Chapter 72: A Match Made In Mischief

Sunday Morning,

Vikram's House

(The sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow in the living room.

The faint sound of birds chirping blended with the occasional rustle of leaves outside.

The house was unusually quiet, thanks to Kiaan and Kiara, who were still fast asleep after their late-night gaming session.)

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(Vikram jogged down the stairs, dressed in his black gym t-shirt and track pants, adjusting his smartwatch as he moved.)

(His footsteps were brisk, purposeful, until he nearly collided with Anuradha, who was stepping out of the pooja room, her aarti thali still in her hands.

The fragrance of incense lingered in the air, mingling with the light aroma of sandalwood.)

Anuradha: (smiling) Subah-subah kahaan bhaag rahe ho?

Vikram: (adjusting his gym bag strap) Gym jaa raha hoon, Maa! Kyun? Nahi jaaun, kya?

(Anuradha rolled her eyes and set the thali down on the nearby table.

Then she adjusted her saree pallu and placed her hands on his shoulder, indicating him to wait)

Anuradha: Achha suno, waapas aate samay, ek packet paneer le aana. Aur saath mein ek badi bottle Coca-Cola ki... aur ek liter mixed fruit juice ka tetra pack bhi le aana!!

(Vikram frowned, eyeing her suspiciously.)

Vikram: Itni cheezein kyun chahiye? Aaj aapki kitty party hai kya?

Anuradha: (hiding a smile) Nahi... kitty party toh nahi hai. But koi aa raha hai lunch pe.

(Vikram's brow furrowed. He didn't like surprises, especially when his mother was involved.)

Vikram: Kaun?

(Anuradha placed her hands on her hips, watching him carefully.)

Anuradha: (dramatically) Maine tumhare liye ek ladki pasand ki hai... uski family ko lunch pe bulaaya hai.

(Vikram's entire body froze.

His gym bag slipped from his shoulder.

It almost hit the floor, but he caught it just in time.

His expression turned from confusion to horror.)

Vikram: (raising his voice) Kya? Maa, aap mazaak kar rahi hain, right?

(Anuradha maintained a straight face, though her lips twitched as if suppressing a laugh.)

Anuradha: (firmly) Bilkul nahi. Main tumhare liye, bahut serious hoon, Vikram. Tumhein akele dekhkar mujhe bilkul accha nahi lagta.

(Vikram ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply before turning fully toward her.)

Vikram: (frowns) Akele? Maa, I am not alone! Aap ho mere saath, bacche hain... aur kya chahiye mujhe?

Anuradha: (sighs dramatically) Abhi tumhaare paas Kiara aur Kiaan hain... lekin socho jab woh agle saal college ke liye chale jaayenge, tab? Tumne kabhi socha, uske baad tumhaare saath kaun hoga?

Vikram: (smirking, trying to lighten the mood) Kyun? Aap kahaan jaa rahi ho?

Anuradha: (smiles briefly before turning serious) Main toh yahin hoon, beta... but I feel ki tumhe ek life partner ki zaroorat hai.

(Vikram let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his temples.)

Vikram: Maa, maine aapse last time hi keh diya tha... I am not interested in getting married again! Why don't you get it?

Anuradha: (folding her arms) Aur maine bhi, tumse last time kaha tha, ki I don't like to see you lonely!!! Vikram, tum jitna bhi pretend kar lo... but I know you.... tum akele reh hi nahi sakte!!!

Vikram: Maa... ab aap phir se shuru mat ho jaaiye. Main yeh sab nahi sunna chahta.

Anuradha: Kyun nahi sunna chaahoge? Maine jo ladki pasand ki hai, woh bahut acchi hai! Main mil chuki hoon usse. She's from a good family. (pauses, then smiles) Tumhaare liye bilkul perfect hai!

(Vikram's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin.)

Vikram: (adamantly) You cannot interfere in my life like this! Main uss ladki se shaadi nahi karne waala, okay? And you cannot force me!

Anuradha: (with a dramatic shrug) Beta, just meet her once. Ho sakta hai ki tumhe woh ladki pasand aa jaaye... waise bhi, both of you have a lot in common. Woh bhi divorced hai... uske bhi do bacche hain... lekin uske bacche apne papa ke saath rehte hain. Tumhari tarah, usse bhi apni zindagi mein ek nayi shuruaat ki zaroorat hai. Tum dono ek doosre ke ache companion ban sakte ho.

(Vikram ran a frustrated hand through his hair, exhaling harshly.

His mother had always been persistent, but this was a new level of stubbornness.)

Vikram: (muttering) Unbelievable.

(Anuradha smiled mischeviously, but tried not to make it look so obvious.

She stood with her arms crosses and watched Vikram pace the floor in frustration.

He rakes a hand through his hair before turning to her, his eyes burning with defiance.)

Vikram: (firmly) Nahi, Maa! Iss baar main aapki baaton mein nahi aane waala! 18 saal pehle, Papa ne mujhe shaadi ke liye force kiya tha... aur meri zindagi ulat-pulat ho gayi thi! Ab woh galti, aap dobaara mat kijiye!

Anuradha: (calmly, with a soft smile) Par beta... Maine usse aur uske parivaar ko aaj lunch ke liye already invite kar liya hai.

Vikram: (matter-of-factly, arms folded) Toh?? Aapne mujhse koi baat ki? Nahi! (mocking) Aur aap kya expect kar rahi hain? Ki main haath jod kar mandap tak chala jaaun?

Anuradha: (mock hurt, placing a hand on her chest) Beta, itna gussa kyun ho rahe ho? Main sirf tumhari khushi chahti hoon... Tum sach mein meri baat nahi maanoge?

Vikram: (jaw tightening, voice low but firm) Haan, Maa. Agar zaroorat padi, toh main aapki baat ke khilaaf bhi jaunga! (pauses, eyes flashing) Main kisi aur se shaadi nahi kar sakta, aur yeh mera final decision hai!

Anuradha: (raising an eyebrow, feigning innocence) Kisi aur se? Matlab? (leans in, eyes narrowing playfully) Tumhe koi ladki pasand hai kya?

Vikram: (immediately backtracks, shifting uncomfortably) N...nahi! (clears throat) Mera matlab tha ki... Main kissi se bhi shaadi nahi karna chahta!

Anuradha: (pretending to look defeated, but hiding her knowing smile) Beta... lunch ka program toh already ban chuka hai... last moment pe cancel kaise karun?

Vikram: (exhales sharply, shaking his head) You don't have to cancel, Maa! Let them come! Main mil loonga unse. Woh hamaare guests hain. Main unki khaatir- daari bahut acche se karunga, maa.

(leans forward, voice laced with warning)

Vikram: Lekin agar shaadi ki baat uthi... toh main saaf-saaf inkaar karne waala hoon. Aur aap ek shabd bhi nahi bolengi, samjhi aap?

(Anuradha opens her mouth to speak, but Vikram doesn't wait.

He lets out an exasperated grunt, grabs his gym bag aggressively, and storms out. The door slams behind him.)

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(As the echo of the door slamming fades, Anuradha's lips curl into a mischievous smile.

She shakes her head, her eyes twinkling with amusement.)

Anuradha: (to herself, smirking) Dekhte hain, beta... Tumhe woh ladki pasand aati hai ya nahi.

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Cut to:

Outside,

In the Driveway:

(Vikram stomps toward his car, his mind a whirlwind of frustration.

He yanks open the door, throws his gym bag onto the passenger seat, and sinks into the driver's seat.

His grip tightens on the steering wheel as he exhales sharply.)

Vikram: (mutters, his jaw clenched) Maine Naina se kaha tha, let's not delay! Maa ko sab sach bata dete hain! Par nahi! Madam ko wait karna tha!

(He bangs his palm against the steering wheel, frustration bubbling over.)

Vikram: (mocking) Aur ab dekho! Maa ne mere liye ek perfect match bhi dhoond li!

(Running a hand through his hair, he closes his eyes for a moment, trying to think.)

Vikram: (to himself) Mann toh kar raha hai ki Maa ko sab bata doon... Lekin Naina bhi toh ready honi chahiye!!! kyunki, Maa toh hamaare rishtey toh lekar, kalesh machaayengi, yeh toh guarantee hai! (scoffs) Par kuch toh karna padega.... And bahut jaldi hi karna padega!!!!

(He turns the key in the ignition, the engine roaring to life.

As he pulls out of the driveway, his mind races-not about the lunch itself, but about how he's going to survive it... and what the hell he's going to do about Naina.)

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Later,

in the mid- morning

At Vikram's house:

(The house bustled with energy as preparations for lunch took center stage.

Sheetal busied herself dusting the living room, adjusting cushions, and ensuring everything looked picture-perfect.)

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In the kitchen,

(Anuradha and Kamla worked in sync, stirring, frying, and chatting in between.

The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked spices filled the air, blending with the soft hum of a Bollywood classic playing from Anuradha's phone.)

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Later,

(Vikram, now showered and changed into a casual T-shirt and jeans, paced the living room like a caged tiger.

His brows were furrowed, lips pressed in a thin line as his eyes darted to the clock every few seconds.

His agitation was impossible to miss.)

Vikram: (grumbling to himself) Yeh kya circus laga rakha hai, ghar pe? Maa ka bas chale toh, woh meri shaadi, aaj hi kara dengi... (sighs) Kitni baar bola hai unko... main interested nahi hoon!!! but she doesn't understand only!!!

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Just then,

(The sound of sluggish footsteps came from the staircase.

Kiaan and Kiara, still in their rumpled pajamas, shuffled down, rubbing their sleepy eyes.

Kiara stretched with a loud yawn, while Kiaan scratched his head lazily.

Their gaze landed on their father, whose restless pacing was almost comical.

They exchanged a knowing glance.)

Kiara: (whispers) dadi ne apna kaam kar diya hai....

(Suppressing their laughter, they approached Vikram, feigning innocence.)

Kiara: (stretching her arms dramatically) Good morning, Papa... Ram-Ram!

Kiaan: (grinning) Ram-Ram, Papa!

(Vikram paused mid-stride and shot them a distracted look before nodding.)

Vikram: Ram-Ram, beta.

(Kiaan, catching the troubled expression on his father's face, leaned against the railing, his lips curling into a knowing smirk.)

Kiaan: Kya hua, Papa? Itne stressed kyun lag rahe ho?

(Kiara, ever the drama queen, widened her eyes in mock concern.)

Kiara: (gasps) Haan! Aap toh bilkul kisi heartbreak wale hero jaise lag rahe ho! Bataiye, kya hua?

(Vikram let out a groan, throwing his hands up in frustration.)

Vikram: Tumhaari dadi... poori crazy ho chuki hai!

(Kiara clutched her chest as if Vikram had just revealed some earth-shattering truth.)

Kiara: (feigning shock) Crazy?? Matlab?? Kya kiya dadi ne?!

Vikram: (rubbing his temples) Unhone mere rishtey ki baat kar li hai kisi ladki ke saath! Aur woh... uska poora parivaar aaj lunch ke liye aa raha hai!

(Kiara gasped theatrically, gripping Kiaan's arm as if Vikram had just announced an apocalypse.)

Kiara: (whispers loudly) Are you serious?

(Kiaan, meanwhile, casually crossed his arms, trying-and failing-to suppress his amusement.)

Kiaan: (mock sympathy) Papa, ab aapko kaun bachayega?

(Vikram shot them both a sharp look.)

Vikram: (muttering) Agar tum dono mujhe bachane wale ho, toh mujhe aur tension hojaayegi...

(Kiara ignored his sarcasm and sat beside him, patting his hand.

Vikram turned towards her, he failed to see Kiara's eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and concern.)

Kiara: Lekin Papa... aapne dadi ko bataya kyun nahi ki aap Mumma se pyaar karte ho?

(Vikram stiffened, his grip tightening.)

Vikram: (stammering) Ka...kaise bataun? Tumhaari dadi toh aur zyada naraaz ho jaayengi! Aur agar unhone Naina ko kuch sunaa diya... toh tumhe pata hai kya hoga!

(Kiara and Kiaan exchanged a glance, knowing exactly where this was heading.)

Kiara: (smirking) Mumma aapse breakup kar legi!

(Vikram groaned, slumping onto the couch, burying his face in his hands.

The twins plopped down beside him, their expressions a mixture of amusement and sympathy.)

Kiaan: (trying to sound serious, tilted his head) Haan... woh toh hai. Toh phir kya karoge aap?

Kiara: (leaned in, nudging her father) Mumma se baat toh kar lo!

(Vikram sighed, rubbing his temples.)

Vikram: I did, beta... maine kal raat mein hi, usse phone kiya tha. Maine kaha, 'Kal Sunday hai, main free hoon, aur tum bhi free ho. Chalo milte hain... Maa se baat karte hain.' (he turns towards Kiara) Humne toh decide kiya tha na? Ki tumhaare National Championship race ke baad, Main aur Naina, shaadi ke baare mein baat karenge.

(Kiaan and Kiara nod their head, while Vikram exhaled heavily, his frustration evident.)

Vikram: (softly, almost to himself)

I think she’s having cold feet. Maa ke baare mein soch ke hi, woh tension mein aa jaati hai... (pauses, his voice wavering) And I totally get it... Par yeh samajh nahi aa raha hai, ki woh mujhse baat kyun nahi kar rahi!!!

(He leans forward, his hands clasped together as though trying to find the right words.)

Vikram: (more forcefully now, frustration creeping in) Agar usse itna darr hai toh koi baat nahi... main, Naina ko shaadi ke liye pressurize nahi karunga. Lekin, please mujhe apne se door toh naa kare.

(He pauses, looking down at his hands, the weight of his words settling over him. His voice becomes softer as he continues.)

Vikram: (gently) Main uski feelings, uska darr, samajh sakta hoon... and I’m ready to listen to whatever she has to say... Woh jo bhi karna chaahe, main uske saath hoon... par, mujhe avoid toh naa kare!!

(Kiara smirked thinking about Vikram's reaction during the lunch. But then she frowned her eyebrows, feigning a mock concern)

Kiara: (mock concern) agar mumma ne shaadi se mana kar diya, toh aap kya karoge, papa?

Vikram: (sighs heavily, shaking his head, being frustrated) Main kuch nahi karne waala!!!! Kuch bhi nahi!!!! Naina meri wife nahi ban sakti toh kya hua? At least hum saath toh hain! And that is enough for me.

(Kiara's lips twitched, barely holding in her laughter. She made an innocent, sad face, turning to her father with wide, doe-like eyes.)

Kiara: (innocently) But Papa... agar dadi ne aapko zabardasti shaadi ke liye force kiya toh?

(Vikram snapped up, his frustration boiling over.)

Vikram: (gritting his teeth) Iss baar main kisi ki nahi sunne waala! I am not going to accept this marriage proposal!!! Agar meri shaadi, Naina se nahi ho sakti.... toh kissi aur se bhi nahi hogi!!!!

(Kiaan and Kiara exchanged another amused glance before shaking their heads.)

Kiaan: (sighed dramatically) Papa, aap toh dadi se kaafi darte ho... sach batao, agar unhone emotional blackmail kiya toh?

(Vikram shot him a sharp look.)

Vikram: (pointing a finger) Kiaan, mujhe irritate mat karo! Main waise hi pareshaan hoon!

Kiaan: (shrugging) But Kiru has a point. Aap iss shaadi ke liye 'NA' nahi kar paaoge. Dadi will not take 'NO' for an answer!

(Vikram clenched his jaw and exhaled sharply.)

Vikram: (firmly) I don't care! Meri life meri marzi se chalegi. Bas!

(Kiara clasped her hands together, her eyes twinkling with mischief.)

Kiara: (grinning) Wow! Aaj toh full-on drama hone waala hai!

(Vikram groaned again.)

Vikram: Woh toh hoga hi!

(Kiaan patted Vikram's shoulder, shaking his head like a wise guru.)

Kiaan: Chinta mat karo, Papa.... Aaj, jo hona hoga, woh ho kar hi rahega.

(Kiara leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper.)

Kiara: (under her breath, giggling) Aur aapko pata bhi nahi chalega, kaise!

(Vikram narrowed his eyes suspiciously)

Vikram: Kya kaha tumne?

(Kiara straightened up, her expression the picture of innocence.)

Kiara: Kuch nahi, Papa! Hum toh bas aapka support kar rahe hain.

(Before Vikram could probe further, the twins scampered off, their laughter echoing through the hall as they disappeared into the kitchen.

Vikram watched them go, his face a mix of irritation and resignation. Sinking back onto the couch, he rubbed his temples and muttered under his breath.)

Vikram: (to himself) Meri zindagi kyun itni complicated hai?

(He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, bracing himself for the impending lunch drama that would soon unfold.)

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Cut to:

In the Kitchen:

(The aroma of simmering tadka filled the kitchen.

The rhythmic clinking of utensils echoed as Anuradha and Kamla busied themselves with the final touches of dinner.

Steam curled from a pot on the stove, and the soft sound of bubbling gravy filled the air.)

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Just then,

(Kiara and Kiaan burst in, their energy an amusing contrast to the focused, methodical movements of the two ladies.

Kiara exchanged a knowing glance with Kiaan before stepping toward Anuradha, lightly tugging at her saree pallu to grab her attention.)

Kiara: (in a hushed voice, with a teasing grin) Dadi, Papa toh poore panic mode mein hain!

Anuradha: (without looking up, adding the tadka to the dal) Pata hai mujhe! (scoffs) Usne toh already decide kar liya hai, ki woh shaadi nahi karega!

(Kiaan leaned against the counter, crossing his arms, shaking his head in amusement.)

Kiaan: Honestly, I actually feel bad for Papa! Kiru, should we just tell him the truth? Kahin last time ki tarah unko phir se heart attack na aa jaye!

(Kiara chuckled, shaking her head dismissively, but Anuradha suddenly stopped stirring. Her ladle froze mid-air, her expression shifting as concern flickered in her eyes. She turned to face them, her voice sharp with alarm.)

Anuradha: (shocked) Heart attack?! Yeh tum dono kya keh rahe ho? Yeh kab hua?!

(Kiaan straightened up immediately, sensing the panic in her voice. He waved his hands in a quick attempt to calm her down.)

Kiaan: (quickly backtracking) Dadi, heart attack nahi... sirf panic attack tha! But sach bataun toh... uss din hum kaafi darr gaye thay.

Kiara: (nodding, her voice softening) Haan, Dadi. Papa room se bahar aaye thay, unke chest mein pain ho raha tha... phir achanak... woh behosh ho gaye.

(Anuradha gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

Her usually steady hands trembled slightly as she gripped the kitchen counter for support.

Kamla, who had been silently listening while kneading dough, paused and looked up, concern etched across her face.)

Anuradha: (horrified) Behosh?! Yeh kab ki baat hai? Tum dono ne mujhe bataya kyun nahi?

Kiara: (gently) Aap Bangalore mein thi, Dadi...

Kiaan: (exhaling, shaking his head) But I still cannot forget that day...

Kiara: (reminiscing, voice slightly distant) Main phone pe hospital staff se baat kar rahi thi... aur bechara Kiaan... usne toh Papa ko CPR dene ki bhi koshish ki thi.

(Anuradha's eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

The ladle slipped from her hand, clattering against the stove.

The noise echoed sharply in the kitchen.)

Anuradha: (horrified, voice rising) CPR?! Itni badi baat ho gayi aur mujhe koi khabar tak nahi di?! Tum log mujhe kab bataane waale thay?!

(Kiaan rubbed the back of his head, guilt flashing across his face.)

Kiaan: (muttering) CPR dena pada nahi, Dadi... Papa ki pulse theek thi... and technically, he was fine. Unhone hi mana kiya tha ki hum aapko aur Bhua ko unnecessary tension na dein.

(Anuradha exhaled sharply, gripping the edge of the counter, her worry shifting into frustration.)

Anuradha: (angrily) Tension?! Tension toh mujhe ab ho rahi hai! Agar us din kuch serious ho jaata toh?! Tum dono ko kam se kam ek baar mujhe batana chahiye tha!

Kiara: (softly, placing a reassuring hand on Anuradha's arm) Dadi... Papa theek ho gaye thay... within a few hours. Doctor ne bola tha ki bas panic attack tha-s tress aur overthinking ki wajah se. (Pauses, then adds gently) Par aap chinta mat kariye... Papa akelay nahi thay... Mumma unke saath thi hospital mein.

(She gave her grandmother a small, placating smile, hoping to ease her worry.

Anuradha's tensed shoulders relaxed slightly at that.

Her lips parted, as if she wanted to say something, but instead, she sighed.

A small, relieved smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she closed her eyes for a moment, shaking her head.)

Anuradha: (softly, sighing) Theek hai... ab jao, dono... khaana bhi almost ban gaya hai. Tum dono bhi jaake taiyaar ho jao.

Kiaan: (grinning, saluting playfully) Jee, Dadi!

(Kiara and Kiaan exchanged a relieved glance before slipping out of the kitchen, their hushed laughter trailing behind them.

Anuradha watched them go, shaking her head with a fond yet exasperated smile, muttering under her breath about her ever-dramatic grandchildren.)

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Author's Note 📖✨

Hey, lovely readers! ❤️

I hope you enjoyed this rollercoaster of emotions with Vikram and his overly enthusiastic mother, Anuradha! 😂

From gym plans to unexpected marriage proposals, from secret relationships to mischievous twins-this story is serving drama, comedy, and a whole lot of chaos! 🎭🔥

I absolutely love writing about complex family dynamics, and this one's extra special because... who doesn't love a nosy desi mom trying to play matchmaker? 🤭 (We all know one, don't we?!)

Also... I am sure, most of you have figured out who the girl is!!!

Oh, the drama when Vikram finds out! Will he be mad or secretly relieved?

I cannot wait for you to see how this unfolds! Expect chaos, laughter, and maybe even a little romance brewing in the midst of all this madness. 😉💖

Drop your thoughts below-I love hearing your reactions! 🤗✨