Situation: Angad has somehow managed to convince Sahiba to go with him on a business trip on the pretext that he needed his wife to be there for the brand image. Manveer too relents in the name of business! We are following a sane Gatchora version here. The toxicity between SahAn has decreased.
Title Inspired By:
Zara sa jhoom loon main
Arre na re na re na
Zara sa ghoom loon main
Arre na re na re na
Aa tujhe choom loon main
Arre na re na baba na
Main chali
Banke hawa
Rabba mere
Mainu bacha
Angad had booked his and Sahiba’s tickets to Singapore. He was to meet potential investors for the expansion of Brar Jewellers there.
Only I know how much I had to reason with Mumma to get Sahiba to come with me. And don’t get me started on Sahiba. Jaisi saas waisi hi bahu, aur beech mein atka main. Why Babaji doesn’t she understand what I am trying to convey? Do I need to spell out everything? Waise toh gyaan dene mein dadi amma, par husband kuch kahe toh ekdam clueless. Yaar, main business trip ke bahane thoda chahta tha Sahiba ke saath akele mein time spend karna, uski mindset ko samjhna. I want to try to work on my marriage, give it a chance. But nooo, even that’s too much to ask. I also wanted to escape the daily drama of Jassi Bua, Garry and Seerat. This drama directly impacts Sahiba, and I want her to have some respite from it. - Angad thought to himself.
The only one sulking around was Seerat who obviously did not get an extended invite to accompany Angad on his business trip.
Sahiba’s Room:
“Dekho Sahiba, I need to meet potential investors in Singapore. Not only that, but I need you to research the jewelry designs there, see how you can incorporate their styles and motifs into a new collection which we can pitch to them, and have in our new collection aimed for Singapore. I want something to welcome the local population into the new Brar Jewellers Singapore location. This will be the first location outside of India.So it’s very important for the business and for me as its CEO.” Angad spoke in all in one breath to disallow Sahiba from trying to interrupt.
“Angad, do you really need me to go and research? I mean you can take your lead designer. You don’t need me.” Sahiba countered.
“Sahiba, for the investors, I need to show a strong family background with a modern outlook on life, and for that your presence is needed. The investors are of Malay, Chinese and Tamil descent. Now can you please start packing your bags? I’ve asked Pam to get you some outfits as well that will be appropriate for board meetings.” Angad replied, relieved that Sahiba finally relented.
Seerat in her bedroom:
Seerat went to her room and started to sort or rather unsort her clothes hearing the news that Sahiba was going with Angad to Singapore. She was annoyed that Sahiba got to go for an international trip, and that she would be getting a new wardrobe as well for the trip.
“Yeh kya baat huyi, haan nahin toh! Woh Sahiba jaayegi, aur usko bahar ghumne ka bhi shok nahin. Usko toh bas Hazuri Road ke hi darshan karwa Di uske art shop ke. Aur naya wardrobe? Mujhe bhi naye kapade chahiye, par meri taraf toh koi dekhta bhi nahin. Yeh Bebe bhi na, hum dono mein farak karti hain. Angad ki PA se Sahiba ke liye Brar signature jewelry bhi bol diya hai laane ko..”
Heading for the airport
Sahiba and Angad had arrived a few days earlier in Delhi. This allowed Angad to take a visit to the Delhi branch of Brar Jewellers, and review the operations there. Sahiba in the interim had worked with Pam to create beautiful hampers for the investors.
Pam had worked with Sahiba, and set a lookbook for her, with what options she could use for the various meetings she would accompany Angad.
“Pam, thank you, par yeh bahut zyada nahin hai? I’m ok with my suits.” Sahiba tried to protest.
“Sahiba Bhabhi, main aapko Bhabhi bula sakti hoon na? Afterall Angad sir ko vadde bhai ki tarah maanti hoon, aur aap bhi Papa ko Suri Uncle bulate ho?” Pam asked.
“Haan Pam, kyun nahin.” Sahiba answered.
“Toh Bhabhi zaruri yeh nahin ki modern clothes bahut uncomfortable ho. Maine aapki comfort ko dhyaan rakhte yeh kuch outfits liye hain. Ismein bhi aap proper covered raheingi. Plus kuch selected Brar jewelry pieces bhi hain accessorize karne ke liye. Afterall aapko apne ghar branding bhi toh karni hai. Have a look!” Pam forwarded the look book to Sahiba.
Pam was right. The clothes had a modern flair but were conservative:
Sahiba had tried to protest when Bebe called to check in. However, Bebe on the phone made her promise to respect Pam’s efforts, and try the looks.
Singapore - Investors’ Meeting
The meeting had gone without a hitch. The investors, Mr.Chu, Mr. Awang, and Mrs. Vijaya Raje, were impressed with Angad’s business plan. They were further inclined by seeing the actual jewelry that Sahiba was sporting. She had some beautiful signature Brar jewelry pieces that complimented her pistachio green outfit. She too added her charm to the meeting.
“Mr.Brar, we have full confidence in your business plan of expanding to Singapore. However, we have one request, and hope you will not object.” Mr. Chu hesitantly spoke.
“I don’t understand. Could you elaborate?” Angad spoke confusedly. Sahiba too became alarmed.
“See Mr.Brar, modeling the new collection, we feel that we should have a set of three models, each from one of the prominent ethnicities that make up Singapore. So that would be Chinese, Tamil, and Malay.” Mr. Awang said.
Mrs. Raje pressed further, “I also think it’s a splendid idea. Sahiba and Angad I hope you’ll agree.”
Angad was cornered, “Well, I guess we can give it a try. What do you say Sahiba?”
“Well, we at Brar Jewellers, want to walk the talk by inclusivity. I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Sahiba answered.
The investors were happy with the Brars, and signed off on the project. They had been given a glimpse of the designs that Sahiba had in her portfolio. The collection was named Rajsingha in honor of Singapore:
Though Angad did not show his emotions, he was deeply elated seeing how Sahiba had taken motifs in Singaporean lives, and blended it in their jewelry representing them. This collection should do well in India as well. Well Ms. Shimlapuri pulls magic out of her pen no doubt! Now if she only understood what I think of her at times. - he thought.
Dinner at Candlenut Restaurant - Singapore City
Angad and Sahiba met an old friend of Angad’s. They had a gala time. However, while ordering drinks, the waiter made a mistake. Instead of giving Sahiba a virgin Long Island Iced Tea, he gave her a regular one! Sahiba unsuspectingly drank the drink, and asked for another one thinking that perhaps she was thirsty due to the heat. The effects of the drink started to take place after Angad’s friend had to abruptly leave due to a family emergency.
The waiter and the manager hurriedly came to Angad’s table and profusely apologized for their mistake while Sahiba was on a non-stop rant about how khadoos Angad was.
“Angad tum itna uptight kyun rehte ho? Kam se kam mere saath toh hamesha hi bure rehte ho. Always snide remarks. You know those remarks are hurtful right?” Sahiba said, embarrassing Angad in front of the restaurant manager and waiter.
Angad tried to hurriedly clear the tab, but the restaurant management refused, and instead placed it on the house, “Sir, this is the least we can do. We’ve also called a cab for you. Everything’s on the house. We are so sorry for the inconvenience we’ve unknowingly caused.”
Angad hastened his pace while holding a completely inebriated Sahiba by the waist. If she was in her senses, she’d run away from being so close to me. Well, here’s the advantage of a drunk Sahiba who actually lets me hold her by the waist. - Angad thought to himself.
“Angad, batao na, why do you always go against me? You know when you slipped the ring on Seerat’s Di finger while helping Garry? Well, that hurt me a lot. I may not be vocal about certain things Angad, but I do notice and it does hurt. It’s just that I have no one to share my pain with. Plus, this pain I can’t even talk about it to anyone, not even Keerat. Why do you always have to hurt me so Angad?” Sahiba spoke with her hazel eyes brimming with tears as they got in the taxi.
“Achha I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that it would impact you so much.” Angad honesty said.
“How would you like it if a guy took my hand, and forcefully did the laavan pheras with me while you looked on?” Sahiba asked. Then she giggled and added, “Oh never mind, you already forced me to do the pheras with you in the first place.”
This innocent comment of hers, pierced his heart. He realized that Sahiba deserved a proper wedding. ‘’’Once this is all clear, I promise to give you the wedding you deserve Sahiba, with a proper courtship.” Angad told a drunk Sahiba.
The whole car ride, Sahiba was a non-stop radio from the gallis of Shimlapuri, Ludhiana. Angad learnt a good deal about the Monga house dynamics including the equations between the sisters. Once the Intercontinental Hotel came, Angad breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, he could get her to their room, and avoid her making a fool out of herself embarrassing them both. Well, that was wishful thinking on his part, it never hurts to hope though!
Sahiba getting out of the car perked up, and said, “Angad you know DDLJ is my fav movie, because the heroine gets to see the world carefree for a month. She is free from her responsibilities. I can’t be though” Sahiba suddenly pouted.
“Well, you can be free here Sahiba. You’re not at your store here.” Angad tried to cheer her up. Least unknown to him, it was a grave mistake.
Sahiba enthusiastic replied, “Really? Yes!” and started running like a maniac inside. However, due to the alcohol, she was running in more like a zigzag pattern. Angad hurriedly sent off the cab, and started to go behind Sahiba, who was teasing her husband to play Tom and Jerry (cat mouse chase) with her.
If that wasn’t enough to embarrass Angad after he got hold of his out of senses wife; Sahiba started to sing:
Zara sa jhoom loon main
Arre na re na re na
Zara sa ghoom loon main
Arre na re na re na
Aa tujhe choom loon main
While singing, she seductively tried to kiss Angad. Angad slapped his head as he did his level best to avoid being aroused. He didn’t want to take advantage of his wife in her inebriated state. Babaji, it’s not that I don’t want to. But not like this! I don’t want to take advantage of her. I mean yes, I was an arse going drunk in her room, and misbehaving, but I’ve learnt my lesson. God Sahiba, why are you torturing me like this? Already, I want to start afresh with you, but with your consent. - Thought Angad.
Soon, Sahiba got tired and slumped in Angad’s arms. He sighed in relief and got her to their room, where he laid her on her queen bed, and went to change into his pajamas.
Kya pari lagti hai sote huye. Otherwise, she’d be ready to kill me. Chalo achha hai so gayi, warna aaj toh isne kaand hi kar dena tha! - Smiled Angad to himself as he took the adjacent bed and drifted off to sleep wondering how their first kiss would be like.
Next Morning:
Sahiba felt as if her head was pounding. Angad came with some medicines and water.
“Yesterday, the waiter gave you an alcoholic drink by mistake. Take this medicine, it will help you. Also, we have a private tour scheduled. I figure you’d like to get everyone souvenirs. Also, keep in mind we’ll be hitting the beach and then the city. We might as well explore Singapore while we’re here. It will help in our marketing and R & D. This way we experience the culture of Singapore first hand.” Angad spoke. He didn’t want to admit he wanted to go sightseeing with her, well not while they were still getting their mutual understanding on track.
Sahiba didn’t offer up much resistance. ATM was reasonable with his logic and her head was still pounding. God, I hope I didn’t do anything embarrassing. Sahiba thought as she slipped into the white linen spaghetti top and single slit long skirt that Pam had placed for her. Sahiba added light weight simple oxidized metal jewelry and a sun hat along with a brown YSL crossbody and flat Birkenstocks.
When Sahiba stepped out, Angad took a quick full length appreciative glance. She looks good. Thank god Pam helped with her wardrobe, else Ms. Shimlapuri would be in her trademark Patiala suit here too! Actually, she’s really pretty if she pays attention to her appearance, more than Seerat actually. - thought Angad.
Sahiba saw Angad was ready dressed in a white linen shirt with beige chinos sporting black aviators. He looked clean and crisp.
As they headed out to the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast, Angad gently offered his hand for Sahiba to take. Yeh kya hua? Kal maine eisa kya kiya joh aaj yeh meri itni parwah kar raha hai? Chalo bina tamasha kiye pakad leti hoon. Isko puchhon kya kal ke baare mein? Mauka dekh kar puchh loongi. - Sahiba assured herself.
During breakfast, Sahiba tried to gently broach the topic of the night, but Angad gave her no opportunity. Soon, they embarked in their private rented car headed towards the beach.
Singapore Sight-Seeing
The beach was exhilarating for Sahiba. She took off her sandals and felt the beach waves tickle her feet against the sand. Seeing Sahiba’s childlike enthusiasm brought a smile on Angad’s lips until their tour guide cum photographer Swami spoke, “ Mr. Singh, one pose with Madam please! Trust me, vishwas enna you will love the photos.” Both Sahiba and Angad didn’t know how to refuse their Tamilian tour guide whose office was recommended by their investors. Swami clicked the pics to his satisfaction. There were quite a few poses he took, the typical couple embracing, walking down the beach hand in hand, Angad swirling Sahiba in his arms; and then a few more candid poses of Angad who was gazing with a soft look at a Sahiba engrossed in playing with the waves.
They had a wonderful day, with the beach in the morning, city-seeing in the afternoon. They wrapped up the day with a visit to a buddhist temple in the evening. While at the temple, Angad had a divine intervention. He reflected on his time with Sahiba, and came to the realization that he was on the right path.There was a lot of pain that Sahiba was hiding, and it was only ethical that he slowly win her over. At least the good thing is that I don’t have any old boyfriends to compete against -thought Angad.
While having dinner, once the waiter came up with the mocktail menu, Angad quickly dismissed it saying, “Oh no no. We are not going to repeat that! Sahiba, don’t mind but please choose from the soda menu. Mujhe phirse apni izzat bachane wale stunts nahin karne! Tum aur sharab ek saath nahin jaate… badi mushkil se tumhein maine apni izzat lutne se bachaya tha. Aaj main khud thakka hoon, kahin kuch anhoni na ho jaaye!” Angad spoke bemusingly with a wink.
Sahiba who had earlier wanted to know what she had done, was beetroot red hearing Angad’s recounting of last night’s shenanigans. She could hardly muster the courage to see Angad in the eyes. Had she been able to, she’d have seen the softness and twinkle his eyes held for her. His eyes evinced feelings alien to her current understanding of his demeanor.
After dinner, once Sahiba and Angad were back at their room, Sahiba mustered courage and apologized, “Angad, I’m really sorry for what happened yesterday. I must have made you uncomfortable.”
Angad though a little surprised by the heartfelt apology coming from the acid tongue of his quick witted wife, answered back, “Sahiba, it wasn’t your fault that you got drunk. You’re my wife, and protecting you is my responsibility whether you like it or not. With you in such a vulnerable state, how could I leave you? If roles were reversed would you have left me?”
Sahiba, looking at Angad with her innocent doe eyes, shook her head in a no.
“Then how could I leave you?” Countered Angad.
Picking up his phone, and coming eerily close behind her ears, he huskily whispered, “Waise, it’s not a crime to kiss your lawfully wedded spouse inebriated or not. Baba ji wouldn’t mind and if roles were reversed I’d have definitely kissed you like this.” Saying so, he placed a delicate soft kiss on Sahiba’s cheek, and hurriedly left to make a business call as a safety precaution should his Shimlapuri sherni decide to do his dhulayi in reciprocation of his mild kiss!
Sahiba stood embarrassed trying to comprehend what had just happened. Did he just kiss me? Wait, didn’t he like Seerat Di? Was I just imagining things? No, no he definitely spoke to me and - Her fingers gingerly touched where Angad kissed her. This was a completely different side of Angad. A side she had never encountered before. She didn’t want to face him again so soon, so she swiftly went to bed, closing her lights. However, sleep was eluding her; instead her mind drifted with thoughts of her husband and that her future may not be as bleak as she had once thought.
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