their own decisions about life. But stood by them nevertheless. They were a rarity. Arjun thanked them and left with a heavy heart knowing she refused to see him. He knew she was listening to everything he was saying. Yet she chose to stay silent not hear him out. He felt let down and disappointed that she didn't feel he's worthy of her time.
Few minutes later she received a what'sapp message from him.
"Shanelle, I thought you were better than this. There is s way to do things and this certainly is not the right way. You don't hide behind a door and listen and then peep through the window curtain. I'm not a piece of garbage that you throw away. I came to you coz I love you. You want respect! Well guess what? so do I. Surprising as it may sound. Learn to treat people. If you want to breakup come openly and tell it to me looking me in the eye when we both are sober. I Don't like to play roles in friends cars. I didn't and won't defame you. But know that I wont follow you eithter. I will not pursue you. You will be left alone. One moment you wished to marry me. The next you don't know me. Did you ever really loved me? If you did you wouldn't have treated me the way you did. Or did you say you did coz it sounded good, romanitic. If you don't just tell it to my face."
She still kept her silence. She was realising he's not the begging kind. He tried his best and now it's up to her. If she wants him she must go to him. He's done trying. He keeps his self respect. He may have given hundred missed calls and messages. But she ignored them all.
She was foolishly arrogant. She didn't know how lucky she is to have a man like that in her life. Her mother tried to tell her, Jane tried her utter best to make her see the reality of people, but she wasn't ready to hear anyone. Shlok and Astha visited tried to take her out, but she refused to thinking that they were trying to meet her with Arjun. Everyone's advices and reasoning seemed to fall on Shanis deaf ears. She stopped all rational thinking. She was living in her bubble. Which seemed to work for her for the time being anyways.
Then she did the unthinkable. Informed her mother that she's ready to meet her fathers' business associates son, Varun Rohira. A investment banker with a six figure monthly salary. Very good looking with his own house and luxury car. What could be wrong with him? He's perfect she thought. All the boxes ticked. She agreed to meet him for coffee. She wanted to put Arjun behind. Forget all about him and move on.
Arjun was in his cabin and attending to his work when the intercom buzzed. He had a visitor. Shanelle Gehi was waiting for him at the lobby.
Saying Arjun was surprised to see Shani at the station would be a grave underststatement. He walked up to the lobby with mixed feelings. Why is she here? Why should I see her in the first place? She never gave him the benefit the doubt when he was at her place asking for forgiveness. Didn't have the courtesy to answer any of his calls or return any of his messages. So why should he run to her just because she's here and wants to see him? His pace slowed as his thoughts kept questioning her actions. All cannot be forgotten and forgiven just because she came to see him. But he didn't know why she's here?
As he stepped out to the lobby, she walked right up to him and tried hug him. He put his hand out to stop her from doing so. For Shani, seeing him couldn't help but want be held by him. Feel safe. She didn't even think twice as if he would even see her after the way she treated him. But she wanted and hoped he would take her back. Forgive her and give her another chance. She knows she doesn't deserve it. But nevertheless hoped he would.
Arjun didn't know what he should be doing. He could see she had been crying and in some sort of trouble. She seemed completely shaken. "I'm sorry. Can you ever forgive me. I'm so so sorry. I was such a fool" she said between her sobs.
"Yes you were. We both agree on something. It's a good start. First of all stop crying. It's not going to help at all. What's going on? Why are you here?" Asked Arjun keeping her at arms length.
He could see from the corner of his eye his colleagues standing up from their seats and ogling them. He knows the normal practice when a pretty girl comes to the station. And this one is crying. Arjun you dog! Did you knock her up? That's what most of them are thinking.
She wouldn't stop crying. "Shani not here" saying he led her to a visitors waiting room. As soon he closed the door she hugged him and her sobs increased. He still refused to hug her. It was his way of saying that all is not forgotten nor forgiven. It's not something that you just forget. He was hurt and felt betrayed. Betrayal is not something that you get over in a matter of seconds. You need to be proven that you're worthy of your trust and love once again. For a person thats always been anything but honest and decent what she did was a hard blow to bare. But he was willing to give her another chance and give them a second chance.
"Shani will you please tell me what happened? Did anyone hurt you? Stop crying and start talking" he said grabbing her by the shoulder and making her look at him.
He couldn't deny the fact that he was glad to see her again and that he missed her terribly. He tried to hate her but failed miserably. He missed everything about her.
She told him how much she loves him and what a fool she's been to think that he doesn't love her. She had realised what it is to be decent. She was angry at him for being too decent. For wanting to do the things right way. To keep her honour in tact. He treated her like a precious treasure. Valued her. Was always very loving and tender towards her. Never nagged when she took hours to select one piece material.
"All that is true Shani. I know about myself. What I want to know now is why are you here and why are you crying!" He asked with renewed confidence.
She remembered the events that took place and at the coffee shop then in the car with Varun Rohira. At first glance he looked the ideal man. And gave the impression that he'd make a ideal husband as well. He looked even better in person.
First thing she noticed was he didn't have the decency to to wait for her to order. Then he didn't get up when she stood at the table. She remembered how courteous and well mannered Arjun had been. Then when the waiter came to take her order, he did it for her saying she'll like his choice. "After all you have to get used to my likes and dislikes if we're to get married" he had said. She wanted to run away from there right at that moment. But her fathers honour was at stake. So she took a breath and went ahead with the charade. For Shani those few minutes was enough to realise her mistake. To realise what a gem she had in Arjun. How lucky she was. He was the perfect gentleman at all times. Even when he's not in his full sences.
He was not at all interested in finding about her likes and dislikes. Instead he just kept telling her about him. How much money he spent on his last trip to Paris. Why he decided to buy the Porsche Cayenne when he already has a Range Rover and Infinity QX80. He loved to talk about himself. It wad obvious that the only person he loves and will love is himself.
And then he crossed all limits of decency when he tried to grope her and kiss her. She didn't even remember clearly how she got out of the car and took a taxi to finally be standing outside the Mumbai Crime Branch. She was so shaken up with his complete lack of respect and consideration towards her and her choices. He assumed all. And acted upon them. And he was a total ass about it, unapologetic and full of bravado of his behaviour and attitude.
After hearing all that Shani had to say, Arjun was ready to strangle him with his bare hands. But Shani managed to calm him down and made him promise not to do anything stupid. She didn't want him to ruin his life and career for a worthless person like Varun Rohira. She said they should send him a bouquet of flowers with a thank you note for bringing them back together so soon. She apologised profusely for her childish behaviour and for hurting him. She even told Arjun that she read all the messages and kept one flower from each of the ten bouquets he sent to her along with the notes.
"If he was a good guy? Didn't turn out to be a egotistic pervert would you have agreed to marry him" asked Arjun back in the car.
"I was angry with you. But I never stopped loving you. I wanted to hurt you just the way you hurt me. I thought I was teaching you a lesson. But instead God punished me" said Shani with tears running down her cheeks.
"If I didn't come back to you would you have made another attempt to talk to me? Would you have just let me be. Suffer and wallow in my own misery?" She wanted to know.
"I tried all that I know to get you to talk to me. And you simply refused to see me and Hear me out. So if you hadn't come back to me today, I don't think I would've come after you either. As Painful and hard as it was, myself respect as well as my dignity is important to me as well. Plus it's not as if I didn't try. You shut me out completely" said Arjun looking at her tearful eyes. He was being truthful.
Shani loved him for his honesty. And the fact that he remained truthful to his beliefs. He didn't change even for her. He could've lied to her. But he didn't. He chose to reveal the bitter truth. She couldn't help but thank Mr. Rohira for opening her eyes.
SSP Kannar will be very proud of his puppies. His values and his way of looking at life had made a great impression on his subordinates. Arjun was an ardent and a willing student at Kannar school of thought.
She held his hand placed a kiss and said "Mr. Arjun Gokhle I'm ready to wait for you because I know I want to grow up with you. I made a lot of mistakes. But I'm willing to change. Help me. Let me be next to you please. Will you take me back?" Saying she rested her forehead on his chest.
Arjun realised that she was giving herself to him. Letting him know she belongs to him. Just as he belongs to her. He wouldn't want it any other way. They were back on track.
Astha and Shlok were planning a very private wedding. Just the immediate family and friends. Astha's parents refused to come to her wedding. She went to see them in person with Shlok. They refused to see them. That was the last straw for her. She was sad. But she was in a way not surprised. She knew that they just wanted her money not be part of her life.
Shlok decided it was time to think of building a proper house for them to live. Penthouse was out of the question cause it was too far and Pancy is not used to living in a high riser. Next best option was to build one next to the warehouse. Space was not a problem. The entire property had two acres. They discussed and agreed it to be the best possible option. They were busy planning their life together. Yet so much was happening around them.
They kept the romance going by Sneaking in the middle of the night to his Mustang, their throne room for some privacy. He was able to close the workshop for one most since he didn't have any pending projects. He wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. They were playing catchup.
The wedding was scheduled to take place in two weeks time. He was determined to make it memorable. It was not going to be lavish wedding by any means. But one with lot of heart and love. Jane insisted they have the reception at Kannar residence. They agreed provided they order all the food from outside.
Astha had her own plan to bring Shani and Arjun together if they are still unable to work things out. Shani and Arjun had decided to keep it themselves. They wanted to surprise all.
Shlok had wanted to get married in the small chapel that he had taken her once. But it was logistically impossible to get it renovated in such a short time. In stead he managed to get permission to have the wedding in another chapel that was similar. Small and cozy. Astha immediately liked the place and insisted Shlok to give up the plan to get the old run down chapel ready for the big day.
It was one of the convents that Astha's Foundation helps. They run a orphanage for girls. The nuns were more than happy to help them out.
It was D-day, Shlok in his Black tuxedo, ready for his Princes. Jane couldn't help but shower compliments on Shlok. So much so that it irritated Jay. "Why don't you get married to him then. I'll grant you a divorce" blurted out Jay. Making Jane burst out in laughter. They all stood outside the small chapel.
"Baby, you can't get rid of me so easily. I'll ask for a divorce myself if Mr. Gandy asks me to marry him. Till then you stay the most luckiest man in Mumbai" she said with a wink and s kiss to his hand.
The small gathering consisted of Sunny, Filo, Samuel, Akash and his wife, Kannar Family, Mumtaz and Sandhya, Arjun and Shani. Arjun's mother was present as well. Shani was the bridesmaid and Arjun was the Best Man. Myra and Sandhya were the flower girls and Rohan the lone pageboy. And Shane was the only outsider. He literally begged Shlok and Astha to let him be the photographer. Shlok wasn't too pleased about it but he knew he'd do a great job. So he let him. Astha told him many times that if he's not comfortable with him being there they will do away without one.
Just few minutes before the service was to begin Myra came running towards Shlok and punched him in the stomach. She was crying as well. Before Jane could get hold of her Shlok did. "Don't touch me. You're a lier and a cheater. I hate you. I hate you so much. I never ever want to see your face again. You said you will wait for me. But now I know you never planned to. I don't know what I saw in you in the first place. You are just like all the rest. Daddy is right." She said pushing him away. Shlok didn't know what hit him. He was being steamrolled by a fiery 7 year old.
"Myra I hate to say this... But I told you this will happen. They can never be trusted. Specially the charming good looking kind. Look at him he doesn't have a single scar in his face. He's too pretty" said Jay looking at his first born who was distraught at finding out that she's gonna be the flower girl at her Prince Charmings' wedding.
Shlok had wanted to talk to her prior. But Jane asked him not to fearing she will not attend the wedding at all if she knew. He was expecting an outburst but nothing could've prepared him for this. Shlok knew his Lady Myras' heart will be broken the moment she finds out that he's getting married to Astha. He hated to see her get hurt. But there was no way around it either. Sooner or later she had to find out.
"You promised me you'd always be there for me. Always love me. You promised to marry me. Not her. What it is that she has that I don't? Tell me. Is it cause she's got boobies like Mommy" she said looking at Jane. Janes eyes widened with astonishment.
"You wait and see I'll be taller with bigger boobies than her. Don't come begging for forgiveness then. She can never give you kids with blue eyes" Arjun and Shani looked at each other trying desperately to keep from laughing.
"I'll marry a handsome tall prince just like daddy. Without a beard. Was I blind? What was I thinking. All those words you told me. I'll wait for you, you're the only one for me... They were just that. Empty meaningless words. You played with my feelings and you broke my heart. I'm very disappointed in you Mr. Shlok Agnihotri, You f****d up"
"Myraaa" yelled Jay and Jane. "Myra Elisabeth Kannar, I will not tolerate that kind of language. For gods sake where have you heard this word" asked Jane.
"I'm sorry Mommy. daddy always says over the phone when people disappoint him. He says you f****d up"
"Myraaa" both said together. Jane gave a menacing look to Jay. He was as always cool as a cucumber. He didn't seem to be bothered to worried about repercussions. He was his own man.
They were all glad that they were still outside the chapel. No one was around.
"So, you got it from daddy. Congrats. You must be very happy and proud" said Jane angrily looking at Jay. "One more for your Kannar troopers. But unlike others this one's in a skirt"
"Janie I'm very happy. They change their attire later on. So what they wear now won't matter"
"Mommy just like daddy says I get all the bad traits from daddy. Good from you. So what did you expect? I don't disappoint and f*** up li..."
"Myraaa... That's enough. Not another word from you" reprimanded Jane.
"Jay say something. She's your daughter too" Jane said looking for support.
"He was all wrong for you. I told you right from the beginning. But you didn't believe me. You trusted him. Now see what happened?" Said Jay.
"Daddy I should've just listened to you. My heart would've been spared of all this shit. I'm sorry daddy"
"Jay tell her to stop swearing" Jane was loosing her cool.
"I'm sorry Mommy. Please forgive me. You do the same thing when you're angry. I'm you're daughter too right?" Jane was left speechless.
"Daddy it's betrayal right?" She asked taking few steps closer to Jay.
"It's treason of the lowest kind. Myra, next time I will choose for you"
"It's a deal daddy. I trust you more than I trust myself daddy" she said hugging her dear father.
"Daddy I remember you telling me intellect matters more than looks. I should've dumped him the moment I saw him looking at himself on anything he can see his reflection on. I missed all the signs. He brainwashed me with his empty words. Not once he asked me about gorillas vertebrae"
"Myra, now you know. It never would've worked. It was doomed from the beginning. My lady when you meet the right one it'll be his first question" Jay said lifting her up and giving her a kiss on her forehead.
"Daddy you once said men are like commercials. You can't believe a single word they say. I understand it now. Please forgive me for doubting you. I was a romantic fool. Never again. It's my solemn promise from one Kannar to another. I love you so much daddy. You have never disappointed me daddy" she said showering him with kisses.
She asked Jay to put her down. She walked up to Shlok. He tried to say something. She put her hand up. "I don't want to hear more lies from you. But remember this well. Myra Elisabeth Kannar never repeats twice. It's over between us. I will not shed tears for you. You're not worth it. Have a good life. Just one request, Don't break her heart like you did with mine". Myra came back to her hero, the one person that she knows will ever let her down, her father and hugged him and said "daddy I know I f****d up. But never again. I was a fool. Daddy shit happens to good people. Even pretty and handsome people like you and me" with those final words she walked back inside to where Astha and Sandhya was waiting.
Everyone there except Jay was surprised by the fiery 8 year olds outburst. To Jay his little girl swearing was not a crime. He's seen it all. No one got hurt. No one died. Only person that was hurt was his Myra. He's seen and lived through far more destructive situations. He's trained himself to bare good as well as the bad equally. Not shatter when bad things happen nor jump with joy when all is Rosy.
All looked on as Jane and Shani accompanied Myra back to the chapel where Astha was waiting. Shlok looked at Jay. "Agnihotri you better consider yourself extremely lucky that you don't work under me anymore" said Jay retuning his gaze with a menacing glare.
"I'm sorry about this whole mess sir" said Shlok apologetically. Shokl knew to Jay his kids happiness meant the world and how he hates people disappointing him.
"So am I Agnihotri. So am I. Just don't f*** up again. Said Jay.
Everything and everyone was ready for the proceedings to begin including Pancy and his Queen. Shlok couldn't wait to see his wife to be. He did all this for her. Put on the monkey suit as he refers to the Tux. She didn't ask him to either. But he wanted to do things the way it's supposed to be done. She said she wanted things to be done how normal people do things. It was a small price to pay for her happiness.
It was a first for SSP Kannar, walking down the aisle with a girl in his hand to be given away for marriage. He was very touched when Astha came to him and asked him if he would give her away. He knew that she looked up to him as a father figure. But this was totally unexpected even for SSP Kannar who's always prepared for any eventuality. But not this. He liked her and admired her for her courage. For not buckling under pressure or not giving up when life threw one curve ball after another. She was a true fighter. She weathered the storm and managed to reach the shore with her boat still in tact. He knew it took her lot of mental toughness. He remembered seeing her for the first time in that hospital bed, defeated and hopeless. From that to this moment she has come a long way. And she did it with not just with remarkable courage but with dignity as well. He truly admired her for not changing who she is just because life got tougher. She stayed true to herself but Dealt with the adversities without selling her soul to the devil.
Myra was not very happy about the fact that her daddy was walking Astha down the aisle. She protested but Jane managed to calm her down. Lady Myra was venting her frustration and his disappointment "This is the worst day of my life. Nothing seems to be going my way. First I find out the man of my dreams is marrying another and now this. It should've been me not her that daddy is walking down the aisle. I hate my life. But I know I'll get through this. Kannars are fighters not whiners. Like daddy says wipe the shit off your ass and put on a new pair pants and move on. Life doesn't Stop just cause you got bit of shit. Life goes on. I'll make you proud daddy. I promise".
Jane McLeod Kannar couldn't help but smile and be proud of her first born.
As the music started to play indicating the arrival of the bride, Shlok stood there with anticipation. His heart was beating so fast that he felt it just may pop out of his rib cage. Everything that they went through in the span of just over one year flashed before his eyes. They met, loved, lost a baby, lost each other, found and then fought. Before finally accepting the true reality that they were willed and meant to be together.
Astha, looked divine in a beautiful elegant ivory coloured wedding gown as she stood at the threshold holding on to her mentor she was able to see Shlok waiting and watching. Waiting for the rest of their lives to begin. They've been watching their life go by with just regrets as memories. Now they look to the future with hope and happiness in the horizon. What the future holds for them or for any of them in that small chapel was anyone's guess. But as they say it's not how you get there that matters it's the journey. Shlok and Astha have started their journey. Took many a wrong turn and detours as well. But they made their way back to each other. And are now on the verge of starting a new journey. They know they will face many roadblocks but were determined not to get lost. Not to loose their way this time around.
Love and understanding works like a map. But you still got to be sensible and attentive to follow the directions. If you take things for granted and become complacent then even with a map you will get lost. As they took their marriage vows they were also making pledges to themselves not to loose their way. They both know the pain of loss. The agony of guilt and the euphoria of love. They have seen both sides of the coin.
King Melchizedek said to the shepherd boy Santiago "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it". This holds true to Shlok and Astha as well as to all of us. Everyone around them played a part in culminating this moment. And they will continue to do so. Both who are for and against you, they all played their part.
People come and people go. But those who want to be part of your life make that effort to be part of yours. They were very lucky to be surrounded by few but honest people who truly cared about their well being. For that they will be forever grateful.
Arjun surprised one and all when he proposed to Shani right there at the chapel. He waited for the ceremony to get over got down on one knee and in the presence of God, friends and family asked for her to be his wife and Shani was more than willing to oblige.
Jane couldn't contain her happiness. She kept looking at her Jay with much pride as if to say "take that Mr. Kannar". He had always discouraged her getting involved in others personal lives. Jay had to admit he was wrong for once. She was right about all four of them.
Back at the their home where the reception was taking place Jay while appreciating all that his wife has done for his puppies told her "Janie, you have to stop giving like this. You're like Jesus. Just gives and gives. If you keep this up you'll make him look bad and church will have to canonise you pretty soon".
"Thank you for the compliment Mr. Kannar. I'll be the first living Saint. Be proud my baby you're married to a precious treasure. I'll be the first non-ordained Saint. Take that SSP Kannar" she said gesturing as if to bless him.
"Don't get too far ahead of yourself Saint Jane of Mumbai much to be done and proven". Saying he twirled her around. They watched as the newly wedded Mr & Mrs Shlok Agnihotri and the newly engaged couple danced without a care in the world. That moment all that's imperfect seemed to be perfect. Jane was happy to have played a part in bringing them together. She wished all around her to be happy and in love and be loved as she is. She was a true romantic married to the most realistic man one could think of. Yet their love and relationship worked. For they didn't just made sacrifices but made compromises. They not only talked the talk but walked the walk too. And they wished the same for them as well. They watched them dancing with their future looking bright and shining with hope.
For a cynic who hated the word love and never believed in relationships to feel complete looking into his wife was a complete turnaround. But then again that's the power of love. Trust almost ruined them but love guided them back to each other like the North Star. As they begin their new journey together with hope, love, mutual respect and understanding they also know that the only thing that's constant is change.
Hollywood
