Aaj ka last hi hoga. I just meant that I will share it soon today.
Happy Friday Everyone!
Here is the last chapter of ‘The Reluctant Groom and His Accidental Bride’ and it feels right to share it on a Friday 😊
I started writing and sharing this story in the October of 2018. Little did I expect it to garner so much love and enthusiasm from the wonderful Samaina and YUDKBH fans here!
I cannot possibly express just how much this experience has enriched my life, and I will forever be deeply grateful to all of you for the constant support and your wonderful warm words of appreciation.
I hope you all enjoy this last update and shower this story with your love once more, as it bids you adieu!
Wishing you all a Happy Diwali in advance and lots of joy and success in the years to come.
Lots of love and hugs,
May.
Chapter 49
Couple of days later, Sameer received an excited call from his wife while at the factory “Sameer, Chachiji ka phone aaya tha. Preeti ke liye koi bahoot acha rishta aaya hai! Aaj zara jaldi aa jaana, hum Chachaji ke ghar chalenge.”
Sameer picked her that evening and they were soon in her Chachaji’s living room listening to Bela excitedly sharing the details about this proposal which was under consideration. The boy is question, was well educated, working with a multinational and had been recently sent to Malaysia on a three-year assignment. His parents were extremely worried about how their son would be able to survive in a strange land by himself and had decided to get him married as soon as possible thinking, Biwi sath hogi toh, kum se kum ghar ka paka khana toh milega humare bache ko!
Sameer asked “Malaysia mein kaha hai?” Chachaji shared “Kuala Lumpur mein hai. Phula bau ke bahu ke mauseri behen ka beta hai. Parivar toh bahoot acha hai, aur ladka bhi padha leekha hai.” Sameer turned to Preeti “Tumhe kya lag raha hai?” Preeti muttered “Pata nahi… matlab, rishta toh theek hi lag raha hai. Par ladke se mile aur jaane bina kaise kuch decide kar sakte hai! Aur abhi toh photo bhi nahi dekhi hai unki…” Taiji remarked sharply “O bai! Ab Phula bua ke kuch soch ke hi rishta bataya hoga na… tu kaunsa usse ek baar milke bahoot samajh legi! Aur ladke ki shakal nahi akal dekhi jaati hai, samjhi?”
Bela continued to share “Bhagwan jhoot na bulaye! Buaji bata rahi thi ke ladka iss mahine akhir mein India aane ki koshish kar raha hai. Ek baar uski chutti final ho jaye toh hum bhi apni train ki ticket karwa lenge. Agar rishta tai ho jaye toh shaadi bus do-teen mahine mein ho jayegi.” Then looking a little lost she muttered “Pata nahi waha ladke ka ghar kaisa hoga… Preeti ke sath kya kya bhejna hoga. Garam kapde toh bahoot lagenge hi… videsh mein toh thanda hi hota hai na!”
Sameer smiled “Chahiji, Malaysia mein itni thand nahi hoti…” Preeti asked him “Jijaji, aap gaye ho??” He shook his head “Malaysia toh nahi gaya par kuch saal pehele ek baar Nanu ke sath Singapore gaya tha… Bohoot hi humidity hoti hai waha. Aur roz baarish!” Hearing this climate update, Bela started wondering where she could buy some good quality umbrellas and if two would be enough.
Naina beamed at her husband “Sameer, agar Preeti waha rehne chali gayi toh europe se bhi pehele hum waha jayenge!” As he nodded, Taiji retorted “O Bai… Videsh ki baat ho rahi hai… Surat ya Baroda ki nahi! Itne saal toh isske baap ne kabhi iska Bombay ka ticket nahi nikala… aur ab badi badi farmaishe hone lagi hai! Abhi behen ka rishta bhi nahi hua aur yeh toh pehele se hi nikal padi uske sasural mein rehne!”
Seeing Naina pale at this remark, Sameer gritted his jaw and answered with a forced sweetness in his voice “Naina, tumhari Taiji theek kehti hai… Acha nahi lagega na ke nayi nayi shaadi ke baad turant Preeti ke maike se mehmaan aa jaye. Hum na… agar rishata tai hota hai toh, shaadi se pehele hi ek baar hoke aayenge… hotel mein hi rahenge, par theek se ladke se milke woh kaise aur kaha rehta hai deekh ke aayenge. Phir toh Chachaji aur Chachiji ko bhi tassali ho jayegi!”
It was Taiji’s turn to lose colour and muttering something about Pralay’s homework she tottered away.
Naina informed her Chachaji that she was soon joining the business. Her uncle was extremely pleased by this news and the rest of the visit was spent discussing her new role and how she planned to manage both home and work.
There was a big sense of excitement at the breakfast table in the Maheshwari household that Monday. Naina was all dressed for her first day of work in a violet lucknowi chikankari saree. Touching Nanaji’s feet, she said “Nanaji, pehele do-teen hafte toh main jaldi Sameer ke sath hi jayungi, phir thoda settle ho jau office mein toh aapke sath aaya karungi.” Nanaji replied “Aare beta, tum dono ab meri fikar mat karo, bilkul theek hu main! Milta hu tumse lunch time pe. Best of luck! Aur khub tarakki karo.” After repeating some instructions to Ramdhari about the lunch boxes to be sent to the factory, she climbed in the car.
The drive to the factory was filled with endless questions from Naina about the various employees she would work with, the areas that he would like her to focus on to start with and so on. Sameer watched her enthusiasm with twinkling eyes. The idea of catching glimpses of her throughout the day filled his heart with profound contentment.
Naina had been to the factory previously on a handful of occasions, but this day was very special. On reaching the factory, Sameer walked her over to the accounts department. Her new boss Mr Pathki, who she had met during an earlier visit, set out to introduce her to her role and responsibilities to start with. That day and the next few days felt like a bit of a blur, with Naina trying to grasp a lot of new information.
Towards the end of that week, Naina stopped by her Chachaji’s home after work. A slightly grumpy Preeti offered her the Mathia that she had been forced to prepare earlier in the day. Chachiji of course waved away all her complaints with another lecture on how these skills were a pre-requisite for a bride to be. Taiji as usual ensued some dire predictions on the lines of ‘yeh ladki bhi kandhan ki naak katwayegi!’ Preeti muttered under her breath “Toh plastic surgery karwa ke badhwa lena! Naak na hua… koi mooli ya gajar hai, jo roz kat jata hai!” As Taiji glared at her, Naina quickly diverted the topic and started talking about the latest phone call with her mother-in-law.
After the usual chit-chat with all the family members for a bit, the sisters retired to their bedroom. Once on their own, Naina started a little hesitantly “Preeti, tu iss rishate ki baat se khush toh hai na? Ab toh ladke ka photo bhi dekh liya hai tune…” Preeti’s shoulders slumped a little “Pata nahi Naina… waise toh ladka aur uska parivar sab acha hi hai, bus itne dur jaane ke khayal se mera toh dil baitha ja raha hai.” Her eyes teared up a bit “Naina, tum sab se itna dur kaise rahungi mein. Yaar, yeh Bua dadi ne bhi Kanpur ya Kolhapur ka chod ke yeh Kuala Lumpur ka ladka kyun suggest kiya mere liye?!”
Naina patted her back in understanding for a bit and then tried to ease her anxiety “Tu na, itna pareshan hona chod de! Dekh, abhi toh ladke se milna bhi hai. Pata nahi tum dono milne ke baad kya decision loge. Agar tujhe ladka zara bhi pasand hi na aaye, toh phir toh woh kaha rehta hai, isse koi farak hi nahi padega, hai na?” And then she added in a teasing tone “Aur agar ladka bahoot pasand aa gaya, toh phir toh tu uske peeche chand tak bhi nikal padegi!”
Preeti blushed hearing this and then admitted “Waise photo mein toh kafi handsome lag rahe hai…” Naina laughed “O ho… matlab, asal mein toh dil mein ladoo phoot rahe hai!” Picking the guy’s photo from the study table, she added “Ha yaar, hai toh handsome… tumhari jodi khoob jachegi!” Preeti’s eyes sparkled “Suchi moochi?!”
For a little while the girls talked about the visit planned to Mumbai in about two weeks, to meet the prospective groom and his family when he would be visiting India. They contemplated on what the guy was likely to ask her and what she should ask him. Sounding a little depressed, Preeti told her about the very traditional sarees that her mother had shortlisted and after much deliberation it was decided that Naina would bring around some of hers for Preeti to consider.
Naina peeked outside their room and lightly closed the door. She then pulled out a plastic bag containing something from her office bag and held it out in front of Preeti. Seeing the question mark in her sister’s eyes, she gulped and explained “Kuch novels hai…” As her sister started objecting “Yaar, tujhe toh pata hai… mujhse yeh sab padha nahi jata…” Naina shushed her “Pehele sunn toh le! Dekh, chahe tu shaadi karke kahi bhi jaaye… yeh toh pata hi hona chahiye ke shaadi ke baad hota kya hai.”
Seeing her sister’s puzzled expressions, Naina fumbled with her dupatta for a few seconds and then spoke “Preeti, woh… kiss se aage bhi bahoot kuch hota hai!” Her sister blinked a couple of times and then tapping her lips stammered “Uske aage bhi?? Woh kya?!” Naina now thrust the books covered inside the plastic bag in her hands “Kitabe padh lena… samajh jayegi.” And then she added in a softer tone “Darna mat… sab theek ho jayega.”
That night after her parents were fast asleep, probably for the first time ever, Preeti eagerly opened a novel. She then read it till the wee hours of the morning, with varying degrees of surprise, shock and wonder. On the other side of the town, Naina slept feeling relived, that at least her sister would be better equipped for the start of her marital life.
The prospective grooms visit to India was postponed for a couple of months due to some work-related issues and hence, so was Preeti’s trip to Mumbai. Bela now forced her to join the baking and cooking classes too!
The weeks ahead were very busy as Naina slowly started settling in her new role. Mr Pathki had already come up with a plan to slowly introduce her to various aspects of that department and the business in general. He understood very well that though she was joining as a junior accountant, her growth plan would have to be an unusual one. His silent reservations about her ability and commitment were soon swept away, as Naina dove into the work wholeheartedly and happily slogged over the journals and ledgers, eager to learn all that she could.
Had it not been for the lunch breaks when she slipped into Nanaji’s cabin to eat with him and her husband, it would have been hard to tell that she wasn’t just another employee. Post Nanaji’s illness few months back, Naina had mandated that he start taking a tiffin from home for lunch rather than eating the canteen food, where it as hard to control the salt or sugar intake. The amount of food packed had increased, as first Sameer and then she had started working at the factory full time too.
Slowly the rest of the team and the employees from other departments too started warming up to her. Her simplicity and down-to-earth persona, which some employees found a little baffling at the start, in time won her their admiration and approval.
Sameer was lost in the world of the legal jargon, going through the revised contract of one of their long-standing clients. The market demands were changing, where in the past people had mostly used clothes as just a necessity to cover their bodies as per the demands of the season, now they were becoming keener to use it as an expression of self. Flooding any local market with just one design in multiple colours was no longer a good sales or marketing strategy. Clients wanted variety, in order to satisfy their customers. Born with an innate flare for fashion, Sameer appreciated the customer’s requirements, but was now trying to figure out the new distribution model for Maheshwari textiles.
He absentmindedly picked the phone when the shrill ring interrupted his thoughts. He was about to answer it in his usual clipped ‘Hello?’, when the extension of the accounts department registered, and he instead murmured in a softer tone “Bus panch aur minute mein khana kha lunga. Promise! Bus thodasa hi aur baaki hai.” Naina pouted at the other end “Sameer! Tumne yahi baat mujhse ek ghante pehele bhi kahi thi. Dhai baj gaye hai… Panch minute mein na main hi udhar aa rahi hu! Aur tab tak khana nahi shuru kiya hoga toh, khud khilayungi!” She put down the phone in a bit of a huff.
Fifteen minutes later when she barged into his cabin, the tiffin was still standing untouched on the little table in the corner. Sameer looked at her a little guiltily and muttered “Bus ho gaya! Tum khana lagao, main abhi aata hu.” Naina opened the tiffin and served the food in the plate left behind by the peon, her lips pursed. Even when he joined her at the coffee table and picked up the plate, she did not say a word.
He stuffed a big bite of the roti-sabji in his mouth and then spoke still chewing on his food “Ab kha toh raha hu!” She shot back “Keh toh aise rahe ho jaise khana khaa ke mujhpe hi koi aehsaan kar rahe ho! Sameer, theek se time pe khana kha liya karo. Kaam toh chalta hi rahega.” He frowned “Tum jis din mere sath khana khati ho, time pe hi khata hu. Bus do din jab tum apne department ke logon ke sath khati ho, tabhi bhool jata hu.”
She made an exasperated sound “Sameer!!” He accepted “Ha, pata hai, tumhara un sab ke sath bhi thoda informal time spend karna jaruri hai. Waise next week Nanu Delhi se wapas aayenge toh mera unke sath lunch ka routine phir shuru ho jayega, itni chinta mat kiya karo.” She replied as she served him more of the sabji “Ab tak toh tumhe pata chal hi gaya hoga, ke mujhe chinta karne ki aadat hai, toh ab tum bhi aadat daal hi lo!”
He chuckled “Lagta hai tum toh mujhe pura badal ke hi saas logi! Agar koi purana dost ab mil jaye toh mujhse hi poochega, Sameer kaha hai??” She protested “Kuch bhi! Aur waise bhi kuch badlav ache hote hai insaan ke liye.” He nodded along and then embarked on a discussion on what the new contract stipulated and impact of the changes. Naina shook her head a little at his tactics for attention diversion, but then got caught in the discussion herself, while he mentally congratulated himself on having managed this feat yet again!
As she exited his cabin post his lunch, he watched her retreating figure with fondness. He was very glad that they had managed to air out their issues and she had joined the business with a happy heart. Her sincerity and commitment to learning the processes in the accounts department and about all the important Clients and Suppliers were greatly appreciated by Mr Pathki. He had observed Nanu subtly quizzing her on her learning and then advising her which areas to focus on. The way his grandfather’s eyes would narrow and crinkle in joy seeing her increasing engagement in the role, would bring a sense of pride to Sameer’s heart.
About ten days back after much insistence from his daughter and son-in-law, Nanaji had left for Delhi for a much overdue break from work and change in surroundings. Bobby’s mother was visiting her sister in the US for a couple of months and this afforded Vishakha the perfect opportunity to pamper her father and insist that he spend some time with all of them on Delhi. Seemed like Deepika was keeping him entertained and Nanaji had sounded very happy over the last couple of phone calls.
Sameer’s eyes landed on the calendar hanging on the wall by his desk, zeroing on a specific date. It was soon going to be a year since that accident, which had completely transformed his life. Well, not only his, hers too.
The other day the song from the film Coolie had played on the radio when they had been in the car.
dono jawani ki masti me chur
tera qusur na mera qusur
na tune signal dekha, na maine signal dekha
accident ho gaya, rabba rabba
accident ho gaya, agreement ho gaya
permanent ho gaya, rabba rabba
Both had instantly turned to each other with some slight shock mirroring on their faces, which had quickly turned to mirth and they had burst out laughing. His eyes had lingered on her face, till she had chided in a teasing tone “Aage dekho! Warna phir se accident ho jayega…. Aur iss baar koi biwi nahi, car repair ka lamba sa bill milega!”
Before Nanaji left for Delhi, while alone with him, Sameer had enquired “Nanu, aap Delhi se Naina aur meri Wedding Anniversary ke pehele wapas toh aa jayenge na?” Nanaji had looked a little surprised at the reminder “Aare, main toh bhool hi gaya tha! Aisi sari baatein yaad rakhne ka department toh tumhari Nani ka hota tha… Ha beta, pakka wapas aa jayunga.”
Sameer had blushed a little and then shared “Nanu, main soch raha tha ke kissi hotel mein chotasa function hall book karke manayenge. Sirf family aur kuch friends ko bulange, toh shayad 40-50 guests honge. Aap ko kya lagta hai?” Nanaji had obviously been very pleased at the prospect of this celebration and remarked “Naina ko bhi idea acha hi laga hoga!” Sameer had excitedly announced “Nahi, abhi maine usse kuch bataya nahi hai. Soch raha hu uske liye party surprise hi rakhunga!” He then went on to share his half-baked ideas and plans with Nanu.
Well, they had been half-baked at that point, but were in the final stages now and the number of guests had grown close to a century. Munna and Pandit’s support had been roped in as expected. The duo’s excitement had been on a completely different level and Sameer had to keep reminding them that they were planning a wedding anniversary celebration, not the wedding itself! Munna had sulked a little when his idea for a band to play ‘Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai’ had been squashed by Sameer, but Pandit had insisted that the food served would very much resemble a wedding feast. Sameer had strictly forbidden the guests from spilling the beans in front of his wife, and so far she was oblivious to the plan.
At some point, Preeti had asked her Jijjaji, how was he planning on getting Naina to dress up for this event without telling her about it? This new challenge had them all scratching their heads for a bit, before it was decided that Sameer would tell her that he was taking her out for dinner to a special place to celebrate the anniversary. Sameer had decided that pretending to have forgotten the anniversary till evening was not deemed a safe option, as for all he knew, she might just pack her bags and head to her maika for good!
Nanaji changed his travel plans towards the end choosing to extend his stay in Delhi and returned the day of the Anniversary itself. Along with lots of blessings, gifts sent by the Somani family were also handed over to the young couple. Sameer was a little disappointed that his mother had been unable to travel to Ahmedabad as he had hoped for, but decided to focus on the person who had entered his life a year ago and filled it with innumerable reasons for making this event worthy of a celebration. As she served Nanaji a tiny piece of the cake she had baked, his lips curved in a happy line remembering the night before.
They had gone to bed at the usual time. Fairly exhausted from the last-minute running around trying to ensure that everything was set for the next evening, Sameer had fallen asleep almost immediately. Only to be shaken awoke to the sight of a candle. As he gained complete consciousness, he realised that the candle was sitting atop a cake, which was being held by his wife who was trying very hard to contain her excitement. In that moment he couldn’t decide what twinkled brighter, the candle’s flame or her eyes adoring him. Her hair was tied in a messy bun, a few tendrils hanging to one side, devoid of make-up she was dressed in one of her everyday wear cotton night suits, and yet she completely bewitched him.
Some time back she had discarded the nighties in favour of night suits. Sameer had welcomed this change as it allowed him quick access to her bare waist and tummy while sleeping. And of course to much more whenever the mood for amorous activities struck!
Seeing that he was awake, she had squealed “Happy Anniversary!!! Maine socha tha ke kal cake kaatenge… par mujhe excitement mein neend hi nahi aa rahi thi aur bikul sabr nahi ho raha tha!” And then she pouted “Aur tum toh itni gheri neend mein thay! Bahoot baar socha ke jagao ke nahi… par phir, control hi nahi hua!” He uttered flirtatiously “Haaye… kabse taras raha hu tumhare muh se yeh shabd sunne ke liye.” She looked perplexed for a few seconds and then smiling shyly on catching the drift of his words asked “Ab cake kaate?”
They had blown out the candle together and then giggled as the darkness in the room enveloped them momentarily, till Sameer scrambled to switch on the lamp next to him. Together they had cut out a piece and then taken turns feeding it to each other.
Sameer had then walked to his study table and pulled a card from a book. Holding it out to her, he had said “Happy Anniversary Jaan.” Naina missed a heartbeat or two. Though he had been murmuring that endearment to her for months now, it still always managed to affect her deeply. Sometimes it seemed surreal that she had come mean so much to someone, and not just someone, to him.
As she pulled out the card, it seemed strangely familiar. There was a big read heart on the outside, and the printed message inside read ‘I can't imagine any greater fear, Than waking up without you here, And though the sun would still shine on, My whole world would all be gone.’
As the sentiments behind those words registered, her eyes misted. She murmured sounding a little puzzled “Yeh toh dekha dekha lag raha hai…” He sounded a little deflated “Tumhe card pehele hi deekh gaya tha kya? Maine laya toh bahoot pehele tha… jab woh dating ka idea mere dimag mein chal raha tha, par tumhe diya nahi tha. Aur phir baad mein toh kaha rakh diya, yaad hi nahi aa raha tha! Bus abhi kuch din pehele ek novel mein rakha mila. Tumne woh kitab padhne li thi kya?” She shook her head “Nahi… yaha kamre mein nahi mila tha…”
Then suddenly recalling something she beamed “Yaad aaya! Main jab Archies gayi ek baar aap ke liye card lene… bahoot pehele… tab waha dekha tha. Yaad isliye raha kyun ki tab socha tha, ke koi kissise itna pyar kaise karta hoga?” He pulled her closer and rubbed his nose against hers “Waise hi jaise mujhe tumse ho gaya. Par ha, shayad Sameer Mahaeshwari jaisa pyar sab ke bus ki baat nahi hai!” Her eyes narrowed “O… toh sara kamal Sameer Maheshwari ka hi hai…” He smiled and almost whispered “Nahi… iss liye, kyun ki baaki kisike pass meri Naina nahi hai.”
Sameer pulled back his attention back to the present. Nanaji was recounting some incident when Deepika had managed to spill some water in her school bag and everyone had been tasked with drying the books using all available table fans and hair dryers in the house. Some more stories and news of Delhi were shared by Nanaji before he headed to this room for some rest.
Naina had decided to take the day off from work, but Sameer soon headed to the factory promising her that he would be definitely back before six that evening.
As she watched his car pulling out of the driveway, Naina stood in the veranda lost in thoughts. Though Preeti and Chacha-Chachi had called up about breakfast time to share their blessings and best wishes, they had not mentioned anything about visiting her today. Agreed, as a family they were not into celebrating birthdays and such occasions in a big way, yet their lack of initiative had left her a little dejected. When Naina mentioned that she and Sameer would try to stop by on their way to dinner, Chachiji had said something about them heading out to meet a family friend and had instead invited them for dinner the next day.
Ramdhari seemed to be in good spirits though, as he whistled while folding the bedsheets washed the day before. Suddenly he exclaimed a big grin on his face “Bhabhi, hum na aaj sham ko woh jeans pehenenge jo bhaiya aur aap ne Diwali pe di thi!” Naina asked “Kahi khaas ja rahe ho?” He now coloured a bit and then fidgeting slightly said “Ha… woh… ek dost ko milne jaane wale hai.” She arched her eyebrows trying to control her smile “Hmmm… kissi special dost se milne jaana hai kya?” Ramdhari blushed “Bhabhi… aisi koi baat nahi hai. Hum se woh sab na hoga… hum toh apni Amma ki pasand se hi shaadi karenge.” She asked smiling “Kakiji ne koi ladki dekhi hai?” He blushed even more “Abhi nahi… par keh rahi thi, ke aagli Diwali tak humara rishta karwa dengi.”
Post lunch, Naina headed to their room and then painted her nails a deep bright pink. After a small nap and serving Nanaji some tea, she headed upstairs again and then set out to style her hair. Though Preeti had convinced her that tying her hair in a French knot style bun would be easy enough, it took her well over an hour trying to perfect the hairstyle.
Sameer had suggested that they should get her a new saree, but she had dismissed the idea saying there were still a couple of sarees that she had not got around to wearing from the time of the bidai. Looking at the mango yellow saree heavily embroidered in fuchsia Pink and paired with a blouse in the same shade of pink, Naina wondered yet again if it was a little over the top for a dinner with her husband. But she had learnt that it was best to indulge him when it came to certain things like this.
Also, Preeti had squashed her doubts on the phone earlier that morning saying “Aare, shaadi ki peheli anniversary hai! Jijaji jab itne pyaar se keh rahe hai toh itna kyun soch rahi hai?” There had been a slightly muffled conversation at the other end between Preeti and her mother and then Chachiji had come on the call “Bhagwan jhoot na bulaye! Beta, shaadi ke baad aurat ka sara shringar toh sirf apne pati ke liye hi hota hai… wahi pehna jo Damadji keh rahe hai, samjhi?” Preeti had snatched the phone “Naina, main yeh bikul nahi maanti! Ladkiyon ko khud ki khushi ke liye bhi sajna-sawarna chahiye… ha par, aaj ka din toh khaas hai, toh aaj Jijaji ke liye hi taiyar hona!”
Naina chose a darker pink lipstick that day and then she stood without blinking for almost a minute, till she was convinced that the mascara had dried. Once all the final touches were applied, she surveyed the results with pleasure. Finally, after dabbing the perfume that her mother-in-law had sent with Nanaji, she climbed down the stairs.
Nanaji was sitting in the lounge dressed to head out to meet some friends. Every now and then he would glance at the door and mutter “Sameer aaya nahi ab tak? Bahoot der laga di isne… Kaha bhi tha, aaj jaldi aana!” His bahu tried to reassure him that it must be just the evening traffic and that it didn’t really matter if they headed out a little later, but he was not easily placated.
Finally, the young man arrived and as predicted by Naina the delay was blamed on the rush hour. After having a quick work with his grandfather, he rushed upstairs to freshen up and get dressed for the evening. But first he flashed his wife a big smile, after checking her out from head to toe, and huskily murmured “Aaj toh ekdum gajab dha rahi ho!”
Half an hour later he climbed down freshly shaved and showered. Naina couldn’t take her eyes off her very dapper looking husband donning a dark charcoal grey suit paired with a crisp white shirt. Happy with his effect on his wife, he asked in a teasing tone “Kya baat hai Mrs Maheshwari? Kaha kho gayi??” Her eyes still adoring him, she blushed “Mrs Maheshwari toh sirf Mr Maheshwari mein hi kho sakti hai…” He looked at the clock and with renewed urgency steered her out of the house.
The traffic was a still heavy and the car trudged at a slow pace. Naina looked at him sharply as Sameer swore something under his breath. Casting her an apologetic glance he muttered “Late na ho jaye…” She retorted “Thoda late ho gaya toh ho koi baat nahi. Kaunsi humne train pakadni hai?!” He shook his head in slight dismay thinking of the guests who must be awaiting their arrival. Thank God, at least Nanaji had headed to the hotel in advance!
Sometime later he hurriedly parked the car and ushered her inside the venue. Naina pulled on his arm, as he started to head in one direction “Sameer, udhar toh koi private function room ka sign hai. Humme toh restaurant mein jana hai na?” He mumbled “Dekhte toh hai kiska function hai…” She was surprised “Par kyun??!” He replied trying to sound off-handed “Chalo toh sahi, shayad acha free ka khana mil jaye!” Naina looked at him fairly shocked “Kya bol rahe ho??! Tum Munna-Pandit ke sath nahi aaye ho, jo aisa mazak sujh raha hai!” He almost pleaded “Naina, please kabhi toh meri koi baat bina itne sawaal-jawab ke sunn liya karo… bus ek minute chalo.” She followed him, feeling fairly confounded and a little out of sorts.
As they rounded a corner, he turned at her beaming and then noting her still grumpy expressions pointed at the temporary sign put up outside the function room ‘Naina and Sameer Maheshwari celebrate their 1st Wedding Anniversary.” She stammered as he pulled her through the door “Sameer… yeh sab kya hai?” He shouted as they entered “Surprise!!!” Naina’s eyes swept across the room full of happy faces of family and friends, who now joined in the chorus with various greetings, ‘Surprise!’, ‘Happy Anniversary!’, ‘Bahoot bahoot Mubarak!’
The four youngsters who had played a big part in the planning and execution of the event rushed forward to engulf the Anniversary couple in hugs. Munna complained “Yaar, kaha reh gaye thay?! Humme toh darr lagne laga tha ke kahi tu Naina ko leke kahi aur hi toh nahi chal pada!” Swati retorted “Humme nahi…. Sirf tumhe aisa shaq hone laga tha!” Preeti chimed “Aur nahi toh kya?! Itne dinon se itni taiyari mein lage hai Jijaji… last minute pe gayab thodehi ho jayenge!”
Naina feeling overwhelmed looked at her husband “Yeh sab tumne plan kiya? Mujhe toh bikul bhi andaza nahi aaya tha…” Pandit chuckled “Woh kya hain na… ek saal pehele aaj ke din, Guruji ne tum dono ko bahoot bada surprise diya tha, toh Sameer ne socha iss saal bhi kuch toh banta hi hai!” Everybody around joined in the laughter.
Suddenly Deepika ran toward him and squealed “Sameer bhaiya! Aur humne socha ke apke liye bhi kuch surprise hona chahiye!” Sameer’s eyes almost popped seeing his mother accompanied by Vivek and Rohan following soon behind. As Deepika enveloped him in a crushing hug, Sameer asked his mother “Mummy aap log?? Aapne toh kaha tha ke aapka aana possible nahi…” Vishakha hugged him and grinned “Happy Anniversary beta! Deepika ne kaha na, tumhe surprise dena tha. Isiliye jhoot bola tha tumse. Warna aaj ke din hum sab yaha na aaye, aisa bhi ho sakta tha?!” Nanaji’s eyes twinkled “Isiliye ticket change karwaya tha mere. Yeh log subhe mere sath hi aaye hai. Aaj ke liye hotel mein hi booking kiya hai inka.”
Naina bent forward to seek her in-law’s blessings and Sameer happily joined her. The Agarwals too all stepped forward to congratulate and bless the couple. Bela uttered “Bhagwan jhoot na bulwaye! Acha kiya Damadji ka sunn ke bhari kapde pehen ke aa gayi. Mujhe toh darr lag raha tha ke kahi aisa na ho ke hum sab hi tujhse jyada saj-dhaj ke pohooch jaye!”
Preeti smiled at her brother-in-law “Jijaji! Aapki choice aaj bhi hamesha ki tarah ekdum zabardast lag rahi hai!” His gaze landing on his wife, all his earlier reluctance and reservations now long discarded, her Jijaji agreed wholeheartedly “Woh toh hai!”
Taiji looked around at the venue and the menu in amazement and wondered to herself just what was it that Naina’s in-laws saw in this ordinary girl? As she noted some of the business employees courteously greeting Naina, she thought to herself, Factory mein kaam kya karne lagi hai, yeh toh khud ko malkin hi samajhne lagi hai! But she dared not voice her sentiments to anyone and hence just plastered on a fake smile and nodded at the other guests.
Rakesh spent most of the evening introducing Arjun to the guests as the most promising upcoming cricketer, since he had been recently selected to play for the state team for one of the upcoming series. Arjun tried to downplay these claims clarifying that he had been selected as the twelfth man, but still looked forward to the opportunity with great excitement.
After spending some time around Rakesh, Mr Somani asked his wife “Tumhe yakeen hai ke Naina Rakeshji ki sagi beti hai? Lagta toh nahi hai!” Vishakha well accustomed to his idiosyncrasies, smiled at him and then walked away muttering “Main zara Kakiji ko dekh ke aati hu.”
Kakiji had found out about Taiji’s knee problems and was advising her about the herbal oil recommended by one of her neighbours. And then much to Taiji’s chagrin, she went on to extol the benefits of losing weight in such cases. Though as soon as Vishakha approached them, Kakiji forgot Taiji’s health issues and addressed her “Aare Vikhasha, ab toh shaadi ko ek saal bhi ho gaya… ab toh Dadi bane ke baare mein sochna shuru karo!” Her niece mumbled “Kakiji… ab yeh toh pati patni ne hi sochna hai… main kya kar sakti hu bhala? Aur abhi toh Naina ke factory mein kaam shuru kiya hai. Kuch waqt baad sochenge…” The older lady grimaced “Mujhe toh yeh sab bilkul samajh nahi aata! Phele kallage, ab business mein kaam… dekh lena, kuch din baad kahenge ab pehele videsh ghoom ke aana hai. Bacha na hua, koi Bharat Sarkar ka panch saal ka pilaan hi ho gaya!” Vishakha smiled feebly and excused herself claiming she had just seen some guests that she needed to attend to.
Deepika and Pralay started a game of hide and seek, but which was soon abandoned in favour of cold drinks and ice-creams, as Golu kept blabbering who was hiding where!
Rohan mostly just stood with Sameer and Naina’s friends and spoke very little. But, he experienced a huge sense of relief hearing his step-brother’s light hearted laugh. For years, he had carried the guilt and felt that he had been partly responsible for the Sameer being deprived of his mother’s love. The loving looks exchanged between his Bhai and Bhabhi, acted as a salve for his heart too.
Much to Munna and especially Pandit’s delight, the food was highly praised by all. Blushing a fair deal, Munna surreptitiously fed Swati few morsels off his plate When Swati gaped at Preeti seeing her helping herself to another portion of Rasmalai, Preeti retorted “Kya hai?! Iski shaadi ke din toh hum bhuke hi reh gaye thay… aaj toh theek se khana chahiye na!”
Naina fed her husband a spoonful of the Rasmalai and he in return fed her a Mirchi Pakoda saying cheekily “Tumhe toh teekha hi pasand hai, right?” She glowered at him for a few seconds and then said her eyes overflowing with love and voice tender “Tumhare hath se toh teekha bhi meetha hi lagta hai.” His smile in that moment was worth more than millions!
All in all, the evening was a big hit with all the well-wishers assembled there and also the couple celebrating a year of immense growth in their relationship.
The years ahead were bound to bring various challenges, but they were resolved to stand strong together and tackle whatever life threw their way. The start of their journey had been more than a little strange and a little rocky too, but love had cast its spell. And where there is true love, even an accident seems like it was predestined by God.
❤️❤️❤️
Beware the stories you read or tell: subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri
May love u for this beautiful update so soothening to read it . Plzzzz come with RGAB season 2 . Miss this story sooooo much . Craving for more n more thanku once again for this wonderful writing. Take care n lots of love . All bestest wishes to u my dear .
Srilatha
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