Author Note: Thanks a lot for the love. As a good will, here’s an early update. Before you go in, I’m making a few changes to the timing. So, instead of being after a year, the story is about six months in show’s timeline. As you know, Adi and Aliya are just starting their married life and this story is a version of how they should go for, if at all Divyanka or Karan won’t be able to continue with the story as the main lead, so the main pair is Adi and Aliya. having said that, I would also be exploring how life is for Raman and Ishita as Saas and Sasur.
Another note… I’m NOT a north Indian. Implies that I might get some traditions wrong. I will try my best to keep it correct, but if I do mess up, I apologize in advance. Although, on the contrary, I am a Tamilian so you might find a lot of Tamilian influence in my story.
Hope you guys like the story. 🙂
Chapter 2: House and Interview!
Few days later,
Things have been really great for Ishita. With Aliya taking up responsibility of the house so elegantly, she has more time to take care of the kids. As she in her and Raman’s room, thinking about the day ahead and all the stuff she need to do, her phone rings.
Ishita takes her phone and sees that it’s from the Clinic.
“Hello?” She asked as she answered the phone.
“Mam, sorry for disturbing early in the morning. We are going to be having a health and safety inspection and the cleaning people will be here for the whole day. Dr. Batra had asked to cancel all the appointments today. Hope it wasn’t an issue…” The clinic staff on the other side explained.
“It’s okay… I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ishita replied and hung up the call.
She thought about it for a moment, now that the whole day was free and she didn’t have much to do. She remembers something and says to herself, “I can go to Ruhi’s college. Maybe see how her class is and how the classmates are…”
Ishita get a bit excited to finally have the chance to go and have a look at Ruhi’s college. As she walked out of the house, she remembered the day Ruhi broke the news to them.
Flashback
Ishita and Raman are in their room as Ishita was going through some patient records while Raman was working on his laptop. As they kept on with their work, Ruhi walked over to the door and knocked at it. A letter in her hand.
Ishita and Raman look at Ruhi and Ishita says, “Ruhi beta? What happened?” Ishita asked in her normal tone.
Ruhi walked hesitantly into the room and stood right opposite Raman and Ishita, “Papa… Ishima… I had applied for… a business studies course. I got the admission letter…”
Ishita and Raman were surprised and were happy. Raman moved to his daughter and hugged, “How muc
h my little girl has grown up!”
Ishita also joined in and hugged Ruhi, “I’m soooo Happy!” Ishita was elated,
Ruhi was a bit surprised by their response. “Wait, does… this mean you aren’t mad at me? I can attend the class?”
“Arre! Of course, you can. This is really great! I’m so proud of you.” Raman said with a grin.
Ruhi jumps in excitement and quickly says, “Thank you Ishima! Thank you, Papa! You are the best.”
Ruhi was so excited as she left the room to tell everyone.
Raman and Ishita had a huge smile as Ishita said, “I can’t believe Ruhi managed to get such a good scholarship in such a prestigious Business school!”
Raman nodded in agreement.
*Flashback ends*
Meanwhile, Raman’s Company,
Raman was in a meeting with the bank manager with whom he has all the accounts with.
“Raman Sir! Trust me, I’ll get a really amazing interest rate for you.” The manager said at the end of their business discussion.
Raman had a grin as he offered, “Would you like something to eat?”
“No need sir. I have this other site to go to.” The manager apologized with a small smile. He packed up his bag and turned to Raman as he asked, “How’s Adi sir?”
“He’s doing really good. He got married two weeks back.” Raman replied happily.
“Oh yeah. I hope that flat worked out.” The manager responded.
“Flat? What flat?” Raman asked in confusion.
“Well, Adi sir had applied for a home loan six months ago, along with the fixed deposits. He said he was getting a flat for his fiancée. But, before we could clear his request, he withdrew the application. He said he had arranged the amount from somewhere else.” The manager said casually.
“Adi and Aliya want to move out…” Raman murmured to himself as the officer got up.
“Okay sir! I’ll see you later.” The manager greeted once again and walked out.
Raman was confused and more importantly hurt.
On the other side, Ruhi’s College,
Ishita walked into the college as she saw the students walking along the corridor, heading for their classes.
“I guess I have come on the class timing. I’ll just meet the Department Head and see how things are.” Ishita thought and looked for the HOD’s office.
Once she found the spot, she walked over and looked inside as she saw the head was free. Ishita gently knocked on the door and the lady inside signalled her to come in.
Ishita went in and took a seat as the lady suggested.
The head asked, “How may I help you?”
“Morning mam. My name is Ishita Bhalla. My daughter Ruhi Bhalla is a student here. I just wanted to come in and see how she’s doing.” Ishita introduced herself.
“Sure.” The head pressed the intercom button and said to her assistant, “Can you get me the files and reports of a student… Ruhi Bhalla?”
In a few minutes, the clerk walked in with two file in his hand. He placed in on the table and walked himself out.
“Let’s see…” The head picked up the first file and had a look inside it.
Ishita eagerly watched to see how Ruhi’s performance was.
“Ruhi Bhalla… Well, her academic scores are exceptional. All in merit.” The head said and passed the file across.
Ishita took it and had a look as she saw the wonderful remarks the professors have given.
“Everything is perfect with your daughter’s performance and conduct. Well behaved, Punctual.” The head picked up the second one and looked inside. “Even the finances are good. No dues. Every payment made on time.”
Ishita was a bit confused at that remark, “Sorry mam, Payment?”
“Yes.” The head passed the other file and showed, “The monthly tuition fee with the extra expenses… All the invoices are perfect.”
Ishita took a look carefully and saw how expensive this place was. She looked more carefully as she saw something else with the invoices. All the payments were made under the name Aditya Bhalla.
Ishita was shocked a lot but didn’t know what to say right there. ‘I have to talk to Raman and inform him about this.’ Ishita thought to herself.
Same time, Coffee shop,
Adi was in the shop as he took a sip from his cup. He was waiting for his wife.
As he looked eagerly at the entrance, Aliya walked in, looking stunning. She had a smile seeing Adi and walked over quickly.
Aliya sat down opposite to Adi as he took her hand and said, “What took you so long?”
“The interview got a bit late.” Aliya replied. “But, good news is… I got the job!”
Adi was a bit happy and a bit sad. Aliya noticed his reaction and asked, “What happened, Adi?”
“Aliya, I don’t understand why you want to work somewhere else. I mean, you used to work with us. Then why are you looking at other places? You can join back in the company, nah? We can then work together…” Adi insisted.
Aliya kept a smiled and softly squeezed his hand as she said, “Adi… Do you know how Raman Uncle’s and Amma’s marriage is working out?” She paused a moment and said, “It’s because, Amma and Raman uncle keep their professional and personal side separate. Adi, I’m not saying we should ditto copy everything they do. But, don’t you think if I join your company, we might be a bit too involved in everything? Now, as husband and wife, we can make decisions together. But as colleague, it will be very difficult. I don’t want either of us to feel suffocated by the other.”
Adi was astonished by her response. He took her hand and gave it a kiss as he said softly, “I love you so much, Aliya! My wife.” Adi had a soft smile as he said that.
Aliya blushed a bit as she replied, “I love you too, duffer.” She gave out a sweet laugh as she said, “Now, will you feed your wife! She’s hungry!!” Aliya added in with a grin.
Later in the evening,
Raman was hurt. He was in the room, waiting for Ishita.
Ishita walked into the room after the visit she had in Ruhi’s college.
“I have something to tell you.” Both said in the same time, standing on their feet, tensed.
“You go first.” Ishita suggested.
“Adi and Aliya… they are looking for a flat. They want to move out.” Raman said in disappointment.
“What?! Are you serious?” Ishita asked in shock.
Raman told her the whole incident with the Bank staff and what he heard from him.
Ishita was a lot surprised and shocked, “Raman, this is not good… You know what happened today?”
Ishita then went on and told everything about what happened in Ruhi’s college.
“Ishita, we should talk to the two.” Raman said in frustration. “Now…”
Ishita nodded, “I’ll talk to Aliya. You talk to Adi.”
Raman agreed and walked for the door when Ishita added, “Raman… Please be gentle. Don’t go angrily…”
Raman nodded and continued. He walked over to Adi and Aliya’s room as he saw Adi with his laptop.
“Adi?” Raman asked as he stood on the door.
“Papa. Come in…” Adi got on his feet and moved the files on the bed, “I was just looking at the new project… Anything you want to talk to me about?” He asked,
Raman hesitantly sat down with him and placed a hand over Adi’s shoulder as he began, “Umm… Adi. I’ll ask you one thing… Just tell me the truth.”
“Sure, Papa.” Adi said instantly. “What’s happened?”
Raman took a breath and added, “Did you and Aliya get a separate flat?”
Adi was silent. He was shocked to see Raman find out about this.
Raman added again, “Adi, I… I know you two are adults and you both have all the right to make your own decisions. But, I… I wanted to know for myself. Adi… This family… We have been keeping it together with so much difficulty…”
Adi took Raman’s hand and stopped him, “Papa! We are not going anywhere… Honestly speaking… I did want to get an apartment for me an Aliya. I had saved up some money and wanted to get it booked for the two of us, six months back… But, Aliya made me realise how important it is to be a part of our family. She made me see how no matter where move with her, it can never be a home. And besides, Aliya’s happiness is here. My happiness is with Aliya.”
Raman had a smile, pride in his son. “Adi, I’m so proud of how much you have matured.” Raman pulled him in for a hug.
Adi smiled and hugged him back.
On the other side,
Ishita was walking over to the kitchen as she saw Aliya starting preparations for dinner. Ishita hesitantly moves next to her.
“Amma! How was your day?” Aliya asked as she was chopping the vegetables.
“Umm… Aliya. I need to talk to you… Privately.” Ishita added privately.
Aliya looked confused and surprised. She washed her hands and turned to Ishita, “What happened, Amma?”
Ishita took Aliya’s hand and moved with her to the dining table. The two sat down as Ishita asked, “Aliya, is… there something you are hiding from me?”
Aliya thought for a moment and answered, “I don’t think so… You want to ask me something?”
“Aliya… Today Raman met the company’s bank manager… He mentioned something about Adi getting funds for a house…” Ishita was really hesitant to ask.
“Amma… I should have said.” Aliya took a breath and said, “Adi wanted to get us a flat. You remember the night when… you saw the lipstick mark…” Aliya blushed a bit.
Ishita nodded.
“Well, Adi had taken me to this apartment. He wanted to book the place for us. But… We later decided we shouldn’t go for it.” Aliya said with a bit of guilt.
Ishita was about to ask about the other thing when Aliya added, “Amma, please don’t be angry on Adi…” She paused for a minute and said, “Adi didn’t want to tell you this. When you and Raman uncle were fighting, Ruhi asked me if what she should go ahead with. I suggested her to take business studies. She looked up some methods for that and…”
“The fees were high…” Ishita finished her sentence.
Aliya nodded, “I talked with Adi about this and… He suggested we should… He decided to put the deposit money for her fees and expenses. That’s when we decided we won’t need a place. Amma… I know you must be hurt. I’m really sorry. We should have informed before… Please don’t ask Adi… He will feel really bad…” Aliya pleaded.
Ishita had a tear and a proud look on her eyes. She took her eyes and said, “I am so proud of you two…” Ishita gave her a hug. “Really sorry… I should have known…”
Aliya smiled and hugged her back.
Few Minutes Later,
Ishita walked back into the room as Raman was there with a huge smile on his face. She walked over to him and took his hand, “Raman, you won’t believe what happened…”
“You won’t believe what happened to me…” Raman also said in excitement.
The two sat on their couch as they told what happened on each side.
Raman was glad, “Yaar, how much mature our kids have become…” Raman said, his hand holding Ishita’s firmly.
Ishita smiled and moved closer to him, resting her head on his chest, putting his hand around her shoulder as they watched the moonlight, “We did it, Raman… We gave our children the best values.”
Raman nodded as he held her close, “You know… Come to think of it… We have been rarely spending any time together.”
Ishita sat up and looked at him, “You are right! Things have been so stressful, we are never with each other for long…”
Raman thought for a moment and suggested “Let’s take a vacation.”
Ishita blushed a moment, “Vacation as in…just you and me?”
“Of course, Who else would I go on a vacation with?!” Raman joked.
Ishita fake pouted and punched his rib softly and went back into his arms, “Let’s take a vacation.” She thought about it as she had a smile across her face.
Raman smiled and softly kiss her cheeks, “Vacation it is!”