Chapter 6
"Khushi Kumari Gupta"
That was all the person on the other line had to say, and she immediately knew who it was.
"How did you get my number?" The shock in her voice was evident. Arnav bit back his glee with a clearing of his throat.
"That is not important right now. What's important is that I need answers and you have them. Spill."
"Why should I answer your questions if you don't answer mine?"
He clenched his jaw, was this girl always this stubborn? "I got your number from Di. Happy?"
"I was until you called." And childish too?
"Why did you call me your boyfriend?"
"I told you already! Amma and her friend were setting me up with a guy for a rishta and I wanted out."
"Oh." He remembered her telling him that. Why did he call her then? He didn't know what to say but he wanted to keep the conversation going. It was almost as if he had to talk to her. So Arnav Singh Raizada did what Arnav Singh Raizada did best. "You didn't need me to scare the guy off you know?"
"Matlab?"
"Your pom-poms were enough to scare him off. They're hideous"
Khushi let out an audible gasp. "Listen you Rakshas, you can't say anything about my pom-poms."
"I wouldn't have to say anything if you never wore them"
There was the matter of fact tone that irritated her to no end. She was about to say something then thought against it. Why should she be dragged down to his level? Instead, she cut the phone. No one said anything about her pom-poms then got away with it.
***
"Akash did you set up the video conference yet?"
"Yes Bhai. It's tomorrow at twelve PM sharp."
"Chotey, no business talk at the table please." Anjali cut in as usual, Payal served her husband with a blush, Mami looked at her reflection in the spoon, and Nani explained to NK the difference between "budiya" and "bhadiya"
"Sorry Di. Akash what's scheduled for today?"
"Chotey!"
"Just the 2:00 Bhai."
"And after that?"
"Dinner with the Guptas! Now please Chotey leave the work talk at work!"
Dinner with the Guptas? Another chance to see Khushi! This should be interesting Arnav thought; and if a person were to look closely, the teensiest shadow of a smile could be seen upon the man's face. The shadow of a smile, however, was misinterpreted by Anjali.
***
"Bua Ji, are you sure you have presents for everyone?"
Madhumati was taken aback by the random question. Giving the heap of wrapped boxes a onceover, she nodded. There was one for every person in the family: Nani, Mama, Mami, Shyam, Anjali, Akash, Payal, NK, Laxmi, it was all there.
And then it struck her.
"Khushi, Arnav bitwa's present isn't here. Has Garima gone mad?"
In her worry, Madhumati didn't see the twinkle of mischief in her niece's eyes. Then, sporting a look too innocent for her own good, Khushi went on with her plan dramatically, "Oh no Bua ji! You don't know his anger; he'll be very offended once he sees that everyone got a present but him!"
That seemed to get Madhumati even more worried than before, "What do we do now?"
"Why fear when Khushi is here, Bua ji? Don't worry. I know his taste, I'll quickly get him a gift when I go get the jallebis. Khurana's Dukaan is right by the sweet shop"
Madhumati put her hand on Khushi's head in a blessing manner. She couldn't help but think about how much Khushi cared for Arnav bitwa. Getting tears of happiness in her eyes, she quickly left the room.
And missed khushi's happy dance. No one insulted her pom-poms. Ever.
***
"Nani, is everything ready?" Anjali asked, her voice hushed as Arnav was 10 steps ahead of them.
"Yes bitiya. It's a fool proof plan! Chotey can't say no."
"And Lavanya said yes?" Anjali voice had an undertone of disbelief.
"Of course, I am her favorite grandmother in the whole world after all. She can't refuse me. Chotey will get married to her. And no one can stop it."
Sorry for dragging I got carried away 😆 Dinner in the next update!
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