84. Finding Khushi (Part 25 Section 3 onwards)

 (Thanx a million for the banner, Naughtymallu!)



Manwaa Aage Bhage Re (Shreya Ghosal from Kashmakash)

A blush rose in her creamy cheeks, but she tried to say casually, “Theek he!”

Arnav stared at her with eyes that couldn’t get any wider.

Khushi lifted her chin, and said, “Aap itna keh rahe hein to….”

“Khushi…”, he whispered. “Khushi…. Marriage….. you are ready….?”, he swallowed hard, disbelief evident in his tone.

Khushi nodded, her lashes falling over her eyes, bashful all of a sudden.

Arnav took a step to get closer to her, and crowded her against the car.

“Arnavji, someone will see…” Khushi looked over his shoulders and to the left & right.

“Let them…”, he whispered. "Dekhne do."

“Arnavji….”, Khushi whispered her protest, her head lowered in shyness.

“When? When, Khushi?” He wanted to be very sure.

“Jab bhi aap kahe.”, Khushi was never one to do things half-way.

Arnav seized the opportunity with both hands. “Now?”

Khushi burst out laughing. “Now? What is the hurry?”

“I want you married to me at the earliest.”, Arnav declared. “I will get Aman…”

Khushi burst out laughing.

“I am not going to run away, Arnavji…..”, she giggled.

“I want it done at the earliest.”, Arnav said, holding her gently by her arms.

“And to think that a few months ago, you were giving me lectures on how love and marriage are meaningless, how you don’t believe in them…..”, Khushi tried very hard to control her laughter.

“How could I not change my mind, Khushi? Especially when you kept dropping into my arms from various perches?”, Arnav teased.

Khushi smiled. “Arnavji, you are trapped. Devi Maiyya has sent me to torture you till the end of our lives.”

“Torture by a halwai should be very sweet.”, Arnav smirked.

“Haan… But you are diabetic!”, Khushi, as usual, had the last word. 

Arnav smiled at her, his heart in his eyes.

Khushi looked to the left and right. The way was clear. She quickly placed her hands on his shoulders, lifted up on her toes, and gave him a resounding smack on his cheek, close to his lips.

“Khushi…”, Arnav said in his husky voice into the phone.

“Ji?”, she asked, setting the jalebi batter aside.

“What are you doing?”, he asked, smiling, happy to be talking to her.

“Making jalebis for a birthday party, Arnavji.”, she smiled, looking lovingly at the mountain of her favourite sweets.

“Are you busy on the 15^th?”, he asked.

“15^th? Next Friday, Arnavji? Nothing special. Do you have some order for me?”, Khushi crossed her legs, and lowered the flame under the big pan of oil. With a slotted spoon, she dunked the jalebis in the smoking hot oil.

“Yes. Our marriage. Will you be free for that?”, Arnav teased.

The spoon fell from her hand into the oil with a splash.

“Careful, Khushi!”, Arnav said anxiously, standing by the pool near his room.

“Our marriage?”, Khushi asked, hesitant, shy… She pulled the spoon out.

“I told Nani that you were ready to marry me. Nani called the Pujari, and he has given a list of auspicious dates. 15^th is the nearest one.”, Arnav said. “Is it OK with you?”

“Ji…”, Khushi said, looking at the perfect jalebis in the bubbling oil.

“I will send Nani, Mami, & Di to talk to your parents and Buaji.”, Arnav declared. “Expect them tomorrow morning.”

“Ji..”, Khushi said.

“Khushi… You are happy, aren’t you?”, Arnav asked, wondering at her unusual silence.

Khushi smiled. “Very happy. So happy that I feel like distributing these jalebis to our neighbours….”

Arnav smiled.

“Arnavji, after our wedding is fixed, you must help me fix Anamikaji & Ganeshji’s wedding.”, Khushi reminded him of the promise he had made in a moment of weakness.

Arnav smiled, and said audaciously, “Khushi, after our wedding is fixed, I will help you marry off anybody, even Buaji!”

‘Hai Re Nandkisore!”, Khushi exclaimed.

Part 25 Section 4

Nani, Mami, Payal, and Anjali hugged Buaji & Amma, grateful that Khushi had agreed to marry Arnav at the earliest. NK & Akash smiled to see the joy on the faces of the ladies, and sat down among them.

Sipping tea and nibbling Khushi’s sweets, they discussed and fixed the dates for sagai, sangeet, mehendi, haldi, & the shaadi. They then discussed about the guests they needed to invite. Babuji watched them silently, happy.

Then Mami said, smiling, “We hab brought all the gifats (gifts) for the shagun. Bhere is your ladki?”

Buaji said, smiling, “Today is her last day with Munshiji in the godown, Nandkisore. Her work is over. She should be coming home anytime now.”

Nani & Anjali nodded.

Anjali whispered, “Chotey must have gone to get her, Nani.”

Nani chuckled.

“Aphter (after) all, Khussi ijj working bery (very) phar (far) away, on the next streetwaa!”, Mami laughed.

Khushi cleared her table to the accompaniment of 

Bahon Main Chale Aao

O, Hum Se Sanam Kya Parda…

O, Hum Se Sanam Kya Parda…

Khushi looked at the radio with exasperation. Here she was all upset about leaving Munshiji, and the radio was out to hug her?

Khushi hooked her cloth bag around her neck, and laid a bunch of keys on the table in front of Munshiji.

“Hum chalte he, Munshiji.”, she said, trying hard not to cry. She bent to touch the elderly man’s feet.

“Don’t be sad, Bitiyaa. You are going to get married soon, aren’t you? Have a very happy life! May you have many many children!”, Munshiji blessed her.

Khushi shook her head in agreement, and tried to wipe all traces of tears from her face.

Munshiji looked over her shoulder, smiled, and said, “Acha he, your aadmi has come to take you away in his doli.”

Khushi turned around, startled, to see Arnavji leaning against the door. She smiled at him through her tears.

“Munshiji, we are getting married on the 15^th. We would like you to attend the function and bless us.”, Arnav said, softly.

Munshiji beamed and said, “Zaroor, beta. Zaroor.”

“I will send you the invitation card.”, Arnav promised.

Munshiji nodded.

Arnav took Khushi’s hand as he led her out of the godown and towards his car. He helped her into her seat, fastened her seat belt, shut the door, and took his seat.

“Tum theek ho?”, he asked.

She nodded, wiping her cheek with her hand.

He offered her his hanky.

Khushi took it and dried her face.

“Munshiji… and his radio…..”, she whispered. “I will miss both of them….”

Arnav smiled. “You are not going to outer space, Khushi. You will be still in Delhi after marriage. Just a few kilometres away…”

Khushi nodded. “I know. But…. I don’t know why, Arnavji… It seems like another world…”, she sniffed.

Arnav leaned and pressed a kiss on her sweet cheek. 

“Buaji is right when she called you sanki, Munshiji’s chamchi..”, he said, smiling.

Khushi pouted at him.

Arnav’s eyes dropped to her pink lips, and his eyes sharpened with obvious interest and intent.

Khushi turned her head away, a blush rendering her cheeks rosy.

Arnav parked the car in Happy Singh’s garage, and led Khushi across the road to Buaji’s house.

They walked in through the door to see all the Raizadas and the Guptas laughing over some joke by NK.

“Khushiji has come!”, Anjali exclaimed. She limped towards her and hugged her.

“I will get coffee for Arnav Bitwaa.”, Garima said, and moved to the kitchen.

“Without sugar, Amma.”, Khushi reminded.

“Saasumma, give the shagun phast! Or Khussi will take up another jobwaa!”, Mami teased.

All laughed.

“Khushiji, how are your jalebis and pedas?”, NK asked.

“Fine, Nanheji!”, Khushi laughed.

“Did your Munshiji let you go?”, Buaji teased her. “I thought he would be heartbroken when you said goodbye!”

Khushi scowled at Buaji.

All laughed.

“Go inside an dchange your clothes, Titliyaa. They have come to give you your shagun, Nandkisore.”, Buaji said.

“Ji, Buaji.”, Khushi nodded, and left for her room, accompanied by Payal.

Part 26

Khushi came out of the room wearing a red and green lehenga, her head lowered as befitting a bride.Payal led her out into the living room.

 Arnav’s eyes ran over her lithe form in the red silk skirt & blouse with lavish bead work and a transparent green dupatta with beads and crystals dotting it. A maangtikka, a necklace, and bangles with red and white stones enhanced her beauty. She looked gorgeous, the shyness on her face adding to her allure. He swallowed hard, his eyes unwilling to leave her figure.

Anjali cleared her throat, hiding her smile, and NK nudged him.

“Control, Nannav, control.”, NK whispered.

Arnav blushed.

Mami, Nani, Anjali, Akash, NK, Babuji, Amma, Payal, & Buaji laughed at his plight.

Khushi blushed a fiery red.

Anjali limped towards Khushi, and threw her arm around her. Payal & Anjali led Khushi to a seat between Nani & Buaji.

Nani hugged her, and kissed her forehead. 

She whispered, “Khussi Bitiyaa, I am so happy that you are marrying Chotey! I have waited too long to see this day!”

Khushi smiled and returned her hug with interest.

“Shall we begin?”, Anjali asked all the elders gathered there. All nodded, wide smiles on their faces.

“Jaldi, jaldi karo, Di. Here Nannav is very eager to get married.”, NK said, putting his arm around Arnav.

All smiled at Arnav’s flush.

“Somebody is very impatient.”, Anjali whispered in Khushi’s ears.

“Laagat he, Anjali Bitiyaa, hamre Arnav Bitwaa thinks that after shagun the next rasam is suhaag raat!”, Mami chuckled.

Amma, Buaji, Nani, & Anjali had to hide their laughter behind their hands.

Khushi’s face rivalled the rich crimson of her lehenga.

Anjali applied a tikka on Khushi’s forehead, and placed a richly-wrapped packet on her lap. “Welcome to our family, Khushiji. May you and Chotey be very very happy together.”, she said.

Khushi smiled at Anjali, grateful for her warmth and affection.

Anjali dropped a kiss on her forehead.

Mami pushed her way through, and placed a packet on Khushi’s lap. “Inside is a phoren-returned make-uppiyya kit. Ujj (use) it waisly (wisely) and become as bootiphool as your Mami.”, she advised.

Khushi smiled and nodded.

Nani gifted her a Benares sari, gaily wrapped in red, and blessed her wholeheartedly.

Akash & NK fought with each other to fill her lap with gifts till Khushi could hold no more in her arms.

All laughed to see her struggling with the parcels, and Anjali & Arnav helped her by stacking them on an unoccupied chair nearby.

Nani said, “According to our custom, the bridegroom is not supposed to attend the shagun, Chotey!”

Arnav looked at her, not knowing what to say but determined not to leave.

“Saasumma, if we had tried to stops hamre Arnav Bitwaa from attending the shagun, he would have done a running marrijj with Khussi!”, Mami laughed.

All chuckled at Arnav & Khushi’s expense.

“Hai Re Nandkisore!”, Buaji exclaimed. She said in jest, “Our bitiyya is gently reared, Manoramaji! She will not agree to a runaway marriage.”

“Agree karne ki kono jaroorat naahi…”, Mami laughed. “Hamre Arnav Bitwaa is capable of running on hijj (his) own, carrying Khussi in his strong armswaa!”

All looked at Arnav’s lean physique, and guffawed.

“Nannav, don’t get ghoosa!”, NK pleaded. “You will soon get used to being teased.”, he laughed.

The two families had a wonderful evening, laughing at the bride & the groom. After having a delicious dinner together, the Raizadas prepared to depart.

“Uncle, Aunty, Buaji, I need to have a few words with Khushi.”, Arnav said.

The ladies giggled, and Khushi blushed. Payal nudged Khushi.

“Why do you need to ask permission, Bitwaa?”, asked Buaji. “You are here to talk to Titliyaa so often, Nandkisore, that I always forget that you live in Shantivan!”, Buaji teased him.

All laughed.

Arnav caught hold of Khushi’s arm and gently tugged to draw her into the comparative privacy of her bedroom.

“Khushi…”, he whispered.

“Hhmm..?”, Khushi responded.

“What did Munshiji say when you touched his feet?”, the devil asked.

Khushi frowned. “He blessed me, Arnavji. He said, ‘Don’t be sad, Bitiyaa. You are going to get married next week, aren’t you? Have a very happy life! May you have many many….’”, Khushi came to a hasty halt, seeing the trap too late.

“Many, many…”, Arnav asked, naughty lights in his caramel eyes.

“Nothing.”, Khushi said crossly.

“Mamy, many nothing?”, Arnav-the-devious-Raizada asked.

“Many, many… children.”, Khushi mumbled.

“I didn’t hear you, Khushi…”, he leaned forward, his ear near her lips.

“Many, many children…”, Khushi whispered into his ears.

Arnav looked into Khushi’s shifting gaze.

He cupped her face, and whispered, “I promise, Khushi, that I will try hard to make Munshiji’s blessing come true.”

Khushi looked into his twinkling eyes with suspicious ones.

Arnav smiled as he lowered his hard lips to her soft, waiting ones.

Part 27

“Do you think Anamikaji loves Ganeshji?”, Khushi whispered in Anjali’s ear as they sat in Gaurav’s hospital room.

Buaji, Mami, NK, Nani, Amma, Payal, & Akash were sitting around the bed, asking after Gaurav's health. 

Arnav was seated near Anjali, and looked at Khushi with a resigned sigh and a smile on his lips.

Anjali looked at Anamika. She was standing near Gaurav, her arms crossed, watching him chat with the Raizadas and the Guptas, a small smile on her normally expressionless face. Ganesh was seated in a chair near the wall, behind Anamika.

“After you leave the hospital, maybe we can play chess together.”, NK suggested to Gaurav. “You know, chess makes your dabaang grow.”

“Hai Re Nandkisore!”, Buaji exclaimed.

“Dimaag, NK Bhai.”, Akash said, smiling nervously at Anamika & Ganesh.

“Wohi, wohi..”, NK said, putting the lobe of his right ear to beg pardon.

Anamika turned to look at Ganesh with merriment dancing in her eyes, sharing her amusement with him silently. Ganesh was chuckling soundlessly, his twinkling eyes on Anamika’s face.

Anjali clutched Khushi’s hand. “Yes. Yes, Khushiji. I am sure they love each other.”, she declared softly.

Arnav shook his head, accepting his fate. Now he would have to keep his eyes on Di & Khushi. There was no telling what they would get up to, once let loose.

Khushi hugged Anjali. “We need to do something.”, Khushi whispered.

Anjali nodded enthusiastically.

“Why?”, asked Arnav, trying to rain on their parade. “They are adults. If they want to get married, they will. They don’t need you to remind them.”, he said mildly.

His sister and Khushi turned to glare at him.

“You don’t have to help us if you don’t want to, Arnavji.”, Khushi fumed. “But let us do this in peace.”

Anjali nodded. “You bury your head inside your musty file and your black laptop, Chotey! We will manage everything.”

“That is what I am afraid of.”, Arnav muttered.

“Kya kaha aapne?”, Khushi asked, her head tilted.

“Haan, kya kaha apne, Chotey?”, Anjali joined ranks with Khushi.

“Nothing.”, Arnav muttered weakly.

He sat watching Anjali & Khushi whisper and giggle together, smiling inwardly. Anamika wouldn’t know what hit her! He could almost find it in himself to feel pity for her.

Nani, Buaji, Amma, Payal, and Mami looked at Anjali and Khushi, big smiles on their faces. They were in RM’s living room, having tea & snacks.

“Tip taap (tip top) idea he, Anjali Bitiyya! Let’s get Ganesh & Anamika married!”, Mami declared.

Nani nodded. Amma and Payal smiled.

But Buaji frowned. “What if Anamika Bitiyya is already married, Nandkisore?”, she asked.

The smiles fell away in a second.

“Then where is her husband?”, Nani asked.

“Bhy did she say that she has only her son, Gaurav, Hello Hi Bye Bye?”, Mami asked.

“If she has a husband, why didn’t he come when Gaurav Bitwaa was in the hospital, Jiji?”, Amma asked.

“Maybe she is a widow.”, Payal suggested.

All ladies looked at each other.

“We have to find out.”, Nani said, finally. “We can’t proceed otherwise.”

“Maybe I can ask Koelji.”, Khushi said.

All faces lit up. 

“Do it now.”, Mami instructed. “A good thing, then why ask, ask? Bhy postponiyaa (postpone) it?”

All nodded.

Khushi called Koel. She greeted her, and asked her, “Koelji, can I ask you something?”

Koel paused, her fingers over the keys of her laptop. “Yes, Khushi.”

“Is Anamikaji married?”, Khushi asked.

Koel’s voice and face iced over. “Why do you want to know?”

“Woh kya he, Koelji, Anamikaji has helped me even though she didn’t have to. I would like her to be happy. As happy as she has made us.”, Khushi confessed artlessly.

Koel smiled slightly.

“I was thinking, Koelji, if Anamikaji is not married, we can get her married off to Ganeshji. I think she likes him. Very much.”, Khushi said.

Koel smiled. “Anamika Madam does not have a husband.”

“And she likes Ganeshji, doesn’t she?”, Khushi asked, just to be sure.

Koel smiled. “I have seen her smile only at Gaurav and Ganesh. No other man.”

Khushi clapped her hands in excitement, and her phone fell into Anjali’s lap. Anjali grabbed it and returned it to Khushi.

“And Gaurav likes Ganeshji, doesn’t he?”, Khushi asked, knowing the answer.

“Gaurav thinks that Ganesh hung the moon. If Ganesh tells him that he is supposed to walk on his hands and not his feet, Gaurav will do handstands all his life.”, Koel’s voice was dry, but laced with genuine love for Gaurav.

Khushi let out a cry of victory.

“Ab dekhna, Koelji, Gaurav will get his father soon.”, Khushi proclaimed.

Koel smiled, but said softly, “Khushi, Anamika Madam & Ganesh have known each other for 20 years. If in these 20 years they haven’t thought of each other in a romantic light, then…”

Khushi frowned, but her face soon cleared up. “Devi Maiyya he na? Aap fikar mat kiijiye, Koelji! I will tell her everything, and ask for her help. And give one kilo of my jalebis as prasad.”

Koel smiled and nodded, hoping that Khushi's jalebis were good enough for Devi Maiyya to heed her pleas.

“We need to get Anamika Bitiyaa and Ganesh Babua here together, Nandkisore!.”, Buaji said.

All nodded.

“What about a satsang, Nani?”, asked Anjali.

All nodded, pleased expressions on their faces.

“We won’t invite outsiders.”, Nani said. Mami and Anjali nodded. “Especially not your kitty party friends.”, Nani added.

Mami pouted.

“If they say something nasty to Anamika Bitiyya…”, Nani’s voice trailed away.

Mami nodded quickly. “That ijj true, Saasumma. They are not sweet like me, Hello Hi Bye Bye!”

Nani & Anjali hid their smiles. Payal looked away to control her blooming smile. Buaji looked at Garima, and then away.

Khushi phoned Arnav late at night.

“What are you doing, Arnavji?”, she asked, smiling, knowing that he must be working in his garden.

He looked at the data on his laptop. He had been staring at the same page for the past few minutes, dreaming about Khushi.

“Thinking about you.”, he said briefly.

Khushi blushed. “Truly?”

“No, I am lying.”, Arnav retorted.

Khushi pouted. “Woh kya he, Arnavji, it is difficult to think of you as a …”

“As a ….?”, Arnav asked, smiling, stretching out his legs.

“As a romantic hero, like Salman Khanji. Or Shahrukh Khanji…”, Khushi muttered.

Arnav smiled.

“Why, Khushi? Are only your heroes supposed to fall in love?”, Arnav asked.

“No…”, Khushi said. “Ordinary people fall in love. But you are not ordinary.”

“Then what am I?”, Arnav asked, smiling tenderly.

“You are Arnav Singh Raizada!”, she said. “You should be khadoos, angry, with smoke coming from your nostrils, with angry eyes capable of reducing others to ashes…..”

Arnav laughed out aloud.

“Instead, you are talking sweetly, you are thinking of me, you are smiling, and you are never angry! What happened to you, Arnavji?”, Khushi asked anxiously. “Tabiyat theek he na?”

Arnav burst out laughing.

He managed to say between guffaws, “Do… do I have… to be ill…, Khushi…, before I… can love… you?”

Part 28

Naina by Sadhana Sargam (Movie: Water. A.R.Rehman)

Section 1

Anamika frowned as she phoned Ganesh.

“Anamika…” he said.

“I received a call from Khushi. Apparently, Anjali is holding a satsang in her house today evening, and wants us to attend it. She said she would be inviting you…”

“She did. So, would you like to attend it?”, Ganesh asked, smiling slightly.

Anamika hesitated. “Khushi said that her family would be attending it. And that there would be no other guests…”

Ganesh waited.

“Maybe we can go…” she said.

“Gaurav…?”, Ganesh asked.

“I asked him, but he doesn’t want to use a wheelchair. NK is apparently coming over for a game of chess today evening.” Anamika explained.

“When shall we leave?”, Ganesh asked.

Anamika frowned. “Why should you travel all the way here to get me, and then drive half the way back to the Raizadas?”

“When?”, Ganesh asked.

Anamika sighed. “Five, you stubborn, stubborn man.”

Ganesh smiled.

The Raizadas and the Guptas were waiting for Anamika & Ganesh. Khushi ran to hug Anamika as Hari Prakash opened the door to them. Anjali and Payal followed, with Buaji, Amma, Mami, & Nani bringing up the rear.

ASR, Akash, & Mamaji joined the ladies in greeting the pair and leading them inside.

Anamika looked around. RM was beautifully decorated with flowers and diyas, and the purohit was seated by the havan, examining the materials for the pooja. Thick mats were placed on the ground for the devout, and the ladies led the guests towards the havan.

Payal and Nani sat down near Khushi's Babuji and Amma. Khushi & Anjali made sure that Anamika was seated between them, and Buaji and Mami sat on either sides of Ganesh. Arnav met Akash’s anxious eyes, and sat down by Mamaji.

The pooja started.

Khushi whispered to Anamika, “Anamikaji, you have no idea how happy I am that you could join us for the havan.”

Anamika smiled at her.

Anjali added, “I was scared you would have some previous appointment.”

“I was free today evening.” Anamika said.

“And isn’t it wonderful that Ganeshji could come too?”, Anjali asked.

Khushi did not let Anamika speak. She said, “Ganeshji will cancel any appointment for Anamikaji and Gaurav.”

Anamika and Anjali looked at her.

“Aap ko pata he, Anjaliji, Ganeshji thinks the world of Anamikaji and Gaurav.”

“Acha?” Anjali played along.

“And Gaurav loves Ganeshji like a father. Is that not correct, Anamikaji?” Khushi asked.

“Yes.”, Anamika said.

“How old is Ganeshji?” Anjali asked Anamika.

“Err…he will be 45 this year. In December.” Anamika said.

“Is he married?” Anjali asked.

“No.”, Anamika said.

“What a pity!” Anjali commented. “He must be so lonely!” she sighed.

Khushi took over. “Ganeshji should be leading a happy life, running after his Chunnu and Munnu and fighting with his wife! Thank God he has you and Gaurav, Anamikaji.”

Anamika stared at her, Khushi's words striking her.

The purohit rolled his eyes at Khushi for daring to chatter when the pooja was going on. Khushi placed her forefinger on her sealed lips, and silently promised him that she would be silent.

“Ganesh Bitwaa! Are you married, Nandkisore?” Buaji asked, a smile on her lips.

“Err… no…”, Ganesh said.

“Bery good.”, Mami said. “Bhy don’t you marry our Anamika Bitiyaa?”

Ganesh stared at her multi-coloured eyelids.

“Bechari Anamika Bitiyaa! Cutting and stitching cloth all day! What kind of life is it, Nandkisore?”

“Haan, dressing up other girls as brideswaa when she should be the bridewaa herself!” Mami said.

“Poor Gaurav Bitwaa! Growing up without a father’s protection!” Buaji lamented.

Ganesh looked at both ladies with wary eyes.

Arnav took a deep breath. Whether Anamika and Ganesh would deign to step into RM again was debatable.

Part 28 Section 2

Anamika looked at Ganesh. He was driving through the night, his big body relaxed in the spacious seat of his luxury vehicle.

“Ganesh?” Anamika whispered.

Ganesh stood on the brakes. “What is wrong, Anamika?”

“Are you lonely?” she asked.

Ganesh looked at her for a moment, his eyes inscrutable. Then he navigated the vehicle to the side of the road and parked it.

“Why do you ask?” Ganesh queried softly.

“Khushi and Anjali were saying that it is a pity that you are not married, with a family….” Anamika came to a halt.

“It is a pity that I am not married, Anamika. Because I have always wanted to marry and have a family.” Ganesh said softly.

Anamika stared at him, her face vulnerable, for a moment. Then she turned her head away.

“But I have never felt lonely. I have you and Gaurav.” Ganesh said, his voice low but sure.

Anamika looked out through the window.

They sat in the car, silent, waiting...

“Ganesh, did we…. is it because of us… that you didn’t get married? I mean, did we stop you from having a life?”, Anamika finally asked.

“Yes, you did.” Ganesh was blunt.

Anamika looked at him, heart-felt regret in her eyes.

“To take the example of Khushi, when her heart is set on jalebis, rabri won’t do the job, however good it might be.” Ganesh smiled.

Anamika stared at him, her eyes wide in shock.

“When my heart was set on you and Gaurav, no other woman would do, no other family would do.” Ganesh explained.

Anamika felt tears sting her eyes.

“Don’t cry, Anamika. I didn’t tell you the truth to upset you. But maybe twenty years is too long for me to remain silent about my dreams.” His voice was soft and soothing, love and care evident in it.

Anamika dried her eyes, looking out at the road.

“I would like to marry you, Anamika. And be Gaurav’s father. Think about it, hhmm?” Ganesh smiled at Anamika’s averted face.

She remained silent.

“Listen, if you don’t want to marry me, it is alright. Things will go back to what they were before. I will be a father to Gaurav and a friend to you. Don’t worry, OK?” Ganesh said mildly.

Anamika nodded.

Ganesh started the car and drove towards Anamika’s house.

“Khushi…Khushi…what the hell are you and Di up to?” Arnav was furious. His fingers holding the phone were trembling.

Khushi frowned, setting aside the laddoos she had been making.

“Hell?” she asked, perplexed. Then she laughed. “Not hell, Arnavji. Heaven. When Anamikaji and Ganeshji get married…”

“Khushi!” the lion roared. “Anamika must be in her thirties…”

“Thirty-nine, Arnavji!” Khushi said cheerfully.

“And Ganesh must be…”

“Forty-five.”, Khushi helped him.

“Khushi, what I am trying to get into your and Di’s heads is this. You have no right to force the idea of marriage down their throats. They are old enough to make decisions about their lives.” Arnav fumed.

Khushi grimaced. “Acha? And what have they done these 20 years? Looked at each other like small children look at gola (ice candy) on a hot day! Offo!” she was very vocal about her disgust at their tortoise-like pace in matters of the heart.

“Khushi…” Arnav tried to put in a word for Anamika and Ganesh, and their right of choice.

“They are 39 and 45 now. What are they waiting for? To hit century? Why do they want to marry when they don’t have teeth and are ganja (bald)?” Khushi was genuinely perplexed.

“Khushi…” It had to be said that Arnav tried.

“Life is so short, Arnavji. We should enjoy each and every day, shouldn’t we? Aap hi sochiye, had Anamikaji and Ganeshji married earlier, they would now have a vanar sena (army of monkeys) of naughty children and Gaurav would have many brothers and sisters to fight and play with.”

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“Arnavji! Just imagine! How would your life be without Anjaliji, Akash Jiju, and Nanheji?”

Arnav opened his mouth to reply, but could not find anything to say.

“How would your life be without me?” she asked, a smile in her voice.

“Khushi…” Arnav looked around his garden for inspiration.

“Peaceful, but as dull and drab as your curtains. As boring as your laptop. As lonely as a flower in your garden that a bee does not hum around.”

Arnav was silenced.

“We are not forcing Anamikaji to marry Ganeshji, Arnavji. We are just telling them…”

“That it is a good idea to get married before they are too old, too bald, and too toothless to marry.” Arnav smiled.

“Ab aaya na truck pul ke neeche!” Khushi exclaimed, popping a laddoo in her mouth.

Part 28 Section 3

Ganesh was setting up tripods for a shoot when he felt someone watching him. 

He turned around to see Anamika standing near the door.

Dressed in a white tunic and dark chocolate pants, she looked her normal self if one discounted the faint bruising under her eyes.

Ganesh smiled at her, putting her at ease. He set the equipment aside.

“Good morning, Madam.” Vinni greeted Anamika, who responded with a faint smile. “Commander, chodiye. Hum dekh lenge.” Vinni said, smiling at Ganesh as she brushed past him. 

Ganesh nodded his thanks, and walked towards Anamika. Both of them left the room silently, and walked into Ganesh’s office. He shut the door, feeling that she would prefer it.

Anamika looked around. How many times had she been here? Too many times to count. The racks with books and journals were on the point of collapsing under the weight. The priceless landscapes on the wall. The table with his laptop and other requirements of his work. His music system…

She turned around to look at him.

“Ganesh…” she started and stopped, not knowing how to go on.

“Did you sleep last night?” Ganesh asked.

She looked at him, startled, for a moment.

“No…” she whispered.

Ganesh smiled ruefully. “So I succeeded in stealing your sleep, but for the wrong reasons.”

Anamika looked at him, swallowing hard.

“I am too old for this romance thing, I guess.” Ganesh laughed. “I need to ask Gaurav for tips on how not to scare the girl you love.”

Anamika rushed up to him and threw her arms around his waist, pressing herself against his hard, rock-like chest.

“There is nothing wrong with you, Ganesh. It is all me.” she whispered.

“What is it?” Ganesh asked softly, his right hand patting her head. His left hand did not touch her. The last thing he wanted to do was remind her of the horrible attack on her.

Anamika crawled closer to him, her fingers gaining purchase in the soft cloth of his navy blue T-shirt.

“I am a mess, Ganesh. Totally messed up, totally, totally messed up…”, she confessed, her face buried in his vast chest, breathing in his clean sandalwood scent. It was so familiar, so, so safe, like a lullaby soothing her frayed nerves…

Ganesh remained silent, his silence giving her the space to think and confess.

“After…after that terrible incident…. Ganesh, I…I don’t like being touched. Only Gaurav touches me. And now Khushi…”

“Hhmm...” Ganesh said softly, looking at her.

Anamika ran her hands up his back, pressing herself closer to him. Her feet moved closer to his. She clasped him close, so close that a postage stamp would fail to fit in between them.

“I don’t like touching anybody. I hate being touched.” Anamika confessed in a low voice. “If I marry you, then…”

Ganesh looked down at her, and hid his smile. She had plastered herself against him so thoroughly that she could not touch him anymore.

“Anamika…”

“You will be disappointed in me…” she whispered.

“Anamika, I will never be disappointed in you. Never. Whatever happens.” Ganesh said firmly. “I think you are the strongest woman in this world, and the best human being I have come across. I am honoured to know you.”

“I don’t think I could bear it if I disappointed you…” she whispered.

“You won’t have to bear it, because you will never disappoint me.”, he whispered back.

Anamika looked into his face, her eyes slightly pink with unshed tears.

Ganesh asked her, “Do you dislike touching me, Anamika?”

Anamika looked at him, and then at her arms which were around him. Conscious, she tried to withdraw her arms, but Ganesh stopped her. 

“No.” she said.

“Why don’t you dislike touching me, Anamika?” he asked gently.

She looked at him, lost for an answer.

Ganesh waited.

Finally, she said, “Because I feel safe with you. Because I know that you will never hurt me. Because you…you never touch me even if I touch you.”

Ganesh smiled at her. “Let us take this slowly, Anamika. We need to get used to touching and being touched.”

Anamika nodded her agreement.

“To do this effectively, we need to be together. For long stretches of time. In private.”

Anamika nodded slightly.

“Why don’t we get married? That will let us live together, under one roof. It will give us time to experiment, to practice.” Ganesh smiled gently at her.

Anamika looked at him, all her fears in her eyes. He could cry at her distress.

“What if I can never…?” she asked tremulously.

“Then we live with it. Together.” Ganesh said.

Arnav picked up the phone. “Khushi?”

“Arnavji, can you come home early from office tomorrow? And spend the afternoon with me?” she asked nicely.

“Tomorrow?” He looked at his schedule. He didn’t have time to breathe. “Sorry, Khushi. I have meetings after meetings.”

Khushi frowned. “In phillums, the hero goes down on his knees in front of the heroine, and says, ‘My life is at your feet.’ And here, I am stuck with a man who can’t even give me an afternoon of his day!” she pouted.

Arnav smiled.

“What will you do with me if I give you my afternoon?” He sounded hopeful.

“I will take you out to see a phillum. We can watch Salman Khanji or Hrithik Roshanji or Shahrukh Khanji… or any actor you like.” She was very generous in offering him entertainment.

Arnav’s mouth fell & remained open.

She went on, throwing light on the many treats in store for him. “Arnavji, you don’t have to feel bad that Anjaliji, Mamiji, and Naniji won’t be able to see the phillum. They, Buaji, Jiji, & Jijaji too will be coming with us. Nanheji said he wants to play some game with Gaurav, and so won’t be coming for the movie.”

“They…they are all coming…?” Arnav managed to speak.

“Haan! Isn’t that wonderful?” she asked.

It was many things, but they were not things to sully her ears with.

“Arnavji, please come with us. Please? It will be so much fun with you there.” she pleaded.

Arnav consigned his meetings to the darkest depths of his dustbin.

“Khushi, I will come with you.” he said. 

The next moment he had to hold the phone away from his ear as her screech of joy was loud enough to tear his eardrum.

Arnav smiled.


Part 28 Section 4

 

The army of Raizadas, Khushi, and her Buaji walked into the movie theatre, Arnav bringing up the rear.

As the ladies were about to take their seats, Arnav caught hold of Khushi’s arm. She looked at him, a smile on her face.

“Kya hua, Arnavji?” she asked.

“Nothing.” Arnav said. He had no intention of sitting in dim light for 2-3 hours with all the Raizadas and Guptas between him and Khushi.

She smiled at him. “Arnavji, this is a dhamakedaar movie. Once you see this, you will want to see a movie every day!” she claimed cheerfully.

That would be the day, Arnav thought, smiling inwardly.

Nani sat in her seat, with Buaji, Anjali, Mami, Mamaji, Akash, and Payal taking their seats after her. 

Arnav let Khushi sit down, and claimed the seat next to her.

Khushi looked around, smiling at the crowd that had decided to spend their afternoon in such an inane exercise. Arnav smiled.

Aaj mausam he suhaana

Phillum dekhne ka he bahana…., she sang under her breath, almost dancing in her seat in excitement.

Arnav looked away, the darkness hiding his smirk.

The movie began. Arnav stared at the screen in horror.

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge? 

The cinema was celebrating Yash Chopra week? He fell back in his seat. He looked at Khushi and the rest of his family. All had smiles on their faces, and were clapping in excitement. Mami whistled, and Khushi joined her, placing two of her fingers in her mouth.

Arnav looked around. What the! Where was he stuck?

Raj Malhotra met Simran. Arnav rolled his eyes at their antics. What crap! How many more hours of this? he wondered. Suddenly, he felt Khushi fingers grip his thigh in excitement.

Arnav jerked in shock and turned his head to look at her. Her face had a beatific smile and her eyes shone with excitement. Arnav stared at her in wonder.

Bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai…, Raj said.

Khushi sighed in pleasure, turning her head to smile at Arnavji.

Arnav swallowed hard, and placed his fingers over hers, pressing them gently.

On screen, Baldev, furious at his daughter, Simran’s fascination for Raj, forced his family to relocate to Punjab, but Arnav saw only Khushi’s face that showed distress at the untimely death of the Raj-Simran love saga.

What the! She must have seen the movie before? he wondered. Knowing Khushi, atleast 10 times? She knew that the guy would get the girl anyway before the movie ended, didn’t she? Then why was she upset? Arnav wondered.

He leaned forward to look at the rest of his family. Nani, Mami, Buaji, Anjali, & Payal were wiping tears and sniffling. Unbelievable! He looked up, unable to believe what he was seeing. Khushi was in perfect company!

As he watched, a fat tear rolled down Khushi’s alabaster cheek. Arnav sighed, hiding his smile, and pulled his hanky out. He handed it to her. She took it with a faint smile and dried her cheeks.

Mamaji snored away, the noise and the music not making a dent on his sleep. 

Arnav covered his lips with strategically placed fingers, and continued to watch Khushi’s face. He could see everything that was happening in the movie on her face. The joy when Raj & Simran reunited, the anxiety when Raj tried to woo Baldev, the excitement when Simran cut her finger to avoid wearing the engagement ring, the look of almost heavenly bliss when Raj fed Simran on Karwa Chaut…

A while later, Arnav turned his head to look around at the other viewers. Most of them were women who had dragged their unwilling husbands, boy friends, brothers, cousins, sons, uncles, male neighbours, fathers etc to watch the chick flick. Arnav felt heart-felt sympathy for the male of the species.

He turned to look at Khushi.

Her fingers were now in his. He had managed to salvage his thigh, his virtue, and his much vaunted self-control from her advances.

He looked at her smiling face, her rapt eyes on the screen.

He gently ran a finger along her palm. She jerked, and looked at him, shocked, the movie forgotten.

Arnav smiled at her. Khushi looked around to see if anyone was watching, but all had better things to do and the hall was dimly-lit.

He ran his fingers along her palm, darting into the crevices at the base of her fingers, playing expertly with her nerves. He could see her breathing deepen, her lips part in an effort to draw more air into her lungs...

He slowly lifted her hand to his mouth, and dropped a kiss on her palm. She curled her fingers, trying to protect herself against his insidious attack, and glanced nervously at the rest of their family.

They were sitting at the edge of their seats, watching Kuljeet and his friends beat up Raj.

Arnav kissed her fingers, and gently bit one of them. She yelped softly.

The sound was lost in all the dishoom-dishoom going on screen, but Arnav heard it and loved it.

He soothed the area he had bitten with slow laps of his tongue. Khushi shivered. He could feel every tremor of her body, and he relished his effect on her.

Raj stood at the door of the train waiting for Simran to come to him. Baldev was holding Simran back.

Arnav dropped a kiss on Khushi’s open palm, right on the mount of Venus. She almost melted into a puddle in her plush seat.

Simran ran after the train to reach Raj.

Arnav kissed her mount of Jupiter, holding her palm in both his hands. Khushi fell sideways against him, her body lying against him her left side against his right.

The credits rolled, the lights came on. People got up from their seats with yawns and stretched their arms and legs.

Khushi pulled her hand away from Arnav, and lowered her red face. Arnav smirked at her discomfort.

“Bhai, how was the movie?” Akash asked him.

“Very…very interesting. Akash, I think we need to do this more frequently.” Arnav said, smiling innocently.