60. Keeping Khushi (Parts 71-80)

                              (Banner by Vrushika. Thanx a million!)



Part 71


Anand, his mother, his Buaji, his 3 sisters and their families, and his 5 partners and their families came for the shagun and sagai held in RM.

The house was decorated like a bride, rivalling the beauty of Anjali. Both the Dwivedis and the Raizadas were fully aware that they were witnessing a miracle. A miracle that steadfast love had wrought. Baba and the Sinhas were delighted that Anjali's future was being settled as she had hoped and prayed for.

Eyes filled with tears as Anand's family gave gifts to Anjali and welcomed her into their family.

"If only your father-in-law were alive to see this day!", Anand's mother whispered in Anjali's ear in a choked voice. "How he wanted you to come home as his bahu!"
Anjali teared up.
"Shanti, don't make her cry!", chided Anand's Buaji. "She has cried enough these 10 years."

Anand's Amma nodded, and kissed Anjali on her cheek.
His sisters hugged Anjali, glad that their brother was finally getting the wife of his dreams, relieved that the burden their presence had placed on Anand had not completely destroyed his life and happiness.

After all had filled Anjali's lap with gifts of clothes, make-up items, and jewellery, Anand, simply dressed in a white coat & trousers & a black T-shirt,  walked up to her, and gently placed his father's gift for her on her lap. The red sari he had bought for her on his last trip to Kanpur.

A tear trailed down Anjali's cheek. As all the family members and close friends watched, Anand gently wiped away the tear from her cheek, and whispered something in her ear that made her smile.

The Raizadas, Baba, the Sinhas, & the Dwivedis heaved sighs of relief.

Anjali & Anand exchanged rings, and the air filled with shouts of joy and congratulations.

 (Divya1503, thanx!)

Arnav felt his wife's hand slipping into his, giving and taking strength. He pressed her fingers gently, telling her without words how blessed he felt to have her by his side, how thankful he was that Anjali Di's future was secure in the hands of the man she loved... Khushi leaned against the strong arm of her husband, resting her head against his shoulder, looking at the smiling faces of all gathered in the hall.

Anand's friends and their families met Anjali and roasted them on their unique love story, laughing at the many trips they had taken with Anand to Delhi to see Anjali.


NK moved to the side and phoned Aarti.
"Hello!" Her voice was flat.
"Aarti, this is me, your happy Sunflower."
There was silence at the other end.
"Aarti, how is Amma?"

Aarti pursed her lips. It was as though he had give his mother to her for safekeeping and was checking on her to see if she had done her duty by his mother!

"Fine." Her voice was clipped.
"Did the doctor find out what is wrong with her?"
"Yes. High BP and some resultant problems."
"Has the doctor given her medicines?"
"Yes."
"Are you in the hospital or at home?"
"Home. We left today by noon."
"Give me your address, Aarti. I want to see you, Amma, & Gopi Kakka."
"I will. But not today. Amma gets tired easily and is not up to having visitors. Let Anjaliji's wedding be over. Then I will give you the address."
"OK.", NK accepted. "How are you?"

There was a moment's silence.

"Me? What is wrong with me?" She was unused to anyone asking after her well-being.
"You can't have slept last night. Or the night before. I hope you take care of yourself. No, Aarti, I hope you would let me take care of you." NK was sincerity personified.

Silence again.

Then NK said, "The shagun and sagai are over."
"Err... They went off well?"
"Haan. I think they went off very well. All are crying balti."
"Balti?", Aarti was confused.
"Buckets. They are crying buckets."
"Oh! Crying buckets? Why? I mean, I thought Anjaliji wanted to marry Anandji?", Aarti was astonished.
"She does. They are so happy that her wedding is fixed that all are shedding khushi's aansoo."
"Oh!"

"I told Nannav that we should be bursting batashe and cheering her on her way instead of crying, but..."
"Batashe?"
"Crackers. Fireworks. Aarti, I thought you knew Hindi?"


Aarti's voice held a smile as she said, "I do know Hindi, but it looks like the Hindi I know is very different from the Hindi you know."

"You are smiling, aren't you?"
Aarti frowned, the smile still in her eyes.
"The smile is still in your eyes, isn't it?"
Aarti's fingers clutched her phone hard.
"I wish you were here, with me, watching all of them cry in khushi."

Aarti couldn't find her voice.

"Aarti, why did you call me a happy Sunflower?"
She sighed. "I didn't call you a happy Sunflower. I just called you a Sunflower, a Surajmukhi."
"Suraj is Sun. Mukhi must be face. Sun face? Why?"

Aarti remained silent.

"I asked Nannav & Khushi Bhabi."
Aarti hit her head with her hand.

"What was that sound? Did you fall down? Aarti?"
"No, No. I didn't fall."

"OK. They said it must be because I wear a lot of yellow. It is my favourite colour."
"I noticed.", Aarti's voice was extremely dry.

"Aarti, when I come to visit you at your home, get ready to welcome a huge group. Khushi Bhabi is planning to bring Buaji and Payal Bhabi. Nannav suggested that she invite Baba, the children, Naniji, Maasi, Akash, HP etc."

Aarti closed her eyes and swallowed. "I will be ready.", she said.




Part 72


The mehendi and sangeet of Anand & Anjali were celebrated with great joy at Omkar. 

There were hordes of ladies to apply mehendi. Anand's sisters, their daughters, the Sinhas and their neighbours, the friends of the Raizadas, the children...There was much laughter and singing as the ladies had a gala time reminiscing over their youth, telling tall tales that evoked laughter.

This time, Payal & Anjali forced Khushi to join them. Mami & Nani insisted that Khushi too apply mehendi. Too tired to fight her entire family, Khushi gave in with a smile, and sat by Payal before a mehendi lady.

Feeling the presence of Arnavji around her, Khushi turned around. Arnav, Akash, & NK were seated in a line behind her. Her eyes widened.

"Ee kaa maadern (modern) phasion(fashion) he, Saasumma? Boys are also going to draw mehendi designs on their arms & legs?"

"Maasiji! We are not here to apply mehendi. We are here to make sure that Khushi Bhabi applies mehendi, and doesn't run away half-way through.", NK said.

Khushi pouted. Her eyes reprimanded Arnavji. His twinkled. He moved to sit very close to Khushi, breathing down her neck and sending tingles down her spine, peering over her shoulder to see the design on her hands.

"Arnavji, please...", Khushi pleaded.
"Please what, Khushi?", the Devil murmured.
"Please..."
"Come closer?"
"NO!", Khushi hissed.
"Touch you?", his murmur was for her ears only. His eyes lingered with pleasure on the rapid movement of her chest as she tried to control her reaction to his nearness and failed.
"Kiss your neck?", he breathed against her neck, the hot rush of air causing the fine hairs on her neck to stand up straight.
Khushi looked reproachfully into his laughing, loving eyes. He knew that she could not get up and leave as her hand was still in the clutch of the mehendi lady.

Arnav took pity on her, and moved back, slightly. Khushi breathed.



As the mehendi lady drew flowers on her palm, Khushi suddenly turned to NK, her face looking so joyful as though someone had lit a lamp within her. 

"NK Bhai, do you remember, I applied mehendi to Aartiji's hands for Payalji & Akash Bhai's wedding?"

"Haan, Khushi Bhabi."

Khushi pinched NK's dimpled chin with her clean hand. "I asked her which flower was her favourite. She said, Sunflowers!"

NK's face lit up brighter than the sun.

Arnav hid his smile.

Akash put his arm around Payal's shoulder and hugged her. He whispered in her ear, "Looks like your Aartiji is going to make NK Bhai work very hard to get her."

Payal whispered back, her lips touching his ear, "But she is worth it."




Loud music blared, and the children and the guests danced till dawn for the Sangeet. The children pulled Anand & Anjali into their midst. Anand was, at best, an awkward dancer. He had 2 left feet, but took great care that Anjali didn't strain her polio-affected leg. 

Arnav shuffled his feet, and told Khushi anxiously, "Khushi, don't move. Just raise & lower your hands. Don't move your feet."
Khushi laughed at his anxiety. "I am perfectly OK, Arnavji."

Payal & Akash danced around them, NK giving them company, attempting many adventurous steps that made Buaji look at him with an open mouth.
"Bitwaa, sambhalo! You will twist your back, Nandkisore!"
"Nothing will happen, Buaji.", NK smiled. "I am jawaan, balwaan, pehelwaan!"
Buaji frowned. "Hai Re Nandkisore, who will make these young boys understand that it is very awkward to walk with your head facing your back?"
NK stopped dancing at that horrible picture!

Payal & Khushi giggled at the look of horror on NK's face.



Buaji asked NK, "Nandkisore, why didn't Aarti Bitiyaa come for the function? I went to her office and invited her."

Arnav, Khushi, & Payal stared at her, shocked.

"You too invited her, Buaji?", Payal asked.

"Haan. I wanted her to come, but... Chalo, koi baat nahin. I will phone her and make her come. She won't refuse her Buaji.", said Buaji.

NK laughed. "Do you know how many people invited her, Buaji?"

"How many?", Buaji frowned, looking in her phone for Aarti's number.

"First, you."

Buaji smiled.

"Then Nannav & Khushi Bhabi."

All looked at them.

"Then Payal Bhabi."

All looked at Payal.

"Then I went to call her."

All looked at him.

"Then Di gave her a card at the saree shop."

All laughed. 

"We gave her 5 invitations for one wedding!", smiled Akash, astonished.

"Hai Re Nandkisore! Five cards, and she hasn't come even once?"

"Buaji!", Arnav said, "What do you think of Aarti for NK?"

Buaji frowned at him. "Aarti for NK Bitwaa? Why aarti for NK Bitwaa? Is he going somewhere? Shall I get the thaal?"

"I meant, shall we go to Aarti's house and ask for her hand for NK?", clarified Arnav, smiling.

Buaji's face was wreathed in smiles. "Bahute achi ladki he, Nandkisore!"

"And this Nandkisore is very interested in that Aarti thaal, Buaji!", Khushi teased.

"Hai Re Nandkisore! Stealing hearts like Lord Krishna stole butter, are you?" Buaji kissed NK's forehead and cheeks repeatedly to show her pleasure. NK's face looked red like a tomato. "She will be an asset to your family, Arnav Bitwaa."

Arnav smiled and nodded.

"And NK Bhai will never have to change a tyre again in his entire life!", laughed Akash.

"Not that he has ever done it!", added Arnav.

"And she will drive him around, where ever he wants to go!", Payal teased NK, hugging Khushi.

"Acha he! It is said that in a good marriage, the wife should have the steering wheel in her hand!", said Buaji, laughing.

"And make the husband push the car for miles.", added a laughing Akash, earning a playful shove from Payal.



Aarti switched on her phone as the last batch of managers left her cabin. Five calls from Buaji. Four from Khushiji. Four from Payalji. Ten from the Sunflower...
She made to return the calls, but paused. What could she say? They would demand her presence at the wedding ceremonies, and she would have to make excuses. She didn't have the time... Or the energy. She had to put many plans into action, many arrangements in place if she had to leave...

She sighed, and phoned Gopi Kakka to check on her mother.

"Gopi Kakka..."
"She is fine. Sleeping."
Aarti nodded. She knew that Gopi Kakka couldn't see her nod, but knew that he would understand.
"Will you be late?", the elderly man asked.
"Very late, Gopi Kakka. Lots of things to be done before..."
"Then send someone over here. I will send dinner with them."
"It is OK, Gopi Kakka. I will have a cup of coffee from the canteen."
"Not as long as I am alive. After I am gone, you can live on one cup of coffee. Send someone over soon. I am packing dinner for you."
Aarti smiled and sighed as he cut the call.


Haldi was at Laxmi Nagar, with Buaji, Amma, & Dr. Prakash Sinha making elaborate arrangements for the bride and groom. They plastered haldi on Anjali, and moved to attack Anand.

After Anand's family and his friends had fun dunking him in haldi, it was Buaji's turn.

She took a big dollop of haldi in her palm and applied it to the lean cheek of the groom.

She whispered in his ear, "Bitwaa, I will make a chawanaprash for you. You take it daily on an empty stomach. It will put some flesh on those cheeks."

Anand laughed.

"Wo kya he, Bitwaa, otherwise our Anjali Bitiyaa will hurt her hand if she tries to touch you!"

Anand could not control his laughter. He hugged Buaji, and rubbed his cheek against hers, transferring a good amount of haldi on to her.

"Ek to Anjali Bitiyaa ke pyaar mein Devdas ban gaye, Nandkisore!" She fingered his overlong locks. "Upar se itna patla!"

Anand doubled over in laughter.

"Hanso, hanso!", Buaji pretended to frown. "When I told Anjali Bitiyaa that I would give her a sharp pair of scissors as a wedding gift so that she could chop off this forest when you are asleep, she too laughed like this. Khee Khee Khee Khee Khee! Hanso! Hanso!"


Thursday was her Amma's birthday. 

Aarti made her wear the new pink sari, and helped her into a chair so that she could pray in the pooja room.

"I will go to the temple, Amma, to pray for you.", said Aarti.

Kamla nodded, smiling. Then she said softly, "Today is the wedding, isn't it?"

Aarti swallowed hard, and nodded.

"It is at the big Devi Maiyya's temple on the Main Road, isn't it?"

Aarti sighed. She knew what was coming. She nodded.

"You want to go to a temple anyway, Aarti. Why don't you go to the temple where the wedding is being conducted?", Amma asked timidly.

Aarti looked at Gopi Kakka, who was standing near the door like a silent shadow.

"Five invitations! And if you don't go! They will feel bad, Aarti...", Amma was sad.

Aarti nodded. There was no denying the truth of her Amma's statement.

"And if we don't return..."

Aarti clenched her jaw and her fists. She looked into her mother's eyes, and said,  "I told you, Amma. Nothing bad will ever happen to you. I, your daughter, am telling you this. As long as I am alive, nothing, absolutely nothing will harm you. This is a promise."

Amma nodded, smiling. "I know. But... but it is better we don't leave them wondering why you didn't attend the function."

Aarti nodded. There was no other way out.

"Go to the temple. Wear one of the new dresses.", Kamla Mishra pleaded. "I would like to see you in it."

Aarti smiled to humour her. "Which one shall I wear?"

"The pink one? It suits her, doesn't it, Gopi Bhaiyya?"

Gopi Kakka, whose knowledge of colours and female fashion could be written on the head of a pin, immediately said, "Yes. It suits her."

Aarti smiled wryly at Gopi Kakka, and went to get changed.

 (Thank u, Vrushika, for the banner!)

Part 73


Anjali dressed in the red sari that her father-in-law had purchased for her 10 years ago, and wore the ornaments that her mother had left her and Arnav had saved in the locker for her. Khushi, Payal, & Mami helped her dress, and the whole family drove to the temple in 3 cars.

The Sinhas, Baba, and the children were waiting at the entrance of the temple for them. Anand's family, his partners, their families, and friends were waiting inside.

Anjali walked up the steps of the temple, a small smile on her lips. A week earlier, she had been walking down the steps and Anandji had appeared in front of her. She looked up. Anandji, in a white sherwani, was waiting for her, his arms crossed, a smile on his lips.
Her wait had finally ended. A new life awaited her. She pressed the hands of Khushi & Payal in excitement. They smiled with her, and helped her to walk up to her groom.
A few minutes later, Aarti walked up the same steps, dressed in a pink anarkali. She felt very self-conscious, not used to wearing such a girly costume. 

Wearing it and prancing around her Amma was one thing. Wearing it and walking decorously in public was something else. 

She looked around. The devotees were all busy in their own pursuits, and no one was interested in her or her tent of a pink anarkali. She heaved a sigh of relief, and tried to tame the flimsy dupatta that wanted to fly away with the wind.

Reaching the top of the steps, she saw the Raizadas and their many guests gathered in one spot. The marriage must be happening there, Aarti thought. The Sunflower was missing.

She walked past them to Devi Maiyya's idol, and prayed earnestly for her mother's health, long life, and well-being, for Gopi Kakka and his long life and good health. 

"And please look after the Sunflower. Give him wisdom. Make him atleast a bit selfish. Teach him to look after himself.", she whispered to Devi Maiyya.

Devi Maiyya looked at her with kind, benevolent eyes.

"I don't know if I will see you again. But I hope you will remember what I said.", Aarti told her silently.

She turned around to look into the Sunflower's eyes. They were dancing with happiness. Aarti swallowed.

"You came, Aarti. You came for the wedding.", NK breathed.

Aarti looked at him, standing in front of her in a yellow sherwani, and nodded. Amma was right. If she hadn't attended the wedding, it would have been ill mannered of her...

NK caught hold of her hand. "You look beautiful! Just out-of-this-world beautiful."

 

Aarti twisted her lips in a smile, and battled with her dupatta with the lone, free hand.

"Nannav and the rest of us are planning to come to your house tomorrow.", NK smiled.

Aarti swallowed. It was time. She nodded.

"The address, Aarti?"
Aarti gave him the address. The play would be over tomorrow. 

"Come around 10o'clock, please. Amma wakes up late.", Aarti requested.

"How is she?"
"Better."
"Good. I am looking forward to meeting her and Gopi Kakka.", NK smiled, happy at the treat in store for him.

Aarti smiled wanly. She looked at her hand. He was still holding on to it. She could pull it away, but...
"Aartiji!", came a shout from Khushiji.
She came to Aarti and hugged her, kissing her on both her cheeks. Aarti smiled, her cheeks flushing at such an open display of affection. Many of the guests were looking at them, wondering who she was.

"You look so gorgeous, Aartiji!", exclaimed Khushiji.
"Thank you. It is your choice.", mumbled Aarti.

Payalji reached her, and threw her arms around her, almost strangling her in the embrace.
"You came!", she whispered.
Aarti smiled and nodded.

Behind Khushiji & Payalji stood Arnav Singh Raizada and Akash, smiling at the spectacle. NK stood beside her, loving his Bhabis loving Aarti.

"Aarti Bitiyaa!", Buaji made her way towards her. Aarti's heart quailed.
Buaji reached her, and gave her a rib-crushing hug. Aarti stood suspended in air as Buaji hugged her to her heart's content.

A few ladies belonging to Anand's family and the neighbourhood of Laxmi Nagar asked Buaji, "Madhumatiji, who is this? Is she your relation?"

Buaji introduced Aarti very fondly, pinching her chin. "Nandkisore! She is closer than any relation. She is Aarti Bitiyaa, my friend."

The ladies looked at Aarti who was surreptitiously checking the condition of her ribs and the strong Buaji.

"Friend?", they asked, smiling good naturedly.

"Haan. She is beautiful, isn't she?", Buaji asked.

Aarti blushed. Fish displayed in a fish market might feel the same, she thought.

The ladies agreed whole-heartedly.

"But don't go searching for grooms for her, Nandkisore!. She is already booked, reserved. By our own Nandkisore.", Buaji smiled at NK.

Aarti paled. So the whole family was on it.

The ladies looked at Aarti and NK standing side by side.

"Madhumatiji, they look so good together! Like Sita Maiyya and Lord Ram. Nazar uttariyee!"

Aarti took in a deep breath. When would this wedding end? Or rather, when would it begin?

Wasn't it supposed to be Anjaliji's wedding? Then why on earth were all these ladies baying for her blood? Couldn't they go and bless Anjaliji?

To Aarti's relief, it was time for the wedding.



She stood watching the rituals, detached from the events unfolding in front of her. She saw it all. Anjaliji's smiles, Anandji's laughter, the relief & happiness on the faces of the family members, Anandji's partners teasing the couple, children running around with baskets of flowers, their mothers running after them, Payalji hugging Akash's arm, Arnav Singh Raizada putting his arm around Khushiji's shoulders and pulling her close into his fold, his eyes moist, Mamiji's waterproof makeup running down her face along with a stream of tears, Naniji wiping wet eyes, Mamaji doing the kanyadaan with tears in his eyes, Buaji smiling widely at an Anandji who had apparently trimmed his hair and his beard, the Sunflower standing close to her......

His arm touched hers in passing. The bubble in which she had protected herself burst, letting in the sounds and the smells, the warmth and the feelings... Aarti swallowed, and tried to move away.

NK's hand caught hers.
"Stay a while.", he murmured.
"I need to go."
"Have lunch with me."
Aarti shook her head. "Amma needs me."
NK nodded, and let go of her arm. "I will see you out."

Aarti nodded. She wanted to inform the Raizadas that she was leaving, but they were all busy. Thank God! She was not looking forward to refusing the many requests to stay back, which the Raizadas were sure to make.


Thankful that the whole family was otherwise occupied, Aarti walked out with NK.
As they neared the car, NK teased, "I thought you would come on the bike!"
Aarti smiled at him. "I was about to get on it when Gopi Kakka came and scolded me, saying that girls in anarkalis don't go to weddings in temples on bikes!"
"I love you, Aarti!", NK burst out.
Aarti looked at him, pale in the face.
"I love your rare smiles. The serious look in your eyes. The way in which you stand silent, aloof, looking at a crazy world, trying to make sense of it... Your kind heart that stops you from brushing me off..."
Aarti couldn't breathe. She turned away from him, and walked on. NK followed.

They reached the car. Ever the gentleman, NK helped her in, and saw her on the way with the ominous statement, "I will see you tomorrow, Aarti!"



After another sleepless night, Aarti stood waiting for the Raizadas to come to her house. She could see the gate at the end of the huge driveway from the window of her mother's room.
The gates were left open as she had instructed them to be.
The clock rang ten.
Three cars came one after the other through the gate to stop in front of the mausoleum of a house.
Aarti closed her eyes.

"Are they here?", Amma asked, looking at Aarti with pain-filled eyes.
Aarti smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, Amma. This had to happen some day. Better it happens today, before we leave..."
Amma nodded, defeated by fate and life, helpless to help her daughter... A tear slipped down her cheek as she watched Aarti walk away.


Aarti walked to the open front door to welcome the guests in.

Khushiji and Payalji were craning their necks to take in the whole house that looked more like a castle than a home. 

Buaji was standing with a hand on her head.
"NK babua, you have got the wrong address! This is some museum with bones and old coins. It is not a house, Nandkisore!", Buaji was certain.

"Saasumma! The people who lib (live) here will never have to go to a gymwaa to lose weight. Or diet. Jusht (just) walk from the gate to the front doorwaa, and everything you have eaten in two days will be burned, Hello Hi Bye Bye!", Mami removed her pink goggles to get a clearer view of the drive.

The Sunflower and Akash looked around, not sure where they were. NK checked the slip on which he had noted down the address again.

Arnav Singh Raizada alone stood at ease, waiting for Aarti to come and welcome them in.



Aarti, dressed in her uniform of black shirt and pair of trousers came to them, smiling.

"Naniji, Mamiji, Buaji, please come in. Khushiji, Payalji, andar aaiye!"

They stared at her.

Aarti nodded at Arnav Singh Raizada, the perplexed Sunflower, and a wide-eyed Akash. "Shall we go in?", Aarti asked.

All stared at her, unable to get a word out.

Arnav took matters into his own hands then. He herded his family in. Aarti offered them chairs. All sat down and looked at each other and Aarti, who took a chair and sat expecting their accusations.

Into the silence came Khushiji's small but sure voice, "Aartiji, this is your house?"

"Ji.", Aarti smiled at her.

"But... But you said that you are a mechanic, a chauffeur!", came Payalji's sweet but confused voice. Buaji nodded.

"I am." Aarti looked at her hands in her lap. "My name is Aarti Mishra."

All looked at her, still not able to comprehend her meaning.

"I own Mishra's.", she said softly.

"The office where I came, Nandkisore!", Buaji said, still in shock.

"Ji. We are auto dealers. We repair vehicles. We also rent out cars and coaches for functions."

"Then why did you...? For our wedding...?", asked Payalji.

Aarti sighed silently. She said softly, "I started working at a very young age. I used to work on cars after school. Even stay in the workshop some nights if there was pending work...

The work culture at Mishra's is different. If something needs done, whoever is free does it. When you asked for the seventh car at the last minute, only I was free. That's why I came to collect you from Laxmi Nagar."

Aarti stole a glance at the Sunflower's face. He was pale. Staring at her with a strange look in his eyes.

"You lied to us, Nandkisore?", whispered Buaji.

"No, Buaji.", Aarti said kindly. "I just didn't tell you the whole truth. You never asked me if I was Aarti Mishra. You never asked me my full name. Even if you had asked and I had told you my name, you may not have connected me with Mishra's."

Mamiji looked around at the elegant interior, the designer furniture, the expensive fittings, and exclaimed, "You hid the fact that you are bealthy (wealthy), Hello Hi Bye Bye!"

As the guests watched, a strange smile twisted Aarti's lips. "My wealth!", she sighed, still smiling. "Would you like to see my wealth?"

The Raizadas looked at each other, Buaji, & NK. What the hell was going on here?

  

 (Thanx, Vrushika, for the banner!)

Part 74
"Gopi Kakka!", Aarti called softly, the slight smile still playing on her lips.

The elderly man who had been waiting outside the door to make sure that the Raizadas did not hurt Aarti, came in.

Aarti stood up in respect.

Gopi Kakka walked up to her.

Aarti caught hold of his arm in a loving clasp, and introduced him to the crowd. "This is Gopi Kakka, my first wealth."

All stared at the elderly man with wide eyes.

"Gopi Kakka, this is Arnav Singh Raizada, the businessman. These are his two brothers, Akash & NK. You know NK. You met him at the hospital."

Kakka nodded.

"This is Arnav Singh Raizada's Nani. This is his Mami. His wife, Khushiji. Akash's wife, Payalji."

Kakka nodded at them.

"This is Payalji's Buaji."

He nodded at Buaji. "Will you have coffee or tea?", he asked.

The Raizadas, NK, & Buaji looked at each other, and finally, Arnav said, "Coffee, please."

Kakka nodded.

"I can't take sugar.", Arnav said.

Gopi Kakka nodded, and left the room.


"I am afraid I can't do without Gopi Kakka. He keeps my house going.", Aarti smiled. "If you will accompany me, I will show you my second wealth."



They all got up from their chairs, and followed Aarti to Amma's bedroom. They entered the huge, spacious room to see a small figure lying in the middle of a huge bed, dwarfed by its size.

"This is my Amma, Kamla Mishra. Buaji, Khushiji, Payalji, you wanted to meet her, didn't you?"

They nodded.

Aarti walked up to the bed, and helped her mother sit up by stacking pillows behind her back. Panting at the slight exertion, Kamla Mishra looked at the family she had heard so much of and not yet seen.

Aarti introduced each person to her.

"Amma, this is Naniji."

Kamla Mishra smiled at the old lady and folded her hands in greeting. "I hope Anjaliji is happy in her husband's house?", she asked smiling.

"Haan. Yes, she is very happy.", Naniji smiled.

"Good. Good.", Kamla Mishra smiled.

"Amma, this is Mamiji."

"Aarti told me about you, about how you selected 10 sarees for her.", Kamla huffed and puffed to get the words out. "Thank you. I...", Kamla Mishra looked at her own weak body, "... can't do anything for her. Thank you for looking out for her."

Mamiji swallowed and smiled.

"This is Buaji."

"You thought she was a man!", Kamla gasped. "I don't blame you. When I see her in these clothes, I often feel she is my son rather than my daughter."

Buaji smiled.

"Arnav Singh Raizada and his wife."
"Khushiji!", said Kamla MIshra.

All nodded.

"Aarti spoke about all of you, about how loving you all are. How many months...?"
"Three.", Khushi smiled.
"May you have many healthy children.", Kamla Mishra blessed her.

"Akash & Payalji."
"The doctor! You couldn't recognize her in the mechanic's clothes, could you?"
"No.", laughed Payal.

"NK."
Kamla smiled at NK, and lifted her arm to touch him. NK strode to her, sat on the bed by her, and hugged her.

"How are you?", he asked, his eyes taking in the slightly puffy face, the shortness of breath, the strain in her eyes...

"Getting better.", Kamla smiled.

"Please sit down.", Aarti invited the guests. "I will help Gopi Kakka bring in the coffee.", she told her mother, and left the room.

All sat down in the many chairs and recliners in the room. NK sat by Kamla on the bed.

"Please don't be angry with Aarti for not telling you who she is.", Amma said softly. "She is used to being alone, by herself, taking care of everything without letting others know... She is not used to sharing her troubles, talking to others. That's why..."

"It is alright, Nandkisore!", Buaji said, smiling at the sick lady. "You don't worry. It is just that we thought she was a mechanic and a driver..."

"She is. Mechanic. Driver. Gardener. Peon. Don't be surprised if you find her on a ladder fixing lights for Diwali at one of her offices.", Kamla smiled sadly. "She is used to doing all these and more."

Gopi Kakka and Aarti carried trays of coffee mugs inside, and handed them over to the guests. Aarti and the elderly man helped Kamla lie down.

"Doesn't Amma like coffee?", asked NK. There were no mugs for Kamla, Gopi Kakka, or Aarti.

"The doctor asked me not to take too much of it.", Kamla said, smiling. Aarti gave her a sip of water, and laid her head down on the pillow.

Aarti stood against the wall, silent, watching the Raizadas, Buaji, & NK chatting easily with her mother. She smiled as her mother laughed at Mamiji's quips, the Sunflower's jokes, Buaji's statements...So this was normal life. Chatting with friends, laughing freely...Her mother had missed so many of life's simple pleasures...
Kamla Mishra was tiring. Her eyes were drooping.

The guests got up to leave. They filed out of her room, wishing her a speedy recovery and hoping to see her again.
Kamla smiled.
Aarti followed them out of the bedroom.



"Aarti Bitiyaa...", Buaji asked, "..is it only the three of you in this big house?"

Aarti swallowed. "No, Buaji. There are two more people here."

"Kaun he, Nandkisore?", asked Buaji.

"I will introduce you to them.", Aarti said, smiling.

She led them up the wide, regal stairs to the top floor. She walked along a long corridor, and opened the door to a bedroom.

The Raizadas, Buaji, & NK walked in.



Part 75


It was a huge room, painted all in white. Designer furniture was scattered all over the room, the centre of which was occupied by a massive bed. In one corner was an old, worn rocking chair, looking incongruous among all the expensive fittings and furnishings.

The Raizadas, Buaji, & NK looked around for human presence, and not finding any, looked at Aarti, uncertain.

Aarti smiled. She pointed at the wall.

All heads turned to look at the wall.

Two photos. One of a handsome man. The other, a smiling girl of about 16.

"Who...?", NK asked the question that all wanted to ask.

"Why don't we sit down? Get comfortable? It is a long story.", Aarti asked.

The others found seats. Aarti dragged the old rocking chair and sat by the others, facing the pictures.

"The man is Mohan Mishra, my father. The girl is Shikha, my sister."
"Your sister?", Mami asked. "Bhere (where) ijj she?"
"Dead."

There was perfect silence.

Buaji caught hold of Aarti's hand in sympathy. "And your Babuji?"
"Dead."

After a moment of shocked silence, Arnav said, "I am sorry."
"I am not.", said Aarti.

All looked at her in shock. Mamiji's mouth fell open, and Buaji's hand fell away.


"Mohan Mishra was a handsome, charming family man to the outside world. At home, he was a domestic tyrant."

Buaji placed her hand over her mouth. Arnav felt bad memories of his childhood and his scoundrel of a father flood his mind in waves. Khushi caught hold of his hand, and held it safe between both of hers.

"He was a control freak.", Aarti's voice was even, her tone almost disinterested. 

The chair creaked as she rocked, her eyes firmly on the eyes of the man who had begotten her.

"He wanted to control the world, be the king at home, rule over his wife and children. Power, that was what he wanted. Power over other people... He wanted all of us held tight in his fist, helpless at his feet, so that he could play with us like a cat plays with a mouse it is going to kill..." She leaned back in the chair, her eyes still on her father's.

"He thought nothing could kill him, nothing could touch him. Cancer took him. I was so relieved.", Aarti smiled.

The Raizadas, Buaji, & NK stared at her.

"How did Shikha die?", Akash asked, almost scared of the answer.

"She killed herself. She slit her wrist."

"Why?", Khushi could not control herself from making that impassioned cry.

"Because she wanted to live.", Aarti was matter-of-fact.

She looked at her guests. All their faces revealed their confusion and their utter bafflement at the turn of events.

"An hour in this house and you all feel as though you have walked into a nightmare.", Aarti smiled. "Amma has been living this nightmare for 23 years."

NK gulped. Buaji's eyes filled. Nani & Mami looked at Aarti with fear. Akash and Payal held hands. Khushi had her arm around her husband's waist, hugging him close. Arnav Singh Raizada's face looked as though it were made of stone.



"The story started 23 years ago in Kanpur.", Aarti started to narrate. "Mohan Mishra, belonging to a well-off, illustrious family in Kanpur got married to Kamla from a similarly well-to-do and respected family. She had 2 brothers, who, at the time of her marriage, divided their riches into 3 and gave their sister her share.

The first thing that Mohan Mishra did was to sell off everything that Kamla owned. Not because he needed the money. He didn't. He wanted to beggar her so that she would be permanently and perpetually dependent on him. That strategy worked.
The next plan was to distance her from her family. He engineered fights with her brothers, and made it impossible for them to visit her. The last fight, the biggest one, was before I was born. 

Mohan Mishra succeeded beyond his dreams. Her brothers walked out, taking the oath that they would never enter Mohan Mishra's house again. That effectively made my mother alone and helpless." Aarti smiled at Mohan Mishra's photo with sad eyes.

"He shifted to Delhi. Started the business. He wanted sons to carry his family and his business forward. He had a fine contempt for women, you see. God must have laughed at Mohan Mishra's chagrin when I and then Shikha were born.", Aarti smiled wryly.

"But Mohan Mishra did not give up. Oh, no, he didn't. If God had tried to thwart him by giving him daughters, he was going to thwart God by making us look and live like boys."

There was a collective gasp from the listeners. Aarti smiled. She touched her short hair and pointed at Shikha's short hair.

"Short hair, military cut. Shirts & trousers in black & brown. Closely clipped nails. Working with vehicles after school. No jewellery....

He kept us short of money so that he could control everything we did, saw, ate, heard... He purchased everything for the home. Amma was not permitted to leave the house or meet anyone. There was a menu drawn out by him that my Gopi Kakka had to follow. Same breakfast 7 days a week. Same lunch 7 days a week. Same dinner 7 days a week. Amma liked sweets. So he banned the use of sugar at home. He wouldn't buy sugar, and would check the kitchen at night to see if there was a grain of sugar lying anywhere.", Aarti said as though she were narrating a story.

She continued rocking in her chair.
"Amma liked samosas. So he banned them. Shikha & I liked music. So that was banned. No friends. No mobile phones. No calls from classmates. No gifts to be given or received. No pets permitted. Amma had no friends, and was not permitted to even walk in the garden of this house."

Aarti looked at the pale faces staring at her.

"Shikha & I were given 2 sets of clothes every year. Brown & black shirts & trousers." There was not an ounce of self-pity in her voice.

Khushi & Payal gasped. Buaji hit her head with her hand. Arnav closed his eyes in pain. They had all seen Aarti in the brown & black uniforms.

"Shikha and I had to work in the workshop every day after school. We had to clean the dust bins, assist other mechanics, if required, work on cars if needed...Many of the employees in the main office and I, we go way back. We know each other well. I look after them and they look after me." 

Aarti looked at Arnav Singh Raizada. 

"They have seen us in our school uniforms, crawling under cars, wiping the desks, serving tea in the canteen...That is why I trust them and they trust me."

Arnav nodded, unable to say a single word.
 

"A boy in Shikha's class managed to get hold of our phone number, and called her to ask for some notes. She answered the phone. Mohan Mishra found out. He created a huge, huge fuss here, and the next day, he went to our school and kicked up a fuss there. His loud voice and his deep pockets spoke loud. The boy was thrown out of school that very same day."

The listeners gasped.

"Mohan Mishra then returned home, triumphant, to mete out the rest of the punishment to Shikha. His favourite way of making us toe the line. Starvation."

NK burst out, "Was he mad?"

Aarti looked at him, her head twisted slightly to the left, looking like a curious bird for a moment. Then she said apologetically, "I think he was."

"He starved both of you?", Payal's voice trembled.

"Yes. Amma too. That was his means of ensuring our compliance. He knew we would put up with anything as long as he didn't punish our mother.", Aarti's lips twisted in a dry smile, her eyes lingering on the sweet face of her sister.

"That day, Shikha was not bothered about the lack of food. She was more upset about the boy whose future Mohan Mishra had successfully damaged, the humiliation the boy and she had faced at school, the jokes cracked at her expense by her classmates, the ire of the teachers... So she ended it all that night........." Aarti's eyes were still on her sister's face, the lines softer than hers, the eyes slightly shy and timid...

The listeners were beyond words.

So Aarti continued, "Mohan Mishra was evil. And mad. But thinking back, I am thankful for two things. One, he was never physically violent. He never hit Amma or us or anyone else. He didn't need to. He got his kicks by playing with our minds. Two, he never abused us or any employee sexually."

Aarti leaned back, rocking on, her eyes on the two photos, silent..........


Nani wept. Mami hugged Nani, and tried to comfort her while wiping away her own tears. Buaji was weeping copious tears. Khushi was sobbing against Arnav's shoulder, her arms tight around his waist. Arnav's eyes were red and moist. 

NK couldn't believe his ears. Amma, Aarti, Gopi Kakka... They had gone through such hell, and still survived? If only he could get a minute alone with Mohan Mishra, he would knock his teeth down. He looked at Aarti with serious and wet eyes. 

Payal was weeping silently, and a visibly moved Akash had his arm around her shoulder.

Only Aarti had dry eyes.



"Aarti?", NK called.
She looked at him.

In a choked voice, NK asked, "Shikha gave up. How did you survive?"
Aarti smiled, looking at the ceiling.

"Shikha had hope that our lives would improve, the hope she lost when Mohan Mishra humiliated her at school. I never had any hope."

She looked directly at NK.

"Mohan Mishra would never let us free, I knew. He wouldn't let us get married. Wouldn't let us continue our education beyond the basics. Wouldn't let us get a job other than at his firm. I could see our future right in front of us, as planned and charted out by the mad man...
I wanted out, just as Shikha did. But Amma... I had to go on till she needed me....When he became sick, he had to turn over the firm to me. He had no other choice. There was no one else to leave it to. So I began looking after the business. His death freed Amma and me. But it was too late for Shikha..."



Aarti looked at the Raizadas, Buaji, & the Sunflower, who were all crying for her, Shikha, & Amma.

In a low voice, Aarti said, "I didn't tell you all this to make you cry. All this is over. It is the past. Weeping over Shikha won't bring her back. Crying won't change what Mohan Mishra was and what he did. 

I told you about our miserable past so that you would understand why considering me as a bride for NK is not practical or acceptable. I am not the kind of girl you should be seeking for him. Nor is my family the kind you should associate with. I tried to refuse the proposal many times in many ways, speaking to many people in your family about it, but you were all persistent. You left me with no other choice but to tell you the whole and sordid truth of our past.

Secondly, my mother is not very well. I am sure you must have noticed this for yourself. Tonight, I am taking her away for a short holiday."

All looked at her.

"She hasn't left this house in, I don't know how many years. Gopi Kakka & I are going on a trip with her. Hopefully, she will return feeling better."

"What is wrong with her?", asked Payal.

"High BP. Loss of the will to live. Fatigued with life. Heart-broken after seeing her younger daughter lie in a pool of her blood. Too many things are wrong with her, Payalji, for me to list.", Aarti spoke softly.

Payal nodded.

Aarti looked down at her hands on her lap. "My life... It is different. My... my priorities, my responsibilities are different. I have no time to think of marriage now, and no interest in marriage. Please do not consider me as a possible bahu of your family. Please let me go."





Part 76


There was perfect silence in the room. You could hear a pin drop.

Then Naniji said, "Bitiyaa, whatever happened, all the terrible things, they were not your fault. Why should you punish yourself for the past?"
Buaji & Mami nodded.
Mami said, "Child ijj not the phather (father) of man, Aarti Bitiyaa! Man is the phather (father) of the child. You were a child. Your phather was a man. He made mistakes. Why should you pay for them, Hello Hi Bye Bye?"
"Haan, Bitiyaa!", Buaji said, wiping away her tears. "You deserve to be happy, Nandkisore! Your Amma deserves to be happy. Marry NK Babua, and live happily. He will look after you very well, never hurt you with a word or an action...", Buaji could not complete her sentence, tears stopping her from speaking.
All nodded.
Aarti swallowed with difficulty, taking care not to look at the Sunflower's face.
"He will look after your Amma as if she were his own.", Nani added.
Again, all nodded.
"Aarti Bitiyaa, I am not saiying (saying) thijj (this) because his parents are my rishtedaar. They are very good people, better than me. They will lub (love) you a lot.", Mami reassured her.
"Haan.", Nani said. "They are very, very nice people, very kind and jovial people. They will treat you as though you were Mahalaxmi."
Akash said, "Aartiji, I promise. You will never have to do everything alone anymore. We will all be with you."
All of them nodded.
"Haan, Aartiji. You are our sister. Your Amma is ours too. We will look after her.", said Payal softly.
Aarti sighed silently, unable to find words to stop them, to make them understand her plight.
"Marry me, Aarti.", NK said softly. "I promise you I will always look after Amma and never hurt you."
Aarti did not want to give the Sunflower a reply. She did not want to refuse him in front of his family. She couldn't accept him either. Nor could she pretend not to have seen the goodness in him.
"I know you won't." The admission alone cost her much.
All the Raizadas, Buaji, & NK looked at her with relief in their eyes. Aarti could read their thoughts, that half the battle was won. She sighed.
"Your life is changing, Aartiji!", said Khushi, smiling through her tears. "Now it is time for happiness. Don't be scared of the change. We will be there holding your hand."
All nodded, smiling at Aarti.
"The hair, the clothes, the work you do, all these don't matter to us. Your responsibilities are ours too. We will not let you leave us, Aartiji. We want you with us. We just want to be with you.", Khushi added. Payal seconded her statement. The entire family looked ready to carry Aarti and her mother off to their home...

Aarti looked down at her hands. She smiled wryly. How could she make them understand...?
Finally, Arnav Singh Raizada spoke.
He said, "Each time I met you, Aarti, I felt I knew you. As though you belonged with us. As though your rightful place was within the Raizada family..."
Aarti looked at him, her face expressionless.
His was equally so.
"I couldn't understand why you seemed so familiar, why sometimes looking at you was like looking at myself, as I was a few years back...Now, I realise why I felt so. Why my family recognised you and took you to heart..."
Aarti stared at him, waiting.
"Because you are wounded. Just as we all are."
Aarti frowned at him. The Raizadas & NK nodded. Buaji looked at Arnav and Aarti.
"Because you became an adult in your childhood. As I did."
Aarti stared at Arnav, unable to comprehend his meaning.

Arnav looked at his Nani, drawing Aarti's attention to her. "My Nani. She could be yours."
Aarti stared at him, perplexed, but careful not to show it on her face, long experience at hiding her feelings standing her in good stead. Was Arnav Singh Raizada trying to offer her his Nani in exchange for her nod for the marriage?
"My Nani married off her only daughter (as yours did) to a gentleman from a well-known family in Lucknow. My father, Arvind Mallik."
Aarti frowned.
"Yes, I changed my surname. Discarded his and took my mother's. That should tell you something about the high esteem in which I hold Arvind Mallik."
Aarti's eyes widened.
"Yes, he was a scoundrel. In every way possible. Wasted money as if the world was going to end in a day. Sold everything my mother owned to fund his extravagances. Bankrupted a thriving family business. Made my mother cry with his affairs and drinking."
Aarti swallowed, knowing very well what it must be taking Arnav Singh Raizada to let everyone see the pain in his heart. Nani & Mami wiped wet eyes. Akash and NK looked pale.
"I can forgive all that. If I try hard enough...", Arnav admitted. "But there are two things I will never forgive him for. One, he was driving when he crashed his car into a taxi, and killed my mother who was sitting beside him."
As Aarti watched, Khushiji caught hold of her husband's hand, and held it in her lap in between both of her hands.
"Two...", Arnav cleared his choked throat. "Two, he killed the taxi driver and a couple travelling in the taxi."
Aarti drew in a deep breath.
Arnav was not done yet. "And almost killed the 10-year old daughter of the couple. Her whole body burned...", Arnav stopped. He couldn't speak.
Khushi completed his statement. "I am that girl.", she smiled at Aarti.
Aarti stared at Arnav & Khushiji, unable to breathe properly at the very thought of a 10-year old battling burn injuries from the accident in which she lost her parents...
"He destroyed many lives, the lives of everyone who came close to him.", Arnav said softly. "Nani's, Nana's, Mamaji's, Mami's, Di's, Amma's, Khushi's parents', the taxi driver's, Khushi's, and mine. I was a teenager when I had to take on the responsibility of a wreck of a family business and huge debts..."
Aarti wished she could cry.
"When you tell us about your father and Shikha, we can understand you. We can read between the lines...", Arnav continued.
Nani & Mami nodded.
"Maybe, only we can understand you. Listening to you talk of your past was like returning to our past for us.", Arnav admitted.
Aarti could not speak.


All sat, silent, tired.
Then suggested Arnav, "Let's go forward, Aarti."
Aarti nodded. She was going forward. Forward and away.
"Marry NK. If he so much as harms a hair on your body, we promise to beat him to pulp.", Arnav smiled wryly.
Akash, Nani, Mami, & Buaji nodded vigorously.
Arnav added. "Your mother will get her family. And we will get both of you."
How Aarti wished she could cry! What curse was it that prevented her from letting all her pain flow away?
"Let's get married today, Aarti.", NK suggested. "A small ceremony with just family. We can leave tonight with Amma and Gopi Kakka on the trip you have planned. We can stay away from Delhi till Amma feels better, and then return here. What do you say to this plan?"

Part 77
 

Aarti sat silent, lying back in her rocking chair.

NK and the rest of the family waited for her response with bated breath.

With great difficulty, Aarti said, "I need time to decide..."

NK nodded.

Nani said, "Let's ask Kamlaji for your hand in marriage now, when she wakes up. You can decide later and let us know."

"Haan. That's good, Nandkisore!", said Buaji.
Mami also nodded.
Arnav looked at Aarti, an eyebrow raised.
Khushi asked, "What do you want us to do, Aartiji?"

"Please don't talk to Amma now.", said Aarti softly.

All looked at her.

"Give me time. Three months. Amma needs the rest, the care that only I am left to provide her... Let her recover. When she is better, I will tell her. And I will let you know."

Arnav nodded, sure that Aarti would agree to marry NK after 3 months.

But Mami was not so sure. "What if after three months timewaa, Aarti Bitiyaa decides that she does not want to get married to NK Babua?"

"Then I will start pestering Aarti to marry me again. Till she agrees.", NK smiled, confident.

Aarti had to hide a smile.

"Haan, NK Bhai. We will help you build a cabin across Aartiji's gate. You can do bhook hartal there.", Akash teased him.
"Bhook hartal?", NK asked, his eyes wide. "Hartal I will do, but not bhook hartal. No hungry hartal. Only hartal with food and water. Sorry, Aarti." NK pulled his ear.

All laughed.

"Sabaash, NK Bitwaa. You are the shaan of our khaandaan, Hello Hi Bye Bye!", said Mami.
"Khaandaan? Does that have something to do with khaana? Like daan of khaana? Giving away food?", NK asked, genuinely perplexed.
Mami & Buaji hit their heads with their hands at the same time.

Akash jumped up. "Bhai, we should leave."
Arnav nodded.
Akash whispered in his ear, "The more Aarti hears NK Bhai's Hindi, the more likely she is to run away, Bhai."
Arnav smiled.
"So, Aarti. Hope you have  a safe trip with Amma & Gopi Kakka. I hope Amma feels better soon. Call us if you need anything.", Arnav said. 
He handed over his business card after adding their landline and other personal numbers in the free space.

Aarti took it and nodded.


All the ladies, one by one, hugged Aarti. Buaji lifted her off the floor in her enthusiasm.

As she stood gasping for breath after Buaji's assault, Aarti saw the Sunflower come closer to her, a naughty twinkle in his eyes. She wanted to take a step back, but to do so in front of all the watching ladies and men would be awkward. She stood her place, her breathing shallow.
NK reached her, and gently dropped a kiss on her cheek.

Aarti could hear Buaji & Mami gasp and Khushiji & Payalji giggle.

"Where are you going?", he asked.
"Err... Just a few places. Some old & new memories...", she left it open ended.
"Another secret!", sighed NK, a smile on his lips.

"We will wait outside for you, NK.", Arnav said, a smile hidden in his voice, as he led a shell-shocked Akash, open-mouthed Buaji & Mami, a smiling Nani, and happy Khushi & Payal out of the room.

NK nodded his thanks at Nannav.


"You are leaving me, Aarti. But don't forget me.", NK said, cupping her face in his hands.

Aarti lowered her eyes.

"Just something to remember me by." He bent and kissed her good and long till both of them had no idea where they were. They parted reluctantly, breathing heavily.

"Will you forget me, Aarti?", NK asked, his voice a mere whisper.

"No.", breathed Aarti.

"Will you talk to me if I call you?"

"Yes.", she admitted.

Akash knocked on the door. "Err... NK Bhai, it is time to leave."

"One moment, Akash."

NK stole another quick kiss, and after rubbing his nose against hers, walked out of the room with Aarti.

The men shook hands with Gopi Kakka as they left. The women folded their hands and wished him a safe trip. Arnav made it a point to give Gopi Kakka his, Akash's, & NK's phone numbers.




A few days later, Aarti sat at the table in her room.
She took a pen, and holding it in her hand, looked at the notepad on the table in front of her.

There were many things she wanted to tell him. Her fears, the foremost of them being the fear that she might never see him again. Her fear that her mother might not make it through the surgery...

She dropped the pen on the pristine sheet, and got up to walk to the window of her room, high up in the mammoth building that resembled a beehive. Too many floors, too many confusing corridors, too many rooms, too many people... a busy beehive all 24 hours of the day. She rested her forehead against the glass.

The only good thing about the whole mess was that she had never told him how much he meant to her. Maybe he had understood it from her silence, her eyes, her response when he kissed her... But she had never said it.

It was time to write him a letter.

She returned to the table, and took the pen.

"My Sunflower,", she wrote.

She crossed it out, cursing herself. 
Her purpose was to send him away, not tell him that she cared for him. She tore out that sheet of paper, crumpled it, and threw it into the dustbin. She started on a  fresh sheet.

"NK."

Was that too abrupt?

She added, "My dear" to "NK." She crossed out "My".
"Dear NK". 
Yes, that would do. Formal, but not too formal.


"Dear NK,

You asked me to marry you, many times. I refused many times.Not because you are a bad person. But because I am not free to marry. Anyone.

I told your family to search elsewhere for a bride for you. Not just because I would make a terrible wife with my ignorance of how a family functions, what a good marriage is etc, but mainly because I am not free to marry.

My first priority is my Amma. I should say, my only priority is my Amma.

I put up with Mohan Mishra all my life for her. Day in and day out.... Every day.....

He used to try and provoke me to react so that he could punish Amma more for my reactions, but I would stare at him with an expressionless face, not giving him a chance. 

How he hated me!

He tried it all. Tried to make me lose my temper. Tried to humiliate me. Tried to make me give up. Starved me. Gave me more work than I could do. But I hung on, letting his taunts and bitter words go by me. Only for my Amma....

I held strong after Shikha's death for her. Only for her. Otherwise my grief would have taken me where Shikha went.

After Mohan Mishra's death, I spent a good part of everyday trying to bring her out of her shell. I am not going to let a pesky disease kill her. She is just 43. Just 43 bloody years old. She will survive this. And she will live as she should have lived all these years, with dignity, with happiness, with independence, and with freedom.

NK, nothing else matters to me. Not my future. Not my life. I am sorry if I gave you hope that we could have a future together when I don't have a future.

Gopi Kakka will give you this letter when it is time. Get on with your life. As Amma once said, you deserve to be happy.

PS.

You once asked me why I called you a Sunflower. Not because you like yellow. 

But because something positive radiates from your face. Maybe it is your zest for living. Maybe it is the love you have for your family and they have for you. Your confidence in their support and your love. Maybe it is just your good heart.

Live. Be happy.

Yours
Aarti."

She read the letter. Then she cut off "yours", swallowing hard.

Then she folded the letter carefully, put it in an envelope, and sealed it. She put it aside, and leaned back in the chair, looking at the white wall.

There was so much she wanted to tell him. So much she wanted to say and so much he shouldn't hear.
She pulled the notepad closer to her, and took up the pen again.

"My dear Sunflower", she started.




  Part 78


"My dear Sunflower", she started.

"You asked me to marry you many times. I wanted to say 'yes' many times. But...

I would be a devil of a wife. 

Do you really want to live with a girl who has never been a girl? Never worn dresses and saris? Never put on makeup? Never had long hair? Never had girl friends? Never had ice cream before you bought it for her? Who doesn't know what marriage is? Who has never felt any thing for any man except contempt for her father and respect and affection for her co-workers? Who has never been touched by any man? Who does not really know what love is?

What is love?

Is it wanting to see you when you are not before me?

Wanting to run away when you approach me? And at the same time wanting to stay and feel you touch me?

Feeling weak when I see the naughty look in your eyes as you walk towards me, planning to kiss me?

Wanting to share my thoughts with you? Talk to you about the amusing and ordinary things that happen in my life? Share something that Gopi Kakka said? Something that Amma mentioned? Tell you about the roses I planted, and how Amma smiled when she saw the first bud? The birds who visit me daily in the morning to play in the birdbath I made? The big fish in the pond who raises his head out of water if he hears my voice?

Is it knowing that your full focus is on me even when you are talking to someone else?

Waiting for you to take hold of my hand at the first excuse?

Seeing you hug Amma, and wanting to cry?

Seeing your Bhabis love you so much, and wanting to hug them for loving you so much?

Feeling respect for your Nannav and Akash for setting out to win the world for you?

Wanting to never leave when you are with me. Wishing that you would stay with me all the time?

Looking for you in every crowd, hoping to see you?

Wanting to laugh at your broken Hindi even long after you are gone?

Is this love?


I wish you were with me now. I am scared about tomorrow. Scared for Amma. Scared for me. Scared I won't be able to see you again.......

If we don't meet again, will you ever know how much I cared for you? How much I longed to live with you? Watch you smile....?

Or will you think I cheated you, broke your trust and my word?

Life is so funny. For 22 years, I didn't want to live, but had to...
Today, I want to live. With you. But...


I am so tired, my Sunflower. I need to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.

I just wish...
I just wish I could have been your wife for atleast one day. Just one day. One day atleast...

Goodnight. Goodbye!

PS.
You gave me my first kiss. My first ice cream. My first hug from a man. And this is my first love letter.......

Thank you. For all the good memories. I didn't know that life could be something to look forward to.

Only yours,
Aarti"



Khushi sat in bed, leaning against a big stack of pillows, a magazine in her hands. Her eyes were on her husband who was working on his laptop.

"I am sorry, Khushi. I really need to finish this.", Arnav muttered.

"You finish it, Arnavji. It is not yet time for us to go to bed. I will sit here and read this magazine.", Khushi said.

Arnav nodded. He wished he could throw the laptop into the pool and join his wife in bed, but...

"I wonder what Aartiji is doing now.", remarked Khushi.
"Trust her, Khushi. She will be back."
"I called her many times. She said that Amma is better. That we may not get her on the phone for the next few days as they would be travelling in rural areas."

Arnav frowned. "Travelling in rural areas without a mobile network with a sick Amma?"

"I will try again tomorrow. And maybe she has given NK Bhai some means of getting in touch with her."

Arnav's face cleared.

"Arnavji, we will talk to NK Bhai in the morning. You finish your work now.", Khushi comforted him.

Arnav nodded, and focused on the screen.

Khushi looked at the picture of a skinny model in a skimpy dress, and looked up at Arnavji. She turned the page. Another model was wearing a swim suit. Her ribs were sticking out. Khushi counted them, and sighed in pity for the poor girl. 

Her eyes wandered to her husband. He was frowning at the screen, impatient.
The cute frown lines on his forehead, the strands of his unruly hair flopping over his forehead, his manly nose, his stubborn chin... The magazine fell from her hands on to the bed. Would their child look like him? Maybe they would have a son who looked exactly like Arnavji! Or a daughter as sweet as Di! She smiled, lost in dreams.

Arnav shut his laptop gratefully, and rose to join his wife. He stopped in his tracks, smiling at the sight of his wife who was lying across a mound of pillows, the magazine discarded, her eyes shut in sleep, a sweet smile on her lips.

Arnav took the magazine, and placed it on the side table. He lifted Khushi carefully, and made her lie down comfortably. She opened her eyes, and her smile widened.

"Arnavji, do you know what I just dreamed of?"

"Kya?", he asked, nuzzling her sweetly scented, warm cheek.

"A room full of children.", she said, putting her arms around his neck and pulling him to lie close to her, hovering over her.

He frowned. "A Kindergarten?"

"No, an army. Of our children."

His eyes widened.

"Lots of boys like you. Frowning cutely and saying What the!"
Arnav looked at her with his mouth open.

"Standing and looking at me with cross looks on their faces, their naughty hair falling on their forehead...."

Arnav shook his head. "Khushi! You must be the only person on earth who wants a room full of cross children!"

"My children are like my husband. What can I do if I have been blessed with a cross husband?", Khushi teased him in return.

"Only boys? How come we don't have daughters?", Arnav tweaked her nose.

"There were daughters too. Sweet. Smiling. Caring daughters."

"Like you?", asked Arnav, kissing her chin.

"No!", said Khushi. "Like Di."

Arnav rolled his eyes. "You are their mother. Don't you want them to be like you?"

"Be like me? What can I give them?", Khushi wondered, thinking long and hard.

Arnav kissed her forehead.

"Your courage. Your smile. Your laughter. Your strength. Your kindness. Your beauty. Your heart. Your music..."

Khushi stared at his serious eyes, astonished.

Arnav kissed her forehead, her eyebrows, her nose, her cheeks, and then her lips. Khushi ran her fingers through the hair at his nape, pulling him closer, sliding the fingers of her other hand inside the neck of his T-shirt, trying to touch his warm skin.

She kissed his eyelids and he closed his eyes. She moved on to his cheeks, his nose, his chin... She fondled his ears, and ran her fingers through his hair, loving their feel. 

He smiled.

She touched his smiling lips with a curious finger. He gulped. She moved down to his neck, savouring the strained tendons with her lips as he arched to give her better access. 

Arnav Singh Raizada forgot how to breathe.

Part 79

The next morning at breakfast, NK kept trying to call Aarti, but could not get her.

"There is something wrong, Khushi Bhabi.", NK was sure.

 The lack of his customary smile was enough to send chills down the spines of the other members of his family.

Khushi looked at Arnav, worried.

Arnav played with his slice of bread as his mind worked fast and furious.

"Khushi, I am leaving early. I need to talk to Baba."

Khushi nodded.

"NK, Khushi, call me if you can't get Aarti on the phone by afternoon."

They nodded.

In the afternoon, Baba and Arnav went to Aarti's house. The huge mansion lay deserted, looking more imposing than before.

"This is a house?", Baba asked.

Arnav smiled slightly.

They caught sight of Ram Singh, the elderly watchman who was feeding the fish.

"Where are Aarti, her mother, and Gopi Kakka?", Arnav asked urgently.

The watchman smiled, showing tobacco-stained teeth. "Memsaheb has gone on a holiday."

"Where have they gone?", asked Arnav.

"On a holiday, Saheb.", smiled Ram Singh.

"When will they be back?"

"Memsaheb will call when it is time."

Arnav looked at Baba, helpless. Baba touched his shoulder, silently telling him that they needed to explore other avenues.

NK and Khushi went to the main office of the Mishra's.

Tara smiled at them, recognising the family of huggers. 

"How may I help you?", she asked.

"Where is Aarti?", asked NK, his face pale and his eyes stern.

Khushi held on to his hand.

Tara took one look at their determined faces, and took them to Nitin.

Nitin offered them seats.

"Where is Aarti?"

Nitin smiled. "Madam is on holiday."

"Where is she holidaying?"

"I am afraid I can't tell you that.", Nitin smiled politely.

"Listen, I can't get her on the phone since morning. There is something wrong, I am telling you. Tell me, where is she?", NK was desperate.

Nitin smiled. "Please don't worry about Madam. She called me last night. Said she wouldn't be in touch for a couple of days."

"Why?"

"She said that she and her family are travelling."

"Is there any other way to contact her?", Khushi asked.

"No, Madam.", Nitin smiled. "When Aarti Madam calls again, I will inform her that you are desirous of speaking to her."

"Please ask her to call me. I am Nandkisore, NK. And please let me know when Aarti calls you." NK gave Nitin his phone number.

As soon as NK & Khushi left, Nitin called Gopi Kakka.

"Gopiji, a Nandkisore and Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada came to the office asking after Madam. I told them that she would be calling us only after 2 days."

"Good.", said Gopi Kakka. "Arnav Singh Raizada and an elderly man cornered Ram Singh at the house today. You can expect a visit from more members of the Raizada family in the coming days."

"Ji. How are they?"

"I am waiting. I will call you as soon as I get news. Inform Jayesh Bhai too."

"Ji."

The Raizadas were frantic. It was as if Aarti, Amma, & Gopi Kakka had vanished off the face of this earth.

Repeated visits to the house and all the offices of Mishra's by Nani, Mami, Buaji, Baba, Arnav, Khushi, Payal, Akash, Mamaji, & NK had yielded nothing.

Three days later, Nitin phoned NK.

"Sir, Aarti Madam called me today. She is perfectly fine. I have passed on your message to her."

"How is she? How did she sound on the phone?", NK asked. The whole family was listening to his side of the conversation with anxious faces.

"She is fine. Perfectly fine." Nitin disconnected the call at the earliest.

The Raizadas, Baba, NK, & Buaji looked at each other.

Aarti called NK a little later.

"I heard that you were searching for me all over Delhi.", said Aarti.

"Aarti, are you alright?", NK asked, his voice reflecting his concern.

"I am fine. I told you that I wouldn't be able to call for a couple of days. Then why did you get so hyper?" He could hear her smile in her voice.

"I... I felt there was something wrong, Aarti."

Aarti changed the topic. "I asked you for 3 months. Give me the three months. I need it to settle my life."

"I want to see you, Aarti. Now."

There was a pause.

"I am afraid that is not really possible now. I will be returning to Delhi in a couple of weeks. We can meet then.", she said casually.

"Why do you sound so different? Are you sick?"

"No. I am fine. I will see you later. I need to go now. By the way, don't call me. I will call you."

"Aarti, where are you?"

There was no reply.

A week later, all of them still had no idea where Aarti was.

The doorbell rang. HP opened the door to Anand & Anjali who had come on a visit.

After loving greetings and many hugs, Anand asked, "What is wrong? Why are you all looking upset?"

The family told Anjali & Anand the news about NK & Aarti.

"Aarti Mishra? The owner of Mishra's?", Anand asked.

"Yes. Have you met her?", Arnav asked.

"No. But I designed their guest house and two of their showrooms, and we built them. I didn't know that she was so young. From the respect with which her employees take her name, I thought she must be much older."

"She is 22.", NK said. "And her employees are fiercely protective of her. Trying to get information about her from them is next to impossible."

All nodded. They had much experience in this.

"So, she is not in Delhi.", Anand mused.

"No.", said NK.

"She is on holiday, apparently travelling around?", Anand asked to confirm the details.

"Yes. We checked in Kanpur. She has not reached Kanpur.", Arnav said.

Anand said, "I don't know if this will help, but sometime back, an official from the Mishra's contacted me and asked me if I was interested in renovating a house owned by Aarti Mishra in Mumbai. I told him I was. We met two days later, and he gave me the details of the house. A few days later, he called up and said that Aarti Mishra would like to postpone that particular project, and that he would contact me again when she gave the green signal. I have the details of the house, including the address in my laptop. Maybe...just maybe she has gone to Mumbai."

The whole family, including Anand, Anjali, Baba, and Buaji, travelled to Mumbai. They looked at the imposing but old building owned by Aarti in a quiet, posh, residential area of the busy city.

The watchman looked at the veritable army of men and women who were standing at his gate with wide eyes.

"We would like to speak to Gopi Kakka. I am Arnav Singh Raizada from Delhi.", Arnav said.

The watchman looked him over, and phoned Gopi Kakka in the house.

The door of the house opened. Gopi Kakka, dressed in his usual white dhoti kurta came out, and walked to the gate. The watchman opened it.

"Namaste.", Gopi Kakka said, as though he did not know that these very same people had been hunting Aarti & Kamla Mishra for the past one week.

"Namaste!", the guests responded, delighted to see him.

"Is Aarti here?", asked NK, urgently.

"Ji.", said Gopi Kakka evenly.

"Amma?"

"She is here too."

"How are they?", Khushi asked.

"They are fine.", said Gopi Kakka, leading them in.

Once they were all inside the house, Gopi Kakka said, "Would you sit down for a few minutes? There is something I need to talk to you before you see them."

The guests sat. A male servant was instructed to bring coffee for all, with sugar-free coffee to be made for Arnav.

As the servant left, Gopi Kakka said, "You have all been very busy lately, I hear."

Arnav smiled slightly. "We are entitled to, wouldn't you say, Gopi Kakka?"

Gopi Kakka smiled. "You are. You got nothing from the office and the house. Your private detectives failed. Then how did you find us?"

Arnav pointed to Anand. "Anand Dwivedi, architect and my Jijaji."

Gopi Kakka nodded as Anand greeted him politely.

"He had been offered the opportunity to renovate this building.", Arnav said. "An offer which was later postponed indefinitely."

"Because Aarti Bitiyaa found out that her mother was very ill.", Gopi Kakka said softly.

There was perfect silence.

"That nonsense about lightning not striking in the same place? It is pure bakwaas. Lightning does strike the same place, again and again and again.", Gopi Kakka said bitterly.

NK could feel his blood cool. "Gopi Kakka?", he asked.

"After Mohan Mishra died, Bitiyaa did her best to make her mother return to a normal life. Samosas. Sugar in tea. Stepping out of the house into the garden. Planning a garden together. Taking short walks in the garden..." He sighed, shaking his head. "Kamlaji is only 43 years old. Bitiyaa thought that she had more than half her life ahead of her, and that with great and long effort, she could be happy...

...But Kamlaji was sick all the time. Always tired. High BP. Her head and her body used to ache all the time. She was becoming thinner by the day...Bitiyaa was so worried...

Then came a full medical check up. We found out that Kamlaji's kidneys were damaged. She had been sick for years, the disease gradually becoming worse, but Mohan Mishra had done nothing about it even though she had informed him about her symptoms. And Kamlaji had said nothing to her daughter for fear that Bitiyaa would finally lose her self control and kill Mishra..."

Gopi Kakka continued, "The doctors have big names for it. They said that it was CKD that developed into ESRD. To us, it meant that her kidneys had failed."

All gasped. Buaji hit her head with her hand. "Hai Re Nandkisore!", she exclaimed.

"Her face was beginning to look puffy. She was having difficulty breathing...", Gopi Kakka swallowed with difficulty.

"The doctors said that it was either dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis could prolong her life but she would die one day soon. A kidney transplant could save her..."

The faces of the listeners paled. Those who knew Aarti well knew what was coming. Khushi bit her lip to stop her tears. Payal caught hold of her hand tight. Arnav put his arm around Khushi's shoulders, hugging her close. Mamiji looked at Buaji and Nani in shock. NK looked as though he were caught in a nightmare. Baba placed his hand on NK's thigh, silently asking him to take heart. Akash closed his eyes. Mamaji listened to Gopi Kakka, shocked.

"We couldn't wait for a kidney from a dead body. Moreover there was every chance that Kamlaji's body would reject the kidney. But if the donor was a blood relative, then, the doctor said, there was a high chance of survival."

Gopi Kakka swallowed hard. 

"So...so Aarti Bitiyaa offered one of her kidneys... The doctor in the hospital in Delhi suggested that we do it here in Mumbai. He referred them to a specialist here. That's why we came here."

There was perfect silence in the room.

"How are...?", NK could not complete his question.

"They are fine. We were in the hospital for 7 days after the surgery. Both of them are resting here now. There are nurses to take care of them."

Gopi Kakka watched the women crying and the men trying to control themselves and comfort them at the same time.

He asked softly, "Would you like to see them?"

All of them jumped up.

Gopi Kakka took them to Amma's room first. She was asleep. The nurse sitting by her stood up as they entered the room.

They stared at her, unable to take in the change in her. The puffiness of her body was gone. She looked younger, at peace...

Gopi Kakka took them to Aarti's room next door. She was lying on her back in the centre of the bed, her arms at her sides, her eyes closed. She looked exhausted. NK swallowed his tears at the sight of that tiny figure, fully covered by a modest white nightgown.

The nurse sitting by the bed got up and left the room.

NK sat down by her, smoothing a strand of hair that had fallen on her forehead. Her hair had grown slightly, he thought.

Unused to being touched in her sleep, Aarti woke up immediately. She looked at her Sunflower, unable to believe her eyes. Had she died and gone to heaven?, she thought.

Then she saw the crowd gathered around her bed. And Gopi Kakka leaning against the wall, smiling.

She sat up with difficulty, NK helping her by supporting her back.

Aarti looked at the big crowd of people who cared for her, and swallowed hard.

 "Looks like we have guests, Gopi Kakka.", Aarti said in her customary style. The voice was feeble, but her spirit was strong, still the same.

Khushi, Payal, Buaji, Nani, Anjali, & Mami hugged her, all of them crying in relief.

"Why are you all crying?", Aarti asked. She patted Buaji's shoulder to comfort her. "Are you so unhappy that I am alive, Buaji?", she asked.

Aarti looked at the men.

"Will you be staying with us?", she asked Arnav.

"I don't think you are strong enough to throw us out right now.", Arnav smiled slightly.

She smiled, turned to Gopi Kakka, and said, "Gopi Kakka, please make arrangements for them to stay."

Kakka nodded.

"They must be tired from all this travelling and crying.", Aarti teased, a smile in her eyes.

NK caught hold of her hand. She let him. She pressed his fingers with hers. 

"How do you feel, Aarti?", he asked, looking at her face.

"Very good.", Aarti smiled at him.

 Then she looked at Arnav Singh Raizada. "So you decided to look further than Delhi."

"Yes. Your employees got tired of seeing us daily." All smiled at Arnav's small joke.

"Anand Dwivedi helped them find us.", Gopi Kakka said, looking at the bearded man in white. "Apparently he had the details of this house with him."

Aarti nodded. "I am very glad to finally meet you, Mr. Dwivedi.", she said.

"Anand.", he said.

Aarti nodded, smiling at him.

The ladies were still crying. This can't be good for Khushiji in her condition., Aarti thought.

"Mamiji, Naniji, Buaji, Khushiji, Payalji, you should start a detective agency.", said Aarti smiling. The ladies smiled at her through their tears.

"Please stop crying.", Aarti begged. "Or this room will be flooded and I will have to stay with Amma in her room."

All smiled.

The house help brought coffee and Gopi Kakka helped to distribute the mugs, taking care to give Arnav his sugar-free coffee.

"Why didn't you tell us, Nandkisore?", asked Buaji, still crying.

"We would have come with you and helped you take care of Amma.", Payal said.

Khushi nodded.

Aarti smiled slightly. "That's why I didn't tell you." The smile slowly vanished. She said, "It all happened very fast. It was a bad time for us. We thought why drag you into it?"

"Phamily ijj for that, Aarti Bitiyaa." Mami patted Aarti's cheek. "For dragging into it when times are bad. Aur naahin to kaa? Don't you remember?", she asked Mamaji. "When the doctor said that they had to pajj (pass) current through my watwaa (wart), I cried and cried and called my 3 brothers and 4 sisters to Delhi."

"I remember, Manno! How can I forget?", asked Mamaji, sighing.

All laughed through their tears.

"What did the doctor say, Aartiji?", askd Akash.

"Amma is much better. The kidney is functioning well. They will have to monitor it, but she will be OK.", Aarti smiled.

"She looks much better.", Khushi said. "Healthier."

"The waste in her body is being removed by the new kidney. That's why the swelling on her body has gone down. She will make it.", Aarti said, smiling.

"Aarti Bitiyaa...", Mami asked. "How will you manijj (manage) with one kidney? How can you drive a bike with one tyrewaa?"

"This bike needs only one tyre to run, Mamiji.", Aarti explained with a smile. "The second one was a spare one."

"Like my make up kitwaa! One in handwaa and the other in my bagwaa!"

"Ji.", Aarti agreed, smiling.

"Let NK Bhai and Aartiji talk. Let's wait out.", Anjali suggested. All smiled and nodded, and left the room. Gopi Kakka led them to another wing to show them the guestrooms.

NK looked at Aarti, and raised her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers.

"Does it hurt?", he asked softly.

"Not now.", she said, smiling.

NK put his arms around her gently hugging her. She rested her face against his, her arms around him.

"I was so worried, Aarti."

"I know. But it would have been worse if you were with me here."

NK cupped her face. "You didn't want me here with you, Aarti?"

"I did. But..."

"But?"

"This was my first surgery. My first hospitalisation. I was scared that something would go wrong. And to have you waiting outside the OP theatre...If it had all gone wrong...? No. This was better."

"Aarti!"

"Do you still want to marry me?", Aarti asked, sure of the answer.

"Yes."

"I don't need three months. Give me one month to look after Amma and to heal."

NK nodded, his eyes filling with tears. "As long as you need.", he whispered.

"Just one month.", Aarti said, touching his cheek with a trembling finger. "I don't think I can wait longer than that."

NK stared at her.

"I wasted 22 years without you. I don't want to waste any more time." Aarti was very sure.

NK laughed aloud in relief and joy. Aarti smiled.

Part 80

Aarti dozed off.

NK sat by her, looking at her sweet face as though he could not get enough of her, holding her hand in his as though he were scared that she would vanish if he let go.

The middle-aged nurse came to sit with Aarti, but NK sent her off with a smile and a disarming request to be permitted to sit with Aarti. The lady smiled and left the pair alone.






Arnav and Khushi went to their room, her hand in his, both of them relieved and at peace now that Aarti and her mother were well and in their sight.

It was a large room with a huge antique bed, elaborately carved dressing table with a big mirror, a writing table inlaid with ivory, huge windows and doors in heavy wood.......

Khushi stood at the centre of the room and looked around, spinning to catch a glimpse of the many treasures the room held.

"Arnavji! This mirror must be ancient!", she exclaimed in delight.

"Hhmmm..", said Arnav.

"Look at that table, Arnavji! That is real ivory. Isn't it beautiful?" 

"Hhmm...", he said, his eyes on her happy face.

"This bed, Arnavji! It must be atleast a hundred years old!"

"I hope it doesn't break tonight.", said a naughty Arnav. "Or we will have to tell Aarti tomorrow that we broke her priceless bed."

Khushi looked at him, scandalised, her mouth a perfect 'O' . "Arnavji, aap bhi naa. You are so besharam!"

"Really!", Arnav raised his eyebrow, drawling his disbelief perfectly. "I am besharam? I?"

"Aur nahin to kya?", pouted Khushi.

Arnav fingered his chin thoughtfully. "I seem to remember somebody telling me that I wear too many clothes."

Khushi blushed.

"Who was it? It was a girl......", he tried to recollect. ".....She had long, silky hair falling over her bare shoulders. And she had one hand in my hair and the other under my T-shirt...."

"Arnavji!", Khushi protested.

"No, let me figure out who it was." Arnav walked towards her like a tiger on prowl who had just caught sight of its prey.

She moved back, her step matching his.

"She said something else too....", his bedroom voice sent tingles down her spine. "....that it dawns too early, that nights are too short.....that I shouldn't wear a shirt under the T-shirt.....that she loved touching me, that my skin was like warm silk.....", he whispered, having cornered her.

Khushi stood, her eyes lowered, her back against the wall, her breath coming in choppy waves.

Arnav closed in, breathing in her jasmine scent that always drove all thought out of his mind, leaving him hungry and wanting her.  

She looked at him. 

"And that she was sorry she bit me on the shoulder last night.....", Arnav murmured, his molten eyes and husky voice sending her weak limbs trembling.

"That she loved it when....", Arnav tried to continue with his sweet recollections, but Khushi placed her hand over his mouth, stopping him.

Arnav looked at the rosy hue of her cheeks, and smiled with satisfaction. He removed her hand from his lips, and moved forward.

"Now, who is besharam?" , he whispered, his lips almost touching her lips.

Khushi panted, desperate to feel his lips against hers.

"Who, Khushi?", he asked, his voice seductive.

She looked at the tempting curve of his lips. Panting, she tried to raise her face, and move her lips closer to his.

The Devil moved back. 

"Who is besharam, Khushi?", he asked, his voice caressing every nerve in her body.

Khushi caught hold of him, her fingers clutching his arms, trying to pull him closer.

He resisted. 

She tried to press herself against him, but he stepped back, his  burning gaze melting all her inhibitions, setting off a fire in her that burnt her diffidence to cinders......

"Who is besharam, Khushi?" His voice was a mere thread, but her ears heard every nuance in it. His need for her. His longing for her surrender......

"Me.", she said proudly. "I am besharam. In your arms."  

 

 
 


 

Aarti woke up to see the Sunflower sitting beside her, holding her hand.


"I am not going anywhere.", she said, smiling slightly.

"I know. But I am scared." NK admitted.

"I am not scared any more.", she said. "I was scared that I would die and you would waste your life searching for me."

NK looked at her, his heart in his eyes.

"I wrote a letter to you, and gave it to Gopi Kakka.", she said softly. "I asked him to give it to you if I died."

NK looked at her. 

"It is in there.", she pointed to a box on the table by her bed. "You can read it if you like."

NK took the sealed envelope out of the box. He opened the seal, looking at Aarti. He took out the letter, and read it.

Dear NK,

You asked me to marry you, many times. I refused many times.

Not because you are a bad person. But because I am not free to marry. Anyone. 

I told your family to search else where for a bride for you. Not just because I would make a terrible wife with my ignorance of how a family functions, what a good marriage is etc, but mainly because I am not free to marry.

My first priority is my Amma. I should say, my only priority is my Amma.

 I put up with Mohan Mishra all my life for her. Day in and day out. Every day. He used to try and provoke me to react so that he could punish Amma more for my reactions, but I would stare at him with an expressionless face, not giving him a chance. 

How he hated me!

He tried it all. Tried to make me lose my temper. Tried to humiliate me. Tried to make me give up. Starved me. Gave me more work than I could do. But I hung on, letting his taunts and bitter words go by me. Only for Amma.

I held strong after Shikha’s death for her. Only for her. Otherwise my grief would have taken me where Shikha went. 

I took over the business completely, and spent a good part of everyday trying to bring her out of her shell. I am not going to let a pesky disease kill her. She is just 43. Just 43 bloody years old. She will survive this. And she will live as she should have lived all these years, with dignity, with happiness, with independence, and with freedom.

NK, nothing else matters to me. Not my future. Not my life. I am sorry if I gave you hope that we could have a future together when I don’t have a future.

Gopi Kakka will give you this letter when it is time. Get on with your life. As Amma once said, you deserve to be happy.

PS.

You once asked me why I called you a Sunflower. Not because you like yellow. But because something positive radiates from your face. Maybe it is your zest for living. Maybe it is the love you have for your family and they have for you. Your confidence in their support and your love. Maybe it is just your good heart.

Live. Be happy.

Aarti.

NK swallowed. 

"You never gave me hope in words.", he admitted.

"That was my only comfort.", she said softly.

"You were trying to free me from this love."

"I had to try. I..I couldn't let you search for me for years, hoping that you would find me when I...."

"Aarti, what did you think I would do when I got this letter, and badgered Gopi Kakka into telling me what had happened?"

"I hoped..."

"You hoped?"

"That you would give up on this lost cause and move on."

NK nodded, smiling slightly.

"I would have moved on. With you.", he said.

Aarti stared at him.

"Where ever you went, I would have followed you, Aarti..." NK leaned forward and kissed her forehead, clutching her 'goodbye' letter in his fingers.