Episode 47
“What’s that?” Purab enquired.
“I think we should postpone the interview for another day.” Abhi replied.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. It’s just th-”
“If you’re worried about Di…don’t. As long as you are there with her, she’ll be fine.” Purab interrupted.
“I’m not so sure about that.” Abhi said. “For now, let’s postpone it until we’re sure she’s okay with it.”
Poor Abhi! Purab thought. He doesn’t even realise the grip he has on that girl…
“No need to postpone it.” Purab said. “You can go. Give them a few details about your married life to keep them satisfied for a while…otherwise they won’t give you a chance to breathe in peace.”
“Yeah, ok. That sounds better.”
“You remember the time and place?” Purab asked.
“Yeah, seven 0′ clock. Galaxy Restaurant.” Abhi replied. “Good thinking on the timing though. It leaves all day free for me to go over some last minute work with Ritu on the album.”
“Need me to come in?” Purab asked.
“No, I’m good. Besides, you need to take time off to relax. You’re always working. It’s a wonder your wife hasn’t started complaining yet.”
“I doubt Bulbul will even notice I’m there. Ever since she met Alex, Bulbul hardly has time for me anymore.” He said sadly. “Now she’s all like Alex this…Alex that.”
“I told you not to introduce them to each other.” Abhi said.
“Yeah I know. I should have listened to you.” Purab said.
“So what are you going to do about it. I mean, she’s your wife and you love her. Are you gonna let him slowly take her away from you?”
“No, but I don’t want to be the kind of husband that tells his wife who she can and can’t spend time with.”
“Bulbul loves you alot. She will understand.” Abhi replied.
“I seriously doubt that. You know how she is!” Purab said.
“Well you brought this on yourself.” Abhi retorted.
“Can’t a guy get a little sympathy from his best friend?”
“But you’re the one that got her the dog!” Abhi exclaimed. “And now you want sympathy?”
“That cute face fooled me.” Purab said and then paused. “…and now he’s trying to steal my wife with his adorable looks and endearing ways.”
“Sounds like even you might be falling for him.” Abhi teased.
“Very funny.” he replied and then stopped. “Hey, I got an idea! Why don’t I take her out tomorrow. It’s been a while since we bonded.”
“Bulbul?” Abhi asked in confusion.
“No…Di” Purab replied.
“Ok, yeah, that sounds great! I’m sure she would love that.” Abhi replied.
“You know, a normal husband would get jealous about the fact that another guy wants to take his wife out on a date, and here you are happily sending her off.” Purab joked.
“You two are like siblings. You call her “Di” for goodness sake.” Abhi pointed out. “…besides, I’m one hundred and ten percent sure you don’t want to be the guy who cheats on Bulbul. She will hack you to pieces and feed them to Alex.”
“Well you have a point there.” Purab conceded. Good thing he loved his wife immensely and could never think of cheating on her.
“Anyway, I think I should call Di and find out if she’s up for it.” Purab said. “Talk to you tomorrow?”
“Yeah, sure.” Abhi responded.
“Ok cool.” Purab said.
“Tomorrow then. Laterz.” And then they hung up.
Abhi walked back into the bedroom a few minutes later and saw Fuggi sitting on the sofa, the phone to her ear.
“Yeah sure. That will be great. See you then!” She said and then pressed the cut-off button.
“Plans?” he asked, sitting next to her.
“Yeah, Purab wants to hang out tomorrow.”
“You should go out and have fun…instead of being at home with your books all the time.”
“Hey! I don’t spend all my time reading ok.” She said defensively.
“Of course not, Fuggi.” Abhi replied, rolling his eyes at her, when he noticed her stifling a her yawn. “Time for bed.” he said sending a glance in her direction before getting up to go over to the bed. “You’ve had a long day today. Get some rest. Good night.”
“Good night, Mehra.” She responded before settling herself more comfortably and Abhi watched as her eyes closed almost as soon as her head it the pillow and she fell asleep.
Abhi woke up early the next morning, got dressed and headed downstairs.
He had things to take care of at the office first before coming back home to get ready for the interview, which was supposed to be taking place later this evening.
He hadn’t spotted Fuggi in their room, which was kinda weird since it was still early. He looked at his watch.
It was only eight o’ clock.
It had become customary for him to see her every morning before going out or whenever she left for school.
It was this weird habit he had developed…like part of his morning routine.
It was like that all through their childhood and it was only on rare or certain occasions that they missed each other before leaving.
Just seeing her made his day a whole lot better. He had no other way to explain it.
He walked to the living room and saw Mitali Babhi watching her favorite serial.
Mitali Bhabhi was hooked on these shows, each one crazier than the other.
“Good morning, Bhabhi.” He greeted her.
Mitali Bhabhi turned to him.
“Morning Abhi!” she returned happily.
“Have they found out who killed the bride’s cousin’s neighbor’s Maasi yet?” he asked with a chuckle.
“No” she grimaced, biting her nails. “And now the killer is after her cousin!”
Abhi laughed, both at her statement and her expression.
Bhabhi wore a tense look as though the killer would be coming for her next!
“Where is everyone?” he asked.
“Dadi and Daasis are getting ready to visit the temple. Papaji and Mummyji are going with them. Twins are still sleeping. Pragya went out somewhere and the rest are at work.”
Fuggi’s not home?
“Where did she go?” he asked.
“Where did who go?” Mitali Babhi asked, her eyes glued to the television once again.
“Fuggi.” he replied.
Mitali smiled. She always found it so cute the way he referred to Pragya as “Fuggi”, leaving her to wonder why her boring husband never bothered to use any type of endearment to address her. Then she conceded that Raj might be boring at times, but she couldn’t have asked for a better husband or father for her kids.
“I’m not sure.” she replied, which was Mitali Bhabhi’s code for, “She had said something, but I wasn’t really paying attention.”
“Ok, Bhabhi, I’m heading to the office.” he said to her while walking away. “Enjoy!”
“Wait!” she called to him and Abhi stopped. “Aren’t you having breakfast?”
“No, Bhabhi. I’m running late and I already had coffee.”
“Coffee is not breakfast, Abhi.” Bhabhi scolded him.
Almost every morning he had the same conversation with his wife, till she finally gave up and let him do what he pleased.
“Sorry Bhabhi, I’m not hungry. Maybe next time.” he said and then he left.
A few hours later, Abhi left for home to get ready for the interview.
He greeted Dadi and both Daasis’ in the hallway and then headed upstairs to get dressed.
There was no sign of Fuggi. She must be out with Purab by now.
Finally dressed, he grabbed his keys and headed out of the house.
Roma Diwan sat in the private upstairs dining area of the Galaxy Restaurant, which her magazine had reserved especially for this interview.
She had been awaiting this moment a long time: the anxiously anticipated meeting with the Rockstar and his mysterious bride.
While most celebrities couldn’t wait to share their love story with the entire world, Abhi the Rockstar was the complete opposite. She could understand his need for privacy or wanting to keep his love life out of the limelight, but to her certain things didn’t add up. For instance, how come no one had even heard about or seen his wife before their marriage? A huge celebrity like Abhi the Rockstar was practically stalked by the paparazzi, how could they have not known about Pragya? Where was he hiding her? And what happened to his relationship with Tanushree Mehta, the supermodel?
The rumor circulating the showbiz world was that they were all set to get hitched…so where did this new girl spring up from? One thing she did know for sure, was that she’d be observing them extremely closely for any slip ups. What better way was there to gain popularity than uncovering big celebrity secrets….and they didn’t get any bigger than Abhi the Rockstar!
Pre-cap: Abhi’s Interview
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Hi Everyone. It’s been a rough few months, but I’m finally back! How are you all?
Sorry this was just a fill in episode. The next will be better. I’m trying to get my brain back into the writing groove.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Till next time…take care!