Chapter 3

Sudhir: Namaste mein Karthik ka pita hu.. He took daadi’s blessings..
Daadi: kush raho..
Sudhir: Aayiye.. He looked at his daughter who seemed rather different.. Priya tilak keliye kuch tulsi ke patte chaahiye..
Priya: Ji papa..
Sudhir walked daadi inside.. Priya walked to the left.. Ram stood watching her.. She walked towards a small mud pot and opened the lid.. Putting her hand inside she took a bronze kalash filled with water out.. She washed her hand.. He was lost as she slightly pulled her pleats up and poured some water on her feet.. She kept the kalash on the lid and placed it on the matka.. She walked to the tulsi and started plucking a few leaves.. The wind blew by.. Ram closed his eyes and smiled.. He was lost in the moment.. Priya wore her footwear and walked towards Ram.. He opened his eyes and smiled..
This perfect moment was disturbed by a ring on his phone..
Ram: Haan bolo Rishab..
Rishab: Bhai mein parking lot mein hu..
Ram: Ok Im coming.. He looked at Priyas retreating figure before he turned to walk towards the parking lot.. He was lost in her thoughts.. Her body seemed to be chiseled to perfection..
He walked slowly.. He could hear the leaves rustle.. The water ripple.. Somehow this whole place had a soothing effect on him.. Ram reached the parking lot.. Rishab seemed to have lost himself in the beauty of this place.. The charming chirpy young man was calmed.. He hugged Ram as they walked back..
Rishab: Bhai kitna khubsurat hai..
Ram: Haan..
As they walked towards the Puja, Rishab looked at Priya keeping Diya's at the entrance of the door.. Her hands and face were lit by the light coming from the diyas..
Rishab: Bhai woh Priyaji hai na?
Ram: Haan..
Rishab: Wah kitni khubsurat hai..
Ram smirked.. Haan bohot khusurat hai..


She looked at them and smiled..

Rishab: Haye.. Aise math muskuraayiye Priyaji..
Ram couldn’t stop smiling at Rishabs satement.. Woh tumse kuch 10 saal badi hai..
Rishab: Bhai.. Mein line todi maar raha hu.. Yeh toh saathvikam hai..
Ram: Saathvikam?
Rishab: Haan bhai.. Jab hum ladke aise aurathon ko dekhthe hai.. Toh there is only respect in our eyes.. Dekhiye na.. Devi jaise hai.. Dil kartha hai ke inke saamne haath jodu..
Ram: Haan.. Jab baathe karthi hai.. Toh sab chup chaap sunthe hai..
Both of them were so engrossed in the conversation that when they reached the entrance, she wasn’t there.. Ram watched everyone was decked up, he looked at how well the white hall had been decorated with Jasmine and roses.. He entered.. Everyone was engrossed in their talks.. All their relatives were there.. Busy gossiping about jewellery.. He noded his head in negative as his relative were gushing about now being a relative of THE architect Priya Sharma.. He walked to a corner.. He was  happy looking at his family..  Priya came with a plate full of flowers.. She walked to the water bowl kept in the middle of the beautiful white pedastal in front of the murthy of Durga.. She Slowly placed the flowers in the water.. He watched the flowers float along as she pushed the water with her hands.. Her hands moving in and out the water as she swayed her hand, was a feast to watch.. Ram walked towards her unknowingly.. She sensed his approach towards her and smiled.. She turned back towards him.. Ram came to her and looked at the water bowl.. He put his fingers in the water.. He was lost looking at the beautiful white flowers..

Priya: Aapko phool pasand hai..?

Rishab: Walked towards her giggling .. Nahi inhe poolon se allergy hai..

Priya gave a suspicious confused smile.. 

Sudhir: Chaliye.. Tilak Shuru karthe hai.. Ram beta.. Tum aao aur Karthik ke saamne baito.. Ram sat there.. 

Daadi whispering to Krishuji.. Are Krishna Kumkum ke thaali ko tho Ram ki biwi ko laana hai.. 

Priya walked towards them with the thalli.. Nutz Daadi and Krishna looked at each other and smiled.. Ram put the tilak on Karthik's forehead.. A lot of gifts were exchanged between the two families.. They started the engagement.. Rishab was busy clicking pictures.. Ram handed the ring to Natasha and she put it on Karthik's finger.. She blushed as everyone clapped.. Priya handed the ring to Karthik.. He slipped it on Natasha's finger and winked.. Natasha grew red.. Everyone was happy and the photo session begun.. Both Ram and Priya seemed to be lost in their thoughts.. They slightly moved away from the crowd..

Priya walked to the door and looked at the sky.. Thinking.. Kitne khush hai dono.. Bhaghwan inhe humesha khush rakhe.. 

Ram looked at Priya who was looking out and walked towards her.. He came and stood beside her.. There wass a slight breeze.. The wind seemed to play with her hair.. She moved her longs fingers.. Tucking the hair behind her ears.. She didn’t seem to have recognized Ram's presence.. Ram walked back into the hall with a smile.. Inki khubsoorathi ko kisi ka nazar na lage..

Rishab gathered everyone's attention..

Rishab: Attention everyone..Priya turned back..  Humaare Ram bhai bohot accha gaathe hai.. Toh is haseen mauke par..Rishab shifted his gaze to Priya who looked divine as she smiled away.. In khubsoorat haseenao keliye.. Ek gaana hojaaye?

Everyone clapped.. 

Ram: Arre nahi..

Rishab: Kya bhai.. Sunaayiye na..

Nutz: Bhai.. Plz.. 

Everyone requested him.. Then..

Priya: Sunaayiye na.. With her soft voice.. The hall grew silent.. Everyone looked at her.. Ram was captivated.. He smiled..

All the young single ladies surrounded him.. Ram drifted to his thoughts as he cleared his throat.. Ab insabko khush karnekeliye.. Jhuti taareef karna padega.. 

 Very few knew that THE Ram Kapoor was not only a great business man.. But was also very fond of ghazals.. He started singing turning away from everyone.. They were all lost as his soothing voice charmed the eve..

In haseeno ka ladhakpan hai wahi...

Ya alla..  Closing his eyes.. Exhaling..
Hosh aata hai to... Looking at Priya..

Aata hai.. Looking at Karthik and winking..

 Jalaana dil ka... 

Everyone lost themselves in the song.. wah wah.. 

Ram looked at all the ladies.. As if.. Each one had managed to impressed him..

Kis pe jaan dijiye..

Har chehara hai.. He walked by each one of the ladies with hands in his pockets..

Pyara chehara..

Rishab and Vikram smiled at eachother.. 

Kis pe jaan dijiye..

Har chehara hai.. 

Pyara chehara..

He walked towards the water bowl.. 

Baag mein phool hai..

Looking at Shipra And Krishna.. He smiled.. As if to convey something to them..

Kamare mein,

Tumhara chehara .. He looked at Priya..

Kis pe jaan dijiye..

Karthik looked at Priya: Aapbhi sunaao na..

Nutz: Haan..

Ram smiled at her..

Rishab: Aap agar mein hoti toh kya bolti..

Priya smiled teasing Rishab and started singing.. Everyone was lost in her voice.. 

She walked behind Rishab.. And..

Kithne chehare the...

Sare raah ke...

Kuchh yaad nahi..

Everyone giggled.. 

Nutz: Sahi bola aapne.. While others praised her.. Kya baat hai.. 

Priya continued.. 

Kithne chehare the...

Sare raah ke...

Kuchh yaad nahi..

She looked at everyone staring at her in amusement..

Le gaya bhid mein... She looked at the empty beautiful garden beyond the door..

Kaun aa ke..

Humara chehara...

There was a little bit of silence as everyone was lost in a trans where her voice echoed in their minds.. 

Ram continued..

Baag mein phool hai..

Kamare mein,

Tumhara chehara..

Rishab pitched in and looked at Priya..

Aappe jaan degaye.. 

Everyone smiled.. As Rishab walked around Priya.. 

Aape jaan..

Deegaye...

Ram continued.. 

Maashalla..

Kya paaya chehera.. 

Rishab:

Bhaag mein phhol hai..

Kamre mein..

Karthik looked at Natasha:

Tumhaara cheheraa...  

There was silence.. Everyone looked at Priya.. Her face truly seemed chiseled to perfection.. The twinkle in her eyes.. Her full soft lips.. And her radiant skin had every man's attention.. And every woman's envy..

Everyone cheered.. It had been a wonderful evening..

Sudhir: There is a buffet arranged.. Enjoy the rest of the evening everyone..

Everyone was hungry.. They had a delightful dinner.. Priya went around making sure they were all comfortable..

Krishuji: Biji.. Aaj tak.. Meine aise ladki ko kabhi nahi dekha..

Daadi: Haan.. Ghar bulaaya hai na tune use?

Krishuji: Haan meine Sudhirji aur Shipraji se puchliya hai..

Daadi: Pata nahi kyu.. Mujhe lagtha hai.. Ki Priya humaarein ghar mein ek shaanthi apne saath leke aayegi..

Krishuji: Haan..

Ram who was silently listening to this conversation said.. Woh humaare ghar..?

Krishuji: Haan..

Nutz: Haan bhai.. Meine hi bola.. Woh kya hai na.. Aap toh dekhichuke hai unka sajaaya hua har cheez kitna khubsoorat hai.. Aur.. Mujhe bilkul unke jaisa banna hai.. 

Karthik: Aur Nutz.. Iski kya zaroorat hai.. Aur weise bhi.. Di jaisa koi nahi..

Nutz: Haan woh toh hai.. And smiled..

Priya came to them.. 

Priya: I hope aap sab ne enjoy kiya..

Everyone.. Haan..

Nutz: Aap humaare ghar aarahe hai na..

Priya looked confused.. She had no clue.. She smiled and looked at Sudhir.. Who walked towards them..

Sudhir: Haan.. Priya.. Woh.. Natasha chaathi hai ki saari tayyaariya tumhaare hisaab se ho.. Isiliye Krisnaji ne pucha..

Priya just noded.. 

Rishab walked towards them.. 

Krishuji: Priya.. Hum sab tumhaare hisaab se karlenge.. Woh itna saara kaam itne aasaani aur khubsurathi se karthi ho.. And said looking at Rishab.. Is bigda hua bandhar ko bhi line pe laana hai..

Ram: Haan.. Sab ke saamne bade line maarraha tha.. Ram grinned.. 

Rishab: Held his ears and looked at Priya.. Sorry..

Priya smiled.. Nodding sideways.. Mere Karthik se bhi chote ho.. 

Everyone smiled.. 

Karthik: Toh di.. Yeh hogaya aapki chote..

Everyone laughed..

Krishna: Priya.. Tumhe koi problem nahi hai na.. 

Priya: Nahi nahi.. Lekin.. She thought for a moment.. Everyone was waiting for her response.. Each one of the Kapoors wanted her in KM.. Karthik.. Tumhe office ko samhaalna hai.. Baaki mein baad mein samjaadungi..

Sudhir: Haan.. Aur mein bhi chalajaaunga..

Priya: Are nahi papa.. Mein dekhlungi.. Aap chinta mat kijiye.. 

Karthik: Haan di hai na.. 

Krishna: Do hafton keliye kapde rakhle beta.. I'm sorry.. Yeh hum aise..

Priya: Are aap badi hai.. Aap maaufi math maangiye.. Aap bas hukum kijiye.. And she smiled as she turned to leave..

Nutz: Di..

Priya turned back to look at her.. Ram was just lost as he looked at her.. Her respect for elders, the softness yet firmness in her voice.. Her modesty and simplicity surprised him..

Nutz: Kya mein aapko Di bulaasakthi hu..

Priya: Haan zaroor..

Everyone had finished up.. And were leaving quickly as it was pretty late..

Ram saw Vik and Neha off.. While the Sharmas and Krishuji catered to the other guests.. 

Krishuji: Ram.. Tum Priya ke saath aana hum Chalthe hai..

Sudhir Shipra and Karthik saw the kapoors off.. Ram waved at them.. 

Ram: Sudhirji.. Bohot der hogayi hai.. Toh kya Mein Priyaji ko..

Sudhir: Haan beta.. Uska room.. He pointed towards the garden path way to the right.. 

The Sharma's say good night.. 

Ram thought as he walked along the pathway.. Apno ke saath rehethe hue bhi.. Alag rahena.. Ajeeb hai.. The wind blew by his face.. He looked at the small lights highlighting the pathway now.. He could hear the crickets.. There was a world within a world..

Chapter 2

Early next morning..  0400 hr.

Priya woke up early.. To the call of the birds.. She got ready for the eventful day in a beautiful royal Purple Mysore silk and some minimal jewelry..

On the other hand.. Ram was ready in a tux.. Looking as much as a business man as he was.. Par aaj ek cheez alag thi.. Chehre pe ek muskuraahat thi.. He checked his tie and wore his glasses..

He went down in a rush to check if everything was ready..

In SM: 

Priya: Kaka aaj khana mein banaaungi.. Aap baaki kaam dekhleejiye..
She finished cooking a variety of dishes..
Shipra and Sudhir came into the house..
Shipra: Wah kya baath hai.. Yaha tak Priya ki cooking ki swaad aarahi hai..
Sudhir: Ramu tum yeh sab leke jao and he walked to the kitchen..  Eager to know what his daughter had made..
Everything was ready neatly placed in the cutlery..
Priya: Ma papa.. Aap jaake tayaar hojaayiye woh aathe hi honge..

They left in a hurry to get ready while Priya walked to Karthik’s room..

Priya brushed his hair with her fingers.. Karthik late hogaya hai.. Uto..
Karthik: opening his eyes and smiling.. Good morning di!
Priya smirked at her lazy brother.. Jaldi tayaar hoja..

She walked out and started helping everyone with the decorations.. And drifted to her train of thoughts.. Sham ko hi mangni hai.. Wow mera chota bhai kitna bada hogaya hai.. A smile played along as she gracefully enjoyed giving her touches to all the arrangements.. Shipra was busy getting ready and Sudhir was busy inviting everyone for the engagement..

In KM: 

Everyone was ready and overly excited.. Ram felt fresh today as they all left to Lonavla.. His choti was getting married..

He drifted into his thoughts while everyone else giggled and chatted as they pulled Natasha’s leg..  Kitni badi hogayi.. Aur itna accha ladka mila hai usse..

He smiled as he explained telling everyone about how they have to wash their hands and legs before entering the house..
Nutz: Bhai karthik ne mujhe sab batadiya hai..
Vik giggles saying.. Aur Ram lagtha hai.. Priyaji bhi tumhaare tarah hygine freak hai..
Neha: Suna hai ki woh bohot khubsurat hai..
Nutz: Haan meine photo mein dekha hai.. Neha tum dekhogi na toh Vikram bhai ko bhuljaaogi.. Everyone giggled at Natasha’s comment..

Ram giggled at their conversation.. Krishna noticed this..
Krishuji: Ram.. Tu toh mila tha na kal usse.. Kaisi hai..?
Ram in a lost dreamy tone.. Jaisa unka ghar hai.. Who bilkul waise hi hai..
Everyone was surprised looking at Ram talk in riddles..
They reached SM..

The calmness in Lonavla had all of them in admiration.. Silence prevailed as they entered the majestic gates.. Their senses were drawn.. To the new green tranquil..
The cool air.. The butterflies.. The flowers.. The wooden path bridges and water ponds.. They were mesmerized.. Lost in the beauty of a world within a world.. They could hear the birds chirping.. The clear sky.. The mist here and there..

Krishuji breaking the silence said.. Agar jagah itni khubsoorat hai toh.. And smiled at Ram who was looking at a marble sitout.. He quietly parked the car lost in the reminiscence of the previous night.. Din mein bhi itni khoobsurat hai.. He looked around and stepped out.. Everyone quietly followed.. As everyone including him were surprised to see rabbits and butterflies.. As he walked over the wooden bridge he noticed fish and turtles in the water way below.. Everyone had been transported to a different world..

 They reached the entrance.. They took off their foot ware washed their feet and stepped in.. The cold marble floor put a smile on everyone’s face.. Sudhir and Shipra welcomed them.. Everyone sat down looking at the beautiful white marbled house.. It seemed like they had entered heaven’s gates.. The floral arrangement enhanced the beauty of the place..

Karthik came running down.. He was all smiles looking at Natasha while she tilted head down blushing.. Ram's eyes searched for Priya.. Karthik took everyone’s blessing.. But everyone’s eyes searched for someone they hadn’t seen.. Someone who had received Ram’s praise.. That was something..
Sudhir knew everyone was looking for her..  Priya.. He called out..
Priya from the kitchen.. Ji aayi.. Everyones attention was drawn to her voice.. It seemed to eco in their minds.. They all looked keenly towards the kitchen entrance.. 

She steped out.. Everyone was mesmerized.. The only thing one could hear was her paayal.. There was so much dignity and calmness in her gait.. Her smile had everyone spellbound..
Priya stoped and placed the tray with tea on the teapoy.. She folds her hand and said namaste..
Ram smiled.. Broke the silence.. Yeh aapne banayi hai..?
Sudhir: Aaj khaane aur peene mein joh bhi hai sab Priya ne banaai hai..
Priya smiled as she poured tea for everyone..
Ram: Toh everyone yeh duniyaa ki sabse acchi chai hai.. Enjoy..
Priya smirked at his compliment..
Krishuji: Wah kya swaad hai..
Vik: Neha kuch seekho Priyaji se..
Everyone laughed.. They started disscussing the engagement..
Krishuji: Humne sab ko phone par buladiya hai lekin bado ko personally invite karna padega..
Sudhir: Aap tik keherahi hai.. Lekin itna kaam hai.. Priya beta tu humaari taraf se jaayegi..
Priya: Ji.. She smiled she and left to see if the dining table was ready..
Krishuji: Ek kaam karthe hai Sudhirji.. Kyu na hum Ram aur Priya ko dono parivaar ke taraf se bhejde..?
Sudhir: Haan yeh tik hoga..
Ram was inattentive as he watched Priya's behaviour with the maids.. And drifted to his thoughts.. Sabko itna izzat dethein hai..
Krishuji: Ram tum Priya ke saath bado ko bulaane chale jaana..
Ram: Ji..

Priya comes and says.. Breakfast ready hai.. Aap sab khalijiye..
They all sat down.. Khaane ki swaadh se sab ki chehre pe muskuraahat thi..
Krishuji: Priya tum bhi baitjao..
Sudhir: Krishnaji yej tab tak nahi khaayegi jab tak sab na khaale..
Krishuji thought to herself as she watched Priya serve for everyone.. Aise sanskaar aaj kal kis ladki mein hoti hai.. Sarv gunn sampan.. Humaari ghar ki bahu banjaaye.. Toh wah..
Krishnaji: Wah kya khaana bana hai.. Priya tum toh sarva gun sampan ho..
Neha: Are ab mein toh cooking classes keliye roz aaungi..
Vik: Haan.. Nahi toh mein yaha shift hojaaunga..
Everyone laughed..
Nutz: Bhai aapne kuch nahi kaha..
Ram: Smiles and looks at Priya.. Bohot acchi hai..
Priya: Thankyou.. She walked away with a smile..
Everyone finished..

Krishuji: Ram tum Priya ko lekar jao.. Hume bohot kaam hai..
As everything had been arranged in a short notice.. Nutz and Karthik left to go buy the rings while the entire Sharma and Kapoor khandhaan got busy with arrangements..

Ram walked to the kitchen.. He watched Priya.. She had just finished her breakfast and was washing her hands.. She turned the tap and put her hand below the cold flowing water.. He was lost as her bangles dangled on her thin wrists.. The soft hands rubbing each other.. She turned the tap and looked back..
Priya: Aap..? As she wiped her hand with a white towel..
Ram snapping out.. Haan hume chalna chahiye..
Priya: Haan.. Chaliye..


Ram and Priya walked.. Ram was lost in the rhythm of her paayal which jingled.. Chan chan chan.. She walked along the beautiful pathway towards his car..
Being a thorough gentleman.. He opened the door for her.. They seated themselves..
Ram: Kaka aapko iss address pe jaana hai.. He gave the chauffeur the directions while Priya keenly observed Ram’s gentlemanly ways..
Priya: Hume theen ghar jaana hai.. Toh jaldi chaliye kaka... Wapis jaldi aayenge toh madat hojaagi ghar pe..
Kaka: Ji.. He started off quickly and they zoomed away.. Ek baath kahu aapse..
Priya: Ji boliye na..
Kaka: Aapne mujhe kaka kaha beti mujhe bohot accha laga..
Priya smiled at him..
Ram looked at her lost in her beauty.. His phone which lay between them vibrated.. He tried to take it in haste.. His hand touched hers.. She immediately withdrew her hand but the stars above had other plans.. They smiled at each other as the thread of his cuffing got entangled to the intricate design of her bangle..

She slowly detangled it.. It was just them, strangely.. They weren’t strangers even though they had just met the previous day..

Ram looked at her.. He was reminded of what was told to the media.. That they were working on a project together.. He smiled to himself wondering if she would accept working with him..

Ram looked at her to ask if they could work together.. He watched the wind play with her hair.. He noticed how soft her skin was.. Her cheeks seemed to glow as the sun hit them.. Her eyes turned brown when she looked at the sun.. His thoughts were broken as they reached his daadi's house..
Ram: Suniye.. Meri daadi todi straight forward aur sherni types hai.. Agar woh aapse kuch kahe toh bura mat maniyega..
Priya giggled..
Priya: Chale..?
They walked to the mansion.. And as they were about to step in..
Daadi: Oye kotiya rukh..
They both stood in surprise.. Priya looked at Ram giving a confused expression whereas Ram just stood routed..
Daadi: Aur golu tum aur bahu peheli baar ghar aaraheho toh.. Aarthi toh karne do pehele..
Ram was shocked.. Daadi woh..
Priya: Mr. Kapoor.. Is she mistaking me for someone else?
Ram: A little confused.. Nahi.. Aise kaise hoosaktha hai..
Daadi brought a huge thaali.. And Priya without a second thought put the pallu on her head.. Ram smiled at her..
Daadi: Hai kitni soni kudi hai.. Tenu kisi ki nazar na lage.. And put a tika on her bindi.. Priya took her blessings.. Ram followed..
Ram thought as everything felt so right.. Mujhe ajeeb kyu nahi lagraha hai? And walked in..
Daadi: Ram puttar tu bahu ke saath beit idar.. She made them sit close and stood watching them for a few moments and smiled.. Mein abhi aathi hu..
She walked to her room..
Ram looked at Priya who still had her pallu on her head..
Ram: Ab kya kare..
Priya: Rehene dijiye.. Dheere dheere pata chalhi jaayega unhe.. She smiled..
Daadi walked to them and Ram told her about Nutz and Karthik while Priya's phone rang..
Priya: Boliye papa..
Sudhir: Beta aap dono Ram ke daadi se milo kaafi hai.. Karthik aur Natasha ka shopping hogaya.. Wohi jaakar baaki sabko bulaadenge..
Priya: Tik hai.. Hum Daadi ke saath aajaayenge..

In SM:

Sudhir smiled.. Thinking.. Ram ke daadi ko Priya ne Daadi bulaaya.. Kuch toh mitaas hai indono ki saathgi mein..

Krishuji: Came behind him.. Sudhirji kya mein aapse ek baat puchsakthi hu?
Sudhir: Ji puchiye..
Krishuji: Kya aap Priya ko humaare ghar bhejenge kuch dino keliye..
Sudhir: Ji zaroor.. Lekin kisliye?
Krishuji: Woh shaadi se pehele saari rasme ladki waalon ke ghar mein hogi toh.. Priya itna acchi tarike se sab handle karthi hai..
Sudhir: Ab toh humsab ek hi parivaar hai.. Ek baar Priya se puchlijiye..
Krishuji: Ji thankyou..

There Ram and Priya left with daadi..
In the car:
Daadi: Golu tu toh bada hoshiyaar hai.. Itni soni aur sanskaari kudi chuna hai..
Priya looked at Ram and giggled.. Ram was a little embarrassed but found the situation funny.. Ram kept stealing glances at Priya while she keenly listened to Daadi about all the Rasams before and after marriage..
Ram wondered how nicely they bonded.. He was a little uncomfortable as every time Daadi called Priya bahu she would look at Ram and smile as if to taunt him..
Daadi noticed this.. Oye golu.. Kya hua..?
Ram: Daadi Priyaji aapki bahu nahi hai..
Priya looked at him and blinked conveying a thankyou..
Daadi: Giggled.. Mein jaanthi hu.. Mein toh Priya ki swabhav dekhna chahthi thi.. Looking at Priya.. Sach bolu toh bohot mann baagayi tu..
Priya smiled at daadi..
Daadi: Golu Rishab kab aaraha hai..?
Ram: Woh aaj sham pohunchjaayega daadi.. And in a few minutes they arrived at SM..
They got down.. Daadi was mesmerized.. A smile crept her face.. The entire garden had beautiful lights defining the pathways in the evenings darkness..
Priya: Mr. Kapoor Mangni Puja hall mein hain pointing to the left..
It was big structure.. Diyas adorned the beautiful mini temple.. They walked through a stone pathway.. Sudhir walked towards them..

Chapter 1

Ram Kapoor.. The name was more than enough to shake grounds of the most powerful people in the world.. With being one of the biggest entrepreneurs, He was a member of the United Nations.. He was undoubtedly.. The richest man in the world.. This evening was one of the most eventful ones.. With delegates, business men and politicians from all over the world flooding in to wish the classy Mr. Ram Kapoor.. But surprisingly.. He wasn’t there.. His best friends Vikram and Neha started wondering.. As it was unusual for Ram to disappear..

Vik: Neha Ram kaha hai yaar?

Neha: Sab ne wish kardiya.. Toh..

Vik understands.. Ram is a man of few words.. He liked to keep to himself.. They both decide not to disturb him.. And play good hosts to the guests..

40 years of his life was being celebrated.. But he seemed disinterested.. And they both knew why..

The dark sky twinkled bright.. A man in his tux.. Walked with his hands in hid pockets.. His blazer folded roughly.. Hung over his left shoulder.. He looked back at the party hall through his glasses.. And smiled as thoughts occupied his mind.. Sab kush hai.. Aur kya chahiye.. And sighed..Chalo Ram ghar chalo.. He walked to his car.. Empty.. His head hurt.. It was a long day.. Umpteen empty wishes.. The white Volkswagen.. That stood majestically waiting for him.. The driver stood out and smiled..

Ram: kaka aap Vikram aur Neha ko drop kijiye.. Mein yeh gaadi khud lejaaunga..

He smiled.. And got in.. Driving away into the dark ampty streets..

The convertible car opened up.. And he enjoyed the wind blowing by his face.. He had conquered the world.. But he was empty.. To fill this void he did everything he could for his family.. Their happiness.. He smiled to himself.. Wondereing if he had ever done anything for himself..

But there was something about this evening.. Something different.. Something kept him from going home.. He decided to drive through the posh locality of Juhu.. The Slums.. The posh area.. He drifted driving away to Lonavla.. The beautiful landscape.. The large roads.. Beautiful.. He passes by a huge wall.. It seemed endless.. And then arrived majestic gates.. Beautiful copper gates.. With high security.. He drove past it.. And then something struck him.. He wanted to buy it!    

Ram thought as he looked carefully.. Itna security? Yeh kya hai.. Office ya ghar.. Dekhne mein toh ek bungalow jaisa dikhtha hai.. de Drives back to the gate..

The guards recognize him immediately..

Guard: Ram Kapoor!!? Sir aap yaha?

Ram: Haan.. Yaha kaun rehetha hai? Kya mein andar jaasaktha hu?

Guard: Humaare malkin.. Ek min sir.. He calls.. Malkin.. Ram Kapoor aaye hai.. Andar bhejdu..

Ram smiled.. As he saw them hesitating.. He was just another human being.. But the world feared him..

Woman: Nahi.. Hum abhi kaam mein uljhe hue hai.. Kal aane keliye boldijiye..

Guard: Tik hai.. Looking at Ram.. Sir sorry.. Woh kaam karrahe hai.. Aap nahi jaasakthe..

Ram smiled.. For the first time.. Someone had denied him of something.. Kya mein unse baat karsaktha hu.. ?

They looked at one another unable to say no to such a big man.. They redialed and looked at him..

Guard: Malkin ek minute.. Gives the phone to Ram..

Woman: Kaun?

She didn’t seem angry.. Her voice was husky.. Enchanting.. There was calm and softness in her voice.. Ram smiled..

Ram: Suniye.. Mein Ram Kapoor bol raha hu.. Can we talk.. Please..? Zyada waqt nahi lunga..

Woman: Mr. Kapoor aap yaha.. Tik hai.. Park the car to your right and wait there..

Ram: Thankyou..

He smiled as the guards opened the gates for him.. He was awestruck by the beauty of the place.. All white.. A beautiful Japanese Garden.. Water lakes peering below small bridges.. He parked his car and looked around.. There was just one other car in the Parking lot.. An Audi.. Clean and white.. Sparkling in the moonlight..

Ram walked out of the car.. And thrust the keys in his pockets.. He looked at the flora.. There were long stone pergolas that stood majestically.. Different flowers gave life to the surrounding.. The fresh waters kept the air humid and cold.. As he stood there.. He saw a woman clad in an off white saree walk to him.. She held a candle that lit her figure.. Her long straight hair blew back in the wind.. She wore a big red bindi.. Her beautiful doe eyes lightly defined by kohl twinkled as she smiled.. She had beautiful full lips red with a small mole on top.. He noticed that she wore a golden anklet.. A simple one which jingled as she walked towards him.. Her divinity and grace had captivated his thoughts and heart..

For the first time in his life.. He couldn’t take his eyes off a woman.. She was nothing like the other women he knew, who mindlessly decked up to please everyone else but themselves.. They were always prying for his attention.. And would often throw themselves at him..

He looked at her in awe as she walked to him..

Woman: Architect Priya Sharma.. She smiled to him.. She does a half Namaste with the candle in her hand.. Wax trickles and falls on her soft skin.. She closes her eyes.. Not letting out a sigh..

Ram looks at her.. Tolerance he smiles at her.. And prevents another drop from falling on her hand..

Ram: Ouch.. The hot wax hurt.. He wonders how she didn’t react.. And his hand slightly brushes hers.. The touch of her hand so soft brings a smile on his face.. Her skin was like feather touch.. But it lasted just for a moment.. He looked at her and said.. Ram.. Ram Kapoor..

Priya smiled acknowledging his gesture: Aayiye..

He followed her.. There was a circular sit out leveled will pillars all around.. A white marble table.. Just enough for two..

They walked on to the spotless white marble.. He was lost.. In her.. In her world..

Priya: Have a seat Mr. Kapoor.. He looked at her.. Her calm smile.. Uff..

Ram sat down and watched her.. As she placed the candle in the middle of the table..

Priya: Woh aaj fuse udgaya.. Toh I'm sorry.. She sat right opposite to him and corrected the beautiful Arabian crème shawl..

Ram: Its ok..Ms. Sharma.. Very nice house.. He looked at the marble pillars that held the disc of this beautiful Gazebo.. It was a marvel.. Sculpted to perfection..

Priya smiles.. Toh aap yaha.. ?

Ram: Haan... Kya yeh aapka ghar hai?

Priya: Ji.. She sat with so much dignity and grace.. He felt like he was talking to royalty..

Ram: I'm sorry.. Meine baahar se dekha.. I wanted to buy this house.. Tho..

Priya smiles.. Im sorry Mr. Kapoor lekin this house is not for sale.. She grinned as Ram looked at her with interest..

Her phone buzzed.. She picked it up..

Priya: Kaun?.. She continued talking apologizing to him through her eyes for disturbance..

Ram looked at her.. He had seen her before.. But where.. ? He wondered and buzzed through his memories.. Did she say she was an architect.. ?

Suddenly it hit him.. How could he have been so naive? She was India's youngest and the most popular Architect.. She had appeared just once in the media when she won a National Award for designing her trust's Orphanage.. And here he was wanting to buy her house..

Her voice broke his train of thoughts..

Priya: I'm sorry.. aap kuch lenge?

Ram feeling embarrassed.. Woh.. Mein.. I'm sorry I didn’t recognise you..

Priya grinned at this handsome rich man.. It's ok.. Actually accha laga.. So yeh ghar toh mein nahi desakthi.. Toh..

Feeling a little awkward because neither of them had anything to say..

Ram: It's late.. Mein chaltha hu.. Somewhere inside he didn’t want to leave..

Priya: Ji..

They walked towards the parking lot when Priya received a call from the security guard..

Guard: Malkin woh press wale aagaye hai.. Ghar ke baahar.. And aap news par bhi aarahe hai..

Ram also received a call..

Vik: Tum yeh kya kar rahe ho Ram.. Koi itni raat ko ek ajnabhi ke ghar jaatha hai kya.. You are all over the news channels..

Ram and Priya looked at each other.. Worried they smiled.. Trying to ease the tension..

Priya: Aap kuch der keliye andar aajaayiye.. The press have crowded around the house..

Ram: Ji.. I'm so sorry.. Meri wajah se aapko itna taklief..

Priya reassured him that it was ok with a smile.. She took him through a beautiful pathway of stones to her house.. It was a living come dining with a kitchen.. All in white.. His favorite colour.. Everything was so clean just as he liked it..

Priya: Aap apne juthe utaarsakthe hai..? He looked at her and nodded.. Usually no one is allowed here.. So.. I hope you don’t mind..

Ram smiled and removed his shoe and socks.. He placed it in the stand and washed his hands.. And legs following what Priya was doing.. She walked in and he steped in.. The touch of his feet onto the cold white marble floor made him smile.. He felt like the floor drew all his worries away.. He felt relaxed.. She asked him to sit down and walked to the kitchen while he looked around the house.. It was dark and decorated with candles..

He found an open hand made book in front of him on the teapoy.. He took it and lost himself in the flow of a beautiful hand writing.. It read..

Aap se gila.. Aapki kasam..

Sochthe rahe.. Karsake na hum..

Uski kya katha.. Laa dawa hai gham..

Kyu gila kare.. Chaaraghar se hum..

Aap se gila..

Priya walked in and placed the tray with hot tea on the teapoy.. He watched her seat herself diagonally..

Ram: Aap bohot acchi likthi hai..

Priya pouring tea into his cup said.. Kisi ki diary padna acchi baath nahi hai.. And smiled at him..

Ram thought.. How can she not be angry with me.. She just smiles all the time.. He bit his tongue for his doing and apologized..

Priya switched on the television..

Reporter: Business tycoon aur mashoor Architect.. Dono ke janam din ek hi din pe hai aur dono ek saath ek jagah pe mana rahe hai..

They gape at the television shocked.. Priya quickly changes to another news channel..

Reporter: Business tycoon ditches his birthday party to go and wish Architect Priya Sharma.. I think finally the two of India's biggest names will be coming together..

Priya switched off the television..

Ram was enraged.. I'm going to sue each and every one of them.. How dare they create rumors without verifying facts.. He stood up and called Vikram..

Priya sat there calmly sipping her tea.. She picked up her phone and texted someone..

Ram looked at her in disbelief and disconnected his phone.. He looked at her puzzled.. Nervous and confused..

Priya: Mr. Kapoor.. With her voice his senses calmed down.. Don’t worry.. I have informed the main media authorities that we are discussing about a project.. They have confirmed that they will clear the rumors out..

Ram listened to her with his jaws dropped.. She had just cleared everything.. With a smile..

Ram: Thank you.. He sat down and sipped his tea.. It was delicious.. He was blown away by its aroma.. It’s essence.. Aah.. It was the best tea he had ever tasted in his life..  Kisne banaya hai ?

Priya smiled at his broad grin.. Meine.. Mujhe lagtha hai ki aapko todi deir yahi rukhna chahiye.. It'll take a while for the media to leave..

He smiled and enjoyed his tea..

Just then.. Karthik came running in looking extremely happy..

Karthik: Hi di.. He hugged her and lifted her swirling her round.. Di meine chun liya.. And put her down.. Priya just smiled nodding her head in approval..

Priya: Khush raho..

Karthik: Looked at Ram.. Sir aap yaha..?

Ram smiled.. Hi Karthik..! Karthik touched his feet and took his blessings..

Priya looked at them.. And waited for an explanation.. She had no idea what was going on..

Ram hugged Karthik and said.. Choti bohot khush hai..

Karthik looked at Priya.. Di meine bataya tha na Nutz ke baare mein.. Woh Ram sir ki choti behen hai..

Priya looked at Ram and smiled.. Toh hum ab samdi hai..

Ram nodded in affirmative.. Thinking.. Aapse rishtha hai humaara.. Iss rishthe ko mein khoob nibhaaunga..

Ram: Mujhe chalna chahiye.. Kal hum sab aapke yaha shagun leekar aayenge..

Karthik: Ji sir..

Karthik walked Ram out.. Telling him how much he loved Natasha.. Ram turned back to look at Priya.. She walked away with the tea tray to the kitchen.. He smiled to himself.. And left..

Priya came back and picked up her diary.. Ram had added to her writing.. He had a rough but neat handwriting.. She smiled and walked to her room.. While she read his lines..

Yeh agar nahi.. Yaar ke gali..

Chalte chalte kyun.. Rukh gaye kadam..

Aapse gila.. Aapki kasam..

Sochthe rahe.. Karsake na hum..

Priya sat down on her soft velvet duvet and looked at his writing thinking .. Ajeeb insaan hai.. Jab mein baat kar rahi thi.. Bas muskuraathe rahe.. Aur jab media ki baat aayi.. Toh ek hi pal mein itna gussa hogaye.. Aur jab Karthik ki baat aayi toh.. Itna pyaar.. She smiled..

Karthik walked in..
Karthik: Di.. Aap bhi kamaal karthi ho.. Apne janam din pe bhi kaam..
Priya smirked at how Ram wanted to buy her house..  Karthik looked at her.. She seemed lost in her own sweet world..

Karthik: Kaha kho gayi aap.. Yeh lijiye..
He gave her a family portrait of Sudhir Shipra Priya and Karthik..
Priya smiled.. Bohot pyaari hai.. Ma papa tumhaari dulhan ke liye saadiyaan lene Amritsar gaye hai..
Karthik: Pata hai.. Papa ne phone kiya tha.. Aap kabhi toh apne aap ke baarein mein sochiye di.. Chalo aap sojaao.. 
Priya: Tum bhi sojaao.. Kal bohot saara kaam hai..
Karthik left with a smile..
Priya's phone rang..
Priya: Haan papa boliye..
Sudhir: Kya beta.. Aaj pehele hume bhagadiya aur phir kaam shuru kardiya.. 
Priya: Chodiye na papa.. Aap kal che bhaje aarahe ho na?
Sudhir: Haan.. Kal woh sab aarahe hai toh.. Shayad aur jaldi pohounch jaayenge.. 
Priya: Tik hai papa.. Rakhthi hu..
Priya thought to herself.. Aaj Mr. Kapoor ka bhi janam din tha.. Wish karna hi bhul gayi.. 
She lies down.. And soon doses off to sleep..

In KM: 

Ram entered with a pleasant smile.. 
Krishna: Kya hua Ram..? Tum Architect ke ghar kyu gaya tha?
Ram very cleverly wades her away.. Ma woh actually Karthik ka ghar hai..
Nutz: Bhai! Wow thank you.. Waise yeh aap aur Karthik ka di kuch kaam disscuss kar rahe the kya..?
Ram scratched his temple.. Haan woh..
Nutz and Krishna looked at each other and smiled.. They knew Ram very well. He would never discuss work without Vikram by his side..
Krishna: Tik hai tu so jaa.. Kal subah jaldi unka ghar jaana hai..

Ram left to his room hurriedly and changed.. He stood by the balcony’s railing thinking..Ajeeb hai.. Kabhi gussa nahi karthi.. He closed his eyes.. Unki aankein.. Unki muskaan.. Aur itna aacha likthe bhi hai.. How can a woman be so gifted.. I think mujhe woh naya office ka project unko dena chahiye.. She will do an excellent job..

The flashes of her house stay captivated in front of his eyes.. He drifts to his thoughts again.. Kash woh ghar mera hota.. He remembered that it was her birthday too.. He smiled thinking.. Karthik ne apne di ka number diya tha.. Shall call and wish her.. Looks at the clock.. Its 11.55.. 

Without giving a second thought he calls..
Priya: Kaun?
A smile lit his face.. The same voice.. The same word.. Yet again.. With the same softness..
Ram: Mein Ram bolraha hu.. 
Priya wondered why he cleed so late.. Ji kahiye..
Ram: Woh mein aapko wish karna bhulgaya tha.. Happy birthday..
Priya bit her lips trying to surpress her smile.. Ji wish you the same.. 
Ram: Aur maafi bhi maangni thi aapse.. Woh aapki kitaab mein..
Priya: Meine pada.. Aap bhi accha likh lethe hai.. 
There was so much comfort in their conversation.. They smile to themselves.. Their hearts connect.. But the are naïve to this feeling..
Ram ponders over his thoughts.. Not wanting to discontinue the conversation..  Aaj aapse milke bohot accha laga.. I have never seen someone so calm..
Priya giggled at his observation.. Aap kuch zyada hi gussa karthe hai nahi? She said with a naughtiness in her tone..
Ram laughed..  Haan sorry about that..
Priya’s heart smiled to his laughter..Toh kal milthe hai.. She gave a pause and wished him good night.
Ram: Ji good night..
Both of them smiled..

Ek unkahi dastaan unki intezaar mein thi.. Nagmein the.. Shikwe the.. Kisse the.. Aur the baatein.. Ram ki zindagi ki daud mein ek teheraav aagayi thi.. Ek khaali dil mein.. Kahi ek choti si umeed jaagi thi..

Kya yeh rishtha sirf ek samdhan ki hasiyath mein rehejaayegi.. yaa.. Do sitaaron ka zameen par thi milan.. Aaj ki raath..

Aaj ki raath..