Chapter 12 : fitting

Aadarsh had barely announced that Ruhaani had sent something for them, placing the carrier bags on the dining table when his excited folks had started unpacking it. 

"I think it's cupcakes for me!" Mukti announced climbing on to the table. Her excitement amazed Aadarsh.

"Muks baby, Bhaiya said it's for all of us. I am the elder one so let me unpack it." Ashvi spoke unpacking the box, bossing over her little sister.

Mukti made a face and folded her arms. She turned to the woman who had just emerged from the kitchen, "DJ, when will I be the elder one?" 

"When your Bhaiya marries your Ruhaani Bhabhi and Pari becomes a part of our family, dear." DJ answered, trying to help Ashvi open the bakery box. Aadarsh wordlessly observed them. In retrospect, he should have taken something for Pari too. 

"Yes, I knew it!" Mukti shouted with glee. "It's cupcakes for me."

"It's for all of us." Ashvi corrected her. "Don't touch it, I want to take a picture of it." She said gazing with awe at the cupcakes with different colored frosting.

"You take a picture of almost every thing, don't you get bored Didi?" Nirvaan who quietly sat on a chair asked, looking dejected. He hated cupcakes. They looked nice but tasted like cream. He had no clue how his sisters could be so happy seeing cupcakes.

"Here you go Muku, open this box." Dai Jaan said dragging the second box towards the girl with a smile. "There's one more box, Nirvaan do you want to open that?" The woman asked turning to the boy who sat isolated from the lot.

"What's the chaos about?" Abhi asked coming to stand beside his elder brother.

"Ruhaani sent some food for them." Aadarsh spoke.

"Wow," he uttered walking over to the dining table with curiosity.

"The cupcakes look so damn cute!" Ashvi remarked, taking a few more pictures in different angles.

"It's dhoklas!" Dai Jaan clapped her hands together in excitement as she helped Mukti open the box. "She had told me that there's a home chef in her neighborhood who  makes dhoklas in the traditional way. I didn't think I would get to taste them so soon. She's such a sweetheart! How thoughtfulof her."

"Gujrati food is your weakness DJ. Looks like our to-be-Bhabhi knows your weakness already." Abhi commented amused. He glanced at his sisters who were totally impressed.

"It's chocolate donuts..." Ashvi announced as she opened the remaining box. "Without sprinklers, how blah!"

Aadarsh who was watching, noticed how Nirvaan suddenly became interested in the conversation. A smile came to his lips, as he shifted to a chair closer to Ashvi. "I like it like that. Those sprinklers don't taste good."

"Yay, she sent all of our favorites!" Dai Jaan beamed at him. "Let me get the plates."

"Looks like I need to tell her that I love Mac and cheese," Ashvi mumbled. 

"Cut it chipmunk, you like cupcakes too." Abhi commented.

"Yeah whatever. Maybe she dislikes you. That's why nothing of your liking is here." Ashvi smiled teasing her brother.

"Grow up people!" Aadarsh commented, stepping forward. He placed a hand on Abhi's shoulder and leaned forward to peep at the food.

"The dhokla is too good. Haven't eaten such a well made one in a while. You should have some." Dai Jaan spoke up, stretching the box towards him, after she helped the twins with a plate each.

"Uh, I.."

Abhi took a piece before his brother could make up his mind. He took a bite and hummed. "It's good, try it." He turned to his choosy brother.

Aadarsh quickly took a pice from the box, the one that was placed farthest from the green chilli.

"What are you lovely peeps eating? Party without me huh?" Shelly Bua asked as she walked out of her room, her hair rolled up in rollers.

"Bhabhi has sent some lip-smacking food for us." Ashvi spoke up.

"Oh, I see. Bhabhi is already ready to impress. How was the date Aadi boy?" Bua asked settling on a chair, while Dai jaan laid out a plate for her.

"Great!" He muttered. "I need to change!" Saying that he escaped before more questions started coming his way. 

"Did you talk to her about the engagement dress?" He heard Ashvi ask behind him.

He turned to look at her as he reached the foot of the staircase.  "She said yes, you can coordinate with her. Seems like you all are already in touch."

Abhi was reaching for a cupcake, when he noticed how his little brother was devouring the donut, "Nirvaan, don't dirty your sleeves," he told him, folding up the boy's sleeves. 

"Bhaiya, leave the pink one for me!" Mukti said as she was slowly eating her first cupcake.

"Okay, princess." Abhi agreed, picking up the cupcake with light green cream frosting. He quickly followed the trail of his brother who wasn't smart enough to outwit him.

* * *

"Abhi, no food in my room!"  Aadarsh spoke as he noticed his brother follow him in to his room with the half eaten cupcake in hand. He was half-expecting him to follow him. Abhi had always been like that. The one to follow him everywhere especially when he knew Aadarsh wanted to get away.

"It's what your sweet fiancée sent us, bro." He replied through a full mouth.

Aadarsh rolled his eyes. "Food is food. No food in my room."

Abhi stuffed the remaining cupcake in his mouth. He raised his now empty hands up, a smile appearing as the glint in his eyes.

"Where are your manners, Abhi?" Aadarsh breathed out walking into his wardrobe.

Abhi followed his brother inside. "How was the date?"

"Fine."

"What did you guys talk about?"

"Insurance policies," Aadarsh replied 

"What? Insurance policies? That's absurd!"

He turned to his brother. "Exactly. Time to draw the line, Abhi. Why would I tell you what we spoke about on a date?"

Abhi looked amused and raised an eyebrow wearing a smirk. "Why are you becoming all defensive, and secretive, and sarcastic? Trying to hide something big bro?"

"Because you're growing annoying by the day, little bro!"

"Ouch." Abhi uttered, pressing his hand on his chest. "I am hurt. But then again, this is what happens when a brother gets married. Suddenly someone else becomes the secret keeper and partner in crime."

"Abhi, yaar! Please I can't take your drama right now. I just need a nice good shower and some time to myself."

"Are we talking cold," Abhi tilted his neck itching the side of his flexed neck, "...shower?" Abhi asked hesitantly, taking a step back.

Aadarsh stared at his brother, "disappear or you get punched. Not a joke."

Abhi laughed heartily, "hey, you can tell me. I am your bro. I didn't know a date can leave you..."

"I want to see you complete that," Aadarsh threatened stepping forward. His face slowly became serious as he folded his arms.

Abhi's smile disappeared.

Aadarsh took a deep breath. "Look Abhi, I know you're not entirely happy about this arranged marriage. And so far, I have put up with your childish behavior. But it's serious now. She's going to be my wife. You need to respect that and her."

Abhi sighed. "Are you hundred percent sure?"

"Hundred and one! We are getting engaged in less than a week." Aadarsh answered.

"Fine. Whatever! Let's be happy that she has a really good taste in food. Because you clearly don't! Remember the time you bought us momos that had turned like clay?"

Aadarsh gave him a dead stare and his younger brother took his cue to disappear. With his brother gone Aadarsh bit the inside of his mouth, turning back to his night clothes. His taste in food was good enough. Just that he preferred healthy unlike her.

* * *

Aadarsh was just packing his bag for the day when he heard a knock on his room's door.

"It's open." He said aloud turning to the door.

"Good morning Bhaiya!" Ashvi greeted as she sailed into his room. He looked up at her and smiled. She wore black bell bottom pants and a pink t-shirt. As a little girl she was obsessed with pink and purple colors. Not that much had changed now that she was a young lady. Almost everyday her outfit seemed new. Aadarsh could bet that amongst all of them, she probably had the most number of clothes.

"Good morning, Ashvi! Did you sleep well?" He asked noticing the garment bag covers in her hands. 

"Yes, just right. These are the blazers I chose for you. Can you please try them on, now?"

"It's a black blazer. How does it matter which one?" He asked.

She heaped the bags on his bed and unzipped one bag. "It matters. They are the same color but different designs. The fitting should be perfect, so I thought you might as well try it now. Your engagement is two days away. Also, I spoke to Bhabhi she's coming home for dinner so that we can make sure the dress fitting is right for her too."

Aadarsh was impressed. It had been only a day since his date and his sister was already ready with dresses for his bride. Not just that, she had made sure everyone was wearing what she chose for them at the engagement. That also explained the notifications of large transactions on her bank account that he had been receiving.

"Come on, wear it," she said holding out the first blazer. He walked over and turned around slipping his arms backward into the blazer. She quickly came to the front and straightened its lapels. 

"Is the fitting fine?" She asked, eyeing the shoulders.

"A bit tight on the arms but manageable. Isn't it too shiny?" He asked looking at the material.

She stepped back and held up her phone, "let me take a picture". She quickly took a photograph and met his gaze, "it's perfect, you look nice. Try to raise your arm now."

He did as he was told. 

"Okay, I think it is a bit too tight." She said thoughtfully. She moved to the other one. "This one should be a better fit then." Saying that she took the other garment cover and unzipped it bringing out another blazer. This one was pitch black had a bit of gloss finish but wasn't shiny as the first.

"This looks better, doesn't it?" She enquired, once he had put on the second one. He turned to the mirror. On some days he was really proud of himself, of how perfect he looked, today was one such day. 

"Fits better," he remarked modestly. He thought it looked amazing on him. Especially the way it highlighted his broad shoulders and fit comfortably around his arms.

"Okay then, I will finalize this. I will finalize the tie once Bhabhi's dress is decided."

He nodded. That word, Bhabhi, sounded so foreign. It would take him a while to equate that word to Ruhaani in his head.

"Why dinner?" He asked curiously.

"Because, she wasn't free during the day, she said she has to visit some school for Pari's admission. And then Badi Bua also wanted to talk to her about some stuff so she suggested we call her for dinner. Badi Bua said she she'll be here by five thirty. Bhabhi said around six. 

Okay this one is final. Leave it on the bed, I will ask DJ to make sure it's ready to be worn. I need to catch Bhai, before he heads down. There's so much to get done." Saying that she picked up the other coat and it's garment bag and hurried out of his room.

Aadarsh smiled as he saw his sister retreating. She reminded him of his mother sometimes. Especially when she worried about little things. He took off the blazer and placed it on the bed.

He picked up his phone and called Ruhaani.

"Hello,"

"Hello, right time to talk?" He asked settling on the comfortable office chair behind his desk.

"Yes, I was just getting ready to leave for work."

"I got to know from Ashvi that you were visiting some school for Pari's admission today."

"Yes, I plan to visit Tulips Public School. I have heard it's good.  A few schools have already opened the admissions. With the wedding and everything in January, I thought it's best to start applying now itself. Any problem?"

"Maybe you can put her into Sky View High School." He suggested. "Both Nirvaan and Mukti go there. It will also give you a sense of security knowing Nirvaan and Mukti will be around her." 

Ruhaani hadn't expected his call. She hadn't expected him to call her at the start of the day. She hadn't expected him to talk about this. However what surprised her the most was his concern, his voluntary involvement in the matter.

 Sky View High School was one of the best schools of the city. She had come across some great reviews about it while school hunting. But it was also expensive. She wouldn't be able to afford it. The fees were exorbitant.

"The teachers and staff are pretty well trained. I personally attend their PTMs and can vouch for them. Especially the primary school curriculum is well planned and researched for a child's overall development. Its one of the best."

"I understand Aadarsh, but their fees is out of my budget." She decided to be direct. She didn't have the time to sugarcoat it.

"I will take care of that." He said. There was no emotion whatsoever behind those word. No hesitation. No sugarcoating. No showing off. Nothing. Just a simple statement said with ease.

Ruhaani knew this was the best for Pari. She closed her eyes, it felt so wrong to take his favor. She had counted on this as a benefit while agreeing to the marriage proposal but now, accepting it just didn't feel right. However, this was the best Pari could get. 

"Hello?"

"Yeah, I am on the line.  It's just that ..." she had no clue what should she say, what would be the right thing to say.

"You wanted me to be her father, right? Then it's my responsibility to ensure that my kid gets the best education. If there's any other school on your mind then we can..."

"No, it's not that." She said quickly.

"Then I don't see any problem. I know someone in the administration of Sky View. I will talk to them about the admission."

Ruhaani sighed. "Okay," she said softly.

"Okay then. This is my responsibility now. I will keep you posted on any updates."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

"Bye, Take care." She said and the call ended. Aadarsh lowered the phone from his ear. He began typing a message to Umesh, the guy from Sky High asking him for a new admission. His fingers paused as he was about to type the words on his mind— my daughter.  

He went ahead and typed those words, any way. There was so much he had to get used to, a wife and a daughter, he was going to be a family man in complete sense. 

* * *

Ruhaani smiled as Badi Bua offered her snacks. She declined politely while sipping the coffee. She usually preferred tea in the evenings. However, she was exhausted by the brainstorming session on the new campaign for a product at office and needed a coffee to keep her eyes open.

Any other day, she would have felt irked that her uncle and aunt had made sure Arti came along with her. However today evening she appreciated company. Pari was extra hyper today, she could use Arti's help to manage her. Additionally, some of her to-be-inlaws' attention was drifted towards Arti, leaving her with some space to breathe without prying eyes.

"Okay, can we go for trying the dress now?" Ashvi asked impatiently as soon as Ruhaani had set her cup down, interrupting the small talk about their locality.

"Sure." Ruhaani smiled. 

"By God, Ashvi! You won't let her breathe." Bua remarked.

"Bua, there's so much to do. Bhabhi shall we?"

Ruhaani nodded with a smile. She had to admit, the sudden attention from so many people felt nice. She didn't remember the last time she was in a room where she was considered important.

"Can I show you my art book after that?" Mukti asked turning to her.

"Sure," Ruhaani replied. "Once I..." she was interrupted by Nirvaan who suddenly spoke aloud drawing everybody's attention. 

"Bua, Pari is putting her hands in the water and taking the pebbles." 

Ruhaani immediately rushed to her daughter who stood beside the indoor pond. Just by the staircase wall they had a statue of Buddha on a plank atop a series of four steps. In front of it was a small pond. Water ran down from the base of the statue to the pond which had pebbles in it. 

"Pari, I told you not to touch anything." She said as politely as she could.

"There are stones inside this water." Pari told her like she had found out a secret.

"You must not touch it."

"I want to play. There are so many. I can arrange them in lines." 

Ruhaani held her daughter's hands. "No."

Pari pouted. "I won't do anything, no throwing. I will just arrange them nicely."

"Pari, no beta, it's not good manners." Ruhaani tried to convince her daughter as politely as she could. Sometimes it was hard. Who was she kidding? It was hard on most days.

"Your mom is right." Nirvaan said.

Pari turned to him making a face. She then turned to her mother. "For five minutes only," she tried to bargain. 

"Pari," Ruhaani began a little stern this time, but was interrupted by the voice that came from behind her.

"Hi Pari!"

Ruhaani slowly turned to find her fiancé standing with his coat hanging on his arm. He gave her a nod for a greeting. 

"Hi Aadi!" The excited four-year-old girl said.

Ruhaani squeezed her eyes shut. Today Pari was going to set a record of embarrassing her.  She had just addressed her father to be by his nickname. She was wrong to think parenting would be easy.

"Hey, what are you doing?" He asked Pari, walking past Ruhaani towards her. Ruhaani couldn't help but pay attention to his scent. It was very... manly for the lack of better words. It was definitely peculiar. 

"I have to arrange these stones, nicely. But Mumma is not letting me."

"Oh, that's because that water is dirty. Nirvaan have you showed Pari your new car?" He spoke up. 

"No." Nirvaan answered flatly.

"Pari, do you what to see remote car?" Aadarsh asked.

Ruhaani watched on. For some reason it felt like he was trying to show off how to deal with kids. 

Pari looked thoughtful, "is it nice?" 

Aadarsh smiled. "It's very nice. You can drive it."

She looked confused and looked at her mother. "But I need to be big. I am very small to drive car."

Ruhaani sighed. "Pari, that's the kid car. Nirvaan bhaiya knows how to ride it. You can watch."

"Yeah, I can." Nirvaan agreed.

"Come, we'll go see the car," Aadarsh said offering her his hand to hold.

Pari looked at her mother.

"Go," Ruhaani said encouraging her.

"Maasi, you come too." Pari said. 

Aadarsh was in a fix now. He was trying to put efforts into knowing the little girl. Kids were delicate. One had to give them attention to create a comfortable bond with them. He glanced at Arti just as Ruhaani did.

"Pari, you go. I am eating. I will eat and then come." Arti said quickly, putting a few cashews on to her plate. Her parents had made her very uncomfortable around the Sehgals already and then there was this innocent little girl.

Pari held Aadarsh's hands. He quickly led her up the stairs, giving Ruhaani a glance.  The little girl began asking him questions, like where was the car, what color was it, why was it inside the house and so on.

"Bhabhi, let's go," Ashvi said drawing Ruhaani's attention that was on the man her daughter was with. Ruhaani nodded following her daughter and Aadarsh who were led by Nirvaan up the stairs. She glanced at Arti, to make sure she was okay with staying with with Aadarsh's Bua, she nodded.  

"Abhi's not home?" Ruhaani asked, as she noticed Aadarsh walk into the glass room with Pari.

"Oh no. He usually reaches home by seven. Bhaiya usually comes around that time  as well but he's early today."

Ruhaani absorbed the information. "What about you?"

"I am usually home by four or five. I go to the gym in the morning, my brothers are evening people." 

"So all of you are health freaks?"

"Mostly. If you put it on a scale, I am the most health conscious, Abhi Bhai the least. Bhaiya is somewhere midway."

"So you all must be eating healthy too."

"Not really. I mean I try to. Traditional food which is sweet, fried and greased with ghee and butter is Bhaiya's weakness. Junk food is Bhai's."

"What's yours?" Ruhaani asked with a grin.

"Sophisticated desserts, cupcakes and ice creams and anything with cheese." Ashvi winked.

"Okay, So, about the dress, I know you had sarees in mind but I was trying to keep a bit of a western formal theme. So I zeroed on some dresses. They were delivered just today. Hopefully they're a good fit." Ashvi spoke, opening the box on her bed.

"Thank you for doing this. It means so much." Ruhaani spoke gratefully.

"Oh, I should be thanking you, you're letting me plan everything for your engagement. I am so excited. Bhaiya's getting married. It still has to sink in."

"I know, it's all so new. I am having a hard time myself, sinking it all in." Ruhaani said, letting her gaze linger around the room. Ashvi's room seemed straight out of a Hollywood movie. It had pastel pink walls. A beautiful and elaborate vanity. It was a wooden structure with a beautiful frame for the mirror and elegant storage drawers.

She looked at Ashvi as she brought out the dresses. Both Ashvi and Mukti were such sweet girls, who had everything they wanted. It seemed like they had never seen the dark side of the world. It was like their wishes had never been rejected, like they always got what they wished for, like they lived in a world that was all rainbows, soothing showers and sunshine.

She wanted that for Pari too. She wanted Pari to have everything she wanted, her every wish to be fulfilled. She didn't want Pari to grow up with a box of dreams shattered, wishes crumpled and necessities refused. She didn't want Pari to be another Ruhaani. She wished for Pari to have everything a little girl deserved, a happy childhood that every child deserved.

• — • — •

Hope you liked the chapter, a lot of small things in it. Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts.

How's the pace by the way? Fast, Slow, OK?

Next update on Saturday (tentative)

—Anami!♡