Heer & Veer (Part 6)

On the night after that incident, Tahir hosted a party at his penthouse. It was organized as a mark of Tahir’s comeback to the college after suspension. Veer had just arrived for the party.

“Hey, everyone. Welcome the hero of the day. Mr. Veer Kapoor.” Veer exactly knew the meaning of a drunken Tahir’s words.

“Tahir, I know you’re angry at me.”

“Hey, I’m not. I should be the person who should say sorry. It’s okay, yaar. After all, you’re my best friend. Hey, waiter. Fix a drink for my best buddy.” Veer took the glass of Vodka and drank. The party was filled with music and drinks. Veer drank three or four glasses of Vodka just like others. Everyone was having their chats, and that was when Tahir started a conversation.

“Veer, yaar. I know that you’re an expert in making girls fall head over heels on you except one.”

“Why there are exceptions? I can make anyone fall for me. Who’s that girl you’re saying? I’ll make her fall for me in this night itself. Wanna see?” Veer challenged in his drunken voice.

“I don’t think it’s possible because the girl I’m telling is that Heer Bhalla. She’s a tough one to fall. If you make her say “I love you” to you, I’ll give you whatever you ask. Or else” – “I’ll do whatever you want me to do. I bet” Veer kept his hand on Tahir’s as in to show that he accepted the challenge.

“We’ll see,” Tahir said with an evil grin.

A week passed by, and it was a Saturday. It was Pooja day in St. Joseph’s Orphanage. Even though it was a Christian institution, the orphanage celebrated all religions. There was a small temple area inside the Orphanage where Shiv Pooja takes place every month. 

Veer was also getting ready to go to the orphanage. St. Joseph’s Orphanage had played an important part in his life. Hence, he used to visit there on some special occasions. Veer’s mother, Diya Kapoor, came towards his room.

“Maa, I’m going to the orphanage. Tell Paa as well,” Veer informed.

“Yeah, that’s all fine. But you have to promise me that you’ll come to the party tonight,” Diya said.

“Maa, what will I do there with a bunch of Aunties? Last time, I had Zimraan with me. But this time I’m alone. I can’t come there,” Veer sulked.

“Oh, please. Don’t speak about her. Her actions… Her blabber…. Her clingy attitude. I hated that girl. It would be better if you don’t come rather than bringing a girl like that with you. Disgusting,” Diya told with a smug face.

“So, Madam. You tell, which type of a girl should I bring as my date?” Veer asked while side hugging his mother.

“A girl who is simple and innocent. She should be a girl who gives homely vibes. A girl who respects elders and is honest in everything she does. She should also be someone who stands for herself and fights for whatever she thinks is right for her.” Veer heard his mother’s views and smiled at her.

“Maa, who dates a girl like that?” Veer said.

“Why?”

“If I had met a girl like that, I would’ve made her my girl,” Veer told happily as Diya caressed her son’s cheek.

“I hope that you find someone like that someday,” Diya wished to which Veer nodded his head. He took her to leave and went to the orphanage from there. Veer reached the orphanage and was about to enter inside. That was when he saw Emily standing outside giving instructions to someone.

“Hey, Mily…”

“Hey, Veer. It’s a surprise. I didn’t expect you here today,” Emily said to Veer after hugging him. 

“How can I miss today’s Pooja and also, it’s been a while since I’ve visited. I was busy with the practices and auditions,” Veer said with a fake tired expression.

“Yeah, I know. So how’s it going? Last time, you told me you’re looking for a new female voice. Did you get someone?” Emily asked.

“What to say, Mily? I didn’t find a genuine and unique voice. I just hope to find one before the Band War.” That was when they both heard someone singing.

Om Jai Jagdish Hare

Swami Jai Jagdish Hare

Bhakt Jano Ke Sankat

Daas Jano Ke Sankat

Kshan Mein Door Kare….

Om Jai Jagdish Hare

“Who is this?” Mily pointed to go upstairs. Veer ran upstairs to see the singer. On the way, some children greeted him, but he asked them to reduce the voice as he didn’t want to disturb the singer. He reached the Pooja room and got the biggest shock of his life. The girl who was singing the prayer song was none other than Heer Bhalla. Veer stood there in awe listening to her song.

Om Jai Jagdish Hare

Swami Jai Jagdish Hare

 Bhakt Jano Ke Sankat

Daas Jano Ke Sankat

Kshan Mein Door Kare….                                                                               

Om Jai Jagdish Hare

Veer saw a boy going towards Heer as he stood in a corner without her notice. The boy saw Veer and greeted him.

“Shh… Do one thing. Go and take the video of that girl. Don’t let her know that I’m here.” The boy agreed and started taking the video. Heer saw the boy recording her song. She smiled at him and continued her prayer.

Maat Pitaah Tum Mere Sharan Kahon Kiski                                                                      

Swami Sharan Kahon Kiski

Tum Bin Aur Na Duja

Tum Bin Aur Na Duja

Aas Karoon Main Kiski

Veer got mesmerized by Heer’s song. He enjoyed every bit of it thoroughly. She smiled at the boy who was taking the video, and that was the first Veer saw her smile. It was filled with innocence and simplicity. She looked unaware of her surroundings, and that was when Veer remembered his Maa’s words.

“So, Madam. You tell, which type of a girl should I bring as my date?” 

 “A girl who is simple and innocent. She should be a girl who gives homely vibes.”

That was when an idea struck his mind. He waited for Heer to finish her singing.

               - Anjali Haridas