CHAPTER 16 - THE SHOPPING

ये वक़्त तुझे देखे बिना धीरे-धीरे गुजरता है,

जब भी तेरी तस्वीर को देखूं तो

दिल ज़ोरों से धड़कता है !!!

24.09.2023

Classroom (3rd B. A economics)

~•GEET's POV•~

"Geet, please bring something for me from Jodhpur." Anaya requested me as I was flying to Jodhpur tomorrow for shopping.

"Ofcourse I will. You are my best friend " I assured by giving her a side hug.

Suddenly our class representative informed us that the lecture had been canceled. We packed our bags and headed towards our canteen as it was already noon.

We reached the canteen and placed our order. I was checking my phone and noticed his status.

He visited Govind Devji Temple with Garv banna and Vihaan. He wore a blue kurta. Haaye, mere mahiya jinna sona na koi hoya na koi hona , I was singing in my mind.

"not again" Anaya interrupted ,adjusting her fake specs.

"What? "I asked her , hiding my phone.

" You are blushing again. Tell me na who is he? she asked with a puppy face.

"There is no he" I replied and went to get our order.

I was back with chai for me, coffee for her. Also, to feed our empty stomach, I got samosas.

"So yummy" Anaya reviewed after eating it.

I heard a notification while eating,

@garv.s_chauhan has requested to follow you.

@ vihaaaan.raichand has requested to follow you.

Why did they send me a request at the same time? I gave it a thought.

I heard a notification again,

@garv.s_chauhan wants to send you a message.

I checked the DM request,

"Hi Geet baisa, Don't think of me as a roadside romeo. We are relatives and don't worry, I won't trouble you with my jokes. Dhruv ka best frnd hu, Atleast consider his choice"

I texted Book magnet about this, he replied within a second,

"I know they have sent you a request. They are sitting right in front of me. There will be no problem from their side, I promise. Rest is your choice "

I trust him and he won't do anything which will make me feel uncomfortable. I accepted their request and replied to Garv Banna.

"Okay. Accepted"

Suddenly I noticed ANAYA staring at me,

"I know there is someone who is hidden from me. Please tell na"

"you remembered Vihaan, I narrated the whole story how kavya made him as our brother"

"Yes. I know, but there is no connection between Vihaan and your constant blushing "

She uttered while looking at my phone.

"Better be a secret agent than doing an MBA" I changed the topic.

***Time skip***

📍At Geet's home.

Time -8pm

Mumma, Kavya and I were visiting Jodhpur. Actually, my maternal family asked us to join them in purchasing bari.

(Bari - The wedding dress which is worn by the bride on her wedding day. It is always brought by groom's family along with other gifts including poshaks, jewellery and many more.she would receive it on the day before the wedding rituals start)

Avanti won't join us as she had a science exhibition in her school. We were packing our bags as we decided to stay there for 2 days.

"Aapsa, give me your credit or debit card." Kavya asked, dancing on the bed.

"Huh. Kyu, "he asked, looking at her.

(Why?)

"Mumma muje shopping karne nahi denge. Kuch bhi dhama denge. Geet jija bhi unka hi version hai. " she replied, joining her palms.

(Mumma won't let me go shopping. She would place anything on my name. Geet is a version of her.)

"Muje QR code bhej dena. Main kar dunga pay. Pin yaad rehta nahi hai wese tumhe. Aur tumhare mumma ko mai keh dunga ki jo chaiye, dila dena. ." he teased her as he knew how she was bad at remembering the pin and password.

(Send me a QR code.I will pay for it. you can't remember the pin. And I will ask your mom to buy you whatever you want)

We laughed hearing it and we were done with packing our bags.

Avanti and I completed the kitchen work post dinner. I went to my room.

I opened our chat and texted

"Hi. I won't be available for the next three days. I am visiting Jodhpur for shopping"

It had become our routine, talking to each other every night. We would call once a week and mostly chat the rest of the days.

I was combing my hair, when I noticed my phone screen turning bright. I rushed to get my phone and it was his message,

"Yaar, Garv has already left for Jodhpur, I guess he will join you. Even you will be busy with this wedding preps. What am I gonna do without you both?" (sent with a sad emoji)

Till I know, the bride side never joined.. Maybe the Rathores altered the rules for their daughter in law.

"You won't have anyone to disturb, better do your assignment." (sent with a evil laugh) I texted

"Fine. " (sent with a smirk) he replied.

"Happy Journey. give me updates whenever it is possible"

"Thank You. I will let you know . Don't forget to check your snap. You don't even maintain a streak with me"

"What is the use of making a streak? Tell me one use?" he asked and I was out of words, what should I reply because it never crossed my mind.

I thought for a minute and framed an answer.

"It helps to know your friend better what they are doing in their life! Apart from that don't ask me"

He started typing... ....

And I received a text again,

"Don't ask me? Have you noticed how many questions you shoot on me as soon as you find a topic? And you are asking me to not ask you. Such a double standard!!! '' sent with a smirk

HIS FAMILY SHOULD SEE HIS DRAMATIC SIDE. HENCE PROVED D IN HIS NAME STANDS FOR DRAMA KING.

"That's my fundamental right to question you🤫."

"Let me win sometime,"he replied.

Should I laugh? Should I feel sad for him as I don't let him win?

"Book Magnet -1 Rainbow-0" I announced the result .

"Ms.Shaktatwat, one day I will win for sure.Wait and Watch. Don't underestimate the power of Dhruvpratap Singh Deora"

After 1 day

~•Dhruv's POV•~

📍Classroom

Time 9am

"Dhruv, are you there? " Vihaan asked, bringing me back to reality.

I nodded and gave him a smile. I was missing her and Garv. They might meet today. What am I gonna do without them ?

"Dhruv, Mom ne tumhe aaj raat ghar aane ko kaha dinner ke liye. She is making your favourite dish" Vihaan informed me .

(Mom has invited you for dinner tonight.)

Vihaan didn't stay in the hostel as he belonged to Jaipur. His mother usually invites me and Garv for dinner or lunch .

"I don't have any wish to join you tonight" I replied checking my phone.

"Garv nahi hai toh kya. Mai toh hu! You have to come tonight. Mom is specially making pav bhaji for you. We will have fun. Trust me! "He requested, making a cute face which I couldn't deny.

(What if Garv is not there. I am here. )

"Okay. I will be coming."

📍At Jodhpur

~•GEET's POV•~

I reached Jodhpur yesterday evening. Today we have planned to go shopping. From Chauhans, Sanjana Bhabisa along with her Bhabisa and Garv banna would join us. Yes, Garv banna is the youngest of all.

He has an elder brother Lakshay Bhabha and he got married to Mehar Chundawat. From our side, Kavya, mumma, Virendra Bhaba, Saroj Mamisa, Kiran Mamisa and Nanisa would be joining them.

We reached the market where we could get the best collections and tailors to stitch them on time. The wedding is on December 5 but we couldn't delay it due to the rush as the wedding season was approaching.

We were in one of the shops. All the ladies were busy chit chatting. Kavya and I were looking at their Jodhpuri dialect.

"Ghano choko hai o Pilo rang ro kapdo"Nanisa admired looking at the dress material.

(This yellow material is so amazing)

"Aap please hindi mai baat karona. Muje ye Jodhpuri samaj nahi aati. Mewari aati hai" kavya Asked the ladies.

( Please talk in hindi. I can't understand this Jodhpuri. I know Mewari)

{NOTE- so every district has its own style of speaking . Geet has mewari style, Garv has Sanchori as he belongs to Sanchore, Dhruv speaks Sirohi with mixture of Barmeri style as his mother belongs to Barmer, Rathores has Jodhpuri)

I can understand Jodhpuri dialect but can't speak it fluently.

"Thik hai. Kavya baisa. " Kiran Mamisa replied.

Meanwhile, Sanjana Bhabisa entered along with Garv Banna and Mehar Bhabisa.

They took the blessings of all the ladies . Garv Banna informed us that he would join us later.

We started shopping and looked at various collections.

"Geet baisa, ye red wali poshak kesi hai" Saroj Mamisa asked me handing me a one.

( How is this red poshak?)

"Itni bhi khaas nahi hai. New design bataona bhaiya"I asked.

(Not so good. Show us new designs)

" dhang ro kapdo bata , ye ki juna jamara len Betho hai '' Nanisa complained looking at the various designs displayed to us.

(Show us better one, why have you collected these old designs)

Kavya came near to me and whispered '' Mujhe jo pasand aana tha woh mene Mumma ko de diya, pr muje bado ki shopping mai nind aa rahi hai. Chalona Kuch khane"

(I have given mumma what I have selected.But I am feeling sleepy seeing them shopping. Lets go and eat something)

I informed mumma about it and we exited the shop.

We decided to take Virendra bhabha with us as going by car was far better than walking.

I called and informed him about this. He came along with Garv banna and we decided to go to a nearby chat shop.

It was 10 mins away by driving distance .

We ordered and sat on a table which was vacant. Virendra bhabha received a call so he informed that he would be back in 5 mins.

"Geetanjali Baisa ,what do you do? In studies?" Garv banna asked.

"I am a final year economics student. " I replied

"If I am not wrong, Dhruv stayed at your house. " he asked.

Kavya was back with our orders. This was the only thing she could do without any tantrums.

"Mr. Cricketer hamare ghar ruke the. Kya cricket khelte hai ! Unko toh captain banna chaiye. Cute kitne hai. Mai thodi badi hoti na mai shaadi kar leti. Par 6 7 years ka age gap muje nahi jamta" Kavya words made him choke his milkshake.

(Mr.Cricketer stayed at our home. How well he plays cricket! He should be captain instead. He is so cute. If I were a little older, I would have married him. But I can't handle this 6-7 years of age gap.)

"Dhruv ke cricket team ka captain mai hu. Mai aapko cute nahi lagta. Mai biotechnology ka Student hu. Kitna tough hota hai science pata bhi hai " He said, raising his eyebrows.

( I am the captain of Dhruv's cricket team. Don't I look cute to you?I am a student of biotechnology. It is so tough to study science, do you know that?)

"Yaar, ye toh Avu jija k bhai nikle" she taunted

(He turnout to be Avu's brother)

"Ye avu kon hai" he asked, adjusting the straw in his milkshake glass.

( Who is Avu?)

"Avantika,hamari behen. Bich wali" Kavya announced, flipping her hair .

(Avatika, our sister. The middle one)

He started coughing without any pause. "Are you okay? Kavya please get some water." I tried managing the situation.

"I am fine" he assured us with his thumbs up.

Virendra Bhabha was back and we were done with our food. Kavya suggested visiting the local stores as the ladies were still busy with the shopping. When it is about selecting anything while shopping, no one could beat the ladies of our house in delaying.

We decided to go to the Clock Tower ( locally known as Ghanta Ghar). Kavya and I were selecting some gifts for Avanti and Anaya, and suddenly Garv Banna joined us. We three really made a good trio.

He was just like him. He was maintaining a distance both physically and while talking. I should appreciate their parents for raising such well mannered sons.

"Geet come here. I need help." I heard my cousin's voice .

I followed him, ordering Kavya to not leave Garv Banna otherwise she might forget the way.

" Tell me one thing, tu garv ko kabse insta pr follow kar rahi. Even Dhruv aur Vihaan ko bhi."

(From how long are you following Garv on Insta including Dhruv and Vihaan?)

"Samjhi nahi. What is the need to ask this?'

( I didn't understand.)

"Aur ye Garv tujhse itni baat kyu kar raha hai?' He asked , bringing me in the corner of the street

(And why is this Garv talking with you so much?

"I have even noticed you staying online late night and even your phone was busy twice."

"WAIT. ARE YOU KEEPING AN EYE ON ME? LIKE SERIOUSLY?" I stressed each and every word.

"Stop overreacting and answer my question: what is the relation between you and Garv?'

Wait , has he gone mad? I met him today and how he was supposed to claim such things.

I stood in silence. I never questioned him for so many things.He was repeating the same thing again and again standing in the market. I WAS LOSING MY PATIENCE.

He repeated with a raise in his voice "ANSWER ME GEET!"

"You are not a question paper, where I am expected to answer all your questions.Did you understand?" I shouted ignoring the people nearby.

"Don't try to interfere in my life.Stop putting your cheap claims. I am not in a relationship, register it in your subconscious mind. I'm not like you to play with the feelings of every other person" I continued looking directly into his eyes.

" tuje nhi pata mai kon hu, abhi bhuasa ko bataya na, tera hawa mai udna band" he warned, pointing his finger at me.

(You don't know Who am I? If I inform bhuasa( aunt) now, you will not be on clouds.)

" Btado mumma ko, and you know who I am? .Geetanajali Kanwar Shaktawat. Maine apna muhh khol diya, aap apna chehra dikhana bhul jaoge.'

(Inform Mumma. If I opened up my mouth,you would forget to show your face)

~•Dhruv's POV•~

Vihaan and I were in his kitchen making coffee for us and his mom. I heard my phone ringing.

I handed the coffee mugs to him and answered the call.

"Hello"

"Hi vi chod. Shaktawat sisters are living crackers." Garv informed me in one breath.

"What happened?Is everything okay?'

He explained how Rainbow replied to Virendra and how Kavya made him Avanti's brother.

I started laughing and Vihaan was perplexed looking at me.

"It was just a trailer. I have watched the whole movie of all the three in Hyderabad"

"You found a girl who warns saying that you are not a question paper where I Am expected to answer all your questions. Are they girls or dialogue writers of a movie?"

"Middle one is the combination of both. ALL THE BEST GARV." I was having fun warning him.

"This is not fair. Avantika would never let me talk." he expressed , whispering so no one could hear it.

"Everything is fair in love,war and game Garv Singh Chauhan" I whispered so Vihaan couldn't hear us.

Vihaan snatched the phone and warned

" You are talking about my sisters . Don't forget I am their brother. Hurt them and I will forget you were my friends"

"Don't catch a running train, you will end up hurting yourself" Garv taunted Vihaan as he was unaware about what we were talking about.

*** TIME SKIP***

~•GEET's POV•~

The whole Rathore family gathered on the terrace. To be honest, I liked everyone except Nanisa and today onwards, Virendra Bhabha has joined her in the list. Nanisa never loved us , the shaktawat sisters. But she never left a chance to show her love for Radhika and Varnika.

I was sitting away from everyone, near the plant pots and Kavya rested her head on my lap looking at Nanisa oiling Radhika's hair.

"Geet jija, I wished we too had our dadisa. Atleast you got a chance to live with her , Avu jija and I are just left with the stories and pictures of her" she said looking at the star in the sky.

Everytime she talked about Dadisa,she would have tears in her eyes. Dadisa left us when I was around 11 months old.

" So what, we have our Seema Bhuasa and Monika Bhuasa. They love us so much. Even their sons, they never treat us as cousins. Now we have Vihaan" I cheered her up .

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Hello my dear readers!! I hope you all didn't miss me!?! Well,my hand is fine now. Thankyou for your patience!!❤

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Vote Target -65?

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You can follow me on instagram @avinaphile for more updates and spoilers.

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Hope you enjoy reading it and don't forget to vote and comment down below.

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Take care and lots of love ❤

See you soon in the next chapter

Avina,

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THANK-YOU FOR READING 🌼🎊🐣