Chapter 12

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Harvest Moon Chapter 12

KHUSHI sat in the study room, free of the bandage on her feet —at long last. In the last ten days of her disability, her life seemed to be going on in a bizarrely normal pattern.  During the day, Hariprakash’s wife Lakshmi attended to her, catering to all her needs and Khushi had discovered that the office chair in the study could be converted into a makeshift wheelchair helping her zip around the ground floor with ease.

She had also achieved quiet a lot in terms of work as she had resumed communication with her school regarding the annual day function. The principal was still hoping she would be back to conduct the annual day programme, but she didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise, for she had no idea where her life was going currently.

Arnav had given her a new laptop — a MacNook Air at that. She had found the laptop in the study a few days ago and that night, while she sat on her bed struggling with the new operating system, Arnav had leaned over and showed her how to use the system quickening her heartbeat in the process.

The small guest bedroom had become too cozy and intimate. Each morning she woke inhaling the smell of Arnav’s cologne on the pillows and sheets, finding herself in the centre of the bed which told her that she must have been sliding up to Arnav’s side in her sleep. However, she also found herself all alone for Arnav was long gone for his daily trip to the fields. Now that her ankle was healed, she could to be back to her old bedroom — before she got too comfortable to this room.

As she began to make preparations for dinner, she heard Anjali and Manav walk in along with Arnav. Soon, they were are seated together at the dining table.

“How’s your ankle Khushi?” Manav enquired.

“The bandage is off finally.” Khushi replied with a smile.

“Good!” Anjali exclaimed, “Thank you for coming up with the fantastic idea for the college cultural programme Khushi.” Anjali said as she chewed on a piece of roti. Since the kids were older, she had suggested that each class come up with one hour of programme including dance, drama, skit, songs etc that would enable them to showcase their talent. “This will allow the kids to be more creative.”

“I thought so too.” Khushi agreed.

“What happened at the school today Khushi bitiya?” Naniji enquired, “Khushi went to Hariprakash’s childrens’ school to talk to the principal.”

Khushi looked up to see Arnav’s surprised face. She hadn't told him anything about it but then there wasn't really anything much to tell. In the last two weeks Lakshmi had constantly complained about how they didn't teach much in her children’s school. Just this morning she had gone to the school to enquire on Lakshmi’s behalf and found that the principal Mr Bedi was struggling to run the school due to lack of funds. She had felt sorry for the old man for whom the school was his passion and when he had requested her to help she couldn't refuse. “The princpal doesn't have enough funds to run the school the way he wants. Since I have a little experience in school administration — I thought I could help him out a little.”

She looked up to see a strange look on Arnav’s face.

“That’s wonderful Khushi!” Manav exclaimed, “Dalbir uncle must have been so happy you are helping him out. He is my father’s friend.”

“I hope you don't go rushing off to this new job right away Khushi,” Anjali said affably, “Navneet’s sister’s wedding is a week away and I have told her you will help choreograph dances for the sangeet.”

Navneet was little Rinki’s mom and Anjali’s best friend and it was her younger sister Jasmeet’s wedding. The Ahujas had come to the house a few days ago with the invitation to their younger daughter’s wedding.

“Yes Di, I will be glad to help.” Khushi said.

“Are you sure?” Arnav said suddenly, “Your bandage came off just a day ago.”

“I am sure,” Khushi assured him, “I think I was okay a week ago. Don’t know why they asked me to wear this bandage for two whole weeks!”

“It’s alright Khushi,” Anjlai said mischievously, “it’s not everyday that you get the opportunity to be carried around by your husband.” Looked like this was public knowledge. Khushi blushed a deep red wishing the ground would swallow her. Before Arnav could come up with  rejoinder Anjali said, “I hope you both remember that we have responsibilities at the wedding as well?” She told Manav and Arnav.

“Of course we remember Anju,” Manav said, “Arnav will take care of catering and I will take care of the decorators. It’s all set.”

On the night of the sangeet, Arnav drove Khushi to the Ahuja’s house. The exterior part of the Ahujas’ house looked resplendent with bright lights from the serial lighting. The living room was decorated with yellow and orange chrysanthemums, curtains alongs archways and loud hindi music blaring from a music system somewhere. There were people every where, women, children and — men as well for the sangeet had been converted into a pre-wedding party for the guests who had arrived.

Mr Ahuja came up and took Arnav in his arms.“I don’t think I could have managed all this without you,” he said.

“Please don’t embarrass me uncle.” Arnav replied.

“Don’t be so modest Arnav,” the older man insisted, He turned toward Khushi, “if Arnav hadn’t loaned me the money at the last moment I would have had to call off the wedding. Business isn't doing too well at the moment but unfortunately a daughter’s wedding is something a father cannot compromise on.”

“You did the same for us when my grandfather had fallen into bad times and I was struggling to put everything together. So don’t worry about it. Khushi, please take uncle inside and I will go pick up some of the guests and join you later.”

This place had become familiar as she had been coming here the past week when Anjali had brought her to the Ahuja’s house to help the ladies prepare for the sangeet. Anjali had abandoned her since then as she had become tied up with work but luckily for her she had become friends with Jasmeet or Jassi as she was popularly known and all her friends and cousins.

Khushi had designed the entire programme to include most members of the family and friends, except for one piece which was a surprise from the bride’s friends. She was a little nervous for these girls wear a rumbustious lot, high and feverish with the excitement of their friends’ wedding. The shuddered thinking about one practice session when the girls had rounded up and began asking her about her “first” night. She had gone beet red with embarrassment which the girls had mistaken for shyness — thankfully. She had excused herself to go to the washroom where she had composed herself wondering if her life would ever be as normal as the girls outside.

“Khushi!” A familiar voice called out to her and her heart skipped a beat.

“Sanchita?” Khushi couldn't believe her family friend from Delhi was here in Faridkot. “What are you doing here?”

“We are here for Bobby’s wedding Khushi,” Sanchita’s cold tone indicated that Khushi should  have known this fact.

Bobby “Balwinder” Bhalla was one of Sanchita’s friends back in Delhi and Khushi remembered seeing him during one of their hangouts. What were the odds? Bobby was marrying Jassi! This meant that Sam was here, Khushi thought in dismay.

Sanchita pulled Khushi into an empty room. “What is going on with you?” She demanded, “Your marriage was suddenly fixed by your grandfather and you just ditched Sam and got married.” There it was finally. Khushi remembered the day at the farm house when Arnav had carelessly told off Sam. “That was no way to treat Sam!”

Khushi closed her eyes for a brief moment trying to control the anger that was rising in her. Sam had probably told everyone that they were in a relationship just to get back at her.    What a mess!

“Sanchita,” she began patiently, “don’t you think I would have confided in you if I was in a relationship with Sam?”

Khushi explained everything to Sanchita from the beginning and by the end of it, Sanchita felt sheepish at her outburst.

“I am sorry Khushi,” she apologized, “I didn’t know what to think. You just vanished from our lives one fine day and when I tried calling you — your phone was switched off.”

Khushi sat Sanchita down and explained her situation to an extent. After hugging and making up with her friend Khushi made her way to the bride’s chambers where she found the girls squealing about something. When they saw Khushi they rushed to her and grabbed her hands and there was more squealing.

Khushi looked at the deep colour of the Mehendi on her hands which one sweet girl had painstakingly drawn the previous evening.

“Khushi’s husband really loves her a lot!” One girl exclaimed in delight.

“Alright listen up girls!” Khushi drew their attention with a clap, “It’s time for one last rehearsal before we start the programme. Go ahead and start and I will go find the family members.”

A little later when Arnav arrived at the Sangeet he saw Khushi explaining the act to the family members on the makeshift stage in the living room. She wore a lovely orange lehnga choli with a sheer full length overcoat that was embellished with beautiful embroidery at the hem running up till the knee.  Her midriff was completely exposed by the sheerness of the material and Arnav’s heart skipped a beat at how exquisite she looked amongst the crowd. Just then she looked up at him and they eyes locked for several seconds.

“Arnav jeeju!” Little Rinki ran up to him and jumped into his arms. “What are you looking at?”

“I am looking at the angel.”

Rinki gave him a cute smile. “She is so beautiful!”

“I agree.” Arnav whispered under his breath.

Manav and Anjali waved to him calling him to sit in the audience as the programme was just about to start. Then Khushi came on stage and as she began introducing the performers, Rinki jumped off from Arnav’s lap and ran off toward the stage.

The programme began with a medley of songs from various movies on which the family members performed. Up next was a performance by the bride’s friends for songs like London Thumakda and Banno tera swagger while the groom’s friends had come up with Lungi dance. After that there was a solo by the bride for Chittiyan Kalaaiyaan which the glowing bride performed with great gusto.

Then finally, Khushi stepped on the stage. When the music for the song Lovely began Khushi began her breathtaking performance and by the end of it she had brought the house down with applause.

Next she began moving to the music for Galla Goodiyan for which she was joined by the bride’s friends and family marking the conclusion of the sangeet programme.

A little later, Arnav stood by Anjali and Manav wondering about Khushi’s behaviour. Khushi had been stuck to him since the performance and all through dinner.

“Hello — may I have your attention please?” Jassi’s best friend Simmi addressed the crowd. Most of the older guests had left inebriated from all the drinking but the younger ones had hung back  raring to go. “We have one surprise for Jassi. To show her how much fun marriage is we request all married couples to please come on the stage.”

Khushi promptly stood surprising Arnav again. What was she up to?

Once the couples assembled on stage Simmi explained that they would be playing a game called where the husbands would be required to adorn their wives with accessories provided to them in a tray. The catch was that this had been done while blindfolded.

Arnav stood with a black coloured cloth tied around his eyes. She saw him first touch all the accessories one after another, making an assessment of the items.

As Arnav stood in front of her, his hands outstretched, Khushi began to get jittery. Squatting on his heels, he first put on the anklets around her feet. Then Arnav reached for her hand and he slid the bangles onto her wrist, slowly but steadily until he had them all in.   Heat suffused Khushi’s body and she was thankful for the dim lights.

Still holding her hand in his fingers, he slid up all the way until he reached her shoulder and then continued on to trace her neck. Khushi’s heartbeat raced like a bullet train as he stepped a little closer. He picked up the necklace and placed it around the neck leaning into her to fasten the clasp behind the nape of her neck. His touch was so light and feathery that Khushi’s entire body felt like it was on flames. Next, his hand moved up to her ears so he could put on the ear rings. Then his hands moved to her jaws, her cheek, nose and finally reached her forehead where he placed the red bindi between her eyebrows.

Hoping they were finished Khushi took a step back only to have Arnav hand wrap around her waist to pull her back. As his fingers brushed around her tiny waist, she looked down to see he was putting on a waist chain around her. Finally when they were done, Khushi realised that they were the only two on stage.

“Arnav bhaiyya —- You took a long time to finish this game here.” Simms announced over the mike, invoking guffaws from people in the audience.

“Sorry.” Arnav retorted with a smirk. “I am a little slow in certain things.”

Initially Khushi didn't get the meaning of what he had said but seeing the audience break out into laughter she understood the insinuation and wished she was anywhere else but here.

Just as he and Khushi attempted to move away from the stage Simmi said, “Not to so fast Arnav bhaiyya. In this game the rules are that the losers have to do something on stage.” Catching the worried look Khushi’s face, Simmi said, “Don’t worry Khushi bhabhi this is something right up your alley. You have to dance to a song!”

As the music for Samjhanwan wafted Arnav pulled Khushi in position. “What are you doing?” Khushi whispered trepidatiously. “You know we can’t do this!”

Arnav smiled back. “Trust me —” he replied back with a smirk.

When Arnav matched steps with her perfectly Khushi realised that these girls had played a trick and that Arnav had rehearsed this song just like she had done earlier. One of the girls from the group was supposed to do this song with her but then they had dropped the song from he program.

Main tenu samjhawan ki

na tere bina lagda jee

Main tenu samjhawan ki

Na tere bina lagda jee

Tu ki jaane pyaar mera

Main karoon intezar tera

Tu dil tui-yon jaan meri

jaan meri...

jaan meri...

Mere dil ne chun liayaa ne

Tere dil diyaan raahan

Tu jo mere naal ture ta

Turpe meriyaan saha

Jeena mera... hoye

khun hai tera, ki main karaan

Tu kar aitbaar mera

Main karoon intezar tera

Tu dil tui-yon jaan meri

jaan meri...

jaan meri…

When they came off the stage to a huge applause, Khushi could see the look of glee on Anjali’s face.

“I don’t know why you both fussed so much when you were prepared for the dance!”

Just then, Navneet came upto them. “Khushi, why didn’t you tell me you knew Balwinderji ? I came to know just now when his friends told me.”

Khushi saw Sanchita, Sam standing behind her and her face fell. She had hoped to avoid this unnecessary confrontation.

“I didn't know Balwinderji was “Bobby”,” Khushi explained, “I too just found out when I met Sanchita when I got here.”

Sam stepped forward and shook hands with Arnav. “I am Sam — I believe we spoke on the phone once.”

“Right,” Arnav replied tersely, “I believe we did.”

“Arnav,” Navneet said, “do you have room in your house to accommodate Sanchita and Sam?”

“Of course we will,” Arnav answered promptly shocking the daylights off Khushi, “We will be most happy to have them stay with us.”

At the Raizada house Khushi showed Sanchita and Sam to the same two bedrooms she and her grandfather had stayed in when they were guests.

That night Khushi had a tough time going to sleep as images of the game and the dance flashed in her head. She had no idea why she couldn't stop this intense attraction she felt for Arnav.

The next morning Khushi brought up a cup of coffee for Arnav. She saw him sitting on the pool chair with his laptop placed on a low coffee table. She went up to him and handed him his coffee. He put the coffee cup on the table and looked up at her.

“Do you need anything else?” She asked him.

“Yes.” He said laconically and grabbing her hand he pulled her onto his lap.

Shocked by his behaviour she tried to get off his lap, but his arms tightened around her in a vicelike grip.

“What are you doing?” She demanded her eyes wide.

Arnav’s hand slipped into her hair and holding her head in a firm grip he twisted her head and brought her face closer to his. “Trying to make Sam — who is watching us now — think I am kissing you.”

Khushi’s eyes widened further. “I know what you are doing,” he whispered. “I heard you and Sam talking yesterday.”

Khushi remembered the conversation she had with Sam when he had followed her from the stage.

“Khushi, is this what you gave us up for? You are a sophisticated city girl and you have married a farmer!”

“There was no “us” Sam! You know that very well as much as I! You have neither taken up your dad’s business nor have you chosen a profession for yourself. Arnavji works hard for the betterment of his fields.”

“You husband must love his fields more than you then. He doesn't give you the time of the day. I would have taken care of you in the way you deserved.”

“He is busy — unlike some people I know. Before thinking about taking care of me you better figure out what it is that you actually want to do in life!”

“Bull shit! You both haven’t talked to each other all evening. I am sure there is something wrong between you two.”

“You are trying to prove to your boyfriend that there is nothing wrong between us aren’t you?”

“He was not my boyfriend!” She grated.

“He is not anymore,” Arnav chuckled. Seeing Khushi’s surprised look he said, “I saw him sneaking into your friend Sanchita’s room last night. That’s exactly why he is watching us because he wants to sneak back into his room.”

Khushi couldn't help the peals of laughter that broke out of her at the comical situation. After a minute she looked up to see Arnav looking at her, his brown eyes simmering and Khushi’s heart skipped a beat. She felt as though they had moved closer to each other. Before she did something foolish she pushed herself away from him. “I have to go.” She said and turned around and walked away as quickly as she could.

Later that night Khushi sat on her bed working on her laptop. She had received an e-mail from an unknown sender but she wasn't in a mood to look at it right now. She closed her laptop. She stared dismally at the laptop in front of her and she got the feeling the machine was laughing back at her. She just loved her new laptop and she was so guilty about it.

She thought about how Arnav had helped Mr Ahuja with the wedding expenses. There was so much more to her husband than meets the eye, didn't it? She had never been able to understand why people went beyond their means to celebrate marriages but later she had learnt that people did this in the name of customs and tradition. Going by that, she was quiet happy with her own simple court marriage except for the fact that her parents weren't present. But that would be taken care of when they would go for the real wedding — she stopped her train of thought. What was she thinking?

She stood up and walked to the poolside thinking about how magical the evening was. She had worn a dark pink chiffon saree with a beautifully embroidered lace embellished with gold and dark green threads. The blouse was also a matching dark green embellished with gold work all over it enhancing the grandness of the simple saree. She had been aware of Arnav’s eyes on her all evening and she wasn't too successful trying to avoid looking at how handsome he looked in a dark charcoal grey suit and white shirt.

“Sam and Sanchita have left for Delhi,” Arnav husky voice brought her out of her thoughts. “It’s a cock and bull story — I don't think they will get any buses this late,” Arnav said in a mocking tone.

“I don't know why they are trying to hide their relationship,” Khushi said, her eyebros twisted in confusion.

“I guess your friend was worried that you might have feelings for Sam.”

Arnav looked at Khushi for several moments. “Khushi —“ As Arnav took a step toward her, the phone rang. “It’s a reminder ! I have to send an e-mail.” Arnav said, “Is your laptop here?” He walked toward the french doors.

“Yes it’s right on the bed.”

Arnav retuned back in less than a minute.

“If you wanted to know about my father, why didn't you ask me?” He said his face looking thunderous.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t pretend as though you have no idea,” he said roughly, “I saw your e-mail.”

“What e-mail?”

“You know what? Never mind!” He walked away from her without saying another word.

Khushi rushed into the bedroom and walked up to her bed to look into her laptop. The e-mail that Arnav was referring was open and she saw that it was a scanned copy of an old newspaper article.

“Businessman Sahil Sharma, 40, committed suicide after killing his wife Sharda Sharma in Delhi in March this year. He is survived by two children, a girl Anjali aged 13 and a boy Arnav aged 11.

Later the CID investigations revealed that Sahil Sharma had assumed a false identity and that his real name was Rakesh Malik — wanted by the UP police for cheating industrialists, business men and NRIs of crores of rupees in investment scams.

As Rakesh Malik, he was married to another woman and also had a daughter named Shikha aged 16.”

Khushi was shivering by the time she finished reading the entire article. This is why Arnav never spoke about his father and had taken his grandfather’s name. The man in the garden had also mentioned something about bad blood. Had he sent her this e-mail anonymously?

The next morning at breakfast, when Naniji informed Khushi that Arnav had left for Batala on an emergency work, Khushi’s face fell. Was he so upset about that e-mail?

I feel motivated to write more when I hear from you so do comment and feel free to give me your feedback.

You can also read this story here Arhi journeys