Chapter 28

Parking Lot, ASR Designs

Payal parks her Tomato and then looks around for Aakash.

Payal’s Look:

Then she sees Aakash come out of the office.

Aakash’s Look:

Payal smiles at him: Hi.

Aakash smiles back: Hi to you too.

Payal blushes: Ummm… I thought may be I was too early.

Aakash gives his own sheepish smile: Actually, I was early. I came here about an hour ago.

Payal gets flustered a bit: Errmmm… I was wondering, why did you call me last night and ask me to wear leather jacket?

Aakash smiles: Because motorbikes don’t have much safety features should any accident happen. Leather protects the body to a certain extent for being tough.

Payal: Oh.

Aakash hands her a helmet: Here’s your helmet.

Payal’s Helmet:

Payal looks at the helmet and sees that the tag is still on.

She looks up at Aakash: This is brand new.

Aakash smiles: Yes, just bought it yesterday on my way home.

Payal asks: Wow… You didn’t have to buy such an expensive one. I may not know much about bikes, but I know anything with BMW tag doesn’t come cheap.

Aakash smiles: Well, that’s because BMW is known for its quality which I can personally vouch for. Why don’t you try it on? That’s why I kept the tag on just in case. If it doesn’t fit you, we’ll stop on our way to the shop to grab another.

Payal laughs in surprise: Which shop will be open at 6 a.m.?

Aakash smiles: Well, they made an exception today for their best customer.

Payal shakes her head in disbelief but puts her helmet on and it’s a perfect fit.

She lifts the flap and says: It fits perfectly.

Aakash smiles: Awesome.

Payal grabs her camera backpack from Tomato and they walk to Aakash’s motorcycle.

Aakash’s bike:

Payal’s eyes widen: Wow…

Aakash smiles: It’s my pride and joy. I love it.

Payal rolls her eyes: I bet.

Aakash puts on his helmet.

Aakash’s Helmet:

Then they both hop on to the motorcycle.

Payal (nervous): Errmmm… Aakash, I never rode a motorcycle before. Just tomato.

Aakash (serious): Well, then you only need to know one rule.

Payal (wide eyed): What is that?

Aakash (twinkles): Hold me tight.

Payal blushes but scoots closer to wrap her arms around Aakash’s waist.

Aakash smiles and starts the bike and off they go for their trip.

Nandi (gleeful): Ooohhhh… Aren’t they looking divine… I wish I could hop behind Payal and go with the wind.

Devi Maiyya (sarcastically): I wish you stay far, far away from them, but looks like none of our wishes are coming true.

Nandi sulks.

Dining Room, Shaantivan:

ASR comes down for breakfast.

ASR’s Look:

NK is talking animatedly with Mamiji and Naniji making them smile.

Mamaji is reading newspaper and occasionally participating.

One of the Prakash brothers (who the hell can remember their names anyway) is running around serving breakfast.

ASR grabs the business section of the paper and sits down: Good morning. Where’s Aakash?

NK chirps: Don’t know. He went out really early in the morning.

ASR nods his head and goes back to his reading.

NK taps his shoulder: Nannav, mere bhai. What are we doing today?

ASR frowns: Nothing. What I am doing today is going to office. I have to finish some work. What YOU are doing today is none of my business.

NK (puppy face): But what will I do all day? Aakash left too.

ASR (from behind the newspaper): Not my problem.

Naniji frowns at ASR: Chotey…

ASR (shrugs his shoulder): What? I said the truth. It’s not my problem what he does.

Naniji opens her mouth to speak when NK’s phone starts to ring with angry birds ringtone.

NK looks at the caller and brightens up.

He hurriedly picks up the phone and chirps: Khushiji…

ASR looks up from the newspaper and glares at NK.

NK jumps up from his chair: Khushiji, you have no idea how glad I am that you called.

What?

No no… I am not busy at all.

Would I like to meet you today? Of course I would. In fact, I am going to get ready right now.

Where should I come?

NK starts running towards his room ignoring Mamiji’s shout to finish his breakfast first.

ASR glares at NK’s retreating back, then glares back at Nani’s fond smile: What the hell? Why is Khushi calling NK?

Naniji smiles: NK and Khushi bitiya are good friends. Why won’t she call him?

ASR (sarcastically): Yeah, right. Nani, they just met yesterday. How can they become good friends in one day? I think that Khushi is after NK’s money.

Naniji scowls: Chotey, you have to stop this. Khushi bitiya is a good girl from a very good family. She is not after NK’s money. In fact, we are after her family. I think, we will have great alliance with Gupta family.

ASR (angry): When did I say I want to marry?

Naniji (sarcastic): When did I say that the alliance was for you?

ASR (angry): What? NK is a moron. There is no way he is ready for marriage.

Naniji: It’s not for NK. The alliance is for Aakash. We think that Khushi bitiya’s…

ASR stands up in anger: There is  no freaking way Aakash is marrying that girl.

Naniji (equally angry, stands up): That’s not for you to decide, Chotey. I’m still the eldest member of this family.

ASR bites out: We’ll see, Nani.

Then he storms out ignoring Mamiji’s shout to finish breakfast.

Mamiji (on the verge of tears): Both boys left without finishing breakfast, sasuma. This is turning into a nightmare.

Naniji (sighs): Manorama, stop the melodrama. When they are hungry, they will eat. They are not kids anymore.

Mamiji sniffs into her hankie.

NK comes rushing downstairs and runs out the door bumping into furniture: I’m taking one of the cars, Masiji.

NK’s Look:

Mamiji rolls his eyes: Hello Hi Bye Bye. Look at that boy. He is running like Obama has called for lunch.

Naniji smiles behind her napkin.

NK ponders for a minute. Then smiles and grabs this car.

NK smiles to himself: Khushiji, I’m coming…

Nandi scratches his head: Why are you not stopping NK from going after Khushi? I thought you decided to drop that bomb on ASR.

Devi Maiyya frowns at Nandi: I decided to make ASR’s life interesting by giving him Khushi as a gift. Yes. But if she is a man magnet, I can’t do anything there.

Nandi pouts: Well, as long as she does not aim that magnet towards my Aakash, I’m good.

Devi Maiyya raises her brow: Your Aakash?

Nandi stammers: I mean my Payal’s Aakash…

Devi Maiyya (sarcastic): Thank Me, for a moment I thought you were tuning into another guiter.

Nandi pouts.

Chapter 27

Next morning, Gupta House

Khushi wakes up in her room all snug in her blanket holding Mr. Pooh. She kisses Mr. Pooh on the snubby nose and gets up to go to the washroom.

But as she passes her vanity, she notices a note stuck on the mirror with a clear tape.

The Note:

As she reads the note, her eyes widen and she gives a loud war cry and starts dancing around the room clutching the note to her chest…

Garima spills coffee on the breakfast table at the sudden cacophony coming from upstairs.

Buaji looks up and exclaims: Hai re Nandkishore. Shuru ho gayee Sanka Devi ki sanak subah subah…

(Oh my Nandkishore. Sanka Devi got started with her crazy fits early morning)

Shashi smiles behind the newspaper.

Ten minutes later Khushi comes bounding from upstairs tying her hair in a ponytail with a rubber band and stumbles on the untied shoelaces.

Khushi’s Look:

Buaji exclaims: Arey Sanka Devi, tumko Nandkishore ne aankhen kahe diya hain?

(Sanka Devi, why did Nandkishore give you eyes?)

Khushi sits on her chair in the breakfast nook and starts tying her shoes: I fixed Jiji’s marriage. The groom’s family will meet you in Mannu bhaiyya’s wedding next Saturday. (Finishes tying off the shoes and looks up with a huge beaming smile) Can I have mango pickle with my paratha?

Garima and Buaji’s mouth hang open while Shashi peers at Khushi over his glasses to figure out if she is pulling their collective legs.

Garima grabs Khushi’s hand which was about to put a huge portion of paratha in her mouth: What do you mean you have fixed Payal’s marriage?

Khushi (frowns at the missed bite): I mean exactly what I said. The boy is handsome, well-mannered, educated and successful. He is from a very well to do and loving family. Jiji will be very happy there.

Buaji: Hai re Nandkishore Sanka Devi. How can you fix marriage? We have to see the boy too. If not face to face yet, but at least we have to see his picture… How can you…

Her tirade stops as Khushi waves a picture in front of her nose.

The pic:

Garima and Shashi peeks in the picture. Garima asks: There are three boys in here. Which one is the oldest?

Khushi busy chewing her paratha hurriedly points out to Arnav on the right.

Buaji thinks the elder son must be the groom, but he looks too rough and tough for delicate Payal. So she says: Errrmmm… What if Payal does not like him?

Khushi is surprised thinking how can Buaji even think anyone won’t like Aakash, let alone Payal? Khushi says: Buaji, they both like each other. In fact they work together. Even today they went out on a nature trip together. Love is in the air, Buaji, love is in the air. (Winks at her dumb founded family).

Garima still ponders over Arnav. She asks: But will he treat Payal well? He looks a bit too errmmm… strong for Payal.

Khushi exclaims: What? He is the sweetest, nicest, loveliest person ever. He has such a sweet smile mom...

Buaji, Garima and Shashi tries to find Arnav’s smile sweet but it looks more like a smirk to them. So they look at each other in confusion.

Khushi jumps up and says: Okkay gotta go. Lots of stuff to do. They will meet you on Mannu Bhaiyya’s wedding so I will pick your outfits myself. Bye…

And she rushes out the door.

Buaji ponders: Well, if Payaliya likes him, then we might as well meet the family. They are coming to Sinha bhai’s wedding, so they must know him.

Garima agrees: I agree. Let’s meet them at the wedding, then we will decide. We also have to ask Payal about it.

Shashi nods his head and goes back to his newspaper.

Nandi smacks his head: What is wrong with you humans? Why do you complicate things so much? Couldn’t you have asked who was the groom instead of asking who was the eldest son?

Devi Maiyya (chewing popcorn): Told you. Never underestimate the sheer complexity and stupidity of the human brain. 

Chapter 26

Gupta House:

Payal continues to call Khushi but she does not pick up the phone.

She gets worried: Where are you Khushi? I need to talk to you.

Living Room, Shaantivan:

Aakash comes down to find Khushi, Naniji and Mamiji have their heads together and whispering to each other.

Aakash’s Look (minus the fierce look, strings in the wrist and the beard):

His eyebrow goes up in surprise: What is going on here?

They jump away from each other like guilty children caught with their hands in the cookie jar and says in chorus: Nothing.

Aakash is taken aback but smiles at them.

NK comes bounding in the room spreading his favourite perfume, Play by Givenchi smell everywhere and bounces off Aakash back.

NK’s Look:

Aakash turns to NK: Dude, did you take bath in the perfume or what?

NK stammers: Me? Uh no…

Then he looks at Khushi in adoration: Khushiji, I’m here.

Khushi beams at him: Come sit with us…

Then she turns to Naniji: Naniji, I’m hungry. Can we have something to eat?

Mamiji glances at Khushi’s skinny frame and mutters: Hello Hi Bye Bye… Kitna khati hain… Pata nehin itna saara khana jaata kahan hain…

(Hello Hi Bye Bye… She eats so much. I don’t know where the food goes.)

Naniji smiles at Khushi and calls HP from the intercom: Hari Prakashji, yahan pe thoda nashta le aaiye.

(Hari Prakashji, please bring some snacks here)

Khushi whispers: Samosa?

Naniji relays: Aur samosa (And samosa)

Khushi whispers again: Jalebies?

Naniji relays: Aur jalebies (And jalebies)

Khushi whispers: Kachoris?

Naniji relays: Aur Kachoris… (And Kachoris)

Mamiji mutters irritatedly: Poora snacks ka dukan hi le aao.

(Get the whole snacks shop, why don’t you?)

HP hears that in the intercom: Poora dukan, ji mamiji… (The whole store, okay Mamiji)

Then he disconnects the line.

Mamiji (irritated): Saare ke saare gadhe kaam karte hain hamare ghar mein.

(All the morons work here in our house)

Naniji consoles her: Koi baat nehin, Manorama. Abhi Manohar bhi aanewala hain aur inn bachho ko bhukh bhi lagee hogi. Laane do HP ko jo bhi laana hain.

(Never mind, Manorama. Now Manohar will be home soon and these kids are hungry too. Let HP bring whatever he wants to bring.)

Mamiji’s worry about her diet plan going down the drain makes her scowl deeper.

NK notices that and whips out the shopping bag: Masiji, I brought a saree for you.

Mamiji exclaims happily: Really?

She takes out the saree from the bag.

Manorama mami’s saree:

Mamiji exclaims in joy: I love this saree. I will wear it on the wedding next week.

Then NK hands another bag to Naniji: This is for you Naniji.

Naniji’s saree:

Naniji smiles happily: Thank you, NK bitwa. I will also wear this saree on the wedding next week.

The food arrives and the party starts with Khushi being at her vibrant self.

Mamaji arrives and joins in the fun too with a cup of tea.

NK gives Mamaji his gift.

Mamaji’s Watch:

He likes his gift too.

The party keeps going but no one realizes that how much time has passed.

Front Door, Shaantivan:

Arnav’s BMW swings in the front door of Shaantivan.

He gets out and hands the key to Om Prakash to park and walks in with laptop bag and suit jacket in one arm and loosening the tie with the other.

As he goes through the corridor and approaches the living room he hears a lot of sound coming from there.

He tries to remember if Nani had told him about any party tonight.

He walks in and sees one petite bane of his existence in bright yellow frock with a brighter smile is waving her hands telling a story and his family is sitting on the couch listening to her with rapt attention.

He notices NK with his goofy expression looking at Khushi as if the Goddess herself walked in to deliver gospel…

Khushi was waving her hands warming up to the story: And then I said to the man…

Suddenly a voice booms right behind her making her stumble: What the hell are you doing here?

Khushi turns around to see ASR standing behind her with a thunderous expression, arms crossed and scowling at (surprise, surprise) her…

She pulls herself to her not-so-considerable height and states calmly: No, I did not say that even though he deserved it because I’m more polite person. Besides, it’s my story. You can’t tell it. (Crosses her arms matching his stance but looking cute instead of intimidating in the process)

ASR stomps to her and mutters: This is the last time I’m asking. What are you doing in my house?

Khushi widens her big eyes: Your house? Oh no. I thought I was at Naniji’s house.

She turns to Naniji: Naniji, isn’t this your home?

Naniji scowls back at Arnav: Chotey, isn’t it my home? Why are you behaving rudely to my guest?

Khushi bounds back to Naniji and sits with her arms around her: Koi baat nehin, Naniji (Don’t worry, Naniji). I have a nice room in my house. You can come there with me. (Beams big)

Naniji beams back and pats her hand.

ASR scowls: Oh for God’s sake. When did I ever say it’s not your house? (turns to Khushi) And you, stop provoking my Nani.

Khushi picks up a samosa and says with wide eyes: Who me? (takes a huge bite) Mffftss pffsat pgget…

ASR shouts: What?

Khushi chews and then swallows: I did not say anything. You are the one being rude.

ASR sneers: If I was being rude, I’d have thrown you out of here while you were stuffing your face like a little chipmunk.

Khushi’s eyes widen and she stops in the middle of chewing, then scowls and starts chewing again: Mdfffttoj ouukbat pgggeht

ASR sneers: Did I mention I don’t understand chipmunk language?

Khushi swallows hard: Mehmano ke khaane par nazar daalte ho, Laad Governor kahin ke…

(You eye foods served to guests, Laad Governor)

Naniji about to drink some juice chokes on the term and starts coughing. Khushi does not take off her glare from ASR and starts pounding on Nani's back with the other hand.

ASR glares back at Khushi and hands Naniji a glass of water.

Naniji sees two equally angry people glaring at each other and does a happy dance in her head.

Khushi throws a hard glare to ASR and then gets up and says: Okay Naniji. I have to go. I have lots of work to do and also I need to talk to my family.

She hugs Naniji, Mamiji and Mamaji and waves a bye in the direction of Aakash and NK and leaves in a huff.

ASR scowls and stomps up the stairs ignoring Aakash’s call.

NK shows Arnav’s watch to Aakash: Aakash bhai, I will give the gift to Nannav tomorrow.

Aakash sighs: That would be a good idea.

They leave for Aakash’s room to hang around before bed time.

Mamaji also goes up to freashen up.

Mamiji turns to Naniji: Sasu maa, you think Arnav bitwa will marry Khushi. But did you see how much they fight? They hate each other.

Naniji smiles to Mamiji: Manorama, I have lived longer than you. You saw Arnav bitwa and Khushi bitiya fighting. But you did not see that for the first time in many years, Arnav bitwa had a sparkle in his eyes. He was not indifferent to Khushi bitiya like he is to all the girls he hangs around with. He needs someone he won’t get bored with and no one can get bored with Khushi bitiya.

Devi Maiyya (claps): Bingo, Devyani… I knew you’d recognize the sparkle. Reminds you of the love of your life, doesn’t it?

Nandi wakes up from his doze with a stumble: What did I miss?

Devi Maiyya sneers: Nothing. Your tender nature won’t be able to take the smoldering heat that just blasted through. Go back to sleep, I will wake you up when Aakash and Payal comes on the screen. Slow and shimmery flame is more suited to your palette…

Nandi scratches between his horns and then shrugs and goes back to sleep.

Gupta House:

Khushi parks Daisy and comes in slowly.

She goes to Payal’s room and sees her sleeping.

Then she creeps into her room, changes into a nightshirt and flops on the bed half asleep.

Next morning, Gupta House:

Payal wakes up from her sleep and goes to Khushi’s room.

She sees Khushi is sleeping half hanging from the bed face down clutching her childhood companion, Mr. Pooh…

Mr. Pooh:

Payal smiles at her in tenderness and slowly takes the blanket and covers her up.

She kisses Khushi on the forehead and leaves a note in front of the mirror on the vanity in Khushi’s room and leaves for her trip with Aakash.

Nandi smiles big: Sigh, Payal is going on a date with Aakash… Today is the happiest day ever… (Looks at Devi Maiyya) you gotta tell me if there will be any romantic scene. Will there be kissing? Dancing? Snuggling under one blanket beside the fire?

Devi Maiyya (smiles big): Oh there will be fire alright.

Nandi smiles bigger: Really?

He whips out his smartphone and types:

Spoiler 11/10/2012:

Aakash and Payal are on a date. Reliable source verifies that there will be fireworks. Stay tuned for more.

Please do not copy my spoilers to any other heavenly or hellish blogs. This is my spoiler and I retain all rights to it. 

Hindi Words Help:

Samosa: Flaky pastry with mushy potatoes with peas stuffed inside.

Jalebi: Sugar and flour mixed together and then deep fried in circular rings to make this crispy sweet dish.

Kachori: I don't know how it's made. Google to know.

Chapter 25

Khushi then runs to Naniji and Mamiji: I have a proposal for you.

Naniji and mamiji’s eyes open wide: Huh? What proposal?

Khushi’s eyes brighten: Proposal for marriage.

Naniji thinks: Huh? I was just thinking of her and chotey and she has already agreed? Devi Maiyya, you are the best. Now we will just have to convince Chotey and the wedding is on. Hummm… should I wear southindian silk saree for the wedding or reception?

Mamiji thinks: Huh? Her and my Aakash? She will eat my bitwa in two bites. Never… Or is she talking about NK? Nope… she will gulp him down and won’t even burp after that. Absolutely not…

Khushi still excited at the brilliant idea, waiting for their reaction…

Nani (equally excited): What a brilliant idea.

Mamiji (scowling): Absolutely not…

Khushi and Nani look at Mamiji (in chorus): Why?

Mamiji scowls some more: Hello Hi Bye Bye. Have you looked at yourself? My Aakash bitwa needs someone calm and sweet, like himself. So don’t even think about latching onto him, you toofan mail (whirlwind)…

Naniji looks confused at this point thinking: Hey Devi Maiyaa, please tell me Khushi bitiya does not like Aakash bitwa… Please please please…

Khushi shocked: What? Aakashji and me? No no… (giggles) I don’t want to marry him.

Naniji (wide eyed, thinking): What a fast tracked service. Should have asked for Arnav bitwa and Khushi bitiya at the same time…

Mamiji however goes on a snit thinking Khushi does not find her son palatable: Why? What’s wrong with my Aakash bitwa? He is handsome, so sweet, earns good money… Why if I go to my society and announce his marriage, there will be queue of good looking girls lined up in front of our door. In fact, even last year’s Miss India asked him out. You can’t do better than him, samjhiyo? (understand?)

Naniji (exasperated): Manorama, why are you making your sells pitch when you have no intention of selling? If she did not want to marry Aakash before, you just might change her mind now…

Mamiji pouts: Why did she say then that my Aakash bitwa was not good enough for him?

Khushi (rolls her eyes): Off ho mamiji. When did I say that? He is too good to be true and yes, you were right. He deserves someone as calm and as sweet as him. Hence, the marriage proposal is for my sister, Payal and Aakashji.

Naniji (disappointed that she is not talking about her and Arnav, but happy that she has a proposal for Aakash): Your sister, bitiya? Do you have her picture?

Mamiji (huffs): Hummm… yes, show us the picture. Don’t think you can palm off your ugly duckling on my handsome swan prince Aakash bitwa.

Khushi whips out her cell phone and shows the picture of Payal.

Payal:

Naniji exclaims: Wow. She is so pretty...

Mamiji (thinks she is pretty, but gotta maintain huff): Humm… she is okay.

Nani then looks at Khushi worriedly: But what about your family? Did they agree to this alliance?

Khushi whips the phone back in her purse and gives them a smug smile: Don’t worry about them. I know how to make them say yes. You say yes, the rest I will handle.

Manorama opens her mouth, but before she can say anything, Naniji squeals: Yes, yes, yes. Done…

Manorama pouts: But what about Aakash bitwa? He has to meet her and say yes too.

Khushi (smug): He already likes her. She works in his office with him.

Naniji (giggles): Oh so that’s why he was so distracted these days…

Khushi (giggles): I guess so. So shall I consider this alliance confirmed from your side?

Mamiji cuts in: Hold it. We have to meet your family and then decide.

Khushi agrees: Okay. When do you want to meet my family?

Mamiji says: Today is Friday. We will come next Saturday.

Naniji cuts in: But Manorama, we have to attend Mr. Sinha’s son’s wedding on Saturday remember?

Khushi asks: Naniji, are you talking about Mr. Madan Sinha? The guy who has the embroidered handicraft business in Connought place?

Naniji nods: Yes, bitiya. He is my Manohar’s friend. His son is getting married next Saturday so we have to go there.

Khushi’s eyes lit up and she claps her hands: That’s awesome. Sinha uncle is also my dad’s friend and his son is getting married to Khanna uncle’s daughter who is jiji’s friend. We are invited in the wedding too. You can meet my family there.

Naniji claps her hands: Perfect. It seems as if this alliance is destined to happen.

Mamiji sulks: Yeah, seems like we just can’t get rid of this cyclone for the rest of our lives.

Devi Maiyya smirks up there: Oh darling, you have no idea how right you are…

Nandi claps his hands and giggles: Khushi has fixed Payal and Aakash’s marriage. Oh what a darling girl. I always knew she has the biggest heart in the whole universe.

Devi Maiyya snorts: Oh yeah, just like you knew she was going to snatch Aakash away from Payal a few minutes ago.

Nandi looks sheepish: Errrmmm… you know you give so little update, it’s hard to come to a conclusion.

Devi Maiyya smirks: To borrow some sweet gal’s very well said line, “Itne paise mein itnahich milenga…”

(With this little amount of money, you will get only this much information)…