Hi Everyone,

So here is Part 2 of Taroon Ki Chhaon Mein! I hope you enjoy this part ! So without any further ado let's get started right where we left off!!

Love and Hugs,
A.S.

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Bhalla Dining Table:

It's a relaxed Sunday morning in the Bhalla household. Everyone has had a late start to the day. Ishita is still weak, but she is in much better spirits now that she has seen her reports so she insists on joining everyone at the dining table for breakfast as she has been feeling cooped up in her room for the last two days.

Simmi, Param, Toshi, Bhalla Ji, Mihika, Romi, Adi and Aliya are already sitting on the breakfast table when Raman and Ishita walk in. For some reason Ishita looks at Toshi and hesitates momentarily as she is not certain if and where she should sit. Raman feels her hesitation so he pulls out the chair next to his for her as he sits down.

Ishita: Good morning Mummy Ji, Papa Ji!

Bhalli Ji: Good morning.

Ishita feels disheartened as Toshi does not reply while Simmi feels relieved that at least Toshi is firmly on her side.

Ishita: Pihu aur Ruhi kahan hai?

Mihika: Akka sports day ki preperation ke liye Pihu aaj se every morning running jayegi and every evening exercise karegi aur usne Ruhi ko convince kiya hai uske sath train karne ke liye!

Adi: Chalo isi bahane Ruhi ki subah toh time pe hogi warna Sunday ko woh lunch ke pehle kabhi na uthe!

Ishita: Yeh tum keh rahe ho Adi! Tum Sunday ko hamesha jaldi uth jate the kyunki chutti thi lekin baki din tumhe time pe uthana kitna mushkil hota tha!! Parade ho jati thi tumhe uthane mein!

Raman: Yeh tumhe kaise pata hai?

Ishita scolds herself mentally for her slip of tongue moment.

Ishita: Ummm....

Adi: Oh ho Papa! Ishimaa hamesha se hamare pados mein toh thi so unko sab pata hai!

Raman nods reminding himself that Ishita and his children's bond goes way back and Ishita looks relieved that Adi managed to cover up her slip of tongue.

Although Toshi is not talking directly to Ishita, she is watching her intently. She notices that Ishita is barely eating, pecking at her food without much interest.

Toshi: Neelu maine tujhe kaha tha na mooli ke parathe banane ko. Banaye tune?

Neelu brings a casserole and keeps it on the table along with a bowl of curd. Toshi waits for a few minutes and notices that while Simmi, Param, Raman and Adi have helped themselves with parathas Ishita still hasn't taken one.

Toshi: Adi ek aur paratha kha puttar! Tujhe pata hai mooli na bahut healthy hota hai- usme iron hota hai. Yeh khane se na khoon ki kami nahi hoti hai.

As soon as Ishita hears Toshi speak these words, she looks up at her smiling slightly and helps herself to a paratha and some curd and starts eating it happily.

Once Toshi is satisfied that Ishita is eating, she gets up and goes to her room as she has finished her breakfast. Raman notices Ishita is eating with a smile and she is very happy all of a sudden. He speaks softly so that not everyone can hear him.

Raman: Mujhe nahi pata tha ki bus dining table pe breakfast karne se tumhara mood itna accha ho jayega!

Ishita: Woh baat nahi hai.

Raman: Toh phir?

Ishita: Aapne notice nahi kiya kya ki Mummy Ji na yeh mooli ke parathe mere liye banwaye hain! Tabhi jab maine nahi liye toh unhone Adi se kaha ki isme iron hota hai aur yeh khane se khun ki kami nahi hoti so that main inhe khaun.

Raman looks up at Ishita amazed that she can find happiness in something so small.

Raman: Itni si baat pe tum khush ho rahi ho? Mummy abhi bhi tumse baat nahi kar rahi hain.

Ishita: Aap nahi samjhoge! Bina kuch kahe unhone mere liye apna care dikha diya. Mere liye yahi bahut hai.

Simmi who is sitting close to them hears this, looks angry and glares at Ishita but she is so engrossed in eating her paratha that she does not notice it however Raman catches the look and stares her down so she finally looks away, hurriedly finishes her breakfast and walks away. Bhalla Ji too had heard Raman and Ishita's entire conversation and noticed Simmi's reaction but for now he remains silent.

Romi, Mihika, Aliya and Adi are pleased to see this change in Raman. Finally he has started seeing the good in Ishita and some of the evil in Simmi- though they all know it'll take a long time to expose Simmi entirely and bring her true colours out in the open.

Pihu Industries, Adi's Cabin:

It's the next day, the start of a new week. Adi and Pihu are huddled behind Adi's desk concentrating hard on his computer monitor as they are reviewing a presentation they have prepared for their client.

Adi: Content is good but I think background kuch zada hi dull hai.

Ruhi: You're right. It's a marketing pitch so our product should stand out. But background ki wajah se... ek minute...

Ruhi takes over the keyboard and mouse from Adi and starts making changes. She works in silence as Adi watches her appreciatively.

Ruhi: There.... how is it now?

Adi: Not bad Ruhi!!

Just then Raman knocks and comes in.

Raman: Presentation ready hai?

Adi: Almost ban gaya hai Papa. Kuch finishing touches baki hai but we are pretty much done.

Raman sits on a chair opposite to Adi and Ruhi as Adi turns the monitor around so that Raman can see it. Raman is reading intently, suddenly his phone beeps. Raman looks away from the monitor, reads the message on this phone, types a quick reply and then goes back to reading the presentation. A minute later his phone beeps again and Raman looks away from the monitor to read the message and once again types a reply. This exchange of messages keeps going on every other minute while Raman is reading the presentation. Although Raman is getting annoyed by the repeated interruptions he always smiles a little inwardly as he reads the message he receives and then hurriedly types a reply. Adi and Ruhi are watching this highly amused. They both look at each other confused but neither of them asks Raman what is going on.

Mid way through reading the presentation Raman's phone starts beeping non-stop as he receives 6-7 messages in rapid succession. Raman lets out a frustrated sigh as he looks away from the monitor to check his phone. He types one long reply and sends it. For the next 3 minutes he is able to read the presentation without any interruption before his phone beeps again and this time two messages come one after the other. Raman looks at his phone and frowns a little.

Raman(frustrated): Arey Yaarr!! That's not what I....

Adi: Kya hua Papa?!?

Raman (annoyed): Kuch nahi!!

Adi: Aapko koi aur kaam hai toh aap baad mein presentation dekh lena.

Raman: Nahi Adi woh baat nahi hai...

Raman thinks for two minutes and then his face lights up as if he has suddenly got an idea.

Raman: Adi, Ruhi come here!

Startled by the sudden order, they hurry to his side thinking that he is going to show them something on the monitor so they stand behind his chair and lean in towards the monitor. Raman looks at them confused.

Raman: Yeh kya kar rahe ho tum dono?

Adi: Aapne humein is side monitor pe kuch dikhane ke liye bukaya hai na?

Raman: Arey nahi yaar!

Ruhi: Toh phir kya hua?

Raman: Let's click a selfie!

Adi: Aapko presentation ke beech mein selfie kheechna hai?!?

Raman: Presentation abhi present nahi kar rahe hain hum... presentation abhi review kar raha hun main... can't we take a selfie break?!?

Ruhi: Of course we can Papa! Par achanak randomly...

Raman: Last I checked selfie lene ke liye koi mahurat nahi chahiye. And boss kaun hai office mein... main ya tum?!? In fact ghar pe bhi boss main hi hun right?!?

Adi: Haan Papa aap hi boss ho...

Raman: Toh bus your boss is asking you to click a selfie with him. So stop asking questions and come stand here!!

Adi and Ruhi are baffled seeing Raman's behaviour yet they play along. Raman stands on one end, Adi in the center and Ruhi next to him as Raman clicks a selfie.

Raman looks at the selfie with a satisfied smile then sits back on his chair while typing on his phone. He is able to read the presentation for 5 minutes uninterrupted when his phone starts ringing. Raman looks at his phone and once he sees the caller he helplessly shakes his head.

Raman: Adi you know what email me the presentation. Main apne cabin mein dekh lunga. I have to take this call. Lunch ke bad wali meeting mein we can discuss this.

Adi nods as Raman rushes out of Adi's cabin and answers the call the second he steps out. Adi and Ruhi watch with baffled expressions as Raman walks back to his cabin while talking on the phone.

Ruhi: Yeh Papa ko kya ho gaya hai?!?

Adi: You know Ruhi...from a guy's point of view, jis tarah papa ka phone beep kar raha tha non stop, it's like unki koi girlfriend unko kaam ke beech text kar ke pareshan kar rahi ho...

Ruhi hits Adi playfully yet firmly on his shoulder!

Adi: Ouch!!

Ruhi: Kya bakwaas kar rahe ho Adi Bhaiya!! Papa ki girlfriend?!? Mere samne toh aapne bol diya lekin Ishimaa ke samne galti se bhi mat bola kyunki woh pehle Papa ko kaccha chaba jayengi aur uske bad check karengi ki message aakhir kar kaun raha tha!

Adi: I mean I know koi girlfriend nahi hai but unke behaviour se aisa hi lag raha tha mujhe. Aur mujhe khud marna hai kya jo main Ishimaa ke samne yeh kahunga! Papa ka joh hoga so hoga woh mujhe bhi nahi chodengi! Meri class lag jayegi ki maine unko itne messages karne kyun diye kaam ke beech mein!! Anyway chalo Papa ko presentation mail kar deta hun. Hopefully unka yeh calls aur messages ka silsila zada lamba nahi chalega aur unhe hamara presentation review karne ka time mil jayega afteroon wale meeting se pehle.

Pihu Industries, Raman's Cabin:

Romi, Adi, Ruhi and Raman are gathered around the sofa in Raman's cabin for their afternoon meeting. The meeting has been going on for around 20 minutes and so far it has been way more productive than what Adi and Ruhi had experienced with Raman earlier during the day. After another 10 minutes Raman's phone rings. He sees the caller then rolls his eyes and puts the phone to his ear after answering it.

Raman: Haaan..... bolo.....

The caller from the other end speaks for 2-3 minutes while Raman listens in complete silence not interrupting or saying a word sometimes frowning and sometimes smiling a little as he listened to the caller talk. Adi, Romi and Ruhi look at Raman amused. Romi through hand gestures asks Raman who it is. Raman helplessly looks up at the ceiling.

Raman: Yes I am listening!

He then notices the highly confused expression on all three of their faces. He gestures them to not say a word, puts the phone on speaker and holds it out. Immediately Ishita's voice fills the cabin.

Ishita: .... I mean Raman 7 shirts!! Aapke 7 shirts ke buttons itne lose hai ki aap unko pehne jaoge na toh ek jhatke mein buttons tut jayenge! Phir aap chilaoge aur pure ghar ko sar pe utha loge ki office ke liye late ho raha hai...kapde check kiye bina wardrobe mein kyun rakhe...aur jane kya kya...

Raman: Haan toh Ishita Neelu ko de do shirts. Apartment ke opposite jo shopping complex hai wahan koi tailor hoga woh stitch kar dega!

Adi through hand gestures tries to stop Raman from saying this but he isn't quick enough and immediately Ishita's angry voice comes through. Adi shakes his head and lightly hits his forehead with his hand for his father has committed the biggest blunder!

Ishita (annoyed): Raman!! What are you saying?!? Mere hote hue aap chahte ho ki aapke shirts tailor ke pass jaye woh bhi buttons stitch karne ke liye?!?

Raman (confused): Arey tum irritate kyun ho rahi ho? Main toh tumhare liye bol raha tha. You should be resting Ishita not wasting your time and energy doing all this!!

Ishita (irritated): Shirts pe button stitch karna kaun sa bada kaam hai Raman jo main rest karte karte nahi kar sakti!

Raman (amused): Are you even listening to yourself Ishita?!? Tumne kaha rest karte hue kaam... you're contradicting yourself! Aur tumne mujhe mere shirts ke buttons ka account dene ke liye call kiya hai?

Ishita: Of course not!! Is baat ke liye call karungi main aapko! Maine accounts ke liye call kiya hai but shirts ki nahi balki Pihu Industries ke. Woh hamare accountant Mr. Subramaniam hai na...usse na aapko woh financial disclosures ke bare mein baat karna hoga....

Raman notices Adi, Romi and Ruhi silently laughing at his plight so he gets annoyed, turns off the speaker of his phone and raises it back to his ear. He listens to her instructions for a minute before he speaks again.

Raman: Ishita main koi kal CEO nahi bana hun. Mujhe yeh sab pata hai aur main kar lunga. Tum please doctor ki advise follow karo! You are on bedrest remember!!

Ishita speaks again and although Adi, Romi and Ruhi can't hear exactly what she is saying they can hear her loud voice and understand that she is very annoyed with Raman's last remark and is giving him a reply to put it him in his place like every wife does!

Raman (baffled): Ishita...yaar...calm down...that's not what I meant....arey meri baat toh sun....

Raman removes the phone from his ear and looks at it amazed as Ishita has disconnected the call. Romi, Adi and Ruhi are silently laughing but as soon as Raman looks up at them, they straighten their expressions and pretend to be very innocent.

Romi: Kya hua bhai?

Raman looks at Romi and Adi angrily.

Raman: Yeh sab tum dono ki wajah se ho raha hai!

Adi: Humne kya kiya Papa?!?

Raman: Tum dono apne biwiyon ko zara sa control nahi kar sakte kya?!? Dono apne apne kaam se bahar chali gai hai! Ishita ko company dene wala koi nahi hai kyunki Mummy bhi usse baat nahi kar rahi hai aur Neelu ko bahut kaam hai aur upar se Amma aur Kiran bhi apne ghar pe nahi hain. So is sab ka frustration woh mujhpe nikal rahi hai! I mean subah se pareshan kar diya hai Madrasan ne- message pe message, call pe call!!

The day Ishita was discharged, Adi and Romi has already predicted that Ishita would make Raman dance to her tunes for she can't sit idle and be jobless! What they had not expected was that they would get to witness it and have some fun too! Romi, Adi and Ruhi exchange naughty looks for they know that this is a golden opportunity that rarely comes their way.

Romi: Bhai you are right! Hum dono ko apni biwi ko control karna nahi aata. Aapko aata hai? Aap kar ke dikhao na Bhabhi ko control...

Raman: Yahan mera dimag kharab ho rakha hai aur tum logon ko mazak suj raha hai! Lunch ke pehle main Adi ke cabin mein presentation review kar raha tha. Faltu batoon ke liye mujhe message kar rahi thi... uske laptop pe netflix kaam nahi kar raha tha. Every minute she was messaging me. Yar technologically challenged ho toh technology se ulajhte kyun ho?!? Phir jab maine kaha ki main zarrori kaam kar raha hun and in sab ke liye mere pass time nahi hai and if she really wants a solution she could contact their customer care toh gussa ho gai. Phir usko manane ke liye maine Adi aur Ruhi ke sath ek selfie cilck karke bheja ki woh khush ho jayegi ki mera important kaam in dono ka presentation hai and in dono ko photo mein thoda admire karegi toh distract ho jayegi. But no!! Within 5 minutes she called me kyunki usse raha nahi gaya mujhe bina bataye ki use hum teeno ko aise sath dekh ke kitna accha lag raha hai and sath mein complaint ki ghar pe mujhe yeh idea kyun nahi aya full family selfie lene ka!! It's like there is no winning with her!! I mean usko doctor ne bedrest bola hai toh bedrest ke maze le na!

Adi, Romi and Ruhi are again silently laughing at Raman's plight but deep inside they are beyond thrilled to see Raman and Ishita behaving like a normal couple.

Adi: Papa!! Ishimaa ke liye bedrest maza nahi duniya ki sabse badi saza hai!

Raman: Matlab?!?

Ruhi: Matlab yeh Papa ki Ishimaa bina kaam kiye reh hi nahi sakti.

Raman: Kal tak toh accha khasa bed rest kar rahi thi phir aaj achanak yeh saza kaise ho gaya!

Romi: Arey Bhai tab unki weakness hi itni zada thi- itne drame jo hue hai ghar mein. Kal full din aapne, bachoon ne unke sath spend kiya so she was in good company and rested well toh ab unki weakness kum ho rahi hai aur energy wapas aa rahi hai toh Bhabhi apne normal mode mein aa rahi hai.

Adi: Papa aapko yaad hai kuch hafte pehle Ishimaa ek din high fever ke wajah se sham ko achanak behosh ho gai thi aur tab aapne aake unki help bhi ki thi. Us time pe bhi unko 2-3 days ka bedrest tha. Sab ko aise hi pareshan kar rakha tha unhone. Woh idle baith hi nahi sakti. Us samay aap unse milna avoid kar rahe the na isliye aapne dekha nahi.

Raman: Kash dekh liya hota! Kabhi shaadi nahi karta!

Ruhi: Papa, bhaiya ke cabin mein toh badi baatein kar rahe the aap ki office aur ghar mein you are the boss but abhi aap ko dekh ke clearly pata chal raha hai ki Ishimaa is the boss ghar mein bhi aur yahan bhi!!

Adi and Romi are no longer able to control themselves and they burst out laughing! Suddenly Romi gets an idea!

Romi: Bhai mere pas perfect idea hai Bhabhi ka mood theek karne ke liye!

Raman: Kya?!?

Romi: Aap aaj sham ko bhabhi ko date pe le jao!

Raman: Kya?!? Are yaar tune suna nahi usko bedrest bola hai doctor ne.

Romi: Bhai I can guarantee you Bhabhi ghar pe koi rest nahi kar rahi hai in fact aap unko tazi hawa mein bahar le jaoge toh woh zada rest kar lengi. Waise bhi Bhai aap dono ki nai nai shaadi hui hai. Aise toh shaadi ke bad couples honeymoon pe jate hai aap kum se kum Bhabhi ko ek date pe toh le ke jao!!

Ruhi: Aur nahi toh kya Papa!! Aap ko kuch nahi pata! We women like to be cared for. Aap unko special feel karao I mean she is your wife after all!! Jin halaton mein aapki shaadi hui I am sure aapne seedhe jake unko lawyer wali baat batai hogi and kaha hoga ki mujhse shaadi kar lo. No romantic proposal! No special feeling!

Romi: Haan Bhai!! I mean dekho Bhabhi khud itni bimaar thi phir bhi unhone mere aur Mihika ke bare mein socha aur humein akele mein time spend karne ke liye resort bheja toh unke bhi toh expectations honge na!!

Raman: Really you think so?!?

Adi: Of course Papa! Dekho aise toh aap har mamle mein mujhse aur Chachu se superior ho but shaadi ke mamle mein na hum dono ko aapse zada experience hai!! This is what all wives want and you can't go wrong with this Papa!

Raman is only putting up a show of being reluctant whereas deep down he is very excited by the idea of getting an opportunity to woo Ishita. Since he has started developing feelings for her, he now wants to see if there is even the remote possibility that she might reciprocate.

Raman: Theek hai agar tum log itna insit kar rahe ho toh fine. Lekin use le ke kahan jaun?

Ruhi: Kisi restaurant?

Raman: Nahi I mean ghar mein pure din woh cooped up feel kar rahi hogi, somewhere in the open would be better. I mean khuli hawa main saas legi toh shayad baad mein mujhe chain ki saas lene degi!

Adi: Par Papa, venue etc. toh baad ki baat hai. Abhi Ishimaa ne gusse mein phone kata hai aapka aur dekho itni der se na unka koi call na message aya hai matlab woh solid wala gussa hain toh aap unko apne sath chalne ko convince kaise karoge?

Raman frowns for a few minutes as this is a real problem then suddenly an idea comes to him and he smiles.

Raman: Don't worry! Main use convince kar lunga woh bhi 2 minutes mein.

Ruhi: Papa aapko koi open setup chahiye tha na! Lodi Garden Restaurant is perfect waha pe open mein private canopies hai. It's a beautiful setup and menu bhi bahut broad hai with plenty veg and non-veg options.

Ruhi shows Raman some pictures of the restaurant on google and to be double sure she checks the reviews on Zomato and since all looks good the date it set. Raman excitedly rushes out to talk to his assistant to make reservations.

Adi: Yeh aapne accha socha Chachu!

Romi: Yeh bahut zaroori hai!!

Ruhi: Aap aisa kyun bol rahe ho Chachu?

Romi: Kyunki Bhai ke liye toh yeh rishta naya hai na. Woh purani sari baatein bhul gaye hai isliye zaroori hai ki in dono ke rishte mein woh gehrai wapas aa jaye taki Bhai ko kuch yaad ho ya na ho, unka rishta itna pakka ho jaye ki Simmi Di koshish karne pe bhi dono ko door nahi kar paye! Bhabhi ne waise bhi bahut kuch saha hai pichle kuch saloon mein. Unse zada yeh khushiyan koi deserve nahi karta.

Raman-Ishita Bedroom:

Ishita is sitting with a rather grumpy face on the sofa while reading a book. Raman walks in looks at her and smiles. Although she had sensed his presence the moment he stepped in she is mad at him so she does not look up. Raman comes and sits on the sofa next to her. He waits patiently for her to take notice of him. She keeps up her annoyed facade for 2-3 minutes before she looks up and is surprised to see him smiling at her, with a mysterious glint in his eyes.

Raman: Hi.....

Ishita: Hi.....

She is about to go back to reading her book again to make her annoyance obvious. Raman smiles at her cute mannerisms and places his hand on her shoulder so that she stops and looks at him again.

Ishita (annoyed): Kya hua?

Raman (amused): Itna gussa?!?

Ishita: Toh phir...aaj aapne meri koi help nahi ki...mere problems ko faltu kaha aur jab maine aapki office ke kaam mein help karne ki koshish ki toh aapne ulta mujhe suna diya! Matlab bhalai ka toh zamana hi nahi raha!

Raman: Hmmm.... itni lambi complaints ki list...too bad aaj iska kuch nahi ho sakta! In sab se kal nipta jayega!

Ishita: Matlab?

Raman: Matlab yeh ki ready ho jao. We are going out!

Ishita: Mujhe nahi jana kahi aapke sath!

Raman: Kyun?!?

Ishita: Aap hi ne kaha tha na ki I should be resting and not wasting my energy! Toh bus main wahi karne wali hun ab se aur main aapke sath kahin nahi jaungi!

Raman: Unfortunately for you tumhare pas mere sath chalne ke alawa koi option nahi hai!

Ishita: Matlab?

Raman leans towards Ishita, a strange spark in his eyes and whispers in her ears.

Raman: Woh kya hai maine 3 din pehle ek challenge jeeta tha aur mere challenge ke conditions ke according tumhe ek sham ke liye wahin karna hoga jo main kahunga. And guess what aaj wahi sham hai!!

Ishita smiles a little and looks at Raman. Raman had expected her to be even more annoyed after hearing this but he is surprised to see excitement and happiness in her eyes! They stare into each other's eyes for a few moments before Raman pulls away, stands up goes to the wardrobe and picks out clothes for himself.

Raman: Chalo ab baithi kyun ho? Utho and get ready. Tum yahan ready ho jao aur main guest room mein ready ho jata hun.

Ishita: Guest room mein kyun? Aap pehle washroom mein jake ready ho jao aur phir main...

Raman: Itna time nahi hai. We have to leave soon.

Ishita nods. Since Raman is still standing at the wardrobe she decides to go wash her face and then change into something casual. When Ishita comes out of the washroom Raman is nowhere in sight and the bedroom door is shut. Ishita walks to the wardrobe opens it and is surprised to find a gift box right in front of her. Curious she opens it and sees a beautiful purple saree in it. Ishita smiles and wonders what Raman is upto this evening. She hurries to get dressed before she loses her mind out of curiosity and excitement.

Bhalla Drawing Room:

Raman is dressed in a crisp grey suit and impatiently waiting for Ishita to come down from their room. Romi, Mihika, Adi, Aliya, Ruhi and Pihu are watching him happily. They all are in a mood for some fun!

Mihika: Kya hua Jiju.... nervous?!?

Raman: Main kyun nervous hunga?!?

Romi (mockingly): First date with biwi.... impress nahi hui toh?!?

Adi: Arey Chachu!! Papa apna romantic side dikhayenge na Ishimaa ek second mein impress ho jayengi!

Raman: Yeh kya bol rahe ho tum dono. It's just dinner... romance and all... I mean...

Raman never gets to finish his sentence because just then Ishita walks down. She is looking breathtakingly beautiful in the purple saree he got her. Her hair is open. She is wearing minimal makeup, just enough to conceal the paleness that has come upon her due to her recent illness. Just like her makeup she has kept her jewellery also simple- solitaire diamond earnings and her Taali.

Raman watches her mesmerised as the comes down the stairs. Without even realising he gets up from the sofa and walks towards her. She stops in front of him and they both smile shyly as they look into each others eyes. Raman admires her and checks her out from top to bottom! Ruhi whispers something into Pihu's ears, she nods and runs over to Raman and Ishita, and speaks bringing them back to reality.

Pihu: Papa, Ishimaa kitni pretty lag rahi hai na? Aur aap apna muh dekho ekdum flat ho gaya Ishimaa pe!!

Raman looks towards Pihu trying to get her to stop talking but Ishita immediately looks at Ruhi, who winks at her and smiles before blowing a flying kiss at her. Within seconds they are joined by everyone from the drawing room. While everyone is busy complimenting Ishita, Raman is suddenly distracted as he again sees blurry visions of a couple and the feeling of déjà vu comes back to him.

Raman is immediately distracted from all the buzz around him and he tries to concentrate hard on his recollections. His chain of thought is broken as Romi taps him on his shoulder bringing him back to his senses.

Romi: Bhai! Kahan kho gaye?

Raman: Tum logon ne vegetable market laga rakha hai! Mujhe bolne ka mauka milega kahan yahan!!

Mihika (teasingly): Haan toh Jiju, jaiye apni Biwi ko le jaye aur akele mein unke saath khub sari baatein karye ga!

Ishita (blushing): Stop it Mihika!

Ruhi: Kyun stop it Ishimaa! Kahin aap dono ka iraada baatein chod ke puri shaam ek dusre ke aakhon me aakhein dalke bitane ka to nahi hai?!?

Raman: Ishita, inki baatein kabhi khatam nahi hongi. Hum chale?

Ishita nods and is about to walk with him when Ruhi stops him again.

Ruhi: One second! Aise kaise ja rahe ho?

Before they can ask her what she means, Ruhi makes them hold each other's hand and then asks them to leave. They both shake their head, amused at everyones antics as they leave. While they are walking out of the house Raman once again visualises some blurry recollections.

Raman's thoughts are once again interrupted as they approach the main door for Simmi and Param have walked in just as they are about to step out. Simmi notices them all dressed up, holding hands and she can't hide the surprise and anger on her face. Raman tightens his hold on Ishita's hand and without saying a word to either of them, he walks out with her.

Simmi and Param look confused as they walk towards the drawing room. Romi notices their expression and starts talking in a loud voice so that they can hear him clearly.

Romi: Pata hai Mihika jis tarah Bhai Bhabhi ko dekhe ja rahe the mujhe toh unki aakhon mein ek second ke liye dekh ke laga ki unko purani baatein yad aa rahi hai!

Ruhi: Waise dono ko dekh ke aapko woh din nahi yaad aya Chachu, jis din Papa Ishimaa ko pehli baar surprise date pe le gaye the!

Romi looks directly at Simmi when he speaks next, his eyes taunting her!

Romi: Arey haan! Kitne tips diye the humne unko I love you bolne ke liye!! Waise you are right Ruhi, itne saloon bad bhi in dono ka pyaar na wahi hai. Aur ab toh mujhe lagta hai ki Bhai ko bhi us pyaar ka dobara ehsaas hone laga hai tabhi toh woh Bhabhi ko itne romantic date pe le gaye hain!

Simi looks at Romi, disgust clearly visible on her face and then she and Param head to their room.

Lodi Garden Restaurant:

Raman gets out of the car and hands the keys to the valet as he walks to Ishita's side. They walk together to the entrance and Raman confirms their reservation to a waiter who escorts them to their setup.

Raman had reserved a small canopy in the open garden area for he felt fresh air would be good for Ishita. As soon as Ishita walks in, she is impressed by the setup.

Their service is prompt, the moment they are seated they are presented with a menu. Raman for some unexplainable reason feels a little nervous, perhaps because he is anxious to know if Ishita could ever want more out of this marriage so he orders a scotch right off the bat before he even begins reading the menu. Ishita smirks at him.

Raman: Aise kyun smile kar rahi ho?

Ishita: Kuch cheezein kabhi nahi badalti...

Raman: Matlab?

Ishita: Matlab men and their scotch. But aap wapas drive kar rahe ho so just one drink!!

Raman rolls his eyes at her, but secretly he feels pleased that she is giving him orders like every wife would to her husband.

It's a cloudless, full moon night, with a very mild breeze. As the evening progresses and the sky darkens, Ishita looks out of the canopy into the night sky. The moonlight has cast a beautiful glow to the night but nothing could match the glow on Ishita's face. She smiles as she sees the stars and then looks at Raman her eyes full of warmth.

Ishita: Raman, thank you!

Raman: Kyun?!?

Ishita: This is perfect!

Raman slowly sips his drink and he feels his tension melt away. They talk of everything, but talk about nothing. Raman is amazed how easy it is to talk to her. To him this evening really feels like a first date so he asks her about her childhood and her college life. As she speaks about her college, he can see how passionate she is about her career. He can see her humility and also a certain degree of pride in her eyes as she tells him about the first time she extracted a tooth. It's moments like these when Raman wishes that he too remembered some fun anecdotes from his youth to share with her. But his mind is a blank book. His life too would have been black and white but Ishita has come and filled it with colours and has painted a beautiful picture for him, something he could have never imagined.

Raman: Ishita, waise toh mere liye hamari kahaani Budapest se shuru hui lekin tum toh kai saloon se hamari padosi thi.

Ishita: Haan thi toh...

Raman: Matlab hum bhi ek dusre ko kai saloon se jante hain.

Ishita: Haan...

Raman: Hum pehli bar kaise mile the?

Ishita looks at him and smiles. Immediately memories from their first meeting come to her mind.

Ishita: Hum business paper ke silsile mein mile the!!

Raman: Kya?!?

Ishita: Aap Mr. CEO Business Newspaper dhundte hue hamare ghar aye the! Aapne newspaper liya aur bina thank you bole chale gaye!

Raman looks at Ishita and frowns as he remembers something.

Raman: Tumne aaj galat medicines liye hain kya?

Ishita: Kyun?!?

Raman: Yeh newspaper le ke bina thank you bole chale jana abhi hua tha jab tum recently hamare pados mein wapas shift hui thi!

Ishita smiles at him as she remembers how the whole incident had repeated itself not so long ago and to her it seemed as a sign that they were starting over and that soon they would be one again. Just then Raman's phone rings. He looks at the caller and smiles, answers the phone on speaker.

Raman: Yes Pihu! Dinner ho gaya tumhara?

Pihu: Hi Papa! Yes ho gaya. Aap dono ka?

Raman: Humne order kar diya hai. Wait kar rahe hain.

Pihu: Papa, Ishimaa ko green leafy vegetables khane chahiye. Aap kuch healthy order karna aur aapke suit ke inner left pocket mein Ishimaa ke medicines hai bhulna mat!

Raman: Haan meri Dadiamma! I remember!!

Ishita: Pihu, homework finish kiya tumne?

Pihu: Haan Ishimaa. Science mein thoda confusion tha toh Chitti ne mujhe help kiya. Aap log kya kar rahe ho?

Ishita: Hum baatein kar rahe hain.

Pihu: Words wali ya eyes wali?!?

Ishita and Raman look at each other and smile!!

Ishita: Hum sirf Pihu wali baatein kar rahe hain!! Aur ab lagta hai Ishimaa ko na kal se Pihu ke sath thoda strict hona padega, Pihu idhar udhar ki kuch zada hi baatein jo karne lagi hai!!

Pihu: Nahi Ishimaa!! Please no!! Maine toh bus goodnight bolne ke liye aap dono ko call kiya hai.

Raman: Ok Pihu, good night then beta!

Pihu: Good night Papa!

Ishita: Goodnight betu! Sweet dreams!

Pihu: Good night Ishima!! Pata nahi aaj mujhe aapke special bedtime story ke bina neend kab ayegi!

Ishita: Tum kaho toh main phone pe suna du!

Pihu: Nahi nahi Ishimaa!! I was just joking!! Aap apna date spoil karoge bus mujhe story sunane ke liye?!? Never!! Aap dono enjoy karo main so jaungi don't worry!!

Raman: Ok beta Bye!

Raman is about to keep the phone back in his coat pocket when Ishita takes it from him and dials a number. Raman looks on confused.

Raman: Kise call kar rahi ho?

Ishita puts the phone on speaker so that Raman too can listen.

Mihika: Jiju, Biwi ke sath date pe hote hue sali ko yaad kar rahe ho! Biwi ko pata chala toh...

Ishita: Mihika, main hun!

Mihika: Oh Akka! Kya hua?

Ishita: Mihika, please Pihu ko dekh lena. Use bedtime story ke bina jaldi neend nahi aati.

Mihika: Ok. Akka. Main abhi jati hun. Aap please thodi der ke liye ghar, bachoon ko bhul jao aur Jiju ke sath bus enjoy karo!!

Ishita: Please dekh lena haan Mihika. Aur please Ruhi se kehna ki time pe so jaye warna yeh ladki bus presentation hi banati reh jayegi aur Adi...

Mihika: Akka, Adi ko Aliya dekh legi. Aap please thoda romance karo yaar! Ghar hum manage kar lenge! See you tomorrow! Bye!

Mihika hangs up before Ishita can say another word! Ishita looks at Raman with an annoyed look. Raman however has been observing Ishita very intently.

Ishita: Dekho toh ise!! Aur aap mujhe aise kya dekh rahe ho?

Raman: Ishita tumse ek baat puchu. Sach sach jawab dogi?

Ishita: Aapse main aise bhi kahan jhoot bol pati hun Raman! Pakri jati hun hamesha! Kya puchna chahte ho?

Raman: Jab maine tumse shaadi ki baat ki thi tab mujhe sirf Pihu yaad thi par tum toh janti thi na ki Adi aur Ruhi bhi mere bacche hain...

Ishita: Haan... toh?!?

Raman: Sab jante hue tumne mujhse shaadi kyun ki? I mean it's one thing to become a mother to a small child. But Adi and Ruhi are yound adults. Unki parenting karna is a whole new ball-game. Mere sare baggage ke bare mein jante hue tumne mujhse shaadi kyun ki?

Ishita looks at Raman for a long moment before she speaks.

Ishita: Raman, pehli baat teeno bacche hamesha se aapki zindagi the, hain aur rahenge aapko kuch yaad ho ya na ho! Unko unke bachpan se dekha aur jana hai maine- waqt ke saath saath woh kab meri bhi zindagi ban gaye pata hi nahi chala! Aur dusri baat aapse judi hui kisi bhi cheez ko maine kabhi baggage nahi samjha hai. Aur finally maine aapse shaadi isliye ki kyunki mere dil ne aisa chaha!

Raman is completely taken by surprise hearing this and at the same time he is overjoyed for he knows that if she felt it in her heart that marrying him was the right decision for her then it means that for her too this marriage isn't only for Pihu's sake which means he can be hopeful that one day she might have feelings for him too.

His thoughts are interrupted as the band starts playing soft instrumental music. Encouraged by his thoughts and after hearing Ishita's reason for marrying him Raman decides that it is time to seize the moment. He stands up offers his hand to her, as he helps her stand up and walks her to the small dance floor next to the band.

Ishita stood before him, looking up to him as he placed his hands on her back. She relaxed her head against his shoulder as they danced to the slow music of the band on this full moon night underneath a blanket of stars.

They flowed through the silvery moonlit night, the music guiding their motions and their bodies moved together. The sounds of the music echoed off into the silent night. Ishita's saree swayed a little with the movement of her body. They fell into a rhythm together moving with one another as their feet glided effortlessly over the dance floor. Ishita was still feeling a little weak so she was slightly unstable on her feet, but being held by him was a steadying force.

Raman held her close to him. Their bodies touched and he could feel her warmth through his clothes. As they slowly swayed to the music a million thoughts were running through his mind. He felt that Ishita is his truth and his reality while she is also his dreams come true! She is like the endless river he can drown himself in to quench his thirst. She has the power to make his heart restless and also to make it beat a million times a minute after which she is all that can calm his heart the very next instant. He feels that wherever he goes, he takes her along in his heart and thoughts- it doesn't matter whether she is actually there with him or not for she is his soulmate, his companion and his best friend. Every time he is near her he wants to embrace her in his arms and hold her close just like he is right now. He is restless every moment that he spends apart from her. He feels like there is no one in the world luckier than him. Now that he has given his heart to her he feels closer to her than ever before. She is in his heart, in every breath that he takes, and in his every heartbeat. He also realises that when he is with her time just flies. His mind and heart have been consumed by her thoughts ever since he met her in Budapest. He could spend the rest of his life just by looking into her deep eyes that always speak volumes to him. She is the sunlight that has brought him out from the darkness that had engulfed him over the last two years.

The band finishes playing the song, bringing his thoughts to an abrupt end just as Ishita lifts her head from his shoulder. Raman looks into her eyes and sees them shining with the most beautiful glow! As they walk back to their canopy Ishita leans back a little to stare at the stars. Raman places his arm around her waist. She feels the firm pressure of his hand on her, supporting her and she slides a little closer to him as they pause for a bit to admire the beauty of the stars in the night sky.

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Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed Ishita and Raman's Special Date Night. Stay tuned for more such moments and a lot more drama in the upcoming chapters as Romi and Mihika are on the quest to find the truth behind Ananya's death while Simmi and Param continue plotting against Ishita.

I work very hard to plan and write each chapter. A lot of time, energy and research goes into every single post. So if you are enjoying reading this then please motivate and encourage me by sharing your thoughts. I am eager to receive both negative and positive feedback as it will only help me improve and make the reading experience more worthwhile for you!!

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