Chapter 111

Hey guys, hope you all are doing good.

Thanks for liking and commenting the previous chapter, though i was not expecting even 150 likes that it got and comments ... even whenits was more like a filter chapter.

I really appreciate your interest and like toward this story.

Special thanks to "amenarshi, latersbaby. , laavanya4u, chinnulu, sunitikapoor, asha_mehta" ... for loong comments even though the chapter was boring ... 😛
Thanks guys ... love you !!

So here is the new chapter, Arshi's Mehendi ... though i have not intended it to make it looong ... but i couldn't stopped writing 😆

Posting now, PART - A ... next part will be posted hopefully on Friday or Saturday.

CHAPTER 83: -- PART - A --

Next Day - 24 Sep - Arshi's Mehndi Day

"Di, relax ... it's the fifth time you are telling me this. I will be ready and will reach on time", said Arnav in irritating tone.

Anjali had been up very early around 6 am and had woken up everyone else early too, much to their irritation. But Anjali couldn't help it. It's the first wedding function today, and she just could not hold her excitement inside of her, and wanted everything to be prepared, before time, and perfect for the evening. Although Rahul and Akash had told her time and again that everything had been according to her orders, but still she just couldn't stop herself going over things again and again ... because deep down she was apprehensive too, what if she had missed something?

Since the breakfast got over around 8 am, she had been telling everyone to be ready on time, and their duties for the evening. Arnav couldn't help but get irritated at his sister ... no matter how much he loves her ... her hyperventilating behavior sometimes gets on his nerve.

"Ok fine Chottey, don't need to get angry ... I was just reminding you", said Anjali making a face.

"Since the time I have been up, you are doing the same thing", said Arnav.

"Anji ... come here", said Rahul as he gather his wife in a side hug, "You need to calm down. I know how much this wedding and all means to you and you want everything to be perfect. But if something goes wrong or left behind, it doesn't matter ..., because that's what our Indian weddings are about ... some drama or glitches are bound to happen", said Rahul and Anjali look sharply at her husband.

"There won't be any, because I have make sure that ...", Anjali was saying when Rahul cut her in, "everything is perfect ... I know dear ... but just cut the poor chap some slack ... anyways he won't be able to attend the Mehendi with Ladies ... so why are you after him?".

"Wait, what? I will not be able to attend the Mehendi?", said Arnav in confusion.

"Because it's a ladies function, and men are not allowed", said Anjali.

"What rubbish? Its my wedding and you're saying that I can't attend it?", said Arnav.

"That's the tradition, which is being followed since long, my dear sale sahib", said Rahul.

"Then what's the point of having this function when I, being the groom, cannot attend it", said Arnav waving his hands in air, "It would have been better to not have this and go straight for the wedding".

"Chottey!", Anjali chided him, "Every wedding ceremony is important and have its own meaning ... Khushi will apply Mehendi of your name, that is ... your name will be written on her hand today ... which signifies that she, the bride, now belongs to you".

"My name? On her hand?", asked Arnav to confirm. The idea was now starting to feel exhilarating to him.

"Yes, and you have to find your name", said Anjali in excitement.

"Then I should be attending the function, if I have to do that, right?", said Arnav.

"Uff bhudu ... not now, this part comes later on ... after your wedding. You cannot see Khushi's Mehendi before that", said Anjali.

"What the! ... Di you're not making any sense ... you said yourself that I have to find my name, that's the tradition right jiju (Arnav looked at Rahul who nodded his head) then why can't I see Khushi's Mehendi", said Arnav in annoyed tone.

Rahul suppress his chuckles, this part come after wedding, on the wedding night where groom has to find his name on bride's hand.

Anjali gave a helpless look to Rahul and felt embarrass to say it out loud to her brother, she look back at Arnav who was waiting for her answer.

"That is how this tradition is done", said Anjali, "But you can attend the function, if ... (Anjali pause for a second) you apply some Mehendi on your hand too ... it's a part of the tradition too".

It is consider auspicious, but she knew that if she had told this to Arnav, he would never agree. So she thought to trick him in some other way. And it will be fun to see Arnav trying to sneak in to see his bride ... would her brother really do that? Its hard to except but she also knew well that Arnav cannot keep himself away without seeing Khushi.

"What? Oh no ... I am not going to do that", said Arnav ... as he cringe with the thought of that sticky gooey paste on his hand.

"Fine, then forget about it. You cannot see Khushi today", said Anjali and then look at Rahul, "You're right ... If he cannot attend the function then what's the need for him to come there. (Anjali look at Arnav) You can stay home Chottey".

Anjali grabs Rahul's arm and move ahead, "Come let's go ... we have to leave for the farm house, its close to 11am".

"What the", said Arnav as he saw the retreating back of his sister.

He cannot see his Khushi on their own Mehendi function? what stupid tradition is that? And he knew that Nani is strict about those, so she won't allow him to see Khushi and he cannot dis-respect her. But he also knew one other thing ...and that is ... he cannot keep himself away without seeing Khushi today. He wants to see how she will be looking in her clothes, which he had designed.

----------------------------------------------------

"tup .. tup ... tup", Arush slaps his hands on the water, making it sprinkle on Khushi.

"Arush ... no ...", said Khushi as she stops his hands, "No chup chup ...ok".

Arush give a naughty grin to his Mama and then again slaps his hands on water, when she move away to take the baby shampoo bottle.

"Hawww ... Arush", said Khushi as pointed a finger at him, "No masti ok".
Then she squeeze some shampoo on her hand, "We have to finish this bath real quick (Khushi rubs shampoo on Arush's hair) then we have to get ready ...its already 11 and that laad governor ... I mean your papa hasn't send my clothes yet", said Khushi as she rubs his scalp and then put water over it.

Arush closes his eyes and exclaimed in excitement, "aull aull maani ..(aur aurpani)".

Khushi smiles seeing his excitement, her baby just love to play with water. She put water over him 2-3 times and then take him out of bath tub.

"Naah ... mani ... maniii ...", Arush extended his hands towards the tub as Khushi pick him up, gathering him in towel.

"Shonu ... we played so much in mani today, we will play again tomorrow ok", said Khushi as she came out of bath room and make Arush sit on bed.

"nah mani ... thelna", said Arush as he made a crying sound.

"Arush, doesn't my baby want to meet papa haan ... see here, mama made thiskurta for you", said Khushi as she picked the Maroon Kurta, she had made forArush to wear for Mehndi function. It's the same color of Arnav's kurta she had designed ... but it was more simple and light for her baby.

"Papa pas jana ... Arush papa k pas jana", said Arush as Khushi put powder over his body.
"Yes Arush will go to Papa and Bua, Akash chachu will give Arush choc choc ...and there will be your Nanu friend", said Khushi as she put lotion over his face, hands and feet.

Arush exclaimed listening the word choco and clapped. Khushi make him wear the maroon kurta and black pajama.

"Aww my baby is looking so handsome", said Payal as she enters the room with a plate. She had brought Arush's breakfast.

"Kaba ... Kaba ...", Arush exclaimed seeing the kabab, his recently developed taste and affection for that food item.

"Yes Kaba ... see Assi made it just for my handsome", said Payal as she sit on the bed and take Arush in her lap.

Payal started to feed Arush, while Khushi put away his things.

"Khushi why haven't you taken your shower yet", said Payal looking at Khushi's dress that she wore for the night.

"Jiji, I thought I will bath before getting ready and see its 11 and I still haven't got my clothes", said Khushi in annoyed tone, "Seriously that Laad governor is testing my patience".

"Why don't you call him and ask about it?", said Payal feeding a morsel to Arush, by now she had known who that laad governor is.

"No I won't, I will wait just one hour more, and if I don't have my clothes till then, I will not go for my own Mehendi function", said Khushi in serious tone, though her heart thudded with apprehension ...how can she do that, it's her wedding function and they have to leave right after lunch time, as the Mehendi function is organized at the farm house, it will take them at least 1 hour to reach there.

Before Payal could say something, they heard a loud shout of their mother, "Khushiii ... your dress is here".

"Yuppie ... my dress is here", Khushi shouted as she jumped and rush out ofroom. Payal shakes her head and looks down at Arush who was drinking water from his feeder, "You know ... your mother will always be a pagal".

"I will take these", said Aashima and extended her hands to take the shopping bags from Aman, but he stepped back.

"Thanks, but I need to give them to Khushi", said Aman, who was holding a garment back in one hand and 3 shopping bags in other hand.

Aashima roll her eyes, "And I too will give them to Khushi, don't worry, I am not gona wear it".

"Its not that, ASR specifically ordered to handover it to Khushi only, and no one else", said Aman.

"Aww" .. "oohh", both Poonam and Divya said at the same time.

"Aman ..", Khushi said as she stopped near him, her breath a little heavy.

Aman look at her amusingly, "Hi Khushi ... you ok?"

Khushi nodded her head quickly.

"Beta, why don't you sit down and have some juice", said Garima who was also standing there.

"No Aunty, thanks. I am just here to deliver the dress and stuff", said Aman as he gave the garment bag and shopping bags to Khushi.

"Here you go Mam, your stuff is safely delivered to you", said Aman in teasing tone.

"Thanks ...", said Khushi.

"The transport will be here around 4pm to take you all", said Aman. "Raj is here, if you need anything and you can also call me ...ok".

Khushi nodded her head ... Aman lovingly tap her cheek, "Baye". And he moveout of front door.

"Awwh ... Khushi , ASR ordered him to handover the stuff to you only and no one else", said Poonam

"Yeah, Doesn't he trust us?", said Aashima grumpily.

"Ok girls, no arguing ... now go and all of you get ready", said Garima.

Aashima, Poonam, Divya and Khushi went to her room. Khushi carefully place the garment bag on her bed. Arush crawled to it and touch it.

"Come on open it naa", said Divya getting impatient.
Khushi open the garment bag and take out the beautiful lehnga skirt.

"Aww ... its beautiful", said Poonam.

"Yeah ...", said Aashima as she move ahead and take out the blouse and dupatta.

The lehenga skirt had a printed floral design, covered with net. The hem was paneled with pink, maroon and gold embroidery. The choli was of cream color with gold zardosi work on it. The tangerine dupatta was of net, with gold embroidery patches, having pink and maroon embroidered border.

(Khushi's Attire)

"And look at these matching bangles", said Payal who had taken a box out of one shopping bag.

She took out other two boxes and found the matching maroon flats andjewellery set.

"Hayee ... Khushi, see your Arnavji not only sent you the dress but the other things as well", said Divya, being impressed.

Khushi was also in awe of everything laid before her.

"Ok now, leave the ooh aahs for later", said Aashima and push Khushi towards the bathroom, "Go have your shower now ... we need to get you ready for the evening".

"Yes, I will help Amma and Buaji", said Payal as he picked Arush in his arm, who was playing with the bangles.

After 20 mins, Khushi came out. All other 3 girls divided their tasks. Aashima started to dry Khushi's hair. Poonam started on applying pinkish maroon nail polish on Khushi's hand and foot. Divya was getting the makeup stuff ready, she knew what hairstyle to go for, but for the shades of eye makeup, she was too waiting for the dress to match it up with.

Anjali wanted to appoint beautician for Khushi, but she politely denied as her friend Divya was an expert in makeup and hairstyling. And Divya too, already had told Khushi that she will be getting her ready for all the wedding functions and Khushi didn't want to deny her friend.

After few minutes when the nail polished got dried, Khushi changed into her lehenga choli. Divya started on her makeup, Poonam helped her in wearing jewelry and bangles. Meanwhile Aashima went to change into her dress.Aashima came in after few minutes and then Poonam went to change her dress.

Khushi looked at Aashima's pink and orange lehenga choli, and remembered that Payal's dress was of the same color combination. Are they color co-coordinating?, thought Khushi.
Later when she saw Poonam and Divya also wearing their lehenga choli of the same color combination, her doubt got clear.

"what the... are you guys color co-ordinating?", Khushi couldn't helped but asked.

"Of-course we are, that's why we are wearing the same color combination dumbo", said Aashima as she brushed Khushi's hair.

"I am not dumbo ok ... how would I know when you guys were not telling me anything", said Khushi with a pout.

"Awhh sweety, don't be sad ... we didn't tell you because we wanted to surprise you", said Divya as she gave a last toush to her eye makeup ... golden shimmer layer topped with pink, having a maroon smokey shadow on the sides.

"So how is it?", Divya asked looking at the other girls who nodded their head in appreciation.

"I applied only a little blush, though I think it was not needed in the first place, because when ASR will see you, you will go all red", said Divya making Khushi swat her arm. Poonam and Aashima laugh seeing Khushi already blushing with the mention of his name.

After 2 hours, all the 3 girls and the bride-to-be were ready. Garima came to Khushi's room to give her something to eat. She had made vegetable rice for her daughter. She looked at Khushi in awe and motherly love. She put the tray down and cupped khushi's cheek.

"My daughter is looking so beautiful, may devi maiya save you from every evil eye", said Garima and put kala tika behind her ear.

"True Garima, she is looking like a princess", came a voice behind Garima. Khushi face lit up with a smile, "Sriti Massii ...".

Sriti is Garima's elder sister, who lives in Hyderabad with her husband and 2 sons. She came in and hug Khushi.

"Has Kunal bhaiya came or not? If he didn't, then Massi, I am not gona talk to him ever", said Khushi in stubborn tone.

"I wouldn't dare to miss my butterfly's wedding", came a man's voice and Khushi exclaimed in happiness, "Kunal bhaiya". A man of 27, stood at the door smiling at Khushi, who came to him and give him a hug.

"Where is Anuj?", asked Khushi.

"He is playing with Arush, man that boy is so energetic", said Kunal.

"After all he is my baby", said Khushi in a proud voice.

"Ok, guys and ladies, we will be leaving in an hour. So come out and have some lunch", said Payal who came there, to call everyone for lunch.

"Jiji, you look lovely", said Khushi taking in Payal's appearance, her pink and orange lehenga choli and open curled hair.

"But not more than my Khushi", said Payal lightly pinching her cheek, "I am sure Arnavji will agree with me".

"Jiji ...", Khushi blushed making everyone chuckle.

---------------------------------------------------

Arnav looked at his reflection in the mirror, dressed in Maroon Indo-Western style Kurta and Black pajama. He must gave credit to Khushi, the fabric was light and the kurta was not too tight, not too loose ... And not too much style or embroidery on it. He is not fond of traditional clothing, as they always make him uncomfortable, but today he was not at all feeling un-comfortable. On other hand he was admiring himself in that attire and felt happy and warm that this particular piece is designed for him, by his Khushi ... his wife-to-be. And with thought he couldn't help but smile.

(Arnav's Attire - I have changed the previous pic as i realized that i have already used that one before.)

And that same smile was witnessed by Devyani, as she saw her grandson came down looking dapper and handsome in Maroon, black Kurta pajama. His smile was still intact as he saw the admiration in his Nani's eyes. He move towards the her, as she also move ahead.

"Nazar na lagey kisi ki", said Nani as she waves her hands over his head. They both stopped in front of each other in middle of living room and dining area.

"Bus yehi Nani? Aj arti nahi utarain gi kia", said Arnav in light teasing tone, making his Nani gasped in surprised.

They have to leave in few minutes and she wanted to take arti of Arnav before leaving, but knew well that her grandson doesn't like these things. So she had kept the thal on dining table, in hope of the same and was complementing on how to do it. She is not very good in blackmailing him like Anjali was, she always find some way or other around him, for these things. But as Anjali had already left early to the farm house, to take are of few things. It was on her to do this task.

But she was feeling somewhat reluctant to approach him or in other words argue with him for this. Because, in past few days, they were having arguments about something or other regarding all these strict traditions ... especially the one where she had banned him from meeting Khushi.
Though, she didn't know that he hasn't been much obliged to do the same.

The thal didn't missed Arnav's eyes, though he was somewhat surprise when his Nani moved towards him without it and understood that she was reluctant and knew the reason behind it as well. So he thought to lighten the mood and watched how his Nani's was looking shocked with his sentence.

Nani didn't want to let this opportunity go and hurriedly grabs thal and took Arnav's arti putting a small red tika on his forehead, a big smile adorning her face now.

Nani lovingly cupped his cheek, "Devi Maiya hamesha ap ko aisa hi Khush or sukhi rakhey".

Arnav didn't miss the sheen of tears in his Nani's eyes, he press his cheek more into her hand ... a gesture his Nani knew well that he is seeking love and care from her.

Just then his Mamaji and Mami came down and Nani move towards the mandir, to place the thal back in its place.

Arnav smiles as he move towards the front door, his heart feeling happy and light. He remembered what Khushi had told him, though he doesn't believe in these stuff ... his sister and Nani does ... and if he let them do these things without making a fuss, only for his sister and Nani, it makes them happy. And today he knew the actual reason behind Khushi's saying ... that seeing them smile and happy and him being the reason of it ... it makes him happy in return.

Around 5pm - @ FarmHouse

A separate sitting area was structured up for the men ... a Moroccan style tent and sitting furniture ... in the front lawn of the farm house. The ladies section was arrange at the back side of the farmhouse, near the poolside.

(Men sitting area)

Arnav was impressed seeing the arrangements. 2 movable ACs were place at ends to beat the heat in both the tents. He was standing with Amit, and talking about the security of this place.

They have to use the back entrance of mansion to avoid the reporters. Though they had tried not to give out any details of Arnav's wedding, but him being a famous personality, the word was bound to get out to the media. But to tackle them they decided to have functions at separate places. Luckily media thought that the Mehendi function will be happening at ASR's home, so they were outside to get any gossip and pictures. The security around the farm house was tight and Aman, with other guards, was at the gates making sure that no outsider comes in. And Amit assured Arnav that he is also keeping tight eye on everything. Arnav told him to inform him asap if anything happens.

He dismissed Amit, as he saw Shashi entering the sitting area with 3 other men. One elder, one of around his age and other was younger than him. He bends down and touched Shashi's feet. Shashi smiles as he blessed Arnav.

"He is Arnav bitwa, to whom our Khushi is getting married", said Shashi introducing him with other men. "And bitwa he is Khushi's masaji Sanjay Kapoor and these are his two sons, Kunal (who move ahead and shakes hand with Arnav) and Anuj".

"Nice meeting you, have heard so much about you", said Kunal

"Welcome", said Arnav shaking hands with Anuj.

"Bitwa, wo Khushi is ...", Shashi was saying when Arnav cut him, "Not here yet, I know".

"How?", Anuj couldn't help but asked.

"Don't ask", said Akash who came to them, "They both just knows of each other presence when they are around ... how? We still haven't got the answer yet".

"Hi, I am Akash, his cousin brother", said Akash as he shakes hand with Kunal and Anuj , "Come, I will introduce you to others", said Akash and move ahead with Kunal and Anuj.

"There is nothing like that you said, they just communicate with each other", said Anuj.

"Oh you can bet, but that's not the case", said Akash in low tone, "You can keep an eye on him and see he will not use his cell phone".

Garima, Buaji, Sriti Massi, and Payal were in awe of the arrangement, white tent was structure up, the interior was done in moroccan styles, with colorful drapes all around inside of tent. Maroon carpet was placed, a clear path was going towards the stage. Dawans and colored cushions were place on both side of the path.

"Anjali ji, this looks great", said Payal in appreciation.

"Thanks", said Payal as she and Lavanya welcomes the Guptas, "I hope it's not too much".

"No no bitya ... its perfect", said Garima and Sriti nodded her head in agreement. Khushi's chachi's and cousin were also in awe of the arrangements.

"Just like you said, we made Khushi leave in the last", said Payal as she, Anjali and Lavanya move to side to discuss about the welcoming surprise for Khushi, "NK is bringing her ... he will message me when they will reach here".

"Good ... you stand at the entrance ok ... when she is near, you single Aashima ok", said Anjali and Payal nodded her head.

On other hand, Anuj did keep his eyes on Arnav, as he was very curious to know if what Akash had said is true or not. And for sure it turned out true as some 30 mins later, they (Arnav, Akash, Rahul, Kunal and Anuj) were sitting, talking and drinking the juice when Arnav put his glass down and stood up.

"She is here", said Arnav and move out of the tent.

Akash winked at Anuj as they both stood up and followed Arnav out. They didn't hear any car horn, because every car was parked some distance away from the farm house. So how he know that Khushi is here?, thought Anuj.

Rohan who was sitting on other side, also stood up to see what is the matter.

Khushi enters the gates with Naina and Divya on her sides. She had left in the last, from her house, in NK's car with him, Naina and Divya. All others were left few minutes before her.

Her eyes immediately move towards the right, seeking Arnav, where a mustard yellow tent was structured. And After 5 seconds she saw Arnav coming out. She halted in her steps as her eyes took in his appearance. A smile lit her face as her eyes move up and down, admiring his frame clad in her designed Maroon kurta, black pajama and black stole around his neck.

Same was with Arnav, a smile on his face as he looks at Khushi from top to bottom, looking beautiful in his designed Lehenga Choli. Her dupatta was pinned on right shoulder, draped on her back and other end pinned on left side of her waist. Her hair was done beautifully in a up-do style and a twisted braid, lay on her left shoulder adorned with flowers.

(imagin khushi's hair like this -->https://www.pinterest.com/pin/531917405965982541/)

Divya nudge her shoulder with Khushi's and give a teasing look to her, who blushed deep, seeing the admiration and intensity in Arnav's eyes for her.

Naina coughed and then make Khushi move ahead. Arnav watched her going straight and turned right, going out of sight.

Arnav then turned and saw Anuj looking at him weirdly and Akash and Rahul having teasing expression of their faces.

"What?", said Arnav.

"Nothing", said Akash and Rahul chuckled.

Arnav give an annoyed look to both and move inside the tent.

"Hey man", NK greeted Akash and Rahul.

"Hey, how are you man?", said Akash.

"Good, do we have something chill to drink?", asked NK as he was feeling very thirsty.

"Yeah come in", said Rahul and they move inside

"Now you see what I meant?", said Akash to Anuj.

"He didn't even take out his cell phone", said Anuj.

"What are you guys talking about?", asked NK as he picks a glass of juice and drink it. Akash told him what he had said to Anuj.

"Oh that, yeah Aman told me about that too", said NK, "They have some telekinesis power", he said making his voice bold and mysterious. Akash laughed at this.

"Oh come on, there is no such thing in reality", said Anuj.

"Ok guys stop this. How and why is this? This happened only when you're deep in love with someone. You can guess their presence, their happiness and pain just looking at them. You guys will know when you find that special one for you", said Rahul

"I don't know about the presence but yes I can tell sometimes when Naina is happy or in pain or not well, just looking at her", said NK agreeing with Rahul.

"Ok ok, leave that all", said Akash, "What should we do now? I am getting bored with all this talking and talking".

"Hmm let think ...", said NK and just then they heard the music coming from back side.

TO BE CONTINUED ... in next PART-B

do let me know how you guys find this...

will be posting next part on Friday.

and will send PMs later in night.