Tia's Thread - Homecoming!!!

Today I am swamped with work and my cousin informed me that she is coming to visit me with her family within a week of me returning from Scotland. You can guess just how much things I need to get done in a very short period considering my vacation plans. So updates will be short and sweet. 

Another request I have is that I need someone to open the thread on Wednesday, July 26th and Thursday, July 27th. Because those are our summer event days and I will be out of office most of the day. 

Thanks.


EPISODE: The episode starts with Asha has come to visit Ishwari. She is surprised to see Ishwari home.

Ishwari makes excuses about her not feeling well.

Asha says that she made Kheer Kadamb after a long time. So she has got it for her. She first went to her office to drop it off. But they said that she is away and not sure when she will return. She asks why did they say it.

Ishwari makes excuses that she didn't tell them when she is coming back.

Then Asha gets into the newest gossip with her bestie. She shares the news of her incomplete wedding.

Ishwari is shocked.

Asha says that she had the same reaction and demanded to Bijoy to get married again with complete rituals. But then her mother-in-law sat her down and convinced her that it doesn't matter if the rituals were complete or not. Until they found out about it, they were fine with their marriage. So what difference does it make if the rituals were done completely or not? Bijoy and her have made a life for them and their children. This life doesn't get cancelled out because of that one fact.

Ishwari thinks and smiles. 

Me: This is why we all need friends. Our upbringing makes us who we are. But having friends with different opinions, perspectives and background help open our minds and broadens our horizon more than our own environment. Asha is fast becoming a very good influence on Ishwari. And Dida is a very good influence on Asha. I think without Dida as mother-in-law and Bijoy as husband, Asha won't have been even this much open minded as she is now. Because Asha herself is a conservative woman like Ishwari. Who knows how Ishwari would have been if she had a mother-in-law like Dida and husband like Bijoy?


Ishwari then goes to meet Nikki. She asks a guy about a boy and girl who live together. The man is confused but then Ishwari sees Lakshya and Nikki standing on the compound with their luggage. 

Lakshya says that he didn't know that the landlord's daughter will come today. He was expecting her in two days. 

Nikki asks where will they go?

Lakshya says that he isn't an idiot. He has found a place to rent but it will be available in two days when they were supposed to vacant the apartment. But he will arrange for something.

Ishwari looks at them.

Me: We all know what's going to happen now. They are going to come home.


Sonakshi comes to the living room in Dixit house checking her phone and saying: Just because you have started to exercise, it doesn't mean that you will leave your socks by my pillow...

Just then Bhaiya plus new haircut turns and wind blows and Sonakshi's brain cells are gone with the wind. 

Me: But not mine, unfortunately. Just because Shaheer is good looking and you are blowing winds, does not make this college kid haircut a CEO haircut. There's something called professional obligation. Maintaining a certain look suited to the profession is part of that. 

But then if Vicky takes over the company, then it's fine I guess since he at least looks the part. 


Since Sonakshi lost her marbles with the wind, she says: You are looking haircut. Have you got your hot? 

Bhaiya asks: Did you say something?

She Stammers: No. Your socks... Nothing. Did you see Maa?

Bhaiya says that he was trying to call Ishwari. But her phone isn't connecting. It's unreachable.

Sonakshi asks: Means?

Bhaiya says: Means that she is not at home. 

Sonakshi says: That means...

Bhaiya says: Nikki's home?

Sonakshi says: If Maa has gone to Nikki's home, I don't know what's going on in there.

Bhaiya says he is calling Nikki.

Just then Ishwari arrives. 

Sonakshi sees him staring at the door. She says: Arre call her.

Bhaiya says: Maa.

Behind Ishwari, Nikki and Lakshya come in with their stuff.


Bhaiya and Sonakshi are surprised.

They go to the door.

Ishwari says: Dev, I listened to you. You told me naa that I should go to Nikki's home at least once? So I went there to tell her that what they are doing is wrong. What they think is right, it's not our tradition. And I will never accept their way.

Bhaiya and Sonakshi get worried.

Ishwari says: But I accept them being together. 

Bhaiya smiles: Maa, I knew you will accept them one day. Because you have a big heart. Your anger was right in your place. But what you did today requires a lot of courage. Thank you, Maa. Thank you.

Sonakshi goes and hugs Nikki and shakes Lakshya's hand and says: Welcome home.

Nikki thanks her.

Ishwari says: I told them that they can stay here.

Sonakshi is pleasantly surprised: Maa? You did very good, Maa. We will all stay together. It will be great.

Bhaiya calls Jassi to get their staff. Lakshya protests. Bhaiya says it's okay and takes Nikki's luggage. 

Jassi comes there and takes it from him. Then Bhaiya takes Lakshya's luggage.

Lakshya stops him: It's okay. I am not staying here. Just Nikki is staying here. Nikki had been missing you and this home for a very long time. We spent two years of our lives together and because of this, it doesn't mean that all our moments will get ruined. They were always there and will always be there. But the thing is that you took a step towards us to accept us. So we should also do the same. I am staying with my friend for a few days. Then we will get our apartment.


Bhaiya asks: What do you mean?

Nikki says: Bhaiya, we needed to shift apartment. We got a new place. We are just waiting to take possession in two days. 

Ishwari says: If you (casual you) want... If you (formal you) want, you can stay here. 

Lakshya says: You can call me you (casual you), Mrs. Dixit. I know I can stay here. But I will be good. Thank you. I just want one thing from you. I... My family...

Nikki interrupts: Bhaiya, Lakshya never got the love of her family. So all he wants is if he could be a part of our family picture.

Everyone looks at Ishwari.

Ishwari slowly nods.

Everyone smiles.

Bhaiya claps Lakshya on his back and says: Welcome to the family.

Lakshya touches Ishwari's feet. Ishwari blesses him. 

Lakshya says: One more thing. When I made my company, there were only two names - Nikki and Lakshya. But since you joined me as an intern, I realised that we had a third part of our company too. N for Nikki, I for Ishwari and L for Lakshya. Without you our company is incomplete. You will keep getting design and presentation emails. And whenever you get time, just approve them if possible. 

Ishwari is shocked but Bhaiya and Sonakshi are happy. 

Me: Few points to mention here.

1. Those who don't have families but want them desperately, make excellent in-laws. Because their loyalties are not being used for tug-of-war. It applies to only men since women mostly don't have any problem diving their loyalties between their home and their husband's home.

2. Lakshya is going Bhaiya's way. 

Jo biwi se kare pyaar, woh saas ko kaise naa lagaye butter?

(Those who love their wife, must also butter up the mom-in-law)

Example: Bhaiya, Ritwik and now Lakshya. 

3. Most importantly, finally family drama/problem/chaos sorted for Bhaiya and Sonakshi and now me time starts. They should go out of town. 


Lakshya says bye to Nikki. He tells Nikki: You don't do so much drama in front of your family. They haven't seen your tantrums. They don't know what a big drama queen you are. 

He hugs her and goes to friend's home/work/wherever.

Nikki, Bhaiya, Sonakshi smile. Ishwari looks as if she signed a contract but isn't sure what made her do that as in confused.

Me: Lakshya reminds me of my husband. Major geek/techie nerd, slightly chipku (okay a lot chipku), very affectionate and overly protective. Everything I love in man. May be that's why I like this character so much.  

Next morning, Sonakshi is getting ready in her room. Bhaiya comes and hugs her from behind. 

Sonakshi is surprised: Dev, what are you doing?

Me: Seriously? You need translation? 

Bhaiya says: What I should be doing.

Sonakshi says: Someone might come.

Me: Sure they will. The door is still open, you morons. This is hardly Fort Knox. 


Bhaiya turns her around and says: So am I scared of anyone? 

Sonakshi feels shy.

Bhaiya caresses her hair: You know when you feel shy, you look even more beautiful. It feels like sunshine in the winter.

Sonakshi: Since when did you get hangover of Gulzar sahab (famous poet of India)?

She smiles and about to move when Bhaiya stops her: Love teaches everything. For that matter where are you going? I am your husband. Your priority should be only to love me.

Sonakshi turns to him and smiles: But right now, my priorities is something else.

Bhaiya: And if time stops here, then?

They look into each other's eyes when Jassi slithers in through the ever open door: Sirji...

Bhaiya, without breaking his attention says: Out.

Jassi, the forever bachelor without any brains continues: But Nikki...

Bhaiya says: I told you to get out. And close the door on the way out.

Jassi leaves closing the door.

Sonakshi laughs.

Bhaiya looks at Sonakshi intensely and her laughter stops. 

Me: Bhaiya, if next time either you or Sonakshi close the door, then poor Jassi doesn't have to see what he'd rather not see and get scolded for something which is not his fault either, no?

Now, you gotta be quick because the family is waiting. For that matter, why don't you go on a vacation, huh? 


Everyone is sitting downstairs. Neha says: See Maa, we again came back to bother you.

Ishwari is sitting with Aru in her lap. She says: Mad or what? It's kids' right to bother their parents.

She tells Aru: Look what is your aunt saying.

Aru says: I had also said the same thing grandma.

Ishwari laughs and kisses her: Really? 

Riya says to Mamaji: Maa's mood seems better today.

Mamaji says: Yes, that's why all our mood is good too. So be happy, keep laughing and keep coming.

Ishwari says to her sons-in-law: I like it when you guys come.

Kabir says: I keep coming. Ask captain sir.

Me: Captain? Is he in army? And Neha looked sad when Kabir joked about Vinit not being around. Why is that?


Vinit says: Arre, when did I say no? 

Ishwari laughs.

Riya asks: Maa, where is Nikki?

Nikki comes there: I am here, Di.

Riya asks: How are you, Nikki?

Nikki says: Good.

Neha says: Nikki, you are...

Nikki jokes: Looking cute, naa. I am the cutest after all. I missed you two a lot.

Neha says: We also missed you a lot.

The sisters hug.

Ishwari smiles.

Mamaji says: Everyone is here naa. Then I will take pictures.

The photographer says: Mamaji, why would you take picture when I am here? Why did I take money then?

Mamaji says: I don't know when you will take picture and when will you show them to me. I'd rather take picture with my cell phone so that I can see my girls whenever I want.

Nikki jokes: Mamaji, do you know now how to take selfies?

Mamaji thinks about past memories of taking selfie.

Nikki takes selfie, Mamaji makes duckface. 

Ishwari shows them to Aru and smiles. 

Radha comes there and says: What is this? Why are you taking pictures alone? 

She asks the photographer to take their picture.

The photographer takes the picture under Elena's guidance and shows it to the resident expert.

Soha and Golu come there. Soha asks when did she come?

Aru says: I just came now. Shall we play darkroom?

Golu asks: What's this game?

Soha says: Arre, stupid. Hide and seek is called dark room. 

Golu brags: Whatever... I will win.

He asks Ishwari about BigCha. He wants to take pictures.

Mamaji says to Ishwari: Everyone is ready except your son takes so much time.

Riya suggests that the three sisters will get Bhaiya and Sonakshi and Elena can get Vicky.

Me: Cute family scene. Everything is set for pictures. But Bhaiya is busy with Sonakshi upstairs and Vicky is busy being a douche.


Elena goes to call Vicky.

He is drinking in his room.

Elena gets angry: God, Vicky. Everyone is waiting for you outside and you are drinking here. Come on, get ready fast and come outside.

Me: Wait a minute. Vicky also got a haircut and it's equally bad. No wait. It's not that bad since his character is douchebag. So the haircut kind of suits the character. Now he looking the part.


Vicky says: Let them wait. I don't care. Besides I have decided.

Elena asks: What did you decide?

Vicky: The family which never let me be complete, I won't let their family picture get completed. You are my wife. So be by my side. Don't be such a moron to come into their hoax.

Elena tries to stop Vicky: Vicky, they are not hypocrites. They love you very much. 

Vicky shrugs her off: Elena shut up. You don't know what they did to me. Just like people keep a dog to guard the home, they treated me like that. Even my father doesn't listen to me. He broke his PF, for Riya. Dumped me in a bad school to study. Is this how family should be? Huh?

Elena tries to convince him: Vicky, it's not like that.

Vicky says: Listen, you are my wife naa. Then be with me. We won't go out. Wait, I will make a drink for you. 

Elena stops him: Vicky, Vicky. Stop. Please control yourself. We will talk to Buaji and Dev bhai about this and I am sure, they will fix everything.

Me: Elena is trying to reason with someone who is not willing to listen. You can't reason with a two year old throwing major tantrums because they won't think logically. The same way, you can't deal with a man like Vicky who is hard to reason when sober, so totally not willing to listen when drunk.

All she can do is make sure Vicky stay out of the family picture and may be try to sneak him out. Because right now he wants to create a scene. If he gets embarrassing, then she will have to face it as well as his wife. Let him throw his tantrums in private. 

Meanwhile, Bhaiya is still standing in the same position with Sonakshi when someone (most likely the sisters) knock on the door.

Bhaiya says: Didn't I say to get out?

The sisters barges in: What?

Bhaiya: You?

Me: Had you shut the door yourself, then the lock would have been inside. But you delegated it to Jassi who might have shut it from outside. That's why I said, somethings should be done by ourselves if you want it to be done well.

Although you guys are so boring that even if God accompanied by angels had entered, they could have carried on conversation with you. 

Neha says: Nothing changed. Just like you guys used to behave seven years ago, you are still behaving the same. 

Nikki: Bhaiya, at least you could have locked the door.

Me: Exactly. I am glad someone said it. 

Bhaiya says: Shut up. You came after such a long time and already started to pull our legs.

Sonakshi shyly hides her smile.

Nikki: This is just the beginning.

Neha: And you know what's the best thing? We are all together and no one is crying.

Everyone laughs.

Riya suggests: We should have a group hug on this. 

They all hug except Sonakshi.

Nikki says: One second. Bhabhi, why are you standing there? Are you special?

Sonakshi stammers: No, I am just...

Bhaiya grabs Sonakshi for a hug. They all hug.

Bhaiya says: Thank you, Sonakshi. This was possible because of you.

All sisters chorus: Yes, thank you bhabhi. 

Sonakshi laughs.

Me: Such a cute scene. I loved it. It reminded me of Ronita's first time seeing Bose family group hugs. She was looking from outside and Asha dragged her in.

And this time, Sonakshi stayed out. But Nikki and Bhaiya both brought her in. Now Bhaiya no longer treats this relationship like guilty pleasure and openly appreciates his wife in front of anyone and everyone and Sonakshi doesn't jump all over everyone and learned to give people their space.

Both sides and pretty much everyone have come a long way. Time has taught them the value of intimacy and space. Both are important in every relationship. 



In the meanwhile, Vicky complaints to Elena: They have also snatched you from me, Elena. You have become their devotee. Just like Dev Dixit stole my son. I worked day and night and managed the company and in that time, Dev Dixit snatched my son? Because at that time he knew that he couldn't be a father and his wife was a barren woman then...

Elena shouts: Vicky...

Vicky: Yes yes. Dev Dixit can have no flaws. If you want to go, then go. I am not coming. And no need to feed me more lies. No need to convince me that everyone is good and only Vicky is bad. And if that's what you think, Elena, then leave me.

Elena shouts: Enough is enough, Vicky. You are drunk now and that's why you are saying this. We will talk about this later.

She leaves.

Vicky says: Now the time to talk is over. 

Me: As I said, you can reason with people who listen with their head. Vicky is only hearing words coming out of Elena's mouth, but he is not listening. There is a big difference between hearing and listening.

Hearing is passive. Whether you want or not, if a sound is playing around you, you will hear it. But it may or may not register in your brain.

But listening is active. It combines attention with hearing and with processing power of the brain. 

Active listening is a valuable skill.


Downstairs, everyone is ready for the family picture, minus Vicky and Golu.

Ishwari, Soha, Bhaiya and Sonakshi are on the couch and everyone around them. 

Radha comes and stand in front of Mamaji.

The photographer tries to guide her into position. 

She gets irritated by it. She asks him to take a picture.

Golu comes running then and sits on Bhaiya's lap. 

He says: BigCha, I will be with you.

Elena says: Golu, you come this side. We three with be together.

Golu protests: Why? BigCha is here naa?

Elena says: Golu, don't be stubborn. Come here naa, fast.

Golu doesn't move. He pouts at her. 

Me: Oh you poor baby. 

Elena, even if your loose cannon shows up, you can't use your son as a bait to show and tell your rabid dog and expect that little boy to like your sudden attempt to be his parents.

Honestly, Elena is no less selfish than Vicky. The only difference is that she is not a jerk.


Vicky swaggers out there. Riya says: Bhaiya, comes fast. We had been waiting for so long.

Vicky says: You should wait. We are family, no? We are such a big and beautiful family. Wow.

He claps. Then he looks around: Where's Golu? 

He sees Golu sitting on Bhaiya's lap: Come Golu.

Golu refuses: No, Papa. I will sit here to take pictures.

Vicky says: Why? You are my son. You will take picture with me.

Everyone feels embarrassed.

Golu says: I won't come, I won't come. I will take picture with BigCha. He is also my Papa, naa.

Vicky is shocked: Papa?

Golu says: Like Bade Papa.

Ishwari tries for peace. She says: Golu, beta...

Radha interrupts: Jiji, let me handle. Golu, don't be stubborn like this. Go...

Neha says: Bhaiya, it's okay. He is a child and children behave like this.

Vicky says: How do you know kids are like this?

Bhaiya gets angry: Vicky, you...

Sonakshi controls him: Dev, careful...

Neha feels sad.

Vicky says: If kids get spoiled, you should straighten them by giving two tight slap. Didn't you say this to me, Bhabhi (says it to Sonakshi).

Me: Really? I wish someone Sonakshi had actually done it for you instead of wiping your slate clean after every transgression. 


Sonakshi says: May be. But there's no need for that. (She smiles at Golu and pinches his cheek) Because Golu is the best.

Golu says: No, you are the best.

Sonakshi says: No, you are the best.

Elena smiles.

Bhaiya says: Golu, go to your Papa. We will take lots of picture together later. 

Golu absolutely refuses to go.

Mamaji also tells him: Golu... don't be stubborn. Enough of this.

Me: I don't understand these people. When Golu had no one taking care of him and he used to walk around looking for people to help him with his tie or get him breakfast before school, no one had said to anyone enough is enough. Take care of that child.

Today when he is refusing to move from a nurturing place he has found, everyone expects him to perform like a trained monkey so that Vicky and Elena can look like a family.

Is he a child or a prop for promotional purposes? So that people can bring him out when they need him and discard him when they don't?


Vicky says: Let it be, Papa. He is where he wants to be. He just remember one name. For that matter, everyone has a right to do what they want except me. Nikky?


Everyone is shocked. 

Lakshya says: I want to thank all of you. You gave me a chance to be part of your family picture. Thank you.

Vinit says: So good to see you, young man...

Lakshya smiles.

Me: These brothers-in-law have a good bonding, no?


Vicky says: When BigCha wasn't here, then I was...

Mamaji stops him: Vicky, now you don't start a new drama.

Me: Haila!!! Ab? To pehle kisne shuru kiya tha drama? Saara drama to issi ne kiya.

(Now? Then who started this drama first? He is the only one doing the drama here)


Vicky says: Okay, I am not doing any drama. Take the picture.

Lakshya says: A little craziness is in all families. So might as well be here as well.

Nicky says: I am so happy that you are with me.

Elena is happy that for now the loose cannon seems to be in control. She says: Thank you. I missed you.

Vicky says: Come on, photographer, take the shot. Now the whole family is together, I don't know how long they will stay this way.

Everyone feels embarrassed and awkward.

The photographer takes the picture and says: Perfect.


Riya suggests some more pics.

Golu says: But first me. I am getting sweaty. After that, I will take off my jacket.

Everyone laughs.

Riya says: Okay, you go first.

Sonakshi says: First with me.

She takes Golu by her side.

Bhaiya leaves from there.

Me: Bhaiya, whatever you do, don't say sorry. Please. I can't take it any more of your apologising to people for taking advantage of you.


Vicky is standing in the garden.

Bhaiya comes there: Vicky...

He makes faces as stink of alcohol reaches him.

Vicky says: What? I stay at your house, so does it mean I need your permission to drink?

Bhaiya says: What's wrong with you? Our sisters came to meet us after such a long time. Don't you feel ashamed?

Vicky: That's exactly what's your problem. When you do something, they think it's blessings from saints. But when Vicky does something, then... Not one day, for whole seven years, you had this exact program going. I did it one day, you started giving me lecture?

Bhaiya: What are you saying, yaar? (Yaar - buddy)

Vicky: Buddy? Since when I became your buddy? All these years you treated me like peon, driver and now suddenly I became your buddy? You know what's the problem, Dev bhai? Your problem is that everything has to happen as per your convenience. You want everything. Even my son.

Bhaiya is shocked.

Vicky: You snatched my son from me, Dev Dixit.

Me: Now now, Vicky. Let's not forget that when Bhaiya was drunk, you reaped in profits by fleecing his company. So whoever may complaint about that, you certainly can't.

And also let's not forget that had you not neglected your son and used him to get Bhaiya's money, you'd have your son's loyalty today. So again, you don't get to complaint about that either.

You made a plan and it backfired on you. That's your problem for not having a plan B. It's not on Bhaiya. 

If you are hurt so much, why don't you take your family and get out from where they are snatching everything from you? Why don't you make your own living and keep your family to yourself?

Those who take handouts from someone don't get to talk about equality. 

Independence and equality go hand in hand. One can't exist without the other.

PRECAP: Everyone is taking their pictures.

Sonakshi gets a call. She says: Sorry. I didn't check my phone. Yes, I am coming.

She says to herself looking at Bhaiya: Sorry, Dev. I have to do it on my own.

She leaves.

Bhaiya is looking for Sonakshi. He asks Jassi if he saw her.

He says that she got a call and left.

Bhaiya thinks.

Me: Sorry, I am getting distracted by the missing hair on Bhaiya's head. It looks as if someone wasn't paying attention and shaved off half of his head by mistake. . I looks totally punk hairstyle to me and that's not something which matches the CEO, Dev Dixit.

I am sorry if any of you like this hairstyle. No offence meant. 



NO RULES!!! YAY!!!