SYLLABUS OF LOVE

A NIGHT FOREVER

The sangeet ceremony was in full swing, with music, dhols blaring and colorful lights twinkling. One of the fort courtyards had been transformed into a vibrant and extravagant dance floor with DJ to the opposite side. The families from both sides mingling and celebrating. Guests were bustling around, elegantly dressed. All eagerly awaiting the performances and celebration to begin. The air smelled of jasmine and lilies. While on the other courtyard, the delicious delicacies sprawled over with different cuisines. The grand fort was transformed into a dazzling spectacle of twinkling lights, flowers and shimmering drapes.

Pushpa draped in a stunning, emerald-green silk saree with intricate embroidery, was busy chatting with Noor Jahan, who looked regal in a graceful navy blue saree, twinning with her daughter. Just then, the beats of the dhol intensified as Haseena made her way down the wide staircase with Shivani on her side, her heart racing as she adjusted the jacket. She walked with her signature confidence and a bright smile lingered on her face. The gold and blue outfit hugged her frame perfectly, radiating a regal charm. She had reluctantly styled her hair back neatly after being threatened by Shivani to "stop looking like a lost rockstar." At the base of the stairs, Noor Jahan stood beaming with pride which is a rare scene to watch. While all the eyes were on Haseena but her eyes kept darting around, searching for her Cinderella.

"Arey wah! Lagta hai humari Hasu kisi Mughal-e-Azam ke set se seedha yahan aa rahi hai! Pushpa teased her.

Haseena engulfed her in a bear hug, "Aur aap humari anarkali...!" She kissed her cheek. "Kya kamal, bawal, dhamal lag rahi hai aap! Hum apni jaan par khel kar uss deewar ko tod de jis deewar mein aap ko chunwa de." She flirted.

Pushpa blushed profusely, "Tum ko pata hai...?"

Haseena shook her head, "Nai."

Pushpa, her cheeks giving competition to the most ripped tomato, said, "Batate hai... Karishma ke papa bhi yehi kaha karte the. Hume anarkali pukara karte the."

Haseena looked up at the sky and said, "I'm very jealous of you Karishma ke papa! I mean sasur ji. Aap ne haar cheez hum se pehle kehdi. Humari lines chura li. That's not fair." Then she looked at Noor Jahan and said. "Aur aap... Agar humare papa hote toh wo aaj phir phisal jate aur aap ke liye Taj Mahal bana dete. Aye Haye Noor Jahan begum!" She teased her.

Noor Jahan gave a light pat on Haseena's cheek. "Chup karo...! Kuch bhi bolti ho."

Cheetah joined the group, looking absolutely handsome in a white jodhpuri. "Waise tumhe dekh ke toh lagta hai kisi ko yeh shaadi ke liye majboor kiya ho."

Haseena's eyes searching for her love, "Haan kiya hai na... Tumari behan ne! Kahan hai wo khadoos vamp? Ek saal se humara jeena haram kar rakha hai." Her voice dripping sarcasm.

Noor Jahan immediately interrupts, threatening her. "Khabardar agar humari bahu ko vamp kaha! Humari aur tumari zindagi meim wo farishta ban kar aayi hai... Kadar karo uski." She said affectionately.

Haseena looked at her with a disappointed look, "Kuch nai keh rahe maate... Lekin hai kahan wo?"

Just then, Karishma made her grand entry alongside Mira and Santu to Bollywood Royal music. Dressed in a stunning pink and gold outfit, her energy lit up the room. Her eyes met Haseena's and she gave a playful wink that made Haseena's heart skip a beat. Haseena clutched her chest dramatically, pretending to stumble as if Karishma's beauty had physically damaged her heart. Meanwhile, Karishma descended the staircase with elegance, her every step radiating grace. At the base of the stairs, Pushpa welcomed her with a warm smile, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"Bilkul pari lag rahi ho." Pushpa said, her voice thick with motherly affection and pride.

Noor Jahan, standing nearby, wrapped an arm around Karishma in a warm hug. "Wo toh lagna hi tha." she said with a proud smile. "Humari bahu jo thehri. Iss duniya ki sabse zyada khoobsurat ladki hai." She took a small bundle of notes from her purse, performed the traditional ritual of circling it around the couple to ward off evil eyes and handed it to Cheetah. "Kisi zarooratmand ko de dena... Kisi ki nazar na lage."