Chapter 41

Sangeet Night:

The party ends and the Raizadas and Guptas get ready to leave for their home.

Naniji tells Shashi: It was very nice to meet you. I will call you tomorrow with all the details.

Shashi nods smilingly: It was our pleasure as well.

Khushi offered to drop La home as her date ditched her. She left Payal and La at the entrance and went to get her car. Meanwhile NK and Aakash came to the entrance waiting for ASR to get his car.

When Payal saw NK and Aakash, she smiled at them and said with a smile: I had a wonderful time tonight with you. Thanks.

Aakash smiles back: No need to say thanks, Payal. I… I mean we enjoyed your company too.

NK replies enthusiastically: Oh yes, and also Khushiji’s company. Speaking of which, where is she?

La answers: She went to get the car.

Aakash nods: Oh ok.

Then he wonders in his mind: I wonder how Payal will get home because La would go with her sister, Khushi. May be, we should offer her a ride.

Aakash asks Payal: Errmmm… Payal, can we offer you a ride home?

Payal gets confused, but replies with a smile: No, thanks. I’m going home with…

Khushi then drives her car through the front gate: Me… (Beams big) She is going home with me. (Then twinkles) But may be next time, you can offer her a ride, when you don’t have DH riding with you?

NK wonders: DH?

Khushi replies with deadpan expression: Damon from Hell… Aka… your bro, ASR…

Aakash and NK bursts out laughing while for politeness’s sake (and also for their career’s sake) La and Payal try to conceal their fits of giggle.

Payal looks at Khushi in mock anger, then says good bye to NK and Aakash. Then La and Payal gets into Khushi’s car with Payal in the front beside Khushi and La in the back.

ASR arrives with his car at the same time and seeing Khushi’s car starts honking the horn to make her move.

Khushi turns around and sees ASR honking his horn to irritate her, so she decides to linger longer and push his patience.

Payal nudges Khushi: What are you doing Khushi? Let’s move.

Khushi gives a big smile to Payal and then turns to NK: NKji…

NK comes running to her: Yes, Khushiji?

Khushi widens her eyes: I wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful time with you tonight.

NK melts to a gooey puddle: You did? Me too, Khushiji.

Khushi beams: And you and I matched our outfits. Our thinking is so similar.

NK beams bigger: Well, you know what they say? Great minds think alike.

Khushi smiles: So true, NKji…

ASR grits his teeth seeing NK still flirting with Khushi and vice versa.

He barks to Aakash: Aakash, whoever is not in the car within 10 seconds, will be left here to walk home.

Aakash hurries to the car and sits down in the front.

NK looks at ASR worriedly.

But Khushi says: Don’t worry NKji, I won’t make you walk home. Why don’t you hop in the car beside La? I will drop you when I drop her.

La’s face brightens up at the idea and she decides then and there that Khushi is her best friend in the world.

NK beams bigger at the prospect of spending more time with Khushi: Awesome.

He waves at ASR: You go home, Nannav. Khushiji will drop me home.

ASR’s temper explodes and he zooms past Khushi’s car in full speed.

NK happily climbs in Khushi’s car beside LA, making sure to sit at an angle from where he can see Khushi in the rearview mirror.

The rest of the journey to home was pretty great for Khushi and team who played Antakshari* and Aakash had to listen ASR’s ranting and raving all the way home.

Next Day, Khushi’s home:

Khushi was still in bed when Payal arrives downstairs: What’s for breakfast, mom?

Garima nudges Buaji who greets Payal with a smile: Arre Payaliya… Today we have made your favourite breakfast - Mixed fruit & nut wholegrain pancakes and apple juice.

Payal smiles: Wow… What’s the special occasion?

Buaji smiles: Nothing. Just thought we will make something special for you today.

Payal sits down and Buaji brings her a stack of pancakes on a plate.

Payal asks Garima: But what about Khushi & dad? You know they won’t be able to eat so much healthy stuff…

Garima smiles: They will have their eggs, hash browns and toasts. This is just for you.

Payal smiles softly at Garima: Thanks mom, you’re the best.

Garima smiles and goes back to making the rest of the breakfast.

Buaji sits down with Payal: Payal, I need to ask you a question.

Payal nods her head while eating. Buaji continues: What do you think about the Raizadas

Payal stops chewing, gulps the rest of the food in her mouth and says: They are wonderful people. Why?

Buaji asks: Actually, last night Devyaniji (Naniji) has asked for your hand for their grandson. Do you have any objection to the match?

Payal blushes thinking of Aakash: No, Buaji. He is a very good man and he makes me smile.

Garima gets confused thinking about the angry young man she saw last night but thinks may be he is different around Payal than with everyone else. She wants her daughter to be happy. So if he makes her smile, Garima won’t mind it at all.

Buaji smiles big: Great, then I will call them and let them know that we agree for your match with their eldest grandson.

Payal chokes and whispers: What?

But before she could clear the misunderstanding, Buaji hugs her, called the rest of the family member and shared the good news: Payal agreed to the alliance with the Raizadas.

Garima hugs Shashi and whispers: I’m so happy today.

The moment Khushi hears it, she bounces to Payal and hugs her stunned frozen self: Jiji, I’m so happy for you. I knew the moment we met that he was perfect for you. (Payal splutters some more) I will call NK right now to share the good news.

She bounces off to the living room to call NK while Shashi has already called Naniji and relayed the news: Payal agreed for this alliance, Devyaniji. Now all you have to do is ask your grandson. If he agrees then come to our home for Shagun (Tradition exchange of small tokens sealing the alliance)

Payal by that time feels like crying buckets every time ASR’s angry face swims into her head while the chaos reigns around her.

Meanwhile, in the Raizada household:

Naniji hangs the phone and beams big to Manorama: Manorama, Payal agreed for the match. Now we need to ask Aakash and then take the Shagun.

Manorama sniffs: I still don’t like Khushi. She is nuts.

Naniji beams: Must be like looking into the mirror then.

Before Manorama can retort back she zooms onto Aakash who was just coming down for breakfast: Aakash, I need to ask you a question.

Aakash smiles: Yes Dadi?

Naniji says: What do you think about Khushi?

Aakash controls his smile remembering Khushi’s new name for ASR: I think she is funny, cute and absolutely entertaining.

Naniji asks: Then what do you think if someone like her becomes a daughter-in-law of the household?

Aakash thinks of NK and thinks may be Naniji is trying to ask about Khushi and NK in a roundabout way. So he beams: I think “someone like her” would be a perfect fit for this household.

Naniji beams and hugs him: Oh I knew that when I saw you together last night. I’m gonna tell her father that we accept the alliance of you with his eldest daughter.

Aakash’s mouth falls open: What?

Naniji meanwhile has picked up the phone: Shashiji, yes Devyani here. Aakash has agreed to this alliance. So we will come to your home with the Shagun soon. Thanks.

Then she bounds to Manorama and Mamaji and give them hugs congratulating them.

Manorama starts planning her shopping trip for all functions.

NK comes downstairs and gets swept in the huggathon and gets the good news.

Aakash tries to stop the chattering and planning and try to tell everyone that he has no intention of marrying La, but his voice gets drowned in the cacophony.

Kitchen, Gupta House:

Payal mumbles to herself: No, no… It can’t be. I can’t marry DH… How can Khushi be happy to get me shackled to someone she hates so much? No, I am sure even ASR would not want to marry me. I mean why would he? He doesn't like anyone. He hasn't even said hi to me except once on my first day.

She gets up from the table to tell her family that ASR doesn't like her at all and there’s no way in hell he will agree to this alliance.

Suddenly the phone rings and Shashi picks it up: Hi… Oh really? Well congratulations. It’s confirmed then. I will let my family know. Thanks Devyaniji. We are looking forward to have you in our home.

Then he turns and announces: Well, the groom agreed too. Now the wedding is on.

Khushi squeals and hugs everyone. Buaji starts planning all the shopping required with Garima.

Payal faints and falls on the floor with a thunk. Everyone gets concerned and picks her up and takes her to her room.

Garima asks worriedly: Why did she faint?

Khushi gives a wan smile: May be she overcame with happiness at the prospect of getting married to the man of her dreams?

Everyone accepts the explanation and nods in agreement while Payal was still unconscious.

Living Room, Raizada Mansion:

A very hungover ASR comes downstairs and growls: What the hell is going on here?

Naniji runs to ASR and says: We have such good news this morning. We are going to have a marriage alliance with the Guptas.

ASR (thinking of Khushi & NK): What? Absolutely not. NK is irresponsible and an idiot. He is not ready for marriage yet.

Naniji smacks his head: No, not NK. It’s Aakash who has agreed for the alliance with the Guptas.

ASR screams even louder thinking of gentle Aakash with troublemaker Khushi: What?

Nandi splutters: What what? Wait, what?

Devi Maiyaa slurps her Mango Bango slurpee and smiles her best mischievous smile thinking: Revenge is Swweeeeeeeeeeetttttttttt…

*Antakshari – A group game where you’ll have to sing a song starting with the same letter that the song before ended with. For example, if someone sings Single ladies by Beyonce and ends in the chorus of Oh oh oh, then the next person has to sing a song that starts with the letter H. It’s a very popular game in India.

Chapter 40

ASR leans forward and covers Khushi’s mouth with his own…

Khushi’s eyes go wide with surprise and she starts to pull away when ASR’s arms pull her in a strong grip.

Khushi gasps at the sudden grab and ASR uses that opportunity to neatly slide his mouth in a more intimate kiss.

The time stands still, the sound from the ballroom coming through the windows pales in the background, the entire garden goes calm as if enchanted with the ambiance…

And somewhere up there in the sky…

Nandy drops his mouth and phone in surprise.

Devi Maiyya shamelessly ogles the scene with her eyes and mouth wide open.

Nandy splutters: But but but… What the?

Unfortunately the famous words from Nandi’s mouth sets off a thunder in the quiet sky…

Down here, in the garden:

Khushi gets startled hearing the thunder and pushes ASR away from her.

ASR stumbles at the sudden push: What the?

Khushi exclaims furiously: What the? I will tell you what the. Why were you kissing me?

ASR smirks: I was not the only one kissing here.

Khushi splutters: Well, you started it. I was taken by surprise that’s all. It’s called instinctive response.

ASR sneers: Well, it’s called a bunch of bull in my language.

Khushi sneers back: Well, shove your language in… in… (notices flower pot) the flower pot.

ASR sneers: Last time I checked I was shoving my tongue down your flowery mouth…

Khushi goes tomato red in anger and aims a hard kick on ASR’s shin.

While ASR bends down to grab his leg in pain, Khushi makes a quick escape ignoring the curse words that was turning the air blue.

Somewhere up there in the sky:

Devi Maiyya, glares at Nandi for ruining her handiwork.

Nandi decides to make his escape before Devi Maiyya decides to rain thunder on his own delicate head.

Meanwhile, at the party:

Khushi runs inside and takes a deep breathe trying to calm her nerves. As she turns, she bumps into someone.

She looks up and exclaims: Lavanya? What are you doing here?

La looks at Khushi and smiles: Oh thank heavens, Khushi. I thought I’d die of boredom here. I don’t know anyone in this party.

Khushi frowns: Then how did you get here?

La explains with a deep sigh: My mom’s sister set me up with this nice boy of her kitty party friend who happened to ditch me at this totally unfamiliar party to stuff his face at the buffet. I swear to God, next time my aunt tries to get me on a blind date, I will kill her.

Khushi nods her head in sympathy: Blind dates… Those are the worst.

La nods sheepishly: True. By the way, Khushi… Why is your face so red and your lips are swollen? Are you coming down with some allergic reaction to something?

Khushi’s cheek gets redder and she mumbles under her breathe: Oh I’m allergic to Laad Governor alright.

La frowns and leans closer: Sorry didn’t get that. What did you say?

Khushi beams a big smile: Nothing.

Meanwhile, Payal arrives there: Khushi, where have you been? We were looking for you.

Khushi beams: Don’t worry. I’m right here. And look who I have found. La is here too. So let’s go back to the party.

The three of them giggle and chat all the way to the center of the room.

Aakash was looking for Payal when he notices Khushi, La and Payal there giggling and chatting.

He was about to go to them when NK comes behind him: There is Khushiji. Thank God, she is okay. The way Nannav dragged her away, I thought he would kill her. I looked for her everyw here but couldn’t find them anywhere. That reminds me, if Khushiji is here, then where is Nannav?

Aakash looks at NK with a frown: Hummm… Right, where did bhai go?

Right then they notice ASR is coming into the ballroom from the garden with a murderous scowl on his face.

Aakash and NK echoes together: Uh oh…

ASR reaches Aakash and NK and sits down on a chair on the bar. Aakash and NK stand on either side of him (Aakash on the left) while Aakash asks tentatively: Bhai, what’s up?

ASR grits his teeth: What’s up? I will tell you what’s up. My temper is up, that’s what. That girl will make any sane person lose his patience.

ASR orders a scotch on the rocks and swallows it in one gulp as soon as it’s served.

Aakash then walks around ASR and goes closer to NK and mouths silently in confusion: What girl?

NK shakes his head in confusion thinking Nannav couldn’t possibly talk about Khushi given her sweet nature. Must be some other girl.

Aakash and NK shake their head together but neither dares to ask ASR which girl he is talking about given his present mood.

In the meanwhile, on the other corner of the ballroom:

Naniji giggles at Shashi Gupta’s hilarious account of his patience: Oh, Mr. Gupta. You are one of the funniest people I ever met.

Mamaji also chuckling explains: Now I think, I should have been a doctor. My occupation seems way too much boring compared to yours.

Mamiji pokes at Naniji: Sasuma, shall we discuss what we came to talk about?

Naniji sobers up: Yes yes. (Turns to Shashi Gupta) Guptaji, Khushi bitiya must have informed you about my grandson and your daughter’s alliance?

Shashi nods his head: She did. But I wanted to meet you and your family before we could proceed with it and of course, we also need to ask Payal about her decision.

Naniji nods her head: You are right. That’s why I brought my grandson here. He is (locates Aakash) right over there with his cousins.

Shashi and his family turns to look at the bar where ASR was talking to Aakash and NK.

Shashi asks Naniji: Errrmmm… Which one is the groom?

Naniji replies with a smile: The one in black on the left.

Shashi turns to look, but unfortunately at that time Aakash moves from the left to the middle to mouth to NK: What girl? (Leaving ASR on the left).

Shashi looks at ASR’s thundercloud expression, thinks about his gentle girl Payal and says tentatively: Errmmm… he looks quite errmmm… serious.

Naniji looks back and sees Aakash and NK are shaking their head very seriously: Oh, don’t worry. May be they are discussing something important. But my grandson is a very happy and cheerful boy. Why, he is the life of any party.

Shashi looks at Garima and Buaji who nod positively: Ok. Then you come to my house with your family for dinner one night and we will discuss this alliance further. In the meanwhile, ask your grandson also what he thinks about Payal.

Naniji smiles: I will. And once I have everything settled, I will call you to arrange a day for dinner.

Shashi smiles back.

Nandi bangs his head against a thundercloud emitting thunder every time his horns hit it: Why why why? Why are humans so stupid? Why can’t they see anything past their nose?

Devi Maiyya was tapping her foot impatiently and scowling at Nandi for ruining her long-awaited romantic moment. Suddenly, she thought of a chance for payback.

She gives a huge scary grin to herself and rubs her hands together: You ruined my best prime time moment Nandy, now wait & see how I make you suffer with all the confusions. Your followers will be throwing rotten tomatoes in your face before I’m done with you…

In background the very popular Bollywood song starts playing…

Golmaal hai, bhai

Sab golmaal hai…

(Confusions galore, my dear

Confusions galore)

Those who want to check out the background song, here's the link: