Foundation of Marriage

Part 7 - Canceled Sangeet?

Two days into the new year, the Raizada mansion was filled with tension. Arnav had just canceled the sangeet, citing his dislike for the noise and the fact that Madhubala, the choreographer, had quit. The atmosphere was somber, with everyone, especially Anjali and Naani, visibly upset. Anjali, who had been looking forward to the sangeet, sat quietly in the living room, her usual cheerful demeanour was replaced with a sad expression. Naani, too, was disappointed, feeling that a crucial part of the wedding festivities had been taken away. When Khushi arrived at the mansion, she immediately sensed the gloom in the air. Spotting Anjali's downcast face, she approached her with concern.

Khushi: "Anjali ji, kya hua? Aap itni udas kyun hain?"

("Anjali ji, what happened? Why are you so sad?")

Anjali: "Chote ne sangeet cancel kar diya, Khushi ji. Woh Madhubala bhi chhod kar chali gayi aur Chote ko toh waise bhi yeh shor sharaba pasand nahi hai."

("Chote canceled the sangeet, Khushi ji. That Madhubala also left, and anyway, Chote doesn't like all this noise and commotion.")

Khushi's eyes widened in surprise.

Khushi: "Kya? Sangeet cancel kar diya? Lekin Di, yeh toh shaadi ka sabse important function hota hai!"

("What? The sangeet is canceled? But Di, this is the most important function of the wedding!")

Anjali: "Haan, par Chote ne mana kar diya aur Akash bhi unse sehmat hain. Naani bhi kitni upset hai."

("Yes, but Chote refused, and even Akash agrees with him. Nani is also so upset.")

Khushi was determined to make things right, she made a silent vow. I have to convince Arnavji to change his mind, she thought. Excusing herself, Khushi made her way to Arnav's room. She found him sitting at his couch, engrossed in his work, completely oblivious to the sadness his decision had caused. Without knocking, she walked in with her firm resolve. "Arnavji," she called out, making him look up from his work.

Khushi: "Why did you cancel the sangeet?"

Arnav: "Haan Khushi, mujhe yeh shor sharaba pasand nahi hai, aur Madhubala bhi chali gayi. Waise bhi, it's just a function. We don't need it."

("Yes, Khushi, I don't like all this noise and commotion, and Madhubala has left too. Besides, it's just a function. We don't need it.")

Khushi: "Oh, now I get it. You are scared"

Arnav: "What? Scared and me? Of what exactly?"

Khushi: "That you'll have to dance, and you don't want to dance! That's why you're canceling the sangeet."

Arnav sighed, leaning back in his chair.

Arnav: "Khushi, I really don't like noise and unnecessary functions."

Khushi: "Ab zyada baniye mat, hum sab samjhte hain"

("Now don't act all innocent, I understand everything.")

Arnav: "Think what you want to, I don't care"

Khushi: "Toh phir hum aapko aapki bhaasha mei samjhaate h"

("Then let me explain it to you in your own language.")

Arnav: "What the.."

Khushi: "Deal..ek achi deal dete hain aapko, Arnavji. Agar aap sangeet ki permission de dete hain, toh hum promise karte hain ki aapko kisi bhi dance mein participate nahi karna padega. Aap bas audience mein baith kar enjoy karenge."

("Deal... I'll give you a good deal, Arnavji. If you give permission for the sangeet, I promise you won't have to participate in any dance. You'll just sit in the audience and enjoy.")