PART 11

         

               Who would have thought that Mumbai trip for which he was sulking just few hours ago would be turning into nice memory? He completed his meeting within 4 hours and returned to hotel to watch the two idiots watching some funny cartoon movie. He felt jealous for the way they spend time with each other. Looks like they have shopped something, and he got angry they didn't inform him. NK knows Khushi is still fragile and he has to accompany her for this shopping.  On the other side he wanted to see what they shopped too. If it was his Khushi she would have opened each and every shopping bag and would have shown everything she has purchased that day. He missed his Khushi, he missed that oneness, and he missed how she made him involve in all mundane activities. The domesticity of their relationship is missing.

                 Before he could ask what they have shopped Khushi came to him and said "Shall we go to the beach? This is something new. She has asked something from him after so many days and hell he would deny. In all this he forgot his anger and he forgot he has to question NK how he can be so irresponsible and take away Khushi like that.

                   To his surprise he has enjoyed each and every moment with NK and Khushi near the beach. Shedding his business avatar he has enjoyed the golgappe, chats, horse rides, Mumbai special sandwich and most important of all playing with the waves with Khushi. He has seen the fun side of Khushi after so many days. She was enjoying, playing and making pranks on him with water. All the three had super fun. Frankly he advised the almost private and calm beach near their hotel but then these two mashtikors said this is the best way to enjoy. Khushi makes him feel alive and human. He lived these 2 years too without her as his companion but then it is just living for the sake of living.

              As night dawned and they returned to his suite he was so happy until NK came and sat on his bed. "What the? "What are you doing on my bed NK? he asked

             "Nannav you should have thought that when you have booked this suite which has only two bedrooms. One is occupied by Khushi and this is the other one. If you want I can give company to Khushi but I think you won't like it, isn't it? teased NK

             "Okay fine sleep. The wonderful mood has turned little sour. He never likes anyone sharing his bed. Uff sleep seems to be so distant with this constant NK banter. After trying few times to make him understand to stop chatting so that he can sleep he understood it's unnecessary and went outside to sit in the lounge. To his surprise Khushi was sitting in drawing room watching TV.

              "Someone is not sleepy? she stated after few minutes. "As if you are sleepy Khushi he answered. They both sat and started watching their favorite Avengers series. He was so involved in the movie that he didn't observe clock has struck 12 until Khushi landed on him and hugged him with "Happy Birthday Arnav song. Is that really his birthday? He forgot his own birthday? Like really?

               "Did you come to Mumbai for the same Khushi? he hopefully asked for which she never answered. Before he could question further NK launched himself on him with birthday wishes and arranged the cake and skype chat with his family. This has to be a sweet birthday memory. He has many sweet memories of his birthdays how Khushi made them special but this birthday will remain the best in his memory because she willing participated, wished and celebrated with him after 2 days. Damn, she has come to Mumbai for this alone. How stupid of him that he forgot today is his birthday.

             "Just for your information Khushi I didn't ask you to accompany me to Mumbai for this birthday, I forgot about my birthday, trust me it's not for celebrating. Clarified Arnav

              "I know Arnav you forgot your birthday and frankly this is your 30^th birthday and we all wanted to celebrate grand way but that can only happen once we go back to Delhi, before that I mean we I meant... Mmm... may be... I thought, we thought I can come with you. Said Khushi

                His birthday started with so good note with Khushi wishes once again in the morning, all his family wishes and most importantly she smiled with him. The smile is not at him but is with him for him. He informed he will be back by lunch as he has important meetings. "Can he be selfish now and want only Khushi only for lunch? That's bad of him to think about NK who has decorated the suite, bought the cake, made a plan with Khushi for him and bought so many gifts as instructed by his family. But still he can be little selfish, can't he?

                Finally after few discussions they decided they would be meeting in a restaurant near his office for lunch. As the clock struck 12.45pm he was in a hurry to leave the office. Damn it, this office work will never end he thought. He looked like those teenagers who are desperate to meet their first date. Speaking of first dates they are always special. Even though his first date with Khushi was a messed up stupid competitive game but it was fun and best memory.

                With the weird thoughts running in his mind he reached the restaurant to find Khushi is waiting for him. Surprisingly there is no NK. He might have gone somewhere. Khushi is looking so beautiful in that white shirt and blue jeans combo. She is always a beautiful woman. She looks like those models working for those fairness creams and say no to make up.

                 "Hi Khushi

                 "Hi, Happy Birthday Arnav.

                 "Thank you, where is NK?

                "Don't know what happened, suddenly he got some work and he left.

                  May be NK is not that bad. May be he left for giving them some time. All of a sudden it seemed liked the first date where the awkwardness exists. They both don't even remember when was the last time they both were sitting like this with no disturbance and giving full attention to each other.  He remembered his first date. Frankly it can't be a date but then he was 18 by then so it can be a date even though Khushi was just 13 then.

Flashback starts

             When he was turning into 18 years as usual his house was preparing for a grand celebration. Raizadas have grand celebration when their children turn 18, he was told by his Dadi. He knows what all happen when children turn 18, the whole house would be decorated, the so called elite would be invited and a boring party starts where everyone flaunts their own success or money. Frankly he hates parties. When Khushi was busy decorating the house he has asked her what my surprise gift is.

               She scrunched her hose adorably and said "Surprise gift means surprise Arnav, how can I say it until tomorrow until you exactly turn 18?

                 Frankly Khushi it's 18 man and can I expect a very special gift from you? Its 18 yaar, freedom from this don't drive, don't smoke, don't go parties, and don't drink restrictions. In fact I need special gifts from all but I know most of their gifts he whispered.

                  "Haaa how do you know what they purchased?

                  "They are fools Khushi and I know what they are planning.

                  "They are not fools. They have taken extreme measure to make it memorable. As it is Jiji is also turning 18 this year. Do you know how much hardwork they have gone through to purchase different gifts for both of you?

                   "But then you have to agree they don't have creativity and they buy boring gifts. Hope you don't give me boring gifts Khushi?

                   "Boring how is Pratap uncle gift of Car is boring? How amma and papa gift of vacation is boring? How is anji Di and Akash bhai gift of the latest bike you are cribbing about is boring? How bhaiyaa latest cell phone idea gift is boring? How Jiji new Armani watch idea is boring? She would have ranted on what she and NK have planned for the day and what Dadi and Nani has planned if not for the smirking Arnav.

                   Shit did she tell all of their surprise gifts? She is in deep trouble now. Gosh she can't shut her big mouth. Someone challenges something she is ready to fight without even thinking whether good or bad. She has gone mad. She is highly disappointed. A gift is gift and everyone loves to be surprised and here she has busted everyone surprise.

                     "Don't think much with that nonexistent brain Khushi. "

                      "How can you say that? I have brains. I get full marks in my school and class topper.

                      "Yeah right that's why this all discussion happened.

                        She was about to cry for her stupidity. Damn stupid she is, she would make everyone disappoint and she don't like it at all.

                      "Hey hey gudiya don't cry ok, I will not say anyone you have already informed me, its promise. Pakka wala promise, ok.

                       "It's not about others getting to know it, I have busted their surprise. I am bad.

                        "No no sweetheart, you are too good. It's ok. Let's keep the secret in between us ok. For all the secrets we shared sake can you smile a little bit.

                        When his birthday arrived he was so curious to know what Khushi has bought for him. In the entire tu tu main yesterday and her emotional drama he couldn't find out what she bought for him. Anyways let's see how creative she is and how important his 18 birthday is for Khushi. But why does she plan with NK. How can NK come in between them?

                        What the hell all his toiletries are missing? Is this a prank? His birthday man and people are playing pranks? He was almost about to shout at hariprakash until he has seen a note and gift pack on wash basin counter. Who keeps a gift here? It can only be Khushi. His theedi Khushi.  The note stated "Happy birthday Chote wale Arnav who became bade today... happy 18 years, you are a major now. And when he opened the box it has all his toiletries brush set, mouth cleanser, body wash, shampoo, after shave lotion and shaving kit everything new.

                       In the room he has found out one more note on the dressing table with the same scribbling with new combo set, his cream and his hair cream. He smiled at the two innocent souls who are trying to give everything new to him and when he reached his wardrobe, he found one more note with new tie, new dress, new cuff ling and new blazer for the college.    

                        Now he understood what they are trying to do. They are trying to give him 18 gifts for 18^th birthday. If he can count its 13 now, he is excited what those little brats have planned for the other 5. One he can assume is shoes. As expected new shoes, new socks, new bag, new football attire with new football. Its 17 then, what's the 18^th gift. Before he can think of possible gifts his whole family with guptas has come to wish him. These are the moments he was happy because whole family at least tries to be happy. All have gifted him with surprise gifts according to them but very much known to him. Courtesy Khushi but he tried to act as if he is surprised.  All felt happy when they have seen Arnav was super happy for the gifts. Then NK turn came and he has gifted a perfume. He thought this is also with Khushi but then to his surprise the note said only from NK. When he has informed what NK and Khushi tried to do from the morning all were so surprised and happy for their idea.

                 "Nannav meri bhai becaue of your 18^th birthday and upcoming Payal birthday whole of my year pocket money gone to the drain. At least give a wonderful party as a compensation for which everyone laughed.

                  He asked Khushi to come to their favorite caf after school because he wants to spend a little time with her alone before the so called celebration starts. As expected she argued.

                  "It's my 18^th birthday Khushi can't you do a small thing for me.

                    "Arnav party starts at 6 and my school ends at 5, I have to come and prepare na I don't have time.

                     "That's the importance you have for my birthday Khushi and that's the value you have for me. Angry Arnav left out shouting that.

                    He knows she will come anyways after the morning fight. And as expected she came there alone and they did have their first date according to him on his 18^th birthday.

                    "Khushi you didn't give me my 18^th birthday gift.

                    "We have given you so many and you are asking me one more gift, how mean.

                     "Don't act smart which you are not. I know you both exactly gifted me 17 gifts and the perfume which NK gave is from NK side and so your last 18^th gift is missing. Give me my gift before we go to the party.

                     "Ok, ok fine this is something I have designed for you with Anjali Di assistance and she has given a gift wrapped neat box to him. He was surprised what could she design. She is just 13. He knows Khushi is very creative and she is interested in fashion and interior designing kinds and not into his kind of business at all. He has seen her inclination to what Di does all the time. When he opened the box it has a beautiful but simple wallet. Frankly he was disappointed because he wanted something special for him but when she said open it na. He opened it and to his surprise it has a small digital screen where his all moments with all members are displayed. She said she thought why not create a wallet with small battery to put all the pics the person loves. It might be very small gift and inexpensive but he is touched, she has choosen all this best moments, she even covered hari Prakash in the small vm kind of a thing she prepared.

Flashback ends

               "You are thinking about your 18^th birthday na Arnav?

                 Surprised Arnav said "yep I am thinking about it. How do you know? You know how wonderful those days are? You have given me a best gift which is still there with me.

                 "On the contrary Arnav I think of the numerous things I behaved like spoilt brat with mom and dad for getting so much money to buy gifts and all the things I did with you or jiji. They struggled a lot for keeping up the lifestyle with you Raizadas. When your birthday happened Raj bhaiyya business just picked up and he gifted a latest cell phone which is out of his budget and then Jiji gifted you a new watch and then mom and dad too. Sometimes I feel how bad daughter I am, I used to demand money from them for every stupid cause and for every stupid enjoyment vacation we used to have.

               "No Khushi you were never a bad daughter and you are not a bad sister and you will never be bad to anyone. Trust me on that. My trust on you is bigger than the trust I have for myself.

                 "Do you think my parents were happy with me?

                  "Are you mad? They loved you so much.

                  "Love is different Arnav, do you think they were disappointed with the way I am.

                   "They were never disappointed Khushi. Infact they were always proud of you. They are now somewhere watching you and will always be proud of you.

                    It felt nice to have a heartfelt talk with Khushi after so many days. He never wanted this lunch to end at all but then every great thing has an end and so their lunch finished even though he never wanted it to finish.

                     As NK came back after few minutes Khushi was about to go back to hotel with him but then she has observed Arnav left a file on the table. She ran to the parking place but didn't find his car. So she went to his office and when she went to his cabin to deliver the file she has seen Sheetal talking to Arnav

                     Its sheetal the girl who was always behind of Arnav is working for him. Do Arnav know about her? Did he really leave me now? All the pent up insecurities of Khushi are coming out. Did he leave me? Did he loose hope of waiting for me? Does he know she still loves him? But then he never likes if she is with NK, so might be he still likes. What if her ignorance is costing his patience and he is planning something else? What if he is happy with Sheetal? What if he wants to move on? What will happen to her? She can never function without Arnav. How much she boasts but she can never function a day without him. She don't know how a day would be without him talking to her.

                       She was upset, frustrated, angry, emotional, jealous, disheartened and most importantly insecure. She doesn't know how to live in a world without Arnav by her side and with that confusion she left he office without thinking anything. After few minutes she understood she is walking aimlessly on the road and panic hit her. She don't know anyone here, although she has a cell phone she don't know much of Mumbai. When she was about to take U turn and call up Arnav she has seen a guy.

                           That guy looks Shyam she thought. Not looks like he is Shyam. OMG he is out of the jail. He is dangerous and suddenly panic hit her. If he sees her he might do anything. If he knows Arnav is in Mumbai he might harm him. In fact Shyam can harm anyone in the family. She wanted to call Arnav and tell him about Shyam but her hands are not cooperating to make a call. The last thing she knows until everything blacked out in front of her is that she dialed Arnav which is in emergency contacts and became unconscious.