Thursday 28 August 2014

A.       Raman and Ishita : Hothon Se Chu Lo Tum
8.30 AM : Inside Raman Bhalla's car, parked in a secluded lane, somewhere in Delhi

"Raman, public place hai yeh"
(Raman, this is a public place)

"I don't care, there's no one here and the windows are tinted"

"Aap kya kar rahe ho?"
(What are you doing?)

"Pyar. (Love) So just shut up and let me"

Ishita stopped resisting, snuggling deeper into the warm cocoon of Raman's embrace.

He had texted her early that morning demanding a meeting before work and she had been unable to deny him. They had not been able to meet the previous day and she had missed him terribly. As much as he had missed her, she realised, as he nuzzled her neck, his hands caressing and pressing her back and waist, busy under the thin fabric of her sari.

"Miss me?" he asked her, his hot breath fanning her face as he pulled her slightly away from him so that she faced him, their torsos pressed together, their arms around each other.

"Yes" she whispered, leaning into him and bringing her lips up to his, desperate for his kiss.

He had grabbed her as soon as she had parked her car and entered his, but all that he had done was to hold her tight and caress her, she had not yet received the kisses she had come to crave.

"Not so fast" he whispered, pining her hands behind her back as he kept his lips tantalisingly out of her reach. "First tell me, kal kyun nahi mili thi mujhe?" (Why didn't you meet me yesterday)

"Raman, I'm sorry, I couldn't. Kitni saare appointments theh, then when I was leaving, Vandu akka dropped in and I had to go with her. Otherwise, mein aa rahi thi aap ki office. I've explained to you na. Please understand"
(I had so many appointments then just as I was leaving, Vandu akka dropped by and I had to leave with her. Otherwise I would have come to your office)

"No, you understand Ishita." His voice was deep, his eyes dark with desire, and Ishita felt a shiver run up her spine. She leaned in again, her lips parted, but he held his face away from her. "You understand - I'm desperate for you. I can't keep away any longer. I need you, I need to make love to you. I can't wait any longer"

"But you won't even kiss me" she pouted.

"You won't be safe from me if I do" His voice was a mere whisper, silky with passion, taut with restraint.

"Please" She ran her tongue nervously over her parted lips, her eyes looking steadfastly into his.

He groaned and lowered his head, his hands releasing hers to roam over her back again, pulling her hard against his chest. His lips settled on hers, his tongue forcing it's way into her mouth as he poured all his frustrated desire into her.

Ishita could feel her heart beat erratically as he continued his sweet tortures, his stubble grazing her as his mouth and tongue continued their plunder. Their harsh breathing mingled with each other's and she felt as if she would burst. She pushed against him, trying to mould herself into him, loving the pain that his mouth was inflicting.

She did not know whether it was seconds or minutes before he pulled away, breathing deeply, as she was left gasping.

"God, Ishita..." He whispered as she moaned, her eyes closed, her aching mouth craving more.

He looked at her intently before dropping tender kisses all over her face as he brought his breathing and his emotions under control. Ishita slowly opened her eyes, her frantic gasps subsiding.

He kissed her tenderly on the forehead then released her, pushing her back in her seat and leaning back into his own. Just one hand remained intertwined with hers.

"You'll have to fix your make up" he said quietly, breaking the silence, looking at her swollen lips, devoid of the lipstick he had kissed off; the kohl in her eyes smeared by the tears she had no recollection of shedding; her blue bindi smeared against her  forehead.

"Hmm" she nodded shyly.

"Aaj sari kyun?" (Why a sari today?)

He nodded towards the white and orange Kanjeevaram she wore, his eyes straying to the creamy waist he had been caressing moments earlier. He cleared his throat as his eyes lingered on her bare skin, his hand tightening in hers to resist the temptation to touch it again.

"Woh, aaj hamari festival hai. Mandir jaana hai amma aur akka ke saath. Mein prasadum laongi aap ke liye. Ruhi ko mere paas bhej dena please, usko aap ki share de doongi."
(it's our festival today. I have to go to the temple with amma and akka later. I'll get prasadum for you. Send Ruhi over tonight and I'll give her your share)

"Lekin mein ne to apna meetha kha liya, abhi abhi."
(But I've already had my sweet dish, just now)

"Raman" she blushed and looked down, her vacant hand fidgeting with her pallu. He grabbed that hand too and raised both up to his lips, kissing both palms reverentially.

"You taste amazingly sweet Dr Iyer" he drawled. "Better than any prasadum from any mandir"

"Raman, please" Ishita pulled her hands away and covered her face, her blush deepening.

"Hey" Raman smiled at her, pulling her hands away and tilting her face towards him. "Look at me jaan. Sharma kyun rahi ho, don't be shy, look at me"

Ishita slowly opened her eyes and looked in to his.

The blazing desire in his dark eyes was palpable and she had no choice but to close her eyes again, not knowing how to respond to the naked hunger she saw. Raman looked at her and smiled. His madrassan had no idea of just how much he wanted her, but then, she also had no idea of the fact that her ardor matched his.

She was embarrassed by his need, by her own desires, but that would change, and it would change quickly.

"God, I love her" he thought to himself. "How was I lucky enough to find her? And how can I stay away from her now."

He lazily traced her swollen lips with his fingers, then dipping his head, retraced the path of his fingers with his tongue. She shivered and murmured brokenly and he raised  his head to look deeply into her eyes again.

"Don't be shy Ishita. There's nothing to be shy of, or embarrassed about. There's nothing wrong in passion, nothing wrong about wanting each other. And I'm going to show you, very soon, just how much I want you, and just how wonderful love making can be"

"Raman" Ishita started hesitatingly.

She had been pondering what Abhi had said on Tuesday, about Raman being a ladies man. He had been honest about his past and she was not going to hold it against him, but she was conscious of her inexperience, and she could not bear to disappoint him.

What had happened just now, her desperation for his kiss, her response to him, had been a reflex, something she had no control over. But when they took things further, how would he react? Would she be enough for him? Satisfy him? She had been told over and over that she was not fully a woman, because she could not have a child. Would she be woman enough for this man?

"What is it Ishita? You can say anything to me. Come on, tell me."

"It's just that I...I don't want to disappoint you Raman. I ... I'm not like the other women you've been with, I don't know if I will... if I will be able to .... to please you...you know ... I...."

Her voice was a whisper, but he could hear all the uncertainties, the past disappointments, the inadequacies within her, that led up to her avowal. She had been rejected as a woman by the man she had loved for over a decade, rejected because of those perceived inadequacies. He knew he had to tread carefully. Her concerns were real, he could not simply dismiss them. But he loved her, he desired her, and he needed to make her understand that.

"You will never disappoint me Ishita" she heard the sincerity in his voice and her heart settled a little bit. "We will learn together, about each other, about how to please each other. Can't you tell, baby, how you make me feel?"

He took her hand and guided it to his chest, placing it above his heart, so she could feel it thundering.

"Can't you see what you do to me, hmmm? Don't you understand the effect your closeness has on me? Don't you know, I'm crazy about you, you mad madrassan?"

She looked at him wonderingly, as he guided her hand downward, but then stiffened as she felt the smooth leather of his belt on her palm. He grinned ruefully, and brought her hand up again, to his lips.

"Don't be afraid" he said softly. " I just wanted you to know... how much I want you"

She smiled shyly at him and he sighed, kissing her hands before releasing them.

"Ab jao. Go to work before I forget myself again. And Ishita, have dinner with me tomorrow please."

"Ok" she whispered. "I will."

"And will I get my favourite dessert Dr Iyer?"

Ishita opened the door and uncoiled her body from her seat. "Maybe" she smiled, as she closed the door. "Maybe you will Mr Bhalla".

Hoonton se choo lo tum Mera geet amar kardo
Ban jao meet mere meri preet amar kardo.

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B.             Mihir and Mihika: Do Jasoos
Lunchtime @ Fong's Hong Kong Palace, near Lodhi Gardens.

"Well Mihir, what is your Raman Bhalla up to these days? Koi nayi girlfriend hai kya uski?
(Does he have a new girlfriend?)

"Why do you want to know Miku? I know you don't like Raman Bhai, so why this sudden interest?"

"Bas waise hi. ( Just like that ) I hear he has so many women all over the place"

" No, Miku, there's nothing like that. Bhai isn't like that. And you know Miku, when Bhai was with Shagun, he never looked at another woman twice. He is very loyal, and he is a very good person Miku"

"Hmmph" Mihika snorted in response. "Eat your Hakka noodles"

"Kya hua?" (What is it?) she asked a few minutes later, as Mihir appeared lost in thought, his fork suspended half way between his plate and mouth, his mouth slightly open.

"You just got me thinking yaar. I think Raman Bhai actually is seeing someone. He's had this smile on his face this week, like he has a happy secret. And Razia was ordering some flowers for him this morning, for someone, roses I think. You know Miku, mujh se zyada khush aur koi nahi hoga if Bhai found someone who truly loves him. Especially with Ruhi's custody case coming up, he needs someone to support him. He deserves it. He really does."

Mihika stared at Mihir with growing concern.

"This week" she thought. "Akka has been acting strange this week. In fact, ever since she came back from New Zealand. Kahin... No, no, akka is too sensible, she would never. But akka loves Ruhi. What if he has been using Ruhi's custody case to trick her? No, this is just my imagination. Why am I even thinking like this. It's impossible. But still, I just hope Abhi comes back quickly and akka's wedding happens soon. Very soon."

"Now what are you thinking Miku?"

"Nothing, Mihir. I'm just hoping that Abhi comes back soon and akka's wedding is fixed. He is the perfect guy for Ishita akka. Akka has seemed so down, so lost since she came back from New Zealand..."

"New Zealand?" Mihir exclaimed. "When did Ishitaji go to New Zealand"

"A couple of weeks ago yaar. When you went with your dear Bhai to Singapore."

Mihir looked wide eyed at Mihika, a growing suspicion taking root in his mind. Raman had been so insistent that Mihir not tell anyone that they had carried on to New Zealand from Singapore, and although he had wondered why, he would never have for a moment imagined that Ishita Iyer could be the reason.

"So Miku, where in New Zealand did she go?" He was careful not to let his anxiety show in his voice, trying to sound casual.

"She flew to Christchurch, but her conference was on the West Coast. Near Lake Matheson. Why are you so interested Mihir?"

Mihir hoped the shock he felt at Mihika's words did not show on his face. He dredged up a smile and patted her hand. "No, no reason. It must have been such an exciting experience."

"Haan, but akka hasn't said much about it. She's been so quiet recently."

"Yeah, Miku, I'm sorry I have to go. I just remembered, Raman Bhai se kuch zaroori baat karni hai. I'll call you later, okay" ( I have to talk to Raman Bhai about something important)

"But Mihir, your noodles ......."

But Mihir was gone - hoping against hope that his suspicions were unjustified, knowing he had to have a very important conversation with his Bhai.

Doh Jasoos kare mehsoos ki duniya badi kharaab hai
Kaun hai sacha kaun hai jhootha
Har chehre pe nakaab hai
Zara sambhal ke rahiyo ji

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C.        Ashok and Shagun: Drama Queen
Later that afternoon @ Khanna mansion, Defence Colony, South Delhi

"Fine Mr Gupta. Keep me updated" Ashok Khanna switched off his phone and turned to his wife.

He was a tall man, distinguished looking, dressed impeccably, but age, fine living and excessive indulgences had finally started to catch up with him. His pepper hair was thinning and his jowls had started to sag slightly.

The woman sitting in front of him was no doubt stunning, but she too bore the ravages that too much of the good things in life can inflict.

Her make up was perhaps just a bit too garish, her blouse too skimpy, her glittering saree better suited to a party than the coffee with friends she had just returned from.

"What's the matter Ashok?" she asked her husband. "What did Mr Gupta say?"

"Nothing much Shagun. Raman's lawyer has been in touch, they'll file a response to our petition next week."

Shagun picked up the glass of wine Ashok had just poured for her and took a deep swig.

"Ashok baby, do you really want to go ahead with this? Our life is perfect as it is. What will we do with a six year old? I'm sure Raman and his family have completely spoilt her. It's just going to turn our lives upside down. Your boys are finally in university and Adi is in boarding school. We don't need this Ashok."

"Shagun, yaar what sort of mother are you? She's your daughter. And we may not get custody, but I want to make Raman Bhalla's life hell. Let everyone know about his drinking, his womanising. That will serve him right for poaching my clients, for daring to compete with me."

"Ashok baby, you're still miles ahead of Raman."

"No Shagun, he's the flavour of the month. He's catching up and I won't let that happen. Anyway, Gupta said it's a good thing he isn't married or his custody defence would be much stronger."

"Married?" Shagun laughed, flicking her perfectly coiffed hair. "Raman will never re-marry, he's still not over me. He'll never get over me."

Adaaye badi funky
Kare hai nautanki
Yeh chori badi drama queen hai

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D.           Abhimanyu Raghav to himself: Teri Meri Dosti Pyar Mein Badal Gayi
That same afternoon in Singapore

Abhimanyu Raghav had just finished another meeting when his phones text message ringtone buzzed.

It was Mihika. "Hey jeeju, so when are you back? Remember what you have to do when you get here"

Abhi smiled, the message wiping away his momentary disappointment that it was Mihika, and not Ishita on the other end of the connection. He had not received any calls or messages from Ishu since he had said goodbye to her on Tuesday.

He sighed and moved to the picture windows of his temporary office, on the 20th floor of a Singapore skyscraper.

Ishita. Ishita. Ishita.

Since his wife's death over a year ago, he had been focussed on his children. Even before that, her illness for the preceding three years had meant that his entire focus and commitment had been on her and their children.

Their life had been in Turkey and he had lost touch with his old friends. If he had thought about Ishita at all, it was to imagine that she would be happily married to Subbu by now, secure in the love of her husband and family.

It had been a bit of a shock when he had returned to India a month ago and had discovered the truth and circumstances of her broken engagement.

His parents had been urging him to return to India and to remarry, but while he saw the wisdom in the former suggestion, he was wary of the latter. However, when his mother had suggested that he consider marrying Ishita, he had been intrigued. They had been good friends at school and college, but since the age of 16, Ishita had been known as Subbu's girl.

He had agreed to meet Ishita, not having any expectations, simply to appease his parents, and to renew an old and treasured friendship.

And yet, at their meeting, he had known that he had found a woman who could make his life whole again. A woman who could rebuild his shattered family, a mother for his boys.

She had been hesitant though, had told him she did not want to marry, and strangely, her hesitance had made him more determined.

He had told her he would renew his proposal before his temporary return to Turkey in a month and had started to pursue her in earnest- with phone calls and visits, coffees and flowers. And then on Saturday, her mother had phoned with the happy news. Ishita had agreed to marry him. His proposal would be accepted.

And yet, there was something, a sadness within her which he could not define. She was the same considerate, conscientious, loving girl he remembered - but there was something else.

Perhaps it was the heartbreak with Subbu, but he did not think so. He had brought up Subbu's name to her, but she had not seemed in the least bothered or affected.

What was it then? Well, he had a lifetime to find out, to give her the happiness which was now eluding her.

He smiled and typed rapidly into his phone "Back in the weekend Mihika. And no, I haven't forgotten. Give my love to your sister and tell her I miss her"

Dillagi ne di hawa thoda sa dhuan utha
Aur aag jal gayi
Teri meri dosti pyar mein badal gayi

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E:       Raman and Mihir
4.00 pm @ Raman Bhalla's Office, Delhi

"I love you Raavan Kumar. Thank you again for the roses. Tell Ruhi Ishima loves them."

Raman re read the text message again, a smile softening his features. He had sent her flowers this morning, and his message had been from Ruhi to her Ishima, to thank her for taking on her papa.

"No thorns in them, I hope" he texted back.

"No, my Ruhi's flowers are perfect, just like her. Thorns are her papa's speciality" her response was instant.

His smile deepened. Beautiful, sexy as hell, smart and witty. No wonder he loved her so much. "Time to talk to my mad madrassan, my Jhansi ki rani" he thought, tapping his phone to the dial screen.

"Bhai, what's going on?"

Raman put his phone down hurriedly, as Mihir burst in through the door to his office, shutting it closed behind him.

"Mihir, what's wrong?" He asked with concern. "Is everything all right."

"You tell me Bhai. I just found out from Mihika that her Ishita akka was in New Zealand the same time as us, on the West Coast. And I just checked Razia's order book. Those flowers she was ordering for you this morning were for a Dr Iyer, at the Batra Dental Clinic. What is this Bhai? What happened in New Zealand? You can't mess around with Ishitaji. She is a really nice woman, she's had a heartbreak, she, she's not your usual type Bhai. Kya kar rahen hai aap?"

"Mihir, Mihir calm down" Raman stood up and moved to the front of his desk, putting an arm around Mihir's shoulders. "Come on, sit down" he said, sitting Mihir down on one of the client chairs, then pulling another chair and sitting opposite him.

"What calm down Bhai? Mihika suspects you are bothering her akka. And she's right, for once she's right. Aap aisa kaise kar sakte hai? " (How can you do this? )

"Mihir, listen to me" Raman shook his young friends shoulder firmly. " You asked me what happened in New Zealand. Well, I fell in love in New Zealand. I fell in love with a wonderful woman who loves me. And Mihir, I'm not playing around with Ishita. I'm going to marry her"

"Marry her?" Mihir's mouth was agape. "Bhai, what are you saying. She is getting married to Abhimanyu Raghav"

Raman bristled at the mention of Abhis name. "No" he said shortly. "She is getting married to me. On Tuesday"

"On Tuesday? But Bhai.."

"Mihir, I'll explain everything to you. I was going to tell you anyway, I need a witness for the wedding and I've never hidden anything from you. But Mihir, you can't tell anyone yet. Not until Ruhi's custody case is over and we can avoid a Third World War. Not even to Mihika. Especially not Mihika."

"Bhai, you stopped me from marrying Mihika and now you? This is not fair Bhai" Mihir pouted even as he realized that the happiness on his bhai's face was genuine, that he truly meant what he said.

"Yaar Mihir, I'm sorry. Mein karwaonga tumhari shaadi Mihika se. Lekin abhi humko meri shaadi karwaana hai. Meri help kar yaar. Oh and Mihir, everything is fair in love and war"
(Mihir, my friend, I'm sorry. I will get you married to Mihika, but not right now. Right now, I have to get married myself. And you need to help me. Oh and Mihir, all is fair in love and war)    
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F. Ruhi and Ishima
8.00 PM @ Iyer Apartment in Ishita's bedroom

Ruhi sat snuggled in Ishita's lap, a yawn escaping her as Ishita finished reading a story to her.

"Meri baby ko neendi aa rahi hai na. Chalo mein aap ko aap ki ghar chod doon" Ishita picked Ruhi up and enveloped her in her arms.
(My baby is sleepy? Come, I'll take you home)

"Beta, here, take this packet. Yeh papa ko de dena, hmm, prasadum hai uske liye"
(Baby, here, take this packet. Give it to papa, it's prasadum for him)

"Ok Ishima"

Ishita kissed Ruhi's downy head, tears pricking her eyes. This little girl had that power over her, the power to reduce her to tears with one word, one special word.

"Say goodnight to everyone" she told Ruhi as she carried her through the living area, opening the door.

"Ishita, wahan mat jao"  (Ishita, don't go over there) her amma hissed, in between saying "Goodnight" to Ruhi.

"Amma, it's okay" Ishita retorted, stepping outside.

The main door to the Bhalla residence was open. Ishita knocked lightly on the screen door and the next instant, Raman was standing before her, still in his work suit.

"Kaun hai Raman"  (Who is it Raman) Toshiji's voice called out.

"Just Ruhi, Ma" Raman called out as he stretched out his arms, taking Ruhi from Ishita. "Raman" Ishita said softly as she handed her previous bundle over. "I've given Ruhi the prasadum for you"

"Thank you Ishita, but I prefer the sweet I got this morning" he whispered, causing Ishita to blush crimson.  "Say goodnight to Ishima" he said to Ruhi.

"Goodnight Ishima" Ruhi leaned over and planted a soft kiss on Ishita's red cheeks. "Goodnight meri madrassan. Till tomorrow" Ruhi's father added, as Ishita walked away with a happy smile.

Honthon se chu lo tum mera geet amar kardo
Ban jao meet mere meri preet amar kardo

Akash ka sunapan Mere tanha man mein
Payal chankati tum Aa jao jeewan mein
Sansein dekar apni Sangeet amar kar do
Sangeet amar kardo meri jeet amar kardo

Honthon se choo lo tum....

Jag ne cheena mujhse mujhe jo bhi laga pyaara
Sab jeeta kiye mujhse, mein hardum hi haara
Tum haar ke dil apna, meri jeet amar kardo
Tum Haar Ke Dil Apna Mera jeet amar kar doh
Honthon se chu lo tum Mera geet amar kar doh