Chapter 18
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Desert Rose ' Chapter 17
PAYAL'S mehendi arrived on
a warm sunny morning. Khushi sat on the stool in front of the dressing table
mirror wearing her jhumkas. She was dressed in her dark blue and gold anarkali
suit, which she had picked up during the shopping spree with Anjali and Payal earlier
that week. She wore a matching gold chain and blue stone pendant on her neck.
As
Anjali had mentioned a few days ago, between the two of them, they had managed
all the wedding preparations. They had chalked out a plan of what needed to be
done and executed it meticulously. The invitations had been sent out, decorators,
caterers and photographers booked. Since the wedding was to take place in the
Haveli, the venue was not going to be a problem.
Arnav
had kept out of their way, being completely immersed in his work, but she knew
he was the one executing everything behind the scenes, as it was his cheques
that were making everything possible making it look like magic. It was like the
best of the best services were available just on their command.
Her
eyes kept darting toward the door every few seconds much to her consternation,
hoping to catch a glimpse of him.She
had hardly seen him in the past few days, though they slept on the same bed
every night, a wall of pillows between them. He came to bed late, after she had
slept, and was up before her,coming back into the room after she had showered
and changed. Most of the times, he walked in, all sweaty from the gym, as she
sat at the dressing table and dashed into the shower.
Just
as she began to apply sindoor on her forehead, the object of her subconscious
pondering, walked in, his eyes darkening as he took his her appearance in the
mirror, accelerating her dhak-dhak to a racing speed. He flustered her further
into almost spilling the small silver box of sindoor, as he took off his
t-shirt, his muscles rippling as he threw the shirt on the chaise lounge.
Couldn't he just take off his clothes in the bathroom like normal people? Laad Governor! Khushi muttered to
herself as she left the room.
As
Khushi came down the stairs, her eyes brightened at the captivating scene. The
Haveli, already rich in its ethnicity, looked resplendent today with the magical
artistry of the decorator's hand, with flowers and guaze drapes in yellow,
orange and cream.
She
went up to the kitchen to help Hariprakash and Lakshmi prepare food snacks the
fifty odd guests that were due to show up for the Mehendi. These guests were
relatives of mamiji who would be arriving from Katariasar and nearby towns. The
Haldi had been wound up the previous day with few close relatives in
attendance. But the Sangeet, which was going to be a grand affair,was scheduled
for later that evening, combined with a cocktail party that Arnav was throwing
for guests from Delhi, mostly associated with AR.
Soon
the Mehendi ceremony was underway with Payal getting the full bridal mehendi.
Though, Anjali had opted for the simple Arabian style design, mamiji had
insisted on a very elaborate design for herself. The ladies had dressed in red
today, a dress code they had chosen for the mehendi which Khushi had totally
forgotten about.
Offering
to servesome of the guests herself ,to relieve Lakshmi who had to dash home for
an emergency,Khushisoon realized that some of the women had begun staring at
her, making her uncomfortable. Walking toward a group gathered around mamiji,
she pausedstanding behind a pillar, as she heard them talking about Payal.
'What
sort of a family are you getting your son married into Manoramajijj?' one of the
guests asked her, 'The whole community is talking about the scandal.'
'What
can I do Kamala? God is playing a cruel joke on me.' Mamiji replied back with a
sigh.
'I
heard this girl spent the night with your nephew at the Desert Festival,'
another woman said, 'Is that why he married her? Why was it done so secretly?'
'He
did not have any other choice.' Mamiji replied back, her voice laced with
scorn. 'Of course he didn't tell anyone. Marrying that girl was nothing to be
proud of.'
Khushi
looked at the embarrassed faces of Anjali, naniji and Payal and ran back into
the kitchen, her chest heaving, as she tried to control the tears that were
ready to burst out of her.
'Khushiji?'
Shyam came into the kitchen, 'are you alright? I heard the ladies talking back
there.'
Had
he been spying on her? Khushi wondered, 'I am ok Shyamji.' She said gruffly and
she began to prepare jalebis, her body seething with a latent anger. 'Please
leave me alone.' She didn't feel like talking to anyone right now.
Just
then she heard another voice. 'Shyam, I think Akash could use your help in
taking care of the male guests in the courtyard.'
'Of
course saalesaab.' Shyam said, walking
out of the kitchen.
Khushi
ignored Arnav's presence as she began to squeeze the batter from the piping bag
into the hot oil, her motions aggressive as she made small circular motions. Her
mind was whirling with the words she had heard from the ladies'..
Is she the girl? At the
Desert Festival''.Heard they were inside for a long time'..
Added
to that, the heat was beginning to get on her nerves as she tried to get her
hair out of the way. She wished she had her hair stick so she could tie it up
in her old style.
Suddenly,
Arnav, who seemed to be carrying on some conversation on his Bluetooth device
with someone called Aman, came up behind her, to lift the thick strands of her
hair in his hands.As she looked back at him nervously, he indicated her to
continue with her work, knotting her hair into a rough bun. Khushi closed her
eyes briefly as the tips of his fingers on her nape, sent goose bumps
throughout her body.
'Are
you done with the jalebis?'
Khushi
realized he was addressing her. 'Yes'.. I have to prepare some samosas now,'she
answered without looking back.
'Leave
that, we are going out,' he said coming up to her and taking her hands in his.
'Arnavji,
there is so much work!' she protested.
Arnav
paid no heed as he led her out of the back of the house to where his Royal
Enfield was parked. He got on the bike, kick started it and then he asked her
to get on the back.
'Where
are we going?' she asked him.
'Will
you just shut up and sit?' he said rhetorically, lifting his eyebrows.
God,
this Laad Governor was incorrigible, thought Khushi as she sat behind him.Why
did he always have to have his way?
'Hold
on tight.' He warned her.
Though
she had no intention of doing any such thing, she was forced to change her mind
once he started off in full speed, clutching his shoulder in fear.
As
the warm breeze hit her face, whipping a few strands askew, Khushi began to
relax, enjoying the view of the serene sands.
Fifteen
minutes later, they reached a building that looked like warehouse. Once they
stepped inside Khushi realized that it was Arnav's factory. Arnav asked one of
the female workers, Gauri, to show her around while he planned to have a quick
word with Keshav regarding an important issue.
As
Gauri took Khushi along explaining to her the entire process of how fabrics
were woven from threads, she was enthralled. She was so engrossed that when
Arnav came back to get her, she hadn't realized that she had been there for
almost half an hour. Just then, Gauri told Arnav that Khushi had mentioned that
a slight variation in the colour combinations would bring out an even richer
colour in one of the fabrics that was about to be weaved. After listening to
the details, Arnav told Gauri to go ahead with Khushi's suggestion.
'No,
Arnavji, please don't do that,' begged Khushi, 'I was just thinking out loud. I
have no idea how that will turn out. Please.'
'You
have worked in the fashion industry,' he said, 'how wrong can you be?'
'But
---'
'Stop
worrying, will you? Now let's get back. Don't you remember it is your sister's
mehendi?' he said as he walked toward the bike. He smiled as he imagined the
look on her face.
Khushi
wrung her hands in frustration as she followed him.
Back
at the Haveli, Khushi found that Sona, Keshav's sister had covered up in her
absence.
'Bhaiyya
just asked me to come in earlier.' She quipped when Khushi asked her. 'And
jiji, we are rehearsing for the sangeet this afternoon. You will be there,
won't you? she reminded her.
'Of
course,Sona.'Khushi said smiling up at the girl.
Later
that evening when Khushi rushed toward her bedroom, having got delayed first,
by the rehearsals, and then later when she had to get Payal ready for the
Sangeet. She smiled proudly as she remembered how radiant Payal looked today in
her green and orange lehenga choli.
When
she came out of the bathroom, she found a packet on the bed. It was probably the
lehenga choli Anjali had sent for her. After she changed in closet she looked at
herself in the full length mirror and was awestruck.
The
georgette lehenga was bright red with scattered gold thread motifs, flowing
into a wide pink border embellished with gold and silver threads. While the
bodice of the short choli was also bright red, dotted with gold sequins, the
sleeves were sheer and devoid of lining. The double shaded chunri was also
equally beautiful, with a thin zari border in temple design.
As
she adjusted the chunri, bringing down her right shoulder, she remembered how
much she had enjoyed the factory trip this morning, completely distracting her
from the mami's disdainful remarks at the mehendi ceremony. Something flashed
to her at that instant. Was that why he
had taken her out this morning? To distract her? But why?
Why the hell would
anyone in his right mind not want to marry you? the words he had told
her on the terrace that night came back.
The way he had looked at her then, sometimes made her wonder if he had
married just because --- no. She looked up to see the full length mirror reflecting
back apale face and a thin figure. He couldn't have married me for that, she
told herself fiercely --- unless he was desperate? But a man of his reputation
wouldn't find women hard to come by. He had said so himself --Don't
worry I am not that desperate.
Hey
Devi Maiyya! Would she ever understand her enigmatic husband, she wondered.
When
Khushi came down, she found Anjali dressed ina rich blue saree, completely
embellished with silver work, welcoming the guests from the Delhi. She was soon
joined by Arnav looking more handsome than ever in a black self-printed short
length sherwani and black trousers. Then, Khushi saw the one person she dreaded
the most -- Ria Chopra. She was fashionably dressed in anoff white shimmery
saree, trimmed with gold lace,on a matching, one-shoulder designer blouse.
Akash
and Payal were engrossed with their friends from the Jaipur wedding where they
had first met andKhushi hung back, not wanting to intrude.
'Don't
worry Khushi, I feel just as left out in these parties,' said a voice from
behind her.
Khushi
turned around to find Dr Manav, looking cool and casual in a chocolate brown
corduroy blazer, white shirt and beige chinos.
'Dr
Manav!' she exclaimed smiling at him, 'Don't you know any of these people?'
asked Khushi, surprised at what he had just said.
'I
know nothing about fashion or trade,' Manav said affably, 'who would be
interested in talking to a small town doctor?'
'Well,
then that makes two of us.' She quipped.
Soon
Manav had Khushi in splits, telling her some anecdotes about his hostel life as
a student in Manipal Medical College, in Mangalore.
'Manav!'
exclaimed Anjali coming up them, 'why do I get the feeling you are telling her
about your hostel capers? Is it that cafeteria incident with Gattu?'
'No
Anju,' said Manav, 'I was telling Khushi about Prof. Mehta.'
Shyam
came up to them and said, 'The Sangeet is about to begin,' He seemed to have a
sour face.'So it would be better if you take your seats.'
The
Sangeet began with the professional Rajathani dancers performed the Ghoomar on
some popular Rajasthani folk songs. After that Sona performed on Meri Banno ki aayegi baaraat'.
Before
the next dance, she came down to drag a reluctant Khushi to perform with her
for ---Mere Haaton mein nau na uchoodiyan
hain'
Though
Khushi began to refuse, not wanting to further create gossip, she agreed after
Payal and Anajli came up to her and insisted as was so lost in the dance.
'God
Arnav!' exclaimed Ria standing beside Arnav with a drink in her hand, 'is this
the girl you rebuffed me for? This girl ' who is dancing with the hired help?'
'Yes,'
replied Arnav unable to take his eyes off Khushi.
'How
downmarket!' she spat with contempt, 'from when have your tastes fallen down
like this?'
'From
the moment I saw her,' he said absentmindedly, 'now if you will excuse me there
is something I have to do.'
Arnav
went up to the stage and addressed the crowd, mike in his hands.
'Just
want to say a couple of things today. First, Akash -- I just want to let you
know that I am happy that you finally found love and happiness with Payal.
Congratulations to both of you and here is to wishing you a very happy married
life.
'Second
--- I would like to ask, my wife ' Khushi Singh
Raizada, if she would honour me with a dance.'
Khushi,
stunned into immobility, had to be practically pushed toward the stage by
Anjali. She walked up slowly to take Arnav's outstretched hand.
The
lights dimmed as the music began to play the initial tune to a popular song.
'Khushi,
now would be the time to stop looking so surprised.' Arnav said, bringing
Khushi close to him, sliding his other hand around her waist to rest at the
small of her back.
Khushi
gasped. 'I..I didn't think you were the
dancing type, that's all,' she said breathlessly, as she moved her hand up to
his shoulder.
'I wasn't,' he quipped, with a lop-sided smile. 'Until, someone back in my
Harvard days,taught me how to loosen up and move to a rhythm.
Just
as Khushi began to think that the "someone" was probably some American bimbo,
Arnav continued, 'She told me that there were just a few simple steps to a slow
dance. Move to the music, twirl, move again, dip and then finish it off with a
lift.'
As
the song began, Arnav did just what he told her, pulling her in flush against
himself, staring into her eyes, inducing her dhak-dhak.
Khuch Khas hai,
kuchh paas hai,
kuchh ajnabi ehsaas hai
Twirling
her first toward his right, and then toward his left,he brought her back to
himself'
kuchh duriyaan najdikiyaan,
kuchh hans padi tanhaayiyaan
Sliding
his hand up the middle of her back, he widened his stance as he dipped her
toward his left, his lips mere inches away from hers'..
kya yeh khumaar hai, kya aitbaar hai
shaayad yeh pyaar hai'pyaar hai shaayad
And then he brought
her back and dipped her toward his right.
kya yeh bahaar hai kya intezaar hai
shaayad yeh pyaar hai'pyaar hai shaayad
Standing behind her,
he took her hands in his, lifting her in one swift motion.As Khushi slid back down
Arnav's body, slowly, completely entranced and flushed with excitement, the
bright overhead lights switched on and then the entire house plunged into
complete darkness as the power went out.
Khushi let out a
small squeal, turning around to clutch at his shirt front in a death grip.
'Khushi,' Arnav
whispered in her ear, 'I think the mains tripped because of over load. There is
nothing to worry about. Hariprakash is probably on his way to fix this.'
'I '. it's too
'.dark,' she gasped as her entire body quivered uncontrollably.
'Are you afraid of
the dark Khushi?' he asked her, and as she nodded her affirmation on his chest,
he lifted her face to him. 'You know what would help?'
When she opened her
mouth to ask him, his lips captured hers in a fierce, bruising kiss, his tongue
darting in to explore her warm recesses, sending shock-waves of fire through
the blood in her veins.Khushi could feel the heat of Arnav's hands searing the
skin on her bare back, and her fingers clenched in his shirt in response.
'F@#$!' Arnav swore
under his breath as Khushi pressed herself closer, her finger nails digging
into the hard muscles of his chest. Still keeping one strong arms around her,
Arnav's other hand moved to the curve of her waist, his body manoeuvring her
toward the side of the stage to pin her against the pillar.
A fiery sensation of
pleasure shot through Khushi, a pleasure so sharply powerful that it was almost
like a shaft of pain, making her moan aloud.
'Khushi ' the power
is back on.' Arnav whispered huskily against her lips.
At once Khushi came
to her senses, looking around in fear, remembering with a shock that they were
on a stage and then, heaving a sigh of relief when she realized that Arnav had
steered her behind the curtains to side of the stage.
'I am glad you
stopped wearing that hideous brown lipstick,' he told her as he bent down again
to give her one swift, hard kiss before walking away.
The rest of the
evening went by in a daze for Khushi, the memoryof the kiss keeping her hot and
bothered throughout. Later into the night, when Payal came up to her looking
pale and uncomfortable, Khushi quickly took her into her room.
After making sure
the guests had boarded the appropriate buses that would take them to their
respective hotels, Arnav came back into his study talking to Aman who informed
him that everyone was on their bus except for Ria who had insisted on staying
back. Arnav turned around to find her standing at the door to his study.
'Why the f@#$ didn't
you leave on the bus Ria?' he asked her raking his hands through his hair in
frustration.
'Arnav'I '..I
just'.. wanted to apologize'for the other day'..' she said her voice slurring
making it obvious she was drunk.
'Look,' said Arnav
trying to induce some patience in his voice. 'let's talk about this in the
morning okay? I will make arrangements for you to get back to the hotel.'
She swayed toward
him slowly, 'I just want to let you know that I don't care if you are married.'
She tripped on her saree hem and would have fallen face down on the hard floor
if Arnav hadn't caught her. 'I will always be there for you Arnav. You know
what I mean?' She pressed herself to him.
'You are drunk and
you don't know what you are talking about Ria.' Arnav said putting her away
firmly. He took her by the arm and led her out of his study,unaware that Shyam
had just eavesdropped on this interchange.
'Akash!' he called
out to his brother who came up to him, 'your friends are put up at Royal
suites, aren't they? Could they give Ria a ride back. She missed her bus.'
'Bhai'' Akash
paused, hesitating a little before continuing. 'My friends want to take me back
to the hotel for a bachelor party. I was hoping you could join us as well.'
'What? No way!'
exclaimed Arnav, 'It's pretty late and I have tons of work. Ask Manav.'
'Manav just left as
he had an early morning appointment,' Akash said, 'you know I will be in big
trouble if any of the elders found out. The only way I would be let off the
hook is if you came along.' He implored.
Of course! Now he
was talking. On second thought he wasn't
sure if it was going to be a great idea to let a drunk woman go off with a
bunch of boys. He would have to go along, he realized in frustration. Suddenly,
he wanted Khushi to know that he was going to be late coming back. But he
couldn't find her anywhere. When Anjali and Shyam came up to him, he briefed
them about the sudden plan, asking Anjali to let Khushi know.
Once Arnav had left
the Haveli with Ria and the boys, Shyam persuaded Anjali to go to bed, assuring
her that he would give Arnav's message to Khushi.
Khushi sat in
Payal's room, as the mehendi artist drew intricate patterns on her hand.Payal
was sleeping peacefully after Khushi had helped her change into her night
clothes. The poor girl had exhausted herself too much during the party and
hadthrown up most of the dinner she had eaten.As she was tucking in Payal, Sona
had come in with the mehendi artist, explaining to her that Arnav had told her
to make sure she got some mehendi on her hands. Khushi's heart surged with joy
at his thoughtfulness.
As Khushi stepped
out of Payal's room, she found the living room empty, with just a few lights on.
Just as she was about to climb the stairs, she heard a voice call her from
behind. She jumped up in fright as she turned around and found Shyam lurking in
the shadows. 'Oh Shyamji'.you gave me a scare!' she breathed, clutching her
hand to her heart.
'I just wanted to
let you know that Saale Saab asked you not wait up.' She looked up at him, her
eyebrow creased in curiosity. 'He has gone to the hotel with Ria, and he will
probably be late getting back.'
Shyam watched as
Khushi's face fell, 'Oh' she said quietly.
'Khushiji, I am
sorry,' he said coming closer, placing a hand on her shoulder, his eyes staring
at her intensely. 'I saw Arnav and Ria hugging each other in the study. I told
you he doesn't care.'
Khushi stepped back
a pace, 'I am very tired Shyamji'..I will go up now.' She turned around and hurried
up the stairs, dabbing at the tears streaming down her cheeks.She entered the
bedroom and turned in the lock for some unknown reason.
Two hours later, Arnav
tried opening the bedroom door in vain, realizing that Khushi had locked it
from inside. He opened the door with the spare key he kept in the study, and
entered the room to see that Khushi was fast asleep.
It had been tough to
pry Akash away from his friends, as he seemed to want to go on and on in the
revelry like there was no tomorrow. This is exactly why he had been worried
about Akash getting married this early. Anyway it was too late now. He would
have to insist on him taking up some responsibilities right after the wedding.
Maybe managing the upcoming fashion event would give him some direction.
Lost in his thoughts Arnav got into bed, a smile stealing
into his lips as he saw the letter 'A' embedded within the intricate mehendi
design on Khushi's palm. As he looked at her face, serene in sleep, his heart
constricted as hesaw the moist tears clinging on to her lashes.
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