About Last Night**THREAD 1**PART 1-15** - Page 17

FABULOUS...

Part 4

Khushi had not believed it possible that Mr. Raizada was capable of speaking in jest. He always spoke either the absolute truth, or revealed nothing at all--so to what should she account this new jocularity? Arnav Singh Raizada in a teasing mood? Impossible. It seems they were being watched by a family member, and this was another episode of 'The Happily Married Couple' serial.

Khushi leaned forward in a conspiratorial manner, and whispered in his ear, "Kaun hai?" With stealth, she looked to see if she could catch someone from the corner of her eye. Her eyes flitted back to meet Arnav who was frowning and appeared perplexed. Perhaps he doubted her support after the way she reacted to the kheer incident the other day. That was then. Much had happened since. She had come to accept the reality of the next six months. If complying with his directions for six months was the price for Jiji's future happiness, she was amenable to endless naatak. Never would she forget how her heart had frozen with fear that afternoon when she saw him extending the divorce papers to her Jiji. She had made the right decision to return to him, and she would do all she could to ensure that he never again reached for that divorce threat.

Khushi lifted her brows and asked in the lowest whisper, "kaun hai?"

"What the--!"

"Shhh," she stopped him from speaking by pressing her finger across his lips "Don't worry. Do what you have to do. I won't refuse."

He said nothing for a moment, and then, adopting her hushed tone, he repeated, "You won't refuse?"

"Nai," she breathed softly into his ear. "I'm ready," she encouraged.

He removed the thali from her hands, placed it behind her, and slid her off the counter. Khushi's breath caught as his arms wrapped around her waist bringing her entire lower body into contact with his. She instinctively placed her unsoiled hand on his chest to maintain some distance. The dhak-dhak of his heart was almost audible--or was that her dhak-dhak? When she looked up at him, she saw that he was no longer frowning. He seemed quite at ease; she even detected a bit of a smile on his lips. Mr. Raizada was quite an actor when he chose to be, she noted.

He whispered, "what do I do now, Khushi?"

"Kya? You don't know?" This surprised her.

He shook his head, and at the same time his throat made a choking noise.

"Koi baat nahi. Do as I say," she instructed softly. "You can tell me I'm beautiful."

Arnav obliged her.

"Now touch my cheek like you did at Holi. That was convincing." Arnav did precisely as she instructed, except he lingered a bit too long over her cheek. "That's enough now," she said.

But, he slowly reached up and tucked a wayward lock of hair behind her ear, smoothing it down, and running a light finger down her earlobe.

She released a shaky breath, and said. "th...that's enough...the...that hair thing was good."

"Thank you," Arnav acknowledged.

She tried to step away, but couldn't shift as his arms were still around her. She indicated with her eyes that he should drop his arms. He did, but did not step back.

Khushi looked about and saw nobody.

"Was it Di or Mamiji watching?" she asked.

"Both."

"Both? Lekin--"

At that moment, Akaash walked into the kitchen. Khushi said nothing further, and moved to the sink to wash her hands.

-------------

"Bhai, the driver is here to take you to the airport," Akaash said.

Arnav glanced at his watch. Playing with Khushi had caused him to lose track of time. "Yeah--tell him to wait. I'll change and be down shortly."

Khushi turned to face him. He saw curiosity flash across her eyes, but she remained silent. In any other marriage, he would be expected to provide some explanation of a sudden trip. But, there's was no ordinary marriage. He knew she would not ask for an explanation. And, he had none to give. Not yet. Arnav met her eyes briefly, turned on his heel and exited the kitchen.

As he climbed the stairs to the bedroom, he felt some uneasiness at leaving the kitchen in that abrupt manner. Perhaps all the more because this afternoon Khushi had resolved for him two points of tension, without him having to persuade, manipulate or coerce her. She had by her own volition demanded her place in his bedroom--and in his bed. And, she had shown that she was no longer actively focused on leaving the house. In fact, when she had mistakenly believed that they were being observed, she had not only played along with the pretense of their marriage, but had led it.

"Bhai?"

Akaash had followed Arnav and now knocked on the open door. "You sure you don't want me to accompany you to Lucknow for this meeting?"

"No. It's not a crisis; just something I want to check out immediately," Arnav replied, pulling a fresh shirt from the wardrobe. "I'll be back tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest."

Akaash continued, "...I don't mind joining you. Payal and I were going to the cinema this evening, but we can do that another--"

"--cinema?" Arnav stopped in the middle of straightening his tie. He turned towards Akaash and instructed, "if you go out this evening, take Khushi with you."

"Of course. We'll invite her--"

"--Don't ask. Just take her. It's important, Akaash." And, to stress the importance of his directive, Arnav placed his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Got it?"

"Yes, Bhai," Akaash said. Marriage had changed his older brother in many great and subtle ways. This much was clear.

Arnav picked up his jacket and briefcase, and was leaving the room, when he turned back to Akaash and added as an afterthought, "if Khushi resists, call me."

------

Again, Arnav Singh Raizada was mistaken.

Why would Khushi resist? She had not been to the cinema for ages, and when Akaash insisted she join him and Payal, she immediately raced upstairs to freshen up. With the Laad Governor not there, she was free to choose her own dress and she opted to wear a lace saree. It was one that had turned up in her wardrobe a few days ago and she had been instantly enchanted by the deep purpley-black colour. She paired it with the amethyst jewellery that she wore at the Bride Unveiling rasam, and took so long selecting the perfect churiyas that Payal was sent up to fetch her.

When Payal saw Khushi, she exclaimed, "Khushi! You look..."

Khushi ran to the mirror, and cried, "I look? What, Jiji? I look--"

"You look stunning!" Payal smudged a dot of kohl behind Khushi's ear, and embraced her. "It's a shame your pati is not here to admire you."

"Jiji, my pati admires only himself. Now, please tie up my blouse," Khushi pouted and presented her back. She was in no mood to hear about Arnav Singh Raizada's devotion to her. Granted, there marriage was not real, but out of courtesy he ought to have informed her of his movements. She had felt foolish when this afternoon Naniji asked her about his whereabouts. Khushi had managed to salvage the situation by mumbling something about an out-of-town meeting--but it nettled her that he expected her to behave like a wife, when he didn't behave like a husband. How does one clap with one hand? Even a sham marriage requires co-operation.

Payal giggled when she saw the miniscule blouse, "you are blind. His eyes never leave you, Khushi--and look at this blouse. He dresses you for his pleasure, there is absolutely no doubt."

-------

It was past nine when Arnav reached home. Mama and Mami were seated in the upstairs study watching the evening news.

"Have you eaten, bitwa?" Mami asked, offering to prepare a plate.

Not responding to her question, he asked "Are Akaash, Payal...and Khushi back from the cinema?" He was informed that they had only just left for the theatre. At the last minute, Anjali and Shyam decided to join them so they opted for the late show instead.

Before Mami's elaborate explanation was completed, Arnav was already dialing Akaash's phone while walking towards his car, leaving behind a befuddled Mama and Mami.

Shyam had gone to be near Khushi! He knew it. He had asked Akaash to take Khushi precisely so she would not be left alone at home with that man. But, the reverse had occurred. Khushi was now out with him, and he knew enough of Shyam's blackness to guess the rest.

Dammit! Pick up the phone, Akaash.

Of course, Khushi's phone was switched off. Unbelievable!

------------

It was insufferable. Khushi would have never agreed to go to the cinema had she known that Shyam was joining them. Of course, she tried to back out conjuring several excuses, but Akaash insisted that either they would all go, or none would go. He was on the brink of calling Arnav to influence her when she quickly conceded. She didn't want the Laad Governor involved in what was already bound to be an unbearable evening.

Shyam's presence felt like a physical oppression, and now he had maneuvered the queue in such a way that Khushi was seated next to him. With Di nearby, she did not even have the satisfaction of ignoring him when he addressed her directly. He continued to engage her in conversation, and whenever Di was focused elsewhere, he sickened her with his lecherous looks. The theatre lights began to dim signaling the start of the film. Khushi was relieved to have the screen to focus upon but at the same time she feared Shyam would take advantage of the dark.

It was such a chilling thought that she immediately came to her feet. She stood not knowing quite where to go.

"What is it, Bhabhi?" Di asked, her face showing concern.

Khushi had no planned reply, "I...I..."

When another voice finished her sentence.

"Di, Khushi and I will sit at the back."

She and the rest of her party turned to see Arnav standing in the aisle, his arm extended towards Khushi.

"Chotte? Tum?"

"Bhai?"

She didn't waste a moment. She reached to take his hand, and avoiding knees and legs and handbags she climbed out and joined him at the aisle. He clasped her waist with his arm, and led her to two vacant seats.

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