#1| IshRa : Meherbaan FF | Thread One - Complete. Moved to Thread Two. - Page 13

C H A P T E R 8T E R A H O N E L A G A H O O N

Chapter Edited by Dhara (@dsgirl)

Raman Kumar Bhalla had once again proved to be a failure as a father when it came to his as much as he had proven to be a great father to his daughter. Raman's eldest and only son Aditya Bhalla had taken up to alcohol and other drugs. His twelve year old boys who had to be discovering silly things that came with puberty had been drinking. It wasn't drinking that bothered Raman - it was the drugs. Shagun and Aditya's move to Mumbai had been a drastic effect on Aditya. Aditya during his short stint in Mumbai had mingled with the wrong crowd. Aditya being Aditya, the boy heading to maturity at a faster phase than his mind and body was now influenced by drug addicts. Ashok who had played the role Aditya's father figure during his growing up years hadn't mind Adi's enthusiasm or interest in such vile things, instead he had fully supported him and Shagun hadn't said anything to a drink or two. That had been their f**ked up family moment. Post Ashok's breakup with Shagun and the legal battle that followed Aditya had drifted away from Raman blaming his mother's misfortune on his father. As Shagun struggled to establish herself at a prime age of thirty-three whilst single handedly also managing her teenage son, she had trusted Aditya and left him to his own devices. Aditya had instead misused the trust bestowed on him until Shagun had found out and was adamant on returning to Delhi. In those few months Shagun has managed to stabilise herself, she was starting out and had to occasionally return to Mumbai for short visits. Upon reaching Delhi, Aditya had acted out. He had demanded to return to Mumbai to which Shagun had strongly denied, not once involving Raman. She handled her son on her own just like she did all those years ago. Shagun's love wasn't conventional. The woman who was heading out on her journey to find and love herself, like every other mother wanted the best for her child. When Aditya had helped Ruhi get away from school, he had done it with an ulterior motive. He had used Ruhi's trip to convince his mother to let him tag along with her to Mumbai on her short. Shagun had complied only to find that her son had disappeared. That was when she had called Raman in a desperate attempt to seek help in returning her son back to her. The adorable plump Aditya who would have never taken such drastic measures, for the first time Shagun had refused to cover up for her son, finally understanding Ishita's words - that she was ruining him instead of protecting him.

Ishita had woken up the next morning with a sleeping Ruhi cuddled in her arm as she clutched Ishita's chain. It was too early in the morning and not wanting to attempt to loosen Ruhi's irongrip and disturb her or scare in her sleep, Ishita did the next best thing. She held Ruhi in her arms as she walked out. Ishita thanked her stars that's she had taken off her makeup the previous night. She checked her appearance in the mirror. She looked presentable. Her hair, styled into perfection the previous day had stood in place given a few stray strands.

Ishita carried her sleeping baby in her arms as she walked down the staircase, extra cautious with every step she took. She was met by Vandita, Mihika and a few other women. She had whispered a good morning. While everyone wished her the same as they snickered looking at her wear the previous days outfit. Nitya who had spent the previous night preparing for Paati's 80th birthday party joined her as she headed to the kitchen.

"Normally she hugs her father as she sleeps. And then poor him has to still till I wake her up. She's like quicksand when she sleeps. The more you try to let go, the tighter she holds onto you." Ishita had explained Nitya who accompanied her to the kitchen.

"Awh. I agree it's too early to wake her up. Let her sleep. She's so adorable. Someday I wish I have a kid like her."

"I'm lucky to have her. She's my miracle. My baby. She has given me all that I ever wished in life. My Christmas miracle. I'm complete all thanks to her. There's nothing more I wish in life. Nothing at all." Ishita had said as she instructed Nitya on how to prepare Ruhi's breakfast and morning drink along with casual chit chat.

"Why did you leave?" Nitya had asked her abruptly.

"I didn't leave. I didn't come by either. I'm just passing by now. There's nothing that holds me here anymore. I have a life of my own. I'm happy there."

"You have family here."

"To whom I cause more problems the longer I stay here."

"Awh. Mera baby wake up kar raha hai." Whispered Ishita into Ruhi's ears. Ruhi who had heard her mother's voice first thing in the morning had just hugged her mother tighter and fallen right back to sleep.

"So, is Raman coming here today?" Nitya had asked.

"I don't think so. He's a busy man." Ishita replied honestly. If Nitya had asked her the same question, Ishita would have called up Raman and ranted on how he had to be present here today. She had started expecting too much from him.

Ruhi had loosened her grip on Ishita's chain, her tiny hands losing grip of Ishita's chain, Ishita had profusely thanked Nitya for her helping hand. Ishita had spotted her mother Madhavi Iyer along with Vandita and other women who had come down to sit for a while before they prepared themselves for the long festive day ahead of them. She had given them an acknowledging nod and placed a sleeping Ruhi in her Amma's arms.

"Amma, I can't take Ruhi upstairs, she'll wake up and she has a tiring day ahead of her. Ru, ko apke lap mein sleep karne do na. I'm heading upstairs. Okay. Ruhi ka drink aur breakfast ready hai."

"Pata hai Ishu. Ruhi toh uske Paati ke ghar mein everyday hoti hai. Chalo, Ruhi ko Amma ke paas do and go shower, unn Punjabi logo ke saath rehke bahut dirty ho gayi ho. Ye kal ke clothes hai na. Itne expensive clothes ko kitna crumple kar liya hai. Go shower. Ghar jaane ke baad mein uss Punjaban ko dekh lungi. Kitni loud hai."

"Kuch bhi Amma. Ab toh bus Mummji se ladna hota hai. Aisa koi love karta hai kya."

"Main usse love nahi karti." Madhavi snapped back. "Ishu. Shower. Tumhara Murugan toh sach kehta hai. Tum bilkul Ruhi se worse behave karne lagi ho. Bechare ko tumhe khilana bhi padta hai. My poor son-in-law."

"Poor son-in-law, my foot. Ek bar hospitalize kya ho gayi, baap-beti dono Ishima ke duty pe lage hue hai. Aur uss Raavan ne tum sab ko apne taraf kiya. Phasti toh mein hi hoon."

"Ishita. Kitne baar bola hai apne husband ko names mat bulao. He laughs but bad habit hai na. Chalo, now shower. Go."

"Amma. Woh bhi mujhe names bulata hai. Tum sirf mujhe kehti ho. So not fair."

"How are you'll parents again. Your daughter acts more maturely than you'll. Kuch seekho apni beti se."

Ishita smiled and shook her head as she walked away. This was life she was content. Ishita had then proceeded to take her shoulder and do all the other related things. She had changed into a simple kurti and pants as she left her hair open, allowing them to air-dry before she styled them for the day.

She was about to grab breakfast when her little tsunami had rushed to her, dressed in her mini dressing gown over her t-shirt and pajama pants.

"Mama. I want to wear this. Paati ko kehdo na. Woh maan nahi rahi."

"But Ru baby, yeh toh bohot heavy hai. Aur Ru ko Mikku chitti se bahut sari masti karni hai. Agar Shrav aur who kids aapko chase karein toh woh aapko catch karenge." said Mihika who had chased Ru downstairs carrying a heavy bag that read "Manish Malhotra".

"Baby, Mikku chitti, right to keh rahi hai. Bohot heavy hoga mere baby ke liye.

"Par papa ayenge. I mean, agar papa ayenge toh I have to look good so that I can match you'll. Aur yeh toh apke dress se bikul match karta hai. Papa ne humare liye same day pe laya tha ye. It's so nice. I feel like a princess in it. Ishima, please?" Ruhi had explained extra cutely. "Achha. But agar too much ho jaye toh mama ko batana, okay. Mama apke liye doosra dress le ayegi."

Ruhi had jumped around in excitement as she hi-fi'ed her Mikku chiti. She had then stopped and said, "Mama, feed karo na."

"Mere baby ne breakfast nahi kiya?"

"Kiya hai na. But Mama ke haathon se nahi kiya."

"Ruh. Itna maska kyun.. Iss baar apne papa se milke kya mischief ki hai." Mihika had poked at her niece.

"Haaw. Mikku chitti. Mein toh kitne acchi baccha ho... "

"Jo har waqt papa se milke apne Mama-Papa ka romance karnewala radar on karti ho. Aur ek Akka hai jo iske andar ke natkat shaitan ko nahi pehchan leti."

Ruhi had shown Mihika her tongue and had then run away to get her favourite dishes for her mom. If only Mihika chitti knew all of Ruhi's exploits.

"Switch to Channel 5. Jaldi. Raman Bhalla ke charity event ka launch ho raha hai. The teaser is on in two minutes. Let's go watch." Nitya screamed gathering everyone's attention.

"Jaldi chalo, nahi toh yeh hum sabko chain se rehne nahi degi. Meri Maa' has all the top people together, from models to top business at the likes of Agnihotri and Bhalla. Channel 5." stated Nalini.

"Just saying, that I contributed to this project too. And you have to be super awesome to be able to do that." exclaimed a gleaming Nitya.

"Ragini beta, zara yeh bhi dekhe. Tum bhi isi kaam mein lagi ho na. Idar aaja, let's watch it together." Subbu's father-in-law called out.

The projector was connected to display channel 5.

"It's a tribute to my wife and daughter and their love. To the moment when my daughter called out to my wife and the smile to tears in my wife's eyes that no other moment could ever replace." Raman Kumar Bhalla stated as he was interviewed in a crisp back suit, looking every inch of the powerful person that he was.

"The viewers are connecting to the show in anticipation of the first glimpse of this hyped project. You have hinted the possibility of your wife and daughter participating in it, never revealing who they are. One word to describe your wife." a popular actress questioned Raman.

"That's a difficult one. She's an enigma, every day with her, she reveals a new side to herself. Passionate. Headstrong. And the most an amazing mother to our daughter." Raman laughed.

"What do you think of the mother-daughter duo unveiling this event who have given the editing teams a tough time with editing their segments until it was decided to air their uncut footage?"

"I think they're plain adorable." Raman Kumar Bhalla replied with a rare smile gracing his face.

Unveiling the first look to the nation's charitable project, "Meri Maa - Celebrating Motherhood" lead by Ishita and her daughter Ruhi Bhalla. Ishita who turned heads when asked to choose between herself, her husband and her daughter chose her daughter without even considering the other options once at an international Medical Conference held in Melbourne this year. A subject to awe and criticism Ishita was selected to represent the project by the educational institution partnered in this project. MERI MAA.

A montage played out:

Celebrating Motherhood

Celebrating Mothers

Ishita-Ruhanika

Ishita and her daughter walked down the ramp. Her daughter scrunching her face and Ishita imitating her.

Ruhi and Ishita dancing at the party.

a voice-over taken from the backstage footage, "I look exactly like Ishima, don't I? Like papa says, Ishima ki carbon copy."

Ruhi and Ishita rubbing her nose against each others.

Ruhi and Ishita clicking a backstage selfie.

Ruhi and Tamanna along with Ishita and Ragini.

Celebrating family.

Ragini-Tamanna

"Ishita. Ishita TV pe kya kar rahi hai?"

"Wasn't that Madhavi?"

"I met Madhavi a few days ago. She didn't tell me that her daughter is leading this event."

"Madhavi, you never told us that Ishita was unveiling the Maa project. Nitya, you were a part of this project, you could have told us." Nitya's mother exclaimed.

"It was just a function in Ruhi's school. Nothing else. It isn't even a huge deal." Nitya explained.

"The huge deal that all the major outlets have waited for isn't a big deal for you. Wait. So you knew where she was and you didn't tell any of us?"

"She is happy in her own life. She has a family that adores her, a husband that loved her. She doesn't need you'll. She doesn't want any of you'll in her new life. Don't you'll get that. She's said she doesn't intend on coming back, that she's just another passerby. Did you'll expect her to come and play house house back here with you'll. Why would she? After all that you'll have put her though."

"She's your sister's sauten." Nitya's mother resorted to screaming. "The other woman in your sisters marriage. You think she's come here for good. Without a husband and with that kid on tow,"

"She has an almost five year old kid, Amma. She's a renowned specialist. She's married to an influential and respected man. How long do you think it took her to get over the guy who dumped her on the day of her engagement? I understand you're worried for your daughter but why would Ishita choose to come back into this mess and get together with your son-in-law? She has moved on in life. If it's the husband you're worried about she has married a great man, if it's his wealth you're worried about look at the way he dresses his kid up. Let's deal with this your way, Amma. If it's money you're worried about, he refused to buy me my wedding gift because Akka and I had chosen the cheapest outfit in the boutique he had chosen for us. He later sent a custom made lehenga personally selected by him probably worth more than what your younger son earns a year. Look at the outfits Ishita and Ruhi wear. The outfit Ruhi whined about originally costs somewhere around six lakhs, if her father had it custom made for her in her size just because his daughter liked it, how much do think it cost him. You talk and with Subbu's mother, you weigh people in money and forever bitch about Ishita that it's almost sickening. Ishita wore Manish Malhotra yesterday. And another designer the day before. The jewels she wears are real. She'll wear another similar piece today. Ishita lives in the centre of Delhi. She is not only a successful wife but also a mother and a career woman - something your daughter and my sister isn't. Her in laws inspite of coming from a different culture adore her. Her daughter studies in the best school in India. She has moved on in life. So should you. Your great son-in-law is worth nothing in front her husband." Nitya smiled a scornful smile and then turned to the television., "Oh. They're launching it. It's on." She continued in an excited tone like the whole argument that occurred seconds ago had never taken place.

"Ishita, my superwoman. Ishita and our mini Ishita - our bundle of joy, Ruhi. No matter how stressful or tiring the day is at the end of it I find myself smiling, they are worth it all. I promise you, a single smile from these precious ladies of mine could brighten up your life, " Raman's laugh echoed through out the room," Such is a relationship between a mother and her daugher. We fathers can be our daughter's superheroes but the mother will always be her first and best friend who understands her no matter, who stands up for her and by her through every obstacle I'm life. That is my Ishita and Ruhi. Best friends who can never be separated. Though our daughter once said that she considers me to be her favourite person, my ladies are so much more. Presenting the queen of my life and our princess - Ishita and Ruhi."

A montage of various moments shared by Ishita and Ruhi accompanied the voice over. Moments captured by people dear to them, without them knowing. Ishita cradling Ruhi. Ruhi feeding Ishita as she lay on the hospital. The numerous selfies clicked by them. Ishita and Ruhi showing off their mehndi designed hands. Ruhi kissing Ishita as Ishita's mouth formed the perfect 'o'. The Ishita and Ruhi hi fi. A video of Ishita and Ruhi dancing in Ruhi's bedroom captured by Raman. Ishita and Ruhi glaring at the screen. (Raman remembered it as the day he had successfully angered both of them and then had found their stance extremely adorable and had asked for a time out from his wife's lecture so that he could click a picture of that, only to annoy them more.) A video in which Ruhi was sitting on the table of a famous restaurant and had side hugged Ishita, while the both of them gave a man whose back faced the camera their innocent look. The man threw his head back and laughed as he ruffled Ruhi's fringe at which she glared at him. An image of Ishita consoling a crying Ruhi. Ishita feeding a sleepy Ruhi.

Mar Jaavan that served its purpose as the background music to Raman's introductory speech now prepped the stage for the mother and daughter. Ishita who donned a navy blue velvet zardosi lehenga teamed with a full puffed choli, a heavy new piece adorned her neck complimenting the intricate designs on her lehenga, her hair styled into perfection and her makeup perfected. Little Ruhi donned the same outfit as her mother the only exception was that she wore a sleeveless cut choli and her hair was straightened, styled and pulled up in a high ponytail, her fringe falling freely on her face, she wore no neckwear and smiled brightly as she held her mother's hand.

The voice over ended and the lights dimmed as the ramp lit up and the music increased in beat and tempo as the audience perfected the silence.

Ishita walked onstage, and Ruhi arrived from behind her smiling brightly. Ishita held her hand out as she smiled the smile reserved for her daughter. Her daughter pouted and placed her hand into her mother's. They smiled at each other and proceeded to walk down the ramp. Her tiny steps met by her mother's adjusted ones. Ruhi looked at her mother who looked at her, highly concerned about her daughters first ramp walk. Ruhi winked at her mother as her mother giggled at her attempt and scrunched her nose.

The camera panned to a stoic looking Raman Kumar Bhalla seated in the VVVIP seats with other highly important people seated there. He broke a tiny smile looking at the pair.

The camera then panned to Madhavi and Vishwa, Bala, Vandita and Shravan in the audience.

Ishita and Ruhi proceeded in their walk. When they reached the end of the ramp Ruhi tugged at Ishita's lehenga signalling her to bend down, and when Ishita did she placed a kiss on Ishita's cheek who pulled her closer and with Ruhi in her arms twirled as she placed kissed on her baby's face finally placing her back on the floor. They held hands as they walked back enjoying moments of their own, played by the screens that faced them as they walked back making everyone fall in love with the pair.

Raman stifled a giggle, as he tried to pass it off as a cough only to have his dimple give him away.

The video then proceeded to a backstage video recording with a top model introducing herself as the host who would take you through the back stage events of this festival organised by India's top school and the venue housed top notch personalities from all over India as they get together to celebrate motherhood and the girl child. The charitable event was to promote and celebrate motherhood was to be led by Ishita and Ruhanika Bhalla, who would open the event along with the major sponsor, trustee and India's leading personality Raman Kumar Bhalla. Raman Bhalla, business tycoon and charitable social icon with his ventures have not only helped India's economy vastly but being the spokesperson for social causes Raman and his family actively participate in events. While Raman preferred to keep his personal life away from the media, this event would unveil his wife and daughter for the first time.

"The venue is filled with hidden cameras so that we can capture moments shared by the stars of the day. So let's begin my meeting the mother daughter duo who will inaugurate this event."

Ishita who was surrounded by professionals trying to perfect her look had her hand held by her daughter who made faces to relieve her of the stressful environment. Ishita's darling took this moment as if it was the end of the world, making faces at the hair stylists and their team, pouting and asking them to be extra careful and not burn her mom with their toys of doom. She sang to her mom as her mom got her makeup done. And refused to let go, as she had to make sure that these strangers didn't hurt her mom. When Ishima was in the final stages of her makeup, and was told by her to let these people work their magic on her already pretty daughter. And on the umpteenth time telling Ruhi that all the dangerous items were done for Ruhi had proceeded to leave and came back in a robe and had taken her place besides Ishita. Ishita who had completed her makeup session sat besides Ruhi as she got her make-up done as the makeup team assured her that the makeup they use won't affect her daughter in any way but magnify her good looks. Ishita sat besides Ruhi as she made plans about and discussed papa. It was papa first, then Muttu followed by Shravu and how he would envy her papa after this, then about the location of her dad and family, followed by Paati and her prasadam and Mikku Chitti, Dadi and her family, Mihir chachu and Adi bhaiya. Finally when Ruhi's makeup was done, Ishita proceeded to watch over the stylists who managed Ruhi's hair. When presented with a list of available hair options Ishita choose the sleek and simple high pony tail. And had taken Ruhi to be changed by herself and then handed her over to the stylist and proceeded to get changed herself. And when they had their clothes adjusted they laughed at their jokes and smiled as they made faces.

When Madhavi arrived back stage dressed to the mark, Ruhi ran to her squealing, "Paattti. Look at us, we look so pretty. I look exactly like Ishima, don't I? Like papa says, Ishima ki carbon copy. Papa is so awesome, he got us the same dress. Look, patti." She exclaimed as she twirled around showing off her outfit. "Papa, aa gaye? I want to show him how pretty we look. He needs to look at mama before anyone else does. Call him, call him Paati. Uffo, papa."

"Ruhi, papa can't be come inside. Woh boy hai na. How about you take a picture and send it to papa?"

"Good idea. Mama... phone, Papa has to be sent a selfie. Woh boy hai na, he can't come here. And papa has to see us before anyone."

"Ruhi, surprise?"

"Ishima, selfie."

"Okay, baba." Ishita posed for a selfie with her daughter.

"Ruhanika and Ishita," the coordinator walked towards them. "Ah, Ma'am. Some final tips before you go onstage. Just walk the walk, be yourself and have fun. You are just walking with your daughter. On a normal day. Forget all about this event once you get on stage. Have fun."

"Haan, jiju. It's so adorable. Pyaar ho jata hai maa beti se." Mihika squealed into the phone, unlike her usual composed self when in public, unaware of the argument that had just taken place.

She then turned to the tv where they were now showing a photo op. Ruhi-Ishita and then accompanied by RKB who the family assumed to be taken as he was the sponsor. The cameras ushered them together. With pictures starting from either of them holding Ruhi to another where Raman held Ishita by her waist and Ruhi in his arms as instructed by the cameraman. To Raman and Ishita making casual chit chat. The shocking hit had been when Raman had absentmindedly handed Ruhi his phone and Ruhi being the selfie princess that she was took selfies with her mom and then RKB as the media secretly snapped away.

While the media contemplated her relationship with him, a certain fraction of the media had shunned the possibility stating that she was too down to earth and bubbly to be the wife of such a huge man. She lacked the arrogance Raman Kumar Bhalla's wife would have and rather mingle in social classes than focus of her career.

Paati smiled. So this was her son-in-law, she mused. He seemed so different from what he was around Ishita. He seemed so in place, serious and a completely no nonsense guy. "Kud Kud Kumar," she whispered.