Chapter - 16
He stopped bothering about those questions for time being as he himself didn't know the answers. For now, she was safe and he was happy with that.
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The next morning was very busy for Arnav, packed with meeting after meeting with Aman and other sponsors for his show. He tried to ignore his sister who circled around his room every few minutes, complaining and whining about him working even that day.
"I am sure, even on your wedding day, you will be doing this. Maybe I should prepare myself to see you hanging on to your Bluetooth with Aman on the other side while taking your saathphere. Get a life, Chote. I really pity the girl who is going to marry you."
"Enough, Di. Here I am trying my best to complete my work before the ceremony starts and you are ... This show was decided much earlier than this engagement and is very important for the company. I am trying to manage, right?", he said annoyed.
"I am worried about you, Chote. You are such a workaholic and I wonder what you will do with your future wife. You don't have any other life than work. I am scared for your future.", she said even more annoyed.
"Di, you are thinking a lot. Let me take away your misery. I am not going to marry. Ever. There, now you need not worry about some unknown girl or my future. I can handle myself and my life. If you are done worrying, please leave, I have another conference call to attend.", he replied firmly, almost losing his temper. Anjali silently walked out of the room, disappointed.
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Arnav came out of his room an hour before the ceremony and walked straight to his Di. He knew his words earlier had upset her and she needs a little pacifying.
Khushi was busy doing some last-minute arrangements on the stage when someone caught her attention. She turned to find Arnav mumbling something to his sister. Her curiosity kicked in and before she even realized it, she moved near to them. She could gather that Anjali was angry at her brother and he was trying to pacify her. Suddenly Arnav let go of Anjali's hands and looked at his sister sternly. Khushi for a second thought Arnav was going to burst with rage and was worried for Anjali. But to her surprise, something she least expected happened.
With a jolt he held her both hands and placing his head on them, he said, "Sorry, Di. You know your brother is a real jerk. How dare he works even today? You have every right to be angry at him." He looked up at Anjali for her reaction but to his confusion, she was just staring at him. He continued, "I went a bit overboard this morning. I am really sorry, Di. Sorry, sorry...", he started chanting like a child.
Unable to control herself, Khushi let out a small giggle, attracting Arnav and Anjali's attention. Becoming cautious, Arnav let go of Anjali's hands as he straightened himself while Anjali let out a small smile herself. Khushi, feeling like a child who got caught stealing a popsicle, turned away. Anjali turned back to Arnav and checking his forehead with her palm asked, "Chote, Are you really alright? It is just, I always get angry at you and you usually buy me something or pamper me more or order me even, to forgive you. But you never said 'Sorry'."
Arnav pulled her hand off his forehead, calmly said, "You are exaggerating, as usual, Di. It is just sorry."
"It is just SORRY??? I know, it was never just a sorry for you before. That word is like a taboo to you. And today you are not just saying but reciting it.", she said stunned.
"There is nothing to be shocked about, Di. Recently someone showed me the meaning of that word in a different light which made me realize it is not that bad a word.", he involuntarily looked at Khushi, who at that same moment shot her head back at him as she heard what he said.
They looked at each other for few milliseconds where Khushi gave out a tiny smile and turned back to what she was doing.
Akash suddenly called for Arnav and as Anjali nodded smiling for him to go, Arnav left. Anjali walked to Khushi and said mischievously, "I know what you were doing here, Khushiji. You have been caught."
Khushi looked at her stumped. She felt guilty for doing something like eavesdropping. She clumsily mumbled, "Woh, mai... Woh... " (That... I... That...)
Anjali gave out a smile and said, "I was just joking, relax. I know my brother was acting funny just now. Something is definitely wrong with him. He can sometimes be a handful."
"No, that was not the reason. I was just ... I mean I was curious. Because I heard that ASR is a very ruthless man, with no heart, always angry and everything...But when I saw him with you, he didn't seem like that. He was ..."
"Oh! so you know my brother."
"No, no. I don't know him. I just heard about him."
"Well, he may be all that to the world but trust me he is actually a very sweet, caring, and a really sensitive man. Only people very close to him know the real him. Everything he shows out there is a facade. He does have a heart but unfortunately, it just pumps blood and does nothing else. He was not always like that. He used to smile and laugh and do silly stuff but not anymore. We worry about him and his future. I wish there was someone who could teach his heart to feel again." The sudden sound of the band made Anjali come back to reality.
She looked at Khushi and realizing what she was doing, she said, "I was blabbering something wasn't I. I got carried away. I am really sorry for making you listen to all this. I.."
Khushi cut her off saying, "Please, don't be sorry. You did nothing wrong. I can see that you love your brother a lot and are concerned about him. There is nothing wrong with that."
Anjali let out a small smile, patted Khushi's cheek, and left, leaving Khushi to her thoughts.
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The guests started coming and the ceremony was about to start when Payal called Anjali to her side and asked, "Can you please check on Khushi. She was arranging something or the other till the last minute and was helping me get ready. I warned her that she will get late and to get ready herself but she is a stubborn girl. She never listens." She signed and continued, "I don't want her to miss the main event. Drag her down if need be." Anjali gave Payal an assuring smile and left.
Arnav, who stood right next to Akash couldn't help but listen when Khushi's name was mentioned. His eagerness kicked in as he watched the stairs to get a glimpse of her but a few minutes later to his dismay only Anjali came down. As he looked around disappointed, he heard Payal call Anjali and question, "Khushi?". His eyes followed Anjali's line of sight with anticipation while his heart raced like a Ferrari.
Finally, there she was, walking down the stairs, dressed in maroon ghagra with black velvet border and a simple intricate gold design running through it. Matching that was the same black velvet blouse with simple gold embroidery and a white and gold color mixed dupatta. Taking his breath away as always. Arnav looked at her from top to bottom, taking in her beauty as he studied the simple, elegant yet splendid outfit she was wearing. His profession thought him to notice the dress, then the person wearing it but today he was doing the complete opposite. Throughout the event his eyes were just searching for her and gazing at her.
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Khushi crashed into a sofa nearby feeling breathless. She closed her eyes and thought, "Good, everything went well. I am happy, Devi Maiya. Actually, very happy. Happy that Payal, my namesake jiji is getting married and that too, to the love of her life. What more can a girl wish for? right?" Suddenly she heard a distant voice in her subconscious. She immediately knew who it was. A smile found its way onto her lips. "Bapuji", she whispered out loud still having her eyes closed.
He gently spoke, "My darling princess, you don't worry I will find a perfect prince for you."
"Just like in Cinderella and Beauty.", Khushi was asking him innocently.
"Yes, just like Cinderella and Beauty got there prince."
"I don't want any prince for her. I want my daughter to get a man who loves and cherishes her. Who will keep her happy at all times? Kushi ki bapuji, don't put that prince, prince talks in her brain. There are no prince's in this time and age. And stop reading all those princesses' stories to her. She loves them so much that not a day goes by without her reading it. Khushi, you are growing big every day not small, so stop being childish.", complained Khushi's mom.
"Bapuji...", Khushi pouted.
"Tum bhi na, Parvati. You always make her sad. She is just 10 years old. And what is wrong in reading books. We both are going to read these princess books even after she gets married and also after she has kids. Do you have any problem with that? She is my princess. She can do anything she wants." He reached out to Khushi who was sitting next to him and pulled her onto his lap saying, "You don't worry, my princess. There surely is a Prince somewhere. Your mom doesn't know it. I will search the whole world for him if I have to. He will be everything your mom asked for and much more than that. He will love you more than me."
"No one can love me more than you, Bapuji.", she chirped, hugging him.
"That is true. Hahahahaha!"
"I am sure you are going to spoil this girl rotten.", her mom sighed.
"That I am.", replied her father and all three started laughing. He looked at his daughter and said, "You just keep laughing like this, princess. The Prince will surely walk to you. There is magic in your smile, what do you call it... aahhh! spell, a magic spell."
Her walk down the memory lane was disturbed when she realized someone was calling her. Suddenly as if realizing where she was, she shot open her eyes and looked directly into the almost familiar chocolate orbs. It took her a moment to realize who it was. "Are you OK?", came his voice.
She nodded her head and stood up as he moved back. "Are you sure? You were just smiling to yourself and now you look ... disturbed?", he questioned, more concerned.
"No, it's nothing. I was just remembering something that made me very happy.", she spoke looking distantly.
"Oh, ok. Happy is good - right?", he asked
Confused, she said, "...Yes"
"Then smile. I don't know if anyone ever told you before but you look good when you smile."
She looked at him taken aback. Her thoughts drifted away as she heard her Bapuji's voice again, "Keep smiling and your prince will come to you. Your smile is ...",
He continued, "It just lights up everything around you. It is... "
"Magic..", she completed like in trance.
"What ?", he questioned, busting her bubble. "I was going to say ... addictive.", he completed, a bit surprised.
Composing herself and annoyed about what she just said, she spoke fast, "Sorry. I was talking about something else. You wanted me for something?"
"Oh! ya. I totally forgot. Di and Payal were searching for you."
"Really? I will meet them right away. Thank you." She turned to almost run before coming to an abrupt stop and turning to him, she softly said, "Thank you! For what you said earlier." and ran like a wind.
Arnav stood there watching her run away from him, unable to take his eyes off her as ever. "Was she blushing just now when saying thank you?", he thought as he replayed her pink face again and again.
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That evening Akash walked into Arnav's room agitated, as he was completing his call.
"Ok, Aman. Call me after the show. I hope you noted down all the changes I just mentioned. I am trusting you with this show, don't let me down. I want no mistakes. It's an order."
Taking the Bluetooth of his ear, he looked at Akash and questioned, "What, Akash?"
"Nothing, Bhai", he murmured.
"I can see that there is something. Tell me. You need anything?"
"Yes, I need something. But you can't give it Bhai. This is my wedding, I am the groom and nobody cares about me."
"Ok. Stop talking in circles right now and tell me what is going on."
"I am sure you won't help me, Bhai. Then what is the use of saying it."
"Akash. I am losing it. Spit it, NOW."
"Will you help me then. Promise?"
"What the? Ok, I will try. Now tell me. I am not going to ask you again. Clear."
"Payal's friends have arranged a party for us tonight and I don't want to go alone. There I said it. Help me Bhai, please."
"What? What is the problem with that? Aren't you both in the same college. Then you should know her friends, right? And why will you go alone, Payal is with you. After all, this party is for both of you. "
"Yes, we studied in the same college but I know only very few of her friends. Also, it was long back. So, it is like I am meeting all her friends today for the first time. She said this party is for me to know her friends and them to know me.
"What crap?"
"Yes, crap. I know exactly what this party is. These friends of hers are going to center me, analyze me, and judge if I am fit for their friend or not. Bhai to put it plainly, will you come with me for my support. I am sure to end up in one corner with all her friends around. I really don't want to go but Payal will feel sad if I don't."
"What? Akash, what are you saying? You are not making any sense. You know I don't ever go to such parties and more importantly, I want to be available if something related to the show comes up. You know how important this show is for us, right. It will be ok. You are good at making friends. And Payal chose you anyway, so what difference do her friends opinions make."
"See, I told you, you won't help me. Did I ever ask you to come to such parties? No. Today I am begging you because for some reason I feel nervous to meet her friends. I know it is silly but I do. Now go on, laugh at me."
Just then Anjali walked in and said, "You boys are not ready yet. Payal and Khushi are leaving for the party already."
"Khushi is going?" Arnav asked out of the blue, surprising both Anjali and Akash.
"What? Yes, Why?", asked Anjali, confused.
Biting his tongue and cursing himself, he tried to cover his mistake, "No, I meant to ask, they are leaving? I thought we all were going together."
"Bhai, so you are coming?"
"What?"
"You just said, we are going. Thank you so much, Bhai."
"What? No. I meant... Me. Party. Akash." Arnav knew he is stuck now.
"Now stop blabbering and get ready in soon. You to Akash."
As Anjali walked out, Akash was about to follow her when Arnav called him back, "Di, put you up for this, right?"
"What? Nooo."
"I know you well Akash. You never asked me to come to such parties before."
"I am so sorry, Bhai. She was worried about you. She wanted you to get .."
"A life. I know. But she is seriously getting good at playing me. And with you here it has become even easier for her."
"Sorry, I just can't say no to her and she uses that."
"She plays that card on me too. Now get ready for that party of yours. I want to make it clear that, I will walk out of that party whenever I want."
As Akash left him, Arnav smirked. Let his sister be a little happy thinking she got to ASR. But only he knew why he was going to this party. 'For her'. Arnav walked out of the house 15 minutes later, ready to attend a non-business party after a very very long time, and to his surprise, he was very much excited about it.
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- Hope
The promo was a perfect prompt for me to write something in my ishtyle! ...
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