SYLLABUS OF LOVE

DASH OF LOVE AND CHAOS

The Malliks and Singhs were seated at the dining table after the dramatic yet romantic proposal, enjoying the delicious spread cooked by Pushpa and Karishma. The topic of discussion was none other than the much-awaited engagement. Haseena and Karishma sat beside each other, sharing a single plate. Underneath the table, Haseena was up to her usual mischief, was holding Karishma's hand and playfully running her thumb over her knuckles.

"Haseena leave my hand!" Karishma whispered for the seventh time.

But Haseena, clearly unfazed, grinned and whispered back, "Never! Ab hum ne aap haath pakad liya hai. Ab kabhi nai chhodenge." There was sincerity in her voice despite the playfulness.

Amid this, Noor Jahan proposed, "Pushpa hum sagai jald se jald rakhna chahte hai. Hum iss rishte aur shaadi mein bilkul bhi deri karna nai chahte. Agar aap sahi samjhe toh agle hafte ki date fix kare?"

Pushpa nodded enthusiastically. "Bilkul! Hum toh bas aap se baat karna chahte the. Warna Haseena toh hume ek hi mulaqat mein pasand aa gayi thi. 4 din baad theek rehega. Wednesday."

Before Noor Jahan could reply, Karishma blurted loudly, "Nai!"
Everyone froze, looking at her in surprise. Meanwhile, under the table, Karishma was still trying to hand free from Haseena's grip.

Noor Jahan asked gently, in concern "Kyu beta?"

Without missing a beat, Haseena smirked and quipped, "Kyuki cinderella direct shaadi karna chahti hai."

Karishma shot Haseena a mock glare, "Shut up Hasu!" Then she turned to the others and explained, "Hasu aur Cheetah dono ke exams shuru ho rahe hai Monday se. That is day after tomorrow. Engagement exams ke baad karte hai. Hum bhi busy honge exams ki wajah se."

Cheetah, munching on food, said casually, "Come Karu didi! Wo toh internals hai. It's not a big deal."

Haseena, nodding like she had just heard the holy verse, added, "Exactly sweetheart...! It's just 20 marks. It's fixed! Engagement next Wednesday hi hogi."

Karishma said firmly. "Hasu, hum pehle bhi keh chuke hai. Hum tumari studies ke saath koi compromise nai karenge. Aur yeh exams important hai. Tum akeli nai ho, Cheetah bhi hai."

Noor Jahan smiled, seeing her caring daughter in law, "Theek hai phir exams ke baad rakhenge. What about Saturday?"

Pushpa, after a thought, said, "Yeh theek rehega. Aur hume aur Noor ko taiyari ke liye bhi ek hafta mil jayega."

Haseena groaned, throwing her head back. "Khadoos vamp!"

Karishma rolled her eyes, scolding her. "Tumare liye hi kar rahe hai. So shut up and eat." Without warning, she scooped up a bite of chapati and curry and stuffed it into Haseena's mouth, effectively silencing her.

Haseena, mid-chew, pointed at Karishma with her spoon and said, "I hate you!"

Karishma smirked and patted her cheek lovingly. "It's okay baby. But humare liye tumare exams se zyada important kuch nai. Tum bhi nai!"

Cheetah, smirking, added, "Hasu ki toh already training chal rahi hai. Future biwi strict principal nikli!"

Everyone burst into laughter, except Haseena, who dramatically slumped back in her chair. "Sab mile hue hai yahan!" she mumbled, her mouth still full of chapati. She swallowed her food and said, "Cinderella ke saath rehna TV serial jaisa hai." As the laughter died down, Haseena wiped her hands and stood up dramatically. "Theek hai, ab hum sab ko dessert serve karte hai! Aap log bas baith kar enjoy kijiye!" she announced, shooting a quick wink at Karishma.

Karishma sighed and stood up to help. "Tum se yeh sab akela nai hoga. Kitchen mein toofan aa jayega. Chalo hum bhi help karte hai."

As the two moved through the kitchen and living room, serving sweet Noor Jahan and Haseena brought with them. Haseena made it her mission to tease Karishma at every opportunity. Her hand would deliberately brush against Karishma's as she passed bowls, adjusted plates or poured water. Each time, Karishma shot her a sharp look but Haseena only responded with a mischievous grin, thoroughly enjoying her little game.