Chapter 6

3 months ago

Pearl_Oyster

@Pearl_Oyster

Khushi looked at the road ahead as Arnav manevoured his car out of the parking. Once they were on the road, she looked at him again. He looked relaxed. Unlike what she felt. Her heart was muddled, unsure.

In her life, she had only met parents of three people: Payal, Akash, and Shyam. Payal and Akash’s parents had been unfailingly polite, their words carefully chosen, while Shyam’s parents…well, their niceness had evaporated like dew in the morning sun the second her Buaji was gone.

Even when meeting Payal and Akash's parents, she had shaky nerves. She couldn't help but wonder how today's meeting with Arnav's parents was going to be. She had already interacted with Mr. Raizada occasionally at the office and he seemed like a genuine person. But she wondered if that would change now knowing that she was a reminder of the place they had brought Arnav from.

"Everyone is going to love you, Khushi" the sudden words from Arnav had her turn to look at him. He was still driving, his eyes fixed on the road.

She blinked at his words and then tried to force a smile. Did she appear nervous enough that he felt the need to calm her with his words?

He turned his eyes towards her, the brown colour of them looking striking because of the sunlight that inundated the car since the windows were drawn.

"How much do they know about me?" She asked.

"Ratna Ma knows enough. So does Mr. Raizada. Anjali…Anjali’s going to be curious," he said. There was a little quirk to his lips, but she didn’t feel it. Was she really stressing so much over nothing? These people are definitely nice. They had taken in Arnav and he seemed happy and content. She let out her breath and decided to keep herself open. Maybe they won't judge her. Maybe this meeting was not an attempt to assess who she is and if she is qualified enough to be Arnav's friend.

"You mentioned that Anjali is into dancing?" She asked, wanting to know more about the people she was about to meet.

"Yes! Kathak. She has been in training since her school days and is quite good at it" he answered.

"Ratna Ma and Mr. Raizada..well you do know what he does. Ma manages everything at home. She keeps everyone together and makes sure we function normally. She is kind and generous" he continued without she having to ask again.

She trusted his words. If he says that are good, then they are.

"Tell me about your work" he asked her, as if to fill the silence so that her head will not be buzzing with thoughts.

"When did you decide you want to do this... business analysis", he added.

When did she decide? Was it when she saw her Buaji struggling with the finances and wanted to do something that was sure to get her a job? Or was it later when her Buaji passed away and she saw Shyam taking over her life?

"I always wanted to help Buaji financially. This degree was supposed to be about that. But, she passed away before I could do anything. I continued with the plan anyway because once she was gone, I needed this more. I got a scholarship for the course and things kind of happened on their own from there onwards" she answered.

Arnav seemed to be listening attentively.

"I got my first job when I was in campus. Finished the exam. Joined Malhotra Textiles as a junior analyst. It was good..but when the opportunity opened up at Raizada Textiles, I thought it is better to move up the ladder. I have learnt a great deal here from Rakshit, my team lead and from Ms. Kashyap" she finished.

"You work with Lavanya?" Arnav asked, looking surprised.

"Yes! She is my boss's boss" Khushi answered and watched Arnav nodding. He did not add anything to that answer so she too remained quiet for a moment.

"What about your work?" She began after a pause. "Do you enjoy doing it?".

She saw him smile and then nod.

"It is one of the few things I enjoy doing. The whole process of creating something new is very therapeutic to me" he answered.

"No wonder you are so good at it" she added.

"You think I am good at it?" He asked her with a soft smile and glow in his eyes.

"There is no doubt about it, Arnav. It is your talent and dedication that you have achieved so much in so less of a time" she replied.

He looked at her deeply and then nodded again.

Few more minutes passed in peaceful silence as she looked outside the window, watching the city with a sense of calm now.

She watched as the roads turned wider and quieter as they entered the Panchsheel Park area. There was an abundance of greenery and huge bungalows could be seen nestled between them.

As the car slowed down and Raizada Mansion came into her view, she couldn't help but feel a little out of place. It was an imposing structure, built to signify luxury and comfort.

"That is your house?" The words left her mouth in awe and wonder.

"My father's house. But, I know what you mean. That was my reaction too when I saw it for the first time. It is too big for four people" Arnav replied, shaking his head as though recalling the moment.

She watched as the car entered the sprawling mansion, its grand facade gleaming under the afternoon sun.

Arnav brought the car to a halt in front of the main entrance where two uniformed staff members were stationed. Arnav nodded at them as he stepped out of the car and she followed after him, stepping out as well. As soon as she stepped out, a wave of warm, fragrant air greeted her, carrying the scent of fresh flowers from the garden, calming her further.

"Come" Arnav said.

She looked briefly at both the guards and began walking next to him.

Through the porch, they reached the main door of the house and into the wide, open hall.

Khushi had barely had a chance to look around when a melodious voice reached her ears.

"Arnav! You are back already" Khushi noticed the woman who was in her late fifties, descending the wide steps of the mansion, her saree flowing gracefully around her. The bangles on her wrists chimed softly as she made her way towards the two of them.

Ratna Raizada.

Even before she reached them, her gaze shifted to Khushi, eyes kind yet assessing.

“And this must be lovely Khushi" she said.

Khushi smiled at the fondness that dripped from Ratna Raizada's voice.

She had never seen the woman before but the way her name was spoken, it was evident that she knew about her.

In answer, she pressed her palms together instinctively. “Namaste, aunty"

A smile tugged at the corners of Ratna’s lips. “Oh, no, no! I need a hug from you. I have been waiting to meet you for far too long" the woman said before taking Khushi in her warm and gentle arms.

Khushi was startled by the gesture but eased into the hug, getting reminded of the rather fierce hug Arnav had given her when he had met her in the office alone.

There was something incredibly motherly about Ratna Raizada's hug—gentle yet firm.

“I have heard so much about you,” Ratna continued, her eyes shining with curiosity, as she pulled back from the hug.

Khushi flicked her gaze to Arnav, who merely smiled, watching the exchange with a soft expression on his face.

“All good things, I hope?” She said, feeling the need to lighten the moment.

“Oh, absolutely,” Ratna laughed, before adding, “Well, mostly.”

Khushi smiled in return.

“My son does not have too many people he likes to call his friend. So, it is a pleasure to finally meet someone who has been his oldest friend” Ratna continued as she led her towards the seating area.

For a moment, Khushi did not know what to say. There seemed to be no interrogation, no underlying test to see if she was “worthy” of standing here. Just a simple, heartfelt welcome from the woman who raised Arnav.

“Come, sit! Hari Prakash! Bring something for our guest" She called out to a staff as Khushi took a seat on the plush three-seater sofa. Both Arnav and Ratna Raizada settled into another sofa.

Within seconds, a man in his late forties appeared, setting down a silver tray adorned with steaming tea, fresh fruit, and a variety of light snacks.

"Have something!" Ratna Raizada said lovingly.

"Or not! We have invited her for lunch, Ma" Arnav spoke, looking at Ratna.

"Lunch is ready! But, I cannot not offer some refreshments. Right, Khushi?" Ratna looked at Khushi for approval at Arnav's comment.

Khushi did not know what to say. She had a feeling that she was being fussed over. It was strange yet nice.

"I will have the fruits" she answered and took a slice of apple from the tray.

"See" Ratna looked triumphantly at Arnav who only shook his head.

"Where is Anjali? And Mr. Raizada?" Khushi asked to one in particular.

"Anjali shall be coming down any second. She has been eager to see you. And Mr. Raizada," Ratna stressed on her husband's name, "got called into some kind of urgent meeting. He won't be back until dinner".

Khushi only nodded at the information.

As she took another slice of apple, Ratna addressed her again.

“Arnav told me you work in our company. That was a surprise for me. How long have you been working here?"

"Six months", she avoided looking at Arnav as she answered.

"That is long enough. And you live with a friend here in Delhi?"

"Ji" She replied.

"You like living in Delhi?"

Khushi thought about that for a second.

"I like the opportunities this city has given me. I did my college here and now work" she admitted.

Ratna Raizada nodded.

Arnav, who had been watching the conversation unfold with quietly, suddenly stood. “I will go and change. We can have lunch after that.”

Ratna waved him off. “Sure, go ahead.”

As Arnav disappeared up the stairs and Ratna turned to Khushi again, they were interrupted by another bright and eager voice.

“Khushi!!!!”

Khushi turned to see a beautiful, lean woman approaching who seemed to be in her early twenties. She was wearing a kurta with churidar leggings and her long dupatta flowed behind her as she walked with effortless grace only dancers could possess.

Khushi noticed that She too had Arnav’s eyes—warm brown, intelligent, and brimming with curiosity. She marvelled at the co-incidence.

“Anjali,” Ratna said, “come and meet Khushi properly.”

Anjali’s face lit up as she walked up to them and joined her hands in greeting.

"Namaste", she said, and then winked.

"I prefer hello but Ma says I should say Namaste to those who are elder than me" she explained as Khushi smiled again.

"Namaste and Hello" she replied.

“It is awesome to meet you finally! Do you know how long I have been trying to get details out of Arnav Bhai? But he is worse than a locked safe when he wants to be.” Anjali giggled.

Khushi had to blink at the enthusiasm.

“You must tell me everything, okay?” Anjali continued, leaning forward, her eyes gleaming with interest.

“How he was as a child! Has he always been so full of decorum and discipline or was he naughty? How did you two become friends? Were you two like Anjali and Rahul from Kuch Kuch Hota hai? Or more like Rahul and Nisha from Dil to Pagal hai?"

Khushi was still processing the whirlwind that was Anjali when Ratna chuckled. “Slow down, Anju. You are going to scare the poor girl.”

Anjali pouted dramatically. “I am just curious, Ma! You know how much Bhai keeps evading when it comes to talking about himself".

Khushi smiled despite herself. She could see that Anjali looked up to Arnav and wanted to know more about her brother.

“He was quiet even as a child. But he always looked out for the people he cared about.” she answered.

Anjali sighed. “So he really has always been like this- quiet, protective, and impossible to read.”

Ratna smiled this time. “That is our Arnav”

Before Khushi could respond, Arnav reentered the room, now dressed in a crisp blue shirt and black trousers. He ran a hand through his hair, his sharp eyes moving to them as he reached them. “Are you interrogating her already, Anjali?”

Anjali gave an exaggerated gasp. “I am being friendly! Right, Khushi?"

Khushi could only nod.

Arnav shook his head, smirking at his sister. “Let us get to lunch before you become over friendly with my friend.”

"Aww! So territorial towards your friend" Anjali mocked Arnav who only shook his head this time.

"Come on, Khushi! Let us eat. Right, Ma?" Arnav said and Ratna Raizada stood up first.

"Yes! It is about time. Come, Anju" she said and Khushi stood up with Anjali, all of them making their way to the dining area.

Khushi stood waiting as others took seat, unsure where to be seated when Ratna beckoned her to take a seat next to her.

"We sit wherever we like. There is no fixed seat" Ratna said.

"Yes, I like this head chair" Anjali said, pointing to the chair at the head of the table into which she was sitting.

Khushi caught Arnav's eye briefly who was seated in front of her on the other end of the table. He was watching her and she raised her eyebrow at him. He shook his head.

Within seconds, two house staff appeared to help with serving the food. Khushi watched the process unfold, and noticed that Arnav barely took help of the house staff, serving his food himself.

She too followed his lead and tried to help herself.

As the lunch began, she found the table quiet, everyone eating their food without speaking. Even Anjali focused on eating. She wondered if quiet at the table was one of the house norms.

The rhythmic clatter of spoons and forks against the china plates was broken when Ratna Raizada addressed her again.

"Do you like the food, Khushi?"

She immediately regretted for not complimenting the efforts of the cook and quickly added, "everything is delicious, aunty".

"Good! I specially asked the cook to prepare moong daal halwa for you. Arnav mentioned you were fond of it when you two were little"

"Oh!! Yes, I still like it, aunty" she answered, looking at Ratna Raizada and then at Arnav who was again looking at her.

"Do you still not like Bhindi?" She asked when she noticed he had not taken the fried okra in his plate.

"Those seeds are still just as pesky, Khushi. I don't like them getting stuck in my teeth", he answered.

"Not if you chew them properly" Khushi spoke just as Ratna did, both of them saying the same thing.

Ratna laughed at the co-incidence and Anjali grinned too.

"Bhindi is the best thing you can eat" Anjali spoke this time.

"That is why I don't! More for you" Arnav replied.

As though the quiet of the lunch table was broken, Ratna spoke again.

"You cook yourself at your house?"

"Ji, aunty. I like cooking. It gives me time to think and relax" she replied.

"Cooking and relaxing? I don't think I could ever do that" Anjali chimed in. "Kudos to you, Khushi".

Rest of the lunch passed in small talk during which Khushi began to feel more and more at ease with the two women.

As they finished the dessert in the form of moong daal halwa, Anjali retired to her room, saying that she had a video call with a friend.

"Ma, I will show Khushi the house now" he said.

"Haan sure! I will go read my book. Find me when you are done" Ratna replied and Arnav looked at Khushi.

She stood up.

"Chalein?" He said and began walking, with Khushi walking beside him.

First, he led her through the wide corridors of the Raizada mansion, his steps unhurried as he pointed out different parts of the house. Khushi only listened, trying to understand the house where he grew up. The house that became his home after their paths seperated.

It was hard to ignore how grand the house was and yet it exuded warmth, a quiet elegance rather than ostentatious display.

“This is the library,” he said, as they moved up a floor.

Khushi's eyes widened at she took account of the room lined with towering bookshelves. The scent of old pages and polished wood hung in the room.

"Who reads so much?" She asked in awe.

"Ma is fond of reading. Occasionally Mr. Raizada. Anjali, not so much. To be honest, this place is not getting its best use. I do whatever reading I can inside my room" he answered.

"But you used to read a lot back at Vaatsalya" she couldn't help but say, recalling the summer vacations at school when they would huddle under the cool shade of the large banyan tree and read whatever books were available to them in the orphanage.

“I guess I stopped once I came here. I mean school books were plenty. Reading another books....it just didn't interest me like before" he said, and Khushi could see that he meant more than he was saying.

"Do you still read?" His question came next.

"Yes! I continued reading up until college. Now, my pace has slowed since I started the job. I do want to resume again" she replied. Books had been her solace during college, letting her escape the realities of her life at the time.

"I am glad to know that" he said and then they moved over to the other rooms on the floor and finally he led her to a beautifully landscaped terrace garden. Khushi walked towards the balcony’s railing, the city stretching out in the distance.

“This is beautiful,” she whispered, feeling the breeze stir her yellow dupatta.

“I used to spend a lot of time here when I first came,” Arnav said, leaning slightly against the railing beside her. “It felt…quiet. Safe.”

She turned her head towards him and watched his face that was so expressive in the moment. His caramel eyes shifted to look at her, this time leisurely.

"Yellow makes you look like a sunflower" he commented with a half-smile.

And she had to smile too on getting reminded of the compliment he had once paid her on her yellow birthday frock at Vaatsalya.

"Anjali has the same eyes as you" she commented only to notice a shadow settle on his face.

"Yes! That was the first thing she too noticed about me when I moved here" he answered.

"Was it easy? Adopting a new world? New people?" She asked. Because being an orphanage, Vaatsalya had been a world of its own, had its own kind of people.

"Not at first! I was not used to people focusing on me all the time, asking what I needed, what I wanted. Getting into this house.... It was like I suddenly mattered. Back at Vaatsalya...you know how it was. No one cared much. Except you. You were the only one who made me feel like I was important...needed" he answered, scooting closer to where she stood holding the railing.

She looked at his eyes that were both sincere and shimmering with attention focused on her.

"Thirteen years" he breathed, voice dropping.

"During this time I wondered so many times about what could have been had both of us been adopted into the same city, at the same time".

"That was highly unlikely" she spoke, eyes lowered from his face.

But, she looked up again when she noticed he was more close to her now.

"I wondered about this day too! Bringing you here, making you see the life I was living. And you are here finally. You met Ma and Anjali. They met you. It is all so surreal. Just when I had begun to believe that none this could possibly happen, it did. It is happening. Now"

Why do his words both sear her heart and then soothe it? Khushi wondered. Was it because the lie she had told herself all these years was repeatedly falling to pieces? He was not indifferent. He had not forgotten her. He had wanted to meet her. He had thought about her all these years. He had told about her to the people in his life. He was not ashamed of the place and the people in his past.

She could not look away from his eyes. His face. There were traces in his face of the boy he had once been. Those familiar traces called out to her.

“You still come here often?” she asked, ignoring how her heart was filling up again.

“Not as much as I used to,” he answered, looking ahead at the foliage of trees.

“But there are days...sometimes, when things get too overwhelming, I find myself here.” he continued.

She nodded, knowing that feeling all too well.

After a few more moments, he straightened, as if clearing his thoughts. “Come. There is one last place left to show you.”

He led her down a quieter hallway and stopped at a door. Turning the knob, he pushed it open, revealing a spacious bedroom. Dark wood furniture complemented soft-toned walls, and a large window let in the afternoon sunlight. A sleek work desk stood at one end, next to a bookshelf stacked with design journals and fabric samples.

“This is my room,” he said simply.

Khushi took a slow step inside. The space was neat, but it held a lived-in warmth. A couch was placed near the bookshelf, and the bed—king-sized but unassuming—was covered in deep blue sheets. On a side table, a framed photograph caught her eye.

She moved closer and saw that it was a picture of a younger Arnav, standing next to Ratna Raizada and Arvind Raizada. The photograph must have been taken soon after he had arrived in this house because she remembered the shirt he was wearing.

She glanced at him. He was watching her.

She turned back to the photograph. “You look happy here,” she said softly, referring to his non-scowling face in the picture.

A smile emerged on Arnav's lips at her comment.

"That is what I told Ratna Ma when this picture arrived. She did not know this was my happy expression back then" he answered.

She looked around the room again, studying the random pictures on his wall. Some from college and some from a foreign University.

"After my stint at NIFT, I enrolled at Harvard for a MBA. I thought it might help me with expanding my business", he explained.

She nodded and a comfortable silence stretched between them, only broken when Arnav took a sure step towards her, opening his mouth to ask something.

"Khushi, did you..."

"So, here are my Rahul and Anjali" Arnav's words were cut off by Anjali's sudden entrance into the room. Khushi quickly turned to face Anjali, flushed at the mention of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai again while Arnav raised an eyebrow at his sister.

"Anjali and who? Isn't that your name?" He said.

"See!" Anjali made a face before Khushi.

"He does not know the cult friendship between Rahul and Anjali, Khushi. Please tell me that at least you know what I am talking about" she complained.

"I have seen the movie" she admitted.

"What movie are we talking about?" Arnav asked, stepping closer to them.

"Shah Rukh Khan movie, brother! He has not seen any of them" Anjali informed Khushi.

"Really?" Khushi asked, more to Arnav.

"Well...! You know we didn't get to watch movies at Vaatsalya. And later, I got into Hollywood movies" he answered sheepishly.

Anjali rolled her eyes and turned to Khushi again.

"You will soon realise that your old friend has grown up to be a bore, Khushi" Anjali said, tongue in cheek.

Arnav did not react to the judgement and Khushi felt the need to defend it.

"I am sure I am much more boring" she said with a hint of smile.

"Really? I guess you two are perfect for each other then" Anjali said.

"That we are, Anju" Arnav said.

Anjali made a face and then said.

"Ma sent me here to say that she wants to bring out the family album. You two are requested back in the hall. Come, Khushi" Anjali said, which indeed piqued Khushi's interest. But Arnav did not move.

"We can do that next time, Anju".

"But Ma said"

Arnav did not move still.

"Fine! Hog your friend. I will tell Ma you are too busy catching up with Khushi and want her all for yourself" Anjali said.

"She is here for the first time. I have all the right to "hog" her" Arnav replied, his tone teasing now and Anjali shook her head before stomping out wordlessly.

"Why did you do that?" Khushi asked.

"Like I said, you are here for the first time. I should get all your time" he replied, and Khushi was surprised when he reached for her hand and tugged her towards another end of his room. There, he dropped her hand and pulled the dark curtains apart, revealing a tall glass door beyond which she could see a poolside.

"You have a pool?" Khushi wondered aloud, stepping through the door Arnav opened.

"Yes!" He spoke softly, marvelling at her wide eyes.

"This is so beautiful" she said, looking at the blue water. There were several plants neatly arranged in the small space to give the poolside a natural aesthetic.

"A terrace garden, a pool and another small garden. You must find it very peaceful" Khushi said, running her hand on the wicker lounger placed in a corner. Perfect for some daytime reading by the water.

"I wish I could spend more time here. Ever since the launch of ARA, I don't get enough time to sit down and enjoy this peace" Arnav replied.

Khushi turned to look at him, a gentle breeze lifting the strands of her hair as she took in his words. There was something wistful in the way he spoke, as though he truly missed the solace his own home could offer him.

She glanced back at the pool, the water reflecting the soft hues of the sky. It was a serene space, tucked away from the world—just like him. A place of solitude, of quiet thoughts.

“You should make time,” she said softly. “If not for anything else, then just to remind yourself that peace still exists, even amidst all the chaos.”

He tilted his head slightly, studying her as if seeing something he hadn’t before.

“Perhaps you are right,” he murmured and then moved up to the wicker lounger.

“This used to be one of my favourite spots in the house,” he admitted. “Not that I get much time to use it, but when I do, it is usually late at night.”

He was a workaholic. Just like she had made herself one. Looking at the lounger, she could picture him sitting here, the glow of the moon reflecting in the water, lost in thought. Maybe thinking about her occasionally? Reminiscing about their days at Vaatsalya?

“Why late at night?” she asked, silencing her thoughts.

“That is when the world is asleep, and I can hear my own thoughts.” he answered. She understood that more than she let on. The nights had always been the hardest for her, too. They held secrets, memories, and sometimes, unbearable silences.

“I would imagine this place looks even more beautiful at night,” she mused, watching the way the afternoon light danced on the rippling water.

“It does,” he admitted, paused, and then added, “Maybe someday, I will show you.”

Something flickered in the space between them. It was not a promise, not quite, but the words lingered between them.

Khushi looked away first, her fingers playing with the hem of her dupatta. “We should go back before your mother thinks I have taken over your house.”

Arnav chuckled, shaking his head. “She would not mind. She likes you.”

Khushi blinked at that.

“She barely knows me.” Her response became sharp on its own which was picked up by him immediately.

"She knows almost the same as I do, Khushi” He replied nonetheless, trying to dispel the heaviness of the moment.

"Which is also bare!" The words continued to run out of her mouth, triggered by something she was sure he had not meant.

As the words left her mouth, she noticed the hurt that was now splayed all over his face.

He had not expected that response from her, and neither had she. She bit the inside of her cheek, cursing herself for letting her words spill out unchecked.

Arnav’s eyes, which had been warm and open a moment ago had now clouded over. And he did not mask it, at a loss for words.

A part of her immediately wanted to take it back, to smooth over the sudden sharp edge that had cut through their otherwise easy conversation. But another part of her—the one that had spent the past few years guarding herself—knew why those words had come out so forcefully.

He thought he knew her. He thought he had enough pieces of her to claim familiarity. And maybe, in a way, he did—more than anyone else ever had. But there were still entire chasms of her life that he had not glimpsed. Shadows she did not want him to walk through.

The silence stretched between them and she could not take it anymore.

“I did not mean…” she began, but stopped when he shook his head, a faint, forced smile playing on his lips.

“It is alright, Khushi' he said, though his voice lacked the warmth it had seconds ago.

“You are right. There is a lot I do not know. Thirteen years is a long time. But that is what I want to change now. I am here now" He replied, voice becoming steadier and softer. Khushi had to swallow the emotions that whirled inside her upon his words.

He was here. He was trying to be a part of her life. He had missed her friendship just as she had missed him.

"I know! I am sorry. I should not have said that" she continued, holding his gaze until those eyes cleared.

They stood, looking at each other and Arnav reached forward to hold her hand again.

"I had almost forgotten your angry face" he commented as he guided her towards the wicker lounger. Adjusting the soft cushion placed on it, he made her sit on it.

Khushi had to smile.

"I rarely get angry" she answered as he sat down on the small wooden table placed next to the lounger.

"Sure" he replied and looked at the glistening water where sunrays bounced off.

They sat in silence for a few minutes watching the water.

And then the peace was interrupted by Arnav's cell phone ringing.

"Aman" he said in the phone.

His assistant. Khushi remembered the name from few days ago.

"I see. Give her access to everything. The sooner this happens the better for us" he said and then looked at her.

"No! I am taking a personal day. Okay. Keep me posted" he said and disconnected the call.

Then he turned towards her again.

"You are working with Shobhit and handling the Raizada Textiles end for this merger?" He asked.

She nodded.

"You are happy with that arrangement?" He continued and she wondered where he was going with that.

"It was Shobhit and Ms. Kashyap's call. I am happy working wherever I am required to. Doesn't make much of a difference" she answered honestly.

"Spoken a like a true professional" he said.

"That I am" she answered with a soft grin.

"What do you do when you are not busy being a professional? What are your relaxed days and weekends like? I remember back at Vaatsalya, we had Sundays to ourself and we would spend it either reading or doing our chores" he said.

"In case I do get the weekends, I pretty much do the same thing. Though my reading has reduced significantly. It is mostly chores and chores. Tidying up the flat, buying groceries and all. Sometimes watching an occasional movie with Payal and sometimes joining both Payal and Akash for outings. But, this too is rare. I prefer working on the weekends too. More things get done when the office is sparse" she replied.

Arnav shook his head.

"Now I know how boring I must sound to Ma and Anjali. Because I do the same".

"Boring is better than being at home alone with your thoughts" She replied and found Arnav narrow his gaze.

"What is wrong with being alone with your thoughts? Isn't that where we find the spark of creativity?" He asked.

"Not me! My work has less to do with creativity and more with routine and practice" she replied, hoping that it sounded convincing enough.

Arnav nodded, but still seemed deep in thought.

"I should be leaving now. It has been quite late" she said, getting up.

"Why? You have plans" He got up too, seeming surprised by her sudden declaration to leave.

"Not particularly but like I said! There is a list of chores" she laughed.

He seemed to be in thought again but then nodded.

"Alright! I shall see you again soon. Especially now that we shall be working together" he replied.

Khushi had to stop and look at him.

"What?" He said.

"About the office meetings... Can you not..I mean I don't want people to know that we know each other. It doesn't reflect well since you are..you and I am..me" she said,feeling the weight of his gaze.

"I don't want people to think that I have this job because we know each other" she felt the need to clarify when he remained quiet for another second.

"Does it matter what people think?" He asked, voice serious.

She had to think twice about the answer.

"It matters if they think I have not earned my position" she replied, looking down.

"Okay" came his short reply. She nodded too and then reached for her handbag.

"Before leaving, I want to thank Ratna aunty and Anjali for having me".

"This way", he said, leading the way and she followed quietly.

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