Chapter 114

Next Day - 25 Sep - Arshi's Sangeet Day

Blush ... blush and blushing.

That's all Khushi was doing since the time she had woken up today. True to her mother's words, her Mehendi had come out very dark. Not only on hands, but her feet were also having the dark maroon color of Mehendi. And she couldn't help but look again and again at the beautiful patterns, the swirls and paisley drawn on her hands. Payal and her Buaji had teased her to no ends ... that her Arnavji loves her very much ... that's why her Mehendi is so dark. She had come to the room, escaping their teasing, warning them that she will get back to them for this teasing.

She runs her fingers over Arnav's name. Just like he had mentioned yesterday, she had his full name on her left palm, starting from the wrist and ending at the ring finger, written in a curve ... hidden by swirls and paisley. She blush again ... remembering his words that he will find his name ... and she knew he will ... because he love challenges and always wins when it is related to her ... She has experienced this many times by now.

She then remembers her mother's words from yesterday, when she was feeding her the dinner ...

"Khushi, you know why Mehendi is applied to the bride?", asked Garima when she saw Khushi admiring her Mehendi ... Arnav's name to be precise.

"Yes Amma, it is said that ... darker the color Mehendi leaves on the hands of a bride, the more she will be loved by her husband", replied Khushi.

"Yes, that's the one thing. But this ritual has another significances as well", said Garima as she fed Khushi a morsel. "One, the Mehendi is applied because it means that the bride is getting ready for her husband ... she is being beautified for her husband. The name on your hand signifies that you now belong to your husband and he will become a part of you. Second, the Mehendi has its own unique sweet fragrance, it is said that due to this fragrance your upcoming life and home will be filled with sweet fragrance of happiness. Third, the coolness of Mehendi brings calm and peace to bride; it helps in settling the nerves and facing the troubles of life with cool mind. And last, it is also considered as a strong medicinal herb, it protects the bride from viral disease and keeps her healthy for the night of togetherness with her husband."

"Amma ...", Khushi blushed hearing the last sentence, "From where you come with all of this non-sense?".

"Arey ... its not non-sense. Its what has been said since the start ... when this ritual was added into the wedding ceremonies", said Garima chiding Khushi a little.

"But the only one which make sense is ... the name of your husband in your hands and the darker color indicates that bride is loved immensely by her husband", said Khushi.

"Acha baba ... you think of only this reason ok", said Garima as she smiles at her daughter, "We all know how much Arnav bitwa loves you ... (she cupped Khushi's face with one hand) treasure him always bitya ... a gem like him is hard to find".

"I know Amma, there is no one like my Arnav ji", said Khushi with pride ... her eyes reflected her immense love for him.

Garima smiles and prayed for her children happiness.

Just then an idea came in her mind to tease Arnav; she picked her cell and send a message to him. Arnav had just come into his room, few minutes ago, after having breakfast. He heard the beep of his cell and a smile came on his lips reading Khushi's name.

He opened the message and frown reading the message.

"You lied to me".

He replied back, thinking when and what he lied about.

"About what?".

"About your love for me", he read her reply.

"What the", escape his lips and then he dials her number.

Khushi bit her lower lips seeing his name flashing on her cell. She picks the call feigning seriousness, "yes", she said.

"Khushi what you mean by that?", said Arnav, trying not to get irritated.

"It means simple, that you don't love me like you claim to be", said Khushi.

"What? Are you alright? What had gotten into you this morning?", asked Arnav confused why Khushi is saying like this.

"Haww ... arey hum sach keh rahey hein, ap humse pyar nahi kertey", said Khushi.

"Acha? Kis ne bataya? Subha newpaper mein aya tha ya tv per announce hua?", replied Arnav sarcastically.

"Humari Mehendi ne bataya humain", replied Khushi in same tone.

"What the? Mehendi ne?", asked Arnav getting confused with her talks.

"Haan ... Mehendi ne, ap ko maloom hai ager dulhan ki Mehendi ka rang ghera ho toh uska matlab hai k uska honey wala pati us se behad pyar kerta hai. Aur ...", Khushi was saying when Arnav cut in.

"Toh tumhara pati toh tumse bhut pyar kerta hai ... toh ..." ... but was cut in by Khushi.

"Ji bikul nahi, kion k humari Mehendi ka rang peekha hai, bikul ap k pyar ki terhan ... peekha", said Khushi in serious tone.

"What the ...", said Arnav, "It doesn't matter Khushi if the color is light, don't you know how much I love you", he was getting annoyed now.

"I know, but others don't ... I was boasting yesterday that my Mehendi will be very dark because you love me very much. But now when today everyone will see my light Mehendi then they will mock me that how wrong I was ... and my light Mehendi proves that you don't love me like you say ...", Khushi was saying when she was cut by Arnav's sharp tone.

"Just shut up Khushi! I can't believe you're saying this. You are measuring my love with the color of your Mehendi ... which will fade in some days. Do you think my love for you will also fade?", said Arnav in anger and hurt.

Khushi's heart thudded in apprehension as she felt the hurt in his voice. She opened her mouth to say something when Arnav continued, "My love doesn't need any proof. I don't need to prove my love for you ... I thought you understand ... you ... just forget it ... dammit!".

Arnav cut the call in anger; he really can't believe that Khushi is saying this. If someone in this world understand him better than his own self is Khushi ... and she ... she thinks like that about his love?, he though angrily as he throw his cell phone on bed and went out to poolside to cool down his mind.

"Oh damn, Khushi what did you do?", murmurs Khushi as she dials Arnav number again and again but he doesn't pick up. She sends messages as well but didn't get any reply.

Now she was chiding herself. What was the need to tease him? That laad governor don't even understand the fun behind it, thought Khushi worriedly, I guess now I have to teach him the fun as well.

Arnav came inside his room after few minutes and pick up his cell from the bed. He had heard it ring and the beep of messages but he was not in a mood to argue with her, afraid that he might say something in anger which will hurt Khushi. But then a thought came in his mind that what if someone had put this rubbish in her head, he knows that she loves him and also knows that she knows how much he loves her ... then what it is the real matter. With that thought he came back in room to call her and ask about it.

He swipe open his iphone and saw 11 miss calls from Khushi and 5 messages. He opens the first one.

"I was only teasing you. I know how much you love me. Please talk to me".

"Arnavji please pick up. I am sorry, my intention was not to hurt you.".

"My Mehendi is very dark, see I am sending the pic. You were right, you love me very much".

(Arnav open the attachment and saw the image of her palm only. He runs his finger over it and smiles ... it was indeed very dark).

He opens the last 2 messages:

"I am sorry, sorry ... sooo sooorryyy ... Please maan jaye na, hum toh bus apko chetrna chahtey thay. Humain kia maloom tha k ap is terhan naraz ho jayein ge".

"I don't need any proof of your love nor I want to show it to others because I know how much you love me ... only you matters to me ... please Arnavji reply back".

Arnav smiles as he read her messages. He replied back.

"Its ok. Forget it. I don't wana talk about it right now ".

He pressed the send button, smiling mischievously, thinking ... you wanted to tease me right ... now its your turn ... now you will have to wait for me to talk to you.

Khushi was not satisfied with his reply so she dials his number but he didn't picked up. She pouted as she put the phone down understanding that Arnav really doesn't want to talk right now and its better to leave him at this moment ... or else he will get more irritated.

She put her forefinger nail between her teeth, chewing it in nervousness ... thinking what if he doesn't even talk to her tonight as well? During the Sangeet? What will she say to others if they notice this?

Payal enters the room with Arush in her arms and saw Khushi like that. She moves ahead and swats Khushi's hand.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to do that? Its unhygienic", said Payal in scolding tone. She hated this habit of her sister.

"oho Jiji, don't scold me now, I am already very tensed", said Khushi in irritation.

"What happened?", said Payal as she put Arush on bed.

"Arnavji is not talking to me", said Khushi with a pout.

"Now what did you do?", asked Payal putting her hands over her waist. Giving Khushi a I-know-you-are-the-culprit look.

Khushi averted her eyes, "Wo .. I ... was just teasing him ... and he didn't understand the fun behind it and he got upset".

"uffho Khushi", said Khushi smacking her sister's head, "When will you grow up?".

"What? Can't I tease him? He is going to be my husband ", said Khushi rubbing her head, "But that laad governor can't even understand the tease and takes everything serious".

Arush had come close to Khushi and grabs her hand which was placed on the bed.

"eh, choc choc", said Arush seeing the dark maroonish design on Khushi's hand and put it in his mouth.

"Peh peh ...", he made a yuck face and push the hand away.

Payal giggles seeing this, "He had done this with mine and Amma's hand as well".

"Oh my Baby", said Khushi as she takes Arush on her lap and kiss his cheek making him smile wide.

"Mama ...", said Arush as he put his head over chest and then give her mama his most innocent look. "Choc choc ..."

"Awh ... my baby needs choc choc", said Khushi and Arush understanding her words nodded his head.

"Khushi no ... I have already given him some chocolate a while go", said Payal as Khushi stood up with Arush in her arms.

"Arey Jiji, don't worry ... I will just give him a little more", said Khushi and move towards the door.

"Khushi you're spoiling him", said Payal shaking her head.

"Someone has to Jiji", said Khushi as she move out.

"Make him ready as well ... your dress will also be coming in sometime", shouted Payal.

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Arnav climb down the stairs and saw his sister, jiju, Mami, Akash and Nani sitting on sofas, huddle together, talking something, which they stopped when he came near.

Arnav give questioningly look to everyone, "Di, you called?".

Anjali nudge Rahul and gesture towards Arnav with her head.

"Um Arnav ... wo ... the thing is that we have decided something for Sangeet tonight", said Rahul.

"Yes?", said Arnav wanting to know more.

Rahul look uncertainly at his wife, who nudged him again.

"Di, spill it now, what is it?", asked Arnav folding his arms over chest.

Anjali give an angry look to her husband and then look at her brother, "Its about your entry in the Sangeet".

"My entry? What about it?", asked Arnav getting confused.

"We want it to be different, so we thought of a song that will be played and ...", Anjali was saying when Arnav cut in.

"Oh no no, I won't dance", said Arnav shaking his head, "You all know that how much I hate that filmy dance and songs".

"No one is asking you to dance, we just want to let you know beforehand what we have planned so that you don't create a scene over there", said Anjali in serious tone.

"Di, I don't want any song or you guys to dance madly like baratis they show in movies", said Arnav.

Anjali's mouth open at this, "Chottey, you're not dancing it doesn't mean that we won't as well".

"Yes Arnav bitwa ... its sangeetwa tonight ... and no dancewa in sangeetwa is a big no no", said Mamiji .

"So I am not stopping you guys, but don't involve me in anything", said Arnav and about to turn when Akash said, "But bhai you are the groom here".

"So?", said Arnav giving a serious look to Akash.

"So, you will have to agree with what we have planned. It will be from your side for Khushi and I am sure she will love it", said Anjali with confidence.

Khushi love all that band baja barat style and those loud Bollywood songs, oh no no ... he is not doing these things, thought Arnav, "he has a reputation to uphold".

"No, means no Di", said Arnav and turn to go when Anjali stood up, "Chottey I agreed for your condition in exchange for that I can plan the functions however I want ... so this is what I want".

Arnav gave Anjali a stern look, "And have I stopped you from doing anything till now? ...No, right.But don't except me to do some crazy dance stuff".

"Ufho Chottey no one is asking you to dance here", said Anjali getting annoyed.

"Whatever di", said Arnav and take 2-3 steps towards the stairs when Anjali stopped him, "Don't make me pick up the phone and call whole of Delhi tonight".

Arnav stopped and turn to his sister, who was at the moment looking like ASR

"Are you blackmailing again Di?", asked Arnav.

"You can think whatever you want. I agreed to your condition that functions will be limited to only family and close friends in exchange of I will do whatever I want. So we have planned something for your entry into the Sangeet tonight. If you don't agree i will call everyone within our social circle and i am sure they do not want to miss the sangeet of the great ASR", said Anjali giving a very stern look to her brother, which means that she will do it what she had said.

Rahul shakes his head at this. Both sister and brother can get equally stubborn and manipulative sometimes.

Arnav open his mouth to retort again but Anjali cut in, "Just hear us out. You don't have to dance. It's not stupid and over the top. Even Nani agrees with it".

Arnav look at his Nani, who nodded her head immediately.

Arnav sighed and move near his sister, "Ok what have you planned?".

In next few minutes Anjali and Akash tell him what they had planned and he could only do what the ... what the ... what the ... in his mind.

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Aman came to deliver Khushi's dress round 11.30pm. Aashima, Divya and Poonam have reached there at the same time.

"Again, it will be given to Khushi only?", asked Aashima and Aman smiles at her, "Yup".

"Khushi ...", Aashima called out to her.

"Your dress is here", said Aashima, Poonam and Divya in union.

"Haye re nand Kishore, paglaye ho kia tum teeno", said Buaji putting hands over her ear.

"Buaji, ap ki sanka devi ki sanak ka asar hai", said Aashima cheekily ... hugging Buaji side wise.

"Hut re pagli", said Buaji pushing Aashima and look at Aman, "Bitwa, ao betho. Chai latey hein hum".

"No thanks, Buaji. I have to rush anyway. Just come here to ...", Aman was saying when Divya cut in, "Deliver the stuff ... we know .. we know".

Buaji shakes her head at girls, they are all getting sanki like her sanka devi.

Khushi came there Arush in her arms, all ready in his simple gold sherwani and purple pajama.

"Haye ... mera raja", said Aashima as she picked Arush from Khushi, "Kitna handsome lag raha hai".

"Hato, nazar na lagana mere munne ko", said Buaji as she took balayian of her munna. Making Arush roll his eyes, along with buaji's hand ... making everyone smile.

Aman handover the stuff to Khushi and leave from there instructing the same thing that if needed, he is just a call away.

Divya and Poonam literally pushed Khushi into her room, eager to see her dress, and quickly take out the stuff from bags.

If they loved her dress yesterday, today they were just in awe of the dress laid on the bed. They were all mesmerized by the beauty of it.

"Ok its official ... I envy you Khushi", said Aashima and picked up the lehenga skirt.

"Me too", said Divya.

"Me three", said Poonam after her.

"You're damn lucky to have ASR, the fashion king, as your husband", said Aashima.

"Yeah wish I could get someone like him", said Poonam dreamily.

The lehenga choli was of purple and gold color, having mirror work all over it. The half sleeve choli was of golden color with mirrors on it. The lehenga skirt had a waist band of two lines of mirrors ... further dividing into slits of purple and golden. The purple portion has golden zari embroidery and golden portion has mirrors. The border was done in 3 layers, golden with mirrors, then purple with zari work and then thin border of mirrors again.

(Khushi's attire and accessories for sangeet)

"Wow, is this your dress Khushi?", asked Payal who came in the room.

Her voice brings out the other occupants of the room from their thought.

"Yeah Jiji", said Khushi as she took the skirt from Aashima, it was one exquisite piece of art itself.

"It's gorgeous, you will just shine in it", said Payal in admiration.

"Ok let's get you in it asap", said Divya as she took the lehenga skirt from Khushi and ask her to take bath quickly.

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Arnav was again admiring himself, looking at his reflection in mirror, dressed in deep purple velvet sherwani designed in maharaja style. It is self textured with resham work ... high neck collar, cuff, sleeves and front part in decorated with shiny cutdana work making it look very stylish. Paired with golden beige pajama. He was wearing golden jootis.

(Arnav's attire for sangeet - ignore the stick 😛)

He was not fond of heavy embroidery clothes and was glad that Khushi had designed his clothes which have no heavy embroidery or work over it. Though its still a little heavy for his taste but he couldn't help but admire her designing skills. That girl sure is very talented, thought Arnav with pride.

All set and ready, he picked his cell and about to leave the room when he glance at his cell phone screen and saw a message from Khushi.

"Sorry, Sorry, Lakhon sorry. Abh toh man jao na mere Arnavji".

It also has an image attached, which he opened and chuckled seeing Khushi's pouty sad face.

He could see that she was wearing the blouse he had designed. He can't wait to see her in that dress. He close the phone and went out of his room.

Little more wait my dear, its your punishment of teasing me regarding my love for you, thought Arnav as he climbs down the stair.

"Sasuma, jaldi se Arnav bitwa ki arti utar lio, werna humari hi nazar lag jaye gi", said Mamiji seeing Arnav looking not less like some prince.

Arnav avert his eyes, feeling little fluster seeing the awh look of his Mami and Mamaji. He went towards Nani, who was standing in hallway with Arti thal. He give a small smile to her. She took his arti and blessed him.

"Khushi is no less in designing Arnav bitwa, she had done a brilliant job", said Mamaji appreciating his attire.

"Very true, chotey is looking like a prince in this sherwani", said Nani.

"Nani ...", Arnav didn't know what to say to stop them from praising him like this.

"Anjali bitya toh shockwa hojaye gi", said Mamiji, "Bhut armaan raha bitya ka tumko sherwani mein dekhne ka".

"Haan ... Anjali bitya will be so happy tonight", said Nani.

"Nani I think we should leave now, they will be waiting for us there", said Arnav and move towards the front door.

Anjali, Rahul and Akash had left 2 hours go, to see the arrangements and final check everything for tonight's function.

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"No, I will not go until and unless he talks to me properly", said Khushi folding her hands over chest as she sits on the bed.

"Khushi we will get late", said Poonam.

"What's going on here, why are you all still here?", said NK as he enters Khushi's room.

"Talk to her", said Naina giving him a warning look, "And sort this out, we will wait outside" she move out gesturing Poonam to follow along.

"Khushi, now what you are upto?", said NK in irritated tone.

"I will not move out of this room, until you say you forget and forgive about that video", said Khushi.

NK have not been talking to her properly since the day he got to know that Khushi had send his video to Arnav. Though he did not need to ignore her as he was busy with arrangements and other various stuff regaring this wedding.

"Khushi we weill talk about this later, come lets go now, we will get late", said NK.

"I don't care, first you say it. I have already apologize to you many times", said Khushi being stubborn.

"Fine then, I will leave without you", said NK, "You can tell ASR that you are not coming".

"Oye!! what kind of friend are you? that you leaving me behind on my own Sangeet", said Khushi in anger as she stood and came near him.

"And what kind of friend are you that you show my video to others, when I said not to ... I did that only to make you happy. Not to show it to others", said NK equally in anger. Her this act had really upset him.

"He is not others NK, he is a part of me. I am sorry I send the video to him, but he deleted it when I asked him to", said Khushi her tone now emotional.

"Khushi, I know he is going to be your husband. Just like some things cannot be share about your husband with friends, same way, there are some things that are not meant to be share about friends with your husband", said NK as he put hands over her shoulders, "You need to understand this. I am your best friend, he is your husband. Both relations are important but they have to be kept at distance from each other".

"I understand. I am really sorry.", said Khushi as she held her ears, "I won't do it again. Abh toh maan jao na".

NK's melted, like always, at her this gesture and sad look. He takes her hands down, "Its ok, but thotri si saza toh banti hai na".

"Acha, kia kerna hai batao", said Khushi.

"Dance on the same song tonight", said NK mischievously.

"NK", Khushi was shocked, "I can't do that in front of everyone, Dadi will be there as well. I don't think she will appreciate me dancing on that song".

"And when has her presence stopped you from doing something before?", asked NK, "Chill, just dance for me ... or you can think of ASR while dancing".

"Can't I dance on some other song?", asked Khushi.

"Nope", said NK making Khuhi sighed in defeat.

"Come, lets go now", said NK as he put his hand around her shoulder and lead her outside, "Tonight will be fun".

Khushi could only pray for it to be true.

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