#1| IshRa : Meherbaan FF | Thread One - Complete. Moved to Thread Two. - Page 67

C H A P T E R 1 5 R A B B A M E I N T O H M A R G A Y A O Y E

P A R T B

Chapter Edited by Dhara (@dsgirl)

"Men like Raman Bhalla don't need wives. Rich. Powerful. Successful. He needs nothing but himself to conquer the world. Men like them look at women and family as a major set back. He isn't any different." said Mrs Jha.

The self proclaimed leader of the bitch club continued to say, "He married twice. Ishita isn't going to be has third wife. She's just going to remain as her mistress unless she wakes up from the nightmare she dragged herself into."

"You can't blame her. Who would she even marry after twelve years into a relationship? Who would want such a daughter-in-law? If that guy got what he wanted for free, why would any other think any different?"

"Trust her to find the worst of the kind. RKB, that man is as heartless as they get. That cruel son of a bitch. Mrs. Handa's daughter, yes that party girl, happened to meet RKB in a club drowning his sorrows in alcohol. She went as far as to book a hotel room and then went forward to pass the key to RKB. He apparently checked her out from head to toe, rolled his eyes and handed her cash asking her to fix herself up. The poor girl cried for ages."

"Doesn't he have an eleven year son he doesn't even look at? There was an article that was buried right after. He apparently wrote that kid out of his will just because the kid's mother was the unfaithful one in the relationship. He then went to marry a much younger girl days into the divorce."

"Rubbish. RKB is very particular of the image he has in public, say that out loud and you'll be sued for defamation. RKB has a wife and daughter. Don't know about all these instances but he seems to be a doting father."

"Men can't be tamed. If he was such a great husband and father he wouldn't be here spending his time with the likes of Ishita Iyer. His wife back home wouldn't care as long as he gets the money rolling in. Such is their life."

"He's a scary boss. Honestly speaking, despite what that man is he sure is successful at such a young age."

"Ishita wouldn't do it, you know. Be in a relationship with a married man. Madhavi threw a fit if someone mentioned a divorced man as a proposal soon after the divorce."

"Didn't you see the way they look at each other? As if they're going to ravish each other on the spot. They are sleeping together. And isn't Ishita married? Where is her sindoor?"

"If she intends to be in RKB's life any longer she wouldn't be stupid enough to wear the symbol of her relationship with another men."

Mrs Jha looked over to Ishita's ex-fiance who looked as if he was just struck by lightening. She then looked over to RKB who winked at Ishita as he walked away surrounded by his staff. She then looked at Ishita who blushed red, smiled as she gripped her daughter's hand. Ruhi, wasn't that the kids name? Didn't Ruhi mean 'our Soul, a flower, who touches the heart'? Such touching name for a lovely child. Maybe Ishita was in relationship with that beast for their child, Mrs Jha wondered. Who would legitimately want to marry someone like RKB? Ruthless. Heartless. Borderline psychotic. Obsessed with his work. Reclusive. Antisocial. Ironically, RKB to Mrs Jha was the perfect recipe to a successful man with no weakness. None at all. Mrs Jha hadn't known what transpired between Ishita and Subbu, such a loving couple they had been. She could clearly see the nonchalance shown by Ishita and the heartbreak by Subbu. Had the tables turned? Or were the skeletons finally coming out of the closet? Seven years ago it was Ishita who had walked away and now when she came back she brought with her the past that had haunted all of them. Ishita-Subbu were the ideal example of a successful relationship. They had grown up together, fallen in love and were finally tying the knot... Until Subbu's mother had announced the split. Subbu had then walked in with Nalini, announcing his impeding marriage to her. Mrs Jha's heart broke for Ishita until the the child had attended every ceremony of her ex. Mrs Jha had seen Ishita's smile falter the moment Ishita felt that no one was watching her. Unknown to the child, she had claimed all the attention the minute she entered the venue for all the reason. And she had done it all over again when her grandmother announced her visit.

No one was interested in the fact that Vishwa was a widower or that Nitya was comparatively younger to him. It had been Ishita. Ishita was coming home. If the family had taken extra precaution to welcome their lost child, others had done the same in welcoming their son-in-law. It wasn't that people hadn't noticed the difference in relationships shared by Ishita-Subbu and Nalini-Subbu. What Nalini-Subbu had was duty and what Ishita-Subbu had was love. Nalini was what Ishita was during Subbu's wedding - grim. Mrs Jha considered herself to be the family well-wisher who lived with the Iyers' during her husband's stay overseas. Having no kids Mrs. Jha had treated the Iyer kids like her own. Ishita had always been the solemn one. She was destined for greater deeds, a beauty with brains who at times cunningly used her gifts to her own benefit, one wondered why she chose Subbu as her life partner. Subbu was docile while Ishita wore the pants in the relationship, or so they thought.

It had been one evening when Nalini returned home fuming at the fact that she met Ishita, in Delhi. Furious and pregnant Nalini had screamed at Subbu on why he could let his ex out of his life. If he would go back to her the minute he had his kid with him - he had finally located the woman who haunted them despite her disappearance. The Reddys' were a mess. Subbu's filing for an annulment had come forth during the first trimester of Nalini's pregnancy more than five years after the decision had been taken and dropped and it shook the already fragile relationship shared by Subbu-nalini, Bala refused to come home. Subbu's job was at risk when a mad man who ruled the corporate world took over his company. Bala's parents were going through their worst when Bala's mother had decided to live in Delhi for a few weeks. It was Shravan's naming ceremony and no one had expected Ishita to be present there, but the unexpected had occurred and a miracle itself Ishita was there. Dressed in sleeveless pink anarkali Ishita had looked like an angel, her innocence at it's best. It was at the entrance of the ceremony that Subbu had shown up with Nalini. It was when Subbu's mother taunted Ishita for still pining over Subbu. No one had known what had transpired between the lot but when everyone had reached the scene all that was to be heard was Madhavi scream that Ishita didn't need Subbu in her life anymore. She claimed that Ishita was in a relationship with a far better man. Mrs Jha would've loved to believe that if it wasn't the look of betrayal that passed Ishita's face, as if Madhavi had given out her most guarded secret. Ishita had then agreed to her mother's claims. It was Bala who after Ishita left had warned his mother to stay away from Ishita and her family, "she has moved on, Subbu has clearly moved on. The relationship died years ago, mother, why do you keep the flame alive. You know nothing about Ishita and the life she lives. Let's keep it that way." Subbu had drowned into alcohol in the days to come, Nalini was on the verge of giving birth whilst being married to a man who cared less, Bala's father refused to deal with the drama and took responsibility for his daughter-in-law. Raman Bhalla entered their lives like a tsunami, cue to the first weeks into taking any newly acquired under his personal supervision Raman Bhalla had rearranged the corporate ladder in the company Subbu worked in, people were taken in and people were fired at the drop of the hat. Subbu had pulled up his socks and taken responsibility for a major project to be undertaken. To everyone's surprise Raman Bhalla presided over the the meeting and as fate would have it Nalini had gone into labour the very same day. When asked for leave to be with his wife Raman Bhalla had uttered the words, "I don't care, Mr. Reddy. Your emotions won't make up for the loss we face for adjourning the meeting at the cost of your stupidity. Nor will your whole life's earnings. So man up, have a glass of water and continue what you started or feel free to compensate and walk out of this building."

It was decided that day when Bala had returned home after ages only to warn Subbu of Ishita. He had chastised his mother for being insulted by Ishita's four year old daughter time and again. Bala's mother has scoffed at her son claiming that he was just blinded by Ishita, if she great enough to be sided with or if he knew of her connections the minute she walked away from Subbu. If she did anything better in life other than have a daughter with that drunkard? Or be with a man who cared less if she lived or died? Mrs Jha remembered Bala state that Ishita was better than being with the likes of Subbu and Subbu's mother. "The irony. Wasn't it you who claimed that Ishita had no options other than Subbu. Look at her now, happy with a man far better than your son." said Bala. Bala's mother had claimed that Ishita wasn't the girl she saw grow up, that this girl was different. Bala had scoffed at his mother as he continued to say, "You killed the girl you saw grow up. Don't you remember. Didn't you kill her just because a simple statement from the doctors. And look at her now in a relationship with 'the' man in town. She has the one thing one that particular test claimed she could never give Subbu - his biological daughter. Doesn't she have that now? A biological daughter that she shares with her husband. Ishita had always been far better than Subbu, mother. Far smarter. Far wiser. Far prettier. Far more successful. You son was a love sick pup who followed every word she said. The so called drunkard you claim her to be in a relationship with - she is better off with him. He has given her what she always desired. A family. A child. A home. A successful life. He treats her parents like his own. He was the one turning the world upside down when Ishita was hospitalised. What did your son do? He dumped her based on a simple theory that could be right or wrong. That so called drunkard took a chance with Ishita. Unlike your son he held her hand and walked through the worst phase in her life. He may be far better than her, more successful, richer, a workaholic but when it comes to Ishita and their daughter, he makes sure to step down and hold their hand as they climb through the ladder of success. You chose Nalini, be happy with her. Let Ishita go. Raman has said this and I repeat: Ishita walked away from you life ages ago, let her go. You have no reason to come and barge into our lives."

With that Bala had opened the door to the room that held Mrs Jha and Subbu's parents. Bala had refused to acknowledge Nalini who stood at the door. Mrs Jha had glanced at the phone that flashed a picture of Ishita and a four year old kid. Ishita and the child had pouted into the camera. Mrs Jha out of habit received the call.

"Shravu, Ruhi.. Stop fighting. Raman, stop instigating them. Don't you have an employee to scream at? Shravu, that's non-veg. Raman, take your plate of food with you."

"Hadd hai yaar, subah subah chillana band karo."

"Your plate of food."

"Ishita yaar, where is my bloody blazer?" a voice screamed.

"Raavan Kumar. Amma, thank god you're here. Shravan and Ruhi."

"Raman, your staff and driver are waiting for you."

"I pay them to wait on me, now find that bloody shirt."

"It's right here. Aankein nahi button hai."

"Did you call Bala? There I reminded you."

"I did call him, shit.. Jeeju?"

Bala had snatched the phone away from Mrs Jha.

"Yes, Ishu. I'll be there. Have fun with your Raavan Kumar. No? It's a date! Man mein laddoo phoot rahe hai. Remind me again, how did you'll manage to be parents to a four year old? Please. Spare me. Your mental capacity when it comes to each other is lower than your daughter's. Yes, I'll pick them up. No, we won't go out for pizza. And yes, good God. Breathe, this isn't the first time we're babysitting Ruhi. Breathe."

Bala had smiled as she walked out talking animately to the woman who had been the start of all problems. The Reddy's had lost their elder son, Mrs Jha had concluded then.

Mrs Jha was brought back to the present by the havoc caused by Shravan and Mr Agnihotri's daughter. The little tots had been accompanied by Ishita's daughter who led her little ninja force with her little hands on her tiny hips. She carried what looked like a laptop bag on her back. An aluminum chassy could be seen from afar. Ishita's daughter was flanked by Shravan and a girl she called Tamanna. And as humorous as the situation was they had all glared at the person incharge of the projector. Mrs Jha almost saw a mini RKB in Ishita's daughter. Maybe it was in the way she puffed away her fringe or stared at people right in the eyes telling them what exactly was on her mind without any fear.

Mrs Jha looked over as Ishita hovered near the stairwell, probably scanning for her daughter from the upper floor. Her daughter widened her eyes in horror upon spotting her mother. The little girl had then handed over the bag over to her cousin as she ran towards the stairwell wishing her partners in crime all the best accompanied by a crossed fingers, a wink and a thumbs up. The other two had just given the the same in return as they struggled to hold onto the bag. Ishita's daughter had run up the stairwell as Ishita's eyes widened in horror. The mother hen had made up for the distance left and lifted her daughter mid staircase. Picking her up as she playfully chastised her young one for running up the stairs. The little one had rolled her eyes as she talked animated to her mother. Ishita had giggled in return as she climbed the stairwell.

It had been a while later that everyone rushed to the room, chairs, tables and mats alike. They had seated themselves in what they deemed to be the perfect place to get a something similar to a Sheldon Cooper viewing angle perfection. The laptop was set up and linked to the projector all thanks to major fanfare by Ishita's family members and others who needed gossip fodder.

"The power couple all candid. I'm so excited," a young girl has whispered from somewhere.

As the food was passed along Mr Jha waited eagerly in dire hopes of knowing what had occurred between Subbu and Ishita. Could these so called videos have something to reveal?

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juZN67BA_5w&app=desktop[/YOUTUBE]

If this was what all these videos were about, Mrs Jha couldn't believe her eyes. Ishita Iyer, daughter of Madhavi and Vishwanathan Iyer, was a filmy girl - that was true. But Ishita Iyer enacted filmy songs was unheard of. And what was shocking wasn't just the outfit she wore. Ishita hadn't worn such outfits in her life, instead she found them to be too flashy. Ishita didn't dance. Subbu didn't dance. But the Ishita on screen did and far too close for everyone's liking.

"Damn, she's hot." said a young boy in the audience.

"Duh, she is. Do you think RKB would bat an eyelid if she wasn't?"

"Subbu is a fool. Seriously. Who would choose an Ice Queen over a babe like this. Him!"

"But then she was always too good for him. Ah. So pretty. And such a great personality too."

"Sush. You're disturbing us."

"Wasn't this Romi's birthday party? Obviously. That guy couldn't shut up on how cool his bhai and bhabhi were. Ishita loves her devar too much, I'm telling you Vandu akka. I'm her devar too. But I don't get such love. It isn't fair." Mihir whined as he looked into the screen.

"Please if it wasn't for them you would have been that NRI'S brother-in-law and your Mihika some Tamilian bride. Now shush. I haven't seen this one," Vandy almost growled at her soon to be brother-in-law. Trust her sisters' to find two annoying Punjabi's.

"Pregnant lady, Mihir. And you and Mihika attended the party too." Bala intervened.

"Which you sadly couldn't. You had to see the look on bhai's face as guys made passes at bhabhi. Furious as a lion he was. And she stuck to him like glue, totally oblivious of the attention she got but she sure did send glares at any 'micro mini's' who sent suggestive looks at bhai."

"Did they fight?"

"Don't really remember. But bhai did say something along the lines of 'Madrasan ko lagta hai ki voh bahut hot hai. Bloody delusional danton ki doctor,' which earned him this huge glare from Bhabhi,"

"You can call her Ishita, you know. Bhai. Bhabhi. Bhai. Bhabi. What is this Mihir?"

"She's my only bhabi. I'll call her Bhabhi. What is this Mihika? Why can you call bhai Jiju and I can't call Bhabhi as Bhabhi? This isn't fair you know."

"Oh, shut up the both of you. Such samples. If Raman and Ishita lock heads all the time, here's a couple who bullies one another. Such kids. I'm telling you Amma. The fault lies in their genes. I'm the only sane child you produced." Vandita had exclaimed, clearly frustrated at noise. And Mihir, Mihika and Bala had taken the cue and kept quiet. No one messed with a pregnant lady. No one.

"Oh my god. Did he just touch her rear. He tapped it in public. So sleeping together. I am telling you. They are just too comfortable with each other." a woman in her mid thirties commented.

"Wait. They're clubbing. Woah."

"RKB is so hot. Damn, Ishita is one lucky girl to dance with him."

"Ishita. Omg. She seriously is a looker."

"They look great. No wonder their daughter looks so good. Such an adorable child."

"Is must be great to have such a guy who accompanies you wherever you go,"

"Is she married to him?"

"She looks like she's married to him,"

"Can't be."

"I feel like I'm watching a Karan Johar film," said Mrs A as she munched on her popcorn. She suddenly liked these two as a couple, no matter what their relationship was.

"I recorded the shower scene. I did." squealed Mrs Madhavi Iyer acting every inch of a fangirl that she was.

"The dance. The stare. I think I'm falling in love with RKB. Screw the media, he's turning out to be a sweetheart. He even let her sit on his arm. Ishita is one lucky woman." said another.

"He attends traditional functions with her. Obviously they're not having an affair. And even if they did, they may be serious." claimed a girl in the corner, dressed in a yellow chudidaar.

"Ishita. I hate her. This isn't fair." giggled a random girl envious of the fact that Ishita was in a relationship with the RKB.

"Ikr. First she grows up with a boyfriend and then goes on to the likes of RKB and we here can't get a normal guy to like us,"

"It's a wonder Vishwanathan and Madhavi allowed Subbu and Ishita."

"And god knows what caused them to split and Ishita to meet someone like RKB."

"I have never seen Subbu's mother go so far as praise Ishita in all those years. And Ishita's mother-in-law almost sings her praises."

"Isn't that guy who held her daughter signed by YRF for their biggest production till date? And the tall girl an upcoming interior designer?"

"The tall guy is the guy who danced with her yesterday or the day before, right?"

"Yes. Yes. He's RKB's youngest brother."

"Sush, they videos are coming on. Someone pass the popcorn, snacks and drinks,"

"Ooh, do we get to see their dating scene?" said a random Miss Iyer as she squatted on the floor besides her cousin.

"Wait. They moving in together. What is that?"

"RKB in a suit. I'm dead. Is this heaven or hell?"

"So they did get married?"

"Ooh. This flashes back and forth. They have this 80's couple feel. The way they're so awkward getting to know each other."

"I would claim the opposite. They were borderline scary getting to know each other. So violent. It was like you expected a cold blooded murder," Mihir added his two cents to the random comment session taking place. "This is a farce. Imagine Tom and Jerry. Now, that is them," he continued.

"There go my hopes of expecting them to be a sappy married couple. Did he just force her under the shower?"

"She got drunk. And that man is ruthless. Even when it comes to his own wife. What more can you expect from a chronic alcoholic. But Ishita had no choice but to marry him. I didn't even know when Madhavi invited me or when I reached the venue. It wasn't like I wasn't introduced to the guy. I was, but then the wedding was conducted in such haste. The both of them wanted the kid afterall," blurted Subbu's mother subconsciously only to find herself trapped all over again.

"Kid? So they were expecting. Wow. Just wow."

"So they almost eloped, then go engaged, then were expecting. It makes sense, Ishita was always the marrying type. Wasn't she then one to wear a chastity ring? The only one who wanted to "do it" after tying the knot. Suddenly all those "late night meetings, early morning coming home and not so secret goodbye's" make sense. Such relationships are expected from RKB, but Ishita?"

"Can this take get any more filmy?"

"It's RKB and he makes every one go week in their knees."

"Did he wink at her? My husband never winks at me. Right, ji?"

"That reminds me! Bala, what was so funny about their dance performance earlier?"

"Inside joke," was all that Bala said as he burst into another fit of laughter remembering the scene.

"He's fixing her up and she blushed. Could they be any more perfect?"

"They're so adorable. I don't think I can handle this anymore. No. Just no,"

Madhavi Iyer rolled her eyes. This must be the feeling those teenage girls get when they ship their favorite couple. Madhavi was lucky to live in their same universe as her ship. And to watch them everyday. Madhavi let out a sigh as they next video came on.

"Engagement."

"Oh, look at that lady, RKB's mother, right? This is so funny,"

"Those Punjabi's, they partied all night, manner less" Madhavi began ranting.

"Amma, 4 am puja remember."

"Please. We thought he would be the next one to run away," said Subbu's mother.

"Why?" asked another lady.

"Raman got caught up in work. He was late and unreachable. Amma, you really are begging for another piece of his mind. You know the guy? He's an ass as it is, why do you instigate him," said Bala.

"Remember when Ishita booked him an appointment with a psychiatrist. They were on a 'date' and a robber broke into their apartment. Raman, here, sympathised with the thief so much so that he helped him out. They even bonded over how 'annoying' their wives are. Ishita could assist Sherlock with all the thought she put into why he refused to communicate normally with normal people but bonded over with the criminals," Vandita added.

"Jiju's idea of making up - fling a condom at the wife. Why? Because every idea of wooing is just too mainstream." added Mihika.

"In Bhai's defense, Bala was the one who cited the idea. Even handed the condom." defended Mihir.

"Aiiyo. We aren't at home. You can't discuss such things openly. You'll traumatise everyone."

"Amma. Ruhi helps Raman kiss Ishita and the kid is barely 5."

"They pamper her too much. Who would believe it if I said that Ishita has never ever raised her voice on her daughter."

"Even Raman has practically no say when it comes to Ruhi. Ishita holds all the decision making power."

"Remember the tickle fest? Raman and Ishita were supposed to tickle Ruhi but Ruhi ended up pairing with Raman to tickle Ishita and then Ishita to tickle Raman. A full blown tickle fight that turned into a pillow flight. I think I have the pictures somewhere."

"Raman was crazy for Ruhi from the minute she was born. The most embarrassing moment that exist of Raman Bhalla are with his daughter. And even today he can't say no to either bhabhi or Ruhi. Except when he's really angry. Nah, not even then. He'll throw a fit but that's where it ends. Ishita has raised her hand on bhai but Bhai would rather give himself than raise a hand on either of his girls. He hasn't done that to 'that woman' and Bhabhi is not even close to 'that woman's atrocities', that bitch,"

"She's out of our lives Mihir. If Raman and Ishita don't care. Why should you? She's Adi's mother. She and Aditya are out of Ishita's life."

"They almost split because of her. You think it's nothing? If it went then or if Bhabhi hadn't known the truth in the right time, all of us would be in court stuck in another custody battle, Ishita would have walked away with Ruhi or they would be legally separated if not divorced. That bitch, she turned a simple deal such as bhai helping her get out of accidental murder case into something worse than that. She made Ishita believe that Bhai was cheating on her, then she blackmailed him to secrecy and Bhai being Bhai didn't even know what was going on between his ex and his wife. If his Bhabhi was insecure at her best, my sister was malice at hers."

"You know they would never put Ruhi through what Aditya went through. They wouldn't let Ruhi be the next Aditya. And you know Raman wouldn't let Ishita leave without clearing and proving his innocence. He was played and he was innocent."

"What if something happened to you that night, Mikku? What if Ashok had really traumatised you for life? What if Aditya never took his case back against Ishita? That woman has no regret. She still believes that the world revolves around her and her delusions."

"Nothing would happen. I have you. I have Akka. I have Raman Jiju. I have Bala Jiju and Vandy akka. I have Peri Amma and Peri Appa. I have Amma. I have Shrav, Ru and Vandy Akka's new baby. What could happen to me? Didn't Raman jiju, Akka and you fight my battles for me? Didn't Vandy Akka and Bala jiju stand by me? Didn't Akka's in-laws protect us through every thing? Didn't Shrav and Ru give me a reason to smile? And then if Raman jiju took so much effort to convince Amma to let me marry you, I couldn't disappoint him could I? We have our own world, Buddu. We have a small family that won't judge us. We have people who love us unconditionally. If Akka and Jiju fight their demons every minute they are together, what are we? We don't have any ex-mother-in-law's breathing down our nose. We don't have people trying to pulling is part. Unlike Akka and Jiju we just have each other and no one else. Perfect isn't it. Now lets take up the offer, get hitched and start adding to this kind family of ours. We can give Ruhi and Shrav another reason to argue about. How about another sibling for them. We can start right away. You know I wouldn't mind." said Mihika as she hugged Mihir.

Mihir hugged Mihika closer.

"Sometimes I wonder if Bhai is right and if lecturing is in your genes. Madrasi genes. Peri Amma. Bhabhi. Ruhi. And now you! Vandy Akka, be my saving grace and don't ever lecture in front of me. Or I'll have to recite Bhai's 'Madrasi ke ghar jamaai bankar galti ki yaar,' line,"

"And unlike Akka who glares at Jiju, I will smack you right across the head."

He loved this girl. Mihir loved this girl. There were times where Mihir wondered if things would ever be right. He wasn't as achieving or successful as his brother but Raman took it upon himself to appreciate Mihir for every little achievement, guiding him through every hurdle. He was the father figure Mihir never had rather than the brother Mihir called him out to be. Mihir wasn't good looking. He wasn't extremely rich. He was successful. He was making his way in the world and he was learning with every day that passed. He would make it so that he could give his girl whatever she wanted. They would do it together.

"Raman is considering filing for Aditya's custody," he whispered into Mihika's ear.

"He wouldn't be so cruel. He knows that Aditya lives for Shagun." she whispered back

"And he also knows that Shagun is ruining him. Aditya has taken to drugs."

"Ishita would never agree. She would never agree to mother Shagun's child. She knows that Aditya and Shagun live for each other. If it's Ruhi and Ishita it's Shagun and Aditya. Ishita would agree to help Shagun and Raman out but never to take away Shagun's kid from her."

"What are you two whispering about? It's annoying stop it." a lady seated besides them stage whispered quote rudely.

"Oh, look at the Karwachauth montage. It's s adorable. Ishita is really happy, she's glowing with happiness."

"Why is she feeding his water? Isn't it the other way around?"

"Ishu can't fast, Raman's orders. She was hospitalised a few months ago and hell broke loose. From then, he keeps a fast for her, instead of the opposite." Vandita explained.

"That's so romantic. Doesn't that ritual mean alot to his community?"

"I guess so."

"Rain dance."

"I never saw this one," Mihika squealed as she shut Tammy and Shravu's eyes close.

"Wasn't this after our anniversary party, Bala?"

"Yes. I remember. Remember Ruhi running back and forth between both her parents and then Ishita finally loosing it and dragging Raman to the bedroom and him protesting and all those wolf whistles."

"I think he took her out to compensate for the 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' moment. He's such a sweet heart."

"So that is why he made so many excuses to get her along with him to drop us home. Kachcha aam pak gaya hai."

"Huh? What pak gaya?"

"Nothing."

The audience either blushed at the scene onstage, commented on Ishita's outfit or plain cringed at the closeness clearly unable to digest it.

"Okay. We need people at the door. We'll be chewed alive if Raman finds us screening this video. Though he likes having the collection. Ishita bawled her eyes out when they first played this, he cringed at how embarrassing it was, and Ruhi jumped around in circles at their fan girl meet. It was worse then when their parents caught them in a compromising position after Ishita's attempt at an item number. Wait. Pretend you didn't just hear that. Someone go at the door." Mihika announced as she resumed the video play list.

"Isn't it amazing on how he wears that wedding ring all the time?"

"Admit it or not, he is in love."

"She's really pretty,"

"The jewellery sets that she wears,"

There was pin drop silence as the video played. Comments were hardly passed. The ladies had a sad smile on their face at the beginning and then burst into a chuckle as the video played on. The men were a case not to be mentioned.

"Did they summarise the whole argument in a video?"

"So Ishita still takes fights seriously?" chuckled a girl.

"Oh, the last moments. They're so adorable."

"I like him already. Even if she's in the we-made-up-bit-we're-still-fighting-phase. Look at the way he covers her up, and the way he loses himself in her. I wouldn't care if they broke traditions, or what transpired between her and that ex of hers, or if she got pregnant before hand, or anything else. They're worth it. If you read norms to be in such a relationship. I guess it's worth it." said an older Tamilian lady.

"Ishu is worth it, Appa. We have our whole lives ahead of us. I have grown up loving her. I can wait till we get married to get physical. Can you believe we haven't even kissed? I'm crazy. Crazy in love with her,"

Senior Mr Reddy reminisced his blushing son as he confessed his feelings over a glass of beer. Had he ruined his son? He was Subbu's father, he knew that Subbu to the heart. He knew Subbu died a little bit every day. He knew that it was his greed for a heir that killed his son. He had his heir. He had his great grandson but what he didn't have was Subbu. Senior Mr Reddy didn't have Subbu. Though Subbu lived with them, Subbu refused to look them in the eye. He had lost his son. He had lost his respect. His love. His faith.

His lapse of judgement destroyed his son's future. His accompanying his wife in refusing to inform Ishita the truth behind the betrayal had lost them not only Ishita but also his son. In a moment a split decision had broken apart a family and ruined four lives. His heart cried out for Abhilan. How would Abhi grow knowing that his parents would never be happy? That his mother was tricked into a marriage? That his mother obsessed over his father while the latter loved another since he barely knew what love meant.

"She looks like her."

"They're so beautiful."

"She has RKB's eyes. And the ears. A mix of their noses. And Ishita's pout."

"If Ishita left behind everything she held dear to protect this little I wouldn't judge her. She was right walking away. She has married into a great family, has a great life partner, an adorable family and a little girl who adores her all along with an identity for herself. What more do you want? She has married a guy who stands by her, bows down to her level to lend her his hand to rise her up so that they can walk hand in hand. She has in-laws who adore her. Bollywood's next hot shot loves and admires her. She might have left behind a family but formed another."

"I'm sorry, Mr Reddy, but it will be extremely difficult for your daughter-in-law to conceive. It would take a miracle. We can take a shot. Medicine will advance as time passes. She's very young, alot can be done. They will survive through this. Have faith and trust in the Lord and in Science."

If only he hadn't taken those words to heart. If only he wasn't so pessimistic. If only he let the father in him surface. If only he held that angel's hand and comforted her through her worst. If only he held her close and whispered that all they needed was her. That she was one important than any child she would ever bear his son. That he would like long enough to see her and his son overcome this obstacle. If only.

He didn't. He didn't know if it was his lack of faith in himself, the perfectionist father who wanted the best for his son, the husband who was talked into the decision by his wife or his fear of dying without seeing Subbu's child that he forced his son down a path of self destruction.

He hadn't but RKB's parents did. Raman Bhalla did. And look where they stood now. Raman and Ishita were parents to an adorable five year old. A five year old baby girl. And Raman didn't mind. The billionaire magnate was happy in his life. If RKB didn't mind, what was Subbu? Subbu didn't have multi million dollar corporations that needed an heir to take over. Subbu didn't need a heir at all. Subbu wasn't rich nor pressurised. His moves weren't judged by every other stranger. Subbu didn't have billions of lives dependant on every decision taken by him. Subbu had one thing back then, he had love. He had Ishita. Ishita that was now married to RKB. And she was happy. It was evident. And maybe even in love.

Senior Mr Reddy hadn't asked about Ishita and his wife knew better than to talk about her. He had asked about her once. When his wife returned from Ishita's parents anniversary.

"Have you met Ishita?" he remembered asking his wife.

"Yes, I failed our son. I couldn't keep my promise. I failed to return her back to him," his wife had claimed as she sat on their bed and wept.

"Enough. Just answer what you're asked at. How is she?"

"She's married. She has married another man. He has his flaws but he's a good man."

"Did he know?"

That was the question Senior Mr Reddy had asked his wife that night and that was the question his son asked him at present, breaking him out of his trance.

"Did he know?"

And Senior Mr Reddy found himself repeating the same words his wife did that day.

"He did. He knew."

And in that moment he swore he felt a chord snap. He had lost his son. His son had lost himself.

Nalini grew up being the dorky one. The girl who obsessed over Pokemon and Naruto over Barbie and her adventures with Ken. Nalini had been 17 when they first launched Itazura Na Kiss and other animals with cold leads and naive girls. And that was it, Nalini had found her new addiction. If she had lived an anime it had to be Itazura na Kiss, Subbu was her Irie Naoki, she was Kotoko and their son was the male version of Kotomi. Nalini had spent her teen years watching Subbu fall in love with Ishita. She watched him fawn over a kid seven years younger than him. She had watched him protect her until she was of age. She hoped that every time she was pushed towards Subbu, he wouldn't push her away like he normally did. That he would feel something for too like she did for him. No, Nalini hadn't confessed. She went rejected through a love letter. She was rejected by observation. She knew her first love would never be hers. That he would never love her back. And if Kotoko got back up after every shun, so did she. If Naoki had decided to marry someone to protect his family business. Subbu had decided to marry Ishita because he loved her. And if Naoki kissed Kotoko and then abruptly announced their marriage so did Subbu. He had broken up with Ishita and his family came forth with a marriage proposal for her. Nalini hadn't known better. She had jumped in joy failing to see the reality behind the step. She hadn't asked what transpired between Subbu and Ishita or why they had broken. She had just said yes. And if Kotoko went on to live a fairytale, Nalini went on to live a nightmare.

Subbu hadn't loved. He would never love her. If they slept together they had sex, they never made love. They hadn't smiled together or had any memories together. He hadn't said anything or expressed opinion. He hadn't held her close or claim her as his. He was frozen in time. She hadn't realised that. Nalini had been living a delusional. She believed she had it all until she saw it crash. She never meant to go through his drawers. She never meant to look inside the cupboard. She never meant to cry. And she had never meant to shatter her own fairytale. She hadn't meant it all.

She just wanted to surprise him on their fifth anniversary. She was pregnant. She wanted him to be with her through every step with their first child. And so she had, five years into their marriage she had wandered into his cupboard. She had come across the chest. The pictures. The memories. The videos. The smiles. The diaries. And the annulment papers. The annulment papers that had been drawn one month into their marriage. The annulment papers that had his sign on them. The annulment papers that were now nullified. And she felt herself crush. She wasn't in a fairytale. And he was never hers. It was Ishita. It was always Ishita. Then why would he marry her?

She had seen Ishita months later. She had seen her mother-in-law taunt her. She had seen Subbu stare in shock. She had seen Ishita's mother snarl. She had heard Ishita say that she had moved on. And Nalini had noticed it. This wasn't the Ishita she had grown admiring. This was the girl that hated everyone present there. She had looked down on them. Ishita had refused to acknowledge anyone other than her family by will. Ishita had grown prettier in the last five years, if that was even possible. And Subbu had found Ishita, the fact had done nothing but fuel Nalini's insecurity.

In the days to come Nalini had known more about Ishita. That she had indeed moved on. That she had a daughter. That she was happy. And see had a great relationship with Bala. The chapter named Ishita had opened up yet again and Nalini knew nothing but that she would hold on to Subbu. It didn't matter if he didn't love. She loved him and she didn't care.

Watching Ishita from the day she walked in with that man dressed to the nines had she realised the difference. Ishita was happy. Ishita had exactly what Nalini had wanted. She had a husband who loved her a family who cared. And people who loved her unconditionally. If Nalini's mother and mother-in-law warned her against everything and/or decided to rule her life, Ishita's mothers' had loved her an supported her throughout. One wouldn't tell if Ishita was Senior Mrs. Bhalla's daughter or daughter-in-law. The lady loved Ishita. Ishita had a husband and daughter who believed in her, who backed her up. Ishita had married well. Ishita had done this and Ishita had done that. And Ishita had everything every girl in the room ever wanted. Ishita always had everything everyone wanted. The pampered one. The over protected one. The loved. The naive one. It was always Ishita. And it wasn't fair. It wasn't fair at all. And so was life. And fate.

"They are better than SRK and Deepika. Look at this performance,"

"The selfies!"

"The way she blushes as the mehndi. Is that a R and I that I see? Adorable."

"The stares!"

"Eye locks, you button,"

"The playfulness,"

"The childishness,"

"Their family,"

"The Love,"

"The way they feed each other,"

"They way you notice that they're in love in just a glance,"

"The way he closes his eyes, smiles and shakes away the pain and she sits on him unknown to his predicament,"

"The way she still blushes at a peck,"

"The way he takes her hand,"

"Oh my god. The bloody set he gifts her. Just like that."

"They joy in his eyes when he sees her wear it,"

"Their conversation,"

"Baap pe gayi hai, ziddi hai,"

"Ruhi meri beti hai,"

"Jitna mein tumhe ulajta hoon, utni meri mohabbat badhti jati hai,"

The last line had everyone in fits ki squeals.

"Bhaiya, jeeju aa gaya. Come on change it to something else,"

And just like that every one changed the player to a random movie which turned out to be 'Two States' and on cue Raman entered the premises. Five black Mercedes-Benz all in line. Raman exited from one of them, followed by several men in perfectly pressed suits, not a crease in sight. Dressed in a custom tailored grey three piece suit, Crockett and Jones leather lace ups, a branded watch gracing his arm, his hair gelled into perfection and a pair of glares shielding his eyes Raman walked in surrounded by several important looking men. He scanned through papers as he paid attention to the people speaking to him often cutting them off to add his thoughts.

He gave them a final nod as they stood in place to watch him walk away. He walked away now only followed by a part of his secretariat and personal secretaries. The group of people watching a goofy version of him had their jaws open watching him now. Ignoring them RKB turned towards Mihir.

"I believe you have people waiting over there to brief you on the final proceedings of the takeover of Isark and Corp. You know, the Manhattan based founding law firm we've been trying to acquire. Now if you're done mingling with you in-laws, I suggest you head over there and get yourself updated."

Mihir gave his bhai a wide grin as he engulfed him into a hug while his bhai grinned and pat him on his back twice as Raman whispered, "Your hardwork is paying off, now go complete what you started,"

"Amma, what's the film your daughter and her daughter decided to torture me with this time around? Is it Frozen? Or Brave? Or something equally annoying? Don't tell me it's Monster Inc or Monster University. The first one was traumatising. Being compared to a huge blue and purple toy. Trust your daughter to find ways of perfect torture,"

"Raman, it was Chennai Express that Ishita wanted to watch. And Ruhi, Frozen or Monster Inc. If you purchase the DVD of Monster Inc, you can be 'Ruhi's super papa' and purchase the sequel to it too."

"The horror. I think I'll go for Chennai Express. That's a bad idea. Let's go for Monster Inc" he mumbled.

"What she said, and get hold of the merchandise for the cartoons. Get a copy of Enchanted. And I'll message you a list of equally traumatising films to get. And take note of whatever is mentioned," he continued turning over to his personal secretaries.

"Bala?"

"I'm fine,"

"You sure? These roads are blocked. A supposed diplomat is paying a visit, you won't be able to get out to get anything,"

"I'll message you."

"Whatever suits you,"

"Mikku,"

"Jiju. Our names aren't supposed to rhyme. Now don't you giggle. You know my list."

"Gundi, you're the junior Jungli Billi, the untamed one. The usual?"

"I know. Mihir and I are going to have so much fun," Mihika faked enthusiasm as she stressed on the word 'so'.

"Vandita,"

"Nothing.. I haven't thought of anything. She isn't craving and so aren't I... at the moment"

"Whatever suits you," he chuckled.

"Amma, Appa?"

His in-laws just shook the head in negative as they broke into a smile.

"Has Ishita eaten?"

"She hadn't come down in ages, neither has Ruhi,"

"That woman is going to be the death of me," fumed Raman at his wife's carelessness. He turned towards his staff telling them to place an order for the usual. He gave them a confirming nod and then turned towards those present there. Giving them an acknowledging nod he walked off and up the stairwell.

Raman Kumar Bhalla was greeted by a sight to behold. On the kind sized bed in his wife's room lay his wife. Their daughter safely cocooned in her arms. The four and half year old had locked her arms around Ishita neck. Ishita in turn had held her closer. Often moving in her sleep to make sure that the kid was still in her arms. Raman Kumar Bhalla locked the door as carefully as he could. He almost kicked off his shoes, as silent as a cat who enters a well lit kitchen at the break of dawn. He disposed of his blazer and tip toed towards the bed. Making a careless effort to get on to he stood here for quite a while in plain trance admiring the beauty in the picture. Finally getting onto the bed he rested his head on an arm as he admired his wife and daughter, thanking the universe for gifting him with such precious gifts. He pondered over the fact on how a man as destute as he was when it came to love or any other emotional other than anger and hate was bestowed with these two beauties who showered him with everything but hate and anger. They loved him unconditionally and reminded him of the fact time and again. They held onto him with care, love, trust and every other a man as lucky enough as him would be honored to have. And somewhere as he lost himself in memories and thoughts Raman Kumar Bhalla lost himself in the land on dreams. Dreams where Ishita was his wife in every sense, where she loved him. Dreams which were a replay of the life he lived now, the life with his Jhansi ki Rani and mini Ishita. And he held Ishita closer as their daughter was sandwiched between them, far too comfortable to protest. Ishita placed an arm on his shoulder, and the other around his daughter.

Raman Kumar Bhalla was betting perfection for utter perfection. He was going to make Ishita his. He would rid her of her insecurities, and fill her with love. And nothing could stop. Universe was witness to the fact that nothing could stop Raman Kumar Bhalla from achieving what he wanted to. And now Raman Kumar Bhalla wanted his wife's love. The romantic love. The one that he had started feeling for her. He would take a chance. She would return his feelings and she wouldn't. It could be either. And he would accept that. As for him, nothing would change, he would love her for now and for ever. Always and forever. Raman. Ishita. Ruhi. They needed no one else. The perfect family. His family. Her family. Their family.