บท 2: CHAPTER ONE.
THE BEGINNING
Aduni and Hinal became best friends after their meeting at the kite flying festival (Uttarayan) on 14th January 2019.
Music playing in the background.
Hinal woke up due to the disturbance of the freezing breeze coming into her room through the window and the continous buzzing of the alarm clock on the reading table next to her bed.
Annoyed, she gets up and wear her bunny designed flip flop slipper and went to the bathroom.
Then she splashed some water on her face and cleaned it with a towel.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Whohh!! She looked terrible, her hair all messes and unkept.
She wasn't a dirty person by nature, but this untidiness happened because she came home late and very tired the night before.
She was busy the entire day going to all five (5) orphanages own by her dad to give them food, medicine, cloths, gift and anything they might need there.
Her father is a business man in Ahmedabad who is well known in the freestall dairy production and he also owns two textile companies.
A business man who not only had so many businesses to run but also had several orphanages in Ahmedabad.
He named each orphanage homes after himself and after his dear ones.
Joshua Shah orphanage, Jaimini sanjivani orphanage, Hinal joshua orphanage, Minaxi joshua shah orphanage and Preesha Naman orphanage.
He built this orphanages because of his kindheartedness and his immense love for children.
He himself was an orphan and was raised in an orphanage home with lots of brothers and sisters who were not related to him.
He was later adopted by a lovely, rich, christian gujarati couple.
Who took him from Surat to Ahmedabad, took good care of him and taught him to also care for others.
This amazing behavour of her dad made Hinal to also want to be just like him.
A strong, independent and also a kind hearted woman.
So she started taking care of everything related to the ophanage homes since she was sixteen (16) years of age.
She took her bath and went out of the bathroom.
She opened her wardrobe and picked up a beautiful white gown, decorated with colorful flowers on the lower part and slipped herself into it.
She then wore beautiful pairs of earrings and bangles which was given to her by her dad. And went downstairs.
Her dad Mr Haanish joshua shah was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed, sipping his coffee and reading his morning newspaper.
And her mom, Mrs Jaimini was setting the table alongside Hetvi, one of their house help.
Then her favorite song came on air, Jannat sang by Garman santhal, she couldn't stop herself from singing along. She started singing.
'Ho taro pyar malyo ne.
Jannat mali gai
Ho taro pyar malyo ne,
Jannat mali gai.
Ho tara chahera ni,
Same joya karu,
Hasta raho aevi,
Duva karu,
Tara chahera ni,
Same joya karu,
Hasta raho aevi,
Duva karu...
"You can at least say good morning to us before you start singing so early." Her mom said.
Hinal stopped singing and squeezed her face irritated. She thought to herself.
"There goes my principled mom with her lectures again."
She went to her dad, gave him a hug and said good morning. Her mom not really surprised said to Hinal.
"I wonder how many more times i have to tell you that you should seek your elders blessings by touching their feet and not by hugging them? But you don't understand anything or is it that you are..."
Her dad saved her by interrupting her mom.
"Enough! jaimini dear, you shouldn't start scolding her so early in the morning. Don't you even know how children are this days? Their ways are now different from ours, so please allow my daughter to do whatever it is that she wants."
Her mom disappointed murmurs quietly.
"You keep spoiling her Haanish, a girl of her age should already be married but she is still at home with us and you keep saying she should do whatever she wants. The people of our society will not keep quiet concerning this matter and you know that. They will question my upbringing and also mock us."
She kept quite to catch her breath and continued talking.
"She keeps clinging to her past and doesn't want to move on and that's why she insist on not getting married to any man we choose. Even though we allowed her to bring a man home herself, something no other parents will do, she still hasn't brought anyone till today. Anyways i have said all i can say, the rest is for you to deal with as her father."
Her dad didn't want to continue the conversation and so he ignored her.
She stared in disbelief and then sighed seeing that her words had no effect.
"Hetvi! Get the ladoo from the kitchen please." Hinal stopped Hetvi and said.
"I will get it."
Hinal went into the kitchen but couldn't stop herself from thinking about what her mom said and why she would bring up the topic about her past so suddenly.
Well she had thought she didn't need to be reminded of that anymore.
"But marriage?"
She really thought her mom wouldn't bring up anything about marriage for a long time after she rejected so many marriage proposals and what she did to those men.
She had thought no man in Ahmedabad would want to marry her anymore, the very thought of the incidents made her chuckle.
It was indeed hilarious.
Hinal has received Ten (10) proposals in the last eight (8) months and each proposal was a total fail and this failure was not because of the young and really nice men but because of what Hinal secretly did to this men.
She remembered her first marriage proposal.
Eight months ago.
The first proposal was brought to her one lovely morning, she woke up to the beautiful smell of dhokla on her reading table.
She got up, took one look at it and whispered to herself.
"what a sight! amazing. I know mom made this, i should go and thank her."
She got up and suddenly sat down again and then thought to herself.
"let me brush my teeth first, or else she might complain about such a silly thing."
She got up and went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth and came out ready to go downstairs but stopped yet again.
The amazing smell of dhokla wouldn't allow her to leave her room without having even a small bite.
So she decided to have just a little bite. She sat down and started eating it and before she knew it, she had gulped everything up.
That showed just how much she loved dhokla.
She got up, picked the plate and placed it on the tray in her hand and went out of the room.
On her way to the kitchen, she wondered what made her mom prepare her favorite food today even though it wasn't her birthday and there weren't any special occasion in the house.
She suddenly remembered and wispered to herself.
"Mom only does this when she wants to ask for something important from me or something she knows i wouldn't do easily except with magic of her dhokla. But what does she want? Well let me go and find out."
Her mom was in the kitchen making coffee when Hinal approached her and asked to speak to her.
So they went to her mom's room and sat down on her bed. Her mom looked to her for a while and then said lovingly.
"Go ahead and ask dear."
"Mom! were you the one that made the dhokla for me?" Hinal asked.
"Yes i did. Don't you know how i make dhokla for you anymore? My dhokla is always special and that is why you like it so much." She replied with a smile which Hinal found weird.
"You only do that when you want something from me, so what is it that you want now?" Hinal asked with a tough look.
"Is that what you think of me? That i only do special things for you when i want something?" Her mom asked sadly.
"Mom please stop the pretence, you know that i am right." She said angrily.
Knowing what her daughter was like, Mrs Jaimini quickly spilled the bean.
"I am not always like that you know. But you are right this time around, i do want something from you."
Hinal grumbled and said out loud.
"I knew it."
"Do you know my friend's son Pravan who was your childhood friend, but later relocated to the US? Mrs Jaimini asked.
Hinal rolled her eyes at the question, wondering what her mom was getting at.
"I do. but what about him?" Hinal asked.
"He is back now and you know the best part of it. His mom is looking for a suitable life partner for him. A good girl, from a highly respected family in the society. Humble and sophisticated, also hardworking and intelligent." She said with excitement all over her face.
"So? what has that got to do with me?" Hinal asked and folded her arms ready for whatever she was going to say.
"When she said all this to me." Mrs Jaimini said, paused a little and continued talking.
"I thought to myself who but my beautiful young daughter would fit this amazing description of a good daughter inlaw. You, Hinal are the perfect daughter inlaw for that family. Now all i ask from you is that you agree to get married to him, He is a very good boy and he is intelligent too, he also likes culture and tradition and taking care of poor people just like you my dear. And also i have already invited them to our house this evening, so that you can meet Pravan and see if you would like him, which i am sure you would. All you have to do after this evening is to tell your dad that you like the boy, that way he won't oppose to the alliance and i can get you two married soon. So that you can leave with him to the US before he completes the important tasks he has here."
Hinal looked shocked and was speechless for a while before she suddenly bursted out.
What!!! She exclaimed loudly.
"I am not going to do that and i won't get married to anyone. It's never going to happen,. you are trying to ruin my life"
Hinal said yelling at her mom.
"At this point Hinal, how exactly am i going to ruin your life dear. Anyways i won't care about what you say to me anymore, if you think that by doing this i will ruin your life? that's your problem and not mine. They will be here this evening, so get ready. I won't even care about what your dad has to say today. I do not need you and your dad's permission anymore, i will do whatever i feel is right for my daughter, do you understand me?" Mrs Jaimini said.
Hinal yelled at her mom angrily.
"I won't agreed."
Mrs Jaimini got up and looked at her daughter who sat down on the bed with the most angry look on her face.
"Well i don't care. Before they arrive i want you to put on a very beautiful saree for the evening, perhaps the one i bought for you from Italy and look even more dashing tonight, please."
Her mom said and smiled dreadfully and walked quietly out of the room leaving Hinal alone in her dilemma.
Arghhh!!!!!
Hinal screamed as her mom left the room, she needed to think of a way out of this or else she would be married off to someone she didn't even like, even when they were kids.
After going back to her room, she sat down to think properly.
There was absolutely no way she was going to get married to someone she didn't like. After pounding over it for sometime, She suddenly got a very good idea that would make Pravan run away by himself but she needed a little help and she knew just the right person to call.
So she called the only person who could help, her friend Inika on the phone.
Inika was her best friend from college and even after college they never went apart. What brought this two together was the fact that Inika had a listening ear and so Hinal would always share her problems with her. Problems mostly involving her mom.
They did almost everything together but in all their years as friends.
No one in Hinal's family knew Inika not even her dad, who was also her friend for some reason.
Each time Inika made an effort to come to Hinal's house to visit her parents, it is either they are too busy to meet her or she is too busy to come when they are around.
But everyone in Inika's family knew Hinal, they dined with her and always invited her to every special occasion they had.
Every moment spent with Inika's family was amazing for Hinal.
The phone rang for a while but there was answer.
But then before it got disconnected, she heard a "hello" from the other end by the receiver.
It was Inika's younger sister speaking.
"Hello, please who is speaking?"
She asked as she picked up the call.
"Inika it's me Hinal, i am calling to ask for a favor from you." Hinal said not knowing that it wasn't Inika.
"Sorry this is not Inika, i am her younger sister Iditri. Inika is taking her bath."
She then saw her sister coming out of the bathroom with a towel tied around her body and quickly said.
"Wait, hold on. She is here now."
Inika collected the phone from her and ask her who it was.
"It's your friend Hinal, she wants to ask you for a favor. She is on hold, you can talk to her now."
Inika told her to leave.
Iditri picks up her book from the table and goes out of the room.
"Hey BFF."
Inika speaks into the phone.
"Hi Inika, how are you?" Hinal asked.
"I am fine and you? My sister said you want a favor from me, what is it?" Inika asked.
"I am also fine. It's true, i need a favor from you. Why don't you come to my house right now, and i will tell you what it is." Hinal replies.
"Are you fine? Is everything alright?" Inika asked concerned.
"No. Don't worry, all is fine. I just need you to come to my house today, if possible now." Hinal said.
Inika heave a sigh of relief and said to Hinal.
"Alright I will be there in half an hour."
Hinal thanked her and disconnected the call.
Later Inika arrived at the Mansion and met the security guard. He immediately opened the pedestrian gate for her because he had been informed earlier that she will be coming.
One the helps in the house escorted her to Hinal's bedroom on the right hand side.
There was a gentle knock on Hinal's bedroom door. She quickly got up and opened it.
It was Inika, in a pink jumpsuit, her hair packed with pink ribbons in a cute way and a lovely smile on her face.
They both sat down on the bed and Hinal told her the plan.
Afterwards they both ate lunch together and agreed to speak after the dinner in the evening when the plan has already been executed. Evening came earlier than expected.
A lot of food had been prepared for the guests including her second favorite dish Thepla and the house was decorated as well. Everywhere look so beautiful.
Hinal could vouche that the house didn't look this beautiful on her own birthday.
A little while later the guests arrived in their limousine escorted by two other cars.
They all entered the house with so much grace and were also looking so wonderful.
You would think they were here for a party and not just a simple dinner.
Hinal was peeping from upstairs.
And from there she saw a very beautiful creation, there he was standing in the middle of the hall laughing exposing his perfect white dentition.
His black suit perfectly fitted on his well built body and his dimple came out whenever he smiled and he was also quite tall, perhaps 1.89m, she guessed.
But still, Hinal didn't totally fall for this charming man as she knew him to be a bully before. She went back into her bedroom and started getting ready for the evening.
Some minute later, there was a knock on her door.
She opened it, it was Hetvi.
When Hetvi saw Hinal, she was thrown aback by her beauty and she exclaimed.
"Wow! Miss Hinal, you look amazing. No one will be able to take their eyes of you tonight." She said.
Hinal smiled revealing her almost perfect dentition.
"Thank you very much. Shall we go downstairs?" Hinal asked.
Hetvi and Hinal have their own special bond. Hetvi was never treated as a maid ever since the first day Hinal's dad brought her to their house from Dwaraka. They were more like sisters.
Hetvi held Hinal's hand in hers and together they both went downstairs.
Immediately they got downstairs everyone eyes turned to Hinal.
They were all amazed by how she looked including her mom. She was indeed gorgeous.
She wore a light pink colour Georgette a sequence embroidery work designer saree that gave her a beautiful and stunning look and a black high heel that increased her 1.67m height.
Mrs Jaimini couldn't stop smiling, she was immensely happy that what she wanted was finally happening after so many years.
For a long time, she and her daughter never got along, they always fought and argued over every trivial issue. Especially issues about her getting married, even though she always explained to her that marriage is the most important thing in the world.
Hinal's mom was among the women in india who were taught that a woman's place is only in the kitchen and no where else. This was the type of value she wants her daughter to learn, she wants her daughter to be obsessed about marriage.
But Hinal didn't totally follow this custom or learnt the values her mother tried to instill because of her dad and his ways of thinking, that both a male and female child are equal in every aspect.
Mrs Jaimini didn't appreciate such thinking of allowing a female child to work and earn money, a female child should be dependable non the male. Whatever she has should be owned by her husband and that was why she felt it was necessary to get Hinal married early.
Sometimes she was upset with the almighty for not giving her a male child.
Hinal is her only child, Hinal also has a half sibling (Minaxi) from her dad's first wife, Preesha who died immediately after giving birth. Jaimini married Hinal's dad after the death of Preesha, so that she could take care of his child, who was only four years old at the time.
Hinal herself was presently, twenty three (23) years old. Mrs Jaimini feels that her daughter is getting too old, that is why she was doing everything she can so that her daughter gets married soon. After Hinal get married, Hinal will now also have someone to take care of all her assets and the properties her dad will give to her. Her husband will take care of everything while Hinal will stay at home and care for his family. She was sure that her daughter's husband whoever he is will take care of her forever. And won't be obsessed with money because he will get her someone who is also rich man and from a reputed family.
She breathes a sigh of relief as she sees her dreams were finally coming through tonight after so much effort.
And there he was, shamelessly ogling at her, from her head to her feet not minding who saw him.
He knew that Hinal could clearly see how he was so focused on her and that he was staring too closely at her but it seemed that he didn't care at all.
He just kept staring until his dad interrupted, bringing him back to his senses.
"Why don't we all sit down now and start the discussing the topic that brought us to your home." he said.
Hinal's mom smiled like a shy bride and said.
"Yes Mr Bhadresh. Lets sit please."
She ushered them to sit and called in one of the helps to serve them coffee.
Hinal noticed the tons of gifts they brought along with them and she smiled inwardly. She was ready to do anything to make sure that she doesn't marry him.
Her mom made her sit near Pravan's mom who kept smiling at her. Pravan was sitting on the opposite side directly facing Hinal.
The elders talked for a long while about the children and necessary things to inquire about.
The topic included education, how good Hinal was at maintaining the house hold and some other very important things before fixing an alliance.
Later on, more drinks were served along with snacks while they continued talking.
Hinal was already so bored with how her mom was boasting and singing her praises in front of the guests and also of their boring discussions.
She really wanted to excuse herself before they were suddenly interrupted by Pravan. They all stopped talking and turned their focuse on him wondering what he wanted to say.
"I am sorry dad for interrupting your discussion, it wasn't right for me to do that. But i would like to ask for yours and everyone permission to talk to Hinal in private."
They all looked at themselves and then bust into laughter at the same time.
Then Pravan's mom said.
"Off course you can talk to her. I am sure Jaimini and Haanish won't oppose to that."
Hinal's mom smiled and answered.
"We don't mind. This way they will get to kow each other better."
Then she made a eye sign at Hinal. But Hinal completely ignored her facial gestures.
A bit upset, she decided to say it out loud.
"Hinal! please take Pravan with you to the pool side, so that you can both talk."
Hinal was reluctant until her mom that asked again with an even more pleading tone.
She would have abruptly refused but for the sake of her dad and for the fact that she was tired of listening to the elders talking, she got up slowly and asked Pravan to follow her.
She also knew that this was for now and she would be free later.
She kept her plans to stop her mom from fixing her alliance in her mind as she went outside.
"Yes mom." She replied with a smile and politely too.
When they got to the pool, they both sat down by the pool side. And then he asked her a question.
"What do you think of this alliance, Hinal?" She turned and and faced him. Then asked. "What do you mean by that?" as if she didn't understand the question.
"I mean, are you okay with this alliance? And also getting married to someone you've just met after a long time. You remembered that even during our childhood, we didn't like each other and always fought."
"Honestly. I have never imagined that i would ever get married, we totally dreaded each other since we were kids and today our parents wants this two enemies to get married to each other. It's kind of unfair you know."
"But right now, i don't have a say in this matter." She said.
He smiled, making Hinal's heart melt a little but she quickly composed herself.
"You are right. We indeed do not have any say. But do you think we can work this marriage out? I mean, do you think we can later like each other after marriage."
He asked with a very inquisitive look on his face.
"I am not sure if we can ever love each other but i may be able to tolerate you. Anyways you look okay, so maybe our kids will be beautiful." She said teasingly.
"Okay?" He exclaimed.
"I am very handsome." He said pulling his collar up.
Hinal started laughing and he joined in.
After laughing so much that her cheek were paining her, she secretly sent a text to Inika to proceed with the plan.
After talking to him for a while. she even tried to convince him to talk to his parents and call off the alliance before they fix it.
But it seemed like he wants to give the relationship a try.
Because his fat looking enemy (Hinal fatso) when they were kids was now looking so beautiful and now knows how to dress properly.
They went back to the sitting room and joined the others.
After a little while Inika pushed herself through the security men outside the gate and came barging in with a little baby, screaming at the top of her lungs.
"Where is Pravan? Where is he?" She kept shouting.
Everyone were startled and got up wondering what this was all about.
Pravan's mom went to her and asked who she was looking for and what she wanted.
"What is wrong with you young lady? what is this noise about and who are you looking for?"
She calmed down and lowered her voice, then she secretly looked at Hinal, smiled and gave her a eye signal by winking.
Hinal smiled back. She had asked Inika to call to come to her house and pretend as if she is Pravan's girlfriend whom he got pregnant and left in the US to come to india and marry Hinal.
She stopped crying, cleared her voice then answered.
"I am here to see Pravan." She said.
She kept on the act even though she didn't know who pravan was among all this men. Pravan's mom surprised asked her.
"And why is that? How do you know my son?"
She fell down to her knees and started crying, in tears she was saying.
"That terrible man who ruined my life is your son? Because of him my dignity and honor is taken away. And my family has abandoned me. He denied me and ran me after he learnt that i was pregnant with his child, he is a monster. This is why i have come here to punish him after i learnt that he was getting married."
Pravan was totally speechless and in a confused state. He wasn't sure of what to say because he has never met this lady before in his life.
The thought kept coming into his head.
"Who was she? what pregnancy and child is she talking about?"
All this was so confusing and making his head hurt.
Hinal's dad was so furious, he couldn't believe that the boy his wife did everything to convince him for was such a cheat.
He also couldn't believe that he would have married his daughter to this cheat and fraud. He was so disappointed in himself for agreeing to meet the boy.
He angrily went to where Pravan stood in thought and gave him a tight slap on his cheek.
Everyone was startled including Inika.
Hinal silently watched, she didn't think her dad would react so rashly.
He started raging and shouting at him.
"How dare you try to trick me and my family in this way? You want to start a relationship with my family based on lies. You would marry my daughter and make her suffer or rather abandoned her. Well i won't let that happen ever."
Then he pointed to the door and said.
"I want you and your family to leave my house now this instant. My family will never form an alliance with yours."
When Pravan didn't buge. He dragged Pravan to the door and everybody ran after them.
Pravan fell down before Hinal's dad and started pleading in tears while holding his legs.
"That's not true uncle, i don't even know this woman. All she is saying is a lie. I am not a bad person. Please believe me."
He held more tightly to Mr Haanish legs.
Mr Haanish disgusted by this, pushed him away and ask his parents to take their son out of his house before he does something he would regret.
After seeing all this. Inika now knew who Pravan was.
She got up from the floor, went over to him and grabbed his collar.
"Why! Why did you do this to me after all the promises you made to me. our poor son Nanku. Do you want him to grow up without a father, how can you be so evil."
She said crying her fake tears.
Pravan pulled her hands off his collar and said to her.
"What nonsense are you doing. We both know that you are lying. Who sent you to ruin my life? why have you come here? I won't stand here and watch myself being humiliated by you any longer."
He took off his suit jacket and threw it to the ground. Then angrily went to one of the cars they came with, entered and drove away.
Hinal felt a little pity for Pravan. But couldn't help laughing because of Inika's acting.
His family also left after apologising to Hinal's dad.
After they left. And Hinal and her family were alone.
Mr Haanish confronted his wife.
"Jaimini! did you know what you did today? you almost ruined my daughter's life. You were going to get her married to such a useless boy. I am so disappointed in you."
Mrs Jaimini lowered her head in shame and pleaded.
"Haanish, i am so sorry. I didn't know he was that kind of a boy, i thought that since he came from a respectable family then he must be a good boy. I am so sorry, please forgive me."
She folded her hands before her husband and kept on pleading.
Hinal felt a bit sorry for her mom, then suddenly thought to herself that if her mom hadn't insisted on her getting married then this wouldn't have happened to her.
But she later intervened begging her dad to please forgive her. And he eventually forgave her mom, he couldn't stay angry with her for long.
Everything was settle on their own part.
But after a week, she was feeling restless and guilty.
She felt that she needed to see Pravan and his family to apologise and rectify her mistakes.
She then called Inika and asked her to meet her at Pravan's house, through the address she sent to her.
Hinal arrived at their house and explains herself, telling them of how she set up Pravan and why she did it?.
While she was talking, Inika arrived and together they both apologised for their behaviour.
They were forgiven (after a lot of pleading).
A month later Inika called to inform Hinal of her engagement to Pravan.
It was so surprising but maybe that was just their own destiny.
According to Inika, they met after that day at her dad's Textile company, he was actually one of the investors in the company.
After spending time together, they started developing feelings for each other and then decided to get married and relocate to the US. She had called to invite Hinal to the wedding.
"I have somehow become a matchmaker." Hinal said to herself with a smile.
PRESENT TIME.
Hinal also remembered some other funny incidents regarding her marriage.
Like when she told her suitor that she was HIV positive and that she would appreciate it if he would get married to her and cover up her shame.
And when she went as far as saying that her parents wants her to get married because they were selling their son inlaws organ.
And that was why they are filthy rich and are getting her so many proposals.
She asked him to get married to her if he was willing to give all his organs to her parents to sell.
All the men ran away on their own or ask for time to think about it but never showed up again.
She was sill laughing to herself when Hetvi walked into the kitchen and asked for the Laddos.
She told her that.
"Your mom asked me to get the laddos from you and ask why you are taking so long to bring it."
She quickly carried the bowl of Laddos and they both went outside to the dinning table.
She placed the bowl on the table and sat down.
Then her mom suddenly asked.
"What were you doing in the kitchen for so long?"
Hinal sighed and answered.
"Do you need to ask again. I thought you already asked Hetvi to find that out for you?" She asked.
She kept grunted but kept quite and and continue eating her food.
After the table was cleared.
Hinal went up to her room and spent the entire morning and afternoon watching TV then later dosed off.
When she woke up it was already 3:30pm.
she had slept off and forgot that she needed to tell her dad about her plan to go to that Resort called Prana Singh in Bodakdev.
Hinal quickly ran downstairs to her dad.
She went and sat down next to him and then asked.
"Dad! can i go to that fancy Resort in Bodakdev today for the kite flying festival."
"Resort!" Her mom exclaimed.
Then she asked.
"Didn't you just come back from Surat last week and now you want to go to a Resort? Wasn't that enough enjoying and having fun for a young unmarried girl? You should just stay at home."
She stoped and then continued again.
"If you were married, you would gone on any sure journey with your husband." She said.
Hinal's dad raised up his hand to stop her from talking.Then he said.
"If our daughter wants to go somewhere or do anything, it would be her decision and not ours. You yourself said it, that she is now an adult. And what do adults do? Adults makes decisions by themselves, she longer a child that you can order around. So please let her go and have fun, this is the best time and age to do so. You never got that chance, so please don't take away her chance."
Hinal's father had said it all and whatever he says was always final.
Hinal thanked him and gave him a peck.
Then quickly went to her room and picked some dresses.
She would be spending two days at the Resort, her dad had arranged it.
The important ones were the one for the festival.
A yellow gown lined with blue lace flower at the bottom of the gown, a blue veil to go along with it and a black high heel shoe.
And a black jean trouser with a white and black strip shirt crop top and a white sneakers that went perfectly with it.
She placed the the sneakers into the her small box along with the folded cloths and hurried downstairs.
She went to her dad and told him she was ready to go and so he called the driver to take her to the Resort.
She hugged him tightly and then went to her mom but instead hugging her like she always did.
She bent and touched her feet to seek her blessing. Happy, her mom said.
"May the almighty bless you and keep you safe."
She thanked her mom and went outside to where the car was parked and entered it.
The driver drove her straight to the Resort.
On getting to the Resort at exactly 5:40pm. She got down from the car and asked the driver to leave.
PRANA SINGH RESORT, BODAKDEV.
It was such a beautiful place with lots of beautiful sceneries, it had such an amazing view.
This was Hinal's first time in Bodakdev.
One of the finest neighbourhood in Ahmedabad. She has been to so many places but never a place as fantastic as this. She was fascinated.
Then saw a man with a cardboard paper and her name was written on it in front of the gate.
Then she thought to herself.
"This must be the man dad spoke of."
Before she left, her dad had made arrangement with a friend of his who worked in the Resort.
This person was also one of the brothers he had back when he lived in the orphanage.
And he had helped him out a lot of times.
He would be waiting for her when she arrives. He would be the one to take care of her throughout her stay in the resort.
He was also the manager of the Resort, so there was nothing to worry about.
Hinal went to the man and said to him.
"Greetings sir. My name is Hinal Joshua Shah. My dad asked you to pick me up right?"
He then spoke after few seconds of looking surprisingly at Hinal.
"Wow! Is this really Hinal? you are all grown up. You were very small the last time i saw you when your mom and dad brought you to my house. You were a little princess then but now you are a grown up woman. Anyways your father told me you were coming today and that i take care of you and give you the best in the Resort for the little time you will spending with me and my family."
He paused a little and then continued.
"And i promise you won't regret coming to stay with us. This Resort is one of the finest in all of india, so come let me take you inside."
"He talks as much as mom does." She thought to herself.
She smiled and then said.
"okay uncle."
The man turned and started calling out to someone.
"Mukund! Mukund!" He called persistently.
After a while of calling.
"Yes uncle..." Came the reply as a young man of average height with a masculine body like that of a wrestler, arrived there holding a towel in his hand.
He looked at him and asked.
"What have you been doing?"
The man wanted to answer but was cut short.
"I didn't ask for you to explain. I told you to prepare for the arrival of the guest, but you didn't do anything until she arrived. Now please do one thing right, take her bag to the 11th room on the 27th floor that i asked you to clean."
He greeted Hinal, then he quickly picked up her luggage and took it to the room.
Then uncle Munjal (meaning king of gujarat), took Hinal to her room.
When they got there he asked her to just should just take her bath, eat her meal and rest.
That she must be tired. So she shouldn't bother herself about anything.
She would be introduced to his family members the next day.
Hinal went to bed happy and eagerly waiting to see the kite flying festival the next day.
ANOTHER PART.
There in Bodakdev lived a young lady called Aduni, who had come to india for her masters degree.
But the degree wasn't her only reason for coming to india and specifically Ahmedabad.
It was her desire, passion and love for indian culture and tradition especially the one of the Gujarati people that brought her to indian.
She arrived at Sardar Vallabhbai Patel Airport, Ahmedabad three month ago on monday afternoon, 6th October, 2018.
She then called for a cab from Taj Cab Service Ltd to drive her to Prana Singh Resort Bodakdev, Ahmedabad.
Surprisingly, the Resort was quite close to the airport, precisely a fouty five (45) minutes drive.
When they arrived at the Resort. The view was breath taking, the Resort was enormous.
It had a modern Architecture and also with a subtle inspiration of culture and local design running through its interior. The Resort strikes a perfect balance of glamour.
She took a moment to take in the favoured view before going in. It was even way prettier inside.
She went straight to the receptionist, who was dressed in a simple white shirt with a black troser and black jacket, she looked really nice and presentable. She was greeted warmly by the receptionist and asked what she wanted.
Aduni booked a room at the Terrace suite after being giving a list of all the best suite in the Resort.
After concluding the booking, a hotel porter (concierge) was called to carry her luggage to her suite and a welcome book was given to her.
The hotel porter took her luggage to the elevator and pressed the 27th botton and after a while, they arrived at the 27th floor and headed to room number ten (10).
She opened the door with her masters card and the young man entered with the luggage and placed them by her wardrobe then went out of the room after receiving the tip that was given to him by Aduni. Then she shut her door after him.
The room had a signature motif, it was large, luxurious and well appointed. Some sunflowers were placed in the vase on the bed next to her bed, it wad simply the best place ever.
Exhausted after the long trip. She quickly took off her cloths and hit the shower. She felt so refreshed after the shower. Then she phoned her parents to inform them of her safe arrival, so that they wouldn't get worried.
Later on, she phoned the reception to book at seat at the Resort restaurant. Then she got herself dressed in a 'you're going to MISS THIS FUZZY - White gown with a 'chiara' winged black heel.
she took one look at herself in the mirror and was very satisfied.
She went out of her room, through the hotel social lobby and entered the elevator which took her straight to the last floor.
Then she headed towards the restaurant.
It was a speciality pan Asian restaurant with a Swish chinese, Thai and indian menu as well (especially gujarati dishes).
In accordance to what Aduni noticed about the Resort. It has a conferencing space that make it a fellowship-capital for weddings, birthday events, conference and conventions as well.
The was also temperature controlled indoor swimming pool.
She was taken to her seat which was by the window, from where she could see it open green scenery view miles away from where she was.
A waiter came to her seat and asked for her order. She ordered for gujarat food starting from, khaman (savory gram flour cake) to Undhiyu (mixed vegetables, Dal Dhokli (wheat floor noodles) and finally Dhokla (a spongy square feather light and fluffy snack).
After eating to her satisfaction. she went back to her room.
Took off her cloths, put on a night gowns and went straight to bed.
The next day she went to Ahmedabad university to start her Masters degree program. MBA (Master of business Administration).
She started her masters smoothly and have been living in the Resort and in Ahmedabad since then.
She even celebrated christmas, new year and indian festivals such as holi.
She was really looking forward to the kite flying festival of this year. She heard it was the best and most celebrated festival and always done on January 14th in Ahmedabad. And she was very happy that she was going to witness it. She had even bought a dress just for this event.
A kite flying festival (uttarayan) is one of the biggest and most celebrated festivals.
Months before the day arrives, every family in Gujarat begin to make kites for the festival. Its such an amazing day. She read.
PREVIOUS PART.
The day finally came and it turned out to be an unusually different morning. No alarm rang and Hinal woke up on her own. Also looking normal and not messes.
She got up and there wasn't any eye freezing wind coming into her bedroom either. She walked to the window and opened the curtain. The view outside was amazing.
"It is indeed Uttarayan festival today." She said to herself with a smile.
The sky looked beautiful today. It was neither windy nor sunny, rather it was as if winter and summer were in unison which made the weather perfect. She went to the bathroom and took her bath.
After taking her bath. She took the intercom and asked for breakfast to be brought to her room.
A breakfast of Lilva kachori, fafda jalebi and Dhokla with a bowl of Manchow (a chinese soup ganished with cripsy Noodles) and orange juice.
A little while later, there was a knock on her door. It was uncle Munjal along with Mukund (the man she met the day before).
Mukund was with a trolley loaded with the food she ordered for and some others she didn't order for. She moved from the door to allow them to come in. Uncle Munjal greeted her cheerfully.
"Good morning dear and happy Uttarayan. How was your night? I hope you are very comfortable in the Resort?"
"Happy Uttarayan Uncle. The Resort is amazing, everything looks nice here. I wish i wouldn't leave here after the festival." She replied then became sad.
"Yes it's so sad that you will have to leave soon. You haven't even seen the best part of tbe Resort yet." he said.
"I am really looking forward to enjoying today's festival. And also thank you for the extra food." she said with a smile.
"You are welcome and after you are done eating, please join us downstairs. The preparation has started already, so that you can also make your own kite."
He said and went out of the room. She shut the door and sat down to eat. The food were all so delicious.
After she finished eating. She ordered for a dress for the festival online and within an hour it was delivered to the Resort.
And Mukund brought it to her room. She thanked him. Then she got ready.
It was a black Sharara with amazing gold pin earrings and gold necklace. Paired with a stacked black heel designed with a butterfly motif. She looked great.
She went outside. Uncle Munjal was talking to his workers, giving them details and instructions.
"The kite should be bought from Patang Bazaar, the famous kite market before 8am. The main event will be at Sabarmati Riverfont. So you should make sure that all the guest cars are washed and made clean and those who do not have cars can use the Resort cab service. We will organise a small party here tomorrow for all our guest. Now all of you get to work, the Resort must look it best today." He ended the meeting.
He went to Hinal and took her to meet his wife and two daughters, jaisnavi and fullara. His wife was very fair and beautiful and ber daughters also took after with the same fairness. And she was also a cheerful woman, they started talking.
"Hi." came a beautiful voice.
Hinal turned, she was taken aback by the lady's beauty.
She was very black but her skin was shinny. And she had a black, thick curly short hair. And very white teeth, she was also quite tall and her english sounded very fluent.
"Yes!" Hinal said.
"Sorry, i am looking for the hotel manager." She said in a very posh way.
"That is me." Uncle Munjal said from behind.
She walked towards him and said.
"I would like to attend the kite flying festival but i don't even know where the location is. So i was hoping one of your staffs could drive me there."
She stopped talking, maybe she was waiting for her words to sink in. And then she continued.
"And i was also wondering if everyone is allowed to attend and it's not just some india stuff." She said.
"Everyone is allowed to come." Hinal chipped in.
"There is no such thing as indian stuff. Everyone is allowed to do whatever they want, as long as they are the ines who desire it. And anyways, the international kite flying festival is a day of laughter and happiness, which everyone is entitled to. Visitors from around the world, from different countries such as UK, US, France, Indonesia and even China will be there. So you are free to come there and have fun." She said.
"Wow! That's great. Thanks for the info. And i will surely be there." She said with a smile, which made her look even more beautiful.
"I can help you to make your kite and you can come with us." Hinal offered.
"I know how to make a kite." She protested.
"But not like the way we make it. I can help you out." Hinal insisted.
"Alright then, since you insist. I am grateful."
Hinal turned to Uncle Munjal and said. "We will meet you later at the venue."
"Alright have fun." Uncle Munjal said.
She said goodbye to the girls and they both went to the elevator. Then Hinal pressed the 27th button.
In the elevator. Hinal asked.
"Your hair looks nice and your skin is black and very shiny. Are you a black American?"
"No, Nigerian. And this skin color is known as ebony black."
"Wow! Nigerian! I have read and heard a lot of things about that country." Hinal said.
"Good things i hope." She asked
"Yes off course. They say some things about your place are strange and unbelievable." Hinal said.
"Like what exactly." She asked curious to know what was weird about her country.
"They say that there is a stream with hot and cold water but the strange thing is that the cold and water are separate but in the same stream." She said weird look on her face.
"Yeah. The stream does exist in ikogosi, a town in Ekiti state." She said confirming it.
"Do you think i touch it so that i can experience it?" Hinal asked
"Umm! I don't know. It is actually a tourist attraction site, but i don't know much about it." She said.
"Oh that's okay. We are here now" She said quietly.
Then she asked again.
"Wait! You haven't told me your name."
"True. My name is Aduni Temitope Folawiyo. But everyone calls me by Aduni." She replied.
"I don't what it means but it sounds really nice. My name is Hinal."
"Nice to meet you Hinal." She said with a smile.
"likewise. Lets go to my room now."
Then they went to room eleven (11). That was when they realised that they had been staying next to each other.
"You actually lived next door to me and we never met." Aduni said, surprised.
"Yes true. But i only came here a day before and i just came out of my room this morning. So we couldn't have met."
"You are right. Lets go and make that kite." Aduni said.
"Okay!"
They entered the room.
"Oh my Gosh. Aduni i will have to go back downstairs to get the materials from Uncle Munjal (the hotel manager) to make the kites."
Hinal was embarrassed that she forgot.
"Okay. I want to ask you a question before you leave. Do you know the celebrities that will be performing tonight?"
"Yes! There will be...." She pused.
Then said.
"I don't really know which celebrities will be there."
"But it's going to be great right?" she asked.
"Yes, it will." Hinal replied.
Hinal went back to Uncle Munjal but he wasn't there, so she collected the materials from his wife instead. And went back to the room.
And they started making the kite. First, they would use a light weight paper and bamboo and make it into a rhombus shape with a central spine and a single bow.
Then they dyed and painted it with different colour to add glamour to the kite.
They covered the lines on it with glue and with ground glass. Which dried up and was attached to the rear to become shape enough to cut the skin.
So that they can cut down other kite during the kite fighting festival.
After they finished, the kite looked absolutely amazing.
"We did a great job." Aduni said stretching out her hand for a handshake.
Hinal shaked her hand and they both smiled.
Later on, Aduni went to her room and got dressed in a black off shoulder sequin evening dress with sweep sheer and a slit by the right side.
Then she applied a light makeup of brown lipstick and eye shadow.
With her most charming features, she looked absolutely dazzling.
When Aduni walked into Hinal's room. Hinal was awestruck.
"Wow!!! You look amazing." She complimented.
"Thank you." Aduni said, happy with the compliment.
"Can you help me get ready too? I want to look just like you, pleaseeee."
She pleaded, making her cute unresistable look.
"Sure. I will love to." Aduni said.
Hinal took out all her cloths from the wardrobe and Aduni looked at all of this cloths and was not happy with Hinal's wardrobe.
"We have to get you some really great cloth. This cloths are good but they are not good enough for this event."
Hinal agreed and they both decided to order her cloth online because the shops will be closed today.
But unfortunately for them, there was no network service so they couldn't place an order.
Then Aduni decided to give her the saree she bought from a store the day she arrived because of it elegant look.
It was a shinny black pre draped saree with a Sofia webster (british designer) whimsical stilettoes shoe.
And then she applied a cherry pink lipstick and a black eye liner to make her look very beautiful.
She looked amazing and Aduni was there to tell her.
MUSIC PLAYING IN BACKGROUND (TERI MERI GALLAN HOGI MASHRU)
They went downstairs to the garden outside the Resort.
The entire garden was decorated with rose, lily, ashoka, lotus and jasmine flowers.
The freshness and fragrance of these flowers was enough to boost the festive spirit.
A beautiful Rangoli was creatively made on the cemented part in the middle of the garden surrounded by green carpet grass and flower bed.
There was also different mouthwatering dishes on a large and long dinning table set next to the Rangoli.
There was Cholafali (chips made from gram and urad dal flour), Singdana chikki (made of groundnut), a tray full of Til chikki (biscuit made from Til) a dish good enough to boost ones energy level.
Giant size Dhoklas, Undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish), the regional speciality of Gujarat.
There was also a lot more amazing dishes and refreshments as well.
They were really enjoying themselves here.
Hinal ate some Dhokla but not too much, so that she would be able to eat and enjoy at the real celebration party at Sabarmati Riverfront Ashram Road, Ahmedabad.
Then Hinal called her dad and asked him to send her driver.
He arrived an hour later and they both went straight to the place.
At the Sabarmati Riverfront, they witness a magical sight.
The whole sky was filled with kites almost looking like a tent of beautiful color.
The kite dancing in the sky looking as if they've come to life is something very magical.
Everyone acted like a child, there were no adults today.
They were all having fun and enjoying themselves to the fullest.
They also saw Uncle Munjal and his family there, the positive aura and vibes made Hinal and Aduni happy.
This made them to also bring out their very colorful kite out and joined the others running around happy and joyously flying their kites.
A large podium was also decorated by the side.
The celebrities were going to perform there.
A wonderful song was playing in the background (Hari Om Hari Om).
Some ladies could be seen wearing brightly colored costumes.
Richly adorned with bead work and beautifully embroidered with silver zari threads.
As well as golden stunning designs with lavish jewelries.
Showing off their artistry and gracefulness.
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