New Year Resolution (a)

"Baby doll! Jaldi kar yaar.. We are getting late.!" The man in a red jipsy honked the horns once again and finally a female figure approached him. " shakti ke bacche! Kyu apne gale faad raha hai?! Kaha tha na 5 min mein aaungi.. tune patience naam ki koi word suni hai ki nahi zindagi me.?" The girl said in a irked tone getting on the passenger seat.

"Mujhe thodi na pata tha ki maharani ji ke 5 min ka matlab aadha ghanta hota hai" shakti glared at her. "Seriously ajabde! Learn some time sense." Shakti seemed somewhat pissed off. Ajabde sensed his temper and decided to keep quite for a while.
"Ab achanak aise shant kyu hogayi?" He asked after being silient for about more than 5 mins.  it was indeed hard for him also, to stay even for 5mins without listening to her voice.
"Woh.. tum gussa hogaye the na.. toh socha chup rahu thodi der jab tak tumhara garam dimag thoda thanda nahi hojata" ajabde said giving an innocent look. Shakti stopped the car with a jerk. He touched her cheeks and neck
Shakti: tu theek toh hai? Bimaar toh nahi lag rahi ho.. ek min, dimag khali toh nahi hogaya tera..(he frowned slightly knocking her head with his knuckles)
Ajab(jerking his hands away): dimag mera nahi tera khali hogaya hai..!! Pagal kahika!! Ek toh mein tere kharaab mood aur kharaab nah ho issiliye itne mushkil se chup baithi hu aur tu mujhe hi taane kas raha hai! Huh! Jaa mujhe nahi jaana tere saath. Khud chale jaana shopping karne!
She unlocked the door and tried to get down the car but shakti grabbed her back on the seat and locked the door.

Shakti: hmm! Chalo finally meri jhansi rani wapis apni avtaar mein toh aayi!
Ajab(frowned at him): kya matlab? Aur mein jhansi rani nahi hu. I'm Miss. Ajabde Punwar! Samjhe?! Anpadh kahi ka.
Shakti: oh madam anpadh kisko bola?! I'm the topper of my college samjhi nah. Aur.. tu kabhi aise chup mat raha kar. Specially mereliye toh bilkul bhi nahi.. coz tujhe yeh decent wala look bilkul suit nahi karta. waise bhi, mujhe jaisi teri bakwas sunne ki aadat hogayi hai.. and mujhe meri sweetheart aise hi,  jhansi rani ki tarah hi acchi lagti hai.
(He pulled her cheeks lightly)
Ajab: haww! Mein bakwaas karti hu! Aur tujhe yeh kitni baar bolna padega? Mein jhansi rani nahi. Miss….
Shakti: ha ha jaanta hu meri maa!! Miss. Ajabde punwar! Ab chale.. kyuki atleast new year ke time pe toh mujhe mom aur dada se daant khane ka koi shauk nahi.
Ajab: toh tujhe kisine rok rakhi hai gaadi chalane se.. jaldi chal na.. bada aaya 'apna college ka topper' she imitated his tone while
Shakti just rolled his eyes at her before zooming to their destination.

They bought all the necessory item for the new year's party and now they were scanning the cloths section. Ajabde was holding a bright red gown and was looking at her reflection in mirror. "Shakti.. yeh bhi accha lag raha hai na?.." she said checking herself but paused her work after few seconds when she  no further received any response from him.. and she turned around to find him fast asleep
"Shakti !!" She roared aloud which starled shakti as he got up with a jerk. "Kya! Kya hua?! Bhookamp aagaya kya? Huh?" He scammed the whole place as he seemed wide awake. "Ghadha kahika. Kuch bhi haa.. Yaha mein tujhse itna important baat pooch rahi hu.. aur tujhe bhookamp ki padhi hai!"she asked.  "Madam! Mujhe na, meri jaan ki jyada parwa hai aur waise bhi.. tu jo bhi pehen le, lagna toh tujhe chudail hi hai!" Shakti shrugged. Ajabde's mouth was wide open. "Kya kaha?! Mein chudail hu?!!" "Nahi nahi.. tu toh bhootni hai.. dekh aise wali" he then made a wierd face which raised ajab's temper to a new level. "Eee!! Kitna gandha shakal bana raha hai.. mein khud kar lungi shopping tere bagair." She turned to go but shakti grabbed her wrist. "Arre ruk.. mein karta hu na teri help. Chal.."  "jee nahi. thank you very much! Mein khud kar lungi apni help.. tere saath baithungi nah toh next new year tak mein shopping hi karti rahungi." She shrugged his hand and marched towards the trial room muttering "Khud toh pagal hai, mujhe bhi pagal karke chodega!" "Arre baby doll.!! sun toh.. chali gayi. Chalo accha hai dimag toh nahi khayegi mera.. uff!" He chuckled and made his way towards men's section.


#after 2 hours#
"Abe aur kitna shopping karegi? Poora dukaan lootegi kya? Chal na jaldi." Shakti frowned at ajab who was still busy in bargaining with the shop keeper. "Tu zara apna dimag thand rak, kyu pareshaan kar raha hai.." ajab said. And after about another 10 mins of bargaining ajabde paid the amount. "Chalo.. yeh toh hogaya ab na.."she started. "Ruk ruk ruk.. ab aur kuch nahi yaar. Please..!" He pleaded.
Ajab: Tu kabhi meri poori baat toh sun liya kar. Mein yeh kehrahi thi ki ab na hume ghar chalna chahiye. Waise bhi tera woh yeda dada..
Shakti: Aee mere dada ke baare me kuch boli na toh.. waise tu unse itna chidti kyu hai? Hum sabke saath toh aaram se, acche se baat karti hai. Par dada ke saamne pata nahi tujhe kya hojaata hai..
Ajab: ab woh harkate hi aisi karta hai... (she muttered)
Shakti: ha, tu badi punya aatma haina.. ab chal, bhootni kahiki.
Ajab: tune phirse mujhe bhootni bola?!! Tu mera dost hai ki dushman..
(Shakti thought for a while before replying.)
Shakti: oh ha sorry yaar.. galti toh huyi mujhse. Bechari bhootni.. pata nahi meine usko tere saath tulna kaise kar di.. (he said with a sad face)
Ajab: kya... tujhe toh me chodungi nahi!
Shakti: pehle pakad toh le..
Ajab: shakti ruk!
Ajabde chased him out of the mall and after some more of bhagam doud they returned home as it was getting late.

To Be Continued....

Life Partners

She entered their room and her eyes widened seeing the mess. "Yeh kya haalat banake rakha hai room ka!! Abhi toh clean karke gayi thi.. yeh log meri baat maane toh na.. " she started cleaning the room and arranging the things at their designated positions. But stopped asher eyes caught something more precious. She picked & caressed his shirt.. and a smile appeared on her face as she held the shirt closer to her heart. His handsome face flashed before her eyes.. his carefree attitude, his charming smile, his non stoppable chattering.. she giggled remembering her first thought about him when she saw him for the first time.

"Yeh kitna bolta hai.. i mean koi ladka itna jyada kaise bol sakta hai yaar! Is he straight..?" She asked with a confused expression. "Ajabde! Have you gone crazy?! Kitna accha ladka hai. Itna handsome hai, Fun loving hai aur sabse important bohot understanding aur responsible hai.. haan, bas thoda jyada bolta hai but you can't reject him on that basis ok?!" Her friend soubhagyavati said.
Ajabde laughed sarcastically "correction madam! Thoda jyada nahi..bohot jyada bolta hai" soubhagyavati signed "ajab... dekh tu na.." meanwhile hansa entered the room in a haste "jaiwanta ka call aaya tha.. aur unki taraf se rishta pakka hai!" She squeeled in excitement. soubhagyavati looked at ajabde teasingly whereas ajabde looked at them with mixed expression. 

She laughed aloud but smiled remembering how he extended a hand of friendship on their wedding night to make her feel comfortable with him around.
"Pata hai ajabde.. dosti ka rishta duniya ke sabse khoobsurat rishton mein se ek hai, par yeh akeli aisi jasbaat hai, jo har ek rishtey mein basta hai. Kyuki kisibhi relation ko nibhane keliye pehla foundation hota hai friendship.. mein tumhe kisi cheez keliye force nahi karna chahta. Mein chahta hu ki hum pati patni se jyada ek dusre ke acche dost bane taaki mann mein koi baat, koi hichkichav nah rahe. jo bhi mann mein aaye saamne freely bol sake.. So inshort kya tum meri dost banna chahogi?" He asked forwarding his hand after giving a brief explaination about relationship. He narrowed his eyes as ajabde burst out laughing. "Oh Hello, mein koi joke nahi suna raha yaha, tum itna kyu has rahi ho?" He asked. Ajab steaded herself "actually kya haina.. mujhe pata tha tum bohot jyada bolte ho but itni sensible baatein bhi karte ho, aaj pata chala" she giggled again. While pratap just rolled his eyes "ha ha very funny" he turned around to go but stopped by ajabde's voice "Ae Mr.!! Mere dost banoge?" Pratap stared at her amused whereas Ajabde continued "Dekho ab pehle tumne dosti ka haath badhaya tha, issiliye ab tum mana bhi nahi kar sakte!" She said. Pratap laughed and approached her with a smile "Friends…" both smiled at each other. 

Ajabde came out of trance and looked at her bracelet.  She smiled slightly carressing the beautifully carved letters "Best Friends Forever" how can anyone be so good. She still feel jealous how her parents love him more than her.. but she love to be loved less than him. Because she knew even pratap love and respect her parents a lot.. may be a percent more than her.

"Mein kuch nahi sunne wala! Samjhe na aap?! Chup chap room mein jaayiye aur araam kariye." ajabde entered the kitchen hearing the chaos. "Kya horaha yaha?" She enquired. "Ajabde.. yeh dekho yeh kya kar rahi hai.." pratap complained. "Kya?" Ajabde asked confused. "Ajabde.. kya tum iss janaab ko lekar thodi der keliye bahar jaaogi..? Yeh mujhe chain se khaana banane bhi nahi de raha" hansa frowned. "Mom aap toh please chup hi rahiye. Ek toh tabiyat kharab hai upar se khana banana hai.. mein toh kehta hu aap apni iss beti ko bhi saath le jaayiye. Aaj khana mein banaunga" he said excited.. "ek min. Mein kyu jaau bahar? Maa aaram karegi kyuki woh bimaar hai par mein toh nahi. Tum dono jao bahar mein banalungi" ajabde said arranging the utensils on the stove. Both hansa and pratap looked each other amused. "Madam.. aapko Cooking ka C bhi aata hai?" Pratap asked. "Jee ha! Mujhe sab aata hai… aap dono hatiye yaha se" she said moving forward. "Kya horaha hai yaha? Ajabde.. tum damaad ji ko kyu pareshaan kar rahi ho? Pratap beta aap aayiye hum baahar baithenge" mamrakh said and turned to move outside but pratap stood fixed to his place. "Ek min paapa.. aapko mein accha nahi lagta toh seedha bol dijiye na.. aise ghuma phirake kyu bol rahe hai?" His voice depicted hurt. All exchanged confused look. "Mein kuch samjha nahi betaji.. aap kya bol rahe hai?" Mamrakh asked. "Dekha mom.. paapa abhi bhi mujhe baahar wala hi samjhte hai. Ajab ko toh 'aap' kehke nahi bulate na aap.. aur nahi aise formality se baat karte hai.. toh phir mere saath aisa kyu? Haa.. aise hak se thodi na bulayege mujhe.. Kyuki jamaai thodi na beta hota hai.. jamai toh jamai hota hai- paraaya.. ab sirf beta boldene se sachka beta thodi na hojaunga mein" he finished. Hansa and mamrakh were speechless. Pratap was about to march out of the kitchen receiving no reply from any of the three present but mamrakh was fast enough as he said "Hansa..aaj mein aur mera beta milke khaana banayenge. Tum apni beti ko leke bahar baitho.. phir dekhna humari jodi kya kamaal karti hai.. kyu pratap? Sahi bol raha hu na.." pratap stopped at his place and looked at mamrakh his eyes shined and reflected how he meant every single word of what his said.. "thanks paapa.." he said. both smiled at each other and mamrakh gave pratap a fatherly hug before pulling his ear "ahh.. paapa kya kar rahe hai.. chodiye na.. mom, ajab ab chup kyu khadi ho dono.."pratap pleaded like a kid. But the ladies just giggled looking at the scene. "Mein toh samaj gaya lekin, agar tum agli baar se thank you, sorry jaise formalities ke saath baat karoge toh do chaar thappad bhi khaoge.. samjhe?" Maamrak said in a serious yet playful tone. "Done! Aage se no formalities! Toh ab.. captain.. lets get to work?.." pratap said escaping from his clutches where as mamrakh smiled "sure son." They seemed very excited. But the ladies were little unsure. "Ah, pratap..Don't tell me you're gonna cook for real.. i mean.." ajabde started but pratap interfered. "Oh hello! I can cook better than you ok.?! So please itni shocked expression dene ki zaroorat nahi hai" Pratap said. "What do you mean by you can cook better than me huh?" Ajabde asked. "I mean what i said wifey.." he smirked. She felt jitters and her heart skipped a beat hearing the word 'wifey' from him. Yes she indeed was his wife and he called her by this name several times before but now a days she was feeling different being with him. Her cheeks heated up when she looked up at his eyes. her heart raced double the speed when he came near. She found herself staring at him for more than required. Her mind always revovled around him 'what's wrong with me..! What are these feeling for.. am i in love with him?' She wondered. Days passed and now ajabde was enjoying the feeling of first love, a new stage in their relationship.

Ajabde slapped her forehead laughing at her foolish stupid antics.. but again smiled remembering his care.

"Have you gone crazy!! Kisiko bataye bina aisa kaise chali gayi tum? Ek call karne mein kitna wakt lagta hai?. Call chodo atleast you could have left me a message damn! " pratap was way too much angry for her carelessness. 
"I'm not crazy pratap.. meine tumhe call karne ki koshish ki but it wasn't reachable.. aur.." she tried to convince. "Par agar tumhe kuch hojata toh i would've gone crazy!!" He roared. "Ab chalo yaha se" he grabbed her hand and marched towards the car. Ajabde was stunned at first as she wasn't expecting this reaction from him but later she felt nice. 'He looks so cute when he gets into an angry man mode..' she chuckled as she allowed herself being dragged by him.

She smiled looking at their big wedding poster on their room's wall. 4 years passed for their marriage and 2 years after udaysingh's death.
Tears flowed down as she remembered that dreadful day. Pratap being in his worstest condition calmed every member as a responsible son. A painful smile came on her lips. "We miss you dad.." she muttered carressing udaysingh's photo kept on the table. "Aapka beta na bohot bure hai. Bohot pareshaan karte hai mujhe. Pehle toh aap meri team mein hote the na, toh koi mujhe kuch nahi bolta tha. ab dekho koi meri baat hi nahi sunta ek sirf shakti aur ranimaa hai jinko meri parwa hai, heer toh ab behen se meri devrani hogayi hai, woh ab meri kaha sunegi.. aur aapke bete ne toh baccho ko bhi bigaad ke rakha hai... dono itna bolte hai.. bilkul apne daddy jaise! din bhar bas chapad chapad.. par pata hai dad, sab aapko bohot miss karte hai specially ranimaa. Sabko dikhati nahi par kabhi kabhi ekdam chup si hojati hai.. mujhe bilkul bhi accha nahi lagta. Aur pratap.. woh dikhate nahi, sabki responsibilities jo hai unpar.. par woh bhi aapko bohot yaad karte hai..  aap aajayiye na wapas.. badle me, mein aapki saari man pasand dishes banaungi.. ha ha.. aap fikar mat kariy, seekh li hai meine cooking.. ab mein khaana jalati nahi. Agar aap isse rishwat samjh rahe hai, toh yahi sahi.."
She sobbed little. "Par please.. wapas aajayiye na dad.." her voice shook as she closed her eyes letting the tears flow down her cheeks.

The door opened as a little chirpy voice made its way inside. "Mumma!! Dekho meine daddy ko phirse hara diya.. and Diya won again!!" The little baby girl announced excitedly while running towards her mother. Ajabde quickly wiped her tears and picked up the bundle of joy in her arms and swirled around.. "Accha.. aapke daddy aaj phirse haar gaye?" Ajabde asked. "Haa.. pata hai daddy humesha mujhse haar jaate hai.. aur diya humesha 1st aati hai" diya laughed. "Oye miss. Chotu! Ball uthake bhaag kar aane ko jeetna nahi kehte samjhi.." pratap said entering the room. "Haww. Diya.. that's not fair.." ajabde said. Diya was silent for few seconds and then she got down from ajabde "par mumma.. aapne hi toh kaha tha na, ki everything is fair in love and war.." she then approached pratap and hugged him by his legs " and i love my daddy a lot.. right daddy?" she looked up at pratap. Pratap and ajabde looked at each other with a smile and then at diya "Absolutely right meri jaan.. !" Pratap picked her up and started swirling around and slightly tickling her in between. The room was filled with laughter. "Waise amar kaha hai?" Pratap asked after their laughter session got over. "Woh aur kaha hoga.. ya toh apni kaki ko tang kar raha hoga.. ya phir apne shakti kaka ke saath milke koi nayi video game khel raha hoga.." she signed. Just then the door opened "Choti.!! Jaldi idhar aa... shakti kaka humare liye dher saare gifts laaye hai.." amar said. "Sacchi dada..?" Diya asked excited.. "ha.. ab jaldi chal." The kids ran to their shakti kaka. "Arre.. araam se tum dono.. Yeh shakti bhi na.." ajabde signed.

She turned to go but pratap caught her by wrist. "Tum ro rahi thi..?" His question was direct. "Nah-nahi toh mein kaha.." she said looking everywhere but him. "Phir dad ki tasveer kidki ke paas kya kar rahi hai ajabde.." he asked taking the photoframe in his hand. She looked up at him and found his eyes already teary.. he sat on a nearby couch with the photoframe. "Pata hai ajab.. dad humesha bolte the. Ki mujhe unke tarah banna hai. The Man Of The House. you know.. woh bolte the ki rishton ki dor jitna khubsurat hoti hai utna hi nazuk bhi hoti hai. Usse jitna hosake utna apna time do, taaki rishton ka dor mazboot aur ghehra ban sake..  kaam toh hota rahega but family comes first. par mein itna dhyaan nahi de paaya kyuki mujhe yeh nahi pata tha na, ki dad itni jaldi humse root jayege. But now i'm just trying to lead according to his principles. Mein bilkul dad ki parchaayi banna chahta hu ajab. Taaki log mujhme mere dad ko dekhe.. taaki mein bhi apni family ko ek saath khush rak saku jaise dad rakha karte the.." a lone tear trickled down his cheek.
"Mujhe pata hai pratap.. tum dad ko bohot miss karte ho, Bas dikhate nahi.." Ajabde asked sitting beside him. Pratap signed with a smile "Kabhi kabhi life kitni complicated lagti haina? Jinko hum apne aap se bhi jyada pyaar karte hai woh humse itni door chale jaate hai ki… aur, aur jinka zindagi mein kabhi naam bhi nahi suna hota, kabhi kabhi woh hi humari zindagi ban jaate hai. Jaise ki tum" pratap said looking at her lovingly. ajabde smiled leaning on his shoulder as pratap continued "waise ek baat batao, tum mujhe miss toh karogi na jab mein marjaa…" he was stopped by her as she immediately placed her palm on his mouth before those dreadful words could escape his lips. "Chup! Bilkul chup! And listen Mr. Pratap singh.. i'm not done with you yet.. samjhe na. Aur waise bhi agar tum kahi chale bhi gaye toh waha kisime meri jitni himmat nahi hogi, tumhari bak bak sunne keliye. Aur mujhe abhi tumhe bohot jhelna hai.. samjhe?!" he smiled at her teary eyes as he removed her palms. "Hmm.. toh mein bak bak karta hu?" He asked with his eyebrows raised. "Correction. Bak bak nahi.. bakwaas karte ho tum! Jaise abhi kar rahe the. Woh toh mein hu jo tumhari har bakwaas sun leti hu.. koi aur hota na.." her voice chocked and before she could complete her sentence pratap embraced her tightly. "I love you.." he whispered which calmed ajabde a bit. "Dobara kabhi aisi baatein mat karna please.." she said in a low voice. "kabhi nahi." Pratap said tightening his hold on her assuring that he'll always be there for her forever.

After a few minutes pratap broke the hug "toh ab maharani ji ka gussa shant hogaya ho toh kuch khane ke liye bhi dedo.." he said. "Abhi abhi toh lunch kiya tha! tum nah ladkon ke character se poora opposite ho, jyada bolte ho. jyada khate ho.. halka sa bhi manners nahi. Pata nahi mein kaise fhas gayi tumhare saath" She said while getting up but Pratap pulled her back. "Tum khud fhas gayi thi. Meine thodi na force kiya tha tumhe… pata hai mere kitni deewaniyaan thi, thi kya aaj bhi hai.. tum chaho toh tumse mila du?" He suggested. Ajabde pulled him closer by his collor. "Milaake toh dekho unn chudailon ko.. unki muh nah thod du na.. toh mein bhi Mrs. Ajabde pratap singh nahi.. tum sirf mere ho.. samjhe.?!" "Not bad.. someone is getting jealous haan..?" pratap smirked And leaned closer. Just then the door banged open and they jerked apart. "Yaar ab kon hai… pehle knock karke toh…" he stopped abruptly and screamed when someone pulled his ear "ahhh!!" "Kya bol raha tha phirse bol.." the person said. "Ahh ranimaa.. mein nahi.. yeh toh ajab bol rahi thi.. ahh!" Pratap said and ajabde's eyes widened. "Kya.. mein..? ranimaa yeh jhoot bol rahe hai.. meine toh aisa kuch nahi.." ajabde tried to clarify. "Mein sab jaanti hu ajab. Ki kon shaitaani kar raha tha.. kyu pratap?" She said again pulling his ears again. "Ahh ranimaa.. chodiye na please…" pratap screamed again where as ajabde giggled seeing the duo. "Ranimaa.. jaane dijiye na.." ajabde said. "Tum chup raho ajab... aur tu, mein teri maa hu. Samjha na.. acche se jaanti hu tujhe aur teri bahano ko.." she left his ear and continued taking a glance at ajab "aur yeh yaha sirf teri patni nahi iss ghar ki bahu yani meri beti bhi hai.. toh isko tere se bhi jyada kaam hota hai.. ghar sambhalna kya choti baat hai??.." "hein.. mere se bhi jyada kaam.." pratap murmered. "Khair! tere dimag mein meri baat jaayegi toh nahi.. haina?" She asked. "Ha.. kya. nahi.. ranimaa kya aap bhi" he looked down sheepishly. Jaiwanta shook her head at him and ajabde smiled seeing her brave husband behaving like a small kid infront of his ranimaa. "Ajab.. pehle tum iss buddhu ko kuch samjhake shant karo uske baad zara neeche aana.. tumse kuch zaroori baat karni hai." Jaiwanta said in ordering tone and Ajabde nodded in yes. Jaiwanta stopped at door and turned "waise itna jyada zaroori baat bhi nahi hai, toh take your time. But ajabde.. itna bhi late mat hona." She said and left giggling.
Pratap pulled ajabde as soon as jaiwanta went. "Hmm.. so? Ab toh ranimaa ki bhi permission milgayi.." pratap smirked pulling her more closer. "Kitne besharam hona tum.." ajabde said. "Apni patni se kaise besharmi.. ab mein toh tumhara hi pati hu. nai.." he said before both of them broke into laughter. Ajabde kept her head on his chest while pratap's hands found their way around her waist.

They very well knew the value of every single relation. They weren't perfect as individual but their relation made them perfect for each other. They experienced and enjoyed every feeling thouroughly. Friends, Competitors, Lover, Parents for their little ones, daughter & son for their parents.. and managed very relation carefully with love and respect. And at the end of the day they were partners for life. Who encouraged & supported each other in hard times. She corrected him when he was wrong. He loved her for her soul and encouraged her thoughts. They shared every pain, happiness, tears, laughter, both complimented each other perfectly. They weren't two separate individuals.. they were one. One as soul. They were life partners.

Ice Cream

"Boss! Kyu pareshaan kar rahe ho meri darling ko? Ek baar ice cream kha legi toh kya hojayega..?
"Tu usse samjhane ke jagah uski faltu ki zidd ko badhawa de raha hai." He asked in amusement. "Ha,ha.. ab toh mein bhi faltu lagne lagi hu na tumhe?! Pehle toh kitni acche se baat karte the.. par ab, humesha mujhe daant the rehte ho! Jab ki meri yeh haalat (pointing towards her slightly swollen belly) sirf aur sirf tumhare wajah se hai! Huh!" She huffed in anger before crossing her arms across her chest. "Ajabde! Ab tum.." he started only to be cut off by her "dekha!! Ab toh tum mujhe pyaar se ajab kehke bhi nahi bulate! bulaoge bhi kyu? Pyaar hoga toh bulaoge na.! Pratap tum nah badal gaye ho.. Tum ab mujhse pyaar hi nahi karte!" Ajabde started crying loudly. Pratap was shocked by her sudden outburst "Arre meri maa! Chup hojao!! Aadhi raat mein sabko jagaogi kya?" He said joining his hands infront of her. Which inturn increased the volume of her cry, making pratap more confused "dekha shakti.. ab toh inhe yeh bhi yaad nahi ki mein inki maa nahi patni hu!"

Before pratap could reply shakti dragged him to a corner "Bhai kya kar rahe ho? Rula diya na usse.." "shakti ke bacche! Tu ek baat bata, tu mere side pe hai ya uske? Nahi matlab aaj bolhi de! Maana ki woh teri best friend hai par mein bhi toh tera hi bhai hu na?" Shakti rolled his eyes on his brother's exhausted face. "Yaar..yeh kitni baar poochoge aap? Har baar jab mein apni sweetheart ki side leta hu toh aap apna yeh emotional drama leke baith jaate ho 'mein bhi toh tera bhai hu na' huh!" He said imitating pratap's tone. "Oye! bhabhi hai woh tumhari.. kabhi toh usse bhabhi bulaya kar" pratap said in a pleading tone. "Never. Bhai aap shayad bhool rahe hai. Pehli woh meri best friend hai. baad mein aapki patni, toh meri bhabhi bhi baadme huyi. right?! Aur mein apne jaan ko aise hi bulaunga! Baat khatam!" Pratap shook his head with a sign 'dono ke dono bacche hai! Hey eklingji.. kaha fhasa diya aapne mujhe!' His thoughts were intrupted by a tap on his shoulder. "Ab aapka hum dono becharo ko mann hi mann khosna hogaya ho toh hum chalkar thoda aapki patni ko bhi sambhal le?" "Chote tu na.." "bhai chalo yaar!"

Shakti took him back to ajab who seemed to be somewhat calm than before.. and seeing jaiwanta near, shakti understood that she had consoled her a bit. He smiled relaxed but pratap seemed tensed as jaiwanta was glaring him. he muttered a 'mar gaya!' Before composing himself "maa! Aap kyu pareshaan hogayi.. aap jaake sojayiye.. hum dono haina ajab ke saath" "chup kar! ek ice-cream hi toh maang rahi thi.. woh bhi nahi dila sake? Rula diya na bechari bacchi ko" she said caressing ajabde's head "maa comm'on yaar.. aur please haan, yeh bechari nahi hai. Aap logo ne na,, bigad ke rakha hai isse" "accha ab mein tumhe koi bigadi huyi ghodi nazar aarahi hu! Haan?! Ajabde's temper was high by now. Fortunately shakti came to pratap's rescue "arre sweetheart.. tu kyu pareshaan horahi hai? Tujhe ice cream khani haina? Toh,, bhai laayenge na ice-cream!" Pratap's eyes popped out. instead of convincing her not to have ice creams at this time all are rather supporting her "abe! kya bol raha hai?" "Haan pratap laayega na tumhare liye ice cream.. jaao pratap jaakar jaldi se humari pyaari si ajab ke liye pyaara sa ice-cream lekar aao, waise tumhe konsi flavour chahiye beta?" "Black current!!!" Ajabde squeeled as her eyes sparkled in excitement. "ha toh.. ajabde keliye ek special black current ice-cream haazir kiya jaaye!" Jaiwanta ordered in her shaahi andaaz. "Maa aap bhi! Iska iss haalat mein ice cream khaana.."
"Oh bhai saab.. lecture baadme de dena but usse pehle kya aap ice-cream laayenge?" Shakti's tone was strict yet pleading. "Arre par raat ke 2:30 baje konsi ice cream parlour khuli rehti hai?!" "Ha toh khuli nahi hai toh khulwao na.. kya Pratap Singh Sisodia keliye yeh koi badi baat hai? Aise toh badi deenge maarte phirte ho ki mere liye koi bhi kaam impossible nahi hai.. toh ab kya hua?" Pratap just muttered 'woh toh shaadi se pehle ki baat thi na' which didn't went unheard by ajab as she fumed in irritation "Oh!! toh ab tum mujhse shaadi karne par bhi pachta rahe ho?!" "Kya!! Ajab kya bol rahi ho? Meine aisa kab kaha? Mein toh bas.." "Mujhe kuch nahi sunna! And you know what Mr. Pratap Singh.. agar tum bina ice-cream ke aaye na, toh room mein 'No Entry' forever!! samaj gaye?!" Listening to this pratap was speechless 'what the hell.!! Mein!  the pratap singh! Apne hi room se bahar?! Kya din aagaye mere..' before pratap could utter a word ajabde has vanished into the room. He looked at jaiwanta and shakti for help but they gave a 'its-all-your-fault' look and dispersed to their respective rooms leaving a confused pratap behind who was now scratching his head to find ways to get that stupid ice-cream and please his wife who had turned into little kid. Correction. 'stubborn little kid' he shook his head with a sign as he thought 'Chal beta pratap! Lag jaa kaam par..' and without an further delay he grabbed his car keys and rushed off the house, hoping to find some ice-cream parlour down the lane that would be open at this hour. Orelse he have to perform someother stunts to fulfill his wife's midnight demands.

# pratap & ajabde's room 
# 3:10 am 

The window door cracked open slightly as a shadow made its way inside the bedroom slowly.

Ajabde stirred in her sleep but jerked up suddenly by some wierd noises that erupted from somewhere near window.. she shifted slightly in her bed as she saw a shadow behind those curtains.. "wh-who's there?! If you are a thief then surrender yourself..! Orelse you- you don't know what you'll be going through!" She warned by musterring all her courage. she got down from the king size bed as the shadow didn't budge from its place. As she approached the window slowly she was suddenly grabbed by something or rather someone.. She quickly freed herself before shouting "maa!!! Shakti!! Jaldi.." she was again pulled by the shadow man and this time he was smart enough to shut her mouth with his palm before she could start screaming again.

 "arre mein hu!!.. chillao nahi.." that object or rather the person seemed so familiar. "Shh..!! Chillao mat..! Mein hu tumhara pratap!!" He whispered cautiously not to be loud enough for others. She stopped squirming and saw him from corner of her eyes but again started struggling and mumbling something which made him frown "arre kaha na mein hu! Chup raho!" But the next action from ajabde made him scream "ahh! Pagal aurat! haath kaat diya mera.. Dimag kharab hogaya hai kya tumhara .." "ab chilla kon raha hai?" She replied with a smirk before something striked her mind "ek min. Tum iss wakt yaha kya rahe ho? Chor kahi ke! Huh!" She huffed in anger as she crossed her hands "Oh hello, woh toh mein tumhare liye..." and before pratap could continue there was a loud bang on door with some concern filled voice errupting from other side of the door "ajabde!! Bacche aap theek toh haina?!" Jaiwanta shouted along with shakti "baby doll.!! darwaza khol.. tu theek hai?"

"Mar gaya!" Pratap looked at the closed door and turned to ajabde with a "ab kya kare? Agar unlogon ne mujhe yaha dekhliya toh hogaya mera kaam tamaam, kaha jau? kaha chup mein?!"

He was running around in an attempt to seek a secure place to hide himself. 'Cupboard? nah.. table lamp? Pratap dimag theek hai tumhara lamp mein kaise gussoge? Ha! Bed ke neeche.. yeh theek hai..' He was murmering to himself. all the while ajabde was just blankly gaping at him "answer something to them ajab! aise bhoot banke kyu kadhi ho? woh ander aajayenge! " Pratap urged her to do something as the banging on the door got furious. But she stood there with a stern face, hands on her waist "who are you?" Her straight question made him gasp "what?!!" She raised her eyebrows with a 'answer-my-question' look "What do you mean?! M-mein Pratap! Your husband!! Tum sach mein bhool gayi?" Pratap was still sitting on one of his knees near bed with wide eyes with his heart thumping double the speed it normally does. "Are you embarrased calling yourself as my husband?" "What! No!! I mean why would i be?" He somehow manage to answer her wierd question at this wierd situation. "Then why the hell you are trying hide in your own room and that too by your own family?!!" She almost shouted making his eyes all the more wide "shh.. " he soon got on his feet before rushing to her, grabbing her by waist and covering her mouth in order to stop her from shouting further.."bina chillaye koi baat nahi bol sakti kya tum?!" The door banged open and the sight infront of the visitor made them to gasp. "Yeh kya horaha hai?" Jaiwanta's stern voice jerked them apart. "Ah, maa woh.. mein.. kya haina ki.. mein yaha.." "meri bacchi ko pareshan kar rahe ho. Haina?" Pratap's eyes widen on jaiwanta's words. "Arre ab mein kyu.. maa aapko humesha yahi lagta hai ki mein hi isse baar baar pareshaan karta hu?" 'Balki yeh koi kasar nahi chodti mujhe pareshaan karne mein' he muttered. "Kuch kaha?" Ajabde asked while giving a death glare. Pratap just shook his head in 'No' without arguing further. "Bhai.. champ ke aane tak toh apne romance ko thoda pause pe daalo.. uske baad jitna chahe romeogiri kar lena.." shakti said with a mischievious grin where as pratap and ajabde blushed red. Jaiwanta suppressed her laughter seeing both her kid's flushed faces. "Accha chalo.. ab sojao tum dono." She pecked ajabde's forehead before turning to pratap "aur tum meri pari ko jyada tang mat karna!" Pratap casted a sheepish glance at ajabde. Shakti who was waiting for jaiwanta's disparture sprang up with "aur jyada pareshan kiya toh mujhe bula lena.. and this time i'm not gonna knock more than twice!" "Shakti!!" Pratap's warning tone made him drop the idea of teasing them. "Ha ha theek hai.. "
he patted ajabde's cheek "aram kar!.. (to pratap) good night boss!" "Good night chote!" Pratap said following him to door. shakti took his leave after giving a flying kiss to ajabde, who replied with the same.
"Hmm.. pati baju mein khada hai uski koi fikar nahi.. par apne devar bane dost keliye bada pyaar aaraha hai.." pratap said while returning after locking the door. "Toh patidev ji.. aapko jalan horahi hai?" "Jee bilkul bhi nahi.. mein apne hi bhai se kyu jalun? Bas udaas hu ki mujhe mere hisse ka reward nahi mila.." he said in a melodramatic tone. "Accha? Reward kis cheez ka milega tumhe?" She raised her eyebrows when she remembered something "aur tum ice cream laane gaye the na? Nahi laaye na.. jaao mujhe nahi karni tumse baat!" She pouted sadly when her eyes caught something interesting on the side table. She immedietly rushed to bedside and grabbed the bag. and the label 'Ice Cream' made her jump in joy. Her eyes twinkled as she said "thank you pratap!" Who smiled in return. "Ab kya usse ghoorte hi rahogi? Jaldi khao nahi toh aise hi pighal jaayega" she nodded her head with a wide grin.. making herself comfortable on the bed she started relishing the colourful cream with utmost pleasure. She forwarded a spoon of ice cream to him but he denied with a smile "tum khao..mein baad mein kha lunga." "arre lo na.." she being adamant stuffed a full spoon of ice cream in his mouth before continuing to feast upon the remaining. "Hmm.. maza aagaya!!" She smiled satisfied at the empty box of ice cream as she placed it on the side table. "Aur ab mera reward.." pratap said romantically, leaning forward with a mischievious glint. Ajabde smiled coyly before snaking her hands around his neck and closing the distance between them. They kissed pouring all the love and passion they have for each other. Hearts raced in excitement, breaths labored.. And after what seemed like eternity they broke gasping for air. her eyes closed, lips slightly swollen and face flushed red. her look was a treat to watch for pratap as he appreciated his own work. Ajabde slowly opened her eyes to see him smirk "aaj shaadi ke 2 saal baad bhi, mere tumhara kareeb ana tumhe utna hi effect karta hai jitni 2 saal pehle karta tha.. haina?" "Shutup.. aisa kuch nahi hai, woh toh bas issiliye kyuki…" she stopped not knowing what to say further "kyuki..?" He repeated her last words urging her go on.. "kyuki mein.. matlab woh aisa hai ki.." she fumbled looking here and there. "Haa bolo mein sun raha hu.." he smirked again which irked her more.. "arg! How i hate you so much!" Pratap chuckled as he took her in his embrace "and i love you too..!! Waise pata hai,, mera reward tumhari ice cream se jyada sweet tha.." "pratap!!" She playfully hit his arm, blushing all the while. Making him laugh out loud once again.. They felt complete in eachother arms. Together. And such sweet little nok jhok's and rutna manana sessions made their love life brew all the more interesting and happening. Strengthening the roots of their relation at every step, knowing each other even better than before. they talked nothing in particular till sleep engulfed them..wishing this newly found bundle of happiness to enter their life soon with double celebrations and double masti.