Chapter 2

The sudden jump caused Shehnaaz to lose her balance and fall down.

“WHATTTTTTTTTTTT !!!!!!!!”

No points for guessing—Sidharth managed to catch her just in time, preventing her from getting hurt. Shehnaaz clung tightly to him, her arms wrapped around his neck in a hug. His warmth gave her a sense of protection.

Sidharth felt a shiver run through his entire being, making him uncomfortable. What was that feeling? Concerned, he asked, “Are you okay?”

His words snapped Shehnaaz back to reality, and she started giggling uncontrollably.

“Oughhhhhh! Is she mad?” Sidharth wondered to himself. Any other girl would have pulled away from a stranger’s embrace immediately, but Shehnaaz was giggling. “Weird girl… God, help me out of this mess, please,” he groaned internally.

Annoyed, Sidharth asked, “Will you now get down?” Shehnaaz made a cute face and questioned, “Kyu… main bhari hoon, Shukla Ji?”

The way she said “Ji” with such tease and cuteness made Sidharth smile a bit, despite himself.

Giving up on his annoyance, Sid finally asked, “Tum wahan upar kya kar rahi thi?”

Shehnaaz chuckled, “Tare gin rahi thi… ha ha, obviously aam (mango) kha rahi thi.”

Sidharth was a bit confused, “Mango?”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes and murmured to herself, “Ab aam ke ped pe aam hi aayenge na… nimbu to nahi aayenge.”

Curious, Sidharth asked, “What did you just murmur?”

Shehnaaz blushed as she replied, “Woh, mujhe khatta khane ka mann kar raha tha.”

That was it! Sidharth’s sixth sense kicked in.

“Sid, as far as I know, a girl craves sour things when she’s pregnant. This means she’s pregnant. Did you see how she was blushing?” his sixth sense told him.

Sidharth responded internally, “But she doesn’t look pregnant. She seems too young.”

His sixth sense insisted, “What does it matter? She said it herself. Now go, talk to her. Look, she’s staring at you weirdly, thinking you’re mad for talking to yourself.”

Sidharth retorted, “But you called me!”

His sixth sense rolled its invisible eyes, “And now I’m telling you to go.”

“Okay, chill bro,” Sidharth said to his sixth sense.

Shehnaaz shook him, noticing he was lost in thought, “Kahan kho gaye, Shukla Ji?”

Sidharth smiled weakly and replied, “Tumhe aisi haalat mein ped par nahi chadhna chahiye.”

Shehnaaz instantly thought, “Aisi haalat mein? Kaunsi haalat mein? Ab kya main aam bhi nahi kha sakti? Mujhe khatta kitna pasand hai bachpan se.”

Casually, Shehnaaz replied, “Woh mujhe aadat hai.”

Sidharth was still worried about the pregnancy thing and tried to make her understand, “Par agar gir jaati toh?”

Shehnaaz smiled cutely, “Shukla Ji, aap kitne sawal puchhte ho. Waise is area mein to aapko kabhi nahi dekha. Mehmaan ho aap?”

Sidharth smiled, “Yeah… actually… ladki dekhne aaye hai.”

Shehnaaz got excited, “Kya baat hai! Pata hai, aaj mere ghar pe bhi rishte ke liye kuch pagal aa raha hai.”

Sidharth thought about what she said. But then, how could she already be pregnant? Generation these days… he thought it was seen only in Mumbai and Delhi.

Not dwelling too much, he caught her last word, “Pagal matlab… that’s rude.”

Shehnaaz bit her lip, making a baby face, “Ji woh main…”

Then it struck her.

Worried, Shehnaaz widened her eyes, “Ohhh teri! Ladke wale aate hi honge… aur aap yahan mujhe pareshan kar rahe hain.”

Sidharth’s nostrils flared in anger, and he immediately put her down, though carefully considering her supposed pregnancy.

Shehnaaz watched him getting angry and made a baby face.

Annoyed, Sidharth couldn’t help but ask, “WHAT? Me? Me tumhe pareshan kar raha hoon ya tum mujhe?”

Shehnaaz hurriedly cut him off, “Baki ki batein agar fir kabhi mile to karenge. Okay, Shukla Ji.” Saying so, she started to run.

Sidharth shouted as he saw her running, “At least tell me your name!”

“Byeeeeeeeee,” came a faint voice which soon vanished.

Sighing, Sidharth wondered what had just happened. He closed his eyes, but her cute face in his arms flashed in front of him, making him open his eyes wide as he walked towards where the car was parked.

_________________

“Sana, kahan thi tu? Main kab se tujhe dhoond rahi thi,” said Payal with a complaining face as Shehnaaz returned.

Excited, Sana jumped on Payal’s shoulder, “Di, main to aam khane gayi thi. Dekho, tumhare liye bhi laya hai.”

Payal rolled her eyes, “Woh sab chhod. Abhi ke family wale kabhi bhi aate hi honge. I am scared, bachhi.”

Rolling her eyes, Shehnaaz joked cutely, “Darna toh un logon ko chahiye… bichare,” only to receive a whack from Payal.

Sana giggled, hugging her, “Relax, Di. Dekhna, sab ekdum achhe se ho jayega.”

Payal still sounded unsure, “Tujhe lagta hai aisa?”

Shehnaaz assured her, taking her in a sisterly hug, “I am sure, Di. Waise pata hai, abhi thodi der pehle ek ladka mila tha… woh log bhi ladki dekhne…”

That was it! Shehnaaz bit her words as her eyes widened, recalling something.

“Kya hua? Chup kyu ho gayi?” Payal asked, looking at her shocked face.

Shehnaaz looked at Payal with wide eyes, “Jiju ka surname kya hai?”

Payal answered as asked, “Shukla… kyu?”

“Whattttt?”

“OMGGGG!” screamed Shehnaaz at the top of her voice in excitement. She started jumping and dancing on the bed like mad, while Payal became more confused with her weird reaction.

Payal chided annoyingly, pulling her off the bed, “Bachhi, kya hua tujhe? Chilla kyu rahi hai?”

Excited, Shehnaaz exclaimed, “Di! Omg, main abhi jiju se milke aa rahi hoon. Omg, omg! Di, he is so handsome. Aapki choice toh manni padegi.”

Payal was taken aback. “Whatttttt… tu Abhi se mili…? Kab…? Kaise…?”

Shehnaaz narrated the entire incident, her expressions animated, making Payal laugh uncontrollably.

“Ohh god… uska kya haal hoga… jab use pata chalega… woh shaitan meri behen hai…” Payal wondered aloud, rolling her eyes. She then grabbed Shehnaaz’s ear playfully. “Mere Abhi ke sath tum flirt kar rahi thi.. how bad…”

Shehnaaz yelped in pain, “Di, mazak tha na.. sorry… please..”

Letting go, Payal giggled along with Shehnaaz, who then helped Payal get ready.

*______________

The cars halted right in front of the Gill house. Dadi Maa glanced around, worried not to see Sidharth’s car. “Ye Sid kahan reh gaya…..??” she fretted.

Abhi, puzzled as well, peered down the road. “Main call karke dekhta hu……” He tried calling Sidharth but couldn’t get through. “Phone nahi lag raha uska..”

Rita Ji’s anxiety grew. “Kahan reh gaya Sid.. ye raste bhi thik nahi the…”

The driver stepped in to reassure them. “Sir ji… main unhe dekh ke aata hun…” Saying so, he drove off in search of Sidharth.

Abhi turned to his family. “Tab tak hum log andar chalte hain…”

Dadi Maa chuckled, “Hayy rabba.. itna utawala ho raha hai shadi ke liye…”

Abhi rolled his eyes while Kabeer remained seriously worried, not moving from his spot.

After 20 minutes, the car returned with the driver, Sidharth, and Lovely Singh, while another driver stayed with Sidharth’s car.

Kabeer rushed over, his worry evident. “Sid, kahan reh gaye the tum dono…”

Sidharth chuckled, recalling the scene, but his face showed a hint of annoyance. “Don’t ask Dad… my car…”

He recounted how his car had slipped, conveniently omitting his encounter with Shehnaaz. Knowing Dadi Maa, she wouldn’t let him live it down.

Kavita inspected him, making Sid smile. “I’m perfectly fine, Maa…”

Kabeer smiled at Rita Ji’s caring nature. “Ab andar chale hum sab…” With that, everyone headed towards the house.

Sidharth addressed the bodyguard. “Lovely…”

“Yes sir…” came the prompt reply.

“Take a mechanic with you and get the car repaired. Also, get your hand bandaged,” Sidharth instructed.

Lovely nodded with a slight smile. “Yes sir…” he said before leaving.

________________

Inside, everyone settled comfortably on the sofa after a warm welcome from Rajender Ji, Jasbeera Ji, and Darji.

After the initial introductions, formal discussions ensued about families, businesses, and other matters.

Abhi’s eyes scanned the room, looking for his girl, which didn’t escape Rita Ji’s notice. She smiled and turned to Jasbeera Ji. “Ji, Payal kahin dikhayi nahi de rahi…”

Abhi’s reaction was priceless, while Sidharth and Dadi Maa couldn’t suppress their laughter.

Jasbeer Ji smiled and went inside to fetch her daughter.

Payal entered with tea and snacks, Shehnaaz by her side.

A moment passed…

And their eyes met.

“TUMMM… “

“AAP…. “

WHATTTTT !!!!!!!!!

_____________

Shehnaaz smiled awkwardly, feeling stupid for thinking Sidharth was her jiju, while Sidharth looked as though he’d seen a ghost.

“Ji.. woh… main…” Shehnaaz stammered, silenced by a stern glare from Darji.

Scared, Shehnaaz immediately looked down.

Darji, with a hint of anger and uncertainty, asked Sidharth, “Puttar, aap humari bachhi ko jaante hain?” and shot another angry look at Shehnaaz, who kept her head down.

Sidharth noticed the tension between Shehnaaz and Darji, confused by her behavior. She seemed different from the girl he’d met earlier; now, she was quiet and had a pallu on her head.

Not wanting to cause a scene, Sidharth composed himself. “Nahi… mujhe aisa… laga…ke mene shayad inhe dekha hai… I got confused… my mistake…”

Darji’s stern expression softened, and Rajender Ji and Jasbeera Ji sighed in relief.

However, Dadi Maa burst into laughter, drawing everyone’s attention. They looked at her, confused, but Sidharth knew why she was laughing. Poor Dadi Maa struggled to control herself.

Sidharth’s 6th sense piped up for an urgent meeting. “Sid… shayad ye wohi ladki hai jisse hum bhai ke liye dekhne aaye hain… she said… unke ghar ladke wale aane hai… but… God, I’m confused…”

Sidharth rolled his eyes at his 6th sense. “So am I…..”

The 6th sense continued, “Ohh god… Sid, tere bhai ne is Disaster ko pasand kiya hai…?…. I mean… sorry… bhabhi kaafi pagal type hai isliye…”

Sidharth grumbled, “Chup kar… bhai jaan le lenge…”

The 6th sense persisted. “She is your would-be bhabhi… ab bhai ki pasand hai… kya kar sakte hai…? But I’m thinking about bhai’s future… this girl will drive him crazy in a day… godd… heyy… wait a minute… isn’t she pregnant?”

Sidharth’s eyes widened in shock. “Whattttt.. OMGGGGGGG..”

The 6th sense added, “Congrats Man, tum chachu banne wale ho… but before marriage… ya fir ye baby kisi aur ka… nahi nahi… God, this is all so confusing… is that why bhai was blushing so much… bhai toh kitne chhupe rustam nikle….”

Sidharth muttered, “Rustam what…”

The 6th sense was getting annoyed. “Toh kya shadi ke baad bhi inhe aam (mango) khana hoga…??.. toh ye pedh par chadhkar khayengi…??… par humare Mumbai ke garden mein aam ka ped kahan hai…??… koi baat nahi… lagva denge… anything for bhabhi n baby…”

Shehnaaz watched her jiju lost in thought and pondered. “Heyy Wahe Guru ji… ye Di ne kis gadhe ko pasand kar liya hai… ullu kahin ka… sorry sorry… Sana, jiju ko ullu bol rahi hai… Di ko pata chala to jaan le legi… aaj to Darji ke samne sari pol khul jani thi… hayye rabba… ye kinne sawal puchhte rehte hain… bechari meri Di… Suhag raat ko bhi Di ko sawal hi puchte reh gaye to….?? Chhi chhi… Sana… tu kya soch rahi hai… woh dono unki Suhag raat par kuch bhi kare… tujhe kya… tu chup kar… maaf karna Wahe Guru ji aisi gandi baate sochne vaste…”

Shehnaaz saw Sidharth observing her curiously. Smiling idiotically, she looked away, almost on the verge of crying. “Jiju ghoor kyu rahe hai… hayy rabbbaaa…”

Sidharth watched Shehnaaz’s teary face. “Bhabhi roh kyu rahi hai….?”

_______________

Payal and Shehnaaz served tea and snacks to everyone, then stood in one corner with their eyes downcast.

Darji sipped his tea and admitted sternly, “Waise toh… humare yahan… is tarah koi ladki ka byah nahi karwate… par aap ki family ka kafi naam suna hai… toh apni bachhi ki khushi ki khatir… hum maan gaye….”

Dadi Maa smiled and replied casually, “Aur humare Mumbai me… bachhe bhag kar shadiyan karte hain…”

Darji choked on his tea, staring at the old lady in front of him in shock.

Dadi Maa continued, “Ye to humara bachha sanskari hai… isliye… hum sab ki raza mandi se shadi kar raha hai….”

Shehnaaz stifled a giggle at Darji’s shocked face, while the Shukla family rolled their eyes at Dadi Maa’s bluntness.

Abhi covered his face with his palm. “Dadi rishte tay karne ayi hai ya todwane…”

Kabeer, knowing his mother’s jolly nature, tried to ease the situation. “Ab dono bachhe ek dusre ko pasand karte hain… aap ki taraf se bhi haan hai aur humari taraf se bhi… humare kuchh khas rishte daar bhi yahi rehte hain… aap bhi apne kuchh karibi bulva lijiye… aaj shaam hi roka aur sagai kar lete hain….”

Everyone was pleasantly surprised and filled with happiness.

Shehnaaz quickly took Payal inside, who was blushing, while Sidharth instantly hugged his brother.

Abhi was immensely happy with his father’s proposal.

Rajender Ji was overjoyed while Jasbeera Ji humbly held her hands before the Shukla family. “Hum aapke jitne bade log toh nahi… humari bachhi se kabhi kuch bhool chuk

ho jaye… toh apni bachhi samajhkar maaf kar dijiyega….”

Rita Ji, understanding a mother’s emotions, held Jasbeera Ji’s hands in hers. “Bachhi samjhkar kyu… woh toh humari beti hi hai… humari koi beti nahi thi… toh Bhagwan ne ab ye kasar bhi puri kar di….” Saying so, Rita Ji hugged Jasbeera Ji.

Kabeer Ji and Rajender Ji also embraced.

Meanwhile, Darji preferred to stay a bit away from the lively Dadi Maa.

_______________

Shehnaaz giggled at Payal’s red face. “Balika tumhare sapno ka rajkumar aa raha hai… varmala… baraat… doli sajake dulha… chha raha hai… shubh mangal… savdhan…..”

Payal rolled her eyes and lightly smacked Shehnaaz. “Shut up, Sana….”

Shehnaaz replied dramatically, “Haan haan… ab mujhse kyun baat karogi… ab toh apne pati ji se hi baat karogi na…”

Payal giggled and admitted seriously, “I don’t believe this… ye sab itni jaldi ho raha hai….”

Shehnaaz returned her giggle and teased, “Uncle ji ne tumhare man ki baat padh li hogi…”

Ignoring her sister’s nonsense, Payal made a worried face. “Shaam ko hi function hai… main pehnungi kya…?”

Shehnaaz, with mock seriousness, replied, “Mere paas ek idea hai….”

“Kya…” Payal asked promptly.

“For a change… Aap aaj insano wale kapde pehen lena….” Shehnaaz advised, bursting into laughter.

Payal mocked with a fake giggle. “And for a change… get serious…”

Shehnaaz hugged her annoyed sister. “Relax Di… sab thik ho jayega…. now let me have a second meeting with jiju.. and this time… a nice one…” Saying so, Shehnaaz winked at Payal.

“Don’t irritate him much….” murmured Payal, knowing she was in trouble for saying this.

Shehnaaz made a funny face. “Heyy Wahe Guru Ji…” she scoffed with fake anger. “Dekhiye kaisa zamana aa gaya hai… abhi se pati ki side li ja rahi hai… main toh akeli pad gayi…. waise… woh dusra wala hai… usse main chura lu…” Saying so, Shehnaaz winked at Payal.

Payal was confused. “Kaun… Sidharth…”

Shehnaaz nodded with a smirk. “Ohhooo… to uska naam Sidharth hai… haan… Abhi-Payal and Sidharth-Shehnaaz… sounds too dramatic na…”

Payal stared at Shehnaaz and then both burst into laughter as Shehnaaz left to meet her jiju.

_________________

“Bhai… itni bhi kya jaldi thi….” Sidharth asked, thinking about the baby, as he looked at his smiling brother.

Abhi rolled his eyes. “Shubh kaam mein deri kya karna…” thinking Sidharth was talking about the marriage.

Sidharth shook his head. “Ghar walon ke samne to itna sharma rahe the… ab sharam nahi aa rahi…”

Abhi put his hand around Sidharth’s shoulder and said casually. “Ghar walon ke samne thoda to feel hoga hi na… aur tere se kya sharmana…”

“Bhai… fir bhi… mujhe lagta hai… it was quite soon…” Sidharth tried again while Abhi rolled his eyes.

The situation was Sidharth was talking about Bhabhi’s pregnancy and their physical relationship, while Abhi thought Sidharth was talking about their Roka and Sagai.

Sidharth was about to start the topic again when Abhi’s phone rang. Abhi left to take the call, and at the same time, Shehnaaz entered from the other side, which went unnoticed by Sidharth, who was lost in his thoughts.

“Shukla ji…” called Shehnaaz in her cute voice, startling Sidharth.

Shocked, Sidharth turned around only to find Shehnaaz standing right behind him. He thought, “Yeh Bhabhi mujhe abhi bhi Shukla ji kyun bula rahi hai…”

Sidharth smiled weakly, “Hello… maine aapka naam nahi poochha…?”

Shehnaaz smiled back and replied, “Shehnaaz.”

Sidharth had no idea what more to say, “Toh aap hamari family ko hi pagal keh rahi thi na…?”

Shehnaaz bit her lip and made a sorry face, “Woh… main to aise hi keh rahi thi… I’m really sorry.”

Sidharth smiled softly at her childish behavior, “Koi baat nahi… main mazak kar raha hoon…”

Shehnaaz relaxed and asked excitedly, “Toh Shukla ji… kaise lagi aapko hamari family… aur hamari dulhan…?”

Sidharth became confused, thinking, “Bhabhi chahti hain ke main unki tarif karu? No no… Bhai will kill me for sure.”

Sidharth replied cautiously, “Aap sab bahut acche hain… woh thodi der pehle… aapke Darji… I am sorry… mujhe nahi pata tha…”

Shehnaaz giggled, “Aap sorry mat kijiye… woh to unka roz ka hai…”

Sidharth relaxed a bit, “Aap khush hain na?”

Shehnaaz smiled sweetly, “Main to bahut bahut bahut khush hoon.”

Sidharth asked a little nervously, “Aap ne baby ke baare mein kya socha hai… I mean…” he didn’t know how to say it.

Shehnaaz was left confused with the word baby… baby… kaun baby… kiska baby… oh… jiju toh abhi se baby plan kar rahe hain… how cute… lucky Di… itna sona munda… aur upar se… bachon ki itni jaldi… haye rabba… Di ki toh aish hai…

Shehnaaz smiled and replied casually, “Baby ka kya hai… aakhir pati-patni par depend karta hai…”

Sidharth relaxed as he thought, “Oh matlab… Bhai aur Bhabhi… dono ka faisla hai…” and asked again, “Aap nervous to nahi hain?”

Shehnaaz sat comfortably on the sofa, so did Sidharth, as she said casually, “Ae le… main kyun nervous hone lagi… mujhe laga aap nervous honge… ya fir excited…” saying so, she winked at him.

Sidharth’s eyes widened in shock at her action… Did Bhabhi just wink at him?

God save Bhai…

Sidharth instantly stood up and said weakly, “Umm… main chalta hoon… shaam ke liye… kaafi tayyariyan karni hain… aur waqt bahot kam hai…” saying so, Sidharth left from there instantly without waiting for her reply.

Shehnaaz smiled cutely as she mumbled to herself, “How cute jiju… haye rabba… Di ki kya choice hai…”

Rita Ji gave the new clothes they had brought for Payal and the family so that Payal could wear them for the evening function.

Everything was taken care of as both families shared their hands. Close relatives were invited and were more than happy with everything going so fast yet properly.

Payal wore a beautiful dark pink saree gifted by Rita Ji, while Shehnaaz wore a deep pink suit. Both were looking gorgeous. Abhi wore a sherwani, while Sidharth wore a blazer.

Things were kept simple, which was the most amazing part. Pandit Ji also arrived in time to do the needful.

As everyone arrived, Shehnaaz and Payal came out, being called by family members. Every pair of eyes admired the beautiful girls.

Sidharth found his eyes frozen on Shehnaaz. Feeling weird, he tried to control but couldn’t stop himself from glancing at Shehnaaz, who looked absolutely breathtaking.

Trying to distract himself, Sid mumbled to Abhi, still lost in her beauty, “Lucky you, Bhai…”

Abhi smirked as he replied, “I know… I am…” while his eyes were long stopped on Payal.

Abhi and Payal looked at each other and smiled while Sidharth and Shehnaaz looked at each other and then looked away.

Sidharth chided himself, “What is wrong with you, Sid… bhabhi ko dekh raha hai… Bhai will kill you…”

Shehnaaz hated herself for not being able to take her eyes off Sidharth and mumbled to herself, “Haye rabba… jiju itne sone lag rahe hain… lucky Di…”

As Pandit Ji was done with the initial preparations, he asked the bride and groom to sit in front, “Ladka aur ladki… yahan aamne samne baith jaayein…”

Payal and Shehnaaz, while Sidharth and Abhi came forward.

Sidharth waited for Shehnaaz to sit, thinking of her as his Bhabhi, while Shehnaaz waited for Sidharth to sit, thinking of him as her Jiju.

The moment passed…

Abhi came forward and took his seat while Payal came forward and sat in front of him.

Shehnaaz saw the other guy sitting in front of Payal and Sidharth saw the other girl sitting in front of Abhi.

Both looked at each other, utterly shocked.

Sidharth shouted, “WHAT?”

Shehnaaz shouted, “WHAT?”

Both screamed at each other, “WHATTT?”

“Now what?” asked Dadi Maa, annoyed by their “WHAT-WHAT” session.

Everyone from both families looked at Sidharth and Shehnaaz in confusion over their sudden outburst. What’s with them… always shocked…

Sidharth and Shehnaaz were too shocked to react.

Darji was sure now… something is fishy… this is the second time…

Shehnaaz and Sidharth instantly calmed themselves, not wanting to create a scene, and looked around to take their places back.

Before either of them could utter a word, Pandit Ji started with his mantra-Jaap, and everyone became quiet, enjoying the roka, while Sidharth and Shehnaaz still stood rooted in different corners of the house in shock.

Pandit Ji looked at the bride and groom, “Payal beta, Abhimanyu, dono apna haath aage kijiye…”

The name “Payal” caught Sidharth’s attention, and he closed his eyes at his own stupidity as he remembered his dad had taken the name while telling him their love story. How could he miss it?

The name “Abhimanyu” made Shehnaaz cover her face in embarrassment. She had definitely heard the name from her Di a few days back, which she assumed to be his nickname. Payal had not told anyone about Abhi, including Shehnaaz, until a few days back, and hence Shehnaaz never got a chance to see his face.

Sidharth to himself, “What the hell, man… ab tak jise main bhabhi samajh raha tha… woh bhabhi thi hi nahi… iska matlab woh ladki Shehnaaz… mera mazak uda rahi thi? How dare she? Par agar woh bhabhi nahi hai… iska matlab Bhai aur Bhabhi dono ka faisla hai… thank God… wait… agar woh daddy nahi ban rahe… toh kaun daddy ban raha hai? Matlab iska bhi chakkar chal raha hai kisi ke sath… god this is all so confusing… leave it Sid… the good news is your Bhai and Bhabhi are not becoming mumma papa before marriage… congrats… ;-)”

Shehnaaz to herself, “Aye lo… ise kehte hain… na kaam na dham… aur main tera mehmaan… jise main Jiju samajh rahi thi… woh gadha to Jiju hai hi nahi… aur koi aur samajhkar jiske bare mein main Di se bakwas kar rahi thi… woh Jiju hai… haye rabba… agar Di ko pata chala toh… meri jaan leni hai… nahi nahi… iska matlab woh dusra wala Jiju hai… aur woh mujhe bachane wala Jiju nahi hai… accha hai… waise bhi woh sawal bahot puchhta tha… bach gayi meri Di… warna suhaag raat mein problem ho jaati… hai na Wahe Guru Ji (then suddenly realizing what she is blabbering) …nahi nahi Wahe Guru Ji… main aapse suhaag raat wale topic par nahi… Jiju wale topic par ray mang rahi thi…”

Pandit Ji was almost done.

Rita ji delicately applied sindoor on Payal’s bindi, symbolizing blessings and goodwill, showering her with numerous gifts. Jasbeera ji mirrored the same sentiment.

Abhi and Payal exchanged rings, filling the atmosphere with applause and excitement. Later, they sought blessings from everyone.

“Toh aap hai humari sali saheba…” Abhi cheerfully exclaimed as they stood facing each other. Shehnaaz managed a weak smile.

Abhi teased playfully, “Humne toh apki behen se suna tha… ki aap bahot bolti hai… par aap to etni shant lag rahi hai…”

Smiling and blushing, Shehnaaz hugged her sister, offering congratulations, and shook hands with Abhi, followed by a light hug.

Approaching Sidharth, Payal announced cutely, “Sidharth… aaj se main apki bhabhi hoon… aur agar kabhi mujh mein aur aapke bhai mein ladai ho jaaye… toh apko meri side leni hogi… promise?”

Sidharth smiled softly, “Promise, bhabhi…”

Abhi made a mock-angry face, “Ye achha hai… tum dono ne ek team bana li… aur main akela…”

“Main hoon na apki team mein, jiju,” Shehnaaz chimed in as she joined them.

Shehnaaz and Sidharth exchanged angry glares and looked away.

Abhi lightly placed his hand on Shehnaaz’s shoulder, excitedly exclaiming, “Ye huyi na baat saliji… hum dono milkar in dono ki chhutti kar denge…”

Payal pouted, “But woh meri baby hai…”

The word “baby” triggered Sidharth’s memory of Shehnaaz’s pregnancy, causing him to blurt out, “Woh baby se yaad aaya… congratulations, aap dono mumma papa nahi ban rahe…”

THAT WAS IT…

WHATTT????

All three looked at him weirdly.

Sidharth mentally slapped himself, thinking, “What did I just say… oh god, this girl has already driven me half crazy… what the hell am I blabbering…”

Abhi looked at Sid curiously, “What did you say?”

Payal + Shehnaaz, “Sorry…??”

Sidharth cleared his throat, “I mean… ugh… mera matlab hai… aap dono ki shadi ke baad mujhe jaldi chachu banana hai…” Sidharth thanked his stars for managing to make a sensible statement.

Payal blushed and quickly left, while Abhi rolled his eyes.

Shehnaaz wasn’t convinced with his response, remembering that he had also mentioned something about babies with her, thinking, “Chhi chhi… kaisa banda hai ye ajeeb sa… har waqt babies ke baare mein baat karta rehta hai… thank god ye mera jiju nahi hai… warna meri Di ka kya hota… thank you, wahe guruji (looking up)…”

Shehnaaz glanced curiously at Sidharth, “Shukla ji… bada shauk hai apko bachho ka… lagta hai apki shadi bhi jaldi karwani padegi..” saying so she left, giving him a look that said ‘I am the one who won, get that clear…’

Sidharth stood grumpily watching her leave, muttering to himself, “Ajeeb ladki hai… khud pregnant hai… aur kehti hai mujhe bachho ka shauk hai… pagal ladki… bach gaya mera bhai…”

Abhi noticed Sid murmuring something while looking at Shehnaaz, “Isne tujhe Shukla ji kehke kyu bulaya??”

Sidharth looked at Abhi annoyed, “Bhai… aapki sali hai… aap khud hi puch lo…” and he too left from there.

Abhi scratched his head in confusion, “Mene kya kiya…??”

__________________

Finally, the function came to an end…

All the relatives left while the Gill family insisted the Shukla family stay for the night as it was quite late…

The Shukla family felt a bit uncomfortable but after much insistence from the Gill family, they decided to stay.

At the dinner table…

Sidharth sat beside Abhi while the women busied themselves serving. Mischievously, Payal came over to serve Abhi and pinched his back, making sure no one noticed except Sidharth, who suppressed his laughter.

“Aaaaaaahhhhhhh…” came a sudden yelp from Abhi’s lips, catching everyone’s attention.

Abhi gave Payal a look that clearly said ‘you have to pay for this’, while Payal gave him a naughty glare that instantly melted him.

Kabeer looked at Abhi with concern and confusion, “Abhi… are you alright??”

Abhi weakly smiled as he replied, “Yes Dad… I am good… I am wonderful…”

Shehnaaz, standing among the women, noticed Payal’s mischievous smile and lovingly smiled, finding the couple adorable.

Dadi chuckled, “Abhi beta… khate waqt khane par dhyan dijiye… apni hone wali biwi par nahi…”

THAT WAS IT…

Darji spewed out the water he was drinking the moment he heard that and looked at Dadi maa in shock, who shrugged as if to say ‘what…’

Rita ji rolled her eyes at her mother-in-law, and Darji’s reaction made everyone burst into laughter, though no one had the courage to laugh out loud.

As dinner came to an end, everyone settled comfortably in the hall and engaged in some formal conversation…

Abhi was bored to death and wanted to spend some good time with his future wife before they left the next day…

Abhi made a puppy face at Payal while she did the same…

Shehnaaz noticed this and smirked, while Sidharth was too engrossed in the family discussions to notice all this…

Shehnaaz looked at Sidharth and rolled her eyes, thinking, “Is gadhe ko… in logon ki baatein itni interesting lag rahi hai… hey wahe guru ji… mujhe to in logon ki baatein sunkar neend aa rahi hai… nahi nahi Sana… tu nahi so sakti… apne pyare se jiju ka masoom sa chehra dekh… aur apni pyari Di ki bholi si surat dekh… kuchh kar Sana… apne dimag ki batti jala… par mere paas to mentos bhi nahi hai… kaise chalau dimag ki batti… haye rabba… to kya hua… sirf mentos khaate hi dimag chalta hai… aisa kisne kaha…”

An idea struck her mind…

Shehnaaz, with a soft voice, “Amma… kya main jiju, Di aur Sidharth ji ko lekar terrace dikha sakti hoon?”

Abhi and Payal looked up hopefully, while Sidharth looked at her suspiciously…

Darji sternly replied, “Terrace bhi koi dekhne ki cheez hoti hai??”

Dadi maa rolled her eyes at Darji’s response, “Arre bhai sahab… jaane dijiye na bachho ko… yahan to mujhe bhi bore ho raha hai… toh fir… ye toh bachhe hain…”

Darji gave up and nodded in affirmation, realizing he couldn’t argue with Dadi maa on this.

Jasbeera sighed in relief as she said, “Thik hai beta… par jyada der mat karna…”

Shehnaaz smiled, “Ji Amma…”

With that, Payal and Shehnaaz left for the terrace, followed by Abhi who literally dragged Sidharth along…

—

___________________

Author’s Note

Hello, dear readers!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the blend of humor and romance in their story. Your thoughts and feedback are incredibly valuable to us. What did you think of their initial meeting and interactions? Are there any moments that stood out to you? We look forward to hearing your insights and suggestions as we continue this enchanting journey.

Also, stay tuned for Baarish,  Bhula Dunga, Mora Piya, Beintehaa and Thodasa pyar which will be starting soon along with the rest of the stories. There’s so much more in store, and I can’t wait for you to dive into these new adventures.

Don’t forget to follow me on  Wattpad, Instagram and Youtube  for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Your support on these platforms helps keep the creativity flowing.

With love and gratitude,

Shalaka