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1Hey guys! I've started a new Short Story in the new Fanfiction section of I-F (X)
I'll be updating the progress in this topic as well so that's it is easy to refer.
THE TRIALS OF LOVE
Summary: This story is based in the post leap phase of the Sony TV show: Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye. The partition has brought a lot of changes in the lives of Amdheer & Vashmay. Can they adapt themselves in this new world of power, politics and pretence or will they lose themselves in the process?
Chapter One: The Princess of Daulatabad
The hall was bustling with activity. From media personnel to celebrated high profile people of the town, everyone was excited this evening, in anticipation of the big announcement. Silk curtains adorned the windows of the palace with the velveteen cloth radiating brilliant yellow light casted upon them by the numerous bulbs illuminating the chandeliers. The setting was both calm and serene. As soft music played on the records, all eyes were fixed upon the staircase. The to be Princess of Daulatabad was to descend from the stairs any moment. The photographers were handy with their cameras, ready to spring into action as soon as their eyes caught the first glimpse of the young woman.
A hush fell over the crowd as she slowly walked towards the gathering. After the initial wave of sudden enthusiasm subsided slowly, Rani Nalini Devi escorted her to the podium, extremely proud of this budding talent. She sat beside Kunwar Veer Pratap Singh, who gave her an assuring smile. Grief and resentment was gnawing at him from the inside but he did his best to maintain a less dramatic happy face. They had a quick exchange of gestures soon after which Ranisa began her announcement.
"Jis ghadi ka sabko besabri se intezaar tha woh aa chuki hai. I feel extreme pride and pleasure in announcing Mrs. Amrit Singh as the Princess Of Daulatabad!"
The statement was followed by a huge round of applause. Amrit calmly got up and folded her hands in front of the press, media and various people present in the crowd. Also in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Raizada, who could not stop smiling and were absolutely beaming with happiness. She looked at them and smiled. Most of the faces were unknown but these two warm heads were giving her a lot of strength and satisfaction. She quickly scanned around for one more face which should had been present by then but wasn't there somehow. After momentary disappointment, she walked upto Nalini and whispered something into her ears. Nalini smiled back at her and spoke again -
"Apologies ladies and gentlemen. Please note the slight change in the name, it's Mrs. Amrit Singh Raizada."
Post the brief QnA session, the crowd dispersed for dinner and drinks.
Vashma Sahani was seated at one of the many small tables meant for special guests She was circling the rim of the empty wine glass feeling bored, when a brooding young man walked upto her. He warmly extended his hand, politely inviting her to have a dance with him, when Vashma declined the offer by looking away. She got up to leave when he blocked her way.
Shocked, she spoke, "Kya main aapko jaanti hoon?"
He smiled back at her and gently tapped onto her forehead. Amrit joined the duo right then, laughing at their antics.
"Jab tak ek chapet na maaro iss kam-akal ko samjh mein nahi aata kuch, dekha Amru. Main pehchaan mein nahi aaraha iske."
Vashma opened her mouth in complete surprise.
"Accha ji? Poochle apne Veer ji se, jab main iske haath mein haath daalke andar aarahi thi toh isne kya bola? Oye Vashma, aaj main tera jhalla Uday nahi, Uday Kishore Sahani bannke aaya hoon, bakaayda Ranisa ke invitation par."
He pulled up his collar and had his head held high.
"Kyun nahi kyun nahi. Inhone Hindustaan ke liye London Olympics mein gold jeeta hai. Itna hi nahi, poori tournament ke highest individual goal scorer bhi reh chuke hain."
"Haan toh theek hai na phir main nahi jaarahi kisi International Hockey player ke naal."
"Accha bhai, maafi."
Uday accepted defeat, in accordance with the universal law of nature - the boss is always right. He held his ears cutely. Vashma immediately pulled his hand into hers. "Oye pagal koi dekhlega toh!" she whispered softly.
She dusted his shoulders with a broad smile. "Tune iss Vashma ka hi nahi, poore desh ka naam roshan kiya hai pagle."
"Chaal phir?"
He extended his arm towards her which she gladly grabbed and off they were, with hand in hand.
Amrit stood back, smiling at the adorable couple. She could not stop herself from taking a small balaayi of the two people most important to her.
"Kispar vaari jaa rahi hain aap?" asked Veer, walking slowly with his favourite whiskey in hand.
"Kuch nahi, inhein dekh rahi thi aur soch rahi thi ki kitne bure din dekhkar hum yahan tak aayein hain."
The partition had been worse than the gloomiest dream anyone had ever seen. Amrit shuddered at the thought of being separated for four long years, all those sleepless nights and uncomfortable days, full of apprehension and diminishing hope. Yet, here were they, standing together and strong.
"Lekin ab aur dukh nahi, ab sirf aage dekhna hai," he said.
"Kya aap taiyyar hain?" she asked. He nodded in approval.
"Humaare Prince kahin dikhaayi nahi de rahe par, hain kahan?"
"Pata nahi, subah se gayab hai! Aane do aaj, khabar leti hoon inki!"
"Hogayi hai yeh gustaakhi oo sanam, par kya milegi humein maafi?"
Amrit turned around to see him standing right behind her. "Randheer!" she exclaimed in relief and hugged him softly. "Kahan the aap?"
She raised her eyebrows to indicate a long awaited question but he stood silent. The sadness in his eyes spoke volumes and Amrit asked no more. She brushed aside her thoughts and smiled again, not to spoil the happy mood.
"Miyan biwi ki ishaarebaazi khatam hogayi ho toh ek toast ho jaaye? Rukiye hum sabko leke..."
"Veer ruko. Pehle yeh batao ki yahan kis taiyyari ki baat horahi thi?"
"Oye chote, chodd yeh sab. Pehle chal mere saath."
Uday stood amidst some established dignitaries of Delhi, coyly smiling at all the appreciation and responding occasionally in monosyllables.
Veer rescued him at the right moment and soon, everyone gathered in a corner and raised their glasses.
Uday, Vashma, Veer Amrit and Randheer cheered on loudly, "To the Princess of Daulatabad!"
Vashma soaked in this feeling of happiness and togetherness and made a small prayer to never part ways with this feeling. Uday understood her qualms and held her shoulders with one arm and gently patted her back assuringly.
-..-..-
Chapter Two Teaser: Veer leaves the Palace much to everyone's grief while Randheer feels guilty, holding himself responsible. Amrit shares her sadness with Vashma and Uday.
This is beautiful ❤️ Amazing concept dear 👏👏 waiting for the next part😳
Beautiful 👏👏
Very much liked the concept. Each and every line, I was able to imagine in front of my eyes. You have penned it down very beautifully.
Loved the vashmay scene❤️❤️
Waiting for chapter 2😈
Beautiful beginning Mahi 😳 Let's see what's in store for them in your story I am excited 😆
Loved it! Continue soon!
Hey guys! Thank you to everyone who is reading and liking the story ❤️
I'm grateful for the response!
Here's the next update:
Chapter 2
Amrit sat in front of the mirror, removing her jewellery. As she loosened her heavy earring, flashes of the past rolled in front of her eyes, rather vividly.
Her divorce with Veer on cordial and amicable terms, her remarriage with Randheer and now, being crowned with the estated. The past one month had been quite overwhelming. Yes, there was still some insignificant gossip about how she divorced a prince and married another, albeit his brother - but she honestly did not care. All that mattered was she was with Randheer - the man of her dreams and Veer too had no qualms about the same. What more could one desire for?
Her chain of thoughts were interrupted by a familiar sound. Before she could react, Randheer had put his arms around her neck already. She stared at the heartwarming frame in front of her, in the mirror. She was seated comfortably and his head right beside hers. Picture Perfect. He tilted his face a little and kissed her cheek softly. She smiled and kissed him back on his forehead, all the while admiring their reflections in the mirror.
Amrit got up from the chair once her ornaments had been removed and sat on the bed, face to face with him. Randheer took her hands in his and said,
"Amrit, main nahi kar paaya, mujhe maaf..."
"Nahi," she spoke, not allowing him to complete his sentence. "Mujhe koi fark nahi padta ki newspaper mein ab Ranjhan aaye, ya naa aaye. Mujhe fark bass iss baat se padta hai ki aap Ranjhan ke baare mein kya sochte hain. Aur jab aap mere saath hain toh mujhe aur kuch nahi chahiye."
Randheer could not help but admire the truthfulness in her eyes.
"Maine bohot koshish ki Amrit. Lekin humaare Newspaper ke panel members ko yeh manzoor ki nahi ki elections ke iss sensitive samay mein Rajneeti ke alawa kuch aur bhi publish ho."
She stroked his hands softly and assured him that it was really okay for her.
.
The sun stepped into the morning sky, splattering sunshine over the night drowned in darkness. Randheer gently opened his eyes and stretched his hands. As usual, the portion of the bed next to him was empty, with only her scent scattered all over the place. He felt the side of the bed for her warmth that still lingered around.
As he walked downstairs to quickly grab his morning tea, he bumped into Veer. Surprisingly, he also had a briefcase with him.
"Kahan chale janab subah subah?" he asked casually.
"Hum jaa rahe hain," he said, gravely.
"Par kahan?" asked Randheer, placing his hand on Veer's shoulder.
Veer looked away. He did not even have that brooding smile on his face, that was synonymous with his presence.
"Veer?" asked Randheer, trying to look in his eyes.
"Main, woh chote, main.." he blabbered, trying to find words.
"Rehabilitation center" said Nalini, quite coldly. Both of them turned towards her.
"Janab rehabilitation center jaa rahe hain."
She clearly did not approve of the decision. "Agar Amrit ne nahi kaha hota toh main kabhi nahi maanti," she said, annoyed.
"Formally treatment karaane mein kaisi sharam Maa?" asked Amrit, approaching them with a tray of tea.
"Randheeer, tumhaara kya kehna hai?" asked Nalini.
Randheer took a cup and was about to speak when Veer answered, "Aapko pata ho na ho, main jaanta hoon mera bhai hamesha mere saath hai."
Randheer smiled back positively.
"Ab bhai bhai raazi toh kya karega Qaazi?"
Vijendra tried to diffuse the situation.
Veer bade everyone a happy goodbye, including Amrit. He silently thanked her for this wonderful suggestion that would help him shape his future.
"Arey jaldi taiyyar ho jaayiye phir humein jaana bhi hai."
said Amrit. "Par kahan?" asked Nalini.
"Uday aur Vashma ke yahan," answered Randheer.
...
Uday held Vashma's hands firmly as they cut the ribbon.
"Arey ruko ruko!" shouted Amrit as she came running from inside the house.
"Iske bina nahi" she said.
She placed the pot full of rice on the floor in front of Vashma.
Vashma smiled at her and then at Uday, feeling a little overwhelmed as they stood at the entrance of their newly bought bungalow.
"Arey yeh saare mazedaar kam tum ladkiyon ke hisse mein kyun aate hain, mujhe bhi yeh rasam karni hai" grumbled Uday.
Everyone laughed at his innocence when Randheer tapped Uday's back and spoke.
"But ek tareeka hai," he winked at him.
In a quick move, Uday swept Vashma off her feet and took her in his arms.
"Oye ab chal!" he announced, whilst entering the house.
After a small puja, the guests got busy in tea and snacks.
"Badi soni voddi hai teri Uday, iska naam kya hai?" asked a neighbour.
"Mera naam Vashma B..." she stopped midway, realising the blunder she was about to make.
"Vashma Begum," jutted in Uday, rescuing her.
"Begum?" asked the lady, shocked and tensed.
"Arey yeh jhalli hai bilkul," he laughed forcibly, trying to avoid more questions. "Woh apni Suraiyya Begum hai na, haan wahi, filmo waali, usko itna pasand karti hai ki khudka naam hi Vashma Begum rakh liya."
They sighed in relief.
"Par Vashma naam toh..." came the question.
"Haan, main yahan Delhi ke anaath aashram mein thi na, toh jis daai ma ne mera naam rakha woh Urdu ka shauk rakhti thi, isiliye rakh diya hoga." She lied blatantly. But lying around like that had a become a part of her routine.
Uday did not say anything but could gauge the sadness in her eyes. He had found her in a refugee lodge in Amritsar around two years ago. The partition had been brutal and even more for Muslims in India. People still held the Indian Muslims accountable for the massacre that was so fresh in everyone's memories. Communal riots were still a frequent incident in some parts of Ludhiana and Delhi and marginalizing this community, still a persistent issue. Amidst these conditions, Uday felt it would be suitable for Vashma to let go of 'Baig' completely.
"Arey Randheer sahab, aap kahan the kal?" Uday asked as soon as he saw him, also diverting Vashma's attention.
"Kuch nahi Uday, koi kaam se gaya tha bahar."
Uday looked at Amrit and gestured her a 'kya hua?' to which she silently replied that they would talk later.
One by one, people left. Randheer too left urgently for an important meeting, leaving behind Amrit, Uday and Vashma.
Amrit told them about the board's decision about Ranjhan.
"Maine keh toh diya Randheer se ki koi baat nahi hai, par main yeh sirf tum dono se hi keh sakti hoon ki mera kitna mann hai phirse kahaniyaan likhne ka. Amrit Singh Raizada ke naam se na sahi par Ranjhan ke naam se toh... Randheer ko batana theek nahi, waise hi woh iss baat ko lekar bohot pareshaan hain."
"Koi nahi Amru, tu mujhe kahaaniyan suna diya karna." Uday tried to cheer her up.
"Haan bilkul, aur main na tujhe poori Delhi ki taraf se chitthiyaan bhi likha karungi," laughed Vashma and Amrit immediately understood what she was referring to. "Chupp kar tu!" she said whilst blushing, remembering the days when they eagerly used to wait for Randheer's letter at Post Box number 111.
Soon after, Amrit left too.
"Aaj sab bohot acche se nipat gaya na," Vashma said, as they sat on the sofa peacefully after a long day.
"Hmmm..." he replied. She understood his sadness and decided to clarify the matter.
She inched closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Uday tu samajh raha hai na mujhe, aisa bilkul nahi hai mujhe Sahani naam ya iss pehchaan se dikkat hai. Oye tera naam hai, mujhe kyun koi takleef hone lagi, mujhe toh fakr hai iss naam par. Aur main bohot khush hoon ise apne naam se jodkar. Bass, mujhe baar baar jhoot bolne mein, apni puraani yaadein chupaane mein bura lagta hai."
"Vashma, main samjhta hoon tere jazbaat. Par main tujhe dobaara nahi kho sakta. Main nahi chahta humaara puraana wajood is berehem samaaj ke saamne aaye aur log phir humein alag kar de. Humein ek saath koi nahi jeene dega Vashma, aur kab tak hum bhaagte rahenge? Bohot mushkil se yeh sukoon mila hai, main nahi kho sakta isko aur tujhe." he clucthed her tightly, in the fear of losing her all over again.
She silently gave in to his apprehensions and they decided to end this matter once and for all, as Vashma buried 'Baig' deep into the corners of her heart, which she herself could never find again.
They sat in each other's presence till the night sky glittered with innumerable stars, shining bright in each other's company.
--.--.--
Next chapter teaser: Randheer and Nalini Devi have a difference of opinion over the latter's election campaign. Vashma and Uday are in a dilemma amidst the curfew in Delhi due to communal tension.
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