My first Ishra story: with you forever - Pt 12 on pg 24 - 09/19 - Page 5

Part 6:

Days went by and turned into months, it's been 6 months since they became friends. Ishita took raman's advice and went for a trip to visit with her maternal grandmother and all her childhood places for 15 days. She had so much fun spending time with her grandmother and cousins. Ishita felt very good after that trip, she felt relaxed and decide to get on with her life with a new perspective.

Ruhi became very attached to ishita during these months, sleepovers became routine for them. Ishita and raman also started spending some time with each other without ruhi.

Sometimes raman and ishita went out for lunch and movies, but their highlight of the day was their daily late night walks..it's been going smoothly and then suddenly their mothers started on them to think about marriage again...which comes to this part

Ishita and raman are sitting on the terrace and discussing about their mothers plan.

Ishita: i don't know raman, i am not interested to go through this again

Raman: i understand ishu.. I am also in the same boat. Maa is behind me to marry for ruhi.. I want ruhi to be happy but i'm not so sure if it will happen with my marriage..need to find the right person.. Otherwise mine and ruhi's life will be spoiled..

Ishita nodded: yes , i understand.. Our life's are so complicated..

Raman was looking at her and was lost in his thoughts... when ishita snapped her fingers and called him

Ishita: where are you lost? I have been calling you...

Raman: just thinking something.. Ishu.. can i ask you something, i need you to give me an honest answer..

Ishita: sure .. what is it?

Raman: not sure.. How you will react to it.. Please think for sometime and answer.

Ishita: now you are killing me with suspense.. What is it raman?

Raman: ishita.. When she turned, he took her hand in his hands , looking straight into her eyes and said... Will you marry me?

Ishita: what?? (completely shocked) are you joking with me??

Raman: Ishita listen to me .. You became my close friend in such a short time.. I never let anyone get this close to me after my divorce.. We met as strangers and then became friends..I always felt comfortable to discuss anything and everything with you and can be honest with you .. and i tried to be honest always right? She nods and he continued, when maa asked me to think of my life partner who can be a mother to ruhi, do you know who came to my mind, she shook her head no, it's you.. only you.. I can't picture my life with anyone, you have been my confidant, my advisor, my supporter, my friend. I don't know when it started happening, but my day always starts with thinking of you and ways to tease you and trying to bring that irritated look on your face and the next minute your cute smile. I always think about you, how to make you happy, and never to cause you any hurt. I know sometimes I do hurt you unintentionally, but I make up for that right? She nods again but her eyes are tearing up. I don't know if you understand what i'm trying to say or not..Do you know before i met you, I always had this loneliness.. I don't know why.. Ruhi was my whole world.. And taking care of her and the business took most of my time... but that loneliness haunted me.. Like something is missing..

But after meeting you...whenever i goto sleep, it's with a smile on my face, because my budhu, my jkr will be there for me. See your effect on me, i am also giving long lectures, she smiles at his taunt, but her mind and heart can't believe what he is saying and he continued, I want to marry you ishita iyer and i want to make you mine... ishita raman kumar bhalla.. If you are okay with it, he gave her a smile and mother to my beautiful and cute ruhi.. "

"Please understand I want you to be ruhi's mother, but never think i chose you just to be a mother for ruhi. I know you will be a good mother, but that's not what made me to ask you to be my partner. I like being with you, i like to share my life with you, my sorrows and happiness as my wife, then i want you to be mother to our kids. However many you want? Ok.. she started speaking, but raman continued.

"I know ishita about your condition, but you were ready to adopt before right, we can do that together, we will have a houseful of kids and if you want to try naturally and we can do that to,don't shake your head. It's not for me, understand that, i want you to have options.. And i will respect your wishes. Ishu...i can't say i love you because i believe in actions not words.. , you are very precious to me, if you give me a chance i will show you how much you mean to me. Now you can give me your answer or if you want you can take time like 5 mins to think? "

She smiled at him, even when proposing he makes me laugh and cry at the same time she thought..She never expected him to propose her.. The emotions she is feeling are so overwhelming... if she closed her eyes she could imagine her life with him and ruhi.. She never thought she would experience love again in her life.. After what she went through with and after subbu.. She didn't want to risk getting hurt again...But right now all she can feel for raman is her love.. That's a startling realization.. She was not sure when it started happening.. She was not sure how he will react if she expresses her love for him... but this is raman.. He would never hurt her.. And what he said about love.. It's understandable after his experience... I will show him my love.. She took a deep breath and thought about what she was going to do... and how it will change her life ... hopefully for better...

He was looking at her nervously and his eyes are searching her's for an answer, she looked into his eyes and said, Yes I will marry you and ruhi..I would love to be your wife and ruhi's mother.. Please let me finish raman, when he was about to say something.. What i'm going to say.. You may not like it.. But it's from my heart...she took a deep breath and said... I love you raman.. Now he was shocked by her declaration.. Ishita's heart was beating fast.. I love you because you love me and accept me as me .. just as ishita..

You became my friend, my advisor, even if i don't follow your advice sometimes. Sometime you really irritate me, but I know the next minute you will be the reason i will be smiling. I sometimes can't believe how well you know me... it's really shocking.. But it makes me very happy, that there is someone who gets me.. We both got hurt by our previous relations, but you were the one with positive attitude to life..

The courage you showed in that situations, made me take this bold step and express my love to you.. I can understand after your experience, you may not believe in love, but you are the one who showed me the unconditional love.. So whatever is going on that sharp brain of yours.. Remember and understand this.. I love you and I will show you how much for the rest of our lives..

You are fulfilling all my wishes of becoming a wife and a mother and asking if i would accept, now i know you are a budhu.. Yes i would love to be yours and ruhi's . i would love to be ishita raman kumar bhalla.

She completely shocked Raman with her acceptance and her confession.. He understands what she is feeling, but this moment proved she is more courageous than him, to expose your heart to someone after getting hurt,it's amazing. In this moment he felt small for not confessing to her what his feelings are, but this is not the right time.. He doesn't know why, he is not able to confess, but he will at least give her the truth.

Raman: Ishita... thank you for loving me and accepting to marry me and ruhi.. Please know this ishu... I am sorry I am not able to give the words you need after your confession.. Ishita placed her finger on his lips.. raman.. Shhh.. it's not a deal Mr.RKB.. I am giving you my love freely.. In my heart i know you love me... when he was about to shook his head.. Ishita laughed and said.. It's ok my budhu kumar..i know it.. You can say it whenever you want...I am very happy now.. So don't spoil it by saying some nonsense...

Raman: until that moment... just know you and ruhi are my reason to live...

They both have tears in their eyes and raman pulled her to him and hugged her tight.. Thank you ishita... i will always keep you happy and will never let you regret this decision.. He kissed her forehead.. Thank you would be mrs.bhalla.. And thank you for loving me...

Ishita just smiled and hugged him tight, just content for this moment. He also didn't want to move and they stayed like that and slept like that.

Raman woke up around 4 am , and was happy to see ishita sleeping in his arms, he didn't want to wake her up, but everyone will be worried if they don't go back to their houses. He gently shook her and called ishita wake up'

She hugged him more tightly and said let me sleep raman'

Raman smiled and called ishita and wake up ,we have to go inside otherwise, everyone will be worried

She got up jerking awake and confused and said what time is it

Raman: it's 4 am, we need to go downstairs

Ishita: i don't want to go, let me sleep for sometime

Raman: ishita, please .. we need to talk

Ishita she said still hugging him: what do you want to talk

Raman: do you want to tell ruhi today or do you want to wait for sometime

Ishita: will she be okay with this raman, she asked with worry in her eyes

R: why won't she be, she loves you , and you will be her mother now, so she will be over the moon he said smilingly and one more thing do you need time sometime before we let our parents know about our relation?

Ishita: let's talk to ruhi first, if she is okay with me being her mother. Then i want to tell our parents soon. I want to be your wife and ruhi's mother asap.

Raman: are wahh , what a change in my jkr. Ok let's go for a picnic for breakfast and she will get to spend time with us, before we will tell her ok, after she agrees , i know she will ... then i will tell my parents and i will come and talk to your parents today only. How does that sound? Good or super?

Ishita: super .. will they agree for our marriage raman?

Raman: why won't they, if they have any issues , we will work through them ok. Now give me your beautiful smile before we go downstairs

Ishita smiled and said let's go.. I have to get up soon for our picnic

Part 7:

They went downstairs and went inside their houses. Raman went to his room and laid next to ruhi, she immediately hugged him and slept. Raman was thinking of how to convince their parents and closed his eyes thinking about that and slept off. He woke up at his regular time, he got up and went to freshen up. After freshening up, he sent a message to mihir, saying he won't be coming into office today and cancel any meetings that he can't handle by himself, and went to wake up his daughter. After waking up ruhi and getting her ready for their picnic, he

made her sit on the bed and knelt in front of her..

Raman: roo... you know about your mom right..

Ruhi: yes papa.. She is not with us any more...

Raman: would you like a new mom?

Ruhi: papa... are you marrying?? ( with little sad face )

Raman: if i do.. Then you will have a new mom, who will love you and pamper you and teach you things.. Wouldnt that be nice

Ruhi: yes papa.. I want a mama, but..

Raman: what beta.. Why are you so sad..I thought you will be happy..

Ruhi: sorry papa, dadi's friends were saying if I get a new mom, she won't love me like a mom.. And you will also stop loving me..

Raman really got angry with the ladies, who are giving wrong ideas to his precious daughter.. He sat next to her and pulled her into his lap : ruhi... you believe papa right? Papa always does the things he promised right? Ruhi nodded.. Don't listen to those old ladies... your mom will love you.. Probably more than me .. if possible.. Because you will be her baby, just like you are mine.. Do you know how much papa loves you..ruhi nods.. How much? Can you show me? She opens her arms wide, this much

Raman: only that much.. Then he is not good.. He should love his baby girl this much... and opens his arms wide and ruhi was scared she might fall... papa loves her so much, he will not let you fall...

Raman: so do you want or don't want a new mom?

Ruhi: will she really love me papa( she has her heart set on ishita as her mom)? Like ishita aunty?

Raman: no beta.. She will not

Ruhi's little face fell after hearing that: why papa?

Raman: because she will be your ishita mom.. Then how can she love you like an aunty.. She will love you as a mom

Ruhi's face was filled with bright smile and her eyes wide open: papa.. Ishita aunty.. My mom?

Raman : why roo?? You don't want her? Then we will select someone else..

Ruhi held his face : no papa.. I love ishita aunty... papa .. thank you papa...and hugged him..

Raman felt happy thinking he made a right decision, his both girls love each other a lot..

Raman: roo.. But we have a problem beta?

Ruhi: what papa?

Raman: your ishita aunty.. She is not agreeing to marry me... he made a really sad face...

Ruhi: papa.. Then she won't be my mom...

Raman: you can help me to convince your mom? If you help, then she will agree..

Ruhi excitedly yes papa.. Yes papa i will help

Raman then told her his plan to convince ishita... ishita will be so surprised, she will not have any doubt about ruhi accepting her as a mother..

On the other side Ishita was worrying about what ruhi will say.. She knew ruhi loves her, but she loves me as ishita aunty.. Will she be able to accept me as her mother and raman's wife..

Amma: ishu kanna.. Why are you tensed? Work tension?

Ishita: nothing amma.. Thinking about something.. I am going to spend sometime with ruhi this morning amma.

Amma: ishu.. It's not good kanna.. You always spend your free time with raman and ruhi.. It doesn't look good..

Ishita got angry: please amma, i love spending time with them.. And there is nothing wrong in it..

Ishita went inside her room thinking of what to say to ruhi to convince her ..

Once she got ready she sent a message to raman to meet her at downstairs

Raman and ruhi came downstairs, he was carrying a picnic basket and ruhi was holding some books and some toys

When ruhi saw ishita, she immediately ran to her and hugs her.. Good morning ishita aunty.. ( raman trained her well ;) )

Ishita: good morning ruhi... how are you? Excited about picnic

Ruhi: nods , yes aunty.. I'm going to play for sometime, then you and papa are going to read me stories..

Ishita : really... hi raman.. Good morning.. She blushes

Raman: good morning madrasan.. You finally saw that i'm standing here.. Ruhi.. your ishita aunty needs eye doctor.. Right?

Ruhi: didn't understand the joke.. But she laughed

Ishita: raman stop it.. Let's go.. We are getting late..

Raman: madrasan.. We are not going for surgery to be on time.. We are going for relaxation..

Ishita turned to him and shot him an angry glare .. let's go ruhi..

Raman laughed and thought madrasan is so worried.. Let's have some fun..

They went to a park near by.. Ruhi and ishita went ahead to find a nice picnic spot.. Raman was following them and getting amused by their conversation.. He hoped he would survive this day.. After his plan is revealed.. He is really looking forward to that..

They found a nice tree with lots of shade.. And went to setup everything.. Ruhi started playing ...

Ishita: what was that raman? You know how worried i am .. and you find that is the perfect time to play jokes on me...

Raman: arey baba.. Why are you so tensed.. Look at ruhi.. She is so happy to be with you...and here you are getting worried needlessly... everything will be fine... come sit with me for some time.. My fiance didn't even wish me good morning properly..

Ishita sighed and sat next to him: i'm really worried raman.. What if she won't agree to the marriage..

Raman with a sad face: what can we do ishita.. I am really sorry ishita...I can't marry you? Sorry for giving you hopes, but ruhi is really important for me ... i'm really sorry.. That's all i will say..

Ishita was so worried she didn't realize he was teasing and her eyes started tearing up.. : you would do that raman.. She asked in a broken voice..

Raman realized he took it too far and pulled her into his arms : shhh.. Madrasan.. You are crazy.. Ishita please look at me.. Do you really think i can do that? She nodded no.. but it's ruhi.. If she is not happy we can't be happy..

He didn't say anything but nodded to ruhi and pointed to ishita and gave her nods to start the plan..

Ruhi came to them excitedly.. Picked up her books and sat in between and said..

Papa.. ishita aunty i'm hungry

Ishita picked up the boxes that are arranged for their breakfast..

She opened one box and saw a beautiful art done with sandwich and veggies..

Ruhi excitedly pointed to the figures... that me , papa and my mom.. It's cute right aunty?? I helped papa make them..

Ishita asked hopefully: your mom ruhi..

Ruhi: yes ishita aunty.. She is not with us any more... but dadi promised me i will get a new mom.. I am so happy

Ishita was really happy: did you see her ? what's her name?

Ruhi: yes i saw her, dadi showed me a picture , she is very tall and really pretty

Ishita shot angry glares at raman, but he just shrugged.. I don't know anything..

Ishita fed ruhi and she couldn't eat anything with the tension, when she looked at raman.. He is happily eating breakfast... she really want to bash his head with something.. How can he be soo casual about this..

After breakfast ruhi said.. Papa i want you to read a story..

Ishita aunty papa and I are going to read a story.. Do you want to listen?

Ishita controlled her emotions and nodded to ruhi : sure beta

Ruhi resumed the same position between them and opened a book... With ruhi's drawings..

Ishita confused: what is this beta.. Did you make this?

Ruhi: yes aunty.. Shh... you have to be quiet...papa doesn't like disturbance..

Raman in a soft voice started the story... ruhi was pointing to the first page where a small baby was held by a lady...

Once upon a time... there was a small baby girl who just lost her mother.. But she has a wonderful papa.. He took care of her very well.. Ruhi flipped the next page to show raman and ruhi... her papa loved her so much.. And that small baby girl also loved her father too.. They were always a team ... wherever her papa went he took his baby girl with him...the baby girl never knew mother's love.. but she didn't think she was missing anything.. But as the girl grew up, she started asking her papa for a mom.. But she is also a very understanding baby..when her papa said he will get her a new mother she believe and trusted him... then one day she met a lady and she became friends with her.. And that aunty also started spending time with the little girl.. They both loved each other very much... when her papa asked if she would like a new mother... the little girl replied.. Raman paused ...she didn't want one... because the new mother will not love the little girl as she is not her daughter.. Then her papa explained to the little girl the story of krishna and yashoda and that her new mom will love her like yashoda loved krishna...the little girl's fears were soothed and she didnt fear anymore of having a new mom.. Then she told him she selected a new mother for herself... raman paused.. Do you want to know who the girl selected he asked ishita

Ishita was so caught up in the story, she didn't realize ruhi was sitting on her lap and looking at her with her big eyes and said.. Ishita aunty.. Will you be my mama? When ishita didn't reply anything.. She turned to raman with sad eyes..he encouraged her and she opened a card with a picture of their family including ishita.. With a list of things they will do for ishita if she marries them

Marry us please !!! ( raman & ruhi)

• We will love you

• We will share our bed

• We will share our food

• We will only play pranks few times...

• We are cute and adorable

• we will shop for you and buy you lots of gifts

• And also we will love you so much... ❤️ ❤️

Ishita was looking at the card and at ruhi.. Still speechless... Here she was worried from morning whether this beautiful little girl will accept as her mom and she shouldn't have doubted... Her baby girl made all this to ask her for marrying them.. But when she saw ruhi has tears in her eyes...

She hugged ruhi tightly and cried .. yes ruhi.. I am very happy to be your mother ... thank you beta.. And started dropping kisses all over little face..

Ruhi was so happy... love you mumma... you will be my mumma...

Ishita was extremely happy when ruhi called her mumma... she hugged ruhi tight to her...and kissed her temple and enjoyed the feeling of having her daughter in her arms..

Raman let them be.. He knew both were worried about the other person's reaction...now they can calm their worries..

Ishita : my ruhi... you went all this trouble to ask me... my baby.. You could have asked me simply... i would have agreed

Ruhi was confused: papa said.. We have to convince you to marry us and to be my mom.. Because you didn't want to marry us.. So papa helped me in making the card too.. Did you like it..

Ishita got angry about raman playing with ruhi's emotions: the card is nice ruhi.. But your papa is not ... what is this raman.. How can you lie to my baby about such a big thing.. You had me and my baby worried.. You could have at least told ruhi that i was going to marry you.. She placed ruhi down and was looking for something to throw at him.. She found only small pebbles.. And she started throwing them at him...

Ruhi shouted papa... you lied to me...

Raman nodded no beta.. You mom is just confused... are you sure beta you want her as your mom.. See she is hitting papa...

Ishita: don't say anything to my baby... come ruhi.. You don't talk to your dad.. He lied to both of us.. And they ran behind raman... they chased him for sometime.. But they got tired and went back to their picnic place and sat..

Ruhi: love you mumma.. I had so much fun..

Ishita hugs her: love you too beta...

And she closed her eyes to enjoy this moment.. She is a mom now... she is soo happy .. she noticed ruhi slept off in her arms.. She looked around for raman.. He must be hiding somewhere,but they need to go home.. So she called for him..

Ishita: raman... raman... come here.. We won't chase you...

Raman: i know madrasan.. You can never catch me..that's why i excercise daily..

Ishita was looking around but she didn't see him anywhere, raman chuckled..

Look up pagal madrasan..

Ishita: what are you doing up there? Come down... Please behave like your age for sometimes at least

Raman: what's the fun in it? So my pt usha slept.. He came down and knelt beside ruhi and kissed her temple..

Ishita: yes... She got tired .. running behind her papa... look at that sentence.. Parents get tired after running behind kids.. Here it's the reverse case...

He moved next to ishita and also kissed her temple...Do you have any doubts whether will accept you as her mom..

Ishita understood, he did all this drama to remove her fears about ruhi accepting her: i understand why you did this drama with me, but why ruhi..

Raman: she has the same fears, whether you will accept her as your daughter.. Now you both confirmations about your love for each other... now sleep my jhansi ki rani... you didn't sleep properly last night too.. We will go home after 1 hr.. Take rest..

Ishita: ok... but i'm still angry at you..

Raman smiled : i know ishu.. We will talk later... for now sleep...

Raman was content to watch them sleep.. He is feeling so much.. There are no words to express his happiness..

Raman started to prepare for what he had to say to amma, appa...amma and mom, they still continue to fight with each other.. That's a big hurdle to cross.. But he always liked challenges..

They returned from their picnic and went to their houses... After few minutes they heard shrieks from the bhalla's house..

Amma: these people always makes noise... i don't know how ruhi is so calm ... living with them...

Ishita thought ruhi and calm... Amma you are so wrong... that's a nautanki and she got training from her papa..

Mihika: akka.. Where are you lost ... and what happened to your dress.. It has all grass stains..

Amma got really interested and she wants to know why ishita is spending so much time with them..

Ishita laughed: aree miku.. We went to park.. We played kind of hide and seek so it's from all that...

Mihika: hide and seek with mr.bhalla?

Ishita gave her deadly glare: no miku... with ruhi...

Mihika: when can i meet him... he is so elusive.. Whenever i want to meet him , he is never around..

Ishita thought soon you will meet him daily.. He will be your jiju: soon miku..amma, i am going to change and will help you in cooking..

Mihika: periamma, don't make lunch for me, i have an interview around 2 so..i have to leave soon

Bhalla's house was erupted into chaos the minute ruhi and raman entered the house and ruhi happily announced that she has a mom..

Everyone started firing questions at the same time, which startled ruhi..

Raman shouted: stop, don't you see you are scaring ruhi.. All she wanted was to share her happy news...give me few minutes.. I will come back and will answer your questions.. He marched into his room and put ruhi down

Ruhi: papa, did i do wrong

Raman: no, my princess... they are excited like you... and they still don't know who is your mom.. So i will go and explain it to them.. Come on i will change your clothes and wash your face... then you can play here ok .. baby

Ruhi nodded: yes papa..

When he came from his room, everyone was gathered and talking in between them and guessing who is ruhi's new mom. They all looked up the moment he entered the room.

Toshiji: what is this puttar? What is ruhi saying about her mother?

Raman: please maa.. One sec.. Romi, rinki, simmi you can go inside for few minutes.. I need to talk to mama, papa

They all protested at the sametime, raman continued .. now.. Go inside

After they left, he sat down near his parents, maa, papa... you asked me to think about my marriage. I thought of it and made a decision. It would make me happy if you like my choice, I know she will be good for ruhi and also for me and this family.

Bhallaji: who is she Raman?

Toshiji: yes tell us who she is?

Raman: maa... it's ishita

Toshiji burst in anger: that madrasan... she couldn't find anyone else to marry her daughter, so made all this..

Raman also got angry: stop it maa.. That's complete nonsense.. Me & ishita never interfered in your fights,thinking they are silly fights.. You know ishita and you saw her relation with ruhi, then how can you say anything like that about her.. Don't you trust my decision

Bhallaji: yes raman.. Ishita puttar is very good girl.. And she loves our ruhi

Toshiji: i know ishita is nice girl raman, but raman she can't have children..

Raman gave a wry laugh : maa, I married shagun who can have children, but didn't have the heart to love that baby, she gave birth too.. And look at ishita.. She loves ruhi as her daughter, even before i asked her to marry me.. What if she can't have children maa.. She has the heart to love any child, even if she didn't give birth.. Isn't that important to be a mother to love her child..

Toshiji and bhallaji were thinking about what he said, and they also regret their decision about choosing shagun for him..

Bhallaji: what you said is correct raman...she will be good mother to ruhi

Raman: thanks papa, maa...

Toshiji: if you are happy and ruhi happy, that's all matters to me.. But raman think about future..

Raman: maa.. If we want more kids, i was thinking of adopting someone, will you be able to accept that child as your grandchild or you can't accept it.

Bhallaji & toshiji both said no.. we don't have any problem with accepting the child..

Toshiji: raman, they are tamilians and vegetarians and we are punjabi and nonveg, how will this work

Raman: maa.. Ishita doesn't mind we eat non veg, she accepts as we are.. She is not going to eat non veg.. She is born and brought up in delhi..it's not a big adjustment for her with our culture.. May be she would with all the noise in our family..

Bhallaji laughed: yes raman, especially from your mother

Toshiji: ok raman.. We will go and talk to that madrasan..

Raman: maa.. I would like to talk to her parents, before we go to them officially, you need to talk to pandit ji also for good time, if they agree, they follow all that.

Toshiji and bhallaji both agreed and toshiji kissed him: i'm very happy for you puttar..

Raman: me too maa... after lunch i will go and talk to ishita's parents..

Raman went to talk to his brother and sisters, they reacted to his news of marrying ishita as expected. Romi and rinki were happy for him, while simmi also happy but she is skeptical about ishita's family. Raman assured her everything is fine.