Kapoor Mansion:
Ram came home around 12am. Tarun opened the door for him as usual. Tarun sensed something different about Ram but stayed silent not wanting to interfere.
Ram: Tarun main dinner karke aaya hoon. Mom ne khana khaya na?
Tarun: Ji sir.
Ram: Ok. Main room mein jaa raha hoon.
Tarun nodded.
There was a different glow on his face Tarun noticed. Maybe something good happened finally, he thought and prayed for Ram's happiness.
Ram straight went to his room making his angry face as he was afraid what if anyone catches him smiling.
He entered his room and locked the door. And started giggling like a goofball. His happiness had no bounds. "Happiness" this word was vanished from his dictionary. But today he felt like he got everything in his life and there's nothing more he wants in his life. His daughter came into his life like an angel. And Priya! She's back, she's a mumma now, a very very very good mumma she's indeed, Ram thought. She taught Pihu well. Ahhhh! Maybe this is what people means when they describe they're "consumed by love." Yes he felt consumed by Priya and Pihu's love for him.
He sat on Priya's side of the bed, caressed the bedcover and a smile adorned his face instead of tears for the first time in 5 years.
"Tumhari har baaton mein main hoon. Pihu ki har harkarton mein main hoon.", he thought.
"Sambhal lunga Priya. Sab theek ho jayega. Bohot baar hath chodne ki baat hui thi, aur ek waqt woh baat sach bhi ho gayi, chut gaya hamara saath. Ha shayad durr ho gaye hum dono par hamare dil jude rahe. Bas itna sa farq hai ki tumne Pihu ki khusi mein apni khusi dhoond li, aur maine dhoond liya tumhari yaadon mein apne gham ko. Par dekho aj zindagi ne kaisa khel khela...Pihu se mujhe mila dia aur woh bhi aise ke koi soch bhi nahi sakta. Aj saara sach samne aaya hai. Mukhote ke peeche ki nafrat, laalach aur beintehaan pyaar dono ek saath mile hai. Aur maine dono ko hi apni zindagi mein dakhila dia hai. Ab sirf nafrat ko bahar nikalke pyaar ko gale lagana hai. Bass! Kar lunga yaar kuch bhi kar lunga tum dono ke lia. Aaj bhi jab tum meri aankhon mein aankhen dal kar dekhti ho, mere dil ki dhadkane tez ho jati hai. Tum jab Pihu ke andar mujhe dhundke khush hoti ho, woh khusi mere dil ko khush karti hai. Yaad aate hai Priya hamare bitaye huye woh din, mere zindagi ke sabse khaas din. Aaj bhi tumse utna hi pyaar karta hoon, jitna pehle karta tha. Ha koshish ki thi bohot par hua nahi mujhse. Aage badna mumkin nahi hai mere lia Priya, shayad isiliye kyunki main toh kabhi chahata hi nahi hoon tumse aage badna, woh toh sab mann behlane wale baatein thi.
Tum dono mera sabse bada sach ho. Meri zindagi ho. Tum dono suraksheet rakhna hai hamesha. Ab kabhi haath nahi chodunga. Yeh mera waada hai tum dono se Pihu aur Priya.", Ram thought.
He opened their family photo once again. He zoomed in, zoomed out, tilted his phone, watched it from every angle gleefully, kissed the screen.
And started singing,
"Hum tum kitne paas hai
kitne duur hain chaand sitaare
Sach poochho to mann ko jhoothe lagte hain yeh saare ×2
Magar saccche lagate hai
Yeh Dharti yeh nadiyaa, yeh rainaa aur?
Aur Tum."
Happy tears started falling from his eyes. Contentment was evident in his smile. His face glowed like a full moon.
"Pihu bachhe aj agar Shivi yaha hoti toh kitna khush hoti tumhe dekh ke. Tum dono ki acchi banti dono hi toh bachhe ho. Shubham ne agar uss din wo sab na kia hota Shivi tu aj yaha hoti hamare saath. Aur Akki maine uske saath nainsaafi ki! Akhri baar usse tujhe gale bhi lagne nahi dia maine. Pihu Shivi meri pehli bachhi thi. Uske lia sab kuch kia bachhe par jaan nahi bacha saka uski. Galti se hi ho Ishaan ki wajah se woh aaj nahi hai. Shivi bacche tujhe bohot miss karta hoon har din. Kash aaj tu yaha hoti", he thought.
He took a deep breath and decided to go freshen up. He came out of the washroom wearing fresh cloths and sat on his side of the bed.
" Ram tujhe so jana chahiye. Nahin to Pihu kahegi yeh aankhon ke itne bade bade gaddhe lekar kyun aaye ho RK! Taane toh bilkul Priya jaise deti hai. Par unn dono ke taane bhi bade acche lagte hain.", he thought.
He put an alarm and closed his eyes. He felt like all the tiredness of 5 years is coming to engulf him. Soon he dozed off.
Krish's House:
Priya was lying down on the bed beside Pihu who was deeply asleep, snoring a little just like her Papa.
Priya caressed her head and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, smiling teary-eyed.
"5 years Pihu, 5 years! I've always wanted to see you both together but couldn't gather the courage to put you into lion's (Nandini) den and to face your Papa after betraying him by lying to him. And today he came. For you, for.....Me. He wants you sweetheart. He wants me back. He still loves me he said. That man who knew how to bring happiness in anyone's life, was deprived of the biggest happiness of his life, You, because of me, because of my decision. But he got it, he got me. He understood why I did what I did. Yes he didn't accept my decision completely but he understood which I never expected him to.
But do I deserve him Pihu? He said he wants me back. He deserves so much better baby.
What do I want? To be honest sweetheart I don't know what I want for myself. I just know that I want you both to be happy always.
He is a gem Pihu, just like you. I did so so wrong with both of you Pihu. And I'll try to make up for it. I'll. I know you both would want me even if I'm a broken, illogical, bad person because you both love me. I'll stay if you both want me. I'll be a better version of myself for you both. But I need to think if it is the right decision for me and your papa to take a step forward. Maybe it's not. Maybe there are other ways. I don't know. I need to talk to Mr. Kapoor. We have so many things to clear out, some many fights to resolve. Then only we should move forward. Together.
I want him sweetheart. I love him. I love him so so much I can't even explain it to you. He makes me happy Pihu. A smile of his brightens my day, his goofyness makes me laugh, his love for me makes me feel complete. But what if he gets hurt again because of me. I always hurt him unintentionally or forcefully but my actions my behaviour hurt him.
I just want him happy. I'll do everything for you both. Soon you'll know he's your papa. I don't know Pihu how you'll react. But baby he is the best papa in this whole world. Yes he missed a lot of your firsts, but the moment he came to know you are his daughter and our lives are in danger, he threw every hateful feeling, every angry reaction out of the window and came to protect us. Baby your papa has been through so much. Because of me, and his family. He doesn't deserve to be treated like that.
And I know this time I can trust him, with you. I know he'll do everything to safeguard you. Because he loves you sweetheart. And I knew he'll prove to be the best papa to you. Don't worry Pihu. We're here with you. Always.", Priya thought. Tears escaped from her eyes, she wiped them away.
Soon Priya also slept embracing Pihu.
It was 2:45am when Ram's alarm started ringing. The turned it off and sat up. He felt sleepy, very tired but the moment his remembered he's gonna meet Pihu and Priya he jumped out of the bed excitedly.
He got ready in his 3 piece black suit and packed a suit, and some necessary things in a bag. Then he got out of his room. Dim lights were lit all over the house. He swiftly moved downstairs with his carkeys, then opening the main door he got out , sat in his car and drove away to Adi-Brinda's house.
Adi-Brinda's House:
When he reached their house, Adi and Brinda were fighting over packing.
Adi: Baby! Itna kuch mat lekar jao. Flight mein na tumhare luggage ke alawa bhi Priya aur Pihu ke luggage jaane wale hai, unke lia bhi thodi jagah chod do.
Brinda: Tum chup karo Adi. Mujhe jo karna hai main karungi. Aur main itna luggage lekar nahi jaa rahi hoon ke flight mein jagah nahi hogi.
Ram stood their waiting for them to complete fighting while pressing his forehead. He was getting irritated. After 5 mins he couldn't control himself,
Ram: Adi, Brinda kya kar rahe ho tum dono? Aise baccho ki tarah lad rahe ho? Adi tu ja yaha se Brinda ko packing karne de. Brinda tu jaldi kar. We're getting late.
Adi: Tu kisse bol raha hai be! Tu aur Priya hamesha jagarte the baccho ki tarah. Tab kya!
Brinda: Ha jaan Adi is right! Tum toh chup hi raho. Priya ko tum bohot irritate karte the.
Ram(clapping): wahhh! Abhi dono lad rahe ab jab meri tang kheechne ki baari aayi toh dono saath mein. Achha hai. Isiliye shayad saath ho itne saal.
He started on a happy note but his words lead him to feeling sadness.
Brinda-Adi came and hugged him tight. He started sniffling. Then composed himself.
Ram: Okay please get ready now. And please give me your blow dryer. I need to change my hairstyle.
Brinda: Matlab?
Ram: Matlab I will change my hairstyle and do it like I used to do before.
Brinda started jumping.
Brinda: Finally God ne meri sunli. This hairstyle jaan doesn't suit you. Kaha tha maine. Par nahi tumne toh suna nahi.
Ram: Okay okay. Drama bad mein kar lena tu.
She got him the blow dryer and Ram went to get ready in the other room.
When he came out of the room Adi and Brinda were arranging the luggage in the living room. They looked at him open mouthed.
There was Ram in his Royal Blue suit with a white shirt, hair perfectly blow-dryed and above all he was not wearing his gold chain. He looked like the Ram they have all seen 5 years ago.
Adi and Brinda smiled at him gleefully.
Ram: I know. I know. I decided that Priya and Pihu don't deserve Angry Bird 2.0.
Adi jumped on Ram and kissed him on the cheek in happiness. Ram blushed and was embarrassed at his act.
Ram: Adi yaar! Kya kar raha hai!
Adi: Woh I'm sorry. Tujhe itne saalon bad aise dekhe raha nahi gaya.
Ram and Brinda started laughing.
Brinda: Jaan you're looking very very handsome. Priya toh aankhein nahi hata payegi I know but I want to hear what our little munchkin has to say about this. Hihi!
Ram blushed at Brinda's word.
Together they put Brinda's luggage into the car and they drove away towards Krish's house.
Krish's house:
Ram, Adi and Brinda reached Krish's house and rang the bell. Krish opened the door and welcomed them inside.
Ram: Where are they?
Krish: Fighting.
Ram: What? Why?
Krish: Woh actually Priya already picked a dress for Pihu to wear but she is refusing to wear that as she wants some other dress. Now I think I know why!
Ram: Why?
Krish(laughing): Telepathy.
Ram(confused): What?
Krish: She wants her royal blue dress which Priya already packed and she's refusing to open the trolley again. So yeah that's why!
Ram: Oh ummm...main dekhta hoon.
Ram went and knocked on the door.
Priya: Come in.
Ram entered the room. Pihu was sitting on the edge of the bed with her head down in her beautiful royal blue dress. She was upset and Priya was packing things again. Ram could sense a riot happened there.
Priya looked at him and was awestruck. She was openly checking him out. Ram looked at her once but he knew he had to cheer up Pihu so kneeled down on one knee in front of her.
Pihu finally looked up and gave him a faint smile.
Ram: Are you upset?
Pihu nodded.
Ram: Mumma ne daanta?
Pihu: A little.
Ram hugged her and scooped her up in his arms. Pihu hid her face in the crook of his neck.
Ram: Priya what are you doing yaar? Koi karta hai bacche ke saath aise?
Priya: So you'll take her side?
Ram glared at her giving her a "I'm trying to cheer her up, just play along" look.
Ram: Yeah of course I'll take my cupcake's side. You made a mistake here and you should say sorry.
Pihu looked at him astonished. Whenever this kind of things happen even Krish tries to make Pihu understand that it was her mistake, she shouldn't be this ziddi. But here her RK took her side!
Priya: Okay fine. Pihu baby I'm sorry. I should not have pushed you to wear that pink dress. I'm really really sorry.
Pihu: It's okay Ms. Sood.
She gave her a goofy smile like Ram. Then looked at Ram with some unexplainable emotion.
Pihu: Thank you.
Then kissed his cheek.
Ram was over the moon.
Pihu: Oh! I'm sorry I didn't ask you before kissing your cheek. I'm sorry.
Ram: You can kiss me on the cheek. Don't be sorry cupcake.
Pihu nodded with a smile.
Pihu: RK we're matching matching.
Ram(chuckling): Yes we are.
He took her to the living room, Priya followed them.
Pihu: You look very handsome today.
Ram(gleefully): Thank you so much. At least kisi ne toh kaha(giving Priya a side look).
Priya rolled her eyes.
Pihu: Your hair looks nice like this. At least bird ka ghosla nahi lag raha. Aur khadoos toh bilkul nahi lag rahe ho.
Priya: Pihu!
Pihu: Oopps! Sorry for calling you Khadoos I won't do that again. I promise.
Everyone laughed hard at her words while Ram just looked at her shocked.
He didn't know to laugh or to cry.
"Taane toh apni mumma ki tarah barabar deti ho", he thought.
Ram just narrowed his eyes at her.
Ram: I thought I'll give you a gift but ab jab tumne mere baalon ko chiriyon ka ghosla kaha I think rehne dete hai.
Pihu(eyes twinkled): A gift? No no. I want the gift. Please RK.
Ram: Toh phirse baalon ke bare mein kahogi?
Pihu thought for a moment.
Pihu: Ha kyunki woh sach hai. Aur maine jo nice bola woh toh nahi suna.
Ram knew he couldn't win with her so he gave up.
Ram: Fine. And thank you for the compliment madam.
Pihu giggled.
Then he picked up the wrapped up soft toy from the sofa and handed it to her.
Ram: Open it.
Pihu opened the package with unsteady hands as she was very very excited. Brinda helped her.
A light pink bunny came out.
Pihu(extremely joyful): A bunny!!!
Ram: You like it?
Pihu hugged the bunny tightly.
Pihu: I love it. Thank you.
Ram: My pleasure.
Ram was teary-eyed. Priya noticed it. She was also feeling a lot of emotions.
"Your first gift to her. I know how you must be feeling right now Mr. Kapoor. I know it's a big thing for you when anyone accepts your gifts. Aur yaha toh it's your own daughter.", Priya thought.
Pihu: How do you know I like bunnies? Krish ne bataya?
Ram: Nahi Krish ne nahi bataya. I just know what you like and what you don't.
Pihu smiled.
Pihu looked at Krish sadly.
Krish forwarded his arms to her and took her into his arms.
Krish: Darling! Be a good girl okay. Take care of yourself, Mumma and Brinda. And enjoy your adventure. I'll be there soon. Okay? Don't be sad.
Pihu nodded teary-eyed.
Then Brinda took Pihu into her arms and sat down on sofa, chatting with her.
Adi, Ram, and Krish went to take the luggage and put into the car. Priya also went with them.
And when they came back to the living room they saw Brinda and Pihu asleep on the sofa. Brinda was sitting while Pihu's head was on her lap. All of them chuckled.
Ram was going to pick Pihu in his arms but stopped.
Priya: What happened?
Ram: What if I wake her up?
Priya smiled at his concern.
Priya: You won't.
Ram smiled and took Pihu in his arms ever so softly. A smile adorned his face at his sucess of not waking her up.
Then Adi woke Brinda up who groggily stood up. Priya took Pihu's bunny in her hand.
They all were going to the main door when,
Pihu: Papa!
Pihu said in her sleep shocking everyone to the core. Ram was spellbound. His happiness was evident in his tear-filled eyes.
Krish(whispering): Told you.
Adi: Wow!
Priya's tears started falling from her eyes. She was so happy that she forgot to wipe her tears. Ram pulled out a tissue from his pocket and gave it to her. Priya's trance broke and she smiled at him. She took the tissue from this hand and wiped her tears.
They all went outside, settled into the car and drove towards the airport.
Pihu was sleeping peacefully in Ram's arms, snoring a little which made Ram silently chuckle. Priya was sitting just beside Ram and they looked into each other's eyes and at that moment forgot the whole world existed around them.
Brinda cleared her throat and that's when their trance broke. They started looking towards their hands to avoid any eye contact. The journey towards the airport was silent as no one wanted to wake Pihu up.
They were about to reach when Pihu woke up stretching her arms yawning, then she opened her eyes and looked around herself and saw everyone smiling at her.
Priya: Did you have a good sleep?
Pihu nodded still yawning.
Ram: You can sleep more if you want.
Pihu(keeping her head on Ram's shoulder): No.
Ram kissed her hair.
Pihu: You are a good pillow.
Priya chuckled at her compliment.
Ram(smiling): Thank you Cupcake. This is the best compliment I've ever received.
Soon they reached the airport.
Krish again took Pihu in his arms.
Krish: I'm gonna miss you here a lot.
Pihu(very sadly): I will miss you too. Jaldi aana. Okk?
Krish: Okay. Bye darling! Enjoy your adventure.
He hugged Priya.
Priya: Take care.
Krish nodded.
Ram again took her into his arms.
Adi pulled Pihu's cheeks.
Adi: Pihu baby. Take care. We'll be there soon.
Pihu(smiling): Okay Adi Chachu. Take care. Bye.
Adi: Bye.
Adi hugged Brinda sadly.
Brinda: Take care both of you.
Adi and Krish nodded.
Ram, Priya, Pihu and Brinda went inside after the security checking.
Krish was wiping his tears while Adi was consoling him.
"Mera ghar ab soona soona lagega Pihu aur Priya tum dono ke bina. But you both deserve to be happy and I know Ram makes you both happy. And I know how much Pihu wants her papa. She does not say much but I know how she feels.
Ram khush rakhega tum dono ko. Take care you all.", Krish thought.
Okay I love Nakuul's hairstyle but I just don't like RK 2.0's hairstyle. I know it's kinda hot but I don't like his angry bird look tbh. Mujhe woh pehle wala Cute, Goofy Ram chahiye! Phewww!
Hindi monologues are so freaking tough to write yaar!
magap2023 I hope the bunny made you happy! And Hippos are cute!
Share your views on this chapter please!