Dramabaazi

A few days later, Pratap was getting ready for work, but he was already late thanks to Amar's " Papa breakfast khilaenge."
He was running to and fro in his room, taking his file and getting his tie. He was tying it, looking into the mirror, when he saw Amar's reflection behind him. The boy was up on the be for a clear view of the mirror and was copying his father, with his mother's scarf. Already late, Pratap decided to hide a smile and ignore it as he brushed his hair and saw Amar copy that too.

" Yeh kya ho raha hai?" He asked, turning back.
" Main kaam pe ja raha hoon!" Amar smiled, copying his tone.
Pratap shook his head and undid the scarf. " Don't do that, kiddo. Lag jaegi."
He was searching for his watch; he remembered keeping it in the drawer, but it was not there.
" Ajabde! Ajabde!" He called.
" Aa rahi hoon!" She shouted from downstairs.

Amar had in the meantime already worn his blue watch. And stood watching his father.
" Kya hai?" Ajabde entered and spotted Amar still holding her scarf.
" Mera watch kaha rakh di tumne?" Pratap frowned.
" Maine? Yeh kya kar raha with my scarf?" she pointed.
" Tie hai, am going to work Papa ke tarah!" Amar replied plainly.
Ajabde smiled, amused, before handing Pratap his watch with an " It was right here" look.
She was about to leave when Pratap called again. " Ajabde!" She turned back as Amar imitated his father, saying, " Mera purse kaha hai?" That made Ajabde laugh as Pratap gave Amar a stare that prompted him to get down from the bed, taking his battery car key.
" Ranima, I'm going to the office!" Ajabde bent down to kiss Amar as he moved away.
"No No No! I've grown up now, Papa doesn't get kisses, I won't either!"
He ran, leaving Ajabde wide-eyed as Pratap murmured, amused, " Papa won't mind that!" Ajabde gave a cold stare as he continued, " School kyun na gaya bandar?"
" Aj Teej hai."
" Toh? Uska kya?" He asked, amused as she shrugged.
" Suno, aj half day lena...."
" Tum...bhooki ho?" He asked, feeling a little guilty. The girl who couldn't stay hungry for even two hours now kept a whole day fast for him without a complaint, but with some occasional mood swings.
" Bhooki main hoon, yaad dasht ko kya hua tumhari? Har saal ek hi sawal karte ho!" She frowned.
" Kha lena kuch chupke." He suggested as she stared. " Okay maat khana, Aa jaunga jaldi."
" Yay! Phir help bhi karnHeer was running through the lawns with her puja thaal in hand, as she looked behind her to see if Jija was coming or if she was being successful in running away from wedding topics. She was too late as she looked in front and barged into someone, her head hitting his shoulder.

" What the hell?"
" Am so sorry."
Heer looked up wide-eyed at Shakti, brushing the sindoor from her puja thaal off his grey sweatshirt. Seemed like he was jogging. He looked up at her nervous face and smiled.
" Woh... Hum ne dekha nahi... ke aap..." She fumbled looking away.
" Umm... Amar kaha hai?" He looked around.
" Ghar pe." Shakti nodded his head. Shit! Ab bina Amar ke baat kaise karu main.
Heer's mother came up behind them and smiled.

" Aree Kunwar Shakti." Heer jumped three steps backwards at her voice as Shakti folded his hands with a smile. " Ghani Khamma!"
" Khamma Ghani! Sunte rehte hai hum sab aapke baare mein, aap toh bade saare magazines pe aate ho!" She continued at an awkward Shakti. " Waise beta, profit kitna hota hoga?"
" Maa sa?!" Heer exclaimed.
" Tum chup raho." Her mother stopped her.
" Kafi hai Aunty... mere lifestyle ke liye ... kafi hai..." He smiled.
" Shaadi wadi kar li?" She stared at him up and down.
" Nahi Aunty, bas yehi irada leke aya hoon." He smiled, eyeing Heer, who looked away.
" Maa, mujhe mandir jana hai, der ho rahi hai ab..." She reminded.
" Aree haan mujhe bhi toh ghar jana hai, main chalti hoon Beta, shaam ko milte hai."
" Haan Aunty, see you." He nodded as he watched her leave. Then he turned back to see Heer going towards the mandir and decided to follow her.

" Waise suno...." She stopped in her tracks.
" Aap ne bulaya?"
" Haan... woh... Amar kya karega ... function pe?"
" Woh... I taught him and Aarchi..."
" You? Dance?" His eyes widened at his taunt, and he regretted it, looking at her serious face.
" Aur tum?" He asked, trying to make her talk.
" Main... kuch nahi..."
" Main... woh... rehne do you are not interested." He turned to leave.
" Nahi nahi aisi baat nahi hai, aap boliye na." Her protest was louder than usual making him smile as he stopped.
" Nahi nahi rehne do." He made a disinterested face.
She was quiet and confused, thinking she had offended him when he spoke up.
" Woh... kuch special hai... for someone...." Her eyes widened as her heart skipped a beat.
" Umm... aapko... aapko pata hai na ke... umm... family function hai... " She fumbled confused as he smiled, trying to hide a chuckle. Then he frowned, acting confused.
" Kya? Kya Matlab? Bhabisa ke liye kuch karunga toh uske saath...." He kept a straight face as Heer looked embarrassed.
" Mujhe chalna chahiye." He watched her run with a smile.

A parcel arrived at the Punwar House for Mrs Ajabde Singh. Luckily, she was the one to open the door and managed to take the parcel carefully, hiding it all the way to her room. She shut the door as Amar jumped, saying,
" Aree darwaza kyun bandh kiya main toh Jaso Mausi ke saath hide and seek... yeh kya hai?" Ajabde was so taken aback by the kid that she forgot to hide the parcel.
" Wow, gift!" Amar jumped as she smiled.
" Nahi Amar woh... "
" Main kholunga." He snatched the parcel from her hand and started opening it, as Ajabde hoped it was something for Amar, too. A note was there along with a Brooch and a nose ring. The brooch had the royal emblem in Navratna, and the nose ring stud had a diamond in a flower shape. There was a note with it that read,
" Naak mein dum karne wali ke liye Nosering and Khaandaan ke chirag ke liye Royal Family ka brooch! Happy Anniversary (again.)"
" Yeh kya hai Ranima?" Amar asked.
" Papa ne tumhare liye gift bheja." She smiled, giving him the brooch. He looked delighted with his gift.
" Ajab aa jao, lunchtime," Hansa called.

As soon as Ajabde opened the door, Amar ran down with the brooch in his hand straight into the living room, where everyone sat.
" Papa ne mere liye gift bheja!" he declared.
Ajab reached to see everyone, her sisters, Mahek, Rohan, her Mama Mami, and her parents, looking amused at the boy.
" Yeh accha hai." Rohan was amused. " Anniversary pe Amar ko gift bheja."
" Dekho mera brooch, dekho dekho!" He grabbed everyone's attention as Ajabde thanked god that he had forgotten about the nose ring.
" Papa loves me more than he loves Ranima." Amar declared as everyone laughed.
" Amar chup ho jao."
" Papa ne khud kaha."He defended as the family stared, amused.
" Amar."
" Papa ne aur bhi kaha ke he loves Ranima more than Brownie, Choco and Fudge, but I love them the most..." Ajabde promptly picked up the babbling kid, shut his mouth with her hands and took him into the dining room as they all laughed.

After lunch, Amar was back in his mother's room trying on his new sherwani all by himself, before Ranima caught him and stopped him from doing so. A ping on the laptop made him frown as he walked up to it. The Video Caller flashed PRINCY CALLING. He hit accept.

Pratap was really expecting a call from her at least after the gift got delivered, but he had waited enough. So he decided to call her himself. He was a little surprised to find his boy on the other end.
" Hi, Papa." He waved his hand.
" Amar. What are you doing in your Sherwani?"
" Shit!" Amar exclaimed.
" Amar, where do you learn such words?"
" Heer Mausi said today, Shit I bumped into him."
" Never use these words, these are grown-up words, Amar." He managed to hide a smile.
" Okay, sorry, bye!"
"  Wait." Amar's hand stopped.
" Where is your Ranima?"
" Not here."
" Call her."

Pratap realised he had made a grave mistake as Amar went running down the hall shouting, " Ranima! Ranima! Papa bula rahe hai!" Ajabde heard him from the dining hall, much like everyone else, and the first thought that crossed her mind was Oh God, he is in the room!
" Papa call pe hai!" put her worries to rest as everyone smiled.
" Main... busy hoon!" She frowned as Heer got up.
" Chalo Amar, let me see."

Pratap disconnected the call immediately as he heard Amar shout. He knew very well she wouldn't attend the call. Pratap was sitting on his bed, banging his head on his pillow, not sure whether to laugh or not.
" Baccha bhi mila Maa jaisa Ohh God!" He exclaimed.
Shakti entered his room smiling as Pratap looked up with a frown.
" Kya hua, Dadabhai?"
" Never have a kid, Bhai, they embarrass you!" He shrugged.
" Shadi sankat mein hai aur aapko.... waise.... Ab ya kiya mere Minion ne?"
" Kuch nahi." He nodded, " Tum ruko main change karke aata hoon."
Shakti sat down as he watched Pratap go.

Heer was in the room as Amar pointed " Yehi toh thee Papa" to the laptop screen.
" Thik hai Amar tum jao." Heer took out her phone and dialled Pratap's number, hoping to pull his leg.
The phone rang as Shakti sat reading a magazine.
" Shakti, please see who is calling!" Pratap called from inside as he kept away the magazine and looked at the phone screen showing " Heer." A smile curved his lips.

He hit accept, but before he could say " Hello." She started talking.
" Aapko dekhne ki itni jaldi hai?"
" Haan jaldi to hogi hi..." He smiled.
" Aree aap ne toh mila hai na abhi abhi... matlab raat ko..."
" Usse kya hota hai"
" Jee nahi bhara aapka?" She teased, thinking still that it was Pratap.
" Sara din dekhun bhi toh jee na bharta!"
" Itna Pyar?"
" Haan bilkul."
" Accha Kunwarsa, Jiji toh bohot hi lucky hai!"
" Aap bhi to lucky hai."
" Main? Main kyun?" She asked, confused.
" Aisehi. Amar kaha hai?"
" Aap kaun?" She seemed like she knew this voice was not Pratap's.
" Kaun kaun?" He chuckled.
" Kaun bol rahe hai?"
" Aapka dushman."
" Kyaa?" Her eyes widened.
" Aap ki kya yehi aadat hai hamesha, samne wale ko na samajhna aur khud hi bolte jana?" He laughed. Heer realised who it was as her mind screamed Shit and she disconnected the call.
" Kaun tha?" Pratap asked at Shakti smiling.
" Wrong number right ho gaya." Shakti shrugged.
" Kya?" Pratap looked confused. " Suna tha log pyaar mein pagal hote hai, aj dekh bhi liya." He chuckled.
" Accha? Toh aap Bhabisa ko kya kahenge?"
" Woh ... Pyar mein thoda normal ho gayi." Pratap chuckled as Shakti laughed, nodding his head, "Bataunga main unko yeh sab!"

In the evening, the grounds were well set with Orange and pink-themed drapes, and flowers and a centre table was laid for the cake cutting. The stage was set with grand decor and lights, and the tables were laid for the guests. Pratap was in a Royal deep blue bandhgala sherwani with golden borders and cream pants, dressed royally with his royal brooch pinned on his pocket. Ajabde chose a Fucia and blue Lehenga Saree with golden embroidery. Her hair was made into a side bun with flower-like pins on it, and she wore a small bindi teamed with her Maangtika, mangalsutra, nose ring and golden royal kadas. She looked elegant yet simple with her eye makeup and pink lipstick.

Shakti was already on the ground checking on things in his silver and blue Bandhgala as Pratap joined him.
" Bhabisa kaha reh gayi?"
" Biwion ko aisa hi time lagta hai!"
" Hai Bhagwan!" They turned at the sound of Payals, as they saw the girls arrive with Amar and Aarchi. Amar and Aarchi were both equally annoyed as their mothers chose the same matching golden cloth for their sherwani and lehenga, respectively, and now they looked like what the adults described as " Adorable Twins." Aarchi hated it more as Amar annoyed her by walking up behind her wherever she went.

Pratap couldn't see the annoyed kids, or Mahek or Bhago in a saree, or the girls in different shades of Anarkalis; all he saw was his wife. She managed to look so simple yet beautiful every time. He smiled at her as their eyes met while she was trying to not trip on things rather carefully. She smiled back, blushing a little before looking away. Shakti's gaze was fixed on Ajab's left as he felt her presence was breathtaking; he wanted to look away in vain. Her green and midnight blue lehenga and simple earrings, her Payal and that shy smile were all captivating to his eyes. He could sense her feeling uneasy as she realised he was hovering over her, and she looked straight at him through those kohl-smudged eyes for one brief moment, making his heart skip a beat.

The mothers met at a table as Ajabde followed them there while Pratap mingled with the guests, still eyeing her. After a brief chat, Hansa and Jaivanta were talking to some other guests as Heer's mother promptly hugged a taken-aback Sajja.
" Choti Ranisa kaisi hai aap?"
" Pardon me, maine pehchaana nahi."
" Main Rajlaxmi, Heer ki ma!"
" Ohh kaisi hai aap, bohot hi pyari bacchi hai aapki."
" Ab kya batau choti ranisa, bacchi ke sar pe aisa bhoot sawar hai, shadi ke naam se hi bhaag jaati hai."
" Aap mujhe bol rahe hai, Shakti ka bhi yehi haal hai."
Ajabde sat down, looking at the two with an amused smile. Pratap turned to see her with the duo, and nobody knew that smile better than him.
" Shakti!" He called. " Quick, bring Bhabisa here."
" But why?" He seemed confused.
" Agar shadi karni hai, bring her here right now."

" Maine toh Ajabde se keh diya hai accha sa vaar dhunde." Mamisa turned to her.
" Haan, maine bhi devrani dhoondne ka dwayittya de diya hai."
" Main kya keh rahi thi..." Ajabde got up excited, " Meri ek sharth hai."
" Kya Beta?" Sajja smiled.
" Main jisko choose karu aap sawal nahi karenge."
" Tumhare choice pe sawal? Kabhi nahi." Mamisa smiled. " Waise mere Heer k liye bohot chinta hoti hai, kaun karenga usse shadi?"
" Main...." Shakti came up to Ajabde.
" Kya?" Ajabde cut him off, acting surprised.
" Main apko lene aya hoon!"
" Ohh... acha? Kyun? Main Baat kar rahi hoon na!" She refused to leave.
" Par Dadabhai..."
" Aree baat toh karne do..."
" Aap baat nahi kar sakti..."
" Aree kyun nahi kar sakti..."
" Woh..."

Meanwhile, Heer's mother was going on about her wedding.
" Khud ke age ke ladke toh ussko pasand hi nahi karte, boring bolte hai... Accha Kunwar Shakti aap bataye kya aapko Heer pasand hai?" Mamisa asked the eligible bachelor in front of her eyes quite casually and cluelessly as Ajabde and Shakti stopped fighting and looked at her wide-eyed. Shakti was all of a sudden speechless and smiling as Ajabde answered, " Pasand karta hai na bohot pasand karta hai!" Sajja looked right at her son as the question was shot, and she knew what she had to do. Pratap, Shakti, as well as Ajabde were always easily readable.
" I mean uski aadaton ko..." She added, watching Sajja stare.
Sajja called Jaivanta saying, " Jija apse kuch baat karni hai." As Ajabde saw them talk at a distance, Jaivanta looked straight at her with a happy face. Ajabde smiled back.

Ajabde was all smiles as she walked up to Pratap. He narrowed his eyes, asking, " Kya?"
" I did it!"
" Kya?"
" Oh my Gosh, I'm so good!" She gushed.
" Tumhare bhagne ka plan hai kya? Itni khush dikh rahi ho..." He chuckled.
" Bhaag bhi jau toh?"
" Main dhoond launga. Jis kone mein bhi chali jao tum!"
" Ohh Really?"
" Try me." He smiled, then quickly added, " No, don't try!" as she giggled.
" Waise kaisa laga mera gift?" He asked taking her hand.
" Pasand na hota toh pehenke thodi aati?"
" Tum sidha jawab kab dena sikhogi?" He smiled, amused as he adjusted her maangtika, looking into her eyes as she smiled.
" Papa Papa!" Amar came running as Pratap let go of her hand and the tika.
" Aa gaya, so nahi sakta yeh ladka!" He chuckled as Ajab gave him a cold stare.
" Aww, my baby aj kitna handsome lag raha hai!" Ajabde hugged back Amar, who ran into her arms.
" Bilkul baap pe gaya hai." Pratap flaunted. " Waise yeh kya Papa Papa bolke aake Ranima ko hug?"
" Papa meri annisary kab hai?"
" Kya?" Pratap looked wide-eyed as Ajab chuckled.
" Accha hai saare sawal Papa se hi karna!" Ajab smiled.
" Woh... tum... kuch dikhane wale thee na?" Pratap changed the topic.
" Haan Papa chalo cake dekhte hai!" Amar dragged Pratap by his hand as Ajabde followed.

The cake was a gift from Chaks and Bhago and was a special one as atop the three tiers there was an edible Eiffel Tower, a red Ferrari and a pink Phone. Amar dragged his parents to the table and excitedly showed them the cake as they stared at each other, at some memories.
" Aree Dadabhai Bhabisa Cake kato!" Shakti shouted from the crowd, as he walked to the table, "Arey knife kaha hai?"
" Here." Heer gave Shakti the knife as everyone watched with faint smiles, staring at each other.
" Thank You."
" Welcome."
An awkward silence that followed was broken by Amar's " Main katunga cake!" as everyone laughed.
Ajab took the knife and gave it to Amar, who was now standing between them.
" Amar cut the cake."
" Ranima, help!"
Amar held the knife as Ajabde held it above his hand. Pratap was staring at the scene until Rohan said, " You can hold the knife too, you know? It's not Amar's birthday." Prompting him to hold it over Ajabde's hand. A small piece was cut, and Amar took it in hand rather carefully so that he didn't spill it on his new clothes.
He was about to feed Papa when Heer Mausi said, " Beta Ranima ko pehle do."
" Nahi Amar pehle Papa." Shakti spoke as Heer stared at him.
" No, feed your mother, Amar."Rosalina interrupted.
" No, Papa," Chaks replied. Soon, everyone was confusing him on who to feed first, so Amar decided to play safe as he ate the piece and licked his fingers. Much to Ajabde's amusement, everyone laughed, and Pratap shook his head.
Jaivanta smiled, " Jab Ajab ki birthday hoti thi, woh hamesha first piece khud kha leti thi." Ajab had, in the meantime, fed Amar a second piece as Shakti moved him away from in between.
" Bhabisa, iska birthday nahi hai." He chuckled.
Heer cut out two pieces and handed them to Pratap and Ajabde.
" Khilaiye." She smiled.
Pratap looked at his excited wife, saying, " I am warning you, don't smudge chocolate and ruin my..."
" Great! Tumne hi diya idea!"
" Ajab!"
" Okay, okay, khao varna main kha jaungi!" They feed each other as Amar now eyes the car.
" I want to eat the red car!" Amar and Ajabde spoke together, then looked at each other as everyone laughed.
" This is my life." Pratap shrugged.
" Haww!" Mother and son looked at him, narrowing their eyes.

Everyone settled on their seats as Ven declared, " Today we have a special programme arranged for Baojiraj Pratap and Kuwarani Ajabde Punwar. We will begin shortly once you people settle down."
"Amar kaha hai?" Ajab searched as Pratap came with the boy, making him sit on his lap.
" Gir gaya tha."
" Oh my gosh, kaha?"
" Plain land pe." He smiled.
"I'm fine," Amar replied to his Ranima.
"Wait, I have a surprise for you." Pratap smiled at his wife.
" Kya?"
" Dekhti jao!"

Ven and Rohan were on the stage announcing, " We will start with a song from Heer, jo ki Ajabde ki bilkul opposite behen hai." Rohan spoke as Ven added, " Haan Matlab Ajabde jaisi bilkul nahi hai, she is totally normal." Everyone laughed as Ajabde showed Ven her fist. Heer was up on the stage with a guitar as Shakti smiled, " Yeh bhi aata hai," To himself. She sat down on the seat in the middle, held the mic, and closed her eyes.
Heer Heer na Khoriyon Main te Sahiba hoi, ghodi leke avye le jaave.... Ohh mainu le jaaye Mirza koi.... Ajabde turned back to stare at Shakti, smiling at the stage as Pratap slapped her hand, saying " Don't", indicating that Jaivanta and Sajja were watching her do that. Heer opened her eyes and all she saw were his eyes on her as she looked away, singing.
....hadd rakh naina vich dil rakhna, cham cham pave wich tere paar cham tuhna.... Heer Heer na khoriyon main toh Sahiba hoi... le jaaye.... She stopped as the crowd clapped. But it seemed to her that she could hear his. She slowly walked off the stage, smiling at Rohan and Ven once.

" Papa mujhe Heer Mausi ke paas jana hai!" Amar ran.
Shakti was about to start at " Woh gaana..." when Amar came running, saying, " Mausi Chalo, I need to dress na?"
" The next act is a special one..." Rohan said. " Yes, it is choreographed by our Heeriye. I mean Heer and conceptualised by Ranisa." Ven added.
" Hein? Wow, Ranima!" Ajabde exclaimed excitedly.
" I feel this will be embarrassing!" Pratap shook his head.
" You feel that about everyone!" Ajabde ignored. " Hush!"

The display screen was in focus now, with a quote.

" Tum hi toh ho, bas tum hi toh ho,

Dhara gagan mein tum hi toh ho, 

Hriday nayan mein tum ki toh ho."

The screen flashed pictures of their childhood, with their mothers, and Chaks and Bhago as everyone went " Awww", and Ajab smiled.

" Told you! Embarrassing." Pratap shrugged.

" You feel it's embarrassing coz you were an unsmart baccha, look at me!"

" Excuse me?"

" Spoilt princy!"

" Huh, Strange girl."

" Hush."

" You Hush."

Aas mein main haar saas mein maan 

Biswaas mein main hi hoon.

Jo hai Mera sab aarpan tumko

Vyakul Naina hai Darshan ko.

Their teenage photos were collaged together along with their birthday photos.

Rwit Preet Ki Sadiyon Puraani 

Mit gayi Lekin Haar Na Maani

Itna hi Bas Tumse Kahungi

Jeet ke hi main Tumko Rahungi.

The screen displayed pictures from Mount Abu and Chaks and Bhago's wedding as Ajabde gushed at her, " Awesome style statement."

Hoke Vivash Phir Aoge Tum,

Chod ke Phir na Jaoge Tum...

The last display was their wedding picture and Amar's first pic with his parents at the hospital as Ajab went " Shit I look so Fat!"

" You still are." He chuckled.

The screen now displayed their first pic together as Brownie, Fudge, and Choco came and sat on the stage. 

" Aww, my Jaans!" Ajabde exclaimed.

" Stop overreacting..." Pratap stopped, his eyes fixed on the stage, as Amar was wearing a replica of what he wore in the photo and Aarchi a pink frock like Ajab's.

" My babies," Ajab exclaimed excitedly. " Mera beta! Mera beta stage pe hai."

" Mera Bhi." He shrugged at her happy self as she held his hand and smiled. " Humara Beta."

" Phone do, photo leni hai!" She urged, " Do naa."

The music played as Amar and Aarchi seemed clueless until Heer reminded them of the first step.

Ta jo gire toh Ra de sahara, Ma pal mein samjhe Pa ka ishara... Yeh Ta yeh Ra Yeh Ma yeh Pa agar mil jaye toh yeh sargam yeh sangam sunai de sabko... Ta Ra Rum Pum Ta Ra Rum Pum. .... Ajab jumped on her seat copying Amar's moves as Pratap tried to calm her, saying " Ruk jao tumhe bhi mauka milega to dance na?"

 Kya tumhe bhi yeh pata hai Pyar hai Ma se Pa ko... Amar acted like thinking, then shrugged, making everyone smile as Ajab concluded, " Done!"

" Kya?" Pratap asked, surprised.

" Isko toh main hero banaungi bollywood ka"

" Kya??" Pratap asked again, shocked.

" Dekho toh kya awesome acting karta hai mera Beta!" She said proudly.

" Ohho Heer ne sikhaya."

" Jo bhi ho, Hero banega!"

" Ji nahi."

" Kyun?"

" Hush." He stopped her as the song ended. Ajab rushed to the stage, with Pratap hoping she won't fall and hugged both the kids. Pratap and Chaks watched as Bhago decided to bring the kids and " Mother India", now almost in tears, down from the stage.

" Ahem. Humari Ajabde emotional ho gayi." Rohan smiled. Ven added, " Koi baat nahi, the next act is going to be legendary!"

" Accha Kyun?" Rohan asked.

" Presenting Kunwar Shakti with Jaso and Asha!" 

Heer was feeding Amar some juice when she heard the announcement, and Amar jumped, saying " Kakasa!" and ran for the stage. 

" Ruko Amar!" Heer ran after him. Her heart skipped a beat watching him up on the stage with her sisters as Amar was caught by Pratap right in time.

Heer knew the music, it was some Salman song... her thoughts trailed as she took a few steps back, wide-eyed as he started.

Hey ya!

Heeriye sehera bandh ke main toh aya re... Doli baraat bhi saath mein main toh laya re! 

Ajabde's eyes went wide as her hands covered her mouth.

" Oh, my God!"

" That's my brother!"

" My baby sister will... be swept off her feet!"

" Sabko sweeper bana deti ho?" He looked at her, happy at the progress.

Ab toh na hota hai ek roz intezaar.Aj nahi toh kal hai tujhko toh bas meri honi re... tenu leke main javanga, dil deke main javanga! Shakti danced with Jaso and Asha to the music as Heer went wide-eyed. Eyes met, and she blushed, looking away as Pratap noticed her. Shakti got down as Heer stepped back, scared. Shakti took Ajabde's hand at Muskilo se milta hai aisa sona pyaar soni, cheez tere jaisi na mujhko khoni re, Tenu leke.... Ajab danced the hook step with him before Amar joined them at the Salaam e Ishq tune, and Ajabde danced carefree with him to the hook step before noticing Pratap watching her with a smile that made her blush.

Heer turned to leave as she found all eyes on her, even the parents. Mahek and Bhago were standing a few feet away, smiling at her as she felt something warm in her cheeks and body. Shakti was behind her now as the song continued...

Jaa aise na tarpaake... O jana tu awaz ko apni aa mila ab meri aawaz se , aree haan kehe de haan!

Kar diya hai tu ne mujh ko yun bekarar mahi,Keh diya duniya se main teri main teri ho gayi ve... Ajabde took Pratap's hand right in front of Heer and blocked her way as she was trapped between her sister and Kunwar Pratap on one side and Shakti on the other. Tere naal main avangi Ajabde sang staring at Heer, who now chose to look at the floor, then gave her a shoulder push at Sasural main javangi! Before going back to Shakti and joining him, leaving Heer all red. Tenu le ke main javanga....Hey,  ya!!

Ven was up on the stage announcing, " Ahem... Heeriye... I mean, Heer, ab karegi next announcement!"

Heer gulped down a glass of water really fast, as Shakti walked up behind her.

" Aur chahiye?" His voice made her walk away without turning to look at him. 

" Ab time for our Couple Dance. Ajabde Jija aur Kunwarsa on the stage, please."

Ajabde was up saying, " My turn! I will beat you to entertainment, Shakti."

Pratap was trying to calm her, saying, " This is not a competition."

" Suppose this is NaachBaliye!"

" Kya??" Pratap was clueless.

Ajab was promptly tucking her pallu in for the dance when he stopped her.

" Ready for some Waltz?"

" As always." She shrugged.

Pyaar ki yeh kahani suno... ek ladka tha, ek ladki thi... woh bhi ek daur tha waqt hi aur tha jab woh thee ajnabee... dono tanha si the par kehte kise baat jo dil mein the... Ajab moved her hips, making him smile as he twirled her away and back into his arms, and everyone went " Oo"

" Papa better!" Amar gushed. " Ranima bad."

Ek din tute gham ke woh ghere, jhilmil jhilmil aye savere... woh mil gaaye, woh khil gaye, aur pyar ho hi gaya... they waltzed around the dance floor in perfect rhythm, as he took time between steps to adjust her maangtika. Inhe dekhoge toh jaanoge kya hai nasha pyaar ka, yehi sochoge, yehi chahoge, saang rahe yeh sada.... Pyaar ki yeh kahani suno... The song ended with Ajabde in Pratap's arms, like the Rab ne bana di pose, their eyes on each other.
Ven said " Ahem, gana khatam ho gaya" as they moved apart. Everyone cheered as Ajabde gushed, 

" What say Shakti?"

" I am still the winner!"

" Why?" She frowned.

"I'm winning hearts here!" He looked at Heer, who ignored him as Ajabde controlled a laugh.

" Ab sab nacho na! Ranima, come dance with me." Ajab called.

" Meri ma ko dance karvaogi? Saas ki tange todne ka irada hai? Zaalim aurat!" Pratap taunted as the family laughed. Udai Singh took Ajabde's hand and said, "Yeh jealous hai, main toh nachunga Beta!"

" Music Ven!" Ajabde shouted, " Everyone except Rosa on the dance floor, Heer tu bhi."

Main daalu taal pe bhangra, Tu bhi gidda paale Chal aisa rang jamade hum ke banne sabhi matwale... Rohan started as Mahek joined Mann kahe ke main le au Chand aur Taare Saare... Inn haaton par mein chand rakhu iss maang mein bhar du taare! Ajabde pushed between them, dancing with Mahek. Hello Hello... Chaks joined Bhago as Ajabde laughed. Everyone danced to Dhakdhak dharke yeh dil... Ajabde with Shakti and Pratap with Heer. Ranaji and Jaivanta, as well as Ajabde's parents, joined at Tujhe dekh loon aj bhi dil par kuriya teer sa ek chal jaave. Pratap held Ajabde's hand at Dil dil se connect karna... then they pushed Shakti and Heer towards each other, singing Yeh baatein direct karna! Heer moved away to dance with Amar. Ab na jana keh rahi ho kya fasana ho... Shakti danced with Jaso now, as Heer joined Sangram at Pyaar karne se bhi muskil hai nibhana ho.

Ajabde was sitting with her dinner at one of the tables as Shakti joined her with his, along with Mahek and Rohan. Rosalina was already there, asking her about the time she was going to have Amar.
" When he kicked for the first time, I was so scared of what was happening, it felt funny!" Ajabde chuckled. As Shakti came she taunted, " Aaj bhook toh bohot lagega tumko!"
" Kyun?"
" Itna dance jo kiya." She giggled.
Rohan looked at Shakti's blush as he added, " Hum e invite bhi milega ya bhaag jaoge?"
" Nahi nahi, Rohan Bhai apko toh invite milega "
Pratap walked there and picked up a spoonful of ice cream from Ajabde's bowl as she went " No No No." and had it, asking " Kya baat ho raha hai?"
" Amar kaha hai?" Ajabde cut him off.
" Yeh dekho! Inko mujhe dekh ke bete ka yaad aya, Heer gayi hai usko sulaane." Pratap stared at Shakti.
" Kya?" He shrugged.
" Heer is so good with kids, na!" Ajabde also smiled at him.
" Main ja raha hoon." He walked off, leaving them laughing as Heer came up.
" So gaya Amar apne kamre mein...."
" Acha Hua, thank god!" Pratap murmured loud enough for Ajabde to hear as she stared at him.

Pratap was with the boys when Rohan said, " Chalo tumhe kuch dikhana hai."
" Chalo na Ajab", Mahek called as the others followed.
Their bedroom was wonderfully decorated with flowers and drapes, and scented candles and the bed had a heart of rose petals. Ajab went wide-eyed as Ven declared, " We did this all!"
" Yes, worked very hard for this surprise," Rohan added.
" Ohh, guys! Please, footage lena bandh karo!" Mahek added. " We did the hard part."
" Guarding the door?" Chaks taunted.
" Haan, Amar ke sawal face karna ke why he can't go in." Bhago laughed.
" Hum ne kaha tha ke room under renovation hai." Heer smiled as everyone looked at her, and she stopped smiling. Jaso gushed, " I have an idea, hum sab chalte hai na ground pe let's have a bonfire."
" Great Idea!" Ajabde gushed as Mahek added, " Tum nahi, hum!"
" Haan aur Shakti gaana gayega like last time." Rohan added.
" Waise bhi usko ajkal bohot romantic songs aa rahe hai!" Ven joined him.
" Aapke Sangeet wale gaane ka toh abhi bhi charcha hota hai, praise hota hai," Asha added.
" Accha kaun karta hai praise?" Shakti asked, looking at Heer.
" Main nahi chal sakti. Mera woh Kal..." Heer started with an excuse.
" Kuch na hai." Jaso dragged her by her hand as the others followed.

Pratap was about to shut his bedroom door, waving at them, when Ven turned back, saying " Larna maat!" and went away.
He turned back to see that Ajabde was not there. She was in the adjacent dressing room, searching her cupboard, or so it seemed.
" Kya kar rahi ho?" No reply.
" Itni jaldi hai kapre... badalne ki?" He chuckled teasingly.
"Shut up, Princy!" She walked out with a wrapped portrait. " Gift, tumhara."
" Dikhao!" he opened it and smiled. It was a black and white portrait of  ...
Chetak and Sarang on either side, Brownie in the middle, with Choco and Fudge on either side and Amar standing behind them with Ajab on her knees hugging him.
" Your family!" She smiled.
" My Zoo!" He chuckled.
" How dare you?" She narrowed her eyes. " Yaad hai Havelock mein maine kaha tha..."
" Yaad hai." He smiled at her, " This will be on that wall." He pointed as she nodded.
" Aur Ek hai." She held out a smaller frame as he saw a coloured photo of Ajabde and Amar, their faces smudged with Haldi and hands full too, as they are showing it to the camera, with carefree laughs. His boy really looked like him, his smile and .... but his mother's beautiful eyes.
" This will go on the office chamber wall." He suggested.
" Accha laga gift?" She smiled.
" Haan, Aur?"
" Aur?"
" Aur kya layi ho mere liye?" He teased.
" Aur kya... sab toh de diya."
" Sab kaha diya tumne." He moved a step forward but didn't hold her.
" Aj mera kamarbandh na hai!" She smiled teasingly as his eyes went wide.
" Koi laj sharam hai ke nahi tum mein?" He shook his head, smiling.
" Hein?"
" Kuch nahi." He laughed before pulling her close.
" I love you, Princy!" She smiled at him, eyes taken aback.
" Tum wohi ho na?"
" Kaun?"
" Meri biwi ho ya beherupiya ho?" He acted confused as she slapped his arm.
" Khud pehchaan lo." She moved back two steps, teasing him.
" Pee ke ayi ho kya aj?" he smiled as he stepped forward.
" Kyun?"
" Am sure, aisi harkat meri biwi ki toh na hai, either behrupiya ho ya pee ke ayi!"
" I like to surprise you." She whispered as he pulled her closer.
" Then surprise me!" He whispered back, pulling at her pallu teasingly as she stepped back and switched off the lights.

At the break of dawn, Ajabde woke with the sound of soft music as she found him staring at her, half sitting, leaning on her.
" Yeh, music..."
" Good morning, my Princess, yeh, last anniversary gift for you!" He kissed her forehead and held out a small glass showpiece with a girl and a boy dancing inside, with snowflakes falling, and the music to it is Ruk ja o dil deewane... A smile curved her face as she looked at him.
" Yeh... woh...."
" I want to dance my way through life with you!" He smiled as she snuggled close, and he kissed her cheeks before she got all excited and wide-eyed, saying
" Pata hai maine kya kiya!"
" Ab kya kiya?"
" Shadi fix kar di!"
" Amar ki? Kisse?" He teased as she frowned.
" Shakti ki."
" Ohh god kisse?"
" Ullu nahi hoon! Heer se!"
" Wait a minute, shadi maine fix ki, gaana wala idea mera tha!"
" Woh bakwass idea tumhara tha?" She taunted.
" Madam ussi bakwas idea se...."
" Main Heer nahi hoon, Heer zyada intelligent type hai."
" Tumne kya ki? Har baat pe credit leti ho!"
" Maine baat karvayi bado ki, sab khush hai."
" Great ab saari life bolte rahogi yehi." He shook his head as she pulled his hair playfully.
" Bas ek problem hai..."
" Kya?" He looked up.
" Dulhan ko baat pata nahi, it's like a surprise till engagement."
" Kya?" He sat up. " Kaisa shadi fix ki tumne ke...." He started laughing. " Mrs. Pratap Singh aap mahan ho!"
" Aree sab darr rahe thee uske rejection se toh maine bola bolo hi maat!"
" You will again land in trouble."
" And you will save me." She smiled.
" Like always." He pointed, smiling.

A knock on the door made them sit up. It's 5AM. They looked at each other and then at the messed-up room.
" Papa!"
" Amar!" They almost shouted in unison before getting out of bed and setting things properly. Pratap opened the door to see his boy in his blue pyjamas, and Mickey in his hand, rubbing his sleepy eyes. Ajabde was sitting on the bed and asked, " Baby, kya hua?"
" Bad dream! He went to hug her, but Pratap looked at her confused before closing the door.
" What bad dream, Amar?"
" Brownie ate my chocolate."
" Yeh bad dream?" Pratap asked, a little shocked. " Go back and sleep."
" Ranima!" Amar hugged his mother as she narrowed her eyes at Pratap.

" Fine, yaha sleep, beech mein. " Pratap laid down some pillows as Ajabde laid the boy down and kissed his forehead. All of a sudden, Amar noticed the candles. He was about to open his mouth when Pratap closed his eyes with his hands, saying, " Amar sleepy na? Papa bhi sleepy, sleep!" Amar snuggled close to Ajabde as Pratap caressed his hair, and they looked at each other and smiled as Pratap's hand travelled from the sleeping boy's hair to her hand, holding it tight, as a promise of never letting go. She smiled at him before going back to sleep, their hands still in each other's. a mujhe tum .." She jumped delightedly as he smiled.
" Haan Haan... " Again, he was looking for something as Ajabde made a fed-up face, saying.
" Kya karu main tumhara Princy." And handed him his car key.

Meanwhile, Amar was in the garden driving his car, with Ramu Kaka keeping an eye on him. Aarchi was in the furthest corner of the garden collecting flowers in a handkerchief as Amar smiled a smile his father dreaded on his mother. In a minute, before poor old Ramu Kaka could react, Amar's car was chasing Aarchi, who was running about shouting.
" Mausi Mausi Help! Dekho Amar...." She fell with a thud as Amar laughed from his car. Her bruises made her cry as Bhago came running.
" Maa sa... dekho Amar..."
" Bhanwarji, yeh kya ho raha hai." Bhago's scolding made him stop as he saw his parents walk there with a frown.

" Kya kiya Amar ne?" Ajabde asked, hugging the still-crying Aarchi.
" Kuch nahi woh gadi leke...." Bhago started as Aarchi cried louder, saying, " He chased me! "
" Amar!"Pratap was angry. " Sorry bolo, right now!"
Amar stared at his Ranima, who too seemed angry as he murmured, " Sorry."
" Louder," Pratap ordered.
" Sorry." Came a normal voice.
" Bhago, take Aarchi in and give her some first aid," Pratap suggested.

" Yeh accha hai, dono ne pareshaan kar ke rakh diya hai, ek ke liye bhuko maaro, dusra jaan le le harkato se." Ajabde was in a rare bad mood that Pratap knew and expected on this day each year.
" Maine kya kiya, if I can help..." He shrugged.
" Take Amar with you."
" Kyaa??" His eyes went wide as the quiet, standing Amar suddenly jumped excitedly, saying, " yay."
" Nahi nahi, main isko kaise...."
" Half day you can't keep him, kitna kaam hai mujhe!" She shouted.
" Kaam mujhe bhi hai!" He looked annoyed.
" Tum bhuko na ho!"
" Ohho, chalo Amar." He decided to give in as Ajabde smiled that her emotional blackmail had worked.

Amar was soon in a corner of Pratap's chamber in a rotating chair. Pratap was busy with some files when he heard " Yahoo" and saw Amar playing with his chair around the room as a pretend car. The scene reminded him of Ajabde in his Ferrari as he smiled a little, saying, " Amar, don't." Amar sat frowning before occupying himself with some colouring.

Shakti had no idea of what was happening; all he knew was that every lady except his Badima seemed to be having mood swings, and he was now the target of it all as his mother kept ordering him to bring her things from one corner of the hall to the other. Hansa, Rajlaxmi and the girls were there too, and he frowned to see Heer missing. Watching him look here and there, Jaso smiled at Ajabde, saying " Jija gaon Gayi hai bazaar mein," loud enough for him to hear. Tired, Shakti had sat with a laddoo in front of his Bhabisa as Ajabde gave him a stare like she could murder him then and there. Shakti gathered it was best for him to escape to the office since Amar was there too.

Heer was buying some puja offerings as Shakti's car zoomed past her and then stopped. She turned back to leave, hoping he hadn't spotted her, but he got down searching for the green Anarkali he had just seen in the crowd and walked up to her.
" Suno."
" Ji?" She turned around like she didn't notice him before, making him smile.
" Aj hai kya?"
" Ji?" She asked, confused.
" Matlab koi occasion?"
" Teej." Her face looked relieved that she understood what he was asking.
" Ohh, the ladies are fasting, Tabhi woh... " He was thinking aloud as he spotted some Shagun things in her hands. " Tum yeh kyun kharida hai? Vrat rakh rahi ho kya?"
Her eyes went wide before looking away.
" ji... na... nahi yeh.... woh... Maa ne..." She fumbled on as he smiled.
" Main chalta hoon." He left nodding.

Shakti entered Pratap's chamber as Amar jumped, " Kakasa!" and that left his crayons scattered. Pratap shook his head at the mess as Shakti hugged Amar.
" Minion tum yaha kyun?"
" Ranima ne nikaal diya."
" Accha? Mujhe bhi."
" Kya?" Pratap asked, shaking his head. " Tum toh uske favourite ho na!"
" Actually, mujhe murder karne wali thi for eating."
" You ate uske samne?" Pratap was amused. " Sachme favourite ho, one piece mein aye yaha."
" Aisa mood har saal..."
" Saal mein do teen baar, sab ka." Pratap smiled.
" Hai Bhagwan!" Shakti exclaimed.

Amar came running to his Dadisa as Pratap entered with Shakti, handing over his things to one of the servants.
" Tum dono jaake fresh hoke taiyaar ho jao, tumhare naye kapde rakhe huye hai room mein." Jaivanta addressed the brothers while feeding Amar his favourite Jalebi.
" Ji."
" Haan main woh kya keh rahi thi Jija..." Sajja started speaking to Jaivanta as Amar sat in between.

Pratap entered his room, a smile curved his face as he saw her sitting in front of the mirror. He closed the door and smiled at her reflection. She was wearing a traditional tomato red lehenga with golden embroidery and a royal blue velvet blouse, and a red dupatta was ready to be put over her head. She was adjusting her nose ring as he entered, her thick braided hair, decorated with gold pins on one side, her hands had the traditional chura, she wore a royal neckpiece with hands painted in Alta, and she now reached for the maangtika. Pratap glared at the white gold Sherwani coat and cream Kurta that Ranima had selected for him, then walked up to her, helping her put on the maangtika.
" Go get ready fast."
" Jaa raha hoon, waise suno..."
" Kya?" She looked at his reflection.
" Baad mein bolunga." He took his sherwani to the adjacent room. When he was back, she had already put on her Dupatta over her head and was reaching for the box of sindoor. His hand stopped her on the box as he took it and removed her maangtika with his left hand and filled her hairline with the right one. They smiled at each other as she blushed a little, then frowned.
" Princy."
" Kya?"
" Am hungry."
" Chalo vraat pura karte hai." He smiled.
" Tumne kya khaya lunch pe?" She asked.
" I only had breakfast, phir time na mila aj..." He lied as she smiled, knowing he was lying.
" Chalo roof pe." She took his hand.

Heer was in a baby pink Anarkali as she entered the hall to see the mothers chatting. Amar ran to her shouting "Mausi" with two laddoos in hand as Heer sat on her knees to hug him. Shakti, in his white suit, was looking at the decor as he turned around at Amar's call and spotted her. Then he saw the mothers staring right at him and looked away, making them smile at each other.
" Mausi, see your favourite laddoo. Have one." Amar offered.
" No Amar, I can't... tum khao."
" Accha, why can't you?" Shakti's voice made her stand up as he smiled.
" Main... bacche ka laddoo kyun loon?"
" Toh main ap ko naya leke deta hoon, after all, you are our guest." He turned to leave, but she stopped him.
" Nahi... woh..."
" Vrat hai?" He asked.
" ji nahi... main kyun..." She looked away. Amar dragged her to the other part as he kept looking.

Everyone was up on the roof as they spotted the moon, and the ladies floated their diyas; the pool today acted as a pond, and the diyas on it made it look beautiful. Shakti was taking photos on his DSLR when he spotted Amar standing with Heer and took their pic on his camera, not making Heer aware of it. The couple were performing the traditions. The women were looking at the moon as Amar decided to tell Heer Mausi a secret.
" Apko pata hai, Dadisa ne bolne se mana kiya, but am telling, aap meri BFF ho na!"
" Kya?"
" Kakasa ka shadi fix ho gayi!"
" Kya?" Heer looked wide-eyed, hoping that she had heard wrong.
" Kakasa ki shaadi..."
Heer left Amar wondering as she ran down the back stairs. Shakti looked back to see Amar busy with Fudge as he walked up to him to ask.
" Amar mausi kaha hai?"
" Dunno, woh chali gayi jab maine bola..."
" Kya bola?"
" Aapki Shadi hai."
" Kya?? Yeh tumhe kisne kaha?" He looked at Amar wide-eyed.
" Maine suna." He shrugged as Shakti ran after Heer.

" Chalo ab sab apne pati ke paer chuon." Jaivanta was telling the rasms as everyone followed.
" Main nahi chune wali." Mahek concluded as Rohan frowned. " Waise bhi, we are of the same age."
" Main bhi nahi chuti." Bhago smiled at her, " Yeh to teen saal bade hai mujhse phir bhi."
" Ajkal yeh sab kaun karta.." Ven's eyes stopped at the scene in front of him as he saw Ajabde in all her smiles, touching Pratap's feet as he was about to stop her from doing so.
" She does, every year!" Bhago shrugged.
" That's so..." Mahek was at a loss for words.
" Sweet!" Rosalina smiled.

" Kaha hai mera gift?" Ajabde said, putting down her thaal.
" Tum kya vrat gift ke liye rakhti ho?" Pratap narrowed his eyes.
" Haan aur nahi toh kya?" She giggled.
" Pehle paani pee lo, aur khana khao." He ordered.
" Tum bhi." She smiled.
" Kya? Kya Matlab?" He asked, smiling.
" Matlab ke jab tak yaad na tha you ate, uske baad tumko time nahi mila," She taunted.
" Chalo paani peeyon." He held the lota for her to drink from.
" Yeh Heer kaha hai?" She looked around.
" Ranima! " Amar came running. " Papa bought a Payal for you."
" Great! Thank you!" Pratap shook his head as Ajabde laughed, " Isko khilao kaam, pet mein koi baat hi nahi rehti iska."
" My Baby." Ajabde hugged Amar.

Heer was in the mandir, with her puja thaal. She took the thaal to the pond at the back to float her diya. Shakti walked up behind her as she saw the reflection of the moon and his face together in the water. Heer got up in a hurry to leave.
" Toh main sahi tha." his voice stopped her.
" Kiske liye hai yeh vrat?"
" Aapse Matlab?" She seemed to hurt as he bit his tongue.
" Matlab toh kuch nahi, generally pooch raha tha." He shrugged.
" Aapko aapki Shadi ki subhkamnaye Kunwarsa." Heer looked away.
" Aapko bhi." He smiled as she frowned.
" Main..."
" Bhabisa ne bola apke liye bhi rishtey dekhe jaa raha hai. I hope aap jaise deserve kare waise koi mile." Shakti smiled amused as Heer missed his smile, looking away.
" Ohh, haan, bilkul, Hum chalte hai." She walked past him as he turned around, saying.
" Suniye."
She stopped as he took out a box from his pocket and kept it on the seat they were standing against.
" Isse Shadi se pehle akhri taufa samajh ke rakh lijiyega." Heer turned around, teary-eyed, watching him go as she opened the box and found a pair of silver payals.

Ajabde was in her room feeding Amar as Pratap came in with their dinner.
" Aj yaha?" She frowned.
" Ranima ne kaha hai." He smiled.
He put the plates down and patiently waited for Amar to finish his food, and wave them goodnight before going to his room with Ramu kaka.
" Khana khaye?" He pointed at the food.
" Mere toh pet pe rats kickboxing kar rahe hai!" She smiled. He fed her the Paratha dipped in daal as he watched her eat like Amar does, then asked, " Kya socha tumne?"
" Kis baare mein?" She was confused.
" Heer se... shadi..." He was shocked she could forget such an important task.
" Ohh haan." She shrugged casually. " First thing in the morning."
" Plan kya hai?" He asked with a smile, knowing his wife well.
" Surprise." She smiled as he shook his head and resumed eating.

Heer was at Hansa Bua's Puja Ghar when she heard the sounds of a payal. The same sound that the payal he gave her yesterday made. Her heart skipped a beat. Heer hadn't slept all night. At first, she was angry at how easily Shakti had accepted a marriage proposal from some random girl he didn't know, and he claimed... No, actually, he never claimed anything; she was the one to fall for the Prince. Then she was angry with herself for why she had fallen for him, not once but twice. This time, she had come to pose herself as a strong character unaffected by the past, but his mere presence had made her fail miserably. Even the puja couldn't give her peace. She had opened and seen his payals more than once before angrily putting them back. He had bought her gifts, which must be like a taunt, I know you like me! Still, she couldn't just leave his gift behind; they were neatly kept in her luggage.

Ajabde's entry put a pause to her racing thoughts as she managed a faint smile.
" Jija." Amar came to hug her as Ajabde called Jaso to take him away for a while.
" Heer, I have a ... umm... something to tell you."
" Yes, Jija."
" You know ke Mamisa ne mujhe rishta dhundne ko..."
" Haan" She cut her off, looking away.
" Toh maine dhoond liya." She smiled as Heer looked up, shocked.
" Matlab... aap... itni jaldi..." She fumbled.
" Haan woh... Shakti ki bhi shadi fix kar di sab ne..." Ajabde eyed her, looking sad. " Toh maine socha tum kyun kuwari baithogi.... Dekho I know masti mazak mein jo kuch bhi hua..."
" Am ready Jija, aap jisse kahengi main..." Her words faded.
" Ye hui na baat, everyone, should move on." Ajabde hugged her.
" Waise bhi... "
"Kaun hai woh?" Heer asked, cutting her words.
" Kya?" Ajabde skipped a beat.
" Kaun hai... jisse..."
" Aree you trusting me na... main tumhare liye sahi hi sochungi..."
" I know jija main bas pooch rahi thi..."
" Itne sawal, matlab tumhe meri choice pe doubt hai?" Ajabde stood up. " Mujhe pata tha, bhalai ka toh zamana hi nahi raha, Maine dhoond dhoond ke var chuna, and you are doubting me! Itna I didn't expect Heeriye!" She started sobbing, much to Heer's shock.
" Nahi Jija main...."
" Nahi... am so hurt!" Ajabde's overacting was scaring the innocent Heer.
" No jija, I..." Amar came in as taught and trained by his mother.
" Ranima aap ro rahi hai? Heer Mausi ne aapko daata?" Amar started consoling Ajabde, making Heer feel bad and confused. She was not sure what she did or said that hurt Ajabde.
" Amar, Heer Mausi ne kuch nahi kiya." Ajabde sobbed.
" Jija, I promise you main bina sawal ke kar loongi Sagai, aap bas rona bandh kar do." Heer hugged her as Ajabde quickly wiped away her tears, saying, " Great!"
" Kab hai Sagai?" Jaso asked, trying to hide a smile.
" Panditji ne kal ka mahurat subh kaha hai." Ajabde smiled.
" But... hum ghar kaise jaenge kal ke andar." Heer was shocked.
" Kya bua ka ghar ghar nahi? Yehi se hogi na sagai. Mandir mein!" Ajabde smiled.
" Oh, jaha aapki hui thi?" Jaso asked excitedly.
" Haan bilkul, Jaha Surajgarh ki Kuwaraniyon ka hota hai waha hogi Heer ki Sagai."
Ajabde winked at Jaso as Heer sat absentminded making a garland for her lord, hoping and praying for some light after darkness.