Hey guys thanks for your kind words on last part. I'm happy to know that you all enjoyed it throughly. I hope everyone will be continue to enjoy this short story 😊.
An advance apology for not adding English subtitles since I'm unwell today. Will add English translations in day or two.
Till enjoy reading it and share your precious votes and opinions like always.
Take care
Aarohi 😊
"Welcome back Subbu Kanna. I'm so happy to see you son." Lakshmi Srikrishnan peaked her son forehead after settling comfortably in hired taxi. Lakshmi was pretty excited to see her son who was coming back to India after whole two years and herself came to receive him. Being mother she was worried for younger son and her concern were not waste. She wished a better life for her son but his marriage was on stake now, she never thought her younger son will be think to break his marriage after having an adorable son.
"Subbu Kanna you shouldn't make decisions in haste. Think once."
"Amma ismein kya sochna. Main aur Ragini khush nahi hai ek doosre ke saath. Maine soch liya hai main yahan se vaapis jaakar Ragini ko mere decision ke baare mein bata doonga. Mujhe yeh baat pehle hi samjh leni chahiye thi ki main Ishita ke bina kabhi khush nahi reh paaunga."
"Subbu tum kyon uske baare mein soch rahe ho. Vaise bhi ab uski bhi shaadi ho chuki hai. Chod do na uske baare mein sochna. Vaise bhi hai kya uske paas..."
"Aapke bete ki khushi Amma. Mujhe pehle hi sochna chahiye tha ki koi bhi khushi barah saal ke pyar se zyada badi nahi ho sakti."
"Aise nahi kehte subbu."
"Amma aap please Vandita Anni ke Seemantham par concentrate karo. I just came here to relieve my mind. That's it" Through rest of journey Subramanyam chose to look outside avoiding his mother. Otherside Lakshmi sank in her worries, she didn't disclosed Ishita arrival infront of subbu but now he will meet her anyway much to her annoouyence.
How can a complete man find his happiness in barren lady? Lakshmi was unable to get the only thing. She knew Ishita from the time her elder son started dating his wife. She was a beautiful intelligent teenager when she first met her in family function. She liked the girl but never had an idea that her younger son lost his heart to sixteen years old teen and both started to weave dreams for there future. She was OK when Subbu expressed his wish to get married with Ishita, she saw Ishita as beautiful woman and the idea having her as daughter in law delighted her but she can't accept a barren girl as his son wife. No mother will accept such girl for her son, she did what is appropriate for her son but now her own decisions looked wrong. Subbu decision of divorce disappointed her badly, the old lady had idea about her son wish as well. She remembered how his eyes twinkled with unsaid happiness when she casually shared the relationship Ishita shared with her punjabi husband.
Do her son wished to rekindle the old love he shared once with Ishita?
The mere thought of same scared her. Beads of sweat covered her forehead and she continued to lost in her web of thoughts till rest of journey.
************
"Ishu dekh na sarees. Tujhe koi pasand nahi aa rahi hai kya?"
"Nahi Akka I'm looking na."
"Are dekh na kitne acche acche patterns hai kanjivaram ke."
Yeh tumhara Tamil association ka hall nahi hai jahan tum thaan lapet ke baalon mein guldasta laga ke rumba rumba karke aa jaao. Yeh ek elite party hai, lounge mein toh please meri izzat ko band mat bajana.
Yeh baalon mein guldasta lagana zaroori hai kya? Aisa lag raha hai ki garden saath mein hai.
Ek toh tum na yeh saree change karo. Meri Maa lag rahi ho.
Haan ladke yahi soch rahe the aiyaa....jawaano ki party mein aunty kahan se aa gayi.
There were numerous taunts she received on her nine yards thaan from her husband and Ishita wondered what probable comment he would have passed if he was with her now. Her elite CEO husband never was fan of her sarees and never left a chance to mock on her same, Ishita remembered him making fun of her sarees on next day of there marriage when she asked him for cupboard. For normal peoples his taunts sounded wry but there fights were meant more then fun for them. His sarcastic remarks over her dresses left her smiled. Ishita shook her head recalling things and
Jab saree hi lapetni hai toh meri pasand ki lapet lo, shayad mujhe acchi lagne lago for a change.
Meri heartbeat ko thoda aur tez kar do Dr Ishita.
Wear this ♡
Ishita remembered the first love letter her husband send her with the pink saree he had sent her for there there first date. The pretty magenta pink saree he chose for that evening was something she can't forget. Raman himself dressed in perfect tuxedo and took her for there first proper date as a couple. They wanted to inhabit there limitations that night and become one but only managed to get their first kiss. Ishita remembered his rough lips against her, the way he held her securely in his arms, rested his lips over her trembling one, smooched leisurely and then mingled his tongue with her. The series of kisses were intimate for them which left her panted, being beginner first she found hard to match him but soon she learnt the art of kissing and participated equally with him. The hesitation didn't allowed them to do something more and they slept in each other arm with the challenge who will confess first in there mind.
"Akka......."
"Haan? Kya hua?"
"Akka choose something na. How long you're going to take?"
"I don't know anything. I already have so many sarees. I don't think I want anything for this function. I will wear something from sarees I have."
"Mihika stop bothering Ishu. Kanna come here choose some designs from these outlets. Me and your Appa want to gift something to you and Vandu." Ishita started to go through different catalogues which had pictures of different gold jewelleries. The designs mostly belonged from typical madrasi culture, something which do not appealed Ishita much. It wasn't her fault anyway, from the time she got married her jewellery preferences shifted on delicate kundan, diamond, platinum from heavy gold jewellery.
The ring on her ring finger was the proof of same.
Ishita badly missed her Ravan Kumar this time and secretly wished to have him with her. She made face after seeing how Mihika was consulting to Mihir while selecting stuffs and her Jiju was with her Akka to help her in everything and she remained as confused fellow who's husband was a call away but she can't even ask for help from him.
"Kanna kaise kar rahi ho tum. Atleast select something. Kanjivaram or jwellery."
"I'm sorry Amma but mujhe nahi samjh aa raha. Bohot confusing hai yeh sab."
"Agar main help kar doon toh?" The colors from all the faces drained hearing a voice which they didn't heard from last three years. Ishita gulped her saliva hard and looked at the man who was just behind her, sat over his knees with inclined posture hovering over her. Ishita immediately shifted in opposite side with racing heart and shook her head another time to believe on the presence of person.
Subbu.
"Ishu that's a pleasent surprise. I can't believe I will see you after so many years. How are you? And how's everything going?"
*********
First love always meant to be special and precious but the first love can't be true love always. Ishita realised the same fact long back especially ever since she fell in love with her little next to door neighbour and got married with her whiny father. The defination of love is different for every person and Ishita Bhalla is no exception. Her heart which died long back started to beat, learned to love again. The memories of first love faded from her mind, replaced with numerous memories they lived together, not romantic but the crazy one. Ishita sat over her bed with amusement how unexpectedly she bumped with her ex, the same who made her fall for him madly, with one she dreamt for her future but do his presence affect her anymore?
Ishita knew the answer very well, it was a pure denial but at same time she realised her reaction shouldn't be same. She needed to keep a calm face and steady self infront of him.
Raman gussa bhi toh ek ehsaas hi hai na. Agar aap Shagun ke liye kuch mehsoos hi nahi karte toh phir yeh gussa bhi kyon? Aap normal raho na...
Ishita smiled recalling her own advice she poured in her husband ears once. She looked at the picture of her husband and daughter in phone and then the hue spread over her cheeks. She feel proud on her husband for behind the reason for same.
"Ishu.....gate khol na...kahan hai tu?"
"Coming Akka" Vandita was desperate to see her young sister who disappeared after the short encounter with Subramanyam. The man who acquired a major part of her heart once and later broke it into pieces. Vandita remembered all those years which Ishita passed in tears of not having her love with her and mourning over her incapability of bearing child, feeling herself inferior from others and chose to isolate herself from relatives and friends. Although many of there relatives blamed Ishita fate for her broken alliance but Vandita and Bala were happy with Ishita broken marriage with a spineless man. She was happy seeing her sister practicing as successful pediatric dentist in Delhi and leaving a happy life along her husband, with the man who got married with her for his own convince but not for once made her feel lesser then anyone, who chose to stand with her whenever she needed him.
Vandita was happy that her sister became Ishita Raman Bhalla.
"Akka......kahan kho gaye?" Ishita loud voice helped Vandita coming out from her zone. She hugged her baby sister with love who was looking at her with amusement.
"You are OK right? I don't know how this jerk came here. Seriously Ishu. We didn't meant to hurt you."
"Easy Akka. Aap baitho yahan and just hear me patiently.." Ishita made her sisters sit on double bed and herself kneeled infront of them, "he is my past Akka and past is past. Ek samay tha jab subbu ki presence mujhe affect karti thi but not anymore. Waqt ke saath sab badal jata hai rishtein aur yaadein bhi. Waqt ke saath meri zindagi mein Raman aa gaye hai and he effortlessly replaced my old memories with his care and love. Akka subbu is out from my system. Meri nayi zindagi bas ab Raman aur Roohi ki hai aur main bohot khush hoon ismein Akka. Bohot khush....."
"Ishu tu mera dil rakhne ke liye toh yeh sab..." Vandita voice hinted fear and doubt.
"Obviously no Akka. He don't mean anything to me. He is just a phase jo beet gaya hai. And moreover he is your brother in law as well na, Jiju ka bhai hai woh you can't just shoo him away because of me. Rehne do bechare ko yahan." Ishita winked at last which made three of them giggle and they hugged each other.
"But Ishu Akka agar usne aapko trouble kiya toh main uske daant tod doongi." Mihika showed mock punch with her closed fist.
"Done. Vaise bhi he is dentist. Khud ke daant khud hi repair kar lega." Vandita joined Mihika and trio shared another series of laughter.
"Vaise Ishu Akka Jiju ke love se aapki life kaise change hui? I mean aap toh Jeeju ko pasand hi nahi karti ho na phir yeh love wali memories kaise aa gayi?" Ishita giggles remained in her throat hearing Mihika mischievous remark. She looked at her sisters who had playful grin over there lips and eyes filled with curiosity.
"Kuch bhi. I meant Raman ki care and Roohi ka love. Samjhe. Us Ravan Kumar ko zyada importance mat do. Khadoos hai woh ek number ke." They all three clearly knew Ishita didn't meant the words she uttered and both smiled inwardly with delight over the changing dimensions.
**************
Subramanyam opinions had changed for Ishita after a brief meeting of seconds in living area in there home. She left place quickly but he was unable to get over with her, her appealing lavender scent left him in a spell. Ishita had changed a lot in these years, she was no longer a skinny geeky dentist he knew, her body became curvaceous, with the little extra fat at appropriate places, her conservative chiffon saree wrapped around her body was able to make anyone go weak. Ishita Iyyer was no longer woman he rejected once, she transformed for good and he loved every bit of her. Subramanyam determination firmed more, he knew by the end of the function he will make Ishita his, again.
A frown replaced his sadistic grin when he saw his wife name flashing on screen interrupting his thoughts.
"Hello." He answered call with not so welcoming tone.
"Just called to ask you about your whetherbounds." An equally pissed Ragini replied from other side.
"I'm safe and with my peoples."
"Great then enjoy. Your divorce lawyer came at home and he just wanted to confirm about our decision."
"Its confirm Ragini. There is no sense to live in a relationship which have no future. I will bear your education expenses till last and yes I want Karthik custody as well."
"No way. You can't do this with me."
"You can meet him always ragini but yes I know a lady who will be perfect for his mother. You can complete your degree and pursue your career as well." Subramanyam disconnected call and sensing someone presence behind him. He found his mother on doorway with the tray of food.
"Kanna bahu ka phone tha na? Kya baat hui tum dono mein? Ragini divorce nahi legi na tumse?"
"Amma please. Main nahi hoon compatible uske saath. Vaise bhi she is career oriented and never wanted to get married and always wanted to work in some good MNC and I wanted to give her that aur vaise bhi maine usse keh diya hai ki Karthik ki custody mere paas aayegi."
"Subbu!!! Aisa kyon bol rahe ho beta? Karthik bohot chota hai abhi. Woh kaise rahega apni Maa ke bina?"
"Uski sagi Maa ke alawa bhi bohot log hai jo uski care kar sakte hai. So aap rehne do. Vaise bhi main aaj bohot khush hoon, aaj saalon baad Ishu ko dekh ke bohot accha laga."
"Subbu pagal mat bano. Married hai woh ab."
"Jaanta hoon Amma aur yeh bhi jaanta hoon ki woh khush nahi hai is shaadi se. Main jaanta hoon mujhe kya karna hai. I just want you to help me agar kar sako toh..."
*****************
"OK so now we will enact next scene. Ishu Akka ready?"
"Yes sir. So what's the scene?"
"Vandy Akka and Bala Jeeju ka first rain dance jo in logo ne college ke garden mein kiya tha aadhi raat mein." Ishita Mihika started to laugh seeing there elder sister who was blushing. The entire cousin clan decided to continue there rehearsals for Vandita babyshower day and assembled in one spare guest room at second floor. Mihika being the youngest sister was aware about the minute details of her sister love story and decided to reveal some secret stories of there dating days.
"Vaise Akka aapne konsi song pe dance kiya tha. Jeeju ke saath?" Ishita winked at her pregnant sister who blushed another time seeing her rest of cousin who were staring at her with curious eyes.
"Please Ishu. Atleast tu baksh de mujhe. Aur haan jab aap pyar mein ho na tab kisi music ki zaroorat nahi hoti hai. Kuch kuch apne aap hone lagta hai."
Ab yeh kuch kuch moment wali baat sabko batana mat. Kuch moments aapas mein hi acche lagte hai.
Every couple faces a time when they live the moment which becomes reason of there closeness later. Being tied in arranged marriage Ishita hardly expected anything from her husband in beginning but with passing months as his inner layers started to unfold Ishita met a new Raman Bhalla, completely different from the arrogant man she knew. Ishita remembered Vandita Bala anniversary night when everyone started to share there first kuch kuch hota hai moment and she had nothing to speak.
Aao......main bhi toh dekhoon ki main wakai kitna khadoos hoon.
Her husband is the living version of those mysterious tall dark and handsome hero's of Milli & Boons Novels she read in her teenage days but she always tried to keep herself away from him thinking about his past. Ishita Raman took months to overcome from there insecurities and coming close with each other. The night when they swayed in each other arms that was not for anyone but that act was for there own self.
There was no Roohi, no Shagun, no media, no family. The sudden rain that night bloomed new emotions in them and left the imprints of new relation in them.
"Ishu Akka we will dance on kabhi jo badal barse song. Accha hai na? Sexy and romantic sa..." Ishita became nervous suddenly hearing the song in background.
"Ermmm koi aur gaana nahi choose kar sakte kya?" Ishita fiddled with end of her saree pallu trying hard to avoid her sister demand.
"Are ismein kya problem hai but? And sab ko pasand hai yeh song. Maine na mast touchy touchy steps soche hai. Mazaa aayega, aap na woh red saree pehen lo plain chiffon wali and I will wear Bala Jeeju old T-shirt and pant aur maine fake moustaches bhi mangwa li hai."
I can't tell you everything Mihika but this song holds so many memories for me and I don't want to dance with you. I just want Raman with me. Just Raman.
Ishita sat up with reluctance and followed Mihika for quick change meanwhile Subramanyam who was passing through the room eavesdropped about the dance plan made by siblings and something came in his mind.
*********************
"Ouch!!! Aiyoo murugan. It's paining so much Akka." Mihika loud wince made everyone father near her. Ishita kneeled near Mihika and observed her feet closely which turned red after her sudden fall. After knowing that all the males of the family were not at home Mihika gave idea to do practice in fresh air. Mihika was good and actively practised the act until she tripped with a stone and fell with sudden jerk. Her ankle twisted badly which caused sprain in her feet. Ishita helped Mihika walking back till room and made her comfortable over couch.
The sibling gang became sad after hearing Mihika had no permission to strain her ankle atleast for a week and the declaration was made everyone laid in worry.
"Akka I'm sorry for ruining your babyshower act."
"Don't be stupid Mihika. Pehle apna ankle dekho phir yeh sab bolna. We will perform this act some other time." Ishita scolded her sister and sprayed pain reliever balm on her feet.
"Nahi yaar Akka. We were decided to perform this act na phir?"
"Its OK Mihika. First watch your health." Vandita voiced her concern seeing the reddened ankle.
"Koi toh hoga na jo Bala Jiju ka role kar lega. In short time."
For every problem there is a solution lakshmi, Vandita mother in law appeared at correct moment and suggested her younger son name as a replacement, "Subbu and Bala shares so many common looks. He will look perfect as Bala. Kyon subbu will you participate in this act?"
Mihika and vandita wasn't concerned about Subbu answer but there sister reaction do bothered them. Already Subramanyam sudden arrival landed them in huge dilemma and now none of them was ready for another Ishita subbu encounter. Vandita looked at Ishita who face hinted fear first but later her muscles relaxed. They played the music and soon Subramanyam and Ishita were infront of one another.
Ishita chose to be neutral not for anyone but for herself. She tied her hairs in tight bun and calmed her breaths before meeting her eyes with Subramanyam. Ishita recalled herself about her own words and then looked at Subramanyam who was looking at her with curious eyes.
"It's OK Akka. The show must go on. I can dance with him as well. Its just an act."
Ishita tried to sound confident but she knew she can't. No matter how she pretend but she can't be comfortable with a mere stranger. She agreed to perform play to encourage her sister but the truth can't be changed. She can't imagine to dance with intimate steps with her ex fiance. She badly wished to have her husband with her.
Subramanyam can't thank his stars enough seeing his ex fiance stood infront of him in sensuous saree. When he saw her passing past his room he forgot to breath, the sheer red chiffon saree revealed her every curve which she wished to see in his dating period. Subramanyam took minutes to believe that the woman just went is his ex fiance who always wear cotton kurti pyjami on there dates and now she was bold and confident enough to carry the sexiest piece of cloth. He mentally thanked his mother who kept stone in middle of garden in such a way so that Mihika ankle sprained and he became knight in shining armour.
"So what is the next step Mihika?" Subramanyam asked in little loud voice, enough to get everyone attention.
"You....you have to keep your hands on Akka waist and then twirl her in a way so that her back faces your chest.."
Ishita body freezed hearing the next step they have to perform. It was OK till holding hands but her conscious didn't allowed her to let him touch on her waist. Ishita closed her eyes tightly when Subbu started to twirl her and she never realised when she landed in pair of arms which closely secured her body. The manly grip over her exposed waist felt known to her.
"IshiMa"
The loud squeal made Ishita open her eyes with jerk and she almost jumped with joy seeing herself in her husband arms and her little daughter cheering them while jumping with joy.
"Raman" Ishita caressed his jaw with love.
"Ishita" his voice thickened and he tightly secured her in his strong arms something she yearned as well.