59. Keeping Khushi (Parts 61-70)

Part 61



Arnav slipped his coat on, and caught hold of his bag to go to the office.
Khushi blocked his path. Dressed in a pink, cream, & black saree, she looked gorgeous. Her cheeks were rosy with good health. She looked well-loved., Arnav thought with a smile.


"Now what, Khushi?", murmured Arnav, rubbing his rough cheek against her smooth one gently. "A tigress at night, a blushing rose in the morning!"
Khushi blushed.
"Want me to stay back at home today?", Arnav asked hopefully.
The blush spread down her neck as she shook her head to mean 'no'.
"Then?", he teased. "What is the meaning of this road block?"
Khushi hugged him, and with her head against his neck, asked, "Can I ask you something, Arnavji?"
Arnav smiled. He dropped the bag, and hugged her close, savouring the moment.
"You can ask me anything. You know that, Khushi."
"Haan. Arnavji, Anandji refused to marry Di, and left Delhi. Di was very upset. She continued to refuse other proposals. I was thinking..."
"Haan?"
"Did you never feel like finding out where Anandji was in these 10 years? Whether he was married...?"
Arnav smiled slowly.
"Knowing you, I feel that you must have done it."
"I did." He dropped a kiss on her nose. "I did not track his movements on a daily basis, but I knew what he was doing, how hard he was working, how well he was doing..." He sighed. "Khushi, he hurt Di. I felt very, very angry at that time, but what else could he do? Did he really have a choice? Had I been in his place, could I have done anything else?"
Khushi shook her head in the negative.
"His hands were tied, Khushi."
She nodded.
"He designed my hotel in Lucknow. I picked the plan from many others because it was outstanding, and when I looked at the name of the architect, it was Anand Dwivedi. He is one fine architect, Khushi. A master at his job! He may not have known that Axis Hospitality was my company, but I found out all about his business. After that, I have used his firm many times, always taking care to stay away from his sight."
Khushi rested her head against his heart. Arnav hugged her close. They stood lost in each other, till Mamiji knocked on the door.
"Hello Hi Bye Bye! One pair of lovebirds ijj in Shimla, and the other pair ijj here! Aaj aaffice (office) naahin jaana he kaa, Arnav Bitwaa? NK Bitwaa ijj waiting for you near the carwaa."
Arnav and Khushi blushed, and with a final touch on her shoulder, Arnav took his bag and left for the office.



Anand came promptly at 10, as fixed.
Arnav shook his hand, and offered him a seat.
Anand sat, and looked at Arnav's impassive face.
"Anjali must have told you?", Anand did not believe in wasting time.
"Yes."
"I would like to marry Anjali, if it is OK with you. I can now provide her with a comfortable life as she is used to."
Arnav looked at Anand.
"I am sorry I hurt her and all of you ten years back."
Arnav nodded.
"I could have taken the money your Mamaji offered, and married Anjali then. But, I am afraid, I am not made that way." Anand smiled slightly. "I always seem to go for the difficult way out of a situation."
Arnav smiled slightly. They remained silent for a while. Then Arnav asked, "What would you have done had Di agreed to some other proposal?"
"Wished her well."
Arnav raised his eyebrow.
Anand nodded. "I never hoped or expected that Anjali would wait for me for 10 years. It was three years after that terrible night that I had the time and the freedom to find out whether she was married or not. Till then I could only wonder and worry about her fate. In those 3 years, a lot had happened. My father had passed away, my sisters were all wedded, I had 2 jobs and was thinking of joining my friends in starting a construction company..."
Arnav nodded.
"I was shocked to see that she had not married, but even then I had no means of supporting her. I couldn't approach her and ask her to marry me. Then the company started functioning. We got some good contracts and projects. Slowly, our financial position became stable. But I had a lot of debts."
Arnav listened with keen interest.

"I had to return the money my brothers-in-law, Amma, and Buaji had given me to start the company. I did. I also started a shop for my eldest brother-in-law and his family as they are halwaiis by profession but were renting space for their shop. My second brother-in-law refused to take even a paisa more than what he had given me. So I opened a textile shop for my second sister. I bought six acres of land for my third brother-in-law so that he and his family could farm it. They are farmers by birth."
Arnav nodded.
"I had to see to the security of my Amma & Buaji. I was the only male in the family. If something happened to me, I didn't want them to worry about the future.
All this took seven years. As each year passed, and Anjali remained unmarried, I hoped I would get a chance to marry her."
"You came to Delhi frequently to see her.", stated Arnav.
Anand nodded.
"Why didn't you meet her and ask her to wait for you?"
Anand smiled. "For how long? What could I tell her? Anjali, wait for me for 5 years? I may be able to afford to marry you in 5 years. If I can't, then please wait a few more years?"
Arnav smiled. "She would have."
"She would have.", Anand concurred. "That's exactly why I didn't ask. How could I make her wait indefinitely for me while all other girls of her age were getting married & having families?"
Arnav nodded.
"Where are you staying?", he asked Anand.
"I bought a house in Delhi for Amma & Buaji three years back. It is about 2kms from your house."
"If you give me the address, I will bring Nani, Mami, Mamaji, NK, my brother, & Khushi to make a formal proposal."
"No.", said Anand smiling. "I will give you the address, but you don't have to come to us with the proposal. That was done 10 years ago. Now we will come to your house, and ask for Anjali's hand."
Arnav smiled.
Anand stood up to leave. The men shook hands, but did not let go.
Arnav said softly, "You don't know how many times in the past 10 years, I was on the verge of contacting you and asking you to come back."
Anand said softly, his voice reflecting the loneliness and agony of the past 10 years, "You don't know how many times in the past 10 years, I was tempted to come here and carry Anjali off. Each time I saw her drawn face, pale with fasting and praying for me, I..I...", Anand could not complete it.
Arnav hugged Anand. Anand held him tight.
As they parted, Anand asked, "Khushi is your wife?"
Arnav smiled, "Yes."
"I will look forward to meeting her and the rest of your family tomorrow night."
Arnav smiled. "She has been waiting to see you."

As soon as Anand left, Arnav rang up Khushi, Di, and Akash and gave them the news. He told them that he would tell the rest of the family over lunch, and asked them not to spoil the surprise.

Akash sat by her and told Payal the good news, and about the past of Anjali and Anand. After listening to the sorry tale silently, Payal said, "Shall we go home?"
Akash looked at her, speechless. "We have two more days here.", he reminded her.
Payal stood up, walked to him, and put her arms around his shoulders. "Honeymoon is not a place. It is the two people enjoying it. Where ever we are, we can have our honeymoon."
Akash hugged her close, resting his face against her soft bosom. "What did I do to deserve you, Payal?", he asked.


Arnav & NK returned for lunch, and the whole family gathered around the dining table, relishing the delectable fare prepared by Khushi, Di, & HP.
Arnav swallowed a morsel, and looked at Di's and Khushi's faces. Both glowed with suppressed excitement. Arnav hid a smile.
He said, "It is time to prepare for another wedding."
Mami paused, a piece of roti in her hand hanging in air. "Bedding? Ab kis ki bedding left he, Saasumma?"
Nani looked surprised at Arnav.
"I knows, I knows.", Mami said. "Arnav Bitwaa is going to marry again." She picked up a free plate and held it in front of her like a shield against Khushi's ire.
But Khushi & Anjali laughed. Nani shook her head at Mami's antics.
"One wife is enough for me, Mami.", said Arnav, hiding a smile.
"Aur naahin to kaa, Arnav Bitwaa. Will any man repeat such life-altering mistakes?", asked Mamaji.
Mami pushed Mamaji, who laughed.
"Who is getting married, Nannav?", asked NK, confused. As far as he knew, his Aarti hadn't said yes to his proposal.
"Di.", said Arnav.
There was perfect silence. You could hear a pin drop.
"Chotey, Anjali Bitiyaa agreed?", Nani couldn't believe her ears.
Arnav nodded. Nani looked at Anjali's smiling face. How could she be so happy, when till a few days back, she was praying and conducting poojas for Anand?
Mami looked at Anjali, and whispered, "Saasumma, am I sleeping?"
Mamaji looked at Anjali with anxious eyes, and then at Arnav with serious ones.
Arnav nodded. He said, "Anand has returned."
Mami gasped, and closed her mouth with her fingers.
Nani cried, "Anand has come back? Devi Maiyya heard her prayers?"
Arnav nodded.
"He wants to marry her?", asked Mamaji seriously.
"Haan. Now that he has provided for his family, he can finally think about himself."
Mami & Nani hugged Anjali, tears of joy pouring down their cheeks. Mamaji and NK too hugged her. Khushi hugged and kissed her on the cheek. Arnav watched all this, smiling.
Mami sniffed, and turned towards Mamaji. "This ijj love. Learn from them. Ten years, and he neber (never) phorgot (forgot) her. He cames to marry Anjali Bitiyaa."
"Acha?", countered Mamaji. "Shall I go away for ten years?"
Mami nudged him in play.
Mamaji teased. "No woman respects wife-fearing men like me who go to work in the morning and return in the evening. All of them want Salman Khan and hippies."
In the laughter that followed, Arnav said, "Anand and his mother and Buaji will be coming tomorrow evening to ask for Di's hand."
His voice was drowned in the many voices making plans for the evening and the wedding.
Arnav sat watching them for sometime, an indulgent look in his eyes. Then, he signalled NK to join him. He took NK to his room and grilled him about everything he had ever said to Aarti and every word that she had spoken to him.
Di's future was as good as settled. Now he had to take care of NK & Aarti.


Part 62


It was time for lunch.
The arrangements for the visit by Anand and his family that evening were done. If only Akash and Payal were here!, Arnav wished. Being without Akash was like being without his right arm..., Arnav thought as he crossed the hallway with NK.
The door bell rang and HP opened the door.
Akash & Payal stood framed in the doorway. Arnav stood still, his mouth not entirely closed, while NK had his mouth fully open.
"Fly-catching ka irrada he kaa?", Mami asked NK laughing, before she too turned towards the door. She stood shocked for a moment.
"Akash Bitwaa, Payaliyaa! Kaa Hui Gawaa?" She hugged both of them. They bent and touched her feet. "Is Shimla alright? Kono tsunami-wunami to naahi hui na?"
Akash & Payal laughed. Akash said, "No, Maate, Shimla is perfectly fine."
"Then why are you backs so soon? What happened? Honeymoon cancelled?"
Nani, Anjali, & Khushi came out of the kitchen to find the reason for such a commotion.
Arnav and NK walked towards Akash & Payal. Akash hugged Arnav tight, and Payal touched his feet, smiling.
Arnav blessed her awkwardly, saying "Welcome home, Payal!", while Khushi giggled at his discomfiture. His eyes promised her retribution at the earliest.
Khushi and the others hugged Akash & Payal, delighted to see them. She kissed them both on the forehead.
Mami whispered in Nani's ear, "Saasumma, bhy (why) are they back soon? When Arnav Bitwaa & Khushi Bitiyaa went to Shimla, they used the taime (time) bell (well). They came home with khush khabri. Hamre Akash Bitwaa came back early, with just his suitcasewaa?"
Nani bit her lip, and said, "Are you in such a hurry to be a grandmother?"
"Grandmother?", Mami stood shocked, her mouth open.
"That is the problem with getting khush khabri, Manorama. You graduate from mother to grandmother.", Nani laughed.



(Naddiya26, thanx!)

"How can we miss meeting Anand and his relations?", asked Akash.
"But you cut short your honeymoon!", Anjali lamented.
NK laughed, "Di, they will celebrate their honeymoon in Delhi as Nannav and Khushi Bhabi are doing, months after their wedding. A never-ending honeymoon. Their chand is still in the shayad!"
"Shayad?", Di asked.
"Honey.", NK explained.
"Shahad, NK Bhai!", Khushi pinched his chin.


(Pieryrose, thanx!)

"Shayad, shahad, it is all the same, Khushi Bhabi!", NK teased.
"Acha? So from tomorrow onwards, I will add some shayad to your lime juice in the morning, not shahad. Let me see how you like it.", Khushi teased back.
Laughing, all of them walked into the hall. If only Aarti were here with them..., NK wished fervently as he walked with his hand around his Khushi Bhabi's shoulders.


"Khushi Bhabi, how are you?", Akash asked her, sitting by her. Payal sat near her, holding her hand in both of hers.
"Healthy and happy, Akash Bhai. Happier after seeing you both. Did you like Shimla?"
"Ji. Very much.", Akash blushed. Payal looked down, bashful. Khushi hid her smile.
"I am so glad you came back early, Akash Bhai, Payalji.", Khushi said seriously. "I think Anandji & Di will want their marriage conducted soon. If Payalji is with me,  and you and NK Bhai are with Arnavji, we can manage anything."
Akash & Payal smiled.



Anand, his mother, Shanti, and his Buaji, Nandini arrived on time. Akash opened the door, and welcomed them in. They were joined in the hallway by the rest of the family, including Baba and the Sinhas. Greetings were exchanged, and all moved to the living room.

Anand introduced his Amma and Buaji. Arnav introduced Baba, Nani, Mamaji, Mami, Dr. Prakash Sinha, Amma, Buaji, Anjali, Akash, Payal, NK, & Khushi to them.
Anjali touched the feet of Amma & Buaji. They hugged and kissed her, tears filling their eyes. "We have been waiting for Anjali Bitiyaa for so many years, Devyaniji.", Anand's Amma said. Buaji nodded.
Anand touched the feet of Baba, Nani, Mamaji, Mami, Dr. Prakash Sinha, Amma, & Buaji.
Payal & Khushi touched Amma, Buaji, & Anand's feet, and received blessings. Watching them, NK imagined Aarti doing the same. If only she were here...His lips quirked thinking of the slow way in which she smiled, the way in which humour lurked in her eyes even after her lips straightened...
Sharing tea & snacks, the families fixed the details of the wedding.
If only Aartiji were here..., Khushi thought with a sigh. She would be sitting by NK Bhai, smiling in her slight, calm way, speaking little, but watching everyone closely, a smile hidden in her eyes.
"I was thinking that, if all of you have no objection, we can have a simple wedding in the temple that Anjali prays at daily.", Anand suggested.
Nani & Anjali nodded, moved beyond words. All agreed.
"Omkar is always available if you wish to conduct your pre-marriage functions there.", Baba said.
Anand was not familiar with Omkar, but seeing the delight and anticipation on the faces of the Raizadas & the Sinhas, accepted the offer with gratitude.
"Baba runs an orphanage there. We have 20 children. They love weddings.", Arnav explained.
Anand, Amma, & Buaji smiled. "Can we have this at the earliest?", Amma asked.
"Ji. Ji. Why waste time?", Mamaji replied.
The families discussed the details. If only Aarti too were here!, Arnav thought. His family would be complete.


NK leaned towards Payal's Buaji, and whispered in her ear, "Don't you find Anandji handsome, Buaji?"


(Illyria, thanx!)

"Hai Re Nandkisore! How can I tell you what he looks like? I can't see his face behind the forest he has cultivated on his face." NK burst out laughing.
Buaji whispered in Anjali's ear, "Bitiyaa, I will give you a sharp pair of scissors as a wedding gift. Chop down the forest, Nandkisore, when he is sleeping."
Anjali giggled.
Buaji whispered in NK's ear, "Bitwaa, don't forget Eeiyaam Bitwaa, I mean Aarti Bitiyaa when you arrange the cars for the wedding. I tried to call her three times, Nandkisore, but she did not pick up the phone. I will go to invite her for Anjali Bitiyaa's wedding, but she won't come. So when you arrange cars, ask for her to be present for the wedding. Insist on it."
NK hugged Buaji, kissed her cheek, and whispered, "I promise, Buaji."
A few seconds later, Payal cornered him. "NK Bhai, you arranged the vehicles for our wedding, didn't you?"
"Haan, Payal Bhabi."
"Can you arrange transportation from the same company for Di's wedding too?"
"Sure.", NK smiled.

(Pieryrose, thanx!)

"Can you...can you get Aartiji here? She was the one in the chauffeur's uniform with us for the wedding. The short girl with beautiful eyes. I will invite her for the wedding, NK Bhai, but she may not come. So can you insist on having her here? She is such good fun and great company."
NK smiled & nodded.



The wedding was fixed for next Thursday. After the Dwivedis took their leave, the Raizadas, the Sinhas, & Baba made all the final arrangements.
The shagun & sagai were to be held at RM. Mehendi & sangeet were to be held at Omkar. Haldi was to be held at Laxmi Nagar. The wedding would be held at the temple, and there would be a party that night at RM.
"It is time I left.", Baba stood up.
"Babaji, don't go. Stay with us this night at least!", said Mami. 
"Haan, Sasiji, please stay with us. It is so long since we got a chance to talk to you.", Nani requested.
"My children are alone.", Baba said. "I have to go."
Arnav jumped up to drop Baba, who tried to refuse the lift. But Arnav was adamant.

The Sinhas too expressed the desire to leave. NK ran to get the car keys to drop them.


When they reached Omkar, Arnav said, "Baba, I need to talk to you."
"Khushi is alright, isn't she? She told me she is fine...", Baba said anxiously.
Arnav smiled. "She is fine. Determined to turn me gray by the time she delivers, that's all. I asked her to stay in our room and not walk about for fear of hurting the baby, and she is running all around the house, smiling at me whenever I try to stop her."
Baba said softly. "She knows the value of time. Of life. Of health. She will never endanger the baby. And the house is full of people all the time. Don't worry."
Arnav nodded, both of them thinking of Baba's wife and unborn child.

"Are you worried about Anjali Bitiyaa?", Baba finally asked.
"No, Baba. That chapter is finally closed, after ten long years." Arnav heaved a sigh of relief. "I can breathe now. Watching her distribute sweets, laugh, shop, and make arrangements for my & Akash's weddings was torture for me... Anand is a good man. He will take care of her. And she is crazy about him. So they should be OK."
Baba nodded.
"And if something is wrong, we are all here to help."
Baba nodded.
"I am more worried about NK."
"NK? What has he done?"
"Fallen in love."
Baba smiled.
"With a girl who dresses like a boy, speaks and acts like a boy, does the work of a man, and says she does not want to have anything to do with him."
Baba laughed. "Come in and have some spicy masala tea. Let me hear more about this wonder!"



Aarti fingered the red silk saree that Khushiji had given her, the Banarasi silk caressing her fingers. She touched the wrapper and the satin ribbon, and her hand moved to touch the empty box in which the Sunflower had gifted her the sweets. Her heart beat rapidly. She took the letter out, and read it, her jaw tightening.

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?

Her heart clenched.
Even after reading it a hundred times, the letter still made her heart ache.
His handwriting was cute, like a child's. As though he had taken a lot of effort to write neatly.
Her finger travelled along the letters gently, following the path of his pen faithfully. She raised the letter to her nose, her nostrils flaring as they caught a hint of his fragrance. Or maybe she was imagining it.

She returned the letter to the box carefully, and turned her eyes to the brown shirt & pair of trousers hanging there. The black pair was drying on the clothesline. She touched her underclothes and nightgown.

It was time she bought some clothes, especially some sarees for her mother. Tomorrow, she would have to go shopping. 

Aarti ran her hand through her short hair, and paused. Her hair had grown slightly. From a military cut, now her hair touched the collar of her gown. She looked at herself in the mirror. Yes, her hair had grown. Straight, healthy hair, cupping her head like a cap, touching her collar. Maybe she could grow it some more, and let it touch her shoulders.
She smiled wryly, and turned away from the mirror. Her life was crumbling around the edges. What did it matter how long her hair was?


Part 63


A roly-poly middle-aged lady huffed and puffed her way into the main office of Mishra's, lugging a bag full of vegetables. She looked around, and then waddled to the reception desk.

Tara looked at her in astonishment. Middle-aged ladies with pallus over their heads did not frequent their car rental, vehicle dealership, and servicing centres, especially not with bags of green leafy vegetables in their hold.

"Can I help you, Madam?", Tara asked. Maybe the lady had lost her way.

"Hai Re Nandkisore! Of course you can help me. I want to see Aarti Bitiyaa."
"Aarti Bitiyaa?", Tara's voice was faint.
"Haan, Nandkisore!"
"Aarti...Bitiyaa?", Tara tried to make sure.
"Haan. Don't you know her? How can you not know her, Nandkisore? She works here. She is very smart, very capable. She is small in size, but she drives cars that are 20 times her size!", Buaji said admiringly.

Tara smiled through a pale face, and said, "Madam, let me show you to a chair. I will... I will try to locate your Aarti... Err... Bitiyaa."
"Haan, theek hai. You get my Aarti Bitiyaa. I will wait.", said Buaji. She let Tara lead her to a group of chairs, and sat down in relief. She placed her bag beside her.
Drawing a deep breath, Buaji asked, "Bitiyaa, what is your name?"
"Ji, Tara."
"What happened to your face? It is all pale."
Tara smiled wanly.
"It is because of bad digestion and lack of sunlight and fresh air.", Buaji declared. "Nandkisore did not intend that we should breathe in air from AC night and day, child."
Tara smiled feebly.
"Take chooran for digestion. Or you will become pale and sick, Nandkisore!"
"Ji. Ji." Tara escaped with her life.


Tara ran to the desk to contact Aarti. But before she could do anything, Aarti walked down the steps from her office, a print-out in her hand, to meet Nitin. She saw Buaji and stopped short. 

Buaji was wiping away the sweat on her forehead as she sat in the lounge, her bag of vegetables beside her. Aarti swallowed. She had deliberately not attended 3 of Buaji's calls, hoping that she would forget her Eeiyaam Bitwaa, but...

Tara sidled up to Aarti. "Madam, she is asking for Aarti Bitiyaa. I was about to call you..."
Aarti sighed. A small smile played on her lips. "It is OK, Tara. Thank you.", she said softly.

Aarti walked down the steps. Buaji looked up and saw her. A wide smile appeared on her face. Aarti smiled and walked to her. Buaji stood up and opened her arms wide. 

"Aarti Bitiyaa! It is so long since I saw you, Nandkisore!"

Buaji hugged Aarti till her ribs cracked. Every employee on the floor stared at this sight with wide eyes. Who was this lady who dared to touch Aarti Madam?
"Please sit down, Buaji.", Aarti invited.
"Haan, Nandkisore!" She pulled Aarti too beside her. "Sit with me. I have a lot to tell you."
"Shall we have some tea, Buaji?"
"Haan, Bitiyaa. Tea would be nice."
Aarti looked at Tara, and mouthed 'tea'. Tara nodded with a smile and phoned the canteen for tea.
Aarti turned to look at Buaji to find her staring at her brown shirt and trousers with suspicion.
"Why are you dressed like this, Nandkisore?"
"Err... I am not driving right now, Buaji. So I can't wear the white suit."
"So this is your uniform when you are not driving, Bitiyaa?"
Buaji was more right than she knew. Aarti smiled and said, "Ji."
Buaji frowned, "I don't know why girls have to look like men to do their work today, Nandkisore!"
Aarti smiled.


An employee from the canteen brought tea for them, and placed the elegant tray on the low designer table with a polite smile.
"I will manage, thank you.", said Aarti softly.
The boy smiled at her, nodded, and left.


(ArabellaPearl, thanx!)

"Nandkisore! Do you have to know Inglis (English) to drive a car?", Buaji asked, her eyes wide.
"A little, Buaji.", Aarti smiled, and offered her tea and samosas.
Many eyes gazed at their Madam and her unlikely friend sharing tea, and smiled indulgently.


After the repast, Buaji said, "I came to see you to give you something."

She opened her cloth bag, and took out an invitation. She gave it to Aarti.
"Anjali Bitiyaa is getting married next Thursday."

Aarti frowned.

"Hamre Arnav Bitwaa's sister. Khushi Bitiyaa & Payaliyaa's sister-in-law."

"Oh!" Fear and a strangely powerful longing raced through her nerves. The Sunflower would come to see her with an invitation. Soon. Her heart pumped blood fast through her body.

"We got the cards only an hour back, Nandkisore. So I told Anjali Bitiyaa that I wanted to invite my friends, and took a few cards from her. Then I went to the market to get fresh vegetables. Prakash Babua has to have soup daily, you know, Bitiyaa. And I thought, I will come and see if you are here. You won't answer if Buaji calls on your phone, so I thought I will come and see. Nandkisore is kind. I got you."

Aarti lowered her eyes, and nodded.

"I want you to come for the wedding, Aarti Bitiyaa. Not just you, but your mother too."
Aarti nodded. To distract Buaji, she opened the invitation.
"Anand Dwivedi?", Aarti murmured.
"Haan, Bitiyaa. Anjali Bitiyaa has been waiting for him for 10 years.", Buaji smiled.
"Ten years?", Aarti asked.
"Haan, Nandkisore. And you can see all those 10 years on his face.", Buaji sighed. "Bilkul Devdas ban gaye he, bechara Bitwaa. He forgot to shave in his love of Anjali Bitiyaa. And to cut his hair!"

Aarti choked. She managed to ask, "What does he do, Buaji?"

"He draws buildings. You know, those pictures with the bedroom and the bathroom and the veranda. You give them to get permission to build a house, Aarti Bitiyaa."

An architect. "He is an architect!", Aarti exclaimed softly. He had designed their guest house and the last two of their dealership outlets. His designs were brilliant. She had approved them, but had never met him personally.

"Hoga.", sighed Buaji. "But why he can't shave, only Nandkisore knows." She stood up to leave. "Aarti Bitiyaa, will you come for the wedding?"

Aarti stood up, and said, "I will try, Buaji."

"The shagun & sagai are at RM. Mehendi & sangeet are at Omkar. Haldi is at our house in Laxmi Nagar. The wedding is at Devi Maiyya's temple near Payaliyaa's clinic. And there is a party that night at RM. All the details are in the card, Nandkisore."

Aarti nodded. Buaji bent to take her bag of vegetables to find that Aarti had lifted it. They moved towards the door.

Before Aarti could take a couple of steps, an employee took the bag from her. Another held the door open for her. Aarti smiled her thanks, and escorted Buaji out. 


"Acha, Nandkisore, I will go now.", Buaji said, pressing Aarti's hand. "Soon I will come to attend your wedding. To the most handsome and the kindest rajkumar in the world.", Buaji pinched her chin, smiling.

Aarti smiled, the Sunflower's face flashing through her mind.

"I will take you home, Buaji.", she said evenly.

"No, Bitiyaa." Buaji cupped Aarti's cheek in her palm. "You go inside. You have spent so much time on me. What if your manager finds out that you are not in the office? I will go."

"I am free now, Buaji. I am permitted to go out. Let me drive you home."

Another employee listening to them, took the keys to an SUV, and unlocked the doors. The employee with the bag, placed it inside, and held the door open for Buaji to enter. Aarti smiled at them, took the keys, and slid into the driver's seat. She drove Buaji home. A few hundred pairs of anxious eyes watched her from all the floors.



A couple of hours later, Tara informed her that Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada and his wife were waiting to meet her if she was free. Aarti sagged against her chair. What was wrong with this family? Why couldn't they let her live in peace?

She excused herself from her Finance Manager, and left one of the small conference rooms. Her guests were waiting for her in the lounge. 

Arnav Singh Raizada was in formal clothes as usual. He was sitting by his wife, holding her hand in his. He was asking her something, softly. As Aarti watched, Khushiji smiled and shook her head, apparently reassuring him.



Khushiji was in a pale green silk saree, looking like a breath of spring. Her long hair in a single plait, the jasmine flowers, her sindoor and mangalsutra! She was so beautiful. Aarti's eyes paused on the long-sleeved blouse and felt pain clutch at her heart. Pasting a smile on her face, she walked up to them.

Khushi looked up and saw Aarti in her brown ensemble, walking towards her. She stood up, smiling widely, and took the last few steps to Aarti eagerly. As her employees watched with wide eyes, Aarti Madam got her second rib-crushing hug that day.

They looked at each other. Who were these people who couldn't keep their hands off Aarti Madam? In all the 18 or so years that she had been working at Mishra's, no one had seen anybody touch her, let alone hug her. Especially not that scoundrel of her father.

"I missed you so much.", said Khushi. "I was so hoping to see you, Aartiji."

Aarti smiled weakly. Arnav smiled.

"Di is getting married.", Khushi said, all excited as though it were her own marriage.


(ShinyJiji, thanx!)

Arnav looked fondly at his wife, the smile on her face delighting him.
Aarti nodded.
"To Anandji. We came to invite you.", Khushi included her Arnavji in her smile.
"Thank you.", said Aarti.
"Aartiji, where do you live? We will come home and invite your mother."
Arnav hid his smile. How would Aarti get out of this one?
"Err....", Aarti said. "...She has not recovered yet. She is not up to receiving visitors."
"Oh!", Khushi was disappointed. "Acha, what is your mother's name, Aartiji?"
"Kamla."
Khushi wrote their names on the invitation card, and handed it over. Aarti took the second card of the day, inviting her to one & the same marriage, and thanked her.
Khushi frowned. "Is this your uniform when you are not driving cars, Aartiji?"
Aarti looked at Arnav Singh Raizada. He stared back blandly.
"Ji.", said Aarti.
Khushi looked around, and noticed the discreet attention paid to their exchange by the many executives on the floor. She whispered, "Aartiji, are you permitted to meet personal guests during your working hours?"
"It is OK.", said Aarti.
"Will you get into trouble with your boss because we took so much of your time?"
Aarti looked into the innocent and extremely anxious eyes of Khushiji.
"No. I am free now.", Aarti set her mind at rest. So Arnav Singh Raizada had not told his family that she was Aarti Mishra.

Aarti glared at Arnav. He deserved to be hung & quartered. He smiled at her, all innocence.

"Will you join us for the wedding, Aartiji?", Khushi asked.
"I will try."
"I hope you can attend it with your mother, Aarti.", said Arnav.
Aarti nodded, her jaw tight.

As Aarti led Khushiji & her husband out, Khushi kept on talking to her about the many preparations for the wedding, how NK & Akash were with the caterers, how Nani & Baba had gone to meet the priest, how Payal was with the decorators, how Mami & Di were at the jewellers...

Aarti heard only about the catering part of the wedding.



As soon as they left, Aarti slipped into blue overalls, picked up a tool box, and took refuge in a sedan that needed to be repaired.

When life got too much for men, some drank. Some took refuge in others. Some ran away.
Aarti repaired cars.

She worked in silence, one among many mechanics working on many vehicles. The familiar work helped to soothe her nerves.
Her phone rang. Tara.
"Yes, Tara."
"Someone wants to see you, Madam."
The Sunflower. Her heart beat like a drum. A third hug in the lounge might be too much for the hearts of the employees on the ground floor. And he would do it too. There was no doubt in her mind. Aarti looked around. Here, in the workshop... In the presence of so many men, he may not dare. This was safer. 

"I am in the workshop. Send whoever it is here.", she said.
"Ji."

Tara escorted the guest to the workshop. Aarti looked up to see Payalji standing there, looking anxiously at the hundreds of mechanics working there, all dressed in the same type of blue overalls.

"Payalji?", Aarti's voice was thin. She abandoned her car, and moved towards her.
Payal was so happy to see Aarti that she threw her arms around her and hugged her.

Jayesh Bhai and the others stared in open shock at this sight.
"Err... My hands are dirty.", said Aarti.
"It does not matter.", said Payal. "I am so happy to see you." She smiled at Aarti.
Aarti smiled at her. "How are you, Payalji?"
"Wonderful.", blushed Payal.
"Oh..o, somebody is enjoying being married.", Aarti teased someone for the first time in her life.
Payal became as red as a tomato.
"Aartiji!", she said finally. "Di is getting married to Anandji this Thursday. I want you to attend it as our guest."
Aarti smiled, sighing silently.
"Aartiji, this is a very special marriage. Di and Anandji wanted to get married ten years ago, but couldn't as he had responsibilities towards his family. Di waited for him, refusing all other proposals. Now he is free, and they are getting married. Tell me you will come.", she wheedled.

Aarti smiled.

"It will be great fun with you there.", Payal said.
Fun? With me?, Aarti thought. No one had ever said that to her.
"Let me see, Payalji.", she said softly.
Aarti gave her the third invitation for the same wedding.
"And don't wear your chauffeur's uniform. You will be there as a guest, not a driver." Payal caught hold of her hand in both of hers.

Damn Arnav Singh Raizada and his all-knowing smirk! Couldn't he have done the hard job of disclosing her identity to his family? It would have saved her a lot of trouble.

Aarti smiled and nodded.

"Would you prefer to wear an anarkali or a saree for the wedding? I will get it for you.", said Payal excited.

"What kali?", asked poor Aarti.

"Anarkali. Those flowing, old Mughal-e-Azam type of suits. Shall I buy one for you?"

"Err... No... I will get something myself.", said Aarti.

"I will get you a saree then.", said Payal. "That way, we don't have to worry about the fit."

"No. No, Payalji. Please don't bother. I will manage."

Payal looked Aarti up and down. "You know, Aartiji. For one minute I couldn't identify you among all these men in similar clothes. I felt I had entered some other world..."

Aarti looked around at her men working nearby. All of them averted their eyes, some of them smiling, the rest curious. Aarti smiled.



As soon as Payalji left, her employees watched their boss throw away the overalls, grab her bag, and race towards her car. She drove out, intending to escape the next sure attack from the bane of her existence, once he had finished dealing with the caterers. She crossed the gate, and drove through the private road towards the main road. She slammed on the brakes.
Facing her, sitting in a jeep, was her Sunflower.

 
Part 64


Aarti lowered the glass to see him, to make sure that it was him, that she was not dreaming... Her Sunflower. No, the Sunflower. The Surajmukhi. The bearer of the next invitation to Di's marriage!


 (Shree.Nanda, thanx!)

NK looked at her shocked face.  

She had been planning to escape him again, but he had caught her on her way out. Had he been a minute late, the bird would have flown. He smiled inwardly. When would she understand that there was nowhere to go, nowhere to run, no need to run, no escape from this feeling...?


If she were a demonstrative person, she would have banged her head against the steering wheel. Again. And again.

If she were a violent person, the steering wheel would have been buried in his head.

She was neither. 

She decided to deal with him once and for all. Wiping all expression from her face, she left the car.


As he watched, she left the vehicle, and moved towards him. He copied her, and waited by the jeep.

"What are you doing here?", she asked, her face pale but her emotions under control.
NK smiled, deliberately putting her at ease.
"Di is getting..."
She cut him off. Shutting her eyes and putting her hands over her ears, Aarti said, "...married. To Anand Dwivedi. After 10 years of waiting for him. The wedding is at some temple. You want to invite me for this function."
She opened her eyes and lowered her hands.

"How do you know all this?", NK was genuinely perplexed.

Aarti smiled without humour.

"How can I not know? Buaji came here, to my office, to invite me."

"Buaji?", NK asked. "Payal Bhabi's or Anand Jiju's?"

"He has one too!", Aarti was horrified.

"He has a mother too.", NK smiled.

Aarti stared at him. 

"And 3 sisters. Their husbands & children."

Aarti looked at his smiling face, her eyes wide as saucers.

"Was it Payal Bhabi's Buaji?"

Aarti nodded.

"How sweet of her! She did mention that she would invite you, but I didn't expect her to get here so fast. She must have taken her share of cards while Akash & I were at the caterers. So Buaji told you all about Di & Anand Jiju?"

"Haan. Whatever she left out, your Khushi Bhabi & Nannav told me." Her tone was even, but the look in her eyes was dangerous.

"Khushi Bhabi & Nannav came to see you?", NK was shocked.

"Ji. Your Khushi Bhabi & your Nannav came to invite me. Followed by your Payal Bhabi."

"Payal Bhabi came to see you?", NK's voice became thin.

"Do I really need to answer that?", Aarti smiled, gritting her teeth. "We have been having a family convention at my work site. Your family convention." 

NK smiled.

"What is the meaning of this?", Aarti bit out.

"Meaning?"

"Ji, meaning. You told your Nannav that you want to marry me, even though I refused your proposal more times than I can remember."

"I did."

"Your Nannav seems to be going all out to grant his little brother's wish.", Aarti glared at him.

"What did he do? Except accompany Khushi Bhabi to invite you for Di's wedding?" NK was confused, but cute.

Aarti shook her head in exasperation. "How many more visits am I to expect? How many more people are left in your family?"

"Oh, you think this is planned, Aarti?" NK laughed. "It is not."

"Really?" She did a good Arnav Singh Raizada.
"Really.", NK grinned. "Come on, chill." He put his arm around her shoulders.
She tried to shrug it away, but he held on firm.
He led her closer to the jeep, and made her lean against it. He leaned over her.
"Aarti, look at me."
She looked at him, still furious.
"Breathe deep."
"Uuhh?"
"Saans andar lelo, aise, aise, deep, aur bahar phenko. Do it."

Aarti breathed. He showed her how to take deep breaths, and she followed. They breathed together, their eyes on each other. But instead of calming them down, it had the opposite effect. Aarti pulled her eyes away from his face, and tried to move away, but his strong arms came down on either side, locking her in place.

She looked at him.


"Aarti...", he  said softly, looking into her eyes. "I have no secrets from Nannav. Or from Khushi Bhabi. And I don't see why I should hide the fact that I love you and intend to marry you."

He was not touching her, but she felt as though he were. As though his fingers were moving over every inch of her skin. She looked at his lips, and snatched her eyes away. That way lay madness.

Aarti tried to leave his hold, but his strong arms that had formed a wall around her, nailed her to the jeep. 

He leaned forward, closer to her. His hot breath ruffled the tiny strands of her hair at her temple. She trembled.

"Buaji did not know that Nannav & Khushi Bhabi and Payal Bhabi were coming to invite you. She loves you, and wanted you to be there for the wedding. That's why she came to see you."

Aarti drew in air with great difficulty. There were only a few inches between her brown shirt and his blue jacket.

"Khushi Bhabi loves you. And she loves me. That's why she came to invite you for the wedding. Nannav loves Khushi Bhabi and me. To him, you are like Payal Bhabi, his sister. That's why they came to invite you to the wedding. They didn't know that Buaji & Payal Bhabi were going to do the same."

Aarti looked away.

"Can you deny it if I say that Payal Bhabi loves you? She wants to spend time with you, wants you to share the happy event in the family. She had no idea that the others were going to invite you."

He moved closer still. Aarti trembled.

"And I am here to invite you because I love you. Because I want you there when Di gets married. Because I want you with me all the time. Because...because I want you...because I love you."

Aarti couldn't breathe. She tried to move back, but there was no place to go.

"I had no idea that the others were coming to give you the invitation cards, Aarti."

She nodded.

NK cupped her face.
"Do you know why they came, Aarti?"
Aarti shook her head to mean 'no'.
"Because our family is incomplete without you. Because we can't do without seeing you, without having you with us to share our joys and sorrows..."

Aarti swallowed with difficulty. NK watched with fascination as the muscles of her throat moved, struggled to swallow.

"Only Nannav & Khushi Bhabi know about us."


"Know about us?", Aarti tried to drum up some heat, looking at his neck. "What is there to know about us? We..."

She didn't have to complete her sentence. He showed her what there was to know.

In full public view, on the road, crowding her against his open jeep, he kissed her thoroughly and repeatedly till she was left clinging to his broad shoulders, gasping for breath...


"Come with me.", he murmured against her lips.
Aarti stared at him, trying to move away. He followed.
"Please.", he whispered.
Aarti nodded, ducking under his arm. What was she doing?
"Let's take the jeep.", he said.
Aarti nodded. Why was she doing this?

Aarti rang up Jayesh Bhai & asked him to collect the car from the private road immediately.

NK helped her into the jeep, and drove off.



He looked at her sitting beside him, her legs held close, her hands folded in her lap. She was so restful to be with. A happy smile bloomed on his lips. The dimple on his chin deepened.

Aarti looked at him. What the hell was she doing here, with the Sunflower? She was supposed to be avoiding him, right?

He parked the jeep in front of a large flower shop.
"We need to decorate RM for shagun & sagai, Omkar for mehendi & sangeet, Buaji's house for haldi, and RM for Thursday night's party.", he told her. "Payal Bhabi managed to fix everything except the party. Will you help me choose the stage decorations?"

Aarti paled. "Err... I have never done this sort of thing before.", she said.

"That's OK. Let's do it together."

"What if the others don't like the pattern I choose?", she asked seriously.

"They love you. They will love your choice too.", NK smiled, and helped her out.

They walked in together, NK sheltering Aarti from the crowd in the shop. It was second nature to him, used to taking care of his mother, Di, Nani, Mami, & Khushi Bhabi. Unused to such care, Aarti stole glances at him.

They talked to the manager, who gave them an album of flower & stage arrangements for weddings and other events. Sitting side by side, they looked at photo after photo, discussing the merits and demerits of each design. NK drew her out, asking her opinion about every picture, the flowers used, the colour scheme etc. Finally they picked one.






NK stopped the jeep outside a small shop, and left the vehicle, asking her to wait for him. He returned with 2 chocolate ice cream cones and  a pocket full of napkins. They sat in the jeep, licking the cones, laughing as the ice cream trailed down their fingers or chins, devouring the sweet treat with relish, like children. Her first ice cream cone, Aarti smiled, licking a drop from her finger.




NK watched Aarti lick a drop from the tip of her finger, and felt a hand clutch his heart. He didn't want to drop her off at her office. He wanted to take her home and keep her with him. He never wanted to be away from her. Aarti looked at him. He was staring at her, a strange look in his eyes.

She raised her eyebrow to ask what was wrong.

NK shrugged, smiling. He took a bottle of water and poured it over her hands, watching her clean them and her face. She held the bottle for him to wash his hands and face.


He drove her back to the office slowly, very slowly. Finally, he parked on the private road.
"Will you marry me, Aarti?"
She swallowed, unable to speak.
"I don't want this day to end, to watch you walk away. I... I want you with me always, Aarti."
They sat, silent, looking ahead, for a long time.
Then, finally, Aarti asked softly, "What is marriage?"
NK looked at her astonished. She was serious.
He answered her seriously., "Companionship. Love. Laughter. Help in times of need. The knowledge that you are not alone in this world."
Aarti nodded.
After a while, she said softly, "I need to go in."
NK looked at her anxiously, "Did I take you away from your work? Will your boss...? Shall I come in, and ...?"
"No. No.", she said. "I was on my way out."
She moved to alight. NK walked around the vehicle to help her.
Smiling, he held out an invitation to Di's wedding. Her fourth.
She took it with a wry smile. Both of them burst out laughing.
"Be thankful that you have not met the rest of my family, and that they don't know how much I love you. ", NK whispered.
Aarti raised an eyebrow.
"Otherwise you would have found yourself kidnapped, married, and waiting for me in our bedroom for our Suhaag Raat, with my Maasi guarding the door against intruders!"



Aarti, as usual, told her mother everything that had happened that day (leaving out the particularly steamy kisses on the roadside and avowals of love & the marriage proposal from the Sunflower). Amma chuckled softly, the sound sounding strange to both of them. Aarti showed all four cards to her Amma, who touched them gently with her fingers. She opened one, and read the details in them.

"Are you going to the wedding?", Amma asked.
"No.", said Aarti.
Amma sighed.



Aarti placed the 4 cards along with the red Banarasi sari, the empty sweet box, and the letter. 

She put her hand into the left pocket of her trousers, and pulled out a soiled napkin with a chocolate ice cream stain on it. She straightened the napkin to look at the stain, and gently touched the brown mark with her finger. She smiled. The Sunflower had wiped his chin with it. She added the napkin to the rest of her treasures in her cabinet, and shut the door.




Part 65


"Arnavji, we are going shopping for clothes for the wedding today.", Khushi said, thrilled to bits.
Arnav who had been getting into his coat to leave for office, paused, his hands stilling.
"We?"
"Haan.", Khushi smiled at him. "Di, Naniji, Mamiji, Payalji, & me."
"The others can go. I don't want you to go.', Arnav was seriously agitated. "Standing for long, walking up and down the floors... I know how they shop. So, Khushi, stay at home. I will ask Maniramji to bring sarees home. You can buy whatever you like from him here."
"That is very kind of you, Arnavji. But please don't bother Maniramji. I don't need anymore sarees. I have enough. I just wanted to have fun with Di and the others. If you don't want me to go, I won't." Khushi was matter-of-fact. She smiled, and walked out of the room and went to the kitchen.
Arnav sighed. He felt bad. But, how could he let her harm herself and their baby?
He walked down.



The ladies of his family were gathered in the living room, chattering like magpies, excited about the shopping. Smart Mamaji had made himself extinct.
NK was laughing at something Nani was telling him.
"Hello Hi Bye Bye! I will buy a golden Benaras sari, and wear the jewellery set you gave me 20 years back, Sasuumma.", Mami said.
"You will look like Madhubala.", complimented Nani.
"Madhubala? That is so old-phasioned, Sasuumma. Madhuri Dixit kahiye. Aishwarya Rai kahiye! How can the Mami of the bridewaa be old-phasioned?"
Nani laughed.
Arnav looked around. Khushi was nowhere to be seen.
He called loudly, "Khushi! Khushi!"
"Lo aa gaya, hamre Arnav Bitwaa, calling for his beloved like Shammi Kapoor singing Yahooo! Yahooo! Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe!"
"But there is no barfi (sweet) here, Maasi!", laughed NK, shaking his head & body and dancing around like Shammi Kapoor.
"Barf (snow), not barfi!", corrected Di, giggling.
Arnav frowned at his Mami and her motley crowd of clowns. His family!


Khushi came out of the kitchen.
"Ji?"
"I am leaving for the office, Khushi."
"Ji."
"I won't be back for lunch, Khushi."
"Ji."
The Raizadas looked from Arnav to Khushi, and back again as though they were watching a tennis match.
"Tum theek ho, Khushi?"
"Ji."
"Acha. I am leaving.", Arnav said, reluctant to leave her in case she was upset, and wanting to speak to her in private.
"Ji."
Mami sighed. "Khushi Bitiyaa, go with hamre Arnav Bitwaa to the door so that he can give you hidden kissiya behind the flower potwaa as he does every morning!"
Arnav & Khushi blushed. The rest of the family laughed.
"Now you know why Hamre Arnav bitwaa loves gardening, Saasumma!"
"So that is why he is always digging in the dirt, Mamiji!", Di teased them.
"And the house is full of plants and pots!", Nani added.
Khushi quickly accompanied her husband to the door.
At the door, Arnav paused, and said softly, "Khushi, I don't want you to strain yourself. That's why..." He gently touched her tummy where his baby slept in peace.
"I know, Arnavji.", she smiled. " I am not angry. I was just disappointed. But it is OK. Suniye, when all go out, I will be alone here. So shall I go to Omkar?"
"Yes, Khushi. Go to Omkar in Mohan's car. I will phone you."
She nodded.
He kissed her cheek gently, and then with more pressure, not wanting to take his lips off her cheeks.
"How did Mami find out?", he finally whispered.


(Keshini4u, thanx!)

"Mamiji has been walking around for 2 days with a pair of binoculars, saying that she is a female Bond. Maybe she saw us.", Khushi whispered back, blushing.
"Your cheeks are red.", Arnav said, his expression making her blush more. "So many months after our marriage, and you are still blushing!", he teased.
Khushi pushed him away, playfully.
"I am not blushing! It is your stubble...", her voice tailed away.
"What did my stubble do?", he asked, smirking.
"Nothing." Khushi pushed him out of the door, laughing.




Aarti sighed silently. She had been putting it off for too long. She really had to go shopping today. It was her mother's birthday next week, and she had to get a sari for her. And some underclothes for herself. Maybe she should buy a third set of shirt & trousers.
She leaned against the back of the stone bench in her garden, looking at the dew drops on the new buds, the lotus buds in the small pond she had built, the tree with nests, the rose bushes she had planted under her mother's supervision...the small world she had made for her mother.
She sighed. Shikha was gone. She would feel the wind no longer. See the sun no longer. Her smile was lost somewhere, never to be seen again. Her laugh...
Her father was thankfully dead. It was just Amma & her.
And Gopi Kakka.
As though her thoughts had summoned him, Gopi Kakka came with a tray of hot coffee for her.
"Gopi Kakka, how many times have I asked you not to bring my coffee out in the cold? Your knees will hurt, and you will have to hobble around.", Aarti scolded him.
"You have your coffee, child.", Gopi Kakka said, his rough voice matching his rugged face. "As it is, she eats like a bird pecks at food...", he muttered.
"I heard that, Gopi Kakka.", Aarti said, smiling.
"You did? Very good. Then why don't you eat something?", he retorted.
Aarti picked up her coffee tray, & followed him to the kitchen. She watched him prepare breakfast. She tried to help him, but he snatched the knife from her, and motioned her to leave the kitchen. She took a plate to set the table. He took it from her hand, and said, "Go and have your coffee."
She stayed, watching him. After a few moments, she said softly, "Gopi Kakka, I have purchased a house for you in Ramling, your village. Along with some land."
Gopi Kakka looked at her in shock.
Then he said, "I am still not leaving."
Aarti sighed. "Your knees are getting worse, Gopi Kakka. You need rest. The last thing you should be doing is cooking & cleaning this monstrosity of a house."
Gopi Kakka remained stubbornly silent.
"And you won't let me employ maids to help you..."
"I can manage."
Aarti sighed. "And you won't let me help you with housework."
"No, you do the work of four men daily. No more.", said the stubborn old man.
A few moments later, Aarti said, "Gopi Kakka, I have paid in a good amount into your bank account. Even if something happens to me..."
"Don't say such nonsense to me.", said Gopi Kakka, furious. "And I don't want the money."
"My father underpaid you for years, hoping you would leave. You didn't. You held on, despite all his attempts to throw you out. For us. Only for us. But for you... If you had not been there, Gopi Kakka, I don't know what I would have done. I can never give you what you really deserve."
Gopi Kakka said, "Don't disturb me in the morning with your nonsensical talk. I have work to do. Go and drink your coffee, and let me work in peace."
"Gopi Kakka, I want you to be independent. To live life without having to depend on your nephews after you go home. I have arranged for a monthly pension for you, along with the money in your account. You will never have to worry about money again, Gopi Kakka.", she said softly.
"How many times should I tell you that I am not going any where?"
Aarti looked at Gopi Kakka. Her eyes held a world of pain. "It is time, Gopi Kakka.", she said softly.



Khushi stitched the button on to Chotu's shirt and hummed along with Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Sahib,

Kaa Karoon Sajni,
Aaye Na Baalam...
Tadapat Biti Mori Un Bin Ratiyaa,
Aaye Naa Baalam...

Rovat Rovat, Kal Naahi Aaye,
Tadpat Tadpat, Mohe Ram, Kal Naahi Aaye...
Nis Din Mohe Birha Sataaye,
Yaad Aavat Jab Unki Batiyaa,
Aaye Na Baalam...

(What am I to do, my friend?  My beloved has not come.
My whole night has passed in suffering without him, but my beloved has not come.

I keep sobbing, I keep suffering, but tomorrow comes not.
Everyday, when I remember him, I suffer the pangs of separation.
My beloved has not come.)

Arnav stood near the door, watching her. He smiled. No sulks. No anger. No tantrums. The smile slowly faded. Khushi had learned to live with disappointment at a very young age. He sighed.
"Missing me so much?", he asked, as he walked in. "Your Baalam has finally come home."
Her face lit up.
"Arnavji!"
He walked up to her before she could get up, and sat by her, hugging her close.
"What are you doing here, Khushi?", he asked.
"Ji? Stitching a button on Chotu's shirt." She showed him the shirt in her hand.
"Is this how you behave, Khushi?", Arnav looked serious.
Khushi frowned. "What did I do wrong, Arnavji?" She looked at the button, the needle, the thread, the shirt, and him, anxiously.
"There is a wedding in the family. The others are buying clothes, and you are sitting at home?"
Her mouth fell open.
"Come with me. Let's join them."
Khushi's eyes too opened wide. "YOU are going to take me shopping with Di, Mami, Nani, & Payalji?"
"Well, somebody has got to keep his eyes on you.", Arnav said, smiling.
"Your office?"
"It won't run away if I am away for a couple of hours."
Khushi pinched herself. Arnav hid his smile and stood up.
She slowly came to stand by him.
"You are alright, aren't you, Arnavji?", she asked naughtily, touching his forehead to check for fever. "Leaving the office for 2 hours to take me shopping!"
Arnav smiled. "Let's go."


(Barun_lover, thanx!)

Khushi hugged him and kissed his cheek, caressing the stubble with her warm lips. "Thank you."
Arnav shuddered.
"Do we really need to go shopping?", he asked, his husky voice touching all her nerves.
Khushi laughed. "Chaliye!", she dragged him out.



Aarti stood looking around her with an expressionless face.

All around her were clothes. Salwar Kameez, anarkali, kurta, sarees, lehengas, whatever... All colourful...

She saw salesgirls displaying hundreds of sarees, draping them over their shoulders to show their beauty to the buyers, girls and women trying out clothes, and preening in front of their friends and family...

She just needed one sari. For her mother.

A sales assistant approached her.
"Madam, what would you like to buy?"
"Err..A sari..."
"Which material would you prefer?"
Aarti was stumped. Cars were easier to buy.
"Err... Something soft. Expensive. It is a gift for my mother."
The girl smiled kindly. "Please come with me" She led Aarti into another room, where sales assistants catered to families and groups of buyers seated on the floor on plush cushions. "This is the silk section."

Aarti nodded. "Thank you."

The girl offered her a cushion to sit on, and moved behind the counter. She began to take out silk sarees one by one, and spread them out in front of Aarti who was sweating. If only she could spend the day in the undemanding company of her men in the workshop, half-buried inside a truck to be repaired!

This was torture. Capital punishment. This was seriously freaking her out! Aarti smiled wanly at the kind sales assistant, and looked to the left and the right for some avenue of escape.

"Aartiji!", came a call.
Horrified, Aarti looked to the left.
Khushiji and Payalji were getting up from their seats and walking over to her, smiling in delight.
Aarti gulped.
They came, kneeled down beside her, and hugged her, Khushiji on the right and Payalji on the left.
"How wonderful to see you here!", Khushiji said, smiling.
"Let's shop together.", said Payalji.
Aarti looked up with doe-in-the-headlights eyes to see a smirking Arnav Singh Raizada and a thrilled Sunflower watching them.
She gulped.

"Who is this, Hello Hi Bye Bye! Introduction to kar dio. Aisan huggiya hi karte rehenge kaa?", laughed Mami.
"Mamiji, this is our friend, Aartiji.", said Khushi.
Payal introduced Aarti to a smiling Naniji, the one-and-only Di who was glowing with joy in the anticipation of marrying her bearded Devdas after waiting for him for 10 years, and their Mami.

Aarti looked at the vividly made-up and richly dressed Mami with horrified eyes. So she was the one who would kidnap her, get her married to the Sunflower, and stand outside their bedroom door on their Suhaag Raat to keep intruders out?

Arnav and NK smiled.


Part 66


Aarti thought the situation couldn't get any worse.
And as usual, the Sunflower shattered all her preconceptions & assumptions.
He sauntered towards her with a sweet smile, saying, "Aarti..."
As she watched in horror, under the collective noses of his family, he reached her, and hugged her, lifting her off the ground.

The sales assistant smiled. The customer was so pretty, though dressed in male clothes and having short hair. And she was so polite. She deserved the laughing rajkumar.

Khushi grinned, looking at Arnav with so much happiness on her face that he almost melted on the spot. He looked at NK with Aarti in his arms, and smirked.


Akash, who had reached the shop & located his family at that moment, saw NK Bhai hugging a small man, a boy. What was he doing? Akash looked around nervously. Would he get them into some kind of trouble? He walked rapidly towards his family to find Bhai & Khushi Bhabi smiling, his Payal standing with her mouth open, and Dadi, Di, & his mother staring at the pair with varying degrees of shock and astonishment. As he watched, the boy managed to free himself from NK Bhai's hold, and move back.

Akash felt relief flood his heart. It was a girl!

It was a girl? Why was NK Bhai hugging a girl? What if her parents were with her, and they decided to confront NK? Akash looked around, ready to be ambushed by irate parents of the girl.

More importantly, why were Bhai & Khushi Bhabi smiling?


"Who did you say she is, Payaliyaa?", Mami asked in a shaky voice. "Hello Hi Bye Bye, she seems more NK Bitwaa'a phriendwaa than yours."

"When did NK Bitwaa meet Aarti?", asked Naniji in a whisper.




"Maybe at Akash's wedding, Nani.", said Anjali. "If she is Payalji's friend, she must have come for the wedding."

"Saasumma, Bye Bye bolne kaa taime (time) aai gavva, Hello Hi Bye Bye. I will hab (have) to go to Kailas mountain to hide my bootiphul facewaa. Naahin to maar khaibe! Beatings will come in parcelwaa from Kidney!"

Nani stared at Manorama.

"When his parents sent him here, he wajj (was) Single. What will they say when he returns as Double?"

"Haan.", worried Nani.

"They bill (will) ask me, shaadi karvane ka theka le rakha he kaa? Why I am marrying off eberyone (everyone) I see? Pehle Arnav Bitwaa. Then Akash Bitwaa. Now NK Bitwaa? They bill (will) ask me bhat (what) commission I got."

"Haan, but the girl is very sweet. She doesn't have much hair, but she is very pretty.", said Nani softly.

"And NK Bhai loves her.", said Anjali.

"The question is, does she love him?", whispered Payal.

"Wo kare pyaar, aur hum khaye maar?", lamented Mamiji.

"NK Bhai!", protested Akash when he got his voice back. "Who is this?"

"Akash, Maasi, Nani, Di, Payal Bhabi, this is Aarti.", NK introduced her again.

All smiled at him and Aarti wanly.

"I am going to marry her...", he said, still smiling.

Mami clutched her heart. Aarti closed her eyes, maybe to resist the temptation to raze NK to the ground. And stamp on him., thought Arnav.
"...When she agrees to marry me.", smiled NK.

Nani, Di, Payal, & Mami looked at each other.

"Hein?", asked Mami. "She hasn't agreed? Your parents..."

"They know about her.", NK smiled. "I told them."

Aarti stared at him, speechless.



(Lakhy, thanx!)

"Bhat did they say?", asked Mami, scared.

"That they want to see their grand children soon. They asked me to speed up my wooing.", NK laughed.

Aarti stared at him as though he had grown two heads.

Mami heaved a sigh of relief.



Nani came up to Aarti, hugged her, and said, "I am Devyani Raizada, your Nani."
Aarti gulped. The whole family was nuts., she thought.
"I am Anjali, your Di." Anjali hugged her warmly.
Aarti stood unmoving. What was with this family and hugging? She was in serious danger of having crushed ribs after being almost squeezed to death by Buaji, the Kidney wonder, & the ladies. 

Thank God Arnav Singh Raizada & Akash had not hugged her.

"I am getting married this coming Thursday.", Anjali beamed. "I would like to invite you to the wedding." She opened her bag, took out a card, wrote 'Aartiji' on it, and handed it over to her. "Please come for the wedding and all the functions leading to it. It would be wonderful to enjoy it with Arnav's, Akash's, & NK Bhai's wives."

Aarti stood shell-shocked, holding her fifth invitation to Di's marriage. NK laughed at her expression.


"And I am your Maasi.", said Manorama Mami. "Your bootiphool Manorama Maasi. I hab (have) a husband too, Akash Bitwaa's phather (father), but he is hiding in his aaffice (office) now."

Aarti looked at the colourful Maasi, and swallowed hard. She envied Maasi's husband. She too should never have left her office.

"And I am Akash.", Akash smiled slightly. "Your brother. Jetji, in fact."

"And we are your sisters.", said Payal, pointing to Khushi & herself.

Arnav & Khushi stood silent, smiling, letting their family handle the situation very well.



Aarti looked around, feeling faint.
When she had walked into the shop, her family had comprised her mother, herself, & Gopi Kakka. By the time she looked at 4 sarees, she had a room full of relations?

She looked around at all of them, all claiming to be her sisters, brothers, Maasi, & Nani. 

She looked at the smiling sales assistant. The girl deserved a raise, Aarti thought. For not claiming Aarti as her long lost sister!

Aarti sighed. She had never known that shopping was so dangerous.




Aarti (as suggested by Pepples_joy. Thanx a million!)



Part 67


It was time to leave this madhouse., Aarti thought.

But if she left without a saree, she would have to return. And the next time, she may not find so accommodating a sales assistant who did not mind her ignorance about sarees and materials... She sighed silently.

Khushi looked at the sarees displayed by the willing sales girl.

"Aartiji, are you buying a saree for the wedding?", Khushi asked.
"Err, no... I just wanted a saree for my mother.", she said softly.
"Let's look at the sarees together...", said Khushiji.
Payal nodded, and all the Raizadas and Aarti sat down to look at the silk.

Di, Mami, & Nani looked at wedding silks while Khushi, Payal, & Aarti sat before the sales girl.
Aarti took a deep breath. Was there any way out?

She looked to her left. Payalji was seated there. She looked to the right. Khushiji was seated there. The sales assistant was seated across from her. She slowly turned to look behind her. The Sunflower & Arnav Singh Raizada stood there, arms crossed, smiling benignly.


Aarti grit her teeth. She needed to get out of this prison. Soon. If she picked a saree fast, then she could leave. 

Buying underclothes was anyway not possible now, with 2 ladies & 2 gents breathing down her neck.

She ran her eyes over the sarees lying in front of her. The pink one was beautiful. She picked it up, and said, "This is nice."



Khushi and Payal touched it, looking at the design and the soft feel of the silk.
"It is beautiful, Aartiji...", Khushi complimented. "You have very good taste." She looked at NK Bhai, & smiled at Arnav who winked back.

Payal nodded, smiling, catching Khushi's meaning.

"I will take this.", Aarti told the salesgirl softly, pretending not to have heard or seen the exchange between the Raizadas.
The girl smiled and said, "I will bill it."
Aarti made to stand up to accompany her, ready to do anything to escape the Raizadas.
"I will bring the bill here, Madam. Please wait here."
Khushi & Payal pulled her down gently from both sides, and made her sit between them.
"Aartiji, shall we look at the anarkalis?"
"Err... No. I don't need them." Aarti was firm.
"Let's buy a couple for the wedding."
"Err... No, thank you.", Aarti made to get up, determined to leave.
Khushi looked anxiously at Arnav, who calmed her down with his loving smile. Payal held on to Aarti's arm, as though scared that she would disappear.

Arnav stepped forward. "I was thinking, Khushi, why don't the three of you select your clothes for all the wedding functions together? Wear something similar?"
Payal, Khushi, & Aarti looked at him. The first two faces revealed delight. 

The third was spitting mad.

"That's a wonderful idea, isn't it, Aartiji?", Khushi asked, smiling, hugging Aarti in her delight.
Aarti wanted to tell Arnav Singh Raizada what exactly he could do with his wonderful ideas, but one look at Khushiji's happy face disarmed her.
"It is a brilliant idea, Arnavji!", said Payal, smiling at her Jetji.
"What is a brilliant idea, Payaliyya?", asked Mami, half-buried under a mound of sarees.
"Arnavji was saying that Khushiji, Aartiji, & I could wear similar clothes for all the wedding functions."
Nani nodded, smiling, approving of the idea.
"That is a great idea! Chotey, aaj kya hua? What did you have for breakfast? Spinach?", Di laughed.
"Teen bahuriyaa in similar clothes! Wah! Kaa idea he!", Mami praised him. She turrned to Anjali. "Hamre Arnav Bitwaa does not need spinach to get ideas. He thinks like his Mami! Don't you, Arnav Bitwaa?", Mami smiled at him.

He bit his lip, and smiled back, nodding.

Aarti stared at him. No. Not spinach. Arnav Singh Raizada didn't need spinach. He had a brain that was crooked and sharp enough without spinach. What he needed to be given was bittergourd as a punishment. The juice of 10 bittergourds! Aarti smiled mentally at the picture of an Arnav Singh Raizada sipping bitter bittergourd juice with a grimace on his face and Khushiji standing over him with a belan in her hand to make sure that he drank it.

Aarti sighed. 

With the way her luck had been going the last few days, bittergourd juice might just be his favourite!
 
Aarti stared at the Sunflower, who was smiling at her. As she watched, he came close to her, and sat down beside her. He whispered in her ear, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if all three of you dressed similarly, Aarti?", he murmured.

How did she get into such a mess?, Aarti wondered, looking in to the loving, direct eyes of the Surajmukhi.


Khushiji and Payalji got up to attack the anarkalis. 

As Aarti watched, Khushiji placed her hands on the ground, and tried to push herself up. Before Aarti could gasp, her husband's arms were around her as he gently lifted her from the ground and helped her to stand. 

Khushiji smiled into her husband's eyes, leaning against him for a few seconds, before taking a few steps on her own. 

"Tum theek ho?", he asked in his husky voice, his arms reluctant to leave her.
"Ji.", she said, smiling. She whispered, "How can I be anything but theek when you are with me?"

She then dragged Payal & Aarti to another part of the floor to look at anarkalis. All Aarti saw was a blur of colour and a flash of flowing fabric before she was pushed into a changing room, with Khushiji inside to help her and Payalji outside to wait for them.

Any awkwardness she might have felt at having Khushiji watch her disrobe vanished when she looked at the pile of anarkalis and sarees and readymade blouses and skirts waiting for her. As she stared in shock at the heap of fabric, Khushiji efficiently dealt with the buttons of her shirt and the buckle of her pair of trousers.

Apparently she had sufficient practice undressing Arnavji!, Aarti thought.

Khushi smoothed the green anarkali over Aarti's shorn head, and dealt with the hooks and zips efficiently. She then turned Aarti towards the mirror, and said, "You look so beautiful, Aartiji!"

Right!, thought Aarti. She lifted her eyes to the figure in the mirror, and frowned.

Who the hell was this girl? Was it... was it HER?

"If Buaji were here, she would nazar uttarofy you!", smiled Khushi.

The flowing lines of the emerald dress flattered her slim body, highlighting her well-formed curves and her clear complexion. Her short but shining hair looked darker than normal. Her fair skin looked fairer than usual. Her eyes seemed to be shining, and her long lashes made her look ultra feminine.

Aarti swallowed. Had Mohan Mishra been a normal man, she would have grown up to be this girl. She would have dressed like this daily. She wouldn't have held an anarkali in her hand and wondered how to get into it. Looked at a sari in fear...

Had Mohan Mishra been a man, then she would have blushed when the Sunflower looked at her like Khushiji did when Arnav Singh Raizada looked at her. Smiled shyly like Payalji when Akash spoke to her...Maybe even said 'Yes' when the Sunflower proposed instead of saying 'No' and then peeping at him all the time, unable to take her eyes off him...

Aarti lowered her lashes to hide her eyes, and then looked at Khushiji. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me. Aartiji. I am used to dressing the children at Omkar.", Khushi smiled, her palm cupping Aarti's cheek lovingly. "And you can return the favour when I am near my term and will be laid up."

"Laid up?", Aarti frowned, anxious.

"My legs won't be able to carry my body weight towards the end of my pregnancy. That's all. Nothing serious. So I will have to take a lot of rest."

"Oh!"

"You can help me dress then.", Khushi smiled, and opened the door. Payal & NK who were waiting outside, gasped.




"You are so beautiful!", the Sunflower whispered. "I..I thought you looked good in the shirt & trousers, but... but this is out of the world. You... You are so beautiful, Aarti."

His eyes said much that he couldn't speak aloud. Aarti squirmed, feeling his eyes roam over all areas forbidden to him.

Khushi and Payal looked away to hide their laughter.



Soon Payal & Khushi helped Aarti wear a silk saree, all 3  in the small changing room. Payal & Khushi cracked jokes and giggled. Aarti smiled when she couldn't help it.

When she got a chance, she asked them, "Why are you doing this?"

Payal & Khushi stared at her.

"You know very well that I have no intention of marrying your devar. Then why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?", smiled Payal.

"Showering so much love on me."

"Because we like you. Very much. And would love to have you in the family.", said Khushi, pinning the pleats.

"That is never going to happen.", said Aarti seriously.

"It is your choice.", said Khushi seriously, kindly. "We hope you will change your mind and choose to marry NK Bhai."

Aarti stood silent, unable to speak.

Mami's voice came through the door. "Saasumma, does the changing roomwa have another doorwa? Have the 3 birds flown away?"

Once the sari was worn, Khushi & Payal led her out. The whole Raizada family with the exception of Arnav & Akash was waiting outside the changing room to see Aarti.

"Saasumma, lagat he, changing roomwaa mein ladki hi change hui gavva. Who is this?", Mami pointed at Aarti.

All laughed.

"This is NK Bhai's Aartiji!", Di laughed, & reassured Mami.

"Hein? Hello Hi Bye Bye!" She removed her pink goggles, and peered at Aarti. "You look bootiphul in saree." 

Nani, Di, NK, Payal, & Khushi nodded, smiling. NK's eyes lingered on the way the red sari clung to Aarti's curves... the dip of her waist...the length of her arms revealed by the short sleeves of her blouse...




"Ee lo, pehen lo ee sab." Mami handed over the 10 sarees she had been clutching in her hands, planning to try them out. "Never let it be said that your Maasi did not give you anything!" She pulled Aarti's chin, smiling.



It took 3 more hours and a lot of effort before Aarti managed to escape the Raizadas. 

She asked the helpful sales assistant for the bill, only to be told that her purchases were to be billed along with those of the Raizadas.

She quietly demanded her own bill, got it, paid for her clothes and her Amma's sari, and while leaving, pressed a wad of cash in to the hand of the kind sales girl, who counted it and sat shocked for a long time.
The customer with short hair had just given her a tip equalling her salary for 2 months. Now she would be able to pay for her mother's cataract surgery with ease.


NK frowned, looking at the bill, his card in hand. 

"Why aren't Aarti's purchases listed here?", he asked the sales girl.

"Sir, she asked me to get her a separate bill."

All looked at the sales girl.

"She paid for her own clothes, and gave me this." She showed them the money clutched in her shaking fist.

NK, Payal, & Khushi looked at each other, dumbfounded, wondering how a chauffeur/ mechanic could spend so much.

Arnav, looking at their confused faces, hid a smile.



Part 68


Khushi lay curled up in Arnavji's arms, both of them enclosed in the warmth of a single blanket.

"Why didn't Aartiji take the gift of clothes?", Khushi asked, sad.

Arnav caressed her scalp through her silky hair. "If you were in her position, would you let somebody else buy you clothes?"

"No.", said Khushi.

Arnav kissed her forehead. "She is proud."


(Curledup, thanx!)

"But..., but Arnavji! So much money? How can she spend so much money?" Khushi lifted her head and propped it on her arm placed on his bare chest.

"How can she spend so much money?", Arnav asked slowly, smiling. "Maybe because she has that much money to spend?"

"Arnavji!", Khushi pushed at his chest for teasing her so. "How can she have so much money?" 

Arnav smiled.

"Arnavji, how can chauffeurs/ mechanics make so much?"

"Maybe that is not her job.", Arnav so loved to tease his wife. He ran his fingers down her bare arm. She squirmed.

"You mean, Aartiji lied? No, no, never, Arnavji. She will never lie. She is... She is so direct, so good that..."

"Hhmm...", Arnav said. "Maybe she is not a liar. Maybe the problem is in our perception of her."

"Ji?"

"She is a girl. Just because she wore men's clothes and the cap hid part of her face, we saw her as a man."

"To?", Khushi asked, perplexed.

"We couldn't see past our wrong perception of her. Maybe we are still wrong about her, and don't know the real child?"

Khushi huffed in exasperation. "Arnavji! This is too much. Paheliyaan bujha rehein he aap. That too at midnight. I will show you the price of tying me up in riddles." She started tickling her husband, who was not at all backward in responding.

Both of them rolled on the bed, gasping, laughing. Soon the laughter died down. They lay looking at each other, Arnav placed above her.

"Khushi...", he murmured.

Khushi smiled.

His lips came down on hers.




Aarti walked into her house, lugging the bags with the clothes.
Gopi Kakka took one look at her, and raised his eyebrow.
"I went shopping, Gopi Kakka. For clothes."
There was a moment of silence. Then he said,
"Bhagwan Ki Jai Ho!"
Aarti frowned at him.
"No wonder the sky was overcast all day. We will have a storm tonight.", he teased with a straight face. He helped her carry all the bags to her mother's room.
"How is mother?", Aarti asked in a low voice.
"As she was half an hour back when you called.", Gopi Kakka said softly.


Kamla Mishra touched the pink silk saree her daughter had bought for her, her fingers trembling.
"It is beautiful.", she whispered.
Aarti smiled.
"You can wear it when we go to the temple together.", Aarti said.
Kamla smiled sadly.
"You will be alright soon. Then we can go out together, you in your new saree and I in my new anarkali. We can go to the temple and shock God." 

Kamla frowned.




"We can have ice cream together..." Her mind filled with thoughts of her Sunflower, offering her the cone, his eyes twinkling with joy, the sunlight falling on him and making him look as though there was  a halo around his head... "Chocolate ice cream. A cone." She smiled at her mother. "And we can sit in the car, licking them..."

Kamla smiled and nodded. "Show me your dresses.", she said softly.

Aarti nodded. "I will. I will even model them for you."

Kamla smiled. 

"But before that...", she looked at Gopi Kakka who had been standing near the door, watching Aarti & her mother, "...I need to deal with this khadoos Gopi Kakka."

"Khadoos? Me?", protested the irascible old man. "I am the very epitome of sweetness and light. Sweeter than jalebi..."

Kamla and Aarti smiled.

Aarti took a big gift-wrapped package to him and forced him to take it.

"What is this?", Gopi Kakka looked at the gift with suspicion.

"A snake. All gift wrapped. Just for you.", Aarti teased.

"I wouldn't put it past you. Must be an anaconda from the size of the packet.", Gopi Kakka muttered, as he gingerly opened the packet. It held four new pairs of dhoti kurtas for him.

He stood looking at the first gift Aarti had given him, had been able to give him... The courage it must have taken the child to walk into a clothes shop by herself! He cleared his throat to stop his tears.

"Acha? New dhoti kurtas? I never knew that you were so bored with seeing my old ones!"

Kamla & Aarti smiled. He left the room with the packet.



Aarti got into her green anarkali and walked across the room, playing with the dupatta, striking poses to make her mother laugh. 

Kamla chuckled, looking at her daughter. Otherwise she would cry. Her daughter finally looked like a daughter, not a son. How would Mohan Mishra pay for all the sins he had committed against his children?, Kamla wondered, tears filling her eyes.

"Is it so bad, Amma, that you have to cry?", Aarti asked, smiling.

"No. No. I was just thinking that I am fortunate to see my daughter looking like a girl."

Aarti looked down at the fringe of her shawl, & smiled, careful to keep the sorrow away from her face.

"You look beautiful. Tell me again, what did the Raizadas say when they saw you in the shop? Who all were there?"

"Naniji, Mamiji, Anjaliji. That's the bride."

Kamla nodded.

"They were buying clothes for the wedding."

Kamla smiled.

"Khushiji & Payalji."

"And?"

"Arnav Singh Raizada."

Kamla nodded. "His sister is getting married. It is natural that he should want to help her buy clothes. And?"

"Mamaji hid in his office, either out of fear of shopping or his wife. I think, his wife and her pink goggles.", Aarti smiled.

Kamla smiled.

"So his son, Akash came. When he came..." She thought of the Sunflower hugging her in front of the entire world, and Akash's bewildered expression at the sight.

"When he came...?", Kamla asked.

"Nothing.", Aarti said. "All were happy. That's all."

"Acha. So this is the whole family?" Kamla frowned, trying to remember. "I thought there were 3 boys? The last time, when Khushiji gave you the saree, you said there were 3 men, didn't you?"

Aarti gulped.

"A boy with Lord Krishna's name?"

"Haan, Amma. Nandkisore." Her tone and face were expressionless.

"Was he there?"

"Haan."

"Good. Good. His sister is getting married. It is good that he helps her choose clothes.", Kamla smiled.

Aarti looked helplessly at her mother. How could she tell her that the Sunflower had been more intent on helping her daughter choose clothes rather than his sister?

"Shall I model the remaining clothes?", Aarti tried to distract her mother.
Kamla nodded.

Aarti tried to wear the saree, remembering Khushiji & Payalji's instructions. Kamla too added her advice, and Aarti managed to wear the saree well.

Kamla looked at her, trying to imprint the picture on her mind.

"Will you wear the sari Khushiji gave you as a gift too?", she asked softly. 

"The Banarsi sari? For me? Haan.", Aarti frowned. "But why?"

"Just wear it for me.", Kamla said.


Aarti took the sari out of its box, brought it to her mother's room, and wore it.
Kamla stared at her for long. "You will look like this for your wedding!", she said softly.
"Huh! My wedding? Amma, it is Anjaliji's wedding, not mine.", Aarti tried to make her mother laugh.
"When you get married, you will look like this.", Kamla whispered. "So, so beautiful!"
Aarti averted her eyes, and said, "Amma, it is late. Shall I remove this?"

Kamla nodded. 

"When you see the Raizadas again, please thank them for me. Tell them that I am very grateful for all that they have done for you.", Kamla said.

Aarti nodded. She wouldn't see them again if she could help it. "If I see them, I will tell them.", she said.

Kamla nodded. 

As Aarti was about to leave the room, Kamla asked, "What does Nandkisore look like?" 

Aarti stood still, shocked. The beautiful face of the Sunflower flashed through her mind. She turned to face her mother slowly. "OK, I guess...", she shrugged, unused to lying.

"Is he naughty like Lord Krishna?", Kamla asked, smiling.

Aarti's eyes flitted around the room, searching for an answer. Finally she said, smiling for her mother. "I am not personally acquainted with Lord Krishna, Madam. So I can't tell you if they are similarly naughty."

Kamla frowned at her daughter.

Aarti sighed. "He is fun loving. Laughs all the time."

A smile bloomed on Kamla's face.

"He doesn't play the flute or take cows for grazing.", said Aarti, desperate to distract her mother from further questions.

Kamla frowned at Aarti and her ill-timed levity. Then she asked, "Is he kind?"

The way in which he looked after Khushiji! The chocolate cone! The sweets! Pouring water for her to wash her hands! Aarti sighed. "I haven't seen him being cruel."

"Does he love his family?"

"Very much."

"Does his family love him?"

"Very much. Especially his bhabis and brothers. They will do anything for him." She should know. After all, all their current efforts were aimed at her!

"He is happy?" Kamla wanted the whole world to be happy.

"Can the Sunflower be unhappy?" Aarti muttered.

"The Sunflower?", asked Kamla.

"Nothing!", Aarti said, flustered, cursing herself for voicing her thoughts aloud. "I will change my clothes and give you your medicine."

She left the room in a rush.

  
Part 69


"Khushi, there is no way I am missing the check up.", Arnav was adamant.

"Arnavji! It is just a regular check up. And I am feeling very good. You don't have to reschedule the meeting.", Khushi tried to calm him down, but to no avail.
The Raizadas and NK watched them, the ladies placing bets on who would win.
Finally, NK said, "Nannav, chill. I will take Khushi Bhabi to the hospital and wait with her. You finish the meeting and get there when you can."

"I will go with them, Arnavji.", offered Payal. "Please don't worry."

Khushi smiled at Arnav. He couldn't refuse their help without hurting them.

He sighed, and nodded.


Arnav arrived half-way through her appointment, and barged into the doctor's room. NK and Payal left them together, and waited outside the room, laughing at Arnav's anxiety.

"Nannav is pagal no: 1.", said NK laughing. "He will drive Khushi Bhabi up the deewaar (wall) with his fuss, and turn all of us pagal too by the time the baby is born." Payal laughed with him.


Finally, Arnav and Khushi came out of the room. He had a prescription in his hand.
"What did the doctor say?", Payal & NK asked.
"What could the poor lady say?", laughed Khushi. "Your Nannav Bhai didn't let her say anything. He was too busy shooting questions at her that she couldn't get a word in edgeways."
"That's not right, Khushi.", Arnav protested.
Payal & NK laughed.
"You are right, Arnavji. She got to say 'Goodbye'!" Khushi laughed with them.
Arnav had to smile thinking of his hyper behaviour in the consulting room.
He told NK & Payal, "Khushi is fine. The baby is growing according to schedule, and Khushi is healthy."
"Of course, the baby is growing according to schedule. How can it not? It is your child. It will be punctual.", laughed Khushi, teasing her husband to calm him down.
Arnav smiled at her.
Payal said, "Let me phone home & let them know. All will be anxious."
Arnav nodded.
"Nannav, give me the prescription. I will get it filled at the pharmacy. Why don't you go home with Khushi Bhabi & Payal Bhabi in your car? I will follow you."
Arnav looked at a visibly wilting Khushi, and nodded. Payal had to go to her clinic too. And there were arrangements to be made for the shagun & sagai the next day. He led both the ladies out to the car.



NK took the prescription and went around to find the pharmacy. Finally, he located it. There were queues in front of all 3 counters. He parked himself in the shortest line and looked around.

Half-an-hour later, his turn came, and he purchased the medicines. He pocketed the change, and turned to leave. 

He stood still as though electrocuted.

Aarti was standing at a counter at the other end of the hall, handing over a sheaf of bills to a clerk. As he watched, she counted a wad of notes expertly, and passed it to the lady. She received a receipt, and made to move away, her face closed and expressionless.

Aarti looked at the receipt, making sure that the lady had filled in the details correctly. She walked slowly away from the counter. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed some body pause in her path, blocking it. She halted, and lifted her eyes from the receipt to look at the person.

The Sunflower. In a yellow jacket, blue jeans, and  a blue T-shirt that said,

                         HERE I AM
    Now What Are Your Other Two Wishes?


Aarti looked heavenwards for divine help in navigating the crocodile-infested waters. And to control her heart beat and bring it down to manageable levels.
"Aarti?"
"Ji?" Her voice was resigned.
"What are you doing here?" He looked pale. "Are you alright? Is there something wrong with you?"
Everything was wrong with her. Her whole life was a big mess. But that was her problem. Not his.
"I am fine."
"Then what are you doing here?"
"I brought my mother for a consultation."
"What is wrong with her? Why were you paying such a large amount at the counter?"
"She needed a few tests done. That's all." Aarti changed the subject. "What are you doing here?"
"I came with Khushi Bhabi & Payal Bhabi. Khushi Bhabi had her regular check up today. Nannav couldn't get here on time. So I came here."
"Is she fine?" Aarti's eyes couldn't hide her concern.
NK smiled. "Yes, she is fine. I just waited to get the prescription filled."

Aarti nodded. "Acha. It is time I left. Bye!" She made to move away.
"Aarti!", NK called urgently. "Where is your mother?"
"Resting."
"I want to meet her."


Aarti opened her mouth to refuse, but no words got said. Her phone rang. She made haste to answer it.
"Haan, Gopi Kakka."
"Bitiyaa, the doctor is here."
"I am coming. 1 minute."
Aarti moved towards the lift on fast feet, not really noticing NK following her. She left the lift on the floor her mother had been given a room, and strode to the room. NK followed her, and entered the room after her.
An older lady lay on the bed, her eyes shut, looking exhausted. An elderly man stood by her bed, dressed in a white dhoti kurta. The doctor talked softly to Aarti.

NK moved out of the room to wait outside the open door. He did not want to disturb their privacy. The elderly man looked at him with sharp eyes. NK smiled slightly at him, but there was no smile in response.

He watched Aarti nodding as the doctor concluded his instructions. The doctor moved to the door, and Aarti walked with him to escort him out. She stopped at the sight of the Sunflower waiting outside the room.

The doctor left.


"Is that your mother?", NK asked softly.
Aarti nodded.
"She looks tired. What is wrong with her?", NK asked, concerned.
Aarti swallowed. "The doctors are looking into it."
NK nodded. "Aarti, is there anything I can do for you?"
Aarti looked into his earnest eyes.
"No.", she said softly.
"If you need something, anything, any time of the day or night, call me.", NK said, meaning every word of it.
Aarti nodded. "Khushiji will be waiting for her medicines.", she reminded him.
NK nodded, reluctant to leave.
"Aarti!", her mother's feeble voice summoned her.
NK watched Aarti rush to her mother's bedside. He watched astounded as Aarti changed from a tired and tense person to a confident and cheerful person in front of her mother.
"How are you feeling, Amma? The doctor said that you are doing much better." She smiled.
Amma smiled slightly. "I feel better."
Aarti nodded. "Good." She smiled. "The doctor was surprised at the improvement in you."
The older lady smiled slightly. She said, "I will sleep now. For some time." Her words were slurred.
Aarti nodded. Then she paused, her face taking on a strange urgency. "Just a minute, Amma."
She walked up to NK, and asked him, "You wanted to meet my mother, didn't you?"
"Yes." His eyes were clear, his voice firm.
"Then come with me."
She led him into the room.


Kamla's eyes fell on the handsome man standing beside her daughter. She blinked. Maybe she was imagining things.

"Amma, this is Nandkisoreji. Khushiji's devar."

As NK watched, a smile appeared on the old lady's face. NK smiled at her, wishing he could hug her, but not sure if her frail body would be able to take it. He compromised by dropping a kiss on her cheek, and sitting down on the bed beside her.

Kamla looked at him in shock. Aarti felt her breath hitch.

"I wanted to see you.", Kamla said, finally.
"I wanted to see you too.", said NK.
Kamla smiled. "Happy Sunflower!"
NK stared at her.
Aarti looked out through the window. Jumping out was infinitely preferable to being in that room at that particular time, but the room was on the seventh floor.
"I am the happy Sunflower?", NK asked. He was sharp. Unfortunately., Aarti thought.
"That's what Aarti calls you, Sunflower. She said you are always happy. Good.", Kamla managed to say.
NK looked at Aarti.
She looked away. The window was looking more tempting as each moment passed. She met Gopi Kakka's eyes and his raised eyebrow. She looked away again.
"Thank you for being kind to Aarti. Your whole family has been so kind to her.", Kamla said, panting.
NK said clearly, smiling at Kamla, "It is very easy to be kind to Aarti, Amma. You see, we all love her. Very much."



Part 70


Arnav parked the car in front of his house, opened Khushi's door, and scooped her into his arms.
"Arnavji! What are you doing?"
"You are tired, Khushi. I will carry you up to our room. I am not going to the office today. I will sit with you."
"Arnavji", she hissed. "Please put me down. What will Payalji think?"
"Payalji thinks that Khushiji is a very lucky lady.", said Payal smiling.
Khushi blushed. Arnav smiled.
"Payalji is also taking notes so that she can make her husband do all these when a similar situation arises.", Payal added, a naughty smile on her face.
Arnav & Khushi laughed.
Payal knocked on the door, and it was opened by Mamiji, followed by all the Raizada ladies. Behind them, Payal could see many workers decorating the house for the functions the next day.
"Saasumma, ee kaa hui gavva? She was bertical (vertical) when she went from here, and now she is haarijjontal (horizontal)?", Mami asked, looking at Khushi in Arnav's arms.
Naniji, Di, & Mamiji fussed over Khushi. She was still held aloft by Arnav, who refused to put her down.
"Laagat he, Saasumma, by the time chotey packet ijj born, hamre Arnav Bitwaa will become a weight lifter!"
"Where is Nk Bhai? Did you forget to bring him home?", asked Anjali, laughing.
"He is at the pharmacy, getting the medicines.", smiled Payal.
"Acha he.", said Nani smiling. "It will be good practice for him." She told Arnav, "Next time, Chotey, take Akash also with you."
Payal blushed. All laughed.




"Thank you for being kind to Aarti. Your whole family has been so kind to her.", Kamla said, panting.
NK said clearly, "It is very easy to be kind to Aarti, Amma. You see, we all love her. Very much."
Amma? When did her Amma become his?, Aarti fumed. And what was it that he had said after 'Amma'? Love her? She looked at him sitting on the bed, by her mother. He was perfectly positioned for her to kick his butt. She gnashed her teeth, and controlled her foot manfully.
Amma looked at Aarti's furious face, and smiled feebly at NK.
Gopi Kakka watched NK and Aarti with eagle eyes, nothing missing him.
"Di is getting married this coming Thursday.", NK said.
"Yes, I saw the five cards.", Amma said. NK & Kamla Mishra chuckled.
"The shagun & sagai are tomorrow. It would be wonderful if you three could come at least for the wedding, if not for the other functions.", NK said.
Amma looked at Aarti's closed face.
"Gopi Bhaiyya is a bramhachari. He does not attend weddings.", Kamla Mishra said apologetically, hoping that NK wouldn't be very disappointed.
"Bramhachari? Is that something like a poojari?", NK was genuinely confused.
Gopi Kakka & Amma tried not to smile.
"Confirmed bachelor.", Aarti said evenly. "That is what 'bramhachari' means."
"Oh!" NK looked at Gopi Kakka with respect. "Sorry!" He lifted his arms in the air to show that he meant no offence. And pulled his ear.
Gopi Kakka nodded, keeping his lips in a straight line with immense effort.
Amma looked away so as not to laugh.
Aarti looked at all 3 of them getting on like a house on fire. Why did it feel as though the fire were very close, too close to her feet?
"I may not be able to travel to the temple.", Amma made her excuses.
"I will come and get you." NK was earnest in his offer.
Amma smiled slightly, her eyes on Aarti's livid face.


"Amma, you need to rest.", Aarti made her tone even with great effort.
"Oh!", NK took the hint. "You need to rest.", he told Amma. "I will leave now and come later."
Amma smiled.
NK bent and kissed her cheek.
"I will contact Aarti on Wednesday and check if you are up to attending the wedding. If you are better, I will come and get both of you."
"You will be busy at the wedding. If Amma is better, I will bring her for the wedding." Aarti said tonelessly.
"I will be busy, but not too busy for you.", NK was certain. He pressed Amma's hand.
Amma and Gopi Kakka looked at Aarti and NK.
NK got up to leave. "By the way, where do you live, Amma? Can you give me your address?"
Amma opened her mouth to oblige him, but closed it after one look at Aarti's face.
"I will tell you.", grit out Aarti.
"OK.", said NK.
She showed him out.

"How long will Amma have to stay in the hospital?", NK asked, concerned.
"No idea." Aarti was non-committal.
"I will visit tomorrow. I will bring fruits and magazines for her. What does she like to read? Does Amma like apples?"
Aarti swallowed. "We may not be here tomorrow."
"Aarti, I want your address."
"Call me when you want to visit us. Your Nannav has my phone number."
She  got rid of him with great difficulty, and returned to the room.



"How long has he been hanging around?", asked Gopi Kakka.
"Too long.", sighed Aarti. "Gopi Kakka, the Raizadas think that I am a mechanic & a chauffeur. They don't know that we own Mishra's."
Gopi Kakka frowned. "You normally don't lie. So either they pushed you till you had no choice or you remained silent and let them think what they wanted to think."
"I remained silent."
Gopi Kakka nodded.
"You were curious about him, wanted to see him. That's why I called him into the room this time. Please, please, don't tell me you want to see him again, Amma.", she told her mother.
Amma smiled sadly. "I won't."
"It is not that he is a bad man. It is just that..."
"It is alright.", Amma said. "It is better that he does not get too involved with us. He is too good. Too kind. He deserves to be happy."
Aarti smiled sadly. "Yes.", she agreed.
"Let him live. Let him be happy, where ever he is.", Amma blessed NK.
"The Raizadas won't give up. They will come searching for us.", Aarti was sure. "They love him so, you see.", she explained.
Amma & Gopi Kakka looked at each other.
Aarti stood looking out through the window. "I tried to throw them off the scent. Many times. But..."
There was perfect silence in the room.
"There is little I can do now." She looked at both of them. "Let them come."
"Aarti!", quavered Amma.
"Truth is a very strange thing, Amma. It cannot be hidden forever. And here, only the truth will put an end to their efforts."
"Aarti, I think he likes you." Kamla Mishra's eyes filled with tears.
"That is irrelevant, Amma." Her face was pale, but determined.
"Do you like him?", asked Gopi Kakka. Trust him to ask the worst questions ever, she thought.
"That is irrelevant too." She stood straight, her slim body in its black uniform of shirt & trousers, her face wiped clean of all expression, her jaw clenched.
Amma & Gopi Kakka looked at Aarti, both of them silently cursing Mohan Mishra from the bottom of their hearts.


"Nannav, do you have Aarti's number?", Nk asked as he walked into Arnav's bedroom.
Arnav lifted his head from the screen of the laptop he had been studying, and said, "Yes."
Khushi lying near him, looked at NK in surprise.
"Can I have it?"
Arnav took his phone & retrieved the number for NK.
NK looked at his Khushi Bhabi and Nannav, who were both staring at him, wondering what he was up to.
"Nannav, Khushi bhabi, guess who I saw at the hospital today?"
"Aarti?", Nannav askd, his voice dry. Khushi poked his thigh.
"And her mother. And Gopi Kakka."
All 3 looked at each other.
"What were they doing in the hospital?", asked Khushi, worried for Aarti.
NK sighed. "Aarti's Amma is sick. She came in for some tests. Gopi Kakka is with them to help them."
"What is wrong with her?", asked Arnav and Khushi at the same time.
"I don't know. The doctors are looking into it. She is very tired. That's all I could understand."
"You talked to Aartiji's Amma?", asked Khushi, eagerly.
"Of course, Khushi Bhabi. I sat with her, and we chatted. She is so sweet. So nice."
Khushi & Arnav smiled at him.
"She is Aartiji's mother.", Khushi said softly. "She must be very nice."
NK nodded.
"Arnavji, I want to meet her too.", Khushi said.
Arnav nodded. "Let them leave the hospital. Once they are back home, we can visit them. By then, Di's wedding will be over too."
"Buaji wants to meet her too.", Khushi told him. "Payalji too."
Arnav smiled. "Let us take Baba, the children, Akash, NK, Mami, Nani, Mamaji, & HP too." He was being mildly sarcastic, but Khushi was in no mood for his sarcasm.
"How sweet of you!", she pulled his cheek, smiling, thrilled. NK hastily converted a laugh into a cough.
"And Khushi Bhabi, do you know what Aarti calls me?"
"No. What?", Khushi asked eagerly.
"NK?", asked Arnav, his voice dry.
Both NK & Khushi frowned at him.
"What does she call you?", Khushi asked eagerly. Arnav had to bite back a smile at the look on her face.
"A happy sunflower.", NK said, a confused look on his face.
Arnav almost choked.
"Happy sunflower?", asked Khushi, her eyes wide.
"'Happy' I can understand.", NK said. "But why sunflower?"
"Have you looked at the colour of your jacket, NK?", asked Arnav, swallowing a laugh.
NK looked down. "Yellow."
Arnav lifted his eye brow.
"She called me a sunflower because I wear a yellow jacket at times?"


"And yellow sherwani, yellow kurta...", Arnav sighed.
"Yellow T-shirt, yellow sneakers...", Khushi contributed.
"Oh!", exclaimed NK.


After he left, Arnav told his wife, "Thank God, his favourite colour is not red. Otherwise, Aarti would have called him a Rose!!!!"


An hour later, Aarti's Amma received two large floral arrangements.
One was a bouquet of sweet-smelling red and white roses from Arnav and Khushi, asking her to get well soon.



The other was a bright display of sunflowers. It was signed, 'Your Happy Sunflower.'
Aarti, in true Buaji style, placed her hand on her head in exasperation.