AnSh:FF- Dil Ki Toh Lag Gayi - Chap 12 updt (4/7)

Dil Ki Toh Lag Gayi

Characters

Shekar Family

Prem Kishor Shekar ' Padminni Prem Kishor Shekar

Alok Prem Kishor Shekar ' Iravathi Alok Shekar

Arup Prem Kishor Shekar ' Meenu Arup Shekar

Shivraj Alok Shekar ' (Anandi)

Mahi Arup Shekar ' (Ashima)

Sanchi Alok Shekar ' (Ashok)

Singh Family

Kalyani Devi Singh

Basant Singh ' Gehna Basant Singh

Bhairov Singh ' Sumitra Bhairov Singh

Jagadish Bhairov Singh ' Gauri Jagadish Singh

Anandi Singh

Nandkishor Basant Singh

Jai Jagadish Singh

Aasma Basant Singh

Other

Ashima Khurrana (Shiv's best friend from London)

Bride's Family (Kalyani Devi's brother's family)

Pratap Singh ' Sharmilla Pratap Singh

Veer Pratap Singh ' Lakshmi Veer Singh

Vivek Veer Singh

Khushi Veer Singh ' (Arjun)

Groom's Family (Shekar's family friends)

Shamildas Kapoor ' Parvathi Shamildas Kapoor

Ranveer Shamildas Kapoor ' Uma Ranveer Kapoor

Arjun Ranveer Kapoor ' (Khushi)

Shashi Ranveer Kapoor

C-Sketch

Anandi Singh ' a 25-year old beautiful woman, Sarpanch of Jaitsar determined personality, kind, selfless, an idealist, hard working, feminist, a good cook, traditional and cultural (the future bahu of Shekar family)

Shivraj Alok Shekar ' A 27-year old handsome IAS officer, with irresistible charm, the most eligible bachelor of Udaipur, man bond by his principles, clever, kind, selfless, idealist, protective of his loved ones, feminist.

Ashima Khurrana ' a 25-year old gorgeous woman from London, best friend and classmate of Shiv (done MBA in London University), a happy-go-lucky girl, jovial, has an energetic and a striking personality, modern (the future bahu of Shekar family),

(NOTE: she does not have any romantic feelings for Shiv. They are true friends. Shiv is protective of her just like Sanchi)

Mahi Arup Shekar ' A 26-year old handsome cricketer, jovial personality, charming, the Love ' Guru of Shiv's love life And the Jester of the Shekar family.

Plot

The Singhs are invited to the Khushi's wedding taking place in Kolkatta; they also want to attend the Dusserah Utsav of Kali Maata. Khushi, Anandi, and Jagdish are very close' even after the divorce with Jagya'..

The Shekars, along with Ashima are also invited to the wedding but from the groom's side. The Kapoors and Shekars have been good acquaintances, almost family'' ever since Shamildas and Prem Kishor childhood, they even got into army together'. Arjun, Shiv, and Mahi have also been best friends since they were in diapers'.

There is excitement in the air, both the families don't know what fate has in stored for them in these two weeks during the wedding and the festival hungamma'.'' '.. ' .. .. . .. . '.. '.. .. . . . .. . . . '. Playful banter between the youngsters of the groom and bride's sides'', Hilarious pranks..'., love at sights', unexpected accidents'., innocent touches'.., people going green with jealousy.'., truthful confessions'.., marriage proposals', and rejections''. Or is it acceptance'.????

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INDEX

Chapter 1

The Beginning

Venue: Badi Haveli, Jaitsar

Date: 25^th sept 2012, 2:45 PM

"Arre Sumitra, Gehna kha hain tum log?? Janna nahi hain kya???" shouts a frustrated Dadisa. They were getting late.

The members of Singh Family were gathered near the entrance hall of their home; checking and loading their luggage into the jeeps that were to take them to Jaipur. From there, they were to board a train to reach Kolkatta to attend Khushi's wedding and Kali Maatha's Utsav.

"Ji Maasa! Aayi!" replied Sumitra holding her wiggling 3-year- old grandson, Jai. And Gehna trailing behind her holding a water can.

"Gauri aur Anandi kahan hain?" asks Dadisa as Bhairov enters through the door with Maakhan behind him. Makhan was loading the luggage into their cars.

"Dono bahar sab ke sath kade hain" Bhairov answers

"Aacha Maakhan, sare samman andhar rak diyo?"

"Ji hokum!"

"Mhare janne ke bhad, haveli sambhal kar rakhna. Hum do hafton ke bad aajave, toh haveli aaisihi chamkave ho!"

"Ji hokum!"

With one last look, Dadisa at their ancestral home she got into the jeep. The older Singhs were seated together in one jeep, while Jagadish, Gauri, Anandi and along with the kids in the other.

During their short trip from Jaitsar to Jaipur, the whole family was excited about the upcoming day. Sumitra, Gehna, and Dadisa were discussing about the famous Kali Maatha temple they were going to visit, while Bhairov and Basant were discussing some business matters. Jagdish was talking in the phone with lal singh.Gauri and Anandi were talking about the upcoming new member of the family, Jagdish Jr. Gauri was 2 months pregnant for the second time.

Anandi was teasing Gauri as she dazzed off, thinking something. "…… pata hain, pata hain…. Aajkal tera dhyan kahan kahan bataktha rehtha hain!!"

Gauri blushes like a nayi naveli dulhan even after almost 4 years of marriage with Jagdiah.

"Tum bhi na Anandi!... Teri bhar ayegi na main tab bathatha hoon…." Anandi rolls her eyes at her.

"Maa!... Maaa!" Jai shouts and pulling her pallu, trying to get his mothers attention.

"kya hain? Kya hain? Chot lag gayi kya?" asks Gauri worriedly, concerned about the wellbeing of her son as she.

"Nahi Maa. Gudiya kab Ayegi?" Jai asks his mother.

"Mera pyara banje, itna jaldi kya hain… apne behan se milna chahta hain!" coos Anandi.

"haan mami, kal papa ne kaha ki gudiya anne ke baad, mujhe ek chote bhai bi ayyega." States Jai excitedly.

Anandi bursts out laughing.

"Kya??" Gauri almost shouts in embarrassment and looks at Jagdish through the rear-view mirror. Jagdish smirks and winks at her making her blush again.

Anandi notices their exchange, smirks at Gauri knowingly, and teasingly says "Kyun Dr. Gauri Jagdish Singh, aapko "family planning" ka shabdh khabi suna hain kya???" making Gauri blush even redder…

While getting of the phone, Jagdish hears Anandi's comment and asks her " kya kaha hain tum Anandi??"

"Arre… Main kya kaha Jagya???... Gauri kya main kuch bura kaha ??" Anandi asks Gauri feigning innocence.

"Anandi…" Jagadish starts but gets intruppted by Anandi saying "Lo station Aagayi!" and gets off the jeep. Jagadish shakes his head and sighs in defect at his childhood best friend clever escape - antics.

The men unload the luggage, while the women gather the children and together they move towards their platform to aboard the train.

After fifteen minutes the announcers announces "Train no. 12356, Jaipur se Kolkatta jane wali Rajdhani Express…….."

Chapter 2

Introducing The Knight

Venue: Kesarbhag, Udaipur

Date: 25^th sept 2012, 3:45PM

A hundred miles away, Shiv was getting ready in his room to go to the airport and receive his best friend, Ashima who is coming to India for the second time to attend their batch-mate-best-buddy's wedding that was to happen in Kolkatta.

Shiv, Arjun and Ashima together studied MBA in London University. They were pretty close; going to parties, having friends'-day-outs, group studies and even shopping (mainly the boys were dragged by Ashima).

Arjun and Shiv were of the same and buddies since their diapers just like Ranveer and Alok. Arjun was like a son in the Shekar family and Shiv in the Kapoor family. Daddu and Shamildas were batch mates in the army and have very close sine then. The Kapoors were extended Shekar family. They met at every occasion and enjoyed each other's company very much

Shiv was Mahi taking along with him to give him company for the hour long drive. Mahi had never met Ashima before, but seen her photographs in Shiv's year books and journals.

"Bhaiyya main bhi aapke sath chaloon?" Sanchi asks.

"par kahan Sanchi??" Shiv asks.

"Ashima receive karne??" Sanchi replies.

"Kya? Tum Ashi receive karne ke liye chalna chahthi ho? Abhi??" Shiv asks thoroughly surprised.

"Haan, Bhaiyya" replies Sanchi, smiling.

"Iss samai par??" Shiv asks again unbelievingly.

"Haan, Bhaiyya" replies Sanchi again rolling her at her brother's detailed enquiry.

Shiv was indeed surprised. His sister never volunteered for such occasions, especially at such time, with a wedding to attend in the horizon. She would be busy pampering herself in some beauty parlor or spa for hours. And she would complain that her skin will get damaged or sun burnt or get a heat stroke if she goes out in this time of the day…. …. ….

She is planning! Something is going on. Otherwise, she wouldn't want to come. He scrutinizes his eyes on her, trying to get a read on her.

"Please Bhaiyya" Sanchi pleads making a puppy face.

Shiv sighs. God only knows what this girl is up to these days. So he gives in. "Ok, Sanchi"

"Thank you, Bhaiyya" Sanchi jumps and hugs her brother. Her plan was working.

"Thank you, Bhaiyya" Mahi imitates in a girly voice. Sanchi turns and glares at Mahi who was leaning on the door frame, arms folded on his chest, smirking.

"Barbie Doll bhara janna chahthi haan!!!, sab log apne apne gar guse, aaj kuch toofan ya sunami ya bhookamp anne waali hain. Everyman for his life" vexed Mahi.

"By the way, tum iss samai bhara janna chahthi hoo?? Iss 42 degrees dhoop main?? Nahi nahi… Sanchi is dhoop main tumahari chehre ki rang udjayega… you will get sun burnt or.. or.. haan tumhe skin allergy aa saktha…. Aur tumhare baal karab ho jaa saktha hain…… aur haan split ends also…" Mahi continues mockingly and Shiv tried to suppress a smile at his brother spontaneity. All the while Sanchi was glaring intensely at her second brother, thinking main toh tumhare help karni thi aur tu…? abb tu toh abhi gaya!

A sudden realization dawns on her faces and she smirks saying "haan Mahi Bhaiyya mujhe pata hain, par main kya main kya karoon, main apne hone wali bha- " Sanchi wantedly slipped.

Mahi's eyes go as wide as saucers, and all the color drains from his face her what his sister was about say. But Sanchi covers up by feigning a cough, "I mean Ashima ke liye main janne chahthi hoon"

Shiv notices Mahi's reaction and confirms that something is definitely cooking up. He will surely find out.

"Kya baat hain-.." Shiv tries to ask but only to be interrupted by his mother walking into his room

"Arre Shiv, beta tum abhi tak airport nahi gaya?? Flight ek gante main land ho jayega" Ira asks.

"Haan Maa! Main aur Mahi abhi nikal walle the aur Sanchi bhi humare saath anna chahthi hain" replies Shiv

"Sanchi??... Sanchi tum janna chahthi hain?? Abhi?? Iss dhoop main??" Ira asks surprised at her daughter's unexpected request.

"Haan Maa, main Shiv Bhaiyya ke sath time spend karma chahthi hoon. Voh Arjun Bhaiyya ke shadi ke badh Jaitsar chale jayenge" Sanchi says making a sad pouty face.

A few days ago, Shiv had received a call from the CM office with the news of his transfer. He was got posted to Jaitsar for a year. A new Zillah. From the past four years there has been a lot of development in Jaitsar and the surrounding villages, the Developmental authorities of Rajasthan planned to make the area under a new Zillah Parishad. The news was not yet official, Shiv had to report there in three weeks. The Chief Minister himself had picked Shiv for the duty specially, due to his efficiency in his work. But only for a year, then he was to come back to Udaipur.

Hearing the news the family was upset, their oldest son had to live away from them for a year. But they were also happy as it is only for a year and then he would be back with them.

"Ok.. Sanchi chalo" Shiv says, not wanting to disappoint his little sister. The trio set out in Shiv's bolero towards the airport.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They were just in time as Ashima came down from the escalator towards the exit.

"DESIBOY!!" Ashima screams, running towards Shiv and hugging him.

Mahi looks dazed by her appearance and he was seeing her for the first time in person.

"Ahem!" Sanchi clears her throat and looks at Mahi, smirks knowingly at him. Mahi glares at her in return, silently warning her to keep her mouth shut. Meanwhile Ashima and Shiv break their hug and exchange pleasantries.

Sanchi greets Ashima like an old friend and embraces her, "Sanchi! How are you girlfriend??" Ashima energetically asks Sanchi, almost screaming in her ears and squeezing her tightly in her embrace. As usually like when any two girls get together, they break into a conversation leaving others to their own misery.

Mahi felt left out and looks at Shiv questioningly for an introduction.

"Ashi, ye mera chota bhai hain, Mahi. Tum shayad inse nahi mil paye, last time when you came to India" Shiv introduces Mahi to Ashima.

Mahi charmingly smiles at her and says "Hi!" puts his hand forward for a friendly handshake. Ashima looks at him and smiles saying "Hi!"

They shake their hands. When their hands touch, it seemed like a jolts of current passed from the other hand through their shoulder and spread through their body like warmth….. Their smiles brightened…….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The return journey to Kesarbhag felt like an eternity for Shiv. Sanchi went on and on about her designs, the material and then what she was going to wear for the wedding. He and Sanchi were totally ignored by Ashi and Mahi. Ever since Shiv had introduced Mahi, he and Ashima were totally lost in their own world.

Sanchi was very happy that her plan worked. She wanted to come because she wanted to keep Shiv from being the third wheel and interrupting the future Mr.& Mrs. Mahi Shekar bonding time. After this, they would get immersed in the wedding.

Shiv was totally confused. Mahi never showed so much interest in Shiv's friends, especially the girls. He knew Mahi was a flirt seeing his behavior with Sanchi's friends, he could not understand sudden interest in Ashi. He thought back to Mahi's weird reaction earlier today. Weird. It was as though Sanchi was blackmailing him. Mahi and Blackmailing??

Shiv remembers all Mahi's and his childhood antics, where he was usually the victim of Mahi blackmailing schemes.

No way.

Mahi only Blackmails others and doesn't get blackmailed.

There is definitely something going on.

He looks at them from the rearview mirror; busy chattering away, Mahi flirtatious smiles and hand gestures???

Mahi never used hand gestures. Weird.

Then as though a bulb glowed over his head, he realized that…

He likes her.

That's it. HE likes HER.

And he laughs.

Sanchi hears him and ask "Kya bath Bhaiyya? Kyun haas rahe hain?"

"Kuch Nahi hain Sanchi. Bas kuch yad aagaya." Replies Shiv still chuckling.

Pakad gaya sala. …

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was dinner time in the Kesarbhag, Iravathi, and Meenu were setting the table. Alok had gone to office and was about to return any moment. He had some business matters to settle before the two weeks of vacation. Daddu was in the lounge reading the newspaper. Mahi and Shiv were watching the India vs. Australia match that was airing. Sanchi and Ashima were in Sanchi's room, she was showing some of her own designs of traditional dress that Ashima can wear for the wedding.

Ira calls everyone for dinner. Daddu gets settled at the head of the table.

"Aah kahna tyyar hain!.. zor se bhook lag rahi hain…" Alok says walking into the dinning room and sitting on the right next to his father. Ira and Meenu settle down next to Alok followed by Sanchi and Ashima. Shiv and Mahi were the last to come. Shiv sits next to his Daddu and the remaining place was next to Ashima. Mahi looks at Ashima and smirks. Ashima's cheeks become rosy almost undetectable, she looks at her plate and smiles. Mahi thanks his lucky stars and happily sits to eat.

The occupants of the table fall into small discussions about business matters, Arjun's wedding, and Shiv's temporary transfer.

"Speaking of weddings, Badi Maa app Shiv Bhaiyya ka shadi karvayena, thaki voh Jaitsar main akela nahi rahega. Meri annewali bhabhi unka khayal rakegi aur Maa aur aapko Bhaiyya ke bhare main koi tension nahi rahegi" Mahi says smirking at his brother, who just chocked on his food hearing his shadi ka topic was raised.

"Acha idea haan chota Javan.. par tujhe kuch pata hain kya tera bhabhi ke bare main?" Daadu asks, teasingly looks at Shiv.

"Nahi Daadu! Bhaiyya kabhi is- .." mahi responds, shiv interrupts saying

"Oye! Tera line clear hone ke liye mujhe kyun fassa raha ho?" Shiv says accusingly , looking at his brother then Ashima and then at him again; silently saying that he knows.

Mahi thinks Are padak gaya.

"dekho Bhaiyya, main already 26-years old hoon, aur main appke shadi hone ke badh hi main shadi kar saktha hoon. Aap shadi nahi karege toh mera kya hoga?" Mahi says trying to put a brave front in attempt to divert the conversation.

"Haan Shiv, Mahi teek hi kaha hain, tum khab tak aise akela rahoge. Aur tum hamesha Udaipur ka collector nahi rehega, hain na?" Meenu says.

"Meenu, sach keh rahi hai Shiv. Tum hamesha Udaipur ka collector nahi rehega hain na. Tumhare jeevan main koi hona chahiye jo tumse bhahot pyar kare aur tumhare jeevan ke anth thak tumhare saath dene. Is main gabrajane ka kya bath hain? Hum na tum ko abhi ke abhi shadi karne keliye nahi kahrahe hain. Tumko ko ladki pasand hain toh, hamain koi problem nahi hain…" Ira says.While saying the last part she looks at Alok and then at Daddu.

"haan, koi aisi lakdi hain kya??" Alok enquires. Shiv looks down embarrassed, while everyone eagerly waiting for his answer.

"Nahi papa, main kisi pyar nahi karta hoon." Shiv replies, still looking down at his plate.

"Kya! Mera potha hone se. tumhe pyar nahi hua????" Daddu asks feigning bewilderment.

"Nahi Daddu. Mujhe abh tak mere pasand ki ladki nahi milli" replies Shiv in a small voice.

"Kya Javan, hamare zammane main… you know it was the year of 1963 -.." Daddu starts, but Alok interrupts

"Nahi papaji… Abhi nahi. Please." Alok pleads.

"Ok. Bhaiyya atleast mere honewale bhabhi main aapko kaun – kaun si qualities honi chahiye?" Sanchi asks, directing everyone's attention back on the current topics.

"Haan bollo Shiv" Ira encourages him.

"Voh…… huh… Voh educated honi chahiye aur sansakari bhi….. hard working… .. Modern mentality……. " Shiv says thinking

"Aaahan aur…??" Mahi teasingly asks his brother

"…. Traditional bhi honi chahiye, … can cook well….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day the Shekar family along with Ashima get ready to catch their flight to Kolkatta from Udaipur to attend Arjun's wedding.

Chapter 3

Far Far Away

Date: 26th sept 2012, 6:15 AM

The Rajdhani Express was speeding but steadily away towards its destination unperturbed by its still asleep passengers. The sun was rising from its horizon, casting orange and red hues across the dark sky, breaking the dawn to a new day.

Anandi was wide awake watching the sun rise in the corn fields passing by. She was unruffled by the silence of the compartment, lost in her own her thoughts.

She frowned. The same weird feeling again. God knows what is going to happen…

Ever since she boarded the train she's been having a weird feeling; like something is going to happen. It wasn't like something bad is going to happen. Something big. Very big. But not bad…

Then something good…??? That she doesn't know…….

Anandi tries to shake her head of such uncanny thoughts….

She looks down at the at the rails of the adjacent track, endless running away with a velocity matching the train… it reminds her how her life had changed… a complete turn.. in a totally different and unexpected direction she could ever dream of…. Ever since she got know about Gauri and Jagdish's love.

Married at a tender age of eight to boy no older than her by a year or two, Anandi had to enter a world which was at once alienating and confusing. Torn away from the merriment of childhood, and her family, she has to accept and accustom herself to this new family of strangers, new relationships, customs and traditions… She and Jagdish have always been best friends throughout their childhood, not knowing the values of the relation their elders had tied them in. this relation has always been like a duty to Anandi, which she needed fulfill no matter what happens…

At such innocent ages, they never once behaved like a true man and wife relation. They were never ever able to have am intimate relation with the other; infact fate has never given them such a chance

After she returned from Bilaria, Jagdish had already registered in Mumbai medical college, and was to join in two weeks. He returned only for holidays and stayed for a day or two. Then met Gauri and fell in love with her. During his fifth year ending; Gauri and Anandi feel ill coincidently; the family insisted his presence immediately and irked him to harshly confess about his love affair with Gauri. Hearing this, the family was upset and was scared to break this news to Anandi.

A week later, Anandi was still recovering; Jagadish and Gauri make an entrance newly married. The family refused to accept the marriage. Anandi goes into shocked trance and faints. The family gets scared about her wellbeing. Seeing this Gauri goes green with jealousy and starts to hate Anandi, thinking that she stole her place. Jagdish disappointedly returns to Mumbai with Gauri to continue to study MS.

Everyone in the village get to know about Jagdish's marriage and sympathize Anandi. The singh family tries to talk to Anandi; she never uttered a word with anyone ever since Jagdish and Gauri entered the house. She did not even eat food properly.

Anandi's mind and thoughts froze ever since she saw Jagdish and Gauri in their shadi-ka-joda. What shocked her more was that the family knew about this and did not even mention it to her. She always knew that something like this would happen. If not today, then tomorrow…. She did not what to feel whether to be sad that her future had become distorted, directionless and aimless or happy that two people in this world yet again found true love. She felt numb. Yes numb. She did know what to feel, say or do….

A week later, Anandi comes to realization and a decision. She goes to dadisa to speak…

Dadisa: Aree anandi tu?? Undhar aaa chori.

Anandi: Daadisa, mujhe aapse kuch batkarna hain.

Dadisa: Chori, mhare pata hain ki tum darad main ho. Jagdish aisa…..

Anandi: Nahi Daadisa, mujhe Jagdish ke bare main kuch kahna ya sunna chahthi hoon… hamari shaadi bachpan main hua jab hum dono ko uska matlab hi nahi samjha. Ek pati aur patni ka rishta kiasa hoona hain… hame khabi samjpaye. Aur jab samaj nahi aya toh hum kaise nibhapaye… Main aur jagdish khabi pati aur patni ke roop main ek doosre ko nahi dekhe…..

Dadisa mujhe aage badna hain. Main apne pairon main kadana chahthi hoon. Aur meri is padayi logon ko upyog main aani chahiye…

Dadisa at first felt helpless looking at her state and was happy that she was making an effort to move on. She was more than happy to let her fulfill her dreams…..

The singh family was happy to see Anandi making an effort to move on in life and encourage her. She never once spoke ill of Jagdish, infact she never spoke about, no one in the family were least bothered about him.

Anandi now had all the freedom in life to do what ever she wanted in life. She opened a primary school for girls and later for adults. She pursued each and everyone resident of the village. She pursued her education through distance-education program of Jaipur University. She obtained two degrees in civil services in three years. She gains a lot of popularity in the village along with favouritism. After a lot of pursuation from the family and villagers; she becomes the Sarpanch of the village.

Meanwhile, there were many appearances of Jagdish and Gauri at the haveli bringing misplaced accusations on Anandi (mostly by Gauri) that finally led to divorce between Anandi and Jagdish within six months of his marriage with Gauri. They parted promising that they will still remain friends for the rest of their lives.

Even after a year they stayed in touch through phone calls and mails. This made Gauri even more jealous thinking Anandi wants her Jagya back. Anandi senses Jagdish's homesickness and promises to herself that she will make the family to accept Gauri as the Bahu of this house.

Gauri becomes pregnant with Jai and the to-be-parents were very happy.

After a lot of efforts she convinces them to accept them. Jagdish is very greatly thankful to Anandi because of her he got his family back. But Gauri was not happy; she thought that this was probably a plan to get Jagdish back. Blinded by love for Jagdish and by jealousy, she screams at Anandi and starts accusing her. This time Anandi does not stay quite she s

Anandi: Chup Gauri! Ek aur sabdh mere kilaf... I don't even know what I'll do!... kya samjthi ho apne aapko… bachchpan se mujhe aur Jagdish ke beech kuch bhi nahi tha… hamare rishte bas naam ke liye tha.. hum khabhi pati patni nahi the… sirf dost.. hum sirf dost the… main Jagya se khabi pyaar ki aura abb khabi bhi nahi karungi.. Main sirf aapne parivar kush dekhna chahthi hoon… tereliye main aajse Jagya ko baiyya boolalun???

Gauri: ………….. (Shocked)

After clarifying, Gauri realizes her mistake and apologizes to Anandi saying that she never loved anyone as much as she loves Jagdish. It was her fright of loosing him that made her to speak like that. She promised Anandi that she would never misunderstand her relation with Jagdish ever again.

Since that day Jagdish and Gauri lived with their family. Both worked together along with Lal Singh; in the hospital the family had built for Jagdish three years ago.

Gauri's pregnancy made her close to the family and helped her to build a healthy band with everyone in the family. She and Anandi had become as thick as thieves, almost like sisters. They together teamed-up and pull Jagdish's leg.

Dadisa still had one thing in her mind that was troubling her, she wanted Anandi to get married again. When this brought up to her she rejected saying that she did not want to get married yet as she wanted to fulfill her dreams. She was secretly hoping she could have something like Jagya and Gauri and bapusa and Maa.

Sachcha Pyaar.

True Love.

Anandi sighs coming back to the present thinking is she worth it to gain true love in this life??

She sighs again bringing the shawl closer to her and looks at the sky again brightening up…. And smiles maybe someday someone might enter in her life and brighten it up just like the sun brightens the sky after a dark moonless night……

Chapter 4

The misty morning

Venue: Kali Maatha temple, Kolkatta

Time: 27^th sept 2012, 5:00 AM

The Shekars had landed in Kolkatta in the evening, before dinner. The Kapoor family was very happy to see them. The wedding preparations had already started and that to in full swing. The Swathinilay, the Kapoor's ancestral home, was filled with commotion, there was great hustle-bustle with in.

After dinner the youngsters gathered together in the terrace to catch-up about the happenings in their lives.

"Arjun bata na, tera love story khahan se shuru hua…?" Mahi asks.

"…." Arjun embarrassed and says "Mahi, abhi ye sab kyun..? Main kal bathauga…"

"Are! Sharma mat Bhaiyya" Shashi teases her brother.

"abhi voh sab kyun…? Shallo shiv batao, maine sunna hain ki tera transfer hua hain…." Arjun diverts…

"aeee!! Do not change the topic!" Shiv recides in.

"Yeah. Last time when we meet… you didn't even have a girl friend. Abh acchanak se shaddi??... Don't tell me it's arranged, huh? I know uncle and aunty would never do that." Ashima says

"Yes..." Shiv agrees.

"Bhaiyya tum bataoge ya main bataun??" Shashi says, with a smirk.

Arjun sighs in embarrassed and his friend will never let him go without an answer. So he gives in. "Khushi meri PA hain, lekin hum pehle hi mil chuke hain... it was totally accidental….. "

"Oh…" Ashima and Sanchi said excitedly….

"….. I only know her for 4-months… we met on a train, she already had a boyfriend, at midnight I got down the train, before I could reach back to the platform, the train started to move. Khushi got down to help me.……. "

"I the end you both missed the train. But not once… TWICE…. You know, I think I heard this story somewhere… " Mahi chides in suspiciously.

"yeah!.. What do you think Arjun that we will fall for this faltu Story..?" Ashima scolds him.

"Aree… is mein kya daltu hain??" Arjun says innocently.

"Faltu.. kuch bhi nahi hain.. yeh toh Jab We Met main… Geet aur Aditya ka love story hain… hum tere love story sunnana hain" Sanchi says sarcastically.

"Sanchi… hamare koi love story nahi hain, hamere story main koi villan nahi hain… Khushi parttime job karni chahthi thi kyunki voh ghar main bore ho jathi thi. Aur mera company bas dho mahine ke liye kamm ki, voh bhi kyunki meri old PA maternity leave rakhi thi... Jab Khushi join ki, voh aur main ek doosre ko pasand karne lage aur shadi karne ke liye thai kar li…." Arjun says exasperatedly.

"If it was only so much then, pehle hi kyun nahi bataya, itna Draamebaaz karne zaroori hain kya?" Ashima says.

"just wanna irritate you…" Arjun says jovially.

Ashima throws a pillow at him. "Whatever"

"And don't think your off the hook so easily, hum usse milna chahthe hain" Ashima says authoritatively.

"Ok. Ok… Meri Maa, tum sab kal hi unse mill sakthe hain…." Arjun says. The others look at him raising their eyebrows questioningly.

"Voh.., um… Voh, kal Kali Maa ke mandir aa rahi hain" Arjun finishes.

"Akele??" Mahi asks.

"Nahi uske parivar bhi… jaise bhi hum sabh bhi jha rahe hain." Arjun says.

"but from what I heard from Uma Aunty, that you two are not allowed to meet eachother till marriage…" Sanchi says like a know-it-all.

"yeah.. I Know….." Arjun trials off moving his hand in his hair guiltily

"but you want to meet her… so does she have any sisters??" Mahi asks eagerly.

"Behsharam kahike… har samai ladkiyan ke bare main hi sochtha rehega.." Shiv complains

"Nahi Bhaiyya, main aapke liye pooch raha hoon, kyunki appaka shadi hone ke badh hi mera line clear ho jha saktha…." Mahi say coyly, looking at Ashima.

"Oye! Main kitne bhar bholoon?? Tera line clear karne ke liye mujhe istha mal math kar" Shiv says irritatedly.

"Aaj kal life kitne boring hogaya hain… bina koi love story" Sanchi says disappointedly. "Chalo Ashi, nindh aa rahi hain, hum jake so jhate hain..." and yawns. Sanchi, Ashima, Shiv, Mahi and Arjun disperse to their respective rooms wishing each other goodnight.

The next morning the Shekars and the Kapoors were getting ready for going to the Kali temple. It was the first of the Navrathri. Before they proceed for the Darshan, they have their bath in the holy river, Hugli.

Shiv, Arjun and Mahi were sitting on the steps of the banks of the river, with Shiv in the middle. They had finished their bath and were waiting for the others to join them. The older men with their wives were doing some rituals for their ancestors.

Arjun was fidgeting and looking around as if he was searching for someone

"Arjun, kis ko doond rahaho?" Shiv asks

"………"

"Arjun???" Shiv asks again.

"Huh…?" replies Arjun absent mindedly.

"Bas Khushi ko…?" he trailed of into a question.

"Khushi? Oh yeah she is coming here…." Shiv shakes his head at his very-much-in-love friend.

After sometime he spots her near the banyan tree searching for him. "Ahaan… mil gayi…" and then he look at Shiv.

"I am sorry Shiv, I don't think I can introduce you to her right now… the elders might find out…"

"Its ok. Tu jha. I'll cover for you." Shiv says.

The Singh family was also at the river having their baths. Gauri, Sumitra, and Gehna were taking care of the children; keeping a check on them so that they won't go to deep into the water. Khushi was busy searching for Arjun.

Anandi comes near her and says "Khushi, tum kissiko dond rahi ho?"

"Haan… nahi mera matalab hain ki…-" Khushi just found Arjun "- haan Anandi. Ticket counter. Main sab ke liye Darshan ke liye tickets lene jhana hain." Khushi says to escape.

"ok. Tum jha main sabko pata latha hoon." Anandi says; following khushi's line of sight. And sees Arjun, she had recognized him from their engagement pictures.

She smirks knowingly at Khushi, who blushes. Embarrassed on being caught

"Achchaaa…!! Jijusa se milne ke liye, itna tadap-tadap rahi hoo?? Behsharam…" She states teasingly.

Khushi begs anandi "please Anandi kisi ko mat bata aur sab mere tang kichthe hain. Aur Maa mujhe dhanteji aur …."

"Are bas bas, main kisi ko nahi bataoogi. Tum jha, I'll coverup" Anandi smiles.

"Thanks Anandi" Khushi says with a big smile and runs off to meet her fianc. And Anandi moves into the water to have her bath.

Mahi was busying staring admiringly at the Ashima who started a water fight with Sanchi. He was totally lost in his world. Shiv had tried to make conversation with him, but realized that it was better talking to some tree trunk.

The morning was very beautiful. The sun was rising, the air was humid but cool. The air smelled of flowers and sweet fragrance of Mandhir. Shiv was just looking around; when his eyes stop on the beauty that was just emerging from the water. She looked unreal, her beauty out shined… like she did not belong to this world…. The sun rising behind her was giving her an unearthly glow.

She was wearing a red silk sari, which looked heavy with the design, her long silky waist-length hair plastered to her face. Her hands reached up to push her hair away from her face, reveling the full picture of her perfect face… pale skinned, beautiful and large kholed hazel eyes… straight nose… rosy pink lips… a long neck adorned with a simple piece of jewellery, her slender waist peeking from her folds of her sari…….

The image took Shiv's breath away….

He had never seen anyone look so ethereal….. so.. so… so … angelic…

"Wooow" he says slowly….

"Haan… wow" Mahi says dreamily looking at Ashima.

"kaun hain voh….?" Shiv asks, still in the looking at the girl who dipped into the water again.

"kuan??? Aapko pata hain na…? Ahsima…" Mahi coming out of Ashima induced trance.

"Ashima..???" Shiv asks absent mindedly. "kya Ashima…?"

Before Mahi could reply, the others came back and they set forward to the Darshan and some more pooja karyakram.

The Singhs were having their Darshan being done; Anandi was asked to bring water from the river for the kalash. While going down the stairs she slips on the mossy steps and falls. Her pitcher goes flying in the air. Anandi closes her eyes in fright. Then she felt colliding into something hard but at the same time soft that was definitely not the ground and a pair of strong muscular hands catch her by the waist. But the impact makes both of them fall into the water.

They rise to the surface, grasping for breath. She opens her eyes; the first thing she sees is a white-which-is-now-transparent kurta clad chest. It was sticking to very well toned muscles of its wearer. She blushed. And looked up at her savior or one could say the victim of her clumsiness.

He was handsome. Very handsome. Like some Greek god. His hair wet sticking in different directions, strong jaw, thick eyebrows, straight nose and lastly his eyes. Expressive dark-brown eyes.

And.

One look.

Just one.

It only took her just one look to get lost in such soulful eyes. It almost took her breath away.

He was looking at her with a very weird expression. He looked surprised and there was something else that she couldn't read.

She came back to the real world when she heard a cough from behind her. She realized that she was still in his arms. She flushed red in embarrassment of being caught in a compromising position with a stranger. And immediately broke out of his embrace.

There were two other men looking at her. One she recognized as Khushi's Arjun, who was looking at her and the victim/savior amusingly. The other was rubbing his forehead, as though he was in pain.

She quickly picked up her pitcher that was floating by and collected some water into it. Then with a hurried sorry and without looking back, she ran up the stairs only to almost colloid into Gauri.

Gauri had come searching for Anandi.

"Gauri…? Tum yahan?"

"Anandi main kabse tumhe doond rahi thi… by the way tum gile kaise hoo gaya" she asked curiously.

Anandi blushed.

"voh.. voh…" Anandi stammers and looks in the direction of which she just came and makes an eye contact with him again. And blushes again.

"Shiv?"

"Shiv????"

"SHIIIVVV????"

Ashima tries to get his attention but no use. She pinches him hard on his forearm.

"Ouch!!" Shiv says, rubbing the spot where Ashima pinches.

"What was that for?? Why are you shouting?? I am right here Ashi" Shiv say irritated. Then he looks at his small treasure he found today and smiles looking at.

Ashima notice she change in demeanor and asks "iss ko kya hua hain….??"

"pata nahin. Jabse hum mandir se aye, Bhaiyya asse hi hain. Bhahut ajeebsa" Sanchi replies, looking at her brother concerned.

"Shiv??" Ashima calls again getting worried. Then turns towards Mahi who enters rubbing his forehead.

"And what happened to your head??" she asks him.

Mahi just grimaced and Arjun bursts out laughing. Ashi ingnores him.

"Mahi, Shiv tera pass hi tha na… what happened to him… ?? Why is he staring off into space like that…?? Is he alright??" Ashima asks, looking at Shiv who was lost in his thoughts again.

"Are Ahsima, Bhaiyya ko kuch nahi hua hain. Bas aaj subah unko,.. unko……" unable to continue Mahi bursts into laughter. Arjun also joins him.

"unko…? Kya??" Ashima asks curiously.

"…. got struck by a cupid's arrow…" Arjun chides between his laughter.

"WHAT???" Ashi and Sanchi ask together

"Bhaiyya ko pyar ho gaya hain"

"WHAT???" Ashi and Sanchi shout again unbelievingly. Mahi and Arjun rub their ears mumbling about girls and high pitched voices.

"haan." They say together.

"OMG…. That is why the khadus is behaving like a love struck teenager. Oh yeah… because he is really love struck…" Ashima laughs at her own stupidity.

"par voh kaun thi??" Sanchi asks seriously.

"Pata Nahi" Arjun says.

"voh suddenly aya aur gaya" Mahi says.

"kya voh suddenly aya aur gaya?? Aur tum dono kya kar rahe the??? subah subah, asman main tare doond rahe the…" Ashima asks, shaking her head at their stupidity.

"And what happened to your head? It looks you hit something really." Ashi asks concerned, Mahi again looking at his bluish-black swollen bruise on his forehead.

"nahi, mere upar ne kisine ek pani ka bartan-" Mahi starts.

Arjun howls with laughter and dodging Mahi who was hitting him. Ashi and Sanchi look at them as though they were gone mad.

"haan… kisine nahi us ladki ki thi…" Arjun says between his laughter.

"kya?" Ashi and Sanchi say together trying stop their laughter.

"tum dono main kitna coordination hain." Mahi says in mock awe.

"Seriously??? Bhaiyya ko Bhabhi milgayi??" Sanchi says excitedly.

"haan.. aisa hi kuch lagtha…" Mahi says rubbing his forehead.

"par Shiv use kuch kha hain kya??"

"nahi! Sirf usey door se dekha tha"

"toh.. voh aisa kyun abjeeb se behave kar raha hain…?"

"tumhe pata hain uska naam kya hain??"

"Nahi"

"Are puri story batao na. Start from the beginning. The heroine's entry" Ashima asks irritatedly.

"Ok. Ok. Ok. Ok. Chilao mat Ashi" Arjun says.

"You know jab hum teeno ko punditji ne kaha hain ki fir se nadhi main snan karne ke liye." Mahi starts.

"Hum snan karke upar aa rahe the, a girl came running with a pitcher running down the stairs" Arjun adds

"She slipped aur Bhaiyya ne use pakad li, par dono paani main gir gaye the-" Mahi continues

"-and then out of no where, uski pitcher.. You know… hit Mahi on the head… I think it hit pretty hard. He almost collapsed." Arjun says provokingly.

"It all happened very fast, like within seconds…"

"haan. Haan. Aur voh ladki, tumne use baat ki??" Ashima asks eagerly.

"nahi, by the time I helped Mahi, She and Shiv were very close and looking into eachother's eyes…" Arjun says.

"And then voh wahan se baagh rahi thi…" Mahi continues.

"What??? You let her go….?" Sanchi asks.

"Seriously??" Ashima asks.

"Hey don't even look at us like that… he should be doing that..." Mahi says raising his hands in surrender and pointing at his brother.

"Shiv??" Ashima calls

"Bhaiyya" Sanchi calls.

"kaun thi voh ladki Bhaiyya" Sanchi asks.

"Pata nahi…" Shiv says looking sad.

"How does she look??"

"Like an angel." He replies immediately looking down at the ear ring he found stuck on his kurta after she hurriedly left.

Ashi and Sanchi bath see the ear-ring and snatch it from him asking him "uski hain…?"

"haan." Shiv replies.

"Oh, look at him. He really likes her…" Ashi says happily.

its wonderful😊

It was such a wonderful, lovely, romantic update @ silver.😊

when will the next update be?????

Thanks for reposting!