Part-1
An old lady was preparing for the navratri puja along with one more family member. She was sitting in the temple checking if that person had kept everything or not. She found only the prasad was missing for which she was about to shout but saw the person coming with the prasad only with a sweet smile. She smiled back and he kept the prasad there. She saw her husband coming for puja along with her younger son and daughter. Only one person is left,
Mrs Bhalla - Puttar, ja use bhi bula la jaldi se.
That person turned to go when he heard his brother shouted,
Romi - Bhai, come fast with bhabhi, Don’t start with your morning romance.
His mother hit Romi while he went to his room smiling at his words thinking how he caught him with his wife, when he was disturbing her with her yoga early morning and since then he used to tease them. He was the eldest son of….. actually “daughter” of the house which was actually a big mansion, Bhalla mansion having Mr Om Prakash Bhalla, Mrs Santosh Bhalla, eldest son Raman Kumar Bhalla, eldest daughter in law Ishita Iyer Bhalla, younger son Romi Bhalla and a daughter Rinki Bhalla. He entered their room and found his wife was already ready and looking beautiful in a green colour anarkali. She was wearing her mangalsutra talking to herself that she got late for the puja. She hurriedly picked her office bag and turned to go down only to see her husband standing at the door, smiling at her.
I - What are you doing here? I know I’m late na. Mummijji sent you to call me na. Let’s go.
Saying she hold his hand to go but he stopped her and said,
R - Ha, chalte hai par do sabd tareef ke to sun lo….
I - There is no point in arguing with you so kahiye.. aaj konsi nayi shayari yad karke aaye ho?
R - Jab se shadi hui hai tabse aaj tak tumne bas ek yahi achchi bat seekhi hai, ki pati agar kuch bol rha ho to let him speak.
I - Raman…
R - OK ok..
He said and thought of the shayri but then he realised that he didn’t prepare anything for today as he was busy and was searching for the words when Ishita said,
I - Agar aapka sochna ho gaya ho to chale, I know you don’t have anything new today and purani shayari aap apni biwi ko chipkate nhi. Chalo..
She dragged him while he said on the way that she knew him very well. Soon they reached the temple for the puja. She apologized to her mother-in-law for getting late to which she said that she knew she was making the prasad earlier, it’s ok. She told Ishra to start the puja which they did followed by others. Raman gave prasad to all. Then Ishra took blessings from their parents.
Mrs Bhalla - Ishita puttar, aaj teri bhot important meeting hai na. All the best puttar. Mujhe pta hai tu chaa jaayegi meeting mein.
Ishita - Thank you so much mummiji. I wish aaj sab thik ho jaaye.
Raman - The great Ishita Iyer aaj…
Ishita - Ishita Iyer Bhalla..
R - Ha vhi… aaj tumhe dar lag rha? Kyu?
Mrs Bhalla - Raman, tu kya uska hosla badhane ki jagah taunt mar rha.
R - Ok maa, nhi mar rha hai taunt. And you, don’t worry, I know you will handle it perfectly. All the best and tension lene ki jarurat nhi hai, presentation dene ja rhi ho jo tumne aaj tak bhot di hai, jang ladne nhi. Relax. Ok.
I - Hmmm. (thought looking at him) - jang hi ladni hai aaj, aapki dignity ki aur existence ki jang. Matarani mera sath dena aaj.
Soon she went for the meeting along with Romi while Mr Bhalla went to office. Raman got suspicious of her behavior but then got busy in his work. After an hour, he got a call from Romi and he immediately left for the venue of the meeting. He met Romi outside the conference room and asked for Ishita,
Romi - Bhai, thank god you came on time. Don’t know what happened Bhabhi suddenly fainted. I took her to a nearby hospital, she is resting there now but bhai, I didn’t know how to handle this meeting. I don’t even know the single thing about this meeting. I called papaji and uncleji, they told me that only bhabhi knew about the presentation, they can’t help. Bhai, I thought you helped Bhabhi in this presentation so now only you can handle it, only you can save the dignity of our company.
Raman looked at him and agreed after thinking for sometime. He entered the conference hall with Romi. There were many people from different companies whom he knew but never met personally. They sat on their table. Romi informed the organisers about the situation. Soon their company’s name was announced.. He was nervous when Romi gave him a letter from Ishita, which read - Thank you so much for coming, Raman. I will not wish you luck because I know… we all know that you have that caliber and we truly believe in you. Go and break all my records. You know na you are my jaan, aan ban shan…. Your jaan… aan ban shan.... He smiled and went to give the presentation. Everyone was looking at him with different emotions. Some were thinking that if he is joining business so why is he starting with this big project while some were thinking that he will make his company lose this contract. He introduced himself and started giving the presentation while a sweet smile never left his face as per his nature. Each and every person sitting there was paying full attention to him as it was the first time that he is giving a presentation. All wanted to see his caliber and efficiency. The moment his presentation completed, he looked at the room only to find everyone looking at him with amazed faces. Soon the clients gave a big round of applause to him with a big smile joined by everyone present in the hall. He smiled fully and got relaxed seeing the response. He was thanking them when he saw Ishita and their fathers standing in the corner clapping for him with happy tears in their eyes. He understood that it was all a planning done by his family, especially his wife. All praised him and they got the contract also.
All were going back to home to celebrate this newly found happiness. Ishra were together and Ishita was driving while Raman was looking at her smiling. She knew that he is looking at her only but she didn’t say anything, finally when she couldn't take it more, she stopped the car aside and said,
I - Raman, stop looking at me like this. Let me concentrate.
R - Media ke saamne kya kya bole ja rhi thi.
I - What? I said what is true. Now you see this media… in fact none will dare to point a finger on my husband’s capability. Dekha aapne kaise sabki aankhein phati ki phati reh gayi thi. That day the media was talking all nonsense about you and I couldn’t take it. Then only I decided to teach them a good lesson. Today I did it.
She said and thought the incident happened a few months back. It was the success party of a big project handled by Romi, the party was given by their client. Bhallas went together there and as they entered they were covered with media. First they started asking questions to Romi, then they asked Ishita about her current work and then they asked Mr and Mrs Bhalla,
Reporter - Mr Bhalla, How are you feeling today? First your daughter-in-law and now your younger son are getting success one by one.
Bhallas understood what they were trying to ask. Ishita was not liking it but they tried to ignore them,
Mr Bhalla - Of course, we are really very happy for our children. They are doing great in their life. Thank you. Now please excuse us.
Reporter - But still Mr Bhalla, you must have some expectations from your elder son also. While he is doing nothing, living on his father’s earning.. in fact now he has one more source, his wife.
Reporter - Yes Mr Raman Kumar Bhalla, you and your family always said that you don’t want to join business but want to be a social worker. Is it true or you don’t have that much capability to join your business and you don’t want us to know about it.
They said taunting him and Ishita and Romi were about to give them peace of mind but Raman stopped them knowing well about their anger when it came to him and he answered the reporters politely.
R - I know it’s your work to get some spicy news for your channel or newspaper but why you waste your time and energy by asking the same question to me and my family. I had already cleared myself that I’m very much happy in my life as a HOME MAKER and a social worker. You guys just talk so much about women empowerment, husbands should encourage their wives to do work and help them for households but when I’m actually doing it, you are asking about my work. It doesn’t go well with you. now please excuse us.
He said politely and went taking his family. That night Ishita was sitting in the hall thinking about the incident which became a routine for the media these days to taunt Raman while the reality is that may be he never joined their business officially but he keeps all details of the company, their projects, ups and down, always helping his father, in fact Romi gave all credit to Raman behind his success, not publicly as Raman don’t like it and now even he is helping her also in many projects along with handling home and doing social work also. Romi too came and sat beside her. He was also sad about the same thing. Both decided to show the whole world that Raman is very well efficient. After a few months of wait, finally they got the right chance and they did it.
On the other hand, Raman thought how Ishita answered everyone today in the conference in front of all that he is perfect, very intelligent, well efficient and has a great caliber and can definitely get more success in his life but more than that he is very kind hearted and wants to work for humanity. He strongly believes that there are many people in our country who want to be a social worker and help the needy but they don’t have that much money and resources but he got everything so he really wants to do something for those people and that’s he is doing from many years without thinking of the society and media who always tried to defame him.
Both looked at each other after thinking it and Raman said thanks to her. She was about to start the car when he looked outside and asked her,
R - Do you remember this place?
I (looking outside) - How can I forget this place where I met my dearest husband for the first time? Remember, chor police ka khel?
Both smiled and remembered the day of their first meeting…
Flashback :
Raman was hiding from a few people outside a cafe when he saw a lady opening the door of the car next to him and those men were coming from different directions, not having another option, he too entered the car and sat in the passenger seat. went away or not while The lady got shocked seeing an unknown person, she didn’t see his face as he was looking out only for those men and asked about him. She was shouting at him to go out and started hitting him. He turned to her and asked, holding her hands to stay quiet for sometime, she stopped seeing him while he said that few goons were behind him. She saw them and then drove away from there. After a few kms away, she stopped the car, Raman was going out but she stopped him,
I - Excuse me. How can you go like this? You owe me an explanation.
R - Oh yes. Actually, don’t think that I’m some thief or…..
I - Do you really think that I would have helped you if I thought you were a thief?
R - Actually, No. Ok. I’m a social worker and those were some people who didn't like me doing anything in their area so.. By the way, my name is….
Part-2
I - That I know, your name, your work everything. And by your behavior, I got to know that you don’t know me. Right?
R (surprised) - You know me? How? And I really don’t know you.
I - How will you know me? You don’t like business parties, don’t come to the office, don't even consider birthday invitations….
R - Wait. Birthday invitations? Are you Ishita Iyer, daughter of Iyer uncle, our company’s fifty percent shareholder?
He asked excitedly while Ishita nodded smiling.
R - Hello, So finally we met, not in a good situation but we met. And yes, Wish you a very happy two days belated birthday.
I - Thank you so much. So this is how you compensate.
R - I know I behaved rudely neglecting or I should say rejecting your invitation. So sorry for that but I just… Ok I will not give any excuses because I really don’t have and I don’t like to tell a….
I - Lie.
R - Yes, I must say you know so much about me.
I - You are sooo good that people talk a lot about you.
R - And this is not my mistake that I don’t know you. I mean I always know about Iyer uncle, Papa’s best friend from college, they started the company together and uncle shifted to Chennai after marriage, only uncle used to come here two to three times a year and now when your family settled here in delhi, that time I was out of city and then you were completing your studies is Bangalore.
I - Yes, but It has been three months since I came to delhi and finally we met today.
R - Yes. By the way, not only you, but I also heard a lot about you. You were topper in your university and now doing well in office. Papa used to praise you a lot.
I - By the way, what were you doing there?
R - Actually, I was escaping from the biggest problem of my life. You know what’s that - my marriage.
I - Marriage and biggest problem.
R - Yes, my mother india is behind me, always saying get married get settled, always doing emotional drama, showing me photos of different girls and arranging meetings with those stupid girls.
I - Stupid girls?
R - Yes, I mean I’m not saying it for all girls but whoever I met, she is definitely stupid. Either she wants only money and a party lover or she wants me to join my father's business just to have a share of his properties or if there is any working lady then having a homemaker husband will make her feel shame and for them house and even children can be taken care by the maids caretaker. So, now I’m fed up with them. That’s why this time I didn’t even see her photo or read her bio data. I just came here, sat in the cafe, had a coffee, will show this bill to my mother india and will say that she didn’t come.
I (little angrily) - Why did you start it today? Muhrat dekha tha koi?
R - No, but why are you getting angry?
I - Nothing. (thought) - name bhi nhi pta aur photo to dur ki bat hai.. Idiot.
R - Ok, I think they must have gone now. I should go and bring my car…
I - It’s ok. I mean, I don’t think so. They must be waiting for you only. I will drop you wherever you want. You can send someone else later on.
Raman agreed and told her to drop at his home, his mother must be waiting. She drove towards Bhalla mansion. Soon they reached there. Raman told her to come inside to which she agreed. Mrs Bhalla was sitting in the hall when she saw them entering inside. Ishita greeted her to which she blessed her and asked him,
Mrs Bhalla - Puttar kaisi rhi meeting sheeting. Is bar tujhe ladki jarur pasand aa gai hogi.
R - Kya Maa, kaisi ladki pasand karte ho, time ki aur insan ki koi kadar hi nhi hai. Aapko pta hai, maine puri 20 minutes wait kia par vo aai hi nhi to main aa gaya.
Mrs Bhalla looked at Ishita confused and asked,
Mrs Bhalla - Ladki nhi aai to tujhe Ishita puttar kaha mili?
Raman told her how they met, making his mother to think and she asked if he had seen the girl’s photo and read her biodata to which he lied but she told him to tell the truth and he said that he didn’t get the time and went to his room to escape from her questions while Mrs Bhalla shouted,
Mrs Bhalla - Oye khoteya, ek bar us photo ko dekhle taki tujhe pta chale ki tune kitni badi mistake kar di.
Raman heard her and went to his room irritatedly. He sat to do some work but her mother’s words were ringing in his mind.
R - Ek bar dekh leta hu ki vo kon hai, aisa kya khas hai usme, vaise vo mujhe kitna bhi shadi ke liye kahe par kabhi bhi kisi ladki ke liye aise nhi bola aaj tak…. Aur ek bar dekhne mein kya burai hai.
He stood up and searched for the envelope having the photo with the biodata. After thinking for some time, he opened it and first saw the photo only to get shocked. He hit his forehead realising his mistake. He thought for a few minutes if he should rectify it or not and finally decided to rectify his mistake. He ran to the hall only to find it empty. Maid told him that Mrs Bhalla went to see off Ishita outside. He ran only to see Ishita had already started the car and his mother was bidding her bye. Both ladies looked at him.
R - Maa, mehmaan ko tea, coffee ya juice ke liye bhi nhi pucha…..
mrs bhalla - beta aap late ho gaye, har meeting ka time decided hota hai, usse aur bhi kam hai
Both ladies smiled at him while he got embarrassed. Ishita left giving him a last look.
Flashback ended…
Ishita hit him remembering that day,
I - That was so rude of you.
R - Ha to mujhe sapna thodi aaya tha ki jis din se main ladki ki photo dekhna band Kar dunga usi din mujhe Meri life milegi.
I - Achaji… life and all…
R - Arey aap Kya Jane ki Meri wife Meri life hai…. Meri aan…
I - Meri aan baan Shaan, Meri Jaan hai.
She said mimicking him, like they always say for each other. Soon they reached Bhalla mansion where everyone was shouting and living the newly found happiness in their family. Mrs Bhalla congratulated Raman and thanked Ishita and Romi for doing this. Later at night, Ishita was working on her laptop when Raman came and put his head in her lap removing her laptop.
R - Kabhi kabhi is bechare pati ko bhi itna time de dena chahiye.
I - Achaji, mere pati dev bechare kabse ho gaye?
R - Jab se aapse shadi hui hai. Agar itna hi pyar hai is laptop aur files se to inhi se shadi karni chahiye thi, mere peeche kyu padi thi?
I (a little angry) - Achaji to main aapke peeche padi thi.. mujhe aapse pyar nhi hai?? main aapko time nhi deti?? Really Raman you are so bad. For your kind information Mr Raman Kumar Bhalla, you don’t have time, you and your social work, always busy with your NGOs, orphanages and other activities. You are so much into it. Did you forget? How much time you took for just a single meeting that to be when a girl is asking straightforwardly? Sorry, I have some work, I don’t have time today, I have to go to court or the police station, I’m going out of station, this, that etc etc.. You are a package of excuses.
R - Really..
He said and pulled her closer while she smiled and said yes….
Flashback :-
That day, after Ishita left, Raman was thinking if he had really missed something good. His mind was not at rest that day, he was again and again thinking about her only. At night, he was lying on the bed thinking about his mother’s words that Ishita knew everything about him, his work and his decision of being a social worker and a homemaker after marriage forever, after knowing everything about him, she came up with this alliance from the front. He received a message from the unknown number.
Message - You owe me.
He read the message and thought who is this person.
Message - What did you decide about the deal?
Raman thought that it’s related to the deal which he received from some goons to shut down his social service so he answered.
R - Stop troubling yourself for trying on me. I will not agree to your deal.
Message - But why? I’m ready to agree with all your conditions and...
R - But I’ll not agree to your conditions in my whole life.
Message - But I didn’t put any conditions.
R - Really? Listen, I’m warning you for the last time. Stop following me and stop interfering in my work. I’m not going to stop all these because of your threats.
He sent the message and it was received by none other than Ishita who smiled reading his message and wondered if he ever thought other than his work.
I - Ok. I don’t have any problem with your work. I just want dinner or lunch with you.
Raman was shocked reading it and made a dirty face.
R - Are you mad? What are you talking about? Rubbish.
I - How rude? Can’t you do this much little favour to me?
R - No. I can’t.
I - Don’t you want to compensate for today’s coffee??
Raman was about to type something in anger when he realised and then read the whole conversation and thought if it’s Ishita. He called on the number and she picked it immediately.....
Writer:Kadianvi
