PART 16
Next morning, everyone was busy with their tasks; kids were getting ready for school, Ragini preparing breakfast while men of the house were getting ready for office. Saakshi was in her room busy with Saahil; feeding him etc. After finishing up her work, Ragini quickly went upstairs to give breakfast to Anmol. She walked into the room while Anmol was busy on the phone with someone.
Anmol: Jee Mr. Gupta, my date of birth is March 18th. No problem, jaise hi kaam hota hai aap please mujhe inform kar dijiye aur phir milkar baki baatein karlenge. Thank you. Bye.
Anmol hung up and Ragini went upto him holding the tray in her hand.
Ragini: Kis se baatein kar rahe the aap, birth date ke baare main?
Anmol: Voh Ragini bas kuch nahi, passport renewal ke liye officer details confirm kar rahe the. Khair, main abh chalta hoon kafi der ho chuki hai office ke liye.
Ragini: Jee nahi, naashta kiye bagair aap nahi ja sakte.
Anmol smiled at her and grabbed a toast while gulping the orange juice as soon as possible.
Ragini: Are araam se, itni bhi kya jaldi hai?
Anmol: Ragini, ek bahut jaroori conference hai aur mujhe office jakar presentation bhi review karni hai. Abh chalta hoon, shaam ko milta hoon. Take care.
Anmol grabbed his laptop bag and left the room while Ragini smiled to herself. She put the tray aside and fixed the bed. As she was cleaning Anmol's study table, her eyes glanced over a calendar that was placed beside the files. The date marked 18th march and she quickly remembered Anmol's conversation on the phone few minutes earlier stating that his date of birth is 18th of march. For all these past years, Anmol never brought up the topic of his birthday nor did Ragini ever tried to find out about his birthday. She wasn't aware of his birthday at all; thinking all this she felt guilty. She decided that this year, same things won't happen again and since they are both working on their relationship, it is her turn to take an initiative to do something that would show Anmol that she cares for him as well. This couldn't be a better opportunity, Ragini thought to herself. But she realized that even Anmol didn't remember the fact that its his birthday today despite having the conversation earlier on the phone. She smiled to herself and left the room with a plan in her mind.
She went downstairs and told Vasu & Inderjeet that it is Anmol's birthday today and that they should do something.
Vasu: Tum theek keh rahi ho, Ragini. Humain jaroor kuch karna chahiye.
Inderjeet: Haan itne saalon se voh hum sabh ke liye hi jeeta aa raha hai, apne baare main kabhi nahi sochta. Humara bhi faraz banta hai ki hum uske liye kuch karein. Ragini, beta to tumne kya socha?
Ragini: Papa Jee, shaam ko choti si party organize karne ki soch rahi hoon, hum sabh aur maa ji, bauji sabh.
Vasu: Haan yeh idea acha hai. Hum arrangements karwaate hain aur Kaushalya ji se bhi hum baat karlenge.
Ragini: Jee mummy ji theek hai, main tabh tak cake aur baki cheezon ka arrangement dekh leti hoon.
Ragini went upstairs to get ready as she had to go and order a cake for Anmol and buy a present for him. Meanwhile downstairs, Vasu called the Sharma house to invite them for the party in the evening.
Vasu: Namaste Kaushalya Ji, hum Vasundhra Rajvansh bol rahe hain.
Kaushalya: Jee Namaste Vasundhara Ji, kaisi hain aap aur ghar par sabh kaise hain?
Vasu: Sabh bilkul theek hain. Actually, aaj Anmol ka janam din hai to Ragini ne shaam ko ek choti si party organize ki hai. Aap sabh ko jaroor aana hai.
Kaushalya: Are yeh to bahut khushi ki baat hai ke Ragini ne Anmol Ji ke liye party ki tayari ki hai. Humain to pata hi nahi tha Anmol Ji ke janam din ke baare main. Khair, hum sabh shaam ko jaroor aayenge.
Vasu: Jee aur dhyaan rakhiyega ki kahin Anmol ko na pata chale. Hum shaam ko milte hain aap sabhse. Namaste.
Kaushalya: Jee aap bilkul befikar rahein, hum samay par pahunch jayenge shaam ko. Namaste.
Ragini had called Alekh to inform him about the party but Alekh informed her that Anmol has an important meeting in the evening. Ragini told him that she will find out a way to get him home early and she will tell him what to do later on in the evening. Alekh agreed and hung up the phone. Ragini left home to pick up the kids and to do the errands for the evening. She reached at the school and kids came running to her. She hugged them and they sat in the car.
Tammy: Mumma, hum kahan jaa rahe hain?
Ragini: Beta aaj Papa ka birthday hai na isliye hum unke liye cake aur gift lene jaa rahe hain.
Khushi: Wow, aaj partner ka birthday hai. Maasi maa, hum partner ke liye birthday party rakhange na?
Ragini: Haan humne surprise party ki planning ki hai lekin aap dono Papa se iske baare main koi baat nahi karenge warna sara plan spoil ho jayega.
Tammy: Ofcourse mumma, hum nahi batayenge.
Khushi: Haan maasi maa, partner ko surprise denge.
Shortly after, Ragini and kids went to the bakery to order the cake. Ragini and kids chose the black forest cake beautifully decorated with red cherries and white icing. Later they went to the mall and Ragini had hard time choosing a gift for him. Ragini finally bought a bracelet for him with his name engraved on it along with a Swiss Watch. Soon, they left as Ragini had to do lot pf preparations for the evening. Kids went to change while Ragini goes to Gunni to talk to her as to how should they get Anmol to come home early.
Gunni: Are chachi aap, aayiye na. Maine suna aap chachu ke liye birthday party plan kar rahi hain.
Ragini: Haan Gunni lekin us main ek problem hai. Isiliye main aapke paas aayi hoon help ke liye.
Gunni: Haan kahiye na Chachi kya baat hai?
Ragini: Baat yeh hai ki Anmol ki shaam ko ek meeting hai isliye voh shaam ko late aayenge. Abh unke liye party organize ki hai aur hum unhe bata bhi nahi sakte. Isliye humain kuch sochna hoga jis se ki hum unhe jaldi ghar bula sakein.
Gunni: Hmm acha to yeh baat hai. Chachi, sirf ek hi baat sunkar Chachu jaldi ghar aayenge.
Ragini: Kaun si baat?
Gunni: Agar hum kahein ki aapki tabiyat theek nahi hai to I am sure Chachu office do min bhi nahi rukenge aur ghar aa jayenge.
Ragini: Par Gunni, mujhe jhooth bolna acha nahi lag raha aur waise bhi voh yeh sunkar bahut tension main aa jayenge.
Gunni: Are chachi, wahi to Chachu sirf aapki khabar sunkar hi ghar aayenge, hum main se agar koi aur bimaar padh gaya to reaction itna immediate nahi hoga jitna ki aapki khabar sunkar.
Gunni was also teasing Ragini in sense that she is the top priority for Anmol and he would come running if he finds out that she is not well. Ragini smiled and blushed a little but she had no other choice but to lie as Gunni was right that this is the only way to get Anmol home early in the evening. She called Alekh and told him to inform Anmol about Ragini's sickness and get him home by 6 in the evening as Sharma family would be coming by that time. Alekh laughed at the idea but he sured her that he will do as she said and get Anmol home on time. Ragini smiled. At home, preparations were all done and Ragini had prepared the food. Sakshi insisted on helping Ragini but Ragini told her to take care of Sahil and she would manage. Tammy and Khuhsi were blowing balloons and were decorating the hall. It was 5:30 now and Sharma family had arrived. Vasu and Inderjeet greeted them. Ragini told them that Alekh and Anmol will be here soon.
In the office, Alekh walked in Anmol's cabin to inform him about Ragini's health.
Anmol: Are bhaiya aap? Main bas abhi nikalne waala tha meeting ke liye.
Alekh: Anmol, tumhe meeting cancel karni padegi. Mujhe abhi ghar se Gunni ka phone aaya aur Ragini ki tabiyat theek nahi hai.
Anmol instantly got up from his chair in a shock.
Anmol: Kya hua Ragini ko achanak? Aur mujhe kyun nahi phone kiya kisi ne?
Alekh: Shayad tumhara phone laga nahi hoga to Gunni ne mujhe phone kiya aur kaha ki main tumhe lekar jaldi ghar pahunchu.
Anmol: Jee bhaiya. I hope doctor has arrived there and treated Ragini.
He called the client to inform that he has to cancel the meeting for tonight.
Anmol: Mr. Singh, main Anmol Rajvansh bol raha haan. I am sorry main aaj ki meeting par nahi aa paunga, I have family emergency. My wife is not well actually so I have to rush home, I hope you understand.
Mr. Singh: Koi baat nahi Mr. Rajvansh, hum aapse pichle 10 saalon se deal kar rahe hain aur hum jaante hain ki jaroor koi emergency hogi warna aap meeting cancel nahi karte. It is okay, I will re-arrange the time and inform other clients as well.
Anmol: Thank you so much, Mr. Singh for cooperating with me. I will get back to you soon. Bye.
Mr. Singh: Most welcome, Mr. Rajvansh.
Anmol quickly grabbed his coat and laptop bag and rushed outside with Alekh. Anmol drove home as fast as he could and finally reached home. Alekh and Anmol both entered inside and the living room lights were all switched off. Anmol was confused as to where everyone was and why were the lights off. He walked further more and suddenly lights went on and everyone screamed " Happy Birthday"!!! Anmol was shocked and surprised and he didn't know how to react to all this. He himself had forgottten his birthday and no one in these past years had wished him or even knew about his birthday. In an instant, he forgot how he just rushed home hearing about Ragini's health; he was just too overwhelmed to react. One could see that his eyes were glittering with tears of happiness. He slowly walked upto the table where the cake was placed and everybody was standing. He bent down to take blessings from Vasu, Inderjeet, Kaushalya, and Bauji. They all blessed him while Vinu hugged him and congratulated him. Malti also wished Anmol for his birthday. Anmol hugged Tammy, Khushi, and Kavya who kissed him wishing happy birthday. Alekh hugged him smilingly and Sakshi also wished him. Anmol kissed Sahil on his forehead and hugged Gunni who also wished him. Then he slowly looked at Ragini who had a smile on her face seeing him so happy. Anmol smiled back at her.
Gunni: Chachu yeh sabh Chachi ka plan tha aur voh aapse thoda jhooth bolna pada warna aap to aate hi nahi. Humain pata tha ki Chachi ki baat sunte hi aap jaldi ghar aa jaoge.
Anmol and Ragini blushed a little and Anmol gazed at Ragini as he mouthed "Thank You" silently to her.
Khushi: Partner, abh jaldi se cake kaato na please.
Tammy: Haan papa, humain bahut bhookh lagi hai.
Anmol smiled at them and he stood next to Ragini as the slowly cut the cake. He grabbed the first bite and fed Ragini who in return also fed him. Then everyone else also fed cake to him as a blessing whereas Gunni and kids scrubbed a little cake on Anmol's face as well. After that, they all had dinner and Anmol was still quiet as he was still overwhelmed but he couldn't smiling as more than a party, what was important to him that Ragini had done this for him. It was a step from her side without any pressure which meant Ragini is slowly moving on and cares for his happiness. It was late now and Sharma family decided to leave; after blessing Anmol they left. Ragini and Gunni cleaned up the room and placed the dishes in the kitchen while Anmol tucked Khushi and Tammy in their beds. Everyone went to beds as they were tired; Alekh lifted Sahil and tried to make him sleep. Anmol was in his room standing by the window still remebering what Ragini did for him and smiled to himself. Ragini walked in the room after a short while. She walked upto Anmol to wish him again with the gift she had bought earlier as they didn't talk properly downstairs during the party. Anmol was too overwhelmed to speak and Ragini had understood it; plus it was hard for them to talk amongst everyone. Ragini placed her hand on his shoulder to get his attention. He turned around and simply gazed at Ragini.
Ragini: Happy Birthday, Anmol. Janam din ki apko bahut bahut shubhkaamnaye. Neeche aapko taufa dene ka mauka nahi mila; isliye abh de rahi hoon. Yeh lijiye.
She handed him the package and Anmol opened the gift silently. He saw the bracelet and watch which was his favourite brand. Ragini took the bracelet and put it on his left arm herself. Anmol was just looking at her and was amazed by her actions; first the party and now the gift which she placed on his arm herself.
Ragini: Kaisa laga gift?
Anmol: Bahut khoobsoorat bilkul aap jaisa. Par is sabh se jayada mujhe khushi is baat ki hai ki aapne aaj mere liye itna kuch kiya. Itne saalon main mera janam din kise ne kabhi aise celebrate nahi kiya aur aaj to mujhe apna hi janam din yaad nahi tha. Main aapko bata nahi sakta Ragini ki aaj main kitna khush hoon; isliye nahi ki mera birthday celebrate kiya, balki isliye kyunki yeh sabh aapne kiya mere liye.
Ragini: Aaj subah apko jab baat karte suna tab pata chala ki aaj apka janam din hai. Itne saalon main aapne kabhi apne birthday ke baare main baat ki aur naahi main kabhi janne ki koshish ki. Pichle itne saalon ki galti ko sudhaarne ka mauka mila aaj mujhe; aap mera aur hum sabhka itna khayal rakhte hain aur kaam main itne busy hain ki apko apna hi birthday yaad nahi. Maine jo bhi kiya voh apne dil se aur khushi se apke liye kiya aur ismain thoda jhooth bhi bola pada, I am sorry.
Anmol: Ragini, aapko maafi maagne ki koi jaroorat nahi hai par aage se please aap apni tabiyat ke baare main kabhi jhooth mat boliyega; ek pal ke liye to main dar hi gaya tha ki agar aap ko kuch ho jata. Aur waise bhi Gunni ki baaton main mat aana aap, voh novel padkar na jaane kaun kaunse ideas sochti rehti hai.
They both laughed at his comment of how Gunni comes up with such random ideas.
Anmol: Wakya yeh birthday main kabhi nahi bhoolunga; thank you once again for all this.
Ragini: Aap baar baar thanks kehkar mujhe sharminda mat kijiye aur abh sone ki tayari kijiye.
After changing, Ragini also came and laid next to Anmol. They wished each other goodnight and went to sleep. After couple of hours, Ragini quickly got up panicking a little as if she saw a bad dream. Anmol heard her shriek and he instantly got up to see what happened. Ragini was sitting next to him and she quickly hugged him as she saw him awake next to her. Anmol sat there confused as to what happened to her. He held her close to him and Ragini had calmed down after few mintues.
Anmol: Aap theek to hain, Ragini? Kya hua?
Ragini: Kuch nahi, ek bura sapna dekha. Abh theek hoon.
Ragini realized that she is still in his arms and how she hugged her; she slowly lifted her head and moved away. Anmol let her go slowly and he told her to lay down. He carassed her hair slowly so she falls asleep soon. After seeing her sleep, he went to sleep as well remembering how she hugged him and that how he felt when she was in his arms for those few minutes. His birthday had definitely become memorable for him and cherishable for rest of his life.
