Honeymoon Pe Jaana Padha Tho? OS
DING DONG (Door bell)
Zoya answered the door. She was stunned to see Rashid Ahmed Khan at the door
"Salaam o alaikum," Rashid smiled and greeted her.
"Wa alaikum salaam," Zoya lowered her head and greeted him, "aap yahan kaise? Mera matlab, aap?"
"Kya main andar aa sakta hoon dost? Ya bahu kahoon ab?" Rashid smiled again.
"Jee. Please andar aaiye." A hesitant Zoya was in a fix. She was aware of the dynamics between Dilshaad and Rashid since the Valima but he was her father in law now; there was no way she could defy him.
"Kahan hain sab?" Rashid stepped in and looked around.
"Wo-Wo Mr. Khan tho office mein hain."
"Mr. Khan?" Rashid was amused, "Oh! Asad?"
"Kaun hai Zoya?" Dilshaad froze in her steps as she walked into the foyer, "a-aap?"
"Maaf karna Dilshaad. Jaanta hoon tumhein mujhey yahan dekh kar tajjub hoga. Lekin, mujh se raha nahin gaya."
Dilshaad averted her gaze angrily. Zoya tried to step away but Dilshaad held her hand, "Zoya, tum yahin raho beta. Janab Rashid Khan se keh do ki yahan wo bin bulaaye mehmaan hai. Jo kehna hai tumse keh kar chale jaayein," She gave him a cold stare and walked back to the kitchen.
"DILSHAAD! Please meri baat-----Allah Hafiz." A visibly hurt Rashid lowered his head.
Zoya was saddled by the tension in the air. She felt sad for both of them. Even though it had been years, there was no doubt that the two of them shared a deep connection. The layers of deception and misunderstandings had buried their love but not extinguished it.
"Beta. Main tum dono ko nikaah ki mubaarak baad dene aaya tha." He tried to hide his tears behind a faint smile, "waise tho yeh bahut chota sa tohfa hai," he took out an envelope from his pocket, "lekin main chaahta hoon tum dono issey qubool karo. Jaanta hoon Asad tho shayad isey dekhega bhi na, lekin tumhara dil bahut naram hai beta, I hope tum Asad ko samjha sako. Ek baap ki mohabbat aur dua chupi hai is tohfe mein."
Zoya was touched by his gesture, "kya hai ismein?"
"Two tickets to Udaipur. Main nahin jaanta ki tum dono honeymoon wagarah par abhi tak gaye ho. Lekin jab mera aur Dilshaad ka nikaah hua tha, hum bhi yahin gaye the. Un dino ki yaadein abhi tak mere dil mein salaamat hain. I hope both of you can discover the same kind of love," he swallowed hard, overwhelmed with emotions, "that Dilshaad and I shared." He placed the envelope on the coffee table and turned to leave; tears rolled down his eyes as he walked out of the door.
Zoya tried to run after him, "DOST!" She saw him zoom away in his car. Dilshaad walked over and placed her hand on Zoya's shoulder, "jaane do unhein Zoya. "
Zoya saw the envelope in Dilshaad's hand, "ammi, yeh tohfa?"
Dilshaad nodded with her eyes and smiled, "jo bhi mere saath hua hai Zoya, uski parchayi tumhare aur Asad par nahin aani chaahiye. After all, he is your father in law. Haq hai unhein tum dono ko tohfa dene ka. Qubool kar lo isey," she placed the envelope in Zoya's palms, "Udaipur bahut sunder jagah hai. Paradise for lovers," she smiled; lost in her own thoughts as she reminisced her days with Rashid.
"Lekin ammi," Zoya hesitated, "aap tho Mr. Khan ko jaanti hain na. He will never agree. Ek tho honeymoon, and then a gift from his abbu?"
"ZOYA!" Dilshaad frowned, "tum bhi Asad se kam nahin ho. Jaise usey sab cheezein samjhaani padhti hain, tumhein bhi samjhaani padhengi kya? You are a sensible girl. I am sure tum pyaar se ya kisi bhi bahaane Asad ko Udaipur jaane ke liye manaa logi. I don't need to coach you."
"Ok ammi, koshish karoongi!" Zoya pursed her lips.
"Mujhey maloom hai tumhari koshish zaroor kaamyaab hogi." Dilshaad caressed her cheek, "waise bhi main kab se Asad ke peeche padhi huyi thi honeymoon ke liye. Usey jaana tho hoga."
LATER THAT EVENING:
"Udaipur?" Asad frowned as he loosened his tie after returning from work, "tumhara dimaag kharaab ho gaya hai kya? I told ammi we are not going on a honeymoon!"
"Lekin ammi ka bahut mann hai ki hum jaayein. Plus, I want to see Udaipur too. Bhopal se kuch din bahar jaana chaahti hoon main bhi." Zoya pouted, "bahut boring hain aap Mr. Khan!"
"But why Udaipur?"
"Wo-wo," she didn't want reveal the real reason, "wo, aaj main net par search kar rahi thi, they have a great honeymoon package available."
He rolled his eyes and sat down to remove his shoes, "but who will stay with ammi and Najma?"
"Wo dono kuch din Indore chale jaayenge. Aapke maamu rehte hain na wahan?"
He sighed and relented, "ok, on one condition."
"What?" She asked, excited.
"Can we not call it a honeymoon?"
"Fine!" She clenched her teeth, "waise bhi aapke saath honeymoon par kaun jaana chaahta hai? I am just going for sight seeing!"
He stood up and pulled her by her elbow, "matlab? Agar tumhein koi aur milta tho uske saath honeymoon par chali jaati?"
"Shayad," she teased, "maybe with someone less akdu and less boring."
Letting go of her elbow, he stepped away, "you are incorrigible! Badtameez ki badtameez! Anyways, ab aap room se bahar jaayein tho main zara apne kapde change karne ki gustakhi kar loon?"
"Zaroor!" She stuck her tongue out at him, "p-leeease, who's dying to see that sight anyways?"
"Shukr hai nikaah ke baad itni tameez tho aa gayi hai aap mein, warna pehle kisi na kisi bahaane mere six packs dekhne aa jaati thi mere room mein."
"Oh please! Is galat fehmi mein mat rahiye Mr. Khan," she chuckled, "I know your types. Andar hi andar kitna ego boost milta hai aap jaison ko. Bahar se sharif, andar se----," she just winked at him and walked away laughing.
Asad shook his head and smiled furtively, "yeh ladki mujhey sach much pagal kar degi- actually pagal kar chuki hai. Honeymoon? Huh? Honeymoon?" He ran his fingers through his hair and smiled again., "I am actually going on a honeymoon with Ms Faroo- I mean Mrs Khan?" He turned red as he changed into some comfortable clothes.
NEXT DAY:
They were both busy packing their bags for their trip.
Asad pulled out his suits to hang in his garment bag but Zoya intervened, snatched his suit, "seriously Mr Khan? Aap honeymoon par yeh three piece suits le jaayenge?"
"Excuse me?" He pulled his suit back, "aapko kya problem hai mere suits pehen ne se? Waise bhi I told you it's not a honeymoon."
"Ok fine! It's not a honeymoon but it's not a business trip either Mr. Khan!"
"Tho aap kya chaahti hain?" He asked angrily, "main aapke jaise jeans pehen ke ghoomun vacation par?"
"Yeah!" She replied in a matter of fact manner, "something comfortable. Jeans or whatever but not business suits. Aur agar aap ke paas casual kapde nahin hai, tho I can take you shopping."
"Shukriya! Ab isi ki kami thi!" he folded his palms, "I will manage but ek shart par."
"Uffo! Shart-shart-shart. Har cheez mein shart." She sighed, " Boliye, kya shart hai?"
"A-aap- jeans nahin pehenengi wahan."
"Theek hai tho skirts pack kar leti hoon."
"NO! NO! Theek hai jeans hi theek hain." He relented, "jo aapko c-comfortable lage wo pack kar lee jiye."
Zoya chortled, "aap bhi na Mr. Khan. 21st century mein Nikaah ho gaya lekin aapke khayaalat abhi bhi 19th century mein stuck hain."
"Don't challenge me Zoya. Main aapki jeans bardasht kar leta hoon, wo bahut badhi baat hai. I am not as old fashioned anymore."
"Oh really? Phir tho main apna swim suit bhi pack kar leti hoon."
He turned red at that thought and gave her a sour look.
Zoya twirled around to her closet, humming a song to tease him:
'Haa Jeans pahen ke jo tune maara thumka
Toh lattoo padosan ki bhabhi ho gayi'
Asad smoldered silently as he packed his bag with t-shirts, button downs, jeans and slacks. No ties, no suits, no vests.
Zoya stepped out for a few minutes. With the corner of his eyes, Asad glanced at her suitcase. He was pleasantly surprised to see a collection of salwaar suits and saris in her bag. He pored over her clothes with curiosity and didn't notice that her return back.
"EXCUSE ME! AAP MERE BAG MEIN KYA KAR RAHE HAIN?"
"WO-WO-WO." The color drained from his face. She had caught him red handed.
"Maine kaha tha na aap bahar se jitney shareef hain, andar se utne hi na-shareef. Aap mein lihaaz naam ki koi cheez hai kya? Kya kar rahe hain mere bag mein aap?"
"Wo-wo- I was just checking what colors you are wearing- tho-tho-maybe I could wear something coordinated." He replied sheepishly.
"Aapko main pehle bhi keh chuki hoon Mr. Khan, agar aapko jhooth bolne ki aadat nahin hai, tho please jhooth bolne ki koshsish bhi mat kee jiye. I know you are making sure I didn't pack the swimsuit. Don't worry. Na mujhey swimming aati hai aur na mere paas koi swim suit hai. Khush?"
'Aapko swimming nahin aati?"
She lowered her eyelids; her burn marks on her arm had always deterred her from wearing anything sleeveless. She had always been self conscious about the scars and that's why had never taken to swimming as a child in the US.
"Time nahin mila seekhne ka." She lied.
"You realize, Udaipur is a city of lakes and we are staying at the Lake Palace Hotel that is surrounded by water."
"Tho? They will take us on a boat. I have done all my research Mr. Khan. Main pagal nahin hoon."
He gazed at her with curiosity. He wondered if she was hiding something from him. Just like her phobia of fire, did she have an issue with water also?
UDAIPUR:
They crossed the lake around the enormous Lake Palace Hotel in a boat. The hotel, once a palace (Jag Niwas) made of white marble and surrounded by the Lake Pichola is considered one of the most romantic hotels in India. Asad was awe struck by its architecture and beauty.
"SubhanAllah!" He gasped as they approached their destination. Zoya was happy to see a smile on his face and silently thanked Rashid for the gift.
Dressed in a white shirt, jeans and dark glasses, Asad was mistaken for a celebrity at the hotel reception. Zoya wore a light blue churidar anarkali suit, looked equally gorgeous. Zoya was flattered by the compliments showered on them by the hotel staff.
They were given a royal welcome with a traditional Rajasthani arti, foot massage, garlands and welcome mithai.
"Welcome to Lake Palace Hotel Mr and Mrs Khan! It's a pleasure to have you here."
"Thank you," Asad replied politely, "waise hum koi celebrity nahin hain. We are just visiting from Bhopal."
"I know-I know sir," the concierge flashed a big smile, "aap hamare special guests hain. After all Mr. Rashid Ahmed Khan hamare bahut puraane customer hain. Aur aap tho unke bte hain."
Asad's jaw stiffened as he clenched his fists, "Mr. Rashid Ahmed Khan?" Within a split moment, his pleasure evaporated as he gave Zoya a dirty look, "yeh kya hai Zoya?"
She lowered her eyes, "wo, Mr Khan- wo- yeh unka wedding gift hai hamare liye. Please yahan tamasha mat kariye," she mumbled.
Asad stared at the concierge angrily and pulled out his wallet, "please change the booking to my name and charge my credit card for all expenses."
"Nahin sir. Yeh hum nahin kar sakte. Mr. Rashid Khan ke strict instructions hain."
"LET'S GO BACK ZOYA!" Asad picked his bag and turned around to leave. The concierge was taken aback, stunned by Asad's response. He looked at Zoya, "madam? Yeh sab kya keh rahe hain sir?"
Zoya reassured the hotel staff. She touched Asad's arm and whispered, "please Mr. Khan. Let it go. Ab yahan aa gaye hain tho just let it be. Aapke abbu ka tohfa hai yeh. Hotel waalon ko apne ghar ki baat kyun bataaye?"
Asad turned back and handed his credit card, "just charge this card please. We will stay."
"OK SIR!" The receptionist accepted the card with trembling hands, "Rashid sahib ko kya jawab doon sir?"
"Don't worry," Zoya smiled at the receptionist, "ek hi baat hai. I will inform him. Aap fikr na karein. Sab ghar ki hi baat hai."
"Yes madam."
IN THE HOTEL ROOM:
They were assigned a beautiful honeymoon suite. Flowers and fragrances enhanced the beauty of the well-decorated room. A large basket of goodies- chocolates, wine, and cheeses, diyas and candles welcomed the newly weds.
While Zoya admired all the nuances, Asad stood near the window in a foul mood.
"Mr. Khan! Please rehne dee jiye na. Ab tho aapne credit card bhi change kar diya." She stood behind him with her hand on his shoulder.
"Zoya, why did you lie to me? Kyun? Kyun aap hamesha mujh se sach chupaati hain? Then you blame me for not trusting you."
"I am sorry Mr. Khan," she lowered her voice, "mujhey pataa tha aap apne abbu ke naam se yahan kabhie nahin aayenge."
"THEN WHY? AGAR AAPKO PATA THA, THEN WHY DID YOU PLAN ALL THIS? Don't you care for my feelings?" He almost choked with emotions.
"Lekin aapke abbu ki feelings? Wo bahut mann se yeh tohfa dene aaye the. He really loves you Mr. Khan. Wo sach much hamari khushi chaahte hain. Kya hum yeh do din aise hi naaraazgi mein guzaar denge?"
Asad punched his fist on the wall and swallowed his anger, "Zoya, aaj ke baad please-please never ever try to defend that man in front of me. Wo mere kuch nahin lagte. Mera unse koi rishta nahin hai. Unki khushi ke liye main kuch nahin karna chaahta."
She regretted her decision, "I am sorry Mr. Khan. Aaj ke baad main aapse koi baat nahin chupaaungi. I was just trying to help."
"Jo rishta 17 saal pehle toot chuka hai, please don't try to mend it."
"Aap chaahe tho hum wapas jaa sakte hain."
"No, we will stay," he took a deep breath, "but don't expect me to accompany you anywhere. Aapko jo sightseeing wagarah karni hai, aap hotel guide ke saath kar sakti hain. Mera mood nahin hai. I will just stay back and read my book."
She was heartbroken. Zoya had planned two full days of sight seeing and one on one time with him. Even though she knew, theirs was an atypical honeymoon but she was hoping that time spent together would help them get closer to each other. It was her fault. She should have anticipated this reaction; she could have called ahead to warn the hotel staff but in her excitement she had ruined his mood and their honeymoon.
"I will have to learn with time. Mr. Khan ko naaraz karna apne pairon par kulhadi maarna hai. Mr. Khan ki khushi aur feelings se aziz mere liye kisi ki khushi aur feelings nahin honi chaahiye." She said to herself.
He settled on the sofa with his book. She tried to have a conversation with him, but he ignored her completely.
Eventually, Zoya left him alone and checked out the hotel and vicinities. There were live Rajasthani folk musicians and dancers on the hotel premise. Ordinarily, she would have really enjoyed the show, but without Asad, she felt lonely and empty.
With a gloomy expression, she wandered around and then returned to the hotel room. It was almost dinnertime. She was famished but had no desire to go to the beautiful lakeside restaurant.
"Itna kharab honeymoon tho kisi dushman ka bhi na ho," she growled and murmured as she threw her sandals in the room. The room was dark. She turned on the lights. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she cursed herself for ruining a perfect holiday.
"Mr. Khan?" He was nowhere. Her heart raced with worry, "kahan chale gaye? Kahin naaraaz hokar Bhopal tho nahin chale gaye? Mujhey yahan akela chod kar?"
She walked around and then noticed a gift box on the bed.
"Yeh kya hai?" She opened the package and found a note.
"Please wear this and meet me at the deck."
It was a typical Asad note but to her surprise, it wasn't a sari but a beautiful long red dress in the box.
"Dress?" She was blown away, "waise Mr. Khan bhi surprise karne mein maahir ho gaye hain."
She changed into the long sleeved, back less, and almost gown length, red dress. As she stared at herself in the mirror, her smile and flushed cheeks said it all. He had changed; even if gradually, he had changed himself for her.
Zoya ran towards the deck, holding onto the flowing garment with her fingers.
Her prince charming was waiting for her in a boat. He was dressed in her favorite black shirt and jeans, the shirt partially tucked to give him a more casual look.
He stretched his hand and helped her into the boat, "dinner cruise isey kehte hain Ms- I mean Zoya."
Asad helped her into the boat and let go of the boatman, "I will handle it form here. Aap kinaare par jaa sakte hain."
"Jee sir."
A table was set for two, with candles and flowers at the center. Dinner was set on slow burners on a side table.
From a distance, his eyes caressed her from head to toe. Even though dressed in western attire, he couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked like a princess from one of his fairytale books.
"Mr. Khan. Yeh sab?" Her eyes lit up like bulbs against the reflection of candlelights, "yeh aapne kab arrange kiya?'
"This was an optional item on the honeymoon package." He chided, averting his gaze.
"Lekin hum tho honeymoon par nahin aaye na?" She teased him.
"Yeah, I tried to explain to them. Lekin in logon ki IQ thodi kam hai." He replied with a faint smile, "they don't understand anything but the term honeymoon package! Infact, yahan aas paas saari boats mein aise hi honeymoon packages trapped hain."
She looked around and saw a number of other boats floating around the lake. They all looked like floating candles from a distance. It was a beautiful sight and she was touched by Asad's gesture. Even if he didn't want to acknowledge the significance of the trip, his actions as always spoke otherwise.
"Waise yeh dress? Yeh aap ki choice hai?"
"I didn't have an option. Yahan gift store mein ya tho Rajasthani lehnga-choli thi ya phir yeh dress."
"Oh," she smiled, "par Rajasthani lehnga-choli tho Indian hai na?"
"Haan, " he cleared his throat, "lekin aap usmein comfortable nahin hoti."
Zoya understood. Even though an Indian outfit, the Rajasthani choli-lehnga suits could be more revealing than a simple dress. He was right; she wouldn't be comfortable in something that revealing- the dress was perfect.
"Shall we start eating? I am quite hungry." He walked over and uncovered the dishes, "mmm- smells good."
Zoya walked over and placed her hand on his shoulder, "thanks- thanks for making this special."
"Don't get used to this Ms- I mean Zoya," he turned his head slightly, "mujhey laga jab apna credit card use kar raha hoon, tho phir hotel ki saari facilities use karni chaahiye. After all I am a businessman. Business mein kabhie loss nahin hona chaahiye na?"
'Oh right!" She couldn't help smiling at his logic.
"Here you go," he handed her a plate.
After a quiet dinner, they sat silently staring at each other across the table. They both knew that words would ruin their silent exchange of emotions. As her hands lay on the table, he placed his palms on them and squeezed her fingers. She reciprocated and clasped his fingers with hers.
Lost in their thoughts and each other's eyes, the ride around the lake was just the beginning of a long journey that the newly wed couple had silently pledged in their hearts that night. A honeymoon, both would always cherish in the coming years when life would not always be a silky ride under the moonlight.
Enjoy this VM by Hameshaluver on the new song from YJHD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgAD6XpLKhQ
Jo ho raha hai pehli dafaa hai wallah
Aisa hua, Subhanallah..
Jo ho raha hai pehli dafaa hai wallah
Aisa hua
Meri khamoshi se baatein chun lena
Unki dori se taarifein bun lena
…..next…will be in a while as I will be on vacation for 3 weeks…love all your comments and suggestions
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