Hit like and leave a comment. Thanks for all your love.
Chapter - 35
Breaking out of his thoughts he saw her scowling in the direction which Sarah left and knew exactly what she was thinking. Her face as always, the reflection of her soul. It is so easy to read her. A smirk appearing on his face he asked “Are you jealous of her, Khushi?”
“What? No!” she snapped at once.
“Are you sure? The way you are looking at her, your face and your body language are saying something entirely different.”, he said teasing her.
Khushi knew jealousy as a word but never actually experienced it like right now. So having no clue of her own feelings she mumbled to herself confused “How am I looking at her? Do I look different right now? Seeing her does make me angry for some reason but is that jealousy? But why am I jealous of her? I don’t get it. No way. He must be mistaken.” Turning to Arnav she said naively “I don’t know. I don’t think so. How does jealousy feel?”
Surprised by her question he asked in disbelief “Unbelievable! You want me to tell you how jealousy feels? Didn’t you ever get jealous of someone?”
“I don’t think so. I am not sure. Maybe I did when I was very young. You see, I am not to meet many people and Lavanya is the only friend I have. So I was just happy to have her. I talk to other classmates but I never felt jealous of them either. But yes, I do feel envious of them at times.”
Arnav was speechless. He knew she was different. He knew she was innocent. He knew she was compassionate. But still, he failed to understand what she is. How could someone be so unworldly in this world and still survive? As each word of hers settled in, sensing something was not right he asked, “What do you mean by you don’t meet people? You sound like someone is stopping you. And you always talk about Lavanya but she is your college friend right? What about school friends? Did you not have any?”
Realizing she spoke too much again she contemplated on what to say and how to get out of the situation when she heard “Arnie, move to the adjacent chair I want to sit here.”
But Arnav was in no mood to let go of his seat in front of Khushi. And definitely not when Sarah was stopping him from having the most important conversation with his Khushi. Yes, his. He had a very strong intuition that the feeling was mutual. That she felt the same for him. And his gut feeling was never wrong. Now when all he wanted is to hear her officially accept his proposal, Sarah is becoming a hurdle for him. Irked, he spoke a bit arrogantly “No. I am not moving.”
His response surprised both the ladies. Knowing Arnav well Sarah calmly sat next to him and said “Oh! sorry. I didn’t introduce myself. I am Sarah. Akash’s cousin.”
“Hi! I am Khushi. I am Payal’s sis... Well, we were neighbors so family friends.” she said, restraining herself.
Catching on with Khushi’s chain of thought and dilemma he added, “They are not blood-related but are soul sisters.”
“Wow! That’s cool. I wish I had a soul sister. Nice meeting you Khushi. Umm... Wait a minute. Isn’t this dress showstopper from AR’s latest collection? Many people are waiting to get their hands on this and you are already wearing it. How? Where did you buy it? But wait a minute, it is not in the market yet, right Arnie?” she asked intrigued in a jovial tone.
Instantly Khushi and Arnav looked at each other wide-eyed. Raising her eyebrows she signed as if asking him what she was supposed to say. And he shrugged his shoulders slightly suggesting he had no clue. Pausing a moment both took a deep breath and blurted out simultaneously.
Arnav: “She bought the original piece from the collection.”
Khushi: “It was a gift.”
Comprehending what the other person said they snapped their heads instinctively at one another. And as her caramel eyes met his chocolate globes they got lost in each other. For an outsider, it might just look like they are casually glancing, but they were actually communicating with each other through their eyes.
** Their inner dialogues **
Arnav: “Why did you speak?” - frowning his eyebrows.
Khushi: “Why did you?” - looking accusingly.
Arnav: “Was trying to cover for you.” - shooting daggers with his eyes.
Khushi: “Well! that went well” - rolling her eyes.
Arnav: “Don’t mock me” - widening his upset eyes
Khushi: “Hey Devi Maiya!” - gaze turning to the sky.
Totally oblivious to what was happening between these two, Sarah gave a glance at both of them and asked puzzled “What are you two saying? Did she buy it or get it as a gift?”
“Both” Khushi answered, reacting quickly before he could say something.
“I don’t get it. How?” Sarah asked confused
Making up on the go Khushi stuttered “Well... You see… My... My friend bought the dress and gifted it to me.”
“Aww! How sweet. I am jealous. Arnav next time if you are selling your collection piece let me know first. After all, we are family. I should get some privilege. And Khushi, by a friend I am sure you mean your boyfriend as a girlfriend would definitely keep the dress for herself.” she giggled.
Khushi shot a peek at Arnav goggle-eyed, her cheeks donning a shade of pink. Not sure how to react she quickly turned to her plate embarrassed and busily stuffed her mouth with food, trying to ease her uneasiness. Arnav couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics.
“I should say your boyfriend has good taste. Both in the dress and the girl.”, she commented.
Khushi gave her a tight smile. And plainly avoiding Arnav got back to her plate.
“My boyfriend is a very serious guy and a workaholic too. Maybe he should take tips from yours.” she made a casual remark giggling.
“Your boyfriend? He is here?” Khushi asked reflexively in a heartbeat while her eyes involuntarily trailed off to meet his chocolate browns.
“No. He didn’t come. Like I said, workaholic.” she sighed. Khushi who was holding her breath without even realizing it herself promptly exhaled deeply on hearing her. The relief on her face was so evident that it was hard to miss. And Arnav who was intently gauging her expressions smiled knowing well as to what was going on in her head at the moment.
“By the way, how do you guys know each other?” Sarah asked, suddenly curious.
“Us? We..” Khushi trailed off looking at Arnav unsure if she should mention Tirumala. Picking up where she left off Arnav responded, his gaze fixed on her “We met here at Payal’s place before the engagement.”
“Oh! Then you guys have just met a few days back. Seeing you together I thought you knew each other for a long time. You both looked very comfortable. Khushi you need to tell me what you did? I mean, I haven't seen Arnav with any women in a long time. So finding him sitting here with you whom he met not so long ago is really surprising. Tell me what did you do?” she probed enthusiastically.
“What? Me!? I did nothing.” Khushi said befuddled, staring at him and Sarah.
“Oh! Stop it, Sarah.” Arnav reprimanded her.
“Oh! Come on Arnie. Let alone girlfriends you don’t even make friends. Everyone knows you never date anyone. You never show any interest in ladies. In fact, you know Khushi because of that, many speculate that he is interested in men.” she said chuckling and Khushi couldn’t help but join in at that remark.
Now totally frustrated he said “That’s enough. Stop it! Sarah. And stop calling me Arnie. It’s irritating.” But to his dismay both the ladies just started laughing harder.
While the chatter continued mostly with just Sarah blabbering, Arnav grew impatient. He wondered how long he must have to wait now in order to talk to Khushi alone.
Suddenly Khushi’s phone rang and looking at the caller ID her face swiftly tensed up. Excusing herself she stood to leave when Arnav called out to her and handing the medicine cover said, “Don’t keep forgetting it here and there, and don’t forget to take the tablets ASAP.” As Khushi grabbed the cover he asked gently “Khushi! Is everything ok? You can tell me if there is a problem?”
Giving him a tender smile she softly assured him “Everything is fine. Thanks for everything.” And turning away she carefully walked away picking up the call.
--------------------------------
“Hello!” Khushi said in a low voice
“Khushi! Where are you? Why do I feel like you didn’t start yet? Are you defying me? Also, I was told some guy picked up your phone this afternoon? What is happening?” he asked authoritatively.
“No! It’s not that. I wanted to start but I got hurt and ended up going to the hospital. I wanted to inform you but as I am not supposed to call I just waited for yours.” she replied softly.
“Good. You remember you are not allowed to contact me. I am a busy man. So, I will call you when I get time. Now, where did you get hurt? Is it big?” he spoke bluntly. His voice, devoid of any feelings.
“It was not big. It’s on the leg near the ankle.”, she said docile.
“That’s better! Be careful. You are not allowed to get hurt, understand? And definitely not in areas visible to everyone. Between, who was the man?” he demanded.
“Yes, I remember. I will be careful. He is nobody. He was just helping me in the hospital. He picked my phone by mistake when I was with the doctor and ended up answering” she explained without giving away anything. Pausing for a second she continued, “And, can I start tomorrow after the wedding? I mean Jiji and others may ask questions if I leave right before the wedding.” She knew when it came to keeping appearances he would do almost anything. Silently praying to her Devi Maiya, she wished her tactic works and he approves.
Taking his time to answer he finally said “Ok. But you are getting back tomorrow.”
Her face lit up straight away. “Yes! I will. Thank you.” And cutting the call she sent a silent prayer to the god.
----------------------------------
Later that night as the guests were leaving Arnav walked towards Khushi and said “Khushi! I really have to talk to you right now.”
“But now? Jiji asked me to be with her.” she protested looking at Payal who was just feet ahead waving bye to someone.
“We made a deal this morning. You said you would come when I asked.”, he demanded.
Taking a quick glance at Payal and then him she finally turned to him and nodded with a tiny smile. Promptly Anjali walked behind Arnav and said “Chote! You were here. I have been searching for you everywhere. Our other car is not starting and Arjun is talking to the mechanic. Can you take Mom, Mama, Mami, and Nani to the guest house? They need to rest before tomorrow’s big day. Me, Akash, and Arjun will come later. And don’t worry, I will be fine. My Husband and Akash are with me.”
“Ok Di, you go I will come in a bit.”, he said readily. Once Anjali left he turned to Khushi with a disappointed look and uttered upset “Not today. Let us talk tomorrow.” About to leave he looked back at her and asked “Are you feeling better? Did you take your medicine?”
“Yes and yes. I am fine.”, she assured him.
Relieved he let out “Good!” He then turned to leave but again turned back mumbling “Oh yes!” and said affectionately, “Don’t forget to take medication before going to bed? And take care of yourself.”
“I will. I am really ok. Don’t worry.” she reassured him and added with a smile “Bye! Good Night!”
“Good Night!” he whispered with a smile and, giving her one quick glance he walked away.
-------------------------------
Standing in front of the tall mirror in her room Khushi looked at herself from head to toe for the first time in the dress he gave her. “The tiny mirror in the restroom didn’t do it justice” she mumbled. Now she understood why Sarah was so madly in love with the dress. The attention to detail was impeccable. And the accessories complimented it perfectly. Suddenly the words he whispered in her ear echoed around her ‘you look absolutely breathtaking’ and she blushed profoundly. “I wonder if it is ok for me to keep this? Sarah was saying this was the showstopper. I feel a little bad but just a little.” she chuckled.
Freshening up she collapsed on the bed thinking about the day’s events. Remembering each moment from how he took her to the hospital, the care he showed, the dress, gave in to her tantrum without judging her, forgave her insensitive action and the concern he showered on her the whole day, a big smile made its way onto her lips lighting up her whole face. “Devi Maiya! Today was a wonderful day, right? And it is all because of him. Did you see the way he chided me to take care of myself like Amma? He even worries about me just like Babuji used to. I feel safe when I am with him. He reminded me of them a lot today but that didn’t make me sad like usual. It rather made me happy. I forgot how it felt to have someone take care of me and he reintroduced me to that feeling. To my surprise, he even got tricked by me today which doesn’t happen, Ever. And also, I ended up feeding him a Golgappa.” she blushed at that memory. Speaking out loud she said “Now thinking back he has always helped me. He was so thoughtful that he even brought Jiji a present just to keep my secret. He did so much for me. But I did nothing for him. I have to do something too, right?”
After thinking long and hard she sat straight in excitement and started browsing through the phone. Close to half an hour later she exclaimed, “Yes! I got it.” Looking at the price she checked her purse to see if she had enough. “Thanks, Devi Maiya. Good that I asked for some extra money to buy a present for Jiji but that will have to wait for now. Sorry Jiji.” she said guiltily with a wide smile.
Finally putting her phone down she took her medication and lied down to sleep. Her eyes landing on the dress hanging at the corner, Sarah’s words ‘Your boyfriend has good taste.’ reverberated in her ears. Her face turning red she whispered giggling “He is indeed my boyfriend. He is a boy who is my friend. And also my very first one.” Out of nowhere, reality dawning on her, the smile on her face completely disappeared and she yelped “Hey, Devi Maiya! I totally forgot I won’t ever see him again after tomorrow.” That mere thought made her heart clench in pain. Tears pricking her eyelids, a lonely tear rolled down her cheek and she whispered to herself “It’s strange how important he has become in such a short time.” As the medicine started to show its effect, with a heavy heart Khushi fell into a deep slumber.
--------------------------------------
Don't forget to like and comment.
- Hope
A widow, Gauri met her long lost friend Omkara in a family function, who still ...
Life Journey of two people poles apart in career, status and style. One is the ...
Drabbles for Shrimad Ramayana Contest
Comments (2)
View all
pridarshi9 @pridarshi9
3 years ago
eagerly waiting for the next update
Shilpi @shils28
+ 2
3 years ago
Excellent!! But to whom does she keep talking?