Chapter 17
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OS 2: Finding Khushi
Section 1
She needed a plan, Khushi decided. A plan to handle the mess her life had become since Diwali.
Running away was an attractive option. A very, very attractive one. But not practical. Khushi twisted her lips in annoyance. She couldn't spend all her life running away from the Rakshas. Especially since they were going to be related through Jiji & Akashji's marriage'
She would have to stay away from him. Being in the same room was hazardous to her health and her sanity. Her dhak dhak & acidity would kill her if her anger did not.
And he would still be smiling in that irritating, superior way of his while she lay dying on the floor!
He would gloat about getting her back in RM after she had tried every trick in the book to avoid that very situation. Khushi clenched her fists.
She couldn't stop him from gloating, but she could pretend not to see it. There was no rule against being blind and deaf and dumb when he came close to her, was there?
She looked at the smiling visage of Devi Maiyya.
"Laugh! You sit there and laugh! Why should you not laugh? It is very amusing to see me worrying and fretting about him, isn't it? How many times did I ask you not to let him appear in front of me? How many jalebis did I give you? And you still'.! Why are you favouring him over me? Don't forget that you are my Devi Maiyya, not his.", she huffed. "Partiality! That's the problem. Partiality. Why? He doesn't even believe in God. Then why are you so kind to him? Did he smile at you and make khichdi of your brain too?"
Devi Maiyya's smile did not waver.
Khushi sighed. She had to handle him carefully. She was alone here. No Devi Maiyya, no Buaji, no Amma, no Babuji, & no Jiji. Just her.
Buaji asked the sales girl to show her the red sari.
The girl spread it over the table. It was beautiful. Red silk with a gold border with a line of green.
"Titliyaa, take this. Wear it for the sagai.", Buaji suggested.
Khushi looked at the sari in horror.
Scenes from Diwali night flashed through her head. Her red sari that had been meant for Lavanyaji, the way in which he had looked at her, the poolside, the sprain, the way in which he had squatted at her feet and twisted her foot, made her wear the payal''' and then ''. and then come close to her''.. cupped her face '''
"No!", gasped Khushi, clutching her heart. "No. I won't wear red."
"Kaa hua, Nandkisore!", Buaji asked. "Won't wear red? Why? Have you become a bull instead of my Titliyaa?", she teased.
Khushi smiled wanly. What did poor Buaji know of her travails?
Arnav sat in the living room, working on his laptop.
Akash, Mami, Mamaji, Nani, & Di were sitting around him, examining the rings and jewellery sets in many boxes displayed by the jeweller.
He heard them exclaim at the beauty of various pieces, but his eyes and focus remained on his work.
"Akash, choose this ring. The diamond is beautiful and the setting is grand. It will suit Payalji!", he heard Di suggest.
"Ji, Di. It is beautiful. I will take this.", said Akash.
"Chotey, look at the ring. Do you like it?", Di asked.
Arnav glanced at it for a second, and said absent mindedly, "Fine."
Di sighed. "This boy! How can you live, breathe, & sleep work?"
"It ijj your brother's marrijjj'.to a kangal girl, Arnav Bitwaa! Look at the ring!", said Mami.
Arnav heard none of this. His eyes were on the screen.
"So the sagai ring has been selected. Now I will looks at the sets. After all, I am going to be a Saasumma! Position maintain karega padi!", declared Mamiji.
"You just need an excuse to shop, Manorama!", he heard Nani tease Mami.
All laughed.
Arnav frowned at the screen.
"Anjali Bitiyaa, select a ring for Khussi Bitiyaa. I want to give it to her.", said Nani.
Arnav looked up from the screen at the mention of Khushi's name.
Mami, Di, & Nani stared at him.
He quickly lowered his eyes to the screen.
The ladies looked at each other.
Then Mami picked a ring. "Do you think this will suit her, Hello Hi Bye Bye?"
"Haan, Manorama. This ring will be perfect for Khussi Bitiyaa's finger.", said Nani, smiling.
Arnav leaned forward to look at the ring. He failed to notice the ladies staring at him.
"It will be too big for her. Her fingers are slender.", he said before turning to stare at his screen.
The ladies gaped at him.
The doorbell rang.
HP opened the door.
"HP! How are you?", a cheerful voice greeted him.
"NK Bhai!", squealed Anjali.
All went to the door to see Nand Kisore in a yellow T-shirt, blue jeans, & brown jacket, hauling heavy bags.
"My nephew from Kidney!", Mami gasped in joy.
"Naniji, Di, Maasi!", he greeted them. "Yeh Akash, naughty boy! Going to marry Ankletji, eh?"
All laughed.
"Nannav, when is your turn?", NK teased him.
Arnav raised an eyebrow.
"Nannav, no. Don't raise your eyebrow. Woh kya he, Di, I feel I am still in the principal's room being scolded for something I didn't do when he does that!"
All laughed.
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