Chapter 4

Part 4

“Khushi ji, you can’t go alone at this time, I will drop you.” Akash was once again, trying to persuade her to take a lift. Even though he had mentioned several times that she was like a sister to him, she didn't think it looked right. Especially when one has a brother like ASR.

“Akash ji, I have asked my neighbour to pick me, please get back to the party and enjoy. And thanks Akash ji for all the help you have done” she knew it was her last day. Before she could finish, Payal texted her to come out. “My sister is on her way to pick me. She had came along with Happyji, since she had to buy saree materials for her Buaji.”

Once in a life time chance, Akash wouldn't let go. “Khushi ji, will you not introduce me”.

Fidgeting with the Pallu of her saree, “Arun will be waiting for his mama, may be next time Akash ji... ” she tried to avoid getting very familiar with the Raizadas.

“Oh no I insist.”

Colour rose on Payals face as soon as she saw who her sister was coming with. “Akash ji aap, yahan. (Aakash ji, you, here)”

“Jiji, you know him? Anjali ji’s brother?”

Colour drained out of Payals face. Facing him “You are that Akash, Khushi kept mentioning? You are Akash Raizada?”

Stroking his perfectly gelled hair, Akash smiled sheepishly. “How are you Payal? ”

Payal never imagined the soft spoken, bespectacled man whom she had met at the market was Akash Raizada. Khushi did mention about Anajli’s brother Akash, but she didn't think they were the same.

Recovering from her shock, she replied, “I’m fine Akash ji, I wasn’t aware you were... anyway,” turning to Khushi, “Khushi, we need to leave, its already late.”

The journey home was unusually quiet for both the sisters. Payal deep in her thoughts. Why was there a hollow feeling in her heart. How, for the last few days, she eagerly went to market and even the temple with the hope of bumping into the spectacled man. If only she knew he was a Raizada. People belonging to high society, with hefty bank balances. It was never going to be. Period. Guilt rose in her heart for even thinking in such lines when it has only been a few weeks for her broken marriage.

Reminiscing the events from the past few days, Khushi was gloomy and busy thinking about managing the household . She had arranged a few jobs here and there, but nothing substantial. Anjali ji had been kind in paying her separate for arranging the party. With her immense faith in her Devi maiyya, she knew they would get on.

*************************************

It was almost late evening, when Khushi pulled her Amma along, and finally reached Anjali’s place. Even though Garima was excited to meet her friend, the difference in social status had created a mental barrier. However all her apprehension was soon gone when Greta greeted with all smiles and made sure Garima didn’t feel out of place. Both friends were left alone and they laughed, cried and spoke, all at the same time, like they had never separated.

Arun didn’t want to share his didi with anyone. Pulling her into his room,

“Didi, come, I will show you all the paintings I have done. I loved the paint box and all the colours you gave me...”

After showing all the scribbling and random painting, “ Didi can you please get me the biiig book from the cupboards on top of the wardrobes. Mamma asked me to ask pappa or maama. But I want it now..”

Standing on the slender stool, she stretched her slender waist, trying to see what was in the dark cupboard.

“Arun run and get a torch from Indu prakash ji”, Khushi asked rummaging through the contents in dim light. While Hari Prakash and Om Prakash were serving the Raizadas, their cousins, Indu Prakash and Shiv Prakash were as loyal to the Sharma family.

Bending more into the cupboard, Khushi tried grabbing something that seemed and looked like a book, when the stool gave way and down she went crunching her eyes, imagining herself in a twisted knot with a definite fracture. “Hai Devi maiyya”

Only, she didn’t hit the floor, but was caught by two firm hands, which she recognised even with her eyes closed. And now, because she recognised whose hands they were, she certainly didn't want to open her eyes.

How long could she stay. When she looked in his eyes, where she expected anger and hatred, all she saw none of it. There was confusion, and a look of contentment.

Time froze. He felt his heart beat faster.. was it his or her heart, they beat synchronously. He ran his eyes all over her face, trying to read her relaxed face.

Khushi literally jumped off him , “Aap? What are you doing here?.. ”

Arnav clenched his jaw, his temper rising. He had made up his mind not to get affected by her. Before he could give her a fitting reply, she mellowed, “wo. . Arun wanted me to get something...” she pointed her fingers towards the cupboards...

“Why do you always get into trouble?” he didn't want to hear her, “Never mind Khushi, it is your habit to fall. Don't expect me to catch you every time.. ” he smirked and made his way out.

“Arnav ji.” Khushi called. He turned immediately with questioning eyes, her voice was different. He stood waiting for her to continue.

Khushi waited, she didn't know how to say, but she had to get it out of her chest.

“It was never my intention to spoil your show. You may never believe, yet, I am sorry for all the loss you incurred because of me. I don’t know why, but I always thought I have to correct you, show you the other side of the coin. I'm sorry for that too. What right did I have, when I'm nobody to you. I should not have challenged you either, whether I was right or wrong. ”

Arnav rushed to her and held her hands nodding his head. “Khushi” is all he could whisper.

Putting up a smile on her face, “I hope we will never cross paths again. You don't have to put up with me. Good luck Arnav ji. ”

Blood drained out of his face and he stood watching her. He felt his life was slipping from him, like sand from his palms. He felt guilty for the wrongs he had done and she was apologising. It was as if she had thrown a bucket of water on his face. He wanted to say something, but words failed him. Khushi left him, she couldn't stay anymore

*********************************

“Khushi ji, I heard you have got a job?” Anjali sat holding her waist, stretching her back. Pregnancy along with looking after Arun was too exhausting. She wanted to taste all the varieties of sweets Khushi had had got.

“Luckily I have managed to do get some odd jobs.. some work for my neighbour then I will be doing some data entry job in the afternoon. Evening we have some children coming over for tuitions. Moreover, you know about my buajis saree and embroidery business. Because we are all available, she has accepted more jobs, tying Amma, jiji and myself.” Khushi smiled making it clear she was not interested in continuing with Anjali.

Knowing their history of employment, Anjali wanted to take things slow and didn't press too hard. She was too busy to analyse the equations between her brothers and Khushi. Moreover Akash and Arnav had been busy.

“Anjali has been praising dozens about you Khushi.” Geeta chirped, both Geeta and Garima finally came out from the guest room, after promising to keep in touch. Khushi bent to take her blessings.

“I am very upset you all are not staying for dinner. Anjali has called her family too. Unfortunately, my stay is short this time. We are returning to Lucknow tomorrow. Next time I want you to cook for me. I want to taste all the delicious Lucknowi cuisine you have made for Anjali. In spite of living in Lucknow, we can hardly find anyone who can cook authentically.”

Garima greeted Anjali, and after enquiring her health, said, “Beti, look after your health. Call Khushi if you need anything. You should come over too Geetu, you can see my other daughter.”

After her farewell speech, Arnav was disturbed. He knew it wasn't just her fault, he had equally to blame, perhaps more. But how could he? Arnav walked out to meet her say something, may be to thank her for helping his sister. But, he stood at the door seeing his Di and Khushi having a serious conversion.

The raizadas arrived with a cheerful smile. Even though Anjali lived next door, and they visited way too often, there was always a festive get up to the house.

Anjali made the introductions, but was left bewildered when Akash grabbed the opportunity to bent down and take blessings from Greta and eventually from a very flustered Garima who blessed him all the same.

After introductions and courtesies, Khushi and Garima left. Before leaving she couldn't not stop from looking behind to get a glimpse of the man who had his eyes fixed on her. The man who, for the last few days had taken over her thoughts, day and night.

 Perhaps, she would never see him.

That's it for now... hope you all liked it