Shakti was driving a little absent-minded as Heer decided to break the silence.
“Ranima will be fine. Jija is there…” She managed a smile.
“Are you telling me or reassuring yourself?” He smiled back, eyeing her. “Stop worrying.”
“Nahi main…” Her face looked pale at how he read her. He turned on the stereo as she changed the topic. “Who else will be there?”
“Lots of exes.” He smirked. “I am popular.” He shrugged as her smile faded a little nervously.
“And friends, from college. Emma.” He frowned.
“You keep repeating Emma, she bothers you?” Heer frowned. “Nahi, she can bother you.” He smiled. “Warning.”
“I don’t drink, ``she said, a little scared.
“I know, I will see that they don’t make you. Don’t worry.” He reassured her as he parked the car.
The music was loud, drinks pouring and girls drooling over guys on the dance floor, drunk and in six-inch skirts. Heer looked around a little awkwardly. She was not even dressed like the crowd. Shakti could still read her worries as he took her hand in his and held it firmly as he stepped in to be greeted by some friends.
“Hi Heer, I am his ex-girlfriend.” The girl clearly looked a little disappointed at Shakti who smirked. “You look lovely, especially the… gown!” She could read the taunt. Shakti smiled. “She is a designer Kiya, and certainly knows better style than your prom dress.”
“That.” She pointed. “Was a bet!” before walking away.
“Your Highness.” Shakti smiled at the guy who hugged him. “Heer, meet Ven! He’s the best bud in college, I told you…” “Yes hi.” Heer smiled.
“Hello beautiful lady, I also know you, via him.” Ven bowed as she smiled.
“Don't hit on her!” Shakti’s words made him frown.
“No one thought he would get married so soon!” Ven’swords made Heer’s smile disappear as Shakti tightened his grip on her hand. “Right, Emma?” The girl in a black dress and blonde hair walked up with a cocktail in hand, and Heer saw Shakti’s smile disappear.
“Hi, Shakti.” She smiled, eyeing Heer. She looked more beautiful than Heer thought.
“Emma, this is My Wife. Heer.” Shakti smiled at her as she smiled back. “Hi, Emma.”
“Congratulations.”
“Congratulations on your engagement too.” Heer smiled, making Shakti smile as well. Emma stared at the entwined hands before addressing Ven “Bring on the drinks, double celebrations.”
“I don’t…” Heer spoke softly as Emma smiled amused “You don’t drink?”
“I won’t too, today.” Shakti added to Ven, “I need to drive home.” Heer knew he was making an excuse and smiled.
“A dance then Shakti?” Emma smiled at him. “For old time's sake?” Heer looked awkward at the way she stared at Shakti.
“I still owe my wife her first dance. Chale?” Heer nodded a taken-aback yes as he took her hand to the dance floor.
He held her waist as her hand travelled to his collar and eyes met. She could feel the jealous gaze on her as his eyes never left hers. Hoto pe hai naam thehra tera, Neendo pe rehta hai pehra tera…Jab se bani re Bani tu meri… Premika haha! Everyone was amazed at how easily they matched steps as Shakti’s smile met Heer’s nod before he twirled her. Suraj bhi dhalta hai tere liye, Chanda mein dikhta hai Chehra tera…Jab se bani re Bani tu meri… Premika haha! They smiled in perfect lip sync. Oh, Main Teri Premika! Her lip sync made him smile as he held her waist again. Heer sat down as he went to find some non-alcoholic drink.
“Why did Shakti marry so soon?” She overheard a group of girls.
“He never liked these types of boring girls.” Another agreed.
“In fact, he didn't even want to get married.” Ven agreed. “But…”
Heer looked a little pale as she acted like she didn’t hear. Shakti came back smiling with the drinks and frowned at her pale face as he sat down. She looked away. “Are you ill?”
“No, I am fine.” He could see she was upset. He had also heard the girls gossip and ignored it. He needn’t explain to anyone. But Heer… was hurt?
“Let's go.” He got up. “Where?” She asked wide-eyed.
“Chalo…” He bid his friends goodbye and walked out as she followed. She sat in the car in relative silence as he decided to stop at her favourite Paratha Gali. Seeing the place she smiled faintly as he got out.
“You remember…”
“We ate so much here.” He added, smiling. “Chalo.” Eating those brought a smile to her face as he smiled back at her. “The party bored you?” He asked as she lied “No.”
“This is more fun.” His words made her stare.
“Shakti.” She looked serious, “Can I talk to you about something?” “Let's go home first?” He spoke mouthful.
Heer gulped down a lump in her throat as she decided to do what she needed to.
Shakti parked his car on the porch as Kaka came out to see who was there and they asked in unison “How is Ranima?”
“Ranisa is fine, she is resting.”
“Oh…” Shakti smiled relieved as he walked up the porch and turned as she stood near the car.
“Can we… walk in the backside garden and talk…” She looked serious as he nodded worriedly.
Taking off her high heels she sat on the grass, dew drops on it, but she didn’t care. He smiled as he sat down beside her waiting for her to talk.
“Shakti. you did a lot for me… for the family, I will always be grateful to you for it”
“Heeriye… you know it was OUR decision… we took it together for the families.” What is she trying to say?
“But, I know your dreams. Trekking, travelling, partying, living life to the fullest… marriage was never on that list.” He stared at her as she continued looking away. “The kind of girls you like…their lifestyle… I… I don't fit in… You must feel trapped in this friendship.” Shakti’s jaws tightened as he asked a little irked “What are you trying to say?”
“It's not too late… I mean you can still… umm undo… I will leave for Udaipur… we will say it's not working… I will explain to the families… Jija is there for Ranima now…we will file for mutual separation and you will be free…” She stopped at his cold stare.
"Will you... be free?" He asked rather plainly making her smile faintly. "It is about you, not me."
“Really! So you are planning my life now?” He taunted.
“You will be happier that way.” She murmured broken.
“And who are you to decide that?” He shook his head, irked.
“I just said what I thought was right… Tonight made me feel strongly that you deserve ... different?” “And you got affected by what strangers said?” His words stopped her.
“That's not…”
“Don't lie, Heer, you are saying this suddenly for what? You know everything about right and wrong?”
“All I know is that you didn't want to be married and you did this for me…” Her eyes were teary more because he was angry.
He closed his eyes and looked away to regain composure and calm himself down.
“Do you even know when I decided this, what Aapa and Jija asked me first?”
“No.” She said softly.
“They asked if I like you.” Her heart skipped a beat. “And I didn't waste a single moment to say no not like that.”
“I know that.” She spoke up.
“No, you don’t!” He scolded. “I visited Jija in the office… she asked me again… after that Tota…”
“Acha.” She stopped him. He looked up at her.
“I still said no.” His words sank her heart as she looked away. “But…” He smiled faintly.
“But?” she looked up.
“I lied.” He took her hands in his as she looked wide-eyed. “I was in love with you, I am in love with you.”
“Shakti.” She exclaimed, surprised. What was he saying?
“I had fallen in love every time you cared, you took care of Ranima and you wanted everyone’s happiness first. I had fallen in love every time you smiled in your tears, I so badly wanted to make you smile. I wanted to be more responsible for you. Every time you talked of Tota I was scared… what if you loved him.” He looked up as she looked pale. “ And you assumed I never wanted this?”
“I…” Heer was at a loss for words.
“I know I said things before, I was immature and childish even. You brought stability to my life. I want to work hard every day. Think about the future. Whose future is it Heer? It's not mine, it is ours.” He stopped as she looked first to her left and then to her right.
Will you say something or deny that everything I saw in your eyes today was lies? I don’t know you?” He taunted.
“No….” She protested, making him smile. “You know me.”
“Then…” He pulled her close and made her stare at him as hearts raced.
“ Shakti I... I….” He smiled.
“I love you.” Her words met a small peck from him, on her lips as she froze closing her eyes. He drew away in a moment as noses touched. “I love you too.” This time she sealed her lips as she smiled in pleasure. “Be my wife.” He whispered in her ears as she hugged him.
“I am yours.” She blushed as he kissed her forehead. Ajabde had let Brownie lose on the roof as he ran.
“Don't bark okay?” She warned.
“Hey, Buddy.” He appeared behind her, making her frown.
“Kasturi is with Ranima.” He shrugged. “You should get some sleep then.” She turned her back to him.
“Did you think about staying?” He asked, amused.
“Look Princy! Don't act smart..” She narrowed her eyes at him. “I am.” He smirked, annoying her.
She walked to the side and smiled looking down.
“OMG, see this.” She whispered. “What is it?” he frowned.
He peeped down to see Shakti and Heer hand in hand, smiling faces walking towards the palace from the garden path.
“You think they…”
“Haan.” Ajabde jumped excitedly.
“How are you so sure?” He frowned.
“Because I know everything.” She smirked as he laughed. “Maata Ajabde ki Jai.” His words made her hit him. “Are you hitting me?” She struck out her tongue. “Go now.” “You leave.” They both stood there as their eyes smiled.
He pulled her close in a hug as she frowned “Brownie…”
“I am happy today… it was a good day.” He stared at her in the hug. “And for them.” She added.
“That too.” He kissed her forehead.
Heer woke as the light of the sun fell through the open window. She blinked her eyes and noticed his hand across her waist. Heer froze watching Shakti sleep content. Yesterday was not a dream. His love, her acceptance was not a dream. Heer blushed, smiling before carefully removing his hand and getting out of bed. She picked up the scattered clothes and walked to the adjacent room.
Pratap walked out of his room with a frown on his files as he heard voices.
“Is the breakfast ready? Hurry up Kaka everyone will leave early.” He heard her voice of authority in the kitchen.
“Ranima needs her medicines on time, serve her breakfast first.”
Pratap was about to walk down the corridor towards the voice when the sound of Payal made him stop. He turned to see Heer, in a saree, the pallu over her head, aarti thali in hand as she walked up to him.
“Dadabhai good morning.” She smiled. “Prasad. I went to the temple…” She blushed.
“Anything special?” He raised his eyebrows as she nodded a soft no. Pratap smiled and put a pat on her head before taking the Prasad.
“Ranima if you don't finish your food I am leaving for Udaipur.” Both of them stared in the direction of the voice as Pratap made his way towards the room.
“Good morning Ranima.” He peeped in but she was not there anymore.
“Pratap Beta, save me, make her understand a lot of work is left to be done…”
“Ranima! Ranima!” He held her hand and sat down. “Sorry. You know how stubborn your daughter is when it comes to this, she won't like any interference.” He shook his head. “I am getting late.” He got up to leave as the door opened and Ajabde in her casual pyjamas and long kurti appeared with a smiling Aarchi on her lap.
“Ranima, look who came to see Dadisa… Princess.” She smiled as the baby smiled back. “She will be here all day, right Aarchi?”
“Tata Aarchi.” Pratap gently shook her hand in a gesture and smiled at Ajabde before walking out.
“Listen…” Her voice stopped him.
“The breakfast is ready, don't leave without…” She stopped.
“Come to me Aarchi.” Ranima asked as she said a small “Wait.” And handed Aarchi to Ranima.
She walked out of the corridor after Pratap and added looking away, “Mr Das is coming to see you. Do what needs to be done to make sure my business runs efficiently and hum…” He smiled happily and hugged her as she pushed him away “What are you doing!”
“Where are Sau and Chaks?” He asked, letting go.
“They are thinking of shifting base since … the schools are better here.”
“Did you talk to Jalal? Bairam Uncle…”
" Everything is fine.” She smiled. Pratap turned to see Heer and Shakti at the dining table Heer served the food and Shakti looked around to grab her hand as she freed it.
“Everything is fine.” He smiled as Ajabde nodded. She went back to Aarchi and Ranima while Pratap walked to the table.
“Let's go, Shakti.” He spoke to Shakti. “So soon?” He frowned.
“Soon? You will be late.” Heer frowned back as Pratap smiled.
“You need to be in charge for a few days when I am busy with paperwork,” Pratap spoke while taking a spoonful of Poha
" What paperwork?” Shakti frowned.
“To shift the Punwars to Delhi.” Pratap smiled at Heer who looked wide-eyed and exclaimed “Jija agreed?”
“She can't say no to Ranima.” Pratap smiled back as Heer hugged him “Thank You Dadabhai.”
“Really?” Shakti smirked. “He’s doing it for himself, Heer.” He shrugged as Pratap gave a cold stare.
Rukaiya walked in with some Firni she made for everyone and kept it down on the table.
“Where is Ajabdeh?”
“Ah, you came to romance her so early in the morning?” Pratap narrowed his eyes as she made a face.
“Jija is with Aarchi in Ranima's room…”
“I will go meet them…” Rukaiya left as Pratap walked to his car calling Shakti one last time.
As the dining hall was empty Shakti hugged Heer frowning “I don't want to go to work today.”
“When do you ever want to work?” She giggled.
“Not today.” He kissed her forehead as she frowned “Go.”
In the evening Aarchi rested on her mother’s arm happily as Ajabde and Rukaiya told Sau excitedly about their experiences with her.
“I changed her diapers for the first time.” Rukaiya made a face.
“She is so tiny, we feel scared while bathing her.” Heer giggled.
“But she is an angel, didn't even cry once.” Ajabde smiled proudly.
“See Aarchi, how lucky you are.”Sau kissed her baby. “You have four mothers…”
“Where are Patta and Jiwa?” Ajabde frowned at Heer.
“Jiwa has some family emergency so I told Patta to drop her home.”
Ajabde spoke unmindfully. “I don't like that girl.” Her words made Rukaiya giggle.
“What happened?” She frowned.
“Now I know why you and Jalal are friends… he was saying the same.”
“See…” Ajabde frowned.
“We are tired… see you at dinner…” Sau shook her head.
“Yes, Ranima and Maa should have early dinner too.” Ajabde got up to leave as well.
“I should leave now, Jalal will be home. Khuda Hafiz.”
“Since everyone is leaving I should also do some work.” Heer smiled as she went back to her room.
Shakti and Pratap walked into a frown at the empty hall and then at each other. Heer came out smiling “You arrived? Let me send tea. You want any food?”
“No, we had a meeting so had food.” Pratap smiled. “tea, please.” He looked around, frowning. Where is she…
Pratap had changed into his pyjamas and vest when Brownie came running making him smile.
“Hey, buddy.” Ajabde walked in asking “Your work is done?”
“Check it, Madam, if I made any mistakes.” He handed her the files as she shot him a glance.
“This looks fine, what about new recruits?”
“Haan. Now can we talk about what is important?” He pleaded.
“You look tired.” She ran her hand through his hair as he tilted to her touch grabbing her waist.
“Is Ranima okay?”
“She will be absolutely fine tomorrow! Then I will look for a place for my Delhi office.”
“Can I suggest something?” He asked, thinking. “Yes.” She smiled.
“The left wing of our building is empty we can renovate it and add PUNWAR's beside SISODIYA's…” He raised his brows.
“Can I see the office space once and decide?”
“Of Course Ma’am …” He made her smile.
“Can I say something…” She smiled a smile that made his heart skip a beat. He pulled her close. She pushed him away saying “ You look nice…” He looked wide-eyed as she giggled blushing and made a run for it through the corridor Pratap smiled “Wait.” And followed.
Heer and Shakti were on the rooftop when she spoke up “Should we... talk to them?”
“About what?” He frowned.
“Marriage” She smiled. “I can talk to Dadabhai…”
“That would be better.” He added, “Let's get them married before they fight again.” He made Heer laugh as he watched her with a smile. He pulled her close making her stop as she blushed and was about to seal her lips with his when they heard footsteps and moved away just in time for Ajabdeh to appear on the roof. Her smile faded seeing the duo as she looked widened and Pratap appeared behind her as his smile faded and Heer and Shakti looked at each other and back at them awkwardly.
A silence followed as all of them looked awkward and Pratap’s phone rang to break it.
“Signal…” He smiled faintly. “The phone signal is so weak… Hello!” He moved to the farthest corner as Ajabde stood staring at the duo with a red face.
“I was looking… for Brownie!” Ajabde managed to say.
“Woof!” Brownie’s bark behind her startled her as Shakti looked amused.
“I was looking at the stars…” Heer smiled. By then Pratap had finished his call and Ajabde and Heer stared at Shakti for his explanation. Shakti looked a little blank as he started “I… Umm… I..” He fumbled as Heer frowned.
“Really?” Ajabde looked at him amused, raising her eyebrows. Shakti was about to open his mouth as Ajabde hid a laugh and Brownie’s woof made them stare.
Jalal was at the threshold with a trolley and a pillow in his hand looking distraught.
“Bhaijaan.” Heer exclaimed, “What happened?”
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