“Jalaluddin Mohammad’s cocktail party is themed “Evening in Paris' is being held this evening at the Oberoi UdaiVilas Palace, Udaipur. We are bringing you live coverage of the event from the lawns of the hotel premises itself.” The page three reporters looked ecstatic at the entrance behind her. Udai Singh frowned at the dramatic nature of the report. The ladies, Jaivanta and Hansa, though, seemed very eager to catch a glimpse of Jalal’s plan. Udai Singh just shrugged and made himself a drink while the ladies sat comfortably in the living room of their Udaipur farmhouse, the latest buy that Shakti had insisted on. He walked out of the over-dramatic TV show, to the library to read and sip in peace.
“We have been told that the French event organiser, Lucas, had been roped in by Jalaluddin on this very special party. TV Entertainment Page has also heard from very reliable sources that Jalaluddin Mohammad will announce his engagement to his girlfriend and colleague, Rukaiya, tonight, and hence this party is going to be special.” The reporter stopped at the sudden flashes of cameras as Jalal’s car pulled into the venue. “There he arrives!” made Jaivanta laugh at the drama.
“Where are our children?” Hansa frowned. “I called them an hour back, and Heer said they were almost ready.”
“Oh, have patience, Hansa.” Jaivanta passed her some snacks, “Here, have these. I wish I could be there.”
“Me too.” Hansa smiled. “They know I am still at Sirohi, at Dadabhai's place.” The ladies shared a laugh.
Jalal walked in, ignoring the camera flashes, as his guards held back the media, throwing questions at him, “Is the news of your engagement true?” “Are the Punwars coming?” “Did you sign a partnership…?” However, the entertainment reporter seemed to be in a different zone altogether. “There he is in a cream Armani suit looking ravishing as always.” Hansa frowned as the reporter girl seemed to blush. “Oh, here come some Royals.”
The car with Surajgarh’s emblem pulled up at the venue, and the cameras flashed at Pratap and Shakti, both looking handsome and royal as always, as they stepped out of the car. Pratap flashed an awkward smile at the press before walking in, and Shakti did a royal wave, much to his mother’s pleasure at the camera.
“Here are the most eligible bachelors of Rajasthan from the Surajgarh Royal family. Kunwar Pratap seems to be wearing a black-lined grey suit from Dolce and Gabbana, and Kunwar Shakti is in a maroon suit with a typical tuxedo look from Burberry.” “Yeh reporter hai ya designer?” Udai Singh asked, irked, entering the hall, “All I am hearing is designer labels.”
“Ohho Ranaji”, Jaivanta laughed “, That’s her job!”
“Yeah, yeah, enjoy your show.” Udai Singh decided it was best to stay out of the way.
“The Ministers are here ….” “Jalal is welcoming his rival and friend, Hakim Khan Suri, who has turned up in a navy blue tuxedo from Prada.” “Here come some celebs
…” Hansa and Jaivanta smiled as Rukaiya stepped out of her car, in a beautiful Audrey Hepburn 50’s style vintage black gown, and simple earrings. “Ma’am. A few questions.” “Ma’am here.” She ignored the media and hurried inside as she was instructed earlier by Jalal and his security team.
“So the rumours still remain unanswered.”
“The special guests for the evening are here, the car of the Punwars is in sight.” Made Hansa and Jaivanta sit up excited on the couch, “Best of luck, Hansa”
“Same to you, Ranisa.” “And Jalal”, they both laughed.
Heer walked out, smiling at the camera flashes rather awkwardly, in her Sparkle Crystal Bead Peach evening gown from Chanel. She waved at the media rather calmly before smiling at Jalal and Shakti, who were at the entrance to welcome them. She took Jalal’s hand in greetings and waited as Ajabdeh seemed to be in a never-ending struggle to get out of the car, as Jalal’s security rushed to hold her door and the gown.
“Miss Ajabdeh Punwar doesn’t stay much in the limelight, but she is famous for her charitable work. She seems to be wearing a backless Royal Blue A-line slit cocktail gown from Dior, as the rumour goes.” Hansa gasped a little as Shakti seemed to help Ajabdeh get out. She smiled awkwardly and, in the most unroyal manner, went and hugged Jalal, making him smile as the cameras flashed. Jaivanta switched off the TV “We have to wait for Jalal’s call now.” She sulked.
“That hug is making headlines tomorrow.” Rukaiya smiled at Ajabdeh, who in turn hugged her too, making Heer and Shakti laugh.
“No, your engagement is.” She smirked.
“Even if we don’t go through with the announcements, the media will make us!” Jalal shrugged. “Come, Ajabdeh, let’s mingle with people.” He nodded at Shakti and Heer and escorted Ajabdeh towards the replica of the Eiffel at the purple and yellow-themed light curtains, where most of the people stood. Heer followed Shakti to the other end, the bar and the lounge, where Pratap was tapping at his phone screen, rather bored, with a drink in hand.
“Where were you? I was looking…” Pratap stopped catching Heer’s sight as Shakti moved away, and Heer managed a smile.
“Kunwarsa.” She extended her hand in the most professional way possible, making Pratap smile as he took it. “Miss Punwar.” Shakti eyed them with a small “Ahem, I will go see yeh…. Umm…. Bhaijaan kaha …” he walked away as Heer and Pratap fell silent. “Can I get you a…” Pratap offered, since he already had a drink in hand.
“No. I don’t…” she stopped at his stare “Right! You don’t!” He agreed.
“Umm Kunwarsa, I am really impressed with the way your hotel project is progressing. All the best with that!” Heer smiled, making Pratap stare.
“So, you keep tabs on others in your own busy schedule? You are quite a success yourself. Congratulations on partnering with the Mughals.”
“Well.” Heer smiled. “We ALL keep track of your success. Actually, Shak… umm … Kunwar Shakti told me.” She looked in his direction, intentionally making Pratap’s eyes travel to the girl who was sharing a laugh with his brother, drink in hand. “Thank you.” Heer’s last words didn’t seem to register in his brain as she murmured an excuse and walked towards Shakti and Ajabdeh. Pratap’s throat went dry for a moment or so; it seemed as if he drank down his whole drink in one go.
“Easy there, bro, the party has just started.” He felt a tap on his shoulder, and he unwillingly moved his eyes to meet Hakim, who shook his hand “No contact after college, and now you are some tycoon, eh?” he smiled.
“So are you.” Pratap’s eyes travelled over Hakim’s shoulder, and he frowned as she was not there with Heer and Shakti anymore. His eyes searched frantically as Hakim frowned, “Kisi ko dhund raha hai kya?”
“Nahi.” His protest was louder than usual, “nahi toh.” He eased it down, rolling his eyes, once at Shakti, who seemed to be smiling at Heer’s words now.
Ajabdeh calmed her racing heart down with the drink. The part of the lawn she was at was fairly empty, behind the false walls of the Paris museum recreated by the event managers, and beside the calm waters of the Pichola. The view was spectacular. She
smiled at her, though. Which view was she thinking about? One of the lakes or… Ajabdeh had caught a glimpse of him chatting with Heer and Shakti while Jalal went to grab her a drink after some boring politicians had introduced themselves to her. Her eyes wandered time and again to him talking to her sister, as Rukaiya witnessed, amused. She left with a smirk when Shakti walked up with an awkward smile that
made her say, “They will be fine.” “What?” Shakti had frowned at her.
“I mean… umm… Pr… Umm… Your brother and Heer will hit off fine this time, don’t worry!” Ajabdeh managed an awkward smile as well.
“Yeah! That’s exactly what bothers me tonight.” Shakti murmured under his breath. “Pardon?” Ajabdeh frowned.
“Nothing,” Shakti dismissed the topic “You met Hakim Khan Suri?” “No, who is that now?” Ajabdeh made a face, making him laugh.
“ Well, he’s an entrepreneur, Bhaijaan and Dadabhai’s classmate and handsome too.” “Great! You are talking like mothers now, Shakti,” Ajabdeh laughed. “Seriously.”
All this while she just couldn’t ignore the fact that out of such a big crowd, she had felt a single pair of eyes staring at her. She had felt an uneasy nervousness she hated to feel. She had tried to shake it off in vain. And the moment he looked away, Ajabdeh had excused herself from the couple and ended up here, alone by the lakes. She sighed with a smile. She wished her inside was less turbulent. More explainable in what it felt.
“Are you trying to jump?” The voice made her come out of her train of thought as she frowned at the source. The man stood rather amused.
“Pardon? Why will I jump?” Ajabdeh asked, rather irked.
“Well, for starters, you are here, alone, almost at the fences of the lake.” “No one drowns in this depth at the banks.” Ajabdeh reasoned.
“Well, my lady, no one at a cocktail party smiles to herself at the loneliest corner in the prettiest dress as well.” He smirked. If it were a year ago, Ajabdeh was sure; she would have got him to bring her a drink by now. She smiled and shook her head.
“None of your business, I guess. I am much of a misfit.”
“Miss Misfit has a name, I assume.” He smiled, extending his hand, “Hakim Khan Suri.” “Ajabdeh Punwar.” She smiled, taking it.
“Ahh, the Punwars. Partnering with Jalal?” He asked, shaking it firmly. “He’s a friend.” She smiled. “First.”
“You are pretty Ajabdeh.”
“You are not that ugly either, Hakim," She smiled, making him laugh.
The sound of something dropping made them turn, and Ajabdeh’s eyes went amusingly wide at Kunwar Pratap Singh, on both his knees, at the dew-wet grasses, assembling his fallen phone.
“Pratap!” Hakim frowned as he stopped at the fallen pieces and looked up. “Ah! Hakim, I didn’t see you there. Of course.”
“Of course,” Ajabdeh murmured under her breath. “Pardon?” Pratap frowned.
“Yes?” Ajabdeh frowned back as a rather clueless Hakim looked on. “Did you say something?” Pratap looked suspicious.
“Nahi toh.” She shrugged, feigning innocence. “Kyun? Kuch bolna chahiye?” “Umm… Do you two know each other?” Hakim asked, narrowing his eyes doubtfully. “No,” came an answer in unison.
“Ohh, let me introduce you, then.” Hakim walked up to Pratap, who had now assembled his phone successfully, “This is Ajabdeh Punwar, yeh Surajgarh ka heir apparent Pratap hai.”
“Hello, Your Highness.” Ajabdeh smiled the most plastic smile she could come up with, hiding her urge to smile amused.
“Miss Punwar.” Pratap nodded in acknowledgement, mentally taking note of how Hakim was staring at her with a smile. “Hakim, get her a drink.”
“No, I'm fine!”
“No, I insist.” Hakim bowed, “What is your choice of a drink, Ma’am?”
“Anything neat!” made Pratap smile as Hakim looked rather shocked at the girl. “Go on! I will be right here.” She smiled.
“Me too,” Pratap murmured, watching Hakim go. He caught a glimpse of her through the corner of his eyes, her hair swept across the backless dress, matching earrings, and she looked at peace, beside the Picholi. Silence with Ajabdeh was awkward.
“ Congratulations.” He decided to end it himself before Hakim arrived, love-smitten and impressed by the Punwar girl.
“For?” She asked with a frown. “Umm… The book…. I heard…”
“You heard?” She raised her eyebrows. “From Shakti.” He added quickly.
“Umm, congrats to you too, on your project.” He smiled, shaking his head. “Yes. Heer… said she likes my work, that felt like a…. ummm….”
“Award?” Ajabdeh raised her eyebrows, amused as he shrugged. Ajabdeh laughed gently, making him stare.
“Frankly, I thought this would be awkward.” Pratap stopped her laughter. “Yeah, me too. Am glad it isn’t,” she smiled.
“How is…”
“Brownie is a big boy, and he’s happy.”
“Be careful of Hakim, though… he’s” Pratap stopped as Hakim approached with the drinks, “Here, Pratap, I got us all some neat!” He smiled.
“Let’s drink to…umm… “Hakim seemed lost. “To dreams!” Ajabdeh smiled, raising her glass.
“To dreams and achieving them”, Pratap added, smiling as Hakim shrugged, “Whatever”
“Aree, aap log yaha hai, waha dance and singing karaoke has started, come!” Shakti was not at all pleased seeing Hakim in the middle, although he didn’t show it. “Come”, he pulled at Hakim first. Jalal and Heer had followed him there. Ajabdeh stepped down from the fences, emptying her drink “It was nice to see you, Pratap.”
“You too.” Pratap smiled back as she took Heer’s hand to walk towards where Rukaiya stood with the ladies. Pratap watched her go, realising that his best friend and brother were staring at him, and he left in a hurry for the bar.
“Aise behave kar rahe hai jaise pehli baar mile hai!” Shakti shook his head.
“Aree pehli baar hi toh mile hai, maine hi intro karvaya” Hakim smiled, a little drunk. “Kuch toh karna parega….” Jalal said, his voice trailing off.
“Main kuch karu?” Hakim asked excitedly, clueless, “Kya karu?” “Chup ho jao yaar!” Shakti shook his head, irked.
“Nahi, he’s right,” Jalal smirked. “Kya?” Shakti asked cluelessly.
“Tum hi kuch karo.” Jalal patted Hakim’s back.
Jalal had taken centre stage to announce, while Shakti had made the girls sit at the lounge where Pratap sat alone with his drink. Rukaiya seemed nervous, and Heer was too happy while Jalal spoke, and Ajabdeh listened, trying to ignore the awkward moments when eyes met more than once.
“I am not very good with words, so I took help from the one who is.” He smiled. “I owe you, Ajabdeh. So here I go.” Rukaiya frowned, clueless at the stage and back at Ajabdeh.
“Love is made in heaven, we have only destiny and prayers to believe in, and it lands us up with our one. I met mine in the greyest background possible. Work, internship, and everything. And it’s been only a year since we have been together, and I can’t wait to marry her. Yeah, I know, most of you will go home and gossip like this guy was a playboy once, and he’s talking of true love, that too for this simple girl. But” he paused, “every flirty heart has a reason and every committed one too, I found my reason in her. So, yes, media reports are true, we are getting married in a month.” The crowd applauded as he took Rukaiya’s hand for a dance, and Heer’s “aww” made Ajabdeh give her a “don’t you ever do that again '' look, making Shakti laugh. It was followed by a mandatory picture and selfie session for everyone. Jalal requested a groupie with them, and they obliged.
The karaoke was one fun part that was specially organised by Rukaiya. The centre stage, made of wood finish, was surrounded by the dance floor. Jalal handed Hakim the mic, making everyone stare at the centre stage. The girls gathered around it while Pratap frowned from the bar.
“Hakim had been a singer since forever.” Jalal patted his friend, “Aj, he will sing for us.” He handed Hakim the mic while he smiled, blushing a little. “This one's for you, Ajabdeh”, made her stare a little wide-eyed as the crowd went “Ohho!”
Heer shot a glance at Shakti, who nodded, “Everything is fine”, making her smile. Her eyes travelled to Kunwar Pratap in the bar, who was staring like a ghost at the half-drunk man he called a friend on stage.
Saawali si ek ladki, dhadkan jaise dil ki… He does sing well. Pratap stared at Ajabdeh, making an impressed face. He hated that tilt of the head she did.
Saawali si ek ladki, dhadkan jaise dil ki, dekhe jiske woh sapne kahin woh main toh nahi? Made
Ajabdeh laughed as Hakim took her by her hand to the stage.
Sawaali si ek ladki….
Ajabdeh watched Pratap walk away from the bar towards the deserted lawn as she frowned a little worried.
Yaha waha kaha kaha jaane rukti hai uski nazar, aise toh main hoon bekhabar, par itni hai mujhko khabar….
Koi bhi hai hai woh yahi… par kahi woh main toh nahi?
The song stopped as everyone applauded, and Ajabdeh excused herself in search of someone who was now out of sight.
“Pratap?” Her voice stopped him from strolling.
“Ho gaya gaana bajana?” He smiled sarcastically. “Ha ho gaya, he sings very well,” Ajabdeh smiled.
“Of Course he does. Tumhare jaise dus patati roz, I know him.” “So?” Ajabdeh raised her eyebrows.
“So yeah, he is not worth your time, Ajabdeh. He is not…”
“I can handle myself, Pratap, you know that, tum waha se kyun chale aaye?” “You like him, don’t you?'' His question made Ajabdeh laugh, amused. “You are drunk!”
“You like him?”
“Yes, I do, so? Why do you care, Pratap?” Ajabdeh folded her hands to her sides as he looked away at her question.
“Because… “he paused to look at her, “You are a friend, Ajabdeh, I have hurt you once, and I don’t want you to be hurt twice,” He paused, smiling “, You are a very good friend.” Eyes met in a moment’s silence as the gentle breeze blew Ajabdeh’s hair across her face, prompting them to look away as she swept it aside.
“I am glad we are on the same page, Pratap. I, too, don’t want to hurt you, willingly or unwillingly.” She smiled as he looked up again.
“I should go.” Pratap smiled back, “It was good to see you.”
“Same here.” Pratap gave his hand as she took it, a gentle shake, thumping hearts, denying eyes, and they knew a lot had changed, in them and between them.
Jalal was happy to message Jaivanta “success” when Ajabdeh refused to give Hakim her number after she had walked back to them. Shakti had looked here and there for Pratap, and she had plainly said, “He’s strolling there,” making it evident that they had talked.
“I am not interested in casual dating anymore, Hakim, sorry, but you are really nice.” Had made Heer smile at Rukaiya, hopeful, but they got mixed feelings when she followed it with “Come, Heer, let’s go home.”
“Bhaijaan, abhi? I can’t!” Shakti shook his head, standing at the porch where they had come to see Ajabdeh and Heer off.
“You said ke jo bolunga karoge.” Jalal reminded him, “Abhi baat se maat palto Rajput.” “But mera ye bolne se Dadabhai aur Ajabdeh ka kya connection hai?”
“Tum bologe ya main bolu?”
“Acha main… main bolta hoon na!”
“Girls.” Hansa had welcomed them home with a smile. Brownie jumped at Ajabdeh, making her smile.
“Maasa”, they were surprised to hug her. Hansa noticed Ajabdeh’s hug was tighter than usual as she patted her hair gently with a smile.
“Aap kab ayi?” Heer asked, freeing herself from the heavy pair of earrings.
“Kuch der pehle.” Hansa smiled. “Party kaisi thi?” she indicated at Heer, then stared at Ajabdeh, who was sitting beside her.
“Acchi thi.” Ajabdeh smiled.
“Kal hi, Bhaijaan contract karna chahte hai.” Heer smiled.
“Yeh toh bahut achi khabar hai, kyun ajab?” Hansa and Heer exchanged a glance at Ajabdeh’s lack of response.
“Jija?” Heer made her look up from Brownie. “Hmm?” Ajabdeh looked up.
“Aap jaengi na Punwar Mughal Partnership press conference mein?” Heer smiled. “Ha… main audience mein hi theek hoon.” Ajabdeh shrugged,
“But Jija… main akele kaise press meet… ma bhi nahi hogi.”
“Agar tum akele ek pura business sambhal sakta ho toh press meet is nothing hmm?” Ajabdeh hugged Heer as Hansa wished them good night and left.
“Waise bhi, Shakti hoga na wahaa. Daro maat.” She smiled at her sister. “Ha.” Heer hugged her. Kunwar Pratap bhi!
“Kyaaa?” Pratap stared at his brother and then at Jalal “Are you out of your mind?” Shakti sulked like a kid, “Dekha, maine kaha tha na bhaijaan dekha!”
“Oh, stop it, you two.”
“Woh ladki, tumhe koi aur nahi mili?” Pratap looked shocked “Wohh jhasi ki rani, pagal ki behen” he sat down on the lawn, making Jalal laugh “Ajabdeh was right about you two” Pratap’s words made Jalal stop laughing as he added, “Ajabdeh is always right!”
“Dadabhai.” Shakti looked rather distraught, sitting on the grass beside his brother “If you oppose, I promise, I will never see Heer again, you come first and I…”
“She makes you happy?” Pratap’s words stopped him. “Ji?”
“Does she make you happy?” He asked as Shakti smiled, “Yes, she does.”
“Then I am happy.” He hugged his much-relieved brother. “Ajabdeh janti hai?” he frowned.
“Umm… woh actually umm”
“Great! She also knows before me.” Pratap sulked as Shakti hugged him, laughing.
“Kya aap bhi na!”
Pratap sat on the grass as his Instagram pinged with a notification.
“Ajabdeh Punwar Tagged You in A Photo”, he opened it to see a groupie of him, Shakti, Jalal and Rukaiya flaunting their happy smiles, Heer and her in half a hug. “Happiness is in moments lived, love won, and words expressed. Wishing these two Love and Companionship.” He smiled double double-tapping it as another post came on his newsfeed. Brownie’s nose and eyes seemed the cutest in the cropped picture, but his hand stopped at the caption “STILL waiting for a wanderer to be a warrior.” He smiled. She and her riddles.
