87. Finding Khushi (Part 42 onwards)
Part 42
Part 1
Mehendi was
planned at RM, with the men expected to vanish & leave the women to
beautify themselves.
Poor
Ganesh, unused to the devious thinking of NK, Arnav, Gaurav, & Akash, drove
Anamika to RM in the morning & obediently went off to work, burying himself
behind his camera.
Gaurav phoned
him. “Papa, Mama is having her mehendi done.”
“Haan…”
Ganesh murmured uncertainly.
“You should
be here!” Gaurav said.
“Gaurav,
err…Mami said that men are not allowed…” Ganesh explained.
“Papa, you
need to start watching movies with Khushiji. Men are supposed to peek at the
women & try to gatecrash the function.” He explained the facts of life to
Ganesh.
“Really?”
asked a confused Ganesh.
“Really.”
Gaurav stressed. “Will you come over now? You can’t let the boys’ side down!”
“Chill.”
Ganesh smiled. “I will be there.” He asked, “Gaurav, you took your medicines
today, didn’t you?”
“Yes,
Papa.”
“I don’t
want you tiring yourself making arrangements for the wedding.” Ganesh was firm
on the point. “The minute you feel tired, you rest. Got it?”
“Yes,
Papa.” said Papa’s boy with a smile. “But will you come now?”
“Yes.”
Ganesh said. “I will be there as soon as I can.”
“Bhai,
where are you?” Akash asked anxiously.
“In the
office. Where else will I be at this time?” Arnav asked. “Have you finished
going through the Singhania file, Akash? I need it. Send it to the office
through Mohan.”
“Bhai,
forget about the Singhania file.” Akash advised. “I never thought you would go
to the office today. Why did you…? Bhai, it is mehendi today!”
Arnav
frowned. “Mehendi is for ladies, isn’t it? Why aren’t you here? Are you working
from home today?”
“I am not
working today, Bhai. And neither are you. You are getting married only once, and
today is your only mehendi. Please come home soon.” Akash beseeched.
Arnav
frowned. He opened his mouth to refuse Akash, but before he could speak, NK
snatched the phone from Akash.
“Nannav, it
is a shame that you aren’t here. Khushiji is here. She is looking beautiful in
a green lehenga…..” he paused, smiling.
Arnav
swallowed.
“She was
asking for you, and Di was teasing her, saying that you had left her alone and gone
away. But it is OK. You have work to do. How can Nannav Singh Raizada waste
half a day staring at his gorgeous bride writing his name on her palm with
henna?” NK teased.
Arnav cut
the call.
NK looked
at his watch. “Nannav will be here in 30 mins. I bet you a packet of Lays.”
The
doorbell rang. HP went to open the door.
“Ganeshji
or Chotey?” Anjali asked the ladies, a naughty smile on her face. “Who has
reached home first?”
All
giggled, especially Anamika & Khushi.
They
watched Ganesh walk into the house, and stand undecided in the corridor. NK
dragged him by the hand up the stairs, & Ganesh followed him, turning his
head to smile sheepishly at Anamika who was having a fight to control her
giggles. Khushi nudged her, and laughed along with all the ladies.
As Ganesh
vanished up the steps, the bell rang again.
“Chotey!”
declared his fond sister.
Khushi
blushed.
“Hai Re
Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed as HP opened the door to Arnav.
All smiled.
Arnav stole
a look at Khushi, and stood mesmerised. NK ran down the steps, and tried to
pull him by his arm. But Arnav refused to budge till he had looked his fill.
Green lehenga, green choli with golden dots. Red dupatta… matching the blush on
her cheeks.
“Nannav…Nannav…”
NK tried to get his attention.
“Hhmmm…?”
asked Arnav.
“Let’s go
up to your room.” he invited.
Arnav
followed him with great reluctance.
“How shall
we get into the hall?” asked NK. “Anamikaji & Khushiji won’t object. Payal
bhabi will shut her eyes to us sneaking in. But Naniji, Maasi, & Di… and
Buaji….” He stuttered to a stop.
Akash
frowned. “How to get in without being caught? The mehendi girls and the ladies
from the neighbourhood…… The hall is filled with them.”
“What shall
we do?” Gaurav asked Scooby, who barked in excitement.
They thought for a while.
“Idea!”
Gaurav exclaimed. All eyes turned on him. “Let’s send Scooby down. When he sees
all the ladies, he will get excited and run around barking. That will scare the
ladies. Then we can slip in unnoticed.”
NK frowned.
“Scooby is a puppy, not a ferocious
bulldog to scare the ladies.”
“And if
there is peda on any of the plates…” Arnav smiled.
All smiled
thinking of Scooby’s fondness for the sweet.
“How shall
we get in?” NK paced the length & breadth of the room, racking his brains.
“It is a
function only for ladies.” Ganesh murmured. “Mamiji told me so.”
Arnav sat
back, watching the fun.
“Even if we
sneak in, we will be caught.” Akash said.
“If we
dress as women….?” NK suggested.
Gaurav
looked at his broken limbs, and sighed. “A lady with a broken hand & leg? They
will catch on fast.”
“And a lady of my size…?” Ganesh looked down at
his huge body, flexing his muscular arms.
Arnav
looked away, the image of Ganesh in a sari tickling him no end.
“Maybe we
can peep in through a window…” NK suggested.
“Why don’t
you come in through the door?” asked Nani from the doorway, smiling.
All stood
up. Scooby barked.
She walked
in, and caught Arnav & Ganesh by their arms. “It is a family function, and
you needn’t be kept out. I told the guests that our family wouldn’t be complete
without you.”
All stared
at her.
“So you don’t
have to raid Payal’s & Anjali Bitiyaa’s clothes for ones that fit.” she smiled.
“Come down now.”
“Nani, you
are the best!” NK hugged her and lifted her off the ground, circling around
with her.
She
chuckled, and the others joined in.
Ganesh sat
down by Anamika. She was dressed in a beautiful blue & green lehenga, the
bright colours making her skin gleam. He smiled at her, and whispered in her
ear, “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,
kind Sir.” she whispered back.
Then she handed
over a few mehendi design books to him, and asked him, hiding a smile, “Which
one would you choose?”
Ganesh
looked at the pamphlets and booklets in his large palms, and looked helplessly
at Arnav.
Arnav looked away to hide his laughter.
“Buaji was
telling us that the grooms too apply mehendi. Isn’t that right, Buaji?” Anamika
asked.
“Haan,
haan, Nandkisore!” Buaji supported her.
“As they all wanted to attend the mehendi function,
Nani, they should all be given a chance to apply mehendi!” Anjali teased.
The men
looked at each other. What had they gotten themselves into?
Gaurav whispered in
Scooby’s ear, “Hide your paws. Or they will colour it orange!”
Scooby
quickly hid under Nani’s chair, cowering behind the folds of her sari.
“Nani, we…we
just wanted to see the function, not participate in it…” NK explained
frantically. “Nannav, isn’t that right?”
Arnav
smiled as he sat by Khushi.
The playful
argument raged on, the ladies insisting that the boys apply mehendi, and the
boys trying to save themselves from the ignominy.
But Arnav
& Khushi heard none of it. They were looking at each other.
“Are you
going to write my name on your palm?” Arnav whispered in her ear.
Khushi
smiled. “Why should I write your name, Arnavji? I will write Salman Khanji’s
name”
Arnav’s
eyebrows rocketed.
“I am
marrying you. Not Salman Khan.” he claimed.
“Acha?” the
minx asked. “Looks like I will have to settle for you.” she sighed.
Arnav
glowered.
“Will you
write my name on your hand?” Khushi asked, a smile twinkling in her eyes.
“Ofcourse
not.” Arnav got his own back.
Khushi
glared at him, and turned away from him. She told the mehendi lady, “Please
write LGR on my hand.”
The lady
& Arnav stared at her.
“Laad
Governor Rakshas.” Khushi clarified.
Arnav
looked away to hide a smile.
Part 2
A VM for Bhooma, my friend.
Song: Irava Pagala (Tamil)
Part 2
A VM for Bhooma, my friend.
Song: Irava Pagala (Tamil)
Arnav
watched the mehendi lady etch LGR on Khushi’s palm, studying Khushi’s face as
she focused all her attention on the mehendi, ignoring him.
When the
lady was done, Khushi brought her hands close to her face to look at the LGR.
It was perfect. She pushed her hand under Arnav’s nose to show him the initials
of his name.
Arnav bit
back a smile, and extended his palm to the mehendi lady. “Please write C on my
palm.” he said.
The lady
smiled at him and picked up her cone.
Khushi
pushed his hand away. “C? Who is this C?” she glared at him.
Arnav swallowed
his smile, and extended his arm. Khushi pushed it away. The mehendi lady looked
at the squabbling couple and smiled.
“You won’t
dare to write any other girl’s name on your hand.” Khushi concluded. “I will
kill you. So it must be for me. C for Chamkili!” she gasped. “You want to write
C for Chamkili?”
“I was thinking
C for Crazy, but Chamkili is fine too.” Arnav smirked.
Khushi
pretended to be outraged. “Awww!” she exclaimed.
Arnav
turned to the mehendi lady. “Or maybe you can write S for Sanka Devi.”
Khushi’s
eyes bore into him, leaving behind holes.
“Or P for
Parmeswari.”
“No!” said
Khushi, dissuading the lady.
“Or J.”
Arnav suggested.
Khushi’s
face brightened. “For Jalebi Rani?”
“I was thinking
Jhalli Rani…” Arnav smirked.
Khushi lost
it. “Arnavji, aap…” she jumped up in affront.
Arnav, who
knew when to retreat, got up and moved away on hasty feet. Khushi, in a flurry
of skirts, ran after him. She glared at her hands full of mehendi. If her hands
were free, she would strangle Arnavji! And enjoy doing it!
Nani, Mami,
Buaji, & Anjali watched Khushi chasing Arnav around the hall. Arnav dodged
all her attempts to reach within arm’s length of him by darting between pieces
of furniture with dexterity.
“Anyone
would think that our Chotey has been practicing running away for years!” Nani
commented with a smile.
“Acha he,
Saasumma!” said incorrigible Mami. “He bill (will) need it in the phuture
(future), aphter (after) marrijj!”
Anjali
giggled.
“He
Parmeswari, leave Arnav Bitwaa!” Buaji hit her head with her hand. “Are you
children to run around like this? Titliyyaa, you will trip and fall,
Nandkisore!”
Nani
giggled. “Anjali Bitiyaa, I think they were cat & dog in their previous
births”
“Taam (Tom)
Arnav & Jerry Khussi!” Mami said.
All
chuckled.
“No wonder she
is like this! She watches cartoons with the children of the neighbourhood,
Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed.
Arnav ran
up the stairs to his room. Khushi followed, trying not to fall flat on her
face.
Arnav ran
into his room, knowing that he could be sure of privacy there. Khushi,
unsuspecting, walked into the trap. As soon as she was in the centre of the room,
Arnav dashed to the door and locked it.
Khushi
stood looking at him, her breath caught in her chest, her breathing suspended. The
scheming, devious, crooked…. Arnav Singh Raizada! She could not think of any
other derogatory word at that point of time.
He stood
looking at her, a predatory look in his eyes, his gaze roaming over her
alluring form in the green lehenga & red dupatta. Khushi gulped and tried
to cover her waist with the dupatta, trying to move it over herself with nudges
of her arms. Her hands were totally useless. She glowered at the mehendi.
Arnav
smiled.
Khushi
frowned. She mistrusted that smile of his.
As she
watched, he began to walk towards her on slow but deliberate feet. Her eyes
widened. His left foot… his right… then his left… his right… Khushi looked at
her useless hands, and with a huff, turned and ran out of the room through the
door that opened to the poolside.
“Khushi…”
he called as he ran after her.
She circled
the pool, trying to keep maximum distance between them. He Devi Maiyya, He Devi
Maiyya, she chanted, as she ran in a clockwise direction. Arnav changed his
route, and tried to reach her by taking the anti-clockwise path. She turned and
ran away from him.
The edge of
the dupatta that had been tucked in the waistband of her lehenga fell away,
exposing the slim, creamy lines of her waist.
Arnav
swallowed hard.
Khushi grit
her teeth. She had 2 useless hands, a lover on the prowl, and a dupatta that
refused to stay on her body! How was she to manage? She lowered her eyes to see
if there was any way she could repair the damage.
This was the
chance he had been waiting for. He moved in for the kill. Before Khushi could
say, “Arnavji!”, he was close to her. So close that she could feel his breath
on her cheek.
She glanced
up, startled.
“Now where
will you go?” he asked, his voice a mere thread.
Khushi
looked into his eyes, her breath coming in choppy waves.
“Arnavji…”
she whispered.
“Hhmmm?” he
asked, his lips coming closer and closer to her.
Khushi
tried to move back, but his black recliner blocked her path.
She tried
to slip away, but his hands clasped her shoulders, making it impossible for her
to move an inch.
“My hands….”
Khushi whispered. “The mehendi…”
“You don’t
need your hands to kiss me.” he whispered back.
Khushi
blushed. “I… I am not going to…” she paused.
“No?” Arnav
asked. “Then I am afraid you are not going to leave this room.” he smirked.
Khushi
stared at him.
“Kiss me.” he
invited in his bedroom voice. Khushi gulped and gasped for air. “Then you can
leave. Otherwise…”
Khushi looked
into his wicked, chocolate brown eyes. How dare he look at her like that? How
could he smile at her like that? He knew it made her knees feel weak and her
body tremble. He was deliberately trying to give her a heart attack.
Khushi
looked at his lips. The sinfully delicious curves beckoned her. Her own lips
trembled.
Slowly, she
moved closer to him. Her hot eyes lingered on his lips. He waited, his heart in
his mouth, for the sweet touch.
Khushi fell
on him, ravaging his defences, plundering his lips, taking her fill of the hard
curves, pressing herself against him.
Arnav felt
his heart stop, and then race at breakneck speed.
The hunter
became the hunted.
Ganesh
looked through the patterns religiously. Anamika looked at him, amused beyond
words.
Finally he
said, “They are all good.”
Anamika
smiled.
“You have
beautiful hands.” Ganesh said simply. He lifted her hand in his, looking at the
long, well-shaped fingers. “Any design will look good on you.”
Anamika
lowered her eyes, and then said softly, “Pick any one.”
Ganesh
selected a design with floral patterns, with many small flowers hidden in
creepers.
Anamika
handed it over to the mehendi lady, and said, “This one.”
“You like
it, Anamika?” Ganesh asked. She hadn’t even glanced at it.
“How can I
dislike it if you like it?” Anamika asked simply, her soft voice just for
Ganesh’s ears.
Part 43 Section 3
Beheka (Ghajini)
Part 43
Section 1
Arnav & Khushi VM: Lattoo
Arnav
looked at the yellow sarees heaped in front of him. Nani, Mami, Di, & Payal
were smiling expectantly at him, waiting for him to choose the sari to be
gifted to Khushi.
He fingered
one. The fabric was too rough. The next one was too heavy. Khushi would find it
difficult to wear it. The third saree was too dull, the yellow looking faded.
Khushi liked bright colours. So it wouldn’t do…
His family
watched him pick & discard sarees with meaningful glances at each other.
“Chotey,
you didn’t like any of these?” Nani asked, a small smile on her lips.
“Err…Nani…”
“Haldi is
tomorrow, Arnav Bitwaa…” Mami teased. “Aisan yahan khade rahoge, to you can get
married neksht (next) year!”
All
laughed. Arnav looked around, a hunted man surrounded by the females of his
family.
“Arnavji!
There are saris displayed at the far end of this hall.” Payal came to his
rescue. “Maybe there you will find something that you like.”
Arnav
smiled his gratitude at her, and made his way to the mannequins wearing
expensive silk. NK & Akash looked up from where they were selecting kurtas,
and asked him, “Bhai, do you need help?”
“Nannav,
mere bhai, shall we select Khushiji’s sari?”
“No. I will
do it.” Arnav declared. What could he do if the best apparel store in all of
Delhi could not stock a sari worthy of Khushi?
He looked
at the saris worn by the mannequins.
Green…..cream….some
ugly shade that looked like the skin of onions…a violet that hurt his eyes… He
stopped short. Yellow. As bright as sunshine. Like Khushi. With tiny lines in green
& in his favourite colour, red. He touched it, rubbing the silk between his
fingers. It felt warm, soft, silky…like Khushi’s skin.
Arnav
swallowed.
“I want
this.” he told the sales assistant.
“Are you
sure, Chotey?” Anjali teased him.
“Yes.”
“Arnav
Bitwaa, the girl can pack it only if you let go of it, Hello Hi Bye Bye!” Mami
laughed.
NK, Akash,
Anjali, Payal, & Nani giggled. Arnav flushed as he withdrew his fingers
from the sari.
“We have
selected a sari for Anamika bitiyaa” Nani informed Arnav. “We will send her and
Khussi bitiyaa their clothes as soon as we reach home.”
Arnav
nodded, his cheeks still red.
Haldi was
to be held at Laxmi Nagar.
Anamika,
Gaurav, & Scooby reached Buaji’s house on time, and Amma led Anamika to her
bedroom to change into her haldi sari.
Khushi was
dressing in the sari selected by Arnav, Preetho helping her to deck herself in
jewellery & hair ornaments made of flowers.
Anamika
opened the box that Naniji had sent to her house. In it was a yellow sari with
silver embellishments and a blouse with beads & crystals. She
touched the sari with gentle fingers.
“Nani sent
it to me.” Anamika explained to Amma who was smiling at her.
“It will
suit you.” Amma pinched her chin lovingly. “Today, you and Khussi will look
beautiful…”
“And
yellow.” Anamika said wryly, a small smile on her lips.
Amma
laughed in agreement. “And yellow.”
Anamika
wore the sari with Amma’s help. Then Garima brought out a tray with the
maangtikka, earrings, necklace, & bracelets that Anamika had to wear.
Anamika’s eyes flew open. The ornaments were all made of flowers. Jasmine,
roses, rajnigandha…
Garima
fastened the sweet-smelling pieces and placed a chain of jasmine buds around
her hair coiled in a bun.
Garima
examined her handiwork with pleasure. “You look beautiful!” she exclaimed.
Anamika
looked at herself in the mirror. A slow smile stretched her lips. A few months
earlier, if someone had told her that she would be standing like this in a
house in Laxmi Nagar, getting ready to be dunked in haldi so that she could
marry Ganesh the next day, she would have died laughing. If she hadn’t met
Khushi that night at the party… if she hadn’t liked her… if she hadn’t
furthered their acquaintance… Anamika shuddered to think of all the
what-might-have-beens. She would never have had the courage to think of a
future with Ganesh. And he would never have forced her to think of marriage, being a born gentleman...
They were fortunate. Very fortunate. Especially Gaurav. Khushi had brought so much happiness in to
their lives.
She would never forget Khushi’s kindness. Never. She touched her
earring with a gentle hand.
The
Raizadas & NK reached Laxmi Nagar. As they alighted, they saw Ganesh
parking his car in Happyji’s garage. They waited for him, and together, they
walked into Buaji’s house to be greeted with loud cries of welcome.
Soon the
ladies of the neighbourhood too reached the house. Loud chatter and laughter
filled the house. Arnav & Ganesh sat in the midst of their family,
listening to NK trying out his Hindi on the girls who were eyeing him. Akash
& Payal were helping Buaji with last minute arrangements.
Suddenly,
the chatter came to an end. Amma led Anamika out. She looked beautiful,
yellow making her look more beautiful than she normally looked. All eyes travelled
up & down her form and then automatically turned to gaze at Ganesh’s
lovestruck expression.
All ladies
tittered. Scooby barked & Gaurav laughed.
Arnav
craned his neck to see if Khushi was anywhere in the vicinity. Where was she? He
looked at his phone. If he could call her…
The
laughter died down. He looked up. There she stood, dressed in the saree that he
had picked for her, coils of jasmine in her hair, jasmine buds around her neck
& wrists, & earrings made of jasmine flowers...
He swallowed.
His mind raced backwards in time to a Diwali in Sheesh Mahal. He had been
young. He had watched his Mama & Di light rows and rows of diya, helping
them by supplying oil & wicks as & when needed. When they had finished
lighting all the diya, he had asked Mama if he could go back to his room,
firecrackers & the resulting noise anathema to him. She had nodded her
assent, but before he could walk away, she had delayed him for a moment.
“Chotey, we
have been lighting lamps for so long and you have been helping us. Don’t you
want to see what we have been doing all this while?” she had asked.
Arnav had
frowned at her, not understanding the import of her words. She had placed her
arm around his shoulders and turned him to look at the diya they had been lighting
till then.
His breath
had caught in his chest at the magical sight of the huge, dark hall lit by so
many tiny golden flames, arranged row after row. Just as it hitched now at the
sight of Khushi. She looked like a flame, the bright, rich yellow of her sari
lending a golden sheen to her fair skin.
As he
watched her in stunned silence, she looked up and smiled at him. The smile took
birth in her eyes. Her gladness at seeing him spread to her lips, and she
beamed at him. An answering smile bloomed on his. Her eyes ran over him in his
white kurta, and she raised her right hand to gesture that he looked very
handsome. Arnav lowered his eyes to hide his smile at her open appreciation.
Then the
ladies took over. They hugged the brides many times and led them to low seats
placed in the hall.
Anamika &
Khushi smiled at each other as they sat side by side on the foot stools. Buaji
led Ganesh & Arnav to sit across the ladies.
“Look at
your brides all you want, bitwaa. Because now we are going to put a curtain
between you, Nandkisore!”Bujai declared.
Ganesh
& Arnav looked at Buaji in shock. All laughed. Anamika & Khushi
blushed.
Section 2
A pale blue
transparent screen was placed between the two couples. Arnav scowled at it,
balefully. Ganesh stared at Anamika through it.
The guests
giggled behind their hands. It was such fun to watch new lovers.
The priest
recited mantras. Anamika & Khushi paid close attention to him, and Ganesh
& Arnav paid close attention to their ladies.
The priest
indicated that the haldi rasam may be conducted.
Buaji took
the small brushes of grass, dipped them in the yellow mixture, and touched
Khushi’s feet, knees, arms, hands, & face with them. Then she did the same
to Anamika. Anjali moved to Ganesh & Arnav, and started turning them
yellow.
One by one,
Mami, Nani, Payal, Gaurav, Akash, NK, Mamaji, & Amma began slathering haldi
on them.
Ganesh took
one look at Arnav, and started laughing.
Arnav smiled and said, “You don’t look
so hot either!”
Khushi
& Anamika smiled at each other.
NK &
Gaurav circled the couples, capturing the moments of laughter and family
togetherness on camera.
Anjali
watched Arnav blink his eyes at the condition of his limbs.
“Don’t
worry, Chotey! It is all for a good cause.” She looked meaningfully at Khushi
who was chuckling at some quip of Payal’s. Arnav’s eyes followed hers and
stilled on Khushi’s laughing visage.
“She is
truly Khushi, isn’t she?” Arnav murmured only for his Di’s ears.
Anjali
smiled. “Yes. And a single piece on earth. Meant just for you, my papad ka
tukda, jab dekho ukhda Chotey!”
Arnav
smiled.
“I dare you
to be unhappy after you are married to Khushiji, Chotey!” Anjali laughed. “You
can’t scare her with your anger and she won’t let you mope around. Now what
will you do?” she raised her brows enquiringly.
Arnav
smiled. “Live?” he asked.
Anjali
smiled & nodded. “Live. Let yourself be happy.” She cupped his cheek
lovingly.
NK rubbed
haldi on Gaurav & Akash’s cheeks. Akash caught hold of an NK who was trying
to escape after doing the deed, & Gaurav plastered NK’s face with haldi.
Soon it was a free for all. Only Scooby looked clean.
Buaji
looked at the puppy sitting quietly in one corner of the room.
“Hai Re
Nandkisore! They forgot you!” she exclaimed. She took a smidge of haldi with
one finger and gently applied a tikka on Scooby. “Now you too belong to the
wedding party, Nandkisore!” she declared.
NK
proclaimed, “This jaldi ka rasam is so much fun!”
“Acha,
Nandkisore!” Buaji asked, her hands on her hips. “If you like haldi so much,
why don’t you get married too? Jaldi Jaldi? I will bury you in haldi.”
NK looked
at her with wide eyes.
“Bitwaa,
there are some good girls here… Kaho to...” Buaji teased him.
NK ran for
his life.
Ganesh
& Arnav were taken to the courtyard of the house and made to sit on two
stools. Ladies poured pots of water over them to cleanse them. They scrubbed
themselves thoroughly. Yellow rivulets of haldi flowed into the sand, leaving
the two men clean but very wet.
Khushi
& Anamika took their turns in the tiny bathroom of Buaji’s house, scrubbing
the paste from their body vigorously and emerging looking beautiful and
glowing.
Soon the
families and the guests sat down to a feast.
Anamika & Ganesh sat together,
laughing over the haldi bath of the morning. Arnav sat down and pulled Khushi
to sit by him.
“Arnavji,
chodiye hamein!” Khushi said. “Preetho, Nikhil, & Barun are having their
lunch in my bedroom. They asked me to sit with them.”
Arnav
glared at her.
Khushi went
on, unfazed by his glare. “I will be marrying you tomorrow evening, Arnavji,
and coming with you to RM. They will miss me.”
“What about
me?” Arnav asked.
“What about
you? Kya hua aapko?” she asked, her eyes innocent.
“Won’t I
miss you? Now?” he asked.
Khushi
frowned. “It is only for a few minutes, Arnavji.”
“I will
still miss you.” said Aashik Singh Raizada.
Khushi
stared into his eyes.
“Acha he, Nandkisore!
Both of you look into each others eyes as much as you want now. After Arnav
Bitwaa goes home, you are not permitted to see each other till the shaadi
tomorrow evening.” Buaji laughed.
Arnav
gasped in shock.
Khushi’s mouth
fell open. “That is total naainsaafi, Buaji! How can I stay without…..?”
Buaji raised
her eyebrows. All giggled.
“I mean,
why can’t we see each other, Buaji?” Khushi whined.
Buaji hit
her head with her hand. “This Sanka Devi!”
“Buaji…”
Arnav protested.
The Raizada
ladies looked at each other & smiled.
“Bitwaa, it
is a rasam that the bride and the groom don’t see each other after their haldi.
Both of you are supposed to stay in your houses, safe from evil eyes till the
shaadi.”
Arnav
looked at her like a lost child.
Buaji
pulled his cheek. “It is only for a few hours, Bitwaa. Tomorrow evening, you
can take Sanka Devi off our hands. We will personally hand over our bundle of
trouble to you, Nandkisore! Then you can suffer her for the rest of your life.” she teased.
“Buaji!”
Khushi protested.
All
laughed. Arnav nodded, smiling weakly.
Buaji moved
away to tease Ganesh & Anamika.
Khushi moved her chair as close to Arnav’s
as possible, and sat down, her right thigh aligned with his left, her right
arm pressed against his left.
“Kya hua?”
Arnav asked softly, knowing that she had already started to miss him.
“Nothing.” she
muttered.
He smiled
slightly, and looking at her full plate, said softly, “Eat something, Khushi.
Or you will feel hungry later.”
“Haan…”
Khushi looked at her plate with a total lack of interest.
“Buaji has
made jalebi for you. Have it.” Arnav invited her. “It is your favourite sweet,
isn’t it? Your staple meal?” he teased her.
Khushi
looked at the jalebi on her plate with dull eyes. She squeezed herself closer
to Arnav, if that was humanly possible.
“Preetho,
Nikhil, & Barun must be waiting for you.” Arnav said. “Don’t you want to
have lunch with them?” he teased.
Khushi’s
eyes filled.
“Khushi…Khushi…don’t
cry.” Arnav pleaded. “I was just…”
“I am
coming home with you now. I don’t want to wait till tomorrow.” Khushi
whispered, sniffing.
Arnav didn’t
know whether to cry or laugh.
“My bags are
already packed.” Khushi said. “We can leave together and…” Her fingers bit into his arm.
Arnav
leaned sideways, and dropped a warm kiss on her cheek, uncaring of the gasps and laughter from the
audience.
Part 43 Section 3
Beheka (Ghajini)
“Hai Re
Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed to Nani, Anjali, Mami, Payal, & Amma. “Girls
cry on their bidai when they are leaving their Amma & Babuji to go to their
husband’s house. Our Sanka Devi is crying to go to her husband’s house? And
that too before marriage?”
All
giggled.
“Garima,
why does Titliyaa do everything ulta?” Buaji asked.
“Pata nahi,
Jiji. She has always been like that.” Garima smiled.
“Ek screw
to dheela he, Nandkisore! Pukka!” Buaji sighed.
All smiled.
A tear
trailed down Khushi’s cheek.
Arnav stole
it from her cheek with the tip of his finger.
“Take me
with you, Arnavji. Without you….. one day without you…. I can’t… Take me with
you.”, she pleaded softly.
Arnav
swallowed hard. How could he tell her that he felt the same pain at the very thought? As though his breath would stop? How could he tell her that he couldn't bear to see her pain?
He spared a glance for his family. All of them had big smiles on their faces.
“No one
will find out. I will h..hide under the bed…” Khushi whispered. “Or the
bathroom…if someone comes…”
“Or behind
the curtains….” Arnav entered into the spirit of things.
“Or the
poolside…” Khushi offered.
“Behind my
pots and plants…” Arnav suggested, a small smile on his face.
Khushi
nodded enthusiastically, her wet eyes on his smiling face.
“Or among
my clothes in the wardrobe. Nobody can find you there.” Arnav smiled.
Khushi
cheered up. “Yes! I have done that before!”
Arnav
looked down to hide his laughter.
“Or you
stay here with me, Arnavji. Don’t leave me alone and go.” Khushi wept.
Arnav
patted the hand that was clutching his arm in desperation. He said, “Nani,
Buaji… I was thinking….”
All eyes
turned to him.
Anjali
whispered to the ladies, “Let’s see how Chotey the businessman handles this.”
They
nodded.
“Haan,
Chotey?” Nani asked, her eyes twinkling.
“Kaho,
Nandkisore!” Buaji invited him, a challenge in her eyes.
“I was
thinking, err… the wedding is to be held in RM tomorrow evening anyway. So why
don’t you all spend the night there?” Arnav asked, all innocence.
Buaji
raised an eyebrow at him. Mami gasped. Nani smiled. Payal & Anamika
struggled not to burst out laughing. Ganesh, NK, Akash, & Gaurav looked at
Arnav with admiration.
“Acha
khayal he, Chotey.” Anjali teased him. “It will save you a lot of bother, won’t
it?”
Arnav
blushed.
“If Anamika,
Ganesh, Gaurav, Buaji, Amma, Babuji, & Khushi can shift their things today
to RM, we can have a relaxed day tomorrow.” Arnav suggested.
Khushi
looked at Arnav with admiration in her eyes.
“Haan..haan..
Dhamakedaar idea he, Hello Hi Bye Bye! Conservation of energy karega padi,
Saasumma. To be fresh for the night… I mean, the ebening (evening)!” Mami
quipped.
All
laughed.
Buaji
whispered to the ladies, “After spending time with our Sanka Devi, Arnav Bitwaa
has become her Sanka Dev, Nandkisore!”
All
chuckled.
“But idea
acha he, Saasumma.” Mami supported Arnav.
“Half the work will be done today.
Tomorrow, we can dress for the shaadi and do our makeuppiya at leisure!”
Nani looked
at Buaji.
“What do
you think, Madhumatiji?” Nani asked softly.
“If we don’t
come to your house this evening, Devyaniji, Titliyaa will fly to your house
before the shaadi.” Buaji replied, equally softly.
“Running
marrijj to suna he, Saasumma. But running to husband’s house to do shaadi? Ee
kaa new phasion he?” Mami asked, a smirk on her face.
“Nani,
please say ‘yes’.” Anjali pleaded. “It will be so much fun tonight, with everybody
there.”
Nani looked
at Arnav & Khushi’s anxious faces. She said, “Theek he, Chotey!” Buaji
nodded.
A cry of
joy rose from the crowd, NK, Gaurav, Scooby, & Akash taking the lead.
Khushi hugged Arnav’s arm and leaned her head against his shoulder, a smile on
her lips.
“Happy?”
Arnav whispered in her ear.
“Very.” she
replied. "Aap sab kuch theek kar dete he! Hamesha..."
"Hamesha... for you, Khushi." Arnav Singh Raizada murmured.
Anamika
breathed into Ganesh’s ear.
“ASR is
such a big softie! Who would have thought it?”
Ganesh
replied. “Arnav is a big softie, totally wrapped around Khushi’s little finger.
ASR is still a stubborn ass.”
Anamika burst
out laughing.
“But a
likeable ass.” Ganesh concluded.
Anamika bobbed her head in agreement as she
tried to control her guffaws.
Part 43 Section 4
Lazy Lad Saiyya, a song written for our Arnav Bitwaa, who sent our hearts burning by wasting many opportunities to romance Ms.Gupta
Part 43 Section 4
Lazy Lad Saiyya, a song written for our Arnav Bitwaa, who sent our hearts burning by wasting many opportunities to romance Ms.Gupta
“Ganesh,
Anamika, would you mind moving into RM today?” Arnav asked softly. “It will be err…easier
to make arrangements for the wedding tomorrow evening.”
Ganesh
& Anamika smiled.
She said, a
smirk on her face, “I am sure it will be easier on you if we do move in.”
Ganesh
said, smiling, “We will definitely move in. After all, the situation is…
nazook.” He looked at a Khushi who was happily drying her tear-stained face,
still holding on firmly to Arnav’s arm.
Arnav smiled
gratefully at Ganesh & Anamika.
NK went
with Gaurav, Anamika, & Ganesh to help them transport their wedding finery
to RM. Arnav, Akash, & Payal stayed back to help Buaji, Amma, & Babuji
pack & lock the house.
Nani, Mami,
& Anjali left with the driver to arrange rooms and refreshments for the unexpected
guests, laughing over their Chotey’s shatir dimag and his Khushiji’s
lovable childishness.
Arnav
accompanied Khushi to her bedroom. Two heavy suitcases were waiting in the
corner, all packed & ready to go. He lugged them to the front door.
“Khushi,
what do you have in these?” Arnav asked, smiling. “Rocks?”
Khushi
pouted. “Ji. Pathar. To throw at you when you get angry with me.”
Arnav
chuckled silently.
She looked
around, her hands on her hips. “Have I left anything behind…?” she wondered.
Arnav hid
his smile with great difficulty. “Khushi, what does it matter if you have left
something behind?”
Khushi
looked at him.
“You can
always return & get it. I mean, it is just a matter of a few kilometers…” he reminded her, smiling.
“Haan…”
Khushi said, uncertainty colouring her voice.
“Did you
pack your stars?” he asked, looking at the stars hanging over her bed.
“Ji. I
packed them first.” Khushi replied, still looking around.
Arnav
walked to her, and cupped her cheek in his palm.
“Kya hua, Khushi? Feeling
scared about tomorrow?” he asked softly.
Khushi
looked into his empathetic eyes for a moment, and then murmured, “Life is so
strange, isn’t it?”
Arnav
waited for her to explain.
“First, I
was with my parents in our house. Then, one day, when I was eight, I moved into
my aunt’s house in Lucknow with all my clothes and toys. Then I met you. You
aired the video clip and I had to leave Lucknow and move into Buaji’s house in
Delhi. Now I am leaving her house and going to yours.” She swallowed hard as
she looked around the familiar room.
Arnav pulled
her into his arms. He said, his cheek against hers, “You will never have to
leave my house to go anywhere else.”
Khushi
nodded slowly, and then slowly put her arms around him, hugging him close to
her.
Arnav shut his eyes and rubbed his cheek against hers to comfort her.
“Bhai…”
Akash stood open-mouthed at the sight of his khadoos brother standing in the
circle of Khushiji’s arms.
Payal giggled behind the cover of her hand.
Arnav &
Khushi lowered their arms, putting a few inches between their bodies with
difficulty.
“Bhai… All
are ready to leave…” Akash said.
“We are
coming.” Arnav said in his usual brusque manner, only the flush on his face
revealing his discomfiture.
They
reached RM to find that Anamika, Ganesh, Gaurav, Scooby, & NK had reached
before them, and had been assigned their rooms. Ganesh had been given a room
near Arnav’s, Gaurav & Scooby were to share with NK, and Anamika &
Khushi were given a room on the ground floor, near Nani’s room. Amma &
Babuji had the room next to Khushi & Anamika’s, and Buaji was in a room
nearby.
Arnav &
HP placed Khushi’s bags in her room. Anamika turned to look out through the
window, a smile on her face, as Arnav hesitated to leave the room.
“Khushi,
tum theek ho?” he asked, running his thumb lovingly down her cheek.
“Ji.” She smiled,
having forgotten her earlier tears.
“Sure? You
want me to stay with you?” poor Arnav asked.
“No, I am
fine, Arnavji.” Khushi beamed, happy to be under the same roof as him. The sky
of her mind was cloudless and sunlit as long as she was with him. “Arnavji,
just think how much fun we will have today! Nanheji didn't tell you about his plans?" she asked.
Arnav shook his head.
"He is planning to phenk a party for men. He
wants to take you, Ganeshji, Gaurav, & Jiju out for a bachelor’s party.”
Anamika
choked.
Arnav stared at Khushi, slack-jawed.
“When you men
are drinking lassi and cracking jokes and playing video games, we ladies will
play antakshari and eat golgappe! It will be such fun! He na, Anamikaji?”
Khushi’s innocent eyes rested on the two figures staring at her with amazement.
Part 43 section 5
Zara Zara
Part 43 section 5
Zara Zara
If he could
get his hands around NK’s neck…. If only he could get his hands around NK’s
neck…. Arnav fumed helplessly, staring at Khushi’s happy face. The difficulty
he had faced in bringing matters to this point! Only he knew how hard it had been
to get Khushi to agree to marry him. He had fought the odds to lay claim to her
heart, and now, at the eleventh hour, NK was out to sink his boat…
Anamika
took one look at Arnav’s pale face, and silently signalled him to leave the
room.
Arnav
hesitated, his chest hurting at the sight of Khushi’s open face radiating joy.
Anamika put
her arm around Khushi’s shoulders and gently pulled her close. Khushi hugged her,
saying, “I will make you eat a basket full of golgappe, Anamikaji. I won’t let
you off today.”
Over Khushi’s
head, Anamika looked directly into Arnav’s eyes, conveying her wish that he
leave Khushi in her care.
“I…I have
some work, Khushi…” Arnav mumbled.
“Ji.”
Khushi laughed. “Amanji must have missed you the whole of today.”
Arnav
smiled weakly and left the room slowly, turning back twice to look at Khushi.
Anamika
said, “Sit down for a while with me, Khushi.” She locked the door of the room and
led Khushi to sit on the bed.
“Ji.”
Khushi happily parked herself by Anamika, her legs curled under her. She pulled
a pillow on her lap and propped her elbows on it.
“Do you
know why men celebrate bachelor party, Khushi?” Anamika asked, a small smile on
her face.
Khushi
smiled. “Because they are happy for the dulha as he is getting married the next
day!”
Anamika
smiled. “No, because they think that the dulha is going to lose all his freedom
the next day, and they want to console him.”
Khushi
laughed. “How ajeeb! Is shaadi a jail for the dulha to lose his freedom when he
marries? Anamikaji, I thought only I was sanki, but it looks like many people
are more sanki than me.”
Anamika
smiled fondly at her.
“And why
should they console the dulha? Nobody is tying his hands and legs and dragging
him to the mandap. He is marrying because he wants to, isn’t he, Anamikaji?”
Anamika
nodded, smiling. “It is just a party given by the groom’s friends for him. They
have fun, crack jokes at the dulha’s expense….”
Khushi
smiled.
“When men
get together, they don’t drink lassi, you know, Khushi. They may drink beer or
wine or whisky….” Anamika dropped a hint.
“Daaru?”
Khushi asked.
Anamika
smiled & nodded. “The Raizadas and your family… you are all vegetarians, aren’t you?”
“Ji.” Khushi
said.
“Does ASR
take non-veg?” Anamika asked.
“Ji. But he
is not permitted to have it here in his house.” Khushi replied.
“Then he
may have it at the party.” Anamika said softly.
“Oh…” Khushi
said.
“And what
is a party without some naach-gaana?” Anamika asked smiling.
Khushi
smiled happily. “Ji. I was thinking we ladies can play Balam Pichkari and Lazy Lad and
dance to them here.”
“The men
too may have music and dance… NK might invite some of his friends and
acquaintances, other men & women to the party…” Anamika hinted.
Khushi
looked at her, her face becoming anxious all of a sudden.
Anamika
hugged her. “ASR, Akash, Ganesh, Gaurav, and NK will be together. They won’t
get into any trouble.” she comforted her.
Khushi
jumped up. “Anamikaji, hum abhi aate he!” She strode out of the room. Anamika
looked after her with a soft smile on her lips.
Khushi
barged into NK’s room, her eyes furious.
NK dropped the
T-shirt he was holding. Offo, it looked like someone had told Khushiji the
exact meaning of a bachelor party, he thought,
his heart sinking. Nannav had just torn a strip off him for the bachelor party
idea, and his skin was still stinging from the ASR’s fury. Now it looked at
Khushiji’s turn.
Khushi came
and stood in front of NK, her arms crossed, waiting.
NK
swallowed hard. Would she kill him?
“Nanheji, I
never thought you would do this to me!” she complained.
NK bleated,
“Khushiji…”
She cut in,
“I thought you were my friend!” Tears filled her eyes.
“Khushiji…”
NK said in a feeble voice.
“I won’t
talk to you again. How could you…?” A tear made its way down her cheek.
“Khushiji,
I promise. I promise…” NK touched his Adam’s apple. “I have not invited any
girls. Nannav will kill me if I…. Khushiji, it is just some wine and food… no
girls. I promise. I promise.” Nk almost fell at her feet.
Khushi
looked at him with suspicious eyes. “Pukka?” she asked.
“Pukka.
Promise. NO GIRLS. Only shabab & kebab…” NK was desperate.
“Sharab.”
Khushi corrected automatically.
“Yes, yes.”
NK pulled his ear. “Only sharab & kebab.”
“You have not
invited any girl?” Khushi made sure.
“No one. No
girl. Not even a single girl.” NK swore.
Khushi let
out a sigh of relief. “Tabhi to! I was so sad wondering why you had not invited
me, your friend. It is because I am a girl, isn’t it? This party is only for
men, he na Nanheji?”
NK shook
his head slowly.
“Anamikaji
said that men drink & eat non-veg at parties. And that they invite their men
& women friends for naach-gaana. I was wondering why you hadn’t invited me!”
Khushi smiled happily at him. “But if you are not inviting any lady, then it is
OK if you don’t invite me.”
NK stared
at her. So he had been apologising for the wrong crime all along? He scratched
his head.
“Have fun,
Nanheji! And make your Nannav dance at the party. Haan, and take hajmola with you. It will calm your stomach after all that
non-veg.” She sashayed away, a wide smile on her face.
Part 43
Section 6
Leaving NK
staring into air, trying to make sense of what had just happened there, Khushi
walked down the corridor to join Anamikaji, her unbound hair swinging against
her hips.
Her feet
came to an abrupt stop. Arnavji’s door was open. She looked around. There was
no family member in sight, just a few workers putting up lights and flower
chains, changing drapes etc. She darted in.
Arnav was
sitting on his black recliner by the pool. His laptop was open in front of him, but
his mind was on Khushi. How would she have reacted to Anamika’s disclosures? He should
not have left her. He should have stayed with her and… He clenched his fingers
around his phone.
“Arnavji!”
He looked up
to see the object of his ruminations standing alive and kicking in front of
him. Instead of being in tears as he had imagined her to be, she was all
smiles.
She walked
up to him on hasty feet. “There was nobody in the corridor. So I came in.” She
beamed at him.
He was so
relieved to see her smiling that he caught her by the arm and tugged her to sit
on the recliner by him. He lay back, looking at her as she sat by him, her hand
in his.
“I have
asked NK to cancel the party.” Arnav declared, traces of anger in his voice,
his fury against NK still unabated. “NK and his stupid ideas!”
Khushi frowned
at him. “Cancel the party? Kyon? Stupid idea? It is not a stupid idea, Arnavji.
How can it be a stupid idea to spend
time with your friends?”
“I don’t
have friends, Khushi.” Arnav growled. “Only acquaintances.”
Khushi
laughed. She pinched his chin, “How can you have friends if you are such a
cross boy?”
Arnav
looked at her, silenced.
“Aap
jaayiye. Have non-veg and drink daaru. We ladies will have golgappe and dance
away the night!” Khushi smiled at him.
Arnav gasped.
“Why are
you so shocked, Arnavji? Anamikaji said that men do things at bachelor party
that they normally don’t do at home.” Khushi
explained the source of her newfound knowledge.
Arnav thanked
Anamika silently.
“Anamikaji
said that Nanheji would invite his male & female friends to the function so
that they can dance and have fun.” Khushi informed him.
Arnav
swallowed.
“I was so
angry with him! So upset!” Khushi pouted.
Arnav sat
up and pulled her into his arms. “Khushi….” he murmured.
“I went to
fight with him.” Khushi told Arnav, putting her arms around his broad
shoulders. “Then Nanheji said that he is not inviting any girl. That it is a
party for men, not girls. How can I find fault with him for not inviting me,
Arnavji, when he is not inviting any girl?” she looked into his eyes.
Arnav
stared at her. So she hadn’t understood Anamika’s words. And she had
misunderstood NK. Good. It was time to end this farce.
“Khushi, I
am not interested in any party. Nor is Ganesh, I am sure. We will spend the
evening with you….” he stated.
“No! Our
party is for women. Not men. You & Ganeshji must go with Nanheji!”
“Khushi…”
he tried to protest.
“Nanheji
will be so disappointed if you don’t!” Khushi lamented. “And Jiju & Gaurav…
I am sure they want to celebrate our wedding. Aap jaayiye na!”
“Khushi…”
Arnav tried. But Khushi was in no mood to hear him out.
She hugged
him tight. “We are getting married. Let’s us make everyone happy. You spend the
evening with Nanheji and I will spend it with our family.”
Arnav sighed
in exasperation. “You really want me to go out for my stag party?” he asked.
“Stag
party? Is that what it is called?” Khushi asked, confused. She smiled suddenly.
“Ji. You go to your stag party. I will go to my doe party. As though we are
deer!” she laughed.
Arnav found
himself in the piquant position of agreeing to attend his bachelor party when he
didn’t want to, just to keep Khushi happy.
Anamika
walked up to Ganesh. “NK is planning a treat for you.” she said, a smile in her
voice.
Ganesh
turned to look at her, his face relaxing at the sight of his beautiful
bride-to-be.
“A treat?
Should I be scared?” Ganesh asked softly.
Anamika
chuckled. “A bachelor party. Tonight.”
Ganesh’s
face was a picture of horror.
Anamika
burst out laughing.
“Can I stay
back here?” Ganesh asked to amuse her further. “Or can you come with me to the
party?”
Anamika
shook her head, her laughter preventing her from replying to him.
Ganesh put
his arm around her gently and pulled her into his embrace. “I will keep an eye
on Gaurav.” he promised.
“I know.”
Anamika smiled into his eyes. “The last time he drank was at ASR’s party, and he
had a hangover to beat all hangovers. Maybe it has taught him the value of
restraint.”
“I hope so.
Or I will carry him home.” Ganesh promised.
“And don’t
let Gaurav give ‘daaru’ as Khushi calls it to the mongrel you gave him.”
Anamika smiled. “He takes sharing too far.”
“No, I won’t.”
Ganesh smiled at her.
Ganesh
looked at Arnav, and both of them turned to look at an excited NK, Akash,
Gaurav, & Scooby with resignation.
Arnav
whispered, “I got them to shift the venue to my farmhouse. They wanted to hold
it at the Purple Rocket!”
Ganesh
shuddered at the mention of the notorious nightclub.
“And I tried
to limit the guest list. NK has invited a few of his friends from his gym,
Akash has called a few mates from college…”
Ganesh nodded.
“No girls.
No strippers or whatever.” Arnav reassured Ganesh.
“Thank God!”
said a devout Ganesh.
The grooms
left the house with great reluctance for the party in their honour.
Inki raahein khole baahein
Jo bhi aaye idhar
Aa haa... She spread her arms wide….
Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaanein jhooti hai…. She bent to touch the faces of the inebriated boys dancing around her table, making them shout their appreciation.
Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi…
Kal inhi galiyon mein
In masli kaliyon mein
Toh yeh dhoom thi…
Halke ujaalo mein
Halke andhero mein jo ik raaz hai
Kyu kho gaya hai who…
Kya ho gaya hai ki woh naraaz hai
Aye raat itna bataa, tujhko to hoga pata
Aa haa...
Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaane jhooti hai…
Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi…..
Part 43
Section 7
Tera Noor
The
best-laid plans of mice & men often go awry. In the case of NK, his
best-laid plans were sure to go awry.
The men
reached Arnav’s farmhouse to find it brightly lit, with helpers scurrying
around arranging a delicious spread on groaning tables. The bar was manned by a
boy who didn’t look old enough to drink, and loud music blared from the
speakers set strategically in the huge mansion to prevent conversation.
Arnav
winced at the sound and looked around. It was going to be a long evening. He
thought longingly of Khushi and the fun she must be having at home with the
other ladies.
“Nannav,
you like the decorations & the arrangements?” NK asked.
Arnav
looked at NK’s bright and eager face. Gaurav & Akash looked at him
expectantly.
Khushi’s
words about making his family happy echoed through his mind. He smiled bravely.
“It looks…. fantastic!” he said.
Gaurav
turned eagerly to Ganesh, “Papa, you like this?”
Ganesh
smiled at him and said, “You have done a great job!”
Gaurav, NK,
& Akash beamed.
Ganesh
looked at Arnav’s pained face and said, smiling “Looks like we are going to
have a bachelor party to remember!”
Arnav
smiled at him.
Suddenly,
there was the sound of many vehicles coming to a halt, and many horns being
sounded to announce the arrival of the guests.
NK, Gaurav,
Akash, Arnav, & Ganesh went to the doorway to welcome the boys in, only to come
to a sudden halt.
“What the!”
Arnav swore.
NK’s gym
buddies had turned up in truckloads, bringing their girlfriends and dates with
them. NK looked horrified as girls in short dresses and shorter skirts began
pouring into the house.
“Vishal! I
said no girls!” NK tried to reason with the all-brawn-and-no brain Vishal, his
face pale.
“You did? I
thought you meant me to bring girls!” Vishal smiled happily. “I called Bunty,
and he called Pooja and Sharon. They called Shefali and Rasna, and they
called….”
NK wiped
the sweat off his forehead. He turned to look at a furious Nannav and an
exasperated Ganesh. Gaurav & Akash stared at the hordes crowding around the
bar with wide eyes.
“NK!” a pal
from his gym hollered. “You are going to love Nisha!”
NK
scratched his head. Who was that? He stole a look at the pale faces of Arnav
& Ganesh, and said weakly, “They…they have all come to help you celebrate
your wedding….”
Then came
the sound of horns blaring. The hosts looked out to see truckloads of girls and
boys making their way in to the farmhouse, looking around at the decorations
appreciatively.
“Where is
the beer, NK?” asked one of his friends.
“Has the DJ
reached yet?” asked another.
NK
swallowed. Akash & Gaurav looked at each other, their faces reflecting
their horror.
Khushi
pushed a golgappe into Anamikaji’s mouth, and laughed to see her struggling to
swallow it. She turned to Anjali and said, “If only Arnavji were here! It would
have been so much fun!”
Anjali
frowned slightly. “Where did Chotey and the boys vanish off to? NK Bhai just said that they are dining out.”
Payal sighed.
Khushi
smiled happily. “Nanheji arranged a stag party for Arnavji & Ganeshji.
Gaurav & Jiju are accompanying them.”
Anjali
paled. “A stag party?”
“Ji. As
though we are deer!” Khushi laughed.
“You don’t
mind, Khushiji? Anjali asked softly.
“Mind? Why should
I mind?” Khushi asked, smiling away.
Anjali
looked at Payal and Anamika.
“You don’t
mind that wannabe models and Bollywood starlets and girls out for a good time
will be flirting with your Arnavji?” Anjali asked bluntly.
Khushi
looked at her uncomprehendingly.
“Haan,
Khushi. How could you let NK Bhai arrange a party like this?” Payal asked.
“But…but…”
Khushi whispered.
“But?”
Payal asked.
“Nanheji
said that he has not invited any girl.” Khushi said, praying desperately that
she had not made a huge mistake.
Anjali,
Payal, & Anamika smiled. “And you believed him?” Anjali asked.
Khushi’s
eyes filled with tears. “Arnavji didn’t want to go. I… I forced him to…”
“Khushi,
tum bhi na!” Payal sighed.
Anjali
& Anamika smiled at Khushi’s regret, shaking their heads over her folly.
Arnav &
Ganesh watched as a girl in a low-cut red gown got on to a table with the help
of willing male arms and started singing,
Raat mein
hi jaagte hain
Yeh gunaahon ke ghar…
Yeh gunaahon ke ghar…
Arnav &
Ganesh looked at each other. Akash shut his eyes and put down his drink. Hell
was going to break loose any moment if he knew his Bhai.
Inki raahein khole baahein
Jo bhi aaye idhar
Aa haa... She spread her arms wide….
Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaanein jhooti hai…. She bent to touch the faces of the inebriated boys dancing around her table, making them shout their appreciation.
Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi…
Boys threw
currency notes at her, and fought amongst themselves to get closer to the table
on which she was swaying.
Kal inhi galiyon mein
In masli kaliyon mein
Toh yeh dhoom thi…
Arnav
glared at NK who was staring at the performance with shocked eyes. Who had
hired this performer?
“Like her?”
asked a friend.
“Who the…?”
NK asked.
“Nisha. The
lady of the night! She is very much in demand for stag parties.” the boy laughed.
“Most grooms give her big tips.”
NK
swallowed. If Nannav had his way, he would tip the lady of the night over and throw
her out of the house! And he would be ably supported by Ganesh. He stole a look
at the grim faces of Arnav & Ganesh, and looked away. If Khushiji found
out, he was dead meat!
Jo rooh
pyaasi hai
Jismein udaasi hai
Woh hai ghoomti….
Sabko talaash wohi
Samjhe ye kaash koi….
Jismein udaasi hai
Woh hai ghoomti….
Sabko talaash wohi
Samjhe ye kaash koi….
The lady
signalled her desire to leave her impromptu stage, and many willing male arms
helped her down. She landed gracefully on the floor and began walking with slow,
purposeful steps towards the grooms, her prey for the night.
Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaanein jhooti hai
Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi….
Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaanein jhooti hai
Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi….
She reached
Arnav and tried to put her arm around his neck. He stepped back, his fury at
having his retreat, his farmhouse turned into a mad house by drunken louts
travelling like a spark through his veins. He had never brought any one here. He
had hoped to spend his honeymoon here, with Khushi… And then to be propositioned by this...this...
Halke ujaalo mein
Halke andhero mein jo ik raaz hai
Kyu kho gaya hai who…
The lady
sidled over to Ganesh and tried to lean against him and rub her body against
his, giving him a sample of the skills she was known & paid for.
Kya ho gaya hai ki woh naraaz hai
Aye raat itna bataa, tujhko to hoga pata
Aa haa...
The disgust
on Ganesh’s face was obvious to even the blind. He stepped away, and the girl
lurched, not receiving the prop or the welcome she had expected.
Yeh hai gumraahon ka rasta
Muskaane jhooti hai…
Nisha
managed to steady herself with great difficulty, and moved away to more
welcoming arms.
Pehchanein jhooti hai
Rangeeni hai chhayi
Phir bhi hai tanhaayi…..
As she ended her song, there was loud applause. A scuffle broke out among the boys vying for her favours. NK, Akash, & Gaurav watched their party being ruined, helpless to prevent the disaster and terrified of the reactions of the grooms.
Arnav
caught NK by his collar, and hissed, “I want all of them out. In ten minutes.”
NK nodded.
“If you need
a bouncer, let me know.” Ganesh flexed his muscles.
“I am
sorry.” Gaurav said softly. “We had no idea…”
“Bhai, we
didn’t hire her. we would never...” Akash gulped.
“I know.
But get the whole lot out. NOW. And get the cleaners to scrub the whole house
clean.” Arnav ordered.
“Yes, Bhai.”
Akash nodded.
Arnav turned
away, fed up of the whole mess, to see Khushi, Anamika, Payal, & his Di
standing near the door, watching him & Ganesh.
Part 43 Section 8
Kitni Baatein (Lakshya)
Sensing Arnav’s stillness, Ganesh, NK, Akash, & Gaurav
turned to look towards the entrance. And stood petrified.
“Khushi…” Arnav whispered, his face pale.
“She will kill me, cut me into chotey chotey pieces…” NK
murmured.
“Payal…Di…Khushiji…” gasped Akash.
“Mama…” Gaurav said softly.
Ganesh alone stood silent, having nothing to fear. Anamika
knew him through and through.
The men looked at the ladies, and the ladies studied them in
silence.
Arnav spoke to NK under his breath, “Stop the music. And kick
the bunch out. Fast.”
NK nodded and raced away, glad to be doing something to
salvage the messy situation.
The music died. The drunken revellers looked around, struck
by the silence.
Confused cries demanding music and more beer came from the
crowd.
In the midst of this cacophony, Khushi walked purposefully
forward. The ladies with her looked uncertainly at her. What was she going to
do? Had the sight of the wannabe Bollywood vamp trying to coil her arms around
Arnav hurt her so much that she was going to remonstrate with Arnav in public?
Arnav swallowed hard, watching Khushi walk towards him, a set
look on her pale face.
But Khushi had no time for him. She stopped in front of
Nisha, and gave her a hard slap on her cheek.
“How dare you touch my Arnavji? Or Anamikaji’s Ganeshji? Sharm
nahi aati aapko?” Khushi glared at the wilted vamp.
Arnav’s eyes shot wide open. Ganesh smiled at Khushi, and
shared his amusement with a smiling Anamika.
Gaurav, NK, & Akash stared at
this proactive avatar of their Khushiji with awe.
Khushi turned to the crowd, her ire still burning bright in
her.
“And you lot! What are you doing here? Don’t you have homes
and parents? It is eleven o’clock. Go home and sleep!” she ordered.
Like sheep, the fully drunk and the
on-the-way-to-being-fully-drunk guests trooped out silently, led by Nisha.
NK watched with his mouth open as Khushi cleared the room
efficiently.
Once just the family was left, Payal went to Akash, Anjali to
Arnav, and Anamika to Ganesh & Gaurav.
Khushi went to NK. “Kya hua, Nanheji?” she asked.
NK gulped. “I told them that girls were not invited. The
idiots brought their girlfriends and acquaintances….. and hired a dancer….”
Khushi nodded. She turned to Anjali & the others. “Didn’t
I tell you? Nanheji will never lie to me. Nanheji promised me that he had not
invited any girls.”
All nodded.
“Shall we go home?” asked Anjali.
All nodded their willingness to put the day behind them.
But Arnav said, “Di, I need to talk to Khushi. Just give us a
few minutes alone.”
Anjali nodded. It would be impossible for them to clear the air once they reached RM.
Khushi frowned at him. All looked anxiously at Arnav &
Khushi, their eyes moving from one to the other, trying to gauge their mood.
Arnav caught hold of Khushi’s arm and tugged her behind him. He
led her away from the hall to his bedroom, saw her in, and shut the door.
He turned to look at her pale face with anxious eyes.
He then caught her arm gently and made her sit on his bed. He kneeled
down in front of her, his face close to hers.
“I am sorry, Khushi.” he whispered.
Khushi frowned. “For what?” she asked.
“I am sorry you had to see this…this… I should have made sure
that NK had done as instructed, vetted the guest list… done something…anything…
I am so sorry, Khushi.” His eyes were moist and slightly red as they looked at
her strained expression.
Her eyes filled with big tears, the heavy drops trailing down
her cheeks.
“I am the one who should apologise, Arnavji. It is all my
fault.” she claimed credit for the debacle. Arnav stared at her in surprise.
“You wanted to cancel the party. You didn’t want to attend
it. You wanted to stay at home. I…I.. I forced you to….” Khushi wept.
“Khushi…” Arnav protested, trying to dry her cheeks with his
fingers.
“It is all my fault. I am so stupid, Arnavji!” she wept. “Anamikaji
tried to tell me what a stag party was, but I didn’t understand. Jiji was angry
with me because I forced you to go, but I didn’t understand. Anjaliji had to
explain it to me before I could understand….” she wailed.
Arnav said, “Sshhh… Khushi, you are not stupid….”
“I am stupid.” she claimed. “And sanki.”
Arnav shook his head, a small smile taking birth on his lips.
“No, you are not.”
“I am.” She was determined to own up.
“You are the dearest girl on earth. My Khushi.” Arnav hugged
her, burying his face in her bosom. “The girl who thinks that everyone is like
her, innocent and well-meaning.”
Khushi hugged him to her, cradling his head in her arms.
They sat together, silent, happy, at peace.
Finally, Arnav sighed, “I wanted to bring you here for our
honeymoon…”
Khushi looked at him.
“But tonight…. It must have left a bad taste in your mouth.”
Arnav said sadly.
“Let’s come here tomorrow night.” Khushi suggested.
Arnav stared at her. "You don't mind...?"
"I don't. Ganeshji is taking Anamikaji to a cottage he owns by some
lake. If we stay at home, all of them will tease us…” Khushi fretted.
Arnav smiled and nodded.
“Shall we leave now?” Khushi asked. “The others must be
waiting…”
Arnav nodded. But he did not let her get up from the bed.
He lifted her right hand and dropped a kiss on her palm.
“So
Khushi Kumari Gupta packs a mean punch, hhmm?” he asked, a teasing smile on his lips.
Khushi laughed. “I don’t know, Arnavji. You have to ask that
lady.”
“Why did you hit her, Khushi?” Arnav teased.
“Because she dared to touch you. How dare she even look at
you?” Khushi fumed.
Arnav bit back glad laughter. “So you are going to hit any
girl who looks at me?”
“Yes!” Khushi Kumari Gupta declared. “But only after I pull
out her hair and scratch her eyes out!”
Arnav burst out laughing.
Part 43 Section 9
Anjali, Anamika, NK, Akash, Payal, Ganesh, Khushi, Arnav,
Gaurav, & Scooby entered the house after the evening’s drama.
“Where are the others, Hari Prakashji?” Anjali asked, a wary
look around.
“They went to sleep, Didi, after waiting for you.” HP
explained.
All heaved a sigh of relief.
Anjali looked at the 2 couples ready to be married the next
day, a smirk on her face. “In a few minutes time, it is going to be your
wedding day.”
Anamika & Ganesh smiled at each other. Khushi clapped her
hands in excitement and smiled widely into Arnav’s indulgent face. His tender
eyes lapped up her joy and revelled in it.
Gaurav, NK, Akash, & Payal smiled at the brides &
grooms.
“Let’s leave them alone for a moment.” Anjali dimpled.
The
others laughed and joined her to walk up the stairs. She turned around and
said, “Chotey, you and Ganeshji are to sleep in your room.”
Arnav nodded.
Anjali laughed. “I hope you remember that your room is
upstairs, not downstairs.”
All laughed at the expense of the blushing brides and flushed
grooms, and walked away.
Ganesh smiled into Anamika’s eyes. “Goodnight.” he whispered.
“Goodnight. Sleep tight.” Anamika said, smiling.
Ganesh turned to leave, but found that Anamika had a firm
hold on the hem of his T-shirt. He raised an amused eyebrow, his eyes twinkling
behind his glasses.
“Tomorrow…” Anamika murmured thoughtfully.
Ganesh’s eyes sharpened. “Tomorrow?”
“I will be Anamika Vidyarthi… It feels strange…new…like I
will be a new person…” Anamika
whispered.
Ganesh bent and kissed her on her forehead, his large hands
cradling her face. “Whatever your name, you will always be the woman I love.” He
looked into her serious eyes with equally serious ones. “Madly. Till my last
breath… and if possible, beyond that.”
Khushi looked at Arnav’s face with a pseudo serious
expression on hers.
“I feel sorry for you, Arnavji.” she said, her voice dripping regret.
Arnav frowned. “Why, Khushi? What happened?”
“You might live up to 90. You are 28 now.” Khushi said. “62
years. Poor Arnavji!” she sighed.
“What!” Arnav looked perplexed, as he often did at Khushi’s
pronouncements.
“What nahi, What the! boliye. You have to put up with my
sankiness for the next 62 years. My poor Rakshas!” she laughed.
Arnav crossed his arms and looked at her, his eyes brimming
over with love, a smile playing on his lips.
“Arnavji, lower your arms.” Khushi invited.
Arnav lowered his arms obediently, but asked, “Why?”
“So that I can do this, my Laad Governor!” she said as she
darted up to him and placed a loud kiss on his cheek before running away
giggling.
Arnav stood there, looking at her till the last possible
moment, a smile on his face, his hand raised to touch his cheek.
Part 44 to be posted today, in a few hours' time.
Loved the update Smita.
ReplyDeleteA nice name LGR I thad thought it to be Laad Gavernar Raizada! Hehe..!
Ha..ha..
DeleteAtta girl, perfect for him, just as fast, and beloved :D Hey, ladies, how are you? :D
ReplyDeleteShe keeps him on his toes!!!!
DeleteWe are both fine, alive & kicking. Why don't you check on us more often?
For the sheer reason that my internet loves to punish me, and if not that, then the fact that exams are in mid August and my capacity to inhale full breaths has decreased to shallow gasps ... pray for me? I adore both of you, though, and think of you everyday. Awaiting part 2, bring on the fireworks!
DeleteHi Kiddo!
DeleteHowz your preparations going on?
Hope you are burning midnight oil i.e. Edison's gift!haha..
Poor POOR Gaesh.....getting lessons on how to gate-crash the Mehendi ceremony from his son. LOL. That update was all sunshine, Smita. I cannot believe you wrote this one when you were ill. Hope you get all better real quick - just in time for the WEDDING...............
ReplyDeleteCan't miss the wedding, Bhooma. I am getting a gift ready for you. Will upload it tomorrow morning. Check it out & let me know what you think of it!
DeleteArnav, Ganesh, we are talking abt our filmy KKG (would-be Raizada), the Raizada women clan and NK. There is bound to be a plan, a hidden trap! You should know by now. But then you guys r so much in love that making you see reason is futile. Scooby is sho shweeet, a sucker for pedas! Mehendi with the letters LGR Ha ha ha..
ReplyDeleteSection 42 Part 1. Smita, its been a while since your updates have undergone multi-part divisions. I am so happy, will have the privilege of reading that much more of 'Finding Khushi"! Are you are ill? As per Ganesh's advice, you should take medicines and rest well.
Just a bad throat, cough, & slight fever. As someone famous (in IPKKND world) once said, This too shall pass!
DeleteBetter be taking those medicines, dear love. Can't have something happening to our beloved, and the only link we have to this amazing family :D
DeleteThank you Smita. It is an honour.
ReplyDeleteThe honour is all mine!
Deleteamazing update so cute loved khushi and arnav nok jok loved how he got her to follow him up and the kiss amazing and ganesh and aminak so cute beautifully update
ReplyDeleteThank u!
DeleteSo Khushi firm with her decision, got LGR etched in her mehendi! The Taam and Jerry chase was cute and uffff the kiss gave me goosebumps !
ReplyDeleteHow distinct these two couples are when it comes to conveying their love. Arnav-Khushi; intense, passionate, playful love. At times blatant in its display and indifferent to the gaping eyes of the world. Anamika-Ganesh; matured, serene and poised. The yearning nonetheless, quite evident. Both the couples are very adorable. Just love them.
Thanks for the oh so romantic update.
Sugar rush time!
DeleteLove the update. It was absolutely amazing, sweet, heart-touching and romantic.
ReplyDeleteThe similarities and contrast between Young and Mature love is brilliant.
Am in love with your writing and this story, Smita dear. Please update next part soon.
Will update soon today.
DeleteHope all is well at ur end and u have just taken a deserved break to drive those cough and cold germs away. Do take care.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI am better. Hope to update before noon today.
DeleteHey Smita, hope you are well. Take care dear.
ReplyDeleteThank u, sweetheart! Much better today!
Deletefinally get a time to catch up...and believe me i am so so happy after reading this...all updates was so beautifully....Khushi is so adorable, so cute....fell in love with her all over again..
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful compliment! Thank u!
DeleteHey Smita,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful Haldi ceremony that was. LOL - Khushi whining and wanting to go home with Arnav right there and then.
Oh my, I cannot wait for the wedding (HINT HINT HINT).
Got the hint, lady! Ab Delhi door nahi!
DeleteWhy is it always Delhi? Is there some particular historical/geographical significance?
DeleteWhy is it never 'Ab Banglore door nahin' or 'Ab Kashmir door nahin'. Whi Delhi?
Awww dat was sooo cute !!! Khushi u r soo adorable :-)
ReplyDeleteA child-woman, isn't she?
DeleteSuch a beautiful haldi ceremony. Have been reading a bit of Greek history lately. Quotes by two ancient Greek writers came to my mind when I read part 1 'Kindness is ever the begetter of kindness' by Sophocles and 'No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.' by Aesop. Khushi is an epitome of kindness and selflessness. These virtues radiate from her being, which is why she truly is Arnav's sunshine. Anamika too is endowed with the same qualities. These merits make our ladies beautiful inside and out.
ReplyDeleteLoved how every character in your story has evolved with time. Amma is helping Anamika, the best desinger in the country, a distinguished name in the fashion world, to drape her sari. Aranv, having refused to acknowledge his love and been hidden behind a baleful facade is now fussy about picking the softest sari for his beloved, lest a rough material should hurt her. Ganesh who was once unwilling to have a photo shoot with Arnav cause "ASR was a stubborn ass", can't help smiling at a haldi smeared Arnav. And Khushi is so cute. A firm believer in the institution of marriage and who has loathed the concept of a live-in, can't bear a minute of separation from her rajkumar. She forgets the judgemental society, doesn't care about the pending rituals. She is all set with packed bags to leave with Arnav right then, before being formally married! Oh the power of love !
Omg this comment is as long as an update. will stop now.
Don't stop. It is such fun to read your views.
Deleteall vms are beautiful Smitaji.
ReplyDeleteThank u, sweetheart! Changed ur IF username, didn't you?
Deleteaww Arnav really asked for that..cant believe it.......Ganesh commented correctly...Arnav can do anything for khushi
ReplyDeleteArnav & his shatir dimag! And a heart full of Khushi.
ReplyDeleteanesh replied. “Arnav is a big softie, totally wrapped around Khushi’s little finger. ASR is still a stubborn ass.”
ReplyDeleteAnamika burst out laughing.
“But a likeable ass.” Ganesh concluded.
Anamika bobbed her head in agreement as she tried to control her guffaws.
LOVED THE UPDATE SORRY BEING LATE BE PULL AT ALL SIDE LOVED THE UPDATE BEAUTIFULLY DONE LOVED ARNAV IDEA IN HOW TO DEAL WITH STAYING CLOSE TO KHUSHI UTTER WICKED AMAZING UPDATE
Thank you! he is devil Raizada.
DeleteSanka devi distressed......Sanka dev to the rescue!
ReplyDeleteKhushi, your rajkumar who btw is lattoo on you will move heaven and earth to fulfill your every desire. So bhy phere when Laad Governor iijj here :-). I think the ladies of RM have underestimated our 'Mr Shatir Dimag with a degree from Haridwar'. See how he arrives at a solution which is a win-win situation for all. Now Arnavji and you don't have to stay apart, just not see each other for a few hours until the wedding. My suggestion, pay heed to mamiji's words and utilise this time in conserving energy for the night, i mean the ebening ;-). Brilliant idea, Mr Likeable Ass Raizada. !
How can he not be smart, with his MBA from haridwar! Humein bhi woh degree hoti to hum kya kya nahin karte! Duniya hila dete!
DeleteLo karlo baat, aap to readers ki duniya roj hilavat hai with ur heart-warming stories and lovely vms. U don't hold a degree from haridwar? So bhere did u bhents? Inbestigation kareka padi!! Hey checked out the lazy lad vm. A deserving tribute to the kiss-misses and the lost opportunities. :-)
DeleteHow we felt like smacking him when he took Aman's call on Diwali night & didn't use the 6 months he got with Khushi, esp the days in Gupta House!
DeleteTruly, it was Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? Because they were disturbed by Aman, Anjali, HP, or kidnappers, or someone from the family... The list of intruders was very long!
Awesooome idea arnav ;-)
ReplyDeleteHe is one smart cookie!
DeleteAwww... so cute! Khushi crying to go with Arnav.... Just love it! plz continue soon... love u Arshi! ♥
ReplyDeleteThank u!
DeleteAn innocent girl orphaned at a tender age of eight, is compelled to leave the warmth of her parent's home. She has since then moved from one house to another, never to return back to the former one. She has cruelly learned the transience of life and relations. Then one day fate intertwines her course with the path of a man who falls insanely in love with her. He promises her permanence, a heart which wants nothing but to love and cherish her, and his arms to hold and comfort her. It is not just a dwelling that he pledges, he commits himself to her and in HIM she finally finds her HOME.
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note - "Khushi, Bachelor's party does involve drinks, not lassi though and I am sure you have no idea about the 'play' part of it."!!
Let us see how Khushi's education in the many entertainments of a bachelor party comes about!!! ha..ha..
DeleteKhushi has always been lonely. Alone. The fear of being abandoned is very strong in her.
Khushi is total pagal and so innocent ..Arnav is really lucky to have her....in heart she still 8 year old lonely girl who is afraid to be alone again...can anyone not to love her ,protect her...
ReplyDeleteSo true. It is so difficult to live with the tragedies of the past.
DeleteRight. 'Coz THAT is what Suave Singh Raizadha is going to do on his Bachelor's Party - drink Lassi and tell jokes!!!! Khushi, Khushi, Khushi....you are TRULY a Sanka Devi. An innocent Sanka Devi.
ReplyDeleteSmita, my heart hurt when I read Khushi words on the number of homes that she had lost. It is AMAZING that she can find the strength to not let the crap that life has dealt her twist her.....or become one of these perennially insecure women. Hat's Off, Khushi.
And Arnav, I like your Arnav a lot. I like the fact that he took on tradition and centuries of customs and changed what is culturally acceptable - just to make Khushi happy. Now, THAT is a man worthy of Khushi.
LOVED LOVED LOVED this update. SO looking forward to reading about the Bachelor's Party and what our Parameswari would do when she realizes what a Bachelor's Party really entails.
Update fast, Smita.
People matter more than traditions! Our Parmeswari will always do the unexpected! That is for sure!
DeleteGod! i dun know wat to do with this Khushi.... * sigh * this girl is really innocent.....
ReplyDeleteYes, a child-woman.
DeleteSending you a warm hug for this cute lil update. Your Khushi is such a pristine, guileless soul. Anamika was right, Khushi is a gem and a rare one at that. I am glad she has Arnav's love and Anamika's friendship and elder-sisterly care, as a shield against the vicious and dubious creatures of this world. The last section reflected Khushi's insecurities. This one unveils Arnav's anxiety at the thought of losing her.
ReplyDeleteLoved, loved the Khushi-NK confrontation..I can actually visualise NK's dumbfounded face at the 'Hajmola' comment!! Won't be surprised if NK does carry a bottle of the digestive to the party - for some 'chatpata swad, jhatpat aaram' ;-) I guess Khushi has no clue as to why she needs to conserve energy for the night...he he he
Khushi sees the world through her own innocent eyes & attributes good intentions to all...ha.ha..
Deletesometimes it really hurts to such innocence , such pure soul which rare now a days
ReplyDeleteYes, it is so easy to be hurt when you have no defences in place & a heart full of good intentions!
DeleteBoth the brides do not follow the custom of not seeing the groom prior to being wed. A firm believer of traditions, Khushi breaks the mould here. Until now we have witnessed the radical changes in Arnav's personality, after having fallen in love. It is pleasing to see how love has affected Khushi as well.
ReplyDeleteArnav's constant concern, over Khushi's reaction after being familiarised with the unpleasant truth of bachelor's party, is quite adorable.
I have always loved Anamika and Ganesh. The idea of Ganesh, a bear of a man, being intimidated at the thought of having to attend a stag party, is precious.
So finally the stags (two very reluctant ones among them) are on their way to the "kavvon ka jalsa". Maybe Khushi now comes to know abt the 'girls' being strippers. Can I envision our lioness KKG, chasing the stags and gate-crashing the event? :-). I mean she can have undying faith in her Arnavji, but she can't trust those 'chudails' with 'chhote kapade' and 'shocked hair', can she?
Oh! Finally Khushi understood the meaning of stag party. I am not sure what the ladies have seen, but ofcourse NK has a long way to go to get into Khushi's good books again. I am sorry that I could not read your updates regularly. Read all of them in one go. Awesome as usual.
ReplyDeleteI don't think uh-oh quite covers it, but it's a start :p
ReplyDeletewow..where did u stop girl...i am so expecting a "KKG" reaction.... and how Arnav and NK handle this..hmmmm interesting..
ReplyDeleteTotal knock down of nanheji KKG style? So the real fun and fireworks begin now!!! Can't wait :-)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant update.Looking forward to Khushi and Anamika's reaction.
ReplyDeleteThey say life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it.
ReplyDeleteA very possessive Khushi deserves an ovation for her reaction to the scenario presented to her. She looks at Nisha, weighs up the entire situation and with full authority strikes a blow at the guilty party. She has absolute faith in both Arnavji and Nanheji and demands no explanation from either of them. Having learnt lessons from her experiences in life, she has come a long way. She still takes people at face value and sees only the good in all. However Khushi is no longer the timid girl who had once let Lisa walk all over her. She has grown up and is well on her way of becoming 'Mrs ASR' in every respect.
Two best lines of the update -
Arnav saying "You are the dearest girl on Earth. My Khushi".
' Ganesh stood silent, Anamika knew him through and through'
Hmmm.......so Khushi will gouge out the eyes of any girl who dares to look at her Arnavji, rip her hair out and THEN ....punch her. I am SO SO glad that this is fiction, Smita. I sat on bed reading your update and giggled to myself thinking about the number of girls around the world who had not only ogled at ASR (quite shamelessly, age NO BAR!!!) but had fantasized about him!!!
ReplyDeleteYOU GO, KHUSHI. It was interesting to see this Khushi - who very neatly protected her man, but also let him know in no uncertain terms the fate of any woman that he might encounter, that might look at him the wrong way. ASR would now have to be mega careful with the other women. Bravo Khushi!!
Not only is she not insecure anymore - she also trust the men in her life completely. And she defended Ganesh too!!!!
I cannot wait for the wedding. Oh, it is going to be SO beautiful!!!
yaar Smitaji aap ne kamal kar diya..
ReplyDeletechhota dhamaka with full of love...
love this update very much and specially Arshi's part as always lovely, romantic and cute one.