Chapter 2

Part 3

 

It's 10.30 pm. Everyone at the Gupta house has finished their dinner. The ladies were busy cleaning when suddenly the doorbell rang. Buaji opened the door and was happily surprised, "Arrey .. Damaadji? What a pleasant surprise. Come in, come in." Khushi was cleaning the table and her hands just froze, "Is it him? It cannot be him." Arnav confirms her, "Namaste .. how are you all?" As he steps inside the house, Khushi had to turn and look at him. No one still knows anything. They still have to behave like a married couple. Khushi forced a smile, though she was genuinely feeling peaceful seeing him after 3 days. A mix of pain & happiness shook her heart as she set her eyes on the familiar face. Has he lost weight? No, it must be his ever growing stubble. Are those dark circles? No, his eyes are like that anyways.

 

Khushi: Arnavji, aap? You did not tell me you are coming.

Arnav: If I told you earlier, how could I have surprised you all?

Khushi: Aap vi na .. please sit. So what made you come here at such late night?

 

Before Arnav could say anything, Buaji Snaps.

 

Buaji: "Aye Sanka Devi, what kind of question is that? He must have come to meet you. It's the first time after your wedding that you are living separately. Right, bitwa?"

 

Arnav smiles positively. Khushi tries to look away.

 

Garima: Have you had your dinner, bitwa? Let me get you something to eat.

Arnav: (assuring) No, it's ok. I am full. You don't worry, please.

Buaji: Ok. Then you two carry on. We should be off to sleep now after the cleaning. Lets go Garima.

Arnav: Buaji, I just wanted to say you something.

 

Khushi's heart sinks at apprehension.

 

Buaji & Garima turns, "Yes, bitwa?"

 

Arnav: Actually, I have been having trouble sleeping. So I was wondering, may be I could try sleeping at your place .. if you don't have any problem, of course?

 

Buaji & Garima exchanged quick glances and hid their smiles.

 

Garima: Of course, bitwa. This is your home too. Just let us know if you need anything. Khushi, please take care of damaadji.

 

Khushi could not believe what he just heard, "what is Arnavji trying to do?"

 

Khushi: But you haven't brought your sleeping suits. I mean .. you will not be comfortable sleeping in those.

Arnav: Khushi .. you know me, right? I have brought my clothes. (points at the small bag he was holding)

 

Khushi frowns. She could not understand the motive of Arnav. No matter how much she wanted not to see him ever again, her heart actually leapt up with joy that Arnav was here. She despised herself for feeling the way she was feeling. She abstained from giving any reaction and ushered Arnav to her room.

 

Stepping inside the room together brought back flooding memories to both of them - their first night together sharing the same bed – under a mosquito net, with no electricity. They stared at each other and after a while, Khushi looked away.

 

Khushi: You please get into your sleeping suit. I am preparing the bed.

 

Arnav went to washroom to freshen up and change his clothes. As he came back, he could see only one pillow in the bed. Before he could say anything, Khushi asked him simply, "Have you really had your dinner?"

 

Arnav took a deep breath and told his heart, "It is time to take over. Prove me what you can do. You are in charge tonight."

 

Arnav looked at Khushi for a while and answered, "No."