Here's the 92nd chapter.
Enjoy reading.
It was the evening after college, and Anokhi and her friends had made an impromptu plan to go shopping together today in order to save time so that they could begin their practise immediately the next day.
Because the locality near where Anokhi lived had an opulent mall that sold a wide range of goods, from cosmetics to dresses and groceries, it was decided as the destination. This would provide them with yet another advantage, as Anokhi would take those stuffs in her PG, eliminating the need for anyone to bring anything with them. They will have free hands when they arrive and will be able to get right to work.
Bebo and Kitty were having a great time with the shopping plan, which was made on the spur of the moment. As they walked through the passageway, they had their eyes glued to the trendy dresses. They'd become engrossed in the clothing aisle. They were so enamoured with the latest fashionista looks that they forgot they were there to buy the ingredients, not clothes, that they would need the next day.
The twins continued to argue over which dress to buy and which jumpsuit to try, completely forgetting about the three more people who were there with them.
Reema, Anokhi, and Mimi were also present. They were looking through the clothes with no intention of purchasing them, just for pleasure. The twin sisters' efforts to find outfits that were the same style and colour made them chuckle. They thought they should let the sisters do what they were doing, and in the meantime, they would both buy the ingredients.
While strolling hand in hand with her Mumma, Mimi was also having a good time. She was visiting such a large mall for the first time, so everything caught her big eyes. Every object her eyes landed on, she found it amazing. Just seeing them fascinated her.
The next thing she saw, or rather experienced, was something she had never done before ! It left her stunned as soon as she stepped into it. She was intrigued and giddy with curiosity as to what that thing was called. Not to mention, Anokhi had her baby girl's hand safely in her own, ensuring she didn't fall.
It was the escalator stairs !
"Mumma Mumma..."
"Yeh kya hai ??..."
"Hum apne – aap oopal kaichhe jaa lahe hai ??!!..." Mimi was awestruck as to how it was possible to ascend upwards when she wasn't even moving her legs an inch. She was blown away by this.
Like always, Mimi's innocent query brought a smile to their faces. They were watching Mimi's expression of wonderment in awe as she rode it for the first time.
"Mimi..."
"Yeh naa seediyan nhi hain... Seediyon ki tarah hain..."
"Aapko bas khade rehna hota hai... Aur yeh apne – aap aapko oopar pahuncha dega..." Anokhi said to her baby girl.
"Yeh to magic hai Mumma !!..."
"Bohot maja aa laha hai !... Gudgudi bhi ho lahi hain..." Mimi giggled cutely. She was having so much fun due to the tickling sensations the vibrations of the stairs were causing.
"Awwwww... Meri pyaali Mimi..." This was something Reema couldn't stop herself from saying. The little girl was soooooo sweet.
Anokhi was all smiles as she saw her Shona in joy just by riding the escalator stairs. One glance at her happy Shona is all it takes for her heart to settle down and reach "infinite" levels of tranquilly.
She kept her baby girl's hand tenderly in hers as the three of them ascended to the first floor. Bebo and Kitty were still on the ground floor, going over clothing options. They'd soon be joining the trio.
Anokhi had a list of things she needed to buy with her. Reema took a snap of it, and they both began looking for them here and there. They split up in the middle, as the shelves they passed through weren't far apart.
Mimi continued to look intently at the items as she walked alongside her mother, who sporadically pulled items off the shelves.
Meanwhile, the twins had finished choosing their outfits, and had ended up with two dresses of the same style that they had specifically matched for one another. They were about to join Anokhi and Reema in the first floor.
Reema, who was on the opposite side of the shelf from Anokhi, was also collecting the needed things.
She glanced at the phone screen and then looked around the shelf for something. Finally, the object she was looking for caught her eyes.
She reached out her hand for the brown sugar packet. After picking it up, she was about to put it in the basket when she felt something ticklish on her wrist.
"Aaaa !!..." she shrieked in horror the next moment, jerking away the pouch and closing her eyes.
She finally managed to calm her racing heart, and when she opened her eyes, a man was in front of her. The packet she had been holding just moments earlier was now in his hands.
With a raised brow, the man looked at her, amused by what she did.
"Aap ?..." Reema was surprised.
"Reema !!... Kya hua ??..." Anokhi came running, hearing her scream.
She, too, was taken aback when she saw the person standing in front of Reema. Bebo and Kitty had also arrived by that time.
"Polichhe uncle !!..." Mimi spoke up, amazed at seeing the man.
Ahir looked around in astonishment, and his lips curled into a smile as he saw familiar faces.
"Aap sabhi yha ?..." he said, smiling, walking over to them. The sugar pouch was still in his hands.
"ACP Ahir... Aap ?..." Anokhi spoke up.
"Jee Anokhi Ji..."
"Main toh yha shopping karne aaya tha..."
"Kya baat hai mujhe aap sab bhi mil gye yha..." bemused, he said.
"Vaise Reema Ji..." he turned to face her.
"Aapko kya hua ?..."
"Aap aise chillai kyun ? ..." He chuckled as he recalled the instance when Reema yanked the pouch away out of fear.
"Voh spider !..." Reema realised there was a spider on the shelf and sprinted away from it.
"Spider ?..." Anokhi whispered.
"Haan Anokhi..."
"Main vo brown sugar le rhi thi... Aur ek makdi mere haath par pta nhi kha se aa gyi..." Reema felt sickened.
Kitty and Bebo laughed as they saw their friend's disdain for that tiny insect.
"Tum log kya has rhe ho ?... Tumhe jaise darr nhi lgta naa..." retorted Reema.
Before any one of the twins could say something, Ahir spoke up, "Arre isme darne vaali kya baat hai..."
"Chhota sa hi to keeda hai... Kha thodina jaayega..." He laughed a bit as he handed the pouch back to Reema.
"Aap toh police vaale ho... Aapko nhi lgta hoga darr... Lekin mujhe to lagta hai..." Reema sneered, refusing to back down from her point as she took hold of the sugar pouch.
The banter made Anokhi and Betty laugh. Now Reema couldn't stop herself from laughing at her own cowardice. Ahir was the next to join them, and finally, our little girl did as well.
"He he he..." The cute giggles could be heard.
Ahir's attention was drawn there, and seeing the baby girl giggling warmed his heart.
"Hello Mimi..." He bent a little, "Kaise ho aap ?..." warmly, he asked.
"Main bilkul theek hoon Polichhe Uncle !... Aap kaichhe ho ?..." Mimi responded with the same warmth.
"Main bhi badhiyan hoon..." Ahir said nicely.
He then returned his attention back to the group of girls, and said, "Vaise aap sabhi yha ek saath ?..." He asked, intrigued as to if there was any special reason why they were all there.
"Voh aapko yaad hai ACP Ahir... Maine aapko btaaya tha humaare college mein food fest hone jaa rha hain..."
"Usi ke liye shopping karne aaye hai hum log..." Anokhi stated.
"Oh achcha..." Ahir remembered.
"Toh aap sab ek hi team mein hai lgta hain... Haina ?..." He added.
"Jee bilkul !..."
"Hum sab best friends hain... Jo bhi karte hain ek saath karte hain..." Reema cheerfully said.
Ahir also smiled, seeing the most excited friend among them, and he said, "Chaliye badhiya hai fir toh..."
"Is bahaane meri aap sabhi logo se firse mulakaat bhi ho gayi... Aur Mimi se bhi..." He gave a genuine smile to the baby girl.
"Vaise ACP Ahir... Aap yhi-khi rehte hain ?..." Kitty inquired out of the blue.
"Jee..."
"Main yhi rehta hoon paas mein..."
"Kabhi mauka nhi mila btaane ka Anokhi Ji... Aap jha PG mein rehti hain... Us mauhalle ke peechhe thoda andar jaakar jo flats haina... Main vhi rehta hoon..." he stated.
Anokhi was taken aback by listening to it, as she didn't know about it before.
"Iska matlab toh aap Anokhi ke padosi hue !!..." Reema exclaimed.
"Keh sakte hain..." Ahir chortled.
"Achcha toh aap sab jab mil hi gye hain... Toh kya mujhe is food fest ke baare mein jaanne ka saubhaagya praapt ho sakta hai kya ?..." Ahir said with humor while expressing interest in learning more about this fest.
Everyone laughed at his sarcasm, and they all started walking with him while telling him about the fest.
Bebo and Kitty let him know that this festival was something that took place every year at their college. Anokhi told him they would be practising together the next day. Reema, as usual, exuded great enthusiasm, saying that she was looking forward to the event and was very excited about all the fun that was in store.
Ahir listened to all of their conversations with pleasure and great interest. He told them to make the most of their college life as they were still students.
"Jo student life haina... Yeh vaapas nhi aayegi..."
"Toh aap jitna fun kar sakti hain life mein utna zaroori hain..."
"College ke in events mein participate krna... Kuch new try karna... Yhi toh hain student life ki khoobsurati..."
"Aur college ki duniye ke baahar bhi dekha jaaye... Aap toh itne achche... Itne bade sheher mein hain..."
"Ghumiye... Firiye... Achche-achche dost bnaaiye !..." Ahir said with a grin.
"Kya aap mere dost bnenge ?..." Reema was quick to say, listening to his advice about making new friends.
As soon as Ahir listened to this, he fell silent for a split second. His gaze instinctively moved towards Anokhi while saying, "Yeh toh aap apni dost se poochhiye Reema Ji..."
"Anokhi ji btaayingi ki yeh apne dost ko apni doosri dost se milvaana chaahti hain ya nhi..." he uttered. He felt flustered as he turned to look at Anokhi.
Reema's eyes widened in shock at his witty response.
"Bade smart ho aap ACP Ahir !..."
"Matlab itni safaayi se mujhe mana bhi kar diya aur bura bhi nhi lagne diya..." She was amused at his indirect answer.
Ahir laughed a bit, scratching the back of his neck.
"Achcha toh phir milte hai ACP Ahir..."
"Aapse milke achcha lga..." Anokhi said, as they were done with all the things.
"Mujhe bhi..." Ahir said with a smile while averting his eyes from Anokhi. Still a little "red-faced", he was attempting to avoid her eyes. Anokhi was blissfully unaware of all of this.
Following that, Anokhi, with her Shona, and her friends went to the counter to pay, while Ahir went to another section to gather the necessities he required.
After some more time, Ahir was also finished with his shopping. He reached for the counter and was about to move forward when he felt something under his boots.
He immediately looked down, raising his boots, and discovered a keyring over there. He reached for it, bending down. When he got his hands on it, he noticed it had a name engraved on it. He knew right away who it belonged to.
"Yeh to unka hai..." he said to himself.
He took a quick glance around. He dashed over to the other side, swirling his eyes around to see if she was still there, but he couldn't find her.
At last, he made up his mind to keep that to himself.
"Main ek kaam karta hoon..."
"Ise apne-paas rakh leta hoon... Unhe lauta doonga... " He felt obligated to return it to her, not bothered by the fact that it was just a "minor" item.
He dusted the keyring with his hands. Putting it inside his pocket, he went over to the counter, completed his billing, and then left for home...
"Mom !!..." Kitty exclaimed as she approached Gayatri, followed by Bebo. They had reached home and were excited to share their short, enjoyable experience with their Mom.
"Aapko pta hain Mom !..."
"Aaj naa hume Anokhi ke saath shopping mein bada maza aaya !!..."
"Bohot enjoye kiya hum sab ne..." Kitty expressed her happiness.
"Aur Mom aapko pta hain..." Bebo jumped in as well.
"Vha humaare saath ACP Ahir bhi the !!..."
"Unhone ne naa hume bada hasaaya... Kaafi fun loving type ke insaan hain vo..."
"Aur hume yeh baat aaj pta chali ki vo bhi vhi rehte hain Laado Sarai mein... Jha Anokhi ka PG haina... Vha par..."
"Achcha... Aisa kya..." Gayatri smiled as she listened to them while laying the bedsheet over the bed. She was happy to see her daughters so delighted. They were all unaware that someone was outside and had overheard their conversation.
As soon as Anokhi's name was registered in his ears, his legs on their own had come to a halt outside his sisters' room. Anything related to her piqued his interest, and so he had stopped outside to hear what his sisters were saying about Anokhi. Though he didn't have any bad intention of eavesdropping, it was just out of curiosity. Everything was fine until Bebo took Ahir's name. How he ended up connecting with Anokhi flummoxed Shaurya once more. The moment Bebo mentioned that Ahir lived "close" to Anokhi's PG, he was even more shocked.
He felt uneasy on coming to know about this, and he didn't know why.
Since a few days, he has been perplexed as to what happened to him each time the name of that ACP has been brought up. He was unsure of the reason behind his sudden strong dislike for Ahir. Moreover, it irritated him greatly to see Anokhi talking to Ahir, even over the phone.
Leaving everything else aside, he was now bothered by the recent news that Ahir was residing in Anokhi's neighbourhood. It didn't in any way appease him. Instead, it increased his annoyance.
"Yeh ACP toh sach mein uska padosi nikla..." Shaurya blabbered as he walked away with a grumpy face.
He had once remarked sarcastically that Ahir was Anokhi's neighbour, seeing the way both were conversing so nicely over the phone. It turned out to be true today, incidentally.
Shaurya had no idea that the next day would bring about something triggering that the "petty" resentment he had harbored against Ahir would explode violently...
The following day, on a Saturday morning, Raja left for Kapurthala, but not before showering his Nikki and Gulaab-Jaamun with his immense love.
He treasured the few days he spent there, and now it was time to go back. The moment was emotional, yet they knew everyone had to return to their normal routine.
Raja had wished the best of luck to his little sister for her future endeavours.
Anokhi hugged her brother, shedding tears as he would be returning. Mimi was also sad for her Momo. She kept hugging him until he tickled her, causing her to break the hug.
Raja poured out his love to his loved ones and left to board his train, not before handing some money to his sister. Anokhi had resisted a lot, but Raja, being the elder brother, asserted himself, and like always, she had to accept it in the end.
He knew that his sister was capable enough to bear her and Mimi's expenses, but he couldn't just dump all of the burden on her. He generously gave the money to his little sister, and eventually she had no choice but to accept it.
Anokhi hadn't told anyone in her family that she worked in the college canteen as well as for Swiggy. It had nothing to do with the "low" opinion of a large section of society about it; she just knew her parents and Veer Ji would be emotional if they found out about it. Hence, she has kept it a secret ever since and will continue to do so.
Nevertheless, Raja left in the early morning after saying his tearful goodbyes to Nikki and Gulaab-Jaamun.
A short while later, after gathering herself, Anokhi was prepared to buckle down for the upcoming task of food fest practice. Since she would need to stay at home for it, she had taken two leaves for today and the next day from Swiggy. She had quit the part-time job after that atrocious "library incident," when she was all ready to jettison everything behind and return to Kapurthala. However, when she had changed her mind, she contacted the manager a few days later and was able to get back to work.
It was soon afternoon, and her friends showed up.
After discussing together on what to make, how to make it and all, the friends started off with the task. They assisted each other whenever required and kept making dishes individually too.
Anokhi cooked "Shaam Savera" several times in small quantities until she achieved the flavour she desired. The South Indian dish "Masala Dosa", which is stuffed with fried onion and potato, was the next dish she experimented with. She put a lot of effort into getting the dosa's thin and crispy texture, and in addition, she made sambar with the optimum spiciness and taste.
Reema, on the other hand, was working on a dessert from her hometown of Kolkata called "Pithepuli". It was a dumpling-like dish with brads on end and stuffed with a coconut mixture. Every household in West Bengal prepares this dish during the winter because it is so well-liked.
Along with Anokhi and Reema, the twin sisters made for a striking yet wonderful scene in the kitchen.
Being kids of Sabharwals, Bebo and Kitty had no idea of the "concept" of kitchen. It would be hard for them to recall if they ever made even tea for themselves. Their mom, Kanchan Bhabhi, was there for everything, and they never did any chores. They were completely oblivious of all this, and were nervous about how they were going to contribute to their team. But they had their besties with them—Anokhi and Reema.
They both supported and comforted the twins, saying not to take tension because their goal wasn't to win the competition. Yes, it's true that everyone hopes to win the battle in which they participate, but that's not the "sole" reason for their participation. To be able to experience the joy of these events, to be able to work together as a team, to learn about each other's weaknesses and to help them polish and improve, these were more valuable to them than the tag of "winner".
After a lot of encouragement and support from their friends, Bebo and Kitty realized that the true beauty of the competition wasn't beating the opposition and coming in first place. It was more about working together as a "unit" to create memories of these rare occasions. They then resolved that whatever they did, they would put their entire soul into it.
After much negotiation among the friends, Bebo and Kitty were assigned the task of preparing "Indian snacks".
Bebo tried her hands on the famous snack of Gujarat, and that was none other than "Dhokla". She had a great time making it. Being a novice, she encountered many challenges, but Anokhi and Reema were there to help her throughout.
Likewise, it was the case with Kitty too. The "Samosa," regarded as the "king" of Indian snacks, was her choice for the snacks to be made. She was overjoyed when she finally got to shape the dough into a samosa after stuffing it with paneer and potatoes. She initially had trouble getting the desired outcomes. She couldn't get the crisp in the fried samosas. But she continued to make some variations in the dough, and at last, the desired product was yielded.
The cooking session was laborious as well as bizarrely joyful for both Bebo and Kitty. They had the opportunity to learn new things. They even thought it was unfair that their world was limited to a life of luxury and that they were never given the chance to carry out these small, simple tasks. For both sisters, it was a truly enjoyable and exciting learning experience that they both felt they would never have had the opportunity to have without the support of their friends, Anokhi and Reema.
The preparations for this small food fest event made them realize how much of a discrete world they were living in. It made them realize how odd it was in their house that they never helped with such menial tasks. Today's learning process evidenced to them that even these minor tasks require significant efforts. It made them realize how their lavish lifestyle had disconnected them from "ordinary" living. It made them feel how being born into an affluent family provides many amenities, but also takes away some seemingly insignificant valuables.
Nevertheless, they all laboured hard all the time and upgraded their skills wistfully.
The kitchen was always filled with the aroma of the dishes, and the mouth-watering dishes enticed them.
The most interesting aspect was that Mimi was appointed as their "judge," meaning she was the first to taste everything. Whatever Anokhi and her friends prepared, they fed it to the baby girl first before tasting it themselves.
Mimi was so ecstatic about having so much in one day that she was unable to contain her excitement. Her tiny stomach was now full, and she was overjoyed to be able to eat the delicious foods that her Momma and her Mauchhis had prepared. She relished everything. All of it !
"Hufffff !..." Kitty stepped out of the kitchen and thumped her body onto Anokhi's bed.
"Kamar mein dard ho gya yaar... Chala bhi nhi jaa rha... Bebo limped slowly on one foot towards the bed to join her sister.
Reema and Anokhi also drowsily sat down on the bed and let out a deep sigh.
Working from noon to evening had taken its toll. They had so much fun, but their energy had been drained as they gave it their all.
"Aaj kitna mjja aaya !!..."
"Kitna kuch yummy yummy khilaaya aapne !..."
"Mela petu toh bohot jaada bhal (bhar) gaya..." Mimi massaged her tiny tummy.
When the girl group saw the cute baby girl's antics, they burst out laughing and pulled her into bed with them. Mimi sat on her Momma's lap and laughed as well.
Anokhi and her friends had fed Mimi everything they made with their own hands. Mimi was thrilled after being showered with such overwhelming love. It had filled her heart.
Now that the day was coming to an end, it was time for the friends to return home.
The friends left after saying their goodbyes to Anokhi and Mimi, but not before reviving their drained souls with rejuvenating energy for the next day of their practice...
The next day of Sunday passed similarly to the previous day, with the advantage that the friends were able to refine their skills to a greater extent. They all learned a lot of new skills today, especially after seeing the insight into their mistakes from yesterday.
Nonetheless, this day was spent toiling hard by the friends, and they were charged with a completely new set of skills within them, ready for another adventure the next day.
The next day held something exciting for those taking part in the fest...
The next day dawned with the sun at its zenith, lighting up the entire sky.
SIEST was buzzing with activities because the food festival was only two days away. The preparations for it, therefore, were going on in full swing.
It was decided that the teams competing in the festival would be taken on a tour of the restaurants today, to give them a more in-depth understanding of the culinary arts. It was therefore a free day. Students were given time to do the decoration work till break time, and thereafter the teams would be taken for the tour.
Students were busy decorating the entire campus. Their enthusiasm and exuberance could be seen in the glow on their faces. The college campus was getting decked up in adornments, like it did whenever any event was held.
Large glittering letters, "SAVOURY CARNIVAL", adorned the big board present in the massive green land of SIEST. This was the title chosen by the teams for this year's food festival. The title alone was enough to make anyone's mouth water, let alone the real luscious foods that awaited in the fest.
Frames, posters, artworks, and other such items graced the pillars of SIEST. Students were rushing around, trying to finish today's portion of work as soon as possible.
Every team was assigned a spot on the ground to set up their tent in order to make an area for the shops where they would sell their foods.
Anokhi was seated near the spot where her team's tent had been erected. She was creating a poster with the "name" of the shop that her team would be leading. She came up with the title herself, and her friends enthusiastically approved of it because of its interesting connection to the "strategy" they had chosen for the fest.
Anokhi was occasionally smiling at her Shona, who was sitting beside her, watching her with keen interest.
Drawing was her favorite hobby, so she was having a wonderful time watching her Momma draw something.
"Muje bhi kuch kalna hai..."
"Muje bhi koi kaam do naa..." she said cutely, as she wanted to do something to help her Mumma.
"Kya karna hain Mimi Shona ?..." Anokhi asked endearingly, scribbling the pencil on the paper.
"Kuch bhi Mumma..."
"Peeshh muje bhi koi kaam do naa..."
"Main bhi aapki madad kalungi..." she said lovingly.
Anokhi couldn't help but smile at Shona's eagerness to help her. She looked here and there to look for any small task for her baby girl when her eyes landed on a table some distance away.
"Mimi Shona..."
"Vo jo table haina... Uske oopar do box rakhe hue hai... Aap vo le aaoge ?..." This seemed like the perfect task for little Shona.
While listening to her Mumma, Mimi looked in the direction and noticed a table with decoration stuffs on it. Next to them were the two boxes her Momma had asked her to bring. She noticed one was of sketch pens and the other was a small, non-transparent one.
"Theek hai Mumma !..." Mimi joyfully leapt to her feet.
"Main abbi lekal aati hoon..." She ran off towards the table excitedly on the prospect of getting to help her Momma.
Anokhi smiled, and then looked down at her drawing which was almost nearing its completion and she needed to color it for which she had asked Mimi to fetch the sketch pens.
Mimi walked over to the table, and picked up the two boxes with her little fingers. She was about to go back, when the small box fell on the ground scattering all the drawing pins all around.
Anokhi was engrossed in her drawing, hence it missed her notice.
Mimi thought about what to do now. She considered she should collect the pins first. Placing the sketch pen set back on the table, she moved towards the spot where the drawing pins were lying scattered. Kneeling down, she was about to pick up one of the pins when a big hand caught her little one midway.
Mimi innocently looked up, only to find a person in front of her.
"Laddooooo..." Her lips curled into a smile.
"Princess utho..." Shaurya gently held his Princess's hand and made her to stand.
Mimi stood up, perplexed as to why her Laddoo stopped her from grabbing the pins.
Shaurya took the small box from Mimi's hand, picked up all the pins one by one, and placed them back in the box. He couldn't risk his Princess's delicate hands getting even the slightest scratch while collecting the pins, so he did it himself.
"Aap iske saath kya kar rhe the Princess..." softly, he asked, as he rose from his kneeling position.
"Main to Mumma ke liye kalal (color) lene aayi thi Laddoo... Aul ye gil gaya tha..." Mimi innocently explained.
Hearing about her "Mumma", Shaurya looked around and found Anokhi standing near a tent, doing something with the hammer while standing on a stool. He furrowed his brows in consternation as to what she was doing.
"Main ye Mumma ko dekal aau Laddoo ?..." Mimi's voice broke him out of his trance.
Shaurya looked at her and saw that she was waiting for his approval so that she could go back to her Momma.
He thought he should hold those items and accompany her to her Mumma, thinking what if again the boxes fell from her little hands.
"Princess..."
"Aap ye mujhe pakda do... Main lekar aata hoon..." he said softly.
Mimi thought she should obey her Laddoo, so she handed over the things to him. He then accompanied her over to Anokhi.
"Mumma Mumma..."
"Dekho Laddoo bhi aaye hai mele chaath..." Mimi gladly announced.
As soon as Anokhi turned towards her Shona, she found him behind her. It caused her to completely turn around. She noticed him holding the two boxes she had asked Mimi to bring her.
Shaurya approached her and handed her the things without saying a word. She took them silently.
"Mumma..."
"Vo ye dibba naa mele haath chhe gil gaya tha..." she pointed at the small one, "Fil Laddoo ne meli madad ki..."
"Unhone keel ko ikaththa kalke dibbe mein vaapachh daal diya..." Mimi explained everything thoroughly.
Anokhi finally understood what had occurred and his purpose for being there. She mumbled a small "thank you" to him out of lack of anything better to say.
"Th... ank you Sir..." Averting her eyes, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Hmmm..." This was all Shaurya had to say.
Anokhi then stood there, stealing a few glances at him as she waited for him to leave so she could get back to work.
Shaurya felt he should go as he was done with the work, though a craving was bugging him to stay there a while more and see what she was doing with the hammer. But thinking it would be awkward, he had just turned to go when his Princess interrupted.
"Aap tholi del lukoge nayi Laddoo ?..."
"Meli Mumma ghal ko chhaja lahi hai... Aap bhi dekhoge ? ... Aapko maja aayega..." Mimi exclaimed ecstatically, referring to the tent as "house".
Shaurya couldn't say no to his Princess, nor did he want to leave so soon. He couldn't wait to see what his Princess's Momma was up to, especially with that hammer. So he decided to make use of the opportunity and stay a little longer.
He avoided looking at the other person present and said, "Aap keh rhe ho toh thodi der aur ruk jaata hoon Princess", as if he were staying back only for his Princess and not for her.
"Yayyyyy !!...." Mimi gave a joyful clap.
Seeing Shona happy brought a small smile to Anokhi's face as well. She came to the realization that she would have to carry on working in his presence since he wouldn't be leaving.
She walked over to where her drawing sheets were on the ground and placed the boxes there. After that, she moved towards the wooden plank that was supporting one end of the tent, where she had been hammering a nail for the past few minutes in order to put up LED lights with it as support. But she kept failing because the nail would twist in the middle.
Despite this, she planned to keep trying until she succeeded. She climbed the stool again, this time with determination, and began hammering the nail onto the plank.
The spectators, Shaurya and Mimi, continued to watch her actions.
Shaurya noticed that she was incorrectly pressing the hammer against the nail, causing the nail to bend. She wasn't applying pressure to the nail at the proper point, he realized.
He then noticed her throwing away the damaged nail and reaching for another. Later, he saw that the following nail had also been discarded, joining the previous one.
Now he felt compelled to lend her a hand, believing that if she continued hammering in that manner, she would either fall off the stool or injure her fingers at some point.
He cleared his throat and looked around, noting that there were fewer people around.
Anokhi's hands came to a halt when she heard him clear his throat. She felt as if he was trying to say something. She had just turned around to glance at him when he spoke up something that irked her peaceful mind to its very core.
He reached out to her, saying, "Laao mujhe do..."
"Tumse nhi hoga..."
Anokhi was furious upon hearing this statement.
How could he say that ??!! Doesn't he consider himself too much superior ??
Shaurya had reached her by then, and had his hand extended for the hammer to be handed over to him. The next thing he knew, a pair of eyes were glaring at him.
"Aap rehne deejiye Sir..."
"Main khud kar sakti hoon..." Anokhi snapped back, curtly.
"Vo to dikh rha hain tum kitna kar sakti ho..." Shaurya was also not ready to back off.
Anokhi was pissed at him that he was being mean to her.
Mimi was watching in innocence because she couldn't make out what her Momma and Laddoo were arguing about.
"Dekho..."
"Tumhaare hi achche ke liye keh rha hoon..."
"Vo hathaura mujhe do... Main help kar deta hoon..."
"Mujhe stool ki bhi zaroorat nhi padti..." He ended with a sarcastic remark.
Listening to this, Anokhi had lost her cool. Until now, he was trying to put her down, and now he was making fun of her short height.
It was enough !
"Aap mera mazaak uda rhe hai ??..." Her cute button nose puffed up.
"Nhi toh-..."
"Mujhe kisi ke bhi help ki zaroorat nhi hai !... Main khud hi kar loongi..." She returned to her work on the plank, royally ignoring him.
Shaurya was pestered that she refused to listen to him despite his repeated sayings.
Anokhi made an effort this time with all of her might and concentration. She attempted to hammer the nail again, but the uneven surface of the wood plank prevented the nail from passing through. She couldn't even fully focus on the nail because he was standing next to her, staring at her.
Shurya was quietly watching her actions and seeing how she would accomplish what she had declared to him.
Anokhi tried to look at him out of the corner of her eyes while hammering the nail again. She was getting nervous because she had gallantly proclaimed to him that she could do it, but now she was beginning to feel that it wasn't her cup of tea.
"Aahhh !..."
"Dhyaan se !!..." Shaurya caught hold of her just in time as she was about to fall from the wobbling stool.
"Mumma !!!..." Mimi sprinted to her Momma's recuse.
Anokhi had almost fallen off the stool after losing her balance after having her finger hurt by the hammer, but Shaurya caught her in time and helped her down.
Anokhi's injured hand was instinctively held by him just when she had shrieked. Her other hand was still on his shoulder for support.
Before Shaurya could start scolding her, his Princess had already reached there.
"Mumma ! Mumma !..."
"Aapko chot lagi ??..."
"Dikhaao muje dikhaao..."
"Dald ho laha hai aapko Mumma ?..." Mimi's voice broke as she reached near her Momma and tried to inspect her hands.
Shaurya and Anokhi immediately distanced themselves.
"M... Main theek hoon Shona..."
"Kuch nhi hua..." Anokhi found it difficult to form words because her finger was actually hurting.
"Haath dikhaao Mumma..."
"Aapko chot lagi... Haina Mumma ?..." With her baby fingers, Mimi softly caressed her Momma's hand, placing her lips there as if kissing the wound to sooth it.
Before Anokhi could bask in the touching moment, a sharp reprimand startled her.
"Ho gya ab tumhaara ?!..."
"Lagva li naa chot !..."
"Kab se keh rha tha ki mujhe do... Main kar deta hoon... Lekin nhi !... Tumhe toh humesha khud ki karni hoti hain..."
"Princess..." The next thing he knew, he was looking at his Princess.
"Aap na apni Mumma ko bolo... Humesha khud ki chalaana sahi nhi hota..." He was furious because, if she would have listened to him, her finger wouldn't have been banged up.
Hearing her Laddoo, Mimi looked at her Mumma innocently. She didn't know what to say to her Momma. She was only in pain because her Mumma was.
On the other hand, Anokhi was enraged after hearing him. She was annoyed that he was indirectly taking a dig at her through her baby girl. She was now exasperated by his temerity in belittling her over the last few minutes.
"Shona..."
"Aap apne Laddoo ko keh do... Main bilkul theek hoon..."
"Unhe mujhe kuch btaane ki zaroorat nhi..." she scowled.
Mimi then looked at her Laddoo innocently. She had become a mediator in the scuffle between the two. This little one didn't know what to say to whom. The poor soul was in puzzlement.
Here was Shaurya looking at Anokhi in shock. He was gob smacked that she had the audacity to call him by the name of "Laddoo", that too when he was standing in front of her.
He was his professor man ! But she didn't seem to be afraid of him.
Does she call other professors also, by their nicknames ??? Or was she like that only around him ?
Kanchan, who was also in college today to monitor the preparations, had arrived on the ground in search of Shaurya Bhaiya and was giggling from a distance.
"Yeh teeno kitne cute lag rhe hain..." she chuckled to herself.
"Tum yhi khadi rho !... Aur ye mujhe do..." Kanchan noticed Shaurya snatching the hammer from Anokhi's hand.
Anokhi had no choice but to remain silent because he had already snatched the hammer. Given her injured finger, she couldn't even muster the courage to do it herself.
"Haath dikhaao ek minute..." The next instant, Shaurya's tone softened as he gently took Anokhi's hand in his and examined the wound.
Anokhi was startled at his touch and immediately pulled her hand away.
"M... Main theek hoon..."
"Zyaada nhi lagi hai..." she tried to hide the scrape on her skin.
"Haan aap toh super woman hai... Aapko kaise lagegi..." He took her finger once more in his hold and looked at it.
Anokhi had to give up in front of his hold.
Shaurya noticed that her nail was bleeding from where it had been cut. Even though the injury wasn't on his skin, he felt a twinge of pain upon seeing that.
Anokhi kept staring at him in silence as she observed how delicately he was holding her finger and how concerned his eyes were. Wait ! Why were those eyes filled with worry ?
"Tum jaao..." After some time, Anokhi heard him say this.
"K... Kha jaaun ?..." Anokhi looked perplexed.
"Medical room aur kha ?..." Shaurya retorted.
"Medical room ?..."
"Ye itni si chot ke liye main medical room jaaungi ?..." she was bewildered.
"Jee haan !..." Shaurya admonished her sternly.
"Lekin Sir-..."
"Princess..." Shaurya then approached Mimi, preventing Anokhi from saying anything else.
Anokhi's brow furrowed as she noticed him bending down and whispering something into her Shona's ears. She noticed him pointing to the other side while whispering to Shona, as if giving her some info.
After a while, she saw her Shona nearing her and taking her hand in her little ones'.
"Mumma Mumma... Chalo..."
"Main aapko Doctal aunty ke paachh lekal jaaungi..."
"Aapko chot lagi haina... Aapko dald ho laha hoga naa..."
"Aap peeshh chalo..."
"Laddoo ne muje btaaya... Doctal aunty uchh talaf milegi..." Mimi said truthfully, expressing her extreme concern.
Anokhi looked at him stunned after listening to her Shona. She was astounded to realise that he had used her baby girl to compel her, knowing full well that she wouldn't be able to rebel her daughter. She was taken aback by his astute demeanor.
Shaurya kept his gaze away from hers. He knew she wouldn't be able to say no to Mimi, so he had told his Princess about the nurse room's location so that she could lead her Momma there.
Anokhi knew that she had no choice but to follow her Shona. Giving up her tenacity, she eventually had to leave for the nurse room.
Before going, she once again looked at him.
"Iski chinta mat karo tum..." Shaurya spoke up by himself.
"Yeh main kar doonga... Tum jaao...", he said, referring to the pending nail work.
Anokhi had nothing else to say. She knew he wouldn't leave without sending her to the nurse's room, nor would she be able to deny her Shona.
Holding Shona's hand in hers, she left for the medical room.
After Anokhi left, Shaurya moved toward the tent to begin the work. He took another nail from the container and hammered against it. He was able to accomplish that in a single stroke.
Kanchan had been silently observing all of this with awe.
On the day when Raja had exposed Shaurya's liking for coffee made by Anokhi, she had hypothesised an "imaginary theory" in her mind regarding them.
After witnessing them argue today and Mimi mediating the conflict, she couldn't help but think that the scene resembled a "sweet family" of three. They were quarrelling in such a way that it appeared as though a couple was fighting and their little child was caught in the middle of it for no reason.
Shaurya Bhaiya's gesture of concern for Anokhi's injury bolstered her imaginary theories even more. It was so cute for her that her Shaurya Bhaiya had grown to know Anokhi so well that he knew asking Mimi to take her Momma to the nurse room would work better than him asking Anokhi to do the same.
Kanchan had no idea where or how she was getting these "GROUND-BREAKING THEORIES" in her head. She was even beyond shocked at herself, wondering how she had the "guts" to refer to Shaurya, Anokhi, and Mimi as "FAMILY".
She only knew that it felt this way to her.
She didn't know whether the thoughts she had conjured up would actually materialize or not. She had no idea whether what she was thinking was actually possible or not. She didn't know if there was even a 0.1 percent probability of her theory coming true.
All she had were HOPES.
Hopes that were high... Touching the heights of the sky.
Hopes that seemed delusive... That if expressed to others, they would find it amusive.
Her hopes, however, saw no end to evolution... She believed that on its way was a REVOLUTION...
How was it ?
Do tell me in comments 😊