Chapter 31

Chapter 31

"I am still waiting for that ice-cream," Anjali whispered, standing close to Akash. He looked down at her mischievous face, through his thick-rimmed glasses and smiled. "I am sorry. I have been extremely tied up with work. I guess this means that I am still not forgiven," he responded gravely. "No... and you better take up this offer, as soon as possible. It is for a limited period only," she added quickly, before moving away from him, towards where her family was seated. Arnav and Khushi had returned to Shantivan in an extremely happy mood. The family was waiting with open arms to welcome Khushi. It had been a monumental day for her and it would not have been complete, without celebrating it with the Raizadas.

The dinner was set up in the small garden at the back of the huge mansion, where the entire group was spilt into smaller groups and chatting. Sumer, Akash, Payal, Vandy and Arnav huddled in a corner, discussing the latest fashion trends in the industry. Ananya and Devyani had cornered Khushi and were asking her the full details about the book launch. Anjali too had been excited to know and now browsed through the pictures that Sumer had clicked on his I-pad. She had been showing them to her mother and Nani, as they gushed about how beautiful Khushi looked. Arnav looked over at these women, his heart filling with emotion. The scene unfolding in front of his eyes, seemed to complete his family picture. He was in love with Khushi, who had so much love to give everyone. His heart constricted with pain at the thought of her growing up without this comfort and love. He vowed to make up for the lost time and love her to the point of obsession.

Akash looked over at Khushi, who was smiling and laughing with the Raizada women. She seemed so happy and fit into their family easily. It did not look like she had known them for only a few months. But that was how emotions and relationships worked, right? Otherwise, how would Arnav have managed to make a place in her heart, within a few weeks, while he, Akash had spent years with her? Her laughter always brought a smile on his face and even now, when his own heart hurt as much, he smiled looking at her amidst this family, which loved her unreservedly. He was so focused on Khushi's smile that he did not notice another pair of eyes looking at him with great interest.

While listening to Khushi talk about the book launch, Anjali looked up to where Akash stood. She was surprised to see him look at her so brazenly, and then his lips curved into a soft smile. She smiled back, yet she had this uncanny feeling that he wasn't really looking at her. His eyes seemed to be distant, lost in a world that was full of pain. His eyes had a kind of sadness in them, which always touched her heart. She felt unnerved at his gaze, as he did not even blink, while staring. She looked away, trying to once again concentrate on what Khushi was saying. After a couple of minutes, she looked up again to see Akash missing from where he stood earlier. He had moved away from the group to a secluded spot, busy on his phone. This man was weird and he would definitely drive her crazy one of these days, she thought, as she tried to catch up with the conversation yet again.

Dinner was a chaotic affair, as the spread of food had everyone licking their fingers at the end. Sumer had teased Khushi endlessly, for finally showing her true appetite to the Raizada family. Ananya had stopped Sumer from teasing her and said, "Sumer, I am glad at last I am going to get a daughter who eats food, like normal people should. Not like Anjali, who literally pecks at the dishes that I make with so much effort and love. Koi mere haath ke makkhan wale gobi ke parathe khaane ke liye iss ghar mein aayegi!" Sumer replied back in mock anger, "You mean to say that I won't be getting pampered in this house anymore? Khushi, you are stealing my limelight... Now, I wonder if your getting married to Arnav is a good idea for me?" Nani wacked him lightly on the head and said, "You know what you should do? Get married soon, so that you can also get a wife who feeds your huge appetite!" Nani's wicked eyes glanced over at Payal, catching onto something that had not been obvious to the others. Arnav smirked at his Nani and wondered if he had gotten his sharp brain from his mother's lineage rather than his father.

The teasing continued till late in the night, as the Raizadas drew Payal and Akash into their conversations, putting everyone at ease. The older members retired to bed early, while the youngsters decided to go out for an ice cream. Sumer suggested taking them to Arnav's and his favourite night hang-out. As the group settled into two cars, Arnav and Khushi who were still being teased generously, were given some privacy by the others. Akash stayed mum throughout this entire playful conversation, quietly walking to his car. Payal noticed his demeanor and wanted to speak to him regarding it. However, Sumer was always by her side, holding her hand, pulling her along with him. They reached the small ice-cream joint, which was unlike what Khushi had imagined. Sumer dragged an excited Khushi and Anjali along with him to the shop, which gave Payal the chance to speak to Akash. She looked around to see Arnav busy on his phone and pulled at Akash's hand to draw his attention.

"Akash... what are you doing? Can't you try and look a little happy for Khushi? You have been sulking the whole time. It's a good thing that Khushi has been occupied with Arnav's family too much to notice your glum face," Payal admonished him. Akash mumbled almost inaudibly, "I am trying Payal, I am trying." Payal put a hand over his shoulder and said comfortingly, "Then, please try harder, Akash. It is going to get worse from here on, with things getting official. I hope you can put up a good faade in front of Khushi, because if she really comes to know how much you love her... she is going to be heartbroken and the guilt will not let her enjoy this wonderful phase of her life. So please, for her sake, just brighten up a little?" Akash nodded somberly, as they walked towards the over excited trio, who had already started eating their ice creams. Payal turned around to look whether Arnav was done with his phone call and was surprised to see him right behind her.

Arnav looked at Payal, his eyes spoke volumes about what he had just overheard. His doubts had not been unfounded after all, and wondered how he wanted to react with this knowledge. His first reaction was to punch Akash in the gut and tell him to stay away from Khushi. It would have been the instant reaction of a man, who was hopelessly in love with his woman. However, better sense prevailed, and he realized that Akash Roy was already going through tremendous pain, and nothing could hurt him more than seeing Khushi getting married to another man. He felt pity for Akash's one-sided love and genuinely hoped that the man could move on. He wondered if he should speak to Khushi about this, and feared her reaction, just as Payal had mentioned. His thoughts were broken by Payal, who whispered softly, "Please don't tell her. At least, not right now... maybe as time goes by and everyone moves on with their lives, we could tell her?" Arnav simply nodded, still lost in thoughts of unrequited love.

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Khushi rested her head comfortably on Arnav's shoulder, who sat uncomfortably between her and Sumer. He looked over at her angelic face fondly and noticed the dark circles below her eyes. The last two weeks had been extremely hectic for her, considering the number of hours she had been working. Along with serving a notice period at her existing workplace, she had been going home late each night, to work on her next story. The response for her first book was expected to be fabulous, from both the critics and readers. Hence, the pressure to write her second book had increased tenfold. Khushi wanted to finish at least drafting the basic story and sharing it with Vandy, before they left for Lucknow to finalize the engagement dates. Sleeping for barely a few hours, his angel had completely exhausted herself and he was glad to finally drag her away from Delhi.

Sumer snored lightly on Arnav's other shoulder grabbing his attention. The sight was so hilarious, that Arnav himself chuckled out loud. The Raizadas had decided to travel by road to Lucknow instead of taking a flight. The media would not get a whiff of this trip and Arnav and Khushi's relationship would remain a secret until the engagement was officially declared. Ananya and Ajay along with Devyani Raizada were travelling in a separate car. They had instructed Arnav to not drive himself and take a driver along. The eight-hour journey on the highway was not a safe option for Arnav to drive, when his mind would be distracted with Khushi beside him. Anjali had wanted to join the family, but had to cancel her trip, due to important lectures in college. Payal had gone home a couple of days earlier, to prepare for their visit. Hence, Sumer had tagged along, to impress his to-be family too. Arnav elbowed Sumer in the stomach, who woke up bellowing, "Ooouuuch!! You, dusht paapi insaan. Is this the way to wake someone up?"

"I had told you to sit in the front seat, Sumer. But no! You wanted to crowd us in the back here. I feel giddy when I see the curving road for so long!! My foot!!" Arnav mocked the last sentence, repeating what Sumer had said, when they began the long journey. This friendly banter woke Khushi from her comfortable sleep, as she looked groggily, at the two boys. "What are you two fighting about, now?" she croaked. Arnav looked at her with guilt and then turned around to glare at Sumer, "See! Now you have woken her up!!" Sumer scratched his head and replied, "Yeah right! And what about how you woke me up, you meanie..." He turned towards Khushi and said very sweetly, "I am so sorry Khushi... but this guy here... "your fianc", just does not like to see people sleeping peacefully. First he wakes me up, and then you." The whole conversation was not making any sense to Khushi's sleepy head, so she just snuggled up in Arnav's arms once again and closed her eyes. Sumer quietly put his head against the window and started snoring in a couple of minutes. Arnav sat between them both, trying to let go of his irritation with Sumer, as he pulled Khushi closer to him. He placed a lingering kiss on her forehead, just content that they were finally on their way to solemnize their relationship.

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The Sharmas were an extremely sweet family. They welcomed the Raizadas with so much warmth and love, which left Arnav wondering if Khushi was truly their daughter. The Raizadas had reached Sheesh Mahal, their ancestral haveli in Lucknow, at about lunchtime. They had a quiet lunch and retired for the afternoon. Arnav had been fidgety because Khushi had demanded to be dropped off at the Sharmas on the way. She wanted to be there to help them, when Arnav and his family finally arrived in the evening. He could not relax all afternoon and kept on texting Khushi throughout, waiting desperately for the evening to arrive. To say that he was shocked at his own behavior was an understatement. He had never been this anxious and restless...ever! It wasn't like the Sharmas were going to refuse to get Khushi and him married. And what if they did? This fear was making him more jumpy.

Hence, when they arrived at the Sharmas small residence, Arnav was put at ease, seeing the warm welcome extended to them. "She is inside, getting ready. It's going to be a traditional meeting, Arnav, at least for my parents. She will walk in with a tray of teacups and you are not supposed to keep staring at each other. Just look at her from the corner of your eyes and blush," Payal teased Arnav as they walked into the neat and aesthetic living room. Arnav took in the interiors and looked back at Payal, appreciating her taste in art and dcor. She was a talented girl, with a keen sense of colour and design. Then he looked at Sumer, who seemed more nervous than he had ever been. Arnav walked towards his best friend and patted his back saying, "Relax dude, we are here to get approval for my wedding... not yours. You have enough time to make a good impression on the Sharma's. So, stop looking constipated and smile brightly. I know you are good with women, so go and charm your soon to be mother-in-law."

As the entire group settled in their seats, the formal introductions were made. Arnav kept looking around for a glimpse of the face he had been craving to see since afternoon. Even a few hours of being away from her was torture. The Sharmas were exceptionally warm people, and spoke highly of Khushi. They shared a few funny instances that had occurred when Khushi would come to their house, anecdotes of her life, since childhood, and it was plain to see, how much like a daughter she was to them. It warmed his heart, to see the love and admiration sparkling in their eyes for Khushi. The women were discussing the ceremonies that they would like to perform, while the men discussed business as usual. Payal had gone in to help Khushi get the refreshments, as Sumer and Arnav sat restlessly, waiting for their respective ladies to make an entrance.

Khushi walked in, wearing a bright pink salwar suit, with her hair tied elegantly in a loose bun. She carried a tray loaded with teacups, while Payal trailed her carrying in some snacks. Arnav of his own accord got up, and slowly took the tray from Khushi's hand, much to the surprise of everyone. She looked at him with wide eyes and he smirked at her saying, "When have we ever gone the traditional way, angel?" Everyone burst into laughter, as they enjoyed the tea and piping hot samosas. Ananya hugged Khushi and settled beside her, right across from where Arnav sat. It was a nice family affair, where both the families talked about Lucknow, the perfect match that Arnav and Khushi made and about how to go further with the preparations. Sumer was busy clicking photographs with his camera, capturing moments... the boundless laughter, the growing bond and relationships that were slowly being formed between both families. Payal's father was mightily impressed with Sumer and his achievements, as Payal went a little overboard while introducing him. Devyani simply chuckled to see a flustered Sumer for once.

"So, it's decided then. Let us perform the roka ceremony tomorrow morning at Ashadaan, like Khushi bitiya wants to. We will get an opportunity to meet the children there too. Two weeks later, on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, we will formally organize a pooja in the morning to welcome the Laxmi of our house. In the evening we shall organize a grand engagement ceremony to announce it to everyone," Nani declared, as Mrs Sharma brought in sweets to be distributed on this joyous moment. It was Lucknow's famous jalebis that everyone relished greedily. The Sharmas then brought in some old albums to show Arnav, how Khushi had been, when she was growing up. To see the little Khushi laughing, covered in paint, running around in tiny ponytails and playing with Payal, overwhelmed Arnav. He was stunned at how just a peek into her childhood, could give him so much happiness. He had his parents, a family who fulfilled his every demand. Khushi however, had grown up at the orphanage, studying hard and working her way through life. Their lives were a contrast, and it was not just luck, but destiny perhaps, when their lifepaths had met and now, were merging into one. He was glad that the Sharmas had been there for his angel, to give her the love and care she deserved.

Sumer quietly pocketed an old photograph of a young Payal in tiny pigtails. He was glad that he had tagged along with the Raizadas to Lucknow. How else would he have gotten the opportunity to see the domesticity in Payal? The bond she shared with her parents was so adorable, that he almost felt jealous. His parents had never patted his back with pride. They never boasted about his achievements to their friends. Despite having every luxury in the world, he had always craved love and the Sharmas were generous and giving in that regard. "I love you... you know that, right?" Payal whispered close to his ear. She had sensed his unease and knew the reason behind it. They hadn't really proclaimed their love to each other as yet, however at this moment, the words just tumbled out of her mouth. He looked at her, shock clearly evident in his eyes... not because of what she had said, but because of the moment she had chosen to say those three precious words. What would her parents think, if he just grabbed their daughter and kissed her senseless?

"I hate you, for saying this right now, Payal! And as a punishment, I am not going to say it back to you..." Sumer said in annoyance at Payal's unromantic declaration of love. Yet, his heart filled with so much affection for her, for somehow realizing how sad he had been feeling, for trying to brighten his mood in the only way she knew. She pouted adorably and he could not help, but hold her hand secretly and say "I love you, Payal... with everything I have. Should I ask for your hand in marriage right away?" She gasped in surprise and pulled her hand away, while he winked at her. Somebody cleared their throat to grab their attention and they turned around to see Nani smiling at them. "So do you want us to prepare for another roka tomorrow?" she asked slyly, as the two of them, tried to look busy in some random work. Devyani smiled and declared that it was time for them to go home. There were a lot of things to be prepared by the next morning. The Raizadas took their leave, almost dragging two dejected young men, who wanted to spend more time with their women.

Chapter 32

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