Beautiful book cover by Manish <3 Thank you for offering this :)

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[Alia's POV]

In walked Lolo and Pooja, leaving us all surprised. 

"Why is every first thing happening on our Sangeet ?" asked Ranbir next to me, in a glint of smile. I nodded with a blush myself. My sister Pooja and Ranbir's cousin Karishma weren't known for being good colleagues. They worked in the same 90's that heralded both Lolo, Pooja and a bunch of other actresses. That was an era where things were tough and women weren't much friendlier in cinema. 

"I could have never imagined both of us on a platform ever," smiled Lolo at my sister who mirrored the same as some of us whistled. "All's well that end's well. And thank you our dearest Ranbir and Alia for making all of this seem possible. Tonight we want to say something together-" said Pooja eyeing Lolo. 

"Rab ne bana di jodi !" they exclaimed together for everyone to applaud. I found myself blushing way too much tonight. Gosh, what am I going to do tomorrow i.e our wedding day ?!

My heart raced thinking about tomorrow. The way we had decided every single detail and how it will all come together. Ranbir was going through something similar and he wouldn't tell me. We were both nervous. Not because we didn't trust each other but because it was a beginning. A new step to a different yet same life. 

"Last time poor Akash and Shloka were trolled on their own sangeet by Karan with the same phrase." On lolo's reminder we laughed thinking about that day.

Karan, Ayan, Ranbir and I were on stage to congratulate the Ambani couple (also best friend of my would be husband). While praising how they complimented each other, Karan proudly declared them as 'Rab ne bana di jodi' and after a round of applause, cleared that he wasn't talking about them. But about me and Ranbir. 

It was obvious who came next. I wasn't much surprised at them performing, given their bond with Papa and Maa. Akash and Ranbir were best friends and their family was now like my own. They broke my myth of how I generally saw them. Both Mukesh uncle and Nita aunty were warm hearted and they raised their kids with good values and humility. 

The Ambani's danced to popular hits and it was adorable to see the boys dancing with their dancer mother. There were no judgements. Just pure joy of being able to dance with one's family. As they ended theirs, Ranbir ran up the stage to hug his pal and their family. 

Shaheen stood on stage with her charming smile. " Someone closest to my sister and future brother in law, comes to grace the stage next, more so to onslaught our vision! He's everything you do not expect him to be. Yet he's the alpha and omega of Bollywood, the phone directory of the industry. The man without whom our parties won't be a superhit. Please welcome the guy who needs no introduction yet I'm forced to give one, the so called Dad of my sister, Father of Drama oops Dharma, Karan (aaaaaa - kkhh tune) Johar !!! "

That was probably the bestest introductions I've heard in a while. Shaheen truly was a good orator.

As my sister welcomed Karan on stage, I stood up to clap for my dad. He really had dreamt of this night more than anybody else. To dance at his children's (me, Sid and Varun) Sangeet like no one's watching. We were curious to see the hidden dancer inside him. Because he surely kept his dance germ, dormant for most of his life.

My heart leapt at the way he gazed at the audience beneath. This is it!

And heaven he did took away our breath ! 

For some odd reason he chose to shake a leg on 'Prem ratan dhan payo.' ! The way his hands moved in the air, graceful sway of his legs and to see something other than his usual smirk, we were in awe of this man. Of course the idea was to entertain us and who else better than him to make us laugh like we've never. Everyone before him had started to pale in front of this.

"Hey he's too good at this. We should have co-ordinated with him" said a sulking Shraddha as she kept fangirling over his performance like the rest.

"Go daddy goooo" I screamed as we hooted for him. After all that winking, flashing weird forms of classical steps, Karan ended his performance with a floor kneeling namaste. He reminded me of a statue I once saw at Mehboob studios back in my childhood where Dad was directing a film. I kept that information to myself as we rushed in to hug him. 

"Karaaan, you were on fire my friend" giggled Bebo as she came in to hug as well. She was joined by Lolo and Pooja. "Oh thank you my love, I just gave my whole to this one" he replied as I wiped his forehead with a tissue. Sensing my vulnerability, Karan came over to side hug me. "We don't want the bridey to cry. I can't let Ranbir chew my head for the next few years for making you cry." Ranbir who chuckled at this had his own eyes moist as he hugged Karan himself. 

Karan held both of us and smiled through his own happy tears "If dad was alive, he would have dotted on you both. And he'd probably call the whole of India on your wedding." I giggled as my throat misted with the intensity of the moment. "I wish he was here," I whispered. "He's right there. Smiling at you, cheering for all of us hmm ? Probably tricking God to let him come down to attend your big day! I guess we're all seeing this day because of her prayers. If you cry he won't like it" he massaged my shoulders as I leaned my head on his chest.

I smiled through my tears, agreeing upon his words.

"And if she cries any moment, it's gonna rain, so hold back your tears everyone" warned Ayan and we chuckled at his try. "Thank you Baby Jo. We love you," smiled Ranbir as we hugged Karan one last time before settling down. 

Parineeti and Shraddha finally found it in them to settle next to their bestfriend at last after all the butterfly wandering. They had gathered every bit of information and gossip they could to be later passed on within their group. It didn't take much effort. Stay a little longer with Kareena, you'd get everything you need.

Filmfare who ?

Adjusting my hair, they sat giggling next to me. "You know what ? I and Shra were in the Bebo group for a while and bro, the judgements we made! You missed it honey. That woman had an opinion on everyone's dress. Including yours." Alia grinned at Pari, believing her. "I missed bitching yaaa. It felt so good" moaned Shraddha as she sat between me and RK, blocking him from listening to us.

"Such a happening party we've thrown eh" I chuckled . 

Ayan grins at us from the stage as he holds the mic. "Next we have two extremely special boys. Whom Alia calls her left and right arm. She can't choose between them both. And so can't they. They debuted together-" the crowd already begins whistling, very well knowing who were coming next. I sat there with dreamy eyes, myself cheering for my boys. 

Sidharth and Varun

Always mine. Until death do us apart, in Karan's word! 

Both my babies entered with the music of their hit song - Velle. Watching them was like time travelling back to 2011~12. Time spent while making Student with a bunch of over excited kids who went on to create their own strong individual path. 

Their coordination had aged better. Sidharth had found his own groove strength and he clearly was winning the game. They were my homies and I was cheering for them like the proud friend/soulmate I am. The mood swirled to our iconic debutant song - Disco Deewane. 

From the moment it started, Ranbir kept stealing glances ta me me every now and then. I turned towards him and asked what's bothering him. He laughed and spoke a bit louder for me to hear "Disco and Radha are your songs are I know how obsessed and possessive you are with them. Was checking in to see how your dealing up with a random girl doing your part with your boys." 

I giggled at his understanding. He had clearly decoded me well in our courtship years. Anyone who knows me close, recognizes my authority over my songs especially those of Student and the people involved. Varun still teases me about the way I got mad seeing Anushka once grooving to disco in an award show - an year after my debut. 

They were just mine.  

As much as the man sitting next to me was, is and from now - will always be. 

"Certain people are extremely dear to me and I won't share, sorry." I replied back with a wink and he chuckled at my hot face. I was grateful to him for not inviting his ex's, namely Deepika! I am tolerant and sweet but that doesn't gives any girl the right to snake inside Our Private space! What's over is over! This is our new beginning and I won't let tall old past's ruin our new life. 

Ranbir is a very attached soul, contrary to how people paint him as detached. Inspite of having moved ahead from his past, he still wants them (ofc vice versa) to be a part of his life as friends which is something I want to smack his head for! Either he's too dumb to see the whole picture or he's way too naive (vulnerable, definitely).

I shook my head to dump the uncomfortable thoughts crawling my head. And focused on the stage where the boys looked heavy on steroids. Their energy as they did the hook step, bowled me. "Wohooo" I screamed with everyone, cheering them.

Alia Bhatt, you've got one of the most silliest confessions (done for fun) of yours to come alive as your beautiful reality. Do not let any bitch/demon in the world to RUIN THESE PRICELESS MOMENTS! 

My ears perked up to a very close yet familiar music. 

And before I knew the boys were carrying me in their arms to the stage while I squealed in protest. 

I looked down at everyone beaming at me. Cheering me to dance. This was my moment, most fav solo song/dance of my career and I would do just anything to recreate our iconic dance number.

Radha on the dance floor
Radha likes to party
Radha likes to move that desi (sexy) Radha body (x2)

My heart raced just the same way it did on our first day of shoot for Student, on the same song. 

Panghat pe aake saiyyan marode baiyaan
And everybody blames it on Radha
Chhedde hai humka daiyaan, bairi Kanhaiya
And everybody blames it on Radha

A grinning Ranbir rolled his eyes playfully when I pointed at him for the next line. 

Hoga woh lakhon dil ka chor
Humka toh laage woh
Hua hai aise baawla jo kehta jaaye

O Radha teri Chunri
O Radha tera Challa
O Radha teri natkhat najariya
O Radha tera Jhumka
O Radha tera Thumka
O peechhe peechhe saari nagariya (x2)

The evergreen chorus had everyone in the hall, singing along and doing their own hook steps. 

Maathe pe pankh more
Kehte hain makhan-chor
Bajaye bansuri
Bada aaya chitt-chor
(But Radha wants more)

I descended the stairs to play with my fiancee who sat flustered yet shining with a strange bright glow.  

Dhoondungi charon aur milega koi aur
Dungi mein haathon me mere dil ki ye dor
(Cuz Radha wants more)

Twas true! I gave my heart to him at last. Technically speaking Principal's son won the 'Student of The Year.' 

O Radha Radha bholi deewani hai
O Radha Radha do pal jawani hai
O Radha ko sambhalo koi isey bata do
Ki milega na koi Sanwariya

The boys convinced Ranbir to join as well. Heart ready to burst at the way universe made Ranbir a part of my life and the unique way in which all three of my most favourite men, shook a leg along with me on this particular song! 

O Radha teri Chunri
O Radha tera Challa
O Radha teri natkhat najariya
O Radha tera Jhumka
O Radha tera Thumka
O peechhe peechhe saari nagariya

Varun let Ranbir take the center stage and play his part for the below lines. 

Hey Radha Radha kaahe itna guroor bhala
Chhodo bhi nakhre ye kaisi adaa
Tune kya socha ek tu hi mash'hoor yahaan
Laakhon hain Gopiyan bhi humpe fida

The girls swooned when he lip synced those lines. He was The Ranbir Effin Charming Kapoor who could easily beat any actor in their own songs! 

O rehne de re Kaanha
Bhoolega tu sataana
Jo girungi main banke Bijuria

Next came the quite legendary Dafli beat to which our Principal aka my about to be father in law, grooved! The three of us including Ranbir rushed up to him and pulled him for his part. He hesitated first saying 'buddha ho gaya hoon' but then Neetu maa laughed and nudged him while all of us kept chanting for his name. 

With mild amusement, he joined us at last for his part of the song that I believe was The Highlight of our sangeet and the music in general. 

Dafli waale dafli bajaa 

Mere ghungroo bulate hain aa

We father - daughter (in law) had a lil adorable moment that earned the loudest whistles in the hall. Papa was smiling as wide as me and his wheatish cheeks had blotch of pink blush that I found very cute. Ranbir stood to my side along with the boys and watched us have our moment of glory. 

Main naachoon tu nachaa ...

All five of us geared up for the final chorus with double the power and energy. 

O Radha teri Chunri
O Radha tera Challa
O Radha teri natkhat najariya
O Radha tera Jhumka
O Radha tera Thumka
O peechhe peechhe saari nagariya

As we danced our hearts out with our soul soaring with joy, I found myself more close to the two men on either of my sides - my to be husband and his father. I suddenly felt more gravitated to the family I was marrying into. I understood their core - family and togetherness. 

And I silently promised them in my heart that I would do just anything to keep us all together like this. I would be the needle, stitching them together, the glue - binding them like my mum in law has been doing for so many years. I would prioritize them and Ranbir always. Everything else came later. 

Marriages work upon few compromises and adjustments from both sides. And we were willing to take that stride, together. Ranbir and I had made our own set of promises to each other, one of which was to be a better and more stronger wedded couple than our parents (having seen their own struggles) and to be more available parents for our children. 

As we hugged Papa in our embrace, I took in his warm and familiar scent, making my eyes mist. For years I had yearned for my father's presence. Fought in my own silent ways for his undivided attention. It came later as we both grew. But by then I had found Karan to fill in the gap.

But more recently it had been Rishi Kapoor, who saw me as his own daughter and not like his son's girlfriend. He spoke to me for hours, on our common fav Chinese cuisine, movies, narrating stories of his time, sharing funny anecdotes that had me rubbing my stomach with all the laughter. He had re birthed the daughter in me. 

He became my father and I his daughter. 

Of all the things I am grateful for ever since our relationship had bloomed, this right here, me and Papa laughing under the stars like we've been this way always - is what I will forever be cherishing. 

For this I thank the universe, it's Creator and Ranbir.

For bringing a father (and mother) into my life ....

<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>

NOTE : I tried to emote both Ranbir and Alia's side of inner perspectives through the sangeet chapter. So it's just not me dumping whole of my sangeet imagines (performance wise) into this series but also providing what they must be (are) feeling throughout the whole journey. 

Sorry for keeping this track a lil longer. I just had to vomit all of my dreams into this coz real mein yeh sab shayad hi ho - since they won't be doing a big fat thing with the whole of bolly and ofc the rishi kapoor part staying a dream *sobs louders* 

Few more performances lieft on which I'll highlight The Ranlia act more (the rest will be just explained in few lines) ... Like I already said I'm too bad with dance writeups so bare with me. After this we'll have two/three wedding track parts coupled with a wedding reception (not the mumbai one), where I'll take time to explore conversations (emo for sure) btw the couple, families, friends etc ... so stay tuned

It's so hard to keep waiting for Ranbir to turn negative! Why isn't he getting one ? -.- I hope things are fine at his side and he recovers faster than ever <3 

In my ranlia ig fc (ranbir_aliafc), I've almost covered all the imp spottings that had happ while I stayed away for few months. Now I'll begin posts/captions/stories related to Kapoors, wedding of our ship, and few exclusive stuff ... since I still believe that they'll get married around May-June (waiting for rishi sir's 1st death anniversary). I don't think I can wait till December anymore, I'll go maaaad! 

Even during Aloo's bday, every sign, wish, gifts(s) were pointing towards an upcoming marriage that is sooner than we think xD *heart beats fasters* 

This is the ONLY reason why I'm so active in here, ig and twitter! So I bettern ot be fooled 

Love and light,

Jemi :)