Right now, this morning, she was tying Daarji’s turban in the garden. Bebe was cracking a joke, and the threesome were having a gala time. Nikki, Ekam and Veer soon joined.
Perhaps, I should follow suit? I hurriedly made my way to the garden, where Veer was being praised by this enchantress, “By God Bebe, he’s amazing, as his song gave me the motivation and energy to complete the paath room just on time; and yet he hasn’t thought of pursuing this as a career”.
“Haan Parjai, main singer banoo ya na, par tussi meri marketing manager zaroor ban jaao!” Veer teased her which she laughed at wholeheartedly.
Hansraj Phupha was speaking to Daarji about holding a dastar bandhi ceremony for Nikki. Having seen her artwork, he had requested her to do the decorations, and outdo herself as she had ample time. She instantly agreed saying, “Kyun nahin Phupha ji, mere chhote devar ki baat hai. Aur devar toh bhabhi ka best friend hota hai ''. Her simple thoughts like this had won everyone’s hearts, young and old, and mine was soaring from serendipity!
As I approached, Phupha ji patted my back asking how I was. I noticed that she had become quieter, and started to speak to Nikki about what he liked. I gave my usual greetings and then looked at her.
She completely avoids my gaze. That’s how it had been. No matter how many overtures I’d do, she’d respond to none. She slowly moved herself from the group and called someone on her phone.
Soon, I saw her carrying some packages towards the main gate. What is she doing? As I came closer, I saw her talking to the same lad who works at her shop, what was his name…yes Kulche.
“Where are you going? Why are you not taking any of the cars?” I asked her. Typical of her, she didn’t respond, but her assistant started to look at me.
I tried to yank her arm, but it seems she was anticipating my move, and she was swift. Instead of yanking her, I ended up tearing her kurta’s sleeve. She was stunned, and I was horrified. Here, I am trying to mend things, and I end up digging a bigger hole. She looked furious like a sherni, and spoke to Kulche, “Kulche, please bring the auto rickshaw inside, and place these items securely while I come back after changing”.
She soon came back, and looked around for Kulche.
I stood leaning against my car, and motioned her to get in. She was irked no doubt. I had won this round or so I thought until I saw her sit in the back seat effectively brandishing me as her driver.
“Why can’t you sit in the front? I’m not your driver” I said to her.
“Well, you wanted to be since you told Kulche to go. So drive now, I need to be at the shop.” Spoke my lioness.
She was right, I had no choice but to comply. During the drive, I’d keep taking small fleeting glances at her and see that either she was talking on the phone, meticulously explaining to Kulche what he had to do, or be busy taking new customer orders.
Soon she texted me as she was on the phone with a client, Stop at the DHL Office to drop off items in the car. At the DHL Office, I saw her starting to pick her own packages. She leaves me stunned. Such a strong woman she is, I mean mentally and emotionally. Physically, she doesn’t need to be, as she has me and her bodyguard sister. She’s no dainty little princess. She’s a queen. She doesn’t need a man. She’s the boss herself. All of these things make one want to be with her even more. As I grabbed the bags from her hands, she looked unimpressed and gestured with her hand to follow her. I’d follow her to the end of the world, however I would rather not say it. God knows what she would do to me in front of many people. Khayaal filhaal khayaal hi rehne do Angad.
After giving the DHL waale veerji a dazzling smile, she looked at me with an annoyed look and said, “You can go your way, and I can take an auto rickshaw”. I was at that time thinking shukr hai usko bhi bhai bana li, eise hi duniya ke sabhi ladkon ko bhai bana lo, mera BP high nahin hoga.
“Hargeez, nahin. Chalo main drop kar deta hoon tumhare shop tumhein” I stood my ground once I realized she was trying to get rid of me.
Dropping her at her store, he asked “When should I pick you up?”
“Vadde vadde logon ko kichar itna raas na jaane kab se aa gaya” Sahiba replied sarcastically remembering how I had insulted her during my roka with Seerat, equating Sahiba to kichar.
“Fine, give a call when you’re done. Rab rakha” sighed Angad, also remembering the incident to which Sahiba alluded to. He wanted to add that kichar mein hi kamal bhi milta hai, but he knew she was not one to melt at those cheesy lines.
Sahiba rolled her eyes, pretended to get busy so that he’d finally go, and let her breathe in peace. She hated him for all the insults he had inflicted on her and her family.
As Angad drove back home, he wondered if she would call. Even if she doesn’t, I'll drive by and check on her. He smiled reminiscing how she smiled when her “DHL waale veerji” helped her with her orders. Kaash if she could spare a smile for him too. He knew he had a long way to go for redemption, but at least he had started. The song playing on the car’s radio at the moment aptly described the state of his heart:
Churaake dil mera goriya chali
Churaake dil mera goriya chali
Udaake nindiyaan kahan tu chali
Paagal hua, deewana hua
Paagal hua, deewana hua
Kaisi yeh dil ki lagi….
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
