Wajah Tum Ho

28. The Heart-A Slave Of Emotions

Taqleef khud ki kam ho gayi;
Jab apno se ummeed khatam ho gayi.

[Translation: My agony ended the day I put an end to my expectations from my own people.]

There comes a point in your life, when you think that everything's settled and you're at peace, then all at once a situation arrives which makes you numb; like all frozen and blank, where you don't understand how to carry forward the things and talks. And it's extremely ridiculous that you can never be prepared for such situations beforehand because these situations are what make life and give it its most important aspect-unpredictibility.

This was exactly how the Kapoors, except Nandini, felt; they were suddenly dumped into a situation in which they never wanted to land, in the midst of celebrations in their family. Whereas for Nandini, this wasn't anything new; she knew it right from the start that it was going to happen because this was exactly what happened with her. She knew that the sole purpose of the Malhotras paying them a visit was money, which was only possible through this alliance. Smart move but old technique; Nandini could swear she could hear her consciousness clicking its tongue in sympathy because no way in hell Nandini was going to let them ruin Nia's life.

Biji: Aise achanak yeh baat. . .?

Biji couldn't even complete her sentence as her mind was still in a state of shock. Here she was celebrating the event that was about to take place tomorrow and there they were, coming up with such an unexpected alliance.

Nandini mentally scoffed, if only biji knew that the plan was two years old now. For them, Nandini was to marry Advik, the Vice-President of K-Labels while Manik had to marry Nia Kapoor-the only beloved daughter of the multi millionaire Indian family based in London. What more could have they asked for?

Nyonika: Achanak kahan biji? Manik and Nia have been dating for a year now so this thought has always been there in our minds. It's our responsibility to get our son settled after all.

She spoke with her characteristic smirk and confidence, the sight itself was enough to suffocate Nandini and Manik, who were now looking at the mastermind of this whole fiasco with nothing but disgust and loathe.

Gautami: Well in that case I'm afraid that you either have to change the suitor for Manik or wait for some time because we are in no hurry to get our daughter married. She's too young to be married after all.

Gautami was confident and firm, it wasn't a surprise to her family but the Malhotras and Fab5 didn't see it coming.

Nyonika: Well, in that case I must remind you that Nandini was exactly Nia's age when she got married to your son. You didn't have any qualms that time, then why now?

Nandini looked at biji in a fury so red that could burn Nyonika in the very moment itself, which made biji nod head in consent.

Nandini: Woh kya hai na Mrs Malhotra, maa ko toh tab bhi 'qualms' the, but it was YOU who were wayyyyy too excited to throw me out of your lives. Am I right or am I right Mrs Malhotra?

She stepped forward from her place and the way she spoke and air-quoted qualms portrayed only the disgust she held for the Malhotras while Nyonika was seething in fury with the way that commoner used that tone on her; while as far as Manik was concerned, he was quite surprised with the acidity of Nandini's tone.

Raj: Nandini! Don't you dare use that tone on my wife. Are you forgetting who you are? It's because of us that you're here, enjoying this luxury. I'd suggest you to stay out of this matter.

Before anyone could react, Ram stepped closer to Raj, with such an intimidating aura that even made the Raj Malhotra step back.

Ram: And you must not forget that you're speaking to the daughter in law of this family-Nandini Kapoor. She isn't here because of you or Advik but simply because she is herself and we all love her. So next time you talk to her like that, I won't hesitate showing you the exit.