Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Payal woke up to the shrill ringing of her phone. She rummaged through the bedsheets to locate it and without looking at the screen to see who was calling, picked it up, "Hello!" "Morning, Ms. Sharma," the excited voice confused her for a few seconds before she realized that it belonged to Sumer. She managed to just mumble something incoherent in response. "It's past twelve, sleepy head. Just freshen up quickly and come with me for lunch. I am going to ring the bell to your suite in exactly thirty minutes. So get going now!" She smiled at his craziness and managed to throw off the comforter, before cutting the call. She was surprised at Sumer's punctuality, as the bell rang, a sharp thirty minutes later. She opened the door to a brightly smiling Sumer and ushered him inside. "Bhook lagi hai, Payal. Just leave that make-up for later. If Khushi had been in your place, she would have come along without even having a shower," Sumer said in mock frustration. Payal laughed at him and said, "I agree with that Sumer. No wonder Arnav and she set out early in the morning. I secretly heard what Arnav told Khushi... He is going to surprise her, yet again."

Sumer looked at her amusedly and said, "Wow!! I didn't know you were so wicked, Payal... sneakily listening in on other people's conversations. I am so glad you are just like me. High-five to that!" "Shut up Sumer, and let's go stuff some food in your mouth, so we can shut you up for some time at least," Payal said, pulling Sumer along with her, out of the suite. As they were comfortably seated in one of the restaurants of the hotel itself, Payal asked Sumer, "Do you have any idea about Arnav's surprise for Khushi?" He nodded in the negative, stuffing his mouth with some delicious rice and curry. Payal looked at the childish man in front of her and sighed! How she wished she had met him earlier. His carefree sprit was infectious and she could have possibly lived her past few years with the same zest. Shyam's deceit had dampened her spirit and made her a little bitter towards the world. Her life revolved around Akash and Khushi. However, now she wanted to live... travel the world, eat a delicious variety of food and live a carefree life. Just like the man sitting in front of her did. She smiled, looking at him and when he asked her the reason, she simply shook her head and finished eating her meal... her thoughts then moving on to Arnav and Khushi.

The restaurant was exquisite. The interiors done up like a palace, giving it a royal and elegant ambience. The huge open windows, gave a glimpse of the Gateway of India and the vast Arabian Sea beyond it. Khushi looked at the raindrops lashing on the windowpane. Something about the entire setting made her feel a little more romantic and she shifted closer to Arnav on the sofa. He was busy placing the order for their brunch, as she had told him to go ahead and order something for her too. Some of the dishes that he had ordered were quite alien to her and she wondered why he was calling for food, enough for more than two. Letting that thought go, she turned towards him and asked, "Arnav, at least now, will you tell me what the surprise is? You have been avoiding this question since morning." "Have a little patience, angel. You will get to know soon. Come have some of these breads and dips. They are delicious," Arnav yet again avoided answering her question, which made her a little grumpy. Dipping a piece of bread into a tempting cheesy dip, she glanced around, to take in the details of this stylish restaurant. Her eyes halted at one particular person, who had just made an entry.

Khushi looked at the woman, who was now walking towards their table... a dazzling smile on her beautiful face. She looked extremely elegant in her bright yellow top and a short grey skirt. Her long hair fell in soft silky waves, to her waist, swaying gracefully as she made her way through the tables. Her nude stilettoes made a clicking sound through the silent restaurant, grabbing the attention of many of its occupants. For the first time, Khushi could not stop herself from checking out a woman... everything about her spelt class and perfection. In the midst of all this open admiration, Khushi hadn't noticed Arnav getting up from his chair, to walk towards that gorgeous woman, who was now pulling off her glares. Her eyes shone with excitement and happiness to see Arnav, whereas Khushi's heart sank, as she noticed the same happiness mirrored on her Arnav's face. Who was she?

Her question was answered immediately, when Arnav engulfed the woman in a warm embrace, much to Khushi's annoyance and said, "Hey Vandy! Its so great to see you... you look stunning." She smiled warmly and settled into a plush chair at their table. "I know! It's been so long, Arnav... and thank you, for the compliment. It's a rare day that ASR compliments someone." Khushi looked at the two people chatting comfortably, annoyed at the fact that Arnav had completely ignored her. Finally, Arnav looked at her... lovingly, if she could read his eyes right. "By the way Khushi, this is a very close friend, Vandana. We studied together at Harvard and now, she is settled in Mumbai. And Vandana, this is..." However, before Arnav could finish his introduction, Vandana said, "...Khushi... your girlfriend. It's so nice to finally meet you, Khushi. Arnav has been speaking about you so much." She gave a stunned Khushi one of her dazzling smiles, making Khushi feel a bit more uncomfortable in this situation. What exactly was happening here?

Arnav had spoken about her to Vandana and had not bothered to tell her anything. At least, he did tell this Vandana woman' that they were dating. The food had arrived to divert their attention, only to worsen the situation for Khushi. "Oh Arnav, you ordered aglio olio pasta. You still remember how I used to relish it almost everyday?" Vandana gushed as Arnav replied, "Of course, I remember Vandy! You were almost going to be nicknamed Olio' by our gang." The two friends burst out laughing, while Khushi looked on. Was this the surprise Arnav was talking about? Because she was definitely not enjoying it. The two friends spoke about their student days and life in the US, their friends and various global ventures... which Khushi sat there, a mute spectator to it all. Although Vandana tried to pull her into their conversation, telling her about the other members of their group and how they would gang up against Arnav and set him up on dates with the most unsuitable women.

Under normal circumstances, Khushi would have probably enjoyed this conversation; getting to know little facts about Arnav's life would have been truly interesting. However, at the moment, all Khushi could see was the camaraderie between these two friends and how seamlessly attuned they seemed to be, to each other. Khushi was slightly jealous of how Vandana perfectly matched Arnav's personality, lifestyle and intellect. Even though, he never ever let her feel insecure in their relationship, she did wish for the same kind of ease in their bond. Khushi had managed to somehow gulp down the pizza that lay on her plate. She looked out of the window often, enjoying the rain more than this so-called conversation. Her reverie was broken, when Arnav nudged her and asked, "You ok, angel?" She simple nodded and saw that Vandana had made her way towards the balcony to speak on her phone. "What happened, Khushi? You seem upset. You are not even eating properly. Don't you like the food?" Her heart screamed, No! I don't like Vandana, but she simply smiled at him and replied, "I am fine, Arnav. Just enjoying the monsoons in Mumbai."

The lunch was finally over, much to Khushi's relief, which did not last very long though. Vandana said to Arnav, "Now, that my stomach is full, let's get down to business, shall we?" Khushi mentally cursed, thinking about the business conversation she would have to endure now, but was surprised when Vandana turned towards her and spoke again, "So Khushi, I must say that you write very well. I have gone through the rough draft of the novel you plan to write and also a few other short stories and articles that you have written... What? Why do you look so shocked?" Vandana turned towards Arnav and asked him, "You didn't tell her who I was and the reason you called me here, when it is pouring cats and dogs?" Arnav smirked at Khushi's shocked expression and then suddenly burst out laughing. "What is happening here?" was all that Khushi could manage to ask. Arnav held her hand and said, "Khushi, this is your last surprise. Meet Vandana, the owner of Quotes Press Publishing House." If Khushi's eyes could pop out of their sockets, they definitely would have. So Arnav had sent her articles, stories and the draft of her novel to Vandy? Suddenly she seemed to like this woman, much much better. How did he manage to find her articles?? Of course, Payal!! Who else knew, where she saved her secret writings on the laptop.

Khushi tried to take in this sudden change of events in her stride, when Vandana spoke again, "So Khushi, you had no idea that this idiot boyfriend of yours had sent me your articles? I like how this Romeo is trying to impress his ladylove. No wonder, Khushi was shooting daggers at me throughout lunch." Khushi tried to give an explanation, but Vandana continued again, "No worries Khushi, I understand. Just to let you know, I do have a boyfriend called Colin Grant, who is Arnav's friend too. We were in the same group... so you needn't worry about me stealing your boyfriend." Khushi could not have been more embarrassed, than she was. Arnav would definitely get a good bashing once they were alone, but at the moment, Vandana seemed to be talking about her dream... as a writer... an author. "Okay... so Khushi. I liked the concept of your book, and I like the working title as well, Under the Over'... interesting. Your style of writing is refreshing and eloquent. So I can definitely put my money and my bets on you." Khushi listened to everything that Vandana said in complete silence, slowly processing her words, thinking things through.

"You don't have to do this because I am Arnav's girlfriend, Vandana. I know he must have said a lot of wonderful things about me, but I would really like to be appreciated for my work, and not because I am his girlfriend." Vandana looked at the woman sitting across her. Since she had entered the restaurant, she had been wondering what exactly had caught Arnav's attention this time? She knew the kind of women whom Arnav had dated during college years, and also the amount of women who would try to cling onto him. Khushi was beautiful no doubt, but so were those hundreds of other women, Arnav had rejected. However, this one statement from Khushi, made her realize what drew Arnav to her. She had spunk, courage and was not greedy like the rest of them. She loved Arnav for what he was and not for his money or status. And moreover, she was a strong woman... who wanted to spread her own wings to fly. At that instant, Vandana had made her decision, to give the right platform to Khushi to launch her as the wonderful writer that she was.

"Khushi, rest assured that, had I not found your writing to be worthy, I would not have offered you this opportunity, even if you were Arnav's wife. Don't belittle your talent, Khushi, and please have faith in me. I may not have launched prestigious writers of today, but I have grown up seeing my dad spot talent and give them the right impetus to shine. I really was impressed with your work, but now I admire you as well. So, if you would have Quotes Press as your partner in crime, I would gladly offer to launch you as an author." Khushi was overwhelmed by Vandana's words. The sincerity, with which they were spoken, touched her heart. In an instant, she knew, that she had embarked on a friendship that would only grow in the years to come. She looked at Arnav, who had been a mere spectator so far. She knew he had kept quiet throughout the conversation between Vandana and her, only so that Vandana would not be biased with her judgment... and more so, because he wanted to give her the opportunity and freedom to make her own decisions.

After a few moments of silence, Khushi smiled brightly and said, "Once I go back to Delhi, I will immediately start working on the book. I hope I am able to do justice to the faith you have put in me and my work, Vandana." Arnav let out a sigh of relief and Vandana smiled back in return. "Khushi, one more thing..." Vandana said taking a dramatic pause, making Khushi suddenly a little anxious. "I will immediately retract this offer if you keep calling me Vandana... please call me Vandy. I like it that way." The trio laughed together, Khushi completely surprised, at the turn of events. A few hours back, she was simply overjoyed at finally visiting Mumbai, watching Payal's dream turn to reality, watching the ocean and spending some wonderful quality time with Arnav. However now, she had been offered a chance to realize her own dream. It was a dream that had been confined in a tiny corner of her heart... due to the harsh realities of life.

Vandy had finally left, leaving Arnav and her alone at the restaurant. She was lost in the thoughts of what had transpired in the last couple of hours. Everything felt like a dream... so surreal. "Angel? You ok?" Arnav asked tenderly. She looked into his molten brown eyes. She could see the abundance of care, concern and love for her. How had she gotten so lucky to have his heart with her? Since the beginning of their relationship, he had always been giving. Sharing his family, giving her a reason to smile, his generous work for Ashadaan... her home, and now to fulfill her biggest dream. She felt inadequate in her love. She had nothing to give him, except her heart that now beat only for him. She got up swiftly, and to his surprise flung herself in his arms... not caring of where they were. She had to show him, what he meant to her and this was all she could think of, at the moment.

If Arnav was surprised at the abandonment of Khushi's feelings he did not show. He pulled her closer to himself and returned back her affection, in equal measure. After a few moments, when she pulled back, a little flustered at her own behavior, he kissed her softly on her cheek... silently conveying that it was alright. "Arnav, thank you... for everything. I will not ask you when you thought about this whole meeting with Vandana, how you managed to quietly steal my files from the laptop and how you took the first step to fulfill my biggest dream. All I can say, is... I love you... more than mere words can express. And I feel honored to be loved back, just as much." Arnav had this sudden urge to kiss her... to stop her from thanking him again and again. His angel had no clue, that her happiness brought contentment to his own heart. Their hearts were now inter-linked and their desires, their dreams, their happiness was now amalgamated in ways that they would never know.

He held her hand and pulled her along with him... straight out of the hotel. The rain had now subsided to a mere drizzle. As they got into the car, he said, "Don't you ever thank me again Khushi. Just know one fact... and remember it forever... that I will do everything in my power to fill your life with happiness... just like your name... Khushi." Her named sounded so intimate from his mouth at this moment. It was like a caress, just like his warm breath fanning her face that was spreading warmth through her body. The drive back to their hotel was silent, as they drove across the city, enjoying the buzzing streets and it's lifestyle. On Khushi's insistence, they stopped at a roadside stall, to relish the famous Vada-pav of Mumbai. Arnav had called Sumer just before they reached the hotel, so that the four of them could travel around Mumbai, before they took their flight back to Delhi.

The four friends had an amazing time travelling through the streets of Mumbai. Stopping by a few places, so that the women could shop and a few other places, so that Sumer and Khushi could eat. Arnav admired how in a short span, both of them had bonded so nicely. He noticed how Sumer teased, joked and took care of Khushi. He knew there was no reason to be jealous, since he also observed the way Sumer was looking at Payal. He could see the blossoming of a love story there... unlike his own, which had truly been love at first sight. He was happy for his best friend and knew that he deserved a woman who would love him beyond everything else. He had been devoid of affection and love since childhood, trying to get that attention from various girls, friends... even Arnav's family, at times. Even though the Raizadas treated Sumer like their son, he knew how much Sumer craved to be the most important person in someone's life... and that someone could definitely be Payal, if things went well for the couple.

It was late in the evening when the four of them returned to their hotel. They swiftly went into their suites to start packing and to make their way to the airport. Payal and Khushi scurried around the room, stuffing their mess into their bags. Khushi was almost done with her packing, when she noticed Arnav's jacket from last night, lying on one of the chairs. She blushed at the memory of the night, their peaceful walk on the beach, the tranquil ocean and their cozy moments back in this room. She picked up the jacket tenderly, as something dropped from its pockets. She bent down to pick up the small velvet case. Her eyes widened in surprise as a gasp left her mouth. She knew what it contained, even before she opened it with her trembling hands. A platinum ring jutted out from the center, with a huge single solitaire in the middle. It mesmerized her, excited her and then left her feeling dejected. He was going to propose her? Was he?... Then... why didn't he?

Chapter 25

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This chapter is dedicated to shruti46 and sunitikapoor. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments on my stories. It really is very encouraging and definitely brightens up my day! 🤗

AUTHORS NOTE : I apologize for not being able to respond to any comments off-late. But time is really a constraint and I try to write updates whenever I get the free time. So a big thank you to all, for your constant support and all those lovely comments. Okay now, the next update is going to be a little delayed, as I am going off on a much-needed short break to Goa. Need to just unwind and relax on a beach, sipping a cool-drink and keep all gadgets at bay... literally!! So I shall see you as soon as I can (maybe around 1^st April - and no, I am not fooling you'll) with the next update. Chao! 😃

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