Chahun Main Ya Naa... (Valentine's Day Special OS)
Feb 14 2010
University of Mumbai
Film and Media Studies
Annual Inter- Collegiate Cultural Competitions
"Hawaa ke jhonke aaj mausamon se rooth gaye, Gulon ki shokhiyaan jo bhanwre aa ke loot gaye..."
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k8Aja80GQM)
A sweet voice broke the silence in the hall. Pankhuri was representing her university for the singing competition. As she sang, her eyes were searching the crowd for someone, who meant a lot to her - Adi.
Adi and Pankhuri were in a relationship for less than a year now and this was their last year at university. The two were almost total opposites and often left their entire department (film and media studies) wondering how did they even end up in a relationship. Today was their very first valentine's day together and Pankhuri had decided to surprise Adi by singing her favourite song.
Eventually, Pankhuri had located Adi and the two shared an eyelock. As Pankhuri exited after her performance through the backstage door, she began thinking about how Adi would react once they met up. She checkes her phone and notices a text message asking her to meet him at their classroom. Pankhuri rushes to the classroom, making sure no one followed her.
She enters expecting a perfectly romantic setting but to her surprise there was no surprise for her. Adi was just waiting as usual. Feeling a little disappointed, Pankhuri goes nearer to Adi.
Pankhu: Happy Valentine's Day Adi!
Adi: Leave that Pankhu, what were you thinking when you went up to sing?
Pankhu: Why? Didn't you get me?
Adi: I think you could have spent time with me doing our assignments instead of attending the rehearsals all these while.
Pankhu: Adi, how rude! I was expecting you to say something loving or at least wish me since this is our first Valentine's Day together. And look at what you did! Forget it Adi. It's not going to work out! I'm leaving!
Pankhuri stomps out crying. She had imagined this Valentine's Day to be a perfect one since Adi was her first love. But it had turned out more like a nightmare. Pankhuri decides to go home instead of staying back for the other performances.
At home,
Ambika: Pankhu, you have a call from Adi
Pankhu: Tell him I'm sleeping. I don't want to speak to him!
Pankhuri locks herself in her room and cries till she falls asleep. At 9pm, she wakes up to a weird knocking sound.
Knock Knock
Pankhu: Adi? What are you doing here?
She opens her window to see Adi standing on the parapet.
Adi: Won't you help me in? Do you want me to fall and break my leg?
Pankhuri pulls Adi in and starts scolding him.
Adi: Calm down. Now it's my turn to speak.
Adi kneels down and look up at Pankhuri
Adi: I don't really believe in Valentine's Day because I believe that love should be expressed everyday. But since you believe in this, Happy Valentine's Day! Will you be my Valentine?
Pankhuri stares in disbelief as Adi offers her a bouquet of roses, a small box of chocolates and a ring.
Feb 14 2014
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Wedding Reception
"Hum tere bin ab reh nahin sakte, Tere bina kyaa vajood meraa ..."
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJq0yyWug1k)
A voice broke the silence in the hall and everyone began cheering. Adi was singing at a wedding reception, eyelocking with the bride. He was emotional and his eyes glistened with a tear threatening to fall. The bride was someone who meant a lot to him - Pankhuri.
As he ended the song, Pankhuri too had tears in her eyes. 5 long years had passed since they knew each other but today was different. It was a totally new start in her life and little had she expected Adi to change so much. Hearing him sing was something she never thought would happen.
As the reception ended and most guests left, Adi signed Pankhuri to meet him at the corner. Hesitantly, Pankhuri makes her way there.
Pankhu: Adi? What are you doing here?
Pankhuri starts scolding him.
Adi: Calm down. Now it's once again my turn to speak.
Adi kneels down and look up at Pankhuri.
Adi: I don't really believe in Valentine's Day because I believe that love should be expressed everyday. But since you believe in this, Happy Valentine's Day! Will you be my Valentine?
Pankhuri stares in disbelief as Adi once again offers her a bouquet of roses, a small box of chocolates and a ring.
Pankhuri: Adi, I'm married and my husband will not like that.
Feb 14 2039
Deewan Mansion
Party
"Tu hi ye mujh ko bataa de, Chaahoon main yaa naa ..."
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdyBtGaspss)
A voice broke the silence in the party. Adi was singing once again, this time at a party, eye locked with his wife - someone who meant the world to him, with the exception of his two children. This party was held to celebrate 25 years of their marriage. This time however, was very much different.
"Mere chhote chhote khwaab hain, Khwaabon mein geet hain, Geeton mein zindagi hai, Chaahat hai preet hai ..."
As they both ended the song and shared a hug, Adi whispered in her ears.
Adi: Meet me in the garden in 5 minutes.
His wife stared at him in disbelief but eventually went to the garden where Adi was waiting. He kneeled to the ground and looked at her.
Adi: Happy Valentine's Day Sweetheart! Will you be my Valentine once again, like you have been all these years?
Adi gives her a bouquet of roses, a small box of chocolates and a ring. His wife helps him up.
Pankhuri: You know Adi, I've kept telling you this for so many years, 29 years now. No one can be your Valentine other than me. These roses, chocolates and this ring will never matter to me as much as you do. Just because I wanted a romantic setting the very first year, it doesn't mean you have to trouble yourself and repeat it every year! If we remain together always, that would be the best Valentine's Day gift that you could give me. Besides, my husband will not like this since he doesn't really believe in Valentine's Day because he believes that love should be expressed everyday. But still, Happy Valentine's Day Honey!
Adi and Pankhuri share a hug as they look at the stars, praying that they would always be together. Forever.
Cricket
