RaYa FF: A walk by your side! Final Part @pg 5 Updated 13.03.2019 - Page 2

There are thoughts that may not let you sleep...and there are also such memories that may put you into a peaceful sleep every night...those thoughts never leave us alone...those memories live on as long as you breathe! The old couple did not believe in occasional remembrance of certain events only when you are desolated... there can be commemoration of a significant phase of life that never really got faded from your mind even when you are happy... The old couple had such memento that they do recommence even when they are in glee...after all, our memories deserve a share of our happiness too, isn't it? 

Today, on the day of their 40^th marriage anniversary, they were on a spree to go down the memory lane! Would you like to be a part of their journey?  

Flashback (their "First" night):

Due to Sudhir's unstable condition, their wedding was arranged at Priya's house...a place where she spent her childhood...the every corner of the wall showcasing numerous memories which she was fond of...every column holding the vigor that the Father-Daughter had put into to fight against all the odds of life...

Finally...the moment of exodus approaches...an uncomfortable lump penetrating Priya to breathe...all the emotions seems to be trammeling up...which is not even ready to shed out...Sudhir observes the visible axon of her throat which is throbbing faster due to the varied set of emotions she was fighting against! But she did not let a single drop of tear shed...as she did not want her father to leave in a mess of emotions...she summed up all her thoughts and treasure those in the corner of her heart to nurture for the lifetime...she tightly holds her father's hand with an attempt to step out of the gate...a deep footprint shapes in at the spot from where she was standing...suddenly, her loose end of the wedding outfit gets stuck at the doorstep...Sudhir was about to untie it...but Ram bends down to take out the stuck side of the mantilla...Sudhir willingly loses his hand from her grip...after freeing her from the intercept, Ram holds two of her fingers with his palm...and together they step out of the gateway...oblivious to the fact that they were fated to build a Home of their own...Priya leaves an irremovable mark behind while stepping out... 

At the groom's place, Kapoor Mansion:

After the completion of the housewarming ritual, Ram's younger brother and sister (Rishabh & Natasha) accompanied by two of closest friends Vikram & Neha, bring Priya to Ram's room...Priya silently observes each corner of the room...the room was decorated nicely...Priya could feel that the mess was tried to be fixed up with great effort...though it was clearly visible that the person living in the room surely seems to be messy! Priya startles as she finds a gentle lady standing beside her...Ram's mother...Krishna Kapoor...

KK: What are you thinking, Priya? That what a mess you are been subjected to? Life would always be a mess Priya...we can't resolve it all times...look at the blinking lights kept in the jar...amidst all the chaos, there would always be a piece of happiness that you need to find...among all these mess, there would always be a light...which would lit up if you smile...Priya smiles slightly...

KK: missing home?

Priya nods her head...

KK: welcome home beta!

Priya thinks to herself...home? This was not her home...! Her house was a sign of her perfection...and this room? It was just a total mess just like her life at this moment!

KK: Priya...what is called a home? To where we urge to return back once the sun sinks, right? Where we find peace after a tiring day of work, where we leave a piece of ourselves every day we leave for work, right? I wish and hope, that soon u would discover your new home, your own home!

Whatever she was saying, was not clear to Priya...still, she liked the lady! As it says, love, like, hatred these sort of sentiments always tend to have a two way reciprocation...the lady also liked her! They found an unknown comfort in each other within a fraction of second!

Late Night:

Priya was sitting on the couch in an awkward state...Ram was about to go to the restroom to change into his nightwear...suddenly he remembers that Priya may also need to freshen up...he stands in front of her...she looks above...

Ram: U can use the washroom first...

Priya (hesitantly): pehle aap kar lijiye...

Ram: nai...phle aap karo!

Priya gives a turn as soon as she hears the salutation "aap"...when they met before the marriage, he addressed her same as this...but then she thought..he would address her as tum when they would get married...

Ram: what happened? You need time to freshen up?

Priya (confusingly) : ooo...aap mujhe tum karke bol sakte hai!

Ram: phir aap bhi mujhe tum karke bol sakte ho!

Priya: will do if I feel like!

Ram (slightly smiling): hmm...same here!

Priya: you can use the washroom first!

Ram makes his way to the washroom...Priya kept thinking...she had always been a bit rude...a straightforward kinda person...she just had a handful of friends only...her relatives used to say she is like this as she couldn't experience the motherly love...but she was somehow happy with her way of living! But now when she being a part of a new family, should she tone down herself a bit?  

Priya also changes into a red and magenta shaded salwar suit gifted by Ram's Dadi...Ram who just turned on the t.v to get a catch of his favorite cartoon show, notices Priya standing in front of the dressing mirror...for the first time, he observes his newly wedded wife with adoration...din't know why...but this time, he din't feel to ask for her permission to look at her...she had no makeup at all...only a red tip on her forehead...and a pinch of vermillion on her hairline was there...still she was looking so serene...the red mark hadn't been stained a bit even though she had removed all her ornaments, hair clips and makeup...he thinking, did she preserved that magnificent drop of vermilion purposely?

Suddenly Priya notices that a cartoon show running on the set of television...she thought maybe Ram was switching the channel...Ram could understand what she was thinking...

Ram: This is my favorite..

Priya laughs...since the day he had met her...this was probably the first time he saw her laughing...altogether that was the most beautiful sight!

After a while:

Both in an uncomfortable state make a place on the bed...not been able to decide on which side each should sleep...they kept sitting on the bed in confusion...suddenly, Priya starts the conversation:

Ram...she stops for a while...I can call you by your name, right?

Ram: yes, of course! That's my name! I always call you by your name, and it should be no way different for you too!

Priya (not been able to decide what to say): see Ram, I am a very practical person...I may not be able to fulfil the desires that you may have attached to this relationship!

Ram (a bit shocked by her sudden statement): I never had any predetermined desire about any relationship! I always accept the way as it comes!

Priya (twisting her wrists): I may never be able to love this relationship Ram! I don't even know what love is! I may sound selfish, but I only learnt to love myself and my father!

Ram: There is nothing wrong in loving your own self Priya! In fact, that is the first step to love someone else!

Priya: How do you know? Have you ever been in love?

Ram (in an intention to close the topic) you can sleep on the right side!

Both sleep turning opposite to each other...being cautious...making sure to keep a plenty of place empty in between them...an empty feeling grasps Priya's mind...what her papa would be doing at this moment? Should she call him up? She checks her phone...it's already too late! Should she call his caretaker? Thousands of such thoughts kept coming on her mind until she dozes off! Suddenly, an intense sound wakes her up...she flips around to find what's going on...she finds a pleasantly plump man sleeping beside her...while snoring extensively! She being bothered by the noise, takes along the pillow and makes her place on the couch!

The old man clutches the lady toward his chest...the warmth...the grace was still there...who says the zeal gets lost in the battle of life? They still get concerned on each of the wheezes of the other one...the way they used to get excited calling each other's name when coming home after a long day of work in their youthful days! They spent the epoch following the same manner...still, their relationship never got "bored of each other! You know why? We breathe in every fraction of second...and there shall never be any substitute to this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by maliha.islam - 5 years ago

awesome. the last para mind blowing. superb.

The home where Priya lived all her life with father has been ledt bwhbeh but not the relationship with sudhir neither the memories. She will create new one with Ram in KM but it will take time with adjustment but all will happen smoothly as her husband and Krishnaji is their to support her.

This part is full of gyans and bhashan, i apologise if it got too monotonous! 😉 A major missing of RaYa got high on me!! 😆😆😆

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Suddenly the phone rings...the old man brings it out from his pocket...

Man (exclaiming in wonder): Priya, maybe I have brought your phone by mistake..

Lady: so what? Tum hee answer karlo!

Man (seeing the name flashing on screen): he screams in joy: Darling...how are you?

Neha (A lady who is called Psycho mom by her kids, who's more a friend to both Ram & Priya than a relative...their elder daughter got married to the younger son of Neha & Vikram) Happy anniversary fatty!

Ram (with a broad smile) Thank you, thank you!

Neha: it's your 40th anniversary...and you eloped with your own wife?

Ram: (grinning) jaye bhi toh jaye kaha...o toh basa hai har pal mere sasson me yahan!

Neha: poetry n all, not bad! Our kids were really tensed as you both are not responding to their calls!

Ram: amaaa...yaar, I guess I have forgot my phone at my desk! and Priya's one was in vibration mode!

Neha: no worries! But today, I have a very special gift for you both, for my RaYa!

Ram (with an eager to know) and what's that?

Neha: check your email fatty!

Ram: now I would receive my anniversary gift through emails! Wah!

Neha: I am sure, this would touch your soul Fatty!

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Two pairs of eyes...glued to the monitor screen...to acknowledge the first gift of the day...it's a letter...an e-letter...from a fan of RaYa...remember the couple named RaYa? who this old couple admire? Though only the three parts of the story had been published so far...the story did not fail to convey the message to the ordinaries that it desired to!

The letter:

Dear RaYa:

I am an ordinary fan of you..living a very ordinary life...but i never felt so proud about it until the day I started following your story...for you, maybe it's your life that you have been living since forever...but for me, it was just a fiction when I commenced reading...and today, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart...for making me believe in fiction...for making me believe in the concept of love, for making me realize that magic exists! You know what? I lived your love! And there are certain things that shall always remain constant...that is how my love for you! I never feel shy to say that I adore you, admire you...respect you...I never try to flip the page of the magazine if someone comes around during my course of reading...you know why? Because, I have no embarrassment to confess my love for you! Even after a century...this would never fade away...and I have no regret about it that you captured a significant portion of my heart...my mind...my soul! And this is not a momentary liking which would last only till your story gets published, not only for the time being when you would materialistically be a part of my routine, this is a kind of love that shall last even when the story would end, as I love you to the eternity!

Yours sincerely,

Just a Fan of you!

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There was nothing special about this letter...still it moistened their eyes...why did people adore them so much? Isn't it too much? No, it actually isn't! Because in a world full of exaggeration, they made the world believe that something so pure still exists! What was there in their love story? In their relationship, there was no chance to gift the other one a bunch of flower, or go on a honeymoon trip to know your partner better, then how did their relationship got strengthen? With the passage of time only! Because they had no hurry to claim the other one, when the entire world got engaged in a race to win the tag named "Best", they were searching for peace in general!

Flashback:

Ram doesn't find Priya on her side...he goes out of his room kneading his drowsy eyes...he finds her in the mini temple that is way to the ground floor...she draped herself in a light pink saree...Ram only been able to get the rear view..steps in the prayer room...to get a catch of the equable sight...somewhere he never entered since a decade...as he believes that his father was snatched from him which changed his life forever...

He barely makes a look at Priya...her dripping hair still shedding a few drops...he goes near...the red vermilion fully occupying the entire hairline...her red bracelet making continuous clink...as soon as she folds her palms with closed eyes...unknowingly...Ram finds his two hands folded in constancy...soon his eyes shut just as Priya...Krishna Kapoor who was passing across...silently cherishes the most peaceful sight!

Priya Kapoor: making an entry to the Punjabis' kitchen: 

Priya who just entered the kitchen with an intention to prepare a sweet dish as instructed by Dadi...finds each member of the Kapoor clan there...she takes a moment to absorb the happenings...Natasha chopping onions & tomatoes for the omelet...Ram sweating due to the rising steam appearing from the tea catley...Rishabh baking the pancake...a bunch of butlers just standing a few steps away with an approach to respond to the Kapoors as soon as they call for assistance! A view that Priya had never been able to enjoy at her own house...there, househelps used to prepare food for them.. there were times when Sudhir used to run behind her to take the meal...after her arrival from the college! but she couldn't recall a sequence where she had a kitchen full of family people...as soon as they notice her...everyone greets her with a broad smile...Welcome Bhabi! She reciprocates with even a broader smile...her nervous face was clearly depicting that she had not really been that much familiar with kitchen stuffs or comfortable with cooking tactics! But she observed that all the Kapoors were working as a team...and for some unknown reasons, the entire clan wanted her sweet dish to taste greater than their respective dishes! With great efforts from Natasha and Rishabh, she endeavored to finish the garnishing of the dessert!

Breakfast table, Kapoor Mansion:  

Vikram & Neha also join them for the breakfast...Priya's face lights up each time anyone praises the dessert...finally, she feels like having a share too...as soon as she masticates, she finds it absolute tasteless!!

Priya observes how each of them were cracking baseless jokes with the other one...and another one was bursting into laughter as if that was the most hilarious joke of the world! Each one passing the dish to the one seated near...gossiping...making fun of each other...altogether a scene that was making her heart heavy...something she had always been derived of since her childhood! At her place, it used to be only her father and she...Sudhir kept being extra cautious about her diet since her childhood days...chatting with her...asking her how's the day and she nodding her head doing hmmm...hmm...that was all about their lunch & dinner! For a fraction of second, she feels proud to be a part of the Kapoor family!

While wrapping up, she finds KK alone in a corner of the dining table...

Priya: Maaa...(her voice shakes a little while saluting her as Maa)

KK: ha beta..

Priya: Maa, that dessert was such an insipid...

KK: who told you that?

Priya: I know Maa!

KK: Priya, it didn't taste great...but that wasn't bad too!

Priya: still, Maa..that was my first attempt as the Daughter-in-law of this house and I failed!

KK: Priya, let me tell you one thing...never run behind the best...we shall always be happy with the basic! At the end of the day, if we heave a sigh of peace, that's happiness, that's the beauty of life, isn't it Priya?

Priya amazes at such a statement...

KK continues: there is always good side of each situation...that typical percept that heart makes its way through the stomach would not be applicable to your & Ram's relationship..no? she makes a candid laugh!

Priya's eyes moisten...nobody ever cuddled her such a way...through their words! She spent all her life being a perfectionist...being a champion! But she could never think that would it matter in the long run? Having a sigh of relief, she makes her way to the upstairs!!

Ram who was silently hearing this conversation from behind...folds his arms and stands beside KK...both looking upfront...

KK: Ram, you have been lucky...I must say!

Ram looks at her with a querying eye...

KK: you know Ram...we always expect that the ladies would carry all the burden...in all stories, women have been picturized taking care all the necessities of the family...in that course, we always tend to forget that they are also human, they also need a shoulder to shed out...but in your story, you are getting the chance to share the responsibilities of life with your wife! I believe that you would be nurtured in her crib...but you need to amass too! Being in your companion, she would learn to love the feeling called "Love"...There are very few men who get such a chance to cumulate life this way, you should take it as a blessings from the almighty, isn't it Ram? Ram wheezes in pride...but he could not detect the reason behind his feelings!

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The phone beeps again...bringing them back to the present...Ram being a bit annoyed, was about to pick it up...but then he smiles! It was a regular reminder...for his medicines for the knee ache...Priya takes out the tablet page and a small bottle of water from her side bag...he gulps the water to swallow the medicine...he drips his mouth while taking the water...she wipes the moisten portion through the fringe of her saree...a young man, sitting in the opposite bench blinks his eyes noticing the genuine sight!  

loved. loved. loved. kya bolu yaar. i absolutely love ur writing style. i just love the story progression. i m just loving this past n present situations.

Indeed RaYa are unique so is their story which inspired a lot of people who are now inclined towards love after marriage which is new trend started by them.

This part is as simple as it is, moreover, i couldn't manage to provide a bigger update due to several reasons, still, i am posting this as i myself would like to continue this story as long as i can! Thank you all for your time!

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A couple, on their 40^th marriage anniversary...where could they choose to be in? Maybe in a tranquil place...enjoying each other's companion thoroughly, no?  Why an old couple would choose such a congested place to spend such a memorable day? Isn't it easier to feel "lost in a crowd? Maybe in their case, it wasn't that easy to be lost being in each other's companion...they also heard about that typical adage that it's easy to get strayed in a crowd! But they were among those people who royally hold into their individuality even among the mass!

Man: Priya...what shall I gift you...yaar?

Lady: gift? For?

Man: for our marriage anniversary!

Lady: why? Why should I receive gifts only during special occasions?

The term "Gift" reminds them of their first "official" outing...that was nothing special...only a sabzi mandi from the nearby shop...

Flashback (Kapoor gang gossiping over Tea)

Neha (winking) Priya, tell me...how's your nap last night?

Everyone laughs loud...

Neha: arey bhai...I am asking cos it's all new for Priya na...I mean the setup...the surroundings...and...

Rishabh exclaims in utter fun: and Bhai's snore of course!!

The gang bursts into laughter...

Ram looks at Priya...her low-led eyes were a clear confession that she couldn't sleep all night due to the snore!

Meanwhile, Krishnaji joins them..."who wants aloo chaat for snacks"? Among the scream, Ram's voice overpowers: Me!!

Krishna Ji: Then bring the potatoes first!

Ram: Maa...please send Indar (their caretaker) naa!

Krishna ji (making excuses): He is out for some other chores! Why don't you go out with Priya and get some groceries too! I will give you the list!

Ram: not fair Maa! This week, it was Rishabh's turn!

Rishabh (in a taunting tone) Who's married Bhai? So your responsibility got bigger!

RaYa walking along the roadside footpath:

Having no other choices, they both go out for grocery shopping!

Ram (hesitating) : Sorry yaar!

Priya (mmm) why?

Ram: I mean...usually, a newly married couple goes on trip and all...and here we'r going for grocery shopping!   

Priya (in a taunting tone) I toh heard that it's all about the person...not the place!!

Ram absorbing the meaning that she is pointing him as "the person...laughs! Noted Ma'am! We'll see!

Priya notices that the man she is walking along, is actually such a calm and composed person! There would hardly be anything that could raise his temper! How and from where a person can gather such extent of patience? Suddenly...it reminds her of her Father...her Papa is just like that! Why this man resembles her Father?

Ram's complaining tone brings her back to the present...yaar...I so hate walking! Priya heaves a deep sigh of relief! She mutters to herself: see...Priya...he hates walking...so opposite of your Father...there can no one else in your life like him!

Priya: ya, I can make a guess (pointing toward his chubby body)

Ram: ya, I also can make a guess that how much you enjoy walking! (he is indicating her slim curve)

While continuing the bicker, suddenly Priya stops in the middle of the road...and rushes to the other side of the road...Ram remains stunned by her sudden movement as she crossed the road violating the traffic signal...as the vehicles were running fast, Ram couldn't get a clear view of her...still, he could manage a hazy sight of her...she was holding a shabby man...who was struggling hard to get up as he stumbled...anyone passing by hadn't stopped...maybe simply because it din't grab their attention...or let's say that was due to the greasy outfit of the shabby man...but that sight caught Ram's attention...his wife was comforting the old man in a way that she had a connection with him since forever...a bond of humanity they shared! Ram crosses the road as soon as the signal clears...he had nothing to say to Priya...but for no reason, she earned his respect which leaves Ram in deep thought...is it that simple to earn respect? Then why did he experience such a feel for this lady who he doesn't even know well? He had place only for four ladies in his life...his family members they are...his mother...sister...grandmother and a special friend (Neha). Is he happily accommodating a lady in his life? No way, that's not possible! He just does not want to float on an emotional dive all over again! Before a torment past could haunt him, he steps into a shop. They roam around individually...and pick up few stuffs from the list.

Suddenly Ram stops by the rack where the nasal strips were kept...he recalls the morning chit chat...he picks quite a few piece...also remembers Neha's tip that he should buy Priya a gift as they are going out for the first time! He quickly observes the shelves, but he couldn't find any proper gift for a lady in a grocery chain store! Besides the nasal strips, he could see a basket full of feminine napkins. He puts a packet in his trolley and moves toward the counter.

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After a well spent day with the whole family, finally, they come to their room...as soon as Ram enters, he lies down on the bed...dozing into a peaceful sleep. But Priya couldn't close her eyes as the thought of her father din't let her sleep...she gets up to get the phone from the side table to make a call...suddenly a wrapped box of toiletries draws her attention...a note was attached to it: Let the humane inside you live forever, Happy Women's day! Unknowingly, it brings a smile on her face...she unwraps the packet...though it was not really an usual or expensive gift, it touched her heart! She gets her phone...it was past 12 am...flashing the date: 8^th of March. It was too late to make a call to her dad! She so wanted to thank her Father...was she being happy about her married life? In an attempt to resolve the equation, she too dozes off!

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The old lady smiles recommencing the memories...fancy gifts could never make a way to their cupboards, you may call it their weirdness, but they would name it a normal life...the man also smiles to himself...wives guide their spouses throughout the life...but his one? She influenced his mindset about life...he learned to be compassionate...being in her companion!

 

 

 

Edited by maliha.islam - 5 years ago

short n sweet update.but i want bigger update next time please. i m enjoying this story.

Past memories always bring lots of smiles and happiness especially that belongs with the loved ones.

The lady just had her gastric tablet...but the man feels a bit hungry...the lady could make a guess about from his postures and flips...the lady brings out a small packet of sugar free biscuit...

Lady: have this naa! You are starving since the last 15 minutes!

Man: so what?it's just a matter of 15 more minutes only.. then we can have the meal together!

Lady: Ram, you have diabetics...you should take your meal on time! I can't take risk on that! And moreover, you would be having biscuits and I would be having aloo paratha (bringing out the wrapped parathas in a foil paper). So what's the use of waiting?

Man: (clutches her near to him) you would be having the parathas only because I love them!

Lady: I guess. I too have started liking them by this time!

Man: why?

Lady: when we love someone, we cannot pick only their good habits to admire for! Sometimes, we need to adjust with their bad habits too!

Man: so you mean, having aloo parathas is a bad habit?

Their nok-jhok...their await...rejuvenates one of the most important days of their life...a day, when too many incidents took place at a time...

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Flashback:

Priya peacefully sleeping in the couch facing her right...holding a pillow on her ear...unanticipatedly, Ram becomes disquieted...a sharp sound stirs him up! Oh no! He snores so loudly! Massaging his asleep eyes, he realizes that it must be disturbing Priya too! For his utter surprise, he doesn't find Priya in the bed but on the couch...clutching the pillow covering her ears was telling the story itself! Suddenly he remembers about the nasal strips he had brought from the mall...he brings out a piece uncovering it! Being a bit indefinite about the usage, he somehow manages to place it on the upper surface of his nose! Flipping around for a while, finally he drowsed into sleep...ignoring that there is any tomorrow!

Next morning:

Stretching two of her arms, Priya wakes up...the side pillow drops from the couch...while picking it up, Priya finds the room so peaceful! To find out the cause, she goes near to the bed...a chubby overgrown kid sleeping peacefully...dripping his pillow with the saliva...she goes closer...sees a white strip on the middle edge of his nose...it annoys her a bit...is it troubling him to breathe? She carefully takes it out...in an intention to leave the place...she turns back...and then for no reason...she feels like looking back to Ram! A pleasantly plump man grabbing ample of the space...oblivious to all the erroneous occurrence of the world... sleeping so composedly ...Priya felt like thanking him...but she did not...there appears so many incidents as such in a family...do we always thank each other for each of the things that they do for us? No nah? Because there are certain gratitude which requires no words of acknowledgment!

She makes her way to the changing room...thinking that today...she must visit her Father...since the day she got married, she didn't even talk to him properly...even the thought of it stabbed her heart staggeringly!

A while later, Ram wakes up rubbing his drowsy eyes...his phone's reminder woke him up...he smiles broadly...tomorrow is a special day! There are so many things to do...hurry up Ram! Suddenly, he remembers that this year...Priya is there too...she also can take part in the arrangements!

An excited Ram comes out of his room...looking for Priya, inquiring each person crossing his way! He comes back to his room being a bit dejected as nobody knew where Priya has gone! After getting freshen up, he joins his siblings for the arrangements they were making for the Birthday celebration of their Mother Krishna Kapoor!

A while later, Ram was instructing his manager regarding the decoration...for the next morning veneration...meanwhile, Priya steps in...seeing her...he follows her to the upstairs...Priya drops her handbag in the couch...laying her head upon the wall behind...Ram not noticing her exhausted state, comes near and asks (rubbing two of his palm in excitement) offo...Priya...where were you? Priya looks up to him...his such inquiry makes her irate!

Ram please, it's not been even two days since we are married, and you have started inquiring me! I have never given any explanation to anybody in my life about my whereabouts! Let me make it clear to you, I am never going to ask you where do you spend your time and with whom! And I expect the same from you! Ram observes her carefully...doesn't react until she let her frustration out! As soon as Priya realizes that she has overreacted, she attempts to get up from the couch in an apologetic approach...Ram flashes a light smile...Priya, there are some things that the time would answer better, till then, no worries, I will try not to interfere! Once you freshen up, feel free to join us downstairs as we are chalking plans for Maa's b'day tomorrow! Priya nods her head in affirmation with a pale smile on her face.

Standing in front of the wash mirror, she keeps thinking, why did I burst out? If papa is not keeping well, that's not Ram's mistake! What's wrong with you Priya? Nobody ever inquired you about anything because you grew up all alone...there was no one to share your heart with! Papa remained busy either planning a secure future for you or struggling with the agonizing feeling of being alone without his better half! Her varied set of emotions moistens her eyes...even before she could feel it! She sprinkles water on her face...and rubs her teary eyes! Should I inform Ram that papa is unwell? No, he seemed very excited about the birthday celebration, let the celebration pass well first! 

She hurriedly goes down to join the discussion, but couldn't add up her contribution...all these were so new to her...so she silently kept admiring the sight that how a bunch of people planning for their mother's birthday with great extent of devotion! Suddenly, she feels someone's presence behind her...Krishna Ji it was...she could feel that Priya had never experienced such gathering...such light hearted arguments between siblings...she keeps her hand on Priya's shoulder...Priya, you know how to cook noodles na? You can add that in the list! Priya realizing that she purposely gave her the easiest task, instantly hugs Krishna Ji! All her fret went away...experiencing the warmth of the lady who meant more a mother to her than an in-law!

Next day:

The well decorated mansion buzzing with the birthday preparations...Natasha preparing the prayer plate...Rishabh instructing to hang flower in the railing of the staircase...Dadi preparing barfi and laddoo...Krishna Ji overseeing each of the activities with happiness and content...Priya lighting up the candles kept in the jar...Ram and Vikram went out to bring the idol of Lord Krishna as a gesture of present to the special lady...altogether, it was a glorious morning, filled with activities of the Kapoors!

All dresses up for the veneration...Natasha, Neha & Priya planned to go with a combination of red and white matching with today's special lady: KK...Though Natasha & Neha went for salwar suits, Priya chose a saree to carry...she had made a bun knotted in flower garland...and had applied a bit of kajal in the upper lashes of her eyes, a full set of red bangles occupying her wrists...her wedding necklace royally displaying out its appearance in the middle fold of the saree...and the pinch of vermilion complimenting her attire!

All gathers for the veneration...making a prayer for the wellbeing of the head of the family...their mother...their lifeline...Priya also made a silent prayer for her Papa's recovery...unknowingly, a name came into her mind..."God, please...Ram has so much innocence in his eyes...never let it fade away!" She herself startles as soon as she realized what she had just wished for! She opens her eyes instantly...for her surprise...she finds Ram staring at her...beauty had no exact definition for him.. once her mother told him that how beautiful a heart is always reflected in the face! Why did he find Priya beautiful? Just because he would be spending all his life with this lady in front of him? No, this can't be the only reason, the heart wants to whisper that there was something much more to it! What is it? What was it?

The moment he was engrossed into a deep thought to balance out the interrogations that his mind was raising, Priya's phone flashes...she rushes out seeing a text...Ram was too absorbed in the grip of his mind, that he couldn't notice that Priya has had already left the place!

Once the veneration finishes, everyone heads toward the dining table for the food fest...Neha has prepared pani-puri, who is currently busy in vain attempts to convince anyone and everyone to taste a piece first, even before they could start the meal! Neha exclaims: Fatty, this is not done, you have to taste it! Priya, at least, you try nah! Suddenly, all notices that Priya wasn't there! Ram, Neha, Natasha & Rishabh kept calling her number, but it was unreachable! Vikram tried her landline too, but nobody picked up! Ram inquired the gatekeeper and the driver too, but they couldn't provide any exact information. Seeing Ram a bit disheartened, Krishna Ji comes with a spoon of dessert, Ram have this and say how does it taste? While having the meal, he kept messaging Priya...but there was no response! Though there was laughter, joy, food, family and friends, altogether a great combination of everything he is fond of, still Ram found something missing! Ram kept recalling how she reacted just to a simple query of him...that where she was, and today, she left without informing...that's too on the day of his Mother's B'day! Why it's hurting him so much? Priya just got married to him few days back...she may had some other set of priorities and obligations which he is unaware of. Why is he getting so inquisitive about her life?

Ram gets anxious with the each passing moment, now even the family members kept trying to get connect through...they were waiting for her so that they cut the cake...but there was no news of her, even when the evening dawns! When Ram was on the verge of his limit, Sudhir's caretaker makes a call to Kapoor's landline! Ram Sir, Priya Ma'am has left a message for you, that she is in the Apollo hospital as Sudhir Ji is admitted there! Listening to this, both Ram & Vikram rush to the hospital...they find Priya sitting on a bench...biting her lips...pressing her forehead slightly...she thinking to herself: all these days, I have been managing all these things all alone, today why did Imessage Ram? That's too on his mother's birthday? Have I started relying upon him? But why? Just because I am married to him? Why the heart disagrees to this statement? Why the heart wants to direct her to a different direction into which she had never been before?

On their approach to the hospital, Priya acts like she was not shaken at all, she manages to flash a false smile...I am so sorry yaar! I dropped my phone by mistake and now it's not working! Maa must be worried, she must have been waiting!

Ram (touching her by her shoulder) : TUM thik ho?

Priya: ha, what happened to me? I am absolutely alright!

The doctor comes in for the checkups...he inquires...who's with Mr. Sudhir Sharma? Before Priya could say anything, Ram coms forward, Me!

Doctor: What's your relationship with the patient?

Ram: He is my Father! (His tone jerks a bit while uttering the word "Father")

Priya gives a look at him...she could feel: yes, he actually meant it!

Doctor discussed quite a few things with Ram, Mr. Kapoor you can take him home now, but keep in mind that, you shouldn't leave him alone. Though it was just a minor stress attack, he needs to be around his family to recover fast.

Priya not knowing what to say, standing in a corner...keeps twisting her fingers...Ram leaves with the nurse to fulfil the formalities for the discharge...in the admission form, he finds the Patient's attendant's name: PRIYA. She didn't add either Sharma or Kapoor...though both the title was strong enough to have its own valor!! Felt like her name itself was good enough for her..a young, independent and elegant lady...who was a known name in the choreograph industry, never really wanted to take advantage of her Father's affluence to be whatever she is today! That small way of act had Ram's heart...he became even more inquisitive to know the person breathing within this stubborn lady named Priya!

After a while:

Priya: Ram, I will stay with papa...at Sharma house...you please leave for Kapoor Mansion, it's already too late, Maa must be waiting for you!

Ram: Yes, she is waiting for you too! So we all are leaving for Kapoor mansion!

Priya: Ram, how papa can stay there!! I will manage for few days...then, I am also thinking to talk to my maternal aunt, to stay with Papa at Sharma house for a couple of months!

Ram moves the wheel chair..Priya continues...Ram, please yaar, let me handle this! What would people think about us, if my Father stays at your place? Ram gives a calm look at her...he is my Father too! The assurance, the belongingness in his eyes din't let Priya say a single word. Sudhir Sharma and Vikram Shergil, who were silent observer of the scenario, smile to each other! Their smile could clearly depict a story that both Ram & Priya were unaware of!

Soon they reach to Kapoor mansion...the nurse helps them to settle Sudhir down...Priya looks at the clock...it's almost 11.45 P.m. Ram hurriedly goes downstairs...to accompany his family to cut the birthday cake...Priya carefully sprints the mouth spray on Sudhir's mouth as instructed by the nurse...it took quite a few moment to fix Sudhir's back pillow and settle the other needed objects in a new bed...Finally, Sudhir closes his eyes to get a nap...Priya heaves a deep sigh...looks at the wall clock...striking at 12:10 a.m...it's over!

She searches for a hair clip in her jewelry box, it was a gift from her Mother to her...something very close to her...she smoothly runs her hand on it...and hastens to the down floor...what she sees there, brings her jaws dropped! Everyone waiting for her...the cake kept in the round table brings a broad smile on her face, she felt like it was her birthday! She goes near to KK and touches her feet...Maa, I am sorry! Because of me, you missed your birthday! Please forgive...before she could complete her sentence, Dadi joins in and takes both KK and Priya in her grip! Finally, KK cuts the cake (specially prepared by Neha)...Priya experienced a soothing pleasure...being assured how everyone considered her a part of the family and waited for her even when the day was over!

KK notices that all are smiling endlessly...Priya actually brought back life to this house...she spreads a positive vibe...somehow...while KK was observing Priya, she goes near...Maa, this one is for you...I mean Maa...I couldn't get anything new for you...it's an old gift to me from my mother...her voice shakes a little while saying this...KK acknowledges the precious gesture of love! From that very moment, Priya became a part of the Kapoor family, in true sense! The person who was her primary tie to this connection, was standing far behind...still, flashing a broad smile of content!

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The man takes the wrapped aloo paratha from the lady's hand...he tore a small piece of it and puts it on her mouth...she unwraps the packet of the biscuit...she swallows half part of it...   it was quite tasteless ...she offers the other part of the piece to the man...he chewed it remarking that piece of biscuit tasted really good!   

Edited by maliha.islam - 5 years ago