INTRODUCTION
THE GUPTA FAMILY
Shanshank Gupta & Padma Gupta - They are a middle class couple who live in Mumbai. Shashank is a manager in a local garments factory and Padma is a homemaker.
They have one daughter Anjali Gupta and also have a niece Riddhima , who lives with them since she was 5 years old. Riddhima was Padma's sister daughter but came to live with her mausi and mausa after her parent's tragic death. Anjali is now 24 years old and Riddhima is 21. They have grown up as sisters but have totally different personalities.
They have one daughter Anjali Gupta and also have a niece Riddhima , who lives with them since she was 5 years old. Riddhima was Padma's sister daughter but came to live with her mausi and mausa after her parent's tragic death. Anjali is now 24 years old and Riddhima is 21. They have grown up as sisters but have totally different personalities.
Anjali Gupta - She is very proudy girl, she has always excelled in whatever she does. She was always an "A+" student, studied in the most prestigious boarding school of India and is now working at a Multinational company in a managing role. She is on fast track to becoming a senior member of her team. She is a hard worker and a "perfectionist". She is very elegant and a charming person. The word "impossible" or "defeat" does not exist in her dictionary. She can do anything to achieve her goals.......anything!!
Riddhima Gupta - She is a sweet little petite girl, who has never met a stranger in her life. She is very chirpy, helpful and always has a smile on her face. She can be a little dreamy; she thinks and acts with her heart most of the time. She is closest to her mausi and shares her inner most thoughts with her. She is in awe of Anjali and her achievements and will do anything to please her sister. Anjali is aware of this fact and can take Riddhima for granted at times.
Shanshank is always biased towards his brilliant daughter. Riddhima who has an inclination towards the fine arts like singing and writing, does not meet Shashank's approval of a successful person. Riddhima has tried her best to please him but he has at best remained an uncle to her rather than a father figure.
THE MALIK FAMILY
Billy Malik - He is a successful industrialist. He is married to Ananya and has two sons, Rahul and Armaan
Rahul Malik - He is 28 years old and is just like his dad- very straightforward and honest person. They are both dedicated to their family business but are very open minded people. They are aware of their status but have respect for everyone, rich or poor. He is married to Muskaan Chaddha now Malik.
Armaan Malik - He is 25 years old and has just returned from the US after completing his MBA from a top-notch program, is all set to join the business. In high school and college, he was always surrounded by girls but recently has sobered quite a
Writer: Tiya20Gupta
Part 1
RESIDENCE
Billy Malik was very pleased to see this change in his son and said to his wife, Ananya " Lagta hai ab Armaan ke liye bhi ladki dekh lete hain....he looks ready to settle down now"
"Pehle ussey tho poonch lo....kahin koyi ladki ho uski nazar mein..." she said
"You are right Ananya.....you are always right..." he smiled and went to Armaan's room.
Armaan was busy with his laptop trying to catch up with some work. Armaan had recently been hired by a prestigious consulting firm in Mumbai and he wanted to do his best at his new job. He would join the family business after 2-3 years after "real world experience"
"Armaan beta hum soch rahey the ki tumhari shaadi karwa de" Billy sat down on Armaan's bed
"Huh...huhh...kya kaha aapney" Armaan was busy crunching some numbers on his spreadsheet.
"Well beta if you have any girlfriend toh bata dowarna ek acha rishta aaya hai" Billy was direct and did not waste anytime.
Armaan stopped what he was doing, " Dad...jaisa aap theek samjhey....maine ab ladkiyon ko date karna chhod diya hai....koyi dhang ki ladki nahin milti....may be arranged marriage is the way to go...just like bhaiyya and you..." Armaan smiled and resumed his work.
GUPTA RESIDENCE
Anjali and Riddhima are going over several biodata and photographs of prospective grooms.
"Hmm Riddhima yeh dekho naa.... kitna chiknaa hai !..." Anjali showed a photo to Riddhima and they both started laughing.
"Didi...yeh dekho...." Riddhima handed her a biodata and a photograph
"Hmm...dekhney mein tho theek thaak hai...par qualification...zero....mujhsey kabhi zyaada nahin kamaa paayega....and you know...I need someone I can look upto...." Anjali rejected another one.
"Didi shaadi ussi sey karni chahiye jissey aap apna dil de baithe, dimaag se toh aur kaam hote hai" Riddhima said as she was surveying the different photos.
"Riddhima main tumhari tarah nahin hoon.....I use my brain and logic in every decision I make" Anjali replied.
'RIDDHIMA !!" Padma called for Riddhima to help her in the kitchen. She was always willing to help out with chores at home whereas Anjali always had an excuse - earlier it used to be studies and now work. Shashank always say to anjali not to waste her time in household chores, "naukar kiss liye hain....meri beti tho jahan jaayegi raaj karegi"
Anjali liked the next "proposal"- it was Armaan Malik.... dekhney mein bhi achcha hai...aur A1 qualifications....looks like CEO material....I think he will be a suitable groom...."
Anjali informed her parents and the Gupta's and Malik's decided to set up a meeting at the Gupta's for the boy and girl to meet. Riddhima had not seen the photo and was unaware of the boy's name too.
Next day, everyone at the Gupta's residence was ready to welcome the Malik's. They were aware of the Malik 's status in society and they made sure they went out of their way to do khatirdaari.
Riddhima was ready in a red churidaar and hanging out in the balcony to get a glimpse of her future "jijajee". She spotted a little bird in their front yard-she looked like she was injured and trying her best to fly. Riddhima , tender hearted that she was, went downstairs to the bird's rescue. She picked up the injured bird with both her hands and walked towards the house, holding and talking gently to the bird. She did not notice that the Malik's- Billy, Ananya, Rahul, Muskaan and Armaan were also approaching the house. She kept walking and accidently bumped into a tall figure......they both bumped hard into each other as the tall 6 foot figure, Armaan was also not aware of her coming in. Armaan fell down with Riddhima on top of him and the bird slipped out of her hand, their eyes met and they were locked in that position for a few minutes till Rahul rescued the bird and helped riddhima get up on her feet. Riddhima lfelt embarrassed and did not realize what had happened. She ran inside the house while her mausi and mausa ji welcomed their guests. Riddhima shut the door to her room and ran the events of the past 10 minutes in her mind... "wo kaun tha.....Armaan Malik????.....I don't believe it!! " her face turned red as she remembered her school days.....specially that one special moment ......she could never forget that one moment which changed her life forever.....
Part 2
Riddhima's heart was still pounding as she recalled her high school days, when Anjali knocked on her door, "RIDDHIMA! Chalo mere saath neechey "
Riddhima opened the door and saw Anjali standing outside wearing a green saree. Riddhima forgot her tension and gave Anjali a big smile and hugged her, "Didi...you look so beautiful...."
"Thanks Riddhima, aaj mumma ke kehne par saree pahen lee hai but I don't think I can carry it for too long.....it is so uncomfortable!" Anjali said
"Oh...didi...you look so pretty...chalo let's go down" Riddhima put her arm around Anjali as they walked downstairs.
Armaan looked up and saw Anjali being accompanied by the same girl who had bumped into him just a few minutes ago. The girl looked familiar and he kept staring at her rather than Anjali, "ise kahan dekha hai? she looks so familiar"
Armaan's thoughts were soon interrupted by his family members and Shashank, "beta....US mein kaun sey city mein the aap?" Armaan got involved in small talk with the rest of the family as he saw Riddhima leave for the kitchen. His thoughts were still trying to figure out where he had seen Anjali's sister?
Riddhima soon came back with a servant and served everyone tea and snacks. When she came close to Armaan, her face got flushed again and she offered him the tea without trying to have any eye contact with him. Armaan, however, stared at her face trying to recognize her.
Riddhima found a comfortable corner next to Muskaan. Muskaan seemed like a friendly person; Riddhima became her natural chirpy self as she chatted with her. Armaan and Anjali found a lot of common things to talk about, mainly related to the world of business and the stock market.
Padma was very pleased with Armaan. He seemed to have his head over his shoulders and was extremely respectful to everyone. She did however notice that every so often Armaan would glance at Riddhima with the corner of his eyes. She smiled to herself, as she was aware that her niece was prettier of the two girls, even though her husband and daughter thought otherwise.
Padma finally said, "Arre Anjali beta, tum aur Armaan chaho to oopar terrace parr jaakar batein kar sakte ho, hum logon ke beech saari batein nahin kar paaoge"
Ananya agreed, "bilkul theek kaha aapne Mrs. Gupta...jaao Armaan beta"
Armaan and Anjali went upstairs. Riddhima got up to clear the coffee table and saw them walking upstairs. She was happy for Anjali as she knew Armaan was a very bright person; he was the Head boy at their school and equally good at academics, sports and theater....she remembered all those practices they had for their annual day school play....she was in 9th grade and he was in 12th.....she was the lead singer and he was the main actor on the play....and then one day something happened.....her heart started pounding again but was soon rescued by Padma's voice, "Riddhima fridge mein se mithai le aana....ho sakega toh aaj hi roka kar lengey"
"Achcha mausi" Riddhima obeyed.
When Armaan and Anjali came back downstairs, they found Rahul and Riddhima busy talking to Riddhima.
"Oh! St Joseph? Main aur Armaan bhi wahin ke padhe hain. Tum toh bachi hogi jab maine high school khatam kiya tha" Rahul smiled at Riddhima
Muskaan joked, "Nahi Rahul, tum toh paida bhi nahin huye hogey" They all laughed.
"Oh...toh aap sab ek hi school se hain, main toh Dehradun mein boarding mein thi....I think mumma-papa always wanted me to have the best education" Anjali said proudly.
Shashank also joined them, "Anjali has always been at the top of her class, whether school or college she is the best...aap logon ko itni bright bahu kahin nahin milegi" He was beaming at his daughter's achievements.
"Papa....aap bhi" Anjali hugged her father.
Armaan was still lost in his thoughts but when he heard his school name, "Oh.... now it makes sense....so you were also at St Joseph's.... you are Riddhima Gupta? the singer of our school" he was standing in front of Riddhima.
Riddhima lowered her eyes and was not sure what else Armaan remembered.
Muskaan joined them, "Riddhima...phir toh ek gaana sunaana padhega...after all tumhari behen ki shaadi ki baat ho rahi hai..."
Padma placed her hand on Riddhima's back and reassured her, "gaa do beti.... Anjali ke liye hi sahi..."
Everyone sat down to listen to Riddhima. Riddhima looked at Anjali, "yeh gaana ek puraana gaana hai. Meri didi ke liye aaj bahut yaadgaar din hai.... yeh gaana unkey liye..."
"aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai" from "guide"
Armaan was mesmerized by her voice. She had come a long way since her school days...she was always a good singer, but her voice had really matured now, and it sounded melodious. He got up and congratulated Riddhima, "Riddhima.... this was a perfect song for your sister.... you are really a good singer." Riddhima thanked him softly and walked away to the kitchen. Armaan's eyes followed her till Ananya interrupted, "ab hum chaltey hain..."
The families then decided to go ahead with the roka ceremony which is kind of a commitment to the marriage before any formal engagement.
After everyone left, Riddhima and Anjali went upstairs. Riddhima asked, "Didi...toh pasand aaya aapko?" she had a naughty smile on her face.
"Riddhima.... naa pasand aaney waali kya baat thi...he is well educated, well respected and an intelligent man.... I think we have so much in common...hum kabhi ek doosre sey bore nahin honge" Anjali smiled and wished Riddhima a goodnight.
Riddhima felt a pang of disappointment; she felt guilty, as she ought to be happy for her sister. She went back to her room and remembered that evening....
FLASHBACK:
All the students were returning from the school auditorium in the evening after a long practice for their annual day play. Riddhima was in a hurry to leave, as Shashank who was waiting to pick her up outside, would get upset if she was late. As she was walking, a hand rested on her shoulder, "Hey...Riddhima you were great today" She turned around and saw Armaan. Riddhima was in awe of Armaan in high school. He was so good looking and so talented, all the girls tried to get his attention. Riddhima would also steal glances at him during their practices.
Armaan was standing very close to her. She could smell the chewing gum in his breathe.
"Riddhima.... you are a good girl....do you like me?" he had a naughty look on his face as he was aware of his effect on girls.
"A...A. Armaan...I am sorry.... mere uncle bahar wait karr rahe hain...." She hesitated and was scared to death at his question.
She looked up and saw his face inches away from hers, he came closer and kissed her lips and then said, "Now...decide whether you like me or not..." he smiled mischievously and left her standing there frozen in a state of shock...
Armaan never gave her any more attention once the play was over. He soon graduated, and she never saw him again till today....
That kiss had changed her life forever...she could still taste his lips to this day...
PRESENT:
Riddhima had goosebumps just thinking about that evening. Why was she not able to forget that kiss yet? he was soon going to be her brother-in-law.... she had to suppress those thoughts forever!!! She closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
ARMAAN's BEDROOM:
Armaan lay in bed thinking about the evening. He had dated so many girls in his life, but no one had ever stirred his heart yet. Anjali was also one of them...he enjoyed talking to her...just like he would a business acquaintance or a colleague at work. Was she the right life partner he was looking for? May be with time, he would learn to love her just like his father and brother loved their wives now.
He started whistling the "guide" song which Riddhima had sung and started smiling as he remembered the bump and fall with Riddhima from earlier in the evening. He was very perceptive about women and judging by her reactions to his presence, he wondered if there was anything between them in high school and dozed off smiling.
Riddhima opened the door and saw Anjali standing outside wearing a green saree. Riddhima forgot her tension and gave Anjali a big smile and hugged her, "Didi...you look so beautiful...."
"Thanks Riddhima, aaj mumma ke kehne par saree pahen lee hai but I don't think I can carry it for too long.....it is so uncomfortable!" Anjali said
"Oh...didi...you look so pretty...chalo let's go down" Riddhima put her arm around Anjali as they walked downstairs.
Armaan looked up and saw Anjali being accompanied by the same girl who had bumped into him just a few minutes ago. The girl looked familiar and he kept staring at her rather than Anjali, "ise kahan dekha hai? she looks so familiar"
Armaan's thoughts were soon interrupted by his family members and Shashank, "beta....US mein kaun sey city mein the aap?" Armaan got involved in small talk with the rest of the family as he saw Riddhima leave for the kitchen. His thoughts were still trying to figure out where he had seen Anjali's sister?
Riddhima soon came back with a servant and served everyone tea and snacks. When she came close to Armaan, her face got flushed again and she offered him the tea without trying to have any eye contact with him. Armaan, however, stared at her face trying to recognize her.
Riddhima found a comfortable corner next to Muskaan. Muskaan seemed like a friendly person; Riddhima became her natural chirpy self as she chatted with her. Armaan and Anjali found a lot of common things to talk about, mainly related to the world of business and the stock market.
Padma was very pleased with Armaan. He seemed to have his head over his shoulders and was extremely respectful to everyone. She did however notice that every so often Armaan would glance at Riddhima with the corner of his eyes. She smiled to herself, as she was aware that her niece was prettier of the two girls, even though her husband and daughter thought otherwise.
Padma finally said, "Arre Anjali beta, tum aur Armaan chaho to oopar terrace parr jaakar batein kar sakte ho, hum logon ke beech saari batein nahin kar paaoge"
Ananya agreed, "bilkul theek kaha aapne Mrs. Gupta...jaao Armaan beta"
Armaan and Anjali went upstairs. Riddhima got up to clear the coffee table and saw them walking upstairs. She was happy for Anjali as she knew Armaan was a very bright person; he was the Head boy at their school and equally good at academics, sports and theater....she remembered all those practices they had for their annual day school play....she was in 9th grade and he was in 12th.....she was the lead singer and he was the main actor on the play....and then one day something happened.....her heart started pounding again but was soon rescued by Padma's voice, "Riddhima fridge mein se mithai le aana....ho sakega toh aaj hi roka kar lengey"
"Achcha mausi" Riddhima obeyed.
When Armaan and Anjali came back downstairs, they found Rahul and Riddhima busy talking to Riddhima.
"Oh! St Joseph? Main aur Armaan bhi wahin ke padhe hain. Tum toh bachi hogi jab maine high school khatam kiya tha" Rahul smiled at Riddhima
Muskaan joked, "Nahi Rahul, tum toh paida bhi nahin huye hogey" They all laughed.
"Oh...toh aap sab ek hi school se hain, main toh Dehradun mein boarding mein thi....I think mumma-papa always wanted me to have the best education" Anjali said proudly.
Shashank also joined them, "Anjali has always been at the top of her class, whether school or college she is the best...aap logon ko itni bright bahu kahin nahin milegi" He was beaming at his daughter's achievements.
"Papa....aap bhi" Anjali hugged her father.
Armaan was still lost in his thoughts but when he heard his school name, "Oh.... now it makes sense....so you were also at St Joseph's.... you are Riddhima Gupta? the singer of our school" he was standing in front of Riddhima.
Riddhima lowered her eyes and was not sure what else Armaan remembered.
Muskaan joined them, "Riddhima...phir toh ek gaana sunaana padhega...after all tumhari behen ki shaadi ki baat ho rahi hai..."
Padma placed her hand on Riddhima's back and reassured her, "gaa do beti.... Anjali ke liye hi sahi..."
Everyone sat down to listen to Riddhima. Riddhima looked at Anjali, "yeh gaana ek puraana gaana hai. Meri didi ke liye aaj bahut yaadgaar din hai.... yeh gaana unkey liye..."
"aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai" from "guide"
Armaan was mesmerized by her voice. She had come a long way since her school days...she was always a good singer, but her voice had really matured now, and it sounded melodious. He got up and congratulated Riddhima, "Riddhima.... this was a perfect song for your sister.... you are really a good singer." Riddhima thanked him softly and walked away to the kitchen. Armaan's eyes followed her till Ananya interrupted, "ab hum chaltey hain..."
The families then decided to go ahead with the roka ceremony which is kind of a commitment to the marriage before any formal engagement.
After everyone left, Riddhima and Anjali went upstairs. Riddhima asked, "Didi...toh pasand aaya aapko?" she had a naughty smile on her face.
"Riddhima.... naa pasand aaney waali kya baat thi...he is well educated, well respected and an intelligent man.... I think we have so much in common...hum kabhi ek doosre sey bore nahin honge" Anjali smiled and wished Riddhima a goodnight.
Riddhima felt a pang of disappointment; she felt guilty, as she ought to be happy for her sister. She went back to her room and remembered that evening....
FLASHBACK:
All the students were returning from the school auditorium in the evening after a long practice for their annual day play. Riddhima was in a hurry to leave, as Shashank who was waiting to pick her up outside, would get upset if she was late. As she was walking, a hand rested on her shoulder, "Hey...Riddhima you were great today" She turned around and saw Armaan. Riddhima was in awe of Armaan in high school. He was so good looking and so talented, all the girls tried to get his attention. Riddhima would also steal glances at him during their practices.
Armaan was standing very close to her. She could smell the chewing gum in his breathe.
"Riddhima.... you are a good girl....do you like me?" he had a naughty look on his face as he was aware of his effect on girls.
"A...A. Armaan...I am sorry.... mere uncle bahar wait karr rahe hain...." She hesitated and was scared to death at his question.
She looked up and saw his face inches away from hers, he came closer and kissed her lips and then said, "Now...decide whether you like me or not..." he smiled mischievously and left her standing there frozen in a state of shock...
Armaan never gave her any more attention once the play was over. He soon graduated, and she never saw him again till today....
That kiss had changed her life forever...she could still taste his lips to this day...
PRESENT:
Riddhima had goosebumps just thinking about that evening. Why was she not able to forget that kiss yet? he was soon going to be her brother-in-law.... she had to suppress those thoughts forever!!! She closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
ARMAAN's BEDROOM:
Armaan lay in bed thinking about the evening. He had dated so many girls in his life, but no one had ever stirred his heart yet. Anjali was also one of them...he enjoyed talking to her...just like he would a business acquaintance or a colleague at work. Was she the right life partner he was looking for? May be with time, he would learn to love her just like his father and brother loved their wives now.
He started whistling the "guide" song which Riddhima had sung and started smiling as he remembered the bump and fall with Riddhima from earlier in the evening. He was very perceptive about women and judging by her reactions to his presence, he wondered if there was anything between them in high school and dozed off smiling.
