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jalebi-weds-bluetooth · 2 years

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IPKKND OS: To Years & Laughs

Holi at Shantivan was a grand affair. From a noisy household with four generations under a roof to loud music, colors and a mouth watering buffet set by the lovely Mrs. Raizada.

Not the Mrs. Raizada who religiously attended satsangs, nor the Mrs. Raizada who was loyal to her Bollywood themed kitty parties, nor the fresh from America NRI Mrs. Raizada who held an air of grace and a besotted husband beside her.

No, it was the jovial Mrs. Raizada who was instantly written off by the elites for being loud, opinionated, stubborn, steadfast, witty, charismatic and openly critical of the socio economic status of the city. It didn't help that Mrs. Raizada was stunning as well.

And what had started as a loud party where none of the elites wanted an invite to, turned into a media and fan favorite affair where none of the elites were ever invited. So, despite all the money and jewels thrown by the snobby neighbors, Shantivan had the grandest Holi celebration in town.

"We are betters than everyone Saasuma! These page 3 articles about our parties are only written because they’re jealous of our perfect phamily!" Manorama huffed, throwing the paper aside. Devyani laughed at her daughter-in-law’s antics. They were far from perfect - but with Khushi and Payal’s blessed entry in their household, Devyani realized that walking with the time was the way to sustain the family and be with the new generations.

“Arrey what are you all doing here?” Speaking of the new generation, Aarav quickly touched Devyani’s feet and ushered the family to a corner.

“There is time for Phati-,” Aarav raised an eyebrow at Manorama, “humara matbal Khushi bitiya to be here.” It was eight o’clock. In any minute, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada would leave the kitchen - after supervising all the food to be laid out for the festival - and go to her bedroom.

And it was the only day Arnav Singh Raizada slept in - hence there was no obstacle in coloring Khushi from head to toe. Last time the Razada brood (Khushi’s Aarav, Kairav and Kainaat, follower by Payal’s Kushal and Anjali’s Ratna and Maan) thought it was an excellent idea to throw colors in the kitchen.

With a thousand sweets getting contaminated and thrown in the bin, the kids didn’t venture near any kitchen for a year.

“Khushi bhabhi, relax. The food will be perfect. You take some rest - there’s still a few hours until the party.” Hari Prakash smile, unaware of the turmoil his dearest Khushi bhabhi was facing. One of the upsides of Arnav indulging her to do anything on Holi was that she spent the next seven years terrorizing everything with pranks, bhaang and colors.

On the downside, she was the number one target of getting colored first thing in the morning. Even Aarav, who was on the quieter side like his father, chose to wake up early in the morning to plan with the rest of the family in pranking her.

Two years ago Khushi was shocked to her bone when Aarav walked up to her in a white kurta - haye her beta was so handsome! - and touched her feet, wishing her a happy Holi. Tears rolled down her cheeks as he called her Amma - otherwise Angrez Ki Bete preferred Mum.

That should’ve been an indication that something was up his sleeve.

But never to judge her own child, Khushi was lured by Aarav and his sanskaar right into the middle of the garden where she was greeted by three buckets of colored water.

“Bura na mano Holi hai!” All her traitors grinned.

Since then Khushi had realized that on Holi no one was family - especially one’s own family! And out of all the days her Laad Governor found the perfect day to sleep in. Otherwise no one could touch him - and in lieu - touch her!

The Raizada family, though, had one strict rule. If anyone genuinely said ‘no’ to colors and loud music - that was to be respected. It was Payal’s attempt of teaching and establishing boundaries to the younger generation that finally exonerated Arnav from loud noise.

Not that he needed a rule, one glare and all the kids - including NK - would run away.

Think Khushi! Try to spot the family! Khushi had cultivated her Arnav Antenna - or Nannav Network (as NK put it) - into the Raizada Roundup. After two consecutive failures she could finally sense where all the sixteen members of her family were.

Hmph! Nani-ji was being extra devotional to Devi Maiyya. But if you look at her eyes then they constantly looked sideways - so much for a morning prayer. Thus, the temple was eliminated.

Behind the sofas there were the K’s of the Raizada - Kairaav, Kainaat and Kushal. Haye the babies grew up so fast! So couldn’t they realize she could see their heads even from the kitchen?

Aarav was tuned to the latest football match with Maan and Ratna by his side, but why were all of them sitting with one liter bottles? Amateurs. Khushi surveyed the living room, Mami was seated - staring into her makeup kit. When did that get twice the size and... why wasn’t Mami doing any touch upiya to her makeupiya! Even Lakshmi was conveniently roaming by the corridors - bleeping a ‘meeeee’ in warning.

NK hadn’t made his entry yet - thank God he and Lavanya were ten hours away from India - and Mama ji seems to be rehearsing something under his breath, a box of sweets in his hand. Could Khushi see a flicker of green in those laddies? BHANG! Payal and Akash made themselves useful at the dining table but she knew that with two steps Akash could clearly throw a water balloon aimed at her.

Khushi had seen her Jija-ji play basketball. Oh, that reminded her of her other Jija-ji. Aman Mother. Anjali and Aman were truly terrible actors as they tried to their smiles in between reading newspapers and entertaining the Guptas.

Now how could she run to her room before anyone? Every zone had an eye!

Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada had only two rules for Holi. She would be the first to color everyone and the last to have bhang. Two, the great Arnav Singh Raizada would be the first to color her.

One could argue that Khushi could simply walk up to her family and state “Don’t color me, I want my husband to color me first!” But what a could a naturally bashful woman do if it led to incessant teasing by sixteen family members? Like her full name, her family was too big and enjoyed embarrassing her to bits - they still played clips from Akash and Payal’s wedding and begged for details of the fiery Teri-Meri.

“I have to ask, how were you all so blind?” Aarav once commented, snickering as all the Raizadas and Guptas matched Khushi’s red blush for once. Even as a child Aarav saw the way his parents were enamored by each other. Something he hoped to have one day.

Khushi was stuck. Perhaps ten years gave her family the perfect training to corner her.

“Hey Devi Maiyya,” Khushi whispered and jogged in her spot. Every day she complained, religiously, when Arnav pulled her to join him for a run but today she realized how beneficial it was. Not that she’ll admit that to him. Honestly, she’d rather go for a job with Arnav than be ambushed by her family when she had nothing planned for them!

And there were other incentives when running with her husban- focus Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada!

Now was not the time to get distracted! It was time to invoke Devi Maiyya’s strength and make an impossible sprint from the kitchen to her room.

Taking a deep breath, she targeted the stairs, unaware of the fact that Maan had tied the end of Khushi’s white saree to a twelve foot long rope attached to a kitchen counter to give the family enough time to catch her!

“Hey Devi Maiyya, shakti dena!” Khushi prayed for the final time.

No one expected Khushi to literally run through the living room. Their faces turned from amusement to horror as her pallu tore, rope split and pulled her back causing Khushi to fall head first into the floor.

“MAA!” Aarav screamed, leaping from the sofa towards Khushi.

Except she never fell.

She was pulled right into the arms of Arnav Singh Raizada. Khushi’s eyes were screwed shut, hands clutches on his shirt, heart beating loudly. Arnav let out a hard breath, calming his own racing pulse.

“I’m fine,” Khushi said after a moment, reassuring their kids who visibly relaxed in relief.

A few minutes ago Arnav woke up from him sleep, sensing a tense Khushi. Of course, it was Holi. He did enjoy his family’s antics of attempting to color her first. As his Di often said “jaise ko taisa”, he loved hearing Khushi rant about how Nani and NK had planned something for her. He did have to remind her she was no less of a menace!

However, today he couldn’t fall back to sleep. Something bugged him.

He got up, brushed and headed downstairs. He let out a laugh at how concentrated his family was in color Khushi that none saw his coming downstairs!

That’s when he saw the rope tied to Khushi’s saree and her running across the hall.

Oh no.

“HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU ALL TO PLAY IT SAFE? SHE WOULD’VE BROKEN HER HEAD!” Arnav yelled, a protected hand on her nape. The house quietened. Everyone shifted on their feet, unable to answer.

“Kya zaroorat-”

“Arnav-ji,” Khushi broke out of his grasp and held his tensed face in her hands. His skin had turned hot in anger, his glare softening at her pleasing eyes.

“Please don’t yell. How would they know I’d turn into a P. T. Usha?” Khushi smiled, caressing his stubbled cheeks.

“Don’t try to be funny,” Arnav snapped, “and how many times have I told you to not run around the house? Tum ho ya bacche, nobody listens to me!” He scowled. Khushi grabbed his shoulders and gave him an affectionate squeeze.

“We do listen to you Arnav-ji. Have I ever not heeded to what you’ve said?” Arnav raise dan eyebrow in response. Khushi cleared her throat, “I mean have I ever done anything intentionally to displease you?” At this Arnav folded his arms and glared at her. The audacity of this woman!

Khushi colored, knowing Arnav was on the verge of staring a list of things she did to displease him. She took his hands and attempted to mollify him. The Raizada stood rooted to the spot, not wanting to distract Arnav. Fortunately his attention was on Khushi, otherwise they would’ve been carrying their own funeral at this moment.

“Arnav-ji, I was just running to meet you soon.” Khushi batted her lashes.

“If you ran a little faster Khushi, you would’ve met your darling Devi Maiyya instead.” Arnav seethed and turned to stare at his family who was attempting to leave the scene.

“Where you do you think you’re all going? Tell me who did this!” Maan closed his eyes. His beloved Bade Mama was going to kill him and even his mum couldn’t save him. Here he was, unbeaten by the pandemic, about to die as a single sixteen years old man or be jailed for attempted murder of his dearest Badi Mami.

He had thought he’d win the glory for the Mathurs by defeating Badi Mami. But who knew Badi Mami would instantly go ‘Lo Chali Main’ on all of them?!

Anjali and Aman looked at their son who had vocalized half of his thoughts out loud. Aarav stared at Maan in incredulity, his chappal ready in his hand, Buaji started muttering her ‘Hai Re Nandkisores’.

“MAAN MATHUR-”

“-has grown so much, haina?” Khushi grabbed Arnav’s arm, saving her nephew from imminent danger. Maan ran and hid behind Anjali, knowing only his mother could save him. Arman twisted his ear as Maan whispered hushed sorries to everyone.

“Seriously Khushi?” Arnav sighed in frustration. Couldn’t she see how dangerous this could’ve been?

“Arnav-ji, we’ve all learned our lesson. Sacchi. Now please don’t be upset. It’s Holi!” She perked up.

“Toh kya main nachu? (So should I dance?)” Arnav glared. His nose flared as Khushi actually thought for a moment.

“You should Arnav-ji! And in your bhang waala style. Baccha party, the only reason Laad-” khushi coughed, “-Arnav-ji doesn’t dance in public in Holi is because it introduces his 90s Bollywood B-grade hero avatar.”

Khushi shrugged her shoulders and did pelvic thrusts.

“What!” Arnav scoffed as the whole family burst into laughter.

“Poora boliye na! What the!” Khushi winked at him, raising her arms in the air and moving her shoulders left to right. Arnav couldn’t resist forming a small smile at her awkward dancing. Looks like his talents were limited to couple dancing.

Khushi stopped as Arnav heaved an affectionate sigh and shook his head.

“Buaji, your niece is truly Sanka Devi.” Arnav said.

“Haan Nandkisore!” Buaji smiled, more in relief that her dearest but shot tempered damaad-ji had relaxed. The family dispersed and Maan gingerly approached the couple to receive a slight ear twisting and a whole lot of forgiveness from them.

Arnav and Khushi then headed to their room, her hand firmly locked in his.

“So have I successfully cajoled you?” Khushi asked, walking up the stairs with him.

“Why are you asking?” Arnav asked, taking each step carefully.

“Then we can play Holi together!” Khushi jumped, excited at the prospect of chasing him through the fields - or better him chasing her through the grounds. As Mama-ji had once commented, Arnav had started an opposite ritual where men literally ran behind their wives.

“Stop jumping,” Only Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada could think of jumping on stairs right after being saved from a bad fall, “and Khushi, we have celebrated Holi together.” Arnav reminded her.

“Haan we have but this is our tenth year. I promise we won’t do anything you don't like. But I’d like to dance with you in front of the whole wide world.” Khushi proclaimed.

“Khushi, our parties have only selected invitees. So it won’t be the whole wide world. Also after the demo I’ve seen, I’ve sworn off dancing. I have no wish to be a 90s B-grade hero.” Arnav visibly shivered from the memory.

“B-grade hi sahi, you’re my hero.” Khushi whispered, giving him a small peck on the cheek.

“Don’t try seducing me into this.” Arnav warned.

“Why, is it working?” Khushi trailed a hand up his chest. Arnav caught it, his gaze hooded with desire.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish Mrs. Raizada.” Arnav nipped on her earlobe. Khushi giggled, looking around for their family. Fortunately everyone was away.

“On the contrary Mr. Raizada, I’m knowing for finishing off rather well,” Khushi winked. Arnav’s eyes turned wide,

“Have you already had bhang Khushi?” Arnav chuckled.

“No, but I want to - with you - if you’re okay with it. Do you know how adorable you become? I still remember everything you told me ten years ago.” Khushi sighed, a soft smile playing on her lips. Arnav grew quiet, watching her face intently.

“You know, when I had asked-”

“Why does your heart beat fast when you’re near me? Why couldn’t you forget these feelings despite trying your best? That your tried to understand why it happened but you couldn't?” Arnav completed. Khushi stared at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to remember, word to word.

Arnav drew her closer, resting her palms on his chest.

“And I told you that when we come close, then it’s not just your heart that’s beating fast. Mine beats just as fast too. Humari dhadkane-”

“-ek ho jaati hai.” A single tear of happiness rolled down Khushi’s eyes. Arnav frowned, brushing the stray tear with the pad of his thumb. Khushi sniffled and smiled, touched by his memory.

“Arnav, I…” Khushi sighed, she couldn’t find the right words to express the happiness she felt every time he reminded her that even in the worst days love had prevailed.

Despite not being one for regrets, Khushi found herself revisiting the moments. But upon recounting what she thought was a forgotten memory, a wound she didn’t even remember closed.

“I understand,” Arnav whispered, brushing his nose against hers. In his ten years of marriage there were only a few moments when he was surprised that Khushi was with him. The past, although peacefully asleep, would bother him once in a bluemoon.

He never doubted their love, not even for a second, but when Aarav would ask poignant moments about his parents’ lives - why was there a double wedding - or watch Aman and Anjali have a fuss free fairytale wedding, Arnav would look at Khushi’s happy eyes and wonder, how did it all work out?

Khushi looped an arm around his neck, closed her eyes and caressed his cheek. She could feel his dimple under her fingertips. She loved feeling his smile rather than seeing it.

“Alright then,” Arnav broke the hug, “to commemorate our ten years of Holi I’ll celebrate, drink and dance publicly.” Khushi jumped in the air and grabbed his wrist, “COME ON ARNAV-JI I HAVE TO GET YOUR SHIRT AND JEANS-”

“Khushi!” For a small woman her enthusiasm brought strange strength as she dragged him to their room and opened the door when a big bucket of water turned and splashed water on them.

“HAPPY HOLI KHUSHI-N-Nan-Nannav?” NK paled seeing who received his surprise. The Raizadas and Guptas quickly assembled and found NK hiding behind Lavanya.

“Arnav-ji,” Arnav snapped out of his shock and caught a reflection of him and Khushi in the mirror. They were soaked to the toe in green.

“This colour suits you too.” Khushi completed.

The Raizadas and Guptas nearly closed their ears but were caught off guard by Arnav’s laugh.

A carefree, loud laugh.

This was going to be one of the best Holis.

– – –

A/N: Hello lovelies, I had written this as a Holi OS for the Holi Celebration and thought why don’t I post it here? Enjoy this snippet of Raizadas in current times.

Best,

- JWB

#ipkknd #iss pyaar ko kya naam doon #ipkknd ff #ipkknd fanfiction #jalebi writes

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