The morning aftet the unplanned wedding...

Anand was getting ready in his bedroom, while Bela was searching for something in the godrej almari. Having found what she wanted, she turned to Anand "Main kya keh rahi thi Pooja ke Papa, wo kal toh kuch suza hi nahi, par aap aaj jab Damadji se milne jaayenge toh khali hath nahi jaana chahiye. Yeh aapko Pooja hi Shaadi mein, mere maike se aaya hua sone ka chain hai. Kabhi istamal bhi nahi hua hai... bilkul naya hai. Yehi aaj Damadji ko shagun ke taur pe pehena dijiyega." Anand was very pleased by his wife's thinking and promptly put the little red box in his bag.

Bela now continued "Suniye, aur ho sake toh Bidai ki jaldi na kare... thoda tame lagega abhi tayari mein. Aur ladke walo ko bhi tame lagega tayari mein..." Anand sofly chuckled and looked at his wife fondly "Seedhe seedhe kaho ke tum abhi Naina ko bida karne ke liye tayar nahi ho." Bela smiled guiltily "Ha aap theek keh rahe hai... abhi Naina-Preeti ke ghar choddne ke khayal se dil baitha jata hai. Ghar bilkul khali ho jaayega. Pati nahi main kaise..." Anand trying to stop her from getting overtly emotional remarked in a teasing tone "Tum bilkul darro mat... Bhabhiji tumhe kabhi bhi akela nahi chodengi! " This has the desired effect and Bela rushed out of the bedroom muttering about the chutey she still had to finish before the whole family assembled here for breakfast.

Taiji in her bedroom was issuing another set of instructions to Tauji. "Suniye, main phir keh rahi hu, len-den ki saari baat khul ke kar lijiye. Maheshwariji ko samjha dijiye ke jo bhi hoga Naine pe pitaji ki haisiyat ke anusar hi hoga. Aur ha, daanveer Karan bunne ki koi jarurat nahi hai, warna aap ki toh aadat hi hai pure ghar ki zimmedari akele uthaneki." Tauji made some expected sounds to indicate he was listening. She continued "Aur Bidai ki tareekh bhi jaldi ki hi nikaliye. Meri maniye toh teen-char din ke andar hi honi chahiye. Ab jab shaadi ho hi gayi hai, toh beti ko ghar bithake rakhna acha thodehi lagta hai. Waise bhi Rakesh babu ne kaunsi bahoot kharidari karni hai? Main aaj hi Megha ki Ma se poochti hu, unhone beech mein kahi se discount pe kafi saareeya kharidi thi..."

Once breakfast was completed the Agarwal men left for Naina's sasural, with a lot of last-minute instructions from Taiji. Not once did it cross anyone's mind that Naina should be consulted regarding any of this. She quietly listened to the conversation sipping on a cup of tea and then retreated to her room. The thought of leaving her home of nineteen years left her feeling very uneasy.

This is how Bela found her a little while later and tried to put her mind at ease "Naina, aare beta tu itni sehmi hui ku lag rahi hai? Darr mat sab kuch ache se hoga." Suddenly Naina hugged her Chachi and started sobbing "Chachiji mujhe toh kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai. Yeh kya ho raha hai? Mujhe kahi nahi jaana aap sab ko chodd ke." Bela tried to reassure her "Aare iss mein rone wali kya baat hai? Beta sari ladkiyo ko ek na ek din anpe sasural jana hi hota hain." Her niece mumbled "Par aise kaise... main toh unnhe jaanti bhi nahi hu."

Bela patiently went on "Aare beta yaad hai, jab teri Pooja didi ka Roka hua tha... tab wo bhi tere Jijaji ko kaha jaanti thi?" Naina countered "Par phir shaadi tak toh wo ek dusre ko jaanne lage thay na... roke ke baad toh roz phone par baate bhi karte thay. " Bela smiled "Ha wo toh hai. Par beta pata hai jab mera rishta tere chachaji ke sath hua tha... humne ek dusre ko sirf ek baar dekha tha sare gharwalo ke sath aur phir ekdum teen mahine baad shaadi ke mandap mein hi mile thay. Dekh beta main samajhti hu ke yeh sab itna achanak hua hai issiliye tu jyada darr rahi hain par bhagwanji pe bharosa rakhna. Rishta bahoot ache ghar mein hua hai. Aur ab dil se sare darr nikalke khushi se isse apnana. Main toh yahi prarthana karti hu ke tu bahoot bahoot khush rahe apne naye ghar mein." Bela kissed her forehead and called Preeti asking her to not leave Naina on her own. This talk with her aunt helped Naina feel a lot calmer and a little more reconciled to her new reality.

The Agarwal men were quite impressed with the beautiful white mansion, the cars and life-style. Nanaji had managed to convince Sameer to join him in receiving the guests. Ramdhari had brought out some tea and snacks, which Tauji had initially declined saying it was not considered appropriate eating in a daughters sasural, but Nanaji convinced them that he did not believe in following such traditions. He expressed his belief that one should not always stay stuck in age-old customs but make some thought through choices. All the Agarwal men nodded along.

Sameer though sitting in the lounge with all of them hadn't said much, except politely answering some queries regarding his education and plans for the future as briefly as possible. Tauji spoke about some common acquaintances and business associates. Nanaji gave them a quick overview of his family and his daughter's remarriage. To everyone's relief, Rakesh for once did not say anything inappropriate, but just nodded and smiled where necessary.

After a little of the general chit-chat, Chachaji said to Nanaji "Maaf kijiye, woh kal toh itni jaldi mein hume kuch suza hi nahi... Baaki sab kuch toh baad mein aaram se hota rahega, par aaj Sameer bete ke liye shagun laye hai."" He handed the red box along with a large box of Mithai to Sameer who leaned forward to seek Chachaji's blessings as per some prompting from his Nanu. Tauji handed another box of Mithai, a Shawal and coconut to Nanaji.

Nanaji inquired "Naina beti theek hai?" Chachaji replied that all was well and quickly continued before either of his brothers could object "Bus ab aagle hafte se college shuru ho jayega... Naina bahoot hi honhar student hai. Iss saal bhi distinction ke sath pass hui hai. Ummeed hai aap logo ko uske college khatam karne se koi adchan nahi hogi... aap chinta mat kijiye wo ghar ke bhi sare kaam sambhal hi legi. Bus yeh uska final year hai, toh meri bahoot iccha hai ki uski padhani na ruke." Tauji deciding that more than enough had been said on this subject interjected "Aare bhai Anand, tum bhi kya baate leke baith gaye... Naina ne kaunsa job karna hai? Jitna padh liya theek hai aur meri rai mein toh ab yeh Jaiprakashji ko hi decide karna hai ke unnki bahu aage kya kare."

Nanaji was actually very pleased to get this opening. He replied "Anandji aap bilkul theek keh rahe hai. Sameer ka bhi final year hai. In fact, main khud yehi baat karna chahata tha. Humari sab ki yahi khwaish thi ke Sameer ki biwi graduate ho. Meri Beti aur Damad ki bhi yahi iccha hai ke filhal dono baccho ko apni padhayi pe hi concentrate karna chahiye. Shaadi toh bina kissi planning ke ho gayi hai par hume aage ki baate theek se sooch ke plan karni chahiye."

As the Agarwal men listened intently, Nanaji announced "Hum chahte hai Bidai inn dono ke final exams khatam hone ke baad ho." Sameer felt much lighter than he had since the night before. As Naina's father and uncles shifted a little apprehensively he continued "Waise bhi iss waqt meri Beti ki saas ki tabiyat kuch theek nahi hai, toh uska aana bhi possible nahi hai. Aur iss ghar mein aur koi aurat nahi hai, toh Naina ko ghar laane ki sari tayari mein waqt lagega."

He excused himself for a few minutes and then returned with a jewellery pouch and handed it to Tauji saying "Naina beti ke liye humari tarraf se shagun ke kangan. Such kahu toh mujhe toh yeh bhi nahi suza tha... jab aap ne Sameer ke hath shajun lagaya tab yaad aaya ke hume bhi kuch dena chahiye. Kaha na ghar mein koi aurat nahi hai inn cheezo ka dhyan rakhne ke liye..." He than continued with slightly misty eyes "Yeh Sameer ki Nani ko meri Maa ne humari shaadi mein diye thay. Naina bitiya ko hum dono ka ashirwad samjhiye."

Tauji now remembered his wife's instructions "Maheshwariji, ab aap Bidai itni jaldi nahi chahate toh theek hai. Par phir bhi Sameer ki maa se baat kijiye. Ab shaadi ho gayi hai toh humare hisab se Bidai bhi jaldi hi ho toh acha hota. Aur ha ek aur baat aap se karni thi, wo len-den ki baate agar tai ho jaati toh acha tha. Rakesh aur hum bhi tayari shuru kar dete. Waise toh Rakesh ne kuch tayari pehele se ki hui hai, par aap ke hisab se jo theek lagta hai bata dete toh jyada acha hoga."

Sameer feeling agitated by all these discussions of dowry when he didn't even want to be married, suddenly spoke up "Mujhe kuch nahi chahiye!" Seeing everyone's slightly startled expressions, Nanaji continued in a calmer voice "Ji, Sameer bilkul theek keh raha hai. Hume koi dahej nahi chahiye. Bhagwan ki krupa se iss ghar mein cheezo ki koi kami nahi hai... bus ek aurat ke pyar ki kami hai aur woh bhi aap ki beti aayegi toh puri ho jayegi. Hume bus ek ache ghar ki padhi-leekhi bahu chahiye."

Soon after both the families bid goodbye to each other and promised to stay in touch.

On returning home Tauji shooed the girls away to their room and then shared the news that the Maheshwari family wanted to delay the Bidai till the end of the academic year which was almost 10-11 months away. All the elders in Agarwal family were a little unsettled by this decision. After all they did not even believe in having that much elapsed time between engagements and weddings.

Taiji was quick to voice her concerns "O bai! Yeh kya keh rahe hai yeh log? Shaadi ke baad ladki ko ek saal ghar bithake rakhe... aaisa kaise kar sakte hai? Log dus baate banayenge. Maine toh pehele hi kaha tha itni asaani se koi nahi le jayenge iss ladki ko."

Even Bela who had not been looking forward to Naina's quick exit from her home, was now feeling uneasy "Pooja ke Papa, dus-graha mahine toh such mooch bahoot lambe ho jayenge. Aap ek bar phir baat karke dekhiye..." Tauji spoke "Aare Bahu, maine kaha hai unse ke apni beti se phir baat kare, par mujhe nahi lagta wo apna faisla badlenge. Aur hum bhi kya kar sakte hai?" Everyone went quiet for a couple of minutes, each drawing their own conclusions.

Tauji then spoke with a pensive expression "Ab meri mano toh iss rishte ki baat ka charcha jyada kahi na hi karo. Jitne jyada logo ko batayenge utne sawalo ke jawab dene pakenge. Naina ko bhi samjha do, ke jab tak Bidai ki koi pakki baat nahi ho jati jyada uchle nahi."

Rakesh who had been planning on immediately sharing this stupendous news with his school's Principal, felt a little dejected. Taiji had immediately proposed that Naina's education should be put on hold, but considering all that her in-laws had asked for was a graduate daughter-in-law, that was out of question.

There had been a lot of surprised reactions on finding out that the groom and his family did not want any dowry. Taiji exclaimed "Kya keh rahe hai aap?! Un logone kuch bhi nahi manga? Itne baade ghar ke log aur ladki ko khali hath le jayenge!" Chachaji happily responded "Main toh bahoot khush hu. Ladka bahoot hi acha hai. Sirf padha-leekha hi nahi, soch bhi itni achi rakhta hai." Rakesh added "Dekh liya sab ne... ache logo ke sath acha hi hota hai. Saalo kitne taane sune hai maine... par akhir, beti ki shaadi itne bade ghar mein aur wo bhi bina dahej ke karwa hi de maine." His brothers looked at him indulgently, Bela bemusedly and Taiji extremely exasperated.

Tauji then called for Naina and handed her the slightly dented old fashioned kangans explaining what Nanaji had mentioned about their origins and relevance. Taiji insisted that Naina put them on right away, with strict instructions to guard them with her life and tried to impress upon her the importance of her suhaag.

The kangans perfectly fit her slender wrists and resumed their journey in another young bride's life and dreams.

Rakesh couldn't stop describing the lavish mansion, the cars and the servants. He actually patted Naina's head and smiling at her remarked "Raj karegi meri beti!" He was already day-dreaming about how he would distribute desi ghee ke motichoor ladoos in the staff room and announce his elevated status.

Naina when informed about the plans for the delayed Bidai, felt mostly relived with just a passing pang of disappointment. Preeti was happy that she would have her sister by her side till they finished college and expressed her hope that maybe by that time they would find a groom for her too "Naina, soch agar hum dono ki Bidai ek sath hi ho toh kitna maza aayenga! Hum sara shopping bhi sath hi karenge."

Both sisters hugged and then Preeti continued cheekily "Aur tab tak tu Jijaji ke sath romance enjoy kar." Naina laughed at her antics "Pagal ho gayi hai kya? Romance?! Taiji ne suna bhi toh mera ghar se bahar jana bund kar degi." Preeti sniggered "O... toh ab tu mujhe ullu banayegi? Yaad nahi roka hone ke baad Pooja didi roz phone se chipki rehti thi... ab tera bhi yahi haal hoga!" Naina laughed off Preeti's comments but secretly wondered if he would indeed call and what would she say if he called.

Once the Agarwals left Sameer hugged his grandfather "Thank you Nanu. Main bahoot khush hu ke aapne solution nikal hi diya!" Nanu tried to explain "Beta, tumhari mummy aur ... Damadji ka bhi yahi kehna hua ke abhi tum dono ko padhayi pe focus karna chahiye. Aur ab waqt mila hai toh mujhe yakeen hain tum bhi baat samjh hi loge aur iss rishte ko apna lo ge." Though Sameer thought this was unlikely, he decided to keep mum.

Nanaji looked at the boxes of Mithai the guests had brought and remarked to Ramdhari "Isske woh do Rahu-Ketu aaye toh unko bhi khila do!" Sameer uttered "Nahi! Maine abhi unhe kuch bataya nahi hai aur batana bhi nahi chahata..." Nanaji looked at him extremely surprised "Beta, kya bol rahe ho? Dekho tum ek baat theek se samajh lo, shaadi ho gayi hai aur wo ladki iss ghar mein jarur aayegi. Munna-Pandit tumhare karibi dost hai... har roz ghar aate hai... kya matlab unhe nahi bataoge?" But Sameer was adamant that he would share the news only when he was ready and not a minute before. Nanaji feeling very frustrated left the room. Ramdhari just silently prayed to God to bless his Sameer bhaiya with some good sense and that too soon.

A little later, Sameer was watching TV in the lounge and Ramdhari was tidying when Munna and Pandit arrived their usual jovial selves. Munna immediately exclaimed "Pehele bata kal ki shaadi kaise rahi?" Hearing kal ki shaadi Sameer looked at him in shock almost breaking out in a cold sweat "Kal ki shaadi? Matlab??"

Ramdhari dropped the vase he was cleaning, luckily it turned out to be made of brass. Munna looking a little confused "Aare bhai kal tu Nanaji ke sath kissi client ki shaadi mein gaya tha na... toh shaadi kaisi rahi?" Before Sameer could gather his wits, Pandit added "Aare Chenu, shaadi toh shaadi jaisi hi rahi hogi... wahi dulha-dulhan, mantra aur phere... Sameer yeh bata khana kaisa tha? Intresting toh wahi hota hai!" Sameer muttered that the food had been fine.

Ramdhari now offered the box of sweets to Munna and Pandit, while Sameer looked on irritatedly "Yeh lijiye, kal ki shaadi ki mithai aayi hai." Munna and Pandit happily started sampling the mithai. Pandit remarked "Wah bhai mithai toh bahoot achi bheji hai ladke walo ne."" Ramdhari cheekily remarked "Yeh toh ladki walo ke taraf se aayi hai." Munna looked at Sameer "Aare mujhe laga tu ladke walo ke taraf se gaya tha shaadi mein." Ramdhari added launghing "Ha, Bhaiya toh ladke walo ke taraf se hi gaye thay... par yeh mithai ladki walo ke taraf se aayi hai."

Seeing his friends absolutely confused, Sameer looked angrily at Ramdhari and covered up saying "Mazak kar raha hai yeh. Kuch dhyan mat do isski baato par." Pandit said "Kya baat hai Ramdhari, aaj bada mazak sujh raha hai... ab zara garam garam chai peela do!" Ramdhari left for the kitchen chuckling to himself.

Later that night, Sameer was in his bed feeling rather miserable about lying to his friends. But, he just couldn't bring himself to tell them that he had accidentally got married! Would anyone even believe something like this? He couldn't imagine just how they would react to this news. Would they tease him endlessly? Or maybe just pity him. On some level he felt like confiding into them would make this marriage suddenly very real. And then what? Would they also start pressurizing him to accept this as his new reality? No, he wasn't ready for it. And so, he decided to pretend like nothing had changed.

Over the next few days the newly wedded couple acted anything but newly wedded. They went about their routine lives. Chachaji made a few recurring references to the fact that he was extremely pleased with the groom's broad mindedness, as he was completely won over by Sameer's no dowry stance. Taiji would occasionally remind Naina that she was married now and should start contributing more to the household chores. Taiji had also passed on her husband's message to Naina regarding not getting too excited about sharing the news of this marriage yet and to keep it within the family at the moment.

Naina had already decided to make an exception to this with regards to her dearest childhood friend Swati. Swati was currently away visiting her cousins and was expected to be back just in time for the college to start and Naina was absolutely bursting to share this bizarre turn of events. Sameer continued trying to make the most of the last few days of the holidays, watching movies and roaming around the town with his friends, just feeling a little lost every now and then. Though for the first couple of days, Naina would nervously and maybe a little expectantly look at the phone every time it rang, eventually she stopped.

The day before college reopened, about 4 pm the phone rang twice and stopped. This phenomenon was repeated once more, but the third time around Naina answered it before the first bell ended "Hello..." an unfamiliar voice asked with a little hesitation "Kaun bol raha hai?" She asked "Aap ko kiska number chahiye?" the caller asked "Yeh Agarwalji ka number hai na? Aap?" She replied softly "Ji, main Naina..." He answered "Main... Sameer. Tumse do minute baat karni thi."