Chronicles Of My Darling Husband

8. Nrup (Part 3)

"I'm still trying to figure out why we're walking into a café that looks like it could collapse any moment," Unni remarked, eyeing the dilapidated roof overhead.

Prasanna playfully hit him. "Café Goodluck is renowned as the best spot for tea and breakfast," she boasted, flaunting her Wikipedia knowledge. "So, I decided to bring you all here. Their bun maska is quite famous."

It was quite surprising that despite spending over four years in Mumbai, none of them had ever dared to explore the heart of Pune. While they had ventured to places like Lonavala and Lavasa nearby, the bustling city of Pune had somehow eluded their travel plans. Well, none of them cared much to wander anywhere other than their respective flats and court.

Upon having learned that attending an unwanted wedding had been inevitable, Prasanna seized the opportunity to craft an itinerary to delve into the city's attractions, every nook and cranny.

Given their profound commitment to their work, which they held in the highest regard, chances to embark on such adventures were infrequent.

"Ah, whatever," Chandrakant waved his hand casually, trailing behind Jagdish as they scoped out a spot to settle. "I'm just eager to tag along with Jaggy and scout out his bride," he teased, a mischievous glint dancing in his eye.

Unni let out a chuckle, his tone lighthearted. "Oh, Kant, always jumping ahead. How can you be so sure she's the one for our dear Jagdish?"

With a lively grin, Chandrakant nudged Jagdish. "Ah, you see, Unni, it's all thanks to Mrs. Singh," he explained, his voice filled with mischief. "Where do you think Jaggy got his Gillette-sharp wit and smooth negotiation skills? It's all in the genes!"

"Ah, Kant, Mr. Optimist," Prasanna chimed in, joining the banter. "I've had a delightful chat with Mrs. Singh myself. She's such a darling!"

Jagdish swatted Chandrakant's hand away in mild irritation and plopped down in a quiet corner. "Okay, take a seat if you fuckers will," He said with a hint of impatience. "Let's dig into our grub before we move on to the next thing."

They all exchanged grins as they settled into their seats, finding Jagdish's vexation amusing. Ignoring the amused glances from his friends, Jagdish focused on perusing the menu.

"Don't sweat it, Jaggy," Prasanna reassured him. "If you're not keen, you can always let Aunty know. She won't bother you, I'm sure."

"Oh, he won't," Chandrakant interjected, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Adarshwadi Shriram, Mr. Jagdish Ji, won't say a word against his parents, not even disagree with his mother's choices," he mocked. "Remember what he said to Mrs. Singh that day? 'Just point me to anyone, and I'll marry that girl!'" he imitated Jagdish's deep voice, scoffing. "Anyone? I fucking don't care about you, but what about the girl who would trust you, who's willing to marry you?"

Jagdish bristled. "What's your problem, asshole? It's not like I won't be loyal or not fulfill my duties--"

"God! Do you hear yourself?" Chandrakant snarled, cutting Jagdish's little 'I will be the model husband' speech short. "Performing your duties? Marriage isn't just about being exclusive or sex and procreating," he snatched the menu card from Jagdish's grasp. "You fucker are not going to ruin someone's hope, I'll make sure to alert that girl about your shitty little plan."

"My testosterone dickheads, let's save this discussion for later. Why don't we order something?" Prasanna suggested. "I'm starving, in case any of you care."

Unni looked around the table in horror. "Do they offer sanitizer here?"

--

"The café might be from the 1930s, but are the cutleries too?" Unni commented, eyeing his tea skeptically.

Prasanna rubbed her temple in exasperation. "Can you shut the fuck up and drink your tea? Stop worrying about cleanliness!" she snapped. "Such a germaphobe!"

"Hey, I don't want to catch diarrhea along with my tea," Unni retorted defensively.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the café. Amidst the flurry of Marathi words and curses, Jagdish and Chandrakant stood up to investigate. They stumbled upon a pair of youngsters-perhaps college students-fighting, their voices raised so loud echoing through the café. Jagdish, with his fluent knowledge of Marathi, quickly deciphered that the guy had probably teased the girl's friends, prompting a vehement demand for an apology.

"Fuck, she's so beautiful!" Chandrakant remarked, impressed. "And so fucking fierce, wow!"

"Looks like someone's itching to get her phone number," Jagdish raised his brow.

Chandrakant shrugged. "I might, but the way she's going off, she might just slap the fuck out of me if I ask her out."

Out of the blue, an unexpected figure emerged from the crowd, his intent clear as he aimed a blow at the girl embroiled in the argument. Jagdish and Chandrakant immediately sprang into action, hastening to shield the woman from harm. However, a college bag, seemingly propelled by an unseen force, collided with the assailant's face before they could reach them.

The guy groaned in pain as he fell with a loud thud, his head hitting the floor hard.

Jagdish froze, feeling a surge of adrenaline coursing through him.

"Lavadya!" the girl who had flung her bag roared, causing the crowd to startle.

She... This can't be true!

--

A/N

Ending the chapter with a bang and curse XD

Of all the cities I've visited or lived in across India, Pune holds a special place in my heart-even though people were mostly rude to me.

FC Road, in particular, had been my go-to destination every weekend.

For me, "Naina Da Kya Kasoor" is symbolic of this chapter for two significant reasons: Firstly, it's where Chandrakant falls for a stranger, and Jagdish discovers his dream girl. Secondly, the movie "Andhadhun" beautifully captures the essence of Pune, adding to the city's charm and allure.

P. S. I have started writing the story which was on demand from a month now when I had bombed a particular chapter in Xavier's book (I've been getting messages and comments for that), yep Satya's story is out. I'll be writing it slowly compared to this book though.

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