The Palace grounds were decorated with white and peach Orchids, with orange and white curtains and white lilies and orange wildflowers making a perfect canopy at the entrance. Yellow and Orange round lanterns in traditional Fanoos style hung from the canopy and lit up the whole ground. The centre stage was also highlighted with white focus lights in a corner, and on the opposite corner, another smaller stage was set for the thrones of the Bride and Groom, and it too had a canopy made of Orange and peach flowers. The guest chairs and sofas were put in between these two corners in small white groups, with tables where waiters served food and drinks. The guest tags were placed on each chair, and a little space near the centre stage was kept empty for some dancing as the DJ set was just beside the stage. The ground was set for the Sangeet of Kunwar Pratap Singh and Kuwarani Ajabde Baisa.
" Chakrapani, please check the arrangements once again." Udai Singh seemed tense, RamRakh nodded in approval, " Everything should be perfect!"
" Haan Haan Ranaji. Everything will be perfect!" Jaivanta came smiling, with Hansa, " Mere Baccho ki shaadi hai kuch imperfect ho hi nahi sakta!"
" Hum abhi dekh lete hai sab Ranaji." Chaks walked away.
" Waise hai kaha aap ke Kunwarsa?" Udai asked, smiling.
" Saare ladke to aise taiyaar ho rahe hai jaise ladkiyon ko takkar denge." Jaivanta giggled.
" Hum e to abhi se dance ke liye darr lag raha hai, Ranisa. Kahi Ajab humara dance dekh ke hass na padhe." Hansa exclaimed.
" Aree unka entry ka ..." Ram looked worried.
" Sab bandobast ho gaya hai." Hansa Nodded, " Ajabde ko Bhago le jaegi Palace Garden."
The excited friends and family have been rehearsing for quite some time now, making sure the Bride and Groom had no idea of their special surprises. The Wedding Planner had suggested Pratap and Ajabde rehearse for the Sangeet too, but Ajabde decided their dance should be from the heart, like in Chak's wedding and not choreographed. The wedding planner had decided on colours of attire for everyone close to the couple as well, as every lady dressed in traditional lehengas and the men in sherwani and Pagri. Chaks and Bhago were in Maroon, Ven and Rosalina in Peach, Rohan and Mahek in Royal Blue, Ranima and Ranaji in cream, Hansa and RamRakh in light pink, and the sisters of the bride, namely Jaso, Heer and Asha, were in Fuscia and Shakti, Vikram, and Sangram were in Royal Purple.
" Aj toh Dadabhai ko dekh ke koi aur Ajabde Bhabisa ko dekhenge hi nahi!" Vikram smiled.
" Aree nahi nahi Bhabisa toh Dadabhai se bhi zyada sajh savar rahe honge!" Sangram seemed to have learned about Indian weddings. Shakti barged into Pratap's room as he was putting on the royal gold and red brooch on his cream Pagri with red lining. His sherwani was Mehendi green with golden embroidery and red piping. He was also wearing antique rings, a Royal belt and a gold and green neckpiece for Princes.
" Dadabhai main kaise lag raha hoon?" The brothers stared at him.
" Jaise hum dono lag rahe hai." Sangram giggled.
" Haan same to same!" Vikram gave him a high five as Shakti stared angrily at them.
" Dadabhai!"
" Bhai Shakti!" Pratap turned around to face his brother. " Yeh ho kya raha hai?" Shakti's heart skipped a beat.
" Matlab?"
" Sangeet meri aur you are asking how you are looking!"
" Aap kaise dikh rahe woh toh sirf Bhabisa hi bolegi!" Shakti teased.
" Bhago yeh maroon lipstick kuch zyada..." Ajab was having doubts.
" Tum chup raho! Kabhi to normally dress karo, you will look pretty."
The sisters sat staring as Mahek and Bhago oversaw whatever the professional was doing on Ajabde. Her eyes were highlighted with golden shadows, and kohl and a small Bindi sat pretty between her brows. She was in a Royal Green Lehenga with a Red border that started from just an inch below her knees and was heavily embroidered in gold. Her chunri was red with green borders. She wore a naulakha haar, a sita haar and a heart-shaped mang tika her mother had gifted, and her hands had a pasha, bangles and a pair of rings. She wore round navratna earrings with attached gold and green jhumkas up to her neck. The upper arms had gold and green armlets. Her Kamar bandh was an antique one belonging to her grandmother, and her anklets were three chains attached together with tiny bells in them. Her hair was made into a braid with hair jewellery attached to it.
" The chariot is ready for the Bride and groom!" Rosalina walked in excitedly.
" Chalo!" Bhago pulled Ajabde up by her hand, " It's time to meet Kunwarsa."
Heer's mother came in to inform him she had some work for the Bride's sister. They had to stand at the guest entrance and sprinkle scented water and rose petals on the arriving guests. They left frowning, as now they had to see the Bride and Groom together, along with the others.
The Royal Chariot, which was drawn by two white horses, was an open one with a red umbrella and a golden body. Pratap stood there eyeing a nervous Shakti with narrowed eyebrows. The Royal Sedan that went to fetch Ajabde was now visible, making his heart jump like a ping-pong ball. Mahek walked out, helped by Rohan, as Rosalina came smiling at Ven.
Pratap's eyes were fixed on the door, and to his astonishment, so were Shakti's. Ajabde stepped out with Bhago, and much to Shakti's disappointment, the car drove away. Pratap's eyes looked at her from her feet up to her happy, glowing face. She smiled at him. Bhago held her tight so that she didn't trip.
"Ohho Bacchi hoon kya? Jaane do!" She scolded Bhago, and as soon as she let go, Ajab lost her balance and landed in Pratap's strong arms.
" You okay?" He asked worriedly.
" I guess." She shrugged.
" Ahem!" Ven cleared his throat as Ajabde moved away. " Aapka chariot taiyaar hai, Maharani, sorry Kuwarani!" Ajabde was about to hit him, but decided against it. Pratap was up on the chariot and gave her his hand as the crowd went " Oooo!"
She took his hand and walked up on the chariot as it headed to the grounds.
" How am I looking?" He asked, flaunting.
" Yeh ladkiyon wala necklace kyun pehna? Gold upar se green!" She was scolding.
" Khud ko toh dekho Gold hi gold and green hi green." He pointed.
" Haan toh? Main ladki hoon!" She smiled.
" Aj larna zaruri hai?" He asked, smiling back.
" Wow, decor wow!!" She was wide-eyed at the sight.
" Stop jumping and act Bride-ish!" He held her cold hands as her eyes went wide and she blushed. He smiled a little.
" Now that's bride-ish!" He chuckled.
As the Chariot arrived at the venue, Ajabde was helped down by the maids as she hugged Ranima. Pratap got down on his own, nodding at Hansa. The traditional dancers and musicians had already taken the stage and were playing local folk songs and their own local songs, from the villagers to the royal couple. ......Utsav Ayo Re Ajabde Vyah Ka... Kunwarsa Ay Mhare Dwar Ajabde Ka chamke shringaar, Ayi khushiyon Ki bahaar, Gagan mein gunje Jai Jai Kar....Jhoomo Naccho Re O Jhoomo naacchooo Re....
They were escorted to the thrones after meeting with their acquaintances. Pratap sat down, looking at the crowd with a humble smile as he noticed Ajabde looking at the dancers with longing eyes. He knew that impulsive stare.
" Don't even think about it." He whispered, looking away.
" I know... They are the only ones who can have real fun!" She complained.
" Never use that word." He chuckled.
Heer, Jaso and Asha were positioned at the door, Heer with the scent bottle and Asha and Jaso with the petals, doing their work religiously, well up until now. Kunwar Shakti entered through the canopy as eyes met. He was followed by his friends as Chaks came up from inside. Two pairs of eyes seemed not to be leaving each other as Heer continued to sprinkle the scent on him. Once. Twice. Thrice. Again. Rohan and Ven looked confused at the girl whose eyes seemed hypnotised on Shakti as Mahek and Rosalina smiled. Shakti realised that Heer was attracting onlookers as he grabbed her hand to make her stop, making Ven and Rohan give out small laughter. His touch brought Heer back to the mortal world as she realised she had wet him with all the scent, and this guy was still smiling at her with dreamy eyes. Almost like a reflex, her eyes widened as Jaso snatched the bottle at her inappropriate behaviour and she ran away, out of Shakti's sight, as his smile faded.
The DJ announced that the family and friends have prepared a medley of songs for the Bride and Groom, and the performances will begin shortly.
" This is embarrassing, I'm sure they will end up doing something embarrassing, especially Ven!" Pratap murmured.
" Hein? Who are these exact family and friends?" Ajabde asked, narrowing her eyes.
" How will I know? I am part of the Surprised Bride and Groom team!" He shrugged, making her giggle not so royally as he stared at her to make her stop.
" The performances will begin with the childhood best friends. Chaks and Bhago."
" Thank Gawd the Dj didn't have to say Chakrapani and Saubhagyabati, daat tut jaata uska!" Ajabde exclaimed rather seriously as Pratap looked at her.
Dholak mein taal hai payal mein chan chan, ghunghat mein Gori hai sehere pe sajan...Chaks seemed to have learned only the doli step well. Bhago whirled around him on the stage, in her beautiful ghagra, making Ajabde smile at Pratap. Jaha bhi yeh jaaye bahare hi chaaye, yeh khusiyaan hi paaye mere dil ne duwa di hai, Mere Yaar Ki Shadi Hai! Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi hai! Ven and Rohan seemed to be the uninvited additions on stage as they did everything from thumkas to latkas, making everyone laugh as Bhago stopped, confused.
" Up next after this err... half a performance is the bride's sisters." Shakti's eyes were searching the crowd ever since she ran off, and his search ended on the stage. Three girls, in the same attire, their faces covered in a dupatta, Shakti didn't know how he could tell Heer apart, but he could. She was right there in the middle.
Mayi Ni Mayi munder pe teri bol raha hai kaga... Jogan ho gayi teri dulaari mann jogi saang laga. As the dupattas came off, Shakti found not only Ven and Rohan but Pratap and Ajabde eyeing him instead of the stage with a strange smile. Ven and Rohan decided to ruin this one too as they joined Heer at Sunn Heeriye naach Heeriye Nachke raang jama, Sunn Heeriye nach Heeriye nachke Dhoom Macha... Heer laughed a little before catching Shakti's eyes, smiling as she looked away.
Inn Haato mein Laga de mehendi baandh Shagun ka dhaaga, Jogan ho gayi teri Dulaari mann Jogi saang laaga!
Heer's mother caught her daughter's eyes fixed somewhere in the crowd, and her eyes travelled back, and the smile faded. After the performance, she grabbed Heer by her hand and said, " Beta, not everyone is as lucky as Ajab. Remember that, every Royal doesn't love a commoner. I don't want you to get hurt, that's all." Heer was troubled. By her mother's revelation or realisation, she couldn't tell. Shakti was looking all over for her in vain now.
" Time for the beautiful couples dancing for their friends here. Ven and Rosalina for Kunwarsa and Rohan and Mahek for Kuwaranisa."
" Go, Rohan!" Ajabde smiled at him as Pratap looked visibly displeased.
Mahi ve... Mahi Ve...That's the way Mahi Ve... Ajabde was almost getting up from her seat at the beat when Ranima saw that and asked Rohan to take her to the stage.
Tere Mathe Jhumar damke Tere kaano bali chamke hai re... Mahi Ve! Rohan gave a gleeful Ajabde his hand as she looked at Ranima, who nodded.
" But..." Pratap's words were in vain as the bride was between Rohan and Ven, doing the hook step with a smile that lit up Pratap's world.
... Barse rangini kaliya hai meheki bhin bhini baje mann mein halki halki shehnai re.... Ajabde was doing the steps with Mahek and Rosalina .... jitne hai taare aachal mein aa gaye saare dil ne jaisi hi li angrai re... Rohan and Ven joined in, making Ajab giggle.
Hansa and Mamisa were on the stage, dragged by Rohan. Chanda mere Chanda tujhe kaise main yeh samjhau, mujhe lagti hai tu kitni pyaari re... Pratap's heart felt heavy as Ajabde wiped away Hansa's tears, hugging her tight, he knew how she was hiding her own... Khusiyaan jitni hai sab dhund dhund ke laau teri doli ke saang kar du saari re...
Shakti decided to spoil the emotional moment, much to Pratap's delight, by dragging Ajabde Tu jo ayi sajke mehendi Rachke chal baachke o soni, yeh dil kitno ka Khaye Dhajke, O soniye... She laughed as Shakti pointed at Pratap, who narrowed his eyes at his brother.
" Time for the Bride and Groom's Parents!"
"What?" Was a cry in unison as they stared at their beaming parents.
" Ranima can't, she has weak legs. Princy, stop her!" Ajabde sounded alarmed.
" She is your Ranima, you stop her waise bhi meri sunti kaha hai?"
Rangi paror aavi khusiyon saang laavi... The parents were doing perfect dandiya. Ajabde smiled.
Hey subharambh Ho subharambh mangal bela ayi... Sapno ki deheri pe dil ki baaji re sehenai... Rass rachilo saajh sajilo subh ghari che aavi aaja aaja tamtamata samnau che laavi....
" Wow, Ranima can dance." Ajabde felt like she was judging a dance show.
" She used to learn." Pratap nodded.
" Shit, really? When?" She was surprised.
" Before her wedding."
" That's like a really long time. I should make her join dance classes again, and maybe we can go together." She sounded excited.
" Not happening, ek nachti hui bandariya kafi hai, don't you dare turn Ranima into you!"
" How dare you?" She frowned.
" Now Kunwar Shakti Singh, the groom's brother."
" Where are the other two?" Ajabde frowned.
" Not interested in dancing!" Pratap replied, looking at the stage, " Look at his new attire."
" Haww!"
The reason Ajabde gasped was that Shakti had left his old purple one and was now dressed in Fuscia Pink, much like, oh yes, Heer. She was staring at the stage wide-eyed as Shakti was not only going to dance, but he had his guitar with him. He looked at her and smiled like no one else was around, making her turn red.
" What are these two up to?" Ajabde wondered aloud.
" Well, whatever it is, I hope they don't take a decade to realise it." He shrugged.
" Everyone is not as dumb as you, Princy."
" Excuse me?" He looked at her as the conversation got interrupted by guitar chords.
Mahek joined him. Rab raptara koi, chand ya sitaara koi, phir tu uthalena, O suniyo re, kaala chamkila hoga, chand sharmila hoga, nath pe laga le na...
Shakti started in his clear voice, eyes fixed as she blushed...
Zara si sawri hai woh. zara si bawri hai woh, woh surme ki tarah meri aakhon mein hi rehti hai... Mano na mano tum sote sote khwabo mein bhi khwab dikhati hai... Mano na mano tum Pari hai woh pari ki kahaniya sunati hai...
Ajabde was smiling at Heer, who suddenly remembered her mother's words, and her smile faded, followed by Ajabde's smile turning into worry as she glanced at Shakti, who was singing. Heer was about to leave when Rohan blocked her way. Woh paani par kadam rakhe... sagar bhi hatt jata hai... Shakti gave his guitar to Ven as he walked to Ajab for a waltz. Heer stood there, not sure of what to feel.
" The bride and the groom wanted something random, so here's to their random. Their friends chose a song, and everyone on the dance floor, please."
....Kabse aye hai tere dulhe raja, ab der na kar jaldi aaja.... Mahek and Bhago went to Pratap as Ajabde was still dancing with Shakti.
" Come on, Dadabhai, make it yaadgaar!!"
Shakti smiled as Ajabde turned around. He nodded, ready? She nodded yes! He caught her hand, twirled her around, gave a push and started as everyone cheered, and Ajab looked pleasantly surprised.
Tere ghar aya main aya tujhko lene, dil ke badle mein dil ka nazrana dene... Meri har Dhadkan kya bole hai Sunn Sunn Sunn Sunn... Mahek, Rosalina, Heer and Bhago joined him for the hook step Saajan Ji ghar aaye Saajan Ji ghaar aye... Dulhan kyun sharmaye Saajan ji ghar aye...
Ajabde couldn't stop giggling through her steps... Maathe ki bindiyaan kya bole hai sunn sunn sunn sunn.... Shakti dragged in everyone, from the kids to the old people, as Ajabde was up on stage with the girls... Deewane ke chal mein fass gayi main iss jaal mein ay sakhiyon kaise bolo...
Pratap took Mahek's hand and brought her to his side. Mujhpe toh ay dilrooba teri sakhiyaan bhi fida, yeh bolengi kya pucho!
Heer and Shakti danced to the mandolin tune with a smile as she wanted to go away, but he caught her hand .... Na samjhe nadaan hai yeh mera ehsaan hai chaha jo isko kehedo! Ajabde was doing the chal hatt step at Shakti as Heer looked. Chede mujhko jaan ke badle mein ehsaan ke de diya dil isko kendo! Rohan took Mahek's hand. Tu yeh naa jaane dil tute bhi deewane... Heer's dance stopped as Shakti's heart skipped a beat; today, there was a fear and hesitation in her eyes he couldn't read. Tera deewana kya bole hai Sunn Sunn Sunn Sunn! Ven dragged Ajabde towards him as Pratap came in between, making Ajabde laugh hard.
" Tu Phir suru ho gaya!" His words were lost in the song and Ajabde and Rosalina's laughter.
The song ended with everyone doing the dandiya like crazy, more like hitting each other with the sticks, especially Ajabde and Shakti, who were having sword fights with theirs.
As they sat down, sharing a few laughs once the ground was fairly empty, post-dinner, Pratap looked at Ajabde's tired, beaming face, still giggling over how Ven and Rohan ruined Chaks and Bhago's steps, and he smiled. He called a servant and instructed something.
" Can I take her away for a minute?" Pratap asked the group as Ajabde's brows narrowed.
" Ek minute kya? Le hi jao, hum e nahi chahiye!" Rohan got a slap on his head.
They walked to the pond side near the grounds.
" Careful, don't fall." He chuckled.
" I had itna fun!" She showed with her hands stretched like a child.
" So did Heer and Shakti." He smirked.
" Usko kuch hua hai." Ajabde seemed worried all of a sudden.
" Kisko?" Pratap was alarmed.
" Heer ko."
" Kya?" He asked.
" Pata nahi."
The servant interrupted their conversation with a Fanoos, in yellow, decorated in pink.
" Here, your Gift! Fly it."
"Really? Wow!" Ajabde clapped her hands like a kid.
" Make a wish." Pratap insisted.
" You make a wish!"
" It's your lantern." He reasoned.
" But all your wishes are for me!" She smiled at him.
Eyes met and smiled as he smiled and said softly, " Jaldi aana hai na ghar kal?!"
" Sochungi." She smiled.
" Toh main bhi sochunga!" He raised his eyebrows.
" Kya?" She asked.
" Ke kitne extra marital affairs karni hai... 2...3..."
" Kya??" She looked at him wide-eyed.
" Haan ab Dekho, humare purvaj used to have 25 to 30 wives, jo we can't! Ek adha affairs to banta hai!"
" Haww, how dare you? Kyun karoge tum?" She narrowed her eyes.
" Kyun na karu?" He shrugged,
" Kyunki main hoon hi itni hot ke..." She stopped biting her lips as he looked at her, amused, then laughed aloud.
" Kya kaha?" He looked at her wide eyes.
" Lantern urao." She looked away
" Kaha kya?" He teased.
" Lantern." They let it go together and watched it soar into the sky.
" Waise kaha kya?" He was still not letting it go.
" Bye."
She was going away when he held her back by her wrist and whispered in her ear.
" Main toh kabhi kisiko dekh bhi nahi sakta kyunki tumhara pagalpan kafi hai mere liye." A smile curved her lips as he let go of her wrist.
She didn't turn as she said, " Suno."
" Kya?"
" Kal jaldi aana." He smiled as she dashed off, carefully picking up her lehenga from both sides.
" Chakrapani, please check the arrangements once again." Udai Singh seemed tense, RamRakh nodded in approval, " Everything should be perfect!"
" Haan Haan Ranaji. Everything will be perfect!" Jaivanta came smiling, with Hansa, " Mere Baccho ki shaadi hai kuch imperfect ho hi nahi sakta!"
" Hum abhi dekh lete hai sab Ranaji." Chaks walked away.
" Waise hai kaha aap ke Kunwarsa?" Udai asked, smiling.
" Saare ladke to aise taiyaar ho rahe hai jaise ladkiyon ko takkar denge." Jaivanta giggled.
" Hum e to abhi se dance ke liye darr lag raha hai, Ranisa. Kahi Ajab humara dance dekh ke hass na padhe." Hansa exclaimed.
" Aree unka entry ka ..." Ram looked worried.
" Sab bandobast ho gaya hai." Hansa Nodded, " Ajabde ko Bhago le jaegi Palace Garden."
The excited friends and family have been rehearsing for quite some time now, making sure the Bride and Groom had no idea of their special surprises. The Wedding Planner had suggested Pratap and Ajabde rehearse for the Sangeet too, but Ajabde decided their dance should be from the heart, like in Chak's wedding and not choreographed. The wedding planner had decided on colours of attire for everyone close to the couple as well, as every lady dressed in traditional lehengas and the men in sherwani and Pagri. Chaks and Bhago were in Maroon, Ven and Rosalina in Peach, Rohan and Mahek in Royal Blue, Ranima and Ranaji in cream, Hansa and RamRakh in light pink, and the sisters of the bride, namely Jaso, Heer and Asha, were in Fuscia and Shakti, Vikram, and Sangram were in Royal Purple.
" Aj toh Dadabhai ko dekh ke koi aur Ajabde Bhabisa ko dekhenge hi nahi!" Vikram smiled.
" Aree nahi nahi Bhabisa toh Dadabhai se bhi zyada sajh savar rahe honge!" Sangram seemed to have learned about Indian weddings. Shakti barged into Pratap's room as he was putting on the royal gold and red brooch on his cream Pagri with red lining. His sherwani was Mehendi green with golden embroidery and red piping. He was also wearing antique rings, a Royal belt and a gold and green neckpiece for Princes.
" Dadabhai main kaise lag raha hoon?" The brothers stared at him.
" Jaise hum dono lag rahe hai." Sangram giggled.
" Haan same to same!" Vikram gave him a high five as Shakti stared angrily at them.
" Dadabhai!"
" Bhai Shakti!" Pratap turned around to face his brother. " Yeh ho kya raha hai?" Shakti's heart skipped a beat.
" Matlab?"
" Sangeet meri aur you are asking how you are looking!"
" Aap kaise dikh rahe woh toh sirf Bhabisa hi bolegi!" Shakti teased.
" Bhago yeh maroon lipstick kuch zyada..." Ajab was having doubts.
" Tum chup raho! Kabhi to normally dress karo, you will look pretty."
The sisters sat staring as Mahek and Bhago oversaw whatever the professional was doing on Ajabde. Her eyes were highlighted with golden shadows, and kohl and a small Bindi sat pretty between her brows. She was in a Royal Green Lehenga with a Red border that started from just an inch below her knees and was heavily embroidered in gold. Her chunri was red with green borders. She wore a naulakha haar, a sita haar and a heart-shaped mang tika her mother had gifted, and her hands had a pasha, bangles and a pair of rings. She wore round navratna earrings with attached gold and green jhumkas up to her neck. The upper arms had gold and green armlets. Her Kamar bandh was an antique one belonging to her grandmother, and her anklets were three chains attached together with tiny bells in them. Her hair was made into a braid with hair jewellery attached to it.
" The chariot is ready for the Bride and groom!" Rosalina walked in excitedly.
" Chalo!" Bhago pulled Ajabde up by her hand, " It's time to meet Kunwarsa."
Heer's mother came in to inform him she had some work for the Bride's sister. They had to stand at the guest entrance and sprinkle scented water and rose petals on the arriving guests. They left frowning, as now they had to see the Bride and Groom together, along with the others.
The Royal Chariot, which was drawn by two white horses, was an open one with a red umbrella and a golden body. Pratap stood there eyeing a nervous Shakti with narrowed eyebrows. The Royal Sedan that went to fetch Ajabde was now visible, making his heart jump like a ping-pong ball. Mahek walked out, helped by Rohan, as Rosalina came smiling at Ven.
Pratap's eyes were fixed on the door, and to his astonishment, so were Shakti's. Ajabde stepped out with Bhago, and much to Shakti's disappointment, the car drove away. Pratap's eyes looked at her from her feet up to her happy, glowing face. She smiled at him. Bhago held her tight so that she didn't trip.
"Ohho Bacchi hoon kya? Jaane do!" She scolded Bhago, and as soon as she let go, Ajab lost her balance and landed in Pratap's strong arms.
" You okay?" He asked worriedly.
" I guess." She shrugged.
" Ahem!" Ven cleared his throat as Ajabde moved away. " Aapka chariot taiyaar hai, Maharani, sorry Kuwarani!" Ajabde was about to hit him, but decided against it. Pratap was up on the chariot and gave her his hand as the crowd went " Oooo!"
She took his hand and walked up on the chariot as it headed to the grounds.
" How am I looking?" He asked, flaunting.
" Yeh ladkiyon wala necklace kyun pehna? Gold upar se green!" She was scolding.
" Khud ko toh dekho Gold hi gold and green hi green." He pointed.
" Haan toh? Main ladki hoon!" She smiled.
" Aj larna zaruri hai?" He asked, smiling back.
" Wow, decor wow!!" She was wide-eyed at the sight.
" Stop jumping and act Bride-ish!" He held her cold hands as her eyes went wide and she blushed. He smiled a little.
" Now that's bride-ish!" He chuckled.
As the Chariot arrived at the venue, Ajabde was helped down by the maids as she hugged Ranima. Pratap got down on his own, nodding at Hansa. The traditional dancers and musicians had already taken the stage and were playing local folk songs and their own local songs, from the villagers to the royal couple. ......Utsav Ayo Re Ajabde Vyah Ka... Kunwarsa Ay Mhare Dwar Ajabde Ka chamke shringaar, Ayi khushiyon Ki bahaar, Gagan mein gunje Jai Jai Kar....Jhoomo Naccho Re O Jhoomo naacchooo Re....
They were escorted to the thrones after meeting with their acquaintances. Pratap sat down, looking at the crowd with a humble smile as he noticed Ajabde looking at the dancers with longing eyes. He knew that impulsive stare.
" Don't even think about it." He whispered, looking away.
" I know... They are the only ones who can have real fun!" She complained.
" Never use that word." He chuckled.
Heer, Jaso and Asha were positioned at the door, Heer with the scent bottle and Asha and Jaso with the petals, doing their work religiously, well up until now. Kunwar Shakti entered through the canopy as eyes met. He was followed by his friends as Chaks came up from inside. Two pairs of eyes seemed not to be leaving each other as Heer continued to sprinkle the scent on him. Once. Twice. Thrice. Again. Rohan and Ven looked confused at the girl whose eyes seemed hypnotised on Shakti as Mahek and Rosalina smiled. Shakti realised that Heer was attracting onlookers as he grabbed her hand to make her stop, making Ven and Rohan give out small laughter. His touch brought Heer back to the mortal world as she realised she had wet him with all the scent, and this guy was still smiling at her with dreamy eyes. Almost like a reflex, her eyes widened as Jaso snatched the bottle at her inappropriate behaviour and she ran away, out of Shakti's sight, as his smile faded.
The DJ announced that the family and friends have prepared a medley of songs for the Bride and Groom, and the performances will begin shortly.
" This is embarrassing, I'm sure they will end up doing something embarrassing, especially Ven!" Pratap murmured.
" Hein? Who are these exact family and friends?" Ajabde asked, narrowing her eyes.
" How will I know? I am part of the Surprised Bride and Groom team!" He shrugged, making her giggle not so royally as he stared at her to make her stop.
" The performances will begin with the childhood best friends. Chaks and Bhago."
" Thank Gawd the Dj didn't have to say Chakrapani and Saubhagyabati, daat tut jaata uska!" Ajabde exclaimed rather seriously as Pratap looked at her.
Dholak mein taal hai payal mein chan chan, ghunghat mein Gori hai sehere pe sajan...Chaks seemed to have learned only the doli step well. Bhago whirled around him on the stage, in her beautiful ghagra, making Ajabde smile at Pratap. Jaha bhi yeh jaaye bahare hi chaaye, yeh khusiyaan hi paaye mere dil ne duwa di hai, Mere Yaar Ki Shadi Hai! Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi hai! Ven and Rohan seemed to be the uninvited additions on stage as they did everything from thumkas to latkas, making everyone laugh as Bhago stopped, confused.
" Up next after this err... half a performance is the bride's sisters." Shakti's eyes were searching the crowd ever since she ran off, and his search ended on the stage. Three girls, in the same attire, their faces covered in a dupatta, Shakti didn't know how he could tell Heer apart, but he could. She was right there in the middle.
Mayi Ni Mayi munder pe teri bol raha hai kaga... Jogan ho gayi teri dulaari mann jogi saang laga. As the dupattas came off, Shakti found not only Ven and Rohan but Pratap and Ajabde eyeing him instead of the stage with a strange smile. Ven and Rohan decided to ruin this one too as they joined Heer at Sunn Heeriye naach Heeriye Nachke raang jama, Sunn Heeriye nach Heeriye nachke Dhoom Macha... Heer laughed a little before catching Shakti's eyes, smiling as she looked away.
Inn Haato mein Laga de mehendi baandh Shagun ka dhaaga, Jogan ho gayi teri Dulaari mann Jogi saang laaga!
Heer's mother caught her daughter's eyes fixed somewhere in the crowd, and her eyes travelled back, and the smile faded. After the performance, she grabbed Heer by her hand and said, " Beta, not everyone is as lucky as Ajab. Remember that, every Royal doesn't love a commoner. I don't want you to get hurt, that's all." Heer was troubled. By her mother's revelation or realisation, she couldn't tell. Shakti was looking all over for her in vain now.
" Time for the beautiful couples dancing for their friends here. Ven and Rosalina for Kunwarsa and Rohan and Mahek for Kuwaranisa."
" Go, Rohan!" Ajabde smiled at him as Pratap looked visibly displeased.
Mahi ve... Mahi Ve...That's the way Mahi Ve... Ajabde was almost getting up from her seat at the beat when Ranima saw that and asked Rohan to take her to the stage.
Tere Mathe Jhumar damke Tere kaano bali chamke hai re... Mahi Ve! Rohan gave a gleeful Ajabde his hand as she looked at Ranima, who nodded.
" But..." Pratap's words were in vain as the bride was between Rohan and Ven, doing the hook step with a smile that lit up Pratap's world.
... Barse rangini kaliya hai meheki bhin bhini baje mann mein halki halki shehnai re.... Ajabde was doing the steps with Mahek and Rosalina .... jitne hai taare aachal mein aa gaye saare dil ne jaisi hi li angrai re... Rohan and Ven joined in, making Ajab giggle.
Hansa and Mamisa were on the stage, dragged by Rohan. Chanda mere Chanda tujhe kaise main yeh samjhau, mujhe lagti hai tu kitni pyaari re... Pratap's heart felt heavy as Ajabde wiped away Hansa's tears, hugging her tight, he knew how she was hiding her own... Khusiyaan jitni hai sab dhund dhund ke laau teri doli ke saang kar du saari re...
Shakti decided to spoil the emotional moment, much to Pratap's delight, by dragging Ajabde Tu jo ayi sajke mehendi Rachke chal baachke o soni, yeh dil kitno ka Khaye Dhajke, O soniye... She laughed as Shakti pointed at Pratap, who narrowed his eyes at his brother.
" Time for the Bride and Groom's Parents!"
"What?" Was a cry in unison as they stared at their beaming parents.
" Ranima can't, she has weak legs. Princy, stop her!" Ajabde sounded alarmed.
" She is your Ranima, you stop her waise bhi meri sunti kaha hai?"
Rangi paror aavi khusiyon saang laavi... The parents were doing perfect dandiya. Ajabde smiled.
Hey subharambh Ho subharambh mangal bela ayi... Sapno ki deheri pe dil ki baaji re sehenai... Rass rachilo saajh sajilo subh ghari che aavi aaja aaja tamtamata samnau che laavi....
" Wow, Ranima can dance." Ajabde felt like she was judging a dance show.
" She used to learn." Pratap nodded.
" Shit, really? When?" She was surprised.
" Before her wedding."
" That's like a really long time. I should make her join dance classes again, and maybe we can go together." She sounded excited.
" Not happening, ek nachti hui bandariya kafi hai, don't you dare turn Ranima into you!"
" How dare you?" She frowned.
" Now Kunwar Shakti Singh, the groom's brother."
" Where are the other two?" Ajabde frowned.
" Not interested in dancing!" Pratap replied, looking at the stage, " Look at his new attire."
" Haww!"
The reason Ajabde gasped was that Shakti had left his old purple one and was now dressed in Fuscia Pink, much like, oh yes, Heer. She was staring at the stage wide-eyed as Shakti was not only going to dance, but he had his guitar with him. He looked at her and smiled like no one else was around, making her turn red.
" What are these two up to?" Ajabde wondered aloud.
" Well, whatever it is, I hope they don't take a decade to realise it." He shrugged.
" Everyone is not as dumb as you, Princy."
" Excuse me?" He looked at her as the conversation got interrupted by guitar chords.
Mahek joined him. Rab raptara koi, chand ya sitaara koi, phir tu uthalena, O suniyo re, kaala chamkila hoga, chand sharmila hoga, nath pe laga le na...
Shakti started in his clear voice, eyes fixed as she blushed...
Zara si sawri hai woh. zara si bawri hai woh, woh surme ki tarah meri aakhon mein hi rehti hai... Mano na mano tum sote sote khwabo mein bhi khwab dikhati hai... Mano na mano tum Pari hai woh pari ki kahaniya sunati hai...
Ajabde was smiling at Heer, who suddenly remembered her mother's words, and her smile faded, followed by Ajabde's smile turning into worry as she glanced at Shakti, who was singing. Heer was about to leave when Rohan blocked her way. Woh paani par kadam rakhe... sagar bhi hatt jata hai... Shakti gave his guitar to Ven as he walked to Ajab for a waltz. Heer stood there, not sure of what to feel.
" The bride and the groom wanted something random, so here's to their random. Their friends chose a song, and everyone on the dance floor, please."
....Kabse aye hai tere dulhe raja, ab der na kar jaldi aaja.... Mahek and Bhago went to Pratap as Ajabde was still dancing with Shakti.
" Come on, Dadabhai, make it yaadgaar!!"
Shakti smiled as Ajabde turned around. He nodded, ready? She nodded yes! He caught her hand, twirled her around, gave a push and started as everyone cheered, and Ajab looked pleasantly surprised.
Tere ghar aya main aya tujhko lene, dil ke badle mein dil ka nazrana dene... Meri har Dhadkan kya bole hai Sunn Sunn Sunn Sunn... Mahek, Rosalina, Heer and Bhago joined him for the hook step Saajan Ji ghar aaye Saajan Ji ghaar aye... Dulhan kyun sharmaye Saajan ji ghar aye...
Ajabde couldn't stop giggling through her steps... Maathe ki bindiyaan kya bole hai sunn sunn sunn sunn.... Shakti dragged in everyone, from the kids to the old people, as Ajabde was up on stage with the girls... Deewane ke chal mein fass gayi main iss jaal mein ay sakhiyon kaise bolo...
Pratap took Mahek's hand and brought her to his side. Mujhpe toh ay dilrooba teri sakhiyaan bhi fida, yeh bolengi kya pucho!
Heer and Shakti danced to the mandolin tune with a smile as she wanted to go away, but he caught her hand .... Na samjhe nadaan hai yeh mera ehsaan hai chaha jo isko kehedo! Ajabde was doing the chal hatt step at Shakti as Heer looked. Chede mujhko jaan ke badle mein ehsaan ke de diya dil isko kendo! Rohan took Mahek's hand. Tu yeh naa jaane dil tute bhi deewane... Heer's dance stopped as Shakti's heart skipped a beat; today, there was a fear and hesitation in her eyes he couldn't read. Tera deewana kya bole hai Sunn Sunn Sunn Sunn! Ven dragged Ajabde towards him as Pratap came in between, making Ajabde laugh hard.
" Tu Phir suru ho gaya!" His words were lost in the song and Ajabde and Rosalina's laughter.
The song ended with everyone doing the dandiya like crazy, more like hitting each other with the sticks, especially Ajabde and Shakti, who were having sword fights with theirs.
As they sat down, sharing a few laughs once the ground was fairly empty, post-dinner, Pratap looked at Ajabde's tired, beaming face, still giggling over how Ven and Rohan ruined Chaks and Bhago's steps, and he smiled. He called a servant and instructed something.
" Can I take her away for a minute?" Pratap asked the group as Ajabde's brows narrowed.
" Ek minute kya? Le hi jao, hum e nahi chahiye!" Rohan got a slap on his head.
They walked to the pond side near the grounds.
" Careful, don't fall." He chuckled.
" I had itna fun!" She showed with her hands stretched like a child.
" So did Heer and Shakti." He smirked.
" Usko kuch hua hai." Ajabde seemed worried all of a sudden.
" Kisko?" Pratap was alarmed.
" Heer ko."
" Kya?" He asked.
" Pata nahi."
The servant interrupted their conversation with a Fanoos, in yellow, decorated in pink.
" Here, your Gift! Fly it."
"Really? Wow!" Ajabde clapped her hands like a kid.
" Make a wish." Pratap insisted.
" You make a wish!"
" It's your lantern." He reasoned.
" But all your wishes are for me!" She smiled at him.
Eyes met and smiled as he smiled and said softly, " Jaldi aana hai na ghar kal?!"
" Sochungi." She smiled.
" Toh main bhi sochunga!" He raised his eyebrows.
" Kya?" She asked.
" Ke kitne extra marital affairs karni hai... 2...3..."
" Kya??" She looked at him wide-eyed.
" Haan ab Dekho, humare purvaj used to have 25 to 30 wives, jo we can't! Ek adha affairs to banta hai!"
" Haww, how dare you? Kyun karoge tum?" She narrowed her eyes.
" Kyun na karu?" He shrugged,
" Kyunki main hoon hi itni hot ke..." She stopped biting her lips as he looked at her, amused, then laughed aloud.
" Kya kaha?" He looked at her wide eyes.
" Lantern urao." She looked away
" Kaha kya?" He teased.
" Lantern." They let it go together and watched it soar into the sky.
" Waise kaha kya?" He was still not letting it go.
" Bye."
She was going away when he held her back by her wrist and whispered in her ear.
" Main toh kabhi kisiko dekh bhi nahi sakta kyunki tumhara pagalpan kafi hai mere liye." A smile curved her lips as he let go of her wrist.
She didn't turn as she said, " Suno."
" Kya?"
" Kal jaldi aana." He smiled as she dashed off, carefully picking up her lehenga from both sides.
