80. OS 2: Finding Khushi Part 11-15 (Sec 1)

A gift for my readers.... Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan Maaf Ho!

Section 1

“Now where will you run, Khushi?”, he asked.

“Run?”, Khushi tried to draw lots and lots of air into her lungs. She would need it by the time this ended. “Why should I run? And that too from you?”

Even in the dim light, she could see that hated eyebrow make its ascent.

“If I have to run from you, you should mean something to me. But you don’t. So why should I run?” She tried to be calm & reasonable.

She could see red colour spread across his cheeks as his anger mounted.

“So I don’t mean anything to you?”, he bit out.

“No. Did you forget what you told me on Diwali night? That I don’t mean anything to you. That you want me out of your life. That….”, Khushi was all about reminding him about his harsh words and cowardly actions.

“Khushi!”, he broke in.

“Ji?” She waited for him to find words, but they were not forthcoming.

So she continued. “What was it you said earlier? That I am trying to make you jealous? Why should I try to make you jealous?” She was curious.

Arnav jumped in with both feet.

“Flirting with NK, laughing at his lame jokes….”, he fumed.

Khushi smiled. “Mr. Raizada, I am sorry to say this, but somebody must. You are not the centre of this universe you know. Everything does not happen to make you angry or to hurt you.”

Arnav stared at her in the dim light, his chest hurting.  

 Her nose pin glinted and her jewels glittered.

“I am not your girl friend or your wife that I have to take your permission before I talk to another man or laugh at his jokes. Or worry that you might be hurt by my actions. I am free of you.”

Arnav took a step forward, his hands raised to haul her close to him.

“And wonder of wonders, you are a free man too! Isn’t that nice, Mr. Raizada? That is what you always wanted, isn’t it?”

Arnav halted, his hands still raised.

“That poor fool, Lavanyaji, who dreamt of a future with you is in London now, leading her own life. And I, the bigger idiot who came here to make her fit into your family,  am leading my life in Laxmi Nagar without disturbing you in any way. You are free of both of us. You should be bursting crackers and holding a party!”, Khushi smiled at him, her eyes glittering with some emotion that he couldn’t name.

“After all, you don’t believe in love. You don’t believe in marriage. And now there is no one pestering you to believe in either. You have successfully freed yourself of every bondage!”

Arnav swallowed past the lump in his throat.

“It is my misfortune that I will have to see you a few times every year.”, Khushi said. “But I suppose it is no use lamenting about it.”

Arnav stared at her. Khushi stared back at him, struggling not to let him know that her legs were trembling and her heart thundering.

“It must be time for the sagai.”, Khushi finally whispered as she turned to leave the store.

She was leaving him. He couldn’t let that happen.

She reached the door to feel her dupatta being pulled from behind.

She panicked for a moment, hid it from her face thanking the darkness, and turned to face him.

He was holding the end of her dupatta.

She tried to free it from his hold with a flick of her wrist, but failed.

“Chodiye hamein.”, she whispered.

“No.”, he said, pulling her dupatta. She fell into his open arms, flush against him.

He held her tight, his arms around her.

Khushi wriggled & writhed, trying to free herself, but his hold only tightened.

“What are you doing?”, she finally asked, her heart in her throat, her breath a thing of the past.

“Don’t you know?”, he asked softly. 

He bent to kiss her cheek, savouring the sweet-smelling soft skin with his hard lips.....

Khushi trembled, and frantic to escape his insidious touch, struggled to move away.

But he held her without much effort, his strong, muscular arms subduing her easily. His fingers played over the silky skin of her waist, exploring dangerous areas with eager digits, making her catch her breath and struggle with a desire she had little previous acquaintance with.

He cupped her face in his hands, and looked down at her face that revealed her fascination for him and her craving for his touch, even in the dim light. Her laboured breathing and heaving chest were proof of how much his touch moved her.

“Now will you say that there is nothing between us, Khushi?”, he asked, his husky whisper sending all her nerves dancing.

Khushi looked at him with wide eyes. What had she gotten herself into? Again?

She pushed him away, her panic lending her enough strength to thrust him away. He fell back against a rack.

The next thing both of them knew was a shower of white powder over them. A small bin with atta had overturned and blessed both of them.

They stood looking at each other, atta rising around them like a halo, the dim light giving the scene a dream-like appearance........

Khushi burst out laughing. She couldn’t control her mirth.

Arnav watched her in silence, his lips quirking.

“Amanji should see you now! The great Arnav Singh Raizada! Covered in Atta!”, she giggled.

Arnav smiled. “You are no better, Khushi Kumari Gupta!”

Khushi leaned against the wall, trying to get her breath back.

“Arnav Bhaiyya! Arnav Bhaiyya!”, HP called, peeking into the kitchen to see if his master was there. “It is time for the sagai. Where are you?”

The smiles vanished. They looked at each other, urgency evident in their eyes.

Khushi quickly peeked in to the kitchen. It was unoccupied. She shook herself and her lehenga, sending a cloud of atta flying, and then darted out of the store into the kitchen to grab a few kitchen towels. She ran back into the dark store on swift feet.

She handed him a couple of the towels, and started to dust herself with the ones left.

Thankfully, the atta had not fallen on their heads. They shook themselves like wet dogs to lose the powder.

Finally, they emerged into the kitchen. They looked at each other.

Arnav‘s dark coat had a white patch on the chest region. Khushi quickly wiped it off with her towel.

“You look OK now. Aap jaayiye. I will follow. Otherwise Mamiji & the others……”, Khushi’s voice trailed off.

“Khushi, tum theek ho?”, he asked, concern lacing his voice.

“As fine as I can be after bathing in atta.”, Khushi had to smile.

Arnav saw a discolouration on her neck. Dropping his towels on the platform, he cleaned her neck with his fingers.

Khushi’s breath hitched.

He looked into her eyes as he wiped the atta off. Khushi looked away, unable to meet his eyes. The atta vanished, but his fingers still lingered on the silky curve of her neck.

“Do you really want to be free of me, Khushi?”, he asked softly.

Section 2

“Arnav Bhaiyaa! Aap yahan ho? Anjaliji is looking for you.”, said HP.

Khushi let out her breath in relief.

“Tum jao. Tell her I am coming.”, Arnav dismissed HP. He turned to look at Khushi. “I will get my answer tonight, Khushi Kumari Gupta! One way or the other.”

Issuing the threat, he walked away. 

Khushi collapsed against the cooking platform, thankful to be free of his charismatic presence.

Akash & Payal looked at each other, shy and blushing. After the tilak by Anjali & Buaji and the tying of the raksha dhaga, they exchanged rings. The family applauded and cheered them on. Akash & Payal looked very happy.

Arnav looked around. All were smiling at the newly engaged pair, including Mami. Di had happy tears in her eyes. Nani’s face was a picture of relief and happiness. 

Mamaji was accepting congratulations from his friends and business acquaintances as though he were the one getting married! 

NK alone was smiling & eating at the same time, a packet of chips in his hand. 

His eyes paused when they reached Khushi’s face. She was trying very hard not to cry. Why was she crying? Sagais were happy events, weren’t they?

Buaji went to Khushi & hugged her.

“Titliyya, don’t worry. Your Jiji is going to a good home, Nandkisore!”

Khushi nodded.

“You will have to sleep alone when she is married. It is sad, Nandkisore. You have been living in the same room for 10 years…. and you are scared to sleep alone….. But don’t worry, Nandkisore. Your Buaji is still alive, isn’t she? I will sleep with you.”

Khushi tried to smile.

“And we will search for a Sanka Dev for you, Nandkisore! Someone who is as crazy as you!”, Buaji laughed.

Khushi protested, “Buaji!” 

Buaji pinched her chin and moved away laughing.

Arnav swallowed past the lump in his throat with great difficulty.

“Chotey! Where were you? I looked for you all over the house.”, pouted Anjali. 

Nani & Mami leaned forward to hear his answer.

“Di… err… Di..I..I was busy…”, Arnav stammered.

“Oh! Sassumma, your Chotey wajj bujjy!”, Mami laughed. “Doing bhat, Arnav Bitwaa?”

Arnav squirmed.

“Ajeeb baat he! Khussi Bitiyaa was missing too….”, Nani thought aloud.

Arnav left the scene as fast as his feet could carry him. He could hear the ladies tittering at his back.

Arnav found Khushi leaning against a pillar, watching the guests dance.

“Aren’t you dancing?”, he asked.

Khushi shook her head.

He pulled her arm & took her away from the noise of the drums.

“Why?”

Khushi remained silent.

“Payal will be just a few kilometers away from you after her marriage, Khushi. You don’t have to miss her.” He tried to comfort her in his usual, clumsy way.

As usual, it had the opposite effect. Khushi glared at him.

 “You won’t understand.”, she said finally.

Arnav saw red.

“What won’t I understand? All this nonsense… shagun, sagai, whatnot….. all this is to make others happy, isn’t it? To legalise a relationship? A relationship which may or may not last. A contract based on an emotion, love, which will change over the years into hatred……” Arnav looked at her with pity. 

“Love. Marriage. All this nonsense is for idiots. To fool people without dimaag into thinking that this contract is going to last… that it means something….”, Arnav smiled at her with pity in his eyes.

Khushi could not control herself. Saying a swift apology to Devi Maiyya for breaking her blind, deaf, & dumb vow for the hundredth time that day, she lit into him.

“Acha? So all this is meaningless?”

Arnav nodded.

“Very good. You must be right. After all, you are the one with the dimag. Or so you have told me often!”

Arnav looked at her, suspicion in his eyes.

“Marriage is stupid. Living together without marriage is smart.”, Khushi repeated as though to make sure.

“It makes more sense anyway. Atleast there are no expectations on either side that this relationship/ contract will last.”, Arnav said.

“So the next time some idiot comes with his family and a proposal for Anjaliji, tell him that you won’t marry off your sister to him, but will only let her live with him without marriage.”, Khushi said, looking directly into his eyes, an open challenge in them.

“Then let them live together. If someone asks you who he is, introduce him as your sister’s boyfriend.”

Arnav clenched his jaw.

“When people ask him who she is and why she is staying with him without the benefit of marriage, let him explain your notions of love & marriage to them.”, Khushi demanded.

Arnav fumed.

“They may or may not swallow it. But that is OK. It is your life. It is Anjaliji’s life. Her choice. Who are people to question you? And if she gets pregnant, conduct a godbharai too, in your house. When the guests ask for her husband, say that she doesn’t have a husband, but only a boyfriend who may or may not be around by then. After all, love dies, doesn’t it? Love changes, doesn’t it? So he may very well walk off, a free bird. You are alright with this, aren’t you?”, Khushi asked innocently.

Arnav grit his teeth & clenched his fists.

“Arrey! Arnav Singh Raizada is getting angry?”, she asked with pretended surprise. “That is rare!”

“Don’t you dare to say such nonsense about my Di.”, he growled.

Khushi smiled. “Why not? You were ready to live in with Lavanyaji without marrying her. So why can’t another man live in with your Di? If you could bring Lavanyaji to live here with you, why can’t Anjaliji’s boyfriend live here with you?”

Arnav took a step forward.

“There is only one set of rules in this world, Mr. Raizada. For your Di & for poor Lavanyaji. You put Lavanyaji through many moments of beizzathi, without thinking that you have a sister too. And that just as your Di’s honour is important to you, Lavanyaji’s dishonour should have been your concern too.” Khushi was dead serious. She meant every word.

“Titliyaa! Where are you, Nandkisore? “, Buaji exclaimed.

She looked at Arnav.

“Let me ask you a question in return, Mr. Raizada. Do you really know what you want from life?”

Arnav stared at her, his heart fighting for his need for her and his head reminding him of his past and his pain.

“O Sanka Devi!”, Buaji called.

“Coming, Buaji!”, Khushi replied, and then walked away, leaving Arnav alone with his thoughts.

Part 12

Section 1

Arnav stared at Khushi as she entered data into her laptop, peeking into two files set open on her table. She was oblivious to the clouded sky, the breeze coming in to the room through the window and playing with the ends of her dupatta, or Arnav Singh Raizada’s eager eyes drinking her in.......

“Khushi….”, he called, finally.

Khushi looked up, startled. After a moment of staring at him, she got up from her seat, and walked towards him.

They stood staring at each other for long.

Finally, he said, “You wanted to know if I knew what I wanted from life.”

Khushi sighed soundlessly. “No, I don’t. Dekhiye, Mr. Raizada, it is none of my business. Your life is your own. What you want from it is your problem. Your girlfriends are your headache. Not mine.” She averted her face, shutting him out.

Arnav swallowed, and continued as though she had never spoken at all.

“I may not know what I want. But I know what I don’t want.”, he said softly. 

Khushi looked up at him, intrigued inspite of her avowed lack of interest.

“I don’t want my mother’s life. To love someone, to believe in him, and then to discover that he was having an affair behind her back….” His voice died away.

Khushi stared at him with pain-filled and shocked eyes. Whatever she had expected was miles away from the reality and his confession.

“To find it out on her daughter’s wedding day…….. and unable to bear the betrayal, shoot herself with her husband’s pistol…….No, that is not a life or end I want, Khushi...." He looked into her wide eyes. "Yes, my mother committed suicide.” He turned his head away from her to hide his face.

Arnav did not have to look at Khushi’s face. Her shocked intake of breath was loud in the silent room.

“Di’s wedding was called off.”

A tear made its slow way down her cheek, to fall off her jaw line.

“Two hours later, my father shot himself with the same pistol.” His voice was tired. 

He was tired of fighting the demons of his past…. The ones that never let him sleep… eat…or live in peace……

Another tear joined her first one. His eyes were moist too.

“We cremated them together.” Arnav drew in a deep breath. “The next day, my father’s brother threw us out of the house.”

“What?”, Khushi was driven to exclaiming.

“Nani & Mamaji came to take Di & me to their house. I was 14 & Di was 18. I changed my name to Raizada from Malik, not wanting any link with my father’s family.” He stood looking out through the window. It had started to drizzle.

Only the sound of the rain could be heard in the room.

“I…I am sorry…that you and Anjaliji had such a terrible childhood.”, Khushi said, finally, through the lump in her throat. Her heart ached for the pair that had been orphaned in such a terrible & scandalous manner.

Arnav nodded, taking her condolences in the right sense, knowing that only a girl who had lost her world at the age of 8 would understand his pain. And his loneliness.... and his nightmares.... and his need to run away from her.....

It started raining in earnest, wind lashing against the window flaps, making lithe trees bend to its will……

The pair stood silent in the darkening room.

Finally Khushi asked, “Why did your father commit suicide?”

Arnav turned to frown at her.

“I mean, if he did not love his wife, then why would he commit suicide two hours after she did?” Khushi was genuinely perplexed, not inquisitive for the sake of being inquisitive.

Her genuine confusion silenced his bitter tongue.

“Don’t mind me saying this, Arnavji…. But if I were your father……”, Khushi paused, sending a worried look at him.

Arnav cocked his head to hear the rest, unconsciously giving her permission to probe into his past, his heart melting at her sweet call of his name.......

“If I had a wife & 2 children, and still fell in love with another woman… if my wife found out & killed herself… I would continue to live as a widower for a while and then marry my lover…. I mean….”, Khushi’s voice died out.

Arnav said softly, “I thought maybe he felt guilty…..”

“If he had to feel guilt, he would have had to feel love… for his wife. A deep, abiding love that made him join her rather than live on for his children… or for his lover…. if she existed at all......”, her voice was softer than soft, but his ears were keen to hear her sound.

He stared at her, hope taking life in his eyes. After a long period of 14 years.....

“I heard them quarrelling…. Mama & Papa….. She said that she had seen him & the girl together at Di’s wedding……. But would Papa invite a lover to his house on his daughter’s wedding?”, Arnav thought aloud.

“Maybe your Amma misunderstood. Maybe your Babuji was innocent….”, she whispered.

Arnav looked at her with burning, hopeful eyes.

The rain poured down heavily on the parched soil, bringing relief with it, flooding the earth, quenching its thirst......

“I have no right to tell you this. But when a thought enters my head, I have to say it. I know you won’t like it….”, Khushi began.

"When has that stopped you, Khushi?", he asked. And waited.

“There were 3 characters in this story. Your Amma & Babuji are gone now. They can’t answer your questions. But the lady may be alive……”, Khushi said.

His eyes widened.

“You are Arnav Singh Raizada, the king of all you behold or so you have been telling me over the past few months. If you set your mind to it, there is nothing you can’t do.”

Arnav looked at her. The sound of the rain was like music being played in the background.

“Isn’t the truth better than ignorance?”, she asked.

Arnav nodded.

“If you have been thinking badly of your father for the past 14 years and blaming him for a crime he hadn’t committed…..?”, Khushi swallowed.

Arnav shut his eyes in pain.

He turned to walk away. At the door, he halted, and looked back at her with red, moist eyes.

“Thank you, Khushi.”

“What?”, Khushi was shocked into asking.

A ghost of a smile flitted on his lips. “I said Thank you, Khushi.”

“I thought I had imagined it.”, she was moved into blurting it out. 

The smile widened.

Khushi added, smiling, “Imagine the great Arnav Singh Raizada thanking me, Khushi Kumari Gupta, for scolding him! He Devi Maiyya, your maya is beyond my understanding!”

Arnav smiled as he walked out of her office.

Section 2

“Nani, we have to do something.”, said Anjali, a worried look on her face.

“Haan, Anjali Bitiyaa! Chotey is very interested in her. He couldn’t take his eyes off her all evening at the sagai!”, replied Nani with a slight smile.

“Couldn’t take hijj aiijj (eyes) aff (off) whom, Sasuumma? Me?”, Mami asked.

Nani snorted. “Nobody can take his eyes off you, Manorama, when you are dressed up, but now I was talking of Khussi Bitiyaa!”

Mami frowned. “Yeh kaisen jaadu he? Magic, magic! Dono gaayab for so long? Hum dhoondath rehe, but couldn’t get even a kulue (clue)!!!”

“What were you dhoonding, Masi?”, came NK’s cheerful voice.

“Err…oo kaa he, NK Bitwaa, hamre earring kho gaya. I was searching phor it.”, Mami found an excuse.

Nani quickly jumped in to save the day. “Did you like the sagai, NK Bitwaa?”

“It was fantabulous, Naniji! And Akash was so shy!! More than Payalji!!” All laughed. “And Khushiji is so beautiful!”

Nani, Mami, & Anjali looked at each other.

Nani said quickly, “She is going to get engaged soon, NK Bitwaa. You better look elsewhere!”

“Aur naahin to kaa, Saasumma! My Kidney-returned bhanja! Looking at a dehati, kangal ladki!!!”, Mami tried to dissuade NK from rocking their boatwaa.

“Kangal? What is wrong with Khushiji’s bangles (kangan), Maasi?”

“Ee lio!” Manorama hit her head with her hand while Nani & Anjali hid their smiles.

“De-hati? Why should Khushiji give me an elephant?”, NK scratched his head.

“Hello Hi Bye Bye!”, Mami said faintly. Nani & Anjali burst out laughing.

“NK Bhai, Hari Prakashji has a new bag of chips for you. It is in the kitchen.”, Anjali said.

“Really, Di? You are so sweet!” NK ambled to the kitchen.

As soon as he was out of hearing, Anjali said, “Chotey was looking at her, but she was trying to avoid him. Why?”

Nani paled. “I hope Chotey did not hurt her with his sarcastic tongue and his anger.”

“Saasumma, she knows all about Lavanya Kasyap! Maybe that is why she is avoiding hamre Arnav Bitwaa!”, Mami suggested.

Anjali said sadly, “Which girl will want to marry a boy who invites his girl friend to live in his house, declares his intention to marry her, and then changes his mind?”

“Don’t be sad, Anjali Bitiyaa! Your Mami ijj here. We will have to chalao a chakar during the sangeet!”

Nani & Anjali nodded. “Time is running out, Manorama. We have just the sangeet, mehendi, haldi, & the shaadi left!”

“Let ujj (us) plan our forward movement, Saasumma!”, declared Mami, and all 3 ladies put their heads together to devise a plan.

A while later, Anjali peeped into Arnav’s garden. As usual, he was digging in some pot in a dark corner, totally lost in his thoughts.

She sneaked in, followed by Mami, & Nani. They occupied the chairs arranged around his laptop table, and sat back to discuss Khushi’s future.

“She is so beautiful!”, Anjali said loudly. Nani & Mami nodded.

Arnav looked up from his pot, curious.

“So sanskari!”, Nani exclaimed.

“And sanki!”, added Mami, lifting her feet on to the chair.

The ladies laughed. Arnav’s hands stilled.

“I think, Nani, that soon she will be getting many proposals. Who will not want a wife like her?”, Anjali remarked.

“Haan, Anjali Bitiyaa!”, Nani sighed. “If she gets married to someone in Lucknow, we won’t even get to see her once a year!”

“Saasumaa! Bhy borry when you have such a hatta katta bai (boy) in your haujj (house)?”, Mami asked. “You goes ahead and propose, Saasumma! Let me see who dares to say ‘No’ to you!”

Arnav frowned. What the hell was brewing? He moved closer to them. Were they talking of Khushi?

Anjali pretended to see Arnav just then. 

“Chotey! You are here! We didn’t see you!”, she said. 

Nani & Mami nodded.

“But it is good that you are here, Chotey! We want to discuss something serious with you.”, Nani said.

“With me?”, Arnav asked. “About what?”

“About Khussi Bitiyaa!”, Nani said. 

All 3 ladies peered at his face. He tried to keep his face expressionless with great difficulty.

“What about her?”, he asked, his voice husky.

“She is such a good girl. And we all love her. And now, after Akash’s wedding, she is going to be our relation. So we were thinking that some boy from our family should marry her. Otherwise she will marry someone else and go to Lucknow.”, Nani explained.

Arnav paled. Khushi would leave him and go away? If she agreed to marry someone else, he would lose her forever. No.. No… He had to keep her here, with him….. whatever it took…..

“Lots of ladies were ghooring at her during the sagai, Arnav Bitwaa!”, Mami added.

Anjali nodded. “Three ladies asked me who she was!”

Arnav ground his teeth. How dare the women look at her as a prospective daughter-in-law? She was his. Only his.....

“So we were thinking, why should we give such a good girl to some other boy when we have her perfect match in our own house?”, Nani said.

Arnav looked at her, tongue-tied.

“So what do you think, Chotey?”, Anjali asked.

Arnav could feel his heart beat loudly in his chest, almost shouting her name aloud.

He took a deep breath, feeling as though he were standing at the edge of a cliff, and said, “If this is what you all wish….”

Nani, Mami, & Anjali looked at each other, unable to believe their ears…..

“Chotey!”, Anjali could not control the tears filling her eyes. “You are sure?”

Arnav nodded, shy but not wanting them to know that he was shy.

Anjali got up and limped to him to hug him.

“Chotey, think about this properly. If you change your mind like you did with Ms. Kasyap….”, Nani warned him, her eyes serious.

“I am sure, Nani.”, he said, his voice low but sure.

“Arnav Bitwa, bhen you decided not to marry Lavanya Kasyap, she went away with her bori bistar to London. She did not have a phamily to come and catch your throat. But Khushi….”, Mami warned him. “That too, with Akash Bitwaa and Payal’s marriage…”

Arnav nodded. “I won’t change my mind.”

“If you change your mindwaa, let your Mami know early. I will make NK Bitwa marry her.”, Mami said.

Nani & Anjali nodded. They warned Arnav, “He likes her very much.”

Arnav clenched his fists. He had to exercise all his self-control to keep silent.

After a pregnant pause, he said, “What should we do now?”

“Take your proposal to the Guptas without delay.”, said Nani.

“Or somebody else will push you to the sidewaa and win the race!”, Mami warned.

Anjali hesitated. “We can take your proposal to the Guptas, Chotey. But they may not agree….”

Arnav looked at her with hurt eyes.

 

“Khushiji knows about Lavanyaji staying here……”, Anjali whispered. Mami & Nani nodded.

“She has seen your anger and heard your abuses.”, Nani did not mince words.

“She may not believes that you will marry her. After all, Lavanya Kasyap went to London with empty hands… after learning Maa ka dal & Papa ka dal….. and drejjing (dressing) like a behenji phor you!”, Mami reminded him.

Arnav looked down at his hands. His fingers were clenched, locked together.

“Remember, Chotey. Sitting by the pool, I had asked you if you were sure about bringing Lavanyaji home. If you had taken the decision with your heart …..?", Anjali reminded him. “Then, if you had let your heart win over your head for a moment, we wouldn’t be in such a position today!”

Arnav swallowed to get rid of the bitter taste in his mouth.

“Khussi Bitiyaa has a big heart. Maybe she will forgive and forget. Let us try.”, Nani said. 

Mami, Anjali, & Arnav nodded. 


Part 13

Section 1

Buaji opened the door to a decked-up Mami, Anjali, & Nani. Behind them stood Arnav, removing his sunglasses.

“Hai Re Nandkisore! Kaa hua?”, Buaji asked, worried. It was early in the morning, and the Sangeet for Payaliyaa & Akash Bitwaa was after two days….. So why…?

Nani smiled. “There is nothing wrong, Madhumatiji! We just wanted to talk to you.”

“Please come in!”, Buaji opened the doors wide, and escorted them in and seated them. Then she called, “Garima, see who is here, Nandkisore!”

Garima came pushing Babuji in his wheelchair, and smiled to see all of them. She greeted them with folded hands. Babuji smiled at them.

After they all settled down, Nani said, praying that what she was about to say wouldn’t affect Akash & Payal’s wedding. “We came to talk to you about a rishta. For..for Chotey!”

Buaji’s face became a picture of happiness. “Lavanyaji has returned from London?”, she asked, smiling at Arnav. “Badhai ho, Devyaniji! Both your grandsons are going to get married.” Buaji looked at a smiling Garima & Babuji, and said, happily to Arnav, “How happy Titliyaa will be to hear that Lavanyaji has returned!” 

Amma nodded. She blessed Arnav, “ May you and your wife have a very long and happy married life!” 

Babuji & Buaji nodded in agreement.

The Raizadas paled. They looked at each other. Arnav opened his mouth to speak and correct the misunderstanding, but Mami pinched him on his thigh, signalling him to shut his trap.

Finally, Mami said, “Khushi is not here, Hello Hi Bye Bye?”

“No. She has gone to work.”, smiled Amma. “And Payaliyaa has gone to the market.”

“We came with a proposal for Khushi…”, Mami said, looking at Nani.

“For Titliyaa! How kind of you!”, Buaji exclaimed.

Amma & Babuji looked at the Raizadas in astonishment.

“Devyaniji, we never expected such a grand proposal for Payaliyaa. We thought that we would look for and find an ordinary boy from an ordinary family like ours for both the girls, Nandkisore. If Payaliyaa did not like Akash Bitwaa, and if you were not kind enough to overlook our lack of wealth, we would never have dreamt of marrying off Payaliyaa into such a well-known family.”, said Buaji.

Amma & Babuji nodded.

“That is all we are looking for. Sanka Devi should get a good boy from a good family, hopefully an ordinary, middle-class family like ours, Nandkisore!”, Buaji said.

Nani looked at Anjali, Arnav, & Mami.

“Don’t worry about wealth & status, Madhumatiji. It should be the bond of love between the boy and the girl that should be considered important.”, Nani soothed Buaji.

“Who is the boy, Devyaniji?”, asked Amma.

Buaji, Amma, & Babuji looked eagerly at Nani for her answer.

Nani took a deep breath.

“Hamre Arnav Bitwaa!”, Mami said, sparing her Saasumma the pain. 

The Guptas stared at the Raizadas, their mouths open.

“Before you asks about Lavanya Kasyap, let me tell you that they did not get engaged. Sagai se pehle hi, they decided that they would not suit, and Lavanya Kasyap flew to London. By hawai jahaz.”, Mami made it very clear.

“But….”, Buaji said finally.

“Arnav Bitwaa and Lavanya Kasyap did not knows each other bell (well). When they knew each other more, they understood that they did not match.”, Mami cut in, trying to kill the opposition.

“But…but…Jiji…..”, Amma stammered.

Buaji looked at her.

“Khussi Bitiyaa was employed to teach Lavanyaji our taur tareeke so that Arnav Bitwaa could marry her, wasn’t she?”, asked poor Amma.

The Raizadas squirmed.

“Lavanyaji was staying in your house to learn all this, wasn’t she, Devyaniji? And Khussi taught her everything, didn’t she, Nandkisore?”, Buaji asked, a perplexed frown on her face.

Nani nodded.

“Khussi said that Lavanyaji & Arnav Bitwaa’s engagement was announced on Diwali night…… by Arnav Bitwaa… at the party….”, Buaji looked at him.

Arnav said, “Yes.” The lump in his throat made speech difficult.

“Phir kaa hua, Bitwaa?”, Amma asked. “You wanted to marry Lavanyaji… Then why a proposal for Khussi…?”

Arnav wanted to tell them that he had never wanted to marry Lavanya, had never loved her, only liked her, never known what love was…. Before…. before that night at Sheesh Mahal… That he had not recognised this fire in him, had fought it with all he possessed, but had thankfully failed……. But how could he? Half the time he did not make any sense to himself. How would he make sense to Buaji? Or Amma & Babuji?

How could he tell them that he hadn’t understood the damage he had done to Lavanya’s reputation? She had been willing to enter into a live in, finding nothing wrong in it as the culture and society that she had been brought up in were accepting of such relationships. But they were not in London. They were in India. And his family was orthodox. He should have known better…. He should have thought of Di, of Akash's future.....of Lavanya's reputation..... of Khushi's pain... of his own happiness.....

 He should have known better. He should have thought about the consequences of inviting Lavanya to stay in his house before doing so. He had been so bent on trying to forget Khushi that….. that he had almost committed the worst mistake of his life…….

Finally, he said, “Lavanya & I … we are too different. We would have been unhappy together. We found out in time. So we decided not to get married.”

Mami, Nani, & Anjali nodded.

Buaji, Amma, & Babuji looked at each other.

Finally, Buaji said, “Nandkisore, it looks bad. Khussi came to train your bride, and now your bride is gone, and you want to marry Khussi….”

Nani blinked wet eyes. Anjali bit her lip. Mami pressed Arnav’s hand.

Amma nodded. “Jiji, if people say that Khussi pushed Lavanyaji out and snared Arnav Bitwaa……!”

“Hai Re Nandkisore!”, Buaji whispered. “All your friends met Lavanyaji and heard you announcing your engagement, Bitwaa. Then if you get married to Khussi, people will talk. They will blame Sanka Devi for coming between you and Lavanyaji!”

The Raizadas had no answer to give. They were familiar with the ways of the world, and could not dispute these statements.

Buaji looked at Arnav’s pale, anxious face. She could not find the heart to refuse him outright. So she said, “Why don’t we talk this over with Titliyaa when she gets home, Nandkisore? I will let you know what she says.”

The Raizadas had to be satisfied with this.

 Section 2 

Khushi walked into her house, rubbing her nape. It was late evening, & she was exhausted. She had worked till the different types of dals had begun to dance in front of her eyes, forcing her to shut down her laptop and make her way home.

Amma, Babuji, and Buaji were in the living room, waiting for her. They stared at her in silence.

“Kya hua, Buaji?”

Buaji glared at Khushi.

Khushi thought of all the crimes she had committed. But could not come up with anything that warranted such a stern face.

“Naniji & the others came here today.”, Buaji said.

“Acha?”, Khushi smiled. “Jiji must be very happy! Akash Jiju came too?”

“No. But Arnav babua did.”, Buaji’s tone was expressionless.

“Arnavji? Here?”, Khushi frowned. “Jiji, I want some water to drink.”, Khushi shouted to her sister.

Her family stared at her.

Payal handed over a glass of water. Khushi took a sip.

“Arnav Babua wants to get married.”, Buaji declared.

Khushi coughed, and spewed the water. With streaming eyes, she asked Buaji, “What?”

Buaji remained silent. Three pairs of eyes stared at her. 

Payal alone looked from Khushi to her family and back again like watching a tennis match.

“Arnavji wants to marry? That is the eighth wonder in the world.”, Khushi said, still coughing, her heart racing away like an unbridled horse. “Who is the unlucky  girl? Lavanyaji has come back?”

Buaji, Amma, & Babuji looked at her innocent face, and sighed.

Buaji quickly snatched the glass out of her hand before she could raise it to her lips again.

“The unlucky girl is you, you Parmeswari!”, she said.

Payal & Khushi looked at their family with eyes as wide as saucers.

Khushi pulled out her phone, making sure that her bedroom door was locked.

“Hello!”, his husky voice silenced her for a moment.

“Don’t hello me, Mr. Raizada! What have you done?”, she raged.

“Done?”

“Ji. Done. Coming to my house to propose marriage to me?”, she bit out.

“Is that a sin, Khushi Kumari Gupta?”, he asked softly, his voice soothing her to a small degree. “I am a bachelor. You are a spinster. We can get married, you know…”

Khushi showed her teeth.

“You are not just any bachelor. You are the richest bachelor crowing on top of this dung hill. With big aukat. Big ego. And bigger arrogance. And a sharp tongue to match your ego.”

Arnav shut his eyes and leaned back in his recliner. He was in for it. Now all his words would come back to bite him. Where it hurt the most….

“And I am not just any spinster. I am a poor spinster. With low aukat and middle class mentality. A spinster who will do anything for money. A spinster who is adept at luring men to their doom, especially rich men….”

“Khushi…”, he whispered. “I am sorry… I didn’t mean all the nonsense I said….”

“If you didn’t mean it, then why did you say it?”, she countered.

“Khushi…”

“Accusing me of crimes I never committed, blaming me for things I never did, punishing me for asking questions….. you…you…you Arnav Singh Raizada!”, she abused him.

Arnav swallowed the insult she had made of his name.

“You want to marry me?”, she asked, almost shouting.

“Yes.”

“I should marry you. And make your life hell. But I don’t want to waste my life. I would rather remain a spinster and enter the names of dals all my life in that godown rather than marry you!”, she screamed.

“Khushi…”

“Don’t Khushi me! You…you..”

“Arnav Singh Raizada…”, he said, almost smiling.

“Yes. Arnav Singh Raizada.”, she said the name like a bad word, panting.

“Listen, Khushi. Marry me. And take your revenge for every insult, for every angry word, for every hurt…”

There was silence at the other end. He could feel her crying. He cut the call, and dived for his car keys.

“Buaji, Uncle, Aunty, can I speak to Khushi?”, Arnav asked.

Buaji looked at him, and felt her heart melt. She could never deny anyone anything. Especially not Arnav Bitwaa. She nodded.

Payal knocked on Khushi’s bedroom door.

“Coming, Jiji!!”, came her muffled reply. She opened the door, and averting her face, went back to sit on her bed, trying not to let her sister see her puffy face.

The door closed. Khushi looked down at the blanket she had pulled on to her lap.

“Khushi…”

She looked at him in shock. She jumped out of bed. 

“You?”, she accused him. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you. Khushi…”

She put her hands on her hips in a militant stance. 

“What?”

“Marry me.”

“Why should I?”

“To punish me…”, he said softly. He moved a step closer to her. She pushed him away.

She snorted. “I don’t want to waste my life on you!”

“Marry me, Khushi. Nani, Di, & Mami are waiting for you to be part of our family….”

“I don’t want to marry a coward.”, she stated.

Arnav opened his mouth to refute her allegation, but she was in no mood to let him talk. She pushed him away, her hands on his chest.

“A coward. That is what you are.” Arnav winced at the glint of tears in her eyes. He tried to reach for her. She pushed him away. 

He tried to take hold of her arms, but she evaded him.

 “A cheat. Showing me dreams one moment to take them away the next moment…” She pushed him against the wall. “Breaking my heart with his cruel words and his cruel actions……”, she crowded him, and caught hold of his collar.

Arnav watched the tears streaming from her eyes, and felt his heart break into a thousand pieces.

“Hiding behind Lavanyaji’s pallu…. Scared to admit that you may feel something for a naukar…..”

“Khushi…”

“Khushi? Khushi is dead…. You killed her on Diwali night…..” She shook him, her anguish in the open for him to see.

Arnav’s eyes filled, his heart full of remorse.

“Khushi….” His chest hurt… He couldn’t even get her name out of his throat….

“And you have come to propose marriage to me? To Khushi Kumari Gupta? The girl you dropped from your office… the idiot who accepted your challenges  and almost killed herself working for you….. the poor girl who had to give into your sister’s blackmail to come to your house to train your girlfriend to be your wife……?”

“Khushi…” He felt himself being shaken again, her frail arms strengthened by her anguish. Hot tears fell down his cheeks. Her face was wet too, and she was racked by sobs.

“The Khushi Kumari Gupta you left in the garden in the cold and went in to announce your wedding to Lavanyaji, the perfect girl to be your wife, the girl with the breeding and the education you wanted in your wife…. Your high-class girlfriend….?”

“Khushi….”

“You chose her over me once. Now why are you here? Did you propose marriage to her again? Did she refuse you?”

“Khushi…”

“Or are all the girls in Delhi dead?”

“Khushi…”

“Otherwise why should you come here? To Laxmi Nagar? Marriage! How can anyone believe you? You broke my heart and promised Lavanyaji a new life. Then you threw her out, and now you are back in my house, proposing marriage to me. How can anyone believe you, Mr. Raizada?”

“Khushi…”

“If I agree to marry you, and Lavanyaji comes back, you will break my heart again and go after her …..”, Khushi laughed through her tears, mirthlessly, her strength waning. She sagged in his arms.

Arnav held her close. Her eyelids drooped. Her knees weakened, and she fell fully against him. 

He lifted her in his arms, and carried her to the bed.

He laid her head on her pillow, and arranged her limbs in a comfortable position. He covered her with her red blanket, and sat on the bed by her.

Her face was tear-stained. Swallowing hard, he gently wiped her face clean with his fingers.

“Amma…… Babuji…..”, she muttered. Turning her face into his hand, she settled down to sleep.

Arnav sat there, her soft cheek cradled in his palm, watching her to his heart’s content.

Buaji, Amma, & Payal peeked into the room, and stood shocked for a few moments. Then Buaji signalled the others out of the room, leaving Arnav & Khushi alone.

Section 3

O Mere Dil Ke Chain 

 

He sat by her for the good part of the night, gently smoothing unruly strands of hair from her forehead, touching the softness of her cheeks, covering her with her red & blue blanket, curling his fingers into hers……

Buaji and the others sat in the living room, taking turns to check on the pair at intervals. Buaji called Nani to inform her that Arnav Bitwaa was in her house, sitting watch over Khushi..... Nani, Anjali, & Mami joined their hands in prayer......

Payal and Amma took Arnav tea & snacks. He nodded his thanks, but did not let go of Khushi’s hand. 

Amma looked at Buaji, helpless. Buaji said, “Hai Re Nandkisore!” and fanned herself.

Khushi woke up around dawn. 

She felt warm and loved. Light. Weightless like a balloon. As though she could fly away any moment........ She smiled and stretched her limbs in pleasure, and then opened her eyes. 

Arnav Singh Raizada was sitting on her bed, by her side, looking down at her, a warm look in his eyes......

Her eyes widened to rival saucers. Memories of her pushing him against the wall, shaking him by the collar, shouting her anguish at him…… crying all over him……. letting him glimpse the ocean of sorrow and pain in her…… flashed through her mind’s eye. She had left nothing unsaid. Khushi cringed to think of how she had revealed her heart to him…..

She sat up with a jerk, pulling the blanket tighter around her.

“Marry me, Khushi.” He pulled the blanket away from her. She tried to pull it back, but to no avail.

“No.” She tried to get off the bed. He blocked her.

“Khushi…. I am …. I am very sorry… very sorry.. for hurting you. Not just on Diwali night. For every time. I am sorry for every word that hurt you. For making you cry….”, Arnav stammered.

Khushi turned her head away.

Her dupatta was missing. She looked around. It was by her on the bed, one edge trailing on the ground. She quickly pulled it up & hung it around her neck.

“It is time for you to leave.”, she said, her face & voice expressionless. “Your family will be wondering where you are.”

“Khushi… I didn’t mean to hurt you…”, he started.

“If Buaji finds out that you are here…”, Khushi threatened.

“She saw me sitting here, by you.”, Arnav said.

Khushi’s mouth and eyes widened into big ‘O’s.

“Khushi…”, he started again.

She pushed him away, and jumped out of bed. Arnav stood up slowly.

“This is Laxmi Nagar, not RM. You are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Go home, Mr. Raizada.”, she said, trying to gather the remnants of her tattered dignity together.

“Marry me, Khushi.”

“How many times should I tell you that I won’t? How many times should I refuse you? Why can’t you let me live in peace? Why can’t you understand the word ‘No’?”, she pretended anger.

Arnav caught her by her shoulders and hauled her close to him.

“Because I love you, dammit!”, he bit out.

They stood staring at each other, panting. His fingers on her shoulders trembled.

A few moments later, Khushi managed to free herself. She moved back.

“But you don’t believe in love.”, she said, her eyes on his.

“I didn’t know what love was.”, he said softly.

“You don’t believe in marriage.”, she said, her breath hitching at the look in his eyes.

“Nothing but marriage will do now.”, he whispered.

“People change. Couples grow apart….”, she repeated his words.

“I will never let you go away from me…..”, he murmured.

“It is impossible for two people to live together for ever….”, she quoted him.

“It is impossible for both of us to live apart……”, he countered.

“My aukat…”, she began.

“I don’t give a damn!”

Khushi raised her eyebrow, pretending surprise.

“My middle-class mentality…”, she reminded him.

“I am thankful for it.”, he sighed.

“I am too poor for you.”, she looked him in the eye.

“I am rich enough for both of us.”, he said.

Khushi laughed, but without mirth, her lips twisting in a grimace.

“I don’t trust you.”, she said, finally.

Arnav gulped. “I will make you trust me.”, he said.

“The world does not revolve according to your resolve, Mr. Raizada.”, she said wryly.

“I know. But I will make you trust me. And I promise…”

“I don’t want your promises….”, Khushi said.

“I will never hurt you again, Khushi. Not by a word. Not by an action…”

Khushi laughed. “You will find it very difficult to be such a good boy after being a spoilt brat all your life!”

Arnav smiled. “Just give me time, Khushi. I promise I will make you trust me.”

Khushi shook her head.

“You forget that I have seen you in action with Lavanyaji, Mr. Raizada! I will never trust you.”

Arnav felt her small hand close around his heart.

“You used to hug her and your eyes would be on me. Then you touched me and ran away to propose to her. You were about to get engaged to her but you cancelled it and came to propose to me…….” Khushi clutched her head. “You make me dizzy. With your impetuous ways and sudden, unpredictable decisions. And all taken without counting the cost to others. Not caring about the upheaval you cause in the lives of others….”

“Khushi…”

“Don’t say ‘sorry’. Words are easy… maybe not for you… but they are easier than acting on them…..”

“Khushi…”

“Naniji should have taken a stick to you when you threw tantrums in your childhood…….”, she said thoughtfully. “I wish Lavanyaji had atleast 4 brothers to teach you a lesson you would never forget… Atleast that would make you think twice before you looked at another girl and offered her a live in ……..”, she paused. 

Arnav stared at her, feeling the hurt hidden behind her simple words. 

“Chodiye! What is the use of wishing for things that will never happen?”, she sighed.

“Would you like to hit me, Khushi? Will it make you feel better?”, he asked softly.

Khushi smiled. It was more a grimace than a smile.

“I am not your Nani. Or your Amma. Or your Di. It is not my job to punish you for bad behaviour and lack of manners.”

Arnav stared at her for long moments, her hurt reflected in his eyes.

“Tell me.”, Khushi finally asked. “How will you tell Lavanyaji that you have proposed to me?”

Arnav stared at her.

“Or were you planning to take the coward’s way out and not tell her?”

Arnav had no reply to give.

“How do you think she will feel?”

He had no reply. Again.

“She believed that you hated me, just as I did. She believed that I was helping her to fit into your life… that I was clearing the path to make her your wife. Just as I did. Then when she finds out that you are in the process of proposing to me, how do you think she will feel?”

Arnav’s mouth was dry.

“Cheated? Betrayed? Tricked? Made a fool of?”, Khushi gave him options. 

Arnav sat down.

“Don’t her tears mean anything? She must have cried all the way to London…. alone…… Her parents must have asked her why her sagai did not take place… Her friends must have asked her……. Or does the fact that she wears short clothes and believes that people can live together without marriage make her hard hearted?”

Arnav met her eyes. His eyes were red & moist.

“Are you sure you have done the right thing by choosing me over Lavanyaji….. this time? Maybe you should meet her again. It will help you make up your mind.”, Khushi smiled wryly.

“I know what I want, Khushi. You. And only you.” His voice revealed his determination. “I love you. Only you. And I will marry you. However long it takes. I will make you trust me.”

Khushi looked at him.

“But you are right. I need to apologise to Lavanya. I didn’t think…. In trying to push you out of my life, I hurt her. I was so busy running away from my feelings for you, that…..” He shook his head in self-disgust. “I should apologise to her. I will.”

Khushi nodded.

Part 14 

Section 1

It was Payal & Akash’s sangeet. The Raizada mansion was decorated like a bride, with red & golden drapes, huge garlands of fragrant flowers, lights…….. 

A huge stage was erected on the premises to showcase the talent of the family members, especially Mami....

The Raizadas waited near the door to welcome the army of guests they had invited to join them in celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime event. Richly dressed women and elegant men thronged the house.

The arrival of Buaji, Amma, Babuji, Payal, & Khushi was greeted with loud cries of welcome. Guests peeked over the heads of others for a glimpse of the bride-to-be. 

Payal, in a golden lehenga, looked beautiful, her flawless complexion and the rich clothes lending enchantment to her person.

Moving on from Payal, all eyes lingered on Khushi in a peach saree. 

“Who is that beautiful girl? The one in the peach saree? Standing behind the bride? Is she married?” The ladies with sons & nephews to be married off, asked with the delight of having seen an oasis in a desert!

But no one could match the eagerness in the eyes of Arnav Singh Raizada, watching her from a distance....

As he watched, NK danced up to the Guptas, crying, “Khushiji! You have come!”

Khushi smiled at him and greeted him. “How have you been, Nanheji?”

“Very Mushroom! Very Mushroom, Khushiji!”

Khushi stared at him. Buaji said, “Hein?”

Akash sighed, and said, “Mashroof (busy), NK Bhai! Mashroof!”

All laughed. Khushi had to place her hand over her mouth to control her fit of giggles. She looked up and saw HIM watching her.

Arnav Singh Raizada! That too in a white kurta! Khushi felt her acidity & dhak dhak build up.

Even from a distance, she could feel his eyes run all over her body. Khushi Kumari Gupta, you should not have worn a sari! A sack would have been better! Made of metal! His eyes…. She quickly pulled the pleat of her sari over her waist, hoping to hide the lines of her figure from his all-seeing eyes…..

Arnav slowly walked down the steps to greet Buaji, Amma, Babuji, & Payal. He then casually moved to stand by Khushi. She moved a step away. He moved a step closer to her. She looked frantically around for a means of escape.

Nanheji was helping HP serve tall glasses of chilled juice to the guests.

“Let me help you, Nanheji!”, Khushi said, as she made her way to him on hasty feet.

“No, no, Khushiji! You are Marhoom here! Let me serve you!”, NK smiled.

Khushi clutched her heart. “Don’t say this to anyone else, Nanheji! Marhoom means ‘dead’!”

“Really?”, NK’s eyes widened. “When did it change meaning? I thought it meant ‘guests’?”

“Mehmaan, Nanheji!”, Khushi sighed, smiling. NK scratched his head.

Arnav smiled.

“Did you see, Anjali Bitiyaa! Khussi ijj run, ran, run from hamre Arnav Bitwaa!”, Mami whispered in Anjali’s ear.

“Yes, Mami.”, Anjali sighed.

“Ab hamein hi kuch karega padi!”, Mami said.

Nani & Anjali nodded.

Soon, the performances started.

Mami & Buaji danced to Hookah Bar. The stage shook in time to their rhythmic steps, and the crowd clapped their hands and jumped up and down, joining in the fun.

Teri akhiyon ka waar jaise sher ka shikar…

Buaji looked to the left & right with her kajal-lined eyes, and fluttered her eyelashes. Khushi’s eyes met Arnav’s burning ones, and skittered away.

Tera husn dhueydaar jaise jaltaa cigar…

Mami blew smoke rings from a lit cigar!

Tere pyar ka nasha kabhi aar kabhi paar
Tera pyaar pyaar pyaar hookah bar….
Tera pyaar pyaar pyaar hookah bar….

The crowd sang along with them. Khushi clapped her hands in time to music, very aware of a lion stalking her but pretending not to see him.....

Nani & NK took the stage, dancing to Jawani Jaaneman. 

Nani was in a red sari, and her moves sent teenagers crying. NK had a tough time keeping up with her.

Jawaani jaan-e-man haseen dilruba
Milein do dil jawaan nisaar ho gaya
Shikaari khud yahaan shikaar ho gaya…

The crowd loved them. 

Arnav watched Khushi watching them, laughing her heart out at Nani’s naughtiness, and smiled.

Yeh kya sitam huwa
Yeh kya zulam huwa
Yeh kya ghazab huwa
Yeh kaise kab huwa
Na jaanoon main, na jaane woh, aha....

After the dance, NK panted, “Naniji, you are budhiyaa!”

Nani laughed.

Buaji & Nani danced to Ude jab jab zulfen teri
Kavaariyon ka dil machle, jind meriye

Oh Jab aise chikne chehre
To kaise na nazar phisle, jind meriye…..

Arnav saw nothing except Khushi, her smiles, her hair dancing in the wind, her twinkling eyes……

Then it was time for dinner. Khushi quickly hid herself among her family members, attaching herself to her Buaji’s pallu. She sat between Buaji & Amma, her heart thudding with the fear that he would join her….

Her fear was not unfounded.

The Raizadas joined the Guptas at their table. Amma got up to move Babuji’s wheelchair to a more comfortable position, & Anjali quickly slipped into her vacant seat.

Khushi drew a deep breath of relief. But it was too soon.

“Chotey! Why don’t you sit here, with us? You can see the stage well from here.”, Anjali invited him.

Her Chotey, never one to miss an opportunity, dragged a chair and placed it between Anjali & Khushi, in the space Anjali had provided by moving her chair.

Khushi shut her eyes for a few moments, praying desperately to Devi Maiyya for deliverance. But she was apparently otherwise occupied.

He sat very close to her, his left arm rubbing against her right. She pulled her arm away. He moved closer, and leaned towards her to speak in her ear.

“Tum theek ho, Khushi?” His husky whisper and the raw passion in his eyes made her heart stop for a moment, and then run like a speeding train.

Khushi swallowed with difficulty.

“khushiji, you are not eating anything!”, Anjali complained with a pout.

Khushi gave a wan smile and popped a piece of something into her mouth.

It tasted like plastic. Was it plastic? Khushi frowned. She choked.

To her horror she realized that choking in Arnav Singh Raizada’s vicinity was injurious to her health!

His hand came up to rub her back beneath the fall of her hair, his fingers lovingly trailing over the bare skin revealed by her low neck & two flimsy doris! His fingers touched the lower dori, and played with it.....

Khushi’s breath caught, and she stared into his naughty eyes with horror.

“Are you all right, Khushiji?”, Anjali asked.

Khushi bobbed her head like a doll. What was wrong with this family? Had they taken the patent, the theka for “Tum Theek Ho?”

As others smiled at Arnav & Khushi and began to talk & eat, Arnav blew into her ear. She shuddered.

‘Are you sure you are fine, Khushi?”, he drawled.

Khushi glared at him. “How can I be fine when you are…?"

“When I am … ?”, he dared to smile.

Khushi saw red. And unfortunately, anger made her say what should have remained unspoken. For her sake.

“Touching me here and there….. Looking at me like children look at an ice stick…… What is wrong with you? Can’t you let me breathe in peace? This dhak dhak & acidity will kill me…. Stay away from me… Don’t even breathe the same air as me……”

“Then will your….” Arnav had to swallow his laugh, “…..what was it?... Oh, your dhak dhak & acidity..... leave you?"

“Yes. And don’t look at me.”, Khushi instructed.

“So I shouldn’t touch you.”, he mused, taking hold of her hand on her lap, under the table. “Not even your hand?”

“No….”, she panted.

“And I shouldn’t even look at you?”

“No…o..” Her voice was less sure.

“Khussi!”, came Mami’s call.

“Ji..i..?”

“Your dance is after dinner. Change clotheswaa in hamre Arnav Bitwaa’s room!”

“No!”, Khushi squeaked.

Mami frowned as though she had understood nothing.

“Bill you dance in thijj saree? Kapde change naahi karoge? Makeuppiya naahi karoge?”

“Mami is right.”, Anjali smiled. “Don’t be shy!”

Nani nodded, smiling. Arnav smiled innocently at her.

Shy? Who was shy? She was so furious that he was in danger of becoming a pile of ash if she so much as looked at him, Khushi fretted & fumed. The picture of Arnav Singh Raizada slowly crumbling into a pile of ash at her feet was so satisfying that she dwelt upon that image with relish.

Arnav hid his smile.

After dinner, Khushi grabbed her costume bag from Amma & ran to Arnavji’s room. He was talking to some business acquaintances and had his back to her.

She entered his room and shut the door after her. She raced to his bed, dumped her bag on it and raised her hand to pull her pallu off. Her hand stilled. She looked at the door in trepidation. Had she locked it?

She ran to the door. It was not locked. She fastened the lock, and fell against it gasping. She then ran to the door to the pool and locked it. She turned her head to look at the bathroom. Maybe he was hiding in it!

She ran to the bathroom and barged into it to catch him red handed. The room was empty.

Sighing in relief, she ran back to the bed and began shedding her clothes in earnest.

If there was a contest for undressing & dressing in record time, Khushi Kumari Gupta would have won it hands down. Within a few seconds, Khushi was dressed and made up, her hair in a plait. What if she was short of breath? Atleast she had her clothes on!

Khushi looked at the door anxiously, and then coiled heavy garlands around her hair. She looked at herself in the mirror. Dishevelled! Panicky! In imminent danger of a heart attack!

She was supposed to be Radha, complaining about Krishna’s naughtiness. Not an accident victim filing a report in a police station. She smoothed down her skirt, straightened her blouse, tried smiling, and slowly left the room.

She peeked into the corridor. There was no one there. She emerged from the room, and walked towards the stage.

Kaahe Chhed, Chhed Mohe Garwa Lagaayi …..
Kaahe Chhed, Chhed Mohe….

She twirled, the folds of her skirt flying around her. Arnav’s eyes took in her beauty with eager eyes. Te purple skirt… the short choli…. The long plait with flowers… the jewellery making her glitter on stage…. The infectious smile… her complaining eyes…..

Nanda Ko Laal Aiso Dheet….

Khushi’s eyes caught Arnav’s intent ones. She skipped  a step.

Barbas Mori Laaj Leeni, Laaj Leeni, Laaj Leeni
Barbas Mori Laaj Leeni.....

Her eyes lowered, unable to meet his.

Bindashaam Maanat Naahi, Bindashaam Maanat Naahi

Kaase Kahoon Main Apne Jiya Ki Soonat Naahi Maayi

Kaahe Chhed, Chhed Mohe….

Arnav moved closer to the stage. She looked at him. Why did it feel as though she were dancing only for him?

Kar Pakadata Choodiyaan Sab Karki Karki Karki Karki…

Arnav smiled. Khushi gulped.

Kar Pakadata Choodiyaan Sab Karki Karki Karki

Khushi looked at Anjali, Mami, & Nani.

O Maayi

Bindashaam Maanat Naahi, Bindashaam Maanat Naahi

Kaase Kahoon Main Apne Jiya Ki Soonat Naahi Maayi…

Khushi looked at Arnav. His eyes… they looked as though he could eat her alive….

Kaahe Chhed, Kaahe Chhed
Kaahe Chhed, Chhed Mohe….

The dance came to an end, and the crowd shouted, clapped, and whistled their appreciation.

Khushi did not wait to hear it. Knowing what was good for her, she lifted her lehenga and ran as if the hounds of hell were chasing her.

“Khushiji!”, Anjali called.

“Ji!”

“It was beautiful!”

“Ji!” She let Anjaliji kiss her cheek, and then turned to run. Nani & Mami caught hold of her.

Escaping from their clutches, she turned to leave.

“Khushiji!” It was Nanheji’s turn. “You dance so well! You are such a good Nautanki!”

She dashed into Arnavji’s room, slamming the door after her. She leaned against it to catch her breath. She took a step towards the bed & stopped short.

Arnavji was lying on her peach sari on the bed, her choli and other pieces of attire scattered around him.

“Khushi, I was waiting for you.”, he drawled.

Part 14 Section 2

Khushi stood petrified for a moment. An yellow rose that someone had gifted her in passing fell from her hand on the floor. Her mouth fell open.

Arnav smiled at her.

Khushi, spurred into action by the intent in his sinful eyes, turned around to leave the room. She raised her hand and unlocked the door, and found herself pressed against the door by his weight at her back.

She shut her eyes tight and struggled to breathe. His hard warmth against the length of her back was more than she could take. She struggled.

Arnav breathed in the fragrance of the flowers being crushed between their bodies. 

He ran his fingers up her arm. She shivered. He could feel her trembling in his gentle hold.

Arnav covered her hand with his, and made her fingers lock the door again.

He then caught hold of her shoulder and gently turned her around.

Her eyes were firmly shut to avoid seeing him. The pulse in her throat was throbbing. 

He touched the point with his warm finger. Her eyes shot open.

“Keep your eyes open.”, he murmured. “I want you to be sure who it is….”

Khushi frowned at him. She pushed him away with great effort.

“You want me to be sure who it is? Why do you think I will mistake you for someone else? Do you think other people behave like you? Pulling my arm, twisting it, pushing me against the wall, looking at me like……., chasing me around the house, hurting me……”

“Did I hurt you?”, he crooned, cupping her cheek in his palm.

“…Saying … naughty things, blowing in my ear,…. looking through my clothes.... You.. You are totally shameless. Do you think others are like you, with no manners?”

Arnav hid his laugh.

“And what are you doing here? Aap jaaiye yahan se!”

Arnav said, swallowing a laugh, “It is my room, Khushi.”

“So?”, she asked before the absurdity of her demand made itself apparent. She tried to regain lost ground. “I mean, your Mamiji asked me to change my dress here….”

Arnav watched her flustered face with loving eyes.

“It is OK, Khushi. You can undress anytime… in my room…” His voice was soft, his words innocent-sounding, but Khushi looked at him with suspicious eyes.

They stood looking at each other for a while.

Finally, he caught hold of her arm, and gently led her to his bed. He pushed her peach sari away to make room for her. The sari fell to the ground slowly, like mist covering the air on a cold morning.

He made her sit on the bed, and kneeled down in front of her on one knee. He kept her hand in his hold.

“Khushi, I want to talk to you.” His face was serious, his eyes direct.

She waited.

“I..I called Lavanya.”

Khushi waited. He sighed.

“I told her I was sorry.”

“What did Lavanyaji say?”

“She asked me, for what?”

“And what did you say?”, Khushi was curious.

“I told her…. for shouting at her…. for making her cry… for announcing our sagai when I didn’t want to get married … to anyone…… for cancelling the sagai at the last moment… for making her cry….”

Khushi gulped. “Was Lavanyaji very upset?”

Arnav smiled. “No. She laughed.”

“Laughed?” Khushi’s mouth was a perfect ‘O’.

Arnav nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “She asked me if you had made me apologise to her.”

“How did she know?”, Khushi was astonished.

“She said that only you could make me do things I didn’t want to do….”, Arnav said softly.

Khushi looked into his beautiful eyes.

“Coming down for pooja, taking a break during work, fixing lights…..”, Arnav whispered.

Khushi had nothing to say.

“Even bringing Lavanya back home after she left. Though she did not know that….. You wrote that love letter from her, didn’t you?”

“How did you know?”, Khushi was shocked into asking.

“It had you written all over it! Jumping from a mountain if I didn’t love her!!!!”, Arnav smiled. “The plants! It must have been your idea to push me out of my office by filling it with plants! No one else can come up with something so…so… effective! And outlandish! And filmy!”

Khushi nodded, trying to avoid his gaze.

“Did Lavanya know about the plants? Or the letter?”, Arnav asked out of curiosity.

Khushi shook her head in the negative.

“So you were playing both of us! But...then how did you get the money to buy the plants?”, he frowned.

Khushi looked at the floor. “Thankfully, I had a gold kangan on my arm that day. So…”

Arnav stared at her. He couldn’t even find the breath to protest. Finally, he said,“Your heart, Khushi! It counts no cost! And your imagination! It is out of control, Khushi. You should be my Marketing Manager!”, Arnav smiled.

“I don’t want to be your anything!”, Khushi said crossly.

“That is not what your Lavanyaji said.”, he smirked.

Khushi frowned at him. Now what was he up to?

“She said that I should keep you close to me.” His hand left hers, and grasped the bare skin of her waist. She jerked at the warm touch on her sensitive skin. His other hand joined the action. She could not move. Or breathe. Or look into his eyes.

“I told her that I wanted to marry you.”, Arnav stated.

Khushi raised worried eyes to his calm ones.

“Lavanya let out a whoop of joy! She said that she always knew that I would realise one day how much I loved you.”

Khushi let out a ‘Awww’ and covered her open mouth with her hand.

“I told her that you were not willing to marry me.”, Arnav said simply.

Khushi glared at him.

“She said that she had been certain that you would realise our love first, but apparently she had got that wrong.”, he smiled.

Khushi tried to stand up, but his hands on her waist tightened.

“Lavanya said that love is stronger than hate. And that now I had finally realised that I loved you, I should do everything to keep you close to me.” He leaned his head against her bosom, listening to her heart race. “I promised her I would. That I would win you and keep you with me all our lives.”

Khushi fidgeted, trying to dislodge him, but he was in no mood to let go.

“Lavanyaji is happy?”, Khushi asked.

Arnav nodded. “She is going to Paris. To train in dress designing. It is some 6 month course.”

“You arranged it.”, Khushi said simply.

Arnav liftedhis head and looked at her with surprised eyes. And finally nodded. “She applied through my office in London, where she is working right now. So…”

Khushi nodded.

“She said she will call you.”

Khushi nodded, smiling.

“And hoped that you will never forget her.”

Khushi smiled.

“I told her you never would. That you had been scolding  me non-stop for the past few weeks for behaving badly towards her.”

“What did Lavanyaji say?”

“She said, Good!”

Khushi laughed. Arnav had to smile at her open laughter.

“Khushiji! Are you ready? Your parents & Buaji are ready to go home.”, Anjali called.

Khushi stammered. “I..I will be out now, Anjaliji!”

“OK.”, said the wily Di. “Khushiji, did you see Chotey anywhere?”

Khushi gasped. Arnav smiled, appreciating his Di’s sense of humour.

Before Khushi could find a reply, Anjali said with a wicked laugh, “How can you see him? After all, he won't be hanging around when you are changing your clothes! Don’t worry, Khushiji. I will find him.” 

She left.

Khushi jumped up from the bed.

“Arnavji, please go now. I have to change my clothes.”

She tried to push him towards the door.

“Are you sure you don’t need help to change, Khushi?”, he asked, a devilish smile in his chocolate eyes.

“No!”, Khushi gasped. “And don’t smile at me!”

“Uuhh?”, he asked.

“Don’t touch me. Don’t look at me. Don’t smile at me.” 

She was having a panic attack in more ways than one.

Arnav smiled. “Oh, your dhak dhak & acidity.” His eyes danced.

“Ab aap jaayiye!”, she again tried to push him out. But her puny arms were no match for his lean but muscled body.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her close to him, his face lowered to hers.

“I have been a good boy today, Khushi. So what will you give me?”, he whispered.

Khushi tried to free herself, keep her face away from his… but….

“A gift.. that no one else knows about… between just the two of us….”, his husky murmur ate into all her reserves of control.

She looked into his waiting eyes, the eagerness he couldn’t hide, his need to be loved that pulled at her heart strings…….

Khushi slowly raised her face and touched his lean cheek with her plump lips.

Arnav shut his eyes in pleasure.

Khushi moved her lips away from his face.

Arnav looked down into her dazed eyes.

“It hurts… your dhaadi…”, she mumbled.

Arnav smiled. 

He bent his head, and whispered in her ear, “You should have tried my lips. It wouldn’t have hurt you…..”

Part 14 Section 3

“Khushi, meet me at Divine Bites at 5?”, Arnav asked her over the phone.

“Divine Bites? Divine means Devi Maiyya. Bites means… Awww! Why should Devi Maiyya bite anyone?”, Khushi asked, her astonishment carried through to the ASR standing in his office glaring at his employees working on the lower floor.

He burst out laughing.

“It is a café, Khushi. You get tea & snacks there.”, he managed to say when he could get his laughter under control.

“I won’t come to any tea shop with you! The very idea of it!”, Khushi sniffed, her nose in the air.

Arnav smiled. “I need to see you. To talk.”

“Come to the park near your office, Arnavji. I will meet you there at 5.”

Arnav nodded. “Keep the phone in your hand, Khushi. We will need to locate each other.”

“I will be near the duck pond.”, Khushi said.

Arnav smiled.

He was two minutes late. As he rushed to find the duck pond, he saw Khushi squatting by the edge of the water, dropping crumbs for the birds who were gobbling it up.

She was in a red suit, with a red, flimsy dupatta trailing behind her.

“It will rain tonight.”, she was informing the duckling. “Don’t get wet in the rain and catch cold. Suna aapne! There is nobody here to make kada for you.”

The duckling hid behind its mother, and peeked at her.

“Scolding the duckling too, Khushi Kumari Gupta?”, Arnav asked.

She looked up with a start. He caught hold of her hand and helped her up. He seated her on a stone bench & sat by her.

Khushi asked crossly, “Why did you want to see me?”

Arnav looked at his locked  fingers, his elbows resting on his knees. A frown furrowed his brow.

“I met her.”, he said, finally.

“Lavanyaji?”, Khushi frowned.

Arnav smiled slightly at her confusion. “No, the...the other woman in my father’s life.”

Khushi gasped.

Arnav withdrew a cover from the folds of his coat and handed it over to her.

Her hand trembling, Khushi took it from him, and gingerly opened the flap.

There was a photo in it. She gently pulled it out.

An ordinary-looking, matronly, middle-aged lady looked out at her. Khushi frowned.

Arnav sighed. “Doesn’t look like  a candidate for an extra-marital affair, does she?”

“No. She looks like a good wife and mother. A sanskari lady.”, Khushi said, softly.

Arnav nodded.

“Kusum Bhandari. A widow. Her husband used to work in one of my father’s factories in Rampur.”

Khushi’s eyes saw only him. Her ears heard only his voice….His pain. The hurt. The self-disgust……

“She lost her husband. She had two children & a young devar to look after. She begged the foreman to give her a job in the factory. He refused to do so without my father’s permission.” His voice was low, but Khushi heard every word.

“She came to Lucknow with her children & devar to see my father. It was on Di’s wedding day…” His voice trailed away.

Khushi caught his hand tight in hers.

He looked at the ducks gliding on the water, and whispered, “She met my father in his study. Alone. Her children & her devar waited outside the house….” The sound of the shehnai and his mother’s scream filled his ears.

“She…..she begged my father for a job. He promised to look into it. Asked her to return the next day with the details of her husband written on a sheet of paper……  As she was leaving, she felt dizzy. Fever & no food that day…..”, Arnav swallowed.

“My father helped her to a chair, gave her water, gave her money for food and accommodation….. Maybe my Mama saw him helping her….and misunderstood…”, Arnav shut his eyes in anguish.

Khushi held his hand in her lap, biting her lip to stop herself from sobbing. What a tragedy! Two deaths. Two children orphaned….. All because of a misunderstanding…..

 The pistol shot sounded very real to him. He almost looked up to see if it had been fired near him, held back only by Khushi's clasp on his hand.

“She returned the next day with the sheet of paper… to see two corpses in the main hall…..” Arnav bent his head to hide moist eyes.

Khushi put her arm around his waist, hugging him to her, giving him the comfort of her soft, warm body.

“Papa had already phoned the Foreman. So when she returned to Rampur, she got the job….. She never knew…. about Mama misunderstanding her… I didn’t tell her…”, Arnav swallowed.

Khushi nodded.

“She was full of praise for my father… for his kindness…..” A tear made its salty way down his cheek.

In the dusk, the man & the girl sat on the bench in silence, arms coiled around each other. Dark clouds gathered in the sky. Thunder rumbled. They sat there, silent.

Fat drops of cold rain fell on them.

They looked up and around them.

“Khushi…. Run…. I have parked the car nearby…”, he said, taking hold of her arm.

Like children, they ran through the cold rain & wind that lashed at them and bent hefty branches, holding hands.

Gasping for breath, they reached the open space where he had parked his car.

They stood looking at each other.

“Khushi…”, Arnav whispered.

She stood facing him. The rain fell in a curtain around them. The cold wind blew as if there were no tomorrow. Thunder pealed. Lightning raged.

Khushi started, the rumble of thunder and the flash of lightning scaring her out of her introspection. She threw herself at him. His arms came up eagerly to gather her close.

Time meant nothing. The rain was forgotten. The darkness, the thunder, the lightning…. all made no impact on the pair.

“Khushi….Khushi…”, he chanted, clutching her closer and closer to him.

Khushi shivered.

He quickly opened the door, seated her, and walked around the car to the driver’s seat.

He grabbed a thick towel that Anjali insisted on keeping in the car, and started wiping Khushi down.

She sat still as a child as he dried her hair, her face, her neck, her arms……..

Water dripped from his hair on to her arm. 

Khushi took the towel from him, and began drying him. 

He shed his coat & jacket. He rolled up his sleeves.

She dried his hair, and ran the towel over his face and neck and his bare arms.

They sat, watching the rain. It cocooned them, hid them from prying eyes, gave them a few moments to recover from the jolts of life.

“She had my Mama & Papa’s picture on the wall… cut from the obituary column….. with a garland around it…… She said that she could raise her children well & live in dignity only because of their kindness.” He leaned back, his eyes shut.

Khushi listened silently.

“She wanted to know if we were well… Di & me….. I told her we were.”

Khushi swallowed past the lump in her throat.

“Why, Khushi? Why?” Pain and confusion filled his voice.

She looked at him.

“If Papa had explained…. If Mama had listened….. if only she had waited for Di’s wedding to be over…. Or if she had walked into the study …….”, Arnav whispered.

“And I hated him for 14 years…. 14 years, Khushi…. I thought he was immoral…. A bad husband… a bad father…..” Tears fell down his cheeks. “I was ashamed of him… ashamed to be his son… I changed my name…..disowned him…. My father…..”

Khushi hugged him.

Burying his face in her neck, he whispered, “I thought they died because love had died. But… but it was because they did not want to live without each other….”

Khushi nodded, rubbing his back, comforting him…

“Because they loved each other……. Not because they didn’t. Khushi, they didn’t even think of us… or Nani…or Mama…or Mami…or Akash…..”

Khushi nodded.

“My father was innocent, Khushi…. Do you think Mama knows that now……?” He looked like a small child who had lost his way.

Khushi nodded. “They are together. For always. As they wanted….. They must be happy…”

Arnav nodded. “Yes, they must be happy… But he must have felt so bad… his son thinking…..”

“He will have forgiven you. Can our Amma Babuji remain angry with us for long?”, Khushi asked.

Arnav looked at her with hope in his eyes.

“If our parents won’t forgive us, then who will?”, she asked, smiling with great effort.

Arnav sighed in relief.

They sat together, holding hands.

“Khushi, will you forgive me? For everything I did to you? I didn’t know, Khushi.. I didn’t think, Khushi… I don’t know what happens to me….. I don’t mean to hurt you, Khushi… I… I…” 

The panic on his face took away the last of her resentment.

She nodded.

“You will forgive me, Khushi….? I am sorry, Khushi… so sorry…. So….”

Khushi pulled him into her arms, holding him close to her.

“Sshhh… It is OK. It is OK, Arnavji. Don’t upset yourself…..”, she whispered.

Part 15 Section 1

Khushi looked at Buaji & Amma anxiously.

They were packing the hundreds of things they wanted to take to RM for Jiji’s mehendi function. Jiji was settling a shawl around Babuji’s frail shoulders, before pushing the wheelchair to the cars that Arnavji had sent.

How to ask…? But how could she not…? His eyes… his smile… Khushi shut her eyes tight, prayed for courage, and ventured, “B..buaji…?”

“Haan, Titliyaa?” Buaji was counting the cones of mehendi.

“You go to RM. I will follow you… later…” There, it was done.

“Hein?”, Buaji frowned.

“Munshiji needs my help in the morning. I will go there, help him, and then come to RM.” Please…please…Devi Maiyya! Let Buaji agree…..

“How long will you take, Sanka Devi?”, Buaji asked, her hands on her hips.

“Maybe an hour, Buaji. I will be there by the time Jiji starts to apply the mehendi….” Khushi spoke, her mouth dry.

Buaji looked at Amma.

“It is your sister’s mehendi function, Khussi. What will the Raizadas think if you don’t reach there on time?”, Amma asked, worried.

“I will be on time, Amma. I just need to go to the godown for some time, that’s all….”

Reluctantly, Amma & Buaji nodded.

Munshiji looked at Khushi with wide eyes.  She was dressed in a grand orange lehenga, and looked totally out of place in the dingy godown.

“Khushi Bitiyaa, you are on leave today. Why did you come to the office?”, asked Munshiji fondly.

Khushi smiled wanly. “I thought I will enter a few pages of data before leaving, Munshiji!”, she said. How could she explain about his burning eyes, her dhak dhak & acidity, the torture of his touch, the way in which he looked at her, his smile……… Poor Munshiji would have  a heart attack.

His radio played, Jhoot Bole Kauwwa Kaate…

Khushi glared at it, and ran to her laptop.

Arnav looked at the Guptas as they entered the house. Amma & Babuji, Buaji, Payal…… Where was Khushi? He leaned forward for a glimpse of her. But…

NK asked what Arnav wanted to ask.

“Where is Khushiji, Buaji?”

Buaji smiled and pulled his cheek. “She had to go to her office. She will be here soon.”

NK ran away, clutching his throbbing cheek.

“Bhai, shall we go down?”, Akash asked.

Arnav nodded, distracted by Buaji’s words.

“Maasi said we are not supposed to go down!”, NK complained. “Boys are not supposed to attend the mehendi function.”

Akash gasped. There went his plans to see Payal…

“It is so unfair, Nannav! Why should girls have all the fun?”, NK asked.

Akash nodded.

“And Khushiji hasn’t come yet. I wanted to watch her pehen a saree!”, NK sighed.

Arnav & Akash gaped at him.

“What the!” Arnav clenched his fists.

“NK Bhai! What are you saying?”, Akash’s round eyes peered at NK through his specs.

“I wanted Khushiji to teach me how to pehen a saree so that we can dress like ladies and go down to see the mehendi!”, NK clarified, not knowing how close he had been to swallowing his broken teeth.

Nani hugged Buaji and said, “Normally boys don’t attend the mehendi, but we would like them to be here.” 

Anjali nodded. "Haan, Buaji."

“Our family is finally happy. Many bad memories of the past are being wiped away, slowly. It is time for us to enjoy life, Madhumatiji, and we don’t want to keep the boys out of any of those happy moments…”, Nani explained.

Buaji nodded. “We don’t have any problem with the boys joining us, Devyaniji! The more the merrier, Nandkisore!”

Mami called out, “Arnav Bitwaa! Akash Bitwaa! NK Bitwaa! Come & sit with the girls here. Let ujj put mehendi on you! You bill look bootiphool!”

Arnav looked at the clock and at the crowd of giggling girls in his living room. Where was Khushi?

He had already phoned her 3 times, but she had not answered.....

The girls had their heads buried in books with mehendi designs, and were pointing out pretty designs to NK who was having a whale of a time with them. Akash was joined at the hip to Payal, sitting as close to her as possible. Where was Khushi? He pulled his phone out again.

Her phone rang. ‘Arnavji.’ Khushi looked at the laptop screen with great concentration.

“Bitiyaa, your phone is ringing… again...”, Munshiji said as he left the room with a cheque he needed to deposit in the bank.

“Ji…”, Khushi smiled at him. Thank God Munshiji was leaving…..

“Leave for the mehendi as soon as  your work is done, Khushi. You don’t have to wait for me to return.”

“Ji…”, Khushi sighed.

She had tried so hard! So hard to stay away from him. To ignore him. To avoid talking to him. But… she had failed. Each day had brought a new Arnavji to her, not a stern, angry, cruel man anymore, but a wounded and bleeding boy.

So difficult to ignore... to run away from...

It was easier to ignore that rude man. But now…. And Jiji had to get married into that family? As though there weren’t any other boy in all of Delhi!

Aaj phir neend ko aankhon se bichadte dekha…..

Aaj phir yaad koi chot purani aayi…..

Aaj phir yaad mohabbat ki kahani aayi…… the radio sang.

She frowned at Devi Maiyya as she sat smiling on Khushi’s table.

“Jalebi every week. Aarti everyday. And you can’t even keep me out of his way!”

Devi Maiyyya smiled.

“Haan, you sit and smile. Aaram se! Here I am burning like the lamp lit in front of you, and you can’t see that!”

Khushi crossed her arms on the table and buried her face in them.

What could she do? She had to attend the mehendi. There was no other way. Or Buaji would fry her instead of pooris that evening! 

But.. but how to look at his face? How to hide her feelings from him? How to put up with her thudding heart and her shortness of breath?

“Khushi…”, came the call.

Khushi jerked upright. Arnav Singh Raizada was standing in front of her.. all 6 feet and something of him present along with his coat, suit, & boots to eat into her peace of mind!

“Are you alright?” His face was a picture of anxiety.

How could she be alright when the very root of all her problems was standing right in front of her? 

She sent a scathing glance at Devi Maiyya. I asked you to save me from him, and you sent him to me immediately. Wah! Wah! Dekhti hoon aapko! 

Arnav strode to her, caught hold of her shoulders and lifted her free of the chair.

“You look pale. Khushi, what happened?”

Khushi tried to free herself. How could she not look pale? Any other girl in her place would have become pagal, totally, totally pagal, unable to face the onslaught of such…such… focused attention from Arnavji...

Arnav pulled her into his arms, and hugged her close to him.

“I was waiting for you at home, Khushi.”, he whispered.

Khushi nodded, swallowing.

“The girls were ready to put on their mehendi. Only you were not there…”, he said.

“Work… I..I had some work…”, Khushi gasped.

“That is usually my excuse, Khushi..”, he whispered. He dropped a kiss on her plump, warm cheek.

“I told everyone… about Papa…. the past. Nani, Di, & Mami cried. It was like a cloud lifting away from our house, Khushi…”

She looked at him.

“Thank you.” He kissed her forehead.

Khushi swallowed.

“I didn’t do anything.”, Khushi protested softly.

“You made me see the lack of logic in the events…” He kissed her nosepin. “made me search for Kusum Bhandari…” He kissed her eyes. “…. made me find out the truth…” He kissed her chin. “…. freed me from the past…” He kissed her cheek. “….returned my Papa to me…” He aimed for her lips.

Khushi jumped away.

“Mehendi… we have to go..”, she stammered.

Mudatton baad chala unpe hamara jaadu…

Mudatton baad hamein baat banani aayi…

Arnav drove with Khushi by his side. He stole frequent glances at her. Khushi looked out through the window to avoid his eyes.

“Khushi..!”, he called.

She had to look at him.

“You look beautiful! This colour….”

Khushi blushed. The words and the look in his eyes….

“When will you marry me?”, he asked.

Khushi looked out through the window, the pulse in her throat beating madly like the wings of a bird in captivity.

Section 2 in new post