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:

Chapter 39

Sangeet Night:

All the lights go off and a tinkling voice chimes: Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get the party started…

Note: There’s a Bollywood song that starts from here. Even though I have provided translation, if you’d rather not read the song, skip to where it says “Read from here”… You won’t miss much.

NK starts the song with Aakash.

Music: 

Baliye de mukhre pe dil lalchaave

(Your face tantalises my heart)

Laungda ve lashkaaraa jaan le naa jaave

(Every sight of you, takes my breath away)

Dekhe binaa dekhe tenu raha bhi naa jaave

(I can't go on without seeing you.)

Rup salona tera sona changda

(Your complexion glows like gold)

Dupatta tera…

(Your scarf, your scarf, oh, your scarf, your scarf!)

Dupatta tera nau rang da, Haaye ni mera dil mangda...

(Your many-coloured scarf, oh, my heart's a goner...)

Payal (To Aakash):

Jaan meri jaan hui teri sadke, teri sadke, haan terii sadke

(I give my life to you, yes, I give myself to you.)

Jana naiyo jana kabhi mainu chad ke, mainu chad ke, kabhi mainu chad ke

(Never ever go away leaving me alone)

Aakash (To Payal):

Saari khushi duniya ki tujhpe loota doon…

(Let me steal all the joys of the world for you.)

Aaja teri raahon mein main zindagi bichha doon

(I will lay down my life in your path of life)

Rup salona tera sona changda

(Your complexion glows like gold)

Dupatta tera…

(Your scarf, your scarf, oh, your scarf, your scarf!)

Dupatta tera nau rang da, Haaye ni mera dil mangda...

(Your many-coloured scarf, oh, my heart's a goner...)

Khushi (Dreamily):

Yaar mera yaar saare jag se judaa, jag se judaa, saare jag judaa

(My beloved will be out of this world, he'll be different from the whole world.)

Pyaar main to pyaar karoon uspe fidaa, uspe fidaa, karoon uspe fidaa…

(I will love only him for the rest of my days)

NK (Besotted look to Khushi):

Mehendi tu gore gore haathon mein rachaa le

(Stain your fair hands with henna)

O sun shahazaadi, mujhe apnaa banaa le

(O Princess, listen up, make me yours!)

Rup salona tera sona changda

(Your complexion glows like gold)

Dupatta tera…

(Your scarf, your scarf, oh, your scarf, your scarf!)

Dupatta tera nau rang da, Haaye ni mera dil mangda...

(Your many-coloured scarf, oh, my heart's a goner...)

Read from here:

As the ending tune goes on; Aakash, Payal, Khushi and NK continue dancing together…

ASR slams down the drink he was having and stomps to them, grabs Khushi’s hands and drags her to the garden ignoring NK’s protest which gets supressed in the loud music…

Devi Maiyya (let’s loose her breath on pepsi, making it bubble and froth): Oh dear, oh dear…

Nandi (grimaces): I warned you not to throw Khushi at ASR… Now see what you have done…

Devi Maiyya (smacks Nandi on the head): You stupid cow… That was my excitement, not lamentation…

Nandi (mutters): I’m a damn bull…

Devi Maiyya (smirks): Figures…

Nandi pouts…

The garden:

Khushi tugs her hand to get herself free, but ASR’s grip was like a band of iron against her wrist.

As he reaches the secluded garden, he pulls Khushi in front of him.

Khushi trips over her feet and grabs the pillar for balance.

She turns to ASR furiously while rubbing her bruised wrist with the other hand: What the hell do you think you are doing?

ASR slams his both hands either side of her and growls: Me? What the hell do you think you were doing?

Khushi gets confused so stops rubbing her wrist: Me? What did I do?

ASR growls: Don’t give me that innocent look. You know what you’ve been doing. You were throwing yourself at NK…

Khushi gets pissed at that and growls back: What? How dare you?

ASR leans closer: Oh I dare all right… I warned you to stay away from him…

Khushi leans closer so now their noses are almost touching: Who the hell are you to warn me against anyone?

Then she freezes and sniffs: Have you been drinking?

ASR stiffens and growls back: What’s it to you? I can drink if I want to. What do you care?

Khushi sniffs: Oh I don’t care. It just made me realize that you are obviously out of your mind.

ASR barks: If I’m out of my mind, that’s because of you. Anybody has to be certifiably insane to be around you.

Khushi growls: Oh yeah? Then who’s stopping you from leaving? Why are you hanging around me?

ASR growls back: I can’t damn well leave because…

Devi Maiyya and Nandi suck their breath in anticipation…

Khushi raises her brow: Because?

ASR scowls: Because I can’t. I mean I don’t need to give you any explanation. I’m ASR…

Devi Maiyya smacks her forehead in frustration…

Nandi tweets to her followers: ASR & Khushi #Facepalm…

Khushi growls: Well, peachy then… For your kind information, I don’t owe you any explanation either. So suck on it…

ASR (gives his best sharklike smile): Why should I? When I have so much better things to stick my mouth on?

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

Precap: A kiss, a kick and a miss...

Chapter 38

ASR arrives at the Sangeet venue with NK and Aakash, shortly followed by Nani, Mami and Mamaji.

The Venue:

As they go in, ASR notices NK is practically twisting his neck backward trying to locate Khushi.

ASR controls his irritation at NK’s obvious impatience and sneers at NK: Looking for someone NK?

NK (startled, starts stammering): Errrmmm… No?

Aakash seeing NK in distress, comes to his rescue: Ummm bhai, why don’t we go meet the new couple? We haven’t met them yet.

NK sighs in relief: Yeah, let’s do that.

Aakash smiles: I’ll go get a drink and then we can go meet them.

Aakash leaves for the drink counter.

NK looks at ASR: We can go meet the couple now.

ASR bites back: Not interested. Excuse me…

As he turned to leave, he feels a breeze blowing at the back of his neck which now he calls “Trouble alert” as this is the indication of a certain pesky girl being around.

He turns to see a distinguished looking older man, a woman who is obviously his wife and another heavyset elderly woman are standing in the doorway. That surprises him a little as his “Trouble alert” has never failed him before.

He shakes his head and turns to leave again when he sees something moving from behind the man. The man turns and smiles at that person who turns out to be Payal Gupta, his new financial consultant.

Payal smiles at them back and enter the party. Shortly followed by a tinkling laughter and his “Trouble”, looking like happiness, laughter and life all rolled into one.

She was giggling and whispering something in Payal’s ears which was making her smile.

NK doesn’t waste any time. The moment he spots Khushi, he bounds to her like an overeager puppy towards a shiny red ball which makes ASR’s mood from bad to worse.

NK (gushing): Khushiji… You are looking stunning, like a fairy, like a goddess, like a… like a…

ASR booms from behind: Like a moron… (Khushi & NK gasp) Not her, you. (Khushi and NK pout) So shut the hell up before you make more of a fool of yourself than you already are.

Khushi fumes and drags NK behind her like a tigress protecting her cub: You know what Mr. ASR, you are a bully. You never say good thing about anyone and you can’t tolerate anyone saying anything good about anyone else…

(Payal tries to pacify Khushi from behind)

ASR growls: I’m not a bully. I just call what I see… If you can’t take it, well then too bad.

Khushi growls back: Oh, I can take anything you care to throw at me. But I won’t let you bully anyone else, even if it’s your own cousin.

(NK’s eyes soften with gratitude, seeing that ASR’s temper explodes)

ASR smirks: It seems like NK got a woman to defend him now.

Khushi (gasps): Why you sexist beast…

ASR smirks back: Not sexist honey, I’m a sexy beast… So don’t mess with me.

Khushi (sniffs): Sexy, my foot.

ASR glances at her delicate feet strouded in crystal studded sandals and raises his brow: Well, they certainly are. But the rest of you are not too bad either.

Khushi flushes red in anger and was about to pounce when Payal grabs her waist and drags her away before there could be a homicide…

NK follows them leaving ASR fuming alone.

Khushi wiggles to get out of Payal’s hold: Let go jiji.

Payal holds tighter: No. First you calm down.

Khushi wiggles some more: Not until I murder him…

Payal whispers: Stop it. We are at Sinha uncle’s party. We shouldn’t do anything to ruin Rajesh bhaiya’s sangeet.

Khushi remembers the other purpose for which she came to this party and calms down: You are right. (Breathes in and out deeply) Ok, I’m calm. You can let go of me now.

Payal let’s go of Khushi as she flicks her bangs back and fixes her hair.

At the same time, Aakash returns with his drink when he notices Payal talking to Khushi and his mouth gapes open seeing Payal at the party, followed by a huge smile. This party just got way interesting. He will have to thank NK later for dragging him here.

Aakash calls ASR’s name, but ASR answers curtly: Don’t bother Aakash. I had enough of that girl. She is enough to drive a man to drink.

Then he stalks away to the cocktail counter.

Aakash gets confused but snaps his mouth close and follows where Payal dragged Khushi.

NK continues gushing: Khushiji, you were magnificent. Thanks for defending me.

Khushi smiles at him: No worries, NKji.

Payal gives NK a wan smile back when Aakash comes over and taps on Payal’s shoulder. Payal turns to see Aakash standing behind her smiling.

Her face lit up with joy and she exclaims: Aakash? What are you doing here?

Aakash smiles back: Mr. Sinha is a family friend. They are the first family we met when we first came to Delhi. And you?

Payal smiles back: Well, Sinha uncle was our neighbour in Lucknow. So when we moved to Delhi, we kept in touch. Rajesh bhaiyaa was kind of like a big brother to me growing up.

Khushi nudges NK seeing Aakash and Payal talking and smiling: See? I told you they were perfect for each other.

NK whispers back: You are right.

Khushi whispers: Now where is your family?

NK looks around and locates Naniji, mamaji and mamiji: There…

Khushi grabs NK’s hand: Let’s go then.

Then she drags him to Naniji: Naniji… (beams big)

Naniji sees Khushi and smiles big: Khushi bitiya… You are looking so beautiful…

Khushi beams: Thanks. (Then leans forward and whispers) Naniji look at Aakash and Jiji… Aren’t they perfect for each other?

Naniji’s eyes widen seeing the gorgeous couple in matching colours: Oh my, they look so good together.

Khushi sighs dreamily: Aren’t they?

Naniji turns to Khushi: Khushi bitiya, take us to meet your parents.

Khushi beams: I will get them. Wait right here.

Khushi skipped to her family and whispered: Mom, Dad, Buaji… Come with me. I’d like you to meet someone.

Buaji whispers: The groom’s family?

Khushi nods happily.

They follow Khushi to where Naniji, Mamiji and Mamaji were standing.

Khushi leaves them to talk and joins NK.

Aakash and Payal were busy talking when Khushi and NK arrive there.

Khushi teases Payal: Ummm… jiji. Shouldn’t we go meet Rajesh bhaiyya and Priya didi?

Payal blushes: Oh yeah. We should go meet them. Sorry, I lost track of time.

Aakash smiles at Payal: Me too…

Khushi and NK beams big.

They make their way to the bride and groom.

The Couple:

Rajesh Sinha teases Khushi: You took your sweet time getting here… Was there a handsome guy who grabbed your attention?

Khushi teases back: How can anyone grab my attention when you are looking so handsome bhaiyya? (winks at Priya Roy, soon to be Priya Sinha Roy)

Priya smiles and winks back.

ASR notices Aakash, Payal, NK and Khushi chatting and giggling with the bride and groom. NK and Khushi wearing same coloured matching outfit doesn’t escape his attention either.

He turns his back to the burtender and asks for a scotch on the rocks.

Suddenly, all the lights go off and a tinkling voice chimes: Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get the party started…

Nandi bounces on his gilded chair: Oh oh… this is good, this is good… (Thinks out loud) Hummm… I will ask my followers for their suggestion on the songs to be performed at Sangeet. May be even have a guessing game started? (He pulls out his haybook and types furiously)

Devi Maiyya slurps on pepsi and giggles to herself: Alcohol, music and intoxication of love with a healthy dose of good old-fashioned lust… This is gonna get very interesting…

Hindi Word Synopsis:

Bhaiyya: Brother or brother like relations

Didi/Jiji: Elder sister or similar relations

Sangeet: The party before the wedding where the guests sing and dance to entertain each other.