71. Keeping Khushi (Part 105-)

Part 105





It was NK and Aarti’s wedding.

Amma couldn’t stop her tears as Khushi, Anjali, & Payal dressed Aarti in the red Banarsi sari that Khushi had gifted her. 

Rani hugged Amma.

“Don’t cry, Kamlaji. She is our daughter, not our bahu.”

Amma nodded.

Rani handed over a big box of jewellery to Khushi. “I have been buying jewellery for NK’s wife over the years.”, she smiled. “And I have too many sets. Woh kya he, I love buying jewellery. But what is the use of a cabinet full of necklaces? I have only one neck. And I can’t make NK wear them!”

All laughed.

Rani whispered in Amma ear. “You are so lucky to have such a nice, loving, kind-hearted daughter! You have no idea how much I longed for a daughter! How many years I waited for one!”

Amma hugged Rani, and whispered back, “Your son is no less a treasure. He is such a gem of a boy! So loving and cheerful! And responsible!”




Khushi, Payal, & Anjali helped Aarti wear a gem-studded maang-tikka, a thick necklace, a long chain with hanging pearls and rubies, thick bangles with rubies and emeralds, gem-studded armlets & waistband, & gold payal. Her hair was coiled into a bun, and the bun was covered with jasmine flowers. The pallu of the sari was draped over Aarti’s head, the sari being worn in the traditional way. Aarti looked regal, like a princess, her manly stance and straight posture adding to the effect.

Khushi led Aarti to the mirror, and made her sit down and look at her image. Aarti stared at herself for a moment.

Then she whispered, “Is this really me?”

The ladies in the room and Buaji who was about to enter the room, stood still, their throats choked with tears at that simple question.

Then Buaji, not wishing Aarti to dwell on the past, waddled in. 

“Aarti Bitiyaa, look what I have got for you, Nandkisore!”

“Buaji!”, protested Aarti.

Buaji gave her a small box. Aarti opened it carefully to find a small, silver box in which she could keep her sindoor.

“It is beautiful, Buaji. But the expense…”, Aarti said, swallowing.

Buaji hugged her, kissing her forehead.

“You like it?”, Bujai asked Aarti.

Aarti nodded. “Very much.”

“Then the expense does not matter.”, said Buaji. Suddenly, she gasped. “Hai Re Nandkisore! Let me look at you!”

All the ladies smiled fondly as Buaji made Aarti get up from her seat, and went around her, exclaiming at the beauty of the bride, the way in which the jewellery enhanced her beauty, the aptness of the Banarsi sari, how Aarti looked more beautiful than a film actress!

Aarti blushed.

Mami entered the room, gasped, and said “Hello Hi Bye Bye!” in a feeble voice. “Is thijj our Aarti Bitiyyaa? Or have I come to the wrong roomwaa?”

All laughed, reassuring her that she was in the right place.

“I was just telling her that she is more beautiful than a film actress, Nandkisore!”, Buaji said.

“Aur naahin to kaa? Ash, Deepika, Kareena, Rani, all bill have to sit at home, covering their phaces (faces) in their pallu. Our Aarti Bitiyaa ijj here!”, declared Mamiji.


There was a knock at the door. All looked towards the door to see Arnav, looking dashing in a white sherwani.

He smiled to see all his family so decked up and smiling.

“It is time to leave for the venue.”, he said softly, smiling at Khushi. His eyes ran over her form in a bright blue Banarsi sari. She looked more than beautiful. His heart skipped a beat.

“I am ready.”, announced Mamiji. “And Aarti Bitiyaa is ready too.”

“Nani is waiting downstairs with NK, Anand Jiju, & Akash. The others have left for the hall. Payal’s parents, Baba, & the children, & Gopi Kakka are already at the hall.”, Arnav informed them.

The ladies laughed at NK’s expense, imagining his impatience at being kept waiting. They filed out of the room. Amma, Rani, Buaji & Mami walked out together. Khushi was about to follow them when Arnav caught hold of her hand, and gently pulled her to stand by him.

Anjali, Payal, & Aarti smiled as they walked out. Arnav & Khushi were left alone in the room.

“Arnavji! Kya hua?”, Khushi asked.

“Why? Does something have to happen before I can talk to my wife?”, Arnav raised his famous eyebrow.

Khushi looked down, smiling. She too had been hoping to have a moment alone with him. The last couple of days had been hectic.

“What did you want to talk to me about?”, she asked softly, the smile playing on her sweet lips.

“Two important things. One, I will be driving you, Aarti, Payal, & Di to the venue and Akash & Mohan will be driving the others.” His tone was very businesslike, and his face, stern.

Her smile vanished. 

"Oh!", poor Khushi said, her face becoming serious. “Ji. And the second important thing?”

Arnav swooped down to give a loud and smacking kiss to her neck. “This.”, he said, smiling.

Khushi looked at him, startled, her hand covering the spot he had kissed, her breathing rapid.

“Chalein?”, he asked, smiling.




Part 106

Arnav parked in the parking lot of Aarti’s corporate office. 

Nitin, a bald Jayesh Bhai, and many others came to welcome them and the bride to the wedding venue. All the employees and their families were there, dressed in bright clothes, waiting eagerly to witness the wedding they had never thought to witness.

Aarti alighted. Nitin & Jayesh Bhai stood looking at her, speechless with wonder. Aarti Bitiyaa looked so beautiful, so gorgeous, so feminine….. And there was no black or brown in her dress, two colours that her employees were sick of seeing on her.

“Kya hua, Nitin, Jayesh Bhai?”, Aarti asked, laughing. “It is just me underneath all this finery.”

Both men smiled, their fists clenching as though closing around the neck of Mohan Mishra for having prevented his daughter from knowing & exploring her own feminine beauty.

Aarti looked around. Now it was her turn to be speechless.

The entire building and the campus were decorated with sunflowers. Bright balls of sunflowers hung from all available beams. Clumps of yellow, laughing sunflowers were arranged on the steps leading to the hall. Big arches of sunflowers welcomed guests to the venue. The whole place was a riot of yellow.

 “Nitin! Jayesh Bhai! This is…this is beautiful!”, Aarti gasped. Arnav, Di, Khushi, & Payal could only agree.

“Well, it has to match the glamour of the bride and the groom!”, Jayesh Bhai smiled. Nitin nodded. “Only the best for you.”

Aarti looked at both of them for a moment, silent. The men who had stood between her and her father, diverting punishments, lying for her, trying to cover for her….. Standing shoulder to shoulder with her once she took over, protecting her, looking out for her……..

She hugged them both, whispering her gratitude in their ears. There was not a single dry eye in the crowd of employees who had waited to watch the bride’s arrival.




The cars holding the groom and the remaining family members came to a halt just behind Arnav’s car. Gopi Kakka, Raj Kisore, Mamaji, & Baba came out of the hall.
NK was in a yellow sherwani, looking all golden and glowing, his smile so bright that it could light up the night. He greeted Nitin & Jayesh Bhai, hugging Baba & Gopi Kakka.

He turned around to look at Aarti, and stopped short. His smile died. He looked amazed, as though he were seeing the eight wonder in the world in front of him. The ladies giggled and the men smiled, seeing his wonderstruck expression.

 Aarti smiled, blushing.

“Aarti, you…you look…..” Words failed him. “I mean…I…”

“You can tell her what you mean later, Hello Hi Bye Bye! You have the whole night ahead of you!” said incorrigible Mami.

All laughed. NK & Aarti blushed.

The wedding party moved towards the building slowly, with Nitin & Jayesh Bhai greeting Naniji, Amma, Mami, Rani, & Buaji, and welcoming them in.


The interior of the venue was equally glorious, with golden yellow sunflowers taking over the entire area. Every sunflower that had bloomed in the north of India on that day had been pressed into service at this venue.


Employees and their family members came forward to greet & congratulate Aarti and Amma, and meet Aarti’s new family. Ladies clasped Aarti’s hands, cupped her face, and placing their hands over her head, blessed her whole-heartedly. Some hugged her. Some kissed her cheeks. All wished her a wonderful, prosperous, and happy life ahead.

Soon, more guests began pouring in. Anand’s mother and Buaji, his sisters and their families, his partners and their families, the Sinhas & their neighbours from Laxmi Nagar, Pinky (minus Coco) and other friends of Rani from Sydney, Arnav’s business associates, Mami’s kitty party friends, the doctors and nurses from Payal’s clinic, the children from Omkar etc were ushered into their seats by the sons and daughters of Aarti’s employees who had volunteered for this duty.

The mandap was decorated, the pujari was ready, the guests were in their seats, laughing and catching up...... It was time.

Arnav asked Aarti and NK, “Shall we begin?”

Aarti nodded, smiling.

NK said, “Nannav, I am ready.”

Mami and the others laughed. “He has been ready for months, Hello Hi Bye Bye!”

Arnav asked Amma, “Amma, shall we begin?”

Amma nodded, smiling.

He asked Rani & Raj Kisore. Both of them agreed, smiling.

He took Nani’s, Baba’s & Mamaji’s permission.

“Begin soon, Arnav Bitwaa!”, said Mamaji. “NK will elope with Aarti Bitiyaa if we make him wait any longer!”

All laughed, agreeing with Mamaji.

As Arnav was about to return to the pujari, he paused, and asked Aarti softly, “Aarti, whom would you like to do your kanyadaan?”

There was perfect silence. Amma paled. Nani put her arm around Amma, comforting her.

“You have a lot of people to choose from.”, Arnav said, smiling comfortingly at Aarti. “Baba has offered to do it. I am ready to do it…”

“I am next in line.”, Akash said.

“Count me in.”, Raj Kisore added, smiling.

“What about me?”, asked Mamaji.

“I have lots of experience in kanyadaan, having done it for 3 sisters. So you better choose me.”, claimed Anand, smiling.

“Can I do Aarti’s kanyadaan?”, NK asked in all seriousness.

All gasped.

Buaji hit her head with her hand. “Hai Re Nandkisore! No, you can’t do Aarti Bitiyaa’s kanyadaan. But you can do her daughters'. You will have to wait for a few years, Nandkisore!”

All burst out laughing. Aarti smiled.

When the laughter died down, Aarti asked softly, “Can I have Gopi Kakka to do my kanyadaan? He has been more of a father to me than….”

All nodded, smiling, approving of Aarti’s choice. Amma smiled, happy at her daughter’s judgement.

“Where is Gopi Kakka?”, Arnav asked, looking around.

“He will be going over the arrangements with Nitin & Jayesh Bhai.”, Aarti smiled, knowing her Gopi Kakka well. “They are thick friends.”


As Aarti had predicted, Arnav & Khushi found Gopi Kakka with Nitin & Jayesh Bhai. He was poring over documents related to the hire of drummers and the purchase of flowers.

“Gopi Kakka, can you come to the mandap for a moment?”, Arnav asked.

Gopi Kakka frowned.

“Aartiji wants you.”, said Khushi. The magic words sent Gopi Kakka, Nitin, & Jayesh Bhai rushing towards the stage. Arnav & Khushi followed, smiling, holding hands.

“Gopi Bhaiyya, Aarti wants you to do her kanyadaan.”, Amma said, smiling. “Will you…?”

Gopi Kakka paled. The elderly man swallowed hard. He then looked at the lovely face of Aarti Bitiyaa & nodded slowly.

Aarti came close to him and hugged him. All smiled.

“I will have you for my father in my next birth, Gopi Kakka. Only you.”, Aarti said softly. Her eyes closed, she lay against his heart, her arms crushing the frail body dressed in the simple white kurta she had bought for him. The expensive clothes he had been given by the Kisores and the Raizadas lay untouched in his suitcase.

Gopi Kakka swallowed his tears, and said in his usual, irascible manner, “So I am not to have any peace in my next life too.”

“No. I am going to hound you in your next birth too.”, Aarti was very sure.

“In that case, I better do your kanyadaan.”, he said, running his fingers over her pallu-covered head, blessing her.

Amma dried her eyes. All the others smiled.





Part 107

Aarti was led on to the mandap for the jai mala. 


Mamaji gave her a garland of fragrant roses, and said, “As soon as NK Bitwaa comes to stand by you, throw it around his neck. Don’t let him get away!”


Aarti smiled. 

Her acquaintance with marriages was distant, as distant as the car park and the wedding mandap. She was used to sitting in her car & working as her passengers attended weddings…but this….This was the real thing! Her wedding! 

Aarti looked around. So many smiling faces….Amma trying hard not to cry…Gopi Kakka looking all brave…..Khushiji & Payalji smiling away….Mamiji cracking jokes and Buaji laughing, her hand on her head….her sasur & sasummaa smiling at her through their tears of joy….Aarti smiled back, watching Raj Kisore give Rani a napkin to wipe her tears……Jayesh Bhai standing with his wife, both of them smiling at her…Nitin, his wife, & two daughters…the girls were waving at her…Aarti smiled…..

Tara, the receptionist was in a pink lehenga, looking beautiful & happy……Ram Singh, her watchman smiled at her and salaamed her…Aarti nodded, smiling at him……Her fish had been transferred to RM. One evening, NK had taken her to a small pond that had been built in the grounds of the house for her fish….so many kindnesses…so many small acts of kindnesses….How would she ever return all these?


She saw Arnavji, Anand Jiju, & Akash lead her Sunflower to the mandap. The brothers were teasing NK, who was all red and glowing with happiness and laughter. As she watched, NK winked at her. Aarti drew in a breath. Here…in front of the entire world…. She blushed, lowering her face to look at the garland in her hands.

She saw her Sunflower’s feet approaching her, and finally standing in front of her. She looked up into his eyes. Such a world of love they held…..Aarti swallowed….How had she gotten so lucky?

Maybe it was a dream. Maybe she would wake up now? Maybe she should pinch herself to make sure….She felt NK’s fingers sneak under the cover of her pallu, and softly pinch the underside of her arm. She jerked, looking at him with wide eyes. NK smiled at her.


“Put the garland around his neck when he is mooning into your eyes!”, advised Mamaji in a whisper.

Aarti, a true businesswoman, decided to take the opportunity, and tried to garland her Sunflower, but her Jetjis were businessmen too. They lifted him off the ground, holding him up in the air so that she couldn’t reach him.

All laughed, shouting suggestions at her, asking her to jump up & garland him, throw the garland around his neck….

Suddenly, she felt arms lift her up to reach her Sunflower.

Mamaji, her sasurji, & Gopi Kakka had formed a cradle of their arms and lifted her. Aarti smiled her thanks and garlanded a laughing Nandkisore, who quickly garlanded her and leaned forward to drop a kiss on her cheek.


Aarti heard many gasps of shock, a “Hello Hi Bye Bye!”, a “Hai Re Nandkisore!”, Khushiji, Di, & Payalji giggling, something dropping on the floor…That must be the handbag of some female colleague, she thought…She seriously hoped it was just the handbag & not the colleague who had collapsed in shock………The employees of Mishra’s would soon get used to the Sunflower and the Raizadas and their outrageous ways…

Aarti smiled at NK.


Updated….




Aarti heard her Sasumma comment, laughing, “Just like his father! He is never one to miss an opportunity!” 

The ladies from Sydney started giggling.

Arnavji, Anand Jiju, & Akash were chuckling, sharing their mirth at their brother’s outrageous behaviour with their wives.

Mami complained to Mamaji, “Kyon Ji? You never gave me a pappi at our wedding!”
“Don’t worry, Manno.”, Mamaji consoled her. “I will give you one now!”
Mami’s mouth fell open, and all laughed.


The long-suffering priest asked the bride and the broom to sit down in front of the holy fire. NK supported Aarti’s arm, and helped her sit down on the floor. He then sat very close to her, his arm rubbing against her. 

“Looks like NK is feeling cold.”, Arnav commented softly in Khushi’s ear.
She burst out laughing, pressing his fingers that had a firm hold of her hand.

Akash put his arm around Payal’s shoulder, pulling her gently closer to him. Both of them stood watching NK & Aarti.


Gopi Kakka performed the kanyadaan, handing over Aarti into NK’s safekeeping. An unusually somber NK accepted his gift and responsibility with gratitude. Amma smiled through her tears. The employees and the family smiled at the sight, knowing and understanding the appropriateness of the act. Nitin smiled at Jayesh Bhai, and Baba nodded at Arnav, pleased at Aarti’s choice.

The wedding proceeded, Aarti & NK obeying the priest, performing all the rituals that would make them one.
After the seven pheres, wearing the mangal sutra and the sindoor, and touching each other on the heart, they sought the blessings of the priest.

Then they touched Gopi Kakka’s feet, and went from one family member to the next, taking their blessings. All blessed and hugged them. Amma, Naniji, Raj & Rani Kisore, Baba…..

When they took Baba’s blessings, he asked Aarti, “What do you want as a wedding gift?”

Aarti beamed at him, and asked, “Will you give me anything I want?”

“If it is within my capacity to do so.”, smiled Baba.

“Will you sing today, Baba? Here. With Khushiji? One song. For me.”, Aarti pleaded.

Baba looked at Khushi. She was smiling. Baba smiled at Aarti, and nodded.

“Are you sure you don’t mind? Khushiji said that you perform only twice a year in public…” Aarti’s uncertain eyes searched Baba’s calm ones.

“Let the dinner be over. Once the mandap is cleared, we can arrange a concert there.” Baba smiled.

Aarti hugged him while NK and the others looked on smiling. Once Aarti released Baba, NK quickly hugged Baba, saying, “Me too, Baba.”

All laughed.

The newly-wedded couple then took the blessings of Buaji, Mamaji & Mami, Anand Jiju & Anjali, Arnav & Khushi, Akash & Payal, Dr. Prakash Sinha & his wife, Anand Jiju’s mother & Buaji, Jayesh Bhai & his wife, Nitin & his wife.....

Part 108

By the time dinner was over, the hall looked very different.

The mandap had vanished, and the stage was all set for a concert. Guests who realised that the legendary singer, Pandit Sasi Sharma was going to sing with his daughter & gifted disciple, Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada, took permission from Aarti & Baba to invite their friends & relations who loved music. This was not a chance to be missed.

Aarti looked at Baba, waiting for his decision. Baba nodded, smiling slightly.

Jayesh Bhai, Nitin, Gopi Kakka, & the other employees ran around arranging chairs, TVs, & sound systems outside the hall, knowing very well that the hall would fail to accommodate the music lovers who would turn up in a few minutes. They were ably helped by their children, the children from Omkar, the Raizadas, & other guests.

After dinner, the guests raced to the hall to get hold of seats close to the stage. There was a mad scramble for seats, and within minutes the entire hall was filled, with the crowd pouring out into the spacious yard. By the time Baba was ready to go on to the stage, there was not a single seat left. Not inside the hall. Not outside in the yard. All were filled with eager music lovers.

Mami clung to her seat with both hands, looking at the listeners sitting near her with a jaundiced eye.

“Kya hua, Manno?”, asked Mamaji. “Why are you holding on to the chair? It won’t fly away. There are no flying chairs, only flying carpets!”

“Hhmmmppfff…”, Mami snorted. “What do you know, Ji? These women! They will knock me down and take my chair. And I won’t be able to listen to my Babaji and my Khushi Bitiyaa!”

Mamaji shook his head, smiling.

Chotu had gone with Akash in the bus to Omkar to get the tanpura, the harmonium, & his tabla. Once they returned, they and Arnav arranged the mikes on the stage. 

Aarti led Baba on to the stage to thunderous applause. 

Baba greeted the audience with folded hands and closed eyes, thanking God for having given him a gift that gave so much pleasure to others and himself, for having given him Khushi and a  second chance at music….. 

Baba sat down, covering his feet with a shawl that Buaji had lent him. Chotu and Akansha took their places on stage, helping Simi sit by the tanpura. They waited for Khushi.

Arnav led Khushi on to the stage. The audience went mad with joy. They clapped loudly. The Raizadas and their extended family swelled in pride at the recognition received by Baba & Khushi.

Khushi reached Baba, and both Baba & Arnav helped her sit on the floor by him, each of them holding an arm each. Khushi smiled at both of them, and Arnav left her with Baba, gently pressing her shoulder in passing.

Khushi and Baba folded their hands, greeting their audience of family and guests.

Baba said, “Today is an auspicious day for us. Our Nandkisore and our Aarti Bitiyaa are finally married. We would like to perform a bandish in their honour.”

The audience clapped like mad.

“It is in Rag Jog, a night raaga. And the bol is ‘Saajan More Ghar Aaye…’”, added Khushi.

“Kya baat he!” “Wah, wah!” were some of the exclamations they could hear.

Then there was perfect silence.

Simi began strumming the tanpura.

The audience waited with bated breath.

The sweet, soft sound of Baba humming the opening strains of Rag Jog electrified the crowd. Khushi, Chotu, & Akansha looked with love and respect at the elderly man creating magic with just his voice and his infinite knowledge of music.

Saajan More Ghar Aaye…, he sang.

As he elaborated on the line, Khushi joined in, her sweeter than sweet voice blending into his till no one knew where one began and the other ended.

Saajan More Ghar Aaye…
Mero Man Ati Sukh Paaye…. 

They sang, smiling at Aarti & NK sitting in the front row along with their family. Aarti had moist eyes and NK was happily recording the concert. Mami was tapping the arms of the chair she was holding in a death grip, shaking her head in time with the music. Akash & Payal were sitting together, nodding in time to the music.

Dr. Prakash Sinha had tears in his eyes. It had been his dearest wish to hear Baba sing, and today he was hearing him and Khushi, live. He thought of the paper cutting of Baba he had saved in his old trunk, and smiled through his tears.

Gopi Kakka, Nitin, & Jayesh Bhai looked at Baba & Khushi with wide eyes full of respect. People were crowding outside the gate of the office, trying to find standing room somewhere that would enable them to watch & listen to Baba & Khushiji….

Buaji looked at Baba & Khushi Bitiyaa and then at the crowd that was loud in their appreciation. Baba? The Baba who helped the boys lift chairs and trace Aarti Bitiyaa was a magician who could cast a spell on thousands of people at the same time with his voice? “Hai re Nandkisore, when they said he could sing, I never thought…”, she whispered.

Saajan, Saajan, Saajan more ghar aaye….

Khushi turned to look at Arnavji. He was standing in the wings, his arms crossed, leaning against a pillar, his eyes resting on her with pride. She smiled. His lips stretched in a smile.

Mangal Gaavoon, Chauk Puraavoon….
‘Prem Piyaa’ Hum Paaye…, she sang, her melting eyes on her husband, the father of her baby, her lover, her love….

Saajan More Ghar Aaye……, Baba sang, smiling in encouragement at Chotu who played the tabla beautifully.

He told the audience, “This bandish was composed by Ustad Faiyaz Khan Sahib of the Agra Gharana who used ‘Prem Piya’ as his pen name.”

The audience murmured its appreciation.

Baba and Khushi continued to weave a web of musical notes around the crowd, soothing & satisfying all, filling their hearts with pleasure and the knowledge that they were witnessing something unique, almost historical….

Khushi peeped at Baba. Her father. He had his eyes closed as he travelled through the intricate pathways of the raga. The best father and the greatest musician the world had ever seen and would ever see….. She smiled at him, moving her head in enjoyment at the way in which he played with the two gandhars….

 Akansha played a brilliant piece on the harmonium, & Baba & Khushi said, “Kya Baat He!”

The audience applauded. Simi smiled.


The bandish came to an end all too soon. The audience still remained lost in the sense of well-being and beauty created by such masterly singing. 


Baba got up, and took Khushi’s right hand to help her stand up. Arnav took the other arm. They bowed to the audience and slowly began to leave the stage.

The crowd stood up. Thunderous applause filled the air.
Baba helped Simi leave the stage, followed by Chotu & Akansha. 

Arnav curled his arm around Khushi, pulled her close to him, under his arm, and helped her walk down the steps to her seat.

"Each time I hear you sing, Khushi...", he whispered, "...I want to lift you up in my arms and carry you away...to a world where only we live.....so that I can drown in your voice, sink in your love..."
Khushi hugged him. "I always sing only for you.", she whispered. "I always search for you in the crowd."

 
All the men hugged Baba, thrilled by the performance. Mamaji, Anand, Raj, Akash, Gopi Kakka, Nitin, Jayesh Bhai…..all of them were speechless at Baba & Khushi’s talent.

Aarti hugged Baba, whispering, “Thank you, thank you…”.

“Happy?”, asked Baba softly, smiling.

“Very.”, she whispered.

“Baba, you are one cool guy, I must say.”, NK said, full of admiration.

Baba smiled.

“I am your kameez for life.”, NK said earnestly.

Baba looked at him with wide eyes and then looked at his own simple, white kurta.

“Hein?”, Mami said. “I have heard of shirt da button and hair da clip, but kameez?”

Anjali hit her head with her hand. “Kaneez, NK Bhai, Kaneez. Kaneez is the word for Slave.”

NK pulled his ear. All laughed.

“Sorry. Kaneez, kaneez. I am your kaneez for life, Baba.”, NK said.

Part 109

The ladies hugged Khushi and the children and congratulated Baba. Arnav stood by his wife, her hand in his, smiling to see his family and friends pour their love and blessings over her, Chotu, Simi, & Akansha. He looked at Baba’s smiling face with pride.

It was time to go home. 

The guests started leaving reluctantly,  one by one, after wishing Aarti & NK a long and happy married life. The newly-wedded couple smiled and thanked everyone.

Finally they all drove home.

“NK Bhai, Aartiji, please wait in the living room while we get your room ready!”, Anjali smiled. Anjali, Payal, & Khushi went to NK's room where HP had stored the flowers and the candles.

“It won’t take long, NK Bhai.”, Akash comforted an NK who was stealing glances at his watch.

Aarti hid her smile. 

Arnav turned away, apparently to check his messages, a small smile on his lips.  Anand looked at the ceiling with great attention, biting his lip.

Buaji & Mami began teasing NK.

“Hai Re Nandkisore, look at his impatience! Kyon Bitwaa, are you catching a train to someplace?”

“Train naahin, phlight (flight)! If he doesn’t get there on time, the phlight (flight) will phly (fly) out through the window, Hello Hi Bye Bye!”

All laughed at NK.

“See how they are teasing me, Amma.”, NK complained to Aarti’s mother. He came to sit at her feet, leaning against her legs, playing with his turban in his hand.

Amma comforted him, “There..there…”, patting him on his head.

Anjali, Payal, & Khushi looked at NK's bed in shock. 

There was a huge pile of clothes on the bed. Apparently the dulha had misplaced his wedding sherwani & had dug through the mess in his cupboard to find it! They sighed.

The ladies cleared the bed of the many sherwanis & kurtas that NK had pulled out of his wardrobe that evening. Payal opened the wardrobe to hang them in their rightful places. She gasped.

“This boy! He hasn’t even made space for Aartiji’s clothes!”, she exclaimed. 

“This NK Bhai bhi na!”, Anjali sighed.

Khushi smiled. “It wouldn’t have struck him that Aartiji would be accompanied by her belongings!!!”

His three sisters sorted out his cupboard, laughing at the toy aeroplane and the collection of books of jokes among his clothes..... CDs....laptop....There was even a half-eaten bag of chips hidden under a shirt......

Arnav looked at Akash & Anand Jiju, and then up the stairs. Why were the ladies taking so long? Was something wrong?

He looked at his family. They were discussing the wedding & the concert, all smiles. He motioned to Akash & Anand Jiju to accompany him up.

Slowly, they made their way up the stairs.

They peeped into NK’s room to see Anjali, Payal, & Khushi taking the strings of flowers from the cover.

“Kya hua? Do you need any help?”, asked Anand, smiling.

“Yes!”, exclaimed the ladies, smiling in relief.

“Why the delay?”, Arnav asked Khushi.

Khushi whispered in his ear, leaning against his hard warmth, “NK Bhai forgot that he has to share his room with Aartiji from tonight.”

Arnav frowned.

“He planned only the suhaag raat, not space for her clothes & jewels.”

Arnav chuckled, pulling her closer to his side.

The men helped the ladies hang the curtain of flowers over the bed, while the ladies covered the bedspread with rose petals & jasmine flowers. Anjali went around lighting sweet-smelling candles.

Finally, all stood looking at the beautifully decorated and fragrant room, lit only by the candles and the fairy lights hanging from the trees.

“This is beautiful, isn’t it?”, Anjali asked.

Anand nodded, smiling at her.

“It looks like something out of a dream!”, Payal whispered, lost in the play of lights & shadows.

Arnav whispered to Akash & Anand Jiju, “I hope NK does not make it a nightmare for Aarti!”

Akash & Anand chuckled.

“NK Bhai & Aartiji will like it, I am sure!”, Khushi smiled, looking at the decorations.

“Like what?”, Arnav asked her softly.

“The decorations…..the flowers….the lights….the candles…the fruits…..”, innocent Khushi said, looking into his evil, hot eyes.

“Do you really think your NK Bhai is going to notice all these?”, he asked, a smirk twisting his lips.

Anand & Akash looked elsewhere, trying very hard not to laugh. Payal & Anjali frowned at Arnav.

Khushi turned to look at the floral canopy over the bed. “How can he miss it?”, she asked.

Arnav sighed. With a smile of pity on his face, he said, “Do you really think bridegrooms waste their time looking at the roses & the lilies, the lights & the smoke from the candles on their suhaag raat?”

Khushi looked at him, silent, a slight flush on her face. His eyes reminded her of their suhaag raat.....

“Your NK Bhai will see only his Aarti, and your Aartiji will see only her Sunflower. Bas.”, Arnav said softly.

Akash & Anand nodded.

Khushi, Payal, & Anjali blushed.