C H A P T E R 4 I W I L L B E W A I T I N G - K A B H I J O B A D A L B A R S E
"Aaj jiju aur akka ki anniversary hai. Ten years, Akka. With my favourite man. I am so jealous." Ishita pouted as she faced the camera.
Dressed in a black velvet blouse that choli that ended right below her beasts, covering them aptly with intricate embroidery above her above her rib cage, and a blood red lehenga with a black velvet border and similar embroidery designs above the border accompanied by a white embroidery with a thick orange border, showing off her hour glass figure Ishita looked no less than a Vogue cover girl.
"Abbe, camera mein ghussna band karo and meri bhi madad karo. Apni shakal se kiska katl karne pe tuli hui ho kya?"
Ishita turned away from the camera and gave Raman her perfected glare, perfected and reserved for him all thanks to him muttering a "Jeeju, ye apka kachcha aap pakne ka naam hi nahi leta."
"Abey yaar, yeh gutur gutur kya laga hai. Jo bolna na hai saaf saaf bolo na. Ya phir mat hi bolo."
"Kyun, apne sab ke mooh chalane ka vachan liya hai?"
"Nahi, voh toh apne lia hai na, sabke mooh ke jagah apne chalane ka."
"Haaw. Ravan Kumar."
"Haaw, Ravan Kumar." Raman repeated. "Yeh, 'haaw' ka chakkar kya hai? Maa-beti ka gang ab words be synchronise karne lage. Kabhi Ruhi haaw kehke woh chote chote aake karti toh kabhi yeh Madrasan."
"Yeh, kursi pe baithe gurne ka chakkar kya hai. Dono baap-beti ek hi kursi be baitha kar ek saath gurte rehte hai."
"Beti kiski hai."
"Beti humari toh hai." Ishita said as she passed hum a wink.
"Apne pati se khule aam flirt karte waqt sharam nahi aati, Madrasan." a smirking Raman replied to her wink with a wink of his own.
"Nahi toh, Raavan Kumar se beech bazar phasi jo chadi hoon. Mein teri kuri aur tu mera banda phasi ka." Ishita placed an arm on her husbands shoulder with a smirk of her own.
"Paaapppaaa."
"Maa-beti ka la jawab timing hai." muttered Raman only to receive a light playful slap on his abdomen from his wife.
"Haan beta!" They replied simultaneously.
"Shravan ke bacche se kehna ki aaj mein uske papa ko baksh de rahi hoon, kyunki aaj uski anniversary hai na."
"Ruhi, language baba."
"Ishita maine tumse kaha tha ki uss tingu se isse itna zyada mat milana, meri cute se beti ko gundi bana raka hai. Ab aise lagta hai ki yeh kissi gali ke gundo wali film se bahar nikli hai. Tingu, saala."
"Raman, language."
"Raman language, papa."
"Bala ko kya, ye maa beti ka gang hamesha mujhpe toot padta hai."
"Ru baby. Raavan. Ground rules. Shravu ki dadi se duhr rehne ka. No shararat. No papa ke saath uski insult, voh psycho hai na. Aur meri baby to bilkul smart hai, haan, apne Papa ki tarah. Aur Ru, Shravu se jhagda to bilkul nahi. Raman app bhi. Chote bacche thodi ho ki usse tingu bulakar usse ladte rehte ho. Ru, yeh mere papa tere papa ka chakkar band karo, sirf aaj ke liye. Aur uss party mein tum dono ki koi masti nahi. Aur Mama papa ko bilkul kiss nahi karegi. Papa bad boy hai. Bad boys ko kissi nahi milti." Ishita walked away leaving the father-daughter duo to their own devices.
Raman picked Ruhi up in his arms and had the screen focused on them, "Ruh, aaj tum papa ki pari ho. Aaj apni Ishima ko bhi dikhate hai ki R^2 se panga lene ka kya matlab. Kuch bhi karna hai karo, papa apko protect karenge."
"No papa. Agar mamma gussa hui toh? Aap toh Mama ke gusse ki aadat hai. Par mein to mama ki baby hoon na."
"Toh aap usse kissi se mana lena."
"Jaise aap mujhe manate ho."
"Haan. Vaha sare ke sare Madrasan hai. Hum toh Punjabi hai na beta. Voh log toh but Mama toh apni hai. Aur Mama bhi bore ho jayegi. Ishima ko bhi Ru ka entertainment chahiye. Ek kaam karte hai, Mihika aur Mihir chachu ko bhi shamil karte hai."
"Romi chachu." Ruhi said facing the screen.
"Haan, meri Ruhi Chuhi,"
"Marwana hai kya. Mumma ko pata chalega toh humari, kya bola tha uss film mein, haan, thai thai pus."
"Apke Romi chachu apki Ishima ke category mein anne lage hai. Dimag hai ya noodles?"
"Haaw, papa. Strike. Apne phir se Mama ke batein mein bad baath ki."
"Nahi Ruhi beta, main toh bas yeh keh raha tha ki..."
The camera screen switched to Ruhi facing the camera. Ishita's angel was dressed in a similar outfit, the mini version of Ishita's outfit. She winked into the camera, pouted, followed by a series of different emotions and as the recording played and the viewer fell in love with this adorable munchkin the screen faded to leave behind a black screen.
"Yeh kya ho raha hai," Bala interrupted Ishita and her paati, "Oh. Videos dekhe ja rahe hai, mujhe bhi dekhne hai. Aur paati chalo kuch kha lete hai, otherwise you will fall sick. [Oh, so you'll are watching videos. Grandma, let's go grab a snack or you will fall ill.]" He said as he took Paati to the main room, followed by Ishita. "Chalo Ishu, show us videos. Suna hai you have so many, thanks to Ruhi and her elves. Ek baath to hai, your daughter is amazing. Baap jaisi zidd karne wali and apne Ishima jaise total innocent. Hum bhi dekhe mere bete se panga lene wali kis takkar ki hai. [Come on, Ishu. Show us the videos. I've heard that you've been handed so many thanks to Ruhi and her elves, you daughter is amazing. Stubborn as her father and as innocent as her mother. Let me also take a look at my son's opponent and the stuff she is capable of.] "
"Jeeju," Ishita whispered.
"Arreh. Yaha toh koi nahi hai. No aunties and elders. Just us youngsters. Come on."
"Jeeju, Akka ko tang mat karo. Aise batao aap bhi Ishita ji ke jaise bade chuppa ustam nikle. Apne tenth anniversary pe kisiko bulana hi nahi. [Brother-in-law, don't trouble our sister. You turned out to be just like her, secretive. You didn't even invite us for your tenth anniversary.]" Vandita's cousin inquired, pretending to be totally annoyed at not being called for the function.
"Video toh laya hoon na. Vaise. Vaha par aap Ishita akka ke husband ko dekh be sakte hai, and then usko ched ne ka full ticket hai mere pass. Toh batao, maan jate ho ya mein andar jaakar fresh ho jaun? Ball apke ke court mein hai. [Well, I have a video if it helps. And you can see Ishita's husband there too and you can tease her non stop after than. So, am I forgiven or should I go inside and freshen up? The ball is in your court.]"
"Chalo, maan hi lete hai. Yaha par function mein nahi bulaya and muje jiju ko dekhne ka poora shauk hai. Play karo. Pen drve mujhe de do. [Okay. You are forgiven. Even if you didn't invite us to the function but we are totally excited to have a glimpse of our new brother-in-law. Play the video. pass me the pen drive.]"
"Main aata hoon, tum jao. Projector kaha hai? [I am coming with you, you can leave. Where is the projector?]"
"Vaha pe. [There.]"
"Tum sabko bula lena. Elders ko nahi, except Paati. [Call everyone except the elders with the exception being grandma.]"
"Elders toh ghar pe nahi hai. Nitya bhabhi ke ghar pe gaye hue hai, they'll come back soon. Jaldi. [The elders aren't at home. They have gone to visit the bride's house, they'll be back soon. Quick.]"
Ishita stood there wide eyed. She decided to go inside and change and get dressed to welcome Nitya's family members instead of waiting here and subjecting herself to all the teasing.
Suno Ik Thi Kaanch Ki Gudiya [Listen, there was once a doll made of glass] Suno Ik Thi Pyaar Ki Pudiya [Listen, there was once a love story] Sadke, Uss Pyaar Ke [Bowing down to that love] Suno Ik Tha Pind Da Shera [Listen, there was once a brave young man (Shera literally translates to Lion) From Pind (Village in Punjab State)] Aaya Kas Ke Baandh Woh Sehra [And he came putting a Sehra (A head-dress worn by the groom before his wedding) On top of his head tightly] Sadke, Uss Yaar Ke [Bowing down to that love] The darkened room lightened up, the spotlight on Raman. As the spotlight shone brighter Raman felt his life "truths" come alive. As the instrumental played and rest of the dancers entered the stage, Raman felt like he could relate a bit more to his marriage. Marriages were meant to be bind people to be one with their families supporting them n the background just like the dancers supported his dance. His marriage to Ishita did have a one - their daughter. Their only daughter. When daylight faded away and the nightfall came signalling Raman that he should head back home, Raman's mind had taken the liberty to allot that time as his pondering-over-his-relationship-with-his-wife-time. So on the drive back home, whether he drove himself or was driven by one of his drivers Raman thought of Ishita. The naive woman who had married a monster unable to love just for his daughter. A naive woman, indeed.
Suno Ik Thi Kaanch Ki Gudiya [Listen, there was once a doll made of glass] Raman held his wife in his arms.
A naive woman who stood by and for him through thick and thin despite knowing the fact that he could never love her. He couldn't possibly give her the love that she craved for. He wouldn't stand by her doorstep with bouquets of flowers. All he could ever give her was Ruhi and he knew that it wasn't enough to keep their marriage going. Years would pass, their daughter would grow up. She would have her own issues to deal with, their daily issues would start affecting her. She would grow up and understand the fact that her parents did not love each other. She would understand that they chose to be together to keep her with them. What would his daughter do then? How would Ishita and he live together as mere companions? Ruhi would grow up and Ishita would probably find someone to open her heart to again, his innocent Madrasan. He didn't want either. Ruhi growing up was inevitable but he did not want his Madrasan to get away from him.
Suno Ik Thi Pyaar Ki Pudiya [Listen, there was once a love story]Sadke, Uss Pyaar Ke [Bowing down to that love] He smiled as he stood behind her, he traced his way down her arms to her wrists and held her them.
If only he could hold her in his arms forever. Without love and all that bull shit. They had all the passion that they needed in their relationship without the love factor. Why were those three words so important? What great did they do other than give false reassurance that they person they were said to felt the same for you. He told Shagun that he loved every moment that he could and she said those words to him, and look where they were now. Ishita was no Shagun, they were different. Poles apart. But they had three things in common that mattered - the first was the woman he was physically attracted to and the second the one he wanted to be his forever, the common factor that they were women. They second was the fact that they were the mothers to his kids - Adotya and Ruhi. The final fact that they were both his wives, his past and his present and he was unable to let go of the past due to his son and was too insecure to start on his present in the fear that he would be unfair to her.
Suno Ik Tha Pind Da Shera [Listen, there was once a brave young man from Pind] He pulled her into his arms. How perfectly did she fit there.
Ishita and he shared a companionship. They were no longer enemies. They were friends, best friends. They understood each other. They knew where their lines were crossed and they knew not to cross them. Other than the occasional display of affection in public during situations that demanded for the same and the flirting and fulfilling the demands by their daughter - their physical proximity ended there. Raman refrained due to the amount of cold showers he had to take to calm himself and the number wasn't healthy.
Aaya Kas Ke Baandh Woh Sehra [And he came putting a Sehra on top of his head tightly] They moved to the right and then to the left, moving their bodies as the end of each step taken in the certain direction - his eyes locked with hers.
Sadke, Uss Yaar Ke [Bowing down to that love] She moved away from him, whilst still holding his hand.
Saji Thi Doli Woh [The wedding palanquin was decorated] He pulled her back. He liked her in his arms. He liked the way she fit there perfectly and comfortably as if they were made just to hold her.
Chadha Tha Ghodi Voh [He had climbed on the top of the horse] He turned her around so she could face him.
Khoya Jaane Kahan Inna Sona Pyaar Baliye [Where did such beautiful love disappear, sweetheart] She moved her face to his. Their lips stood mere millimeters apart when she pushed his away and went her way. Shaking her head as she smiled to herself.
This was their relationship. The teasing and being teased in public while he had the urge to take it a step forward, always. - with no regrets or care for what would happen next. But they were Ruhi's parents before anything and when it came to such situations he walked on a tight rope around her.
Jogi Mahi, Heer Raanjhana [Jogi and Mahi, Heer and Raanjhana (They both are historic couples in Indian Culture, similar to Romeo-Juliet)] He danced on, shaking his limbs along with the dancers that stood behind him.
Sab Nu Ja Ke Main Yeh Bolna [I'll go and tell them this story] Baat Bol Ke, Raaz Kholna [I'll say this story and open up the secret] He smiles remembering their closeness mere seconds ago.
Jogi Mahi, Heer Raanjhana [Jogi and Mahi, Heer and Raanjhana] Sab Nu Ja Ke Main Yeh Bolna [I'll go and tell them this story] Baat Bol Ke, Raaz Kholna [I'll say this story and open up the secret] Dil Thaame Hue [Keeping his heart on hold] Mihir holds Mihika's hands as he pulls her on the floor.
Woh Tha Khada, Chup Ke Se Yun [He was standing, quietly in this way] She resists the attempts and then giving up, landing into her fiance's arms.
Dur Baithe Hue [Sitting far away] Umra Gaiyaan, Jaane Na Tu [The years passed on, You don't know of that] They lock eyes.
Deewane Ne Di Jawani [The lover gave away his youth] Bala dances his way to Vandita.
Ke Har Gham Tu Bhula De [That You could forget all the sadnesses] He wraps Vandita in his arms.
Deta Hi Raha Sadayein [He kept on praying] She stays there for a second, smiles and then gently pushes him away.
Ke Dil Se Tu Bula Le [That one day You call him with Your heart] O Chhad De Ve Zid Hun [O! Stop being stubborn now] Chhaje Uttey Aaja Hun [Come onto my terrace now] Dil Tuta Janda Sun Pyaar Dulya [My heart keeps breaks, and love keeps spilling out of it] Bala dances his way to the stage.
Jogi Mahi, Heer Raanjhana [Jogi and Mahi, Heer and Raanjhana] Sab Nu Ja Ke Main Yeh Bolna [I'll go and tell them this story] Baat Bol Ke, Raaz Kholna [I'll say this story and open up the secret] Raman dances his way to Mihir and Mihika who are still lost in each others eyes. He taps on Mihika's shoulder and narrows his eyes.
Jogi Mahi, Heer Raanjhana [Jogi and Mahi, Heer and Raanjhana] Sab Nu Ja Ke Main Yeh Bolna [I'll go and tell them this story] Baat Bol Ke, Raaz Kholna [I'll say this story and open up the secret] Bala taps on Raman's shoulder. Bala, Raman, Mihir and Mihika dance.
Dholna Ve, Bolna [My dear, speak now] Jind Meri, Jind Meri, Hun Te Aaja (x2) [Come into my life now] Jadon Da Rus Gaya, Khuda Bhi Bhul Gaya [In Your being angry, I have forgotten even praying to God] Jindadi Jaandi Hai Dholna [My life is passing away so quickly, My dear] Woh, Jaane Kahan, Gum Ho Gayi, Phir Na Mili [No one knows, where she disappeared and wasn't found anywhere] Ishita wrapped her arms around Raman and looks into his eyes.
Ishita Bhalla was aware of the fact that her husband was a man of calibre. He loved unconditionally, worked whole heartedly and cared for so much that he made you believe that you loved him. He almost made her believe that he loved her, until he chose Shagun and her son over her and their daughter. Ishita knew that her husband preferred his son over his daughter no matter how much he loved her. He was after all the man who was forcefully not allowed to be a part of his son's childhood and then had volunteered to stay away from his daughter as the little soul craved for his attention.
Jo Phoolon Si Thi, Rus Hi Gayi, Phir Na Khili [The one who was like the flowers, she withered and never blossomed again] She uses her index finger and middle finger to "walk up" to Raman's face.
Ishita liked Raman as Ruhi's father. And it stayed there. She knew better than to fall in love with a man who pined for his bitch of an ex-wife. And even if she did fall in love with him, she knew better than to tell him that, she would distance herself, get over her feelings and then return. She didn't want to force Raman to choose between his ex and his present, he would choose his ex all over again. Ishita was Ruhi's mother. Nothing more, nothing less. The nokh jokhs were a breather in a relationship with a man who suffocated her with his obsession with his ex-wife and her boyfriend. It was always Shagun this and Shagun that followed by Ashok this and Ashok that.
Pyaar Maanga Tha Maine Rabb Se [I had asked for love from God] She pulls Raman towards herself.
Somewhere down the line Ishita had started expecting something more from her husband. She had even considered herself to have more importance than being just Ruhi's mother. She had started dreaming again. She had started dreaming of a future with her Kud Kud Kumar. He had earned her trust. He hand convinced her that he had left his past behind. She had thought that he was ready to move on. And so should she. Thus she too had prep talked herself into falling falling for husband is totally okay. And there he went ruining all her hard efforts with his perfectly calculated lie.
Woh Rehta Tha Yahin Pe [That was living here only] Ishita dances-moves around Raman.
Ishita's life had started revolving around her husband and their daughter when she saw him "kiss" his ex-wife, she had kept quiet, then he had started coming home angry and had found the perfect recipient for his anger - their daughter who got screamed at for no reason, she had kept quiet even when she had caught Raman and Shagun in a room in a compromising posting on their "family vacation", the final straw had been when the hotel had been burnt and Raman who had spent the whole day there with his ex came out with his ex in his arms and refused to even acknowledge her as he walked right past her, it was then what Ishita come in terms with the fact that she was nothing to Raman other than Ruhi's mother who had signed up her life for a loveless marriage. And being Ruhi's mother she had vowed to protect Ruhi from the likes of Shagun and even Raman if he asked for it.
Maangun Mein Yehi Duayein [Now I pray only this] Raman catches hold of Ishita.
A while after they had proposed a deal, that they would atleast try to be cordial with each other. If not for their sanity then for Ruhi's. Parents who were on friendly terms if not madly in love was so much better than parents who couldn't stand each other. Ishita had carefully locked away her feelings in the forbidden corner of her mind, never to be ventured in again. That was the end of her budding feelings for Raman - feelings borne with struggle and sprouted with hopes of a new love torn apart brutally. Feelings that never saw the light of the day.
Laut Aaye Woh Kahin Se [He comes back from somewhere] He places a peck her cheek while she looks at him wide eyed, processing what just happened.
Ishita had accustomed and talked herself into living the rest of her life as Ruhi's mother. She would always be Ruhi's mother. You didn't need love in your love, it was a joke made by people in search of some sense of security. Being passionately silly and in love wasn't her cup of tea anymore, she had failed twice, she would kill any feelings of romantic love before the sprouted she vowed. She had Ruhi and Ruhi was all that she needed in life, her ray of life. But it was moment like these in close proximity of her husband that she tended to forget the vows she made to herself. She would lose herself in him and their moment, and then cry out to any god out there for the harshness in her life.
O Chhad De Ve Zid Hun [O! Stop being stubborn now] She catches hold of him. Pouts.
Ishita was only human. She too desired romantic feelings, wishes that she refused to acknowledge. Why did she have to marry a man who was hot and cold? Why couldn't she get her share of happiness? Wasn't it enough that what she feared for her life came true and took away all her happiness and seven years later when she finally met the love of her life, when she had finally got her reason to love, why did she have to tie herself to such a man who didn't even bother or care about her? A man who went around being selfless a moment and heartless for the rest. A man who kept on hurting her not thinking twice about her or her feeling just because she let him go. Before a man, Raman was Ruhi's father, the nature of their relationship affected their daughter. Their darling daughter who had matured far too much for her age, the last thing Ishita wanted to do was task her daughter with mending her relationship with Raman. So she had taught herself to smile it off, to pretend that it was fine and she was happy. She cried occasionally to lift the weight off her heart when it got unbearable, she told herself that what if she didn't have a husband
who loved her, she had a family and daughter that came along with him to make up for it. So what if he loved Shagun and Ashok more, she would love Ruhi twice the amount to make up for her father being unable to treat both his families equally. So every morning she wakeup she smiled at the mirror and told herself to live for her daughter.
Chhaje Uttey Aaja Hun [Come onto my terrace now] Raman shakes his head, smiling.
Dil Tuta Janda Sun Pyaar Dulya [My heart keeps breaks, and love keeps spilling out of it] Ishita laughs, joined by Raman.
Jogi Mahi, Heer Raanjhana [Jogi and Mahi, Heer and Raanjhana] Sab Nu Ja Ke Main Yeh Bolna [I'll go and tell them this story] Baat Bol Ke, Raaz Kholna [I'll say this story and open up the secret] Mihir-Mihika, Bala-Vandita, Ishita-Raman dance as the song goes on.
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Ishita Raman Kumar Bhalla walked down the stairwell dressed in an astonishingly beautiful khaki designer embellished lehenga with white embellished applique patch work all over lehenga and through out border, paired with designer sleeveless saree blouse. Nitya, Vishwa's fiance was as old as Ishita but lived in her fantasies, the one thing the harsh realities of life had snatched away from Ishita. Nitya had demanded a Bollywood wedding and Vishwa who considered himself to be madly in love with his fiance agreed to a Bollywood - Iyer fusion wedding. The important family members and guests participating in this big fat Indian wedding were meeting up today, in a few minutes, to be precise. That meant that Ishita would be forced to meet the women who had mocked her and her family for being dumped by Subbu. The women who had spread rumors about her, had insulted her based on their half baked knowledge. Ishita reminded herself that she was a married woman now, happily married with a daughter. She had nothing to fear of. She would be strong.
"Har waqt toh mujhe lecture deto ho, uss aurat ke samne tumhare mooh pe tala padta hai kya?" A furious Raman flashed in front of her eyes.
"Mere bete se ladne ke liye news station paunch gayi thi tum, ab kya hua hai tumhe ki uss aurat ki baath sun rahi ho? Jo maa hoti hai na beta, unko jab sherni banna padta hai tab woh bhi banna padta hai beta. Tum ab maa ho beta, Ruhi ki maa."
"Woh baanj nahi hai. Baanj woh hoti hai jiske paas bacche nahi hote, uske paas main hoon na. Woh meri mumma hai, Ruhi ki mumma."
"Meri biwi ho tum."
Ishita looked away as she wiped a lone tear, she would be Ruhi's mother today. She would stand up for herself. Today, she would be her own superhero, Ishita had decided. She would make Raman and Ruhi proud. With a tight smile she walked down the stairwell and joined the greeting party.
The women looked at her and started whispering among themselves.
Ragini had just gotten off the phone. She had contacted Raman Bhalla regarding his consent and views of Ishita and Ruhi's segment before it premiered on national television. Raman had told her to review the footage herself and then contact him if she found anything wrong with it, owing to the fact she was his daughter's bestfriend's mother and that their families had grown to be family friends and she was also a part of the event that would be aired on television. With the production house and channel calling her regarding Mr. Bhalla's decision, and Nitya's pre wedding tantrum that her close friend had to accompany her to the meeting Ragini had joined the bride's family to meet the grooms.
It was God's grace and will that she caught sight of a projector, she apologised to the family and told them that she had an important video to review, they had graciously allowed her to use the projector.
"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 superheros 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 in 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 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 at 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 which 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 by 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 be 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 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."
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