PROLOGUE

A night view of the beautiful city of Canada is shown before us. While the city is bustling with lights and noises, we zoom through the various buildings and past the window of an apartment. A girl seems to be getting ready to go somewhere. She is wearing a blue-green sari which is floating around her plum body. She applied kaajal on her hazel nut eyes, nude lipstick on her rosy lips and a bindi on her forehead. She adorned pearl earrings and a matching bracelet on her right wrist. She felt satisfied and moved to the side table to get her clutch and cell phone. She was about to leave her apartment when she turned back and faces us.

Girl: Hello, I guess you guys have been watching me. What’s the matter, huh?

Readers: Er, sorry, actually Daljeet took us here. She was trying to tell us a new story and we found ourselves inside your apartment. If you don’t mind, can you tell us who you are?

Girl: Oh Daljeet. She is a crazy woman; always after some unconventional plots for her stories. But wait, what is she doing here in my room? I don’t have anything unconventional to offer. I’m just an unmarried Oncologist who is going to turn 30 this year. My life is so boring that nothing can be written about it. I wonder what she is up to.

Readers: Err...are you Kushi Malik by any chance?

Girl: Oops, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Kushi, Kushi Singh Malik, Lucknow se. But right now I’m in Canada because I work here.

Readers (grinning): Okay then we are at the right place. You are the heroine of our story.

Kushi(dumbstruck): Really? I’m a professionally successful single fat woman. I could really be the heroine of a story?

Readers: ermm...well with writers like Daljeet, anyone can be a heroine, you or us.Where are you heading to?

Kushi: Today is my friends’Anjali and Viren’s wedding anniversary. There is a party at her home. So I’m going there. Are you guys coming there to?

Readers: Well maybe, if Daljeet wishes.

Kushi: Hmm okay. I’m going to hire a cab, why don’t you join me then

Readers: With pleasure.

Kushi: Okay.

With that Kushi switched off the lights and left the apartment with us. We hired a cab and are now heading to Anjali’s home.

Readers: If you don’t think, we are probing, how long you guys have been friends?

Kushi (happy): Anjali and I go a long way back. We had been college mates for medicine and best friends from day one. Viren was our senior who was the first one to rag us on the campus. But they fell in love and got married. I was their cupid, so we grew to become three close friends over the years. He is a nice man and they are an apt couple.

Readers (with a grin): Are you close to other members of their family?

Kushi: Of course. I used to visit Anjali’s home since we both attended the course from Mumbai which was her home back then. Her mother Maya aunty was such a lovely woman. She used to sent me homemade parathas and chicken curry and kheer etc. She loved me like her own daughter. Sigh.

Readers: Hey what happened, why are you suddenly gloomy?

Kushi: Nothing, Maya Aunty is no more. I was thinking about those old days.

Readers: Oh sorry.

Kushi: It’s okay.

Readers: Hmm...Okay....doesn’t Anjali have a ... (smirking)...Brother?

Kushi: Yes, Arnav. He is a nice boy. Actually we had started on wrong foot when we first met. But now everything is okay between us. Now he is like a brother-come-friend to me.

Readers gaped hearing Kushi addressing him as ‘brother’.

Kushi: He is organizing the party today, so you will get to meet him there. He is quite handsome if anyone of you wants to try your luck.

Kushi winked at the gaping readers unaware of what is going through their mind. Readers, felt confused but wisely kept quite to see what is going to happen next. They reached the venue in another ten minutes. Kushi had bought a gift for the pair and entered their house with a pleasant face. She couldn’t see Anjali anywhere but she saw Arnav inside the kitchen and a smile appeared on her face. Seeing her smile, we readers looked in the same direction.

From above the five tier cake a brown haired guy’s handsome face appears. He is giving the final touch to the cake topping. He has his tongue touching his upper lip and one eye closed while he was doing that; oh my, should I describe how handsome he is! He looked so boyish when he did that, that we readers wanted to go and have a feast over him before the cake. There stood Arnav Singh Raizada, with an apron around his neck and carefully setting the anniversary cake. He is excellent at baking and he has made this cake especially for his sister and brother-in-law. He was about to light the cake when Kushi appeared before him.

Kushi: Arnav, where is Anjali?

Arnav: Kushiii!!They are getting ready; guests can arrive any moment. Come here, light this cake.

Kushi: Me? ...Okay.

She kept her gift aside and got the match sticks and lighted the candles on the cake.

Kushi: Wow Arnav, it smells yummy. Anjali will love it.

Arnav: I Love You.

Kushi thought Arnav was fooling her like always. She turned her face sideways to face Arnav, smiling. He was looking at her with a smile.

Kushi(chuckling): What?

Arnav sighed; she has been ignoring the obvious hints he dropped every now and then. Either she is naive or simply ignoring his feelings. Whatever it is, he could not let it continue. He clarified her doubts in such a way that she won’t doubt his intentions ever. He lightly brushed his lips with hers.

Arnav: I Love You Kushi.

Kushi stood dumbstruck not able to understand what was happening. Readers scoffed; and she said her life cannot be the subject for an unconventional theme.

Readers: Haa, now we just have to wait and watch the fun. But wait, if Kushi won’t mind, can we have a dig at the delicious cake and the yummy baker (wink).

CHARACTER SKETCH

Arnav Singh Raizada (23) – A carefree, fun loving guy. He is handsome, smart. Dil leke jaatha hai kind of guy!

Kushi Malik(30) – A matured, soft spoken, reserved girl. She is modern in her outlooks but traditional in her attitude. She is an Oncologist based in Canada.

Anjali Raichand (30) – Arnav’s beloved sister and only living family. She is Kushi’s best friend from college days. A free spirited bubbly woman.

Viren Raichand (32) – Anjali’s beloved husband and heart throb from college days. He was senior to both Anjali and Kushi in college. He is a Surgeon in the Blue Rays Hospital, Canada.

Subadhra Malik – Kushi’s Dadi. Very strict regarding morals and tradition. She is a cultured lady. But at heart she loves all her grandchildren.

Devayani Kashyap – Kushi’s Nani. She is a very sweet and fun loving lady. Mischievous, supporter of love. She is a great dancer and loves sweets though she is diabetic. She too believes in principles but always supports her grandchildren. Close friend of Subadhra Malik.

Manorama Malik – Kushi’s mami and chachi, since she is Garima’s sister and married Kushi’s chachu Mahender Malik. She is a lovely funny lady and very close to Kushi. A mother figure for Kushi more than Garima as Garima is always timid before Subhadra, Mami speaks for her. Loves Kushi a lot and wants the best for her. She will fight the world for her. But she is a men-hater as her husband cheated on her. She doesn’t like to be addressed as his wife though she is still staying in her sasural for her mother-in-law’s sake. Hence the kids address her as ‘mami’.

Shashi Malik – Kushi’s father, deceased.

Garima Malik – A God fearing, Mother-in-Law fearing lady. She is a timid human being, loves her children but can never disobey her elders.

Madhumati Malik – Subhadhra’s daughter and sister of  Shashi Malik. So she is Kushi’s buaji. She loves food and also cooks well. She loves anybody who appreciates her for her cooking. A lady who easily falls for flattering. Because of her overweight never got married and hence has that frustration within her. She doesn’t like when loving couples unite.

Gadha Malik aka Ammu – Kushi’s younger sister. Has all the qualities of a spirited and haughty teenager. Loves her elder siblings a lot and is more close to Nani and Mami. Doesn’t fear to talk before Dadi or anyone else. Thinks herself as Beauty Queen but is good at heart. Fights for justice.

Akash Malik – Kushi’s elder brother. A very calm and matured person. Loves his Kushi a lot and is a bit broad minded unlike the thick-headed people of his family. Akash is a scientist and works in Delhi.

Payal Malik – the one and only sweet bhabhi of Kushi. She is a very naughty and out spoken girl. But within her sasural she is a silent and sanskari bahu. She lives with Akash in Delhi. She adores Kushi. She is a Technical analyst of a firm in Delhi.

Arvind Raizada – Arnav’s father who passed away in a car accident when they were kids.

Maya Raizada – Arnav and Anjali’s mother who brought them up and was a school teacher. She died when Arnav was doing his graduation.

So now are you guys ready for this game? I know lots of people and you are confused maybe. But just remember one thing, if at all Arnav falls in love with Kushi, which is highly possible, then he has to win 7 other women’s hearts to finally make her his!!!!

So get ready for the match:

Arnav Singh Raizada v\s Kushi Singh Malik in the first half

And

Arnav Singh Raizada v\s The Malik Family in the second half

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.

CHAPTER - 29

Arnav and Kushi have settled into their new life. Their careers are at peak. But they managed to balance it so that they have time for their kids. Ayaan used to meet Pallavi and Avni when he spends time with his father but Pranav made sure his son got his exclusive time. Ayaan is formal with Pallavi and their equation never really developed beyond it. He still could not accept her as family. But Avni is included in his downtime with his father. The children bonded well over the years. Amidst all the chaos their parents has created, they care for each other like blood siblings.

Janaki’s business flourished beyond measures and it kept her on toes. But despite a successful business and Ayaan’s presence, at times she did feel emptiness caving in on her. She is a kind of person who thrived on love and in the absence of it, she suffered. She needed someone to share her life with. So finally after lot of contemplation, she got serious about dating.

 Like all those who search for the right man in a string of dates, she experienced disasters and disappointments in ample amount. She did get physical gratification and some fun time as well. But this time she wanted more. Two years into her efforts, she is nowhere close to finding the perfect company for herself.  She concluded that she will have to make do without a man in her life; no point in wasting time on something that is never destined!

She started feeling bouts of anxiety and depression over time. Her life pattern bored her. Ayaan did get affected by the changes in his mother. It did worry Pranav too. Owing to their concerns she sought medical help. After a year or so she slowly came out of that phase, thanks to her father’s dream project of a shelter home for the orphaned and needy.

Her father dreamt of building a shelter home that incorporated orphaned kids, old age people, and animals all together under one roof. He did start working on it but then his untimely death and Janaki being busy in her own life put an abrupt end to the project. It had been at the back of her mind and in one of her counselling sessions she revealed it in a random conversation with her doctor. On his encouragement she worked on it; which became a huge turning point in her life.

 It engaged her fully and when it finally evolved and is filled with orphaned kids, old people and stray animals it became a ‘home’ more than a shelter. People, who are not related to each other, set up their own families inside it. Kids got parental guidance and care. Elders who were abandoned by their family found happiness and a new life with these kids. And stray animals found a place of care as well.

The love and care between the members of the shelter inspired Janaki. They considered her as a member of their family and Janaki finally found the feeling of belonging she chased in life! It gave her a deep sense of satisfaction. Ayaan is also their favourite. Finally Janaki have a family, which she always craved for.

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

Pranav and Pallavi are relaxing for the weekend at their farmhouse, in the outskirts of Mumbai. Avni and Ayaan are with Laxmi and Janaki respectively. Pranav is leaning on the headrest of the bed with Pallavi lying on his lap. He is running his fingers through her hair.

“Pallavi?”

“Hmm”

“Is it time to think about our kids?”

She stilled and opened her eyes facing him.

“You want kids?”

“Don’t we?”

“We have Ayaan and Avni”

“Yes, but you don’t want kids of our own?”

“No”

“Why?”

“King, we have built this life on the ashes of your relationship with Janaki. She is just getting stable from her depression and is still alone. Even now I hate myself for doing this to her. We don’t have to add to the list a child that is yours and mine”.

Pranav is silently listening to her perspective.

“Also, what about Ayaan and Avni? It’s a surprise that Ayaan could accept Avni in his life. It is more than I expected. We don’t need to burden the child with more siblings whom probably he doesn’t want. Also Avni! She is small now, but when she grows up there might be insecurities in her mind too. So I think its better that we don’t plan for anymore kids. We got what we wanted; we are together now and we have our children. That’s enough King”.

Pranav stared at her for a while before swooping down to kiss her forehead.

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

Janaki is in a supermarket doing her monthly purchase. Her servants did the major part of it but for her personal things, she prefers going herself. She went to the rack where sanitary pads are kept. She saw a man there who is confused and pulling out many brands of it. She felt his behaviour weird. When he saw a lady there, at first he felt embarrassed and moved away slightly. But then, he came near her and whispered softly.

“Excuse me ma’am. Can you tell me which the best one is?

Deducing him to be a pervert Janaki snapped.

“What?”

“Huh…please...please don’t misunderstand. It’s just that.....my daughter just had her first period.....and hmm.... I don’t know which of these to buy....she is at home...restless...I need help....please.... if you don’t mind...”

“Where is her mother?”

He became silent.

“She is no more”.

Janaki realized the situation.  She took out a sanitary pad brand and gave it to him.

“Thank you so much...I really meant it”.

“Wait a minute, Mr...”

“Ajith. ...Ajith Sharma”

“Can you let me talk to your daughter over your phone?”

He hesitates.

“I think she needs some help. I guess there is no other elder female at home?”

“Yeah, ok one second”.

He had forgotten his phone at home, so he gave his residence number. Once the call connected he spoke to his daughter and then connected her with Janaki. He murmured a thank you and left.

Arti Sharma is just 11 year old and is dead scared about what is happening to her. Janaki calmed her down and instructed her about what she has to do. She also offered the kid her number and encouraged her to call if she has any more doubts or needs. Arti thanked her and Janaki felt good after talking to her.

The next day she got a call from Arti. She thanked Janaki profusely and even asked her some doubts hesitantly. Janaki patiently cleared all her doubts. Arti asked her out for an ice-cream treat; though Janaki politely refused Arti’s persistence finally made Janaki agree.  

So that Saturday they met up at the ice cream parlour. Ajith and Ayaan accompanied them. Arti and Janaki hit it off really well. Janaki gave some necessary advises and also engaged in casual banter. Meanwhile Ayaan bonded with Ajith who shares his same interests in sports. When the children finally went to get their ice creams, Ajith once again thanked her.

“ I know that you helping me  in the supermarket might be a small thing but even without asking you called up my daughter and helped her in that situation. I really cannot thank you enough”.

“It’s ok Mr. Sharma. It is not a big thing. But if you don’t mind I would like to say this. Arti is growing up and she might need some female around her to help her out”.

He smiled.

“You sound like my mother!”

Janaki smiled back at him.

“My mother always used to say the same thing. After Anju died, she was always behind me to get me married again citing the same reason. But somehow I could not”.

Janaki sighed.

“Till last year I didn’t have to worry because she was there for Arti”.

“Don’t worry. Arti have my number. I have told her she can contact me anytime for anything”.

He nodded. They remained silent for few minutes until Janaki felt like asking him something personal.

“How is it to live without Anju?”

Ajith is silent for a moment collecting his words.

“It was difficult, of course. We lost her quite unexpectedly. We both taught at the University. One day I was down with fever and she went to work alone. She drives well but a car that came breaking rules hit her scooter and....”

Janaki gave him time to collect his emotions.

“I couldn’t believe she has gone for many days. It seemed so surreal to me. But her absence in my life made it evident”. 

“How old was Arti?”

“Four”

Janaki winced.

The child is motherless from such a young age. She probably did not even remember her mother.

“Why didn’t you remarry?”

“Because I still love her”.

They shared a meaningful glance and none spoke after that. Kids joined them soon and the table filled with their talks and laughter.

Janaki felt it easy to connect with Ajith. He too found comfort in his conversations with Janaki. Slowly a friendship bloomed between them. They belonged to the same age group and similar life situations which helped them bond with time. Arti and Ayaan also jelled well helping their friendship to sustain.

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

A hilltop that offers an overview of Bangalore city at night

A car is parked a little far away from the edge of the hill. And on the car bonnet sits Jasmine and Viren having their dinner, some special dish of Bangalore city. They like exploring different cuisines whenever they can. Jasmine is shooting for a film in Bangalore and Viren is visiting her during his break from shoot in Mumbai.  They are chatting nineteen to dozen and licking their fingers finishing the dinner. That’s when Viren popped the question.

“Will you marry me Jasmine?”

Jasmine stills for a moment before laughing hard.

“Marry you? Are you crazy?!”

“I’m, about you”.

“How cute! Now stop this drama and let’s leave. It’s getting late”.

“Aww! So eager to sleep with me huh?!”

“As if you will have anything new to offer”.

“Oh believe me baby. You have a lot yet to see”.

He winked.

“Is that so?! Then why are we waiting?”

“Because you still haven’t given me a reply. When are you going to marry me?”

“Ok. I did not want this conversation tonight but if you are not letting it go, take it from me that we are not going to be married, never ever. I prefer a live-in, if you are up for it, then I’m in. Otherwise let’s end it here”.

They gazed at each other in silence. Finally Viren broke the spell dramatically.

“Thank God! I thought you might get convinced. What a nightmare it would have been; married to The Jasmine Elvis”.

He shuddered for effect.  Jasmine thinned her lips in annoyance. She started hitting and pulling his hair and he screamed for help. It continued for a while and when he felt she is not going to stop, he yanked her to him and kissed her. Their tongues carried forward the push and pull game. After a while Viren pulled back and they tried to catch breath. He tucked her loose hair tendrils behind her ear lovingly.

“For now, this is enough for me. But one day if you feel you need more, tell me. And if I need more, will you marry...”

Jasmine did not let him complete the sentence; she pulled him towards her and kissed him full on mouth again. They’ve found a base finally.