RAABTA

Ajabdeh ran in through the main door, Brownie in toe as the crowd stared at her, making her smile disappear. “Ajabdeh,” Hansa called. “Where were you?” “I … was with Brownie …” “Ajabdeh,” Mami Exclaimed surprised. “Beta you are here?” Ajabde controlled a laugh as she remembered Pratap’s mimicry. “Yes, I…” Mami hugged her, making her stop as she looked clueless at Ranima who seemed amused. “I am seeing you after such a long time... Oh, how beautiful you have grown… I mean you were beautiful before but...” Mami was telling Hansa as Ajabdeh stared awkwardly. “My friend's nephew is a doctor in the USA. Remember I told you about him? He is four years older than her...” “Bhabisa.” Ranima stopped her much to Ajabdeh’s relief. “How are the children?” “They are doing fine, my son got into an Ivy League university.” “We had to use connections. He didn't get a scholarship.” Maan Singh Songara interrupted his wife. Songara Industries was one of the leading companies in Kota. Everyone knew

Pratap’s footsteps stopped at the threshold of his chambers he froze to see Ajabdeh in his room, her back to him, as she stared at the walls. The purple-shaded room was lit up by the morning sun and Ajabde’s soft sobs seemed like clouds on it. Gulping hard he found a voice. “Ajab.” Ajabde closed her eyes as her name from his mouth made a shiver run down her spine. She gulped. She had wished he would call out to her someday. She had dreamt him calling her in her sleep, she had sobbed in slumbers, only Brownie knew those tears. She had often dreamt she was lost, and couldn't find her way back to him. He was calling her. Reaching out to her. Giving her his hand, she couldn't reach him. All those nightmares ended in sleepless nights, and tears and she admitted that she hated to love him. At times she would hug Brownie and feel his presence.  But today, Pratap was calling out to her. One month back when she sent out Heer's wedding invites she had stopped while writing Rani Jaiv

The morning saw the Punwar House in a mess as Shakti, in his suit was still putting stuff in his bags as Heer, in an elegant red and gold saree, dragged it out of the room saying “Okay, enough now!”Jalal had just arrived with Rukaiya and a couple’s trolley as Jiwa was chewing gum and kept her backpack down on Patta’s trolley making him frown. One stare, and he smiled at her making Jalal say “Ahem, Yeh kaun?” “Nice friend.” Heer and Shakti smiled amused as they said in unison “Patta ki.” Pratap was helping the old ladies take their luggage out while Sau and Chaks were dealing with a crying baby in vain. Brownie came running out of Ajabde’s room with her in toe, shouting “Brownie listen to me…” as Brownie looked at Shakti’s trolley on his way and Heer exclaimed a soft “Brownie stop.” Before Brownie bumped into it and the trolley was pushed down the stairs. “Brownie Yaar!” Shakti exclaimed, running after the trolley that had ended up open on the landing, his clothes scattered everywhere.

At dawn, Jaivanta and Hansa were busy preparing for the journey. Pratap walked in as they frowned. “Where were you so early?” “We can’t leave Sau and the baby behind and aap bhi bimar ho. So I booked a private Jet. For us all.” “A private Jet?” Chaks looked wide-eyed. “The perks of having rich friends.” He taunted. “Nahi, it’s for my princess, tum chup raho,” Pratap spoke as he handed Chaks the details. “Main chalta hoon.” “Aree kaha? Breakfast toh karke jao.” Hansa spoke up. “Nahi Mausi project ka kaam hai.” Aur pata nahi woh kya decide kare… Heer walked down the stairs with Shakti on her toe. “Main jaa raha hoon Bhaijaan aur Aapa ke paas, unko saare details inform karke I will be back for the packing” Shakti spoke up. “Aur packing?” Heer frowned. “Kal all night you packed your stuff.” “Aree, Matlab in general packing.” he shrugged. “Aree aj toh koi bhi breakfast karke nahi ja rahe.” Jaivanta said worriedly. “Ranima. Kya hua?” Ajabde’s voice of authority alarmed Heer and Shakti. They