Hello everyone I am back as promised 😃
I am impressed. 100 pages crossed already! God u guys really rock! ⭐️
I would like to thank all my readers in showering so much love to this SS.
When I decided to write about it, I was very unsure. I thought I would start and may be after4-5 chapters, I would give it a closure coz I honestly had no faith in myself to write a lengthy fiction. But here I am going on and on with my saga all because of you people out there.
Your amazing resolves and encouragement made the story what it is now. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🤗
Now coming to this update, the quote will definitely give you an idea what to expect! 😳😆 Well if you ask me I will say don't expect anything😆
There are times when I read my work and tell myself that I am a nut case and this is how I am feeling. I am afraid I took the gutsy liberty to sideline the storyline a bit for some entertainment and I hope you wouldn't mind it. And if ever you do, your love for me will make you all overlook it😳
So here you go...
P.S: Don't forget to LIKE if you like and of course to leave a comment.😳
Next update...well...lets c😉😆
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Chapter 14:
"Families are like fudge...with lots of NUTS!"
Ishita had never been that tensed in all her life and she stood in front of the Bhalla house twisting and squeezing her fingers.
What would she say to her parents? What were they thinking in the first place? And Toshi Bhalla, Raman's mother...Ishita had no clue how to approach her. The lady hadn't liked her much because Ruhi would spend too much time with her and now?
She was going to be her son's wife...A blush crept to Ishita's cheeks. Raman's wife! Dreams did come true, didn't they?
"Kya soch rahi ho Madrassan?" He snapped his fingers to get her attention and asked with amusement.
"I am thinking about how to deal with you Punjus! Won't your mom eat me raw inside?" Ishita said making Raman chuckled.
"We are non-vegetarians not canibals." He smirked, squeezing her to him.
"Joke tha?" She grimaced back.
"Abhi Abhi 'I love you' bola hain, at least wait for a day before you start fighting with me"
"I love you aap ne bola hain, mein nahin!"
Before they could start their bickering, the front door was opened and Raman and Ishita found themselves in front of Mr Bhalla.
"I was coming to see what you two were up to,"Mr Bhalla said in a serious tone and then pulled Raman to him."You said one hour. Was my daughter in law tough to woo?"
The two men shared a conspiratorial smile and they entered the living room.
Standing in front of the family, Ishita was feeling acutely conscious and embarrassed. Alarm bells started ringing in her ears because of the pronounced silence in the room...especially with Mrs Bhalla standing there mutely. A rare sight indeed!
Was it the calm just before a storm? Ishita couldn't stop herself from wondering. I hope Raavan Kumar is well equipped to save us. She prayed inwardly.
Raman was also a nervous wreck though he was trying not to show it. The look that Mrs Iyer was giving him was not very encouraging. Only Mr Iyer looked cool and ready to converse civilly. Would someone bother to start the conversation? He wanted to shout. What had happened to the lecture queen by the way? One look at his Jhansi ki Rani, Raman felt like laughing. She was looking more like a "bheegi billi"! Finally it was Mr Bhalla who saved the situation once again...by trying to break the ice...well he tried...though the cold persisted in the living room.
- Tum donon aisse hi chup baithe the wahan? Is that why it took you so long or...were you busy doing something else?
He laughed but the others didn't seem to find it worthy to screw their face.
"We thought you two have something to tell us." My Iyer finally spoke up. Taking in a deep breath, Raman finally uttered, "Ishita and I want to get married. And we need your blessings."
"Is that true Ishu?" Mrs Iyer asked in a firm tone. Ishita only nodded but then said in a small voice before looking down, her face all flushed,"Yes Amma, it is true."
"I am disappointed with you Ishu. Why was the need for you to hide it from us if you liked
Raman? Why didn't you tell us that you knew each other?" Mrs Iyer was not pleased and it showed on her face.
"I am sorry Amma. I was not so sure...I needed time...I..."
Sensing her discomfort, Raman immediately butt in. "Mrs Iyer, I can assure you that Ishita had no intention to hide it from you. We just wanted to be sure of what we were doing. We both had a very painful past and this time we didn't want things to go wrong."
Raman walked towards Ishita's parents and looked at them, straight in their eyes."Ishita is perfect for me and for my Ruhi. I love your daughter and I promise to keep her happy."
"My daughter is a sensible girl and I trust her and her choice. You must be really special." Mr Iyer said, patting Raman's shoulder.
The old man was a proud father though a bit sentimental, Raman thought. He too would feel the same if his Ruhi decided to marry...
"Yes! My Ishu knows what she is doing but I have a problem."
Uh oh! Raman was brought back to reality by Mrs Iyer's high baritone and strong South Indian accent. Taming this old and experienced tigress...err...Raman behave yourself, you are talking about your would-be-mother in law...winning the heart of this old lady wouldn't be an easy task.
"Firstly I refuse that my son in law call us Mr and Mrs Iyer. It is Amma and Appa for you Raman just like it is for Bala, our elder son in law. And secondly I want to finalize certain things about how the wedding rituals will take place."
The two lovebirds exchanged a nervous look. They knew what was coming. Toshi Bhalla's 'maun vrat' came to an end abruptly as expected.
"Not so fast Madrassan! What do you mean by YOU want to finalize the wedding rituals? WE WILL FINALIZE. For your kind information, we are from the boys side. Your daughter is coming to our house. She will live with us so things will be done as per our customs and traditions. We will have a fat Punjabi wedding , that is lavishly and with style!"
"No no no! We are Tamil Brahmins and..."
"I think that we can discuss these things tomorrow when we are in better disposition. It is late and everybody must be tired."
"Very good idea."
The two proactive fathers expertly put a halt to the discussion while Raman and Ishita looked at each other with relief. The two families dispersed with the promise to meet the next day...for more torture.
Once alone with his son, Mr Bhalla asked Raman," so did my trick work?"
Are you serious papa? Raman wanted to ask his father but chose to nod instead. He was thoroughly amused when his father patted his shoulder and said proudly," Do you think it was easy to woo your mother? Your father was a wizard when it came to words and for that matter girls would swoon around me like bees would around a flower."
Raman looked on as the old man walked towards his room and rolled his eyes. It was his father who had proposed that Raman asked for Ishita's hand from her parents first. It was a good step but how to woo Ishita back was a challenge and there again Mr Bhalla was ready to help.
***flashback***
"Don't worry puttar! You are Om Prakash Bhalla's son. Let the expert guide you through this! Don't forget Mein ek nahin balke char char bachon ke baap houn."
Raman sat and listened to his father's tips with a horrified expression. His old man seemed to be in action replay mode, miles away...back to vintage Bollywood.
"The youths nowadays simply do not know how to woo a woman. In my times we would give a small animal and flowers as gift..."
Why the hell should I give her an animal? I would rather be the one with whom she cuddles and plays. Raman thought cheekily.
"But papa. She already has Muttu swami."
"Puttar, I am just giving you an example of how things have changed now. Now see, long ago a love story was incomplete without love letters. Write her a letter. Pour in what's in your heart and tell her how much you love her."
Love letter and to Jhansi ki Rani! She would tear it before even reading it.
"Don't forget to add how beautiful she is and how mesmerized you are by her beauty."
Haha! Mesmerizing beauty and that moti? Yes she was cute and pretty but mesmerizing beauty? That was way too farfetched! Raman chuckled inwardly.
"Tell her how life would be worthless without her..."
She would readily give me poison to drink to finish that worthless life off!
An overzealous helpful Mr Bhalla was going on and on and it was with much difficulty that Raman had managed to make him hold his horses.'You better run away from here Raman before your father turned you into Rajendra Kumar while another Raj kapoor took your Jhansi ki Rani away under your nose.' Raman had told himself and he had gone to woo his woman back, guided by his heart.
***
Raman climbed the stairs to his bedroom with a smile lingering on his lips. Listening to his heart had been the best decision he had ever made.
The next morning...in Ishita's bedroom...
"I can't believe this Akka! I tell you everything and you never ever mentioned Raman Bhalla to me!"
"Ishu why didn't you tell me that you liked him when I came with Siddhart's proposal? You know we would be happy for you! Seriously you hurt me!"
"Akka I am sorry. Like I said I wanted to be sure..."
"Do you love him?"
"I do Akka."
"He is a Punjabi and so different lifestyles. Do you think you will manage?" The protective elder sister in her compelling Vandita to ask that question.
"I know Akka. We are different yet we do have many things in common."
Vandu hugged her younger sister and wished her loads of happiness.
"Ok ok! Ab bas kar Vandu Akka! She will be fine. Punjabi dudes are cool..."
"Accha! Tujhe bahut experience hain Punjabi dudes ke saat! What's going on between you and that Mihir Arora han? Do you want me to call chitti and get you parceled to Chennai?
Mihika's cheeks turned red while Ishita laughed at her expense.
" I can't believe that my two sisters have lost their heart to these short Punjabi men! Look at my Bala! Tall, fair and so handsome.
"Akka please! Raman is not that short. And then don't mind Han, he is hotter than jeeju!
"Blasphemy!"
The three sisters lifted their head towards the door.
"I can't believe that my saali, my adhi ghar waali would ever say such thing but she had...I am heart broken!"
"Sab ke sab nautanki hain iss family mein!" Ishita exclaimed and they all burst out laughing.
Bala hugged Ishita before leaving with Vandita. "That hot short Punjabi better keeps you happy or else he would have to deal with me."
As soon as they had disappeared, Mihika was back with her interrogation.
"Tell me all NOW Akka!"
"Was it love at first sight?"She asked and Ishita laughed aloud. "It was rather mutual dislike at first sight Mihika!"
"How did he propose? Did he kneel down like my Buddhu Ram and asked for your hand?" An excited Mihika was all ears to hear Ishita's reply.
"Well he locked me in the room and asked me to marry him or else he won't let me go out!"
Mihika was now not amused."What is this Akka? Mujhe buddhu bana rahi ho? I saw the way he looks at you. I am sure he kissed you senseless and you melted and said yes. Don't fool me ok!"
Ishita blushed and shook her head. This Miss Marple would not leave her so easily.
Same time...in Raman's bedroom...
Raman had just woke up and was looking at himself in the mirror with a goofy smile when Mihir barged in.
"BHAI! Devika just told me! Is that true?"
Raman only glanced at him and walked to his closet without a word. Simmi had just been there minutes before and he literally had to push her out of his bedroom. Her sister was another nutcase and her imagination was way too fertile. Kitna sixer maara? Who clean bowled the other first you or your Madrassan?... "Aa gaya ek aur bheja khaane waala." He thought inwardly
"BHAI! Tell me! Is that true you and Mihika's Akka?" Mihir was still flummoxed by the news and when Raman confirmed, he exclaimed,"oh my god! And when is the wedding?"
"I don't know Mihir. Our family will meet today. May be in two weeks."
"What? Congratulations bhai!"
He took Raman in a quick brotherly embrace."Bhai! I am so happy for you. Now what about me?"
"Kya what about you?"
"Bhai, me and Mihika. You know about us. Can't you fix our wedding too. We can have a double celebration?"
"Kya?"
Raman was shocked. He would not want to go through the same torture again. How could he tell Mihir how freaked out and what a hard time he had had in Mrs Iyer...err...Amma's hands. He wouldn't want to experience that again...
"Good evening Mr and Mrs Iyer!" He had started with a calm voice while he was just a bundle of nerves inside. "My father must have told you about the reason..."
"Mr Bhalla did his duty as a father. YOU tell us why are we here?" The lady had asked without beating around the bush.
Raman's ears had turned red and he had tried not to stammer. "I...I like your daughter. I want to marry her."
There had been a pin drop silence in the room.
"We need some more time to consider your proposal. This is not a joke. I am not giving away my daughter to somebody we don't know well enough..."
"Mrs Iyer! Ishita and I know each other for quite a long time. She likes me too. She was upset with me and came back to Delhi..."
"You mean to say that you are upsetting my daughter even before marriage? What will happen later? I don't want to see my daughter at my doorstep every time you upset her. You seem to be quite temperamental."
Huh! Raman felt like he was being "court-martialled" for loving a Madrassan!
"Mrs Iyer, I can assure you that was just a misunderstanding. I like your daughter. She will be the perfect wife for me and perfect mother for my daughter."
"I know that my daughter is perfect but are you perfect for her? I want to make sure that she will be well treated and with respect. I wouldn't want people in this house to call her stepmother..."
She was glaring at Raman's mother and Raman had started panicking.
What if these two start their fight and things went from sour to completely bitter? All his plans would go down the drain. Raman was still debating what to do but...
Fortunately his father had butt in before his mother had blown up and he had reassured Mrs Iyer that Ishita would be loved and respected in his family.
"Mrs Iyer, we are one loud but fiercely protective family and Ishita would be more a daughter than a bahu for us. We love our daughters. They are the apples of our eyes."
Finally the Iyers had accepted to give their permission but only if Ishita was happy...
"Bhai! What are you thinking? Will you talk about..." Mihir's voice brought him back to the present.
"Mihir beta that wouldn't be called double celebration believe me! The Iyers won't be thrilled to know about you and Mihika."
"Kyun Bhai? If they can accept you, why can't they accept ME, another Punjabi? Kya kami hain mujh mein."
"We lack nothing beta. But these uptight madrassis think highly of themselves and their daughters. Give them time to ABSORB me first."
"For how long Bhai?"
"Kya? Mujhe absorb karne mein", Raman asked with a chuckle, annoying Mihir,"Obviously meri Shaadi ke baad!"
"But this is not fair Bhai! I've known Mihiku more than you have known Ishita bhabhi. If somebody should get married first then it should be us."
"Then go and tell her family. What are you waiting for? Pyar kiya toh darna kya is what I heard..."
"Bhai! This is not fair. You promised to help me out.
"I will. I promise. Now can I get some privacy. I've been dying to go to the loo."
Mihir finally went out leaving Raman alone. Time to send a message to the uptight dentist. He muttered with a smile.
Beep!
It was Raman and Ishita looked at Mihika with a shy smile.
"Ok I got it! I am going?" The latter exclaimed and immediately left the room.
- Hi!
- What took you so long to reply back?
- Mihika was here. She just left.
- Good! At what time are we meeting today?
- Are we meeting today? Why?
- Arrey! You are my fianc. I don't need a reason to meet you. Besides you owe me something.
-What is it?
- You haven't say the three golden words to me yet.
- Shaadi ke baat!
- Wrong answer darling. You will say it today. I am coming to pick you up. At what time are you done with your daat ukhaarne ka business?"
-I'll text you once I am done.
- Ok! But don't make me wait.
When Ishita reached her clinic she was pleasantly surprised to see a huge bouquet of red roses waiting for her on her office desk with a note - to my not-so-pretty uptight dentist from her hot and handsome CEO.
Ishita chuckled and then reminded herself that she had to make sure that the conceited CEO take back his words soon.
Sitting in his cabin, Raman was looking forward to his first meeting with Ishita, their first official meeting in a way, after he had proposed to her. How would they behave he wondered. They had always been fighting as far as he remembered...would that change? The possibility was nearly null, he realized but one thing was sure. He would not have to look for excuses to kiss her. He smiled naughtily.
Aaah...He loved kissing her, having her plump lips under his, experiencing that kick when he found her responding and moaning against his mouth...
The next instant Raman found his body reacting instantly and suddenly his perfectly fit and tailor made trousers became uncomfortable. Control Raman! Stop behaving like a sexually frustrated teenager. Behave like a man...err...a gentleman. He lectured himself sternly and he immediately opened a file in search of a distraction...he surely wouldn't want to be caught with a bulging trousers by the omnipresent Mihir. Just then his mobile phone started ringing.
Ishita! Talking about the nymph...Raman beta no way you are leaving this office without embarrassing yourself!
He was too excited today. But once he picked the phone, he got the cold shower he needed.
"Thank you Ishita. Count on you to...burst my bubble."
"I am sorry Raman. I will talk to you in the evening ok?"
"Is that how we will spend time together now? On the phone?"
He hanged up, his mood completely ruined, only good thing, his trousers were no longer troubling him.
Ishita had just called to cancel their rendezvous. She was leaving earlier because Amma wanted her home regarding their wedding preparations and had dared cut his call by calling him difficult and uncooperative when he was not pleased by that change of plan.
Pacing the length and breadth of his room, Raman Kumar Bhalla was an enraged man! He had thought that they would be married within two weeks but it would be after one month as per the MAHURATAM!
To console him, he had been informed that the two mothers had accepted to share the customs and traditions. They would neither miss any Punjabi rituals nor Tamil customs...as if that was my major preoccupation, Raman muttered under his breath.
But there was one problem.
There was always a 'but' when it came to their families, Raman blabbered with annoyance.
Mrs Iyer...AMMA...again had a problem as Raman had expected. She wouldn't want the bride and bridegroom to meet too often. It was against the custom and traditions!
And Amma's daughter seemed to have no problem about it! 'Stop whining Raman!' She had said.
What an annoying woman was that Jhansi ki Rani! Bilkul apni maa pe gayi hain! In fact she is worse. Boring and a frozen turkey.
Raman was now really very frustrated! Muttering profanities from now and then while pacing the room, he couldn't stop blabbering to himself all the time.
Here I am thinking of her with a hard on...oh hell...What nonsense am I talking and thinking? Stop behaving like a horny teen! If she is agreeable to all stupid conditions by her Amma, then why should it matter to me? No way am I going to show her my despair and desperation. Yes! I did the right thing hanging up on her and not attending her call...
Beep! Her name flashed on his mobile screen. Sulking, he read the text message and smirked."Hmmm aa gayi oouth pahaar ke neeche! Jhansi ki Rani wants to meet me NOW!"
He closed the main door behind him and walked away on his toes. He ran down the stairs, walked some feet more, looked around if there were people around and satisfied, opened the door of the storeroom.
Seconds after, he could hear footsteps and knew that it was her. As soon as the door opened, Raman's anger and annoyance flew out of it.
She was wearing a beautiful night blue kurti with white embroidery and she had her face devoid of all make up with a natural blush adoring her two adorable cheeks. Her lips were bare and cherry-like, ready to be savored by him.
You have lost it officially Raman Kumar Bhalla. He heard his logical self reprimanding him but he was way too lost in her to get back on track. Walking towards her in slow feline movements, he trapped her between himself and the door as he bolted it properly.
"Raman!" She whispered."What are you doing?"
Raman's eyes were on her lips, scrutinizing their movements and Ishita found herself blushing profusely."You want to get us in trouble?" She asked, their faces only inches away.
"You ask me to come here and..."
"Huh! What are you saying? YOU asked me to come here!"
"On please drama queen! I was angry with you and YOU called me here. See!"
He showed her the texto she had sent - Meet me in our secret place. I am waiting for you there.
"I never sent you any message. YOU sent me this. Raman blinked his eyes and read - Come and meet me in our secret adda under the stairs. Now.
Perplexed, the two looked at each other, trying to figure out who played a prank on them when they heard some stiffed laughters behind the door.
"Akka! Bhai! Are you there?"
More stifled laughters and chuckles...
Mihika and Mihir!
"We know you are here! In your secret love addaa! How original! The society's store room!" Mihir exclaimed.
"Are you coming out or should we call Amma and the others?" Mihika said, giggling like crazy.
Ishita started to panic. She would be in big trouble if her mother found out that she had come to meet Raman at night. Raman in the other hand was still imprisoning Ishita between him and the door and he looked the least concerned about the commotion these two were creating outside.
"Raman, open the door," Ishita whispered to him.
"Mihir you better stop this stunt right now if you don't want to end up a bachelor all your life. Take your nautanki girlfriend along with you and get going before I open this door and screw your face."
"Hawww! Raman what are you saying?," Ishita muttered under her breath.
"Ssshhh," Raman silenced her with his index on her lips.
1...2...3...4...
Seconds later, when Raman peeped outside, Mihir and Mihika were nowhere around. He again bolted the door. "They are gone."
"Then why are you closing the door? Let's go!"
Closing in and pulling her to him, Raman hissed," we have some unfinished business to..."
"Raman...please..."
"No way I am letting go of you. Don't you have something to tell me Miss Ishita Vishwanathan Iyer?"
Ishita blushed and turned away.
"Fine. We have all the night!"
Raman tugged her towards him until his nose was only inches away from hers.
"Do you know what I have been thinking all day?" He leaned into her and whispered, his breaths hot on her lips, "I want to kiss you so badly right now Ishita. I can steal it from you anytime but...", he leaned further into her to press his lower body to hers so that she could feel what she was doing to him. " I won't. Not before I hear what I want."
Ishita's pulse was now quickening and she closed her eyes only to snap them open immediately when she felt him moving away from her.
"No!" Instinctively she pulled him again to her by two handfuls of shirt...
His arms which were sheathed around her waist gathered her closer.
"I love you Raman."
His mouth descending on hers, hungry, demanding...his lips moved across hers as he pressed his body harder against her. He heard himself groaning in pleasure when his tongue tangled with hers. Ishita let out a loud gasp as he let his weight pressed into her as he pressed her against the door. She moaned his name against his lips as she broke for air.
Their mouths paused and when Raman looked into her eyes, he could see the same desire for him in there.
Breathless, he pressed his forehead to hers and closed his eyes, realizing the intensity he loved her. His sanity and pride were now long gone. Cupping her face in his hands, he bore his hooded eyes in hers.
"You better leave before I forget that we are in a dusty storeroom and we have one whole month before all hell can break loose."
Ishita laughed and slid her fingers along the back of his neck, drawing him closer to her.
"This is why I am never afraid to meet you anywhere. I know I am always safe with you." She leaned closer and pecked his lips and whispered," I love you Raman Kumar Bhalla."
Without waiting for an answer, she unbolted the door and ran away leaving the once upon a time Raavan Kumar completely and utterly hook, line and sinker.
To be continued...😳
Edited by omshreejaanu - 10 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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