Chapter 3

[MEMBERSONLY]

Hi everyone,

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Note:- Some of you have are wondering who Sam is and Ithought I should let you know that he appears briefly in chapter 1

Harvest Moon Chapter 3

ARNAVSINGH RAIZADA sat in the waiting room of City Hospital a few rows behindKhushi. They were both awaiting the status on Satyaprakash Patial who they had admittedin a critical condition, about an hour ago.

Ashe looked at Khushi, pale and tired from the entire ordeal, he couldn't believethat just this morning she had been stranger to him.

Earlier this morning atthe Raizada House

"Arnav, we have to talkabout Khushi-" Devyani Raizada told her grandson.

"Nani, again, for themillionth time -- we live in the 21st century - not the stone ages." He saidlooking at his grandmother. "The idea of marriage itself is absurd, let alonean arranged one."

"She is very pretty."She smiled.

He had seen a lot ofgorgeous women in his life. "Anyone can look good these days," he quipped. "Goodmakeup can make that happen. Moreover, looks are not everything - it'simportant to have a good personality."

"That can be easilyresolved by meeting her."

He continued. "Nani,this whole notion is ridiculous! How the hell do people decide in just onemeeting?"

"Now you are beingridiculous," she said affably, "All that was during my time. I assure you that nowboys and girls can have several meetings before they decide."

"What the?" Arnav wastaken aback. "Are parents arranging marriages or dating services?"

"Stop it Arnav - peopleare changing with the changing times."

"Are you saying I canspend as much time as I want with this girl before I decide if I want to goahead with marriage or not?"

"Arnav we have been overthis already"" She said, her face shuttered.

"Nani -"

"Arnav, please," Sheimplored. "Satya had been asking to meet you for a long time and you have beenstalling. I want you to go and meet him - today!"

Aftervehemently arguing with his grandmother in the morning, he had almost kissedthe girl by evening. He was sure he would have kissed her, had it not been forthat untimely phone call from an idiot of a boyfriend.

Stopit Arnav! He admonished himself. Why should it bother him if she had aboyfriend? All the better -- for his problem had resolved by itself.

Hisgrandmother was wrong about one thing. Khushi wasn't pretty. She was beautiful.

Khushisat looking out of the window staring into the darkness lost in her ownthoughts. As the horrifying image of her grandfather gasping for air flashedthrough her mind, she remembered how she had gone completely numb, her bodyincapable of movement.

I have called for theambulance ..don't worry...Arnav had said and taken over after that. In spite of thenurse's protests, he had insisted on accompanying her in the van.

Atthe hospital Arnav had barked orders and it seemed like everyone was followinghis orders without asking any questions. He had taken care of all the paperworkfor her and had come up to her only for her signature. And even after that hehadn't left opting to wait along with her.

Inher past experience she had seen that most people didn't help unless theyexpected something in return. Why was Arnav being so helpful? She knew theanswer to that, didn't she? It was obligation - the one which came from beingensconced in a forced alliance.

"Khushi?" Arnav's voicebroke into her thoughts. He indicated to her that the doctorr was coming.

Shestood up anxiously."How is he doctor?" She enquired.

"Hehas pneumonia -" he explained, "we have put him on antibiotics."

Sheshould have forced him to see a doctor earlier, Khushi thought. "He was runninga fever since yesterday but he didn't want to see a doctor and today she seemedto be doing better. I don't know how it got so bad." Khushi said in a rush.

"Whenthe cough gets severe, senior people have the tendency to contract pneumonia,"he explained, "but don't worry - he will be alright."

"Howlong will he need to stay in the ICU doctor?" Arnav said.

"It'shard to say Mr Raizada," he replied, "We have kept him under observation."

"CanI see him?" Khushi said anxiously.

"Sure,I will take you there."The doctor led them to the ICU area where they were ableto see him from the outside through a glass window.

Khushistared at her grandfather strapped to all kinds of medical apparatus with theIV needles sticking into him and a pain began at the region of her heart.

"IfMr Patial is being taken care of, I will take Khushi home now."

"No-- I will stay here." Khushi declared.

"NoKhushiji, there is no need for that," the doctor intervened."You should go homeand get some sleep. Your grandfather is going to sleep through the night. Evenif he does get up, you can do nothing in the ICU -- only hospital personnel areallowed inside."

"Thanks."Arnav said. "Alright, let's go," Arnav's hand closed around her upper armdragging her her away from the ICU straight to a taxi waiting outside.

Khushiwas thankful to Arnav for having stayed with her for so long. But it was timeshe stopped imposing on him. As Arnav opened the door for her, she turned tohim. "Thank you very much Arnavji," she said, "You don't have to troubleyourself. I will go back home myself."

"Iam sure you can Khushi," Arnav replied, "but I need a ride to the house so Ican pick up my car that is parked there."

"Right--"Khushi sat in the car and as Arnav slid in beside her, she leaned her headback on the headrest and closed her eyes.

Arnavlooked sideways at Khushi as the gentle breeze blew her hair across her face makingher look vulnerable. His thoughts went back to the room when she had broughtback his shirt.

Asshe had apologized to him, with the guilty look on her face, it had brought outthe devil in him. At first, he had only meant to tease her about peck on thecheek and then she had looked up at him with those doe like eyes, all flushedand flustered and he hadn't been able to help himself after that. He had neverever before in his life experienced a compulsion this strong for any woman.

Hethought about how they had met in the very same garden in a similar situationafter eight long years. Had this compulsion stemmed out of this strange coincidence?He shook his head as if the action would free him of these tenacious thoughts.

Whateverit was, he had a problem of a different sort right now as the object of histhoughts was nestled comfortably on his chest. Luckily for him, they hadreached the house. He held her shoulder and gently pushed her back before helost all vestige of his sanity and followed through with what he had left unfinishedearlier.

AsKhushi looked into Arnav's eyes, her heartbeat quickened. "Bye Arnavji". Shesaid and before Arnav could say anything, she opened the taxi door and beganwalking toward the house.

Satpalopened the door before she could knock as though he had been waiting anxiously."Howis Paji doing?"

"Heis in the ICU," Khushi said trying to suppress a yawn, "But the doctor said hewill be alright."

"Thanksto Waheguru." He folded his hand in reverence to the almighty.

"Satpalji- are you going somewhere?" Khushi said suddenly noticing the suitcase and theshoulder bag behind him.

"Igot a call from my village, Khushiji. They need me there. I will need to leaveright away."

"Oh."Khushi said tersely. All the sleep vanished from her eyes."When will you beback?"

"Aboutten-fifteen days."

Howwas she going to manage without Satpal's help, Khushi thought in dismay. But itdidn't look like she was going to have a choice in the matter. "Bye Satpalji." Shesaid with a nod.

"Everythingwill be okay Khushiji. Bye." Satpal picked up his bags and left the house.

"Khushi,"Arnav stood at the door. "Is there anyone from your family who will come hereand stay with you?"

Whycouldn't he have just got into his car and left? "No, they are out of thecountry right now, but I can manage by myself," Khushi replied, "Thank you foreverything."

"Packyour bags."He commanded. "You cannot stay here."

"Whynot?" She demanded.

Helooked at her like she had grown two horns. "Do you have any idea how remotethis Haveli is?" He said patiently, "Your nearest neighbour is a kilometreaway."

Khushiwas sure he was exaggerating."I can manage," she said and began to walk towardher room. "I am very tired and I am going to sleep. Close the door on your wayout!"

"Khushi!"Arnav called out.

Khushibegan to shut the door but Arnav put his hand on it and pushed back. "Not sofast!" He stepped inside the room.

"Whatthe hell are you doing?" Khushi exclaimed angrily.

"AhI see that you haven't unpacked your suitcase yet," he said looking the suitcasethat lay open on the bench. "You just have to gather the few things you havetaken out. That won't take too long." He carried her suitcase and put in it onher bed.

"Whichpart of "No" don't you understand?" Khushi exclaimed coming up behind him. "Areyou crazy?"

Arnavturned around his brown eyes simmering. "If you don't stop acting like a fool,you will understand what crazy is."

"Areyou threatening me?" She demanded even as her heart began to beat erratically.

Hiscaramel eyes turned dark."I don't just threaten."

"Howdare you ---"

Arnavheld her upper arms in a crushing grip and pulled her close. "Khushi! It's 1 AMand I am f@#$ing tired from driving all the way from Faridkot and thenadmitting a dying man to the hospital. So, if you don't come with me now, Iwill carry you and your bag and stash both in the trunk of my car!"

Hehadn't raised his voice but the look in his eyes told her that he might just doas he said. As she stared back defiantly, realization dawned on her that he wasright. There was no way she could stay in this huge haveli all alone. Thehaveli built on acres of land and was surrounded by dense greenery with theirnearest neighbour quiet a distance away.

Asshe saw the color in his eyes change into molten caramel, a shiver went up herspine and liquid fire began to course through her veins reminding her of theintimate moment they had shared in this very room earlier.

Sheshuddered to think what might have happened, if that phone call from Sam hadnot interrupted them. Her treacherous body had betrayed her badly making herfeel things that she had never ever felt before - for Sam or anyone else.

He is my boyfriend ...she had told him. Shefelt guilty about using Sam's name but she hadn't been able to think straightwith him staring down at her at her and it seemed like a sensible idea at thetime.

Thenjust as he had grabbed her, he let her go suddenly and walked away toward thedoor.

"Iwill wait for you outside while you finish packing."

"Doyou really expect me to pack and come to your house?" she said rubbing herhands over her arms suddenly feeling cold.

"Iam taking you to my sister's house."

Nextmorning Khushi woke up as warm rays of the sun sliced through the gap in thecurtains and touched her face. She stared at the cream coloured walls feeling alittle disoriented.

Shepicked up her phone to call her mother. Her parents were visiting the NiagraFalls and Khushi could hear the excitement in her mother's voice when shedescribed the beauty of the vast expanse of the water gushing down with immenseforce, spraying mist onto the faces of the tourists taking the "Maid of theMist" boat ride. They had also taken the elevator up to the shaft where theycould actually get under the water falls as well as the helicopter ride overthe falls.

Aftershe hung up, she stepped into the attached bathroom that was small and compactwith a tub cum shower area. She eyed the tub longingly and then discarding theidea, she turned the knob for the shower. As the warm water from the showersluiced down her body, Khushi mulled over her conversation with her mother. Shehad updated her about her grandfather's hospitalization, skipping the gravityof the situation. There was no point in spoiling their vacation with painfulnews.

Shehad also informed them that she was staying at Anjali Raizada's house promisingher mother that she would message them Devyani's Raizada's number soon.

Asshe sat down looking into the mirror, she observed that the dresser, bed and thenightstands were all made of dark wood but their style was modern, more likethe ones in her apartment in Delhi. The bed sheets were light pink in color aswere the pillows, a stark contrast to the magenta and beige printed curtains.This room had a woman's touch and she realized it was time to meet her.

Shequickly wore blue denims and a dark pink scoop neck top and hurried out of herroom deciding to let her hair dry naturally.

Walkingdown the stairs, she saw that the house was as pretty as her room upstairs --something that she hadn't noticed in the dark the night before. The smalldining area had a six seater rectangular table in chestnut while the openkitchen on the left had matching cabinetry. To her right was a living room withsofas and the most artistic glass centre table. There seemed to be one bedroomand a study room downstairs that would probably form the rear end of the house.

Shestepped into the kitchen and walked up to one of the cabinets to pick up aglass. As she struggled to reach for it on the top shelf, a hand came up from behindher and took the glass off the shelf.

"Didyou sleep well?" Arnav's voice sounded husky in her ear, sending a shiver downher spine. Khushi took a few steps back until she hit the counter top. 

Hehad replaced his white kurta with a dark grey one and if it was possible lookedmore handsome than the day before. His hair was damp from the shower and curledat the collar where they were slightly long for the need of a haircut.

"Ididn't need your help," she grated.

"Idon't know about where you come from --," His eyes made a slow sweep of herfrom top to bottom. ""around these parts, we help our guests."

Khushi'sstomach felt warm. "You spent the night here - in this house?" She demandedsurprised to see him.

"Yes- why wouldn't I?" he said without taking his eyes off her.

Herstomach began to flutter. "You ...you told me this was your sister's house!"

"Itis her house," He folded his hands around his middle. "That is exactly why Istay here when I come to the city on business."

"Oh."Khushi couldn't help noticing the how his biceps bulged, stretching thematerial taut. "Where is your sister?" She decided to put some distance betweenthem and walked to the dining area.

"Sheisn't here." He walked up to her and pulled out a chair for her to sit.

Ignoringthe chair, Khushi looked at him. "What do mean by she isn't here?"

"Itseems she is travelling," he said casually, "sit."

Hewas standing really close enough for his cologne to play havoc with her senses."And you ..you didn't .. know about that?"

"Mysister is a grown woman," he said looking into her eyes, "it is not necessaryfor her to tell me every time she has to go on a business trip."

"Thatdoesn't answer my question!"

"Sheis coming back tomorrow and after that I will be gone alright?" He put his handon her shoulder and pushed on her on the chair. "Eat your parathas or elseSimmi is going to feel bad."

"Who'sSimmi?"

"Mysister's cook." He smirked.

"Idon't feel like eating," Khushi declared, "I just want to go to the hospital."

"That'sexactly why you will have to eat --" he reiterated, "--the hospital cafeteriafood is only fit for patients."

"Isaid I don't want to eat!" Khushi pushed her plate away and looked at himdefiantly.

Arnav'seyes simmered and then he closed his eyes. "Let's go then!" He walked out ofthe house swearing under his breath.

Khushihad spent the last couple of hours in the ICU sitting next to her grandfather. Hewas weak and struggled to talk but he had managed to finally convey to her whatshe had known all along -- that he wished to see her married.

"Arnavis my childhood friend Arjun Singh Raizada's grandson," he said feebly, "He isthe right man for you Khushi."

Declaringin Delhi, that she wouldn't let a long lost grandfather dictate who she wouldor would not marry was one thing, but saying that to his face, especially whenhe was admitted in the ICU was a something altogether different.

"Let'stalk about this when you get better," She said softly. "Please?"

Butthere was something else she wanted to know."Nanaji?" Khushi began cautiously,"You said my father was from Himachal Pradesh. Then why did he come to Punjab?Was it for work? Is that how he met my mother?"

Suddenlyhe became agitated and began gasping for air and she hurried out to call thenurse.

"Madamji,he is having seizures -- please go to the waiting area," the nurse said firmly,"the doctor will be here shortly and I will let you know the status once he isstable."

Khushiwalked back to the waiting area feeling as though her body was filled withlead. Why the hell had she stressed him with questions? She was responsible forhis condition, wasn't she? She feltscared.

"Khushi--?"

Shelooked up to see Arnav standing in front of her, his eyes rife with concern."What happened?"

"He.. he is having seizures." She stuttered. "They ... they asked me to wait here."

"Come."Arnav took her arm firmly and dragged her to the nearest room and afterchecking that it was empty he ushered her inside. He held her shoulders and lookedinto her eyes. "Khushi --  he is going tobe okay."

"ButI shouldn't have asked him those questions." She chocked.

"Stopblaming yourself Khushi," he told her, "You just got here yesterday, for God'ssake!"

Hethen pulled her close and wrapped her in his arms. "Nothing is going to happento him."

That is all she neededto hear.

Arelief like she had never imagined flooded through her body and the tears thatshe had withheld from the previous night, finally broke through and streameddown her cheeks, soaking through his shirt. As sobs racked her body, he heldher tight even as she clutched at his shirt like a ship to an anchor. As hestroked her hair with his free hand, her tears completelyceased. The strong beat of his heart seemed to have a calming effect on her ownheart, dissipating the pain suffusing it with tranquillity.