Situation: Ten years have gone by since Angad and Sahiba separated and annulled their wedding. They are coming face to face at VeerAt’s wedding.
Title Inspired By:
Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi
Chhanv hai kabhi kabhi hai dhoop zindagi
Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo
Jo hai sama kal ho naa ho
It was after 10 long years that Sahiba would come face to face with the Brar family. These past 10 years have been eventful for her, starting off with her impromptu marriage to Angad, Seerat’s suicide and her then subsequent blaming Sahiba, for all that had befallen her. Sahiba, along with her parents were shocked to see such a treacherous betrayal . Sahiba vowed to not stay with her in-laws anymore, because that relation did not make sense at all; when one would keep accusing and accusing another, without substantial proof, and treating them as if they were some animal.
The Mongas too had broken relations with the Brars. They had stopped considering Seerat as a Monga daughter. Seerat and Angad had tried multiple times after their wedding to go to Monga house, but were met with cold civility one gives a stranger and were never invited in. For the Mongas, Seerat had only betrayed them, and they were done with her. They had always provided her with the best they could afford, always fulfilled her every whim, but they were repaid with treachery, and jaghansayi. She ran away from her wedding with an unknown lover with whom she lived for a few days, and then suicided after being abandoned by him. If that was not enough, she silently acquiesced when Angad blamed Sahiba for all of Seerat and his misfortunes. The day Sahiba had finally walked out from the Brar household, Santosh Monga gave a shraap, a baddua to Seerat being heartbroken over what a mess Sahiba’s life had been made: Seerat, aaj tune meri phool si bacchi ki zindagi, uska ghar ujara hai. Baba ji ka insaaf bhi hoga, aur Rab kare tu bhi ek aadhi adhuri zindagi jeeye. Tujhe bhi kabhi pati ka pyaar na mile, kabhi tera bhi ghar na base. Tab tu shayad samajhe tune kya galat kiya.
The Mongas lived in Ludhiana for a few years, only until Keerat completed her studies and was selected as an IPS officer of Punjab cadre. After that, they shifted base, going to live with Sahiba and Taiyyi ji.
Sahiba, after getting her wedding annulment had shifted to Jalandhar, and continued to expand her art and singing. If luck would have it, she was singing Shabads at the gurudwara once, where a high ranking member of the c-suite from Universal Studios had also come. There was no looking back after that. Soon, she had a contract to record Shabads for Universal Studios. This became her first step to success. She was a remarkable artist, and became renowned for her work and her singing. Her singing opened paths to her to sing in different languages in the music industry. For her Lippan art, she was even asked to go abroad to add to the Swaminarayan Temple in Canada. She took Santosh with her on the trip. Needless to say, Santosh fully enjoyed her trip. Soon in 5 years time, Sahiba had become a household name in Punjab. Her voice flooded the radio with her soulful rendition of Gurbani. Sahiba’s lippan artwork made her a household name across the world. She had even gone to Pakistan, UK, and France apart from Canada to add her art to temples and gurudwaras there. She was lauded as the Nightingale of Punjab and became an awardee of the Punjab Rattan.
Things had progressed in her life, and she met Mirza Singh Trehan during one of her concerts. Mirza belonged to a hotelier business family. He had an illustrious lineage, hailing from one of the oldest royal families of Punjab, Faridkot to be precise. Mirza and his family knew everything about Sahiba’s life, and that had made him fall for her even harder. He valued character and integrity, which attracted him to Sahiba even more. He had taken permission from the elder Mongas and consent from his family, and with their combined blessings had proposed to Sahiba. She had taken some time, but finally after consulting with Keerat, had agreed. Her parents were elated, and this time they had kept themselves away from pressuring or cajoling her into accepting Mirza’s proposal, knowing fully well how disastrous her first marriage was, which she had done for the sake of the families’ societal image.
Sahiba being the clear, transparent person she was, had told Mirza about Angad being Veer’s cousin, and how they may run into him at the wedding. Mirza had braced himself with this knowledge to be able to deal with Angad gracefully should the situation arise.
The Mongas were apprehensive in giving Keerat and Veer consent for their wedding. It had actually nothing to do with Veer. It was all about Angad, Seerat, and Garry who had made life hell for Sahiba in one way or another. Veer had vowed that Keerat would not live in Brar Mansion, but rather he and Keerat would stay at Keerat’s allotted government housing. They would occasionally meet with the Brars for appearance’s sake but that was it. Gurleen and Jaspal didn’t object to Veer’s decision because they understood that forcing things on children would never yield fruitful results. They also gathered that seeing Seerat and Angad would pain Keerat who was awfully close to her second sister Sahiba, who had always cared for her as a mother.
Veer and Keerat had grown fond of each other over the years. First they became unlikely friends and progressed to become best friends and confidants as they both knew what was going on in their families. As Keerat grew in maturity and confidence, Veer had started to look at her in a different light. He had become completely smitten a few years ago when the newly recruited Heer aka IPS Keerat Monga saved him during a terrorist attack. He hadn’t met someone like her. She could be a sweet fragile little girl with a golden heart, but tough as rock when the situation demanded of her. The most important traits that attracted him to her was her clean honest heart, dependability and keeping his trust intact.
The Mongas had indeed moved on in their lives. Santosh along with Ajeet instead of the daily stall, changed to a catering service. They had some financial cushion due to Sahiba’s popularity and rising fame, and sound investments thanks to the advice from Chawla ji. Their catering service with online ordering was doing well, enough to keep them busy. Keerat had a few years of IPS service under her belt, and was posted in Malerkotla. She was to marry Veer Singh Brar soon. Sahiba’s destiny was the one with the most drastic change, a complete 180 degrees. From being an obscure artist on Hazuri Road, Ludhiana, she was catapulted to international fame. On the personal front, she had just become affianced to Mirza Trehan, heir of the Rajvilas Hotel chain a few weeks ago.
However, things were not the same with the Brars. Karma’s wheel has rotated, and brought unforeseen grief to their doors. Inderpal, Angad’s father had succumbed to liver cirrhosis due to his drinking. Akaal could not overcome his grief of losing his eldest child, and succumbed to a heart attack in his sleep. Garry had become diagnosed as HIV positive, and basically lived on meds. Gone was the Jatt's swag. Seerat too, was diagnosed as being HIV positive. Angad had luckily escaped AIDS. Finally the complete truth lay bare in front of the Brars. Angad this time around was furious with Seerat, understanding that she duped him a second time. Not only had she run away with Garry, but consummated her relationship resulting in her contracting AIDS, and was unaware of it until the time of her pregnancy came. The doctors labeled her as high risk saying that even if she managed to carry her pregnancy there was a high chance the child could be born with AIDS. Santosh’s baddua and Sahiba’s tears had finally caught up with Seerat, that she would never enjoy marital bliss and her family life would never be completed.
Manveer had become a shell of the person she once was. She stayed constantly tormented by her past behavior with Sahiba. In addition, knowing there was no one to advance the Brar family from Angad’s side became another source of grief. She repented, but it was too late. Their business too did not pick up. It stayed as status quo.
Back to Present Day
Sahiba had assured Keerat that she would make it for her wedding day if not earlier due to her concerts in Dubai. Mirza had graciously offered his hotel in Mashobra for the wedding as his family’s gift to the couple. He even spoke with Keerat’s superiors to ensure that this act would not be labeled as bribery of a government official. The Mongas on their end, we’re careful to ensure there was no lack in the preparation for the much awaited wedding.
Brar Mansion
The Brars were surprised by the venue chosen by the Mongas.
Bebe asked Veer, “Puttar, yeh toh destination wedding hai. Aur Rajvilas toh bahut expensive hoga na? Phir Monga sahab kaise kareinge. Phir kuch ulta seedha na ho.”
Veer cleared the Brars by taking a dig at Seerat, “Bebe, aap shayad bhul rahi ho ki Keerat khud ek IPS officer hai. Plus, she’s been working for the past few years. Also, how can we forget that Punjab’s Nightingale Sahiba is her elder sister. They have Rab’s meher on them. Their conditions have changed. If you need I can ask Keerat to provide the receipt. By the way, Keerat is not the type who marries a rich guy just to finance her desires, and dumps everyone else as collateral damage. Keerat and I have known each other for a decade now, and our relationship evolved organically. It wasn’t some love at first sight rubbish”. Veer couldn’t help but stab Angad as well. He had always resented Angad for what he did to Sahiba. If Angad hadn’t been such an adamant fool, things could have been a lot better for all of them.
Seerat wanted to protest but knew it was useless as she was truly a bojh that the Brars were carrying. How Babaji taught Angad a lesson on words! Several years ago, the Brars had kept Angad and Sahiba’s wedding annulment under wraps. Even when the media would ask for Mrs. Angad Singh Brar, excuses would be made that she was a private person, and would appreciate the media respecting her choice. Soon the media forgot about her, and stopped asking for her.
Veerat Haldi
During VeerAt’s Haldi ceremony, Seerat looked desperately to locate Sahiba to ask for forgiveness. Her attempts were futile though. She wasn’t able to locate. She knew to gain even an ounce of sympathy from her estranged family, she’d have to get Sahiba’s forgiveness. Angad was weary during the event, as guilt was weighing heavily on him. How could he come face to face with Sahiba, the wife he had wronged in so many ways? He had been dishonorable in the vows he had taken in front of Guru Maharaj, and he was paying the price for it. He even after marrying Seerat, lived a life of a bachelor as Seerat’s deceit and disease compelled him to. It was poetic justice he thought from Rabb, for not caring for Sahiba as a wife. So, now even if he had a wife, he lived as if he didn’t.
The Brars noticed a young dashing fellow who playfully joked with the Mongas, and the Mongas in turn seemed to have the utmost respect and affection for him. Upon inquiring, they found out that he was the owner of the Rajvilas hotel, and was giving the Mongas his undivided attention.
The Brar ladies led by Bebe came with the haldi that was previously applied to Veer.
“Ye lo Santosh ji, Veer ki haldi Keerat ke liye.” Bebe gave the bowl to Santosh.
Santosh politely asked Bebe to apply the haldi since she was the eldest amongst the womenfolk, “Bebe, iss rasam ki shuruat aapse honi chahiye. Aap sabse badi hain, aur aapne hamesha apna badrakpan dikhaya hai chahe haalat jaise bhi hon humare parivaaron ke beech.”
If there was one thing Santosh Monga excelled in, then it was revenge. She had simultaneously complimented Bebe while taking a dig at Manveer who looked ashamed being reminded about her own classless behavior.
All the ladies applied haldi to Keerat ranking from their age and rank in both families. Seerat tried to bridge her gap by saying, “I’m the youngest on both sides. Chal Keerat ab tu meri devarani bhi bani.”
Sahiba’s Tayyi who was usually quiet, set the record for everyone, “Seerat, tum Brar gharane ki bahu ho, aur Keerat bas tumhari sirf devarani banne wali hai. Keerat ki bas ek hi badi behen hai, aur woh abhi safar mein hai.”
Gurleen sensing the tense atmosphere, tried to lighten it, “ Haan Veer bata raha tha ki kaafi busy ho gayi hai Sahiba ''.
Santosh replied back smilingly fondly, “Haan Gurleen ji. Rabb has given her everything in life that she deserved! You know, last month Sahiba’s kurmai was completed. We did it as per her choice, simple and confined to immediate family members. Uski jald shaadi kar deinge ab. Kuch contracts ke karan wait karna pada. Uske mangetar se aapko milawa dungi main. Vadda hi changa munda si. Baba ji lagta hai usse khas Sahiba ke liye hi bheja ho.”
Manveer was shocked hearing that Sahiba’s engagement was done. Somehow, she was in a disillusioned state that Sahiba too would have remained single, and silently nurtured the hope that perhaps Angad and she could reunite. She dared not look up, least should her face betray her emotions.
Veerat Sangeet
Evening had dawned upon Mashobra. Rajvilas Mashobra was beautifully decked in shimmery pastel colors apt for VeerAt’s Sangeet event. Morning ‘s Mehendi had gone off without a hitch, though Sahiba’s absence did not go unnoticed until Keerat got a photo showing Sahiba’s henna which had Mirza written in 4 languages: Arabic, English, Hindi and Gurmukhi. All the Monga ladies along with Gurleen and Bebe were elated seeing the simple yet elegant design:
“Haiye! Pata nahin Miju ne dekha ya nahin. He’s hiding his impatience, so that we don’t tease him more!” Keerat laughed seeing Mirza from the periphery of her vision.
“Shabash hai tere jawabanwale de Keerat! Tu dulhan banne ja rahi hai, par teri yeh masti gayi nahin!” Santosh mock scolded Keerat on her masti.
“Oye Miju, aapko koi naye updates aaye?” Teased Keerat addressing Mirza. She fondly called him Miju after his and Sahiba’s Kurmai. It was an amalgamation of Mirza and Jiju.
“Abhi nahin Banno Rani! Haan, I have been promised to be the first to see her henna in person. Tum photo se dil behlao ya phir Veer ko bhej doon abhi ?” Teased Mirza back.
“Arre aap Mirza ji. Inn se miliye, yeh Gurleen ji hain, Veer ki mummy, woh Manveer ji unki Taiyi, aur Bebe unki Dadi. Aur yeh hain Mirza Trehan, Sahiba ke mangetar.” Santosh introduced Mirza to the Brar ladies.
Mirza folded his hands in a polite namaste, and went to get Bebe’s blessings. He addressed Gurleen saying, “Sahiba has spoken so fondly of you. I’m glad to finally meet Veer’s family. He’s an amazing guy. Good pick Keerat!” Mirza winked as he spoke.
Bebe was happy seeing that Babaji had done justice to Sahiba. Mirza appeared to be a wonderful match. Bebe observed the brooch on Mirza’s sherawani. She couldn’t help enquire, “Mirza, aap kya Faridkot se hain? Aap Nooran Kaur ko jaante hain?”
“Ji haan, she was my great-grandmother. How did you know about Faridkot? My roots are from there.” Mirza replied back.
Bebe smiled, “Aap shahi gharane se hain? My father for business often traveled to Faridkot. He often had dealings with the Shahi family. Once I had come with him as I wanted to visit the Golden Temple. That’s when I met her. She was such a beautiful elegant lady, in all ways a true queen.”
“Yes, Raj Dadi was a wonderful person and administrator. I’m sure she will be happy with her successor, Sahiba.” Smiled Mirza thinking of Sahiba.
“Kya aap Faridkot ke raja hain?” Asked Manveer almost in disbelief. She could not believe Sahiba’s fortunes.
“Well unofficial Maharaja of Faridkot, yes. My father passed away a few years ago. It’s the people’s love and respect for my family that the people of Faridkot did an ascension ceremony for me when Dad passed away. I feel responsible for the people of Faridkot, and have in the best of my capacity as a private citizen helped them.So far, I have made sure that there is no one who goes to sleep on an empty stomach, and have the unemployment rate as low as possible”.
Sangeet Event
The sangeet event was going off without a glitch. There were wonderful performances from both sides. It was difficult to judge which side won. Soon, Mirza, being the MC for the night, announced a special performance.
A tall statuesque young woman with a ghoonghat came as the music track played. She was dancing to “Meri Banno ki aayi hai Baraat, dhol bajao ji.”
Keerat was annoyed thinking her Sahiba Didi was late to the actual sangeet ceremony. She had a little frown creep up on her head.
The dancer, seeing the slightly grumpy dulhan to be, came towards her and pulled her to the stage. Keerat was baffled at the audacity of the dancer. Soon, as a further surprise element, Veer joined the stage, and sang, “Aaya main aaya, main aaya tujhko lene”.
Keerat was beyond surprised as she mouthed, “Waah, Lallu Lal!”.
Everyone in the audience was enjoying the turn of events, but couldn’t help wondering who was the mysterious dancer who with so much authority was able to get Keerat on the stage.
Mirza, too came on the stage and lifted the ghoonghat as he smiled broadly, “Aa gaya tumhara Mirza tumhein lene Sahiba.”
Keerat, seeing Sahiba in front of her, couldn’t contain her happiness and immediately hugged her.
Mirza and Veer grinned as they spoke in unison, “Kyon Keerat pehelwaan, kaisa laga humare surprise?”
Sahiba lovingly caressed Keerat’s face and said, “How could I miss this? You are my darling!”
Keerat got a little naughty, and answered “Well Sahiba Di, I’m sure there’s someone who would kill to be called darling by you!”
Both Sahiba and Mirza turned beetroot red at Keerat’s comment while Veer and Keerat were laughing.
Santosh came on the stage, and took ballayaian of both couples and introduced Mirza and Sahiba as the next couple to tie the knot.
Angad from his seat in the audience perked up at this piece of information and looked intently at Mirza as he was trying to size him out.
After Sangeet - Gardens
Mirza was overviewing the decorations for the actual wedding day. His team had invested heavily in artificial silk flowers which were skillfully interwoven with real flowers making the venue look photogenic, and avoid having flowers which could not withstand the harshness of time and weather.
Sahiba came to him and closed his eyes with henna filled hands. The newly engaged couple were sharing a quiet tête-à-tête after being away from each for so long. Mirza was reviewing how his name appeared in the different languages with a studious look embarrassing Sahiba who wanted to run. She hadn’t thought much about it when she initially had the idea. However now, she was beginning to doubt herself until she felt a soft delicate kiss on her cheek! Mirza was grinning and looking at her passionately. Sahiba turned red as a tomato and just fled because her senses were not in control. Mirza was able to elicit such strong emotions in her that she herself never knew she was capable of.
She was running until a sudden figure made her stop in her tracks. Angad stood before Sahiba. He was a bit baffled seeing her until he saw Mirza who had also caught up with them.
Ah they were having a clandestine meeting. Why is it any of your concerns Angad? They are a publicly engaged couple, they’re adults, why would it be of any matter to you? Your ex and you have moved on in your lives, and just like she never interfered in your life, you too have no right. - Angad’s mind reasoned with him.
“Ah dulhe ke bade bhai. Ab toh hum bhi rishtedaar huye. Yeh lo, yeh hain dulhan ki badi behan Sahiba Monga, soon to be Sahiba Monga Trehan. I believe you two know each other from before.” Mirza broke the uneasy ice.
“Yes Mirza, this is Angad Singh Brar whom I spoke to you about, and Angad this is Mirza, my fiance”. Sahiba made the short introductions, and looked at the time on her phone, “By God, Mirza maarwa doge tum bhi! Mummy ne na meri jaan hi le leni hai. It’s so late, let’s go!” Sahiba admonished Mirza and grabbed his hand as she sprinted forward.
“Arre Sahiba, arre ruko toh!” Mirza pleaded to deaf ears as he too ended up running with Sahiba.
Left alone to review the sudden happenings was Angad. He remarked how at ease Sahiba was with Mirza that she held his wrist to drag him. How confident she was when she introduced the two men, and how lovely she looked when she was playfully running from Mirza. Angad, that was true happiness, confidence in one’s beliefs and relationships. You lost your chance to be happy. You made your decision without thinking. Now deal with it.
Prior to Keerat’s Vidaai
Sahiba approached Angad who was ensuring the fleet of cars which were to take all the Brars and their guests.
“Angad, do you have a minute?” Sahiba asked him.
Angad turned around surprised by the delicate voice, and answered “Yes”
“Look, things were not great between the two of us a few years ago. I sincerely hope you will not let that cloud your relationship with Keerat. She and I are two different individuals.” Sahiba expressed her concern.
“Sahiba, I understand your concern. Don’t worry. I won’t let prejudice rule again. I will always protect Keerat as my own sister. You have my word.” Angad reassured her.
“Thank you, that means a lot.” Sahiba spoke and turned to waive to Mirza who was standing a distance from her.
“Sahiba, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything you had to endure while being linked to me.” Angad finally spoke his heart out.
Sahiba was taken aback. She had never expected Angad to apologize or even accept that he was at fault. “Angad, I’ve moved on. It doesn’t matter to me. Make your amends with Babaji if you have afny guilt lingering. He will be the one to set you free from this.” Sahiba answered him while walking away to join Mirza.
Sahiba Kaur Monga on her hand, had made her intent clear that it was not alright for him to have done what he did, and his apology after a decade was meaningless to her. However, if he still wanted to make amends, then he should seek help from Guru Maharaj. She happily looked forward to her future which had Mirza in it.
Fan Fictions
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
