Chapter 7

[MEMBERSONLY]

Chapter 7:

Khushi had been extremely restless for a couple of days after the party. Despite trying really hard to immerse herself in work, her thoughts kept going back to Arnav. Destiny had played a huge role in their lives so far, but she could not depend on it every time. She was upset with the fact that Nisha something, had ruined their conversation at the party. Had things gone differently, she and Arnav would have possibly been able to converse a lot more. She had this desperate urge to meet Arnav again, and she was beyond the point of denial, of a certain pull she felt towards that man. It was the third frustrating day after that night. She dragged herself to Ashadaan, knowing that at least teaching the children would cheer her up a little.

However, Arnav and Khushi were the favorite children of destiny. As soon as she reached the orphanage, she was called into the Director's cabin for some urgent work. To Khushi's surprise, there stood a very elegant, yet kind-looking Mrs. Ananya Singh Raizada. She instantly got up and hugged Khushi affectionately and said, "Khushi bitiya, how are you? It has been so long since we met. How I had missed coming here!" As Khushi smiled at her brightly, "Mrs. Raizada, we have missed you too. Especially, little Kriya. She has been annoying me for the last few weeks by asking about you all the time." As the two women laughed comfortably, Ananya admonished Khushi "Khushi, how many times have I told you to not call me Mrs. Raizada. You are like a daughter to me. Please call me aunty at least." Khushi smiled at her, as her thoughts for the first time during this conversation went to Arnav. She had met Ananya at Ashadaan, many times before. She was a lovely lady, doing a lot of work for the children in the orphanage. She had also visited the Lucknow branch, while Khushi used to live there. And Khushi knew that Ananya doted on her.

Today was a different story though. She was Mrs. Ananya Singh Raizada, Arnav's mother. A guy whom Khushi could not stop thinking about. She could not help feeling the butterflies flutter in her stomach. Somehow, being in his mother's good books mattered to her. She was conscious of her look, her behavior and her mannerisms. The Director spoke, breaking Khushi out of her reverie, "Khushi, Mrs. Raizada is here to discuss some plans for the expansion and renovation of Ashadaan. She has a few ideas and she needed someone, who knew this place inside out. And who better than you, to help her out with this? So I promised Mrs. Raizada on your behalf, that you would be going to their home after the classes." Khushi was thrilled to hear this news. Anything related to the progress of Ashadaan, her home, would always make her happy. She squealed excitedly, "I shall be there Mrs. Raiz... mmm... I mean, I shall be there aunty." And with that Khushi walked out of the cabin with a bounce in her steps.

Only after she had almost walked into her class, did she realize the magnitude of her decision. She was going to HIS home. He might just be there. She would be meeting his family. And in spite of her being on edge, for the past couple of days, her nerves were now almost on the verge of bursting. There was this sense of pleasant anxiety, creeping up in the pit of her stomach. She decided to put aside these thoughts and concentrate on teaching. The hours seem to be passing very slowly that day, as the day never seemed to end for Khushi. She kept glancing at her watch, time and again. And finally, as her classes ended, the 'dhak dhak' of her heart took off. She got into an auto and was on the way to the address given to her by the Director.

As the auto stopped outside the gates of Shantivan, Khushi could swear that even the auto-rikshaw driver could hear her thudding heartbeats. As she fumblingly paid him the fare and turned to look around, she just stood stunned, for almost five minutes. If she had imagined a grand bungalow, what stood in front of her was a palace... stunningly white in colour, luminous, grand and elegantly designed. As she walked through the gigantic gates, she could not help think of her small form in comparison. Only one thought struck her mind, Arnav and she were poles apart. The lavishness of his home told her many truths about his lifestyle. And if even by mistake, she had ever hoped for a fairytale, that thought had been instantly wiped out. Reality had hit her hard in the form of Shantivan.

As Khushi was ushered into the grand hall, she was spellbound by its sheer beauty. It was a very tastefully designed house and looked like it was maintained very well by the housekeepers. She was immediately hugged by Ananya and very quickly, introduced to an over-excited Anjali and a heart-warming Nani. Everything was happening so quickly, that Khushi had no time to think or mull over her emotions. The hearts of the women living in this massive house, were equally large. They had welcomed her warmly and made her feel extremely comfortable. Ananya had first finished talking about her plans for Ashadaan. She told Khushi, that they had acquired a small playground close by and would be using it for recreational activities to inculcate an interest for sports in the children. A small library would also be soon set up, as well as a computer lab, to prepare the children, to face the challenges that lay ahead. Khushi gave her inputs and ideas as well. Nani watched Khushi with a lot of interest. As the two women were done talking and snacks and some tea made its way, Nani could not help start a conversation with this beautiful, young girl.

"Khushi bitya, you remind me so much of my younger days. I was just like you. Ananya told me that you are from Lucknow too. No wonder you talk so sweetly and are so respectful" Nani praised Khushi's manners. Khushi had loved this family instantly and as she munched on biscuits with tea, her thoughts again went back to Arnav. They were so different,-- he had such a lovely family and she had only Payal and Akash to actually call her own. Her heart twisted with a slight pain, thinking about how someone could have everything and another would have nothing at all. Yet, she was not a person to crib about her life. She was happy and content. She would make the most of the time, she was spending here. Anjali had seemed to take a fancy to Khushi and her Lucknowi stories. As Khushi stood in the centre of the three Raizada women, telling them a story about Lucknow's famous halwai, she suddenly felt her heartbeats run wild. She knew he was here and her eyes darted to the door to see a tired, yet handsome Arnav Singh Raizada walk towards them, -- towards her.

"Bhai, you are back!!" Anjali squealed and jumped up from the sofa to go bouncing around and hug her brother. Arnav, though happy to see everyone else, had his eyes trained on Khushi. He could see her nervously fidgeting with a pen that she held in her hand. She was wearing a plain lemon yellow kurti paired with blue denims. So simple, yet she looked like bright 'sunshine', spreading her warmth around him. He felt at peace, knowing that he had again gotten an opportunity to meet her, to talk to her. As Nani and his mother inquired about his trip, he stole glances at the one beautiful face that had occupied his mind all these days. He heard his mom speak to introduce Khushi, "Arnav, this is..." and Arnav immediately interrupted her, "Khushi Kumari Gupta, I know mom. I have met her a couple of times. At Ashadaan, at a fashion party. Hi Khushi." And the third at the traffic signal, he thought mentally as he turned toward Khushi to flash one of his bright smiles.

Khushi's 'dhak dhak' was back again as she saw Arnav settle comfortably, into one of the sofas. As his family crowded around him and inquired about his trip??... Oh! So he was out of town for the past couple of days. Just when she felt like an outsider in their family conversation, she heard Ananya introducing her to Arnav. And Arnav, in his full glory had told them that he already knew Khushi. Her heart almost stopped beating at the sight of that thousand watt smile she had fallen for, the first time she had seen him. Ananya told him the reason Khushi was here and Anjali added that she would make sure Khushi came around often. As Arnav left for his room to freshen up, throwing one last glance at her, she sighed with relief. Finally, some oxygen rushed into her lungs to revive her frozen senses.

Arnav rushed to his room with only one thought in his head, -- he had to freshen up quickly and meet Khushi. He had to speak to her. It was high-time that they had a proper conversation, there was so much to talk about, so much to know about his angel. On the other hand, Ananya told Anjali to show Khushi around the house. Khushi reluctantly got up and moved around the house with an eager Anjali by her side, describing every place. Khushi loved to talk and Anjali was a real sweetheart, yet today she was not in the right frame of mind. She felt like 'Alice in Wonderland' as she saw the grandness and elegance of the interiors of the house. This was much, much more that she could have ever imagined. Anjali kept her sweet banter up, and Khushi replied as and when she could think of something to say. They walked around the huge lawn outside, the gym, the huge kitchen where Ananya was cooking the dinner, the various rooms, their mini theater. This house had a mini-theater!! She walked around in total awe.

Anjali had kept on talking all the while, giving Khushi a running commentary, "These are our rooms Khushi Di -- come, I will show you my room." As Khushi walked into Anjali's room, she realized it was like a beautiful, dream dollhouse. "This is so beautiful Anjali. It is like a mini princess' palace." Khushi looked around to see, the pastel blue curtains, the pink bed, a huge wardrobe, a dressing table like that of celebrities with bulbs framing the mirror. Khushi was simply stunned, looking at the lavishness of this room. Her thoughts were broken by Anjali chiding her, "Di! I told you na, please call me Anjie... Anjali sounds so old." At that, both the girls laughed heartily. As Anjali showed her around the other rooms, they entered a very simple looking room, with one blue textured wall. Anjali continued her cute talks, "And Di, this is Bhai's room..." That is all that Khushi heard as she halted midway.

As she walked into the room with Anjali almost dragging her in, she looked around to see that Arnav's room was extremely tidy. She heard the shower running and was glad that he wasn't around. She still did not know how she was going to face him again. She noticed the blue wall, that displayed a collage of various pictures of him, his family, his friends. The room was a beautiful contrast of white and blue. A cozy, blue recliner lay near the huge french windows of the room. And then she saw it, the mini swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful garden. She excitedly walked outside to gaze at the pool. The setting sun above, illuminating the water with its sheer brilliance. She did not notice that Anjali had just received a call on her phone and excused herself. She spoke excitedly, "This is so brilliant, Anjie, I just love water... I love the ocean... it's so soothing..." when was interrupted by his husky voice, "Is it?"

Arnav had come into his room and sorted all his travel clothes first. He had then arranged all his files and only then had he gone for a shower. He was an absolute cleanliness freak. As he had walked out, wearing a shorts and a loose black t-shirt, he stopped in his tracks seeing the vision in front of him. Khushi was standing in his room... near his poolside. She looked so striking with the play of light reflecting on her face. His heart danced to an unknown rhythm. What was it in this girl, that he was so drawn to her? She had cast a magic spell on him, and he knew that it was all in a good way. He walked towards her without making a sound and overheard her excited voice. She was talking about her loving the ocean... ocean meaning 'Arnav'. As the thought struck his head, his heart seared with unknown happiness. And as easy as it could be, the words just slipped out of his mouth... "Is it?"

She twirled around in the exact same way, she had already done twice. Why did she do that to him all the time, he wondered? She looked around to try and spot Anjali, and when she didn't, she looked directly into his molten caramel eyes. She could not form the right words to say something... she had kept on mumbling about the pool and he had heard everything. When she did not respond for a couple of minutes he spoke again, "You said you love the ocean... and you know right, Arnav means the ocean?" His words startled her, they brought her hazy mind back to earth. He saw a slight blush rise up her cheeks, and how he wanted to run his fingers across them. He saw her fidgeting and cursed himself for making her uncomfortable yet again. But how was he to control his racing emotions?

He cleared his throat and spoke, "I am kidding Khushi, just relax. So how did you like our house?" She again looked around and spoke softly, "It's beautiful and magnificent. Just like a fairytale." Arnav smiled at her innocent admiration of his home. He could not stop his mind, wandering over to the fact, that 'she' had liked his house. But he had to ask her the next question, as if it was the most important question of his life, "And how do you like my room Khushi?" And as innocent as earlier she answered, "It's beautiful Arnav. Neat, clean and the best part is the pool... it's just mesmerizing." He loved seeing the sparkle in her hazel eyes, when she spoke about the pool. There was a minute of silence, as they both stood looking at the glimmering water.

Khushi soon took notice of her surroundings and like a whiplash, all the torturing thoughts of their diverse lifestyles came crashing down on her. From the corner of his eye, he saw her body stiffen and slowly turned towards her. He looked searchingly into those hazel eyes, and the sparkle that he had seen a while ago had just burned out. What had happened suddenly? She just looked through him and managed to say, "I must leave. It's getting late." Before he could respond to her or talk to her, she was out of his room and he stared at the door being shut on his face.

Khushi sprinted down the stairs, towards the main hall where Nani and Ananya were busy in a conversation. She spoke to Ananya directly and said, "Aunty, I must leave. It is getting late and I have some pending work too." Ananya was surprised at the hurried manner in which Khushi spoke and said calmly, "Bitiya, have dinner with us and go. We will tell the driver to drop you after that." But Khushi just rambled on about having some work that she needed to finish right then, so Ananya obliged, "Ok Khushi, as you wish. But our driver will drop you home and there is no arguing with that." A loud voice resonated in the hall as Arnav strode down quickly, "There is no need for that, Maa, I am meeting Sumer in some time. I will drop Khushi on the way." Khushi tried to protest but he looked directly at her and said in a tone, dripping with finality, "I will drop you home, Khushi." Nani broke the intense atmosphere and said, "Khushi bitiya, do keep coming. I would like to hear some more stories of Lucknow. After a long time, I felt like I have met a family member." As Khushi touched Nani's feet in respect, Arnav could not help smile at how easily she had made a place in everyone's heart at home... everyone, including him.

Arnav led Khushi to the parking area where his Ferrari was parked. She just stood still in her tracks, gaping at the red, sparkling car that seemed to have jumped out of a lavish movie. This really was unreal. Everything today had made her feel so small. She looked at the car uncomfortably as Arnav held the door open for her to get in. She got in to see him rush around, and he quickly snapped on his seat belt. Khushi kept fidgeting with hers, trying to understand how it worked. When even after a couple of minutes she couldn't, Arnav bent over and pulled the seatbelt to fasten it around her. His fingers slightly brushed against the smooth skin of her arm. She looked up at his face, so up-close, their breaths almost mingling together. He pulled away, sensing her discomfort, reveling in the touch that had spread warmth through his body. As he started the mean machine, he looked over at Khushi. Something had surely upset her, when she was in his room. He could sense her distress. Her face, her eyes, her body-language, were all a give-away. He didn't know what kind of music she liked, yet he just switched on his music system, as another Kishore Kumar number echoed in the car.

Thoda hai thode kee jarurat hai
Jindagee phir bhee yaha khubsurat hai

Jis din paisa hoga woh din kaisa hoga
Uss din pahiye ghumenge aur kismat ke lab chumenge
Bolo aisa hoga, thoda hai thode kee jarurat hai...

After all she had seen today, Khushi was surprised to hear the choice of song that played in the car. He liked Bollywood retro songs, just like her. She looked sideways at him, as he drove this car so effortlessly and hummed along with Kishore. She could not help the smile that appeared on her face at the sight of him. She tried to forget all the crazy things that were going on in her little brain, and let the music soothe her soul like always. She looked outside the window, to see the busy life of Delhi blur across her vision.

Jab rat kaa ghunghat utrega aur din kee dolee gujaregee
Tab sapna pura hoga
Thoda hai thode kee jarurat hai
Jindagee phir bhee yaha khubsurat hai
Thoda hai thode kee jarurat hai

Khushi smiled at the fact that the song could not have been more apt for the situation she was in. It was such an irony of life. Arnav glanced over at the serene face of Khushi and he was glad to be gifted by her soft smile. He was pleased that the music was doing wonders to her mood and had uplifted it a little. He was worried about what really was bothering her. But he still had a long way to go, before he could ask her such things without hesitation. She had already told him her address when they had sat in the car, and he was almost nearing their destination. He had for the first time, driven his Ferrari like an Ambassador, yet they had reached so soon. His heart felt heavy at the thought of letting Khushi go when she was so upset. She opened her eyes to see that they had almost reached, and she told him to stop just outside their lane. "Don't take the car inside Arnav, -- it's a small lane and your car may just get stuck. Thanks for the lift, anyways." He had to think fast to actually talk to her, he had to make plans for their next meeting. So he blurted out the first thing that came into his head, "Khushi, is it okay if I call you sometime?" He looked at her hesitant face and continued, "I mean, to discuss the Ashadaan project. I am going to be taking it over from Maa." She nodded silently and walked away, merging with the crowd instantly. Arnav was glad that he would now get opportunities to meet her often without having to think of an excuse, and he suddenly braked again. Cursing loudly he thought, 'I forget to ask for her number dammit!'

Chapter 8

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Hellos again people!! I am hoping that you have enjoyed this update.
Thank you, to all those who have liked and commented on the last one.
Can you'll forgive me just this once, for not being able to respond to any comments?
I had to choose updating on time or responding to comments, and I chose to update.
But I read through all your comments and it gives me immense pleasure to know
that you guys are liking the story.

This chapter is dedicated to Afya, pixiegirl, Sisbamboo1, sun_shine_girl,
kooldewdrop, Angel2001, TwilightStar_JP, kondhili and Barun_Gf...
Your comments and inputs are very valuable to me... Thank you so much!

And this one is for you Vidhi (PhoenixTears)! A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! 🥳

'No doubt exists that all women are crazy; it's only a question of degree.'
Vandy and Chits... Thanks for matching my degree!!

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