Marrying Khushi
Part 1: A Vision
Sheesh
Mahal was his once again.
Arnav Singh
Raizada looked at its crumbling glory with contemptuous eyes hidden behind designer
sunglasses, contempt hiding the pain of his past, a bloody and tragic past that
each and every stone of the huge edifice before him was familiar with.
He turned
away to look at the sprawling lawn. He had bought it for Di. He had reclaimed
their heritage, throwing their Chacha out of their ancestral house.
His eyes
became cold as ice behind the glasses.
In
a month’s time, after all the repairs were completed, AR Designs would
organise a stunning fashion show on the premises. As his models walked the ramp
erected on the hallowed acres, he would lay his stamp on the property. His
possession of it would be complete, and all ghosts would be laid to rest
forever. The Raizadas would vanquish the Malliks...forever.
He strode
to his car, trying to push all bitter memories away. Mohan, his driver ran to
open the door for him.
He lay back
against the seat as Mohan tried to make his way through the narrow, crowded
gullies of Lucknow. Light from the street lamps fell against his window,
lighting up a part of his face.
Once upon a
time, he too had lived in Lucknow. His life had been normal, his childhood had
been unremarkable. And then the bomb had burst, shattering his & Di’s
lives....
He leaned back in his seat, his eyes shut
tight, his jaw clenched.
The sound of the bullet that had killed his mother...two bodies covered in white lying on the floor as he and
his sister wept bitter tears at their demise....the taunting look in his crafty
uncle’s cruel eyes as he threw them out of the only home they knew…
He clenched
his fists. When would the nightmares end? Would he be free of its coils, ever?
He looked
out at what he could see of the city of his birth. He looked out at the modest
homes and small shops that littered the sides of the roads, the children
playing by the road, the channawala, the street vendors….
He felt
removed from the world, distanced from reality, trapped in a miasma of betrayal, caught in a bubble of pain and
nightmares that just wouldn’t quit....
Mohan stood
on the brakes, and the car shuddered to a stop.
“What the!”
ASR swore.
“It is a
barat, Arnav Bhaiyya.” Mohan said softly, hoping desperately that the delay would not infuriate
ASR, trigger a temper tantrum.
Arnav bit
on his tongue as he looked out at the colourful procession. The bridegroom on a
horse, his face covered by a floral veil, a uniformed band playing the latest
Bollywood hits, hired men carrying bright lanterns, relations dancing around
the groom….
ASR glanced at his expensive watch. He lifted his head to glare at
the crowd…and forgot to breathe.
A vision in
pink and violet, her silky hair streaming behind her, was dancing vigorously to
the beat. The joy on her beautiful face, the glowing creamy skin, her eyes twinkling
with excitement, the nose pin glinting against the fine lines of her patrician
nose, her long, heavy earrings swinging against her plump cheeks, the heavy
necklace lovingly cupping the lines of her swan-like neck, the glimpse of the
creamy curve of her waist, exposed by the lines of her lehenga…. Arnav stared
mesmerised at the figure, losing awareness of who he was, where he was…. His
entire attention was riveted on the girl.
Part 2
Arnav Singh
Raizada threw away the photos with a flick of his hand, his lips curling in a
sneer. The models selected for the major fashion show to be held at Sheesh
Mahal next month were all too…too model-like…. He wanted something
extraordinary, something that would jump off the ramp and hit the audience
between their collective brows…
The image of the laughing, dancing girl flashed
through his mind as it had been doing continuously for the past three days
since he had returned from Lucknow to Delhi…. He shut his eyes to savour her
picture, to hold it close to him like a secret, like his own private treasure….
Anjali
picked up the discarded photos one by one.
“Chotey,
kya hua?” her dulcet tone did little to lower his irritation.
He frowned.
“The girls…they are boring. Ordinary.”
Last night
he had dreamed of the dancing girl. Again. She had sat by him as he had slept,
softly running her fingers through his hair….
Anjali
hesitated. Then finally, she asked, “Chotey, they are for the fashion show in
Sheesh Mahal?”
“Yes.” His
tone discouraged her from speaking her mind.
But she was Arnav Singh Raizada’s sister.
“Chotey, I
was thinking… Sheesh Mahal is an ancient building…” she began.
Arnav
turned his head to look at her, his eyes expressionless.
“Instead of
western apparel, why don’t you display your Indian collection? It will suit the
ambience, the décor….” Anjali said, excited at the prospect. “Just imagine,
Chotey, models wearing elaborate lehengas and heavy sarees against the backdrop
of the haveli…”
The image
of the girl in the pink and violet lehenga, dancing without a care, enjoying
the moment to the fullest, again filled his head and heart. Not that it had
ever vanished from them, coming between his work and sleep, turning his days and
nights colourful… He saw her walking down the ramp towards him…only towards
him.
The red sari flowing behind her, her hair dancing in the wind, the heavy
jewellery enhancing her fragile form…. She was smiling, her eyes lustrous with
anticipation, her breathing heavy… the very air was still, throbbing as his
heart was, waiting to see what would transpire in that momentous moment of their
meeting…. She would be perfect. Perfect…for the show… for him….
“Yes.” He acceded,
to Anjali’s shock. “Let’s stage our wedding collection there.” He wanted to see
his girl dressed in a bridal lehenga designed by him, wanted to see her eyes
lowered in shyness, wanted to touch the mehendi on her arms, kiss the design on
her palms, hear the payal on her feet as she walked towards him, his bride….
Part 3
(Thanks a million for the gorgeous banner, Akorshi)
(Thanx a million, Nishu_Shorna, for the fab banner!)
Part 3
(Thanks a million for the gorgeous banner, Akorshi)
(Thanx a million, Nishu_Shorna, for the fab banner!)
“Di, I want
you to help me out with this.” He turned away to hide his eyes from her
perceptive ones. “I want a new crop of models, not the same old ones. I want them
to look like real women, not stick insects. Otherwise the Indian clothes won’t
look good on them…”
Anjali
gaped at him.
“Liaise with
our usual modelling agency. Ask them to …” he looked around for inspiration. “…run
a contest or something…advertise zealously…. and get good girls, pretty girls
out of their middle class homes in Lucknow on to the ramp.”
“Chotey!”
Anjali couldn’t comprehend the many-headed dragon-like form that her simple suggestion had taken.
“Di, get in
touch with Aman and the agency and devise ways to get the girls. Send the photos
to me for approval. Train them to walk and dress. We will hold the fashion show
in Sheesh Mahal. In a month’s time.” Arnav decided.
“Yes, Sir.”
Anjali teased him. “Anything else, Sir?”
“I want the
prettiest girls in Lucknow…” He looked away out of the window “…on the ramp, modelling
my clothes.” He picked up a file and moved towards the door. “I am sure you won’t
disappoint me, Di.”
Anjali
collapsed in her chair, holding her head in her hands.
Arnav lay
in bed, looking at the curtains of his room dancing in the cool breeze. Soon
she would come to him. In the dark cloak of the night, she would appear by him,
hold his hand, touch his lined face, soothe the furrows on his temple… he shut
his eyes desperately seeking the oblivion of sleep so that he could be one with her.
She came to him,
clothed in a white saree, the pure white of clouds, of milk, of dreams. Her
hair, left unbound, was flying all around her face, looking like a halo in the
dim light.
She took
tiny steps towards him, hesitating to approach him.
He held out
his hand.
She placed her
hand in his. He could feel the warm silk of her dainty fingers enclosed in his
callused hand. He pulled her to lie on him, against him, savouring the soft
warmth of her lush body against his.
“Why were
you late tonight?” he asked.
She smiled,
looking into his intent eyes with playful ones.
“Why do you
make me wait every night?” he asked, his husky drawl seductive and wicked.
She laughed
silently. He could feel her body rocking against his with laughter.
Her hair
fell over her shoulders and across his chest. A few strands lingered against
her cheek.
“What is
your name?” He smoothed them back with tender fingers, loving the feel of her
skin against his rough digits.
She smiled at him, silent.
He looked
deep in to her eyes that were dark pools of secrets. “I will find out one day.
I will find you one day. And that day, mark my words, you will not escape me.” he
promised her softly, his voice dangerously serious.
She tried
to move away from him, but he resisted. He locked his strong arms around her
willowy body and pulled her more firmly against him.
“I won’t
let you go tonight.” he whispered in her ear, his hands running down her back.
She trembled in his hold, her eyes lowered in shyness.
He rolled over, trapping her under his limbs,
his weight pressing her down in to the mattress.
Her eyes
flew to his determined ones. She blushed, seeing his passion for her turning
them in to molten pools of chocolate brown.
His lips swooped down on hers, tasting the
nectar hidden within.
ASR looked
through the photos, his sharp eyes scanning the features of each candidate
eagerly. No…not this one, no, not her, no, no… he discarded photo after photo
to the utter bafflement of Anjali & Aman.
“Hopeless. They
are hopeless.” he muttered, fury and disappointment eating in to his heart.
“Sir, they
are the best we could find.” Aman protested.
“Not good
enough.” ASR muttered. “Are you sure there aren’t any more photos?”
“The agency
could get only ten candidates, Sir.” Aman said apologetically.
Arnav
turned to walk away to the window. It was night. Stars twinkled against the
backdrop of a dark sky. Where was she? Why was she hiding from him?
“Chotey,
what are you looking for?” Anjali asked, finally, fed up of Chotey’s finicky
taste and the unnatural interest he was showing in selecting models.
“A girl…”
he said softly. “I mean, girls… with long silky hair and clear complexions.
Girls who look Indian, well-bred, khandaani…”
“Bahu-beti
types?” asked Aman, his eyes round in shock. “On the ramp?” He looked at Anjali,
slack-jawed.
She too was staring at her brother as though she had never seen
him before.
Finally,
she asked, her sharp eyes on him, “And this girl…I mean, these girls have to be
from Lucknow?”
“Yes.” ASR
stated, his tone firm.
Anjali
looked at him with suspicion in her eyes.
“And does
this girl…I mean, girls have a name?” she asked, her arms crossed, her chin
raised in the air.
Aman looked
from ASR to his sister and back again.
Arnav stiffened.
Slowly, he turned to look at Anjali, a frown
on his face. “I am going to Lucknow tomorrow to oversee the selection of
models.” He changed the topic adroitly. “We will have to postpone the show.”
Part 4: Running into eachother
Tose Naina (Mickey Virus)
Part 4: Running into eachother
Tose Naina (Mickey Virus)
Arnav threw
the portfolio of a hopeful model across the table. It skidded across the vast,
smooth expanse and fell to the ground, scattering the photos stored within it.
Anjali
looked at Aman. Both of them stared at ASR.
He turned
to the window and looked out at the city of Lucknow. Hundreds of houses, many
streets, many shops, thousands of people…and among them, somewhere...was hidden his girl.
“Chotey,
you didn’t like the new crop of models?” Anjali asked her brother’s straight,
slim back, sighing.
“No.”
“Sir, we
will get the next list from Lines and Figures agency in ten minutes.” Aman
comforted him, hoping to avoid witnessing more objects flying in the air.
Arnav
stared out of the window, trying to keep his panic down. Where was she? What
would he do if she did not appear as a candidate? If she refused to fall for
the lure of a modelling contract, fame, money, success…?
“Chotey,
what is wrong with the models we met? What more do you expect from a small town
like Lucknow?” Anjali was at the end of her patience. Chotey was unpredictable
and stubborn at the best of times, but this time he had managed to raise the
bar for himself!
“They…they
are not what I am looking for.” ASR said, images of the girl rushing in to his
head. What kind of madness was this? He worked with beautiful women day in and
day out. Not a single one had succeeded in making an impression in his head,
let alone his heart. And now…. He stood still, his eyes shut, feeling his heart
thud in his ribcage at the very thought of his girl.
It was
evening.
Another
full day of meeting models, and not one of them had been his girl. ASR rubbed
the back of his neck, weary, scared of failure….
Di had
finally selected eight girls, and sent them for a month’s training. But his
girl…Where was she? Arnav grabbed his coat, and rushed out of the room.
Aman looked
at Anjali.
“Madam,
what is wrong with ASR?” Aman asked softly.
“Either he
has fallen in love or a wasp has bitten him.” Anjali chuckled wryly.
Aman looked
at her slack-jawed. “ASR in love? Must be the wasp. That is more probable.”
“Miracles
do happen, Amanji!” she trilled.
ASR rushed
to the spot he had seen his girl dancing in abandon to the music of the band,
her hair flying in the wind, the dupatta of her pink and violet lehenga
trailing after her, the skirt of her lehenga clinging to her lissome figure….
Rickshaws,
buses, people on two-wheelers…. vendors…cows…temple bells ringing… policeman
trying to control the unruly traffic… Where was she?
How could
he find her? He had no idea of her name, age, family, address…. He would have
to go from house to house to identify her… What if she was a visitor to
Lucknow, and not a resident? He paled at the horrendous thought, his heart
sinking to his shoes.
No, no, he
wouldn’t lose her. She wouldn’t escape him.
He was Arnav Singh Raizada, ASR the
tycoon.
He straightened, standing firm and tall. Nothing was impossible for
him. From nothing, he had made everything his family had today. Like the
phoenix, he had risen from his own ashes. He could do it. He would get her,
whatever happened, even if she was hidden in the farthest corner of the earth.
Anything else was unacceptable!
He walked
around, looking closely at the faces of the people passing by. He walked on to
the road, still scanning profiles and visages. He should have just pulled her
in to his car when he had seen her, and driven off. He should not have let her
out of his sight, ASR panicked, rubbing his chest lightly as he stood in the middle
of the road, deaf to the blaring sound of the horns asking him to move out of
the way of the traffic.
Anjali
& Aman looked at the stern, cold face of the man driving the car. He looked
ill, totally preoccupied with his unhappy thoughts. He was not sleeping well,
not eating well… His face looked almost fleshless, gaunt, the grooves running
from the sides of his nostrils down to his jaw, pronounced in his misery….
What could
she do? He wouldn’t open up to her or anyone else. He was looking for some girl,
she was sure. But he hadn’t found her. They had been in Lucknow for four days,
and were now returning to Delhi, defeated. Anjali looked away out of the window
to hide her moist eyes.
Her eyes
caught sight of the famous Gomti Nagar market.
“Chotey,
can you stop the car for a moment?” she asked sweetly. “I would like to buy
some ber and kajal for Mami.”
ASR halted
the car near the gateway to the market. Anjali made to leave the vehicle, but
Arnav stopped her.
“Di, sit in
the car. The ground is uneven, and it is getting dark.” he said brusquely. “I
will buy you whatever you want.”
“Sir, I
can…” Aman offered.
“No, you
can’t. Di’s list will soon be so long that you won’t be able to remember half
the things in it.” ASR said, his lips twisting in slight amusement.
Anjali
pouted. “Chotey, that’s unfair.”
Anjali
called out through her open window, “Chotey! Get some karela too if they are
fresh. And some chudi. If the bindis are good, then buy them too. Henna cones…kurtis
if they are good…jootis…bed sheets with chikan kari work…jadau jhumkas…incense
sticks…attar… pickles…”
Arnav
looked at Aman’s astonished face for a moment. Then both men looked away to
hide their smiles.
Arnav
walked in to the huge market. It was dusk, and lanterns and lights lit up the
entire space. Hundreds of small shops set in alley after narrow alley sold
everything under the sun. A frown creasing his forehead, Arnav quickly picked
out the many things his Di wanted. Soon he had two bags full of gifts.
“Sir, I
will store them in the car.” Aman appeared behind him.
“I will get
the pickle.” Arnav said as he handed over the two bags and walked away in
search of the appropriate shop.
Holding a
glass bottle of mango pickle in his hand, Arnav made his way out of the shop in
to the dark, narrow street. He looked around. He needed to walk to the end of
the road & turn right to reach the main part of the market. He looked at
his watch in the dim light. He needed to get going.
ASR walked rapidly
forward, making his way through the crowd, holding the bottle carefully in his
hand. He reached the end of the street, his long legs eating up the distance
effortlessly.
It was a
dark corner. As Arnav navigated the sharp bend, a soft warm body hurtled in to
his, knocking the bottle out of his hand.
The bottle
fell to the ground and cracked, the oily tangy mess of the pickle slowly
seeping out through the crack on to the earth.
But ASR
heard nothing, saw nothing. His girl…he had finally found her…or she had found
him…. He stood as though turned to stone, feeling the warmth of the feminine
bundle against his hard chest and body....
Slowly his
arms rose to gather her close. His right arm crossed her lower back and pulled
her lower body as close as possible to his.
His left
hand touched her between her shoulder blades, pushing her against him. He stood,
silent, immobile, feeling her breath against his throat, her silky hair against
his cheek, her heart thudding against his, her limbs touching his long legs,
his fingers feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin cotton of her suit,
his nostrils filled with the scent of jasmine…. Her arms were around his waist…
He should have chucked the coat before setting out for Delhi. Then he could have
felt her touch with greater intensity…
As he stood
there, caught in the magic of the moment, the girl tried to free herself, first
gently and then vigorously.
Reluctantly,
his arms fell away.
She lifted
her head and he looked in to the most beautiful face he had ever seen in his
short life, lit by the dim lantern of a nearby shop.
Wide hazel
eyes looked at him in astonishment.
He caught
her by the arm to ensure that she did not leave him again; his eyes looked at
her with so much intensity from his stern face that she felt he was peeling off
her skin and looking under.
She tried
to free her arm from his hold, but he was in no mood to let go. His burning
eyes, his clenched jaw, the bite of his fingers on the soft flesh of her arm…
all told her that he was angry. Furious.
She
frowned. Why should he be angry with her? They had just met.
She looked
down and saw the shattered bottle of pickle on the ground. Her face blanched.
“Awwww!”
she put up her hand, the fingers covering the perfect O of her parted lips.
ASR looked
at her, drinking in every expression, every nuance of her personality, every
look, every thought as though he were a thirsty traveller and she an oasis in a
desert.
She folded
her hands, even though one arm was under his custody.
“I am so
sorry, so so sorry! Lakhon sorry. Please, maaf keejiye hamein. Devi Maiyya ki
kasam, I did not mean to do it!” Her voice! It was honey sweet.
ASR swallowed hard. She had never spoken in
his dreams.
Her
penitent eyes looked at him with worry and shame in their depths.
“Buaji
always says that I am clumsy, that I should look where I am going!” She hit her
head with her hand. “But how can Khushi Kumari Gupta do that? If she does not
knock in to things and trip over something, people will think that she is sick.”
ASR’s eyes
took care not to miss a single twitch of hers.
Khushi Kumari Gupta! That was
her name, Khushi!
“I will buy
you a new bottle of pickle. You bought it from Ramu Chacha’s shop, didn’t you?
You must have. He is the best in Gomti Nagar market!” Arnav found himself being
held by the arm, turned around, and dragged back to the shop he had previously
favoured.
He turned
his head to look at the slip of a girl towing him ahead through the crowd. He
was happy. In the crowd of thousands of people, in an unfamiliar noisy market
in Lucknow, he was happy. Because she was with him.
She led him
to the shop, and at the door, shouted, “Ramu Chacha!”
The elderly
proprietor looked up. It was a busy evening, and a big crowd was milling around
the displays.
“Kaa he,
Bitiyaa?” he shouted.
“I am
taking a bottle of your mango pickle. The bada wala.” she announced.
“Humka poochne
ki kauno jaroorat he kaa?” the man asked. “Jo chahiye, le lio.”
She grabbed
a big bottle of pickle, and holding it in one hand and his arm in the other,
proceeded to leave.
“Who is
this boy in coat, suit, and boot with you, Khussi? Have you got engaged without
my knowledge?” the old man teased.
Khushi
pouted. “How can I get engaged to another man, Chacha? I am still waiting for
you to grow up and get some teeth!”
The elderly
man chuckled, and he was joined by his helpers and the customers, most of whom
knew Khushi and her family. Arnav paid close attention to the occupants of the
room.
“Come here!”
the man summoned her.
Khushi went
to him, dragging Arnav behind her. She handed over the bottle of pickle to
Arnav.
The old man
placed a piece of pickled mango in her mouth, and gave her another piece. “That
is for the babua with you.”
Khushi
smiled her thanks, gave Arnav his piece, and left the shop sucking on her piece
of mango and holding ASR by his arm.
“Tell your
father that I will see him on Tuesday at the temple.” the old man hollered.
“Have you
missed meeting him on Tuesday atleast once in 20 years, Chacha, for me to
remind him of this week’s meeting?” she asked around the mango, waving at Ramu
Chacha.
“Your
father?” Arnav asked.
Khushi’s
face lit up. She pulled him closer to avoid a bullock cart that was delivering
goods to a shop in the street. “My Babuji. Do you know who my Babuji is?” she
asked cheerfully, pride on her face.
“He is a
big businessman in Lucknow.” Khushi boasted.
“Acha?” ASR
asked.
“Ji.”
Khushi emphasised. “Haven’t you heard of Satwik Mistaan Bhandaar?”
ASR
frowned. “No.”
Khushi was
scandalised. “In which world do you live? How can you not hear of the most
popular sweet shop in Lucknow?”
ASR had to
look away from the consternation on her face to hide a strong urge to burst out
laughing.
“You are
ashamed! Good. You should be. My father, Sasi Gupta is the best halwai in
Lucknow. His peda! His laddoo! And do you know who I am?” She placed her hands on
her hips as she challenged him, her brows wiggling.
“Khushi?”
he asked softly. How wonderful her name sounded!
ASR looked at
her with awe in his eyes.
“Ji. People
stand in long queues to buy my jalebis.” she claimed cheerfully.
“Really?’ He
raised one eyebrow.
“Really. If
you don’t believe me…” she looked around. “…ask Ramu Chacha…or Lallan Chacha…or
Rajesh Mama….or….”
ASR looked
down at the sweet face of Khushi, his girl, frowning as she tried to rope in as
many uncles as she could to prove her right to the title of Jalebi Bai of Lucknow.
He wanted to kiss her senseless. He clenched his fists and his jaw; every muscle every sinew, every tendon stood alert as he tried very hard to control himself.
He wanted to kiss her senseless. He clenched his fists and his jaw; every muscle every sinew, every tendon stood alert as he tried very hard to control himself.
Khushi
turned her head to look at him, the stranger dressed formally and looking out
of place in a Lucknow market.
She
frowned.
“Where are
you from?”
“Delhi.”
“Oh!” she
looked at him for a few more moments, and then said, “Acha, ab hamein chalna
chahiye. Namaste!”
“Khushi!”
The call
stopped her. She turned to look at him, a question in her eyes.
ASR
struggled to find words to ask her to stay with him. How to arrange things so
that she would be tied to him? Would be unable to leave him?
Unable to
voice his need, he caught hold of her arm again.
Khushi
misunderstood him spectacularly…again.
“You don’t
know how to get out of the market?” She hit her head with her hand. “It is like
a maze. For a person who comes here for the first time, it can be very
confusing. Aap bilkul chinta mat keejiye! Hum he naa?” she smiled. “Please come
with me.”
Khushi freed
her arm from his and caught hold of his coat-covered arm and dragged him along
with her out of the market, chattering nineteen to a dozen.
Arnav
looked down at her in amazement.
“What is
your name?” she asked at the late hour.
“Arnav
Singh Raizada.”
It meant absolutely nothing to her.
“What are
you doing in Lucknow?” Her curiosity was endearing.
What could
he tell her? The truth? Maybe that would get her in to the fashion show. Hope
filled his heart.
“I am a
businessman.” he started.
“Acha?” she
asked, turning her face away from his to wave at a young boy manning the
counter at a dress shop.
“What do
you sell? Sweets?” she asked.
Arnav
swallowed. Her directness was disarming. “Clothes.” he said.
“Oh! That’s
why you are dressed like this!” Khushi discovered. “You have a textile shop? In
Delhi? You came to buy cheap maal from Lucknow?” she asked, her head twisted to
one side, looking like a curious bird.
Arnav
cleared his throat. How to reduce his multinational apparel company to a size
that she could comprehend? He looked around, frantic for inspiration.
He looked down at her.
She was staring at him, waiting for a reply.
Finally he
said, “No, we design dresses…make them…and sell them…”
“Oh, you
are a tailor!” Khushi exclaimed with all the glee of Archimedes at his
discovery.
ASR stared
at her in horror. Anger at his helplessness filled his veins.
“No. No, I
am not a tailor!” he fumed.
“Theek he,
Baba! You are not a tailor! Why are you so angry because you are not a tailor?”
Khushi asked reasonably.
ASR looked
around for inspiration and patience.
“I…I run a
company that makes dresses…expensive dresses….” He tried his best to explain.
“Like
Kareena Kapoorji wears?” Khushi asked.
ASR heaved
a sigh of relief.
“Yes. Like
your Kareena Kapoorji wears. Khushi, we need models to display the Indian
clothes we have designed…”
Khushi
frowned. “You need salesgirls?”
“No, I don’t
need salesgirls!” shouted ASR.
“Why are
you shouting? And that too at me? It is not my fault that you don’t need
salesgirls!” Khushi made her side very clear. “If you are going to shout at me,
I am going home.” She pointed to the entrance of the market. “That is the way
out of the market. Let go of my arm.” she pouted.
ASR took
deep breaths to calm himself.
“Khushi, I
don’t need salesgirls, but models. Models are girls who wear the clothes we design
and walk on a stage to display the beautiful designs.”
“Oh! Pehle
kaha hota na? I would have understood had you explained. I am not an idiot,
Shri. Arnav Singh Raizadaji. Hum 12th pass he!” Khushi made her
displeasure clear.
“OK.” ASR
tried again, calming her down by waving his arms. “Listen to me, Khushi. Models
are paid really well. Why don’t you model our clothes this time?”
Khushi
stared at him as if he had grown horns. “Hein?”
“Listen,
Khushi. You will never get another chance like this. The fashion show is in
Lucknow, in Sheesh Mahal.” He tried to persuade her to fall in with his plans.
“That huge
white building in the centre of the city?” Khushi asked.
“Yes.” ASR’s
lips firmed. “You will be trained for one month. And paid a good sum.” He
mentioned the amount and her eyes became wide like saucers.
“The
clothes are Indian. Sarees, lehengas… clothes that a bride would wear…” The
image of the sari he had designed & crafted specially for her flashed
through his mind. He waited for her reply with bated breath.
She
remained silent, staring at him, her eyes unreadable.
ASR waited.
Then he waited some more.
Finally,
fed up of her silence, he said, “This is a very favourable deal. You won’t get
a better one anywhere in Lucknow.”
Khushi
looked at the ground for a moment, and then asked, “Why me?”
She
had a talent for asking uncomfortable
questions. ASR could feel his mouth drying up.
“I mean, I
can’t walk straight without tripping…” she said slowly. “If I am wearing a sari
or lehenga, you can be sure that I will fall on you…”
Arnav
swallowed hard. If only she would fall on him…..
“And why
are you going around offering jobs to strangers? What kind of bad businessman
are you, employing a person you know nothing of?” she wiggled her eyebrows in
question.
ASR grabbed
the opportunity with both hands…and both feet.
“Come with
me.” he instructed as he dragged her along to the car.
“Kya kar
rahe he aap? Chodiye hamein!” she hissed.
ASR was too
desperate to listen to her.
“If I call
out loudly, atleast fifty men will come to help me….” she gasped her threat as
she ran to keep up with his long strides, her arm trapped in his firm, warm
hold.
“They will
beat you with sticks. Haddi pasli ek kar denge! Why do you have to come all the
way to Lucknow from Delhi to get beaten?” she tried to reason with him.
He led her
to the car.
Anjali
& Aman stared at ASR and the girl he was pulling behind him, slack-jawed.
“Di, Aman, this
is Khushi Kumari Gupta.” he said brusquely.
Anjali
could only nod & smile faintly at the girls’ furious face. Aman stretched his
lips in a smile, his eyes almost popping out.
“Khushi,
this is my Di, Anjali Raizada. That is Aman, my manager.”
“Namaste! I
would fold my hands, but this Laad Governar won’t let go of me!” Khushi
complained.
The jaws of
Aman & Anjlai hit the ground.
“Aap inke
Di he?” Khushi clarified.
Anjali
nodded.
“Why didn’t
you teach him some manners when he was a child? He has been dragging me through
the market, holding my arm…” Khushi tried to free herself unsuccessfully. “Dard hota he, Baba! Chodiye hamein!”
ASR had to
fight himself to release her.
Khushi
rubbed her arm, grimacing at the imprint of his fingers. “What does he think of
himself?” Khushi muttered. “Badtameezi ki bhi had hoti he!”
“Get in to
the car.” he ordered.
Khushi’s
eyes widened. “No.”
“Get in. I
will take you home and meet your family.” ASR declared.
“No, no,
no, no…” Khushi recited. “I won’t get in to your car. I won’t let you take me
home. I won’t introduce you to my family….” As she spoke, she found herself
bundled in to the back seat to join Anjali.
“Please don’t
be scared.” Anjali said softly, her eyes softening as she looked her fill of
the beautiful girl. So this was why Chotey had been like a cat on a hot tin roof for the past few days….
“Who is
scared? And that too of this…this…Laad Governar?” Khushi asked, making faces at
Arnav who was driving away from the market.
“Where is
your house, Khushi?” he asked.
“I won’t
tell you.” Khushi placed her finger on her lips, and sat back.
Arnav
slammed on the brakes. “Then we can sit here till you tell me the location of
your house.” He leaned back in his seat.
Aman and
Anjali looked at each other, unable to believe their eyes or ears.
Khushi
fumed.
“I hope you
are not hungry.” ASR said, a sardonic brow raised in the air.
Mice were
eating her guts and moving on to nearby organs…. Buaji must have made poori…Jiji
must have prepared her favourite aaloo… Amma’s besan laddoo…her mouth watered.
“Go
straight.” She bit out.
Arnav
started the car & drove ahead, hiding his smile. He could hear her
muttering abuses beneath her breath.
“Turn left.”
He turned
left.
“Stop here.”
He stopped
there, before a whitewashed house, old in its construction and design. The
name, Gomti Sadan, could be seen on the arch above the gate.
He left the
car, and walked around to open the door for Khushi.
Khushi
turned her face away from him.
He held out
his hand to help her out of the seat.
She gave
his hand the royal ignore, and jumped down.
Aman helped
Anjali out, and all four moved towards the house.
Loved it Smita.
ReplyDeleteGoing to miss writing for this!
What do u mean rash? U ain't writing interpretations? :o
DeleteI will miss you, Rash...bwaah..bwaah.. (That's me crying...)
DeleteCrying kyun? :o
DeleteQuite busy!
DeleteBusier than a bee! What to do!
Wow wow wow!
ReplyDeleteWill comment on IF thoda late.
Glad u liked it!
DeleteLovely update Smita. so Arnav Singh Raizada is dreaming about his bride. Hope he will be able to meet her soon.
ReplyDeleteIs Lady Luck going to favour him?
DeleteWow moving to fast ! Love first sight and he is already thinking of her in bridal wear ! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI hope he doesnt use under handed techniques to gt her to work for him !
Woh ASR he. Thoda underhand to banta he..ha..ha..
DeleteI knw !! Dats wat makes him soo interesting ;-)
DeleteWow....another fab tale from you can't wait for more
ReplyDeleteThank u, my dear!
DeleteMr ASR, such a smitten kitten....ha, ha. Just one look and he is already visualising her in a bridal attire designed by him ! He may require all his shrewdness to convince His Dancing Girl to model for him...will she play hard to get, let's see!
ReplyDeleteAage aage dekhiye, hota he kya..ha..ha..
DeleteWow Smitha it's really thrilling to see ASR is attracted in first sight
ReplyDeleteHow to attract Khushi? That ijj the question!!!
Deletearrey yaar Smita ab update bhi kardhona pls. im waiting for chapter 3 so damn eagerly.
ReplyDeleteAb intezar nahi hota pls.
and dear r u tamilian? cos i am but from mumbai.
Malayali from Kerala. Will update Part 3 on Monday. So happy that you are enjoying this story.
Deletethough i cant speak Malayalam but can understand very well cos tamil and malayalam languages are slightly same.
Deletewow! awesome chapters... eagerly waiting for the third one!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it!
Deletewow smita ithile pics ellam kidilam aanallo. really suprb de part3 naale thanne update cheyane wait cheyan pattunilla athu kondanu
ReplyDeleteIppol ezhuthikondu irikukayaanu, ente thankamme. Tanikku athrekku ishtapetengil, njan innu tanne post cheiyan nokam.
Deleteawwwww my ASR is so so so damn interested to find khushi at any cost haan.
ReplyDeleteim so in love with this story yaar Smita, the perfect ASRish type of my Arnie just like cherry on top.
ohhhh gosh i can read this story without any break like 24/7 but only if u update hahahha.
amazing Smita and thank u so much for this beautiful and ASRish story.
Thank u, my darl!
DeleteHaha! poor Arnav bitwa... only dreaming bout Khushi... lets see if he finds her... even if he finds her... lets see if she agrees to walk on the ramp!
ReplyDeleteYes, she is unpredictable. You never know what she will be up to.
DeleteSmitar ji... i admit i jumped stories... but will get around to reading all of the missed ones soon.
ReplyDeleteBut this is just exceptional.... ASR saw a girl and now he even dreams about her! Hai Ram! Kya huwa Arnav Baba.. love bug has bitten you already!... but will he find her soon? or will he go on the roads to look for her? and when (no more if) he finds her will we have fireworks?
Hero ASR he to phireworks to banta he na? Ha..ha..
DeleteHey Smita Just love the story so far. Really like seeing this Bawara ASR in search of his dreamgirl.
ReplyDeleteI think their will be fireworks when ASR meets Khushi. Looking forward to next part.
There will be batasha..ha..ha.. as NK says.
DeleteHi Smitha,
ReplyDeleteAfter a long time I was finally able to start reading your stories again.and in the mean time, you have finished a story and started another one. Your stories always give me an unknown peace. Thanks again for writing and sharing your works with us. Coming to this story, I like the fact that ASR acknowledged his love for Khushi instead of diligently ignoring it, And as soon as he met Khushi, he started having fun. Once he met her for the second time, he did not even have to lift a finger to know about her. Our talkative Khushi did not leave a single thing about herself or her family or her skill. ASR is so right. He should have organized a cooking contest.
Sanka Devi is in full form.
DeleteWow what a wonderful meeting. So the great Arnav Singh Raizada met his dream girl and got all the details without any further investigation. Now waiting to see whether the jalebi bai of lucknow will model for ASR or will he conduct a cooking contest instead of fashion show.
ReplyDeleteWill ASR's ASRgiri work with Jalebi Bai? Or will the diabetic ASR sink in her jalebi's sweet chasni?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehmmm so finally our ASR found his girl... now I'm waiting to see if there is gonna be a fashion show or cooking competition.... ha ha!!! I just have to wait and see wat is gonna happen...
ReplyDeleteASR vs Jalebi Bai
DeleteASR has been bitten for sure... not by a wasp, but by the love bug...and he has been stung for life !! Call it the eighth wonder of the world Amanji but 'The ASR' has been bowled over by our Jalebi Rani.
ReplyDeleteHe is desperate to find her and just when he is at the end of his tether, his girl finds him...and how :-) Loved how he doesn't want to let her go.
How can he ever break free from the charm of our vivacious Sanka Devi! Completely oblivious to his identity, she is hauling The ASR through a noisy crowded market!!
This sanki girl may not be tempted by riches or a fashion show. ASR is on the right track with the cooking contest. A jalebi making event might just be the answer or better still he can organise a jalebi eating contest. Not only will she register, she will be the winner... hands down. Ha..ha...
Jalebi eating contest...ha..ha.. That will be fun!
Deleteawwww finally my Arnie baby found her and what a beautiful and dashing dash meet yaar.
ReplyDeletei just can imagine the whole thing through ur writing Smita, u r so talented and love u stories to the core,
ohhhh gosh the CEO of AR, thinking of to conduct a cooking competition in sheesh mahal lolz, what have u done to that poor soul khushi?
how abt a jalebi eating competition, i damn sure khushi will win at any cost hahahhaa.
She will win, definitely..ha..ha..
DeleteWow smita....
ReplyDeleteWonderful story....
Treat to read arnav fida on kushi....lolz
The kushi in this is really lively ...loved the character...
Great going dear...
Sanka Devi on a roll..ha..ha..
DeleteI m loving dis story immensely !! :-D
ReplyDeleteGreat gng !
wow!
ReplyDeleteawesome update....
i'm lovin it....
eagerly waiting for the next one!
Wow...wonderful update..
ReplyDeleteI am really loving it ..
I can clearly imagine the expressions of arhi, anjali n aman while reading...haha....
Wow Smitha I am enjoying this one more and more...both ars and Khushi is treat to read...oh gosh updates are awesome
ReplyDeletePriya's comment:
ReplyDeleteASR wants her to be tied to him forever, aww, so sweet.....
ASR - Churake dil mera goriya chali, khilake picklewa kahan tu chali ?
Khushi in her sanki avatar "You have a textile shop?"... "No, I design dresses.."..."Oh, you are a tailor..."
ASR - Yeh ladki hai naadan, isko budhdhi do bhagwan.
Jhalli Khushi " Why me ?..."Why are you going around offering jobs to strangers? "
ASR - Sochati hai jyada, fir sawaal poochati hai, main kucch kehta hoon, yeh kucch aur samajhti hai..yeh ladki kyun na jaane kyun mujhe gussa dilati hai !
Khushi to Di and Amanji "This laad governer won't let go of me. Badtameezi ki bhi hadh hoti hai".
Di and Amanji - Ladki badi hai kamaal ki, baroodon wali hai palkhi, kya tez hai , craze hai, lagati current hai . :-)
ASR "Then we can sit here till you tell me the location of your house. I hope you are not hungry "
Khushi - Aisa ziddi kabhi, dekha nahi kahin, maine isliye...laad governer, iska naam rakh diya (2) ...Haan naam rakh diya, iska naam rakh diya.
Kaisa laga?
Awesome update Smita. The meeting between ARHI was full of Batashas (as per NK)
ReplyDeleteHa..Ha..Ha...
Loved the update. Looking forward to next part.
Lol! That was funny. Our ASR has forced his way into Khushi's house. He is not going to let her out of his sight any more. :)
ReplyDeletelolz ASR is taking her to her home for her parent's permission as if he cares for their permission.
ReplyDeletehe will definately get her along with him at any cost for sure.
it was so cute when khushi tried to frighten him when he dragged her to his car lolz.
they are so perfect and i can imagine Anjali's and Aman's facial expressions after seeing their ASR behaving like this with khushi.
so damn interesting and love u Smita
i was laughing hard . loved khushi's reaction and arnav solution to his problem
ReplyDeleteloved it
skupsy
i loved itttttt.... plzzz update more... i have been stalking for 3 days now
ReplyDeleteWill update on Sunday night or Mon morning.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Khushi! I love when she reminds Anjili of her brother's badtameezi hahahaha
ReplyDeleteLOVED IT !! Loved this crazy, obsessive arnav and khushi was such a clueless innocent who gave it back to Arnav when he was being harsh with her. Stunning storyline. Can't wait to read more !! :)
ReplyDeleteShe is going to drive him wild! She is one spunky, crazy girl!
Delete