50. His Smiling Girl (Parts 11-20)

 Part 11

The days till Akash & Payal's Roka were filled with work for both Arnav and Khushi. Arnav had to take on a lot of Akash's regular work in addition to his own work load to free him to attend the various poojas and visits that Mami had planned for him. Arnav found himself working through his lunch break, unable to sneak out of his office to meet Khushi. He called her many times to apologise. Though disappointed, she was understanding about it. Her own house was filled with guests, and her parents and Buaji were running around trying to do a thousand things at the same time, struggling to get all the arrangements in place on time. The demands of her course had to be met too.
Twice, Arnav dropped in. Once, to hand over a packet that Nani wanted the Guptas to have, and the second time, to see Khushi on his way to his office. Both times, Khushi was not at home. She was either at the temple, studying at Preetho's, at the library, writing assignments with the help of some classmate, at college, or shopping with her family for the numerous things they needed for the Roka and the wedding.

There were times when Khushi wanted to march into Arnavji's office and throw her arms around him and never let go of him. She wanted to kick the whole world into the nearest dustbin, bang the lid, and run away with her Arnavji to some place where no one knew them. But... He had to work and she had to study! She sighed as Buaji called out, "Titliyaa, make tea for the guests! And bring the ladoos you made yesterday."
There were times when Arnav wanted to walk into her college, drag her out of her classroom, hug her tight regardless of who was watching, and carry her off somewhere where there were no people to disturb them. But... She had to study and he had to work! He sighed as Akash called him, "Bhai, do you think I should wear the blue sherwani or the golden one for the Roka?"


Finally the day of Akash & Payal's Roka dawned. Arnav did not have to go to his office and Khushi did not have to go to her college that day. But both were busy till the time of the function, doing the numerous things that had to be done before such an event could take place at home. He had just enough time to crawl into a white kurta before the ceremony, and missed the arrival of the Guptas.
By the time he ran down, his Nani, Mami, Mamaji, Akash, Di, & NK had greeted and welcomed Amma, Babuji, Buaji, Khushi, & Payal into their home. His eyes searched for Khushi, but couldn't find her.
"Bhaiyya, the caterers...", HP called him.
He dealt with the issue, and returned to the hall, eager to see his smiling girl.
"Di, did you see Khushi anywhere?"
"Chotey, Khushiji..."
"Nannav, a Mr.Roy is asking for you!"
He greeted & seated Mr.Roy, and went looking for his Khushi.
"Nani, did you see Khushi?"
"Haan, Chotey. She..."
"Saasumaa, the ladieej from my club want to meets you." Mami dragged Nani away.
Arnav looked for his phone to call Khushi. Damn! He had left it in his room on the bed while trying to get into the kurta without suffocating to death. He ran up the steps to his room and pushed the door open.

He stood still, taking in the sight of a Khushi folding her sari into pleats, her head lowered, her focus on her hands deftly manipulating the lengths of the red silk. Her hair was piled up on her head, giving him a heart-stopping view of her almost backless choli.
"I am coming, Jiji. Just a moment.", she muttered.
Arnav closed the door soundlessly behind him and advanced into the room.

Khushi looked up at her image in the mirror to see Arnavji standing behind her, a hungry look in his chocolate brown eyes. The sari folds fell from her nerveless fingers. She was too starved of his sight to worry about her state of undress. She turned around and rushed towards him to hug him. She tripped on the flowing length of the sari and fell into his open arms, her hair falling free of its knot to cover his arms holding her close.


She burst into tears, her chest heaving, her arms clutching him to her, her fingers digging into his back of his neck, mumbling her complaints in between. "Where we...re you?... I... I searched for you... all over the h...house... Do you know h..how long I... have been waiting. Ho...w could you?"
Arnav swallowed his tears, moved by the depth of her love for him, her need for him... He rubbed her back, trying to calm her, make her feel better.
"I... asked everybody... where you we...re. Nobody...", she hiccuped, "...nobody knew wh...ere you were."
Fresh tears poured out of her big, lovely eyes, now faintly red. Arnav took out his hanky and gently wiped her tears. "How cou...ld you? I called you... so many times." She swallowed. "You couldn't be... bothered to pick up... the ph...one. You don't want to... talk to me?" Tears trailed down her cheeks. "OK. I won't... talk to you, either."
She turned away, almost falling, her feet caught in the coils of cloth all around her. Arnav saved her from falling, his warm hands caressing her shoulders, gently holding her safe.
"Suna nahi... aapne! I am not... talking to you!"
"Don't talk to me.", whispered Arnav. "But wear the sari. Payal will come to take you downstairs now. It is time for the Roka." She hiccuped.
Arnav hid a smile.
He helped her to take the pleats, his hands on hers as she tried to fold the fabric. She tried to shake him off, but he held firm, forcing her to rest against him, his front to her back. Once the pleats were done, he pushed them inside, his naughty fingers tickling the sensitive skin of her lower waist.
She jerked and fell back, more firmly against him.
"Did I hurt you, Khushi?", he whispered in her ear, his voice full of pseudo concern.
She turned her head to look into his intent brown eyes with a hint of wickedness hidden in their depths.
"No...oo..."
"Sure?"
"Yes...ss..."
"Good."
He took a brush and started brushing her hair, enjoying running his fingers and the brush through her silky, black, long tresses.
She stood silent, like an obedient child. Then she went to the washroom, cleaned her face and came out. He watched her doing the last minute repairs to her face that required no cosmetics to look perfect, beautiful, & radiant. The bangles he had bought for her tinkled on her arms, their colour suiting her creamy skin.
Finally, she was ready. He held out his hand to lead her down, but she lifted her chin, and turned away in a huff. He smiled, and captured her arm, curling her fingers around his arm, leading her down the stairs to the living room. The minute she got there, she tried to free herself from him, but his hold was too firm. Many guests came to greet them, asking them when they were going to get married. Arnav pointed out that he wanted Khushi to complete at least one year/ 2 semesters of her BA before their marriage.

Then it was time for Akash & Payal's Roka. They stood on opposite sides, Arnav with the Raizadas and Khushi with the Guptas. As Payal & Akash exchanged rings, Khushi looked at the diamond on her finger. And slowly raised her eyes to see Arnavji looking at her with a world of love in his eyes. She scowled at him, braver now that they were separated by a few meters. She turned her head away to look at her Jiji & Akash Jiju who were receiving the blessings of the guests.
Suddenly a thought came to her mind. She would have 2 brothers now, Nanheji and Akash Jiju. She would enjoy tying rakhi on their arms this Rakshabandhan. A smile to rival all smiles spread across her face. Arnav closed his eyes for a moment, unable to take the effect of her smile on his heart, and opened them a second later, unable to stay without seeing her. She was chattering away to NK who had joined the Guptas, pointing to his right wrist. NK was smiling, delighted. Must be making plans for next Rakshabandhan, Arnav concluded, a smile playing on his lips.

The guests and family members were all dancing. Khushi didn't want to dance. For once, she was in no mood to dance. She finished the glass of water she had taken from the kitchen, and moved to stand at the fringes of the crowd, near the kitchen door.
She could feel him walking towards her, his eyes fixed on her. She turned her head away. His warm breath burnt the skin of her nape. She shivered, but did not acknowledge his presence. His hand rose and touched the curve of her waist, slowly sliding towards her navel. She shuddered and fell against him, her hands trying to pry his hand away from the sensitive expanse of her waist.

"Do you know how much I love you, Khushi?", he whispered in her ear.
She shook her head to mean 'no'.
"How much I want to see you? All the time?"
She shook her head again.
"How long I searched for you this evening?"
She shook her head.
"How much I missed you this week?"
A lone tear fell from her eye. He kissed it away.

"I am sorry.", she said softly, a while later.
"For what?"
"For fighting with you."
He smiled. Another tear slid down her cheek. He kissed it away.
"No more tears. I want to see only smiles on the face of my smiling girl.", he whispered.
She smiled at him through the tears.
Arnav felt as though the sun were shining from behind the dark clouds.


Part 12


Arnav parked the car and ran up the temple steps. There she was. Standing in front of Devi Maiyya with her hands folded, her eyes closed. A picture of beauty and piety in her orange anarkali.

 

He walked up to her, his eyes on her face, and stood by her, hands folded in prayer. He too closed his eyes and prayed frantically, "Let our wedding happen soon. I can't do without her in my life. Each day without her seems like a year!"

She opened her eyes and looked directly at him, smiling in delight.

"Arnavji, shall we sit here for a while?", she asked him, pointing to a bench. Pigeons picked channa and crumbs thrown by the devotees, and flew around them in the clear morning light.

He led her to the seat, and quickly made a call to Aman, postponing his morning meeting with his managers to the evening.

"Arnavji, will you have to stay back in the evening if you are late in the morning?"

"Haan, Khushi. Scheduled meetings have to happen, reports have to be presented & reviewed, work has to go on, whatever happens. This meeting has to take place today. If I can't do it this morning, I have to do it this evening. I have other appointments throughout the day."

She said, upset, "I didn't know, Arnavji. I am sorry. I won't delay you again."

Arnav placed his hand on hers, locked together in her lap. "It is OK, Khushi."

She caught his hand in both of hers.

"I thought you could come and go as you pleased because it is your firm. I didn't know that your responsibility is greater because it is yours. I won't trouble you anymore. I promise."

"Khushi", Arnav swallowed. "Call me whenever you want to see me." He looked deep into her eyes, not letting her look away, trying to make her understand without words that she was the most important thing in his life. That nothing else mattered. As long as she was with him.

Khushi laughed shakily. "Then I will be calling you everyday, all day and night..."

He wanted to drop a kiss on those smiling lips and pull her close to his heart. And never let her go. But... He looked around. This was not the time or place.



That evening, the Raizadas went to the Guptas for dinner. The whole table was laden with Lucknowi delicacies, and the two families had a lot of fun sharing the meal and laughing uproariously at jokes cracked at the expense of the two pairs of love birds and NK's unintentional jokes. Khushi made sugar-free sweets for Arnav, and served it to him herself.


Nani said, "Shall we have Akash & Payaliyaa's sangeet & mehendi next week?"

All were thrilled. "Haan, Nani, let's.", Anjali said. Arnav smiled.
Babuji agreed. 

Then Akash said, "Can we have Bhai & Khushiji's mehendi & sangeet along with ours?"

There was perfect silence in the room. All looked at each other and at Akash.

Akash blushed, but continued, his conviction in his view giving him the courage to voice it.

"Payal and I were thinking that it is not fair that we should be having our wedding while Bhai & Khushiji are marrying eleven months later. So, if it is alright with all of you, we can get married along with them. Have all the functions and ceremonies together." 

Arnav sighed, "Akash, you don't have to wait for us."

"Bhai!"

Arnav placed his hand on Akash's shoulder, and said, "Akash, have your wedding now. Enjoy it. Khushi & I will get married soon. It is just a matter of eleven months."

"Haan, Jiju.", Khushi added.

"Bhai, You are older than me. Your marriage should happen first. I will marry only when you do, on the same day. "

"Akash is right, Nannav, mere bhai! Akash bilkul dahi he!", NK added his 2 cents worth. Arnav frowned at him.
"Dahi nahin, Nanheji. Sahi!", said Payal softly.
"Now, bhat shall we do with this Ram-Laxman jodi?", wailed Mami.

Nani looked at Babuji, all worried and upset.

"Akash, let your wedding happen.", Anjali tried to persuade him. "Payal, make him understand that you don't have to wait for Chotey and Khushiji."

"Akashji is right, Di. Arnavji is his older brother. His wedding should take place first.", Payal said softly.

Mami started sobbing & wailing. Mamaji tried to comfort her. Anjali and Arnav tried to make Akash and Payal see sense, NK stood firmly with Akash & Payal on this issue, Nani, Amma, & Buaji looked on, worried that all their plans for Akash & Payaliyaa's wedding would come to nothing. Only Babuji remained unperturbed.

He said softly, "Arnav Bitwaa, you are lucky to have a brother who loves you so much."

"But...", Arnav shook his head exasperated, "Not at the expense of his happiness. Never at the expense of his happiness."

Babuji smiled. "Akash Bitwaa is right. Let's have both weddings together."

All, except for Akash, Payal, & NK, looked at Babuji with disappointment and sorrow at the postponing of the Akash-Payal wedding.

Babuji continued, "Let's have both weddings next week."

Part 13


All looked at Babuji in utter shock.

NK was the first to recover. He jumped up and down, dancing in sheer joy. "Babuji, you rock!", he said as he hugged Babuji, and kissed him on his cheek.
Nani, Amma, Buaji, and Anjali looked at him in shocked relief, unable to believe their ears.
Mami's eyes were larger than saucers. "Hein, Bhat did you say? Is there something wrong with my earswaa?" She cocked her ears.
Akash & Payal smiled at Babuji and each other.


Arnav caught hold of Babuji's hand, and said, "You don't have to do this. We can have Akash and Payal's wedding now, and Khushi's and mine later as we planned earlier. If I insist, Akash will obey me. He will never refuse me."
"Haan, Babuji. Let Jiji's marriage happen now. Arnavji & I can marry later." Khushi supported Arnav.
Babuji smiled into Arnav's eyes.
"I wanted a good man for Khushi. I got him. I wanted her to study. She is doing it. I wanted her to be happy. She is happy with you. I wanted her to marry into a family of people who would love her. She has got such a sasuraal. So why should I delay your marriage?"
Arnav had no words. He just pressed Babuji's hand in gratitude.
Khushi kneeled down by her father, and said, "Babuji, I promise to complete my BA even after marriage. I won't stop my studies half way through."
"I promise to do everything I can to help her to complete her BA. And to support her if she wants to learn further.", Arnav said.
Babuji nodded, believing them.


The next few hours were full of fun & frolic, NK, Khushi, Mami, Buaji, Amma, Anjali, Payal, & Akash dancing while Arnav, Babuji, & Nani looked on laughing at their antics. Khushi, Akash, and NK pulled Arnav into their midst. NK and Akash danced on his right & left, helping him make small movements in time to the music. Khushi danced all around him, teasing him, holding on to his fingers and twirling around and around...

Babuji and Nani thanked God for this happy day and for the wonderful days ahead of them.


As the Raizadas reluctantly got up to leave, Khushi whispered in Arnav's ear, "Arnavji! Do you know what I asked for today morning in the temple?"
Arnav whispered, "No."
"I begged Devi Maiyya that we be permitted to marry soon. That we shouldn't have to wait for eleven months.", she breathed into his ear.
Arnav looked into the mesmerisingly beautiful eyes looking into his with all the love in the world, and swallowed.
"Devi Maiyya heard my prayer. I am going to take one kilo of jalebis to her tomorrow morning.", she confided.
Arnav murmured in her ear. "Take two kilos. One kilo from me. She heard my prayer for an early marriage too."

Khushi looked at him with an open mouth and wide eyes.
Arnav flicked her nose with a loving finger, and left, smiling.


The two families could not control their happiness at the mehendi and sangeet of Akash & Payal and Arnav & Khushi.
Mamaji & NK were running up and down the stairs seeing to the lights and the workmen. Anjali was on the phone with the caterers adding the sweets that Mami wanted to the list already given to them. Nani was inviting guests to the event, a smile permanently on her face. HP was busy stringing flower chains along the railings of the stairs. Laxmi was happily chewing, her head buried in the basket of green leafy vegetables that HP had forgotten to place at a height.
Buaji and Amma were busy packing the mehendi and accessories needed for the function in a box and dealing with guests. Babuji was out inviting friends for the mehendi & sangeet of his daughters.
Arnav & Akash were neck deep in work at the office. Payal was serving tea and sweets to the numerous people who came home to congratulate the two girls. Khushi was at the tailors, collecting the new cholis that she & her Jiji were going to wear that noon.


Mami called Arnav at noon.
"The mehendi function will starts now, Arnav Bitwaa! Bhere are you two?"
"Err, Mami... We have some work to finish."
Anjali snatched the phone from Mami.
"Chotey, get here right now. And bring Akash with you. Why are you always working?", she pouted. "And turning Akash into another ASR? Get home fast. No, I don't want to hear any excuses. Get home. It is your mehendi!"
Nani snatched the phone from Anjali.
"Chotey! Khushi Bitiyaa and her family are here. Tell Akash that Payal is here. Normally boys are not permitted to attend the mehendi, but for you both, we will make an exception."
NK snatched the phone from Nani. "Nannav, mere bhai! Come home soon."
It was Mamaji's turn then. "Arnav Bitwaa, please come home soon with Akash. Otherwise your Mami will sit outside looking at the gate, and make me wait with her!"


Arnav sighed, looking at the three men sitting in his cabin waiting to see him.
He turned to Akash & said, "Payal & the others have reached home for mehendi. We are permitted to attend the function. You go home now. I will follow later, after I have finalised the deal with them."
"Nahin, Bhai. Let's go home together."
"Akash!"
"Let's finish the work fast, Bhai. Then we can go home together."
"You are becoming stubborn these days, Akash.", Arnav warned him, smiling slightly. They walked towards the cabin.
"I learnt it from the best of masters.", Akash smiled.

 Part 14



Akash walked into the house through the door left open for guests to enter, without letting anyone know that he was there. He stopped short, his eyes falling on a Payal sitting in the centre of a circle of girls getting their mehendi done. She was in a deep pink lehenga. He had never seen her wear such a bright dress. The pink of her lehenga seemed to turn her skin rosy, the light streaming in through the open windows adding a glow to her flawless complexion.

Payal felt Akash's eyes on her, and looked up, her shy eyes meeting his lost ones. She blushed, her cheeks pinker than her dress.



Arnav parked the car, had a word with the guards at the gate, and strode silently in to the house, hoping for a glimpse of Khushi. His eyes panned the living room. It was full of girls & ladies in colourful clothes and jewels, laughter and noise... He saw Payal getting her mehendi done. NK was having fun flirting with the girls, flitting among them like Lord Krishna among the gopis. Nand Kisore indeed! A small smile curved his stern lips at the thought.
Di was instructing HP to distribute the jalebis among the guests. Mami was showing off her new Benares sari to her friends. Nani was laughing at something a friend of hers whispered in her ear. Mamaji was getting the caterers to settle down in the space provided for them. Khushi...Khushi alone was nowhere to be seen.


Arnav crossed the hall to peek into the kitchen.
"Nannav! What are you doing in the kitchen? Searching for HP, eh?", NK teased.
Arnav glared at him, his eyes looking around the kitchen.
"Oh, you want Laxmi, eh?"
Arnav's eyes could kill lesser men, but not NK.
"Searching for my Khushi Bhabi, eh?"
Arnav crossed his arms and waited.
"Why don't you change your clothes?", Nk encouraged him, pushing him up the stairs.
"NK!", Arnav growled.
"Chotey!" Di came hurrying. "The Mehtas want to..."
"Di, let the Mehtas wait. Nannav has to change his clothes. Let him get out of his black suit into his black sherwani, please!" NK pushed Arnav up to his room, opened the door, pushed him in, and closed the door, shouting "You can thank me for this later, Nannav, mere bhai!", before leaving.
Arnav frowned. What was wrong with this boy? Had his mom dropped him on his head in childhood?


Arnav flung his coat off, and attacked his tie & waistcoat. He threw them carelessly on the bed, and started unbuttoning his blue shirt. Half way down, he sensed a slight movement by the poolside. He strode out of the room, flinging the curtains aside, to see Khushi sitting by the pool on the bench that he had placed among his plants, hoping to relax there some evening.

 

Dressed in a blue-green lehenga, she looked as beautiful as a peacock spreading its brilliant plumes to the sky. Her arms were held outstretched, mehendi covering her arms up to her elbows. She was squirming, trying to rub her face against her arm, and failing to do so to her satisfaction.
He stood at the entrance to his garden, his arms crossed, his shirt half undone, his eyebrow slightly cocked, watching her, his love, his life, and soon to be his wife... Soon she would be with him all the time, and NK wouldn't have to sneak her into his room for him to spend some quality time with her alone.

Khushi lifted her eyes and saw him.
"Arnavji!" Her face lit up, brighter than his house on Diwali night. She jumped up from her perch on the bench, and ran towards him, almost tripping on the lehenga skirt, the dupatta trailing after her...
"Careful, Khushi!" Arnav caught hold of her shoulders and brought her to a stop. "You will fall down."
"Arnavji! Is this your garden? It is so beautiful!"
Arnav nodded, shy, never having shared his private life and retreat with anyone before.
"Nanheji said that I should sit here and let the mehendi dry. He said that if I walked around, I would smudge it." She smiled happily.
Arnav sent a silent thanks to NK.
"But...", she tried to look at the tip of her nose. "...a mosquito bit me on the tip of my nose. It itches. I can't..." She tried to rub her nose against her arm.
"Sshh... Let me..." Arnav softly scratched the length of her patrician nose, delighting in the feel of her silky skin under his fingertips.

When it was done, he led her back to the bench, his arm around her shoulders.


He sat close to her, letting his fingers play with the folds of her dupatta. He slowly pulled out the ends that were inserted into the edge of her lehenga skirt at the back, without her noticing. She was so busy telling him about everything that had happened in his house in his absence that she was totally oblivious to the wicked work of his fingers.

Arnav nodded in the right places, and asked appropriate questions to keep her talking while his molten eyes roamed over her green silk choli held together at the back by four threads, two at the neck and two at the lower end of her blouse. Threads that he could snap with a finger in a few seconds... He swallowed.

"Arnavji! I should go down now.", she said. "Jiji and the others must be wondering where I am."

"Uumm...", was all he could say. Words took too much effort.

She stood up, smiling goodbye to him. She suddenly frowned. What was wrong with the dupatta? It was falling away from her waist, leaving her chest uncovered. It hung from her left shoulder, one end free and the other end wrapped around her back and pinned in the front. She turned away from Arnav and lifted her hands to cover her chest with the dupatta, but the mehendi...

"Kya hua, Khushi?", his soft voice cut through her concerns.
"Woh, Arnavji", she stammered. "Will you please ask Amma to come here?"
"Do you need any help?", the devil asked, all solicitous.
"The ends of my dupatta have come loose, and I can't tuck them in. My hands are covered with mehendi."
"My hands are clean, Khushi!", he whispered.

She looked into his face, his eyes burning into hers. She swallowed.

"But you will have to thank me.", he demanded in a seductive whisper.
She nodded warily.
"And not in words."
She blushed at the look in his eyes.

"Arnavji!", she protested weakly.

He stood firm in his demand, his eyes roving over the area uncovered by the dupatta.

She flushed again, and tried to turn away from him, but he held her shoulder firmly.

She nodded, her bashful eyes lowered.

"Was that a 'Yes'? I couldn't hear it.', he teased.

"Yes.", she murmured, her face turning all shades of red.

"So let us start with you thanking me for taking care of the mosquito bite.", he challenged.

She looked up at his face, her breath coming fast and furious, her limbs trembling. Slowly she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his chin, the stubble pricking her soft, plump lips.

Arnav swallowed. How could such an innocent touch, lighter than the brush of a butterfly's wing bring him to his knees?

He slowly lifted his hand, took one end of the dupatta and inserted it into the fold of her skirt. She shook at the brush of his warm fingers against her waist.

"Thank me.", he growled.

She swallowed hard, and slowly leaned forward to kiss his left cheek, her eyes on his, both of them burning in the same fire.

He lifted his arm and taking the other end of her dupatta, pulled it gently across her heaving chest and pushed it into the edge of her skirt. A shudder went through her at his touch. 

She looked up. He was waiting for her to thank him. Her eyes slid from his to his lips. They looked hungry. As she lingered on his lips, they parted. She dragged her eyes to his.

"Thank me.", he whispered, his smouldering eyes on her lips.

Caught in the web of his desire for her and her desire for him, she slowly moved closer and closer to him till their bodies touched. Resting against him, she lifted her head, searching for his lips with hers.

He found her. Standing in his favourite place in his house, in the midst of the plants and trees he had nurtured, he kissed his bride on the lips.


Part 15


Arnav slowly lifted his face away from her, his lips leaving hers reluctantly. He looked at her face, her shut eyes, her nostrils flaring to take in air, her lips deep pink like bruised rose petals. Her fingers were curled in the open neckline of his shirt, pulling him close, hanging on to him. He bent towards her, unable to resist the pull of her lips.
"Nannav, send my Khushi bhabi down now. People are asking after your beautiful bride-to-be!"
Khushi's eyes opened wide. For a few moments, she had lost all sense of time and place, lost in the magic spun by his hard yet soft lips on hers... She looked at him in wonder, bemusement, and shock. She was in his garden. It was noon. Ladies were celebrating their mehendi function down below, and getting ready for the sangeet in the evening. And here she was, in his arms, lost in his naughty eyes, his wicked hands, his sinful lips. She looked at his lips, almost swooning, blushing becomingly.
"Khushi!"
"I... I need to go downstairs.", she whispered, panting.
"Haan.", he murmured.
"People are... asking for me."
"Yes." He smoothed her hair down, and straightened her clothes.
She took a step away from him, but found that she couldn't step away. She turned, frowning mildly to see what was holding her back. Her fingers were still holding on to his shirt in a death grip, not letting him move an inch away from her...
She flushed, and slowly uncurled her fingers, reluctant to let go of him.
"The mehendi!", she whispered, horrified. If she had messed it up, there would be hell to pay!
"It has dried. Don't worry.", Arnav comforted her.
He caught her hands in his, and dropped moist kisses on them. He led her to the door, and handed her over to NK, whispering in her ear that he would be down as soon as he changed in to a sherwani. She nodded, and left with NK.
She turned to look at him twice. He was standing at the door, looking at her till she vanished from sight.


It was evening. Time for the sangeet. As NK turned on the lights, the whole house looked like a new bride, decorated in red & gold silk drapings, with huge masses of red roses and strings of white jasmine scenting the air. Fairy lights turned the mundane into the stuff of dreams. The scent of good cooking from the tables set up by the caterers permeated the air. Ladies and gents in festive, colourful apparel and loud jewellery, the stage set up by NK and Mamaji, the band and the seating arranged by them, the loud laughter and cheerful faces, all turned RM into a paradise on earth.

Akash moved towards Payal, dressed in a golden sari, looking like a goddess with her hair all unbound and falling over her shoulders to her waist. She was standing with Buaji, who turned away to talk to Anjali as Akash approached. Both ladies went away, leaving Payal and Akash alone... together.


"I thought you looked beautiful in the pink lehenga, but this..." His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Payal, you are so beautiful. Like a dream..."
Payal looked at Akash in a red kurta, and smiled admiringly.


Khushi looked at the back of her pink-red choli in the mirror. Or at least at what she could see, a thin strip of cloth at lower back holding the whole thing together and doris at the top. The tailor! She had bugged him too many times! So this was how he got his revenge!

She twisted and turned to look at the flimsy doris and the even flimsier band of cloth. What if it came undone? Well, there was nothing she could do, except hide it from naughty eyes by covering it with her fall of silky, dark hair. She threw the weight of her hair across her back and straightened her spine. She would enjoy the sangeet. But, but how would she dance with this choli?
Arnav saw Khushi sitting demurely with her Amma, Babuji, & Buaji, looking delectable in a pink-red sari, her unbound hair moving gently in the breeze.
"Arnav Bitwaa, bhat are you doings here, standing alone? Your dil ka tukda is sitting there. Go sit with her! Don't be shy!" Mami led him by hand into the midst of the Guptas who were delighted to see him. They made space for him near Khushi, and he sat by her, looking at her bashful countenance. His kiss and her choli's back! Both were making it difficult for her to look him in the face.
NK was going to dance first. All eyes turned towards the stage. Arnav leaned towards Khushi.
"Khushi, kya hua?"
She stole a look at his laughing eyes, and quickly turned her eyes away. "Kuch nahin.", she said under her breath, her face red like a tomato.
"Look at me, Khushi."
She shook her head to mean 'no'.
"Khushi?"
"You are very naughty.", she complained. Mami who was eavesdropping on this conversation to make sure that everything was well between Arnav & Khushi, dropped her glass of orange juice, and the shock on her painted face made her look terrifying.
"Arnav Bitwaa? Naughty? Kab? Kaisen? Kyun? Kahan?"
Khushi flushed. So did Arnav.
Then, thankfully NK's dance began. He danced to Aadat Se Majboor, the music distracting Mami from her question. She went away from them, towards the stage, and was soon seen dancing among the crowd.

Mami and Nani danced to Jhalla Wallah, and Buaji & Mami presented Halkat Jawani to the thrill of the crowd. Then all began to dance. Amma, Akash, Payal, Buaji, Mami, Nani, Anjali, NK, and HP. Arnav expected Khushi to drag him into the midst of the crowd to dance, but she remained seated. All the family members invited them to dance, but Khushi remained smiling but adamant. She was not dancing.
Arnav looked at Khushi, sitting still, her hands adorned with his mehendi lying in her lap. The pink-red sari clung to her lovingly. If only he could hold her in his arms! He looked around. All were dancing. Maybe he could take her away from here. The music was too loud for him to find out why she was upset.
Then 'Saiyarra' began to play, the slow music ideal for the kind of dance he had in his mind.

Aasmaan, tera mera hua
Khwaab ki tarah dhuaan dhuaan...

He got up from his seat and went to stand near her. She looked up at him. He held out his hand. Without knowing what she was doing, forgetting her choli, she placed her hand in his.

Aasmaan, tera mera hua
Saans ki tarah ruaan ruaan...


(PinkCinderella, thanx a million!)

He led her to a semi-dark corner, took her hand in his, put one hand on her waist, and began moving in tandem with the music.

Ho, jaaye jahaan tu jaaye
Paaye mujhe hi paaye
Saaye yeh mere
Hai tujh mein samaaye...


He bent his head till his forehead touched hers. She rested more firmly against him, her knees too weak to keep her standing.

Saiyaara main saiyaara
Saiyaara tu saiyaara
Sitaaron ke jahaan mein
Milenge ab yaara
Saiyaara main saiyaara
Saiyaara tu saiyaara
Sitaaron ke jahaan mein
Milenge ab yaara...

He twirled her around, watching light from the fairy lights make her nose pin glitter, her eyes shine with love for him..

Tu jo mila, toh yun hua
Ho gayi poori adhoori si dua
Tu jo gaya, toh le gaya
Sang tere mere jeene ki har wajah...

She pulled her hand out of his grasp, put both arms around him, and hugged him, resting her head against his shoulder. Her fingers traversed his sherwani-clad back, caressing the broad length and pulling him closer to her. He never wanted to let go of her.

Ho jaaye jahaan tu jaaye
Paaye mujhe hi paaye
Saaye yeh mere
Hai tujh mein samaaye

Saiyaara main saiyaara
Saiyara tu saiyara
Sitaaron ke jahaan mein
Milenge ab yaara
Saiyaara main saiyaara
Saiyara tu saiyara
Sitaaron ke jahaan mein
Milenge ab yaara...

If only they could remain like this for ever, her head on his shoulder, his arms around her, cradling her to him, his rough cheek against her soft hair...

Tum pe miti, tum se bani
Tumse hua hai haan khud pe yakeen
Tu jo nahi, toh na sahi
Main hoon yahaan toh, tu hai yahin kahin...

He dropped a kiss on her cheek, uncaring if anyone was watching. Her arms tightened around him. He caught her silky hair in his hands, relishing the feel of the soft strands against his rough palms. His fingers touched her bare back, and she jerked. He slowly passed his hand under her hair to find her hidden treasures. She quivered as he touched her dori with very talented fingers, and slowly traced a path down to the end of her choli.

Ho jaaye jahan tu jaaye
Paaye mujhe hi paaye
Saaye yeh mere
Hai tujh mein samaaye...

She curled deeper into his arms, trembling at his touch, her breath coming in pants, her heart thudding against his, her fingers clawing at his back.

Saiyaara main saiyaara
Saiyara tu saiyara
Sitaaron ke jahaan mein
Milenge ab yaara
Saiyaara main saiyaara
Saiyara tu saiyara
Sitaaron ke jahaan mein
Milenge ab yaara...



Part 16



They remained lost in each other's arms. The music came to an end, dancers huffed & puffed their way to their seats and their families & friends, but Khushi & Arnav stayed locked together. His hand explored the length of her back under the cover of her hair, his fingers leaving a trail of fire on her cool skin, playing with the doris, threatening to untie them...

Akash & NK came running to them, laughing and panting.
"That was fantastic!", Akash exclaimed, his hands on his hips.
Khushi slowly let go of Arnav, and he reluctantly loosened his hold.
"Khushi bhabi, Khushi bhabi, who is that lakdi (ladki) in the green lehenga, in the far corner of the room?", NK asked eagerly.
All of them turned to look at the girl in question. She was gorgeous, her shoulder-length hair swinging with each step as she walked to her parents, laughing.
"Mili, my cousin. Her parents run a textile shop in Kanpur."
"Haiyee! Mujhe Mili mili!"
Akash sighed.
"Really!", Arnav cocked at eyebrow at NK's dramatics.
NK mused, "Hmmm. Kanpur. I see."
"What do you see, NK Bhai?", asked Akash.
"Kan means Ear, right, Nannav?"
Arnav nodded.
"And Pur is City, right?"
Arnav nodded again.
"Looks like I will have to go to Ear City to mil with Mili!"
"God save Mili! And Kanpur!", Akash whispered.
Arnav & Khushi looked at NK in wonder.
Then Khushi said, "Nanheji, she has four, not one or two, but four brothers. Tall, huge, muscular ones."
NK sighed, his hand held to his heart in a dramatic fashion. "There are many hurdles in the path of true love, Khushi bhabi!"
"Just make sure those hurdles are not your broken bones.", Arnav said wryly as he led Khushi to her seat.



As they had dinner together, Arnav asked Khushi in a whisper, "Why didn't you want to dance, Khushi?"
Khushi leaned into him, and confided in his ear, "I was scared the doris would break if I moved my arms too much while dancing, Arnavji!"
Arnav swallowed hard.
"But when you asked me to dance, I forgot the doris!" She happily bit into a slice of pineapple. "Arnavji! Just imagine what would have happened if the doris had broken while we were dancing!"
Arnav could imagine it very well. His face flushed.
"Anyway, you were with me, Arnavji. You would have found some way out." Khushi chewed a piece of paneer with relish.
Arnav could list a hundred ways he could have dealt with the broken doris. If only they had broken!
Mami, passing by, heard Khushi's statement reposing all her faith in her Arnavji. She added, "Aur Kaa, Why Phear When Hamre Arnav Bitwaa Ijj Hier?"
Khushi smiled happily at Mami, and held out a morsel from her plate for Arnavji to taste. He obediently opened his mouth. She placed the slice of apple in his mouth, but before she could withdraw her hand, he brought his lips together, caressing her fingers with his lips, his eyes intent on her innocent ones.
She withdrew her hand hastily, the tips of her fingers tingling. She curled her fingers into her palm, wondering how one moment Arnavji could be like the best friend on earth, harmless, safe, loving, tender, indulgent... And how the very next moment, without any warning, his eyes would start burning her tender skin, his fingers would send her body shaking, her heart beating fast, her breath coming in a rush... How his eyes would look her up and down as though she were an ice cream cone and he ready to devour her... How his eyes on her would make her feel as though he could see through her clothes... She took a hasty sip of water. She needed cooling badly.
The water went down the wrong way, and she choked. Arnavji's hand slipped under her hair to rub her back, lingering on the doris. Her breath hitched, and she looked into his predatory eyes with unsure ones.

 (Oh.petite.one, thanx!)

"Khushi, tum theek ho?", he asked, each word sounding like a caress.


Part 17




The two weddings were fixed for Thursday evening, the Haldi to be held that morning.
On Wednesday evening, Arnav found himself parking his car in the narrow gali of Laxmi Nagar, leading to Khushi's house. He hadn't seen his smiling girl for 2 days since the mehendi-sangeet programme, and he was craving her sweet lips. The memory of her smile, her kiss, her touch...all had left him sleepless at night & distracted during the day.
He walked up the steps and was about to approach the door to ring the bell when he heard the sound of music being played loudly. It seemed to be coming from Khushi's bedroom. His feet moved of their own volition to the open window of her bedroom.
He looked in. The radio was playing an old Asha Bhonsle-Kishore Kumar song of a female trying to refuse the romantic advances of her lover.



Khushi was wearing a red anarkali, her dupatta tied around her forehead, the ends falling down her back, playing the male. Payal was in a green suit, trying to escape Khushi with a shy yet naughty look on her face.

Nahin Nahin, Abhi Nahin
Abhi Karo Intezaar, Chhodo Na
Nahin Nahin, Abhi Nahin
Abhi Karo Intezaar...
Payal withdrew from a Khushi who was twirling her non-existent mushtache and approaching her with stealthy, determined steps, like a tiger on prowl.

The male voice crooned,
Nahin Nahin, Kabhi Nahin
Main Hoon Beqaraar.
Khushi placed her hand on her heart, her chest heaving to show her exaggerated ardour to Payal.

Na Na Na Na, Mm Hm Hm Hm
Na Na Na Na, Na Baba...
Payal ran away to hide behind the table, her hands raised, begging Khushi to let her go, honour intact.

The desperate male sang,
Main Bhi Jawaan, Tu Bhi Jawaan
Kami Hai Kis Baat Ki...
Hey, Main Bhi Jawaan, Tu Bhi Jawaan
Kami Hai Kis Baat Ki...
Yahan Aao, Na Ghabraao
Rut Hai Mulaaqaat Ki...
Khushi jumped on to the bed, and with lavish hand throwing and clutching at her chest, smirks, head shaking and all, managed to convey that her jawani was going waste, and that the season was prime for mulaqat.
Arnav moved to the door. He could take a hint as well as the next man.


Haan, Nahin Nahin Haan, Abhi Nahin
Phir Kabhi Dildaar..., Payal mouthed.

The lovers battled it out on the radio.
Nahin Nahin, Kabhi Nahin
Main Hoon Beqaraar
La La La La, La La La La La La La La, La La La


Payal looked towards the opening door of their bedroom, saw Arnavji, and blushing, dashed past him to the kitchen. Arnav closed the door behind her.

Khushi was still on the bed, prancing, the dupatta now off her head and held aloft. She turned to find her Jiji, found her Arnavji, and stood shocked, the dupatta falling from her nerveless fingers.

Bade Voh Ho, Tum Piya
Zid Kyoon Nahin Chhodte
Ho...,  the lady sang.

Khushi looked in to the hot eyes of her Arnavji as he stalked her, moving closer to the bed on which she stood still as a statue.

Bade Voh Ho Tum Piya
Zid Kyoon Nahin Chhodte...

He reached her, and placing his hands on her waist, slowly lifted her down from the bed to slide down his body slooowly, his eyes on hers, not letting her look away.

Haan, Kaliyon Ko Khilne Se
Pehle Nahin Todte...
Khushi looked into Arnavji's eyes, her lips parted in shock, the feel of his hard body against hers driving her crazy with a longing she couldn't fully comprehend.

As the male singer sang,
Na, Nahin Nahin, Kabhi Nahin
Chali Jaayegi Bahaar..., Arnav swooped down and pressed a kiss on her soft, full, trembling lips.

 The lovers kissed to the accompaniment of the male and female voices, one persuasive and the other bashful.
Nahin Nahin, Abhi Nahin
Thoda Intezaar...

Na Na
Nahin Nahin, Abhi Nahin
Abhi Karo Intezaar



Nahin Nahin, Kabhi Nahin
Main Hoon Beqaraar...

Na Na Na Na, Mm Hm Hm Hm
Na Na Na Na, Na Baba...
Arnav lifted his head, and looked into her dazed eyes.
Jaane Jaan Phir Kahan
Aisi Tanhaaiyaan...

Khushi buried her face in his neck, hanging onto his broad shoulders for strength.
Oh, Jaane Bhi Do, Chhodo Mujhe
Hogi Ruswaaiyaan...

Arnav lifted her chin with one finger, and slowly caressed her rosy cheek, letting his finger trace the corner of her lips. Her breath hitched, the lids fell over her eyes, and  her lips parted. He bent his head to take her lips again.


Na, Nahin Nahin, Kabhi Nahin
Mat Karo Inkaar...

The lady sang
Nahin Nahin, Abhi Nahin
Thoda Intezaar, Thoda Intezaar..., but the real-life lovers were in no mood to listen to her.


 Part 18


As Arnav bent to take Khushi's lips again, there was a sudden blackout. At first, he thought that his entire body had shut down in the anticipation of almost more pleasure than it could stand, but when the radio came to a silent stop and her room became shrouded in darkness, he realised that the problem must be with electricity.

Khushi opened her eyes to see darkness all around her. She whimpered like an infant, disoriented, and clutched hard at Arnavji's shoulders, burying her face in his neck.

He could feel her trembling. He smiled, running his hand down her back. He said, "Khushi, it is just a current failure. The lights will be back soon."

He tried to lift her face to drop a kiss on her forehead, but she resisted, keeping her face hidden in his neck.

Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Such excessive fear of darkness! Maybe it had something to do with her parents' accident. Arnav hugged her closer, dropping a series of kisses on her hair, murmuring words of comfort, patting her back, rubbing her shoulders, trying to transfer his body heat to her chilled one.

The door to the bedroom opened slightly. A glimmer of light appeared in the gap.

"Khushi! Arnavji!", came Payal's tremulous call.
"Haan, Payal. Come in."

Payal entered the room with the candle, not in the least surprised to see Khushi in Arnavji's arms. She brought the candle close to Khushi and said, "Khushi, dekho, it is not dark anymore."

Khushi lifted her head slightly, saw the candle, and slowly withdrew from Arnav's hold.

Payal and Arnav led her to the bed and made her sit down. Arnav sat with her, her hold on his hand tight enough to crush his bones if he were a weaker man. Payal went to the kitchen to get a glass of water for Khushi.

Arnav pulled her gently into his arms. She lay against him, her head on his shoulder, his arm around her shoulders.

Payal made Khushi drink the glass of water, and then left the room.

Arnav looked at the pale girl resting against him, the smile absent from her lips. He closed his eyes in pain and hugged her tighter still. They sat together, silent in the darkness.

A while later, Khushi murmured, "W..we were going to the h...hospital."

"Hhmmm..."

"I... I was going to have a b..brother. A..Amma needed to go to the hospital at night. Amma, B..Babuji, & I were waiting for a rickshaw by the road. I...It was dark, except for a streetlamp..."

"Hhmmm..." Arnav swallowed.

"A truck... It turned the c...corner at a great speed. A...Amma, Babuji, m...my brother, all..." She swallowed the big lump in her throat. "I... I had seen a piece of shining paper stuck to a b...bush by the road. I...I had gone to look at it. It m...missed me..." She buried her face in the gap between his neck and shoulder, hot tears falling like a stream against his skin.

"T..The truck went away. A...Amma, B...Babuji, my b...brother... So much b...blood...I... I screamed for help. I couldn't get any s...sound out...There was n...no one around... It was d...dark... It started r...raining... The lightning & thunder...I... I kept on screaming...", she shook her head, caught in the nightmare of helplessness.

Arnav could feel tears filling his eyes and making their way down his cheeks into her hair.

"F...Finally, someone came. T...Then the hospital. A...Amma & B..Babuji lying there like two white bundles... My b...brother..." Tears overpowered her, sobs racking her body.

Arnav hauled her on to his lap, as close to him as possible. Her wet cheek lay against his, their tears intermingling. They stayed so for long, even after the current made a reappearance.

Then she whispered, "I am scared of speeding vehicles, of sleeping alone, of the dark, of thunder and lightning..."

Arnav nodded. Time passed. They remained unaware of it.

Arnav heard Babuji, Amma, & Buaji return from the temple.

He wiped the tears off Khushi's face with his fingers, and said, "Amma, Babuji, & Buaji are back."

She sat up, determined to clear all traces of crying from her face before her family saw them and worried far into the night.

Arnav cupped her face in his hands, looked into her moist eyes with red ones, and said, "Khushi, I promise. You will never be alone from tomorrow. I promise. I will be there with you always."

She nodded, "I know."

"If you need help, and call out, I will hear. I will be there. With you."

She nodded again.

Arnav carried her up in his arms and placed her on her bed. He covered her with her blanket, kissed her forehead, and whispered looking into her eyes, "This time, tomorrow night, we will be together."

She smiled at him.

He looked at her smiling face. He would do anything, anything to keep that smile on her face.

 Part 19



Arnav reluctantly turned away, knowing that he had to go home. Tomorrow was their wedding day, and the day would begin early with the haldi ceremony for the two couples. But to leave her behind...
Before he could take a step away from the bed, he felt her hand slipping into his.
He turned around, surprised.
"I am sorry, Arnavji!"
"For what?"
She sat up slowly. The blanket slipped away from her torso to pool around her waist. Her hand pulled him to sit by her.
She pulled him into her arms & cradled his head against hers.
"I am sorry, Arnavji! So sorry! I shouldn't have told you all this... I am sorry. It must have brought back bad memories for you. Babuji told me about your parents. I shouldn't have..."
"Sshh... Your Babuji said that what is past cannot be changed. He is right. Both of us have to live on." He eased himself into her arms, enjoying the warmth and the comfort that she was so willing to give him without any reservation.
"Khushi, we will be together, hamesha. You will never be alone again. And I don't want to be alone again."
Khushi nodded, her fingers in his hair, caressing his scalp, holding on to the short, unruly strands of his hair.
A while later, she said, "I feel much better, Arnavji. I haven't talked about my family in ten years, never told anyone other than Babuji & Amma about that night... I should not have kept it all inside. I should have talked about it."
Arnav nodded against her cheek.
"Shall I go now?", he asked softly.
Her arms tightened around him. He smiled against her neck.
"It is late.", he reminded her.
There was no response. He smiled.
"We have to be up early in the morning for haldi.", he reminded her softly.
Her arms slowly loosened, caressing every inch of his neck and shoulders they could touch on their way out.


Arnav left the room, and as he walked into the drawing room, saw Babuji, Buaji, and Amma waiting for him. They invited him to sit with them.
"Khushi must have been terrified when the lights went off.", said Babuji gently.
"Haan. Luckily Payal brought in a lit candle."
Babuji nodded, and Amma & Buaji sighed.
"She was talking about her parents and the accident.", he said softly.
The Guptas looked at him with pain in their eyes, a pain that was reflected in his.
Finally Babuji said softly, "Good. I am glad she talked to you about them."


A few minutes after Arnav left, Babuji phoned Nani to ask if both families could have the haldi ceremony together.
"Good moments are so few in life, Devyaniji. So I was thinking that we should celebrate them to the fullest with our loved ones enjoying them with us."
Nani, who was well-acquainted with loss and pain, was only too delighted.


The next morning, Amma & Buaji dressed Khushi & Payal for the haldi in white & red saris with lots of fragrant flowers in their hair and around their necks & wrists. Ladies from the neighbourhood came in droves with drums, ready to sing and make merry.
There was a slight noise at the door. Buaji looked up to see if more neighbours had dropped in. The Raizadas stood there in full force, smiling at her.
"Hai Re Nandkisore!"
The ladies laughed to see Buaji's expression of shock which was mirrored by Garima. They came in and hugged the Guptas while Babuji watched with an amused look on his face.
"Looks like Babuji didn't tell you that he invited us to have the haldi here!", laughed Anjali.
Amma & Buaji looked at Babuji in wonder. He laughed.
"We are the surprise guests." , Mami said. "Didn't the crow cry outsides your hause to infaarm (inform) you?"
The two families joined in the ensuing laughter.


Four seats were arranged for the brides & the grooms. Payal and Akash sat facing each other, Payal in a white & red sari & Akash in a white kurta. Khushi & Arnav sat in the remaining seats, Khushi by Payal & Arnav by Akash. A thin, transparent, blue dupatta was drawn between the boys & girls to maintain the proprieties.


Arnav feasted his eyes on the glowing face of Khushi, who was by no means backward in taking in the glory of Arnav Singh Raizada in his pristine white kurta. Payal & Akash were peeping at each other through the curtain.

Khushi leaned towards the dupatta, eager to tell Arnav something of importance. He leaned forward to hear her. She pulled down the dupatta a couple of inches and whispered in his ear. "You are looking so handsome in your white kurta, Arnavji. You look good in everything you wear, but in the white kurta, you look very dashing. Bilkul like a filmi hero!"

Arnav blushed.

"I will tell you how good you look tonight.", he whispered naughtily, his eyes not missing an inch of her in her white sari with a red border.

She looked at him with innocent eyes. "At the wedding?", she asked.

"No, later."

She frowned. "At the party after the wedding?"

"No, later."

She frowned into his wicked eyes. "When?"

 (Chowna, thanx!)

Before Arnav could answer her query, NK shouted, "This is cheating. Punditji, punditji! This naughty boy is peeking over the dupatta and talking to the girl!"
All giggled.
Khushi scowled playfully at NK. "Nanheji, you just wait. I will take revenge for all this when you get married." She stole a look at Mili who was standing near Buaji and laughing.
NK followed her gaze, and said weakly, "It is alright, Punditji! Let them talk! Husband & wife he! Diya & balti (bathi) he! Let them talk."
The women clutched their stomachs laughing.
Buaji asked NK, "He Nandkisore! Don't you want to get married, bitwaa?"
"Yes, yes, I do." NK decided to use his chance to the fullest. "Buaji, I want to get married, but only to a girl from the family of my bhabis."
"Hein?" Mami opened her mouth like a fish gasping for air.
Mamaji, being naturally smart, asked, "Have you selected someone?"
"Yes." NK blushed.
"Some beautiful girl?"
Nk blushed again, and said in a dream, "She is a ghulam (gulab) in a garden of chaante (kaante)."
Mamaji almost had a heart attack. He asked, "Who is this rare specimen?"
"I can't tell you, but I can point her out to you.", NK whispered in Mamaji's ears. "She has 4 big brothers!"
"Acha? Then speech can be hazardous to your health. Point her out to me. I will talk to Madhumatiji."
NK pointed out Mili to Mamaji, who clapped him on his back for his fine choice.


The ladies had a lovely time covering Arnav, Akash, Khushi, & Payal in the turmeric mixture. The women sang,

Pehle hardi more baba

Chadhawe lan...

Pache sajan sab log

Pehle hardiya mere

Chacha chadhawe lan

Bhaiya chadhawe lan...

Moswa chadhawe lan..

Pache sajan sab log...

All their relations and well wishers took their turn in applying the haldi paste to the feet, the knees, the hands, the shoulders, the heads, and the hearts of the four.

 Buaji managed to corner NK, and wrestling him to the ground, applied haldi on his face. The ladies and gents laughed out aloud at NK's antics. Akash, Arnav, Payal, & Khushi alone remained unaware of the fun, laughter, and music being played around them. They were lost in their own world.

As soon as the ceremony was over, Arnav pulled at the dupatta and threw it away.
"Thanks, Bhai!", Akash whispered.
Payal & Khushi blushed. The women laughed.
"What an eager bridegroom he is!", said one lady.
"Look at the blushing bride!", said another, envy in her tone.


Part 20




Arnav said, "Khushi, come with me!", and caught hold of her hand. She jumped up from her seat, and ran out of the room after him. Payal & Akash looked at them in amazement. One moment they had been sitting next to them, the next, they had vanished!
Arnav led Khushi into her bedroom & locked the door. She was standing near the bed. He walked up to her.
She giggled. "Arnavji, we look so funny. Covered in this yellow paste!"
Arnav smiled seeing her laugh. "Haan. You have more of it than I do.", he teased. "I can't see you behind all that haldi."
"Acha?", she narrowed her eyes. And did what he had been gasping for her to do.
She moved swiftly to him, caught him by his hand, and pushed him against the bedpost. He stood there, leaning against the bedpost, innocence in his eyes, helplessness in his stance, mentally begging her to attack him at the earliest. And Khushi, like the wish-fulfilling goddess that she was for him, placed her hands on the bedpost, locking him in place, preventing him from moving. Not that he wanted to. But she didn't know that.

She moved close to him so that just an inch or so of air separated their bodies.  Their heart beats picked up their pace, thudding in unison. Their breathing became rushed, their eyes locked. She leaned forward, and closing that leftover inch, rested fully against him and brought her face to his. Slowly, she rubbed her left cheek against his left one, transferring her excess haldi to his.

Halfway through, she forgot why she had touched his cheek with hers, enjoying the unique feel of his rough cheek against her soft one. The stubble felt nice. Men were made different from women, she mused, looking at the cheek she had just caressed with hers. She took a peek at his eyes. Heat emanated from them, scorching her skin. His eyes were focused on her, his head, his heart, and his body were all at her feet.



(Chowna, baby, thanxs)

Almost automatically, Khushi leaned into him again, bringing her right cheek against his right one, savouring the feel of him against her. The haldi was just an excuse. His body felt so strong, so hard, so hot against her softer one... She pressed herself closer to him, determined to enjoy herself fully.

 The road to discovery that Khushi had started on was torture to Arnav. He tightened his hold on the wooden railing of the bed, ordering his hands to keep away from her till the night when he could ravish her to his, no, their satisfaction.



"Titliyaa, Arnav Bitwaa!", Buaji called. "Come and wash away the haldi. The taps will be dry in 20 minutes."
Khushi frowned. Wash away? What? Haldi? She looked into Arnavji's face with dazed eyes, seeing the yellow paste. Oh! They were both dipped in it, and it had to be washed off.



They joined the long line outside the bathroom. At the end of 20 minutes, only they were left. The rest of their families had cleaned themselves up, and the water, after reducing itself to a trickle, had decided to say 'Bye Bye' like Mamiji till the evening. All laughed seeing the bride & groom standing covered in the yellow mixture.

Khushi said, "Arnavji, at this time, we can get water only from two places in this street. One is Happyji's garage. And the other is the hand pump in the middle of the road. Where would you like to wash off?"

Paling at the thought of washing himself in the middle of the street, he said, "Happyji's garage."

"The garage is closed today.", she said happily. "Happyji always leaves the key with us so that we can use the tap if necessary." She ran to get his bunch of keys & a dry towel, and dragging Arnav by the arm, led him to the garage across the street.

Arnav felt odd using someone's premises in his absence. He asked mildly, "Are you sure that he won't mind?"
Khushi frowned at him. "Why should Happyji mind? He is my friend.", she said proudly.
"Really?"
"Ji. We play cricket together in the evenings, and I make him samosas and jalebis."
Arnav remembered watching her carry a plate of samosas to Happyji.
"Oh! He is your samosa friend!"
"He will come for our wedding this evening. I will introduce you to him.", she promised Arnav this treat as she led him to the tap at one corner of the garage.

Arnav smiled.


She made him stand close to the sink, and like a mother cleaning the hands of her toddler, she held his arms in the flow of water and scrubbed at them. He stood watching her, fascinated by this child-woman. She kept on chatting about how Happyji had taught her to change the tyre of a car, how he had promised to teach her to drive, how he had taken her around Delhi in his junk of a rickshaw that no one else dared to touch for fear of the rust...

She wet a corner of the towel and wiped his face clean. Then his neck. He was finally free of the haldi. Now it was her turn. Or rather his.

He swiped the towel off her hand, and placed it aside. He led her to stand in front of the sink, and standing behind her, brought her hands forward and under the tap. He enjoyed every moment of scrubbing her arms clean, his hot breath falling against her ear, loving her heavy breathing, the faint trembling he could feel in her body...

He turned her towards him, and gently began wiping her face clean with a wet corner of the towel. She looked at him, her open eyes revealing her love for him, her desire for him, her need to be held in his arms... Just a few more hours, his eyes promised her silently. Then nobody could stop them. They would be married.

He gave her neck the last swipe, locked the workshop, and led her back home, holding her hand in his.

"The love-birds have come homewaa from the garagewaa!", Mami laughed.

Anjali said, "Chotey, it is time to go home. You and Akash need to rest in the noon so that you are fresh and ready for your weddings. Khushiji, Payalji, I am sorry to be taking them away!", she giggled.

Arnav & Akash blushed. Payal & Khushi hid their smiles.

"Hai re Nandkisore, the girls need to rest too!", teased Buaji.
"Haan, Madhumatiji! The evening is going to be long and ardous for the four of them.", laughed Nani.

"The night too, Saasumma!", Mami added, laughing out aloud.

The two families delighted in teasing the brides & grooms till they had to leave.