Part 1
Moonlight slid through the cracks of the curtains, shining the room partially as Veena sat rocking in the rocking chair of her late husband, drowned in her thoughts.
To interrupt them, Ramu Kaka, her faithful household help for the last 3 decades walked up to her before retiring to his quarters. It was pretty late at night and the entire day was spent in last minute shopping, cooking and making as well as packing varieties of items.
Too tired, he believed his benefactor might have gone to sleep while on his late master’s favorite chair. He decided to wake her up and called her meekly.
“Bhabhi?” seeing her awake he said further, “Aap aur kitni der intezar karne wali hain? Raat ho chuki hai. Abhi toh khana kha lijiye, dawai ka waqt bhi toh paar ho gaya hai.”
Veena replied with a huge smile, “Haan baba, buss kuch der baad. Ek baar phone aa jaye. Main kha lungi aap fikar mat kijiye.”
Knowing it would be a waste to take the argument even forward, the old man said, “Phir main nikalta hoon. Kal subah jaldi aa jaunga.”
Veena emphasized “Haan 7am se pehle Bajaj mansion jana hai. Aapne sab taiyaari kar rakhi hai na? Sab thik hai na?”
“Aap uski fikar mat kijiye, maine sab samaan ache se pack karke rakha hai. Kal subah aate hi nikal jayenge.” Ramu replied back while Veena just nodded as he left.
Veena again was left to herself, the sounds of the night pleased her mood very well. As the curtains fluttered in the gentle breeze of the night, the moonlight fell on the artifact on the dresser. It was a gold framed photo frame, that held the picture of her heart, and her family; Prerna and her family.
Reminiscence of past came flashing instantly and she felt being transported back into the sands of time. All that happened two years ago when Prerna and Anurag had prepared to get married. Prerna loved Anurag, the filthy rich son of the Basu clan, who went to the same college as hers and she had seen the same love reflected in the young boy's eyes but was love enough for the union of two souls?
Anurag came from the creamy layer of the society and they were just a bit better than the hands to mouth section of the society. The innumerable times the Sharma family was shown and put in their places by the Basus due to their poverty stricken position was unbearable. Veena knew from day one that Prerna wouldn't be happy at all in this marriage, because Anurag simply chose not to see the treatment inflicted to his would-be in-laws nor did he say a word at times when Prerna was insulted for not being born in the same society as theirs. Many times Veena tried explaining it to her daughter but young blood with young love never could see the future that Veena’s experienced eyes could see already.
At times the humiliation went so far that Veena and her family were called thieves and opportunists and they called Prerna with names which Veena couldn’t even think of, just because her crime was to fall in love with a guy who was not from the same society as hers. To Veena, respect was all that they had, even at times they were stripped off from it. They expected lavish and expensive gifts which Veena had obliged by selling her own jewelry.
Nevertheless, the young couple decided to get married against the wishes of both the families and right before the wedding a very unfortunate incident took place; Anurag was involved in a murder case. Though Prerna did everything for Anurag’s freedom which he finally received with her efforts but the marriage was called off with his acquittal, this time his mother stating that the girl, Prerna, was an evil eye to her family and it would be better if the alliance was broken off.
Veena had requested, even begged but it had no effect on the Basus. Veena thought Anurag would convince his mother, but he refused to come out of her shadow. Inevitably something happened that no parent wanted their children, their piece of heart to ever go through; heartbreak and Prerna nursed a very bad one.
Veena tried contacting the Basu family many times but all went futile. They were humiliated more and publicly shamed which broke both their hearts. Overnight, her lovely, as innocent as a flower blooming daughter was turned into a living corpse, the girl who wouldn’t stop speaking for a second didn’t even reply in monosyllables now. The girl who kept on cracking jokes at the drop of an eyelid now refused to even smile. It broke Veena’s heart further but she realized all that happened, happened for the best. She prayed day and night for her daughter asking Almighty to do justice to her innocent daughter, for she deserved nothing but the best.
Several weeks later, Prerna was offered an internship at Bajaj Industries. It was a commendation from one of her family friends, who knew her late father and had talked to Mr Bajaj himself.
Mr Rishabh Bajaj had come all the way back to Kolkata to extend his empire after successfully making his empire world famous and one of the most successful company by becoming the highest profit making sought after company ever, informed the family friend. He also shared that Mr Bajaj in his formative years had known Veena’s late husband and still spoke highly of him, so he wanted to give his daughter a fair chance, when he came to know about her potential. If she understood business, he would personally train her just like her father had trained him. He might have been ruthless and arrogant as well as an inhumane person, as people said, but was regarded as the biggest SHARK of the business world who could go to any extent for his profit but he was the best to learn business from. The family friend really wanted Prerna to grab the opportunity. He wished if he had any kids, he would have killed for this opportunity. Veena herself knew how much impact Mr Bajaj had already made in a short span of time since he came to Kolkata. Everyday, the front page of the newspapers only featured him.
Prerna had left her studies mid way for the wedding that hadn’t taken place, so Veena asked her to take the opportunity without thinking twice. And she reluctantly did. 3 months down the line, Veena noticed there were subtle changes in her darling Priyu. She showed a new kind of change in her.
Soon she found Prerna talking on the phone in a child-like tone as if talking to a baby. When inquired about, Prerna revealed it was Sneha, a three year old child, who she had one day met at the office and now only latched on to her. She suffered from mutism but could communicate well in gestures. Prerna didn’t reveal anything else apart from that.
Once Prerna wasn’t feeling well and that day, Sneha came to visit her with her nanny. The little child cried to be with Prerna and a flu stricken Prerna had to cradle her in her arms to quieten the child. Veena noticed, though the child had a nanny, she only stayed with Prerna and would eat only from her hands. Veena could see Prerna shared a motherly affection with the child. It worried her more what would the little girl’s parents say about this development.
Soon Sneha started coming to Sharma Nivas frequently. Even Prerna got odd hourly calls from the child’s nanny asking her to pacify the highly agitated child. Veena did like the child very much, even the child liked her. She observed though the child made no sounds, she was very intelligent and sharp. Sneha, with her gestures, would win everyone’s hearts and make them dance to her tiny fingers. Prerna would only smile in her presence and was a better version of her previous self when with her. Motherly feelings and instincts had completely taken over her. When asked about the child’s parents, Prerna only said she lived with Mr Bajaj and didn’t have a mother which is why the child thought her to be her own. When Veena asked her to inquire about the child’s parentage, Prerna refused only because she didn’t want to suffer another heartbreak. Veena noticed Prerna had started to ignore her job and concentrated more on the child but Prerna assured it wasn’t so.
3 months went in bliss with Sneha coming and staying with Prerna as much as she could. She would sleep, eat, drink and play only with her. Without her she would cry her heart out so much that she even fell sick. It was so adorable to see both of them.
One day, in a very lavish and expensive car, came a man at her porch, with at least 4 bodyguards surrounding him. Veena instantly recognized him. It was THE RISHABH BAJAJ.
In fear, she shivered, wondering why this man had turned up at her meager doorstep. He was a business shark, someone who loved destroying people. They had nothing to give him and Veena felt extremely worried.
The man looked more charming and handsome in real than in the pictures she had seen of him; a very chiseled face with extremely sharp features. He oozed royalty and regal. His enigmatic aura was such that it demanded everyone’s attention at him. If there was a synonym for perfection, then it would definitely be him.
He scanned her house once and then her momentarily before taking out his sunglasses and did the most unexpected thing in the planet, making everyone present dumbfounded. Mr Bajaj, folded his hands in a great respectful Namaste.
Saying that Veena Sharma was shocked to the core was an understatement. The man who could buy the entire world was folding his hands in front of her! He looked into her eyes and Veena felt a kind of connection instantly developed with him. Without wasting a second, he, in the most confident voice that Veena had ever heard, said, “I am Bajaj, Rishabh Bajaj. Mujhe aapse kuch baatein karni hai, aapki beti, Ms Sharma ke baare mein. Kya hum andar jakar baat kar sakte hain?”
Prerna?
Was her boss here to complain about her? To fire her? A thousand thoughts roamed around her head but it wasn't the time to discuss all this as he was a guest and she hurriedly invited him inside her modest house, unable to fathom why he had even come. She didn't know if he would even be comfortable in her simple house. He sat down on the sofa where she gestured him to, without making a face which she thought he would. He looked at her and gave her a slight smile.
For the next 15 minutes, the business tycoon spoke, where he exclaimed that he wanted to marry Prerna, citing the reason why Prerna had said yes to this alliance but he wanted this marriage to take place with her mother’s blessings too. His 3 year old daughter was too attached to her and she refused anyone but Prerna. His daughter wanted her and even Prerna was attached to her in a motherly way.
So when out of the blue he offered her the alliance, she hadn’t thought twice before accepting it few hours ago. He explained truthfully that he was a divorcee, his wife had eloped with another man seven years ago and then just three years ago, he came to know that his ex wife and her new husband met with an accident which caused them their untimely death, leaving behind their one month old daughter who now had nobody but him. He had immediately adopted her, loving her dearly and more than his life. Unfortunately, she suffered from mutism due to the impact of the accident or genetics, the doctors had no clue.
Bajaj accepted that everything was happening very quickly but that was for the best and he promised to take care of Prerna, be her wall and protect her at the cost of his life.
Veena felt her head reel, unable to process so much information at a time. But she saw something in his eyes; truth, honesty and sincerity. He wasn't bluffing nor was he here to make a business deal; instead he was here to ask her daughter's hand in marriage. He, in this short while, had given such immense respect to Veena that the heart of the mother felt that this man was correct for her daughter. He was someone who would value her, know her true worth, respect her and love her for herself.
Veena just asked him two questions to judge if he was the correct man; what he valued the most, beauty or skill. He instantly replied, skill as beauty was subjective to everyone’s opinions but skill was something that remained with one throughout their lifetime and made man immortal if used correctly. Impressed by his answer, she asked him what love was. He had a painful smile reflect on his face but he answered anyway, a life force that either caused destruction or creation.
Veena said she had nothing else to give and Mr Bajaj assured he just wanted her blessings in the marriage as he had nobody in his family. He wouldn't even accept a pin from her. The intensity by which he said so, made Veena feel that he was the right man for her flower like innocent daughter. She still asked Prerna if she really wanted to get married to a man older than her by at least 15yrs or more. She just said yes.
The wedding took place the next day. It was just a simple wedding at the marriage registrars’ office in presence of her mother and Bajaj's best friend, Gupta. Nothing much but just a simple affair. Garlands exchanged, mangalsutra worn with sindoor gracing Prerna’s maang, the lawyer declared them man and wife.
Though the media did mob them right after they stepped out of the office to make their first appearance as husband and wife. Mr Bajaj threw a grand reception party in the evening with celebrities and famous personalities thawing at the function. Even the media was present and the party put any high-profile Bollywood party to shame.
At first, Prerna and her mother were wary of all this attention, but Mr Bajaj made both the ladies, his mother-in-law as well as his newly wedded wife feel comfortable. More than three attendants took care of their needs and Mr Bajaj himself made Veena feel more respected than she ever did in her life, in that party. Mr Bajaj was mysterious but she knew her daughter was in safe hands.
A month from then, Prerna left with Mr Bajaj and Sneha to Amsterdam, Bajaj's permanent residence. In that one month, though Mr Bajaj rarely met her but Sneha and Prerna would meet her almost every day. She knew Prerna hadn’t warmed up to her husband yet but she took the duties of a mother very well. She knew Prerna was still suffering the heartbreak and that tensed her but sometimes rain was necessary for rainbows to shine.
Mr Bajaj, though was one of the richest businessmen in the entire world but he never showed any disrespect to Veena, nor did he ever look down upon Prerna or her family. He never spoke ill or judged her and her class.
Instead, he gave her and Veena immense respect, space and thoughtful gifts. Prerna told her on her birthday the very year, that Mr Bajaj had given her a photo frame, which held a picture of a young Bajaj with her late father. Mr Bajaj had told her how he treasured this but she deserved it more than he did. She said, crying with happiness over Facetime, that it was the best thing she had ever received. Veena was more than happy at this.
Soon she could see so many changes in her daughter, though they didn’t stay in the same country or even shared the same time zones but the everyday video calls revealed them. Prerna was slowly turning into what she was before. She joked, she laughed and had so much fun with the little child Sneha who just remained attached on to her like her skin.The mother and daughter had too much fun and Veena sometimes felt pangs of jealousy before they vanished in seconds.
Life wasn’t so pleasant though. People did talk behind their backs, especially questioning her darling daughter’s character. As a woman, she chose not to pay any heed to these filthy mouths but then as a mother it hurt her to hear such accusations.
Prerna would often come to India as Mr Bajaj had frequent visits to the country for his business deals and she didn’t leave any chance to meet her mother. It also meant that she had to attend many parties that Mr & Mrs Bajaj were invited to. Most of the time, Rishabh, as Prerna would call him now with his first name finally, would ask they need not to but sometimes they really had to, especially when they were the hosts themselves.
Though people remained to the creamy layer but their mouths were so much worse than the ill-mannered slum dwelling people, that they would try to shame Prerna, calling her an opportunist middle class girl. Mr Bajaj would often give it back in style, putting them in their place, exposing their shortcomings but it broke Prerna’s heart most of the time.
Veena tried to make her understand that all that mattered was her husband and his thoughts about her but she nevertheless felt down. In those moments, Veena saw how much it pained Mr Bajaj to see his wife in pain. He would at first pacify her and comfort her, though giving her as much space as she had needed. Veena could see Prerna cling to him, demanding his attention, as if his words were balm to her open wounds. Then Mr Bajaj would pamper her enough and that would do the trick.
Pampering her didn’t mean buying her expensive gifts or huge rocks to wear, but instead he would rather take her out for fuchka, or hot steaming biryani or just watch a jatra (play) show, just like the common people. The next day’s newspaper would often tell Veena that though Mr Bajaj looked calm and composed in front of Prerna, but his fury brought doom to all those who tried to shame her and made them penniless by bringing them on the roads overnight. Veena felt strangely proud of her son-in-law. Though he didn’t have to do so but as a husband he couldn’t stand a drop of tear roll down his wife’s cheek and made everyone cry who were responsible for it.
Veena saw his fury reached the top when in one of the parties the Basu matriarch had tried shaming Prerna. Prerna’s ex spilled venom, this time daring to spill them onto Mr Bajaj. “With due respect Mr Bajaj she at first had me roped well around her fingers, now she has you.”
The next moment the entire hall echoed with the sound of a deafening slap. Mr Bajaj had hit the Jr Basu so hard that his face looked disfigured. It took Prerna’s howling requests on the top of her voice to stop Mr Bajaj from beating the Jr Basu to death. Veena witnessed a new phase between the couple, which changed the dynamics of their relationship overnight.
The next day’s news only flashed how the ruthless Bajaj had unleashed his fury on the Basu family, reducing them to dust in a moment’s time. Prerna demanded answers from Mr Bajaj for such an act and he only said if he could then he would had killed the bloodline itself for insulting his wife. No one dared to say anything to his family, especially her and if had him to kill anyone he would happily do it. He could go to any extent to keep both her and their daughter safe.
Right after that day, Veena noticed there was a drastic change in her daughter. There was admiration from her side and her daughter was now growing much closer to her husband than before. But did love spark yet? It was still a no.
Mr Bajaj took his family on holidays, sometimes to Switzerland, sometimes to England and Scotland and many other exotic places and Veena found her phone filled with pictures of her Priyu and Sneha having fun and very soon they also had Mr Bajaj with them.
A few trips later there were more intimate yet funny selfies of the husband and wife than images of others. Prerna now spoke highly of her husband and it delighted Veena that she had resumed her studies on insistence of Mr Bajaj.
Veena was amazed how easily her innocent Priyu handled her studies and the duties of being both a mother and a wife. When Sneha, after intense therapy made her first sound, her Priyu had cried the entire day in happiness. Mr Bajaj had been away to the States for some business deals but he cancelled all to be with them and came off in just a matter of a few hours.
Veena could see how much these two now behaved like man and wife, sharing pain and happiness together. Was her daughter happy? More than she had even thought. Another milestone in their life had to be the day when Prerna graduated. It was a huge day for the entire Sharma as well as the Bajaj family. Though Mr Bajaj wanted Veena to be present with them on this huge occasion but Veena subtly refused. She wanted the two enjoy the very first achievement of theirs together. She very well knew such occasions brought hearts closer and she prayed that it did too. A year had passed since the, and Veena couldn't contain her happiness at all because she was going to meet her heart, her reason for being alive after almost a year and also her husband, the most righteous one.
Writer: MisHumptyDumpty
PART 2
Veena was harshly broken off from her reverie when she heard a car’s engine stop near the porch and some footsteps and hushed but inaudible noises. Her motherly instincts had overpowered her and she knew her children had come to surprise her. Her heart leaped to new bounds and she waited behind the main door to not spoil their surprise. She could clearly hear her darling daughter's whispers talking her husband.
"Let's surprise her!"
"I am one hundred percent sure that she can hear your doubly excited voice."
"Very funny, she is my mother, I know, okay.?"
"As it pleases you Mrs Bajaj."
Veena knew Prerna must have stuck her tongue out in response. Quietly, she waited till her daughter pulled the key out of its hidden place while her husband kept on saying in a no nonsense voice.
"Is all this mandatory?"
"Yes it is."
"I am not okay with it."
"You remain outside phir, no one is inviting you in this."
"Yeah right you can't even take that key out from that pot. And you want to surprise Maa."
"Then what are you doing standing there like a pillar? Waise bhi your height won't increase.”
"Don't get personal with this Mrs Bajaj.”
"You and your height, oho, touchy topic.” She mimicked.
"Here take it.” Mr Bajaj’s voice came after a pause.
"This is why you have all these enormous biceps." Prerna said in a cute voice.
“Don't pull my cheeks or Sneha will wake up.”
“She anyway will in a moment.”
“My poor baby.”
Veena tried her best not to laugh at their bickering.
"You know I have a feeling Maa is going to make a popat of us.”
"She is sleeping it's 11pm. And how cute are you saying popat! Say again.”
"Oh yea whatever ... Princess... See Sneha is waking up.”
"Sneha Sneha baby Dimaa bari..(grandmother's house)” Prerna cajoled the half sleepy kid up and she rubbed her eyes and gave her mother a big smile. Her father gave her a kiss on her cheek and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"She will get excited in a minute.”
Mr Bajaj just chuckled waiting for the moment to arrive.
Prerna put the key in the lock and twisted it twice. The door opened to a nearly dark house and from behind Veena booed Prerna who was momentarily caught in her own game.
Peels of laughter echoed in the entire household as the mother daughter hugged and cuddled each other in happiness. Even Sneha was wide awake and only wanted her Dimaa's attention, so much that she held out her arms, calling her in her soft voice. She now spoke in monosyllables and the doctor said that she was recovering and would be cured of mutism very soon. It was all because of her mother’s love and encouragement. Veena happily took the child in her arms while Mr Bajaj proceeded to touch her feet .
“Arey ye kya kar rahe ho beta.” She said combing his perfect in place hair as she blessed him. “Jeete raho beta, khub tarraki karo.”
“Maa, aur kitni tarraki karenge, ab toh inka bas chale toh Mars bhi kharid le.” Prerna chimed in.
“Dhat pagli, aisa nahi bolte.” Veena jovially slapped on her Priyu’s cheek and then placed a loving kiss.
“Humein light jalani chahiye.” Rishabh suggested and he went towards the switchboard to turn on all the lights. Veena now felt exposed thinking how would she welcome her son in law with no preparations. Sensing her mother's apprehensions, Prerna held her chin and turned her face towards her and gave her an assuring look and then placed her face on her shoulder.
“Baith toh ja pagli.” Veena said after a while. She noticed her Priyu had a different glow on her face. She looked so happy and at peace. No doubt her husband kept her very happy.
“Nahi aise hi Rehna hai.” Prerna objected in a baby tone, just like old times. Veena was surprised but she mentally thanked the gods for her daughter’s happiness.
“You are hurting her.” Rishabh interjected, squinting his eyes. Veena felt the two were having some quiet conversations.
“You keep quiet.” Prerna instead showed him her hand.
Rishabh just gestured that he was off.
“Joote toh khol lo.” Rishabh said as he took out Sneha’s as well as Prerna’s slippers from one of the luggage.
“Maa, har roz yehi kehte rehte hain, joote kholo joote kholo ,khud toh ghar pe bina slippers ke ghoomte rehte hai magar bahar se koi aye..” Prerna started to complain but she was cut in the middle.
“Mujhe farsh par jooton ke nisshan pasand nahi.”
“Maa, Sneha bacchi hai, thoda toh ganda karegi na par nahi, joote kholo slippers, pehno. Aise mat karo, waise mat karo. Army mein rehna chahiye tha apko. “
Rishabh just gave her a smirk and picked Sneha up in his arms to open her shoes and made her wear slippers.
He placed Prerna’s slippers next and eyed her to change in them.
“Mera ghar hai, nahi kholungi kya kar loge.” She just replied back with an attitude that made Veena almost laugh.
“Fine.” He said and shrugged.
“Beta Rishabh ki baat man le.”
“Maa, please ab aap aise mat shuru ho jaiye.” Prerna complained like a little child but now Veena pulled Sneha to the divaan. The little child latched onto her dimaa, now forgot about her favorite toy that her father held out for her. A little later, she grabbed her toy and sat on her father's lap, resting her head on his chest playing in her own world.
“Tujhe pata nahi Priyu, main kitni khush hoon.”
“Khush karne ke liye hi toh surprise kiya.” Prerna said.
“Safar kaisa tha, Rishabh beta?”
“Ji badhiya tha Maa.”
“Tum dono ghar chale aye seedha..”
“Kyun, ab hum apne ghar bhi nahi aa sakte?” Prerna questioned her mother.
“Maine kab kaha aisa? Magar mujhe laga ki -
“Ki hum Bajaj Mansion jayenge. Maa, jab ap yahan hai toh hum Bajaj mansion kiske liye jayein?” Prerna completed her mother and her mother just shook her head with a smile when she saw her son-in-law getting up.
“Kahan jaa rahe ho beta?”
“Paani lene ja raha hoon.” Rishabh said.
“Beta tum kyun..” Veena was quicker at her feet. No way she would let Mr Bajaj run errands.
“Maa, I’ll manage.” She heard Rishabh say while Prerna held her hand tightly.
“Udhar kitchen ke samne fridge hai” Prerna directed.
“I have my eyes.”
“Yes, that’s why you need two more . “ Prerna chided back.
“Sunn pagli, Rishabh ko yahan problem hogi bahut, usey mana ke Bajaj Mansion le jaa.” Veena pleaded.
“Maa, apko ye sab Bajaj Mansion shift naa hone se pehele sochna chahiye tha.” Mr Bajaj’s voice boomed.
“Iss ladki ke saath reh reh ke iski hi tarah bolne lage ho tum.” Veena complained, pulling her daughter’s cheek.
“Say thank you.” Prerna directed her husband looking in his direction.
Veena looked at her scanned her thoroughly. Prerna’s eyes shone with mirth, she looked so happy and bubbly just like before. Veena tapped on her eyes and smudged some kajal behind her ear making her squirm.
“Maa, baatao kaisi ho.”
“Bahut zyada khush.”
“Accha?”
“Haan! Ab tum sab aa gaye na issi liye.”
“Maa apne khana nahi khaya?” Rishabh said, looking at the food that was laid out on the dining table.
“Woh tumhare phone ka intezar kar rahi thi.” Veena told them the truth.
Rishabh’s now came back and in a worried filled voice he said, “Maa apki dawai ka bhi waqt hogaya hai..”
“Maa aisa mat kijiye.” Even Prerna scolded her.
Rishabh gestured Prerna to get her food and both of them looked very concerned.
“Aha..” She caught their hands and made them sit beside her. “Tum dono fresh hojao.. phir ek saath khate hai na. Aur meri pyari gudiya ke saath mujhe kitni sari baatein karni hai.” she said while cuddling Sneha as both husband and wife gave her disapproving looks. To rescue the grandmother, Sneha yawned very loudly, rubbing her eyes.
Motherly instincts came over and Prerna pulled Sneha to herself, cradling her like an infant.
“Kapade change kar lete hai.” Rishabh suggested and Prerna nodded. Rishabh pulled out Sneha’s night frock from her luggage. He handed Sneha a paper who excitedly took it and gave it to her grandma.
“Dee..maa.” She said very excitedly but eyes were heavy with sleep. Veena turned over the paper and saw in a child’s scribble, a house and four stick figures. Sneha explained in gestures, Dimaa, Maa, Papa and me. It was such a cute painting that Veena couldn’t stop but to kiss the child’s cheeks. Meanwhile Prerna and Rishab had conversations in gestures. Veena could see her daughter asking her husband to freshen up while he wanted to put Sneha to sleep.
“Deemaa ko apki painting pasand ayi?” She asked as she pulled the child into her arms and then she opened her shoes, wore her slippers before going to the bathroom.
“Priyu, Sneha ke liye thoda doodh garam kar doon?” Veena asked.
She saw Prerna question her husband before answering her back.
“Ask her.” Rishabh said instead.
“Apko miky peeni hai Snehu?” Prerna asked her in a baby voice and the child shook her head in no.
“Naa Maa, waise bhi flight mein pi thi, sone se pehele. I don’t think she wants any.” Prerna replied and with that she went to the bathroom. Rishabh instead pulled out Sneha’s water bottle and held it.
“She is more excited to meet you. School mein har teacher har classmate ko she has told about you. Entire journey she was very excited but as we landed in Delhi for layover she slept. Uske baad ek baar uthi thi, khana kha ke phir so gayi..kuch der pehle hi jaag uthi.”
“Bacchi hai Rishabh, bacche pura din halla karenge aur phir seedha raat ko hi soyenge!”
“I am envious. I really want that energy streak she has.”
“Bachon wali energy toh ab wapas aane se rahi! Jao beta tum bhi fresh ho jao. Itna lamba safar tha thakk gaye hoge.”
“Maa pehle Sneha so jaye aur aap dinner kar le, uske baad.”
“Uffo, acha ye batao Rishabh…beta garmi toh nahi lag rahi na.”
“Nahin Maa, mujhe garmi nahi lag rahi. Ap itni pareshaan.. just don’t be.”
“Rishabh aap idhar aaiye pls, Sneha…” Prerna’s voice came floating.
“Haan, maa ek minute buss.”
“Beta, Sneha ko apne kamre mein sula do na.” Veena suggested.
“But we are downstairs…” Prerna said. She didn’t want to leave her child even for moment away from her eyes.
“Haan wohi behtar hoga.” Risbhah echoed the same thoughts, assuring her.
“If you say so…Upar chaliye phir... Sambhal kar, jaag jayegi kacchi neend hai”
Cradling Sneha’s head to his chest, Rishabh rose up the stairs as softly as he could with Prerna following him.
Veena just gazed at the three transfixed at what had transpired between the small family. A tear of joy rolled down her eyes and she thanked almighty a 100 times.
Prerna opened her colorful room finding it the very way she had left it. Rishabh just dashed towards the bed to lie his daughter down while Prerna too started picking up pillows from the couch.
“Don’t bend.” Rishabh was quick to order.
“Yes.I wont.”
“Good, dekho, she wants you… come here.” Rishabh said looking at his daughter's search for her mother in a daze.
Prerna came and adjusted some pillows around Sneha as she sat beside her. In her motherly way she patted Sneha to sleep gently till soft snores were heard. Rishabh kissed the little child’s hand and put her hand on both of his eyes, in gratitude, before tucking her hand under the duvet.
“AC on kar dijiye na... woh udhar hai switch.” Prerna spoke in a hushed voice lest Sneha woke up.
Rishabh just gave her an I KNOW look.
“Prerna, I know you are tired and excited but I think you should rest now.. I know you want to be with Maa, aaj raat unke saath hi rehna magar please 30 minutes of all this pagalpanti and then go to bed.” Rishabh said after a while as they sat beside their daughter. He tucked a strand of Prerna’s hair behind her ear.
“Rishabh, 30 minutes are too less and I am fine, please don’t worry. Please don’t. “ She said holding his hand to her cheek.
“I know you will even if I say don’t.” She said after a while looking at him.
“Then do as I said.” Rishab with his forefinger removed another strand of hair from her face in a very delicate way, and his fingers ran down her face caressing each and every part of her skin, a way of expressing his love and concern.
“Just not today, please. I probably won’t get any sleep at all.” Prerna told the truth.
“Do not do that. I’ll tell maa..” Mr Bajaj now warned.
“I told you na we’ll tell it to her together ..” Prerna now pouted her lips.
“Now chalo at least fresh toh ho jao.” Rishabh said in an encouraging voice.
“Mere kapde neeche hai if you remember, Mr smart pants.” Prerna made a logic sign.
“I’ll get the luggage up.”
“Ramu kaka kal le aayenge, you just pull out yours and my night clothes, red bag. Accha Sneha giregi nahi na?” Prerna asked with full concern.
“Ye lo do aur bolsters, nahi giregi ab.” Rishabh assured her.
“Acha okay. Ab aap jaldi se fresh hoke aaiye na. Main hoon uske saath tab tak. “ Her voice was just so full of concern.
“Prerna, Maa neeche intezaar kar rahi hai hamara. Unhone apni medicines bhi nahi liye “ Rishabh tried pacifying his wife.
“I just forgot.” Prerna replied absentmindedly.
“You're a goldfish that’s why.. my goldfish.” Rishabh patted on Prerna’s cheek lovingly.
“Smart pants but mine. But lets freshen up first.” Prerna suggested and Rishabh smiled and went downstairs to get their clothes.
“Prerna, Maa neechee kuch paka rahi hai. She is cooking. “ Rishabh announced when he came upstairs again handing her, her clothes.
“She’s just warming some milk and water. She does this before going to sleep everyday.” Prerna had her answer ready but she truly hoped that her darling mother wasn't up cooking something for them.
“Are you sure?” Risbhah asked and Prerna nodded in affirmation.
“Prerna take your time okay, no need to hurry. Let me know—“ Rishabh said in a go.
“YAP YAP YAP NOW SHOO.” Prerna made a zip gesture and went to the bathroom.
“Rishabh, are you sure she won’t fall down. Apko yaad hai na..” Prerna asked after they both had freshened up before going downstairs. Prerna hated keeping her daughter away from her eyes even for a moment, even if it was in her own house in her own bedroom. Sneha though made high pitched sounds when she felt hurt, but the thought of her daughter in pain gave her nightmares.
“Woh couch tha Prerna, not a queen sized bed! Please stop blaming yourself for that.” Risbhah touched her cheek with the back of the hand caressing it.He knew she still cursed herself for that incident when Sneha had rolled down the couch and hurt herself. Her cries weren’t heard because she didn’t make sounds then but Prerna’s heart knew something was wrong. Though she rescued her within 5 minutes but Prerna still cried thinking how she couldn’t save her daughter from the fall. The guilt she wore was so thick that it made her even more protective of Sneha.
“Ok..if you say so.” Prerna said in a small voice, looking at her daughter.
“Chaliye ab neeche maa intezaar kar rahi hongi.” Rishabh suggested.
“Aap coffee peeyenge?” She asked.
“Prerna, I can make my own if I want.” Rishabh replied instead
“I like making coffee for you but-- Maa aap kya kar rahi ho. Itna sab kuch ki zarurat nahi..” Prerna raised her voice in alert.
“Maa please aap khana kha lijiye ab. Apko apki pressure aur diabetes ki medicine bhi leni hai “ Rishabh too replied this time glaring at Prerna. She wasn’t correct. Maa indeed was cooking.
“Lelungi baba, aao mere paas toh baitho. Chalo mere saath thoda thoda karke dono kha lo.“ Veena suggested as she placed two khaandani brass plates laden with food for them on the dining table.
Both her children looked very angry with her but Veena paid no attention instead dragged Rishabh saying “Beta idhar baitho.” pointing at the head of the table’s place. Rishabh just looked at Veena and smiled.
“Maa ap ayiye.. yea apki jagah hai, aur kisi ki nahi. Samjhi ap.” Rishabh made her sit instead.
Veena’s eyes just filled up while Prerna just gestured her mom yes and both of them sat together side by side.
“Main coffee bana ke layun?” Prerna asked meekly.
“Dheere bolo maa sun legi aur phir se..”
“Oh ok..”
“Ab apni biwi ka haath chod sakte ho Rishabh.” Veena teased when she saw both of them still holding their hands.
“Haath chodne ke liye kahan pakada tha.” Rishabh naughtily winked and Prerna turned a shade of red.
“Luchi Aloo dum .. maa apne abhi banaya? Kyun??” Prerna as much as she loved this meal she was highly annoyed at how careless her mother had been with her health and missed meds.
“Dekha, this is why I said lets not disturb maa.” Rishabh chided.
“CHUP BILKUL CHUP. Aur khana khao. “ Veena scolded both of them and ordered them to eat.
“Par Maa—“Prerna interrupted.
“Ek word nahi” Veena warned.
“All your fault.” Prerna blamed her husband with a funny scowl.
“How is it mine, it was your plan.” Her husband countered back, this time wiping her hands with a wet tissue. Veena awed at such an endearing sight.
“You could have stopped me.”
“Tomorrow’s newspaper will have that printed on the first page.”
“Rishabh-Priyu, baccho ki tarah lado mat, chalo khana kha lo.” Veena replied highly amused at the lovers tiff.
“Lad kahan rahe hai maa.” Rishabh interjected in their defense shaking his head.
“Ye ladte hai Maa, main nahi aur hamesha buss yehi kehte hai ki Maa hamare saath kyun nahi ati..” Prerna pouted.
“Haan Maa, aap toh meri baat sunti hai nahi, apni beti ki hi baat sunn le.” Rishabh complained back.
“Waise mujhe nahi lagta ki bet aap jeetne wale hai.” Prerna chuckled.
“Bet kaunsi bet?” Veena asked looking at the two amused at how they easily forgot about the world around them.
“Yehi ki kaun maa ko convince kar sakta hai hamare saath aane ke liye.” Prerna cheekily replied.
“Iss ghar se tere pitaji ki yaadein judi huyi hai main kaise iss ghar ko chod ke jaun?” Veena replied.
“Phirse wohi melodrama. Maa you should have been Ekta Kapoor ki serials ki bechari maa. Maa, Papa aapke dil mein baste hai, iss ghar mein nahi.” Prerna shook herhead.
“She’s not convinced.” Rishabh said.
“Because she is your mother in law.” Prerna complained back.
Rishabh just smirked.
“Maa aaj idhar abhi decide kar lete hai. Maa main apko reasons dungi and you’ll make up your mind. “ Prerna excitedly announced like a kid.
“Achha baba bol de. Magar pehele khana.” Veena suggested.
“Uske liye khilana padega… haath dhona padega phir nahi toh.” Prerna gladly choose to ignore the fact that her husband had wiped her fingers clean.
“Tera pati tere pass baitha hai aur tujhe main khila doon?” Veena reprimanded.
“Pati ko bolun phir? Rishabh pls khila do.” Prerna mimicked showing her husband her hand and continued. “Maa please. Dekhiye ap ho idhar, ab ap khila do…pleaseeeee.” Prerna requested while Rishabh shook his head.
“How can I say no to this face. “ Veena said lovingly looking at her daughter and her crazy antics.
“Good.”
“Ab kha lo phir…” Rishabh suggested as he started to dig in the food.
“I talk and eat ok.”
“And and and, don’t you just sit like that.. pull your legs down.” Rishabh reprimanded her seeing her sit crossed legged on the chair.
“Baithke thik se khane bhi nahi dete.” Prerna grumped.
“Priyu!”Veena gave her a mock stare.
“Okay maa, reason 1. Cost of living in Amsterdam is the lowest, even lower than Kolkata Maa. “ Prerna enthusiastically exclaimed.
“Issiliye toh Rishabh tujhe wahan legaya.” Veena joked while Rishabh’s lips turned into a smirk.
“Wait.” Prerna implored. After having her first morsel and swallowing it from her own mother’s hands, she started to think. Her mother took the opportunity and fed her few more bites. “Yea toh maine socha hi nahi. You stay there because aap paise bachate hai?” Prerna accused pointing her finger at him.
“You are more intelligent than I thought you to be goldfish.” Rishabh smirked.
“Ugh.“ Prerna exclaimed mouthful.
“Khale Priyu.. Rishabh thoda aur doon?” Veena asked.
“Maa please noo. I cant.. “ Rishabh instantly protested. It was getting hard for him to swallow what all was left on his plate.
“Priyu Rishabh ko pani de. “ Veena directed her daughter
“Mirchi chahiye?” She instead asked her husband.
“Priyu!” But Rishabh just gave her a secret wink.
“Maa, iske baad wala reason bataungi na ap buss jhat se haan bolgi. We all know how much you love village and Amsterdam will just give you that feel. Pura old Kolkata maa. Every house speaks of our old tradition, farms and everything. Maine pictures dikhaye thay apko yaad hai na.”
“Haan, yaad hai. Rishab ho gaya beta?” Veena didn’t even care what Prerna was telling her, she was more concerned about Rishabh! Unbelievable!
“Haan maa buss bahut zyada kha liya.” Rishabh said trying his best not to burp.
“Kuch nahi khaya beta, thoda aur lo.“ Veena wanted to serve him more but the horror on Rishabh’s face made her giggle.
“Nahi maa, raat ko so nahi paunga aur khaunga toh, uth raha hoon main.” He said as he gestured that he was done.
“Haan beta, iss mein batane wali kya baat hai.”
“Etiquettes.”Prerna mimicked.
“Pagli. Aur le na.” Veena now concentrated on her daughter.
“Do na. Apko mujhe batana padega kya? Woh mirchi ke saath, thoda pyaaz bhi do.” Prerna demanded and her mother obliged.
“Sahi mein Rishabh ko problem nahi hogi yahan? Aur Sneha?” Veena explained worriedly.
Swallowing her food, Prerna said, “Maa sneha so rahi hai, aur woh kahin bhi so jati hai. Aur Rishabh ki please ap fikar mat kijiye.”
“Itna..“
“Maa please. He really wants you to come with us. You know na maa, how much he misses you. Wo sirf aapko Maa bulate hai. Sirf aapko. Ek din bhi nahi jata unka apka naam liye bagair. Maa ne khana khaya, maa se baat ki, maa ko kyun jane diya, maa this maa that. Pura week wait karte hai apse Sunday ko baat karne keliye. Mera kya hai apko toh meri fikar hai hi nahi magar ap at least Sneha aur unka sochiye.”
“Par beta idhar sab kuch chod ke main aise kaise.. aur immigration ka bhi toh-
“Maa you think Rishabh hasn’t planned for all this already? He is THE RISHABH BAJAJ. Duniya kaapti hai unke naam se.”
“Kitni zyada tareef kar rahi hai pati ki. Kya baat hai?” Veena teased her daughter.
“Maa topic mat ghumao.” Prerna replied crossed with her.
“Beta, dekh, privacy is very important.”
“Aur maa apko kuch hogaya toh? Aise ap kaise akeli..”
“Main akleli kahan hoon? Suman ati rehti hai har roz.. tujhe toh pata hi hai, Ritu ko school chodte waqt ati hai aur rehti hai mere saath jab tak Ritu school se aa na jaye. Shekhar jab Kolkata mein rehta hai har roz milne ata hai sham ko ek saath chai aur samose khate hai. Mahesh toh pura weekend idhar hi pada rehta hai. Haan Shivani teri tarah mahine mein ek do baar milne ajti hai. Itne padosi, itne rishtedaar sab ate jate rehte hai, tujhe kyun lagta hai main akeli hoon.” Veena said as she fed her daughter.
“Kyunki aap mere saath nahi ho issi liye.” Prerna retorted back.
“25 saal reh liye tere saath aur nahi rehna mujhe. “
“Maa!” Prerna angrily retorted.
“Priyu!”
“Maa. I really wish Rishabh apko koi deal dete jaise woh apne business mein karte hai. Magar family! Aur unke usool! No deals in family.” Prerna gestured a no.
“Kisne kaha I don’t have deals for my family?” Rishabh’s thunderous voice came from behind. He had a steaming mug of coffee that he sipped as he came towards her.
“Maine kaha! Aur apke pass hai hi nahi ek bhi. Maa ko de ke dikhaiye… main bhi toh dekhun apke pass kitne ache deals hai maa ke liye.” Prerna challenged her husband.
She received a mock glare from Rishabh instead.
“Haan main bhi toh dekhun kya deal hai MR BAJAJ ke pass mere liye?” Veena replied looking very eager.
“Maa I tell you it’s going to be the best deal of your life.” Rishabh had his trademark smirk back on his face. A glint in his eyes proved he was in the best of moods.
“Haan toh bataiye Mr Bajaj. Hum bhi toh sune.” It was Prerna’s turn to tease him. She knew what he was going to tell her. This time she let him take the lead. He walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders in a very caring way and a delicate way.
“Maa..”Rishabh looked at Prerna and she closed her eyes as if telling her it was the right time. He placed his chin on her head and said, “We are expecting. We really need you.”
Veena gave them a smile. They looked so cute that way.
And then it hit her. It hit her so hard that she went all white. Her eyes widened as round as saucers and her jaw dropped to the floor literally, disbelief clearly written all over her face.
“Yes maa, you are going to be Deema once again.” Prerna politely told her mother.
“Sach mein?” Veena managed to choke out.
Both the man and wife nodded with a big proud smile pasted on their faces.
“Meri Priyu itni badi kab hogayi ki who khud maa banne wali hai..?” Veena said reflecting. All she could see was the little doting daughter of hers running here and there around the house calling for her. It seemed almost magical to her that she had grown so big that she was now going to be a mother, once again.
Prena dramatically rubbed her temples while Risbhah returned to his mug. “Maa please ab senti mat hona, mujhe rona aajayega aur Rishabh ko phir gussa.” She said looking at her mother so emotional.
“Rishabh-Priyu, thank you so much. This has to be the best day of my life.” Veena said as she stood up and gather both her daughter and son in law in her arms. “Now I know why no one can refuse The Bajaj Deal ever. This indeed is the best deal of my life!” Saying so she gave out a laugh so did others. Now Veena was more than sure, that her daughter had found not only happiness but also love that would last for not only for a lifetime, but for many more to come.
