The dawn broke as the line of cars drove out of Surajgarh Palace. The Royal white Land Rover had Jaivanta and Hansa with Patta, who seemed pretty quiet since the previous evening and worried Hansa. Jalal drove Rukaiya, Chaks and Sau with baby Aarchi, who was still in deep sleep on her mother's lap. Heer was having a pretty bad headache, so Shakti insisted they would start their journey as soon as she woke up, as it would be wrong to wake up a person who was talking and laughing to herself all night. Ajabdeh wanted to stay back for Heer, but Shakti's continuous pursuit made her realise he just wanted some alone time with the crazy side of a wife he handled so maturely last night. That left Pratap to keep aside the heaps of luggage in his car to make room for Ajabdeh and Brownie at the last moment as Kakasa ran to inform him at the porch to wait for Ajabdeh Baisa. Pratap nodded with a faint smile and stared back once at the lawns. Well, until next time! The sound of her footsteps made him turn just in time. Brownie was about to jump on his beige polo t-shirt, making him say, "Easy, buddy." She looked back worried at the door when he told the old man to leave after putting Brownie in the rear seat. "They will be fine. Let's go." He gave her his hand as she looked hesitant, and instead of waiting for her to take it, he pulled her hand with a frown. "Chalo!"
"Choti..." She spoke as he started the car. "Shakti is there..." His words made her stare at him wide-eyed like he was a ghost. "What?" he asked, frowning. "It was you who always said Shakti is not responsible... who..."
" He still is not..." He shook his head. "He got Bhang!"
"Jalal also..."
"When will you stop defending him..."
"When will you start saying..."
"Ajabdeh."
"Princy!"
"Woof!" Brownie's tone copying them made them stare back at the back seat in surprise and then at each other as they broke into laughter. "Aww, my baby!" Ajabdeh smiled at the dog and then back at Pratap! Looking at the road ahead his right hand held the steering wheel as the left hand searched to meet her on her lap she looked at it and back at him as he smiled a faint smile without looking at her blushing face as he placed her hand in his, and back on the steering wheel prompting her to move in closer and place her head on his shoulder with a smile making him smile back as he caressed her hand in his. "Ugh. My head."
"Hush!" Shakti ran to the bed with warm water dipped in the lemon as Heer sat scratching her head and frowned at the sunlight coming from the balcony. She stared at herself still in the Holi dress and her kohl smudged like ghosts, and she hid her face with her hand and frowned. "Shit!" "What happened?" Shakti smiled, amused, patting her head. "Drink this."
"I need to get freshened up. Look at me, I am so... messed up!" She looked distressed. "Aww." Shakti took her hands in his and removed the smudged kohl with the tissue in her hand. "Drink."
"Where is everyone?" She asked, gulping. "It is so peaceful here..."
"They went back home." She dreaded his half smile as she jumped up with a "What?" and struggled to keep her balance, landing back on him, holding her head. "Hush, easy! I told them we will reach by eve..."
"Are you mad?" She sounded angry. "I have my biggest show lined up tomorrow ..."
" And Bhaijaan is helping with the arrangements! Don't worry. By the way, do you remember... what happened yesterday..." His smile went unnoticed as she held her head. "We were at the ground ... You and Patta gave me the Bhang..."
"Oho, Madam, you drank it yourself..." He protested. "Okay, stop shouting!" She frowned. "Then... I was on the rooftop? Then Patta was crying a lot...."
"And?" Shakti smiled as she gulped, looking at him. "And?" She asked nervously. Her eyes said she remembered as his gaze teased her. "Someone planned kids..." He looked like he was trying to remember something as Heer got up to leave. Shakti caught her wrist and pulled her back, prompting her to fall on him once again. This time, he leaned in, holding her with a smile as she blushed. "Tell me, Heeriye." He nudged at her ears as she closed her eyes and murmured a soft "What?"
"Who was family planning?" He smiled at her, rubbing his hand over her cheeks. "Should I say it?" She got up and took two steps back as he moved forward with a confused smile. "Say it."
"Am saying..."She stepped back and he stepped forward, maintaining the distance as he nodded. Heer ran to the bathroom in time to shut the door in his face as she shouted, " I don't know, and I don't remember. Driver! We are leaving, it's already late." Her giggle was followed by his "Madam, let's go home, then this driver will show you." She opened the door to stick her tongue out at him before shutting it in his face again, making him smile as he said, " You have ten minutes, I am going to get the car!"The Park Plaza was set in grandeur for the big event. Heer's presents a Charity Party for the Elite for THE MEWAR FOUNDATION – A Sisodia- Punwar Initiative. The banners, the event management and the team were under Jalal's keen surveillance as Heer rubbed her cold hands, breathing in heavily and looking around. The tables were set for the elites of Rajputana, and the food and drinks were already being served. The DJ was ready for the fashion show, and the "T" shaped ramp was ready for its models. Heer had never imagined such a big stage or media coverage for her designer line; neither was she confident about it if not for Shakti and Bhaijaan. "Sorry, I am so sorry I am late." Shakti caught her scared face off guard with a hug as he frowned, "You are tense?"
"I... am not sure, the backstage is in a mess, and where are Dadabhai and Jija?"
"Did they run away?" Jalal's words made her frown.
"Bhaijaan!" She walked away backstage as Shakti followed in tow. The models were getting ready for the theme of the show, "Bollywood Couples – Real and Reels", when Shakti found her in a corner checking out the show-stopper dress she had picked for Ajabdeh. "Wow, this is..."Shakti stopped at her stare. "Let me call Ajab Gazab."
"Choti..." She spoke as he started the car. "Shakti is there..." His words made her stare at him wide-eyed like he was a ghost. "What?" he asked, frowning. "It was you who always said Shakti is not responsible... who..."
" He still is not..." He shook his head. "He got Bhang!"
"Jalal also..."
"When will you stop defending him..."
"When will you start saying..."
"Ajabdeh."
"Princy!"
"Woof!" Brownie's tone copying them made them stare back at the back seat in surprise and then at each other as they broke into laughter. "Aww, my baby!" Ajabdeh smiled at the dog and then back at Pratap! Looking at the road ahead his right hand held the steering wheel as the left hand searched to meet her on her lap she looked at it and back at him as he smiled a faint smile without looking at her blushing face as he placed her hand in his, and back on the steering wheel prompting her to move in closer and place her head on his shoulder with a smile making him smile back as he caressed her hand in his. "Ugh. My head."
"Hush!" Shakti ran to the bed with warm water dipped in the lemon as Heer sat scratching her head and frowned at the sunlight coming from the balcony. She stared at herself still in the Holi dress and her kohl smudged like ghosts, and she hid her face with her hand and frowned. "Shit!" "What happened?" Shakti smiled, amused, patting her head. "Drink this."
"I need to get freshened up. Look at me, I am so... messed up!" She looked distressed. "Aww." Shakti took her hands in his and removed the smudged kohl with the tissue in her hand. "Drink."
"Where is everyone?" She asked, gulping. "It is so peaceful here..."
"They went back home." She dreaded his half smile as she jumped up with a "What?" and struggled to keep her balance, landing back on him, holding her head. "Hush, easy! I told them we will reach by eve..."
"Are you mad?" She sounded angry. "I have my biggest show lined up tomorrow ..."
" And Bhaijaan is helping with the arrangements! Don't worry. By the way, do you remember... what happened yesterday..." His smile went unnoticed as she held her head. "We were at the ground ... You and Patta gave me the Bhang..."
"Oho, Madam, you drank it yourself..." He protested. "Okay, stop shouting!" She frowned. "Then... I was on the rooftop? Then Patta was crying a lot...."
"And?" Shakti smiled as she gulped, looking at him. "And?" She asked nervously. Her eyes said she remembered as his gaze teased her. "Someone planned kids..." He looked like he was trying to remember something as Heer got up to leave. Shakti caught her wrist and pulled her back, prompting her to fall on him once again. This time, he leaned in, holding her with a smile as she blushed. "Tell me, Heeriye." He nudged at her ears as she closed her eyes and murmured a soft "What?"
"Who was family planning?" He smiled at her, rubbing his hand over her cheeks. "Should I say it?" She got up and took two steps back as he moved forward with a confused smile. "Say it."
"Am saying..."She stepped back and he stepped forward, maintaining the distance as he nodded. Heer ran to the bathroom in time to shut the door in his face as she shouted, " I don't know, and I don't remember. Driver! We are leaving, it's already late." Her giggle was followed by his "Madam, let's go home, then this driver will show you." She opened the door to stick her tongue out at him before shutting it in his face again, making him smile as he said, " You have ten minutes, I am going to get the car!"The Park Plaza was set in grandeur for the big event. Heer's presents a Charity Party for the Elite for THE MEWAR FOUNDATION – A Sisodia- Punwar Initiative. The banners, the event management and the team were under Jalal's keen surveillance as Heer rubbed her cold hands, breathing in heavily and looking around. The tables were set for the elites of Rajputana, and the food and drinks were already being served. The DJ was ready for the fashion show, and the "T" shaped ramp was ready for its models. Heer had never imagined such a big stage or media coverage for her designer line; neither was she confident about it if not for Shakti and Bhaijaan. "Sorry, I am so sorry I am late." Shakti caught her scared face off guard with a hug as he frowned, "You are tense?"
"I... am not sure, the backstage is in a mess, and where are Dadabhai and Jija?"
"Did they run away?" Jalal's words made her frown.
"Bhaijaan!" She walked away backstage as Shakti followed in tow. The models were getting ready for the theme of the show, "Bollywood Couples – Real and Reels", when Shakti found her in a corner checking out the show-stopper dress she had picked for Ajabdeh. "Wow, this is..."Shakti stopped at her stare. "Let me call Ajab Gazab."
"Here come your missing Showstoppers." Jalal interrupted with a smile, making Ajabdeh frown. "Choti, chill, this is not your exam." Pratap hugged her reassuringly as she murmured, "This looks like my maths paper!" Ajabdeh looked a little scared at her expectations as Heer dragged her by the hand, saying, "Shakti, help Dadabhai, we will roll in 30 minutes!"
"Yes, Boss." Shakti handed Pratap his suit before dragging him to the greenroom, and Heer did the same to Ajabdeh."Do your fashion show and charity, but I control the real story," Jalal smirked as he called someone. "She is here? Is the DJ ready? Media? Let's Roll."
"Choti, I can't even walk in this, how can I on the ramp!" Ajabdeh complained, staring at herself in the mirror. The black cocktail gown with a perfect side slit and the net neckline, teamed with the ethnic touch of Gold embroidery and Gold shoes and jewellery, her hair was done up in curls, and the red lips and smoky eyes made her feel uncomfortable. "Ohho, Jija, walk slowly, look up and smile."
"Choti, you are making me nervous!"
" I look handsome," Pratap concluded, looking into the mirror in his milky white three-piece suit, black shirt and gold royal brooch. "Wait till you see our heroine!" Shakti smiled at Patta, who nodded in agreement as Pratap smiled faintly."We are on!" Heer peeped in. "Your entry is to the left of the T wing and Jija to the right, make sure you meet at the centre, in coordination, ok?"
"Choti." Pratap smiled. "Breathe."
"Uff." Heer managed a smile. "Okay."
"We are on." Jalal was on the phone as Ajabdeh struggled towards the right wing. "The last one tonight is special. Not only because we showcase Bollywood's most happening Jodi, King Khan and Kajol, but because we have very special showstoppers with us here, the faces of Mewar Foundation itself!" The announcement made Ajabdeh's heart race as Heer pushed her with a "Go"
"Kajol? Is Choti mad?" She murmured as the focus light fell on her, and remembering Heer's words, she smiled, looking up. There he was on the other end of the wing, seeming utterly composed and relaxed as he smiled at her reassuringly, every step bringing them closer as the music played and the surprised crowd gasped. Little did Ajabdeh know his heart raced to see her in that attire as she gulped to force a smile and look away. Janam Janam Janam Saath Chalna Yuhi Kasam Tumhe Kasam Aake Milna Yehi Ek Jaan Hai Bhale Do Badan Ho Juda. They walked in perfect sync to the middle of the platform, eyes not leaving each other, as he did what she didn't expect of him here, gave her his hand. She smiled, hiding her blush as she took it in a slow, composed manner. Mere hoke hamesha hi rehna kabhi na kehna Alvida. They walked towards the media as they went crazy, clicking away and making Ajabdeh a little uncomfortable. She tried to let go of the hand as he held on firmly, smiling at the media like a professional model. One by one, the models were making their way out for the final bow as they stood there, and the music played on. Meri Subah ho Tum Hi, Aur Tum Hi Sham Ho. Tum Dard ho Tum hi aaram ho. Meri dua o se aati hai bas yeh sada Meri hoke hamesha hi rehna Kabhi na kehna alvida. The music faded in applause as Heer walked out in a dress herself with a relieved smile and walked up behind Pratap and Ajabdeh. "Leave her hand already, Dadabhai." Made Pratap let go as Ajabdeh looked at her sister a little wide-eyed, and she managed a smile, taking the mic. "Thank you, everyone, for being so patient and generous with a newcomer like me. Frankly, this would just been a distant dream if not for Mr Jalaluddin Mohammad and Mr Shakti Singh." She smiled. " My husband."
"And this, there couldn't be a better cause than the Mewar Foundation. Not only because Heer Kanwar is Mewar's daughter, but also because the Sisodia Punwar Partnership, this dream, was not only a business deal but our life's efforts. Kunwar Pratap Singh and Miss Ajabdeh Punwar's hard work and our fathers' visions. Thank you for being part of this, all of you." Her speech ended in applause as Ajabdeh was relieved to get back to the green room only after he caught her hand again once, in the corridor and murmured, "I got something to tell you"
"What?"
"Let's go somewhere." He smiled. "Now?" She frowned. "Why not?" His smirk met her narrowed eyes. "Jija." Heer interrupted, taking her away, " Hurry up and change, we have a girls' night out!!"
"What? But..." Pratap's cry went in vain as they walked away. "...This was important."
"What was important?" Jalal startled him. "What can be more important than a night out?"
"Night out?" Pratap frowned. "What are we celebrating?"
"This show, of course." Patta smiled. Pratap looked unsure. Getting into her jeans and tee, Ajabdeh felt like she could breathe again. Getting off the heavy earrings, she smiled absentmindedly at how he firmly held her hand. A knock made her frown a little. "Yes?"
" Umm... ma'am." It was one of the crew members. "The one who bought your dress wants to meet you, ma'am. She wants to donate to the Mewar Foundation."
"Send her in." Ajabdeh nodded, pleased. A few seconds later, as Ajabdeh tied up her hair into a braid and set her face straight, a knock made her say a professional "Come in."A woman in her early 20s, in a little black dress and a diamond necklace, entered, making her stare up at the face she could never forget. "This is..."
"Phool Kanwar Rathore." She smiled to shake Ajabdeh's hand. "Princess of Marwar."
"I am..." Ajabdeh extended her hand.
" She is Ajabdeh Punwar, my... best friend." Pratap smiled at her. 17-year-old Ajabdeh was in awe of the grace with which this girl carried herself. It would be wrong to say she felt no complex near this pretty one. All eyes in the Palace Party at Surajgarh were on her. Well, all except one.
"What happened?" He frowned as she looked busy with her drink. "Kya?" She looked up. "Why are you here while Heer, Shakti, and Patta are dancing?" He pointed. "You know I..."
" When I amn't here, you will hate these parties alone." Pratap smiled at her."Don't blackmail me, Princy!" She frowned as she kept down her glass. He knew he had won this battle as he gave her the hand she took to be led to the dance floor among the siblings. "Why is she ogling you?" Ajabdeh frowned at Phool, staring at Pratap. "Who?" Shakti asked, frowning."Nobody." She nodded as she walked away from the floor.
" Are you his girlfriend?" made Ajabdeh choke on her drink rather ungracefully as she turned to face Phool." Ji?" She looked scared, looking for him in the crowd. "Are you Pratap's girlfriend? You don't seem royal, and this is a royal party, so..." Phool asked, scrutinising. "She is family." His voice made Phool turn. "She is part of the family." He smiled as Ajabdeh looked away. She didn't know why her heart sank at his words when all he did was defend her.
"Great, friends?" Phool extended her hand to Ajabdeh with a smile as Pratap smirked. "Ajabdeh doesn't befriend people easily."
"Friends." Ajabde stunned him as she smiled back at Phool.
"Ajabdeh." Phool smiled at her as she read Ajabdeh's face. "I... Jalal invited me."
"Jalal?" Ajabdeh frowned. He didn't tell me."
"Yes, he urged every part of Rajputana to be part of this, and how could I not represent my state? And... I wanted to meet you. Personally." She looked awkward around Ajabdeh's stare." Meet me?" Ajabdeh kept a straight face. "Why?"
" To apologise." She looked up at Ajabdeh's frowning face. "For everything I ... I was so immature and I...."
"No." Ajabdeh's words stopped her. "You don't need to apologise for anything."
"But I... genuinely didn't know you..." Phool stopped as Ajabdeh held her hands. "We were teenagers who lacked trust and understanding, and Phool, to tell the truth, we both believe nobody came in between us; our egos did."
"I was so happy to see you two together on stage, I was guilty ever since...." Phool smiled, relieved. "Ajabdeh... I wanted to give you this for the Mewar Foundation." She took out a piece of paper from her bag. "This is my father's property near Surajgarh. You may need it...."
"But Phool." Ajabdeh looked stunned. "I can't take this! It's too huge a donation, you can be part of the...."
"No, Ajabdeh, this is a small price for the last few years." She smiled. "And I'm moving to the USA This is the best I could do before I go."
"Moving?" Ajabdeh asked, surprised. "Yes." She blushed as she showed the princess-cut ring on her finger. "He is a doctor."
"Congratulations." Ajabdeh smiled a genuine smile. "Here," Phool put the papers in her hand. "Take these." She turned to go and stopped. "Ajabdeh, I am glad we talked. I hope we can be friends again." Phool was taken aback by the warm hug she received from Ajabdeh as she said, "I am glad we met again, Phool. Thank you for the donation."
"Ajabdeh." Phool smiled as she hugged back. "Aja..." Pratap stopped, stunned at the scene he frowned uneasily. Phool wiped away her relieved tears as she smiled, "Bye, Pratap." Making him promptly move away from the door, staring scared at Ajabdeh.
"Why was ... she here?" Pratap found a voice as Ajabdeh smiled and handed him the paper, making him stare wide-eyed. "I realised something today," She said, staring at him through the mirror as she packed her stuff." And that is?" He was still looking shocked at the papers. Something in him doubted if it was real, too. "We see a person how we think they are and not actually as they are... everyone has their good sides and bad sides, but instead of seeing both, we choose one which suits our narratives."
"I can't believe you forgave her." He interrupted Ajabdeh, a little disappointed. "No, Pratap." Made him stare as she smiled. "I forgave myself for not trusting us."
"Ajabdeh." He started as she ran, "No, no, no, I'm running late. The girls are waiting! See you in the office."
"But...." He smiled, watching her run in the most non-graceful way a girl ever could. Frowning at the paper in hand, he dialled a number "Mr Rathore, I am sending you some papers to verify."
"Chalo Dadabhai." Shakti dragged him out to the parking lot as they saw the girls drive away to Jalal's place for the night."Where are we...." Patta asked, frowning. "Pub." Shakti patted him, "Let's introduce you to some girls"
"I don't think...."
"Oh, poor Devdas, let's go..." Pratap shook his head as Jalal and Shakti forced Patta into the car.
"Yes, Boss." Shakti handed Pratap his suit before dragging him to the greenroom, and Heer did the same to Ajabdeh."Do your fashion show and charity, but I control the real story," Jalal smirked as he called someone. "She is here? Is the DJ ready? Media? Let's Roll."
"Choti, I can't even walk in this, how can I on the ramp!" Ajabdeh complained, staring at herself in the mirror. The black cocktail gown with a perfect side slit and the net neckline, teamed with the ethnic touch of Gold embroidery and Gold shoes and jewellery, her hair was done up in curls, and the red lips and smoky eyes made her feel uncomfortable. "Ohho, Jija, walk slowly, look up and smile."
"Choti, you are making me nervous!"
" I look handsome," Pratap concluded, looking into the mirror in his milky white three-piece suit, black shirt and gold royal brooch. "Wait till you see our heroine!" Shakti smiled at Patta, who nodded in agreement as Pratap smiled faintly."We are on!" Heer peeped in. "Your entry is to the left of the T wing and Jija to the right, make sure you meet at the centre, in coordination, ok?"
"Choti." Pratap smiled. "Breathe."
"Uff." Heer managed a smile. "Okay."
"We are on." Jalal was on the phone as Ajabdeh struggled towards the right wing. "The last one tonight is special. Not only because we showcase Bollywood's most happening Jodi, King Khan and Kajol, but because we have very special showstoppers with us here, the faces of Mewar Foundation itself!" The announcement made Ajabdeh's heart race as Heer pushed her with a "Go"
"Kajol? Is Choti mad?" She murmured as the focus light fell on her, and remembering Heer's words, she smiled, looking up. There he was on the other end of the wing, seeming utterly composed and relaxed as he smiled at her reassuringly, every step bringing them closer as the music played and the surprised crowd gasped. Little did Ajabdeh know his heart raced to see her in that attire as she gulped to force a smile and look away. Janam Janam Janam Saath Chalna Yuhi Kasam Tumhe Kasam Aake Milna Yehi Ek Jaan Hai Bhale Do Badan Ho Juda. They walked in perfect sync to the middle of the platform, eyes not leaving each other, as he did what she didn't expect of him here, gave her his hand. She smiled, hiding her blush as she took it in a slow, composed manner. Mere hoke hamesha hi rehna kabhi na kehna Alvida. They walked towards the media as they went crazy, clicking away and making Ajabdeh a little uncomfortable. She tried to let go of the hand as he held on firmly, smiling at the media like a professional model. One by one, the models were making their way out for the final bow as they stood there, and the music played on. Meri Subah ho Tum Hi, Aur Tum Hi Sham Ho. Tum Dard ho Tum hi aaram ho. Meri dua o se aati hai bas yeh sada Meri hoke hamesha hi rehna Kabhi na kehna alvida. The music faded in applause as Heer walked out in a dress herself with a relieved smile and walked up behind Pratap and Ajabdeh. "Leave her hand already, Dadabhai." Made Pratap let go as Ajabdeh looked at her sister a little wide-eyed, and she managed a smile, taking the mic. "Thank you, everyone, for being so patient and generous with a newcomer like me. Frankly, this would just been a distant dream if not for Mr Jalaluddin Mohammad and Mr Shakti Singh." She smiled. " My husband."
"And this, there couldn't be a better cause than the Mewar Foundation. Not only because Heer Kanwar is Mewar's daughter, but also because the Sisodia Punwar Partnership, this dream, was not only a business deal but our life's efforts. Kunwar Pratap Singh and Miss Ajabdeh Punwar's hard work and our fathers' visions. Thank you for being part of this, all of you." Her speech ended in applause as Ajabdeh was relieved to get back to the green room only after he caught her hand again once, in the corridor and murmured, "I got something to tell you"
"What?"
"Let's go somewhere." He smiled. "Now?" She frowned. "Why not?" His smirk met her narrowed eyes. "Jija." Heer interrupted, taking her away, " Hurry up and change, we have a girls' night out!!"
"What? But..." Pratap's cry went in vain as they walked away. "...This was important."
"What was important?" Jalal startled him. "What can be more important than a night out?"
"Night out?" Pratap frowned. "What are we celebrating?"
"This show, of course." Patta smiled. Pratap looked unsure. Getting into her jeans and tee, Ajabdeh felt like she could breathe again. Getting off the heavy earrings, she smiled absentmindedly at how he firmly held her hand. A knock made her frown a little. "Yes?"
" Umm... ma'am." It was one of the crew members. "The one who bought your dress wants to meet you, ma'am. She wants to donate to the Mewar Foundation."
"Send her in." Ajabdeh nodded, pleased. A few seconds later, as Ajabdeh tied up her hair into a braid and set her face straight, a knock made her say a professional "Come in."A woman in her early 20s, in a little black dress and a diamond necklace, entered, making her stare up at the face she could never forget. "This is..."
"Phool Kanwar Rathore." She smiled to shake Ajabdeh's hand. "Princess of Marwar."
"I am..." Ajabdeh extended her hand.
" She is Ajabdeh Punwar, my... best friend." Pratap smiled at her. 17-year-old Ajabdeh was in awe of the grace with which this girl carried herself. It would be wrong to say she felt no complex near this pretty one. All eyes in the Palace Party at Surajgarh were on her. Well, all except one.
"What happened?" He frowned as she looked busy with her drink. "Kya?" She looked up. "Why are you here while Heer, Shakti, and Patta are dancing?" He pointed. "You know I..."
" When I amn't here, you will hate these parties alone." Pratap smiled at her."Don't blackmail me, Princy!" She frowned as she kept down her glass. He knew he had won this battle as he gave her the hand she took to be led to the dance floor among the siblings. "Why is she ogling you?" Ajabdeh frowned at Phool, staring at Pratap. "Who?" Shakti asked, frowning."Nobody." She nodded as she walked away from the floor.
" Are you his girlfriend?" made Ajabdeh choke on her drink rather ungracefully as she turned to face Phool." Ji?" She looked scared, looking for him in the crowd. "Are you Pratap's girlfriend? You don't seem royal, and this is a royal party, so..." Phool asked, scrutinising. "She is family." His voice made Phool turn. "She is part of the family." He smiled as Ajabdeh looked away. She didn't know why her heart sank at his words when all he did was defend her.
"Great, friends?" Phool extended her hand to Ajabdeh with a smile as Pratap smirked. "Ajabdeh doesn't befriend people easily."
"Friends." Ajabde stunned him as she smiled back at Phool.
"Ajabdeh." Phool smiled at her as she read Ajabdeh's face. "I... Jalal invited me."
"Jalal?" Ajabdeh frowned. He didn't tell me."
"Yes, he urged every part of Rajputana to be part of this, and how could I not represent my state? And... I wanted to meet you. Personally." She looked awkward around Ajabdeh's stare." Meet me?" Ajabdeh kept a straight face. "Why?"
" To apologise." She looked up at Ajabdeh's frowning face. "For everything I ... I was so immature and I...."
"No." Ajabdeh's words stopped her. "You don't need to apologise for anything."
"But I... genuinely didn't know you..." Phool stopped as Ajabdeh held her hands. "We were teenagers who lacked trust and understanding, and Phool, to tell the truth, we both believe nobody came in between us; our egos did."
"I was so happy to see you two together on stage, I was guilty ever since...." Phool smiled, relieved. "Ajabdeh... I wanted to give you this for the Mewar Foundation." She took out a piece of paper from her bag. "This is my father's property near Surajgarh. You may need it...."
"But Phool." Ajabdeh looked stunned. "I can't take this! It's too huge a donation, you can be part of the...."
"No, Ajabdeh, this is a small price for the last few years." She smiled. "And I'm moving to the USA This is the best I could do before I go."
"Moving?" Ajabdeh asked, surprised. "Yes." She blushed as she showed the princess-cut ring on her finger. "He is a doctor."
"Congratulations." Ajabdeh smiled a genuine smile. "Here," Phool put the papers in her hand. "Take these." She turned to go and stopped. "Ajabdeh, I am glad we talked. I hope we can be friends again." Phool was taken aback by the warm hug she received from Ajabdeh as she said, "I am glad we met again, Phool. Thank you for the donation."
"Ajabdeh." Phool smiled as she hugged back. "Aja..." Pratap stopped, stunned at the scene he frowned uneasily. Phool wiped away her relieved tears as she smiled, "Bye, Pratap." Making him promptly move away from the door, staring scared at Ajabdeh.
"Why was ... she here?" Pratap found a voice as Ajabdeh smiled and handed him the paper, making him stare wide-eyed. "I realised something today," She said, staring at him through the mirror as she packed her stuff." And that is?" He was still looking shocked at the papers. Something in him doubted if it was real, too. "We see a person how we think they are and not actually as they are... everyone has their good sides and bad sides, but instead of seeing both, we choose one which suits our narratives."
"I can't believe you forgave her." He interrupted Ajabdeh, a little disappointed. "No, Pratap." Made him stare as she smiled. "I forgave myself for not trusting us."
"Ajabdeh." He started as she ran, "No, no, no, I'm running late. The girls are waiting! See you in the office."
"But...." He smiled, watching her run in the most non-graceful way a girl ever could. Frowning at the paper in hand, he dialled a number "Mr Rathore, I am sending you some papers to verify."
"Chalo Dadabhai." Shakti dragged him out to the parking lot as they saw the girls drive away to Jalal's place for the night."Where are we...." Patta asked, frowning. "Pub." Shakti patted him, "Let's introduce you to some girls"
"I don't think...."
"Oh, poor Devdas, let's go..." Pratap shook his head as Jalal and Shakti forced Patta into the car.
