Two weeks later, Roshni could walk a little with help; her legs were only bruised, but the blood loss had made her weak. She could move around the house with ease, but her hand was still in plaster. Her mother took great care of her, especially with the Sagai a month away. Phool and Vishal visited daily to keep her occupied. It was Pratap's 18th birthday in a week, and one and a half weeks later, they were getting engaged. Hansa wanted to buy Pratap's ceremonial ring with Phool, but Roshni insisted on going to choose the ring herself. Hansa agreed, knowing no one could tell Pratap's choice better.
Pratap, on the other hand, had started going to the office as a trainee. He was going to join the business officially once he turned 18. Right now, he was under the care of his father's manager, Chundawat Ji, who made sure that he knew his way around the office to start with.
Veer had lost her job after Dheer got arrested, so on Pratap's urging, Jaivanta made sure she got a job at Sisodia's. Jagmal, who was very happy to get his property back, had shut down Dheer's boutique, and the two sisters, Uma and Dheer, were now in jail.
Pratap liked to come home nowadays as it was not an empty house anymore; his parents shared a room, and the other was kept empty for guests. The weekend parties were more friendly, and to top it all, they had dinners together as a family, sharing a few laughs. Daadi looked visibly pleased, and there was a content look on his parents' faces as well. Moreover, he enjoyed working. It meant that he had not met Roshni in a week, but he called her thrice a day to ask about her health, while she scolded him to go back to work and stop worrying.
Jaivanta and Hansa were having tea and gossiping when Roshni entered her mother's room, surprised to find she was not alone. Her wet hair was tied up in a towel, and she was in her favourite pyjamas and tee.
" Hello, Mausi."
" Hi Beta, how are you feeling now?"
" Better, my legs feel better, a little less weak... but the hand..." She stared sadly at the sling.
" Don't worry, you will get your plaster undone before the party," Jaivanta reassured.
" Party?" Roshni was surprised.
" Yes, it's Pratap's 18th birthday, and we are giving him a surprise party at midnight on that day. I hope it won't be a problem to come to our place that night, Hansa."
" No, No. Jaivanta but... Ram will be out on a business trip, so we will be there, sure."
" Ohh, Roshni." Jaivanta remembered something." I need Phool's number. I already called Vishal and Rohan."
" Phool..." Roshni thought..." But she is going on vacation. She won't be here."
" Ohh! Tell her, though!"
"Yes, I will, don't worry."
Roshni went to her room thinking... A birthday party... surprise... She called up Phool.
" Hey, babes!"
" Hi, you know it's Pratap's birthday next week."
" Really? Oh no... I won't be there!"
" Listen ... I'm thinking of some sorta surprise..."
" That's great, tell me!" Phool was overexcited like always.
Roshni sat down with a confused face.
" I dunno Phool, what to surprise him with..."
" Something he will like, something he wants..." Roshni's mind flashed with the image of that day, he was so close, and he said he knew she wanted to wait...
Brushing away her thought, she said in a distraught voice, " Help me, Phool!"
For the next 10 minutes, Phool went on suggesting gift after gift that she rejected.
Hansa came in, and Roshni said, " Bye, mom's here."
" You planned what to gift Pratap?"
" No, Ma."
" What about a nice watch?"
Roshni smiled. Her mother was always like a superwoman to the rescue. " Yes!"
The next day, Hansa and Roshni went shopping. A sleek-looking silver watch for office wear attracted Roshni's attention. " This one!"
" He will like it?"
" He will love it!"
Then they went to the jewellery shop.
" How may I help you, ma'am?"
" Male engagement rings, please."
" Something elegant", Roshni added.
She found a band ring where they would carve her name and his, and she loved it! Hansa ordered the band to be carved. They went home exhausted but happy.
The next day was a Saturday, and Roshni had to have her plaster removed. But Ram was leaving that day, hence Hansa was busy. Roshni called up Phool.
" Can you come with me to the doctor's?"
" Sorry, babes, I have a lot of packing to do... Uhh... call Pratap na?"
" It's okay, he's in the office, I will go by myself." Roshni's tone was sad.
" Go safely." Her mother kissed her forehead as she got into her favourite pair of jeans and a plain tee and tied her hair up with a clutch. " Don't worry, Ma." She smiled.
This was the first time she was stepping out of her home after that incident, and that shook her a little. Her father called an auto for her. When it stopped around five feet away from the chamber, she got down and opened her purse.
" Kitna Hua Bhaiya? How Much?" His voice made her heart skip a beat! She turned around, and he was right behind her, opening his purse to pay for the auto, clearly ignoring her surprised look.
" What?" He looked at her the moment the auto drove away. Still looks weak...
" Umm... How are you here? You were at the office."
" I came by that car... " He pointed. She gave a soft slap on his arm for the joke. " I mean, why... You are not supposed to...." Phool! She must have called.
" Well, I got some information that someone was travelling to the doctor by herself and was really sad about it."
" I was not. Phool made that up!"
" Really? Now, will we stand here or go?"
He stepped aside, letting her lead the way. At the chamber, she was called in as he sat outside waiting. The door opened, and she came out smiling, her sling undone. Thank god it's better. He smiled at her as he got up and thanked the doctor. They came out, and Roshni was surprised to see the car was not there anymore. She turned to him, confused.
" I called up Hansa Mausi, and she said I can take you out, so I let the car go." He had this half smile on his face that always made her heart beat faster.
" What? But... But... what about work?"
" I took the rest of the day off. It's my father's company, you know?"
" Pratap, it might be your father's company, but you are an employee; this is so irresponsible!" She was angry. This was totally unexpected. He was taken aback.
" It's just a day, Roshni, you are overreacting!"
" No. Just go back to work. You came here. It was an important thing. Fine! But I'm not going out during your office hours! Besides, I look terrible!"
" You look perfect, let's get ice cream at least." He pleaded.
" No, go back to the office now!" That was like an order as she stared at him angrily.
" Fine! You know what. Do what you want! I came here not to hear your lectures!" He was angry and trying to calm himself. He didn't want to shout at her.
" Lectures? It's been a week since you haven't met me, and that's fine. Work comes first. I didn't invite you here; you came on your own."
" What the hell is wrong with you?" He looked at her in pain." Why are you pushing me away?"
" I am not! I'm just reminding you of your responsibilities."
" Ohh god! You are talking like a mother. Just go!" Both were irritated and confused. Roshni at his behaviour and Pratap at her lectures. Roshni stopped an auto and got in. " Palm Avenue." She ordered. He saw the auto go away, leaving a trail of smoke. "I'm not going to talk to you until you say sorry!" He murmured under his breath.
Back in the office, he was restless. Why did she behave so rudely? He moved across his father's chamber restlessly. His father came in and was surprised to see him there.
" Weren't You with Roshni?"
" Yes... um... her plaster has been undone...."
" What's wrong?" His father studied his grim face.
" Nothing..." He looked away. The phone rang. "Yes?" He put it on speaker.
" Sir, Mrs Singh is here ."
" Send her in."
Pratap got up to leave. The last thing he wanted now was his parents scrutinising him.
" Sit down. Your mother brought lunch!"
" I ... am ... not hungry."
" Why not?" Jaivanta interrupted.
" I..."
" The only time you are not hungry is either that you are sick or you are feeling bad about something." Facing his mother was tough, but she read him right. She felt his forehead.
" Am fine, Maasa."
" Something with Roshni? Did you two fight?" His father's words shocked him.
" No... Maybe... I dunno...." He said in a rush.
Jaivanta and Udai shared a look at each other and smiled.
" What's for lunch today?" Udai enquired.
" I brought Puri, sabzi and halwa."
" Ahh, sweets... Pratap's favourite." They turned their eyes on him as he stared at the boxes lying on the table.
" Here, Beta, have a bite." Udai gave Pratap a spoonful of halwa, stuffing it in his mouth. "Congratulations!"
" Congrats? Why??" He was surprised as his parents laughed.
" Because you just had your first official fight and there will be many more to come." Jaivanta smiled. Udai nodded in approval. Pratap got up to leave.
" You two are pulling my leg! I'm leaving!" Pratap went to the door.
" Okay, I will tell Roshni you just had one bite." Her name stopped him. He turned around.
" Roshni?"
" Yes. She made it this morning. Hansa, send this to me, telling me to give you two too, her first halwa." Jaivanta smiled. Pratap paused, yes, the halwa had tasted different from his mother's, he now realised. Now things made sense, why she so badly wanted him to go back to the office. She just couldn't find an excuse to send him back. A smile curved his face.
" Okay, you may leave, Pratap. I will have your share too, my Bindni will be an excellent cook!" Jaivanta took the box away.
" No, No, I want... " He stopped, embarrassed. His parents laughed. Every bite of Halwa made him smile as he realised it was all made with love. Love she had for everyone around her, especially her new family.
Back home, Hansa hugged Roshni, " Thank god, it is all over! Your sling is no more!" She kissed her daughter's forehead. Roshni gave a faint smile.
" What Happened?"
" Am I too Bossy? Or Teacher type Ma?"
" No, not at all, I have never seen you, boss, around ever. Why?"
" Nothing."
" Pratap said something?" His name stopped her from leaving.
" He said I lecture him..." She replied, teary-eyed. " I only wanted him to go back to the office so that he could taste the halwa."
" Does he know that?"
" No." Hansa smiled. Her daughter was still young, discovering things about relationships. This was another childish fight. " Don't worry, once he tastes the Halwa, he will stop fighting for sure."
He did want to text or call, tell her how he loved her Halwa, and how he loved her, but ego crept in. She shouted at me first. Why won't she call? She checked her phone again and again. He is so adamant and rude, he won't call, Fine! Neither will I.
Three days later, the surprise plan was on! Pratap was at his Daadi's place, clearly sulking as he was not talking to Roshni, and he felt miserable. Hope in him said she would surely call at midnight, after all, it was his first birthday with her. That would break the ice. This was like the longest he had not talked to her; three days felt like a hundred. Moreover, it was his birthday, and there was no talk of any party or gifts from his parents; they had found each other but totally forgotten him! Even Daadi said nothing. He brought up the birthday issue to Vishal once, and he just said, " I will call to wish Bro!"
It was 11.55, and Daadi knocked at his door. He opened it, hoping for a wish, but instead, she was panting.
" What's wrong?"
" Your Maasa... " She pointed at the opposite apartment. He rushed to his mother's apartment, and it was all dark and quiet. " Maasa?" He called out.
" SURPRISEEEE!!!!!!!!!!"
The lights were on. The apartment was well-decorated with balloons, flowers, and curtains. He looked wide-eyed at the smiling faces. His Parents, Vishal, Rohan, his Mama Mami, cousin sister, cousin brother, Hansa Mausi and... and... it was her! He gave a surprised, silly smile as his mother came and hugged him. His father followed as he touched their feet, and Daadi came in from behind saying, " Sorry Beta, was part of the plan, Happy birthday!" His friends wished him, and he sought Hansa Mausi and his Mama Mami's blessings. His Mami hugged him and whispered in his ear, " I really like Roshni." He smiled at his Mami, then at her. She smiled back. Her black gown was teamed with a simple, elegant pair of earrings and her hair was undone. Just the way he liked it.
" Come, let's cut the cake!" Jaivanta called everyone to the table. " Roshni, light the candles, Beta."
" Ji." She took the match and started lighting all the candles. The lights were dimmed, and while talking to Vishal and Rohan, he noticed her face looked beautiful in the lights of the candle. " Come here, everyone," Jaivanta called out. He cut his cake with his mother on one side and Roshni on the other. He held out his first piece to his mother and then to Roshni, which was followed by a loud " Ooooooo" from his friends that made everyone laugh. Rohan and Vishal lost no opportunity to smear him with cake. He was cleaning it all up in his room while Vishal and Rohan were fighting, or rather racing, on his PlayStation. The door was locked, their room was well stocked with cake, snacks and drinks for the party. The elders occupied the drawing room and the parents' bedroom while Daadi went to sleep with his cousins, who were children. He noticed her standing alone on his balcony. With a smile, he entered the balcony. She knew he was there, and she did not turn back.
" What are you looking at?" His hand on her waist made her shiver as he came up behind her, whispering in her ears.
" I... Umm... The night... The city looks so beautiful..."
" So do you..." She turned towards him. His hand was still on her waist, and she held his collar and blushed.
" You liked the halwa?"
" Loved it."
" Why didn't you call?" Her voice was hurt.
" I am sorry." He hit his tongue, making her laugh.
" You liked my gift?"
" Your Gift?"
" The Watch."
" That was Hansa Mausi's Gift, yours is pending." His smile made her heart beat faster.
" What? My Gift? I don't..." He stepped forward as she stepped back a little. His smile was like an addiction to her eyes; she could not look away.
" You have to give me something, it's my birthday, you know!" He was teasing her, rubbing his hand gently on her waist.
" No... I... Pratap... woh..." His stares made her stop after every word as his eyes moved from her eyes to her lips and back. Her mouth felt dry.
" Vishal... Rohan..." Her excuses were ending.
"They are playing in my PS, they have no clue where we are... and if they are a problem..." He used one of his hands to cover the glass door with the curtain, " There..." He smiled.
" I...." Roshni looked at him wide-eyed. Now what??
" Have you run out of excuses, Ma'am, or should we continue this game?" He was amused.
" I..." He pushed her towards him, and she could feel his warm breath in the cool night. She looked down at his chest, blushing.
" What? The Buttons of my shirt are now more handsome than me?"
She looked up. His teasing eyes made her smile.
" So... " He brought her closer. " Where were we?"
" I love you!" She hid her face in her hands as quickly as she said it, for the first time. His ears were dying to hear this for so long, and he couldn't believe what she just told him.
Eyes wide, he asked, " What? What did you say?"
She looked up. " There, you got your gift!"
She moved away from his embrace and was about to leave when he held her hand and pulled her close. Her hair was all over her face, and he gently removed it from her face, making her look up into his eyes. They spoke of love. Hers twinkled in the night sky. He rubbed his nose against hers and sealed her lips with a soft peck. A shiver ran down her spine as she stood there numb, not a clue about what she should do. He looked at her again, after a few seconds, sealing her lips with a proper kiss. She responded in anticipation. It was a small, sweet first kiss they shared. He let go of her waist as he moved away, and she turned back and rushed into the room. Vishal and Rohan had no clue about the world as they were fighting over FIFA now, and she sat on his bed, her back to him; her lips felt hot. He stood on the balcony watching her sit down as a smile curved his face.
A knock on the door, and she got up as he went past her to open it.
" Pratap, it's time for us to go home," Hansa called Roshni as she nodded and went past him. They didn't realise it was already past 3 am. Time moved so quickly!
" Bye!" His voice stopped her, and she looked back and nodded.
His father was driving them home when her phone blinked with a message.
" What happened today, Ma'am?? :p Tel me wen U gt home, C U soon! <3 font="" style="font-family: inherit;">
She smiled as she replied. " Okay!"
Another text blinked. " But WHAT happened today?" She blushed.
" Gdnt!"
He knew she was not going to reply anymore, he smiled, switched off his phone and joined his friends for a game on his PS.
