CHAPTER 18 - TIME TO IGNORE

तू चाँद और मैं सितारा होता,

आसमान में एक आशियाना हमारा होता,

लोग तुम्हे दूर से देखते,

नज़दीक़ से देखने का, हक़ बस हमारा होता..!!

Date- 1st December

📍Dhruv's college corridor

~•DHRUV's POV•~

"Mumma aap jao mujhe nahi aana." I said denying to join her in the wedding

(Please  go, I don't wanna come)

"O ki modiyo hai ni aavno?" Mumma scolded as she called me asking me to come to Jodhpur.

(What is this,  you don't want to join us?)

"Mumma, literature society ro kom aayo padiyo hai.maare khane time koni ye sab vaaste!!"

(I am occupied by literature society and its work. I don't have time for all this)

"Pase mane thara naatak koni jhelije!" and she hung up the call.

(Then I won't be tolerating your dramas)

It has been more than a week since we have talked.  I was  missing her but I had decided that I won't try to interfere in her life as it was just creating a rift between us.

I headed towards the library to distract myself. Before I could enter, I heard a ring from my phone.

~•GEET's POV•~

We were done with our packing and tomorrow we were going to Jodhpur.  My whole family was excited except me. It had been so long we didn't contact each other. Neither he texted me nor I. There was  a limit to everything.

But then, I decided to call him because one has to take the initiative to clear the misunderstandings. I called him and hoped that he would pick it up.

I heard his voice and I got butterflies in my stomach .

"Hello" he said as soon as picking up the call.

"Hi,Kaha the aap. Mtlb no call no message. Ek baar bhi Rainbow yaad nahi aai?" I asked without leaving a chance .

(Where were you? I mean no call no message. You didn't even miss Rainbow?)

"Kon. Rainbow?" he asked.

(Who Rainbow?)

Wait a minute, have I called someone else? I rechecked And it was a book magnet.

"Have you suffered from memory loss? It's me Geetanjali ,Rainbow." I reminded him.

"Oh.Ms.Shaktawat. Sorry mere mind se nikal gaya!" He replied.

(It went out of my mind)

Like really???Aise kaise mind se nikal gaya? Can someone see his attitude?

(How could it slip out of his mind?)

"Better buy some almonds and make sure you eat them everyday!"

Saying this, I disconnected the call.

Geetanjali, All boys are the same. What does he think of himself? He didn't  even send me a text and when I called him , he behaved like a complete stranger. I am not gonna take this. I won't talk to him and I won't even get myself affected if he is the reason. Now onwards, there is

No Rainbow .No Book Magnet. No Dhruv Deora.

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***Time skip***

2nd December

Evening

📍Jodhpur

I reached Jodhpur and I have deleted his number ,even removed him from my social media. I reached Rathore villa where the preparations were going on.

I greeted everyone , but ignored Virendra Bhabha. I met Abhi bhabha and he was underground in his own house as he was not supposed to step outside of the house , you know evil eyes as our ladies say.

I kept checking my phone and suddenly somebody hugged me from behind. I turned to find who she was?

"Geeeeettttt" My overexcited cousin Mannu screamed.

"Mannu, we are meeting after so long" I hugged her back.

"Why are you so tense? Shaadi hai,khushi ka mahol ho. Ghoomar karo khao pio" She said , putting her hand over my shoulder.

(It's wedding time, Such a happy time it is! Eat ,drink and Do Ghoomar!)

I nodded and she left to meet other members.

Tomorrow is Haldi and Ganesh Poojan. I should be excited but what am I doing? Standing with an expressionless face.

***Time skip***

~•DHRUV's POV•~

I was not able to see her instagram profile and her dp on whatsapp as well. Dhruv, you had a chance to control your anger . Look what have you done? You have spoiled the friendship with her.

I took my phone and booked the ticket for Jodhpur.  I checked the invitation.

3rd December - Ganesh poojan  and Haldi

4th December - Bandoli

5th December - Hast Milap ( wedding)

I called my professor and informed that I need a leave for 4-5 days as I have to attend a marriage and it's important. She granted me permission and asked me to submit her letter tomorrow morning.

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THE NEXT DAY

Around 2pm

📍Jodhpur

~•GEET's POV•~

The ganesh pujan is about marking the beginning of all the ceremonies of a wedding. In this, a statue of  lord ganesha made out of clay is placed in the temple of the house and we all pray to bless us and all the rituals are completed without any obstacles.

I wore a yellow poshak, paired with earrings and shish phool (hair ornament like a hair band) and left my hair untied.

(Imagine this as her outfit)

We all three sisters were wearing poshak of the same yellow design.

The rituals began and Avanti was one of the four ladies who would be doing the rituals. Basically, four ladies ( 2 married and 2 unmarried) were asked to tie the dora (a kind of rakhi or thread ) . Kiran mamisa,mumma, Avanti and Radhika were the four who were asked to do it.

The dhol and thali were playing in the background and the ladies were singing the songs.

I noticed his mother sitting among the ladies. That means, he won't be joining us. I got a video call in between from Shivu jija asking me to show her the haldi and ganesh pujan from our side.

I heard Kavya asking me to give my phone. I was called to apply teeka and haldi to my cousin. I was sitting a little away . I stood and started walking, adjusting my odhna which was touching the ground.

Suddenly , I noticed someone entering the gate. The person came a little closer.  And it was him. He was wearing a yellow kurta and he passed by me to reach his mother.

I stood still. Was it a dream? I pinched myself. And looked again , OH MY GOD! WHAT IS HE DOING HERE??

Suddenly I heard Radhika calling me

"Geet jija, come here.we are waiting for you"

Without wasting a moment , I went and took the pooja thali.

~•DHRUV's POV•~

I catched my train and reached Jodhpur. I changed my clothes to match with the Haldi ceremony.

My bhabosa asked me to meet my mumma and I gave an excuse. I wanted to give them a surprise.

I knew I told a lie. I can't share the real reason.

The gents  were sitting in the guest hall outside of the house . I decided to meet my mumma. I entered their house by the main gate only to find Abhi bhabha surrounded by ladies who were performing the rituals.

My eyes were searching for her and then I saw her struggling in the poshak. And suddenly she looked at me as I walked  closer. Who said fairies don't exist? She was looking as beautiful as a fairy. The earrings, the bangles and the shishphool. ThankGod , I made the right decision otherwise I would have regretted my whole life . I would miss the chance to see my Rainbow in this attire.

I passed by her so I could meet my mumma.

"Surprise Mumma!" I hugged her.

"Nice to see you my beta" she hugged me but my eyes were on her , holding a pooja thali , applying tilak on her cousin's forehead.

Suddenly a lady from the gathering "Nandini baisa ri bai re bhale aaj byah karao"

(Nandini baisa's daughter has  grown up fast. Like we can get her marry today if it is possible)

And hearing this she looked at me for a second, then looked on the floor placing the thali (plate of pooja).

"Mr.Cricketer, how are you!?" Kavya came running . She was looking so cute in her poshak.

"I am fine. How are you?" saying this, she gave me a high five.

She asked me to join her to sit nearby. I followed her and she made me sit among her cousins.

We were making eye contact here and there. Suddenly she came nearer , and ignored me.

"Kavya, give me my phone."She ordered her.

My heartbeat was increasing . I was looking at her and she didn't even look at me. She took her phone and went out of sight.

Mumma called me to apply haldi on Abhi bhabha's cheeks. I did as per the instructions . I came here to say sorry and she was just acting like a stranger. I know we have decided before but she was running away from me.

I planned to search for her and apologize for my mistake. The Rathore Villa was huge and the haldi was taking place in the main hall of the ground floor. She might be in the corridors on the first floor.

I went upstairs and I heard the sound of anklets. It must be her. I walked in the direction of sound and it was becoming clearer with every step.  I was right she was sitting on the chair, facing towards the wall .

I went slowly so she couldn't hear my footsteps. Before I could approach her , she stood and turned, resulting in a crash making us fall. I grabbed her and she fell on me.

The moment paused. The world  stopped. The time forgot to pass. It was us .It was her in my arms. Her hair  touched my hands. Her face was placed near my neck. I checked her and her eyes were closed .

Her hands were on my shoulders and her shish phool touched my left cheek.

She lifted her head only to find me.

"Leave me. Kisine dek lia tamasha ban jaega hmara" She ordered looking at me.

(If someone found us here, it will create a scene)

I released her and we both stood and adjusted our outfit.

"Listen. I want to tell you something!" I said, asking her to wait.

"ji aap kon?" she asked .

(Who are you?)

"Main Book magnet. Yaa hai. Ham hyderabad main friends date par gaye the .I know mujhse galti ho gai par mujhe ek mauka toh do" I requested as she behaved the same way as I did.

(I am Book Magnet. Remember? We went to friend's date in  Hyderabad.I know I did a mistake but atleast give me a chance)

"Oh Acha. Aap hyderabad aaye the na? Sorry mere mind se nikal gaya!" Saying this she headed towards somewhere. I followed her and tried explaining,

(Oh Yes. You visited Hyderabad right? Sorry it slipped out of my mind!)

"I know I made a mistake.But it was unintentional."

She ignored me and my words, and walked further.

" Please stay away from me. I don't know any Dhruvpratap singh Deora or Book magnet" saying this , she runned towards the stairs leading to ground floor.

I called Garv to find some solution. I explained everything to him and asked him to give me a solution.

"I am sorry.I can't do anything. Qki agr woh apne bachpan se jo cousin hai usko din me taare dikha de tu toh fir bhi 6 7 months purana hai '' He replied ,sarcastically.

(Because if she can teach  her cousin  a lesson  whom she knew from her childhood, you are just part of her life from last 6 7 months)

"Avantika ke wakt ana fir batata hu tuje." I said .

(I will show my side when you will request for Avantika)

"That has time. Better come here. Vihaan came this morning and he is so busy with Advika. He is my friend but he is ignoring me ." he complained.

"Who is Advika btw?" I asked.

"she is the daughter of papa's friend!  They are meeting for the first time but they are acting like long lost friends"

"Okay.you carry on. I will join you on 5" I cut the call and was thinking about plans so she can talk with me.

Suddenly I heard langas singing.

(Langas - basically they are group of men  which are meant to sing folk songs)

I went downstairs and the ladies were doing Ghoomar.  I saw Avantika and Varnika twirling .

Avantika is so young and Garv is daydreaming about his love story.

One by one all the ladies were busy with the performance and Avanti stood nearby me .

"Hii Khamma ghani. Dhruv, aap kab aaye!?" she asked, looking at the ladies dancing.

(Dhruv, at what time,did  you come here?)

"Before 2 hours!" I replied, but my eyes were searching for her.

"You must watch Geet jija's ghoomar. You will become a die hard fan" She  informed.

That means she would do it. Avanti called her and asked where she was.

"Okay then come soon.otherwise you will be the one who will complain that I didn't get a chance!"

Then I saw her walking at speed, stopping  and talking with the langas. She must be saying the song name. I was so excited . She suddenly looked at me and then again looked away.

She came to the center of the hall and suddenly Kavya cheered for her.

"Aag laga do jija. Show them the power of Shaktawat sisters!"

(Set the stage on fire)

"Yes, Geetanjali!" her cousin screamed.

They were so excited . I guess I was gonna die if I saw her dancing on the folk song that too in ghoomar.

She adjusted her odhna on the shoulder and started tapping her feet as per the beat of khartal. I felt a zoo in my stomach.  Dhruv, get ready to get crazy over her dance movements.

(khartal is basically a kind of instrument)

I heard the first line of the song and it's Jala sain - one of my favorites. I had told once about my favorite songs and I never imagined she would do it.  Avanti and Kavya went to do nyochavar - taking a note and rotating over the head of the one who was dancing .

(A reference for you all regarding the song)

(jala sain - a song portraying the love of king of Jodhpur and his wife who belongs to Bhati family)

(note -unmarried girls don't do ghoonghat)

Mumma asked me to do it on behalf of her. Yaar mumma , your son would faint if he goes nearer to her. The hand movements,the ghaghra and odhna syncing as per her leg movement , she was enjoying every beat of the song.

I took a gulp in my throat and took a note from my wallet and stepped towards her . Every step towards her makes me stop the world nearby us.  I was just a little away. I was so close like a two step away and held the note to do it but she stopped when she realized it's me.

Still, I did it and gave it to the group who were singing. She looked at me and I looked at her.

"Nandini baisa, geet ro byah an tabar saathe krdo. Tabar katro futro hai." one of the guests teased .

(Fix the alliance of Geet with him.He is so good looking)

She didn't utter a word and all the ladies were giggling looking at us.

With this the haldi came to an end.

***Time skip***

~•GEET's POV•~

I changed myself into my comfortable night dress. I was not able to continue  that moment when he came in between the dance. He had the guts to do it. He should know he was not supposed to do it . Because a guy who is not related can't take this chance to do nyochawar.

We were in the garden after our dinner. Daraksha and Mannu were applying mehendi for Avanti and Kavya.

"Geet, come here. Why are you sitting simply?" Daraksha asked me .

"Chal mai tujhe mehendi lgati hu" mannu suggested pulling me towards her.

(come I will apply mehandi for you)

"I don't have a mood" Resting my head on the chair.

"Are you sure you came to attend the wedding? It's Abhi bhabha shaadi. Tomorrow is  bandoli. We are his cousins. Unke nanihal walo k saamne rob jamna chaiye Rathores ka!" Mannu said and Kavya repeated her actions.

(We should show the power of Rathores in front of his maternal family)

"Okay fine!!" I gave my hand to Daraksha who was done with Avanti's mehendi.

The ladies were singing songs and I saw Abhi bhabha,Virendra Bhabha and him walking towards us.

"Mannu jija and Daraksha di meet Dhruv aka Mr.cricketer!" kavya introduced.

"Hiii." They both greeted him and These three took chairs and placed them nearby to sit.

"Sanjana bhabisa, she must be so emotional!" Avanti started to tease Abhi bhabha.

I realized we were wearing the same color t-shirt. Lavender one. I looked at mine and scanned his.

Even he did the same. Looking at his tshirt and then mine.

"ek sec geet aur dhruv, have you both planned to twin your night wear?" Abhi bhabha questioned us.

"NO.!" WE BOTH SCREAMED AT THE SAME TIME.

"'Coincidence,"he replied.

" Ho gai teri mehandi Geet"Daraksha informed.

(Your mehandi is done)

"D likho D " Kavya suggested.

(Write D)

Wait,D For Dhruv. No never.

"better write G" Virendra bhabha interrupted.

"Ek sec,G for what?D for what?"  Avanti asked.

"G for Garv!" he replied.

We looked at each other in confusion and my cousins were enjoying teasing me.

"I don't need D or G!" I glared at Virendra bhabha and Kavya . I stood and went to alloted room to avoid this .

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Today's special apperance-

• Advika, Mannu and Daraksha.

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Vote Target-  90?

Also, I have noticed many of them don't comment. Readers I wait for your reactions like how do you feel while reading it.❤

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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 🌼🎊🐣