NEW FF

From the Author of ZINDAGI OF ARSHIS’ and to the readers of ZOAs

                                                Arnav and Kushi

                                                                       In

                                  DOLI UDEGI..???!

Why is it a pre-requisite that in a marriage the man should be older than the woman?

Are there really any complications if a guy falls in love with a girl older than him? Is it wrong if a woman falls in love with a man younger than her?

Or is it just norms of society and culture that stands in their way? Don’t they have the right to fall in love with their Mr. or Ms. Right?

Meet Arnav Singh Raizada(23), who may fall in love with Kushi Singh Malik (30)!

 Will their love make then unite? Wait will Kushi love Arnav back? Wait will love bloom in Arnav’s heart?

And how will family aka society react to such a bond?

Wait and watch guys!!!

This is a light hearted romantic comedy fanfic. I hope all can enjoy this one. Waiting to know what you guys feel.

I will be travelling for a month. So I will start this story only after a month;

EPILOGUE

Pranav and Pallavi always had plans for travelling. They took off once their present professional commitments were done. Before Pallavi loses all threads of her memory they needed this time together; to be away from the whole world and savour beautiful moments before the ultimate sunset. They had put this off for long for their kids and careers. But now there is nothing more important than this.

Pranav bore with her eccentric moods, handled her outbursts with patience and love; consoled her and became her sole strength whenever she became aware of the changes happening to her. When she lost hope against the disease that is engulfing her, he reassured her. He did everything he could to fight their fate. With each day, Pallavi lost a bit of herself and Pranav lived with it.

One day when she tried to wear a sari, she couldn’t remember how to drape it; he draped it for her. She was getting worse at handling kitchen. Mid way through preparing food she would forget how to proceed further or she would burn the food or damage the kitchen or simply forget to cook and eat on time. So Pranav slowly convinced her to let go of the reins of kitchen to maids. She would often misplace things, or brush teeth with his toothbrush, or come out after just standing in shower for a while without bathing properly. He had to be there for her, at every step and he did. Naturally their careers and life beyond this situation took backseat. Pallavi is slowly becoming a child, who needs absolute care and he diligently offered his wife that.

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

Years went by and life moved through twists and turns for all of them. Janaki and Ajith found a companion in each other. They didn’t want to name or bracket their companionship into the usual moulds of relationship. They are matured individuals who are aware of their needs; and right now they needed nothing from life except a feeling of belonging, comfort and friendship.

Ajith still loved his wife with all his heart and didn’t want a replacement for her in his life. Neither was Janaki interested in being one. Janaki always yearned for love and made wrong choices in life but she isn’t interested to walk down that lane anymore. They didn’t want to channel their friendship into anything else.

They have found a solace in each other; they are happy with each other’s presence in their lives and have no expectations or dreams from each other. Arti found a mother figure in Janaki and she indulged the girl in her life. They just decided to go with the flow.

Janaki has completely got over her past relationship. She realized that some relationships are just not meant to be. She has finally attained peace. Her son, thriving business, shelter home that has become her home and Ajith’s friendship and Arti filled her life to the fullest.

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

Ayaan is happy for his parents. They have created a different life for themselves and are happy in it. Initially it did seem a bit awkward and uncomfortable for him. But with time, he is able to adapt to the reality of his life. They are not just his father and mother, but two individuals with their own lives; when he learned to see it in that light, he was able to make peace with his life.

Moreover with time, his life took off and he had to seek his own path and make decisions. He completed his graduation and has got admission for MBA in London, in the same University where his mother graduated. He is a free individual now with his own dreams and ambitions. He has just started and there’s a long line of experiences awaiting him.  

Avni is embarking on her life journey too. She also believed in her dreams, just like her mother and worked hard to make it a reality. But unlike her mother, she is not comfortable in being in front of the camera. She is diffident in nature but passionate about films just like Pallavi. So she opted to stand behind the camera and Pallavi encouraged her passion. Pallavi emerged successful in life because she followed her heart. So when her daughter did the same, she supported her.

Avni had found support in Jasmine and Pranav too. Jasmine realized her talent first and guided her accordingly, just like she did with Pallavi back in time. Pranav tried to help her with his contacts but she denied his help owing to the rising debates of nepotism. If she made it, she wanted to do it on her terms. Avni is set for her journey ahead.

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

Jasmine and Viren had their share of ups and downs too in the last few years of togetherness. Viren’s laid back attitude and Jasmine’s temper did create issues in their relationship. He did not like to be tied down and though Jasmine didn’t have the intention to do so, a relationship does come with its share of expectations and responsibilities.  They had major fights and walked out on each other often but somehow found their way back to each other despite their earnest attempts not to. At the end of the day, their relationship did not have a name but they did have a true bond and that alone mattered to them. They continued to fight, walk out, and patch up like it’s their life’s ultimate pattern.  A great relationship is one where a couple learn to enjoy their differences and fights. Viren and Jasmine have found their anchor in each other.

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

Kushi has lost major share of her memory. Her mind has gone back to her childhood. She no longer recognized Pranav or Avni. She often asked for her father and mother. Nisha is the only person she still recognized. After Avni and Ayaan left to pursue their dreams, Pranav shifted with Pallavi to her hometown. Since her memories belonged to that environment, he thought it is best for her.

She did not recognize Pranav but somehow let him take care of her. And that was a huge relief for Pranav. He no longer heard her calling his name, there is no sign of feeling in her eyes when she looked at him, and at times she angrily shouted and screamed at him asking who he was. It hurt him a lot but he coped with it.

Their loved ones felt bad for Pranav more than Pallavi. Pallavi at least is unaware of what’s happening to her and still has her blissful moments in her mind that’s lost track of time. But Pranav is bearing it all with a sane mind.

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

It is their 15th wedding anniversary today. Pallavi obviously did not remember the significance of the day. Till last year, she did recognize Pranav and hence could be told about the day. But today Pranav is a stranger to her and there are no memories in her mind. Even if she didn’t remember, Pranav is determined to make this day memorable for them, as usual. He assisted her in bath and got her ready in a red sari and adorned her with all signs of a married woman.

He took her to the kitchen but she is adamant about sitting in the garden. He gave in and made her sit on the swing in the garden so that he can watch over her through kitchen window while he baked a cake for her.

Pranav did have an eye on her time to time. When he turned towards the window after placing the batter in the oven, he couldn’t see Pallavi. He rushed out calling her name but got no response in return. He got panicked and ran into the house searching every room. Not finding her there he ran out of the house. Since maids were on leave owing to their anniversary there is no one else at home who could have noticed her. He ran down the lane before the house in search of her.  He did ask a few people on the road and they did see Pallavi and told him the direction in which she went. He ran down the road and finally found her standing before the crossroad not knowing where to go. He ran towards her and as soon as he reached her, he hugged her. He is trembling with tears.

“Pallavi!!!!!!!!!!!!!..............Dammit, you scared me!!!!!”

He came out of the hug and cupped her face. At first she looked at him strangely, and then she slowly smiled and handed over the flowers that are in her hand. It is a special variety flower found in Shimla. Unknowingly she fulfilled their anniversary routine where she always gifted him a unique flower variety to him.

Pranav is shook beyond his core and searched her eyes for any signs of recognition for him. There are none. She neither recognised him nor realized her actions. Her mind which is scattered with her five year old self could not have given her this insight; but maybe her heart did. Not to mention, that’s the interpretation Pranav preferred. He is deeply touched and can’t contain his tears.

“You...you remembered?”

“Huh”

“You used to gift me unique flowers for my garden on all anniversaries”.

She looked confused for a moment before shifting her focus beyond him onto something on the road. He smiled through the tears not affected by her dismissal.

“I guess, I’m still there somewhere inside you. That’s why you remembered”.

His heart burst out with joy. He hugged her close to him showering butterfly kisses everywhere. It is indeed the happiest moment of his life, in years. This one incident will keep him going, will keep them going.

Life is a mixture of happy and sad moments. When a catastrophe befalls you, never thing you have reached the dead end. It is just a new beginning, always......! There’s a silver lining to every dark day.

THE END

CHAPTER - 30

Pranav and Pallavi are celebrating 10 years of their marriage today. They’ve successfully scurried through marital life for ten years. Flourishing careers, stable home, kids to love – it has been a golden run with minor glitches. They decided to celebrate this milestone in each other’s company. They travelled to Maldives for a short break and enjoyed themselves. On anniversary day, he baked a cake for her as usual and she gifted him yet another variety of flower plant for his garden. Pallavi has a sweet tooth and absolutely loved his desserts. And Pranav is obsessed with the idea of creating a large garden at their home which has unique variety of flowers. They fulfilled each other’s quirks and had a romantic time together.

Sometimes can’t believe that we are having a life together. All those years ago it seemed impossible; as if we are destined to walk separate paths. Now we have all the time in the world. We are together and we will be together, always.

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

Next day Pallavi woke up and went down to make coffee for both of them.  She took a vessel and placed it on the burner. After a while Pranav heard her screaming his name and rushed down to check on her. Pallavi is standing in the middle of the kitchen confused and perturbed. The vessel is on the burner and the milk is pouring out relentlessly.

“Pallavi”

He called out for her attention turning off the gas.

“What happened? Why didn’t you turn off the gas? Didn’t you see the milk spilling?”

“I….I…forgot how to turn it off…”

Pranav stared at her for a moment. Her face is a picture of helplessness and confusion. This has been happening from some time.  She has been facing some trouble with her memory. She forgets her dialogues in between shoot, keep grocery in shoe rack by mistake, put more sugar or salt into dishes she prepared, forget names of people, forget to comb her hair or change her night dress before going out etc. Initially Pranav didn’t feel anything wrong and attributed it to stress from work.  But now things are getting serious; she has angry outbursts when confronted, and at times it made her hysteric.

He did not want her to get into a hysteric now, so led her out of the kitchen wordlessly.  He is with Pallavi all the time, helping her out and at the same time observing her. She zone out at times; while she is in the middle of something she suddenly stops it and move away not knowing what to do. She is trying hard but he can see it is slowly affecting her. Hence when they returned back home, somehow Pranav convinced her to be examined. She is angry at first, but he assured her that he just wants her to relax and is doing it to help her. Finally she conceded.

But what the doctor revealed changed their lives forever. Pallavi is having symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and is diagnosed as in the initial stages of it. Pranav requested the doctor to keep her in the dark about this since he knew she won’t be able to handle this information. Considering her well being, to not cause her more stress and restlessness, doctor informed her it is the after-effects of stress and advised her to take maximum rest.

Pranav started to take care of Pallavi like never before. He knew physically he may not lose her because of this disease, but he knew he could lose her mind one day. But he did not want to think about it for now. He is focusing on taking care of Pallavi in all ways he could and live all his moments with her. He continues to do that, until one day Pallavi chanced upon her medical reports accidently.

She could not digest it. She is in denial first, but soon broke into hysteria. She threw everything that her hand touched and kept screaming. She is angry that Pranav did not tell her, her heart broke realizing she is going to be a burden on him, she realized she would be a liability to all those who loved her; she would forget all who are dear to her and everything that was her world until now one day. She wants Pranav to be free of her, free of this gruesome phase of her life, of that huge responsibility.

“You have to leave me and go King. This is over, I said this is over”.

Pallavi is yelling at him while tears ran down her cheeks and she is throwing everything that came in her hand.

“I'm not going anywhere Pallavi, no matter how much you scream or how many things you break”.

He is adamant and his defence mechanism has always been anger. Pallavi’s body hunches in defeat; she sits down slowly amidst the chaos crying.

“Try to understand. This...this is going to eat me up slowly...in no time I would forget everything...including you...I don't want you to stand by and watch my destruction. Leave me King...leave me alone...” she sobbed into her palms.

“Pallavi...you don't know what you are asking for. Just relax now; we can talk about this later”, he tries to pick her up in his arms.

She allows him to do that. He takes her to their room and makes her sit on the bed; she holds his hand and he obliges her by kneeling beside her. She cupped his face.

“You still have a life ahead of you...You have your career waiting for you, your son, your production company, your businesses. You have many things to achieve yet; more heights to attain. I don't want to be a burden on you... when you should be out there ...achieving success. Don't waste it all for me... for this life that is... about to end. Go away...  live your life King”.  

He couldn’t help the crack in his voice though his eyes refused to moisten.

“What are you saying Pallavi?”

“I have lived a wonderful life with you King... and I'm happy. But now... everything has changed ...everything and I mean it. If we continue together even after this, I don't know...maybe...maybe I will hurt you each day by forgetting everything that happened between us slowly. So please...please leave me alone to deal with this.....”

“Would you have left me if I was diagnosed with this illness?”

 She stared at him with teary eyes.

“Would you have gone ahead with your life and career leaving me behind? Would you have left me alone to deal with this phase of life, when I need you the most?”

“King…”

“You will not. I know that. Then why do you think that I would? I might be the most selfish person you have seen in this world and this time too I'm being selfish. I want to be by your side always, in good health and illness. I want to grow old with you by my side and I would do anything to keep you with me. So don't you ever compete with this selfish man; I'm going to get what I want, always”.

He hugged her fiercely but at the same time tenderly patted her head. She continues to cry nonstop.

“What if I forget you one day? What if I don't recognize you...push you away from me?”

He hugged her more tightly.

“I will come more close, each time you push me away”.

He did not dare to answer her first two questions; because both of them knew that it will happen eventually. All he could do now is hold onto her till the end.  They did not talk after that, but stayed in each other's embrace and cried for the fate that is ahead of them. Life is never constant!

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

Avni is in her teens and is quite a handful for Pranav. She had realized Pranav is not her own father early on and it developed a distance between them. As soon as she touched teens it got worse. But the present crisis in their lives brought them together as a unit. They became each other’s support system around Pallavi and her illness. Viren, Jasmine, Nisha and Akash stood by them as Pranav and Pallavi navigated their way around this.

Pranav dealt with the situation with as much courage and patience he could muster. But Pallavi’s illness is eating into him slowly; Pallavi’s fragile memory helped her in forgetting the scars she left behind but it all became inked into Pranav’s heart affecting him for life. Avni noticed it clearly. She could see it, anyone could see it looking into his ageing grey eyes, the sudden graying of his hair, the weakness on his face and the loss of gusto in his walk.

Ayaan is also very supportive to his father and sister. Since the time he’s aware of Pallavi’s illness, Ayaan felt differently about her. He was always neutral about her; he did not hate her, but neither could he adjust to her presence in his life. He could not adapt to it like he could with Ajith in his mother’s life. Maybe because he was too young and unprepared when Pallavi walked into his life. The way his father took care of Pallavi left him shook. He could see what she meant to his father clearly now. Slowly with time, something which was unacceptable to him became acceptable – Pallavi as his father’s wife.