Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Khushi knew convincing Nani ji about her was going to be a tough job but as the dinner closed to an end, she realized it was going to be both tough and time taking.

Throughout the dinner, Nani ji had replied to all her queries in monosyllables. As everyone finished eating, Hari Prakash served the ice-cream she had brought in bowls.

“Raspberry flavour?” It was Manohar Raizada who spoke first.

“Ji, Mama ji. I thought all of us can have some of it after dinner” Khushi replied.

Manohar Singh Raizada nodded and looked at his mother.

“Sujata used to bring this. In fact, Sujata, Ma and I used to go out for ice-creams before she got married and moved to Lucknow. I am glad you brought it, Khushi beta” Manohar Raizada explained with a happy smile.

It made Khushi look at Devyani too. Now, she could understand why Devyani had behaved so curtly with her. Did she somehow remind her of Sujata?

Arnav, who was equally surprised, looked at his Nani too.

“I thought you don’t eat ice-creams, Nani”

“I don’t anymore” Devyani Raizada answered and stood up.

“Good night, everyone” She said and walked away all alone.

“It’s not your fault” Arnav said to Khushi when he noticed her fallen face.

“Don’t worry about it, Khushi beta! It’s just that Ma avoids any and all things that remind her of Sujata” Manohar said and dug into his ice-cream.

Manorama, for a change, refrained from saying anything and started eating too.

~~**~~

“I had a beautiful day, today” Khushi said as Arnav walked her to her room.

“I know. I had fun too” He replied, standing in the doorway.

“You’re going to come in?” she asked.

Arnav noticed her expectant face and nodded.

“Only if you let me stay here tonight” He said.

“What? No!” Khushi’s reply was instant.

Arnav stepped into the room, nonetheless and plopped down on the bed.

Khushi watched him.

“Come here” Arnav said, noticing her somber mood.

Khushi walked up to the bed and sat down.

“You’re trying too hard” Arnav said, taking her hands in his.

Khushi looked at him with questioning eyes.

“with Nani! You don’t have to go out of your way to please her. She will take her time regardless of what you do. That’s just how she is! In all these years, she still doesn’t consider Akash her grandson. She’s grown tolerant of him, even likes spending time with him once in a while. But, there is still some aloofness” Arnav said.

“That doesn’t sound very encouraging” Khushi answered, dipping her head.

“I know! My point is, she has her own reservations and they will take time to dissolve. You should not feel bad if you think you’re not making progress with her. It’s just been two days” Arnav explained.

“I don’t have the luxury of years, Arnav! And I don’t expect her to love me like she loves you. I just need…I don’t know! I haven’t had the motherly presence in my life for some time now. Seeing her, her love and care towards you, I miss that even more. That’s one of the reasons I try so hard. Not for your and our sake, but for my sake” Khushi replied.

Arnav listened and nodded.

“What if she never accepts me?” Khushi said after a second.

“Of course she will” Arnav said.

“How can you be so sure?” Khushi asked.

“Firstly because it is impossible for anyone to not like you! Secondly, I wouldn’t have it any other way” Arnav answered, making Khushi smile.

~~**~~

Another two days passed and Khushi continued to join Nani ji for her morning prayers. Yet, her progress with the woman seemed to have arrived at a standstill.

With Arnav, however, Khushi was having the best time. He took her to explore the city and Khushi enjoyed every bit of it. From markets to cultural performances to restaurants, Arnav made sure Khushi could see a glimpse of it all. Yet, they had only scratched the surface.

Arnav had told her about all the places they yet had to see but Khushi had opted to stay at home. She had decided that she needed to spend more time with Nani ji.

It was why she was sitting with Devyani Singh Raizada in her room and learning to knit. Despite having other talents, this was one thing Khushi hadn’t tried learning from her mother. However, she thought knitting could give her the time to bond with Devyani Singh Raizada.

The woman had outright refused to teach her but Khushi had been persistent, much to Devyani’s chagrin. Khushi had started just yesterday and was already getting the hang of it. At the moment, she was attempting to knit a pair of socks which was supposed to be ‘easy’ as said by Devyani.

“You forgot to start a new stitch there” Devyani commented as she finished her pair and placed it in the box which already had some ten pairs in it.ndid the whole thing and began fresh.

“I need to finish two more pairs before tomorrow. Mr. Bhatia from the orphanage will come to take these along with the donation cheque” Devyani said.

By now, Khushi knew that Devyani Raizada was giving some time and resources to an orphanage in the city which was being funded by AR Fashions. But now

“I don’t know how you have been doing it for so long, Nani ji. I am bored to tears” Khushi answered, staring at her half-finished knitting that looked like anything but a sock.

“I told you it was not your cup of tea. But you young people want to do everything that you are told not to” Devyani Raizada replied and took the needles from Khushi.

Khushi watched as Devyani undid the whole thing and began fresh.

“I need to finish two more pairs before tomorrow. Mr. Bhatia from the orphanage will come to take these along with the donation cheque” Devyani said.

By now, Khushi knew that Devyani Raizada was giving some time and resources to an orphanage in the city which was being funded by AR Fashions. But now that she was not keeping so well, the manager of the orphanage was coming down to receive the cheque in person. 

As some time passed and Khushi continued the silent observation, she decided it was the time to ask.

“Can you tell me a little bit about Sujata aunty, Nani ji?” Khushi’s voice was slow and cautious.

Devyani Singh Raizada stopped knitting and looked at Khushi.

“Don’t ask me that again” She replied and went back to her knitting.

“You must have loved her a lot, Nani ji. I can understand why it’s difficult for you to talk about her. But, I feel that I know so little about the woman who means so much to Arnav. And you” Khushi said, knowing well she was treading on thin ice now.

Devyani Raizada closed her eyes and opened them. She looked directly at Khushi.

“You know so little because you don’t deserve to know more” Devyani’s voice was curt as she put away the knitting needles.

“Why?” Khushi’s voice dropped.

There was an unkind smile on Devyani’s face.

“Do not pretend to be so childlike, Khushi. You think I don’t know about your friendship with the Malik family? You have been joined at the hip with that vile man, the man responsible for my daughter’s deat..!” Devyani Raizada stopped herself, breathing forcibly and trying to calm herself down.

“Let’s just say I am well aware of where your loyalties lie. Still, I am giving you a fair chance of being a part of this house. Because of Chote! My grandson finally seems happy. And as long as he is happy, I can stomach your presence in my house. Harbouring a girl who sympathizes with the man who destroyed my daughter’s life? That’s a price I am willing to pay for my grandson’s happiness. But, do not push it” Devyani Raizada’s face had hardened beyond recognition.

It made Khushi’s heart break. She blinked the tears away.

“Nani ji..” She began but Devyani raised a palm to silence her.

“I do not have anything against you. But, I will not accept you as long as your allegiance is with that family. If you really want to have my blessing, you will have to prove that you do love my grandson. You will have to end all relations with the Malik family and that city. Until you do that, none of these things, the prayers, the knitting..none of this will get you anywhere. I am not naïve, Khushi. I have seen enough in my life. So, be assured that none of your charm will get you anywhere. All I want from you is the guarantee that you can put Chote’s and this family’s needs above yours. So, make your choice. Until then, do not expect anything from me” Devyani Raizada said.

Khushi didn’t know what to say. Her hands were shaking but she clenched them. Stood up. Turned away and started walking.

“And I should tell you that you’ll be going back to Lucknow alone. Chote will not go back to that city. That was my asking price for letting you stay here”

When it seemed that Devyani was not going to say anything more, Khushi rushed out of the room.

She didn’t stop until she was in her room.

Sitting down, she wiped her tears.

Arnav was at the office. She had asked him to stop postponing his work on her account, and he had agreed grudgingly.

Now, she wished he was here, so she could ask him what was going on.

Had he really agreed to not go back to Lucknow? That was not possible because he had said to her father that he will be bringing her back.

Should she call and ask him?

Realizing that she needed to think this through, Khushi refrained from calling Arnav.

Instead, she spent the afternoon thinking.

~~**~~

Birendra Singh Malik observed with fondness as both Akash and Doctor Kumar argued with each other about how to spend the evening.

Akash wanted to watch a film while Doctor Kumar insisted on playing chess.

“It’s a two people’s game, doctor uncle. I don’t want to sit and watch as Baba and you stretch the game across hours” Akash said.

“It’s not going to stretch. This time I will be beating Birendra within record time. You should sit down and take notes on how to be a better player” Doctor Kumar answered as he placed the chessboard before them.

“That’s what you said the last time. The game went on for three days” Akash said, looking at both the men with disapproval.

“Let’s watch a film, Kumar. We can play chess after dinner” Birendra finally intervened.

Akash’s grin was victorious.

“I’ll set up the film. Avengers it is!” Akash said and did not wait for the approval.

“Why do you always have to rain on my plans?” Kumar turned to Birendra Singh Malik who was comfortably lying in his bed.

“Akash had a point. Besides, all three of us can have a good time watching the film” Birendra said.

“Good time? Watching a couple of weird superheroes fight through every scene? You know I don’t like these films” Kumar replied.

“You don’t like them because you’re too old and they’re too young and good-looking” Birendra replied, humour dripping from his voice while made Doctor Kumar smirk.

“You’re in an awfully good mood today” Doctor Kumar said.

“Because after yesterday, I don’t have to go for that nasty chemotherapy for another three days” Birendra Singh Malik answered.

Doctor Kumar nodded.

“And when Shashi ji visited today, he told me that he had a talk with Arnav. Arnav told him he would be coming back with Khushi” Birendra Singh Malik said further.

“That’s the real reason” Doctor Kumar said.

“I want to see him one more time, Kumar. Hug him and tell him that I love him. I know he will not forgive me, never stop hating me, but I need to tell him that I have loved him for a long time. I have to tell him I am proud of him” Birendra Singh Malik said.

“You can tell him whatever you want to when you see him. Just maintain your good mood until then” Doctor Kumar replied, placing a hand on Malik’s shoulder.

“Enough of talking, people! Here comes Thor!” Akash exclaimed excitedly as he walked back into the room with his laptop.

“I like Bruce Banner” said Birendra Singh Malik, making Doctor Kumar shake his head.

~~**~~

When Arnav walked into Raizada Mansion and was greeted by the silence he knew it was his mistake. In the evening, he had texted Khushi that a sudden meeting had come up, and he will get back late. She hadn’t replied.

Having gone back to work after two days had piled more work than he had expected! It was a good thing that Khushi had made him go to work. Now, at least, tomorrow he could peacefully take the day off. It was also one of the reasons why he hadn’t cancelled the impromptu meeting.

Checking the time in his phone, he shook his head.

It was really late. Apparently, everyone had finished their dinner and retired to their rooms.

Instead of going to his room, Arnav walked straight to the room Khushi was staying in.

Upon reaching, he could see the room was dipped in darkness.

Was she already asleep?

Knocking softly, Arnav decided to check.

No response followed.

He pushed open the door slowly and found it unlocked.

“Khushi?” He called her name softly, walking further into the room.

He could see her bundled form on the bed, lying between the sheets.

She appeared to be sleeping.

It really was late.

Deciding to let her sleep and go back to his room, he arranged her comforter and turned to leave.

However, he stopped when Khushi held his hand.

He turned and saw her partially open eyes.

“I tried to stay up” She murmured.

“I am sorry. The meeting went longer than I had expected and the traffic was awfully slow” He said, sitting down at the edge of the bed.

“Go back to sleep” He said, placing a hand against her cheek after she yawned.

She shook her head.

“Did you eat?” She asked instead.

“Yes! With the client” He replied.

“How was your day?” He asked her, noticing that something was off about her eyes.

“I tried knitting a sock. Failed miserably” She replied, smiling. Yet, Arnav could see the effort it took for her to smile. It didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“I want to repeat that you don’t have to do all this, Khushi. You’re perfect the way you are and Nani is going to appreciate it sooner or later” He said, running his hand through her hair.

She nodded.

“Is everything all right?” He asked her a second later, noticing the quiet on her face.

“Just tired” She replied.

“Alright! Sleep well. I’ll talk to you tomorrow” He said and bending down placed a kiss on her forehead.

As he got up, Khushi reached out and again caught his hand in hers.

“Stay” She said.

Arnav looked at her face, the request in her eyes.

Something was definitely off.

Nodding, he kicked off his boots and removed his coat. Then the waist coat!

Clothed in his white shirt and trousers, he got into the bed and lay down next to her.

Khushi who was watching him all this while snuggled closer to him and wrapped a hand around his torso.

“Better?” He asked her, adjusting the comforter around them.

Instead of answering she looked up at his face, studying it.

Arnav watched her too as she raised her fingers to his cheeks and traced the outline of his jaw.

His breath hitched when her fingers reached his mouth, tracing his lips.

“Khushi” He said her name, softly.

She looked at him and noticed his heavy gaze.

“Every day that I was apart from you, I couldn’t help but think about all the moments we had spent together in Lucknow. It was so painful to think that I might never get to see you again, to talk to you” She said.

“I would like to believe that at some point of time, I would have come back. I don’t know how long I could have stayed away. That one week was the most torturous one for me as well. Especially because I hadn’t said goodbye! I hadn’t met you one last time and told you how much I wanted you to be happy. I hadn’t told you one more time that I loved you” Arnav replied.

Khushi noticed the sincerity in his eyes. He hadn’t been happy when she was miserable. The step he had taken was not for his sake. Even if it was because of a misunderstanding, he had still tried to keep her happy.

“I love you” She said, looking at his eyes that spoke so much, held so many emotions in them.

She noticed how his face eased a little, as if every time she said the words it brought him comfort.

She told her heart to stop beating so violently when she noticed his mouth lowering down until it was a hair’s breadth away from her lips.

“I don’t know what’s bothering you, but I am here, Khushi. I love you and there is nothing that can change that. I am not going to let you go this time. Not for anything” He said and as Khushi felt her heart surge with emotions, he filled the distance and kissed her.

She clutched his shirt as his lips threatened to take her sanity. The kiss was slow but passionate. With every move of his lips upon hers, she could feel his words, his determination.

So, she kissed him back, letting her doubts from the afternoon dissolve away.

Her body began to feel both light and heavy at the same time as Arnav rested some of his weight upon her, lying on top of her.

His lips were like hot coals on her mouth, on her jaws, on her neck.

In return, she moved a little so that she could feel all of him.

A soft noise left his mouth, making Khushi’s face redden.

“Don’t squirm! Please” He whispered, mouth back on her lips.

Khushi tried to hold still but it was impossible. She wanted to feel him, touch him.

So, she moved a little more and used her fingers to undo the buttons of his shirt.

She felt Arnav’s lips stilling for a second before he continued placing small kisses on the vast expanse of her neck.

Once his shirt was open and his beautiful chest came in view, Khushi felt more blood rushing to his cheeks.

She looked at him. He was staring at him with such a dark gaze.

“What’s your plan?” He asked, voice thick.

She raised her mouth, kissing him and letting her fingers finally feel the skin on his chest. It was soft yet she could feel the muscles beneath.

She lightly trailed her nails on his chest and smiled when he swore.

Then she brought her lips to his chest and began putting soft, quick kisses on it.

Arnav’s fingers tightened around her fingers, and he watched as she took her time.

By the time she had kissed most of his chest, Arnav could hardly breathe.

Her hands were now roaming on his back, and he took the opportunity to kiss her again, letting his hands move upon her body.

He felt every curve and dip and it was her turn to be out of breath.

When his hand returned to her chest, his mouth back to her lips, that’s when Khushi felt it. He was painfully aroused and her eyes widened as she felt it against her lower abdomen.

“Arnav” She breathed, her fingers clutching his hair while he kissed her dangerously close to her chest.

This time he moved and her breath hitched. She could feel a pressure, an ache building inside her.

She brought her hands on his back and then on his lower back. Arnav stilled again when she pressed her lower body against his and let out a moan.

He closed his eyes at the sensation and allowed her to do what she was doing. It was an effort not to take charge when he felt her moving again, trying to create some friction. He looked at her and noticed her tightly shut eyes, her lips slightly parted.

As she rubbed herself against him one more time, Arnav placed his lips upon her slightly parted lips and kissed her with a deep passion. His blood was thumping and his heart beats were wild.

He could feel Khushi’s movements becoming quicker and urgent and it took an inhuman amount of strength for him to create some space between their bodies. He shifted so that now he was lying on the bed, not above her.

Khushi’s eyes flew open at the lack of his weight upon her, and she looked straight at his face.

Those eyes were full of desire and hunger.

She moved to kiss him again and he let her. But, when she tried to pull him close again, he shook his head.

“I need a minute” He whispered.

She watched as he looked at the ceiling and took large breaths.

It took her another minute to realize what she had been doing and why he looked so out of wind. Embarrassment flooded her cheeks one more time, but she didn’t allow herself to feel it.

She scooted closer to him and looked at him.

His gaze turned to her and a smile appeared.

“Were you ever going to stop if I hadn’t?” He asked her.

Khushi blushed and shook her head.

“I thought so” He said and looked at her lovingly.

“I didn’t know you were going to lose your ‘calm’ so soon” Khushi said with a glint in her eyes and began closing the buttons of his shirt.

A small but deep laugh left his mouth, enchanting Khushi.

“I didn’t know you were going to go that far” He said and finally pulled her into him, letting his arm circle around her waist.

“I didn’t know that either” She said and hid her face in his chest.

“To put it on the record, I didn’t mind it. I just think we should go slow. Besides, I still have to meet your Babuji, look him in the eye and seek his blessing” Arnav said.

Khushi pulled back and looked at him.

“What?” Arnav asked her.

“You will come and meet him?” She asked, smiling.

“Of course! How else will I get to do all this with you again?” He asked her, mirth dancing his eyes.

Khushi hit him lightly on his chest.

“Why did you think that I wouldn’t talk to him?” He asked after a while.

“Because then you will have to come to Lucknow” Khushi said, looking down.

“Yes! We can’t expect your Babuji to come all the way here, can we? And even if he could come, I would still go. Because that’s how it is done, right? The boy goes to the girl’s father. I have seen some of those Hindi films, you know?” Arnav replied.

Khushi smiled and nodded.

“Is that what you were thinking about? That I wouldn’t come with you? Meet your father?” Arnav asked, eyes narrowed.

Khushi remained quiet.

“Why? I thought I had told you that we will go together” He said.

Khushi took a few seconds before speaking.

“Nani ji said you promised her that you will not go back to Lucknow. That you agreed to stay here so that she would accept me” Khushi said.

Arnav’s face instantly changed expressions. From happy to amused, his face turned sullen and quiet.

“What else did she say?” he asked her.

Khushi shook her head.

“I know my Nani, Khushi. If she said that, there must have been more” Arnav asked, sitting up and looking at her.

Khushi shook her head.

“It doesn’t matter any more what she said. You said we will go and that’s the only thing that matters now” She answered, placing a hand on his.

“Tell me, Khushi” Arnav insisted.

Khushi remained quiet and Arnav waited, holding her gaze.

She could see he was not letting it go. Why does this family have to be so stubborn?

“I asked her to tell me more about Sujata aunty, but she said that I don’t deserve to know about her. It’s because I support the man responsible for Sujata aunty’s death. She said that as long as I am friends with the Malik family, she would not accept me. If I want to have her blessing, I will have to prove my love to you by removing all ties from Malik family and Lucknow” Khushi said in a breath and then quickly added.

“But, it’s alright, Arnav. She is entitled to her opinion. I can understand that it is difficult for her to trust me. You were right. It will take a long time for her to accept me. I can’t expect that to happen in a handful of days” Khushi said.

Arnav nodded.

“We should sleep. It’s very late” Khushi said.

“Yes” Arnav said and lay down again.

He made sure he held Khushi close. That was the only way he was getting sleep tonight.

~~**~~

The next morning Khushi awoke to find the bed empty. She checked her phone to see that it was 7:20 am.

She shook her head for missing the alarm. She had an idea that’s when Arnav might have got up and left. Thinking of him, she recalled all that they had done last night. Especially her!

She was grinding herself against him?

Devi Maiya! She hid her face behind her palms and groaned. The darkness in the room last night had made her feel brave and confident.

How was she going to face Arnav? What if he smirks at her? What if he teases her?

“Were you ever going to stop if I hadn’t?”

She will kill him if he says anything about it. Deciding that, she got up and started her day.

By the time she was bathed and ready, it was 8:10.

She wondered what Nani ji would think about her missing the morning pooja. She had told him not to bother with these things but Khushi liked the positive energy it gave her.

It was as much for her sake as it had been for Nani ji.

When she walked down for breakfast, everyone was already there.

“Good morning, Nani ji. Mama ji, Mami ji, Arnav. Good morning” She said to everyone.

Only Mama ji replied back.

Arnav only smiled and watched her fresh as a dew face.

She felt his gaze lingering on her lips and everywhere he had kissed her last night.

She refused to look up and filled her plate with fruits.

The fact that even Nani ji did not wish her back bothered her less than Arnav’s assessing glance.

“I have to go for the dialysis session this afternoon. So come back by the lunchtime, Chote” Devyani Raizada said to Arnav, making him look away from her.

Khushi finally breathed, surprised at the butterflies she felt in her stomach.

“I am not going to work today” He replied, focusing all his attention on Nani ji.

It made Khushi look at Nani and Arnav.

There was an edge in Arnav’s tone. Luckily, only Khushi and Devyani picked it.

“Are you not well, Chote? I have never seen you taking so many breaks before” Devyani said.

“I am fine, Nani. I know about the dialysis so it’s anyway going to be half day at work. Besides, I have to do some packing as well” Arnav replied, smoothing the edge in his voice.

“Packing?” Devyani Singh Raizada’s voice turned soft, quiet.

But, Khushi knew it was not a good sign.

“Yes! I have decided to go to Lucknow. Khushi and I will leave tomorrow” Arnav said and the silence at the table was eerie.

Both Mama and Mami ji were looking at him too now.

Khushi wondered when did he decide that? Was it because of her? What she told him last night?

Devyani Singh Raizada’s face became white with anger and indignation. But, there was something else too on her face. Fear!

“You cannot go. I forbid you” the words were hard and strong.

It was then Khushi knew this was going to get bad because Arnav stopped eating and stood up.

______________

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