Chapter 8

The Morning After The Night Before

Chapter 8

All three individuals sat round the kitchen table with a large tub of chocolate icecream and their spoons.

"I don't want to move out of here why can't he move in here"

"Khushi, a girl leaves her father's home and moves in with her husband"

"It's not law"

"Khushi its tradition"

"Who are you siding with Jiji- you should be on my side - you know dad will make you leave one day". She angrily delved into the box for a large portion of ice-cream muttering "Stupid Baby, stupid marriage, stupid tradition, stupid men, Stupid La's wedding, yeh where is La? She is not coming to my wedding- my best friend not here. Dad cancel the wedding, I'm not getting married, I'm not moving out"

Payal and her dad sat their knowingly looking at each other. When she got herself in this mood there was no reasoning with her- they would agree with her and quietly ride out the storm.

"Ok Khushi, now that's settled lets enjoy the rest of the evening"

"Dad here's my phone, phone Arnav tell him the wedding cancelled"

"I'll do it in the morning they will all be asleep by now Khushi"

Before Paayal or Shashi could do anything Khushi dialled Arnav

"Hi you sound like you are sleeping?"

"Khushi is that you?"half asleep

"Khushi give me that phone now!" Paayal being the first to respond realising what her sister was about to do she reached over to grab it both girls were tussling over the phone while Shashi watched incredulously as events unfolded before his eyes.

"Arnav the weddings off!" Khushi screamed

"WHAT?"

"Cancelled, finished, ended, business transaction is voided -nadah, nothing"

"Khushi shut up !Payal screamed making a final attempted to get the phone, the phone slipped out of khushi hand somersaulted and smashed against the floor."

Payaal picked up the phone quickly running round to the other side Arnav ,Arnav , Chocolate BOX?"

The line was dead.

"Dad what are we going to do ? cried Paayal

"Living with your mother when she was pregnant was not easy, I swear there were many a time I could have killed her but you ... leave me speechless, what happened to my confidant balanced obedient fun loving daughter that I brought up - she's been replaced by a hormonal ,temperamental unbalanced child! Paayal get my phone , Khushi Shut up and sit down or go to bed"

"Dad my problems sorted - I'm not moving out"

"Oh Khushi ,you are going to make me old before my time"

Shashi hugged her "its 2.00am go to bed and sleep with the angels- it will be fine in the morning" He gently placed a kiss on her head turned her around and pushed her in the direction of her room and said to "bed trouble maker and never forget I will move heaven and earth to keep my girls happy" he shouted after her as she went to her room.

Payaal stared at her father "Dad have you lost it, were you not here, did you not hear the conversation I heard ?"

"I heard, and I also asked you to get my phone"

"But Arnav?"

"Will be arriving in about 15 minutes at this time of night, If I have judged the boy correctly and if he is not here then he is not the man for my baby!"

Arnav had been exhausted and soon after Khushi had gone had fallen asleep quickly.

He was roused out of his slumber by the buzzing of his phone -who was calling at this time -Khushi - he might have known -he was really going to have to lay some ground rules down with her - she didn't let him work properly and now she was invading his sleep .

Initially what he had thought was going to a stupid question or statement left him sitting upright in bed.

Damm Damm Damm, she had said she didn't want to get married the wedding was off ,and then she hung up on him -just like that. How dare she hang up on him and not take his calls.

Arnav paced his room getting angrier by the second - she had only seen the nice side of him, Khushi had never experienced the famous Raizada temper.

Arnav grabbed his keys and decided that he would have this out with her - what ever her stupid reason for not getting married he would resolve it.

As Arnav drove towards Khushi, his brain began to calm down- and think if he wanted out of this wedding -here was the perfect excuse right before him handed to him on a plate. Did he want out of the arrangement, he hadn't really thought about it since the bombshell had been dropped they had both been on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, she had more to contend with than him. From all accords Payal and her dad were saying she was behaving crazily worse than usual what was the word her dad had used her Sankiness was worse. He had never wanted to get married till now, he enjoyed her company, the peace he felt when she was around him, the way she talked about nothing, and the kissing ,ohh their kissing that was another whole playing field. He cared about her, it never took him long to decide what he wanted and he wanted Khushi , because ... because ... he felt he had come home... the restlessness that he felt after his mother had passed away...the resentment he felt towards his dad and his family...the bitterness he felt at the treatment of his Di at the hands of the Oberoi family was finally fading because of her. He was in love with her. That was it, even at NK's wedding he remember another piece of the jigsaw, the brides bestfriend was stunning, her laugh had made him smile , they had sat throughout the entire wedding working together getting through the rituals , commenting laughing with each other. Completeing the jobs together ,discussing business decisions that had recently brought about and seen the demise of another airline company. He remember the discussion they had had.

He remembered the drinks that NK had brought over to him and winked commenting it's always the best man and the chief bridesmaid. NK had brought the orange juice and jug over to them. OMG it was NK he had spiked the entire jug. Arnav remembered that he had drunk the fisrt glass tasting the alcohol - NK that B****** he knew Arnav would suspect the first drink but not the whole jug!!! No wonder he was legless then he smiled obviously not that legless he had still managed to perform ! Arnav told himself to shut up ! He was responsible for Khushi's state at more than just one level , he had given her the drink containing alcohol but didn't know about the effect it would have on her. The rest of the events were still a blurr from that night. But would he remember , ever ? But for now he realised that it was at the wedding he had fallen for Khushi, hook line and sinker. Thats why his brain had put up so little resistance to the events that followed. He wanted to marry Khushi. Now she was saying NO- well that wasn't going to happen. She was going to marry him one way or another - he wasn't quite sure how -that he would decide when he got to Khushi's house.

The realisation of love for Arnav was an immense discovery - to learn that something so intangible, that you couldn't hold, that some whom you had only known for a fleeting instant in time meant so much. She held his heart , she was the key to his future, she made him smile , she put his demons to sleep. Somehow that mayhem of madness had become his north. Every road , every alternative path he took all led to her.

Arnav rang the doorbell impatiently.

"Payal go let Arnav in"rnav I was expecting you"

"Dad I know it's late , is Khushi awake - I need to speak to her urgently"

"Arnav we were there when she made the call - listen to me - she is panicking all that she knows, everything that is familiar to her is being taken away from her faster than her mind can assimilate or make sense of. All she knows and trusts, me ,Payal this house, memories of her mother are here. Some happy,

some sad. You are taking her away from all of this, from us to something unknown. She is scared Arnav -thats all. She needs time to get to know you and your family. Arnav do you want to look after my heart, take care of her as I have?"

"I am in love with her that crazy girl with all her crazy antics and tantrums. She drives me to brink of sanity, has come to mean the world to me. My day begins and ends with her, her smile, her eyes. I want to marry her, grow old with her, and have children with her. I promise I will do my best to look after her and keep her happy."

"Arnav what about the baby?"

"The baby?"

"Err the baby that Khushi is carrying"

"I'm not sure what you're asking dad ?"

"In all the time you were talking about Khushi and why you wanted to marry her you never mentioned the baby."

"The baby is the excuse to bring our wedding date forward. If I didn't love Khushi I would never have asked her to marry me - baby or no baby! For me the baby is a bonus -and just to clarify I don't normally go round getting girls pregnant drunk or otherwise."

"I am glad to hear that"

"So what are we doing about the cancelled wedding?"

" Nothing - you turn up at the mandip Payal and me will take care of the rest"

The doorbell rang Payal looked at her dad "who are we expecting now dad?"

"No one - this house is like Picadilly circus tonight"

"Payal I'll go with you to open the door"

Arnav and Payal stood at the door looking on in disbelief. There at the door his cousin NK and his wife La.

NK you f****** B****** . Arnav threw a punch at NK who staggered back and as he stood up he felt a second one land. Everyone looked on astonished with the development of events.

"Have you quite finished, or is there more?"

"Arnav I'm not sure whatis going on here but La he must have a good reason. By the way that is La Khushi's best friend and her husband NK"

"My idiot cousin, The first punch was for spiking mine and Khushi's drink and the second for Khushi being pregnant." Then Arnav reached out to NK who was still lying on the floor with an outstretched hand of friendship and forgiveness followed by a huge tug and hug. "That's for helping me find the right girl -but the means don't justify the end."

Comprehensiom dawned in La face "you spiked that drink of orange juice I sent for Arnav and Khushi at the wedding." Nk turned to look at La the rage that reflected in those eyes "You ...You... You were responsible for getting Khushi drunk! Arnav give him another punch from me! Mate you're on your own. I'm sleeping at Khushi's for the rest of my time and you're at Arnav's on your own and don't even come near me till Khushi forgives you! Idiot. How could you do that to my I mean my best friend. You could have ruined her life - don't even think of saying sorry that doesn't cut it or even come close"

"I'm really sorry La , look Arnav punch me again , but come with me to Shantivan don't leave me on my own"

"Arnav laughed "No NK i think La has come up with the perfect punishment for you ! mine was short and sharp but La's that will be long and drwn out -you definitely deserve that !- So shall we go home"

"Hey Chocolate box -see you at the mandip tomorrow"

"I'll be waiting"

"We will bring her son don't worry La is here now she will take care of it"

"Take care of what - can someone fill me in all I know is that I have been on a honeymoon for about 6 weeks and am still meant to be on one. We had no signal where we were, so when I got to civilisation I had like 1000 texts from Khushi the most important one I'm pregnant and am getting married tomorrow please come"

"La I will fill you in come in"

"Chocolate Box take your cousin with you we don't want riffraff who might upset Khushi tomorrow"

"No I'm staying with La"

" Night dad or whats left of it - NK you're coming with me -shut up - it's called damage limitation. And I want to get married tomorrow "

Chapter 8 : Under the Mandip

La woke up early - there was lots to do , haldhi and mehendhi and all before the wedding at 2.00 she had to be ready to leave to go to shantivan by 4:30 and have all the rituals completed by 6:00pm . Could they possibly get any more crammed in their day.

She had made up pleanty of Khushi s pick me up brew enough to see her comfortably through the next week -she never did understand the difference between cms and litres so she got the volume wrong but at least the concentration was right so she was half way there
La burst into Khushi room

"Baby Guess Who?"

"La" Khushi croaked

"You came - I made a real mess of things !"

"Chamkeli, why are you crying , here have your drink from what dad tells me nothing happens without this then you tell me , I listen and then I help you fix it -so it can't be all that bad"

While Khushi drank she listened to La story of her honeymoon the reading of the text messages and getting here on the next available flight. La omitted to tell Khushi about NK for the present that would wait.

"Ok you look better tell all what happened at the wedding after I left"

Khushi didn't leave anything out from having no memory waking up in a stangers room with no clothes on. Missing out on her fist time. Finding out she was pregnant ,getting married not going to work , meeting Arnav's family and finally the final call last night.

"Chamkeli do you ever want to get married and I'm not talking about Arnav just plain married ? so I take it that nod means yes, ok do you want to marry Arnav ? right your shrugging your shoulders ,so you don't know , did you enjoy his kissing tongues included , Ok that colour tells me yes , you're sexually compatible you like spending time with , he goes against his family to marry you , he cares about you and the baby , he changes his working day at a moment's notice. Chamkeli this is a no brainer - marry the guy and he's hot to boot and really nice according to NK but has a temper. You just don't want to leave your home -that's easily salvageable half the week here and half the week there you just have to find an excuse -thats all. Now is the charades game over - are we ready for your wedding ?"

"What if he doesn't want to get married?"

"From what I saw last night he has the hots for you so let's ring him OK"

Whats his number no worries i'll ring NK...Hi , don't hi baby me you're still in the dog house till you apologise; is Arnav there... Hi Arnav what time are you getting here ...2:00... Indian time or English time ... English time ...hang on a second ... he's asking how are you feeling ...she says fine ...have you had your special brew why am i asking her Arnav , i made it and yes she has had it ...do you want to speak to him about last night ... no she doesn't , hang on a second why am i the third party in this conversation relaying everything to her ... Chamkeli speak to the guy while I get my coffee and get you ready for your haldhi." With that she tossed the phone to Khushi.

Khushi sat through the haldhi , it was fun then came the mehendi. That was not going to happen for Khushi, the smell made her heave and throw up like there was no tomorrow. To add fuel to fire som one said how can you have a bride without mehendi.

Khushi started crying uncontrollably. " Khushi please be quiet we will think of something." Payal tried to sooth her quietly.

Then La took control "Chamkeli Shut up ! stop bawling like a baby no one has died ! whats got into you ? all you're grey cells turned to mush ?are you my friend , then snap out of it"

La was the only person who could talk to khushi in that manner and get away with it.

Soon Khushi had a beautiful mehendi over her hands, felt tip pen with no smell and then some glitter varnish to finish it all .

"Your clothes have arrived" La and Payal were more excited than Khushi. "Chamkeli its gorgeous - it's your favourite colours orange and green together and he's got butterflies and roses on it. Chamkeli I thought you said it was red and gold and heavy . This is silk organza. Hey Chamkeli there is a note in the choli "

For you - butterflies and roses , I hope you don't mind I redesigned your wedding outfit and changed the colour to green - your favourite - well I think one of your favourite

Love Arnav

"Awww Khushi he's designed you a new outfit and its got your favourites roses and butterflies"

Soon Khushi was dressed and ready she looked as though she had just stepped of the stairway from heaven . She looked breathtaking.

Payal and La were speechless " Guys whats wrong why you staring ?"

"Khushi you ready they are all here , Arnav's in the mandip for you . I just co..."

"What you too dad - whats wrong with me give me a mirror... I can't see anything wrong"

"Khushi... there is nothing wrong" He walked up to her tears glittering in his eyes .

He kissed her on top of her head " You are perfect - the mirror image of your mother"

"Girls take her down , I need a minute - take her before we all start crying"

Payal and La brought khushi slowly down the stairs . Arnav saw her his breath caught and he slowly exhaled she was beautiful.

"Nanav she is traffic stoppingly beautiful"

"NK you look at yours and I'll look at mine - you have done plenty damage already"

Then all of a sudden Khushi turned "Dad?"

"I'm here, who is going to give you away"

Shashi came up to Khushi and held her hand and led her to the mandip and placed her hand in Arnav's "I'm lending you a piece of my heart Arnav look after it well or I will take it back with interest"

"Dad I am keeping a piece of your heart for always"

They smiled at each other fully understanding the meaning of the words.

All to soon it was time to leave tears , hugs and kisses . Arnav didn't rush her and gave her all the time and finally they sat in the car with Mohan given instructions to take the long way home so that Di ,Payal and La could get to Shantivan before they did.

Mohans phone rang "Saab its for you it's Khushi bhabhi's father.

"Arnav a word of advice - Khushi hasn't eaten anything she will either be throwing up soon or lying on the floor. There is a tifin with a cheese marmite and mango pickle sandwich - yes I know there is no accounting for taste when you're pregnant , normally she detests marmite. Tell her I love her"

"Would you like to tell her yourself ?"

"No we will both start blubbering and we have done enough of that - she will ruin my image as a hardnosed businessman"

As they arrived at Shantivan Khushi was eating her sandwich, happily munching away oblivious to the stares of all the onlookers.

"La what do we do"

"Let her finish"

"Hey chocolate box most people kiss when they are alone she's eating a sandwich!"

"She needed something namkeen and I'm far too sweet !"

"Before we go in I have something special for you"

Two children ran up holding a beautiful white cage and released an innumerable amount of butterflies.

"Khushi make your wish and they will carry them to heaven for you - look one is on your shoulder -make an extra special wish for this one to carry"

Khushi and Arnav stood closely holding hands watching the kaleidoscope of colours dissipate into the heavens.

"Thank you Arnav - that was beautiful" she raised their clutched hands to her mouth and placed a gentle kiss followed by another "That was for my outfit thank you"

Arnav's heart soared and his face broke into a smile.

NK screamed "Bloody hell Nanav can smile"

Only to be hit across his chest " NK be quiet and for the record I am going back with Payal"

Once the Griha Pravesh ceremony was completed and all their games Payal and La took Khushi too Arnav's room . "Ok Khushi you have 10 minutes to change"

"What"

"Yup lets help"" and before she knew it they had stripped her re dressed her in a red lightweight anarkali suit and let her hair down and curled it .

"2 minutes left"

"can I come in ?"

"Arnav there's a fee?"

"How much ?"

He dug into his wallet trying his best to spy Khushi, he pulled out a wad of notes

"Enough?"

Let him go in he has only a minute.

"Khushi you ready ?"

"Ready for what ?"

"We are flying to Lucknow - Sheesh Mahal"

"Flying" Khushi squeaked "Now ?"

"Let's go or we will be late"

Downstairs Khushi whispered to La and Payal " we are flying to Lucknow"

"Exciting isn't it"

"La I feel sick in an elevator what's going to happen in a plane"

" Chamkeli it's not a plane, it's a helicopter and besides you fly one yourself so what's the problem"

"Ohhh this is so not a good idea"

"Listen put some bags in the chopper and a bottle of water and pray for me Ok"

"Khushi don't worry I fly in this regularly its not that scary"

"Arnav I really am not sure about this bird idea"

She clutched his hand tightly and sat apprehensively squeezed her eyes tight and prayed to Devi Maya.

The blades rotated and the bird moved up. She squeezed his hands tighter.

Her stomach lurched and heaved and emptied all its contents until only bile and blood came up.

Khushi please I am so sorry I didn't think . it didn't even occur to me , please say something

"I'm going to be sick again"

The entire way to Lucknow Khushi threw up again and again and again as if there was no end.

Finally the chopper landed at the helipad Arnav didn't wait for the chopper blades to stop, he jumped out the cabin and picked up Khushi in his arm's and carried her all the way to their room giving orders for the doctor to be called .

Suhaag Raat with a difference next