The night was young and so were the almost hundred enjoying themselves.

The stars blinked and their light shone beneath. Cheers of jubilation hung in the air. The night had a tale to narrate. Of how two beautiful souls were soon going to be united with love. And how they sat basking in affection from people close to them. 

Another wave of acclamation spread across the hall as Alia's best friends, girls and boys with whom she had grown up, ended their super special dance act. Her girl tribe stood in a line and the men volunteered to step back for the girls to take the center stage. For they had so much to share. It was their baby girl's sangeet. The one who wept at all their wedding's, stood like their pillar, took time from her dizzying schedule to be with them on their big day and a friend who was worth a diamond. 

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, known as Kanchi, held the mic in her trembling hands. She and the rest of them were obviously crying. But no one knew how and whom to console first. It was going to be a crying fest was an understood fact. But just the sangeet made their tear works explode. 

Sniffling her nose, Kanchi held the mic close to her. "We're really sorry Aloo for embarrassing you like this. Everyone please bare us for few minutes." The hall giggled along with them. Ranbir passed a box of tissue to Alia, who thanked him with one of her cheerful laugh. She was so close to bursting. But Ranbir kept his hand around her shoulder, pulling her closer to his embrace. 

"Ya thank you RK for just doing that and more," laughed Kanchi with everyone. "My pleasure," whispered Ranbir with a wink and a blush. All eyes were now on Kanch. "Okay, I promise not to make this sound like an eulogy." "You bitch!" yelled Alia, laughing along with the audience. 

"Alia and I are friends right from the day we were in our diapers. Our mothers were best friends and the elder daughters of their group  i.e my sister Anushka, Alia's sister Shaheen and Neena Aunty's daughter Masaba Gupta were all friends. Then we were born and soon it became obvious that we would also be thick friends. So we hung out together at each other's homes, at birthday parties, licked off each other's cakes,  went to the same school and had a bunch of friends - these idiots you see on the stage ? Yeah, it's us. Since then ... always." 

Alia smiled through her tears. They were leaking since the moment her girls and boys were on stage. Her moment to be a bride and for them to be her bridesmaid had finally arrived. This had overwhelmed her. "Eight of us girls had been the closest. We did everything together. From parties, hitting pub, prom to throwing bachelorettes. And I don't think there's another girl tribe as close and as hot as ours." To this their group hooted louder. 

"Alia was born to be an actor. We used to play actor-actor as kids. And for some reason Bobby (Devika) our friend, would make Alia the boy and she'll play the girl." Bobby stole the mic for a second and grinned "Thank you Rk for being the man in her life. She really needed one." That brings the whole house down. Alia nudges her fiancee's fake arrogant smile. 

"All of us here are testimony to her growth. We saw our Aloo become Alia Bhatt - the superstar in just few years. She had become an overnight sensation from a very ordinary non star kid vibe chubby girl. She could barely speak in a long stretch and suddenly her interviews were all over the headlines, news and Youtube. She became the Nation's crush. I mean, woah hold on! Our friend who we all know would hit the jackpot one day, went on to become a huge brand right after our schooling! But what didn't change was her heart. Her character, her ethics and her love for us." 

"She texted and replied back to us whenever she could. We were her anchors. Her reality check. But she didn't need us if you ask me. She was very well brought up by Soni Aunty and uncle! Her humility even after having achieved so much, fascinates me. Alia is all of our inspiration. Her dedication to cinema is to die for! She made time for us, for some of our's wedding, when one of us gave birth to a baby girl, when we had break up's, or when we just wanted a girl friend hug. She was always there. And we were always here for her as well." 

Staring at Ranbir, Kanchi wipes her tears and continues "Ranbir, first of all congratulations on your doom!" He laughs wholeheartedly with the rest while Alia almost smudges her kohl as she laughed while wiping her tears. "You did what nobody could! Made the Great Alia Career Ambitious Bhatt, finally settle for marriage! We were all so concerned if she'd ever find time to fall in love other than being around her co stars from one film to the other. But she had always admired you as an actor and human.

"This is a beautiful fairytale that has come to life. I cannot think of anybody else who deserves to sit next to her tomorrow in the mandap, than you RK!" Ranbir runs a quick hand over his hair and face, trying to suppress his own tears. He was grateful for what she just said. It meant the world to him. 

"This woman whom we all love to pieces, is a wonder woman. She can do just anything for the one's she holds close to her heart. She will be your anchor, your critique, your cheerleader, your entertainment box, your walking trouble machine but most importantly she's a good friend. A kind human who has nothing but love to give. I can give you in written than she'll make your life so much colourful and beautiful. She'll be an amazing wife and an even better mother. Ranbir and Alia, we just cannot wait to be a part of this brilliant journey that your about to embark. Stand tall, stick together and always be friends before anything else. This was sooooo meant to be and on behalf of all of us, I wish you endless laughter, joy, success, prosperity, good health and a love that never ends."

Taking one last big pause, she fans her face to catch up for breath. All through her speech, Akansha was crying, her words crumbling. "Ranbir ..." her voice barely heard, falters. "Please take care of her. She's precious. Love her so much that she won't ever feel alone. Tell her to not take unnecessary stress, to let things fall in place. Tell her it's okay to take a flight right in the middle of a conversation. That we understand her weirdness as much as her sweetness. Let her stay the same weird but precious lil Aloo who means the world to so many of us..."! 

At last she breaks up into her friend's arm. They huddle close to each other, sobbing themselves. 

In a second, the group finds Ranbir and Alia themselves, huddling closer to them. They had a very private and heart warming group hug, kissing one another's head as a mark of love. Ranbir embraced Kanchi and whispered to her "You can trust your life with me. She's my life now." It made her cry a bit more and soon Alia and the two of them have a moment to themselves, hugging and whimpering. 

Her words had a clear impact on everyone below. They all sat clearing their throats, sniffling themselves. After a while, Ranbir and the boys helped the girl down the stairs. The stage once again captured by Karan and now Ayaan. 

"Kanchi that was emotional and extremely special. I'm so proud to have known you girls and that you add so much value into each other's life. Thank you for making us cry." At Karan's word, they chortle and Ayan speaks. "We are coming to our second last performance for the night. Aaj ki raat kuch zyaada hi lambi thi. And we fear that we may not wake up for the wedding tomorrow!" 

"Not happening," replies Rishi ji from his chair. 

"Main toh paida hi yeh din dekhne ke liye huwa tha. I don't care if y'all sleep. I and Alia will be there in the mandap and will get married. With or without you guys." The groom seemed to be in some solid swag mood and he rightfully earned whistles from everyone while his bride blushed. 

"We've come to the main part of our spectacular sangeet. The moment we've been all waiting for. Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together, as loud as possible, for our bride and groom, the soon to be Mr and Mrs. Kapoor !" 

[Alia's POV]

I could only hear the applause. My heart had almost given up on me. How am I supposed to perform ? 

Ours was a unique performance where we'd each give a solo and then a big duet. I was more scared about our duet because that is where I had hopes of not falling for my husband-by- tomorrow's charm. His eyes were so mysterious yet magnetic. He'd pull me in. And that rascal knew it so well. He'd deliberately stare at me longer even during our rehearsals with that annoying smirk that I so wanted to smack. 

But this was our sangeet and I shouldn't actually be giving any flying f's to what other's think of us. It's our day and we have all the right to romance or dance. With that thought, I stared ahead at my boy, charming his way through 'Badtameez Dil.'

He was born to dance that way. I was more of Bunny in some sense (his character in YJHD) but Ranbir had some of his elements. 

He disappeared in a cloud of smoke and then it was my turn. I had chosen Badri ki dulhaniya for my solo. Not exactly what I should have, considering how everyone wanted Chull or Radha. They were both already stolen by my friends so I had to settle for this. But we made a little twist to this. Instead of Badri, we went the cliche adorable route by putting it as 'Ranbir ki dulhaniya.' 

Everyone seemed to love that twist and dulhe raja himself couldn't control his urge to groove along. He was supposed to wait until our duet. But post hsi arrival, the noise got even louder. So much that I was scared we might shoo away everyone in the resort. We were close to a hundred loudly shrieking desi people. Who also happened to be Bollywood biggies. 

Soon after the mood elevated with the entry of 'Dilli waali Girlfriend' - our first duet number. When I saw Ranbir dancing his heart to this particular song in theatre, I almost knew he had to dance on this at his own sangeet, silently wishing myself to be his partner. 

And the day had come indeed. Universe is a great listener. 

"Naam tera hi likhaya maine wedding card pe" earned the highest decibel of whistles. I was so sure of turning deaf by tomorrow! 

Time ticked and ticked. We floated in the air it seemed. I couldn't focus on anything except my chosen one. The boy made for me. My dream, my prayer, my answer. 

The stage once again loomed dark. A moment of murmuring on what's-gonna-happen later, their voices yet again drowned when the a soft pink hue shone on us, where we sat. That was our cue. Ranbir turned his gaze towards me, smilingly encouraging. His lips moved along with the lines, eyes in contact with mine ...

Oh re piya main to tere layi
Sau raatan jagun

Now he kneed in front of me, taking hold of my hand, softly kissing it to everyone's wild reaction.

Jithe jaave tu
Othe jaave dil
Dass ki main karun

I stood up to take slow steps ahead leaving him behind. A strong hand halted my movement, and pushing me to face the man I've grown to love so dearly. My hands on his chest.

Jo tu russ jaani ae
Dil yeh tutt janiye
Tere sang sang raah
Saari kat jaani ae

I smiled at the sincerity with which he lip synced as if he really was conveying his undying love for me. It was too real. We had crossed every hurdle together like a team and the thought of ever separating, made our hearts flinch, for real. It was unthinkable.

Main taan tere naal rehna
Maan enna mera kehna
Meri akhiyon se hona kadi door na
Tere bin, tere bin

Our feet moved as per the steps we had practiced. The music floated around us while we ourselves felt like on top of clouds. The soft and romantic feel of the song made everything so smooth and easier. Now we were just below the footsteps leading towards the stage, the focus of every eyes.

He swayed me a little and rocked both of us with the melody.

Tere bin nai lagda dil mera dholna
Tere bin nai lagda dil mera dholna
Sab chadd jayein tu na mainu chhodna
Tere bin nai lagda dil mera dholna

My heart could burst any moment with the love I felt for him. It was everything I needed. Just perfect. The lines narrated our tale with such conviction that I was too much in awe of how beautifully it blended into us.

My hero picked me up in his arms, bridal style, and walked us both on to the stage as the song went in for a lyrics interval. Glittered smoke arose from both our sides, making things more interesting for the on lookers but slightly hazy for us. Now it was my turn to tell him how much he had changed me and my life.

Tere sang sang reh ke
Main rang jaaun tere rang
Teri neend se khwaab main apna jod loon

Holding his face in my palm, we stood almost nose to nose, closer than possible. As I stared right into his dark brown adorable eyes, I couldn't help but wonder what had I even done to deserve this man and his undying love. He looked at me as if I was his world. Like I held his universe in my palms. I was his anchor, the reason to breath. Like a nomad finally finding his destination.

Tu sath na ho to chaar kadam na chal paaun
Teri raah pe raah main apni mod loon

He smiled probably understanding my inner thoughts. That killer smile I was so in love with. The one weakness I had. Which flashed his little dimples just for me. And yet again I found it hard to believe he was all mine !

Ho jag bhull jaaye mujhe
Tum nahi bhoolna
Tere sang jeena mera
Tere sang dhalna
Sacchi chahaton ka hota koyi mol na
Tere bin, tere bin

As he whispered those lines to me, my eyes shone with unshed tears, threatening to fall. Gulping my trembling heart and shivering hands that were still resting on both side of his profile, I stroked his hair in affection, kissing his nose gently.

The world might forgive him but I wouldn't. That's all he asked of me and that's everything I will be for him. As I promised him a lifetime of togetherness with my eyes, the spot where we stood, raised its platform and we were now in mid air. I couldn't hear anybody else anymore. It was just him and me. Like always.

The cheers, the crowd, every faces, blurring into oblivion as we stand in each other's arm, waltzing our hearts along with our body. We had finally made it till here. If eight years back someone had told me that we would get married in the future, I would have slapped them straight. 

He and I are magical together and life had been kind enough to bless us with our own fairytale. 

Tere bin nai lagda dil mera dholna
Ke tere bin nai lagda dil mera dholna
Sab chadd jayein tu na mainu chhodna
Ke tere bin nai lagda dil mera dholna

The song reached its end and as we stood in mid air, cold sparklers burst from the stage on all sides. While in the skies, fireworks created a brilliant masterpiece. He hoisted me up in his arm, the platform rotating us in the air while dancers in white floated around us like angels.

Too surreal and magical to the eyes as we concluded our performance.

Just like the fire crackers bursting somewhere above us, our guests rose up to give a standing ovation filled with love. We were still held by each other, lost in the warmth. I opened my eyes first to see my guy watching me intently, few confetti strips stuck in his hair and on his shoulder. As the platform lowered us down, he did the unexpected.

I felt my breath hitch as his lips met mine in a sweet, passionate kiss. That devoured me in flames of fire, leaving my skin to feel electrified and much more alive. I clutched his collar harder than I should, lest I fall with the intensity with which he conveyed his love for me. My head seemed to sway and waltz with the breeze, the kiss and the crazy applause.

"Ahem ... sorry to interrupt this very important session. But we've got to conclude the finale people" chided a voice we loved too much to be annoyed. But he still needs lessons on letting others have their privacy. We broke our kiss blushing furiously to land our gaze back on Karan who apparently had crawled back on stage with our friends who all gave us naughty grins and winks.

Ah, the show wasn't over yet ! 

The thought had completely left me. We were so tranced in our little act that we had actually forgotten about the final ending of the event. It had to be done without delay as the night grew darker and the moon turned brighter.

"But that really was a heart warming act, you both. All of us here could rightly say this - Rab ne bana di jodi. Absolutely magical and spectacular." As Karan praised us with his genuine words, we heard our parents and friends bless us from their place.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are so glad that you could join us in our night of celebration and love. On behalf of both the clans and mine, I want to thank each one of you. We appreciate your presence. And before we wind up our dazzling show, I wanna call upon stage, the entire families - The Kapoor's, Bhatt's, Ambani's and all family friends. All you beautiful people, anybody wants to join, feel free. So shall we begin ?"

The invitation was widely accepted as another round of applause passed through the hall.

Soon enough the stage filled with everybody we loved and cherished. People who meant so much to us. Our parents, our dearest friends and siblings. Arjun and Varun joined us after whispering something to the DJ who was in charge of the night.

Mika Singh took over the stage and the mike as we all stood waiting for him to begin the real fun. He weaved his usual masala magic as he sang through an array of super hits from My Name is Lakhan, Ek Do teen, old cinematic music gems while soon enough plunging into more modern hits like Dilliwali Girlfriend, Khalibali, Gallan Goodiyaan and our very own SOTY songs.

I couldn't yet process what all was happening on the stage. My father in law was still hung up on Lakhan step with Fubu, Ranbir was teaching khalibali steps to Bharat, VD and Rohit. Ayan and Shaheen danced at one corner to something they alone knew. Adi and Sid were doing some major moves. Our parents and other elders did their basic shaadi slow moves which I found extremely funny.

Pari and Shraddha created a huge circle with Bebo, Lolo, Anissa etc and they all looked pretty drunk and high. As the songs changed, the energy upped, so did everyone. I couldn't find a single soul who weren't enjoying themselves to the music and the ambience. It became a disco scene. My entire body tingled with energy I've never felt before.

गुज़रे न अब कभी

नज़दीकियों की फ़िज़ा ये

As I sighed in contentment watching everything unfold so magnanimously, from the corner of my eyes I saw Varun approach Ranbir with a dazed smile. Bir who had taken a break to wipe his sweating forehead, looked up to see his best friend's kid brother observing him intently.

आये न दूरी दिलों में

करती है आँखें दुआ ये

कोई खुसी हो गम हो

कहीं ज्यादा कम हो

कोई खुसी हो गम हो

कहीं ज्यादा कम हो

बाटेंगे जो हो आता

As I expected some lame comment or a drunk VD episode, it turned out to be the exact opposite of both ours expectations. He crushed Bir for a warm hug. He at first seemed a bit shaken with the sudden gesture, soon composed himself and gave in to him. They looked like two lost brothers finally reconciling. It almost made me tear up.

लफ़्ज़ों का ये रिश्ता नहीं

लम्हों का ये रिश्ता नहीं

सदियों का ये है वास्ता

है रूह का राब्ता

"I love you bhai. I am soooo happy for you both" his voice blurry yet so full of affection, touched us. I went in to hug both my boys, dragging Sidharth along with me. Just the way we used to do. We could feel the earnest fondness searing through us. I felt another body crush on top of us without prior warning.

I knew this was going to happen. No way in hell they would let us be alone.

Breaking the complex structure, we looked to see an almost drunk Ayan smirking at us. He looked too adorable for health. I pinched his milky cheeks and he laughed like a baby. "Aaja" called VD as he invited him into our arms.

Soon more arms enveloped around us. Encasing us in protection. Right when I thought we had a complete gang reunion moment, we heard another pissed voice contradicting our choice. "Oh hello, am I dead ? You all are young hence you've forgotten your old friend ? Nobody gives me two hoots here so I should leave!" rambled Karan as we chuckled at his sad pout.

"Come on yaa Karan your as much important as the DJ in that corner" teased my man making him frown more. Amidst the jokes, Taimur ran towards us fascinated to see all of us having our arms interlocked. "Ally, are we taking picture ? Can I come ?" his innocence created a melt havoc within us as the girls picked him up in their arms, each kissing his cheeks.

"Your the star, sir" giggled Fubu.

"Karan come na ... we wouldn't have reached here if not for you. So you deserve to be a part of this grand hug" stated Sid quite wisely as we all nodded along, urging him to join. Karan squeezed himself next to me, slightly pushing Ranbir out of the picture causing him to growl. "This is why uncle's shouldn't be allowed" his joke made him roll his eyes and join us in the laughter.

 As we stood grinning and laughing at our jokes, I looked around once more. Smiles, some tears, food, music, dance, happiness and loads of laughter. Exactly what we had dreamt of.

हम साथ एक दूजे के

साया बन के रहेंगे

हम साथ एक दूजे के

साया बन के रहेंगे

And amidst the high profile chaos, I had found my family. They were in my arms, beaming with pride, just like the stars littered across the black canvas above. They in turn smiled at us, with satisfaction in our souls. I blinked the upsurge of emotions swirling in the pit of my stomach. With teary eyes I glanced at my beloved. He snapped his head at me just that very moment.

दुनियाँ की हो

या हो दिल की

हर बाज़ी हम जीत लेंगे

आये जाए कोई मौसम

यूँ ही मिल के रहें हम

टूटे न ये सिलसिला

When our eyes met, we knew this was it. The culmination of joy. The fulfillment of peace. The reunion of friendship. Our hearts soaring higher than possible. We thanked our stars for helping us see this day. This very iconic and absolutely marvelous night of gaiety. Where we stood underneath the starry sky, surrounded by people who mean so much to us.

This was a relationship of lifetime. Connection of souls, syncing of hearts.

लफ़्ज़ों का ये रिश्ता नहीं

लम्हों का ये रिश्ता नहीं

सदियों का ये है वास्ता

है रूह का राब्ता

~.~.~.~.~.~

NOTE : Before you throw a slipper at me asking where did this friendship thing creeped in from. Let me once again apologize and say, this is copy/pasted (minus few changes in names and words) from the last part of sangeet in another book of mine (sidlia story). That ending is my all time fav and there you get a better vibe and idea of what I convey through the song coz friendship is that book's main theme. 

I hope you understand how difficult it is to describe a dance sequence/scene. I find that the most hardest. Therefore I had to do the same. But I promise, the wedding one's will be different and in lieu with THIS story line. Also I wanted to let Ranbir speak few words (well long stuff) post his performance at his sangeet like from his side stuff. But then I've decided to shift that to a post wedding chapter where they'll be all toasting at the immediate reception in Greece. That's where conversations will come into play. 

And it was kinda weird to delete Sid's name and put up Ranbir in place of the boy and then put up Sid in place of Ranbir as a mere friend (like I said - did a bit of old book copy). But then that's how life is. One ship sank and the other one came across board. And thankfully it saved me from drowning. I am glad Alia has more convinction (even Ranbir) in where they stand together as a couple and it won't be long before we see them tie the damned knot for once and for all and MAJORLY FOR MY OWN PEACE :-) 

So this brings us to the end of Sangeet parts :D Initially I wanted to recreate Sonam Kapoor's reception inside party stuff as their sangeet but then as per some old insider khabar, they were (I hope still are) planning for a destination wedding, mostly Greece. So I changed my plan to suit that. Ofc the whole of bollywood isn't going there just to dance, they can but they won't coz my head is middle class :P 

But now I plan to either put up an alternative sangeet chapter on some other day with the old plan or put this up as a Mumbai reception thing. Lemme see what I can do. 

Last few weeks of march had been busy with internship duties and studies. But I'm glad I was regular with my updates. Keep the love coming in. 

Jemi :)