Chapter 37

Chapter 37

“Yes, the music list is with Shobhit! I’ll be giving your contact number to him and you can work out the finer details with him. Yes, he’s the wedding planner. You can fix a meeting with him for the rehearsal too!” Doctor Kumar said over the phone and disconnected the call.

Then, he called up Shobhit and informed him that the orchestra for the reception party had been finalized and he should contact them for further details.

Once that was taken care of, Doctor Kumar walked back into the hall, only to hear Devyani Raizada’s words.

“Good. But, I’ll need to talk to both Malik and the Doctor. I want this wedding to happen according to the Raizada traditions. I know Sujata would have wanted it”

Doctor Kumar found himself shaking his head, instantly angered to see how Devyani was still using Sujata as an excuse to get things done her way. Hadn’t she made Arnav miserable enough while he was growing up? Why does she still need to use Sujata’s name to make Arnav agree? Can’t she simply say that I want the wedding to be carried out according to Raizada traditions?

Holding his anger within, and doing his best to not recall the acidic words she had said to Malik and him, Kumar walked further into the room.

Devyani was still talking and hearing her voice was enough to bring back the caustic words she had spoken in the past.

“I don’t think Sujata killed herself because you could never love her. She killed herself because she finally realized she is married to a malformed man like you. Your depraved lifestyle is the reason why she is no longer in this world, Birendra”

“And you? You call yourself a doctor? How can you help anyone if you cannot treat your own disease?”

“Will Arnav ever be safe in this house? With two men like you living here? What if you infect him too with your decayed lifestyle? What if he too catches the disease?”

The words relayed in Doctor Kumar’s head, playing in the background as he listened to Devyani explaining how the Raizada traditions were different from those of Maliks. When she finally finished talking, her last words being exactly what Kumar was expecting, he stepped forward and said, “You can carry out the wedding ceremonies as per your family’s tradition”.

Devyani Raizada finally looked at him and her wintry gaze told Doctor Kumar that she still carried her disgust inside her. Yet, she was here. For Arnav’s happiness or to cause trouble?

“I am glad to hear that” She spoke to him, with a hint of satisfaction in her voice. It was that satisfaction which made Doctor Kumar utter his next words.

“But, Arnav and Khushi would not be going back anytime soon. They will stay here after the wedding”

The instant anger on Devyani’s face provided Doctor Kumar his momentary satisfaction. He revelled in the hardness of Devyani’s gaze and finally walked up to her, stopping a few feet away from her.

“You helped Malik in getting rid of my daughter. And then, the two of you used your influence to escape the punishment of your crime. You proved to the world that my daughter was of unsound mind. But, it’s your time now. I will reveal to the world what you are! I will make sure Malik and you spend your entire life in Jail for your unnatural way of life”

Doctor Kumar looked at Devyani’s face which was simmering with indignation.

“Didn’t you tell your Nani, Arnav? That you will be staying here in the Mahal with us” He continued, looking at Devyani Raizada all the while.

Devyani heard the question and slid her gaze to Arnav.

“NK, Lavanya, why don’t you come upstairs with me? I have some ideas for tomorrow’s function” Akash intervened.

“Yes, sure, Akash” NK said and gestured Lavanya to follow him.

“What is he saying, Chote? You are not coming back to Delhi?” Devyani did not wait for Akash, NK and Lavanya to leave before she aimed her question at Arnav.

Arnav walked up to Devyani, who was standing now and touched her arm.

“Why don’t you sit down, Nani? Then, I can explain it to you” He said to her as calmly as he could.

“I want a ‘yes or ‘no’, Chote. No explanation is required” Devyani said, holding her ground.

Arnav directed a disapproving look towards Doctor Kumar before speaking again.

“Please, Nani. Have a seat. I’ll tell you everything but I don’t want you to exert yourself” He said to Devyani before guiding her back towards the chair.

Devyani Raizada looked at Doctor Kumar who was still standing a few feet from them and allowed Arnav to help her sit.

“I knew I would have to see these smug and guiltless faces. It was why I didn’t want to come here. It pains my soul to be sitting here, Chote. And this man; do you see his gall? The way he is trying to taunt me?” Devyani spoke with heat in her voice, her eyes staring down Doctor Kumar.

“That’s not correct, Nani. Doctor Kumar did not mean it like that” Arnav said, looking at Doctor Kumar to speak up.

“I am sorry, Arnav. I cannot lie for your sake. Unlike Malik, I cannot forget everything she said and did” Doctor Kumar said, his face unapologetic.

Arnav shook his head.

“You’re not helping” He said to Doctor Kumar.

“I am sorry, Arnav. I truly am. But, I cannot ignore the fact that she tried to get Malik jailed for who he is. She hates people like us so much that she would do anything to get rid of us” Doctor Kumar said.

“What are you saying?” Arnav said, looking at his Nani’s austere face and then at Doctor Kumar’s rigid expressions.

“Would you like to share or should I, Devyani ji?” Doctor Kumar said.

“After I learnt your father’s true nature, I filed a case against him and this man under section 377” Devyani Raizada spoke, looking at no one in particular.

Arnav took a second to process the news.

“When was this? After you and I left Lucknow on the day of Akash’s birthday party?” He asked his Nani, his voice dropping.

“Yes. The same week” Devyani replied, her voice flat.

Arnav could not believe the words and looked at his Nani with a mixed expression.

“You filed a report fully knowing it may ruin not only his life but also Akash’s life? How could you do that, Nani?” He asked Devyani in a dejected voice.

“Because I wanted your father and him to suffer! They deserved it for not saving my daughter. They let a sick and lonely woman spiral down until she could no longer come back. They broke her already broken soul. It was them who stole the light from my life, Chote. It was only fair that I did the same to them” Devyani’s voice was ridden with anger and pain.

“We never wanted Sujata to die! We didn’t know she would take such a step. If I had any idea, I would have done anything to stop her. There does not go a day when I don’t feel that guilt, Devyani ji. It’s the biggest shame that I carry with me. And so does Malik. Despite all the pain he suffered at your daughter’s hands, he never wanted her to die. He only wanted freedom from the suffocating wedlock in which he was trapped. We also mourn Sujata’s loss. Her life meant something to all of us” Doctor Kumar said, looking into the hardened gaze of Devyani Singh Raizada.

“Doctor Kum..”

“No, Arnav! I need to tell her for once and all. None of us chose this life for ourselves. Neither Malik nor I. We just wanted to live a normal life like the rest of you. But, we couldn’t. We had to suffer, first because of Birendra’s father and then because of Sujata. Despite all that, I didn’t want her gone like that. Although for a short period of time, she was a friend to me. She was capable of being a good person and it broke my heart to lose her. I could not live with myself. I left this Mahal thinking it would make me feel less like a criminal but it didn’t. It took me years of shame and guilt to accept that I was indeed a part of her death. But you? You took the short route, didn’t you, Devyani ji? You replaced your failure as a mother with anger and hatred. Instead of dealing with the fact that you had failed to understand your own daughter, you decided to let Malik and I take the entire burden. Am I not right, Devyani ji? Didn’t you choose denial over your grief and guilt?” Doctor Kumar stood in front of Devyani, looking at her withered face which had no expression on it, devoid of all emotion.

Arnav, on the other hand, felt every word, twisting a knot in his stomach.

“Arnav will stay here with his father. You may not be able to let go of the past but you should not stop Arnav from moving on and finding his happiness. All of us owe that to him” Doctor Kumar said and waited for Devyani’s reaction.

“Chote, can you help me to my room?” Devyani Raizada spoke after a silence of few minutes, ignoring Doctor Kumar who still stood in front of her.

Doctor Kumar shook his head and stepped back realizing none of his words had made an impact, not even a dent.

“You’re a selfish person, Devyani ji” He said at last, as Arnav helped Devyani stand up.

“Let it go, Doctor Kumar” Arnav said, shaking his head.

“I am. There’s nothing left that I can say to her” He replied.

Devyani Singh Raizada maintained her quiet and allowed Arnav to walk her back to her room.

Once they were at the door, Devyani stopped.

“Thank you, Chote” She said, stepping away from him.

“Are you okay, Nani? Whatever Doctor Kumar said...”

“I’ll see you later, Chote” She said and walked inside the room, closing the door after her.

Arnav stood there for a minute, staring at the door before walking back to the hall.

Doctor Kumar was sitting on the couch, his head down. He looked up upon hearing Arnav’s footsteps.

“If you want me to apologize for all...”

“No, I don’t want you to apologize, Doctor Kumar. But, I do want to tell you that this was neither the best time nor the best way of speaking to Nani. The three of you have years of bitterness and I understand that, but I also want you to understand that she is my family. Just like Baba, Akash and you!” Arnav said.

“You consider me family?” Doctor Kumar’s voice was bittersweet, with a hint of wonder in it.

“You’re Baba’s partner. That makes you family” Arnav replied, without a second’s doubt or delay.

Doctor Kumar nodded, feeling wordless for a moment.

“You too are like a son to me, Arnav” He said when he could finally manage the words.

Arnav smiled and nodded.

“So, why didn’t either Baba or you tell me before about this case that Nani filed against you?” He asked next.

“It didn’t stick because there was no way your Nani could back the claim. Malik had been married for so many years and had a biological son. He was also raising Akash and funding half the NGOs in the city. The police commissioner didn’t take the case seriously. He treated it as a disgruntled move on your Nani’s part after looking at the old files. He knew your Nani had tried to pin your mother’s suicide on Malik and I back then. He didn’t even launch a formal investigation. Though, he did visit the Mahal for a cursory follow up. Malik and I lied about our relationship. He bought it because he knew my family had been associated with the Malik family for the last three generations. It was all swept under the rug, eventually. But, for several months after that, Malik and I did not attend public gatherings together. In fact, it was then we began to be much more discreet. He made me a trustee of your grandfather’s hospital and I invested my savings into his real estate. To the outside world, it made me his business associate in addition to his family doctor” Doctor Kumar explained.

“It’s been a difficult life, hasn’t it?” Arnav asked.

“But, it’s worth it all, Arnav. Malik and I never felt the need to name our love for each other. The love in itself has been enough for us” Doctor Kumar said.

Arnav dwelled on the words for a second before nodding.

“I am happy that Baba and you have each other, Doctor Kumar. Especially in his....you know?” Arnav said in a thick voice.

“I know, Arnav. I will love him until my last breath. That’s what I had promised him the day I had moved back into this Mahal” Doctor Kumar said.

~~**~~

Later at dinner Arnav requested his Nani to join them in the dining hall but she declined.

“I would like to eat alone, Chote” She said.

“No way, Nani! If you’re eating in your room, then I’ll eat with you”. With that, Arnav and Devyani’s dinner was served in Devyani’s room.

On the dinner table, NK, Lavanya, Akash and Doctor Kumar were present. Akash was talking about his visits to Delhi and how he always enjoyed the city so much because of Arnav.

“That’s one of my regrets. I never got to spend much time at home. I moved to Sydney very young. Ma thought it would be good for my studies. So, I stayed with her cousins and did my schooling and college there. Same happened with Lavanya” NK said, once Akash was done talking.

“Yet, you turned out so grounded” Akash said.

“Just him?” Lavanya shot back before NK had the time to respond.

Doctor Kumar coughed while Akash smirked.

“Just him” He replied.

Lavanya’s face turned smoky and she narrowed her eyes at Akash.

“Lavanya was quite an introvert in school. But, she really changed in the last few years” NK replied.

“Introvert? That’s hard to believe” Akash said.

“Just like it’s hard to believe that you enjoy your humdrum life” Lavanya replied, before going back to eating her food.

Akash stared at Lavanya for a few seconds before ignoring her reply and began a new round of conversation with Doctor Kumar and NK.

Once dinner was wrapped, NK turned to Doctor Kumar and asked, “Uncle, would it be alright if I could spend some time with Malik Uncle after the dinner?”

“Looking forward to talking about the Mahal, are you?” Doctor Kumar smiled.

“Yes, uncle. I know Malik uncle is not well but I promise not to disturb him too much” NK said.

“Don’t worry about that. Even I would like to sit and listen in on the conversations. I may not be much of a history enthusiast but it’s always nice to see Malik talk about it. Come on; let’s go disturb the old bird” Doctor Kumar said.

“Good night, Akash. Night, Lav” NK said to Lavanya and Akash before he followed after Doctor Kumar.

“Come, I’ll walk you to your room” Akash said to Lavanya who shook her head.

“I know where the room is” she replied.

“Yes, you do. But, you’re the guest. My hospitality requires me to walk you to your room” Akash replied.

“Don’t bother with your hospitality. Now, get out of my way” Lavanya said before heading out of the hall, outside the Mahal.

“You’re clearly lost. The room is INSIDE the Mahal, not outside” Akash called after Lavanya before following after her.

“I thought I asked you to get out of my way, not follow after me” Lavanya said when she found Akash walking up to her.

“I thought you knew where the room is, but clearly, both of us thought wrong” Akash said, as Lavanya strolled into the front lawn, which was illuminated by tall Victorian lamp posts.

“I want some fresh air before I sleep. Delhi’s air is not so freshening” Lavanya said, inhaling deep and loud.

“What about Sydney?” Akash asked, walking a step behind her.

“It’s alright” Lavanya replied.

“Better than Delhi but not as good as Lucknow’s air?” Akash said and Lavanya laughed.

“You’re a little too fond of your small city” She said.

“Absolutely! I have found everything here. Family and friends!” Akash replied.

“What about love?” Lavanya turned and asked.

Akash halted and became quiet for a second.

“How long are you going to stroll around? Unlike you, my legs are tired after your shopping spree” He said, resuming his walk.

Lavanya held his gaze for a second before resuming her walk as well.

“I didn’t ask you to walk with me. You can go and rest your legs anytime you want” she replied.

“Like I said, I need to walk you back to your room” Akash said.

“That’s why I hate nice guys. They are so annoying” Lavanya muttered under her breath, making Akash smile.

“So, how did you get interested in Kathak?” He asked her, as they began the third round of the lawn.

“Long story, I was in High School and had an Indian friend who was..” Lavanya began describing as the two of them continued walking beside each other.

~~**~~

The next morning Khushi woke up with a broad smile on her face. Knowing that it was her Mehendi ceremony, she felt excited. She wondered if Arnav would remember to write her name in his Mehendi.

After her bath, she laid out her peacock blue colour lehenga choli on the bed and decided to get changed after having some breakfast. When she walked into the hall, she found her father sitting with her Buaji and Payal. Payal was her Buaji’s daughter and both of them lived in Varanasi. Her Buaji was excessively religious and rarely left Varanasi. Payal was a few yours older than Khushi and separated from her husband. She lived with her mother and supported her through her job. Khushi was very fond of spending time with her cousin Payal and smiled broadly upon seeing her.

She excitedly walked up to the women and touched her Buaji’s feet.

“Live long” Her Buaji blessed her while Payal stood up to hug Khushi.

“I still can’t believe you are marrying Arnav Singh Raizada” Payal whispered in Khushi’s ears, making Khushi chuckle.

Khushi remembered well that Payal was the one who bought those business magazines and often talked about Arnav featuring in them.

“I can’t believe you’re friends with Arnav Singh Raizada’s brother” she used to say back then.

Khushi knew Payal was going to ask for every last detail of how this came about.

“I would have come earlier but my knee is still giving me trouble. Have you made sure that everything is taken care of? You have chosen a family well above our means. There is a lot that can go wrong” Buaji was saying, catching Khushi’s attention.

“I have thought of everything, Jeeji. We’re going to do our best” Shashi Gupta replied.

“What about the groom? Has he demanded anything in particular? I have brought some money with me. It’s not much but I want you to take it and make the best use of it”

“You being here is enough for me, Jeeji. And the groom has already demanded the most precious thing I have in my life – my Khushi. He does not want anything more than my blessings for the two of them” Shashi Gupta said, and Khushi could see a tinge of sadness in her father. It made her heart constrict.

“That’s very odd. Such a wealthy family and they don’t want anything? It’s very rare in these times” Khushi’s Buaji said.

“What about you, Titaliya? Are you happy?” She turned to Khushi.

“Ji, Buaji” Khushi muttered in a slow voice, and looked at her father.

He smiled and Khushi told herself that he was happy for her. Despite the fact that he would be left all alone!

It was a good thing that Arnav wanted to stay in Lucknow for some time. When he had first told her, Khushi had been beyond happy. She was so proud of Arnav for taking that decision. She had told him that. And like always, he had given her the credit. But, Khushi knew it was Arnav who had done it. She had only tried to share his pain, and in the process, Arnav had found the right path. It was his effort. All of this was his choice, one that he had made after a lot of struggle. She was happy for him. And, she was happy for herself.

“Of course she is happy! Look at her face, it’s full of colour” Payal said in a loud voice, nudging Khushi’s shoulder.

Buaji finally laughed, agreeing with her daughter.

“If our Sankadevi is happy, then I am happy. Let’s show these Maliks that we Gupta’s are lesser than no one” Buaji said, cheered only by Payal.

“Come on, let’s start the fun already” Payal said, pulling Khushi towards her room.

“I have got some great mehendi designs in my phone. But, before that you need to tell me how exactly did you land a handsome hunk like Arnav Singh Raizada” Payal said, as she the two of them reached into Khushi’s room.

“It’s not like that, Payal” Khushi said, unable to contain her smile.

“oh really? So, he’s not as handsome as he looks in those magazines? He doesn’t have those sparkling brown eyes and the sexy stubble?” Payal asked.

Khushi had to shake her head.

“Come on, Payal!” She said.

“What? Am I wrong?” Payal asked, walking up to Khushi’s bed and admiring her lehenga.

“No! He’s...great. But, I would like you to stop objectifying your Jeeja ji” Khushi said, knowing well this would only encourage Payal more.

“Oho! Don’t be a spoil sport, Khushi. I remember you had a field day pulling my leg when I was getting married. Now, it’s my turn and it is fully justified. Especially when you’re marrying someone like Arnav! Now, start talking while I do your hair. I need to know how exactly you went from ‘he-is-not-bad’ to ‘he-is-great’” Payal’s excitement was contagious and it made Khushi smile uncontrollably.

“Look at the glow on your face!” Payal said, making Khushi sit on the bed and zipping open her bag that held all sorts of hair styling products.

“Now, begin” Payal said, as she began her work.

“From where?” Khushi asked.

“Since the day one, of course! When did he come here? Did you have a swooning moment when you saw him after all these years? Did he recognize you? When and how did you realize you wanted to marry him? I want to know all of that. And don’t leave out the fun bits, the hugs and kisses and everything”

Khushi began talking but not before she groaned inwardly. She was going to be surrounded to be extra excited people in this wedding. Lavanya, Akash, Malik Uncle, and Payal! Suddenly, she felt she was the only sane one here.

And Arnav!

She missed him, she realized. It had been two days since she had seen him.

“Missing you tonnes” She managed to type in between her talking and Payal raining questions on her.

“Bhai says he is missing you too” The reply beeped in a few seconds later, making Khushi wonder what Arnav was doing. How come Akash had his phone?

“Where is your Bhai? Why are you replying to his texts?” She texted again, while telling Payal about Arnav meeting her father for the first time.

“He’s unavailable at the moment. Btw, Lavanya is crazy. She wants to throw a stag party for Bhai”

“A stag party? Is it the one where female company is invited?” Khushi texted quickly, eyebrows furrowed.

“That’s the one. I told her you wouldn’t like that. And neither would Bhai”.

“I don’t mind if Arnav wants to have one” Khushi typed, feeling a strong urge to bite her nails.

“He doesn’t. And of course you mind! If she calls you about it, tell her no”

“She’s so over the top. Thinks of herself as some kind of princess” Akash added.

Khushi laughed at the second text. Apparently, Lavanya was becoming too overbearing for her friend.

“She’s a little enthusiastic but that’s a good thing” Khushi typed.

“Quit texting and focus on the story” Payal reprimanded Khushi from over her shoulder.

Khushi nodded and was still typing her reply when another message beeped in.

“Sorry about that! Akash is being a pain in the ass. Lavanya’s company is not good for him. And I miss you too. Arnav”

“Seems like he really dislikes Lavanya” Khushi typed back.

“They’re like a cat and dog. Constantly bickering and constantly chasing after one another” Arnav typed back.

Khushi laughed out loud, making Payal scowl.

“What’s going on?” Payal asked.

“Nothing! So, what was I saying? Yes, that’s when he proposed to me. It was so beautiful and I was crying” Khushi said to Payal, continuing her story.

“Oh my! What next?” Payal asked intently.

~~**~~

“I’ll talk to you later. My cousin Payal is doing my hair” Arnav received the text from Khushi and quickly typed a bye.

Once he was done, he pocketed his phone.

“Should we head home now?” Akash asked him, as both of them stood outside the Mall.

“Yes. But, if you have some time, I want you to swing by the school site. I haven’t been able to go there this week and with the wedding in two days, I might not be able to go for a few more days. So, if you could go and see what’s the progress, it’ll be good” Arnav said.

“Can I come along too?” Lavanya interrupted before Akash could reply. NK and she walked up to Arnav and Akash, holding more bags in their hand.

“You want to visit the site?” Arnav asked.

“Of course! You’re building the school in Sujata aunty’s name, right? I’d love to see it” Lavanya said, and looked at NK.

“I can’t come. I need to take all this home and let Nani have a look” NK pointed towards the bags he was holding.

“Then, you and I can drive home. Akash can take Lavanya” Arnav said, looking at his brother and his cousin.

“Cool” Lavanya shrugged her shoulders while Akash sighed.

“Come on, Miss Sydney” He said to her before moving towards his car.

“After you, Mr. Sulks-A-Lot” Lavanya replied following Akash.

“These two are something” NK said, shaking his head.

“Yeah” Arnav said before getting into the car.

~~**~~

Later in the Evening

.

.

“I want to step outside and see everything” Birendra Singh Malik said, as Doctor Kumar helped him button his Kurta.

“You’re too weak” Doctor Kumar replied.

“What about the wheel chair? Then, I wouldn’t have to walk” Malik asked earnestly.

“You should not sit in a chair for too long. You need to rest” Doctor Kumar said.

“Then, what is the point of the ceremony? Why am I wearing this Kurta?” Mali asked, now in a clipped voice.

“You’re wearing this Kurta because you insisted on it. And there’s no ceremony. Devyani ji wants everything according to Raizada customs, as I told you yesterday. There’s only a puja, which you can watch on this TV” Doctor Kumar pointed towards the large flat screen in front of Malik’s bed.

“No. Irrespective of what is happening outside, I shall be there” Malik said in a determined voice.

Doctor Kumar stared at his partner for a long second before muttering a tight mouthed ‘fine’.

With that, Birendra Singh Malik was wheeled out of his room and into the hall where a ‘hawan-kund’ had been prepared.

The pundit was sitting in front of it and a few more guests could be seen.

Everyone moved to greet Malik when he reached the hall.

Malik greeted everyone with folded hands and thanked them for coming. Finally, he noted Devyani Singh Raizada walking into the hall, escorted by NK.

Devyani Singh Raizada’s eyes landed on Malik as well.

Much to Malik’s surprise, she nodded her head to acknowledge him before settling down on the carpet laid down on the floor. She sat down close to the pundit.

“She seems fine by my presence” Malik said softly to Doctor Kumar, who stood behind his wheel chair.

“That’s the least she can do after you agreed to her presence in the Mahal” Doctor Kumar replied.

Malik did not have to reply as he watched Arnav step into the hall with Akash.

Arnav was wearing a light blue coloured Kurta Pajama while Akash was dressed into a brown coloured tunic jacket.

Birendra Singh’s eyes brimmed with tears when Arnav walked straight up to him and touched his feet.

“How do I look, Baba?” Arnav asked him.

“Exactly like your father” Doctor Kumar replied while Malik’s head bobbed.

“He’s wearing my Kurta-Pajama” Malik spoke.

“Doctor Kumar lent it to me. I hope you don’t mind” Arnav said, smiling softly.

“It fits you perfectly. You look handsome” Malik replied in a slow voice.

“Thank you, Baba!” Arnav said before stepping away and going to his Nani. He touched her feet as well and Devyani Raizada blessed him.

With that, the chants and the Puja began.

~~**~~

As the day ended, Khushi lay in her bed and stared at ‘A’ in her Mehendi. It had been a beautiful day. In the afternoon, she had sat down with Payal and Preeto, along with two of her college friends and allowed the Mehendi artist to draw beautiful designs in her hands and on her legs.

Now, the room was filled with its fragrance and Khushi found sleep to be far away.

So, she reached for her phone and dialled Arnav’s number.

He picked up at the first ring.

“Did you get the mehendi applied on your hands?” She asked without any preamble.

“Well, Nani ji changed the ritual a little. So, I couldn’t” Arnav replied in a slow voice.

“I see” She said, feeling disappointed.

“Did you get my name written in yours?” Arnav asked, sensing the fall in Khushi’s voice.

“Just the A. The artist said there was not enough space to write the full name” Khushi replied.

“Send me a picture”

“No! You have to see it on the day of the wedding” Khushi said, smiling a little.

“That’s two days away” Arnav replied.

“Yes! That’s when you’ll see it and then you’ll have to find the A” Khushi answered.

“What do I get if I find it?” Arnav asked intently.

“What do you want?” Khushi asked, playing along.

“I’ll tell you when I find it” Arnav said, his voice confident.

“We’ll see” Khushi said too.

“I went to the Mall today with Akash” Arnav said.

“In the morning? What for?” Khushi asked.

“Since I couldn’t get your name written in the Mehendi, I got it written some place else” Arnav said, speaking slowly, unsure how Khushi would react to that.

“What?” Khushi’s voice turned slow and surprised.

“Yes. I got it tattooed on me” Arnav admitted, voice sheepish.

“Where?” Khushi asked after a break of few seconds.

“That you’ll have to find out on our wedding day...or the night” Arnav said, his mouth pulling into a mischievous smile that Khushi could picture.

“I can’t believe it! When did you think of this? And what did you tell Akash?” Khushi asked, still surprised.

“Last night! And I didn’t tell Akash. We just went to the mall together. He was helping NK and Lavanya with their shopping and I went to the tattoo place alone. That was when I left the phone with Akash. When I came back in half an hour, he was talking to you” Arnav explained.

“So, Akash didn’t see the tattoo? And NK and Lavanya were also there?” Khushi asked.

“No one saw it. It’s bandaged for now and it is...covered. They couldn’t see it” Arnav said, knowing well he was piquing Khushi’s interest.

“Where is it?” Khushi asked again.

“You can look for it yourself when we are alone” Arnav answered, smiling broadly now, picturing the image of Khushi inspecting his body to find the tattoo.

“You’re so..I..It must have hurt a lot. You should have told me first” Khushi said instead.

“Then you would have definitely said no. I wanted to do it. For myself!” Arnav said.

Khushi felt the sincerity in his voice and stopped herself from saying he didn’t need to do it.

“I can’t wait to see it” She said instead.

“And I want to see my name in your mehendi” Arnav said.

“Just forty-eight more hours!” Khushi said, smiling.

“Yes” Arnav confirmed before they wished each other good-night and went off to a peaceful sleep, hoping to wake up to a beautiful new day.

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