
~𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧~
Before Karan could complete his statement of confession, Param's loud voice immediately shrilled in his ears as he called him from outside as everyone was ready to leave. Listening to Param calling Karan's name, Monami immediately rushed down with reddened cheeks and throbbing heart that knew what Karan wanted to say. Unwillingly, Karan too came down and touching everyone's feet for one last time, the Shergills departed for Delhi. Karan kept looking back, finding Monami and fortunately, before going out of sight, he saw Monami for one last time, who waved secretly at him with a wide, loving smile. As Karan kept looking at Monami, she muttered some courage and mouthed something that made him burst into blushes.
Monami (mouthing) - Khayal rakhna!
Reaching Deolali, Karan immediately left for the academy with some gifts for everyone, which Barkha asked him to take along. Entering his cabin, Karan found Ustadji already there, fixing the items on his table and his dedication towards his duty made Karan smile wide. Turning back at the commotion, as Ustadji got to know that Karan is there, he immediately saluted him by clicking his toes and Karan's nod made him stand at ease.
Ustadji - Jai Hind sirji! Aa gaye aap?
Karan - Hanji Ustadji aur aapke liye Madhupur ke special angoor bhi laya hoon!
Ustadji - Arre bahot-bahot shukriya sirji, mere ko to bade pasand hain angoor aur meri biwi ko bhi. Vaise..bhabhiji theek hain?
Ustadji's question and the way he addressed Monami as 'bhabhiji' made Karan feel the warmth of blush in his heart but didn't let it soften his demeanor and just nodded his head in positive. Satisfied with the small talk, Ustadji was about to leave when he remembered something.
Ustadji - Sirji, Batra sir ko aapse mission se related kuchh zaroori baat karni thi. Vo ek ghante mein aa jayenge, aap aur Faizi sirji unse yaad se mil lijiyega.
Karan agreed and decided to do some official work which is piled up due to the Madhupur outing. He opened his laptop and started typing something when he abruptly paused as his gaze fell on the shiny engagement band which was in his left hand's ring finger. His posture slouched as he got lost in the memories of Madhupur that he made with Monami, and a lovely smile crept on his lips with his eyes getting filled with love.
On the other side, the Mahajans too reached Mumbai and as it was their off from the hospital. While Monami was working on her computer & the sound of keys of the keyboard echoed in the background, Deepak had called all the people required for the wedding preps and with his heart full of excitement, started deciding and allotting duties to everyone.
Deepak - Meri bitto ki shaadi mein koi kami nahi rehni chahiye! Ladke wale Dilli se hain, bada jaana-maana khandaan hai, kisi bhi tarah ka koi kasht nahi hona chahiye unhe!
Monami who heard Deepak's words to those people just chuckled and shook her head at what he said and continued hitting the keyboard. Deepak didn't stop and kept explaining everyone the desired things.
Deepak - Munheem ji, shaadi ki taiyaariyan aaj se hi shuru kar dijiye. Aap Joshiji ke yaha jaakar tent walo ko sab samjha dijiye. Aur yaad rakhiyega, baraat dharmashala mein nahi paas ke hotel mein rukegi, Sharma ji, ise aap dekh lijiyega. Bus dekhna, koi kami na rahe meri Bitto ki shaadi mein!
Some minutes later, Deepak came with a painting contractor to show him the house and how it is supposed to be painted to look appropriate for the wedding. Juhi who saw the whole conversation from the window, was burning with anger seeing how Deepak is spending money like water. In a while, Koel came from college and saw Deepak, sitting along with Monami and Munheem ji in the drawing room with some coins laid on the table.
Deepak - Achha hua beta tum aa gayi. Inn mein se apni pasand batao..main chahta hoon har mehmaan ko ek chandi ka sikka diya jaye!
Koel came closer excitedly and picked when and gave it to Deepak and it was loved both by Deepak and Monami. Deepak then looked at Juhi who was cutting some vegetables.
Deepak - Juhi, ab tum bhi apni pasand bata do.
Juhi (without even looking) - Mujhse kya puchhte ho?! Chaho to sab de do! Chandi ki jagah sone ka sikka de do!
Koel (irritated) - Maa! Papa ne sirf aapki rai maangi hai, aise kyu bol rahe ho!
Juhi (snapping angrily) - Khabardaar agar mujhse firse iss tone mein baat kari to!
Koel got pissed off at Juhi's irritated nature and just rushed to her room and seeing the scene getting personal, Munheem ji too left. Seeing Monami having her head hung low sadly, Deepak lovingly asks Monami to also go in her room. She obliges and as she climbed the stairs, Juhi comes to Deepak to make him understand certain things.
Juhi - Tum jis tarah ki shaadi chahte ho, andaaza bhi hai usme kitna kharcha hoga?! Vo-vo log bhi bulaye jaa rahe hain jinse barso se mile tak nahi hain. Halwai, shehnai wale, dhol wale..sab door-door se bulaye jaa rahe hain jaise aur kuchh nahi, bus ye shaadi hi bachi hai tumhare liye!
Deepak - Bhaiya-Bhabhi ka har sapna pura hoga Juhi!
Saying so, Deepak gathered all the lying silver coins from the table and was about to leave when Juhi's emotional and manipulative voice made his steps halt.
Juhi (emotionally) - Haan, bus apne bhaiya-bhabhi ka hi to sapna yaad rahega tumhe. Apni beti bhi byahni hai ye kyu yaad rahega! Monami ka rishta itne bade ghar mein kar rahe hain isliye kahi Koel ki baat nahi ho paa rahi. Fir kuchh dene ke liye nahi bachega agar to ho chuki Koel ki shaadi! Lekin ye sab aap kyu sochenge?! Apni bitto ki shaadi ke liye Madhupur ka makaan to girvi rakh hi chuke ho, kuchh kam reh jaye to ye ghar bhi bech dena!
Juhi left from there after making Deepak feel certain things but both of them were unaaware, that from the staircase, Monami heard each and every word of their conversation and a lone tear trailed down her cheek.
In the academy, Batra sir arrived and called Karan and Faizi in his cabin to discuss some information for the mission. They were supposed to head to Kashmir the next morning, ensuring the safety of their teammates there. Though it's not fatal but definitely dangerous as the location itself is prone to attacks. After hours of discussion, Batra sir adjourned them and clicking their toes to salute him, both Karan & Faizi left.
In the evening, after Deepak did his evening prayer, he was in his room and was fondling with some pages when he heard slight sobs from behind the curtain. The softness in the sobs was enough for him to recognise that it's none other than Monami.
Deepak - Bitto?
Listening to Deepak's love-filled tone, Monami couldn't control herself and like the baby he considers her, she ran to him and hugged him immediately, while crying her eyes out. She kept mumbling one same thing and it made him extremely concerned for her.
Monami - Chachaji, ma..main ye shaadi nahi karungi! M..main ye sh..shaadi nahi karungi!
Deepak (shocked) - Arre, beta? Aakhir baat kya hui?
Deepak made Monami sit on the bed and sat beside her. She kept her head on his chest while crying and the more she cried, the more concerned and tensed Deepak grew.
Deepak (worriedly) - Beta, aakhir baat kya hui? Karan ji se koi an-ban ho gayi? Hua kya?!
Monami (crying) - Nahi chachaji, Madhupur wale ghar ki ek-ek eent (brick) aapne apne saamne lagvayi thi. Meri shaadi ke liye aapne use girvi rakh diya?! Abhi chhoti ki bhi shaadi honi hai, main iss sabke liye apne aap ko kabhi maaf nahi kar paungi! Main ye shaadi nahi karungi!
Deepak's eyes softened and instant tears brimmed in them listening to what Monami's heart contained. He engulfed his little girl in his arms and wiped her tears with the back of his hand and made her look at him.
Deepak - Chhoti ki shaadi mein koi kami nahi rahegi, isi dhoom-dhaam se hogi. Main vaada raha tujhse! Beti ki shaadi har pita ke liye bade saubhagy ki baat hoti hai, bade naseebon wala hota hai vo baap jo apne ghar se beti vida kar pata hai. Mujhe apne armaan pure nahi karne degi kya beta, haan?
Monami couldn't control anymore and hugged Deepak tightly again, crying hard. She knows that there's no way that she can convince Deepak on spending less for her and nor she wants to not to marry Karan. Deepak just chuckled at how thoughtful Monami is.
Deepak - Bitto, aaj Sooraj ji ki chitthi aayi thi, sunegi?
Supporting Monami by his hand, Deepak bent back and picked up the letter he received today from Sooraj and started narrating it.
Deepak - Unhone likha hai...Hum Madhupur mein saath rahe, bahot achha laga. Hum Mumbai mein samdhi bane aur Madhupur mein dost! Aapke pyaar aur apnepan se rishto mein badi jaldi promotion mil gaya. Main daave se keh sakta hoon aapne shaadi ki taiyaariyan abhi se shuru kardi hongi. Jaanta hoon..beti ki shaadi mein hazaar tarah ki chintayein hoti hain. Magar aap zyada tension mat lijiyega, aap aur hum alag nahi hain!
Listening to Sooraj's words that were narrated by Deepak, a sense of relief washed over Monami's face as she again witnessed the goodness of her to-be father-in-law. Deepak caressed Monami's hair with a big smile.
Deepak - Beta, jiske itne achhe samdhi ho, use kis baat ki chinta? Chal, ab jaldi se muskura de!
Listening to what Deepak said about Sooraj made Monami smile a bit and now her heart was somewhat convinced that Deepak isn't much stressed about her marriage. Suddenly Deepak stood up to exit the room but stopped at the door and turned towards Monami with a sweet smile.
Deepak - Vaise..aaj bada ek chitthi tere liye bhi aayi hai!
Saying so, Deepak left the room, leaving Monami with the letter that lied on the table and was sent for Monami, maybe by someone from Delhi. Wiping the tear strains from her cheeks, Monami slowly picked up the envelope that was decorated with little red hearts that made Monami lips curl up. Laying on the sofa, when Monami unfolded the letter, the perfume that was applied on it confirmed that it's none other than Karan.
The letter read - Hum jaldi Delhi pahunch gaye thhe, Madhupur mein itna waqt tumhare saath guzarne ke baad, ghar mein dil hi nahi laga to..academy chala gaya. Sabse pehle pahunch gaya tha, saara pending kaam khatam kiya aur fir ek aur bahot zaroori kaam kiya...tumhe yaad kiya! Aaj har ghadi mein tum dikh rahi thi! Ustadji mein, Batra sir mein, Faizi mein aur yaha tak ki..Dilbagh ji, humari academy ke cook mein bhi!
Monami chuckled at what Karan wrote and closed her eyes for a moment, imagining the scene. But soon her laughter faded away when she realized the depth of his words that expressed his feelings.
Letter continues - Monami, aaj maine bahot socha..socha ki hum kaise har function ke liye apne kapde match karenge, haldi, mehendi, sangeet..sab! Pata hai..pehle main kabhi itna excited nahi hota tha, lekin jabse tum aayi ho, ek alag si excitement aa gayi hai, jee karta hai ki kisi ke liye perfect banu and I hope, main tumhare liye perfect ban pau! Expressive, dedicated, loving ho pau..sirf tumhare liye!
Karan's words stirred something in Monami's heart. She turned to the side and hugged the letter tight as if appreciating Karan's attempt of making himself a better and expressive being just for her sake and so that his no nonsense nature doesn't become a hurdle in their married life.
The next morning, while Monami was peeling some vegetables in the kitchen, the landline phone that was kept in the living room, buzzed loudly, making everyone aware that it's someone's call. With a wide smile and shine on her face, Monami rushed towards it as she knew who it must be but before she could reach to the phone, Munheem ji was fast enough and lifted the receiver, making Monami hide behind one of the curtains.
Munheem ji - Hello, ji kaun?
Listening to the person on the other side, Munheem ji covered the receiver from his hand and without looking, called Monami with a wide teasing smile.
Munheem ji - Bitto..tere liye Dilli se phone!
Monami pretended as if she came on his calling only and made a face as if she doesn't know who has called her and why. But the moment, Munheem ji left from there, making an excuse of some work, she immediately kept the receiver on her ear, with excitement reflecting from her face.
Monami (whispering) - Hello?
Karan - Hello, you know what happened? Abhi hum sab conference room mein thhe, main, Batra sir, Faizi, sab! Batra sir aane wale mission ke baare mein kuchh discuss kar rahe thhe and mistakenly, maine..Batra sir ko Monami keh kar bula diya!
Monami chuckled loud at what Karan narrated while slapping his forehead and he too chuckled at his love-filled foolishness. Karan kept on yapping without giving Monami a chance to reply as he was missing her a little more and it just made Monami shake her head as how quickly they've exchanged each other's habits. Karan who's talking constantly, the way she used to do and how Monami is listening and understanding him by heart, how he used to do.
Karan - Arre tumhari baato mein main bhul hi gaya batana..2 din mein main aur Faizi Kashmir ke liye nikal rahe hain, mission ke liye. Zyada khatarnaak nahi hai magar pata nahi vapis kab aaunga. Arre..ah, main baad mein baat karta hoon, shayad Batra sir ne bulaya hai.
Karan hung up the call leaving Monami's heart filled with worry listening to the word 'mission'. She knew being a soldier's wife, this day would surely come but didn't expect it so soon. The whole day, her heart didn't reside in anything, and she kept being restless. In the evening, Koel forced her to go to a nearby PCO and call Karan once and say her heart out as they won't be able to talk for a long period after Karan's leaves.
Gathering her courage, Monami nervously called Karan from the PCO. She was about to hang up when Karan didn't pick up even after 2 rings but the moment, she was about to keep the phone down, someone from the other end spoke up.
Karan - Hello, Monami?
Monami - Karan, pata hai, abhi tak mera dil bahot ghabra raha tha..magar tumhari awaaz sunte hi, sab theek lagne laga hai! Aap mission par befikr jaiye, main aapke liye prarthna karungi!
In the academy, sitting on his cabin chair, Karan's lips curled up in a wide smile at how easily Monami understood him and is ready to be brave without letting her inner turmoil come in between her trust on him and God. Since he told Monami about the mission, Karan's condition wasn't a bit different from Monami's. He was scared, for the very first time, not for him but for Monami but the faith in her voice, made every doubt, every fear shoo away and at both the ends, wide smiles crept.
Karan (low voice) - Ek baar fir kehna!
Monami (smiling shyly) - Main aapke liye prarthna karungi!
Karan - Bus..bus tumhara yahi vishwas tumhare liye mere pyaar ko aur gehra kar raha hai! Shayad tum mujhe mujhse bhi behtar jaanti ho! Tum fikr mat karna, main bahot jald lautunga!
As Karan hung up the call, Monami stood there with the wall's support and held the phone tightly as if she's trying to hold Karan near her. With faith on Karan, her God & her stars, she opened her and smiled slyly, praying for him to return soon.
On her way back to home, Monami & Koel went to a temple where Monami lit a diya and asked Koel to light one, making her confused. With utmost faith and devotion, Monami folded her hands and closed her eyes, praying for her love's safety and early return because that's only when her heart will be at peace.
At around midnight, amidst the dark, Monami sat near the landline in her house and looked at it again and again and waited for it to ring. After several hours of waiting, the landline finally rang up and Monami didn't even waste a single second to receieve it.
Karan (huskily) - Itni raat tak mere liye kyu jaag rahi thi?
Monami (with her head held high) - Kyu? MUJHE HAQ HAI!
At the airport, Karan smiled shyly and went a few footsteps away from Faizi & the people who came to see them off. He nodded in agreement as its only her right to love him, talk to him and wait for him. Sitting on the trolly, Karan decided to ask her something more.
Karan - Kisi ka intezaar karne mein itni khushi milti hai?
Monami (softly) - Ye to bus kisi ladki ka dil hi jaanta hai! Jaa rahe ho?
Karan hummed and Monami too hummed in understanding. After several more talks, now it was time for Karan to switch off his phone and depart for his mission but that's exactly when his heart craved for Monami the most.
Karan (desperately) - Monami, I lov..
Monami (cutting off) - Nah, jab aaoge, tab kehna!
Saying so, Monami immediately hung up the call and on the other side, Karan shook his head and switched off his phone. It's not like she didn't want to hear those three magical words from his mouth, in real, she was dying to hear them but not like this. She wished him to come back soon and when they'll meet, she'd love to hear him say what she wanted to hear while holding her, looking straight into her eyes and cherishing the moment.
On the other side, Karan understood everything that she didn't say and closed his eyes only to see that one face everywhere. He chuckled to himself and kissed Monami's picture that he had in his wallet which he had clicked discreetly in Madhupur.
Avoiding any further movement, Karan quickly dozed off as Faizi was beside him and if he sees any such movement in Karan, it won't take him much time to spread it in the whole battalion. While Monami laid on the terrace, looking at the moon that they both once enjoyed in Madhupur, all she did was close her eyes and pray for his safe journey and safe return.
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(Consider munheem ji to be a friend of Dr. Mahajan)
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