Chapter 33: Stepping Back into the Spotlight

(As they were almost done with their food, the gentle hum of the café's ambiance was momentarily interrupted by the singer from the live music section. He adjusted the mic and smiled at the crowd.)

Singer: Hey guys.... So we're taking a five-minute break.... but don't go anywhere. We have a special treat for you—a small stand-up comedy session by a guest member tonight.

(The chatter in the café grew quieter as the spotlight turned toward the dais. The singer's voice rang out again.)

Singer: So, please give it up for... Naina Desai!

(The table froze. Every pair of eyes turned toward Naina, whose name had just echoed through the café.)

Kiara: (her jaw drops) Wait... what?

Kiaan: (blinks in confusion) Mumma!!!

Gaurav: (nearly chokes on his water, quickly setting the glass down) Yeh kya ho raha hai?

Tanvi: (turns to Naina, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief) Naina, tumhe stand-up ka shauk kab se hone laga?

(Only Vikram remained calm, a smug little smile playing on his lips as he folded his arms and leaned back in his chair.

Naina, visibly flustered but also trying to contain a sheepish grin, stood up from her seat.

She brushed imaginary food particles off her outfit and avoided making eye contact with the group.)

Vikram: Well... she wanted to surprise all of you.

Purab: (stares at him in astonishment) Wait a second!!!! You knew about this?

Vikram: (shrugs nonchalantly) Haan.... Maine hi plan kiya hai yeh. Thought it was high time that Naina got back on the stage.

(Purab's surprised expression softened, his lips curving into an appreciative smile.

He nodded subtly at Vikram, his eyes conveying unspoken gratitude for encouraging Naina to take this step.)

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At the small dais:

(Naina climbed the small stage and adjusted the mic stand, her hands steady but her smile betraying a flicker of nervousness.

She took a deep breath, glancing at the crowd, and then at her family's table, where everyone sat with expectant expressions.

Finally, she spoke, her voice warm but slightly teasing.)

Naina: Good evening, everyone!!!! So, this is my first-ever stand-up comedy performance. Which means, if it's bad... well, aapko bas bardaasht karna padega!!!

(The audience chuckled, warming up to her.)

Naina: I mean, honestly, you didn't come here for a comedy show, right? You came for coffee, pasta, maybe a little live music... but surprise! Ab aapko meri bakwaas sunni padegi.

(Laughter rippled through the crowd, and Naina grinned, encouraged.

She gestured dramatically at the stage.)

Naina: Aur dekho, I chose this place to do my first ever stand-up comedy, because I realized ki yahaan no one will leave the place mid-performance!!!! Apna khaana chodkar kaun jaayega??!!

(The audience laughed louder now, some even clapping.)

Naina: (She leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice) Koi uth ke jaane ki koshish karega toh ya toh aapka unpaid bill aapko yahaan se jaane nahi dega!!!!

(The band in the corner chuckled along, one of them plucking a few melancholy notes on the guitar for effect, which earned another wave of laughter.

Her family exchanged delighted glances, clearly proud of her. Purab leaned back with a satisfied smirk, whispering to Vikram.)

Purab: Stage toh uska natural ghar hai, yaar!!!!

Vikram: (nods his head, a smile playing on his lips) Bilkul. She's owning it already.

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Back at the dais:

Naina: (straightens up) log kehte hain 'life is a race.' Par bhai, agar aapke life mein motorcycle racing ho toh? Kabhi- kabhi lagta hai ki handle sambhal rahi hoon, kabhi lagta hai bike sambhal rahi hoon, aur aksar lagta hai... hum dono bas girne ka wait kar rahe hain!

(The crowd erupted in laughter, and even Tanvi couldn't suppress a giggle.)

Naina: You see; I've been a motorcycle racer. (she pauses) Haan, haan... wohi log jo sirf speed breakers ko hi nahi.... balki, gravity ko ignore bhi karte hain.

(The crown laughed out loud.)

Naina: waise...... Racing teaches you balance. Sochiye naa.... ek haath handle pe, doosra clutch pe, aur kabhi-kabhi... ek taang hawa mein, because life isn't kind to us riders!!

(The crowd laughed, clearly enjoying her humor.)

Naina: Racing se mujhe ek aur cheez samajh aayi—life and racing ka ek common rule hai: agar aapko, apne saamne koi girte hua dikh raha hai, toh bas yehi sochiye, 'hey bhagwaan, Main bach jaaun!!!! And this is not a selfish thought!!! yeh survival instinct hai!

(The laughter grew louder. Tanvi hid her giggles behind her hand, while Gaurav leaned back in his chair, smirking.)

Naina: Ab racing chhodte hain, aur shaadi ki baat karte hain. Imagine motorcycle racing plus married life. Ek taraf speed breaker hai, aur doosri taraf... koi continuously horn baja raha hai!!!

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In the audience:

Purab: (smirks and mutters to himself) She hasn't changed!!! Aaj bhi wohi confidently stage pe perform kar rahi hai... jaise school mein karti thi!!!

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Back on the dais:

Naina: ab dekha jaaye toh, shaadi is like a race only!!! Bas yeh farak hai ki yahaan tumhara partner pit stop pe fuel bharne ke liye nahi, questions poochhne ke liye rukta hai!!!! kahaan jaa rahi ho??? kab tak waapas aaogi?? Yeh pehen ke jaaogi??? Dinner mein kya bana hai??? kal breakfast mein kya banega??? Tumhe yaad hai last anniversary pe kya bola tha?? (laughs) Arrey bhai, mujhe kal ka dinner bhi yaad nahi rehta!

(The crowd erupted into laughter, with some couples nudging each other knowingly.)

Naina: Shaadi ke baad ek aur race start hoti hai: parenting. (pauses for dramatic effect) Aur agar aapke ghar mein teenager hai... toh Bas samajh lijiye... aapka race ka goal hai— finish line pe zinda pahunchna!!!

(The audience laughed louder, clapping for her sharp delivery. Naina caught Kiaan and Kiara rolling their eyes at her joke. With a playful smile, she pointed toward them from the dais.)

Naina: Dekho, mere bacche mujhe kaise aakhein dikha rahe hain!!!

(she announced dramatically, making the audience laugh again.

Kiaan and Kiara exchanged a quick glance, their faces breaking into sheepish grins.

Without missing a beat, they both leaned to their sides and civered their faces in embarrassment. Vikram simply chuckled and ruffled their hair)

Naina: yehi hota hai when you have a teenage kid!!! They think ki woh, Formula 1 ki car hain... aur hum, koi purana sa khatara scooter hai!!! (laughs) Main apne bete se kehti hoon, ki 'Beta, homework kar liya?' toh woh aise react karta hai jaise maine usse Mount Everest chadhne ko bol diya ho!!! (She mimes like a teenager's exaggerated eye-roll.) Woh kehta hai, 'Maa, chill maaro na!' Aur mujhe lagta hai... 'Beta, chill ke naam pe, itna bhi thanda mat karo... ki tumhaari maa, defrost hi naa ho paaye!'

(The audience howled with laughter. Tanvi couldn't hold back and burst out laughing, while Gaurav shook his head, chuckling softly.

Even Vikram, though quiet, had a faint smile tugging at his lips.)

Naina: Teenagers ki baat hi alag hoti hai!!!! Ek baar meri beti mujhe kehti hai, 'Maa, mujhe privacy chahiye.' Privacy??? Seriously??? Beta, meri poori life you have been invading my personal space!!!! And you want Privacy for yourself???

(The audience clapped loudly, some wiping tears of laughter from their eyes.)

Naina: (adjusts the mic again, her grin widening) Lekin ek cheez main maan gayi hoon. Life mein na, helmet aur sense of humor, dono zaroori hai. Helmet aapke sir ko bachata hai, aur sense of humor aapke life jeene laayak banata hai. Bas dono sambhal ke pehno—bike pe bhi, aur zindagi ki race mein bhi!!!! Thank you everyone. This was my bit!!!! I hope you enjoyed!!!!

(Naina bowed deeply, her set concluding amidst a wave of thunderous applause.

The café resonated with cheers and whistles, the energy infectious.

She stepped off the stage, her smile wide, her eyes shimmering with a mix of relief and exhilaration.

Her family clapped the hardest, their pride evident in their beaming faces.

Vikram's steady clapping was filled with quiet satisfaction, while Purab's enthusiastic applause stood out as he leaned forward, grinning broadly.

Kiara and Kiaan exchanged excited looks, their hands almost sore from clapping so hard, while Kabir gave a loud whoop, joining in the celebration.

Tanvi and Gaurav, sitting side by side, shared a proud glance, their applause steady and heartfelt.

As Naina approached the table, the warmth of their smiles surrounded her like a hug, their pride and love speaking louder than any words could.)

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Author's Note ✨🎤

Oh wow!!! What a night at the café, right? Naina absolutely owned that stage!!! From motorcycles to married life to parenting—she had the crowd laughing non-stop. And let’s be honest, she spoke nothing but facts!!! 🤣

A huge shoutout to Vikram for believing in her and pushing her to get back on stage. And the way her family cheered for her??? That was just so wholesome 👏💖

Don’t forget to vote, comment, and hit follow for more drama and fun! See you in the next update! 💖✨