58. Keeping Khushi (Parts 51-60)

Part 51

Khushi looked around anxiously for Aarti. NK had finished his dance, and was surrounded by children hugging him & each other. As soon as he dealt with them, he looked around for Aarti, but couldn't find her. He looked at Khushi, who indicated the place where Aarti had been standing last, and then peered anxiously around.
"Whom are you searching for?", Arnav asked his wife who had been squirming under his arm for the past few minutes.
"My friend.", she said with a distracted air.
"Friend? Who?", Arnav was curious. Who was this friend he knew nothing about, and why was his wife so anxious about her?
Khushi looked at Arnav's perplexed face, and decided to tease him. She said, "He was supposed to be here, but..."
"He?"
"Ji."
"How old is he? Ten- twelve?", Arnav raised an eyebrow.
"Ten-twelve? Do you think all my male friends are children?"

"Haan. I do.", Arnav was sure. The smirk on his face said so.
Khushi hid her smile, and said, "He is 21-22, very, very handsome, with fine features, dressed all in white, polite, doesn't get angry easily..."
Arnav frowned. The smirk vanished. "I see. I should meet this paragon of virtues, I think."
"I will introduce him to you one day. Then you will understand why he is my friend.", she said, smiling lovingly at him and squeezing his fingers.
Arnav looked down at her naughty smile and her twinkling eyes, feeling her pressed against his side with pleasure.
"I love you, Khushi.", he whispered.



"Why didn't you dance during Sangeet, Nandkisore?", Buaji asked as Aarti drove her and Payalji home to Laxmi Nagar. "I saw you standing near the tree while NK babua was dancing, and then you vanished. I looked for you all around the place, Eeiyaam Bitwaa. But, Nandkisore, you had disappeared like gadhe ke sar se seengh."
Aarti smiled slightly at Buaji's complaint, and prayed that she wouldn't notice the mehendi on her hands that were on the steering wheel.
"What is wrong with the youngsters nowadays, Nandkisore? No energy. No josh. Hamare zamane mein, hayyee! We used to dance away the whole night when our friends got married!", Buaji sighed, her mind lost in the recollection of her rangeen past.
Aarti and Payal smiled.
Buaji saw them smiling.
"Why are you two smiling, Nandkisore? Making fun of your Buaji, are you? Hhmmm! I was not like this 35 years back." She pointed to her bulky body. "I had Patli kamariyaa, tirchi nazariyya... The boys of our gali would sit on walls waiting for me to walk out of the house!"
"Buaji! I never knew you were so naughty!" Payal teased her. "Poor Phoophaji! Did he know about the long line of admirers?"
"Hai Re Nandkisore! He was the first one in line!", laughed Buaji.
Payal & Aarti laughed.

"Eeiyaam Bitwaa, come early tomorrow morning. Woh kya he, the Raizadas did all the arrangements for Payal's wedding. If we don't get there early, Khushi Bitiyaa will arrange everything for haldi, alone, without taking anyone's help. It is not right. We should be at Omkar early in the morning, before Khushi Bitiyaa finishes all the work by herself.", Buaji said.
Aarti nodded.

It was time. High time to withdraw. Leave the Raizadas and the Sinhas and the children and Baba...and... and the Sunflower... The world of dreams...
Her life was waiting for her.
She said, "A car will be ready for you at 6 in the morning, Buaji. It will wait at your door till you are ready to leave for Omkar."
"Tum aisan kaahe kah rahe ho, Nandkisore, as though you won't be here?"
Aarti looked away for a second, and then turned to face her.
"Buaji, you don't worry. Another driver will be at your home early in the morning."
There was silence in the car for a few seconds.



"Gaadi roko." Buaji said.
Aarti slammed on the brakes.
"I don't want another driver. I want only you, Eeiyaam Bitwaa."
"Buaji.", Aarti tried to protest.
"Can't you come for the wedding tomorrow?", asked Payal, hopefully.
"Err... I... I was roped in at the last moment. I was not supposed to..."
"Who is your manager, hein? Your boss? Give me his number, Nandkisore. I will talk to him directly, and get permission." , Buaji threatened.
"Buaji!", Aarti sighed. "I will talk to him."
"Tell him that we don't want a seventh car if you are not driving it, Eeiyaam Bitwaa. We will take a rickshaw."

Aarti sat looking at the steering wheel for a few seconds. Then she said quietly, "I will come. Now, shall I take you home? Your family must be worried. They will think that I kidnapped the bride and her Buaji!"
Payal smiled. Buaji tried to control the small smile peeping out. She said, "Hhmmmppfff! The man hasn't been born who can kidnap me!"
Soon, they reached Laxmi Nagar. The rest of the family and relations had already reached home.
Before helping Payal & Buaji out, Aarti decided to come clean. There was no need for her to do this, she knew. She would never see them after tomorrow, but... It was always better to be honest. She didn't want Buaji wondering weeks later if Eeiyaam Bitwaa had grown a mush or built muscles. She didn't want Buaji searching for her in the akhada near her house or coming to find her in the office. She didn't want the middle aged lady to feel mortified later when she found out the truth, after she had invested too much in the enigma called Eeiyaam. A man who did not exist.
"Buaji, please look at me.", she said softly.
Buaji & Payal looked at her. Aarti lifted the cap off her head, and turned her face to them.
"You have beautiful eyes, Bitwaa.", said Buaji. "Bilkul ladki jaisen."
"That's because I am a girl, Buaji. My name is Aarti. Aarti M. I gave you my initials, AM, when you asked me my name. You heard it as a name."
Buaji stared at her, mouth open. Payal looked at Aarti's fine features, and excellent complexion with new eyes.
"Hai Re Nandkisore!", Buaji whispered.
"I.. I didn't want... anyone to know I am a girl....err...that's why I didn't tell you.", Aarti shrugged.
There was silence for a few minutes in the car.
"I am sorry.", Aarti said.
Buaji brushed that aside. "Is this the work you do, Bitiyaa? Driving people around?"
"Ji. I also repair vehicles."
"Like Happyji? In the workshop across our house, Nandkisore?", Buaji pointed to the workshop.
Aarti looked at the auto workshop. "Ji."
"You work with men all the time, Bitiyaa?"
"Ji."
"The people who hire your car are mostly men, aren't they, Bitiyaa?"
"Ji."
"Then you remain a man. Don't tell them you are a woman, Nandkisore! It is such a dangerous world, Bitiyaa, for such a beautiful girl like you. Driving late at night with men... Who knows what kind of rascals come to hire a car?"
Aarti looked at Buaji, wonder in her eyes.
"Whom do you have in your family, Bitiyaa?"
"Err... Just my mother."
"You look after her?"
"Ji."
"You have no one else?"
"Gopi Kakka. He looks after Amma when I am working."
Buaji's big eyes filled with tears. She pinched Aarti's chin with love.
"You are such a good Bitiyya. Taking care of your Amma. Working and taking care of her. She is blessed to have such a good daughter like you!"
Payal nodded.
Aarti looked at Buaji & Payal, helpless, not knowing how to accept or refuse the credit they were determined to shower on her.
"Aarti Bitiyaa, you are just like Payaliyya here. She too looks after her father's hospital." Buaji sighed. "My brother, Payaliyya's father, is a doctor. He went abroad to study, and returned with many big degrees after his name. Everyone expected him to take up a well-paying job and to mint money. But my Prakash babua, he started a hospital for the poor, Nandkisore. He worked in two other hospitals, and used his salary to run the charity hospital. Our relations...", Buaji sniffed, "...called him crazy. They fought with him when he sold land he owned to finance two ambulances and staff for the clinic, Nandkisore. When Payaliyya started her medical course, everyone said that she would teach her father how to live. But as soon as she finished her studies, she joined her father's hospital." Buaji sighed. "Now my Prakash babua is in a wheelchair. Payaliyya looks after everything in the clinic, and works part-time in another hospital."
"Buaji and Amma too used to help out when Babuji was healthy.", Payal smiled at Aarti. "It is Dr. Sinha's Clinic near the big Devi Maiyya's temple on the Main Road near the government school.", she said softly. "Bring your mother if she needs to see a doctor. The treatment is free."
Aarti looked at Payal in shock. This soft-spoken, kind-hearted, unassuming lady was a doctor, and was running a free clinic for the poor?

Buaji said, "Tum Eeiyaam Bitwaa ho yaa Aarti Bitiyaa. I want only you to drive us to Omkar tomorrow." Buaji searched in her capacious bag. "Do you have a pen, Bitiyaa?"
"Ji." Aarti handed over a pen.
Buaji wrote something on a card, and gave it and the pen to Aarti.
It was an invitation to the wedding between Akash Singh Raizada and Payal Sinha, addressed to Aarti M & her Pujaneeya Mother.


Part 52
"Arnavji, I was thinking.", Khushi hesitated.
"Hmmm...?"
"I should stay back in Omkar tonight. Woh kya he, there are lots of arrangements to be made for tomorrow, and..."
Arnav looked at Khushi for a moment. And then nodded.


Khushi closed the door of her room in Omkar, had a bath, & slipped into her white kurta & loose pyjamas that she normally wore to sleep in while at Omkar. It had buttons up to her neck, but she left a few undone. There was no one to see her tonight.
She opened the doors to the small courtyard near her room. A gentle breeze played with the leaves of the hundreds of jasmine plants in pots, carrying the scent of jasmine flowers to her. She smiled, running her fingers through the long length of her hair, letting the strands fly in the wind.
She wondered what Arnavji was doing at RM. He must have changed into casuals, and got into bed.
Or maybe, he was on the laptop, working.
 Maybe he was talking to Amanji on the phone.
His fingers fell on her kurta-clad shoulders. She turned around, her eyes wide in shock. Maybe he was at Omkar, standing looking at her, smiling...
She threw her arms around him, hugging his lean frame to her soft one. "Aap! How...? You had gone with the others..."
"I dropped them off, got my clothes for the night & tomorrow's functions, and returned." He looked at the amazement and joy she couldn't control with a smile on his lips.
"We have to get up early in the morning, right?", he asked.
"Ji."
"Then let's not waste any more time."
He lifted a laughing Khushi in his arms, and laid her gently in her bed. Her small bed. Her single bed. Her bed that she had never expected to share with anyone.


(Illyria, thanx!)

She cupped his face as he bent over her. "The bed is small.", she murmured.
He caught her hand in his, kissed it, and whispered, "Good."
He crawled in beside her, lying almost on her. He kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes, loving the warm touch of his hard lips on the soft skin of her forehead.
"Tired?", he asked.
She nodded.
"It was a long day for you. Let's get some sleep.", he whispered.
"Not so fast, Arnavji.", she chuckled. "I want my daily quota of kisses."
Arnav chuckled too, and began to shower her face and neck with slow kisses. Khushi sighed in pleasure. Slowly, her fingers played with the hem of his T-shirt, and slipped under it, tracing the hard edges of his muscles that rippled as he moved to scatter kisses all over.
"Don't.", panted Arnav.
Khushi looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
"Or I won't be responsible for what happens."
Khushi laughed.
"I mean it. You won't get any sleep tonight.", growled Arnav.
Khushi continued to giggle.
Breathing heavily, Arnav finally fell back on the bed. He crossed his arms. "Go to sleep. I won't disturb you."
Khushi smiled. "But I will disturb you.", she whispered against his ear.
She leaned over him, the scented cloud of her hair falling over him, enclosing both of them in a world of their own. She kissed his forehead, the frown lines between his eyebrows, his proud nose, his ears, the stubble on his cheeks, his stubborn chin, his jaw line..., peppering her kisses with murmured compliments.
"Uummm... You smell so good, Arnavji!"
"I love your stubble. When you rub your face against mine, it... it tickles me..."
"Your fingers are so naughty. So... so talented. Magical..."
"Why are you smiling? Because you know your lips drive me mad?"
She bit his neck lightly, and he gasped in pleasure. Her fingers pulled his T-shirt off his toned body, running her fingers and hands over him with haq.
His hands tried to sneak under her kurta, but she caught hold of them, kissed his fingers, and placed his hands firmly on the bed. "No touching, no touching, only seeing, only seeing.", she murmured.
She sat on her knees and looking into his eyes, pulled her kurta off slowly, inch by inch. Arnav gulped.



Khushi got up early in the morning, leaving the warmth of Arnavji's arms with great difficulty. He was reluctant to let go of her, and she didn't want to leave his arms, ever. It was as if his arms held all that she had ever wanted in her life. But she had to get up. She sighed, and pressed a last kiss on his cheek as she left the bed.
"Khushi...", he murmured in his sleep.
"Go back to sleep, Arnavji. I will call you when it is time."
Her and his clothes were scattered around the bed on the floor. As she bent to pick them up, she felt sick. She ran to the bathroom, and retched. A while later, washed and dressed in a blue green anarkali, she left her husband and their bedroom and went down for aarti and to make the final arrangements for the haldi.
As she walked into the hall where the function was to be held, Buaji, Payalji, & Aarti walked in from the other door.
"Aap sab! So early in the morning?", Khushi was astounded.
"Acha! So you thought we would let you do all the work alone, Nandkisore?", Buaji asked, hands on hips.
Khushi hugged Buaji, saying, "I am so glad you came early."
She then hugged Payal, whispering in her ear, "Tonight, you will be with your Akashji. Just wait till this day ends!". Payal blushed.
Khushi then moved to Aarti, hugging her till her ribs were in danger of cracking. "I am so happy that you came early today, Aartiji."
"Hein? You know, Nandkisore?", Buaji asked.
"Khushiji found out, Buaji. She was too sharp for me.", Aarti said quietly, a small smile on her lips.
"NK Bhai found out, and told me.", Khushi said happily. "He is the smart one, not me."
Aarti paled & then blushed, hoping that Buaji wouldn't ask how the Sunflower had found out. But true to her luck, Buaji asked, "NK Babua? How did he...?"
Aarti drew in a deep breath. She was used to thinking on her feet and facing emergencies alone. As she opened her mouth to distract Buaji, she realised that she didn't have to do everything on her own.
Khushi said, "Buaji, it is time for aarti."
Buaji & Payal quickly looked at Aarti.
Khushi laughed. "Not her. The pooja." She led a laughing Buaji, Payal, & Aarti to the temple for aarti. They were joined by Baba. It was too early for the children.
After aarti, the five of them made all the arrangements so that Payal and Akash could be dunked in haldi by their relations, friends, and the children. Drawing a sheer curtain between the chairs on which Payal and Akash were to sit, Khushi said, "Aartiji, shall I get an anarkali for you? Or a saree?"
"Err, no, thank you.", said Aarti softly. "I am on duty."
Buaji snorted. "What duty? You are a guest. Why should you wear your uniform during haldi, Nandkisore? Are you a soldier getting ready for war on the border?"
Aarti smiled slightly.



"Look at Payaliyaa. She is wearing a yellow suit so that all the ladies can cover her in haldi and it won't show. And Khushi Bitiyaa! She is wearing a blue-green suit hoping that no one will dirty her nice clothes. Why can't you wear colourful clothes here, like them?"
"I am working, Buaji.", Aarti smiled.
"Hhmmmppfff! And why didn't you bring your mother?", Buaji asked.
"Err... She never goes out. Her health is not very..."
"Oh!", said Buaji. "She doesn't go out, Nandkisore? Theek hei! Then I will come to meet your mother in your house one day soon."
Aarti drew in a deep breath. How to get out of this one?
"I will accompany you, Buaji!", said Khushi, delighted. This would help NK Bhai's cause. And she would love to meet Aartiji's mother.
"I will come too, Buaji!", said Payal.
Khushi turned to Aarti, anxious. "You don't mind, do you, Aartiji? All of us visiting you?"
What could Aarti say in the face of such love?
"No. Please let me know when you are visiting us. I will make it a point to be at home then."
Buaji, Payal, & Khushi smiled, delighted.
In her mind, Aarti hit herself on her head and kicked herself for getting into such impossible situations.


Khushi left them talking, and went to the kitchen to make tea for all of them. As she placed a big pan of water on the stove, she felt her husband's arms close around her, pulling her back against his hard chest. She rested against him, eyes closed, her arms over his, enjoying the few moments of peace and togetherness which were all they would get that day.
"Shall I get you tea?", she whispered, unwilling to destroy the peace in that room.
He nuzzled her neck. "Later."
Khushi smiled.
"Why didn't you wake me up? I could have helped you."
"Buaji, Payalji, & Aartiji came early. Baba too came down."
"Aartiji? Who is that? Some relation of Payal's?"
"No, the chauffeur NK Bhai arranged."
"What the!"
"Her name is Aarti. She is about 21 or 22 years old. She can repair cars & drive them. She is very, very good looking, with fine features, dressed all in..."
"...white, and is very polite.", Arnav completed, smiling into her ear. "So that's your boy friend!"
"Well, she is my friend who dresses like a boy. So I suppose you can call her my boy friend.", Khushi admitted.
Arnav chuckled.



"This colour looks wonderful on you.", Arnav said, running his hand over her waist covered in a blue-green anarkali.
"Naniji bought it for me. Di & Mamiji selected it.", her voice was thin.
"Uumm... It makes my tigress look like a cuddly kitten." He bit the lobe of her ear slightly.
She jumped. "Tigress? Me?"
"My wife. My tigress. So demure else where, and  a tigress in bed."
Khushi blushed, and pushed him away.





Part 53


Soon guests started pouring in. Ladies in large numbers alighted from vehicles, and made a beeline for the hall where haldi was to be held.
Aarti withdrew from the scene, and sat in her car, watching the crowd.



Arnav Singh Raizada was wearing black formal clothes. He was smiling at something Vivek was telling him as they carried heavy baskets inside.
The children were all in white kurtas & pyjamas, ready to dip Payalji & Akashji in yellow haldi mixture.
The... the Sunflower was in a golden yellow kurta. Her eyes lingered on him as he helped Chotu hang garlands of yellow and orange marigold flowers across the entrance. His tall, muscular body in the yellow kurta lured her eyes. The broad shoulders...the deft fingers that knotted the strings so effortlessly and decorated the entire place in a few minutes... the long legs as he clambered on to chairs, stools, & ladders to reach high pegs...the smile on his face as he chatted to Chotu as they worked...
As she watched, he finished his work and walked past her car into the house. Aarti sat, petrified. Would he come to meet her? The firm brush of his lips on hers! The very thought of it had been stealing her sleep and peace of mind. Not to forget his marriage proposal...
As she sat watching the main house pensively, she saw Surajmukhi walk out, towards her car. She slowly slipped out, and darted behind the other cars to reach the kitchen. She could always claim that she had been looking for a glass of water. She rushed into the kitchen, but stopped short.
Khushiji was sitting, slumped on a stool in a corner. She was leaning against the wall, resting her head against it, weary. Aarti stood motionless for a moment. Khushiji sitting still like this! Looking so pale! Sitting silent! That too on her darling devar's haldi & wedding day. It was not natural. There was something wrong.
Aarti looked around anxiously. Where was her family? They loved her, didn't they? Then why were they not around, keeping an eye on her? But there was no one else. Only her. Aarti slowly walked up to Khushiji, and touched her shoulder.
Khushi opened her eyes to see the anxious eyes of Aarti looking at her.
"I am feeling very tired, Aartiji. I don't know why." Her voice was feeble, her face pale. "I came to make some tea, but the smell of the tea leaves..." She waved her hand in front of her face. "I couldn't..."
"Shall I call...?"
"No." Her eyes shot open. "Let the wedding be over. I will go for a medical check up tomorrow. Till then, somehow..."
"Shall I help you to your room?"
Khushi smiled wanly. "Would you? I will lie down for sometime. I will feel better then."
Aarti slowly helped her stand up and walk to her room. As they entered the room, Khushi said in a low voice, "Please lock the door."
Aarti locked the door from inside, and helped Khushi lie down. As Aarti tried to get off the bed after arranging the pillow beneath Khushi's head at a comfortable height, Khushi caught hold of her arm. Aarti sat back on the bed.

"Don't tell anyone. If Arnavji finds out, he will be very upset. Baba, my children, Naniji, Di, Mamiji, Akash Bhai, NK Bhai, Mamaji, Payalji, Buaji, Amma, Babuji... They will be upset."
Reluctantly, Aarti nodded. She poured some water in a glass, and holding Khushi's head up, made her drink it. Then she sat looking at Khushiji, lying with her eyes closed, her hand holding Aarti's hand firmly.
It was a comfortable silence.
"Do you like NK Bhai?", Khushi asked suddenly, shattering the peace.
Aarti stared at her, speechless.
"I hope you do. Because he loves you, Aartiji."
Aarti swallowed.
"He is a good man. Honest. Loving. Loyal. And most important, kind."
Aarti could not get a word out to save her life. She should have known that the Sunflower would tell his Khushi Bhabi everything.
"When he said that he loved you, I was so happy. I was ready to love you without seeing you. But when I met you, I realised why he loved you so much.", Khushi smiled, her eyes still shut.
Aarti looked away, finding it difficult to breathe.
"There is something so honest and good about you. It radiates from you..." Khushi's voice was weak, but she was determined to speak her mind. "I knew that the girl who married NK Bhai would be lucky. Now I know that NK Bhai is also lucky if he gets to marry you." Khushi pressed Aarti's fingers in hers.
"You... you need to rest, Khushiji."
Khushi nodded. "Will you open the wardrobe for me?"
Aarti opened it. Many colourful sarees & suits were neatly arranged and hung in it. The fragrance of jasmine emanated from Khushiji's clothes. She looked at Khushi, silently asking her what it was that she wanted.
"On the right side.", Khushi pointed. There was a gift-wrapped package. Aarti withdrew it from the cabinet and took it to Khushi to hand it over to her.
"It is for you.", Khushi said, a small smile on her lips. "I hope you like it."
Aarti stood, shocked, the gift in her hand.
"I bought three. One for Payalji. One for you. And one for me. I bought other gifts for Naniji, Di, & Mami."
"Me? You bought something for me?", Aarti whispered.
"Haan. I hope you like it.", Khushi smiled at her.
"Thank you. Now...now I... I will leave you to rest.", Aarti manged to say. She needed to get out of here at the earliest. Her throat was all choked up and burning.
Khushi smiled, and closed her eyes.


Aarti opened the door and rushed out, only to halt suddenly at the sight of the Sunflower waiting for her outside his Bhabi's room. Escape was impossible.
"Aarti!" He smiled at her, his eyes on her lovely face under the cap. He rapidly walked up to her, and in a quick moment smeared haldi on her right cheek. She stood staring at him, her big eyes fixed on his laughing ones.
"Hey, what happened?", he asked. "You look pale."
Aarti remained silent, only her rapid breathing and pale face conveying her discomfort. If she could kill him, she would. He and his family! They were bent upon turning her life upside down. She clenched her fingers around the gift. His kiss! His marriage proposal! His Bhabi!
She wished she had never set her eyes on him.
NK walked into her, throwing his arms around her, hugging her, holding her close and safe in his warmth, her head under his chin. She struggled slightly. He did not tighten his hold, but just continued to hold her, not letting her push him away, throw him off. His very gentleness disarmed her.
She stopped struggling and sagged against him. What was she going to do? Khushiji... Buaji... Payalji... The Sunflower... Her mother... Their past... Her truth.
For a moment she wished she were a spoiled toddler who could lie on the floor, beat her arms & legs in fury, bang her head against the wall, pull her hair out, and generally make a spectacle of herself without eliciting comments.
She sighed. But she wasn't a toddler. She was Aarti Mishra, the sole caretaker of her mother, a mausoleum of a house, a successful business, the careers & financial security of hundreds of employees, the insides of many cars & trucks... She had to take control of her life, manage matters better. Otherwise, others would suffer.
She slowly withdrew from his arms, and wiping off the haldi with her hanky, left him. NK stood looking after her.

The haldi was over. All the women, children, and men were washing away the turmeric mixture. Aarti managed to get hold of Buaji for a moment.
"Buaji, I need to go to the office for some time. Any time you need me, just give me a call. I will be here in 10 minutes."
"But lunch, Nandkisore! The feast..."
"I will have something later."

Aarti prepared to leave Omkar, but her feet faltered at the thought of Khushiji lying alone in her room. She looked around. Where on earth was her husband?

She saw him then. Arnav Singh Raizada and the boys were carrying heavy poles to the site where the marriage was to be held in the evening. The Surajmukhi was with him. 

She would have to do something. Aarti went inside the house, making her way through the crowd till she spied Payal drying her face & hands.

"Can I speak to you for a moment, Payalji? Alone?", she asked softly.

Payal looked at her, startled.

Taking her aside, Aarti whispered about finding Khushi in the kitchen. About her weariness and her nausea. "She asked me not to tell this to anyone, but... Can you just check her?"

Payal smiled at her, & nodded. Taking hold of Aarti's hand, she accompanied her to Khushiji's room. They knocked on the door. There was no response. Aarti pushed the door open, softly. Khushiji was asleep.
Payal & Aarti went in. Payal sat by Khushi, and touched her forehead. Khushi woke up.

"Payalji? The haldi! I am so sorry... I..."

"Can I examine you, Khushiji? You seem unwell."

Khushi looked at a smiling Payal and a determined Aarti standing with her arms crossed and a mulish expression on her face. She gave in.
Aarti left them to it, and went to stand outside the room.

A few minutes later, Payal came out and whispered in Aarti's ear that she suspected Khushiji was pregnant and that she needed a home pregnancy test kit for confirmation.

"If you can ask someone to buy one...?", Payal said.
"I will go.", Aarti said. 

Aarti drove to the nearest medical store and asked for a pregnancy test kit. As she was about to pay for one, she hesitated. What if the result was incorrect? Or the kit defective? She bought three kits, all of different brands, and brought them back to Omkar. She made her way silently into the house, and slipped into Khushiji's room.

Khushi & Payal were waiting for her. Aarti handed over the three kits to them. They stared at her. 

"If one is wrong or defective...", she shrugged.

Khushi & Payal smiled at her, moist-eyed. 

"Err... I need to get to the office. I will be back in the evening. I have taken permission from Buaji. The other 6 drivers will be here, anyway." Aarti told Payal, and made to leave the room.

"Aartiji, can you wait for 5 minutes?", Khushi asked.

Aarti swallowed. She didn't want to hang around. She didn't want to see Khushiji's tears of disappointment if the test was negative. She didn't want to see Khushiji's tears of joy if the test was positive. She didn't want to see the Sunflower. At all. 

She just wanted, no, needed to get out at the earliest. Go back to her house and her mother, and remind herself of her reality.

"Just five minutes.", said Payal.

Aarti nodded, reluctantly. "I will wait outside.", she said.

Aarti stood cooling her heels outside Khushiji's bedroom, glancing at the old clock hanging on the wall. Tick tock, tick tock, the clock measured the passing time.

Payal opened the door, and called Aarti in. Khushiji was sitting on the bed, tears falling down her cheeks. Damn! Damn! And double damn! Those stupid things must have been negative!, Aarti thought.

As Aarti walked up to the bed, Khushi caught hold of her hand. She held on to Payal's arm with her other hand.

The door slammed open. Arnav Singh Raizada stood there, looking anxious. "Khushi? Kya hua? I looked for you, but....I asked the others, but no one had seen you. Khushi...?" 

Payal and Aarti moved away from the bed. 


(Shopau, thanx!)

He rushed to his wife, sat down by her, cupped her face in his hands, and asked in a terrified whisper. "Kya hua, Khushi?"




Part 54


Khushi looked at his terrified eyes, and slowly leaned into his arms, passing her arms around his shoulders, and placing her head in the crook of his neck. Her hot tears wet his collar.

"Khushi?", his husky voice was huskier than usual with fear.

She whispered in his ear, "You are going to be a father, Arnavji."

Arnav sat looking straight at the wall, his mouth open, his arms tight around his wife, totally oblivious of the two ladies watching them.

Aarti murmured, "Positive or negative?"

"Positive. All 3 kits.", whispered Payal.

"Why does he look as though someone hit him on the head with a hard object?", Aarti asked in a low but matter-of-fact voice.

Payal tried to control her quivering lips, and led Aarti out of the room by taking hold of her arm and pulling her to the door.

Arnav still remained speechless. But his lack of words did not faze his wife who cuddled further into his warm, loving arms.

Finally, he slowly lifted her face, and looked deep into her swimming eyes.



(Barundeewani19, thanx!)

"We are...", he swallowed, "...we are really going to be p... parents?" His eyes were moist & tinged with red.

"Ji.", Khushi smiled at him.

"I never thought... I hoped, but..." He swallowed. Then he rained kisses on her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, and chin. He slowly moved his hand over the flat expanse of her waist, cupping the safe cradle where his son or daughter lay.

"Our baby!", he said in wonder. Khushi placed her hand over his, and both of them looked at their hands.

"Khushi, thank you." His gratitude was heart-felt.

"The effort was all yours.", Khushi chuckled, wiping her tears away. "I just had a lovely time...", she kissed his chin. "...being pampered...", she kissed his cheek, "...being kissed...", she kissed his ear, "...being loved..."

"Khushi?", came his low query.

"Ji?"

"Is it possible to die of too much happiness?"

Khushi burst out laughing. She said in between chuckles, "I don't know, Arnavji. But it looks like we are going to find out."

"Khushi, were you feeling ill?", he asked anxiously, dropping kisses where ever he could reach, holding her to him as close as possible.

Khushi told him about her fatigue and nausea, her frequent naps, how Aarti had found her and helped her to the bedroom, how she had called Payal for help, how Payal had felt it might be pregnancy that was causing these symptoms, how Aarti had gone to get one pregnancy kit and returned with three, and how all had turned out to be positive...

"Khushi, why didn't you tell me? What if you had fallen somewhere...?", he paled.
"I didn't know why I was feeling tired, Arnavji. I thought it was because of the wedding."
"Khushi, how come you were alone? How come our family didn't know that you were missing during the haldi function?", Arnav frowned.
"Arnavji! I was with them. I applied haldi to Akash bhai & Payalji, and was sitting with Naniji, Mamiji, & Di, having fun. Then, I suddenly felt like having a cup of tea and a short nap. I whispered in their ears that I was going to the kitchen for tea, and then to lie down for a while before the wedding."

"They agreed? They let you go alone?", Arnav was astounded.

Khushi said sheepishly, "I yawned. Then Mamiji said that you must have kept me up all night." Khushi blushed.

Arnav hugged her closer, and whispered in her ear. "Mamiji doesn't know who kept whom up last night."

Khushi laughed.

Arnav made her lie down in bed, and bent down to place his lips against her stomach. "The world thinks your mother is a lamb. But she is a tigress in real." His voice was so soft and loving that Khushi had to blink to clear her eyes.

"The world thinks your father is khadoos and akhdoo. But he is a soft-hearted darling in real.", she countered.

Arnav looked at her, his heart in his eyes.

"And he loves both of us very much.", she completed, her voice dripping honey, looking straight into his eyes.


Arnav went in search of Payal and Aarti. They were in Payal's room. Payal was sitting on the bed, holding on to an Aarti who was desperate to leave. Buaji and a few other ladies were busy setting out the clothes and jewellery that Payal had to wear that evening. The noise came to an end abruptly as Arnav appeared at the doorway. Payal & Aarti jumped up from the bed, and stood up in respect.

"Err... Buaji, can I speak to Payal alone?"

Buaji smiled widely. "Why not, Bitwaa?" She turned to the ladies. "All of you, let's go and have some tea. Let Payaliyaa's Jetji talk to her in private, Nandkisore." She herded the ladies out.

Aarti was gratefully leaving with them when Arnav Singh Raizada said, "Aarti?"

"Ji.", she sighed. 

"Can you stay back for a moment?"

"Ji." No other answer was possible.

Once all the others left, Arnav shut the door, and faced Payal & Aarti.

"I just wanted to thank both of you.", Arnav was sincere but slightly shy. "If something had happened to Khushi... If both of you hadn't helped her..."

Payal smiled. 

Aarti nodded, hoping this would end soon. She had started out by running away from the Sunflower, and now she was in a room with one of his Bhabis & his Nannav! How funny! Although she was in no mood to laugh.

"Congrats!", Aarti said.

"Congratulations!", said Payal.



(Archu-daffodil, thanx!)
 
Arnav blushed slightly, and mumbled "Thanks." He had never been a father before. All this was new to him.

Then he said, "Payal, Aarti, don't mention this to anyone today. Let the wedding take place. We can give them the good news tomorrow."

"Ji.", said Payal, smiling, understanding that he did not want to take away the focus from their wedding.
 
Aarti nodded. What did Arnav Singh Raizada think she was about to do? Hire a mike set, climb on top of the tallest building in Omkar, and announce this good news to the world? And have all the guests fuss over Khushiji while Payal & Akash waited for the guests to notice them at their own wedding? So this was how new fathers and loving brothers behaved!

"Is everything ready, Payal? Is there anything you need for the wedding?"

"No. Everything is ready, Arnavji. Khushiji bought me my wedding saree and the jewels I need to wear with it. I just have to wear them and get ready.", Payal smiled, happy.

"I hope she will be able to attend the wedding...", Arnav was anxious.

Payal said, "Please don't worry about her. Hum he na? I will take good care of her, make sure that she rests her legs, takes proper meals, and goes for regular check ups. She will be fine."

Arnav heaved a sigh of relief, and nodded, smiling at Payal. Aarti stood watching the interaction between the brother and the sister.

He turned to Aarti. "Let me know if you need anything. Anything at all."

Aarti nodded. Maybe she should ask him to send Sunflower back to Sydney. One boon in return for the help she had rendered Khushiji? Would that wipe him out of her mind and her memory? She wished she could try and see.

Arnav nodded at both of them, and left the room. 

Payal looked at Aarti and Aarti returned the smiling look. Before Payal could open her mouth to request her to stay back, Aarti said, "I need to leave. See you in the evening, Payalji."

She left the room, her legs racing, eating up the distance to her car. She reached it, and slipped into it. She drove out of Omkar, straight to her house. As she was about to leave the car, she noticed the gift Khushiji had given her. It was on the seat beside her. She picked it up, and walked into her house.


Later, after she had fed her mother, and snatched a few bites in between, Aarti told her mother, "Amma, remember the Raizadas? I told you about them?"
Kamla Mishra nodded.
"Khushiji gave me a gift today."
"Why?", asked her Amma in a low voice.
"Only God, Khushiji, & Arnav Singh Raizada know why Khushiji does things.", Aarti smiled.
"What is it?", her Amma asked.
Aarti brought the package to her mother's side, pulled the bow open, and shed the cover. She opened the expensive-looking box inside to see a red sari with lots of gold work on it.



She took it out of the box with trembling fingers, and placed it across her Amma's lap.
"Banarsi silk saree!", Kamla Mishra's face lit up.
Aarti looked at the animation on her mother's face with wide eyes and a glad heart. She then looked at the silk with wonder. Her first sari.
"Look at the gold work! The red silk! Your grandfather gave me a Banarsi silk saree for my wedding!" Her face lost its cheer as the ghost of Mohan Mishra entered the room.
Aarti said, "Acha? Which colour was it?"
"Brick red." Kamla Mishra mumbled.
"Was the design the same one?"
"No, it was the mango design.", Kamla Mishra sighed.


Later, Aarti took the sari and its wrapping & bow to her room. Standing in front of the floor length mirror, she held the sari against her. The vivid colour made her skin look creamy. The silk seemed to want to cling to her body.
Aarti slowly folded it carefully, keeping to the lines of its previous fold. She put it into its box, and folded the wrapping & added the satin thread of the bow. She opened her wardrobe.

In the entire space, hung 2 shirts and 2 pairs of trousers. One black, and the other brown. One set of underclothes and 2 sets of kurta pyjamas were folded neatly and kept to the side. This was her yearly ration of clothes that her father had dictated. He had been dead 4 months, after being laid up for 2 months. But habit had forced her to continue with the 2 sets.

Aarti added the open box with the colourful sari to the dull, meagre contents of her wardrobe, and stood looking at the brightly coloured silk.



Part 55


Arnav slipped into his & Khushi's room in Omkar, and closed the door after him softly. 

He looked towards the bed. Khushi was asleep again. He walked towards her on silent feet, and stood looking at her. She looked like a child, her face calm & peaceful. Her long lashes lay over her eyes, her cheeks looked pink, the fine lines of her ear & neck tempted him to touch her, the few strands of hair falling across her face called his fingers to move them behind the curve of her ear... He smiled, and pushed the hair behind her ear, gently, lovingly. A small smile bloomed on her pink, full lips. She murmured, "Arnavji...", and slipped into deep sleep.

Arnav slid into bed with her, curling his body around hers, gathering her close to him, putting her head in its favourite place, the crook of his neck. She burrowed deeper into his arms. He lay there, smiling slightly, feeling as though he held his world in his arms.

He was going to be a father. Khushi was going to be a mother. They would have a baby soon, in a few months. He looked down at Khushi.
She would make a good mother. Maybe she could remember good things about her mother. And she was used to looking after and loving the children at Omkar. She would be a good mother. Not just a good mother. But a perfect, wonderful mother. 

But what kind of father would he make? He clenched his jaw. What he could remember of his father was enough to make him want to puke. Would he be such a good-for-nothing father? Were there books on how to be a good father? 

What if he made a mistake? And hurt the small jaan Khushi was carrying? He looked at her flat tummy, and slowly put his hand over his baby.

He whispered, "I ...I don't know how to be a father. I hope I am a good one. I...I promise to try hard to be a good father. To look after you always..."
He thought for a while. Maybe Baba would help him. And he could always ask Mamaji.

He turned worried eyes on Khushi's peaceful visage. 

A small smile teased his lips. Why was he worrying? He would always have Khushi with him. Through good times and bad. He didn't have to do this alone. She would be with him, every step of the way. Smiling, he kissed her forehead, and slipped into deep sleep, his mind at rest.


Akash, NK, Mamiji, Mamaji, Di, & Nani came in search of Khushi. They knocked on the door, and getting no reply, opened the door slightly, and peeked in. They saw Arnav & Khushi sleeping in each other's arms.
"Laagat he, Saasumma, they are still getting over the hangober (hangover) of their honeymoon in Shimla.", said incorrigible Mami.
All laughed, and withdrew, leaving the couple to catch up on their sleep.
Nani said, laughing, "NK Bitwaa, call them when it is time for the wedding. Or they will sleep right through it!"



Aarti returned in the evening, and helped Buaji with the arrangements. Payal was dressing with the help of Khushi and Anjali, and Aarti watched Arnav Singh Raizada talking to the priest. The Sunflower was no where to be seen. Akash too was absent. Maybe he was helping the bridegroom get ready.

Baba came down in a pristine white kurta & dhoti. Aarti watched him join Arnav Singh Raizada, who was dressed in black, formal clothes. The children, dressed in colourful clothes, were smiling and running around, some playing, some busy making last minute arrangements...
Her breath stopped. The Sunflower walked out of the main building, leading his brother, Akash by the arm. He was in a sky blue sherwani that made his face look brighter and more cheerful than usual. Akash was in a gold and red sherwani, a gold turban on his head. The children cheered to see Akash & NK, and Baba & Arnav came towards them to lead them to the stage built in the big courtyard. Mamaji followed Akash & NK.

As Aarti watched, Payalji was led out. She stared at the bride.


She was wearing a saree similar to the one Khushiji had given her. The color was a darker red, the design was bigger, but the quality of the cloth cried out that it too was Banarasi silk. Payalji had worn it in the traditional way, the pallu over her head. She looked more than gorgeous, the jewellery around her neck and arms adding to her beauty. Why had Khushiji bought her and Payalji similar sarees? Her eyes slid from Payalji to pass over Buaji's laughing visage, the cheerful countenances of all their female relations, to stop on Khushiji.


Khushiji looked like a lamp lit in front of Devi Maiyya in a dark room. She too was in a Banarasi silk sari, golden yellow in colour, worn the traditional way, the pallu over her head. A long-sleeved blouse covered her scarred arms, the pallu covered part of her face. But nothing could hide the joy and contentment on her face as she looked at Payalji, Akash, the Sunflower, Baba, & Arnav Singh Raizada. Anjali passed her arm over Khushiji's shoulders, hugging her close as they watched the wedding rituals. 

As they moved towards the stage, Khushiji looked around, searching for someone. Aarti stepped back, hiding behind two large women. But there was no escape for Aarti from Khushiji's love. Soon Chotu came up to her, and said, "Aarti Di, Khushi Di is calling you."
"Haan.", Aarti mumbled. "Tum chalo. I will go to her..."
"Di said I was to bring you to her. Chaliye, Di."
Aarti looked at the family gathered around the bride & bridegroom. The Sunflower was staring at her, his eyes issuing an open challenge and an invitation to join him. She swallowed, cursing herself for having gotten herself into this mess.
She would have to join the family. There was no escape. But... Aarti hesitated. She was in the chauffeur's uniform. And she was in no way related to the Raizadas, the Guptas, or the inhabitants of Omkar. What was she to do at the wedding?
Chotu, tired of waiting for a reply, caught hold of her arm, and encouraged her forcefully to walk up to the stage. He pushed and pulled till she had no other choice but to walk and join the family.
NK watched her with delight, seeing her take each step closer to him. He trapped her eyes in his, not letting them go. He watched her come to stand behind Khushi Bhabi, who turned around, caught Aarti by her arm, and gently pulled her to stand by her. Khushi put her arm around Aarti's shoulders, holding her close, and twinkled at NK Bhai, who smiled back.

Aarti stood still, but wished herself miles away, preferably under a car. No, not to die, but to repair one.

As she watched, the Raizadas, the Sinhas, Baba, and the children gathered around the bride and the bridegroom. The Sunflower and Arnav Singh Raizada lifted Akash as poor Payalji tried to garland him. In the midst of much laughter, they managed to garland each other. The children jumped up and down in glee, clapping their hands, cheering them on. Aarti watched as Arnav Singh Raizada straightened the garland around Akash's neck, and the Sunflower picked off rose petals that had fallen on Akash's face & his pair of specs.

Aarti looked at Khushiji. She was smiling proudly at Payalji & Akash. As she watched, she saw Arnav Singh Raizada come to stand by his wife. He put his arm around her, whispering, "Do you feel alright?"
"I feel wonderful, Arnavji!"
"You look wonderful, Khushi." His eyes paid her compliments that could not be said in public.
Khushiji blushed. Aarti looked away, feeling an uncomfortable pull in the region of her heart.


Baba helped Dr. Prakash Sinha perform the Kanyadaan. The rituals followed one by one. Aarti stood watching them, feeling as though she were standing far away from all of them, maybe on another planet, looking at everything from a distance. But this comfortable numbness evaporated with startling swiftness as she felt the warmth of the Sunflower against her shoulder.
The thaw set in before she could control it. The warmth of his broad shoulder against her back, the slight brush of his fingers against hers, the touch of his breath on her cheek... No one noticed all this in the crowd, the encroaching darkness, and the excitement. Only the Sunflower and she knew.
She trembled, withdrawing her arms from her sides, and crossing them under her chest to protect herself against his insidious attack. But he was relentless. He touched her when ever he could, where ever he could, finally whispering in her ear, "Now that was wonderful, wasn't it?"
She stared at him, startled. What the!
"The wedding! I meant the wedding." His eyes twinkled. "What did you think I was talking about?", he murmured.
Aarti gulped, and turned to escape. She jerked to a halt. The Sunflower was standing in such a way that there was no way out. She was trapped in his arms, the loud, milling crowd making sure that she couldn't leave. Her breath came in short gasps, and her heart beat very fast. In a sudden move, she ducked under his arm, and left the crowd, vanishing rapidly to the dark car park.

Aarti looked around. If she sat in her car, she would be a sitting duck. Surajmukhi would find her easily. She had to move away from the car. But the car park was dark. She slowly moved away to stand in the semi dark cover afforded by the main building, away from the crowd and the feast and the lights.
She stood still, wishing she were not wearing white. But she had to wear the uniform. Anyway, she consoled herself, tonight was the last night. Once the rituals and the feast ended, she could take Buaji home to Laxmi Nagar, and leave for her home. She would never see any one of them again. Not Khushiji. Not Payalji. Not Buaji. Not Akash. Not Arnav Singh Raizada. And...not...not the Sunflower...

He would forget her, and she... she would learn to live without him. Without seeing his face... The dimple on his chin... The laughter in his eyes... Without hearing his sweet voice... Without feeling his touch on her arms... Or...or her lips. Without ever feeling the touch of any man but him on her lips... Feeling the warmth and thrill of the one kiss he had given her long after he had vanished from her sight...

Aarti felt a big hand clutch at her heart, and her throat burn.

Aarti straightened her spine, and lifted her head. She hadn't cried when her sister had died. She had been busy keeping her mother alive while Mohan Mishra had been busy cremating his daughter whom he had driven to death. 

She hadn't cried in front of her father when he had delighted in hurting & disappointing her mother over and over again in her presence, trying to make her beg for mercy. 

She hadn't cried when her father had ordered that no food be given to her for two days because she had dared to sneak in a homeless puppy. When he had broken her music CD, the only CD she had managed to buy with the pittance he had paid her, and stomped on it. She wouldn't cry now. She couldn't cry now. Even if she wanted to. The tears seemed to have frozen somewhere inside her...Even that release was denied to her...

Two warm hands clasped her shoulders. She trembled.
"Did you think I wouldn't find you, Aarti?"
She stood silent.
He pulled her into his arms, against his sky blue sherwani. They stood silent in the dark, Aarti feeling his warmth and a sense of comfort engulf her.
He threw her cap down, angled her head gently, and kissed her softly. Her lips trembled at the first brush of his, and they parted. Her Sunflower took full advantage of her parted lips, and tasted the nectar no one had ever tasted before.




Part 56


Finally, a long time later, their lips parted, unwillingly. In the dim light, NK and Aarti looked at each other.
"Marry me, Aarti.", NK insisted.
Aarti sighed. "Why should I?", she asked softly.
"Two reasons. One, because I love you."
Aarti smiled at him.
"Two, because I know you care for me."
Aarti's smile vanished.
Finally, she said, "Marriage is not part of my agenda."
NK stared at her. "Agenda? You have an agenda for life? The future?"
Aarti smiled, her smile tinged with sorrow. "Yes. I have a lot to do. Lots of responsibilities."
"I won't stop you from doing what you want to do, Aarti."
Aarti looked down.
"Marriage to me need not keep you from your responsibilities, Aarti. In fact, I will help you meet them, Aarti." NK was serious and in earnest.
"No one can help me. I am beyond help.", Aarti smiled.
"Beyond help? Are you sick, Aarti?", NK was worried out of his skull.
"No. My body is healthy." Aarti swallowed, looking at him.
They stood in silence, each trying to make the other see their determination to have their way.

Then she said, all business, "I don't wish to get married. I hope I have made this clear to you."
NK stared at her, silent, determined to change her mind.
"And, please inform your Khushi Bhabi of your proposal and my refusal. I hope this will put an end to her attempts to make me like you."
"I don't intend to give up, Aarti.", NK warned. "And as long as I love you, my Khushi Bhabi will not stop trying to sell me to you. So that means you are stuck with both of us for ever."
Aarti put her hands on her hips, and sighed.
NK turned and left her.


Aarti stood there in the dim light, her mind in the past... the face of her sister as she lay dead...the helplessness she had felt each time her father had taunted their mother in their presence and the effort it had taken not to let it show...the terrible, terrible years her family had spent...the plight of her mother now...

Slowly, she began walking to the car.

Arnav Singh Raizada, on the way to the kitchen to get a glass of water for his wife, stopped short. That was Aarti, wasn't it? Why was she walking with her head down, her hands in her pockets, her shoulders hunched? Why did her face look pale, as though she had received some terrible news? As he watched, she straightened her frail shoulders and lifted her head. With her chin in the air, she walked to her car.

Arnav swallowed. For one moment, Aarti had reminded him of his Di, standing tall when her proposal of marriage to Anand, her senior in college had been rejected. The same pale face but straight shoulders. Straight spine. He almost felt proud of Aarti as he had felt proud of his Di many years ago. As though Aarti were another sister, a younger one, who needed him to keep an eye on her.

What was happening to him? Were impending parenthood and becoming Payal's brother making him see sisters and children everywhere?


The Raizadas, the Sinhas, Baba, & the children waved Payal and Akash off on their way to Shimla, the key to the cottage safe in Akash's hold. The ladies shed tears, while the men smiled and made teasing remarks.
Arnav noticed that the normally cheerful NK looked tired and dispirited. He said, "Don't worry. Akash will be safe. Payal won't eat him."
NK smiled with great effort.
"It is your turn next. We will conduct your marriage as and when you wish it. Take heart!"
NK smiled wanly, and left for his room.
Arnav frowned. What was wrong with him?


That night, as Khushi snuggled in his arms, Arnav asked her, "Khushi, why are you so friendly with Aarti?"
Khushi looked at him, surprised. "Because I like her."
"And?"
Khushi sighed. "Because NK Bhai loves her."
Arnav's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "NK?"
"Ji. Your brothers have both grown up.", Khushi smiled.
Arnav stared at her, unable to get any word out. It seemed to be his day for speechlessness.
Finally, he said, "And Aarti? Does she love him?"
"I don't know, Arnavji." Khushi was sad. Not just because she wanted NK Bhai to get his heart's desire, but also because she loved Aarti for herself, and wanted to keep her close.
"Did you talk to her?"
"Ji."
"What did she say?"
"Nothing."
"Why was she silent?"
"I don't know, Arnavji."

Arnav thought for a moment. Aarti's face and defeated posture that he had seen that evening flashed through his mind.

"What do you know about her?"
Khushi thought seriously about his question.
"Other than the fact that your devar loves her?", Arnav added.
"She has a mother."
"And?"
"She is working as a chauffeur and a mechanic at Mishra's."
"And?"
"She is very kind. Very good."
"Fine. Anything else?"
Khushi shook her head.
"Is she married?"
Khushi's eyes widened. "I never asked...Arnavji, I never thought to ask... But I think not... She would have said otherwise."
Arnav sighed.
"Khushi, will you listen to me?"
Khushi smiled. "I always listen to you, Arnavji."
But Arnav was serious. "There is something wrong in Aarti's life. Something that hurts her a lot. I have no idea what it is. But, Khushi, don't push her. Let her work it out at her pace."
Khushi nodded reluctantly.
"I don't know why, Khushi, but she reminds me of Di. And maybe, myself..."
Khushi looked questioningly at him.
"When Di was in college in Delhi, she fell in love with her senior, Anand."
Khushi stared at him. "Di?"
Arnav nodded.
"Mamaji and I went to his house with a proposal of marriage." Arnav swallowed.
"And?", Khushi's voice was a thread.
"He refused."
"He refused Di?" Khushi couldn't believe her ears.
"Yes. He said that he had never thought of marriage at that point of time... That he had never thought of Di in that light...Just as a college mate."

"He pretended to love Di, and then refused to marry her? He tricked her?", Khushi was confused.

"No.", Arnav smiled sadly. "He had never even talked to Di. She used to follow him around, walk to & fro in front of his house to catch a glimpse of him, hang around his class to see him. She...she was very interested in him, but he..."

"He loved someone else?"

"No.", Arnav smiled wryly. "He just said that he wanted to finish his education, get a job, look after his family. That he would think of marriage only in his thirties."
Khushi stared at him.
"His father was a schoolmaster. He had 3 sisters to marry off. Maybe that was why he... He was proud too. We offered him financial help, but he refused..."
"Di never married...She still loves him?", Khushi whispered.
Arnav sighed. "Over the years, many people brought proposals for her. She refused them all. Now she is 30. I don't know..."
Khushi hugged him tight.
"Each time I took a proposal to her, she would look at me in such a way that... I... I saw how devastated she was when Anand rejected her. Even today, ten years later, I can see the same pain in her eyes when I talk of her marriage. I think she still... Khushi, why are you crying? Khushi, don't cry...Please don't cry..." Arnav was upset.

Khushi wiped her tears, and bit her lips to stop herself from breaking down.

"Khushi, I didn't mean to make you cry. I just wanted you to understand that may be Aarti is hiding a lot of pain in her heart. Maybe she needs time to come out of it. Maybe she needs to do it by herself, and we shouldn't push her."
Khushi nodded.
"I am not saying that you shouldn't meet her or be friends with her. I am just saying that you should take this carefully and slow."
Khushi nodded, and buried her face in the crook of his neck.
"I promise, Arnavji, I won't hurt her. It is just that I like her very much. And I want NK Bhai to be happy."
Arnav smiled, and pulled his wife closer into his arms, and kissed her forehead.


A while later, he whispered, "We need to tell our family about the baby tomorrow."
Khushi smiled into his eyes.



Part 57


Mamiji giggled.
Mamaji asked her, "Kya baat he, Manno?"
"I bas thinking of Akash Bitwaa and Payaliyaa. And their honeymoonwaa!"

Mamaji stared at her.

"The night will be over in their Pehle Aaap, Pehle Aaap, Hello Hi Bye Bye!", Mami laughed, clutching her stomach.

Mamaji joined in.



Akash & Payal reached the cottage very early in the morning. They carried in their luggage, and looked around, pleasantly surprised by the small but cute cabin.
"Bhai & Khushi Bhabi spent their honeymoon here.", Akash confided. "Bhabi liked it so much that Bhai bought it."
Payal smiled. The smile was followed by a yawn that she tried to hide behind her fingers.
"You must be tired, Payal.", Akash the gentleman said. "I am very tired too. It has been two long days."
Payal nodded.
"Shall we get some sleep?"
"Ji.", Payal said gratefully.
They changed, and went to sleep.



All gathered around the breakfast table late after a good night's sleep. As they were about to finish the repast, Arnav caught hold of Khushi's hand in her lap, and said softly, "We wanted to tell you something..."

Nani, Di, Mamaji, Mamiji, & NK looked at him, curious.

"Err... That is... Khushi... We... I... Err..."

All looked at Arnav and at each other. Khushi pressed his fingers, and looked down, blushing.

"Kya hua, Chotey?", Anjali was anxious. Happiness in their house had always been in short supply, and when it came, it most often only came for a few moments.

"Bhat is happenings?", asked Mami, her painted eyes wide.
"Chotey?", Nani was pale.

"Khushi Bhabi, what happened?", NK asked. "Are you still feeling tired?" His kindly face carried a world of worry.

"No, NK Bhai. I am perfectly alright. It is just that...", she paused, and looked at Arnavji.

He cleared his throat, and said, "Nani, you... you will get your great grandchild soon."

He quickly bent his head & took a sip of his coffee.

Nani stared at him with her mouth open for a few seconds, and then let out a joyful cry, "Chotey? Khushi Bitiyaa?"

The rest of the family caught on, and they jumped up from their seats, and hugged Arnav & Khushi. Anjali was teary-eyed with happiness.

"Thank God, thank God.", she chanted.

"A small baby! Chotey's chotey!", Mami did a glad dance around the room.

Anjali said, "Chotey, you are not going to the office today morning. Take Khushiji to the best gynaecologist, and get her thoroughly checked up. She shouldn't have any pain because of her pregnancy. Her legs shouldn't hurt."

Arnav nodded. Khushi smiled at Di with love in her eyes.

"Ask the doctor exactly what we need to do to make her more comfortable. Then come back & tell us. We will do everything."

Nani, Mami, Mamaji, & NK nodded. Mami said, "And we hab Payaliyaa too. She will help us." She turned to NK. "You marry a doctor too. Then there will be two doctors to look after our Khushi Bitiyaa."

NK smiled wryly.
Arnav watched him carefully.



"Shall we do some sightseeing?", asked Akash.
"Ji", said Payal.
They left the cottage, walking side by side, but too shy to hold hands.
As they paused outside a shop selling metal jewellery, a cycle came around the corner at great speed, and almost knocked Payal down. Akash grabbed her, and pulled her to safety. Payal lay against his heart, hearing its rapid beat.
"Tum theek ho?", Akash asked in a soft voice.
Payal nodded.
"Do you want to buy something?", Akash gestured towards the shop with his right hand.
"No. Let's go home.", said Payal softly.
Akash hugged her tighter, and they walked slowly to the cottage, enjoying the feel of each other. Akash's left arm was around Payal's shoulders. Her right arm was around his waist. They strolled home.
Akash opened the door with his right hand, without letting go of his wife. Payal held on tight.
Akash kicked the door shut behind them, and cupping Payal's face, looked down at her.
Her lashes fell in shyness.
Akash kissed her cheek, and she blushed. She hugged him , burrowing her face into his chest.
Akash smiled as he lifted her up, and carried her to their bed.



"Aman, get in touch with the private detectives we used earlier. I want the full details on Aarti. She is between 18 and 23 years of age. She was here for Akash's wedding. You might have seen her. In a white uniform. Works as a chauffeur & mechanic at Mishra's. All the details. Father, mother, family, years of employment, opinion of co-workers, the full works."

"What happened, Boss? Did she steal something? Is it a police case?"

Arnav sighed. "She did steal something, but it is not a police affair. I can't file a report saying that NK has lost his heart to her."

Aman laughed. "I will see to it at the earliest, Boss."



NK walked up to the receptionist at Mishra's, and asked, "Can I meet Aarti for a moment?"
Who was this guy referring to the Boss as Aarti? "Your name, Sir?", the receptionist asked.
"Nand Kisore. NK."
The receptionist nodded. "Please wait in the lounge, Sir. I will see if she is free."
NK smiled, and settled in the plush chair in the waiting area. He looked around. Excellent interiors. The best furniture & furnishings. Comfortable chairs. Aarti was working in  a good place.
Aarti looked down at the Sunflower as he looked around. She said through her phone. "Please tell him that I am out working. And take a message, Tara."
"Yes, Madam.", said the receptionist.
Tara watched NK's face fall as she passed on the information. "Message?", NK asked. "Yeah, I would like to tell her something."
The receptionist offered him the requisite stationery.
After NK left reluctantly, Aarti received the envelope and a box. She opened the box. It was full of sweets. She set it aside, and opened the envelope.

Aarti,
Khushi Bhabi is pregnant. I just wanted to share the good news with you. And to give you the sweets.
I hope you are well. And missing me. At least a little.
I am going to be a chacha. Don't you want to be Khushi Bhabi's baby's chachi?

Aarti swallowed.


She offered the sweets to her mother that night.
"Khushiji is pregnant. NK, her devar, brought this to our office."
Amma smiled, and took a piece of peda. She broke it into two, placed one bit in Aarti's mouth, and the other in hers.
"It is very tasty.", Amma smiled.
Aarti smiled seeing her mother's smile.



Anjali walked down the temple steps, the thali in hand, a small smile on her lips. Chotey was married. Happily married to the best girl on earth, Khushiji. And soon there would be a boy or girl to call her Bua. Her smile widened.

Akash & Payal were on their honeymoon. They would be happy too.
Nani was healthy. Mami & Mamaji were cheerful.

Baba & the children were safe and sound. Buaji, Amma, & Babuji were missing Payal, but otherwise happy. Her world was happy. Her life was complete.

A streak of pain hurt her heart, but she pushed it back. That hurt was a part of her. That was all she had to remember him by. The day she lost it, she would die. To draw breath without thinking of him was impossible.
She looked at the crowd milling below from her vantage point. So many people with so many small joys and many problems. Among them, she was just another person, carrying her invisible burden on her shoulders.
She walked down the steps carefully, holding on to the railing, looking down at the steps. Her eyes fell on a pair of feet placed firmly in her path, blocking her descent. She looked up slowly. White, slim fitting pyjama, white kurta, a thin neck with a prominent Adam's apple, a slight beard on a jutting jaw, thin lips, a strong, thin nose, and a pair of sharp eyes looking at her with a smile in them.




Anjali looked at him with wide eyes and an open mouth. The thali dropped from her nerveless fingers. He caught it deftly.

"A..anandji...i...", she whispered.

He smiled at her. "Got tired of waiting for me, Anjali?", he asked in his low, husky voice.

 
Part 58


Anjali stared in to Anand's smiling eyes for a moment more. Then she threw her arms around his shoulders, hugging him for all she was worth.
She forgot that she was in a temple, that there was a crowd of people staring at them, that he was holding her thali, that she had never touched him before, that they had never, not even once had a conversation in college, that he had never admitted to loving her...

All she knew was that Devi Maiyya had heard her prayers, and had made the impossible possible for her. That her 10-year wait was over. That she would never let him go away from her sight again. 

Tears wet his collar as she clung to him, clutching the back of his head with her hand, burying her fingers in the overlong, lush, curly hair. Anand shut his eyes, trying to hide his pain at her grief. Pain that he had caused. He slowly rubbed her back with his free hand.
 
When her anguish fell to manageable levels, Anand took hold of her hand and led her to sit on a bench in the temple courtyard. He placed the thali by them.

Anjali caught hold of his hand, and slid along the bench to sit close to him, her thigh against his.

Anand bent his head to hide his smile.

Anjali, curved her free hand around his arm as though to keep him anchored to her, and leaned against his shoulder.

They sat silent for long, listening to the sound of the pigeons, the bells, and the chanting...

Finally, Anand said, "I am sorry, Anjali. I know I hurt you when I refused your proposal ten years back." He was nothing if not direct.

Anjali clung harder to him, turning her face to hide it in his white kurta-clad arm.
Anand sighed. "It is a special kind of hell to have what you long for offered to you, and then have to refuse it."

Anjali looked at him, unable to understand his words.

"Three days before Arnav & your Mamaji came home with the proposal, my father had been diagnosed with cancer. Inoperable cancer. Fourth stage."

Anjali gasped.

"His treatment was priority number one. I had to raise the money for that. I had to pay for my sisters' education, take care of Amma, hold my family together. I also had to finish my course and get a job." 

Anand looked at Anjali.

"It was as though the sky had fallen on my head. One moment, everything was normal. The next moment, everything went crazy."

Anjali nodded, biting her lip, pressing his fingers to give comfort.

"Then I didn't have the freedom to marry, to seek my own happiness, how much ever I wanted to.", Anand confided.

Anjali understood. She nodded.

"The hospital providing good care at subsidised rates was near my Buaji's house. So I made arrangements to shift my family there. We were packing to leave when Arnav & Mamaji came with your proposal." He sighed. "I wanted to say 'yes' to marrying you, and 'no' to the offer of financial help. But my condition at that point of time...I could not afford a wife. My focus had to be on my father and my family's future."

Anand did not have to explain. Anjali nodded, hugging his arm.

"I knew you would cry." He paused to swallow hard. "I knew you would be very, very upset. I... I  hoped your family would support you, help you go on... That was all I could do. My only comfort was that I knew Arnav wouldn't let you fall..."

Anjali nodded, unable to make a sound to save her life.





Aman said, "I am sorry, Sir. The agency has drawn a blank."
"What the!"
"No employee of Mishra's that the agency managed to question, knows anyone called Aarti."
"How can that be? NK asked the Mishra's for a seventh car, and she came with a Benz. She is an employee there."
Aman shrugged.
"How can she get hold of a Benz if she is not an employee of Mishra's?"
"That is right, Sir."
"And why should she meet our need for an extra car if she is not an employee of Mishra's?"
"Right, Boss.", said Aman.
"Ask them to dig further, deeper. By the way, they asked at the main office of the Mishra's, didn't they? That is the add NK gave me when I asked him from where he had hired the cars."
"Ji. That's where they went."



The bells tolled, a gentle breeze played with the leaves of the banyan tree in the temple courtyard.
 
Anand sighed.

"We shifted to Buaji's house. It...It took 3 months. Three months of pain and struggle. Finally, Babuji passed away... Amma, my sisters, my Buaji..., I had to take care of them.

I sold our house in Delhi and a piece of land Amma had in Kanpur, and married off all my sisters. God was kind to us. They got three good men. Not very well-off. But with hearts of gold, and ready to take on the responsibility of their families.

I finished my course, and started working two jobs at a time. Then, I met a few of my old classmates. They were planning to start a business. A construction company. They wanted me to join them. But I didn't have the money to invest.

Buaji pledged her house, and gave me a good amount. Amma sold her remaining gold for me. When my brothers-in-law found out that I needed money, one pledged his land, the other took a loan from his bank, and the third sent me my sister's gold to sell."

Anand smiled at Anjali. "Their kindness and love made it imperative that I succeed. Because if I failed, I would take my entire family down with me."

Anjali nodded. 

"I worked day and night, Anjali. The six of us bought an old house, renovated it, and sold it at a good profit. Then we bought a parcel of land, divided it into plots, built houses, and sold them."

Anand placed his hand over hers clinging to his arm.

"Anjali, three years after refusing your proposal, I returned to see you."

Anjali stared at him. "You came back? For me?"

"Yes. Just to see you. Know that you were fine. You were coming out of this temple with your Nani. You had lost weight. Your eyes were dull..." Anand sighed. "I was still not in a position to ask for your hand."

"I didn't see you.", lamented Anjali.
 
"I made sure you wouldn't. I... I continued to return to Delhi every few months to see you."

He took out his mobile phone, and showed her the pictures he had taken of her over the last few months. Anjali shopping, praying, coming out of Arnav's office with him, laughing with Khushi, standing outside Omkar, smiling at something Baba had said, smiling at the driver as he held the door open for her...

Anjali stared at him, unable to believe her eyes.





"Bitiyaa!", Jayesh Bhai called Aarti.
She stopped, and smiled slightly at him.
"Someone is asking about you."
Aarti lifted her eyebrows in surprise. "Male or female?"
"Male. He asked the security guards, the canteen boy, Krishna at the workshop... They came to me and asked me to inform you."
Aarti looked down.
"All told the stranger that they had never heard your name before."
Aarti swallowed.
Nitin came to her with a file.
"Thank you. Don't worry about this, Jayesh Bhai. I will manage it.", Aarti said softly.
He nodded. He knew she would manage it. "Thank you, Madam.", said Jayesh Bhai as he went away.

Aarti sighed. How many times had she asked Jayesh Bhai to call her Bitiyaa in public as he did in private. But he was adamant.

Nitin handed over the file, and walked away.



Aarti dropped the file in her car, and standing by her vehicle, pondered over the identity of her secret admirer.
The Sunflower wouldn't ask the security guard or the chai wala. He would walk right in, and ask at the reception desk.
Akash & Mamaji had no idea that their NK was interested in her.

Only Khushiji knew. But she wouldn't dress as a man and haunt her office. She was more likely to lay siege to Aarti's house with Buaji for company.

But she might have informed her husband, Arnav Singh Raizada. Aarti smiled. He wouldn't sneak around her office, asking the canteen boy and the security guard after her. It would be beneath him. So he must have hired somebody to do his dirty job for him.

His subordinates or a detective agency? Most probably, a detective agency. So that his search would be confidential, and couldn't be traced back to him.

Aarti stretched her arms, and arched her back, relishing the cool, evening breeze. She smiled wryly.

He had got nothing this time. Her loyal employees had seen to it.
But he would try again. His love for his brother would make him try again. Both to protect the Sunflower from heart ache and to grant him his heart's wish.

Now all she had to do was wait for Arnav Singh Raizada to make his second move. Then she would end the game. Aarti sighed as she slammed the door shut, and drove home.




Arnav strode into his bedroom, furious with the detective agency. He stopped at the sight of Khushi. She was hanging their clothes in the closet, singing in Raag Din Ki Puriyaa
Kaiso ye neeke laage, saanch suhaavan...

She held his coat to her, breathing in his scent. She carried it to his wardrobe, and hung it neatly.
Suna Pee ke aaavan kee Baath...

Arnav stood watching her, his anger dying out. He couldn't even remember what he had been angry about. Khushi went to stand in front of the mirror. She straightened her blue saree, making herself more beautiful for her husband. She hummed,

Bhaave Singaara BanThan Baithoon,
Karuungee Rangras ab unke saath...

She looked at herself.



There was no tummy to be seen. She looked intently, but her stomach looked as flat as it always had. She pouted, and ran her hand gently over her stomach. Arnav melted in to a puddle where he stood. 

He slowly walked up to her, and put his hands on her shoulders. She looked up, and stood shocked to see him.

"Arnavji! Aap! You are early today!"
She turned towards him, glad to see him, hugging him in her joy.

He cupped her face. "How are you feeling today, Khushi?"

"Perfectly fine, Arnavji."

He nodded. She would be fine if he had anything to say about it. He would make sure that she had a safe pregnancy & delivery, and that she got her baby. She wouldn't lose anything more in her life. He would read up more on pregnancy, and ensure that she was always happy.

She hugged him once more with all her might, and said, "I will get you tea." She moved to the door.

"Khushi, Khushi, don't walk...", came his panicked cry.

"Ji?", she halted half stride, looked at the floor to see if something was wrong, and then stared at him.

"I mean, don't walk so fast. You will hurt the baby."

Khushi still stared at him, her eyes wide, her mouth open.

"Khushi, don't walk down the steps. Stay in our room. HP will bring the tea. Anyone who wants to see you can come here. I will ask Di to send our food here."

"Arnavji!", Khushi gasped.

"I want you to rest, take care, read good books, listen to classical music..."

"For nine months?", Khushi asked, unable to believe her ears.
"Yes."


Khushi sighed. She caught hold of his hand, and led him to sit on their bed. She sat by him, and holding his hand, said, "Arnavji! Do you really want me to spend the next nine months imprisoned in this room?"

Put like that, Arnav felt that his demand might have been a tad, only a tad, unreasonable.

He put his arm around her, and hugged her close. "I want you to take care, Khushi. I..."

"I will take care." She leaned her head against his shoulder. "Arnavji, as far as I know, women have been giving birth for centuries without any fuss. They go about their work, but take care not to strain. That's all."

"No, Khushi.", he was determined. "I want you to be safe. I..."

"Arnavji, there are women who work in the fields and break rocks even while they are pregnant.", Khushi teased.

"Yes, but they are not my wife." Arnav was adamant. "Khushi, I want you to take care."

Khushi looked at his worried face, and wanted to laugh. With great effort, she bit down her laughter.

She said with a sad face, "Arnavji, the mother is supposed to be happy during pregnancy. It will make her child healthy and well-balanced."

Arnav nodded. 

"How can I be happy, spending 9 months in this bedroom, bathroom, and the poolside? It will be like a prison."

Arnav frowned, hard at thought.

Khushi hid her smile. He was so cute when he was worried. She leaned forward, and kissed him on his cheek.



Part 59


"Amma & Buaji have been asking me to contact you for the past 5 years, ever since the business became viable.", Anand said. "They were scared that you would agree to marry someone else."

"Amma & Buaji? They know about me?", Anjali's eyes were wide & round.

"Yes.", Anand laughed. "My sisters and their husbands know too. My five partners know about you. In fact, some of them have seen you."

"Seen me? How?"

"They came with me to Delhi at various times. As you come to the temple daily, it was easy for me and them to see you."

"And I never got a chance to see you!", lamented Anjali. "You never thought of giving me a glimpse of you! Do you have any idea how much I wished to see you, Anandji?"

"I know.", his voice was soft and loving. "I know. In fact, we all know.", Anand smiled. "Babuji used to see you loitering outside our house, and he would tell my mother, Shanti, your bahuriyya has come to see your son. Why don't you take the aarti thaali and welcome her in? Amma used to laugh and say, Ask your son to take saat phere with her instead of making her walk around our house seven times daily. Then I will take the aarti thaali and welcome her in."

"Your father knew?", Anjali flushed.

"He did. And he liked you very much. He would often tease me about you.", Anand smiled. "In fact, 2 months before he fell sick, he went to Kanpur to meet some relations. When he returned, he brought 4 sarees with him. He gave 3 to my sisters, and one to me, asking me to give it to you when we got married."

Anjali's eyes filled with tears. "He did?" 

"I have it with me. I have been carrying it around with me for the past ten years.", Anand said quietly.

Anjali wiped her tears away.

"When he heard about the proposal, he asked me to marry you. Amma and my sisters asked me to marry you. Because they knew that if our wedding didn't happen then, it wouldn't happen any time soon. And because they knew how much it would hurt you if I refused, and how much I cared for you."

She looked at him anxiously.

"No, they didn't know about the money that Mamaji offered me to marry you. I didn't tell them..."

Anjali nodded. "I am glad."

"Will you marry me, Anjali?"
"Yes."
Anand smiled. "Now I can afford to keep you in the style you are accustomed to."
"It is not important.", Anjali said.
"I want you to have a comfortable life, Anjali. I will meet Arnav tomorrow. If he agrees, I will come to your house with my Amma and Buaji, and ask for your hand."
"Ji.", Anjali smiled. "And please give me my sari that my father-in-law left for me. I will wear it to get married in."
Anand looked at her in surprise. "Anjali, it is a simple silk sari, not grand like you would normally wear for a wedding."
"I don't care. I will wear only that sari for my wedding."
"As you wish.", Anand smiled.




Arnav Singh Raizada stopped at Mishra's main office on his way to the office. He was sick and tired of the ineptitude of the private investigators. And the delay. And NK's long face. And Khushi's anxious glances at NK's drawn face...

He walked into the spacious hall, and stood looking around. Well-dressed employees manned phones & worked on laptops, walked around preoccupied with work, dealt with customers in large numbers...It was a very busy day.

He moved towards the reception desk.
"I am Arnav Singh Raizada. I would like to meet Aarti."
"Do you have an appointment, Sir?"
An appointment to meet a chauffeur/ mechanic?
"No.", Arnav frowned.
"I am afraid Madam is away at another of our offices today."
Madam? Why was the receptionist referring to Aarti as Madam? There was something fishy here. Maybe there were two Aartis.
"The Aarti I want to meet is short, slight, with closely cropped hair."
  The receptionist nodded.
"She is a mechanic and a chauffeur."
"Ji. Madam is not here right now."
What was happening here?, Arnav wondered.
"Shall I pass on a message, Sir?"
"Yes. Just tell her that I wanted to talk to her."
Now the ball was in her court or rather car park. How would she react?



As Arnav left his office in the evening, and moved to his car, a black SUV came to a stop near his vehicle. The door opened, and Aarti emerged from the driver's seat.
Arnav felt immense respect for her at that moment. So she had decided to take the bull by the horns.
She was wearing a loose black shirt with full sleeves and a pair of black trousers. As she pocketed her keys and looked up, she saw Arnav Singh Raizada standing near his car, looking at her.
She walked up to him, an even, pleasant expression on her face. Quiet confidence oozed from her. This was no ordinary girl. He could vouch for that.
"They called me from the office and said that you had come to meet me today morning, Mr. Raizada. How can I help you?"
"I need to talk to you, Aarti. Can you spare 10 minutes?", he asked.
"Of course."
"Let's use a conference room."
"Ji."
Arnav walked to the entrance of his office with Aarti. The security guards opened the door for them. Arnav led her to a small conference room on the ground floor. It had a round table with chairs grouped around it. He offered her a seat, and sat down facing her.
"Coffee, tea?", he asked.
"Nothing, thank you.", she replied.
"We met for Akash's wedding...", Arnav began.
"Ji."
"But I didn't get an opportunity to talk to you. Your family is in Delhi?"
"Ji."
"Your parents?"
"Just my mother. My father is dead."
"Oh! How is your mother?"
"Not very well."
"She is taking treatment?"
"Ji."
"It is just you and your mother?"
A grim look passed through her eyes for a moment. "Yes."


Then Aarti decided to take charge of the conversation. Otherwise, she would have to sit here all night.
"Mr. Raizada, I was hoping to see you. There is something I need your help with."
Arnav looked at her, surprised. "Sure. What is it?"
"I came as a chauffeur to transport your Buaji and Payalji from Laxmi Nagar to Omkar and back for 2 days. My association with your family is slight, and it ended on Friday night when I returned Buaji to her house."

Arnav looked at her with expressionless eyes, unable to imagine where she was going with this.

"Your brother, Nand Kishore, proposed marriage to me." Aarti's face was equally expressionless.

Arnav felt his breath stop.

"I told him that I am not interested." Her voice was low and sure.

Arnav's facial muscles tightened.

"He seems to find it difficult to accept 'no' for an answer. He came to my office asking for me." Aarti was very matter-of-fact. "It would be a great help if you could talk to your brother and dissuade him from pursuing me."

Arnav looked at her for sometime in silence. The memory of her slumped shoulders and pale face flashed through his mind.

Finally, he said, "Aarti, are you married?"
"No."
"Engaged?"
"No."
"Involved with someone?"
"No."
"Then why...?"
"Ji?"
"NK is handsome. Cheerful. Has a good heart. Is well-off. Then why are you refusing him?"
Aarti swallowed, but did not lower her eyes from his.
"You should be thrilled, Mr. Raizada. I wouldn't really be an appropriate bride for your brother, you know."
"Why not?"
"I live with vehicles. I repair them. I drive them. I have a mother to take care of, a family to run... Not really good bride material for the brother of a well-known businessman."
"As long as NK wants to marry you, and you want to marry him, all these don't matter." Arnav leaned back in his chair.

What was wrong with this guy? Couldn't he behave like a normal millionaire and be horrified at the thought of an ineligible marriage for his brother? She sighed silently.

"But I don't want to marry him, Mr. Raizada."
"What do you dislike about him?"
"I am not interested in marriage, Mr. Raizada.", she evaded his question.
"Why not?"
"I don't believe in it for myself."
"I am not trying to push you, Aarti. You are entitled to your beliefs. But it is possible that you can change your mind. I just want you to know that our whole family would welcome you with open arms as our bahu. And NK is a wonderful man. Why don't you take some time to know him?"
"I have no desire to get married, Mr. Raizada. So spending time knowing him is not an option."
"I see."
"Was there anything else, Mr. Raizada?"
"Yes. I wanted to tell you that I would be honoured to call you my sister."
Aarti smiled sadly. "You don't know me, Mr. Raizada. Your brother too does not know me."
"Call me Arnav. Or if you don't want to call your Jetji by his name, call me Arnavji, like Payal does. Or Bhai as Akash does. Or Nannav as NK does."

Aarti swallowed. 

"You are not my Jetji, Mr. Raizada. And claiming unknown females as your sisters might prove very dangerous to you."
"I am willing to take the risk, Aarti."
"I am not, Mr. Raizada. I suggest you make your brother understand that he does not stand a chance."
"Oh! I am afraid I can't help you here, Aarti. You will have to make him understand why you dislike him."
Aarti sighed. She leaned back, waiting for his next sally, knowing that the end was near.
"I wanted to ask you something.", said Arnav.
"Ji?"
"I arranged a private detective agency to find out more about you."

Aarti hid her surprise. She hadn't expected him to admit to it.

"The agent tried his best, but failed to even confirm that you were an employee at Mishra's. Everyone he asked said that they had never heard of an Aarti. Why?"

As Arnav watched, astounded, a soft light flashed in her eyes. And a small smile bloomed on her lips. "They are very loyal. They are like family.", she said softly.

"Why did the receptionist call you 'Madam'?"





Aarti drew in a deep breath. This was the moment.
"Maybe because I am her employer.", she said softly.

 
Part 60


Arnav stared at her, his mind whirling.

"I am Aarti Mishra, owner of Mishra's. I manage the firm, and work as a mechanic & chauffeur when needed.", she said.

There was no pride. No arrogance. Just a matter-of-fact stating of facts. Her eyes looked into his with no particular expression in them. 

What was this child made of?, Arnav wondered. Why was she like this?

"I can imagine a mechanic or chauffeur pretending to be the owner of Mishra's, but the owner pretending to be a mechanic and a chauffeur? This is new." Arnav said softly, a while later. 

There were many more knots to be untied here, he realised at that moment. He had to be careful, keep each foot carefully forward. For NK, For Khushi. For his family. For Aarti...

Aarti smiled slightly, but her eyes remained on his. "There was no pretence. I am a mechanic & a chauffeur too."

"NK, Khushi, Payal, the whole family, the guests, all have a wrong picture of you.", he said evenly, determined to plump the depths of her mind.

Aarti said softly, "I didn't paint that picture." She smiled at him, almost sympathetically. "I have always pitched in when we are short of drivers. The demand for the seventh vehicle was made at the last minute. All our drivers were otherwise occupied. So I helped out. Simple."

"NK loves you.", Arnav stated.

"He loves, or thinks he loves the picture he has made of me in his mind." She was direct, but kind.

"Khushi loves you."

Her eyes fell for the first time. Arnav's eyes sharpened with hope. She studied the fine-grained wood of the conference table for a moment. Then she looked up.
"She doesn't know me."
"Payal loves you."
"I drove her around for two days. That's all."
"My Nani, my Mami, my Di, Akash, & Mamaji, they will all love you when they meet you.", Arnav stated.
Aarti smiled blandly. "Unfortunately, the chances of our meeting are low. Very low."
Arnav nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
"If there is nothing else...", Aarti asked.
"Nothing more. Now. Can I have your phone number, Aarti?"
Aarti could not refuse such a direct request. She gave it.


They stood up to leave. Arnav opened the door for Aarti to exit the room, and walked out after her. They walked side by side, crossing the deserted hall, and out of the front door.

As they reached the car park, Aarti stopped and turned to face him.
"You forgot Buaji."
Arnav looked at her, nonplussed.
"In the list of people who love me."
Arnav raised an eyebrow.
"She thought that I was a boy."
"Your clothes, your hair...", Arnav smiled.
"The cap...", Aarti nodded. "If the size of the laddoo that she stuffed down my throat to help me grow a mush and muscles is any indication, then she loves me a lot."
Arnav had to laugh.
"Shubh Raatri, Mr. Raizada." Aarti turned to leave.
"Hey Nannav!", NK who had been about to leave after his meeting, called. He walked rapidly towards Arnav, not seeing the slight figure in black standing by him.
Arnav heard his call, and immediately looked at Aarti's face. And felt peace spread through his heart. For one second, she had been caught unawares, her face open, the longing in her eyes to see NK evident... Arnav smiled in relief.
NK reached Arnav, and saw Aarti standing by him. Delight lit his face. It was as though God had showered everything he had ever wanted on him. He walked up to Aarti, and closed his arms around her, surrounding her with his warmth and body.

Arnav watched bemused. NK was lifting Aarti in his arms in his eagerness. Her feet were off the floor. Her arms were held close to her body. As Arnav watched, her fingers clenched. Whether to stop herself from hugging NK back or from hitting him, Arnav did not know. He stood patiently, watching them. He would have  a lot to tell Khushi today. He smiled.

Finally, NK let her touch the ground.

"Aarti, did you get the sweets I gave to the receptionist at Mishra's?" He was holding her by her shoulders.
She nodded, and tried to squirm out of his hold.
He held more firmly. "Did you get the letter?"
"I did.", she sighed.
"I was planning to stop by Mishra's tonight to see if I could meet you. But you came here!" NK was thrilled.
He turned to Arnav. "Nannav! Do you know Aarti?"
"Yes. I met her." Arnav smiled.
"I love her, Nannav. And would like to marry her.", NK confessed artlessly.

Aarti clenched her jaw. The last few minutes had destroyed all the hurdles she had tried placing between the Sunflower and herself. Now she would have to start all over again.

"I am glad, NK. We need to talk to our family about Aarti and introduce them to her." Arnav showed him the way ahead.
"Yes, you are right, Nannnav. Aarti, you will love my Bhabis, my 2 brothers, Nani, Maasi, Di, my parents...I will ask them to fly over..."

Aarti drew in a deep breath. 

"I think it is time I left. Good bye!", she told Arnav and NK.

"Good night!", replied Arnav with a kind smile.



Arnav walked in to his house with NK by his side. Both of them had smiles on their faces, but for different reasons. NK went up to his room to dream of Aarti, and Arnav went up to share his knowledge of Aarti with Khushi.
Khushi got up from the recliner as she heard him come in, and walked to him smiling. She took his laptop bag from him, placed it on the bed, and threw her arms around him. He cuddled her close, kissing her hair and forehead.

"Had too much work today?", she asked, as he was late coming home.
"No. I finished early. I had an interesting conversation with your sister."
"My sister?", Khushi looked at him, her face cutely perplexed.
Arnav kissed the frown between her eyebrows, and said, "Aarti."
"You met her today?", Khushi was almost incandescent with joy.
"Yes."
"Did you like her?", Khushi was eager to know.
Arnav nodded. "Very much. I told you, Khushi, she reminds me of Di and myself, when we were alone and helpless, hurting... Today, I realised 3 things. One, there is something seriously wrong in her life. Or her past. It has made her wary of marriage. Maybe her parents' marriage was bad."

Khushi nodded, her eyes shadowed thinking of Aarti hurting.

"Two, she loves NK."
Khushi's face lit up.
"But getting her to admit it will be an uphill task."
"That's OK. Anything for NK Bhai & Aartiji.", Khushi smiled.

"Three, it is high time we informed our family about this. Everyone here, Baba, the Sinhas, Akash, Payal, all of them. We need to work on this together."
Khushi nodded.
Arnav decided to keep Aarti's identity to himself. She would have to clear it by herself.
"Khushi, be careful about this. Don't walk in and out of her office asking after her. Stop NK from doing it too. Don't embarrass her in front of the people working with her."
"Ji."
"Don't hound her. Don't pressurise her. Just make her feel loved. That we are waiting for her. That we accept her as she is."
Khushi nodded slowly. "Something is wrong, isn't it?", she asked, her face pale.
Arnav smiled to set her heart at rest. "Nothing serious. It is just that she might withdraw further if she feels that we are hounding her."
"Oh!"



Arnav checked his phone. Eight calls from an unknown number. Who the! 

There was a knock on the door. He turned around. Anjali stood there, a small smile on her lips.

"Di? Kya hua?" He walked towards her.

Anjali hugged him. He returned the hug. Khushi watched them smiling.

"Chotey, I wanted to tell you something important."

"Shall I... ?", Khushi wanted to give them privacy if they so desired.

"No, don't leave, Khushiji. I would like you too to hear this." She turned to Arnav. "Remember Anandji, Chotey?"

Arnav's face became pale. "Haan, Di." He put his hand over her shoulder. "What happened now?"

"I met him again."

Arnav's eyes widened.

"At the temple."

Arnav stood rock still as she told him everything that had happened, everything that Anandji had said, how she had agreed to marry him, and how he was going to meet Arnav to ask for her hand... The mystery of the 8 missed calls was solved.

"I hope you will agree, Chotey. Because I love him very much. I can't think of any other man in his place."

Arnav nodded, trying to hide his moist eyes from Di. The proposals that had come for her! The pressure relations had tried to put on her to marry! She had withstood all that. Held firmly to her belief in Anand. Her love for him. How could he stop his sister from finally being happy?

"Tell the others only after you talk to Anandji, Chotey.", Anjali requested.
Arnav nodded.
Anjali hugged him and Khushi, and left the room. 

Khushi threw herself into Arnav's arms.

"What is happening in this house, Arnavji? Am I dreaming?"

"If this is a dream...", Arnav said slowly, "..let me never wake up, Khushi." He buried his face in her neck. "You have changed our lives, Khushi. Before we met..." Arnav could not complete his sentence.

Khushi hugged him tighter. "Part of the credit goes to Payalji too. Aartiji too."
"Let's divide it among you, Payal, & Aarti. You will still have the lion's share."
Khushi bit him daintily on his chin. "I have already got my share of the lion.", she said, a naughty look in her eyes.
He trembled.


Khushi came to bed wearing the red nightgown he had gifted her on their wedding night. Arnav turned around, facing away from her, trying to fight temptation.
He heard her slipping into bed. He gulped.
"Arnavji?", she called.
He pretended to be asleep.
"He was awake a few moments ago. What happened to Arnavji now?", she muttered as she crawled closer to him.
She plastered herself against his back, hugging him. Arnav trembled.
"Khushi, it is very hot tonight." He tried to nudge her away from him.
Khushi sat up and looked at him with an open mouth. She looked at the AC. The room was cold.
"I am tired.", he said desperately, hoping that at least one of his many excuses would work.
"Who was pregnant? Arnavji or me? Is he too tired to even hug me?", wondered Khushi.
Then she saw his eyes running over her body in the night gown, and move rapidly away. She understood his problem.
"Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada?"
"Hhmm?", he looked at her face.
"You got a wife first. Me. Then you got a child. Understood?"
Arnav looked at her, astounded.
"The first haq is always mine. Your child will get his or her say only later.", she declared.
Arnav had to bite back a smile.
"The doctor told us that we can make love as long as we are careful, didn't she?"
"Yes.", Arnav had to admit.
"Then what are you waiting for?", she asked, miffed, her hormones in turmoil.
"Nothing.", Arnav smiled, and threw open his arms.



Later, she whispered, "I hope you are not too tired now."
Arnav smiled.
"Is the night too hot, Arnavji?", she asked as she curled up in his arms.
"You are hotter, Khushi.", said the shameless and incorrigible Arnav Singh Raizada.