“What do I do!” Jalal sulked “Khan Baba and Rukaiya threw me out…”
Shakti broke into a laughter that stopped at Ajabde’s stare as Pratap frowned “What did you do?”
“Nothing.” He looked away. “Bed honest Jalal, what did you do?” Pratap repeated.
“Actually umm… Ruk is pregnant.” Heer Shakti and Ajabde smiled gleefully as Ajabde added “That’s wonderful! Congratulations!”
“But.” Pratap stopped them “What did YOU do?”
“I... went home and Khan Baba told me he is very happy that his grandchild is going to arrive…”
“Aww,” Heer exclaimed.
“Umm… I asked how?”
“Aww shit!” Ajabde exclaimed with a chuckle.
“That’s not all… umm… when he said Ruk told him… I said… how did that happen?”
“And Aapa threw you out?” Shakti chuckled. “Can't say she is wrong.”
“Aww poor Aapa, how are you like this Bhaijaan?” Heer scolded. “Am going to see her, you stay here for the night.”
“Wait, what?” Shakti startled her. “Why do you need to go tonight?” Heer looked angrily at him as Jalal sulked and Pratap and Ajabde exchanged an amused glance.
“What did you do Jalal?” Sau’s voice made them turn as she said “Rukaiya called crying.”
“Come with me Jija…” Heer added, “We will all go see her.”
“I will also bring Aarchi along” Sau added giving a cold stare at Jalal “Ruk will be happy with her.”
“ umm… aren't you coming back home tonight?” Chaks asked and murmured “Ah thank god, sleep at last”
“What did you say?” Sau asked angrily, adding “Come, Heer, all men are the same.” They walked away as Ajabde turned to Jalal adding “I will take care of it, don’t worry.” And walked away.
“Great, we suffer for your misdeeds!” Chaks shot a glance at Jalal.
“Leave it, we have got a night alone after so long, let's have a boy's night.” Shakti seemed excited as he brought a pack of Beer.
" My marriage is in danger here and …” Jalal sulked.
“Aree Bhaijaan!” Shakti patted his back. “Ajabde jija will handle it! Right, Dadabhai?” He smirked at Pratap. “ Come let's drink to them.”
“Everything has a limit” Rukaiya sobbed, “He asked how as if it is not his…”
“These men are so insensitive, it's been so many days since mine even said he loves me…” Sau added.
“umm… Shakti isn't like that… he shows care.” Heer was confused and scared as both shot her a glance.
“You wait 6 months and then see!” Sau snapped.
“4 will be enough! You are right, they don't even say a simple thing like they love us.” Ajabdeh looked quietly at the duo as Rukaiya added “Poor Ajab, even when they have grandkids Pratap will never say those words.”
“Tell me about it.” Ajabde sat down “I asked him so many times if he is forgetting something?”
“Dadabhai is shy….” Heer defended.
“You stop defending them!" Sau scolded, " He doesn't seem shy otherwise.” Ajabde snapped back.
“How do I make up for my mistake…” Jalal was still drunk and sulking.
“Bhaijaan, write a love letter and send her…” Shakti smiled. “How do I send it now?” He frowned.
“ Do something filmy like… Kabutar ja ja ja!” Shakti giggled as Pratap snapped “Shut up, you are drunk! Nobody is going anywhere.”
“Shakti…” Jalal ignored Pratap. “Be my pigeon.”
“But…” Pratap protested softly in vain as the boys planned an apology.
“Leave it!” Shakti stopped them clueless. “Let's go to the pub.”
“I need sleep.” Chaks sulked. “Proper sleep.”
“Pub is a great idea.” Jalal smiled. “Biwi hai maan jayegi!” He threw away the paper and pen.
The girls were having dinner when Ajabde, Sau and Heer’s phones rang all at once making them stare at one another before rushing in different directions.
“Heer, we are going on a drive” Shakti sounded serious. “Why?” Heer asked with a frown. “Bhaijaan is so upset…”
“Sau... ummm Jalal was crying… we are going out for ice cream” Chaks spoke to a doubtful Sau.
“ Umm… Ajab… they are planning to go to the pub….” Ajabde fumed inward at his words. “Enjoy.” She smiled.
“Long drive .” Heer shrugged. “Ice Cream?” Sau added annoyed.
“Pub.” Ajabde folded her hands on her sides. “Are you sure?” Rukaiya raised her eyebrows.
“He can’t lie to me.” Ajabde grinned.
“Marry him and he will learn that too…” Sau smiled sarcastically.
“I said long drive,” Shakti informed Jalal.
“I added Jalal is crying.” Chaks smiled. Pratap stood quiet as all three stared at him.
“What did you do?” Jalal frowned at him.
“I can’t lie to her.” Pratap gave a shrug and a faint smile. “O shit!” Chaks and Shakti looked at each other scared. “Ajabde will not tell them…” Pratap defended.
“Ya right!” Jalal sulked again. “If this leads to my divorce…” “I...” Pratap opened his mouth.
“Shakti plan change! Be my pigeon” Jalal ordered.
The doorbell rang at 11.30 PM as the girls frowned at each other. Rukaiya opened the door for Shakti and Brownie with a frown.
“What are you doing here?” She asked, annoyed.
“Congratulations Aapa.” He smiled at Rukaiya and then at Heer who looked away.
“ Bhaijaan has sent you this letter and his love.” She gave her a tattered paper.
“Letter?” Rukaiya raised her eyebrows as she took it and read aloud. “ Ruk, Sorry, Me happy, Party treat giving to guys, sorry, ILU. Jalal.” She folded the paper and snapped “What is this?”
“Letter,” Shakti spoke confusedly. “He was a little drunk so…”
“Get Out!” As soon as Rukaiya spoke, Heer slammed the door in Shakti’s face.
“Did she like it?” Jalal and Chaks asked in unison as Shakti frowned “Mine is now upset coz of you.”
“Should I go?” Chaks asked.
“Yes, you are the most experienced so you go.” Jalal patted him.
The bell rang as Ajabde opened to see Chaks standing all teeth out with a bouquet of June roses in hand.
“Congratulations…. Sorry, wrong girl.” He was still smiling.
“You are drunk too?” Sau exclaimed. “When will you get responsible! You have a baby!”
“Where is my baby? She doesn't let us sleep though, be honest Sau.” He was still smiling. “I mean I do love her more than anything but... focus! Rukaiya!”
“Stop grinning!” Sau snapped.
“Okay.” He was still in all teeth out smiles. “Rukaiya?”
“She is resting, go home!” Ajabde frowned as she slammed the door.
Chaks was still in this weird smile that made the boys frown.
“Stop smiling.” Jalal gave a bunt on his head making his smile fade. Pratap shook his head. “Stay put, I am coming.” “But…” Jalal protested softly in vain.
“I met Ajabdeh in a Hitler mode.” Chaks sulked at a scared Shakti.
Heer opened the door to frown at Pratap. “Dadabhai you too!” She exclaimed.
“No Choti, I am not drunk!” He defended. “Listen to me, Rukaiya…”
“What will I listen to?” Heer frowned. “Second time Shakti lied to me.”
“I know I know… but I am not lying…” Pratap was calm.
“You don't start Dadabhai, You can't even propose or tell someone your feelings. What will you say to make Aapa feel better?”
“What?” He frowned. Ajabde complained?
Rukaiya walked out annoyed “Who is ringing the bell over and over again…. Pratap!” She exclaimed, annoyed. “You joined them too!” Sau and Ajabde followed her out as Pratap walked up to her.
“See Rukaiya, hear me out, please. I am not here to take his side. I am here to tell you each other's point of view.” The girls stared at each other with frowns as he sat down on the sofa beside Rukaiya.
“You know Jalal never saw his father, he is scared and clueless about the responsibilities, the way a child will look up to him as an example, Can he handle all that?” He looked at Rukaiya thinking about it.
“He is scared but support him and reassure him that he will be fine… if you are angry it makes him more anxious, that doesn't help right?”
“You are right,” Rukaiya spoke unmindfully. “I should talk to him.” Pratap nodded, smiling.
“Sau.” He turned to her still in a frown. “ You left your job to be with Aarchi and Chaks feels more responsible than ever towards you two now. He works hard and yes it is true he complained about sleep but he was just being truthful about the experience, can you blame him for that? He lied about the pub coz he didn't want you to be upset again.” Sau opened her mouth to speak as he continued. “He can enjoy a bit, he knows his limits. You know him more than us.” Sau thought unmindful of his words.
“Choti.” He took Heer’s hand. “ You know Shakti regrets lying to you.”
“Heer, let's go home…” Sau spoke up as Heer nodded.
“Send Jalal home too, we need to talk,” Rukaiya said as Ajabde nodded in approval.
They walked down as the men stood wide-eyed and Heer said “Bhaijaan, Aapa wants to see you.”
Jalal smiled a gleeful smile as he ran upstairs. Ajabde and Pratap were in the corridor when they met Jalal and he hugged Pratap “Thank you Thank You.”
“Go.” Pratap got out of his embrace and Jalal ran, making Ajabde smile. “It was impressive…” Ajabde smirked.
"What?” Pratap frowned.
“Your speech convinced them.” “Not you?” He sulked.
“Not really, I know they don't think that deeply. It was your thoughts on the matter.” Her words made him smile as he held her hand in his and looked at it and stared back at her. He suddenly remembered Heer’s words and frowned.
"We have a meeting tomorrow for the project with Jalal and Shakti.”
“Right, we can see my official site after that.” He nodded in approval at her suggestion as they walked home.
“I have asked the interior decorator to come as well, for the Punwar’s apartment.” He smiled.
“Maa will choose. And Ranima.” She smiled back as he said, “They can meet him while we are meeting with fundraisers.”
“We need to plan for Holi too…. Ranima suggested we go to Surajgarh for that.”
“Heer will be so happy?” She smiled as he approved.
At the breakfast table, Ajabde arrived in her office suit and informed Hansa and Jaivanta “ We are busy in a meeting so you two need to talk to the Interior Decorators about the things you want.”
“Meeting?” Hansa asked, surprised. “MFP.” Shakti shrugged.
“Wait.” Heer stopped all three. “It's an important meeting take the blessings…” She handed all three Prasad as Shakti smiled, making her blush.
Jalal was at the conference room of the SISODIA with Mr Rathore and Mr Das and some other officials who ran the various NGOs as Pratap Ajabde and Shakti entered.
“Should we begin?” Jalal spoke up as they nodded.
“Mr Das.” Ajabde’s voice of authority was back. “Show the year’s progress please.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” He handed her the files.
“I was thinking…”Jalal said, “We need a little publicity on MF.” “Publicity?” Pratap frowned. “Like?”
“Today the world is all about publicity right?” Jalal stared at Shakti who nodded.
“So… we were thinking.” Shakti said, “We can arrange for some kind of Publicity.”
“What do you have in mind?” Ajabde asked, staring at the duo.
“She will be here in some time.” Jalal smiled. “She?” Shakti frowned, surprised.
“Yes, she. My publicity plan.” Jalal smiled. “Will meet back here when she comes.” Everyone agreed as they dispersed.
Jalal was reading the morning newspaper when a small column caught his attention. Rukaiya kept down the tea cups and looked at him frowning.
“What’s wrong?”
“Toranmal, The Con, Gets Bail, Only to Harass Kunwarani Heer Kanwar of Surajgarh again.” He read aloud. “… Heer Kanwar’s cousin happens to be Ajabdeh Punwar, Kunwar Pratap Singh’s ex. Hope their history doesn't affect the newlyweds.”
“The news media is useless.” Rukaiya frowned while sipping the tea.
“Don't worry Ruks… itys not good for you…” His words made her smile.
“I will see what I can do.” He dialled a number. “Ji Bhaijaan!” Heer smiled on the line.
“I need your help…” “Of course…”
“Media needs gossip about Pratap and Ajabdeh…”
“What?” Heer exclaimed. "You know if this gets public they will have a world war against you.”
“But what if they themselves say it?” Jalal smiled.
“How”
“Mewar Foundation.” He smiled. Heer frowned.
“I have a plan.” Jalal smiled.
Pratap walked ahead to the deserted left wing of the building as Ajabde followed in toe. He opened a door and moved aside for her to step in. It was a big room that could be a reception. He pointed at the spiral stairs. “Two chambers upstairs, Three departments here, if you need more…”
“This looks good… and with proper renovations….” Ajabde looked around.
“Problem solved.” He smiled as she smiled back with a nod. A message beeped on their phones. “Conference Room. Jalal.”
They entered the room frowning seeing Heer and Shakti with Jalal.
“You left Aarchi, Ranima and Maa alone with Sau, how will she handle them?” Ajabde exclaimed.
“ I called her,” Jalal spoke up. “ She is our publicity.” “How?” Pratap and Ajabde frowned in unison.
“Simple. Bhaijaan's plan is…” Shakti got up with a smile. “Heer will launch her new line, Men's wear and women’s westerns, with a fashion show. We will have a tie-up, bid and buy the designer lines for charity.”
“MF publicity and mine.” Heer smiled.
“And we will invite the elites of Rajasthan and Delhi, they will bid and buy to show off how much they can donate.” Jalal smiled. “It always works.”
“Acha?” Pratap asked thoughtfully and turned to Ajabde for her opinion.
“What about the cost? I mean we need a proper place and also … celeb showstopper and all…” Ajabde asked, “Won’t that cost a lot?”
“A little cost will boost business” Shakti smiled. “And as for show stoppers…” He stared at Jalal.
“That will be you two.” Jalal smiled at Heer.
“What?” Their exclamation in unison made Shakti laugh. “No no no.” Ajabde shook her head. “And no!”
“She can't even walk she will stop the show!” Pratap smirked as Ajabde looked annoyed.
“I am not a celebrity and I don't wish to be,” Ajabde replied, annoyed.
“That means you agree that I am.” Pratap’s words made Heer laugh as she said “The show won't happen if you two don't do it!”
“We also have to plan Holi?” Jalal smiled, changing the topic before Ajabde could protest again.
“We are going to Surajgarj for it?” Pratap asked a pleased Heer and Shakti as she jumped a small “Yay!”
“This is a workplace, so can we focus?” Ajabde’s stern voice made them say “Ji Ma’am.” In unison, she hid a smile and said “Heer, let's go home.”
As soon as they left Shakti smiled “Can we have Bhang?”
“Nahi.” Jalal and Pratap scolded in unison. He walked out sulking and dialled Patta.
“You reach Surajgarh I will….”
“Jija, you missed the turn.” Heer frowned a little scared as Ajabde drove Pratap’s car.
“We are not going home.” Her words made Heer smile in awe. “Where did my car go?” Pratap asked with a frown at the Valet. “Ajabde Ma’am asked for the keys…” The man looked scared.
“Oh shit!” Shakti chuckled as Pratap looked like he would have a heart attack.
“Call Heer to check if she has broken a bone.” Jalal’s words worried Shakti.
“Ask if my car is fine…” Pratap spoke softly.
Hansa and Jaivanta were in the apartment with the Interior decorator. “Choose the shades for your rooms?” Hansa asked as the girls arrived.
“Pink and maroon shades…” Heer smiled “Shakti likes … I mean…” She looked embarrassed.
“Patta will love blue.” Ajabde spoke up as Hansa said “And yours?.”
“Purple.” Heer smiled as Ajabde looked away. Her phone rang.
“Hello, I am fine….” She laughed as Ajabde looked annoyed. “Jija, Dadabhai is asking if his car is in a single piece.”
Hansa and Jaivanta smiled as Heer giggled on the Phone “Shakti, tell Dadabhai that if he asks any more he won't be in a single piece.” She walked away from the crowd. “You know, I came home.”
“I know.” He said confused.
“I mean the old apartment…” She smiled.
“I have to go, I will hear this later okay?” He said as he saw Jalal and Pratap make their way to his and Jalal’s cars.
“And??” She blushed. A smile curved Shakti’s lips. “I love you.”
“Love you too. Bye.” Heer smiled at the phone as Ajabde walked up behind her.
“Ahem!” She startled Heer. “Chale Mrs. Shakti Singh?” Heer looked away at her taunt as Ajabde smiled.
“We planned Holi.” Shakti hugged Ranima on entering the palace. “In Surajgarh.”
“Shakti.” Pratap, Ajabde and Heer frowned in unison. “That was a surprise!”
“He can never keep a secret.” Pratap frowned.
“You ruined everything.” Heer sulked. Jaivanta smiled.
“The apartment will be ready by the time we come back home? We can shift as soon as possible then.” Hansa asked Ajabde who nodded in approval. “Patta will also be here.” Pratap stared at her and at Heer whose smile faded for a moment.
Ajabde kissed Aarchi and retired to her room while Heer went to the Kitchen to help Kaka.
Heer came smiling with Pakora and Chai with Rukaiya and Sau in toe saying “Jija we were thinking of some ladies' gossip session. We miss that."
“Where is brownie?” Heer looked around.
“With Pratap and the boys on the roof.” Sau said, “I checked.”
“Sit.” Ajabde smiled, making room for them. “So…” Shakti frowned at Jalal’s smile.
“So?” He asked cluelessly.
“I noticed,” Jalal smirked. “Me too.” Pratap smiled.
“What?” Chaks frowned clueless as Shakti looked away red.
“I …umm…” Shakti started as Chaks exclaimed, “Confessed??” “You are always so slow.” Jalal frowned at him.
“But when and how... I mean…” Chaks was still clueless as Shakti said “She suddenly talked of separation at the party.”
“What?” Jalal and Pratap exclaimed in unison wide-eyed. “So I was angry.” He shrugged.
“We don't want details.” Chaks smirked. “I am not telling either.” Shakti stared at him.
“But… separation? Really?” Jalal seemed amused. “She is crazy when she overthinks.” Shakti shrugged.
“Khandani problem lagta hai…” Pratap’s serious tone made them laugh out loud.
“Hush!” He frowned. “They will kill you.” “What about you?” Jalal patted his back.
“Shakti go an make some coffee for us” Jalal made him frown. “This is not fair, I told mine so I can hear his.”
“Don't sit while elders speak, go on child.” Chaks patted his head as he elbowed Chaks.
“What the hell yaar!” Shakti sulked walking away.
“Now tell us.” Chaks and Jalal said in unison. “Did something happen?”
“What will happen?” Pratap looked at them fed up. “Either she talks of work or Ranima, Brownie, Aarchi, Business, MF… or else her Hitler mode is on.” His words made Jalal and Chaks laugh.
“I have a solution.” Shakti’s voice made them turn. “You didn't leave?” Pratap frowned.
“We can make her have Bhang….”
“Seriously?” Jalal shook his head. “Bring our coffee please.”
Shakti frowned.
“And nobody will bring bhang, Ranima Hansa Mausi will be there.” Pratap pointed at him as he ran.
“Heer, tell us.” Rukaiya smiled at her. She looked surprised as Ajabde smiled.
“Everything you can. How is Shakti??” Sau asked excitedly as Heer blushed.
“He’s… he’s…”
“She never praises him.” Ajabde protested.
“He's a gem. Someone tells her and her Dadabhai that”
“ Ohho! So you tell us, Dadabhai is romantic?” Heer giggled with Sau and Ruk as she narrowed her eyes.
“Yes tell us, Ajab…” Sau giggled.
“Jalal has become a little more caring since he heard of the child, to be honest.” Rukaiya smiled happily as Heer said “Aww.”
At dinner, Pratap spoke to Ranima, “ I have made the arrangements, we will reach by eve, Mr Rathore will receive us at the airport…”
“Heer and Shakti will do the rituals,” Ranima added as Pratap nodded.
“You will not leave the room!” Ajabde pointed as Jaivanta frowned “But it's Holi.”
“So?” Shakti agreed with Ajabde.
“Give us food and cards we will sit in the room all day.” Hansa smiled at Jaivanta. "Especially sweets."
“You have diabetes!” Ajabde and Heer spoke in unison as Sau chuckled.
“Everyone seems to be sounding like Ruks.” Making Rukaiya frown as Jalal gave Sau a high five.
“Then we will host the employees' families and locals…”
“… we invited young people only…” Shakti added as Pratap warned “No Bhang!”
He frowned. Heer elbowed him with a soft “No.” Jalal’s eyes met Shakti’s and smiled.
After Dinner, Ajabde was in her room with Brownie checking some files when the door opened noiselessly.
“Come check this file.” She spoke without looking up as Pratap frowned.
“How do you know it’s me?”
“Coz others knock. Hush.” He sat patting Brownie watching her check the file.
“What happened?” She looked up after finishing it.
“You will go home once we come back….” He sat beside her with a grumpy face as she giggled “Haan five minutes away.””
“I have a surprise for you.” He said showing her a picture on the phone.
“What is this?” She frowned at the empty room in the pic.
“Heer's Boutique. I wanted to gift her something.” He smiled.
“Ranima's idea. She was upset with shifting so we thought she needs this, to keep working.”
“Wow,” Ajabde exclaimed, pleased. “She will be overwhelmed.” “Right?” he asked as she nodded.
“We need to wake early for the flight.” She smiled, running her hand through his hair.
“Hmm.” He came closer as she looked wide-eyed. “What are you doing?”
“Saying Goodnight?” He smirked as her heart skipped a beat. “How?” She asked, scared.
“You don't know how to properly say it?” He asked, smiling as she froze. “Close your eyes.” He closed her eyes with his hand as she gulped scared, her heartbeat increasing. He smiled at her pale face and kissed her cheek, before whispering “ I will be ready when you are.” And walked away as Ajabde still sat frozen.
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