Chapter 20(B): “…ik na aag bachegi…”
“Hum jal jaayein raakh bachegi
Ishq mein ik na aag bachegi
Phir bhi inn seeli aankhon mein
Aakhiri lau tak aas bachegi”
- Raakh, Arijit Singh
Rishi speaks: “So where should I begin with?” as he looks at all the expectant faces waiting for him to reveal the mysterious past of Khushi. He thoughtfully says, “Guess I should start with all the family background and things like that.”
NK almost vibrating with excitement: “Yes please, just start already...” being the hopeless romantic, can’t wait to know about anyone’s love story.
Rishi collected his thoughts and began telling: “Raichodhary family was one of the richest, most influential and elite families of Kolkata. Vikram Raichodhary started textile business along with his younger brother, Atul Raichodhary and got success in quite short time. Later Atul uncle started his import-export business which was a success and also helped their textile business expand internationally. Vikram uncle’s wife, Aradhana auntie and Atul uncle’s wife, Rekha auntie were the forever encouraging wife to their husband and life was pleasant for them with all the success by god’s grace. Then Vikram uncle and Aradhana auntie had their first son, Abhay followed by a year later Atul uncle and Rekha auntie also having their one and only son, Arko. Almost four years later when Aradhana auntie was in second trimester of her second pregnancy, Vikram uncle’s best friend passed away leaving behind his four years old daughter, Radha with no immediate family to take her and he adopted her as his daughter. It was not much hard since Radha Didi was already familiar with them and Aradhana auntie was almost like mother to her already as her real Mom has died giving birth to her. Anyways, few months later Aradhana auntie and Vikram uncle’s second son was born Aditya or Adi as everyone called him...the perfect happy family they were. Our families knew each other and so we were like best friends since baby-days and we did everything together. So, as we grew up and after finishing school joined University...lucky us that we got the chance to study in Presidency College. That year Abhay Dada, Piya Boudi and Radha Didi had just freshly graduated with their degrees and Arko Dada and Ishita Boudi were in their final year while I, Adi and Gayatri joined first year. Now, I took LLB along with Business while Gayu was Architecture major and Adi had taken up Architecture major along with Business Management, so he had fair classes with both of us. As the year began and classes started, we met our other classmates and it was all normal like it is always, new class, new friends and all... in Architecture major in Adi’s batch was scholarship student, Kashish Sharma. The girl was from Lucknow and didn’t speak or understand Bengali also very few students knew Hindi, so Gayatri was asked by professors to help her since she was the only girl in class knowing Hindi. Now Kashish being so beautiful had all heads turning to her but she never noticed such things while Adi fell for her sort of love at first sight.” a soft nostalgic smile graced upon his lips remembering the old times fondly.
Gayatri had the same expression as she continued from where her husband left: “Adi usually wasn’t the shy types but Kashish brought out a totally unseen side of him which was very adorable to see. He uses to stare at her from afar all the time but no coaxing of us could convince him to talk to her, I even offered to introduced him to her but he won’t agree to go in front of her. Finally seeing him mooning and moping over her for two months we decided to something. So, we planned an accidental meeting of Adi with Kashish after which they became very good friends and after that is all history. It seems like yesterday watching Adi and Kashish giving each other shy adorable looks and loving glances...”
----FLASHBACK----
It’s a beautiful night at Darjeeling and Kashish stood waiting at the gazebo of the hotel college had booked for this year picnic. Though it was only 10 PM, there was hardly anybody out at this time giving her time to go over her thoughts. Kashish was thinking about Adi, at the beginning of the year she had banged into him and then they had become fast friends which was easier due to having mutual friends. Now almost 07 months of knowing him she had started having feelings for him more than friends and though he never said outright but his every gesture to her told her that he too felt something for her, so she had decided that tonight taking a leap of faith will confess in hopes that her feelings were returned.
Kashish was lost in thoughts smiling shyly to herself that she hadn’t heard Adi coming or him standing until he was behind her: “Thinking about me?” softly whispered in her ear with a smile of his own.
She wasn’t startled by him instead smilingly looked over her shoulder at him: “And if I am?” with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes which brightened even more at having him so close to her.
He smiled at her charmingly: “Guess I am luckier than I thought myself to be.” making her giggle at his charming ways and turned to face him, “So why you called me here?” asked her looking at her adoringly.
She playfully questioned: “Kyun aise hi nahi bula sakte?” (Why can’t I call you without reason?)
Though he knew she was teasing still answered: “Of course, anytime you want...” and they stood in few minutes in silence, staring at each other. Adi first looked away and then looked at her determinedly, “I want to say something to you Ash.”
Somehow his voice told her that he wanted to say just what she wanted to say to him: “Bolo...” (Say...)
Adi took hold of one of her hand and brought it to his lips, pressed a kiss at her knuckles and spoke holding her hand close: “I don’t know how will you react to this but I can’t not say it to you anymore...” as he took a deep breath, here goes nothing, “Well since the first time I saw you entering class I fell for you, quite literally and ever since that day I’m just falling more and more for you. I had spent months admiring you from afar before we had that accidental meet and become friends. Now after that I started knowing you personally and can’t help loving you more and more everyday... so here I’m in front of you confessing that I love you Kashish Sharma, I loved you from the moment my eyes landed on you and will love you till my last breath. I don’t know what you feel for me but I can only hope that you feel the same too... and if you don’t then I hope we remain friends forever at least.” he stood there holding her hand holding his breath feeling nervous wreck and his only hope was she hasn’t snatched her hand from his but that could be due to shock of his confession for all he knew.
Kashish had never felt so overwhelmed or speechless in her life and the love shone in Adi’s eyes for her just made her wish to forever bask in that love. She somehow regained little bit control over her scattered emotions, a bashful smile playing on her lips: “I love you too Adi, if you hadn’t just said then I would’ve been confessing to you. You’ve been a blessing in my life Adi and everything you bring with you...I’m honoured to have you love me when you could have had anyone.” and he shook his head at her words as if to say he didn’t want anybody else except her and tightened the hold on her hand as they smiled at each other revealing in the glory of their love.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
“...after that rest was really history. We never told Adi or Kashish but Rishi and I had spied on them and after returning home Adi happily told the family about finally getting his girl while we later shared the details in his absence with everyone which he refused to give. Though no one ever told them and rightfully so because if Adi knew he would’ve killed us for spying on him and then telling the family.” Gayatri said and shuddered slightly as if imaging what might have happened and Rishi seemed to agreeing with his wife on this. She continued, “Anyway after that Adi first introduced Kashish to his siblings and their partners with whom she seemed to get along well. Then few months later as Kashish had gelled well with them and easing her to the idea of meeting his parents for which she was so nervous. Adi didn’t know but Kashish was scared out of wits, terrified even to meet them thinking if she displeased them somehow, it took me a week to get her not to go panicking or hysterical.” pausing to take a slip of her tea.
Rishi took over from there and started telling: “But Kashish’s all worries and negative thoughts were a waste. The introduction and dinner had gone fabulous and she got along with senior Raichodharys’ just fine, especially with Vikram uncle and Atul uncle. I guess it mostly had to do with the fact that she didn’t have any supportive father figure in her life which she found in them. Anyways, everyone approved of Kashish and welcomed her with open arms while she blended in the family learning from speaking Bengali to family customs. Adi and Kashish’s relationship was blooming over the years but she never told about Adi to her family for which no one really blamed her as from what we had heard from her, her father was very conservative sort and chances where good that knowing about her relationship with Adi her father would simply take her back Lucknow and marry her off to first person he would find. So, on mutual agreement it was decided that until studies weren’t over Kashish’s family won’t be informed though I think her mother might have sensed something but never questioned due to her husband and her silence was her way of showing her approval. Soon the five years ended in which lot had happened, Abhay Dada got married to Piya Boudi first then Arko Dada also married Ishita Boudi. Also Radha Didi got married to Sourav Jiju while Adi-Kashish’s relationship grew strong...in fact Kashish was unofficially the chotti bahu of the family, only formal ceremony was left to make it legal.” everyone present was listening with rapt attention, hanging on every word spoken with burning curiosity, “Soon we were graduated and Kashish had been called back home immediately and unexpectedly, so it was decided that she’ll go Lucknow and tell her family about her relationship. After a week Adi’s family would formally ask her family Kashish’s hand for Adi but 04 days later late night an unexpected call from Kashish’s home...”
----FLASHBACK----
It was 02:00 AM and everyone was asleep but sleep was miles away from Adi’s eyes so after futile attempts to sleep which he gave up sometime a hour ago and is strolling aimlessly at this ungodly hours through the empty corridors of the big mansion which is his home. He was very worried about Kashish ever since she left for her home and her father’s reaction over their relationship. Absentmindedly he strolled in the main living room when the landline started ringing startling him out of his thoughts.
Adi glanced at the clock to check the time and wondered who might be calling this late, picking up the receiver: “Hello...”
From the other side came a nervous elderly female hushed voice: “Hello, ji hum Aditya Raichodhary se baat kar sakte hai?” (Hello, may I speak to Aditya Raichodhary?)
He frowned replied: “Yes I’m Aditya Raichodhary speaking, may I know who this is?” inquired back.
The nervous hushed voiced answered sort of relived a little: “Oh thank god I got you on phone; I’m Jhanvi Sharma, Kashish’s mother speaking.”
Adi straightened up hearing that: “Auntie, why are you calling so late... everything okay?” getting a restless feeling.
Jhanvi replied in low voice: “Everything is not fine and that is why I’m calling you so late... I don’t have much time.”
He asked more alert: “What happened auntie?”
Instead of answering him, she asked him: “How much do you love my daughter?”
He frowned at the odd question: “Very much... I love Kashish more than my life.”
She asked again: “Do you love her enough to fight for her with anyone?”
Now it was really getting odd, he thought but still answered truthfully: “Yes, I love her so much that I could fight the whole world for her... even her or my family if needed. Auntie what happened...is Kashish fine?” concern laced his voice.
Jhanvi was satisfied with his answer, replied: “Kashish told us 02 days ago about her relationship with you and her father isn’t happy, to put it mildly. Kashish’s father has locked her in her room since then and is going to marry her off within 10 days with the first decent man he could find. I can’t see my daughter being forced to such life which would be worse than death to her...so taking your phone number I’m calling getting the first chance I could. Please Aditya if you truly love my daughter than come and take her from her before they destroy my daughter.” pleading fervently.
Aditya got shocked hearing what Kashish’s father is doing and his heart broke with the desperate pleading of her mother. He quickly recovered answered: “Don’t worry auntie, I’m coming to Lucknow tomorrow itself with my Dad and will try to talk with your husband. If he agrees well and good and if he doesn’t, I’ll bring Kashish with me no matter what.”
Jhanvi signed in relive: “Thank you beta... now I must go before her father wakes up and finds me talking on phone.”
Then the call was ended hurriedly with Adi reassuring her that he won’t abandon Kashish and after placing the receiver he slumped down on the nearby couch with his head in his hand. He was already planning for tomorrow as concern for his lady love was plugging his mind.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
“Twist in the plot villain Dad ki entry, thank god the Mom was so nice, I can’t think of such cute love story with tragic ending.” Comments NK munching chips while the rest did nod in affirmation with him.
Rishi agrees with comment but continues with the story without further comment: “Right so, he didn’t go to sleep that night rather spent on booking flight tickets and making arrangements to go Lucknow till early morning. By morning when his family members woke up, he had all arrangements done and waiting for them to wake up, that night I had stayed at their house so I was there too in morning. Everyone got so worried over the situation and Aditya had said he booked tickets for himself, his father, Abhay bhai and me. So quickly we were ready, packed and off to Lucknow via jet, what we didn’t know was the surprise waiting for us at Kashish’s house…
----FLASHBACK----
LUCKNOW – 10:04 A.M
Kashish was sitting at the veranda swing trying to sew a kameez of her while desperately fighting not to break into sobs though her eyes were blurry with unshed tears. She heard someone come to stand beside her but didn’t look up to see the person.
Navin Sharma was silently observing his younger daughter, his Kashish who has been embodiment of beauty and brains which she had inherited from her mother. She has been his pride and he was so happy when she had gotten her scholarship, that had been enough for him and he wanted her to study in local collage so he can simultaneously good man for her. But it was his wife’s adamant desire to send Calcutta and nothing would change her mind. So, in the end though reluctant he had been forced to send her and his daughter had proved herself. But this love of hers is something he can’t accept and how can he make his naïve daughter understand that boy was just using her, was never going to come for her. Well he would end all this stupidity of hers and get her married to the man he had found for her; she’ll understand later that all he did was for her betterment.
Navin spoke gravely: “Maine tumhare liye ladka dekh liya hai aur kal tumhari sagai hai, phir shaadi lagle hafte. I know you think that I being harsh on you but later in the end you’ll understand that whatever am doing is for your own good that boy was only playing with you.” looking at his daughter. (I’ve seen a boy for you and tomorrow is your engagement, next week is your wedding. I know you think that I being harsh on you but later in the end you’ll understand that whatever am doing is for your own good that boy was only playing with you.)
Kashish looks up to meet her father’s eyes, stood up, said only: “My Adi loves me truly and he will come to take me, he’ll never leave me.” with her confidence shining her eyes while her lips trembled ever so lightly.
The defiance only made him angry and Navin slapped her, shouting: “Bhool jao uss ladke ko! You will marry who I said and where I say… just because I gave you freedom, doesn’t mean you can go around ruining our family name.” hearing the loud commotion Jhanvi and Garima had come running out and Kashish was crying on her mother’s shoulder.
Jhanvi holding her daughter questions: “What are you doing? Our daughter is grown up now, how can you slap her like that?!”
Navin angrily shouts: “This is all your fault, sir pe chara rakha hai! But make your daughter understand that she has to do what I say and for--” he was going to say something further but entry of a luxury car in front of his gates stopped him.
The Sharma family turned to look towards the main gate as they all saw four men dressed in obviously expensive clothes get down from the car, entering though the gates. Kashish seeing her Adi left her mother and ran down the steps, in the arms of the love of her life and breaks down crying her heart out.
Adi simply held her in his arms as he tried to calm her whispering: “Shhh…it’s alright, I am here now… stop crying Ash, you know I can’t see you like this… it’s alright now…” as he rubbed her back and tried to make her look at him. After few minutes he had cajoled her to bring her face out of hiding but the moment he saw her, he felt fury rise in him, “What happened to your face? Tum par haath uthaya kisne?” as he lightly touched her bruise swollen right cheek.
Kashish doesn’t answer him but she could see his rage and knew he too knows who could have slapped her. It was his father’s silent hand on his shoulder that had stopped Adi from flying off the handle at that very moment and it also seemed that her family has also gotten over their initial shock as her father bellowed, “KASHISH! COME HERE RIGHT NOW!!” after it doesn’t take a genius to guess who the man was seeing the way they were standing so close.
She pulled back from Adi’s arms but held his hand as she walked with him to stand in front of her father, accompanied by Adi’s family as support. It was Vikram who spoke first: “Namaste, I am Vikram Raichoudhary, Aditya’s father and this is my son Adi--” gesturing towards his son but was rudely cut off in middle.
Navin said harshly: “I am not interested in any sort of introduction, just simply state why you all are here and after that I want you people to get out of my property.”
The other Raichoudhary men found this very insulting but it was only Vikram’s silent gesture been the only reason that they stayed quiet. Vikram politely replied: “We are here to ask your daughter, Kashish’s hand for marriage to my son Aditya.”
Navin outright rejected without hearing anything further: “No, I have already fixed Kashish’s marriage with someone else, she is getting married next week with him. So now you all can leave and you better ask your son to leave Kashish alone.”
Vikram still tried to reason with him: “Dekhiye Bhai Saheb, children love each other and despite knowing this if you try to marry off Kashish with someone else than it’s wrong. You’re not only destroying two lives but three lives along with damaging three families. Our family is well-settled and I can promise you that Kashish will never lack anything in her life, Adi bahut khush rakhega usse. She’ll be more of a daughter to us than daughter-in-law, don’t let you pride come in the way of your daughter’s happiness.”
But Navin was in no mood to be rational or listen reason, so continued his rudeness: “I don’t need a lecture from you about what is right or wrong for my daughter. And I already told you my decision, Kashish is going to marry the man that I choose for her, this foolishness of her has gone long enough. But now I am putting a stop to it and it will be better if you people leave from here now.”
Aditya had enough of the man’s rudeness and snaps back: “Enough Mr. Sharma, just because my father is being polite and ignoring you, insults doesn’t mean we’re going to tolerate it. You are my Ash’s father is the only reason that I haven’t punched you in the face, mere Baba se koi aise baat nahi karta.”
Vikram looked at his angry son, firmly said to him in Bengali: “Adi is it a way to talk to someone elder than you? Control yourself and you will not be disrespectful again, am I understood?”
Properly scolded but not able to disobey, he frowned replying: “Haan Baba.” (Yes Father) while Kashish rubbed his arm trying calm him but looking displeased by her father’s behavior.
Vikram tried to reason with the stubborn father of his son’s girl: “Mr. Sharma I don’t understand why are you insisting to be so unreasonable, our family is quite well-settled and we have good position in society. My son and your daughter love each other, he will always keep her happy and my family already considers Kashish as the third daughter-in-law. So why can’t you just give children your blessing?”
Navin was getting furious, rudely snapped: “I don’t care about how well-settled or reputed your family is, my daughter is going to marry the man I choose for her. This love marriage thing may go in your family but not in my house, my daughter does what I tell her and I decide that she is not marrying your son!”
Vikram was going to say something more but Kashish spoke before him: “Uncle it is no use trying to reason with him, no matter what you say it is going to fall in deaf ears. Papa has made is mind and now it’s matter of his pride to him, he’ll listen to no reason and marry me off with someone else just because he can.” all turned to look at her and they could all see her eyes shining with tears but she continued speak, “But I can’t see you getting insulted like this by my father. You have always treated and loved me like a daughter and have always supported my relationship with Adi, when you had so many reasons to protest. I love my family but I love Adi also and I know even if my father is being a bull-head right now, my mother supports me… she accepts Adi now that he has come to fight for me. But that is not enough as long as I don’t stand for myself, so uncle am asking you because I know Adi will be with me, I want your answer… will you accept me as your daughter-in-law? Will you accept a girl who would literally be disowned the moment she walks out from here with your son? Will you accept a girl who has nothing to offer your family, except the love she has for your son? If you can accept me than I’ll walk out right this moment holding your son’s hand… But if you can’t than I promise I’ll walk out of his life.” as silent tears rolled down her eyes.
Vikram moved closer to the girl who has loved his son so much, replies: “Beta for me you are already Adi’s bride and how can I not accept the girl who has so much love for my stupid son. You deserve so much better than Adi but I know he will make the eligible man deserving of you out of himself… never think yourself less than him.” as he patted her head with fatherly affection.
Kashish bursts into sobs as she hugs him and then she was in Adi’s arms trying not to shed more tears. Jhanvi had come forward, ignoring her husband and hugged her daughter along with blessing Adi, said: “Take her along with you, no one here will understand anymore… just my one request, always love her like you love her now.” as she folded her hands in her pleading.
Adi held her hands lowering them quickly, says: “Aunty yeh aap kya kar rahe ho…? Please don’t do this and I promise you, I’ll always be with Kashish no matter what.” assuring her, than turned to look at his girl says, “Ash you know how much I love you but today if you walk out with me from here than you can’t ever come back to this house. I would never ask you to cut ties with your mother or sister but you can’t have relation with your father… chal sakti ho mere saath yeh jaan ke?”
Kashish nods in agreement because even she knows that is, she walks out, her father will consider her dead but she can’t stay doing what her father wants just to satisfy his pride and ego. So, with Jhanvi’s blessing and Navin clearly had turned away to show his displeasure but didn’t make any move to stop her from leaving. While crying Garima hugged her sister, she just didn’t know how to react to all this but she knew that this is probably the last time she will be seeing her sister though they hadn’t been close, they were sisters.
So, with tears in her eyes as her father turned away from her and her mother giving her gold kangans as her blessing while elder sister crying, Kashish walked out of her father’s house holding the hand of the man she loves. Now Aditya’s family is the only family she has and she knew that she’ll never ever regret loving this wonderful man beside her.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
“…that day Kashish walked out of that house holding Adi’s hand and never did he give her a reason to regret choosing him over her family.” Rishi told them and then stopped to take a breather.
Others were listening with rapt attention, Mamiji comments: “Ee toh pura philam isstyle love story huegawa, Hello hi bye-bye!” (This was full film style love story, Hello hi bye-bye!)
Gayatri merely nods and went on with story: “After that Kashish came with them and on first auspicious date the marriage was fixed which was 10 days after along with mine and Rishi and during that time she stayed at my home. My dad did her Kanyadaan and truly Kashish was closest to anything I had as a sister, and their wedding was a grand event with all glamour and media since it the last wedding of that generation. Kashish had joined business with Aditya and no one had problem with that, in fact Piya Boudi was running dance and music school with Radha Didi while Ishita Boudi worked with Vikram Uncle in Textile business. All Raichoudhary Babus were always encouraged to work instead of just being housewives. Kashish was in touch with her mother over the years, she knew about her sister’s marriage, her father was still angry though he never stopped his wife from keeping contact with her and even with her sister had her first child. Also, Raichoudhary family had new members added with Abhay Da and Piya Boudi had their first son, Anurag and soon with few months was Radha Didi and Sourav Jijaji’s son, Rudraksh and after that Arko Da and Ishita Boudi had twins, Ayush and Maan. Then after that Abhay Da and Piya Boudi’s second son, Ryan was born and soon after that Kashish found she was pregnant and all had hopes that shayad ab ghar mein beti aayega. I think Kashish had gone mad with the men in the house hovering over her all the time and talking about the baby being girl, I had laughed so much over her plight. She informed her mother who was happy for her and then months few and my daughter was born first and after 02 weeks Kashish had her baby. I don’t think I have ever seen the Raichoudhary family that happy or having bigger celebration as it did when Titli was born.”
Rishi nodded saying: “Yes the celebrations of Titli’s birth had gone for months and literally all the Raichoudhary men used hang around her and I still remember the hilarious day of her naming ceremony…”
----FLASHBACK----
Kashish dressed in a yellow-red silk saree sat comfortably with her sleeping baby dressed in cute little pink onesie with ‘Daddy’s Princess’ written, in her lap waiting for her family to get over the argument and actually settle on a name. This has been going for the last 02 weeks since her daughter was born, it was like the whole family has gone crazy and truly she was grateful that her family was happy the baby was girl because she had heard from her mother about how her sister’s in-laws weren’t too thrilled about her baby being girl rather than son. But this was getting too much, it was practically the naming ceremony going on and they were still fighting while the Panditji was also waiting with her for them to decide on a name. She glanced back at her crazy but loving family arguing in front of her.
Aditya said: “Wait a minute, it is my baby and I am going to decide the name which will be Aditi… Aditya’s daughter Aditi.” proclaimed with a smile.
Vikram voiced his objection: “So, I’m your father and that is my granddaughter and I will decide the name, which Vaidehi.” smiling as he declared.
Aradhana spoke up: “No, none of those names will do, I’m going to be naming my granddaughter and that is Aaradhya.”
Only for another objection to be raised: “No I’m going to name her and it will be Antara.” said smiling Atul.
Rekha protested: “No, you already gave her nickname ‘Titli’ and so you don’t get any say in here, we’ll decide her name and I already have one… Shreya, acha name hai.”
Abhay said: “Offo Kakimaa we’re not naming my only niece something so boring… I’ll tell you a good name after I am her Babe Papa, Pari.” proudly declared.
Piya swatted her husband: “No that is not working, baby ki Badi Maa will name her and it will be Peehu.”
Arko spoke up: “No Boudi, sorry to disappoint but baby’s Chotte Papa will name her and it will be Anusha.”
Ishita protested: “No baby’s Chotti Maa is naming her and it will be Esha.”
Rishi spoke up: “No baby’s uncle will name her and it will be Rashi.” smiling a widely as they all looked at him.
Aditya hit his best friend upside down on head saying: “You named your daughter right, now I’ll name mine; you don’t get any say here as your quota is finished.” with that he went back arguing with others.
Radha spoke: “I know a good name for her and as her only Bua I will name her, Siya.” smiling at them.
Sourav, Radha’s husband said: “No I will name her, Sneha…”
Gayatri sitting beside her best friend with her baby in lap said: “Kashish if this keeps going on then I fear your daughter isn’t going to get named any time soon.” laughing at her friend’s disgruntled expression.
Busy with watching the elders argue they hadn’t noted the bacha party in deep discussion of their own being held there. Eight-years old Anurag asked his brothers: “So this is final, no one has objection?” being the eldest kid he is leader of the group.
Seven-years old Rudraksh or mostly called Rudra says: “Yes this is final and we keep little sister’s name because the elders are never going to decide and our sister will have no name… That will not do!” as Six years old Ayush and Maan along with Five years old, Ryan nodded in conformation.
Anurag nodded his agreement, said: “Okay so the name we decided, we tell Pandit Uncle…?” at his brothers agreement, they went to the waiting Pandit and poked him awake as he had almost fallen asleep, “Pandit Uncle we have baby name…” being the spokes-person of the group.
The Pandit asked: “What name for the baby…?” getting tired of waiting and wanting this to get over, encouraged the kids.
The elders had stopped arguing and looked at the kids but before anyone could say anything, Anurag declared proudly: “New baby name is Khushi... Khushi Raichoudhary.”
And just like that the new baby was named by her five brothers which had the others stared incredulously at the kids though while Kashish with Gayatri laughed at their facial expression of shock. But the name was perfectly suited for the most awaited baby girl of Raichoudhary family, after all she had brought happiness with her birth, just like the name Khushi.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
Rishi signed as he spoke: “Khushi was so loved by the family, she was the first girl in the family in probably five or six generations. She was the Princess of her Daadu, Chotte Daadu, Bade Papa, Chotte Papa, Jamai as she called Radha Didi’s husband and Dad while for her Thaami, Chotti Thaami, Badi Maa, Chotti Maa, Moni-Maa as she calls Radha Didi and Mumma she was apple of their eyes. And her five brothers, were totally crazy about their little sister, I don’t remember ever hearing complain about them not wanting to play with or anything. For me and Gayatri, she was our second daughter and she was the life of the house, everyone doted and pampered her like anything but she was never a spoiled brat, Titli was such a sweet child.”
Gayatri said: “I think Kashish used to fear that her daughter was never going to get married and if someone mad enough to marry her daughter would probably have to be Ghar Jamai. Everything so was good and then from out of nowhere that accident happened, abhi bhi sochti hoon toh yakeen hai hota hai. It was after Titli’s 10th birthday, some relatives wedding and everyone was invited but Titli and Ryan had fallen sick along with Rudra’s exam next day, Radha Didi had stayed with them at home while others were gone even Sourav Jiju too. Titli had cried so much that evening asking them to not go for the wedding and stay home but it was unavoidable invitation and after much cajoling had she let them go unwillingly, ab lagta hai ki kash nahi gaye hote toh acha hota. Anyways my daughter was also with Radha Didi but me and Rishi hadn’t gone for the wedding, he had another business party and we had gone to that while returning home we got a frantic call from Radha Didi that the bus of groom’s party had met with an accident. We rushed to hospital since Radha Didi couldn’t go with looking after kids that late at night, reaching at hospital we got to know that everyone died in that bus as it been hit by a truck directly after that fell in a deep ditch. Not a single survivor and in one-night Titli’s whole family was wiped out except for those who were at home with her and us but as per rules authorities had contacted closest blood relatives which happened to be Gupta family as few years before Kashish’s parents had passed away one by one. We had no idea about the Gupta’s being contacted and we had tried to make them understand that they didn’t need to take Titli but Garima Gupta was adamant that she will be taking her sister’s daughter with her. I don’t know why she was insisting so much when I can clearly see that she didn’t like her much but they did and we couldn’t do anything as Radha Didi wasn’t blood relative and neither were, we. Only if the Garima Gupta had handed the care over to us was only way but she didn’t want to and hence Titli went to Lucknow with them which was so hard as she was already crying for family and suddenly strangers came to take away from the only remaining family she had. Upon that Gupta family wouldn’t let us keep in contact with Titli but we can’t leave our daughter among strangers like that and without them knowing we had contact with her and met few times over the years. Titli was supposed to come back to Kolkata after her cousin’s wedding but then that wedding didn’t happen and she met Arnav…well after that we all know that Arnav ended up marrying her.” wiping tears recalling that nightmare of a night while her husband put an arm around her.
Khushi too was silently sobbing on her husband’s shoulder remembering that night, she pleaded them all so much to not go but they had promised to come back soon and she had waited but they never came back. Arnav only caressed her hair trying to take some of the pain away, so much his Mishti had to endure at least when his parents died, he had familiar faces around but she was cut-off from everything she ever knew, his heart pained for her loss. Others had also moved into tears hearing the tragic loss of Khushi’s except for Buaji and Garima who looked stoic and like they really didn’t want to be here.
…
PRECAP: Two new entries… any guesses who…?
“Hum jal jaayein raakh bachegi
Ishq mein ik na aag bachegi
Phir bhi inn seeli aankhon mein
Aakhiri lau tak aas bachegi”
- Raakh, Arijit Singh
Rishi speaks: “So where should I begin with?” as he looks at all the expectant faces waiting for him to reveal the mysterious past of Khushi. He thoughtfully says, “Guess I should start with all the family background and things like that.”
NK almost vibrating with excitement: “Yes please, just start already...” being the hopeless romantic, can’t wait to know about anyone’s love story.
Rishi collected his thoughts and began telling: “Raichodhary family was one of the richest, most influential and elite families of Kolkata. Vikram Raichodhary started textile business along with his younger brother, Atul Raichodhary and got success in quite short time. Later Atul uncle started his import-export business which was a success and also helped their textile business expand internationally. Vikram uncle’s wife, Aradhana auntie and Atul uncle’s wife, Rekha auntie were the forever encouraging wife to their husband and life was pleasant for them with all the success by god’s grace. Then Vikram uncle and Aradhana auntie had their first son, Abhay followed by a year later Atul uncle and Rekha auntie also having their one and only son, Arko. Almost four years later when Aradhana auntie was in second trimester of her second pregnancy, Vikram uncle’s best friend passed away leaving behind his four years old daughter, Radha with no immediate family to take her and he adopted her as his daughter. It was not much hard since Radha Didi was already familiar with them and Aradhana auntie was almost like mother to her already as her real Mom has died giving birth to her. Anyways, few months later Aradhana auntie and Vikram uncle’s second son was born Aditya or Adi as everyone called him...the perfect happy family they were. Our families knew each other and so we were like best friends since baby-days and we did everything together. So, as we grew up and after finishing school joined University...lucky us that we got the chance to study in Presidency College. That year Abhay Dada, Piya Boudi and Radha Didi had just freshly graduated with their degrees and Arko Dada and Ishita Boudi were in their final year while I, Adi and Gayatri joined first year. Now, I took LLB along with Business while Gayu was Architecture major and Adi had taken up Architecture major along with Business Management, so he had fair classes with both of us. As the year began and classes started, we met our other classmates and it was all normal like it is always, new class, new friends and all... in Architecture major in Adi’s batch was scholarship student, Kashish Sharma. The girl was from Lucknow and didn’t speak or understand Bengali also very few students knew Hindi, so Gayatri was asked by professors to help her since she was the only girl in class knowing Hindi. Now Kashish being so beautiful had all heads turning to her but she never noticed such things while Adi fell for her sort of love at first sight.” a soft nostalgic smile graced upon his lips remembering the old times fondly.
Gayatri had the same expression as she continued from where her husband left: “Adi usually wasn’t the shy types but Kashish brought out a totally unseen side of him which was very adorable to see. He uses to stare at her from afar all the time but no coaxing of us could convince him to talk to her, I even offered to introduced him to her but he won’t agree to go in front of her. Finally seeing him mooning and moping over her for two months we decided to something. So, we planned an accidental meeting of Adi with Kashish after which they became very good friends and after that is all history. It seems like yesterday watching Adi and Kashish giving each other shy adorable looks and loving glances...”
----FLASHBACK----
It’s a beautiful night at Darjeeling and Kashish stood waiting at the gazebo of the hotel college had booked for this year picnic. Though it was only 10 PM, there was hardly anybody out at this time giving her time to go over her thoughts. Kashish was thinking about Adi, at the beginning of the year she had banged into him and then they had become fast friends which was easier due to having mutual friends. Now almost 07 months of knowing him she had started having feelings for him more than friends and though he never said outright but his every gesture to her told her that he too felt something for her, so she had decided that tonight taking a leap of faith will confess in hopes that her feelings were returned.
Kashish was lost in thoughts smiling shyly to herself that she hadn’t heard Adi coming or him standing until he was behind her: “Thinking about me?” softly whispered in her ear with a smile of his own.
She wasn’t startled by him instead smilingly looked over her shoulder at him: “And if I am?” with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes which brightened even more at having him so close to her.
He smiled at her charmingly: “Guess I am luckier than I thought myself to be.” making her giggle at his charming ways and turned to face him, “So why you called me here?” asked her looking at her adoringly.
She playfully questioned: “Kyun aise hi nahi bula sakte?” (Why can’t I call you without reason?)
Though he knew she was teasing still answered: “Of course, anytime you want...” and they stood in few minutes in silence, staring at each other. Adi first looked away and then looked at her determinedly, “I want to say something to you Ash.”
Somehow his voice told her that he wanted to say just what she wanted to say to him: “Bolo...” (Say...)
Adi took hold of one of her hand and brought it to his lips, pressed a kiss at her knuckles and spoke holding her hand close: “I don’t know how will you react to this but I can’t not say it to you anymore...” as he took a deep breath, here goes nothing, “Well since the first time I saw you entering class I fell for you, quite literally and ever since that day I’m just falling more and more for you. I had spent months admiring you from afar before we had that accidental meet and become friends. Now after that I started knowing you personally and can’t help loving you more and more everyday... so here I’m in front of you confessing that I love you Kashish Sharma, I loved you from the moment my eyes landed on you and will love you till my last breath. I don’t know what you feel for me but I can only hope that you feel the same too... and if you don’t then I hope we remain friends forever at least.” he stood there holding her hand holding his breath feeling nervous wreck and his only hope was she hasn’t snatched her hand from his but that could be due to shock of his confession for all he knew.
Kashish had never felt so overwhelmed or speechless in her life and the love shone in Adi’s eyes for her just made her wish to forever bask in that love. She somehow regained little bit control over her scattered emotions, a bashful smile playing on her lips: “I love you too Adi, if you hadn’t just said then I would’ve been confessing to you. You’ve been a blessing in my life Adi and everything you bring with you...I’m honoured to have you love me when you could have had anyone.” and he shook his head at her words as if to say he didn’t want anybody else except her and tightened the hold on her hand as they smiled at each other revealing in the glory of their love.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
“...after that rest was really history. We never told Adi or Kashish but Rishi and I had spied on them and after returning home Adi happily told the family about finally getting his girl while we later shared the details in his absence with everyone which he refused to give. Though no one ever told them and rightfully so because if Adi knew he would’ve killed us for spying on him and then telling the family.” Gayatri said and shuddered slightly as if imaging what might have happened and Rishi seemed to agreeing with his wife on this. She continued, “Anyway after that Adi first introduced Kashish to his siblings and their partners with whom she seemed to get along well. Then few months later as Kashish had gelled well with them and easing her to the idea of meeting his parents for which she was so nervous. Adi didn’t know but Kashish was scared out of wits, terrified even to meet them thinking if she displeased them somehow, it took me a week to get her not to go panicking or hysterical.” pausing to take a slip of her tea.
Rishi took over from there and started telling: “But Kashish’s all worries and negative thoughts were a waste. The introduction and dinner had gone fabulous and she got along with senior Raichodharys’ just fine, especially with Vikram uncle and Atul uncle. I guess it mostly had to do with the fact that she didn’t have any supportive father figure in her life which she found in them. Anyways, everyone approved of Kashish and welcomed her with open arms while she blended in the family learning from speaking Bengali to family customs. Adi and Kashish’s relationship was blooming over the years but she never told about Adi to her family for which no one really blamed her as from what we had heard from her, her father was very conservative sort and chances where good that knowing about her relationship with Adi her father would simply take her back Lucknow and marry her off to first person he would find. So, on mutual agreement it was decided that until studies weren’t over Kashish’s family won’t be informed though I think her mother might have sensed something but never questioned due to her husband and her silence was her way of showing her approval. Soon the five years ended in which lot had happened, Abhay Dada got married to Piya Boudi first then Arko Dada also married Ishita Boudi. Also Radha Didi got married to Sourav Jiju while Adi-Kashish’s relationship grew strong...in fact Kashish was unofficially the chotti bahu of the family, only formal ceremony was left to make it legal.” everyone present was listening with rapt attention, hanging on every word spoken with burning curiosity, “Soon we were graduated and Kashish had been called back home immediately and unexpectedly, so it was decided that she’ll go Lucknow and tell her family about her relationship. After a week Adi’s family would formally ask her family Kashish’s hand for Adi but 04 days later late night an unexpected call from Kashish’s home...”
----FLASHBACK----
It was 02:00 AM and everyone was asleep but sleep was miles away from Adi’s eyes so after futile attempts to sleep which he gave up sometime a hour ago and is strolling aimlessly at this ungodly hours through the empty corridors of the big mansion which is his home. He was very worried about Kashish ever since she left for her home and her father’s reaction over their relationship. Absentmindedly he strolled in the main living room when the landline started ringing startling him out of his thoughts.
Adi glanced at the clock to check the time and wondered who might be calling this late, picking up the receiver: “Hello...”
From the other side came a nervous elderly female hushed voice: “Hello, ji hum Aditya Raichodhary se baat kar sakte hai?” (Hello, may I speak to Aditya Raichodhary?)
He frowned replied: “Yes I’m Aditya Raichodhary speaking, may I know who this is?” inquired back.
The nervous hushed voiced answered sort of relived a little: “Oh thank god I got you on phone; I’m Jhanvi Sharma, Kashish’s mother speaking.”
Adi straightened up hearing that: “Auntie, why are you calling so late... everything okay?” getting a restless feeling.
Jhanvi replied in low voice: “Everything is not fine and that is why I’m calling you so late... I don’t have much time.”
He asked more alert: “What happened auntie?”
Instead of answering him, she asked him: “How much do you love my daughter?”
He frowned at the odd question: “Very much... I love Kashish more than my life.”
She asked again: “Do you love her enough to fight for her with anyone?”
Now it was really getting odd, he thought but still answered truthfully: “Yes, I love her so much that I could fight the whole world for her... even her or my family if needed. Auntie what happened...is Kashish fine?” concern laced his voice.
Jhanvi was satisfied with his answer, replied: “Kashish told us 02 days ago about her relationship with you and her father isn’t happy, to put it mildly. Kashish’s father has locked her in her room since then and is going to marry her off within 10 days with the first decent man he could find. I can’t see my daughter being forced to such life which would be worse than death to her...so taking your phone number I’m calling getting the first chance I could. Please Aditya if you truly love my daughter than come and take her from her before they destroy my daughter.” pleading fervently.
Aditya got shocked hearing what Kashish’s father is doing and his heart broke with the desperate pleading of her mother. He quickly recovered answered: “Don’t worry auntie, I’m coming to Lucknow tomorrow itself with my Dad and will try to talk with your husband. If he agrees well and good and if he doesn’t, I’ll bring Kashish with me no matter what.”
Jhanvi signed in relive: “Thank you beta... now I must go before her father wakes up and finds me talking on phone.”
Then the call was ended hurriedly with Adi reassuring her that he won’t abandon Kashish and after placing the receiver he slumped down on the nearby couch with his head in his hand. He was already planning for tomorrow as concern for his lady love was plugging his mind.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
“Twist in the plot villain Dad ki entry, thank god the Mom was so nice, I can’t think of such cute love story with tragic ending.” Comments NK munching chips while the rest did nod in affirmation with him.
Rishi agrees with comment but continues with the story without further comment: “Right so, he didn’t go to sleep that night rather spent on booking flight tickets and making arrangements to go Lucknow till early morning. By morning when his family members woke up, he had all arrangements done and waiting for them to wake up, that night I had stayed at their house so I was there too in morning. Everyone got so worried over the situation and Aditya had said he booked tickets for himself, his father, Abhay bhai and me. So quickly we were ready, packed and off to Lucknow via jet, what we didn’t know was the surprise waiting for us at Kashish’s house…
----FLASHBACK----
LUCKNOW – 10:04 A.M
Kashish was sitting at the veranda swing trying to sew a kameez of her while desperately fighting not to break into sobs though her eyes were blurry with unshed tears. She heard someone come to stand beside her but didn’t look up to see the person.
Navin Sharma was silently observing his younger daughter, his Kashish who has been embodiment of beauty and brains which she had inherited from her mother. She has been his pride and he was so happy when she had gotten her scholarship, that had been enough for him and he wanted her to study in local collage so he can simultaneously good man for her. But it was his wife’s adamant desire to send Calcutta and nothing would change her mind. So, in the end though reluctant he had been forced to send her and his daughter had proved herself. But this love of hers is something he can’t accept and how can he make his naïve daughter understand that boy was just using her, was never going to come for her. Well he would end all this stupidity of hers and get her married to the man he had found for her; she’ll understand later that all he did was for her betterment.
Navin spoke gravely: “Maine tumhare liye ladka dekh liya hai aur kal tumhari sagai hai, phir shaadi lagle hafte. I know you think that I being harsh on you but later in the end you’ll understand that whatever am doing is for your own good that boy was only playing with you.” looking at his daughter. (I’ve seen a boy for you and tomorrow is your engagement, next week is your wedding. I know you think that I being harsh on you but later in the end you’ll understand that whatever am doing is for your own good that boy was only playing with you.)
Kashish looks up to meet her father’s eyes, stood up, said only: “My Adi loves me truly and he will come to take me, he’ll never leave me.” with her confidence shining her eyes while her lips trembled ever so lightly.
The defiance only made him angry and Navin slapped her, shouting: “Bhool jao uss ladke ko! You will marry who I said and where I say… just because I gave you freedom, doesn’t mean you can go around ruining our family name.” hearing the loud commotion Jhanvi and Garima had come running out and Kashish was crying on her mother’s shoulder.
Jhanvi holding her daughter questions: “What are you doing? Our daughter is grown up now, how can you slap her like that?!”
Navin angrily shouts: “This is all your fault, sir pe chara rakha hai! But make your daughter understand that she has to do what I say and for--” he was going to say something further but entry of a luxury car in front of his gates stopped him.
The Sharma family turned to look towards the main gate as they all saw four men dressed in obviously expensive clothes get down from the car, entering though the gates. Kashish seeing her Adi left her mother and ran down the steps, in the arms of the love of her life and breaks down crying her heart out.
Adi simply held her in his arms as he tried to calm her whispering: “Shhh…it’s alright, I am here now… stop crying Ash, you know I can’t see you like this… it’s alright now…” as he rubbed her back and tried to make her look at him. After few minutes he had cajoled her to bring her face out of hiding but the moment he saw her, he felt fury rise in him, “What happened to your face? Tum par haath uthaya kisne?” as he lightly touched her bruise swollen right cheek.
Kashish doesn’t answer him but she could see his rage and knew he too knows who could have slapped her. It was his father’s silent hand on his shoulder that had stopped Adi from flying off the handle at that very moment and it also seemed that her family has also gotten over their initial shock as her father bellowed, “KASHISH! COME HERE RIGHT NOW!!” after it doesn’t take a genius to guess who the man was seeing the way they were standing so close.
She pulled back from Adi’s arms but held his hand as she walked with him to stand in front of her father, accompanied by Adi’s family as support. It was Vikram who spoke first: “Namaste, I am Vikram Raichoudhary, Aditya’s father and this is my son Adi--” gesturing towards his son but was rudely cut off in middle.
Navin said harshly: “I am not interested in any sort of introduction, just simply state why you all are here and after that I want you people to get out of my property.”
The other Raichoudhary men found this very insulting but it was only Vikram’s silent gesture been the only reason that they stayed quiet. Vikram politely replied: “We are here to ask your daughter, Kashish’s hand for marriage to my son Aditya.”
Navin outright rejected without hearing anything further: “No, I have already fixed Kashish’s marriage with someone else, she is getting married next week with him. So now you all can leave and you better ask your son to leave Kashish alone.”
Vikram still tried to reason with him: “Dekhiye Bhai Saheb, children love each other and despite knowing this if you try to marry off Kashish with someone else than it’s wrong. You’re not only destroying two lives but three lives along with damaging three families. Our family is well-settled and I can promise you that Kashish will never lack anything in her life, Adi bahut khush rakhega usse. She’ll be more of a daughter to us than daughter-in-law, don’t let you pride come in the way of your daughter’s happiness.”
But Navin was in no mood to be rational or listen reason, so continued his rudeness: “I don’t need a lecture from you about what is right or wrong for my daughter. And I already told you my decision, Kashish is going to marry the man that I choose for her, this foolishness of her has gone long enough. But now I am putting a stop to it and it will be better if you people leave from here now.”
Aditya had enough of the man’s rudeness and snaps back: “Enough Mr. Sharma, just because my father is being polite and ignoring you, insults doesn’t mean we’re going to tolerate it. You are my Ash’s father is the only reason that I haven’t punched you in the face, mere Baba se koi aise baat nahi karta.”
Vikram looked at his angry son, firmly said to him in Bengali: “Adi is it a way to talk to someone elder than you? Control yourself and you will not be disrespectful again, am I understood?”
Properly scolded but not able to disobey, he frowned replying: “Haan Baba.” (Yes Father) while Kashish rubbed his arm trying calm him but looking displeased by her father’s behavior.
Vikram tried to reason with the stubborn father of his son’s girl: “Mr. Sharma I don’t understand why are you insisting to be so unreasonable, our family is quite well-settled and we have good position in society. My son and your daughter love each other, he will always keep her happy and my family already considers Kashish as the third daughter-in-law. So why can’t you just give children your blessing?”
Navin was getting furious, rudely snapped: “I don’t care about how well-settled or reputed your family is, my daughter is going to marry the man I choose for her. This love marriage thing may go in your family but not in my house, my daughter does what I tell her and I decide that she is not marrying your son!”
Vikram was going to say something more but Kashish spoke before him: “Uncle it is no use trying to reason with him, no matter what you say it is going to fall in deaf ears. Papa has made is mind and now it’s matter of his pride to him, he’ll listen to no reason and marry me off with someone else just because he can.” all turned to look at her and they could all see her eyes shining with tears but she continued speak, “But I can’t see you getting insulted like this by my father. You have always treated and loved me like a daughter and have always supported my relationship with Adi, when you had so many reasons to protest. I love my family but I love Adi also and I know even if my father is being a bull-head right now, my mother supports me… she accepts Adi now that he has come to fight for me. But that is not enough as long as I don’t stand for myself, so uncle am asking you because I know Adi will be with me, I want your answer… will you accept me as your daughter-in-law? Will you accept a girl who would literally be disowned the moment she walks out from here with your son? Will you accept a girl who has nothing to offer your family, except the love she has for your son? If you can accept me than I’ll walk out right this moment holding your son’s hand… But if you can’t than I promise I’ll walk out of his life.” as silent tears rolled down her eyes.
Vikram moved closer to the girl who has loved his son so much, replies: “Beta for me you are already Adi’s bride and how can I not accept the girl who has so much love for my stupid son. You deserve so much better than Adi but I know he will make the eligible man deserving of you out of himself… never think yourself less than him.” as he patted her head with fatherly affection.
Kashish bursts into sobs as she hugs him and then she was in Adi’s arms trying not to shed more tears. Jhanvi had come forward, ignoring her husband and hugged her daughter along with blessing Adi, said: “Take her along with you, no one here will understand anymore… just my one request, always love her like you love her now.” as she folded her hands in her pleading.
Adi held her hands lowering them quickly, says: “Aunty yeh aap kya kar rahe ho…? Please don’t do this and I promise you, I’ll always be with Kashish no matter what.” assuring her, than turned to look at his girl says, “Ash you know how much I love you but today if you walk out with me from here than you can’t ever come back to this house. I would never ask you to cut ties with your mother or sister but you can’t have relation with your father… chal sakti ho mere saath yeh jaan ke?”
Kashish nods in agreement because even she knows that is, she walks out, her father will consider her dead but she can’t stay doing what her father wants just to satisfy his pride and ego. So, with Jhanvi’s blessing and Navin clearly had turned away to show his displeasure but didn’t make any move to stop her from leaving. While crying Garima hugged her sister, she just didn’t know how to react to all this but she knew that this is probably the last time she will be seeing her sister though they hadn’t been close, they were sisters.
So, with tears in her eyes as her father turned away from her and her mother giving her gold kangans as her blessing while elder sister crying, Kashish walked out of her father’s house holding the hand of the man she loves. Now Aditya’s family is the only family she has and she knew that she’ll never ever regret loving this wonderful man beside her.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
“…that day Kashish walked out of that house holding Adi’s hand and never did he give her a reason to regret choosing him over her family.” Rishi told them and then stopped to take a breather.
Others were listening with rapt attention, Mamiji comments: “Ee toh pura philam isstyle love story huegawa, Hello hi bye-bye!” (This was full film style love story, Hello hi bye-bye!)
Gayatri merely nods and went on with story: “After that Kashish came with them and on first auspicious date the marriage was fixed which was 10 days after along with mine and Rishi and during that time she stayed at my home. My dad did her Kanyadaan and truly Kashish was closest to anything I had as a sister, and their wedding was a grand event with all glamour and media since it the last wedding of that generation. Kashish had joined business with Aditya and no one had problem with that, in fact Piya Boudi was running dance and music school with Radha Didi while Ishita Boudi worked with Vikram Uncle in Textile business. All Raichoudhary Babus were always encouraged to work instead of just being housewives. Kashish was in touch with her mother over the years, she knew about her sister’s marriage, her father was still angry though he never stopped his wife from keeping contact with her and even with her sister had her first child. Also, Raichoudhary family had new members added with Abhay Da and Piya Boudi had their first son, Anurag and soon with few months was Radha Didi and Sourav Jijaji’s son, Rudraksh and after that Arko Da and Ishita Boudi had twins, Ayush and Maan. Then after that Abhay Da and Piya Boudi’s second son, Ryan was born and soon after that Kashish found she was pregnant and all had hopes that shayad ab ghar mein beti aayega. I think Kashish had gone mad with the men in the house hovering over her all the time and talking about the baby being girl, I had laughed so much over her plight. She informed her mother who was happy for her and then months few and my daughter was born first and after 02 weeks Kashish had her baby. I don’t think I have ever seen the Raichoudhary family that happy or having bigger celebration as it did when Titli was born.”
Rishi nodded saying: “Yes the celebrations of Titli’s birth had gone for months and literally all the Raichoudhary men used hang around her and I still remember the hilarious day of her naming ceremony…”
----FLASHBACK----
Kashish dressed in a yellow-red silk saree sat comfortably with her sleeping baby dressed in cute little pink onesie with ‘Daddy’s Princess’ written, in her lap waiting for her family to get over the argument and actually settle on a name. This has been going for the last 02 weeks since her daughter was born, it was like the whole family has gone crazy and truly she was grateful that her family was happy the baby was girl because she had heard from her mother about how her sister’s in-laws weren’t too thrilled about her baby being girl rather than son. But this was getting too much, it was practically the naming ceremony going on and they were still fighting while the Panditji was also waiting with her for them to decide on a name. She glanced back at her crazy but loving family arguing in front of her.
Aditya said: “Wait a minute, it is my baby and I am going to decide the name which will be Aditi… Aditya’s daughter Aditi.” proclaimed with a smile.
Vikram voiced his objection: “So, I’m your father and that is my granddaughter and I will decide the name, which Vaidehi.” smiling as he declared.
Aradhana spoke up: “No, none of those names will do, I’m going to be naming my granddaughter and that is Aaradhya.”
Only for another objection to be raised: “No I’m going to name her and it will be Antara.” said smiling Atul.
Rekha protested: “No, you already gave her nickname ‘Titli’ and so you don’t get any say in here, we’ll decide her name and I already have one… Shreya, acha name hai.”
Abhay said: “Offo Kakimaa we’re not naming my only niece something so boring… I’ll tell you a good name after I am her Babe Papa, Pari.” proudly declared.
Piya swatted her husband: “No that is not working, baby ki Badi Maa will name her and it will be Peehu.”
Arko spoke up: “No Boudi, sorry to disappoint but baby’s Chotte Papa will name her and it will be Anusha.”
Ishita protested: “No baby’s Chotti Maa is naming her and it will be Esha.”
Rishi spoke up: “No baby’s uncle will name her and it will be Rashi.” smiling a widely as they all looked at him.
Aditya hit his best friend upside down on head saying: “You named your daughter right, now I’ll name mine; you don’t get any say here as your quota is finished.” with that he went back arguing with others.
Radha spoke: “I know a good name for her and as her only Bua I will name her, Siya.” smiling at them.
Sourav, Radha’s husband said: “No I will name her, Sneha…”
Gayatri sitting beside her best friend with her baby in lap said: “Kashish if this keeps going on then I fear your daughter isn’t going to get named any time soon.” laughing at her friend’s disgruntled expression.
Busy with watching the elders argue they hadn’t noted the bacha party in deep discussion of their own being held there. Eight-years old Anurag asked his brothers: “So this is final, no one has objection?” being the eldest kid he is leader of the group.
Seven-years old Rudraksh or mostly called Rudra says: “Yes this is final and we keep little sister’s name because the elders are never going to decide and our sister will have no name… That will not do!” as Six years old Ayush and Maan along with Five years old, Ryan nodded in conformation.
Anurag nodded his agreement, said: “Okay so the name we decided, we tell Pandit Uncle…?” at his brothers agreement, they went to the waiting Pandit and poked him awake as he had almost fallen asleep, “Pandit Uncle we have baby name…” being the spokes-person of the group.
The Pandit asked: “What name for the baby…?” getting tired of waiting and wanting this to get over, encouraged the kids.
The elders had stopped arguing and looked at the kids but before anyone could say anything, Anurag declared proudly: “New baby name is Khushi... Khushi Raichoudhary.”
And just like that the new baby was named by her five brothers which had the others stared incredulously at the kids though while Kashish with Gayatri laughed at their facial expression of shock. But the name was perfectly suited for the most awaited baby girl of Raichoudhary family, after all she had brought happiness with her birth, just like the name Khushi.
----FLASHBACK ENDS----
Rishi signed as he spoke: “Khushi was so loved by the family, she was the first girl in the family in probably five or six generations. She was the Princess of her Daadu, Chotte Daadu, Bade Papa, Chotte Papa, Jamai as she called Radha Didi’s husband and Dad while for her Thaami, Chotti Thaami, Badi Maa, Chotti Maa, Moni-Maa as she calls Radha Didi and Mumma she was apple of their eyes. And her five brothers, were totally crazy about their little sister, I don’t remember ever hearing complain about them not wanting to play with or anything. For me and Gayatri, she was our second daughter and she was the life of the house, everyone doted and pampered her like anything but she was never a spoiled brat, Titli was such a sweet child.”
Gayatri said: “I think Kashish used to fear that her daughter was never going to get married and if someone mad enough to marry her daughter would probably have to be Ghar Jamai. Everything so was good and then from out of nowhere that accident happened, abhi bhi sochti hoon toh yakeen hai hota hai. It was after Titli’s 10th birthday, some relatives wedding and everyone was invited but Titli and Ryan had fallen sick along with Rudra’s exam next day, Radha Didi had stayed with them at home while others were gone even Sourav Jiju too. Titli had cried so much that evening asking them to not go for the wedding and stay home but it was unavoidable invitation and after much cajoling had she let them go unwillingly, ab lagta hai ki kash nahi gaye hote toh acha hota. Anyways my daughter was also with Radha Didi but me and Rishi hadn’t gone for the wedding, he had another business party and we had gone to that while returning home we got a frantic call from Radha Didi that the bus of groom’s party had met with an accident. We rushed to hospital since Radha Didi couldn’t go with looking after kids that late at night, reaching at hospital we got to know that everyone died in that bus as it been hit by a truck directly after that fell in a deep ditch. Not a single survivor and in one-night Titli’s whole family was wiped out except for those who were at home with her and us but as per rules authorities had contacted closest blood relatives which happened to be Gupta family as few years before Kashish’s parents had passed away one by one. We had no idea about the Gupta’s being contacted and we had tried to make them understand that they didn’t need to take Titli but Garima Gupta was adamant that she will be taking her sister’s daughter with her. I don’t know why she was insisting so much when I can clearly see that she didn’t like her much but they did and we couldn’t do anything as Radha Didi wasn’t blood relative and neither were, we. Only if the Garima Gupta had handed the care over to us was only way but she didn’t want to and hence Titli went to Lucknow with them which was so hard as she was already crying for family and suddenly strangers came to take away from the only remaining family she had. Upon that Gupta family wouldn’t let us keep in contact with Titli but we can’t leave our daughter among strangers like that and without them knowing we had contact with her and met few times over the years. Titli was supposed to come back to Kolkata after her cousin’s wedding but then that wedding didn’t happen and she met Arnav…well after that we all know that Arnav ended up marrying her.” wiping tears recalling that nightmare of a night while her husband put an arm around her.
Khushi too was silently sobbing on her husband’s shoulder remembering that night, she pleaded them all so much to not go but they had promised to come back soon and she had waited but they never came back. Arnav only caressed her hair trying to take some of the pain away, so much his Mishti had to endure at least when his parents died, he had familiar faces around but she was cut-off from everything she ever knew, his heart pained for her loss. Others had also moved into tears hearing the tragic loss of Khushi’s except for Buaji and Garima who looked stoic and like they really didn’t want to be here.
…
PRECAP: Two new entries… any guesses who…?
[NOTE: Hello lovelies, so how was this..? I know Khushi past was too long but bear with me, I tried to make it as short as I can but still it got so long. Anyways, her past is covered... what do you think of it..? Do tell me and also I have a question, how many of you want Lavanya to be paired up with NK and marry him or you want Lavanya be little grey then make an exit...? Am little confused about that, so any suggestions...
So will be back with next update soon, until than take care and stay at home...
With love,
Kavya]
