Life was never so much perfect for them until they met each other. He looked towards his daughter who was sleeping peacefully clutching her father finger with her little one. He glanced at watch, it was 10:40 pm, Ishita normal time to come from kitchen but today she was little late then usual. He was about to call his dear wife but stopped hearing her voice which was coming from their bedroom door.
She finally entered in room after completing whole household chores. She was about to ask Ruhi but stopped at middle on seeing Raman actions which were indicating that their little daughter slept a while ago.
" Hey bhagwan, kitni draamebaaz hai yeh ladki. Kitna manaana pdta hain isko sulaane ke liye bhi. Sacchi tumpe gayi hain " she looked at him with surprised face. Shaking her head on his never ending antiques, she threw a cushion on him while settling near him. " Accha ji, yeh sahi hain. Jab laad ladaane ho tab Ruhi aapki beti ho jaati hain aur jab uske nakhre uthaane pade tab meri? "
He chuckled on his wife reply and lovingly stroked Ruhis head which made her sleep again. She smiled lovingly on their angel on seeing her healthy growth and upbringing. Dimming room lights, she rested her head on Raman shoulder while he covered them with comforter.
" Aaj tumhe zyadq time lag gaya na kitchen mein " he started their conversation while caressing her hairs which made her closed her eyes.
" Haan Raman, kal mummyji, simmi aur ananya aa rahe hain na , toh bas ussi ke liye preparations kar rahi thi, isliye zyada waqt lag gaya " she said lazily while yawning and stretching her hands. " Aapka aaj ka din kaise tha office mein? " she inquired further while settling herself in her husband arms.
" Bas wahi roz jaisa. Juniors ko instruct karo, boss ki farmaaishein suno, file sign karo...bas yahi aur tumhara din kaise tha aaj? " she smiled faintly on his sarcastic comment with closed eyes. She always enjoy listening his day to day chores, his experience. It was their daily routine to share their day with each other in night but things changed from the day their daughter born. slowly slowly they forgot they are husband and wife and became ruhi parents.
He was expecting her reply but for his surprise, he heard her little snores. Looking at her side, he found her in deep slumber resting her head on his shoulder. He smiled on seeing his wife tired face. Carefully settling her head on pillow, he covered her and him with comforter and started to pat her head.
" Kitna thak jaati ho na tum in sab kaamo ke beech mein Ishita. Main, Ruhi, office aur ghar...in sab mein tumhe apna khayaal hi nahi rehta hain na " placing their daughter in middle of bed, he covered them with comforter and settled himself in sleep.
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Their home was again filled with lots of chirpy noise today. She excitedly looked at drawing room from her kitchen. Toshiji and simmi was busy in playing with little Ruhi while Ananya was busy in learning new tricks from her mamu. Smiling widely on her little world, she asked them to assemble on dining table for lunch. Soon the family engrossed themselves in family lunch while Ishita started to feed little ruhi.
" Ishita puttar, ghar bada hi badla badla sa lag raha hai. Haina Simmi? "
" Haan mummyji...last time jab Ruhi ke naamkaran mein aae the tab ghar ki decorations alag thi aur ab alag hai. Kya kiya hai aap logo ne Raman bhai? "
" Ohh yeh...yeh sab Teri laadli bhabhi ki karamaat hain Simmi. Isne poora ghar Ruhi ke photo frames se bhar diya aur apni banaai hui paintings ko utaar ke side mein kar diya " Raman said with yucky tone while making faces at Ishita who was busy in her old world.
" Ishita Puttar...tune apni saari banaai hui painting kyon hataai beta? Jaanti hain Delhi wale ghar mein jo bhi aata hain, Teri banaai hui tasveero ki taareefein karta nahi thakta hain. aur yahan dekh tune sab hata diye "
" Main toh bol bol kar thak gaya Maa par yeh ziddi madrasan sune toh na "
" Stop complaining Raman!!!! " she glared her husband while handling their daughter to him. Wiping her hands with napkin, she sat beside her mother in law and said, " Aisa nahi hai mummyji but dekhiye na humari Ruhi ki tasveerein kitni sundar lag rahi hai poore ghar mein, aur yeh sab clicks aapke puttar ne hi liye the, maine toh bas inke birthday par inko gift kiya hain yeh sab " she explained her mother in law with wide smile and retired to kitchen to complete left work.
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It was a quite afternoon of their home. Everyone was retired to their respective rooms to get some sleep. Everyone was in deep slumber after eating delicious lunch by Ishita but he was wide awaken. He looked at other side where his wife and daughter were also sleeping peacefully but something was there which was making difficult for him to sleep.
Settling cushions beside Ruhi, he went towards a small store room of their home where they usually kept waste and unwanted things but who said store room only contains unwanted and waste of home, someone long forgotten dreams were also kept in their store room. He slowly unpacked a bundle of frames and started to admire them. It was a collections of marvelous paintings which won various awards in various competitions and exhibitions but now they were kept in a corner of a home. " by ms Ishita Iyyer " he caressed the signature lightly and started to admire them by sitting at balcony which was adjoining to store room.
Her art, her talent was only thing which made him fell in love with a tamilian girl. He never thought that a hardcore' Punjabi will easily fell in love with a simple and down to earth tamilian girl but things became possible because of their common interest. He sat himself on chair of their adjoining balcony. The beautiful pieces of art took him down to a memory lane when he met to a person who changed the prospectives of his life.
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~ 4 years ago ~
Raman Kumar Bhalla... a well known name among his friends and work circle. A happy and cheerful Punjabi munda by nature. He was an IIM graduate who was working in as business executive in Mumbai from past 2 years. He was favourite among his friends and office only because of his marvelous sense of humour and witty nature. His dimpled smile was enough to made girls crazy for him. Being a bachlors, his most of the time spent in office while weekends spent in friends and parties.
For friends and colleagues, he was a party going man, but he also had an another side which was always for his close friends. His love for art. Like his father, he was also a great admirer of art. Whether it is painting or music, he always praise it. It was the reason that he was associated with the groups which encouraged the young talents in these fields. He never knew that his active participation will change his life.
~ One fine evening ~
It was evening of Friday, the day for which he wait for whole week. Like every week, today he was also excited to spent his evening with his friends. He was busy in packing his stuffs but stopped hearing the buzz of his phone. He checked his Watsapp status, it was Mihir's message. Smilingly he checked his message which was informing him about new art exhibition. This reason was enough to made him delighted. Cancelling his plans for the evening, he picked his bag and drove towards his home.
" Mihir...tujhe is Art Exhibition ke baare mein kisne bataya? " he asked excitedly while roaming in gallery which were full of different shades of Art.
" Are yahan ke organizer ka message aaya tha mere paas. Woh log tumhara phone try kar rahe the par shaayad us waqt tum meeting mein the isliye mujhe bataya. Jaante ho is exhibition ki khaas baat yeh hai ki yahan mostly saare young artist ka collection display hua hai " Mihir description about the theme made him impress more and without wasting more time he started to look them keenly.
They was roaming through galleries to galleries, his eyes were searching for something soothing but nothing was there which can caught his attention in single glance. Sighting, he stopped in mid which left Mihir amazed.
" Hey abhi galleries baaki hai Raman. Tum yahan kyon ruk gaye? "
" Mihir I think hume ghar chalna chahiye. Nothing is interesting here like previous times. Chal chalte hai " he was about to go from gallery but on hearing Mihir request that only few displays were remained, he nodded and started to see remaining arts but this time he was unwilling to do so. But as said most of the happiest and pleasent things happened when you never expected them something happened with him to. Suddenly his eyes caught a view for which he waited so long. It was a normal portray of lord Krishna but he was able to saw the devotion, the passion in that painting.. The bright and vibrant color was indicating him about her positive thinking. His eyes refused to left the painting. Finally he got something for which he waited.
" Maine kaha tha na ki yahan par kuch na kuch toh aisa hoga jo aapko pasand aayega " his trance broke by mihir voice who was grinning on seeing his lost form. Smacking his head on seeing his mischievous smile, he signalled him to follow him. Soon they were with Vikas, the exhibition in charge who was his good friend. After discussing some random things with him, hesitantly he started to ask about the person he wanted to ask.
" Umm Vikas... tune us painting ke baare mein nahi bataya jo corner mein lagi hai woh painting kisne banaai hai "
" Oh woh...woh yahan ki sabse youngest artist ki entry hai. Nayi aayi hai Mumbai mein. South Indian hai but sacchi Raman ladki bohot passionate hai apne kaam ke liye. Yahi ek MNC mein kaam karti hai " he smiled on hearing praises of mystery girl from Vikas. Her continuous praises was making him more eager. Now his curious eyes were searching the girl about Vikas said. Unable to said anything he only tried to search that unknown face. Vikas and Mihir smiled on seeing his anxious face and signalled to bring someone.
" Here is the girl who stole everyone heart from her art and work. " his eyes diverted towards the voice. And the same happened what his heart said to him. His breaths became stopped, his eyes denied to blink the moment he saw her. She was girl of early 20's with black hairs, doe shaped eyes, smiling face. Everything was beautiful in him. He didn't knew but he wanted to stop moment there.
" Raman... " Mihir nudged him to bring him back from his dreamland. Composing himself he forwarded his hand towards her. " Hi!!!! I am Raman. " he introduced himself with shaky voice. He saw how she smiled on him. She was about to tell her name to him but stopped on hearing a call from her phone. Excusing herself she went from there. He wanted to stop her, wanted to talk her but looked like his stars were not in his favour. Despite of waiting several hours he didn't found her in hall.
" Vikas...where is that girl? I mean that south Indian girl " he asked in frustrated voice and became more annoyed when he heard that she went somewhere in hurry and he didn't have her number.
Raman face instantly fell on hearing same. It was first time when he wanted to meet someone desperately. His expressions and making faces were worth to see by Mihir and Vikas. He went from there hoping to meet her soon again.
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" Vikas ne kaha tha ki woh kisi MNC mein kaam karti hai. Ab konsi MNC mein hai, yeh kaise pata lagaaun? " started to tap his fingers on his table, he began to think ways to meet her. Already 2 weeks were passed from that exhibition but he was unable to find about her. Next day he dialled vikas number to knew about her but found he went on holidays at Maldives along his wife and son.
" Yeh Vikas ka bccha khud apne bacche ke saath holidays par chala gaya aur number bhi nahi dekar gaya. Bewkoof aadmi!!!!!! " he knew nothing will come out from his cursing ad he will be back after 2 weeks. Sighting he started to check the next project file which he had to present after an hour.
" Raman...today you will accompany me on the business lunch. Mr Malhotra will be there along with his PA. " he received his boss message and started to prepare required stuffs for meeting.
It was 2 pm and they were at barbeque, waiting for clients to start meeting along his boss. Though his eyes were fixed at laptop screen but his mind was occupied with the unknown girl who took away his sleep. " Sab sahi kehte hai ladkiyon ke peeche bhaagna hi nahi chahiye na jaane kyon main iske chakkar mein pad gaya, us madrasan ke kaaran meri neendein udii hui hai "
Busy in his cursing he didn't noticed that another unknown voice was present there who was busy in talking with Mr Bansal. " Raman meet Mr Malhotra " he shook his hand with him and settled themselves on seats. Soon they started to discuss about the project but something caught their attention.
" Are yeh Ishita kahan reh gayi " Mr Malhotra murmured to himself while looking here and there.
" I am so sorry sir, I hope I am not late " they heard a voice which was panting. Raman narrowed his eyebrows on listening a known voice. Was she same person for whom he waited for whole 2 weeks? Crossing his fingers he turned other side. A girl of early 20's was in front of him, all dressed in formals with a breath taking smile. His lips curved more after recognizing her. All he wanted to do was to hug her, to told her how much he waited for her but he also knew it was not right time to express his happiness. Composing himself he formally greet her and all of them settled themselves.
" Where was you Ishita? I was worries for you. "
" Sorry sir. I tried to reach on time but struck in traffic " she whispered slowly while scratching her head. Mr Malhotra smiled on her and introduced her to their clients. Soon there meeting started and as expected they able to finalize deal with each other. At all the time where his seniors were busy in discussing about project, he was busy in staring her. She was the same girl about whom he always dreamt. A simple sobar girl with big black eyes, innocent smile. A girl who can impress anyone with her sensible talks, her innovative ideas. She was a perfect example of beauty with brain.
" Kaash mujhe iska number mil paaye. Please mata rani, kuch toh aisa kariye ki mujhe Ishita ka number mil jaaye " he prayed to god and what happened next second was again surprise for him. His boss ordered him to exchange his number with Ishita to sync the work.
Soon they were alone in restaurant where she was arranging her stuffs he again started to drool her. He didn't even realized that she was looking at him with suspicious looks with knitted brows. Clearing her throat she grabbed his attention and seated beside him.
" Did we met earlier? "
" Ummm...haan...no...means yes. Woh 2 weeks pehle exhibition mein. Humati baat nahi ho paayi thi as aap kahin chali gyi thi "
" Oh I remembered... Mr Bhalla, right? Vikas ne batya tha aapke baare mein. Even main aapse baat bhi karna chahati thi but ek urgent kaam aa gaya and mujhe jana pada "
" Its fine Ishita. Aap khud painting banati hai Ishita? " she smiled on his question with surprised tone and nodded. Before they continued her phone rang and she took leave promising him to meet soon. He tried to read her features which were telling him that she is tensed, something is bothering her.
" I hope woh theek ho " he sighted after laying down on bed. He already saved her number in his phone which made him show her availability on Watsapp. His heart knew how much he wanted to text her, wanted to ask about her weatherbound but at same time he also knew it was not time to contact her. Praying for her well beings he drifted himself in sleep.
His next few days passed in between work and meetings. The next project was important for his company as well as for his further promotions. Going early and returning late from office became temporary part of his life and absence of Ishita was making more difficult for him in completing his work. Yes he was supposed to coordinate with Ishita for the next project but she was on leave from past 2 weeks because of unknown cause. It was good chance for him to meet and know her but again he missed the chance to spent time with her.
It was one of the same day when he was wrapping his work urgently to accompany his boss at another business meeting. Suddenly his phone rang which made his concentration broke. " Who the hell is this now " he angrily muttered in between work and picked the call.
" Aap logo ke paas aur koi kaam nahi hai na shareef logo ko tang karne ke alaawa. Kaha na mujhe koi credit ya debit card nahi chahiye... agar agli baar phone kiya na toh... "
" Cool down Mr bhalla. It's me Ishita Iyyer. I hope you remembered me. I...I am so sorry to made you disturb " the frown on his forehead suddenly disappeared in the next second after hearing her voice while his lips broke into smile. " No no...not at all Ishita. Kai..kaise ho tum? "
" I am sorry Mr bhalla for this inconvenience. I know yeh kaam hume karna tha but mere kaaran aapke oopar sara burden pad gaya. I am guilty Mr bhalla "
" Its really OK ms Iyyer. I know aap sach main kisi important kaam mein hongi " he answered her slowly. He wondered on himself how easily she soothed his anger.
" Mr Bhalla but now I wanted to help you. I know you completed almost 60% work but now I wanted to complete rest of the work. So shall we met today? "
" Mee...meeting!!!!!! Yes... ya ya sure. " He barely heard her saying that she will message him about place but did he actually heard anything???? All he knew was about his heart who was playing dhol and did invisible bhangda. " I love you mata rani!!!! "
" Actually Amma ki tabiyat bohot kharab thi un 2 weeks mein, bas yahi ek reason tha mujhe suddenly ghar jaana pada. Amma beemar thi aur appa bhi bohot panic ho gaye the. Samajh hi nahi aaya ki unhe kaise handle karoon. But thanks Raman meri baat samajhne aur cooperate karne ke liye " he silently smiled on hearing her confession and and continued strolling on beach.
It became their ususal routine to walk at beach after first rain of season. Two weeks were passed successfully and they were working on the project. Their evening passed with each other. First their meetings were thoroughly professional, being Ishita as reserved girl she barely opened with him but slowly slowly after knowing his genuineness she slowly started to open with him. Before 10 days, when they drove back towards her home to drop her, he got to knew about her that she loved rains and beaches. Immediately accepting her wish he took U-turn and took her to beach.
That day was silent for them. They didn't spoke anything only walked beside each other. He wanted to know many thing about her, about her passion, about her family but he knew might be she will misunderstood him. But after 4 days, today she finally spoke about her.
" I am little confused about you Ishita. I mean tum job bhi karte ho, tum ek artist bhi ho. How???? How you manage all things together? " he finally asked her while settling on sand.
" Actually dono. " she answered him with smile. Continue further, she said, " Actually meri Amma ek artist hai aur appa civil engineer, isliye woh bachpan se chahati thi ki main unka yeh hunar loon but sirf art se ghar nahi chalta hai na isliye appa chahate the ki main khoob padhun aur job karoon. Toh bas Amma aur appa ki wish meri wish ban gayi aur padhai aur painting meri life " she concluded about her with a smile which left him wondered on her. How easily she managed both things, it not easy to manage studies and passion in such time when our life revolves around parties and friends but at same time he knew she was different, different from everyone. It was only reason which unknowingly made him fell for her.
" Aapke ghar main kon kon hai Raman? " she asked further while eating Mumbai famous bhel.
" Meri life...khair zyada interesting nahi hai but haan hai. Meri family mein mere alaawa meri mummy, papa aur meri badi behen hai. Meri Maa housewife hai aur papa like your papa engineer hai. Simmi, meri elder sister married hai aur ek professor hai. Bas yahi hai meri life. As main Punjabi hoon, toh family solid loud hai toh bas har choti baat humare ghar mein Choti hoti hi nahi hai " his description about his crazy family made her chuckle.
They didn't realize when they started to spoke each and everything about themselves and the late evening passed in midnight. It was first time for them when she was with a man, whom she barely knew from last month. A girl who believed in keeping distance from strangers was wanted to spent her time with him and on other side smile was not leaving his lips. He rolled on bed and looked at her recent dp of Watsapp. Caressing her picture, he messaged her good night. " I am in love...Raman bhalla actually fell in love with you ms Ishita Iyyer . Ab bas mujhe us din ka wait hai jab tum bhi yahi kahogi mujhse" he said to himself with a shy smile and closed his eyes.
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8 months were already passed from their meeting. They successfully able to complete their project which made their companies and friends proud on them. With their professional life, their personal life was not less then a bliss for them. Their most of the evening started with their meetings and night ended with dropping her to her home. Sometimes on social gathering, sometimes on exhibitions and sometimes when she practice for her painting and on sketches.
His feelings was already became stronger for her on day when she told him that she never had any relationship in past. He already mat her parents twice and fate supported him that moment when her mother said that she liked her boyfriend. He still remembered her face which was red because of embarrassment and her stammering voice when she corrected her parents that he is not more then a friend for her.
" But ab main tumse confess karwa ke hi rahoonga Ishita ki main tumhare liye kya maayne rakhta hoon " He dialled her number and as expected she received his call in second ring.
" Hey watsup? "
" Nothing Raman. Next art competition ki theme ke baare mein soch rahi thi. Aap bataao, aapne kaise call kiya? "
" Umm...tumhe next weekend mere ghar par aana hai. "
" Ghar kyon???? Kya hua? "
" I knew it ki tum bhool gayi hogi. Are madam tumse maine kaha tha na ki main naya flat book karwane Wala hoon, toh woh flat book ho chuka hai "
" Congratzz Raman!!!!! I am so happy for you. Finally aapne apna dream poora kiya. Aap kitna chahate the na ki aapka khud ka ghar ho, see aapka dream pooraa hua . And don't worry main time se pehle pohoch jaaungi " she hung call with her trademark cheerful smile while he sighted, " Sapna toh mera ek aur bhi hai Ishita. Main chahata hoon ki is naye flat ko ghar tum banaao, is ghar ko aur mujhe dono ko sawaaro Ishita. Jabse tumse mila hoon mere har sapne mein ab tum bhi shaamil ho gayi ho. Ab tumhe apni zindagi mein laane se zyada main aur kuch nahi chahata hoon "
The next few days passed in jiffy for them. Ishita wholeheartedly helped him in every preparation for the pooja. Mr and Mrs Iyyer who was well aware with Raman feelings didn't stopped Ishita for helping Raman. Finally the day came when they held pooja for his home. Ishita came to his home with her Amma appa while Raman parents who were aware about Ishita special presence in their son life was eager to meet her.
Unknown to her, their parents easily mingled with each other and thumped up him for his choice. The pooja went well, slowly all guests started to left after dinner and only Iyyer and Bhalla left there. Where Ishita was busy in cleaning the house, their families were busy in finding ways to made them confess their love.
She came back from kitchen after clearing everything and the sight made her surprised. Their family members were missing from there. It was only Raman who leaned back on sofas and waiting for her.
" Are sab ghar wale kahan chale gaye? Abhi thodi der pehle toh yahi the na? "
" Haan woh mummy ko matarani ke mandir Jana tha toh uncle Aunty unhe le gaye. Bas abhi aa jaayenge "
" Oh " she whispered and sat on opposite side of sofa. Both of them were quite now. Where she was relaxing her muscles, he was thinking about the ways to initiate the conversation.
" Vaise Ishita mera gift kahan hai? Dopahar se raat hone aayi hai aur abhi tak tumne mujhe mera gift nahi diya "
" I am so sorry Raman. Ek min abhi deti hoon " she hurriedly got up from her seat and went towards the guest room of his home. Within second she came back with the big frame in her hands and forwarded towards him. He narrowed his brows on seeing this surprise as he didn't saw this with her when she came.
His eyes widened on seeing the gift from her, it was surely a best gift he could ever had. It was the same painting of lord Krishna which he saw in that art exhibition 8 months back. He tried to purchase that painting many times but every time her denial came as answer.
" Ishita Vikas ne bataya tha ki yeh painting tumhare dil ke kitne kareeb hai aur tum isko kabhi isko kisi ko nahi dogi phir aaj... "
" Tab aap mere liye ajnabi the Raman but aaj aap mere beat friend ban chuke hai, aur main jaanti hoon aap apni is dost ke tohfe ko umar bhar sahej kar rakhenge. "
" How you always manage to take care every one feelings " he said to himself and in next second his determination became more firm to confess his feelings. Thanking her for her gift he signalled her to come with him.
" Vaise tumhe poora ghar nahi dekhna? I mean set hone ke baad? "
" Ab is mein kya dekhna Raman. Poora ghar toh dekha hua hai mera "
" But still!! "
" Fine " giving up from his constant demand she opened his bedroom door. Her mouth opened on seeing the sight in front of her. His master bedroom was decorated with her photos of those 7 months which they spent. Most of the photographs was captured when she was engrossed in herself. Her next attention went towards the row of painting which she made when she was learning to paint from her Amma.
" Raman yeh sab... " she whispered unbelievably on the sudden change of events. But before she complete, he shushed her and continued by taking her hands in him.
" Ms Ishita Iyyer... today I wanted to tell you something. Please pehle sunlo " she nodded and he sat on her knees.
" Ishita main nahi janta yeh kab hua aur kaise, but yeh hua hai. Humesha se ek humsafar chahata tha apni life mein bas woh tasveer mujhe tab mili jab tumhe dekha. Jaanti ho mujhe tumse mohabbat tumhari khoobsoorti ya kisi aur baat se nahi hui balki mujhe us kalakaar se pyar hua hai jo is dil mein hai. I know I am not a perfect person, I know mujh mein kayi flaws hai but still I wanted you to held my hand, to correct me whenever I did something wrong, to complete me Ishita. Jaanta hoon ki tumhare kayi ambition hai, sapne hai jinhe tum poora karna chahati ho. Trust me Ishita main kabhi bhi tumhari kamzori nahi banoonga. Humesha tumhari taakat banoonga. Kya tum mujhe apne har sapne mein mujhe bhi ek hissa banaogi? Kya mujhe mouka dogi tumhara humsafar banne ka? " he lightly kissed her hand and offered her rose.
" Raman " this was only thing which she able to whisper
I don't know how it went but still tried to write something
I hope u all will enjoy it
Will wait for your reviewđł
Edited by Albeli26 - 9 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
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