-Mr. Mehmaan- FF CLOSED- No more UDs

Mr.Mehmaan

Jhanvi, reached home after completing her tution classes with kids to be welcomed by aroma of good food her feet automatically reached kitchen ...She was surprised to find her Mother cooking various dishes... pakodas, samosas, sweets, ladoos... & what not...

Jhanvi (stealing one ladoo from plate)--Wow!! Mom...aaj toh kisi ka bday bhi nahi hai, nahi koi festival phir itna sab kis khushi mein'any good news '.

Mom(smacking jhanvi's hand as she picked second ladoo)'tu mujhse wajah pooch rahi hai!! Jaise tujhe nahi pata'bataya toh tha'(amused) yeh mat kehna tu bhool gayi'

It took almost a minute for Jhanvi to recollect'. trust her mother to go out of way to just welcome a Mehmaan'dat too inspite of being not well 'She knows her mother wud have spent hours in kitchen'.& dat too just for a guest'ahhh sorry correction an NRI guest'.

Jhanvi (just shook her head)'Oh!!! Toh yeh sab aapke Mehmaan ke liye'.Mom aap bhi na'bekaar mein mehnat kar rahi hai'.ek anjane, andekhe Mehman ke liye!! ' Dekhna aapke Mehmaan ko yeh sab pasand nahi aaega'.after all Mr.America jo ho hai'aap nahi janti, Agrez logon ko aisa khana pasand nahi aata'

Mom (in a strict voice)'tu chup kar, aur kitni baar kaha hai who anjaan nahi hai'Anu ka beta hai, maana uske paida hote hi who log America chale gaye par who koi angrez nahi hai' tune Anu se kitni baar baat ki hai'

Jhanvi rolls her eyes, she knew she will never win this argument with her Mom, its been a routine since past many weeks, since her mother's childhood friend Anuradha announced that she was sending her son to India and requested if he cud stay with her, so he can have a warming experience in a country he has never been to' Despite being in different continents, her Mom and Anu aunty (as Jhanvi used to address her) never failed to stay in touch with one another, whether it be simply sending holiday cards or phoning each another once in a while'.& Hearing Anu's request her Mom happily obliged right away '

Since the phone call a month ago her mother has been on her toes, It was all she ever discussed about at dinners, 'since month she has been preparing, going around house and pointed out every single day to Jhanvi & her Dad (Aniket)'to an extent that they both had been bored of the topic'but that didn't stopped her Mom to carry out the preparation to welcome her friend's son'

By end of this month Jhanvi had been pissed off with this Mr.Mehmaan, she already hates him'.just coz of him her mom didn't allowed her to accompany her friends on camping trip'.just because her mom wanted her to help in preparations, 'Her Mom even made Jhanvi shift from her own room after lot of pestering from her mother as Jhanvi loved her room'she didn't want to just give away '.

Jhanvi silently wishes the so-called Mehmaan cancels his trip'.

*****

Jhanvi looked at her mother cheerfully continuing with her cooking'her mother has been too much excited with this Mehmaan, afterall why shudn't she, Jhanvi smiles to herself'as she knows her mother's secret motive, which her mother has kept hidden from her family'. one that Jhanvi happened to learn by chance as she had accidently happen to hear her mother's & Anu aunty's phone conversation two weeks back'this Holi along with usual well wishing card'.her mother had also sent along a picture of her elder daughter Neha'

Jhanvi had heard her Mother discussing abt the photo asking Anu aunty if Rayan, her son liked'

Neha, Jhanvi's elder sister by two years and whom she loves to death'.she is currently doing her internship in Pune, very well known for her looks'.not that Jhanvi is any less'but she herself feels her di is more b'ful than her & what she likes that her di, has never been conscious or egoistical about her beauty'have always been sweet & caring towards her'.Neha has always been a friend, confidante & a guide to Jhanvi'.

Jhanvi genuinely felt happy at first knowing that a rishta was coming to her gorgeous Di'.& knowing how sweet & caring Anu Aunty is'& she love both sisters, Jhanvi knew Neha gonna be a lucky girl'but Jhanvi didn't liked that Mom hid this fact from Neha, who was suppose to arrive a week later 'for her routine monthly visit back home in Mumbai'. but during her chat with Di, last week' Jhanvi had shared with her abt Mom's conversation'. Neha was first shocked to know everything'she instantly scoffed at the whole idea'

Neha'What?? Mom ne pehle kyun nahi bataya'.Now, I am not coming this weekend '.

Jhanvi'Par di,' aapke liye toh'

Neha (interrupted)'whatever!! I am not ready to marry rite now'I am just 23, abhi meri internship bhi puri nahi hui'.I want to complete it'& I know, Main aayi toh Mom zaroor mujhe pressurize karengi' So, I am not coming' Mama can bring all the men she wants, but I'm just not ready yet'.

****

Next day Neha informed that she isn't coming this weekend as planned'as she has medical camp to attend'. Her mother had been reluctant, it was only when Aniket set his foot down & silenced his hyper wife, supporting his daughter saying its part of her Internship let her go'.

Aniket'Madhu, who keh to rahi hai medical camp ke baad wapis aajayegi'.jane do use'aur pehle bhi kai baar toh usne apne plans change kiye hai'.is baar itna issue kyun bana rahi ho'

Madhu (aghast)'Par Aniket, Neha ne kaha tha is weekend who aaegi'& we have guest too'.maine socha Neha bhi mil leti'

Aniket(pissed off)'Haan mil legi'tumhara Mehmaan kaunsa aate hi chala jayega'.(somewhere Aniket also had been pissed off with his wife's super excitement with the guest'.not that he minded Anu's son coming over but still she felt his wife is over doing it) He will be here for a month or so, aur Neha ka camp 10-15 din mein khatam hojayega'she can always meet him later'.aur nahi bhi mil payi'it wont be a big deal'

Madhu opened her mouth to answer but remained silent '.already it had been tough time for her convincing her husband to let Rayan stay with them' she wondered if she tells him the whole reason for Rayan's visit is to come and see their daughter?... If her husband comes to know, he'd fly through the roof and refuse entry to the poor boy. Madhu took a deep breath & decided she would only disclose this matter with him after Rayan safely arrives and settles in with them'.

*****

Rayan, 27 yr old son of Anuradha-Yash'.who had immigrated to States a year after Rayan was born'.since then they never got opportunity to come back neither were able to visit India'. Inspite of being in States all these years, Rayan still had been a traditional, well behaved boy' He has his share of friends, girlfriends he had never been into serious relationships as somewhere in his heart he knew the kind of girls he have been around doesn't fit in his image of her life partner '.also, he knew her Mother wud never approve of any of his girlfriends'.

He has always been close to his parents'. He may be modern in outlook'.at same time had been respectful to parents'. He has been an intelligent, respectful, and polite young man that everyone takes a fancy to'.

Ryan almost had an heart attack when a month ago his mother confronted him about when he will settle down' & also dropped the idea to send him to India' Rayan had flatly refused'.

Rayan (confused)'but'.wats the need'.I mean'we will go together, sometime later'

Anuradha'later, ke chakkar mein 26 saal hogaye'(correcting herself remembering'Rayan not being much used to understand Hindi being brought up here, he is not much used to speaking hindi) I mean'I want you to go'

Rayan was stunned 'when her mother shared what she has in her mind' as she showed him Neha's pic & briefed him about her'.

Rayan (chocked on his coffee)'Mom!! Are you serious!! 'I mean'marry someone I don't know'someone I never met'

Anuradha (interrupted)'Dats why I want to go' & I am not saying you marry her as soon as you see her' just get to know her' Give it a chance' It will not hurt if you give it a try'. But if you are still against it after meeting her, then promise...I will not hassle you about the topic again'.(seeing him still reluctant) Rayan, (added little emotionally) you will not do this much for me!!! (made the most sulking face) Till now, I have never stopped u from anything'allowed u anything & everything you wanted' its first time, I am asking you something'Please'

Not having heart to defy her right away'he agreed he will give it a thot'next few days, her mother's word "first time asking u something" kept ringing in his head'the more he thot, more he got confused'.refusing Mom wud mean hurting her' & dats something he doesn't want to do'he just has to meet the girl, if it doesn't work out he can always refuse'

Finally he decided to agree to his Mom'he will deal with whatever happens'So here he is, just landed at Mumbai airport'

*******

Jhanvi woke up with a start as she is jolted out from her sleep'as she felt someone shaking her'she is surprised to see her best friend Surbhi, who seems to be in a jovial mood, & excited abt something'but then when she needs a reason'she always bright & cheery' seeing Surbhi just staring at her'.

Jhanvi (confused)'What?? Aise kyun dekh rahi hai ??

Surbhi'just surprised'tu taiyaar nahi hui??(seeing her confused) to welcome the guest'ache host ki tarah u shud welcome him Nahi'

Jhanvi (irritated)'Welcome'mera bas chale use airport se bhaga doon'or better bribe the pilot ki flight kahi aur lejaye'.already this Mehmaan is being a pain'Kal se Mom is upto me '.to do this'do that ' (getting up to freshen up)

Surbhi giggled Jhanvi has been complaining & whining since days'she is literally pissed off'

Surbhi (teasing)'My'My' (playfully taking her nose into her fingers' grip) aren't we in good mood today '

Jhanvi(smacked her hand)'Shut up!!! '.waise, aaj subah subah yaha kaise'as long as I remember you are not early riser'

Surbhi'Come on 'ab doston se milne ke liye bhi koi time hota hai'jaldi uth gayi so aagayi'(Jhanvi rolled her eyes as she knows she is lieing) fine'don't give me such looks'main toh help karne aayi thi I thot You & Massi wud need some help welcoming the Mehmaan (teased)

*****

As Jhanvi joined for breakfast'like routine her mother has been super excited as finally the day has arrived when her beloved guest arrives'.she cud hear Mom reminding her husband abt timings to go to airport'.telling him what to do'what not to do'

A while later Jhanvi found her father, cleaning off their car' seeing the grumpy look on his face Jhanvi knew he is not liking it all''especially today on a Sunday when he just wants to relax, & sleep'already he has to give up his afternoon siesta today as he wud go & pick up Mr.America'.

Seeing Jhanvi'Aniket gave a smile'gives her a sheepish, begging look.

Aniket--Willing to help me out Princess'

Jhanvi (joining him)' Mujhe badle mein kya milega'.(teased her dad)

Aniket smiled this had been Jhanvi's habit since childhood' whenever she is asked help she wud ask a reward'

Aniket'errrmm, a promise!!! I wont let your Mom brainwash me to allow a foreign stranger as house guest '

Like Jhanvi'even Aniket too wasn't much "excited" in turning their whole household about in order to welcome a complete stranger'. She smiles at her father, showing him that he has bought her right then and there'.

Jhanvi (ready to help)'A gentleman's Promise !!! I will hold u on for that !!!

Aniket (smiled)'Ofcourse anytime!!!

******

Rayan stands awkwardly & lets his mother's friend'embrace him into a warm affectionate hug' He was never good with strangers'still he nervously lets out a chuckle' & thanked her for warm welcome'

Madhu (pinching her cheeks)-- You are much cutter than I had imagined!!...Anu had been a tease in not sending me a picture of you beforehand'..But must say, it was fun thinking of how you would look like'..

Rayan just manages to smile politely back at her'..& looks around the house where he spots back of a girl helping Aniket, the person who welcomed him at the airport '

Madhu-- I hope you don't find the house too small' I know that it's not what you're used to back in your home in America'

Rayan (startled)'Its absolutely fine with me Aunty'infact its quite homely & nice'.Thanx for being so welcoming'

Madhu smiles pleasantly & takes his arm into her hands, steering him into the depths of her home. Again Rayan's eyes focus back over to where he had taken notice to the two figures from before'but now sees only Aniket who looks at him grimly with his arms folded across his chest'.

It was Madhu who was doing all the talking'.asking him to be comfortable'it was a while later Surbhi came with water '& snacks'

Surbhi (all cheery)'Hi Rayan!!! I've been looking very forward in meeting you!!! Was excited since Morning'

Madhu 'ermm'Sur, tujhse bada hai Rayan'bhaiya bulana chaiye na'

Surbhi (cheekily) 'Massi,' I would do that if he wasn't so handsome'but he is and I am not favorable to the idea of making him related to me'.

Madhu just gaped at Sur' while Rayan just wanted to burst out laughing, not knowing whether he should feel flattered from her blunt comment or amused'. he muses to himself'

Madhu'ermm Rayan'This is Surbhi, Jhanvi's my younger daughter's friend' You know we do have only two daughters'

Rayan actually he didn't have a clue'. He hadn't paid attention all the while when his Mom had briefed him about Neha & her family' Rayan just gave a polite smile to Surbhi' & returned her greetings'

Madhu'Sur, Jhanvi kahan hai ?? maine use kaha tha'

Surbhi (interrupted)'ermm Massi who'usne kaha uske sir mein dard hai'

Madhu looks clearly displeased by this, along with seeming a little infuriated'.just a while ago she was helping her'& was fit & fine'.

Rayan is unable to understand what is going on and feels like there is something amiss'. He watches as Madhu composes herself together and smiles in his direction'.

Madhu (apologetically) 'ermm'Jhanvi is resting 'she is not well... having a headache' (Rayan nods his head in understanding) as for Neha'she is away on a medical camp'.but she will be back after few days '

Rayan (surprised)'She's not here?

Madhu'Yeahh actually ' You can always meet her later on'.she will be back a week before you leave (saying even more regretfully than before) I'm sorry for not informing you about that before'.she was to come over weekend but'she had change of plan' It was sudden'.So'

Rayan(politely) --No' That's fine'.Its Ok'. I'll see her when I can.

Rayan felt like laughing at the stupidity of this whole trip'. Why had he come if he was only going to get to know her for only a week and then come to a decision based on that if she is the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with? 'Oh well, at least he doesn't have to go into a full fledge confrontation with her right now, something he had been dreading the moment he had agreed to his mother'. Seeing the brighter side, he smiled now he wud have one good reason to refuse'.

Rayan smiled to himself may be it's a blessing in disguise'

*******
Madhu was glad to know he is "understanding" of the situation. ..She leads him on in where she tries her best in settling him into their home'.For the rest of the day he received Madhu's , Surbhi's company and somewhat of Aniket's company'. Especially Surbhi who made him feel at ease knowing that he has someone that he can get along with during his stay. ' It was the absence of the other sister that secretly irked him though.

For how long does a person need to sleep off a headache?...

***********

Jhanvi lies on her stomach in bed while ducking her head into her folded arms and letting her mind wander into thoughts.

She had been genuinely surprised on seeing "Mr. America" '. as he didn't match up to anything she had imagined him to be'.In fact, he was better looking than the horrid prejudice depictions she had made of him'.to be very honest he has turned out "Far better"'..

She had imagined him to be some funky, tattooed American with blonde spiked hair'or some funny hairdo & she had decided she wud laugh on his face, will poke fun at him'& will finally answer back her Mom " See, how angrez your guest is"'..but here, he fits into the description of Hot-handsome'& typical mills-boons hero'. dark black eyes, strong jaw line'.rugged features'.

The moment she had seen him as her mother welcomed him' Hot warmth gushed into her instantly by his sight and she felt her former pride and confidence being stripped from her in a flash. Surprisingly intimidated by his presence, she had stealthily slipped away to the refuge of her room'. She didn't want to do anything with the spoilt American brat, as she heard him talking in rich American accent & constantly asking her Mom for English translation'

Rest of the evening, Jhanvi stubbornly remained in her room despite her mother's angry demands that she immediately introduce herself to their guest.. Her mother was "gracious" enough to come drop by her door in between devoting her time to Rayan' It was after Aniket warned Madhu, to leave her alone she stopped harassing her'

Her thots get broken by ringing of her cell'.. she instantly picks it up' talking about her camp & her experiences'. Her sister involves her into a very lengthy conversation about her medical camp'.

Jhanvi (grumpily)'Good to know, someone having fun'

Neha'tere mood ko kya hua'.I thot aaj Sunday hai'Papa tujhe usual dinner outing par lekar gaye honge'(remembering something) oh haan' I forgot'aaj toh, My husband to be is coming (giggling)'

Jhanvi'Dii' don't even name him' I think he is planning to be a ghar jamaai'

Neha (confused)'matlab

Jhanvi'jabse aaya hai'.tabse chattar chattar khatam hi nahi ho rahi' Mom & Surbhi are behaving jaise abhi se decide kar liya hai that he gonna be part of our family'.aaye hue 4 ghante hue hai'& they both are gushing over him'. I think they're really liking him'. especially Ma'

Neha'what abt you ??

Jhanvi (hestitantly)'ermmm Main'ermmm

Neha'come on '.ab Di, se bhi chupaegi'tell me what he is like, how he looks'mujhe bhi toh pata chale , how my future husband looks like'.

Jhanvi (sheepishly)'I don't know'mujhe kuch nahi pata'I haven't met him'

Neha (surprised)'huh?? Abhi tak nahi mili'tu keh rahi hai use aaye hi 4 ghante hogaye'itni der se kya kar rahi hai'.

Jhanvi (irritated)'playing hide & seek in my room'.

Neha (laughed)'Jhanvi tu bhi na, '.just coz of a guest you are hiding in your own house'. Kya itna bura hai who'

Jhanvi---Pata nahi Di,'don't know why'.i am so heated up with him'.pichle ek mahine se tang kar rakha hai'aane se pehle mujhe apne room se bahar karwa diya'Mujhse zyada Mom use importance de rahi hain' (sulked) uski wajah se Mom ne mujhe Shimla bhi nahi jane diya'hum friends ne itna plan kiya tha'

Neha'but still, you can be little cordial'aur Mom ko pasand hai toh'he may not be that bad' (changing the topic) So you don't even know how he looks like at all?

Jhanvi: (growing slightly shy) 'ermm'I do...had seen him'I mean' I caught a glimpse of him before'.

Neha ( casually)'So, how does he look'

Jhanvi (embarrassed)'not bad'I mean not bad to look at'

Neha (teased)'hai hai'going all shy on me!!! Dat too coz of a stranger'

Jhanvi (defensive)'I am not'

Neha'you are'& if he is making you all shy 'he surely must be damn good looking'(Jhanvi remained silent'. Neha teased her more) waise if he is not too bad to look at, toh ek kaam karte hai'how about you marry him instead & we all be happy'(rolled with laughter)

Jhanvi 'Diii'.. dats so mean'.khud ko bachane ke liye mujhe phasa rahi hai'& mind you I am not marrying any Mr. America'. Aur who bhi ek anjaane se '''bilkul nahi'.aur shayad aap bhul gayi'who mujhe nahi aapko dekhne aaya hai'

Neha 'haan toh, koi stamp paper thodi na likh kar laya hai'ki sirf mujhse shadi karega'aur waise bhi (imitating her) I am not marrying any Mr. America'.aur who bhi ek anjane se'bilkul nahi'

They continued their bickering for long'.

*******
It was at two in the morning when Jhanvi finally gave into her stomach's grumbling 'She had purposely avoided dinner'.She knew, she was being unreasonable but she had no intention of introducing herself to Mr. America anytime soon'she didn't knew why'. She was distancing herself away'. She had no clue'.

She tiptoed downstairs to kitchen to have something to eat' checked the fridge for leftover' but surprised to some continental dish'she gives up on eating that bland dish' opening the freezer decided to settle for ice cream'. Moves over for a bowl & spoon turned back to have the ice cream'.but stills in her spot on seeing someone standing before her in the dim darkness and screams as she drops her spoon' that makes a clatter sound against the kitchen floor'Instantly finds a hand clasping her mouth to silence her'.

*********