The party was traditional. Heer and Shakti were glad to meet the relatives and his friends as they showered the couple with blessings. Heer was wearing her own designed sky blue lehenga with orange works and a dupatta. Her jewellery was the traditional ones worn by the royals. Kundan, Naulakha, heavy and elegant. Shakti had chosen her gifted one for the evening. Ajabde was in a white and gold simple lehenga with a heavily worked fuchsia lining and dupatta. She just chose a simple mang tika and earrings to go with her bangles. Rukaiya chose a traditional Green and red Sharara to team with Jalal’s Black sherwani. Sau and Chaks were in a matching shade of light yellow saree and Kurti. Patta chose a simple blue kurta and was mesmerised seeing Jiwa in Sau’s pink saree, which Sau made her wear in a Gujarati style to convince the not-so-convinced Bairam Khan who sat in a bandh gala black coat. Pratap appeared at the centre of the hall with the mic, in his grey suit, as he made an announcement.
“We have a special performance here for Heer tonight.” That made the bride smile wide-eyed as Shakti sulked. “We welcome you to the family. Again.” Pratap smiled as he moved away.
Hit It! The music made Heer and Shakti smile at each other. Their favourite song in every sangeet they danced to… must be Jija and Dadabhai’s idea. Mahi Ve… Mahi Ve… That’s the way… Mahi Ve… Ruk-Jalal and Sau-Chaks' matching steps made them smile. Tere mathe jhumar damke tere kaano baali chamke hai re…. Mahi Ve… Dadabhai dancing was a pleasant surprise. He just did the step and moved back to make way for the couples. Tere haaton kangna khankee tere payroo payal chanke hai re…Mahi Ve!
Jalal sat twirling Rukaiya as she giggled. Naino se bole Rabba Rabba mann mein dole Rabba Rabba, Amrit ghole Rabba Rabba Tu soniye… Both couples looked in sync when the men moved back from their wives as they acted confused and both gave their hands to Ajabde who smiled taking them for the signature step. Soni Soni Aaja Mahive, everybody sing, Soni Soni aaja mahi ve…. That’s the way Maahi Ve… They pointed at Heer as she smiled. Teri aakhein kaali kaali tera gora gora mukhra hai re… Pratap took Heer’s hand to the dance floor as she obliged. Mahi ve! Tere aangan to Jaise sona tu chand ka jaise tukra hai re… Patta took Jiwa’s hand to the dance floor as Bairam Khan frowned at Chaks who stopped dancing and gulped. Mahi Ve! Tere gaal gulabi rabba rabba chal sharabi rabba rabba Dil ki karabi rabba rabba… Jalal and Chaks followed Ajabde as she walked to Heer smiling and Sau and Ruk appeared before the husbands … O soniye...Ajabde and Heer smiled amused. Shakti took Ajabde’s hand for the signature step. Soni Soni Aaja Mahive, Everybody sing, Soni Soni Aaja Mahive.
Jalal gave his hand to Mami and the others looked amused as she blushed for a ball around the floor with Jalal. Barsee rangeeni kaliyan hai mehki bhinbhini, Baje mann mein Halke halke shehnai re… Heer swirled around the floor as Shakti smiled. She caught Ajabde’s hands. Jitne hai taare aanchal mein aa gaye saare, dil ne jaise hi lee angrai re… They twirled around the dance floor like they used to as kids. Tu jo ayi sajhke mehendi rachke chal bachke o soni… Shakti – Ajabde, Pratap-Rukaiya, Jalal - Sau, and Chaks-Heer danced. Yeh dil kitno ka gaye dhaj ke, O soniye… Everyone moved away as Heer and Shakti bumped into each other a little startled. Soni Soni Aaja Mahive, Everybody sings, Soni Soni Aaja Mahive. The room went dark as Ajabde appeared on the spiral staircase and she moved with the humming, back smiling as Heer found the mothers in the same white and gold saree on the steps as she ran to them. Chanda mere chanda tujhe kaise main ye samjhau mujhe lagti hai tu kitni pyaari re… Ranima kissed Heer’s forehead as Shakti smiled at the scene and Pratap and Ajabde at each other. Khushiyaan jitni hai sab dhoond dhoond ke lau…Hansa hugged Heer who appeared teary… teri doli ke sang kar du sari re….Tere doli ke sang kar du sari re…Ajabde frowned before hugging the duo as she kissed Heer’s cheeks. Shakti and Pratap unknowingly stared at each other disturbed. Hey! Patta and Jalal jumped in between as Ajabde and Heer smiled. Tu Jo Ayi Sajhke Mehendi Rachke Chal Bachke O Soni. They took the girl’s hands to the floor. Yeh dil kitno ka gaye dhaj ke O soniye… They stared at Pratap and Shakti who looked at each other and moved away.
Everyone joined them on the dancefloor, including the mothers who were dragged in by Jalal. Tere mathe jhumar damke tere kaano baali chamke hai re… Mahi Ve…Shakti and Heer matched steps. Tere Haaton kangna khanke, tere pairo payal chanke hai re…Jalal moved away from between Pratap and Ajabde as eyes met and he followed her on the signature step. Mahi Ve. As Mami appeared like she would faint. Bairam Khan was sitting with Chundawat Ji as they smiled at each other pleased. Everyone formed a circle around Shakti and Heer as they danced to Soni Soni Aaja Mahi Ve!
The guests dispersed only later at night as Heer sat tired taking off her heavy jewellery.
“It was fun, right?” Shakti appeared from the adjacent room after changing into his vest and pyjamas.
“Haan, Dadabhai danced! I still can't believe it.”
“I guess love makes you do stuff you can’t imagine.” His words met her surprised glare as she giggled. “Such deep thoughts?” He sat down beside her and changed the topic. “A few of my friends have decided to throw a party for us.”
“Party?” Heer raised her eyebrows. She was not a party person. All parties she ever went to were post-show ones where she went for work.
“Yup, umm… theme is cocktail and all my friends will be there…” he smiled. “They all want to meet you. Even Emma.” His last words made her look up as she nodded a yes.
“Great, I will inform them, I am sleepy, you should also rest.” He walked to his side of the bed as Heer looked worried.
Ajabde was watching the skyline of Delhi after a long time. Brownie was running about on the roof as she appeared absentminded.
“Hey, Buddy.” His voice behind her made her smile. She turned as he smiled at her. He walked up to her as she frowned a little and said
“Someone looked pretty today.” “I know. Choti.” She smiled.
He shook his head with half a smile and asked “ Did you talk to Ranima?” “About what?” She frowned as eyes met and he smiled.
She blushed and looked away as he held her waist, surprising her. “ You know we have guests.”
“And Mami is here too.” He smiled amused. “Why are you after her?”
“She was going to faint today.” He chuckled. “But everyone is happy…” She smiled
“Yes.” He pulled her closer forcing her to rest her hands on his collar. “I am more.”
“Jija” Heer’s voice made him frown with a soft “Not again.” As she pushed him aside.
Heer appeared tense as Pratap frowned “What happened Choti?”
Rukaiya was packing her bags to go to Khan Baba in the morning.
“I am so excited when we will tell him we will move here forever, and not go back. He will be so happy, right?” She smiled. Jalal nodded happily. He pulled her close, stopping her hands at the bags as she frowned. “We have chores.”
“They are always there,” His words met her surprised eyes, as he thought the same. He kissed her forehead and whispered, “Not tonight?”
“Haan.” She blushed, smiling.
Pratap’s chuckle was met by Ajabde’s cold eyes as she stopped.
“Ohho Choti.” She held her confused sister’s hand. “Shakti knows how you are, Why are you so worried.?”
“She is right Choti, what you wear doesn't matter to him, he is proud of you and flaunts you right?” Pratap added as she said, “I don't know.”
“Choti, go and choose your best dress and everything will be perfect,” Ajabde said, reassuringly.
“Yes, enjoy yourself,” Pratap added.
Heer frowned at the duo. “What's wrong, you are teaming up today?” She asked surprised.
“I need to sleep, come Brownie.” Ajabde walked away as Heer giggled amused at a taken-aback Pratap.
Heer sat on her side of the bed lost in thoughts. He had mentioned Emma will be there. Does he still love her? She stared at Shakti’s sleeping figure as an empty feeling made her eyes tear up. I am not the
kind of girl he ever wanted. He looked so awkward even telling me about a party. Am sure he took others to parties at ease. I don't know why I feel so miserable… he’s my best friend \… She remembered
Toranmal’s words. No Heer this can’t be. You can’t be in love with him.
He’s…. My husband… She remembered how with authority he had said “My wife.” How every time he went out of his way to make her smile, make her happy. She let the tears flow. She was in love with her husband. Yet, it seemed like the most complex thing in the world right now.
At dawn, the Sisodia Mansion woke to a scene that was quite familiar in the last decade. Jaivanta was doing the morning aarti as Hansa lit the lamps. The children appeared behind them in silence, hands folded. The scenes were repeating themselves. Patta was eyeing the laddoos as Shakti gave him a bunt on his head making him frown as Sau and Heer smiled amused. Heer stared at him, smiling back at her as her heart skipped a beat and she looked away confusing him. Ajabde was singing the bhajan alongside Ranima as eyes met and smiled followed by Patta’s “ahem” that made them look away. The same scenes used to happen a decade ago only, Heer’s heart didn’t beat like this, nor did Shakti feel awkward staring at her.
Jalal and Rukaiya walked down with the luggage as Jaivanta asked “You are leaving already?”
“Yes, Khan Baba will be waiting.” They hugged the newlyweds and friends goodbye.
Ajabde and Heer were in the kitchen making breakfast preparations when Pratap appeared in relative silence making Heer smile at Ajabde.
“Do you need something, Dadabhai?” She smiled. “Water? Food?” “No...”
“Jija?” Heer’s amused voice was met with Ajabde’s cold stare as she said “I will bring the Poha” and walked away.
“Why are you hovering?” She frowned.
“Get ready after breakfast.” He smiled. “Kyun?”
“Surprise.” He grinned. “We will have lunch.” “And what will we tell the others?”
“Meeting.” He smiled amused as she shook her head. “Rukaiya Beta welcome.” Bairam hugged her.
“Now your Bahu is here, are you happy?” His nurse smiled as he frowned.
“Bahu ? I don't have a son.” Jalal frowned at his words. “I have a daughter.”
Bairam Khan sat down on the sofa as Rukaiya went in with the luggage.
“Khan Baba.” Jalal’s words were made with a frown. “I…” He stopped as the man looked away. Sometimes even old people act completely childish. He smiled. Jalal did what he should have done a long time back. He went up to the man and hugged him tightly.
“leave it.” He looked irked.
“I wont leave until you keep your hand on my head.”
“Jalal.” Bairam Khan scolded as Rukaiya looked amused. “No.” Jalal was adamant.
“Okay here you are.” He put his hand on Jalal’s head. “Khush?” Jalal smiled at the man who smiled back at him. “Now why this drama?”
“Khan Baba.” Rukaiya sat down at his feet on the carpet beside Jalal.
“We decided that…” She stared at Jalal who nodded in approval. “We will shift here, permanently.”
“Shift?” Bairam Khan raised his eyebrows. “What about Hansa Behen?” “ Pratap will take care of her.” Jalal smiled. Bairam Khan frowned unmindfully.
At the breakfast table, everyone gathered as Mami stared at Jiwa with a smile saying “What kind of a cousin are you?”
“What?” Jiwa looked a little confused first at Patta then at Sau. “Bua's side right?” Sau smiled as Jiwa nodded.
“Accha…” Mami was not convinced. Especially after seeing her with Patta the previous evening. She stared at Patta unmindful.
Ajabde walked behind Heer who announced the breakfast menus. She placed down Ranima’s bowl of boiled veggies making her frown at it then added to Shakti “Mr Das will be coming over for the MFS project Funds. Chundawat Uncle will meet him?”
“Yes, Jija.” He bit his apple and said a mouthful with doubt “But are you busy?” making Heer frown at him.
“I…” Ajabde exclaimed wide-eyed as all eyes were on her.
“We have a meeting.” Pratap’s normally calm voice made her frown. “With a few people.”
“MFS ?” Mami frowned cluelessly.
“Wjy do you want to know everything?” mama frowned.
“I just asked.” She frowned.
“MFS was our father's dream project.” Pratap got up with a smile, “ All of us are working on it.”
He walked past the crowd at the table as Mama said “We will take your leave now.”
“You are leaving already?” Shakti asked wide-eyed with glee then controlled with a “That’s sad.”
“Yes I have work…” mama smiled at him. “Heer do come home some day.”
“Ji mamaji.” Heer smiled as she took his blessings.
Ajabde was leaving the hall when Hansa stopped her with “What is your meeting about?” Heer and Shakti smiled amused as Ajabde looked away saying “The project….”
“Accha?” Hansa looked a little doubtfully amused at Jaivanta before adding “Jao.”
“Ji.”
Heer was smiling to herself as she watered the newly arrived rose plant. Shakti walked up behind her saying “You seem happy, what happened?” startling her.
“I am very happy for… Jija and Dadabhai.” She smiled at him. He couldn’t tell why her eyes looked sad. She read his thoughts as she looked away.
“Anything else?” He asked with a frown.
“Nahi.” She smiled, lying. He seemed restless as her eyes said otherwise. Now, why was she sad?
“We will leave at 8 for the party, okay?” He smiled, “Tell me what I should wear.”
“What will I say?” She smiled faintly.
“One should take advantage if the wife is a fashion designer so do tell.” His back was to her as he inspected his wardrobe and Heer’s heart skipped a beat as she gulped a lump in her throat.
“What did you wear to parties before then?” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you going to tell or not?” Shakti asked, raising his eyebrows, making her giggle as she looked into his wardrobe.
“What is this?” She pointed at a box. Shit, I shouldn’t have.
“Come sit here.” He took her by the wrist and made her sit down and opened the box. A little taken aback, Heer smiled. “What is this?”
“When I was in hostel you made me promise…”
“A letter each week.” She nodded.
“This... the first and last letters of my life.” He shrugged as she giggled.
“It felt so nice when the postman called out my name, felt so important!”
“You are…” He looked up to make her stop giggling. “Important.” An awkward pause made them freeze as she looked away with “I should check on Aarchi.” And left as he watched her go with a smile.
Ajabdeh was in front of her scattered luggage and open wardrobe with a frown as Brownie sniffed around.
“What should I even wear!” she asked with a frown. Brownie wagged his tail with a woof! A smile curved her lips. “Let's play with Princy’s mind!”
“How am I looking?”Ajabde asked with a gleeful smile at Chak’s 18th birthday party. Her knee-length floral dress looked pretty.
“It’s too… short.” He frowned as he looked around. “They are hovering.”
“Really?” She hid a smile at his jealousy. “Who?” “You are looking bad.”He pointed.
“Who said so?” She frowned.” Sid said I am looking so pretty,” she smiled.
“Who?” He frowned. “Sid.”
“He knows nothing!” He said with a “Huh!” “And you know everything?” Ajabde frowned.
“Yes I know how pretty you look in a saree.” He smiled. “Accha? And I don't in this?”
“You do but…It is not as elegant... the revealing” He said awkwardly.
“Why do you have a problem?” She raised her brows. Come on Princy say it!
“I don't.” He shrugged. “Why will I…”
“Exactly... Why will you…” She looked disappointed. “Chalo let's dance!” Pratap caught her hand.
“I don't want to.”
“Chalo!” He dragged her to the floor.
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