OS - Dupatta, Part XIV, posted on 1/11

Arnav could not believe his eyes, here in the middle of the hall he was standing like a fool holding a glass of water and again she has fled, his eyes caught the slipping of dupatta between the door'So Khushi Kumari Gupta has once again managed to get away, Arnav threw the glass of water on the floor making his mami jump from her skin'.

Areh Arnav beta, kuch chahiye tumhe she asked trying to gauge the reason for his sudden temper but then Arnav Singh Raizada did not reason to get angry as Monorama watched Arnav striding past towards his room, Monorama cursed herself for asking, he did not even acknowledge her presence, hello hai bye bye she almost whispered to herself who wants to stay in this house where there is no respect and let alone acknowledgement but then remembering her good for nothing husband and her son who loved to work for ASR (pata nehi kya dekhta hai apne bhai pe) and of course the comfort of the house'..

Jaiprakash, Jaiprakash kaha mar gaya'..clean the floor and ask the driver to take out a car, I am going to the spa to beautify myself and relax a bit'.thoda aaram karke ayu'.is ghar me toh'..

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Standing in the terrace attached to his room, Arnav clipped the branches of his favourite potted plants, what a chit of a girl, she even acts her faintness and what a fool I am not realizing it'..why the heck she cannot stand still and hear him out for a change?!! Aisa toh nehi hai I have a bad breath that she runs away'.

ASR, ASR are you there'.Lavanya was calling out but he was in no mood to answer'there you are, I am going to the office, some girls have turned up for modeling assignment, sent by the agency, let me see if they are of any use'.

Well that is your job'he literally snapped at her'.why the heck she is telling me even'in anger he trimmed a branch a bit too much'..Oh shit yeh maine kya kar diya, he barely heard Lavyana's heels clicking away, he felt guilty for snapping at Lavanya and cutting the branch carelessly, while he was in no mood to apologise to Lavanya as the girl seldom used her brains, he still could not fathom what did he see in her except for her great body, he was more sorry for cutting off the branch a bit too much, looking for a spare pot he decided to plant it when he heard two cars driving out of the gate'.one was carrying his mami and another Lavanya'he shook his head 'no use to telling them to save fuel, most probably going in the same direction but then he could afford it'..he concentrated on the plant trying to cool his temper when he heard the gate opening again, now who? He cursed himself for failing in concentrating the work he was doing, kya ho giya mujhe, why am I losing myself when he watched the reason in the form of Khushi Kumari Gupta walking in through it'.so she is back he narrowed his eyes, suddenly it struck him his there was nobody else in the house now except for the servants and he if he reaches the door before any of them he could teach this Khushi a lesson of her life time, throwing the clipper and the gloves he ran down across the hall towards the door'.

++++++++

Khushi walked towards the portico to see two of the cars parked in front of it was missing, good so Laat Governor has decided to go to office at last she thought, this is what happens if you are the boss of your own office, ane jaane ka koi time nehi, somedays he will sit in his studio making sketches of funny looking dresses or roam around in his terrace digging at plants'and they say he is damn good'isme good kya, who wears those dresses except few rich ladies who love to spend on good for nothing items, ha ha he does have other businesses but those are mainly taken care by Akaash and his other employees'jaye bhad me, why am I thinking about him, he is not worth it and mujhe apna kaam se kaam rakhna chahiye, apna kaam karo, ghar jayo, get money for what you are doing'khel khatam paisa hajam'.Khushi raised her hand to push the bell when the door opened'.

Areh vah Jaiprakash Bhaiya, aapka toh koi jawab nehi Khushi exclaimed only her words died in her lips, he was standing with a mean smile'' to be continued...

Teri meri, meri teri prem kahani hai mushqil

++++++++

Running out of Lavanya's room Kushi did not know where to hide, in the kitchen her favourite place, servants were working, though the house was empty, Khushi did not venture into any other room except for Lavanya's and at times Dadi's….with Dadi out ….she stood at the corner of the hall trying to gather her wits…..

He kissed…HE KISSED ME….Arnav Singh Raizada kissed Khushi Kumari Gupta….Kushi still could not believe, why did he kiss me of all people, he does not even like me, you kiss people whom you love or like…hai Devi Ma…he cheated on Lavanya…Oh no even I have cheated on Lavanya…I could not push him back, I did not stop him to be precise….hey Devi Ma, abh mai kya karu….Khushi's anger of being kissed and becoming helpless under that kiss was now overtaken with guilt…Khushi cringed behind the planter as she heard Arnav's voice calling out for Jaiprakash….she touched her lips, they felt swollen…..

As Jaiprakash ran across the hall to answer his master the phone rang, he answered it quickly….Oh Miss Kashyap…haan ji yehi hai….Khushi didi Khushi didi aapka phone……

Arnav was standing in his studio, above the hall, with glass walls he could see the house around it sitting there while doing his sketches, the room was mainly sound proof, he was wondering for whom the phone was as nobody was in the house and Jaiprakash kept the receiver aside only to see Khushi coming out from somewhere with her shoulders slump picking up the line, Arnav quickly picked up the folder with his latest sketches and stepped out when Jaiprakash came panting,

aapne bulaya Bhaiya he asked…..

Maine? His eyes followed Khushi speaking on the phone….

Ji aapne awaaz di……

Oh ha, keep these in the car, he quickly dismissed Jaiprakash……

Which car? Jaiprakash asked as he had his choices…..

Any car damn it, tum jaldi jao…he dismissed Jaiprakash….Jaiprakash ran out……

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Chamkili? It was lavanya the other side……

JI….Khushi managed to squeak…..

I am sorry Chamkili I had to leave the house, I had forgotten that I have called some models over from the agency, itna kuch dimag me rakhna parta hai aajkaal I forget….anyway kya kar rahi ho?

Kuch nehi…Khushi replied…..

Very good then, come over to office then…with so many girls/boys around eating my head help me to manage them and you know what I like you around me, quite a stress buster that you are, come over….Lavanya sounded happy….

Khushi felt more guilty…woh woh….you know I have been asked by 'woh' to stay away from office…..

Areh he is not here now, before he comes I will smuggle you in….akeli ghar me baithkar kya karegi, I know there is nobody else in the house and with ASR it is as good as not having him around when he is doing his own work, come over, okay see you in a little while…Lavanya disconnected the line….

Khushi put down the phone, going back home is not a good solution for jiji will catch her something is wrong somewhere, staying here with that 'rakhshas' is not a good option either for he has made himself very much aware, so better go to office, she is paid to help Lavanya….at least she will have something to do and keep herself busy…making up her mind Khushi ran towards the door….

Khus…Khushi Arnav could barely call her out before she was gone in lightening speed…..

Good god this girl, how does her family manage her….he thought for a second before striding out calling out to the servants that he was leaving home……

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Bal bal bach gaye, Khushi hailed an auto and went inside quickly giving the address of the office….just when she caught her reflection on the side view mirror, OMG…she thought, her lips were swollen what would she tell Lavanya if she questions that your boyfriend kissed me? Should I go to office at all when in the same mirror she caught Arnav driving his car……

Abh kya karu…I cannot get down here he will see me and if he sees me…..Khushi quickly covered her head with her dupatta and turned her face away, hopefully he is going to meet some client and if she does not reaches office, Lavanya will call around to find out what happened to her, she does not have a mobile….Khushi was thinking about all possibilities…..

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Madamji kaunsa building, the Auto driver's voice broke Khushi's thoughts….

Ji woh wala…bus idhar hi rakhiye…..she paid the driver and went towards the reception, hopefully lavanya has left a word she is coming, the girls in the reception are still the same and no love lost between them…..as she entered Khushi froze….

Arnav Singh Raizada was standing in the middle of the reception, talking and laughing with a tall and very handsome elderly lady….Khushi hid behind the door to see like her most of his employees were stunned…..

ASR, the lady dressed in smart business suit, her hair open, reading glasses up as a band, kholed eyes, perfect lipstick drawled, still very handsome and single ready to mingle are you?!!

Oh Maggie forever naughty are you!!!! It is a pleasure to see you here after such a long time….you should have told me you were dropping by…..

You are a busy man ASR and then I was passing by so….the lady shrugged….

Maggie for you I am whatever today….Arnav said in a solemn voice….Khushi's jaws dropped oh my my is it so….I thought he was all in all….

Oh no ASR, you had talent, I just gave you the opening….

Yes models who wore my dresses when all the agencies refused……

Oh remember the gown I wore!! It was a runaway hit……

Since you wore it, yes it was…..ASR acknowledged…now Maggie come and have a cup of coffee in my office or can I take you for lunch….

No no ASR have to take some audition in a while, business is booming but it is good to catch up on old friends once in a while and feels nice when they acknowledge your contribution to growth…..

Seeing everybody were busy watching their boss, Khushi quietly slid past the reception and crept Lavanya's office…..unknown to her, a pair of eyes did not miss it….

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The dressing room in the back office was over flowering with girls and boys, Lavanya was going crazy trying to decide who will wear what, the tailor was standing with measuring tape taking measurements for alterations and proper fitting etc etc….

Oh Chamkili, you are here, Lavanya barely gave a glance, do me a favour Chamkili, try and bring some order in this room, they are all getting into my nerve….

Abh mere baath kaun sunega…Khushi muttered……

Lavanya looked up, maine suna hai na…see you even managed to change me…so get going Chamkili do something fast before ASR comes and throws me out of job…..

Khushi took a deep breath, she had no idea from where to start but then she wanted to do it for Lavanya's sake…

+++++++

Arnav kissed Maggie on her cheeks as he saw her off in her car…as Maggie slid into her car, she touched his cheeks,looking into his eyes…. hey Arnav my boy are you in love…..

Arrr…Maggie where is the time, he tried to cover up quickly……

Comeon my boy, take it easy now, enjoy life, I am hearing that La has moved in with you but somehow …well that is not my business as long as you are happy..smile often my dear, you have a killer smile and remember one thing…. in our field of work seldom people get true love…sighing a bit, she sat back…Arnav closed the door and stepped back…well he does know about Maggie's string of affairs and broken relationships….

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Lavanya gave a satisfied look as she glanced at the models, she and the tailor made note of the changes in fitting to be done, discussed the hair styles with the hair dresser, looking into the sketches Arnav made, Lavanya showed them to the stylist…the person incharge of accessories tried on…..

Areh Jazz my dear where is the show stopper girl, get it out, let us have it fitted too….

I have got it out too La but the models that Maggie has sent are all too tall for it….

Lavanya looked up from the folder….too tall? What do you mean by that?

The dress will be too short for them…..

Short? Matlab? Lavanya shook her head….keeping in mind the average model height which was about 5 ft 8", all their dresses were normally made about that length except some specific ones being modeled by celebrities ……

Aapne kya banaya….Lavanya turned to the master tailor….

Jo diya gaya….I did as per measurements….

Lavanya turned to the folder to see if any name written besides the sketch….Arnav does put down names if has anybody particular….seeing nothing she shook her head… let me ask him, pata nehi mood kaise hai, I hope he does not bark…..

You know La, I think the dress will fit Khushi perfectly….lets try it on her…Jazz observed….

Hmmm why not…areh Chamkili come and wear this dress….lets see if it fits you….

Khushi was writing down finer measurements …..

Mai…are you crazy Lavanyaji you know my tryst with modeling….

Areh tujhe kaunsa ramp me chalna hai….come on help us, we can later ask Maggie to search a shorter girl for us…tabh takh lets see what ASR has done with the show stopper….come on Chamkili go with Jazz, be a sport……

++++++++

Arnav stood in his office, meeting Maggie unexpectedly after a long time made him feel good, the gawky teenager he was taking his designs from door to door if he can get someone to wear them….he always wanted to be his own master, had enough confidence except connection…as he went to sit on his chair he remembered Maggie's words… my dear in our field of work seldom people get true love….temptations were many, his head is on his shoulder thanks to the adversaries he faced and to his sister Anjali….who day and night wants him to get settle down…what is so unsettling he does not know but then ….he remembered Kushi darting past the reception ….he got up lets see what she was upto…..

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There was pin drop silence in the room, Jazz had brought Khushi out, she was wearing the 'show stopper' a gown with indo-western design….the cut was western, the motifs on it was Indian….Jazz had put up Khushi's hair for convenience sake…..

Ahhh near perfect the tailor exclaimed at last……I think I will have it a bit tucked though for the neckline to set properly…..

Khushi watched the upper part of her bosom lightly peeping out but decent enough compared to other dresses….infact the USP of the dress was its cut and styling, inspite of being all covered up made her look sexy…..

Just leave it as it is…A voice spoke from behind….Khushi looked up to see him standing….

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Just then Lavanya came out pulling her bags, Khushi turned and ran out of the main door…

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Payal sat consoling Khushi, areh why are you crying Khushi it is their affair, tujhe kya? For one think the little I heard about them from Akashji I am sorry to say mujhe kuch theek nehi laga…..

Akashji? Khushi raised her face….where does Akashji come in from……

Errr actually Khushi he wanted my help, it seems he was given a task to buy dupattas like ours….toh wanted me to accompany him…..

Bua stood at the door hearing the sisters….idhar kya chal raha hai mujhe kuch samaj me nehi a raha hai, something is terribly wrong somewhere, why is she spilling her tears over the upstart boy and good for nothing girl…and Payal bhi…..bazaar jane ki naam pe kaha jati rehti hai….yeh Akash isn't he the son of that hello hi bye bye……babua babua things are not right here, Buaji went and picked up the mobile ….do do jawan beti, ek Khushi akeli hi kya kum hai…..

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Nani watched Miss Kashyap leaving the house, she was not unhappy that the girl atlast was leaving, there was no love lost between them, watching her go, Nani should be more than happy but then it seems things are much deeper…Anjali was glaring at Chhote, saying something to her in undertone, Chhote looked helpless, Nani overhead him saying Di I did not ask her to leave to which Anjali replied Chhote any self respecting girl would do what Lavanya has done, tum sudhar jao is all I can say…..

Chhote, nani called out….seeing Nani both brother and sister collected themselves, dekho Chhote what happened now is not good, I am not saying I am unhappy to see Miss Kashyap leave the house for everybody knows I did not like her lekin Chhote remember one thing, this is your house, you have built it with a lot of hard work and we are your family, we do have some emotions, likes and dislikes……

Naniji if I cannot live the way I want in my own house, Arnav started to speak only to hear Anjali saying that is enough Chhote, no more argument on this, Nani is right, galati tumhara hai, it is better you reform …..

Dekho beta, tum khush raho in your own house is what we all want but then yeh bhi koi baath hui…..

Raising his arms mumbling somethings under his breath, Arnav picked up his files and walked out of the house……

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Khushi and Payal were sitting on the dining table making list of things pending like paying the telephone bill etc etc., now that Khushi will not have her job for sometime they were weighing pros and cons what was important and what to curtail…..Anjali ji has called me to bring the salary cheque from her but then Jiji we have to be very careful about spending it till I get something….

What about Home Delivery service Khushi, we can send lunch / dinner to people who stay alone hate to cook…..

Hey nandkishore another business venture? Buaji exclaimed….who will go for delivery, hope you are not expecting me….ek mai hi bacha isiliye……

Buaji aisa kuch nehi, we are just discussing……

Kuch discussions kum karo and do something worthwhile, I have already telephoned Babua, he says he can give another 15 days maximum for Khushi to do koi jadoo, after that bag and baggages we go back to Lucknow, enough of working and being self sufficient……

Khushi and Payal looked at each other, when there was a brief knock on the door, may I come in….

It was Arnav……

Hai nandkishore abh kya huwa? Bua asked watching him……

Khushi why didn't you come to work today he asked Khushi who was busy looking outside trying to see his car, how come she did not hear it……

Ji…ji mai….

Hai nandkishore kahe ke liye jayegi, jiske liye jati woh toh tumhe chhor kar chali gayi beta, toh udhar jakar kya karegi….

Arnav gave Bua a furious glance, what does she mean that Lavanya ditched him?

Ji aisa koi baath nehi hai and I have to discuss something with Khushi after all I pay her salary, Khushi can you come with me for a moment, I have to discuss something important with you…..

Khushi knew what was coming, she glanced at Payal, Payal knew about Arnav and his temper and if it burst before Buaji tabh toh ho chukka kaam….Payal pleaded Khushi with her eyes to do something….

Khushi got up, tell me what you want to say, shall we sit here….

Not here lets discuss it outside….I want no disturbance…he replied looking hard at buaji…bauji turned her face away…

Jiji I will be back…Khushi replied stepping out of the house, Arnav followed her, Buaji went upto the veranda hovering after them….

My car is that side we will sit in the car and discuss, Arnav said it loud enough for Buaji to hear him clearly….

Hmmm hai re nandkishore, how do people bring up their children nowadays, no manners, he is paying her salary, behaving as if he owns her….

Buaji aap andar ayiye na please, stop bothering them, you are making the matters worse…Payal pulled her buaji inside….

Beta I don't like the haughty look on his face, wish could wipe it in one stroke…..

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Khushi walked fast through the crowd dodging them, because of office time the locality was busy, as soon as they went out of sight of her house beyond Bua's view, he grabbed her hand….

Areh aap kya kar rahe hai, chhoriye mujhe lokh dekh rahe hai….

Ha chhor du and you run away, no mood to chase you all over this place…kaha jake chhip jaogi mera kya mati mari gayi ki mai guli guli phiro? He dragged Khushi towards the park at the other side, as it is I had to walk down knowing you seeing my car, you would have hidden and with your Bua on guard my visit would have been futile….

Khushi rolled her eyes but it had no effect on him….

Opening the front door, pushing her in the passenger seat, he climbed into the driver's seat and started the car….

Hey hey I thought you said we will discuss inside the car….

Ha so we are inside only but we do not want to get distracted with people peeping in all the time, wanting to find out if I am raping you….

Can't blame them really, Khushi muttered to herself…

I heard that, he snapped, listen you definitely know more than them about me….he reversed the car and zoomed through the lanes and byelanes till they came to a quiet park with a big banyan tree in the centre, the place looked cool and tempting, Arnav got down, Khushi followed him….

I never knew about this place being close to my house….Khushi observed as she sat on the stone bench beneath the tree….

Humph he grunted scanning the area, stood observing the place for sometime, Khushi watched him, after sometime he sat down next to her, the stone benches are new he observed, as if he had many things to say Khushi felt but as usual did not want to speak about them……

The sat watching in silence which was obviously killing Khushi, agar chup hi baithna hai toh why come here she thought but decided to keep her mouth shut for sometime, see what is he upto, not used to such quietness, she fidgeted, he remained still, Khushi followed his gaze, she saw two stray dogs trying to make friends, they must have had a fight before…Khushi bit her lips….

I was thinking that in the house Nani has a lot of reservations about dos and don'ts, though the house is mine, they do not have any other place to go, why don't you and I shift into an apartment……

Khushi sprang up, I was expecting something like this from you but not so soon, so Lavanya out and Khushi in, Khushi clicked her fingers glaring at him…..He pulled her down, sit down…..

Listen to me for heaven's sake…La and I were not a couple for quiet sometime, I mean before she checked into my house, to counter Nani's bickering I gave her a proposal and she accepted it thinking it will bring us together once again, otherwise do you think I would have agreed to a separate room arrangement….

Oh so in the apartment we will share a bedroom you mean? Khushi asked…..

Arnav nodded Obviously, that's why an apartment and not the house as because andhi raat ko chhup chhup ke I would hate to visit your room…..

And in the apartment what do I do….Khushi could not believe the guts of the man….

Obviously 'live together' just like many couples do, I do my work, you can also do what you want, learn something, work somewhere etc., but be rest assured you do not have to worry about money and supporting your family, that will be taken care by me….

You know what Mr Raizada I am already scared to imagine the face of my father accepting money which I will earn by selling my body….keya kehte hai, haram ka paisa…

Khushi I think you are taking it too far….we will be living together, equal partners, I will help your family as and when needed because today I can, in such a relationship the financially stronger partner often support, even girls do….what is the big deal….

Nothing, stood up with her hands on her hips, kabhi kata huwa bakri dekhe hai aap hanging in the shops, now if I go and tell my family I am 'living in' with you, meri halaat kuchh waisahi hoga, aap akar le kar jana and then do whatever you want….have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner distribute to friends….baath karta hai, itna dur laya yeh kehne ke liye….

Khushi I think you are making it sound too crude, what is wrong in a man wanting a woman….Arnav pulled her, to make her sit once again….

Khushi pushed him with her hands on his chest…..Kuch nehi, there are many women wanting to lie with you, some men too for I have seen the other day….so leave me alone….

I am not attracted to them….he took the opportunity to hold both her hands and pull her closer to him, trapping her loosely between his legs……

With her hands on his shoulder, looking deep into his eyes Khushi replied, Mr Raizada I do not belong to your world nor you do to mine, I am young, I too have dreams like any other girl of a husband and children so please, you do not have any right you snatch it away from me….

Don't you feel anything towards me, suddenly Arnav asked in a very solemn voice….his eyes, oh his eyes fleeting was filled with so much of pain and loneliness…..Khushi hesitated…swallowing hard she replied….you are very attractive man but I guess we are not meant to be together for to make you happy I have to hurt a hell of a lot of other people, saying so Khushi released herself, his grip fell away, Khushi ran out of the park…

Phirse bhag gayi, Arnav thought staring at her retreating back, his eyes filled with tears and he clenched his jaws….

Hithero unfelt and unknown feelings
Come,mend and soothe this yearnings

Look into my tear stained eyes
Can you see my love that cries?

(from Maris08 peom "Tear Stained Eyes)

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Seeing Khushi entering the house with stomping feet, Bua asked, so kaya bola us nawabzaida ne?

Offered me a job….Khushi replied in an irritated voice, though she has turned him down, she was not feeling good about it….but I turned him down…..

Haire aisa kya naukri diya that you too had to say no….

Khushi lowered her face and stood clenching her jaws, Payal realized something is not right….

Khushi I think you better pay the telephone bill quickly, otherwise Bua will have an heart attack seeing her mobile bill, lets go and you show me too where to do it…..come lets get out of the house and have a heart to heart chat, Payal whispered pulling her outside once again…

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few minutes ago, Khushi bit her lips when her eyes fell on Lavanya who was standing next to the photographers, she had a queer expression on her face…..as if she has got to see something which she was missing all this while….

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After giving interview to the press and accepting congratulatory messages from the audiences Arnav entered the dressing room to see most of the models now back to their own dresses and champagne flowing, the success of the show being celebrated, seeing Arnav in the room they circled him and gave him some good bumps…handing him a bottle of the champagne to take sip from…as Lavanya and Jazz alongwith others, packed the dresses into the covers, many buyers have already shown interest but then negotiations will be done in office…..

La…La where is Khushi? Lavanya heard Arnav asking….

Khushi….Lavanya feigned to look around, keeping her back towards him she replied….I have not seen her around for sometime now ASR or maybe I was too busy to miss her…

Too busy to miss her? Arnav tried to control his temper, what do you mean by that La, you …I mean you are responsible for her….if she goes missing Di…my Di…

Lavanya turned, ASR how am I responsible for her…okay she does acts as my guide but then bringing her here was not my plan and I have so much to do, store these dresses, speak to the buyers since you were busy with the press, where did I have the time? Lavanya glared….

Arnav was taken aback seeing Lavanya like this but putting up a show was quite stressful, her nerves, Arnav thinks and takes out his mobile….remembers his sister was speaking with some members of the press, she loved to speak about his achievements and not to say if he went and told her Khushi is missing….

OK La, do me a favour ring Khushi's house to see if she has reached….I hope you can do that much…..

Jazz watched La giving him a disgusted look before taking out her mobile to dial….

I know he has the tendency to get onto the nerves at times but that is the way he keeps us on toes, Jazz commented trying to cheer La up, inspite of the successful show, La's mood was not right…Jazz could only guess the reason, you do not need to be a rocket scientist to see the obvious….

Only Jazz I have realized what a fool I am…La swallowed as she dialed Khushi's home no….

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Khushi returned home to see her Bua not looking amused….dekh beta I think you are stretching things a bit too much…pehle you went to work for them in the house, theek hai mai kuch nehi boli because bare bujurg hai lekin nandkishore na kare tu jis tarah se udh rahi hai, kuch uch nich hoyi jaye toh mai babua ko kya muh dikhawungi?

Though her sister looked excited…areh Khushi how is it to see a live fashion show? She wanted to know…Khushi was already feeling guilty of the whole thing, she could not forget Lavanya's look as she watched the show stopper….she threw her bag and flopped down on the bed…very tiring Jiji, can I get a cup of tea please, I did not eat anything since morning….

Hai aisa kya? Bade hotelo me khana nehi milta? Bauji asked….

Milta hoga Buaji but where was the time? Aur khane ke liye mai nehi ruki, as it is I knew you will be worried….

Nandkishore, sukhar karo mera kuch kheyal toh hai….she was sarcastic best…

Her sister got her a cup of tea, Khushi drank the tea and answered her in monosyllables …..

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It was 1030 in the night, Buaji was watching her favourite show on TV, Payel trying to wrap up housework and Khushi lying staring at the ceiling, wondering how to face Lavanya the next day when the bell rang….

Yeh kaun hai adhi raat ko? Buaji exclaimed….

Buaji andhi raath kaha it is only 1030…Payel went to open the door….ASR was standing….

Hai re Nandkishore itna raath gaye tumhe kya chahiye babua? Seeing him Buaji exclaimed before ASR could say a thing….

Khushi hai, he asked….

Yeh ladki phirse kya paka ke ayi, Buaji exclaimed….

Err kuch nehi, I just wanted to see her….ASR looked uncomfortable, he had to come to see if she was well as Lavanya said the phone is not working at Khushi's home as she could not get through…..

Khushi hearing his voice, sprang up the bed and peeped out of the room, she did not want any scene in front of Bua, and if he behaves the way he did a little while ago for sure she was going to be buried alive in this very room by buaji….

Areh beta, have you seen the time, is this the time to visit any good girl's home? Buaji commented

ASR raised his eyebrow…I just wanted to have a word with her, can you call her for a moment his temper was rising, I pay her salary dammit he thought to himself….

Arnavji bura maath maniye Khushi said she was very tired and has gone to bed, I will tell her to see you first thing she goes to your in the morning, okay? Payel tried to handle the situation in a better manner….

Oh I see…Ok …Arnav scanned the room briefly and his eyes caught someone moving back behind the opposite door in a flash…..he clenched his jaws…taking his leave he walked to his car, so much so he was worried for her and look at her didn't even come out inspite of being awake, he reversed the car in speed and zoomed away….let morning come!!

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Saying a silent prayer, Khushi pressed the bell, Arnav who was having his breakfast and reading the newspaper, looked up to see Jai Prakash going upto the door, Khushi entering and wishing him in her usual style asking for Lavanya who was still in her room….seeing him sitting at the breakfast table she turned her face away and walked towards Lavanya's room in quick steps….

Khushi one moment, he called out, Khushi stopping saying a small prayer in her usual style….folding his papers he came up….why did you leave yesterday without informing anyone?

You missed me? Khushi asked instead beaming as if it was not a major crime….

I was worried about you…Arnav wanted to wipe that smirk from her face as if she did not know….

Lekin kahe? Khushi asked feigning her innocence…..I finished my work and left the venue….

One thing show ho jane se kaam khatam nehi ho jata….there are lot of things to be taken care after the show is over and secondly you know how Di is particular, I had taken you under my responsibility atleast I should have been informed…Di was very upset….

Khushi now was really sorry, she knew Anjali was genuinely caring…woh mai kya karti I was getting late and bua….

And yesterday night you were hiding behind the door, he growled lowering his voice…..

Khushi looked around and then whispered in a thick voice, you want my bua to bury me alive or what, if I would have come out, mera toh ho jata chhutti and secondly why didn't you call me….

Agar phone kaam kare tabh na….Arnav was losing his patience….how dare she ignores him, he went all the way running to see if she was safe…itna bhi courtesy nehi hai kya ghar aye mehmaan ko….

Oh I am sorry, Khushi stuck out her tongue, I have forgotten to pay the bill actually, ggrrr yesterday I was supposed to do it and buaji never keeps her mobile on in the house, she thinks kya jaroorat since we are all in the house, safe and sound….

Inspite of himself Arnav smiled, Khushi was never short of excuses…..they were unique like her, beaming Khushi walked towards Lavanya's room, he watched her saying a small prayer before entering it….

++++++++++

Khushi bit her lips as she found Lavanya already up and packing her things….

Lavanyaji what is it? Khushi tried her best to feign her ignorance….

Chamkili, you have come….Lavanya replied, you know Chamkili as I told you it was not a good decision to move in, I should have not done it and now since I know it I should not waste my time anymore….

Aap kehna kya chahate hai Lavanyaji Khushi asked half heartedly inspite of knowing the answer….

Don't you know Chamkili? Lavanya now looked directly into her eyes…

Khushi lowered hers, mai, I…..matlab…

Yes Chamkili I know it is not your fault but then ASR has fallen for you, maybe as they say opposites attract truly and since I know it I also know there is no point of loitering around and make a fool of myself, Lavanya stifled her tears….

Khushi hugged her…..she had nothing to say…..

Lavanya controlled herself after a while, see Chamkili I am a product of a divorce parents, brought up in hostels I admit I did not know many things, staying here has been a learning experience too but then Chamkili I also had desires, the kind of life I lead I have no one to blame, my ambition has got me here, but staying here, knowing you, living with a family I discovered that I too would love to have a family of my own lekin aisa nehi, I will go where I am wanted, not like this where the man wants another woman……

Tears rolled down from Khushi's eyes…she sat kneeling on her knees……Lavanya felt sorry, the girl was genuine, too simple for men like ASR…..

Dekh Chamkili tu mere liye maath row, I am a strong girl, from here I will pay a visit to my mother in London stay with her for sometime and then once again look for a job…..

Aap naukri bhi chhor rahi hai? Khushi cried…

Lavanya gave a sad smile, maybe I cannot watch ASR having an affair with another girl…..

Kaisa affair? Do you think I want him? Do you think my family will allow me to 'live together' with him….

ASR is difficult to ignore Chamkili, you have to be super woman to refuse his charms and believe me if he wants he can be very charming too…..tu ekh kaam kar Chamkili do a favour for me please….dekh chamkili men like ASR, ambitious, self obsessed seldom have any emotional bonding with anyone, except for his sister I doubt if ASR has any feeling for any member in this house even, he stays with them because his sister wants him to but you can teach him a lesson, much as I don't want you to be mauled by him, I know one thing it is likes of you only who can bring men like ASR toeing the line…..dekh chamkili women after sometime want to settle down, men like ASR will never do unless they are taught a lesson ….and women like you can teach him a lesson….

Unable to control her tears, Khushi ran out of the room, she came face to face with Arnav, who was ready for office and walking across the hall towards the door…..

Where are you going, Khushi cried out, Lavanyaji is leaving……

Lavanya leaving? But why?

Don't you know why? Khushi's eyes were blazing….

How will I know why, I am no mind reader….

But she knows, she knows about …..about…..Khushi hesitated and lowered her voice, about us…she whispered…….

The expression on ASR's face did not change…..

So? What am I suppose to do……she is a free bird, who am I to stop her….

You brought her here, she is leaving your house and you have nothing to say? Khushi shook her head in disdain…..

Ahhh Khushi, you are getting too emotional, stay out of this, she wants to leave, I have not asked her to go, the decision is hers so where do I come in….

But this house and this arrangement…..

I did not force her remember and why are you taking so much of pain, what is it to you….if you are worried about your job, we will think of something…..

Just then Lavanya came out pulling her bags, Khushi turned and ran out of the main door…

++++++++

No wonder Khushi is looking so flustered for last couple of days, she must be feeling it too, girls always do but then you do not believe in marriage so we cannot let you play with her virtue!!!

++++++++

From the morning in the Raizada House there was chaos, today was the opening of 'Wills Fashion Week' the biggest fashion week in India, it was opening with ASR's Collection, they say the most coveted get the opening and the closing slot so it was a big day…On top of that Arnav was upset with the result of the linen/ upholstery for the hotel, he was upset with Akash, I don't want guests to feel that they are sleeping on a 'jute basta', these suites are the best ones and they will be paying through their nose to sleep here etc etc., in another room Lavanya was going crazy, trying to put her business suit, her cocktail dress, things she had to carry, the various list, her mobile phones, her makeup box, the CDs to be played during the ramp walk, oh so many things…

Chamkili, Chamkili she was making Khushi run about packing her things, forgetting some and repacking them once again….

Lavanyaji calm down calm down, you are making me tensed too, Khushi complained…..

Lavanya are you ready? Arnav barked….

O yes yes ASR, come Khushi help me …they picked up their things and ran out, ASR was already sitting in the car….his favourite SUV, Khushi opened the back door and loaded with the things as Lavanya made herself comfortable in the passenger seat….

Sab kuch rakh diya na Chamkili….

Ji everything, all the best Lavanyaji, have a nice day, I will be at home otherwise you can contact me on by Bua's mobile, I will be taking it incase I go out, just to remind you something incase you are looking for something, Khushi kept her voice as steady as possible trying to ignore the presence of ASR and closed the door waiting for the car to make the move, instead it remained standing, roaring but still, Khushi tried to ignore it, with her head bowed through the side view mirror she saw a pair of sunglasses, with his jaws clenched, he was waiting for her clearly, Khushi bit her lips, trying to look normal as possible….

Khushiji I think you better get going with Chhote, at the green room an extra pair of hands is always more than welcome….isn't it Chhote, Anjali who had come to see them off too commented….

Arnav put his hand behind and opened the door instead….woh mai…I had told jiji that I will….

Don't worry Khushi I will call and inform your house….Anjali was her polite self..aur Chhote remember what I said to you, he barely grunted…..saying a silent prayer Khushi got into the car…it zoomed out of the gates …

+++++++

What was Anjali Di saying to you ASR, Lavanya asked in a low voice….

That is between me and her La, nothing to do with you, he almost snapped…..

Lavanya looked out of the window making Khushi feel more guilty, she did not want to be a witness to their fights, she bit her lips to see he was driving with a stoic face, no idea if he was staring at her or not….

Lavanyaji how did you feel when you first attended such a show?

Oh Chamkili, Lavanya rubbed eyes, taking a deep breath she replied…kya batayo I was in the institute and we latched onto every opportunity to help out during such shows, become assistant to the stylist, hairdresser etc etc., ,most of the times working free without payment, just for experience sake….hmmm in one such show I met ASR, he was modeling in that show but then rest is history…

You did modeling also, that was a news to Khushi…she asked the question spontaneously…..

He raised his eyebrow, you are yet to know me Khushi he replied as a matter of fact….

Humph…Khushi became silent, does she really want to know him, she was not sure….

++++++++++

They entered a big hotel, Khushi's eyes became round, she had never seen anything so big….

Bapre she exclaimed as they got down from the car….

Chamkili don't be scared, people here are just like you and me, Lavanya was suddenly looking very professional, calling the bell boy and handing over their luggage, Khushi clutched onto her side bag, her hands already sweating, what she was doing here she did not know, feeling very out of place….

Come with me, there was a soft touch on her back as Arnav waited for Khushi to move forward, as Khushi followed Lavanya, he followed her, the heels of his shoes firmly clicking on the stone floor somehow made her feel secured….they were directed towards the banquet hall, the smaller banquet will be used as their green room, the bell boy showed them in, Khushi froze at the door…..

Abh kya huwa, he asked from behind….

Hey ram!! Khushi exclaimed closing her eyes….Arnav looked in to see the models were walking around the room in various stages of undress, some were taking makeup, some getting their hair done, rest waiting for their turn….

Mai hu na dar kis baath ki, he virtually whispered into her ears, Khushi's eyes flew open, hay Devi ma isi baath ki toh daar hai, she mumbled to herself and stumbled in…….

Areh chamkili a gayi….one of the model recognizing her asked……

Ji a giri….Khushi replied…..

Hi ASR, Hi Jaanu, hello love the models greeted him, some even kissed him, he returned their greetings and kisses, with her arms around herself, Khushi stood praying nobody does the same to her, Man this man looks so hot in tracksuit even someone commented….Khushi gave a side glance, he was hugging a model in her skimpy underwear, even slapped her bottom, being eye to eye he winked at her, Khushi turned her face away…what is wrong with him she wondered…..

Chamkili idhar sun tera kaam yeh hoga, that you will zip all the models up, once they wear their dresses, they will not bend even to avoid the crease so you will button them up as per this drawing, keep these pages for your reference, they will come to you in that order…theek hai, Lavanya instructed….

Ji, Khushi nodded her head….

ASR clapped his hands, everybody listen to me, some instructions instructions and nothing new…same old thing but it is worthwhile to have them repeated…..

Jazz showed Khushi where she should wait for the models, they will come to you, tu idhar she maath hilna, she put a placard even, ZIP UP!! It read….Khushi watched the hall, inspite of the disorder they were some order, they were following a sequence, nobody was perturbed by the state of undress or nakedness around, ASR was going around, inspecting the makeup, hairdos etc., at one point she saw him drawing eyes of a model, showing how he wants it, unknown to Khushi, she was following his every movement….

Will you zip me up!! A thick voice asked….

Khushi looked up to see a tall hunk standing before her…sure why not….Khushi glanced at her sheet, Manish is it…upto three buttons…here you go…Khushi started her job, she saw ASR coming and standing beyond her, once the models were ready they went upto him for his final nod…..

Hello Nati….another voice greeted her….

Hi Lombu, Khushi replied spontaneously ….

Jara nada kas de….

Nade ka toh pata nehi, but you are not supposed to button up as per this drawing….

Ho, I know isiliye jara kas de otherwise pata chala upar bhi khali niche bhi khali, the model's eyes danced, indicating his harem pants were slipping, waise maine niche pehna hai, tujhe sharmane ki koi jaroorat nehi hai….except if it falls off it will make first page news…..wardrobe malfunction they call it….

Khushi glanced sideways to see ASR watching them with hooded eyes, ready to pounce on the poor man…

Nehi nehi kahe ki sharam, the moment I entered this room, mai laaj sharam bahar rakhkar a gayi…..

Waise tu baate bahut achhi kar leti, thoda nati hai nehi toh we would have made a nice pair, the man observed….Khushi beamed at him….like Amitabh and Jaya?

Vicky I think that is enough, you have been buttoned up now come here…Arnav barked….

Mujhse jalta hai, all men do you know, suddenly Vicky changed his track…hai Arnav love, I would love to come to you but then Jai is so possessive you know, he does not like too many men around me…..

Khushi's eyes nearly popped out, Arnav gave a look of disdain and tolerance ….

Okay everyone the show is about to start in an 15 minutes, on your mark, I am outside in the wings just to setting the music…Lavanya went out…suddenly the room became silent, except everybody's hands moved briskly, giving finishing touches and catching up….

Okay line up….Jazz commanded …and show stopper you stand at the end….Khushi gave a smile to the girl about her height looking like a fairy and beautiful, she had also worn this dress she thought…..

Khushi watched Jazz telling the models the finer details when ASR interrupted, Jazz don't forget that thing….

Boss I will not, you relax and change….Jazz showed her thumbs up…he picked up his tuxedo and went behind the screen, Khushi watched Jazz, patting and wishing luck to all the models before she led them out towards the back stage, suddenly Khushi found the room virtually empty, except for the makeup artists, hairdressers their assistants, relaxing, smoking or drinking tea/ coffee..what will I do now…Khushi come here, he called out….

Kidhar ? Khushi's voice squeaked….

Idhar a hand gestured sticking out from the screen, Khushi looked around, the people present in the room were engrossed with themselves…Khushi hurry up, he barked, I have to 'take the bow'….Khushi ran and saw him standing, bare chested with his shirt buttons undone….

Kya hai ji…Khushi squeaked involuntarily…..

Ji kasth karke jara mera buttons laga dengi….

Mai? Khushi's eyes became round….

I think all this while you were doing this only…..

Ji mai ji…..

Hurry up Khushi, you want me to walk like this to take the bow….he asked in a stern voice….

With her hands shaking, she grabbed the lower end on his shirt, buttoning from the last button, he stood still with his eyes hooded….as she reached the middle button, he grabbed her hand and placed it on his bare chest, Khushi felt his heart thudding, this is what you do to me, he growled….Khushi tried to release her hand, he held it for few seconds more before releasing it, bowing her head Khushi completed her job, tucking the shirt in his waistband, in he whispered now wish me luck, this is the first time I am doing the opening show…

Best of luck, Mr …Khushi's voice shook, the heat was becoming too much for her to bear….

What about a kiss too…he lowered his face ….

Khushi clenched her jaws, Khushi I am waiting he growled again…

In this world kissing was not a crime Khushi has seen everybody all this while, kissing, pecking, patting, hugging each other….so no use of crying foul, she raised her face and said boldly Best of luck Sir and placed a kiss on his forehead…

Arnav smiled, taking off his jacket off the hook, he handed it over to her, as he fastened his bowtie, she held out the jacket for him to slid his arms, once through, he quickly turned, gathering her into his arms for a tight squeeze he placed a hard kiss on her lips before walking out…

Khushi stood stunned….the sound of clapping reaching her, she wanted to leave as tears welled into her eyes but then she could not go without telling Lavanya, it would be a crime, she walked out to go into the main banquet, peeping in from the side door behind Jazz who was now whispering at the questions from the press, she saw Arnav walking onto the ramp, with the show stopper, the girl's head and face was covered with a 'Dupatta 'like Khushi wore, as they walked up the ramp, he raised his hand to take it off, the girl's hair almost done like Khushi, infact the whole concept had an 'awe' effect on the audiences, Arnav stepped back as the girl showed her dress, people got up on their feet to clap, with photographers busy clicking, Arnav and his models took their bow, giving flying kisses etc something which Khushi had all this while seen in TV, she felt so alien to this world, is this the man who kissed her a few minutes ago, Khushi bit her lips when her eyes fell on Lavanya who was standing next to the photographers, she had a queer expression on her face…..as if she has got to see something which she was missing all this while….

++++++

Khushi I think you better pay the telephone bill quickly, otherwise Bua will have an heart attack seeing her mobile bill, lets go and you show me too where to do it…..come lets get out of the house and have a heart to heart chat, Payal whispered pulling her outside once again…

+++++++

Anjali put down the tea tray and sat before Arnav on his terrace, so she said no?

Hmmm…..

What did you expect? To hear her yes?

Not really,,,Arnav replied thoughtfully, I mean I was not expecting her yes right away but I was hoping it will be a yes/no and then yes. I know she is under a lot of financial constraint, I even offered to take care of her family's need you know in an indirect manner but she thought I was asking her to sell her body to me…I mean she made it sound so cheap…..

Dekho Bhai, I know you are not wanting to marry because you are scared to get tied emotionally, I have not got married yet not because I do not want to marry but because I want to marry a person who will marry with for what I am, not sister of a successful man or by taking pity on my handicap…..

And you are elder to me by 8 years yet to find that man…Arnav observed…..

Chhote I can find him at 60, don't worry about me, I am happy the way I am, with my charity and rehabilitation centre for the handicap but then Chhote I feel if you truly want Khushi you put aside your beliefs for heaven sake and 'bend a little' be accommodative….just the way you do it in business….

You know di, once married woman start demanding many things….where is time for me to bear her tantrums….

Anjali shook her head, you were lucky that girls danced to your tunes all this while, they worshipped the earth you walked on, in fact kudos to Lavanya that she got some sense at last and decided to walk out, mai agar uske jagah hoti I would not have entered this house for a show even, lekin der aye dursth aye….you are a result oriented man….you know Khushi has her own mind too, she does what she thinks right, ha ha what is the guarantee that in 'live-in' relationship she will not throw her tantrums, she hardly lives by the rule book…for her, her family comes first, she will do whatever she deems right for them, you will soon find Khushi taking you and us under her fold…. Live in or married ….aur tumhe result se jab matlab hai why are you so concerned by the means? You want Khushi so get Khushi but then get her the way you can convince her to come to you….

Arnav got up walked up and down the terrace when he heard the gate opening, he watched Khushi entering with her sister Payal , well she must be needing the money real bad for if he knows anything of Khushi she would not have come otherwise…..

You have a visitor Di, someone has come to take her salary……

Khushi ayi hai, his sister's face beamed, getting up she hurried to go down….

++++++++++

Khushi sat reading and circling the advertisement in the newspaper, yesterday Nani and Anjali were overjoyed to see her, infact they had even suggested that she should come and help them around the house, help Anjali with her work but the man watching her from his studio, Khushi did not need to look up to feel it, Khushi turned it down, I will come by once in a while, let me see if I get something on my own, phir aaplog toh haihi…she gave all possible excuses….before walking out with Payel, thank god she had taken Payal with her….

There was a knock on the door, Bua was sleeping on the sofa, her sister had gone for her bath, is it him again? Taking a deep breath Khushi got up, peeping in the eyehole she quickly opened the door…

Babuji? Maaji aaplog, saab theek toh haye na? Idhar achanak??!! Khushi hugged them but kept on asking…

Areh Babua what is wrong, tumlog kaha se agaye…with a big startle Buaji scrambled up….

Itna bara khushi ki khabar aur khushi beti ne humse chhupai….we had to come because the news is such, ha we have given you some 'sanskar' shaadi ki baath apne muh se nehi karte humare yeha lekin Jiji aap toh bol sakti thi?

Shaadi kiski shaadi…Bauji asked failing to understand anything….

Humari Khushi bitiya ki aur kiski? Babuji beamed….

Khushi ki, humari Khushi ki lekin kiske saath?

Areh Jiji kaal raath ko I received a call from Srimati Nayantara Raizada saying she wants Khushi's hand for her pota Arnav….she said she knows Khushi very well and they all love her very much, they will be delighted to have her as their Bahu…Khushi knows Arnav well, aaplog jaldi se ayiye and then see everything for yourself …waise haumare taraf se shaadi pakki hai aur jald se jald shaadi ho jaye Mata Rani ki ichcha se I don't want anything else in life….

Khushi flopped on the sofa now…..Naniji called….

Ha beta said as in the absence of Arnav's presents she is doing the job, biya shaadi ka mamla hai toh bade hi baath kare toh achcha hai….

Lekin woh ladki Miss na jane kya jiske liye Khushi jati thi unke yeha…

Ha Nani ji ne kaha, we did not approve of the girl so Arnav could not marry her and till then he had not met Khushi…mujhe yeh baath bahut achhi lagi Jiji unhone khol kar baath ki no hide and seek, she said I may have heard something, yes there were something but then we should move forward and forget past as past…so much so, Naniji arranged a car to bring us here, Jiji aap taiyyar ho jayiye, they are expecting us for lunch…..

+++++++

Arnav was engrossed in a design when his mobile rang….he answered it, there was silence and then got disconnected…Arnav continued with his design, it again rang…

Yes Khushi tell me what is it?

How..How do you know it is me….

In this world there is only one person I know who disconnects the line without speaking…

Tum shaadi karna chahate ho? She asked or shrieked on the phone to be precise…

Hmm I am 27 years old, a very marriageable age….

You want to marry meee? Khushi's exclaimed

Yes as 'Live In' is not acceptable to you, Arnav replied calmly….

But what makes you think I want to marry you?

Now from where did this 'I 'come from? You did not want to hurt your family, so the other alternative was to get married which is more acceptable to your family, abh bare bujurg also thought since it is marriage the matter should be left to them, just now your parents entered the house, I can see my Nani, Di and others welcoming them….now you can make all of them happy including me!!

Oh damn it!! As if I want to get married to you!!

Yeh kaisa baath hui, yesterday you said your family aur aaj tum kuch aur bol rahi ho….anyways, I can see now Nani is distributing ladoos laghta hai date fix ho gayi hai…..

Khushi banged the phone down…..Arnav looked at his mobile, well it is the result which matters, ghee agar seedha ungli se na uthe toh tera karo…went back to his drawing ….after the elders are through he would be called just to present himself and anyway as much as he can avoid such family sentiments as it is Nani is on 7^th heaven with the thought Khushi is coming to the house as 'bahu'….

++++++++

Khushi glared at the phone, kya huwa Khushi, Payal asked her sister seeing her so agitated….

Now he is saying he wants to marry me as I did not want to 'Live In' with him…yeh kya baath hui….

Tujhe toh khushi hona chahiye Khushi, a man like him is thinking of marriage…see the change in him…

Kuch toh baath jaroor hai Jiji, aise kaise shaadi ke liye raazi ho gaye…..

Ha re 'Shanka Devi' stop worrying for a change and accept he is now willing to get married, aur dekh everybody is so happy, Nani, Anjali Didi they all love you, so they must have convinced him to have a change in heart…aur aisa kaha likha hai that he cannot change his mind?

Khushi remembered Lavanya's face, the hurt look of being rejected….Lavanya agreed to 'Live together', so she came to stay in his house, Khushi did not agree, so marry her, after Khushi who and does the word marriage have any weight for him or just another arrangement like 'Live In'…..Khushi shook her head…no no something is not right…this cannot go on….

+++++++

Oh shit!! Arnav stomped towards the bathroom!!
+++++++
Anjali was an early riser, she preferred to do her exercises in the park nearby before it got crowded, not that she was ashamed of her handicap but then displaying it in front of everybody was not very welcoming, Anjali went towards the hall when she heard sounds from the kitchen, Anjali limped toward it, Khushi was making tea…
Anjali didi you want some tea, she greeted as usual her jolly self….
Anjali nodded her head, it was very difficult to say no to Khushi, as Khushi poured the tea, Anjali went to sit on the dining table when her eyes went towards the studio to see her brother slumped on his settee ….she frowned….Khushi…what is going on my dear she asked….
What is the matter Didi, Khushi came balancing the cups and the biscuit tin….
Anjali pointed out towards the studio, Khushi swallowed, yes she had seen it, yesterday he was upset that she chose to sleep in the sofa….err didi kal raath tak toh theek hi the….abh shyaad needh pura nehi huwa hoga…Khushi sat down blushing…..
Anjali smiled, of course newly married and Khushi was early riser anyway had to do all housework before getting out of the house…
They sat sipping tea, Khushi made Anjali laugh with her various silly jokes, Anjali looked at her watch, Oh damn, my walk, Ok Khushi thanks for the morning cuppa let me go and do some brisk walking, Anjali limped across towards the door, Khushi got up to take away the tea serving, she could feel somebody up and standing with a sulky face, Khushi went about her work as nothing had happened!!

++++++++++++++

Humming to herself Anjali returned from her 'walk' today she saw him again..she thought, what kind of an attraction is this…she once again scolded herself, he looked young attractive, not handsome the way you call someone handsome but yes well toned body, crew cut hair, looked neat, attired in smart track suit, he came to run his dog, did some jogging and stretching exercise, before playing with his pet…there was something very attractive about him, he spoke to many co walkers but somehow Anjali avoided speaking or greeting him, she became conscious and tongue tied…today he gave her a passing smile, Anjali responded though she was cursing herself for not saying good morning or something equivalent…she saw her brother at the breakfast table, reading the newspaper…..

Good morning, wished him jovially, her brother gave her a sulky look….

Kya huwa Chhote, she sat down….

That is why I did not want to get married, he was his grumpy best….

Kya baath hai Chhote…sab theek toh hai na…..

Well hardly….she…I mean it is Navratri so I should not touch her….I mean….

Before Anjali could reply, Nani came and joined them, followed by other members of the family….

Chaliye chaliye aaplog baithgaye…aiye lijiye garama garam puri khakiye ….Khushi came out, as she served puri and sabji to others, Jaiprakash put down boring looking oats and fruits for him….

He frowned….why this? I mean why cannot I? Much as he wanted to avoid he had to look at Khushi….

You hardly do any exercise unlike Akash bhai so for desk job people diet should be controlled….Khushi replied in her usual singsong voice….

Arnav was mad, before he could shout, his Nani exclaimed…wah so caring, Chhote thank god you decided to get married to Khushi….

He grabbed the spoon and attacked his food….

I think since Chhote has agreed to get married and now is married, he and Khushi deserves a honeymoon….his Mami out of the blue said, Arnav never found his Mami's ideas worthwhile any time, was about to protest too till he saw Khushi's face, she looked flustered ….Arnav smiled to himself….not a bad idea….thanks Mami , I will look into my schedule, Arnav said in a very business like tone to see through the corner of his eyes, Khushi seemed to search for some excuses…

Woh Navratri…she said….

Ha ha beta tujhe fast hi toh rakhna hai, woh toh kahi bhi rakh sakti hai...Nani overuled Khushi much to Arnav's delight, in his stoic face, he completed his meal...

++++++++

Anjali stood in Arnav's terrace looking at the get as Arnav watered his plants, today he smiled at me, Anjali's heart went boom boom, he must be staying around this locality for he uses the local park...he smiled at me, did he or is it my mistake….

Di…Di kya soch rahi ho…Arnav's voice floated ….

Chhote….kuch khas nehi, Anjali blushed inspite of herself…..what were you wanting to tell me….

Di…I mean Di during Navratri…do you think we should not sleep together?

Anjali stood stumped, mujhe kuch samaj me nehi a rahe Chhote? Who told you this?

The saw Khushi going around in the room, arranging things, Arnav indicated with his eyes…and whispered yesterday he went to the studio as he was mad with her, I did some work before I fell asleep….

But then Anjali started only to stop…she remembered Khushi's words in the morning, her blush too, she glanced at Khushi in the room, her normal innocent self she looked, arranging the cupboard, putting away things…..

Di? Arnav was waiting for her reply….

Dekh Chhote, I am not married and I have never heard of such a thing but then I am no expert…though every family has their own rules and belief, infact Khushi's mother mentioned nothing too, being a married lady she must have known or should have given us a hint, pata nehi, they are simple people may have felt to shy to speak on something like this….

Arnav was not happy with the answer….

Anjali could read him, patting his cheeks, she replied, listen go to office, you mood will improve and do some romance, you are very dry…thora bahut romance will not hurt anybody….chal shuru ho ja….maybe you will get what you are looking for…winking Anjali walked away….

+++++++

Oh Mami!! Why do some people have the tendency to poke their nose in other's business….then she remembered her Buaji asking her always to mind her own business though seldom Buaji followed that rule…..abh mai kya karu, iss honeymoon ki bhoot ko kaise utaru, Khushi thought pushing the box of her junk jewelry inside the cupboard, Arnav did not like too much clutter around the room and she was too ashamed to display her collection….

Suno, I am going to office now and voice whispered over her head, breathing down her neck, Khushi whipped around to see Arnav holding the doors of the cupboard and standing very close to her though not touching…Khushi leaned back pasting herself against the shelves….with hooded eyes he was watching her lips though …..

OOkkk theek hai…Khushi stammered …..

Hmmm aur saman bandh ke rakhna, lets see if we can go somewhere…

Woh mai keh rahi thi…

Arnav raised his brow….Nani ki ichcha hai, I think we should not disappoint her…..

Khushi bit her lips….

Ouch cut jayega be careful, he said , turning around and walking away before Khushi could react or read his expressions….

++++++++++++

Khushi remembered Lavanya's face, the hurt look of being rejected….Lavanya agreed to 'Live together', so she came to stay in his house, Khushi did not agree, so marry her, after Khushi who and does the word marriage have any weight for him or just another arrangement like 'Live In'…..Khushi shook her head…no no something is not right…this cannot go on….

+++++++

Khushi stood in front of the mirror, the dress was of perfect fitting, it was sort of a gown with lehenga look with embellishment at its fringes, very aesthetically done in soft lilac colour….

Anjali put on the ornaments on Khushi, sab kuch itna jaldi jaldi huwa, Chhote got this dress ready for you, I guess he always wanted his wife to wear his creation on their 'Suhaag Raat'…Khushi did not raise her eyes but in her heart she wondered, the man who never wanted to get married first, what does the meaning of 'Suhaag Raat' have for him…

Hmmm has fitted me well, I don't giving my measurements to him though, she replied instead, she could not be rude to Anjali and truly the dress was a stunner…

He hehe Chhote has a perfect sense of measurement where girls are concerned specially the ones he likes, when we were thrown out of our house, we went to stay with Nani, Chhote and I did a lot of odd jobs to support ourselves, I helped out at the tailoring shop in front of the house, could not go very far with my handicap you see, Chhote at times used to sit with his books there to save electricity cost, there he observed the master cutter and learnt cutting, one day he became the best cutter in the whole locality……

Then how come he changed so much Khushi wondered….

Come Khushi sit on the bed, I better arrange your skirt properly as Chhote has got an eye for detail…must be getting impatient to enter as it is….

Khushi admired herself on the mirror for a while, inspected the matching jewelry, nothing very heavy but intricate, must be also designed by 'His Highness' she thought as he is also very particular about accessories….eye for detail indeed Khushi thought, chaliye didi , arrange my skirt, Khushi went and sat on the middle of the bed, Anjali smiled to see her enthusiasm, understandably it was her 'Suhaag Raath' too….

Giving a satisfied glance Anjali stepped back, now let me send in Chhote!! Ekdum hilna maath….

Nehi nehi I am holding the pose till the shot is over, Khushi replied enthusiastically….

++++++

Arnav was tensed, he never knew getting married could be so stressful, all this while Akash and his mama teased him mercilessly, well he did not have friends per se, for he was always busy working, yes employees and business associates and they were not invited to the party, which was just small amongst immediate family members, Akash had arranged a box of exotic designer chocolates to be sent to each employees residence , the hassle of getting married, for the 'live-in' you could cut out on these formalities..chalo jo ho giya so ho giya, he watched his sister coming out of the room beaming, indicating to him Khushi was ready to receive him…..

Bhai all the best, chalo shuru ho jayo…

Ha mere bhanja, shuru karo slavery for whole life…..

++++++++

Things were going far more smoothly for his tastes thought Arnav as he turned the knob he found the bed empty, his eyes scanned the room, Khushi was nowhere to be seen, so she has fled again, he entered, the windows were closed , the terrace door was locked from inside too, just then the bathroom door clicked, Khushi entered, back in her salwar Kameez, devoid of any jewelry, face clean of makeup, Arnav frowned, inspite of himself he had imagined her in his creation then undressing her slowly…..

Oh aap a gaye, mujhe jor she bathroom lagi thi, I mean the dress is so cumbersome, not used to wearing such dresses and doing…..you know what I mean…..

Arnav clenched his jaws, nobody called his dresses cumbersome, they were of clean cut and simplistic design, the fit and the elegance mattered…Arnav looked into her eyes, she quickly averted her glance, pumping the pillows, placing them correctly, Arnav started to unbutton his jacket, Khushi's eyes went round briefly, she picked up one pillow and placed it on the settee…Arnav froze…abh kya huwa he asked….

Mere navratri chal rahe hai bhai…Khushi replied with big eyes…..

So?

Apne aap ko shudh rakhna chahiye….

Hummph…matlab mere saath…I mean…humlog

Ji haan, Khushi sat down on the settee, putting up her feet….

But then we are husband and wife….

So what….matlab…ashudh kaam toh ashudh kaam hi hai na!! Her cheeks turned red….

If it was so then why did we get married now….

Well the marriage plan was yours not mine, Khushi replied lying down, turning her back towards him and closing her eyes….

Oh shit!! Arnav stomped towards the bathroom!!

+++++++

Anjali was an early riser, she preferred to do her exercises in the park nearby before it got crowded, not that she was ashamed of her handicap but then displaying it in front of everybody was not very welcoming, Anjali went towards the hall when she heard sounds from the kitchen, Anjali limped toward it, Khushi was making tea…

Anjali didi you want some tea, she greeted as usual her jolly self….

Anjali nodded her head, it was very difficult to say no to Khushi, as Khushi poured the tea, Anjali went to sit on the dining table when her eyes went towards the studio to see her brother slumped on his settee ….she frowned….Khushi…what is going on my dear she asked….

What is the matter Didi, Khushi came balancing the cups and the biscuit tin….

Anjali pointed out towards the studio, Khushi swallowed, yes she had seen it, yesterday he was upset that she chose to sleep in the sofa….err didi kal raath tak toh theek hi the….abh shyaad needh pura nehi huwa hoga…Khushi sat down blushing…..

Anjali smiled, of course newly married and Khushi was early riser anyway had to do all housework before getting out of the house…

They sat sipping tea, Khushi made Anjali laugh with her various silly jokes, Anjali looked at her watch, Oh damn, my walk, Ok Khushi thanks for the morning cuppa let me go and do some brisk walking, Anjali limped across towards the door, Khushi got up to take away the tea serving, she could feel somebody and standing with a sulky face, Khushi went about her work as nothing had happened!!

++++++++++++++

Ouch cut jayega be careful, he said, turning around and walking away before Khushi could react or read his expressions….

++++++++++++

Khushi clutched her jhola as she took her seat next to him in the SUV, saying silent prayers as he started the car, she was truly afraid now, as it is she was leaving her known territory and secondly he had a terrible temper, if he could keep the same in leash because he knew his family was too fond of Khushi, they would be upset to see her hurt…

As he drove out, Khushi waved at the family, they were going somewhere in the mountains, a place called Chail, it seems one of his clients has a cottege there and would be delighted if he uses it for his honeymoon. Arnav did not leave immediately, he had work he said, some last moment orders for the festive season…Khushi thought he purposely did it, even Anjali didi had her doubts, Naniji said 'what last moment orders Chhote, with wedding season around the corner you will say mujhe marne ka bhi time nehi hai, then you will have Christmas, New year and what not….what is the use of keeping so many staff jab koi kaam hi nehi ata…..

Arnav looked at Khushi, Khushi averted her glance, she did see Anjali didi biting her lips trying to control her smile….Naniji, with Lavanya gone I really have to look into some things….

Miss Kashyap? Woh koi kaam bhi karti thi……

Nanijiii!!!

Anyway Khushi understood his intentions, her heart thumped, the cat and mouse game has started…seat belt laga lo, he said bringing her back from her thoughts, Khushi fumbled with the belt, making an irritation sound, he parked the car in the curb and pulled the belt across her, Khushi held her jhola on her bosom….

Haath nikalo, he growled, reluctantly Khushi raised her hands, he clipped on the raising his hand in a gesture as if to say he has done it without touching her…it was early morning, getting out of the city did not take much time, Arnav was listening to some 'inglis' music which Khushi hardly understood, she watched the landscape which was also not interesting as they were yet to hit the highway….

I was thinking if we could have gone to Lucknow, I could have introduced you with all my childhood friends, Khushi suddenly spoke, it was difficult for her to bear the silence for long….

Firstly my memories of Lucknow are not very good and secondly agar humlog Lucknow jate toh you would have vanished somewhere aur mujhe gol gol ghumna parta to trace you….

Khushi curled her lips, aww jab Lucknow nehi pasand hai toh why did you buy sheesh mahal….

I never said I don't like Lucknow, I said 'my memories are not good' aur Sheesh Mahal toh mai kiski ko….he left the rest unsaid, looking at his expression Khushi knew it was a topic she better avoid…not knowing what else to do Khushi looked outside to stare at the boring landscape wondering when will the houses end and open space will come…her eyes closed….

+++++++

Muttering to curses made Khushi open her eyes, she felt nice and warm, even comfortable, Khushi wanted to snuggle a bit more when she realized where she was, sleeping on the shoulders of Arnav Singh Raizada!! Khushi sat up, where am I…..she exclaimed involuntarily to see a the snow capped mountain, clear blue sky and a horde of sheep blocking there way….

Thank god on a Dushera day tum par koi pawandi nehi hai…Arnav muttered to himself, Khushi turned to look at his face, it was expressionless but then her cheeks became red, momentarily loss of words she blurted….aren't the sheep looking cute….

Hardly, one at home gives me enough heart attack saving my plants from it and now here I am stranded….

The one at home is not a sheep it is…

A four legged animal it is, vegetarian four legged animal….

Khushi climbed down from the car, chasing the sheeps, cuddling the young ones and making way for him to pass, he waited at the other end for her to join, Khushi took her own time speaking to sheep keeper asking where does he live, the man indicated with his hand saying other side of the mountains….

Khushi jaldi karo, he barked….

Tanik rukiye ji, kitna sundar jagah hai…lets enjoy the unpolluted air, the awesome view …..

Khushi we have to reach within lunch time to catch hold of the care taker…nehi toh he will leave for his village, the owner of the cottage could not contact him for the man has lost his mobile recently….come on hurry up…..

Matlab hum tum ek kamre be band aur chabi kho jaye??!! The very thought chilled Khushi's bones, she ran to join him….

+++++++
--MALE--

Baahar se koi andar na aa sake

Andar se koi baahar na jaa sake

Socho kabhi aisa ho to kya ho - 2

Hum tum ek kamre mein band ho, aur chaabi kho jaaye - 2

--FEMALE--

Tere nainon ki bhoolbhulaiya mein Bobby kho jaaye

Hum tum ek kamre mein band ho, aur chaabi kho jaaye

--MALE--

Aage ho ghanghor andhera

--FEMALE--

Baba mujhe darr lagta hai

--MALE--

Peechhe koi daaku lootera

--FEMALE--

Hm, kyoon darra rahe ho

Baahar se koi andar na aa sake

Andar se koi baahar na jaa sake

Socho kabhi aisa ho to kya ho - 2

Hum tum ek kamre mein band ho, aur chaabi kho jaaye - 2

The cottage was a bit isolated nestled amongst the hills, they had to ask the way to locate it, once the went down the narrow lane, they reached its gate, Khushi looked around….how come from the road the cottage cannot be seen, Arnav unlocked the gate, the cottage was obviously looking deserted….

Koi nehi hai lagta hai….Khushi observed in a small voices….

Hmm if only you would not have been chasing the animals and stopping to feel water of the waterfalls…..

As usual my fault, Khushi rolled her eyes, people are forgetting today is Dushera and caretakers are also entitled to celebrate a few festivals….

As Arnav unlocked the cottage he stopped…ha very true yeh baath toh tum pehle hi keh sakti thi, I mean it did not cross my mind, I am hardly religious….

As if he was ready to listen to her…

The cottage was cute, not very big, looked well kept and very comfortable on top of it, it had an awesome view, the snow capped mountain took Khushi's breath away, she too became speechless admiring it, standing in the balcony, she could see the snow range as far as her eyes could go….

Khushi….can we go and have lunch, I am too hungry……

Grrr what a man!! Does not even enjoy such a beauty….I think the cottage is well stocked…Khushi replied...

I am too hungry to wait for food to be ready, there is a palace hotel not very far from here, lets go there, they have a nice restaurant too…

He walked out, Khushi ran to follow him, you know this place…..

Hmmm I do once stayed in that hotel, we had a show….he reply was precise and to the point….not a word more, no appreciation, what he was looking at she had no idea…they walked up the path, Khushi already going breathless to keep pace with him, hai devi ma you walk real fast….

I do trademill everyday, he replied in stern voice….

Oh you really, never knew that!!

There is a gym near my office I go as per convenience but when you have made the effort of knowing me Khushi…….

I…me…I…Khushi stopped, they had reached the hotel…..

+++++++++

Khushi watched him, sitting on the rocking chair next to the fireplace with an open book on his chest, he was in deep sleep, the clock had struck 9, it was dinner time, much as Khushi dreading the night, she knew she had to wake him up for dinner, the whole day he was at his best behavior, taking her for the Dushera procession,the small town became abuzz with activity, unlike the city things were much simpler but beautiful, watching Ravan being lit up, fireworks display, he stood watching the scenes, won't you take any photographs, Khushi remarked…hmmm absorb it Khushi, photographs will fade but this will remain forever with you, dil se dekho …no Khushi had no complains but as the night fell, time to go to bed…..