Part 107

There was a knock on the door. Mummiji was at the door on her wheel chair. She got up with the help of her walker and came in.

"I am staying with her tonight! And you all can go out!" she ordered. Everyone went out to their respective rooms.

** * ****

Khushi was ready to go to bed. She curled up beside mummiji. Mummiji stroked her head lost in her thoughts.

"Khushi....! " Khushi looked up at mummiji. Mumimiji was sitting resting her back on the head rise of the bed.

"This one year has given me so much! I can’t even imagine life without you, Khushi! “she said looking at Khushi. Khushi had tears in her eyes. She buried her face in mummiji's laps.

"Khushi, you are entering a new life! A life with someone who will be with you throughout!

Khushi looked up.  “Rest of my life with Arnavji?” she thought dreamily. 

“ Our marriages are not contractual marriages, Khushi! The bonding is forever! It’s made in heaven! It cannot break. It will exist not only through this life but lives together!”

“Yeah..! Life with Arnav ji ... !” Khushi smiled inwardly..

“Marriage is a relationship of respect, intimacy and acceptance, Khushi! Its beyond having dreams together! It's a reality of being together, physically and emotionally!  Intimacy is not only a few kisses and hugs! It is much more beyond that. That intimacy defines your life after marriage; ensures togetherness, Khushi! “ Said Mummiji stroking her head.

“Humm... Hugs and Kisses are so magical.... I lost myself in his embrace and his Kiss? I just can’t stop craving for his kiss!” She blushed feeling his deep kisses...!

“You are on the threshold of womanhood! Leave behind your childhood, now! You need to grow up to his level ! " She caressed Khushi's face. Khushi was looking at her intently. She had a shade of fear in her eyes.

“To his level?” His high rise cabin flashed where she had her moments with him, she had never shared with anyone...! “His level? Will I be able to ....?” she didn’t know.

"Your real mother would have told you everything" Said mummiji.
"But you are my mother!" said Khushi with trembling voice.
"hmm! That's why I am here! We will not get a chance again. There is nothing to be afraid of, Khushi! Leading a life with life partner and dreaming life with him are two different things. The acceptance comes in between. You accept him as he is and then share your dreams! You will find all your dreams come true and that he fulfils all your expectations. Allow him to understand your feelings. Give him chance to understand you!" Mummiji said seriously.

“But he understands me well... more than I understand myself...He reads my mind..My unspoken words....” Khushi flushed with the flashing memory of his “Sunaa Maine...!” She hid her face... “I don’t have to say anything.... He understands...!” she closed her eyes in realization...!

"This is a very different marriage, Khushi, with contrasting personalities. You two are so different, yet so alike! You two  share one soul! Your actions are different but your intentions are same. Your speeches are different but your thoughts are same!" Mummiji wondered this out of the world Love for each other....!

Don't allow a slightest bit of misunderstanding! It is your duty to ward off all the evil. It is like nurturing! As he nurtures his plants, you nurture him to keep your marriage ever green!" Said mummiji dreamily.

 "Like you and Papaji!" asked Khushi nudging her!

"Hmm" She said. " You have to ensure the growth of both of you, individually as well as together! Your support will speak volumes for him! Both of you are incomplete without each other! Make him complete, Khushi with your unequivocal, unconditional love and passion. Stand by him all the time! He is yours forever and you are his forever! Let your souls unite, Khushi! Merge yourself in his life!" Mummiji could not speak more. She stopped hearing Khushi's sobs!!

"Khushi , don't cry! This is a happy moment! Dream about your life together, about your children, their growth, about their children!" Khushi smiled faintly! Mummiji pinched her cheek lightly.

“Children? Arnav ji’s children.. .. around us...!” she pressed her hand on her heart smiling dreamily. 

 Mummiji  went ahead!

"Before reacting to his actions ask yourself "Why? Why did he do this?" and when you find the answer, react appropriately. Don't jump to conclusions before asking why! Do you understand, Khushi?" Mummiji asked her. She nodded.

“hum I did that mistake ... When Regi Sir left.... I.. I thought Arnav ji fired him.... But ... But my Laad Governor.... He... was Aru to her... her dearest... the one who was dependable... the one who fulfilled her last wish....!” Khushi winced with the thought....

" If you want your marriage to be successful, offer yourself first unconditionally and he will be all yours, unconditionally!" Mummiji helped Khushi get up and took her in an embrace. Khushi lost herself in her affection!! She felt secure in mummiji's arms. She slept like a child in her arms for the last time!!!Mummiji closed her eyes with tears rolling on her cheeks!!

*** ***** ****** 8**** ****** *****

Arnav came back to his room. He threw himself on the bed gazing at the ceiling. These few nights were killing him. He couldn't sleep. The tension and excitement was mounting. He couldn't help thinking about Khushi.

There was a knock on the door. It was 10.00 in the night. He got up surprised. "Who is it?" he asked
moving to open the door. Raj was at the door.

"What?" Arnav asked worried. "Nothing!" said Raj gently pushing Arnav inside the room.
"What?" Arnav asked surprised.
"Shh! We are going out!" Raj whispered.
"What? No! Where?" Arnav was bewildered.
"Bachelor' Party!" Said Raj in a bear whisper.
"What? Now? No!" gasped Arnav.
"Shh! Dad will hear!" said Raj under his breath.
"What? Papaji doesn't know? No No.. I am not coming!" said Arnav.
"Come on! We are hosting this for you! After Haldi, no one will allow you to come out of your room! This is our last chance and last night to freak out! " said Raj excitedly.

"But... No.. I ... mean.. Its too late!" Arnav started melting.
"Oh! We will come back in time, before dawn! Now go and get ready" Said Raj pushing Arnav inside.

They both came out and saw Shondeep was waiting in the dark near lounge for them.
The three of them started moving towards reception area. A strong hand thumped on Raj's Shoulder.

"If YOU are a bachelor then I too!" said a forceful voice. Raj winced and turned back.
"Oh No!" he said. "No Dad! You are not coming!" he said hissing at his dad.
"Why not? I mean I can be of some help to you... when you all get high I can drive you back!" said papaji looking hopefully at the boys.

"Look who’s talking..!! No way Dad! You? You will get us back? Look at him!" said Raj throwing his hands in the air in frustration.
"Why? I mean I don't get drunk and lose control so easily! You know my capacity!" his Dad said proudly.
Raj tried different tactic. "Dad! If you are there, Arnav will be awkward! We want him to be a free bird for the last time, Dad Please!" He looked at Arnav for support! Arnav looked away not knowing whom to support.

"Sir, I think Raj is right!" Shondeep came to his rescue.
"What? You too, Shondeep? Then fall Balwindar!!" papaji went melodramatic pressing his hand on his chest and stepping backwards like a stabbed Julius Caesar.
Raj looked at his father's drama in frustration and then said "DAD, Please... Let us go DAD!"

Papaji turned sulkily muttering under his breath. He sounded like Khushi! "Has he picked up this from Khushi?" thought Arnav smiling. "Khushi is the one who mutters to herself all the time, thinking aloud!" Thought Arnav. His eyes reflected longing for Khushi!

"Wait! Aakash is to come yet!" said Raj looking at his watch. They saw shadows moving.

And to their shock Aakash came with Sham! Arnav clenched his fists enraged. "Aakash? With JIJAJI?" he was taken aback. "What is going on?" he thought to himself. Suddenly he lost all the interest in the party. Shondee came forward and said Hello "Mr. Sham, its good you too are joining us!" Sham looked at Arnav maliciously. They all went out hurriedly. Four of their security guards followed them. Arnav dragged himself behind them.

Shondeep slowed down and Arnav caught up with him.
"What the hell is he doing in our party?" hissed Arnav in Shondeep's ears.
"Don't know!" Shondeep shrugged. Sham had held on to Aakash all the time. Arnav could not ask anything to Aakash.
They all reached the pub. Arnav's frustrations had reduced a bit and he had started taking part in conversation.

Arnav could not forget Sham's presence. The five of them slowly started letting down their guards and opening up, every now and then telling Arnav what to do and how to play tricks with the wife and how to keep her in control!! They all sounded like clergymen giving sermon!!.

"I tell you, BIL! These wives are witches! they catch you red handed when you go wrong and just ignore you when you really get romantic" said Raj loudly making the nearby people wince.
Arnav looked at him in surprise. "I think Elsa will know about this statement too!" he said contemptuously curling up his lips.

"Oh! No no...! can't even imagine what will happen then? I think I will be banned from entering India while she settles permanently here!" said Raj laughing loudly. Shondeep and Sham joined him.
"That means you do not know who to trick your wife. I can do anything and my wife will never come to know.... You see!" Sham had boozed and had started blurting....! Arnav and Aakash exchanged looks!

"What does that mean? Mr. Sham? You seem to be perfect in this...!" Raj was curious.
"I am the best at it..!" sham said boastfully inflating his chest.

"Oh yeah? Give us some tips then! Hello.. Hello look here everyone... We are going to get lessons on One Zero One ways to cheat on your wife... By Mr. Sham!" declared Raj loudly... clapping hard.
Shondeep looked around and putting his hand on Raj's shoulder said... "Raj! Keep cool! We are in public place!" He looked at Arnav. Arnav and Aakash were looking at Sham who was blurting.. number one... How to stay away under the pretext of work! No. 2 How to keep her away from any doubts.. and... " he went on.

*** *** ***
They came out putting their hands around each others' necks. The security guards were shadowing them. One of them took the steering and they all drove towards the Hotel back.

With Raj considerably in control of himself, looking at his condition in the pub. Sham was almost out of control still blurting about 101 ways to ... Shondeep was still listening to Sham intently and nodding in response to his nonsense babble.

Aakash and Arnav were holding each others' hands and trying to steady themselves.
When they all went to their respective rooms at 3 in the night.... Each one had a smirk on his face.....

Raj came to his room but instead of entering his room, he went to his dad's room. He knew his dad would be awake and so was he. "Dad!" he whispered instead of knocking on the door and it was opened immediately.

"Dad, we could do it!" he said looking at his dad. "I am sorry Dad, I had to stop you from coming with us!" said Raj guiltily.

"Its ok, Son! I knew it! Tell me what you could get..!" asked papaji.
"Here!" Raj handed over his phone. Papaji looked satisfied. "Redundancy?" he asked. "Everyone!" said Raj. Papaji smiled broadly and then turning in his room said "Good night son! Got some work to do!" and he closed the door.

Raj looked at the closed door and went to his room, to reset his sleep.

Shondeep went to his room. He took out his phone and lost deep in thoughts. He felt sorry for Anjali. He felt sorry for her fate. "She deserves better life than this! She needs a better life!" he thought. He replayed all the recording of the video clippings. He felt like going to Sham's room and bashing him square on the face. He controlled his rage and sighing helplessly, went to bed.

Arnav came back to his suite. He took out his cell and reran the clippings. His anger mounting with every word Sham blurted about his wife, About Arnav's Di! This is the last straw. Your countdown has reached zero, Mr. sham Manohar Zaa!" He screamed. He downloaded the entire clipping in his laptop and then went to bed.

Aakash went to his room. Payal had stayed back at guptas. He took out his phone and saw the recording. He stared. All the remaining four had recorded Sham from different angles. Every time he heard his Di's name, his blood boiled with rage. He clenched his fists, stood there like a statue for long time. Slowly a smiled appeared on his face. He put his hand in his pocket and took out another phone.

Sham came to his room. Anjali could sense his presence. "Where were you? And what is the time?" she blurted in sleep and turning her back to him she continued with her sleep.
"Its nothing, Raani Saheba! " he smirked. Tomorrow this bachelor party will be all over the media....!" He thought and turning his back on her he went to a peaceful sleep, dreaming about the breaking news headlines of the news channels.

***** ********* ******