I would like thank all my readers for reading,liking & appreciating my work! Honestly,when I'd turned the OS Jaldi aaiyye Arnavji into a FF,I'd never imagined that it would have 50 parts & go beyond it! It is only because of your love for this FF that it has reached the Golden Jubilee mark today.As a treat or a return gesture,here is the longest update I've ever written in my life! Hope u'll will like it!
Warning: Be patient. Since its a lonnnggg update,it'll require u to b extra patient.
Translation for Part 50
Arnav hands the phone to Khushi.
Arnav: U speak to babuji meanwhile I'll call Aman & David back here.
Khushi: Hello babuji..
Babuji: 1 minute bitiya.Garimaji wants to talk to u..
Khushi: Ok,I'll hold the line..
Amma: Khusi,whats the matter? Y does Arnav bitwa want to stay over here?
Khushi: He's taken 6 days' leave,amma. He was sayin that he wants to spend time wit us. So.. he'll stay wherever we stay.
Amma: But bitiya,how will he stay over here?Y didnt u try to stop him?
Khushi: I did try,but hes not listening to me. (sighs) I'll hav to listen to him,instead..
Amma: Did Arnav bitwa.. say something to u? Did he scold u?
Khushi: No amma. I am shocked with his behaviour.Even I'm wondering y he didnt scold me? Niether did he shout at me!He's adamant that he wants to see what a saraay looks like & stay in one!
Amma: Did u tell him what exactly is a saraay? I hope he's not confusing a saraay with a hotel..
Khushi: I told him everything.Despite knowing about him he wants to stay in it!
Amma: Try once more. If u want.. I can speak to Arnav bitwa. Before Khushi could refuse she heard babuji telling amma not to interfere.
Khushi: Babuji is right,amma. U leave it. U just make arrangements for an extra blanket & extra cot.
Amma: Ok bitiya.
Khushi: We'll leave in sometime.It'll take us about half n hour to one hour to reach over there.Plz eat something. Naniji & di hav sent many sweets & snacks naa?U can hav some o that..
Amma: Anjali bitiya has sent gobhi k samose. I was serving those to ur babuji when Arnav bitwa called.
Khushi: Oh!She sent those for u guys as well? Di takes so good care of everyone!
Amma: That true.She & naniji hav sent a lot of stuff for us.. We'll call them & say thanks tomorrow.
Khushi: Ji.Ok amma,I need to hang up now..
Amma: Fine bitiya. Take care.
_________________________________________________________________
Khushi: Did u speak to Amanji?
Arnav(nods): Yes.They're coming in 10 minutes..
Khushi: How will we take the stuff that's there in the Cabinet to the saraay?
Arnav: We'll take it in the same manner in which it came here from Shantivan..
Khushi: I didnt get u..
Arnav shows her an empty duffel bag.
Arnav: Di & nani had packed everything in this.I'd arranged it in the cabinet before u arrived.
Khushi: Oh.. Come,lemme help..
Arnav(interrupts): No thanks! U sit down.I'll manage.Anyways,u must not stand for a long time in this condition.
Khushi: I'll hav to help u.Without my help u wont come to know what needs to b kept & what needs to b sent back. We cant take everything to the saraay.
Arnav: And y not?
Khushi: Coz.. there's no fridge over there.We wont b able to finish all this tonight. So..
Arnav: Ok.U can help me..
He helped her till the cabinet.
Khushi: I'll give u the things & u keep them inside the bag,ok?
Arnav nods.
Khushi(thinks): Hey Devi Maiyya! Niether is he getting angry nor is Arnavji talking properly.. Y doesnt he scold me?
Arnav(touches her shoulder): What happened?
Khushi: Are u.. angry?
Arnav doesnt say anything.
Khushi: Look,I know..I shouldnt hav.. hidden all this.. I'm sorry!
Arnav(interrupts): U dont need to say sorry! I told u naa,u did what u thought was right,which is fine..
Before Khushi could say anything..
Arnav: aman & David r on the way,we should hurry up.
Khushi(thinks): Niether is he talking to me nor is he allowing me to talk to him!
Arnav: Khushi,hurry up!
Khushi: Ji..
___________________________________________________________________________
Arnav was quiet during the car drive.
When Khushi held his hand,he let her hold it,but he didnt look at her.
He kept looking out the window whereas Khushi kept looking at him,wondering what was going on in his shaatir dimaag.
They were in the middle of an area which looked like a marketplace to Arnav when..
Khushi: Plz stop here Shubham ji. (to Arnav) We've reached..
Arnav(nods): Aman,its time u leave.
Aman: Right sir.
Arnav: Shubham,come back after dropping him to the helipad.
Shubham: Ji sa'ab.
Arnav: I hope there's enough petrol in the car?
Shubham: Ji sa'ab. I'd got the tank full after I picked up bhabhiji.
Arnav: Ok.Take out my luggage from the boot..
Before Arnav could step out of the car,Khushi placed a hand on his shoulder.
Arnav: What?
Khushi: Think once again..If u want.. u can.. still go back..
Arnav: I dont want to go back!I want to go inside!
He removed her hand from his shoulder & stepped out of the car.
Aman: Sir is very angry,bhabhi..
Khushi: I know,Amanji. But y is he so quiet?Y is he not letting out that steam? Did u notice,he didnt reprimand Shubhamji when he called me bhabhiji!
Aman: I did! I dont know y sir is so quiet?I like it when he screams & shouts at me!When he shuts up & doesnt talk much,it feels really wierd!
Khushi: U're right!
Aman: Anyways,u take care of urself.
Khushi: U too.By Devi Maiyya's grace,u & Davidji will hav a safe flight!
Aman: Thanks!
Arnav(opens the door): Come..
Khushi: Ok. There'l b people around us.. so.. dont lift me.. just let me lean on to u for support..
Arnav nods.
Khushi(thinks): Again he's nodding! What has come over Arnavji,Devi Maiyya?
___________________________________________________________________________
Arnav scanned the two-storeyed building in front of him.
It was white-washed & looked neat & clean from the outside,contrary to what he was expecting.
There was a rusted iron gate which lead to a courtyard that was surrounded by the buidling on three sides,in a c shape.
On the fourth side of the courtyard was the gate & the boundary wall.
The boundary wall was of fairly low height,thought Arnav.
Anyone could jump inside easily since there was no fencing.
His train of thoughts were interrupted when the iron gate opened with a creaking sound & a man of about 30 approached them.
Man: Jai Mata di sahab! Jai Mata di Khusiji!
Khushi: Jai Mata di, bhaiyya! PLz take the luggage inside the room.
Man: Ok.Plz come..
After he left..
Arnav: Whos this?
Khushi: Murli bhaiyya. He does all the odd jobs over here.
Few men were sitting on a charpoy in the courtyard,smoking & chatting.
They stopped chatting & started staring at ArShi when they passed by them.
Arnav: Is ur room on the ground floor?
Khushi: Ji.
Arnav: And ammaji & babuji's room?
Khushi: We're.. all.. staying in.. the same.. room.
Khushi looked at Arnav.To her dismay there was no change in his facial expressions.
Arnav: I see. Come..
He helped Khushi climb the 2 short steps which led to the passage.
The passage was narrow & dimly lit.
On one side of the passage there were rooms & on the other side there was a parapet,demarcating the courtyard from the passage.
Most of the doors were closed since it was past 11 pm. One door was open & a middle aged woman was sitting outside the room on a stool.
She stood up when she saw Khushi.
Woman: Khushi,from where r u coming at this hour?And.. whos this?
Khushi: He's my husband.I'd gone to recieve him at the helipad.
The woman appeared shocked.
Woman: U came back from London?So soon?!And then u came here from Delhi?Wow!
Arnav was a bit shocked to know that she knew about his London visit,still he didnt show it.
Woman: Wait a minute..
She peeped inside the room.
Woman: A ji suniye..! Look whos here!
Man(from inside): Whos it Sheela?
Woman: Its Arnavji!
Arnav was even more shocked when the woman reffered to him as Arnavji.
A few seconds later the man came outside.
Khushi: Namaste uncle!
Uncle: Namaste beta! Arnavji,u'd gone to London 3 days back naa,for a meeting?.. U came back so soon!?
Arnav: It wasnt a meeting,it was a conference.
Before uncle could ask something else..
Arnav: Excuse us.. C u in the morning!
Aunty: Ya,sure! U must b tired.U need to rest.
After they went some steps ahead Arnav whispered..
Arnav: Who r these two?How do they know so much about me?
Khushi: They're neighbours.. Uncle is babuji's friend.
Arnav: Is he the same person who was in the train,in r coach.. Lucknow's old neighbour?
Khushi: No. They're r neighbours over here.Otherwise they're from Bhopal. We met them over here & babuji & uncle became friends.
Arnav nods.
Khushi: The room's here..
Murli was standing outside the room.
Khushi: Thank u bhaiyya!
She opened her bag to give him money when Arnav stopped her.
Arnav: Wait! I'll go..
He opened his wallet & handed a 50rs note to Murli.
Khushi's eyes became as big as saucers.
Khushi(thinks): Whats Arnavji doin?Who gives such a big tip?
To her surprise,Murli returned the note.
Murli: U must not giv this to me.U'll hav to meet manager sahab & giv it to him. He's not here right now.U can meet him in the office tomorrow morning.
Arnav: This is for u,tip..
Murli: I cant take so much,sahab..
Arnav: Keep it.
He thrust the note into his hand.
Murli: Thanks!
Arnav: Whats the tariff
Murli(confused): Tareef?
Arnav: Tariff.. rate?What is the rate of 1 room for 1 day?
Murli: 50 rs.
Arnav: What the..!?
Murli: Sorry?
Arnav(shook his head): Its damn cheap.(turns to Khushi)Right Khushi?
Khushi: Jj.. ji...
Murli: Areh sahab,its not just the rent for the room,in 50rs u'll also get a mattress!Apart from that u can use toilet & bathroom.They're at the backside...
Arnav: Fantastic!
Murli: This is not all.Whenever u want,u can fill water from the filter! The filter.. (points to the opposite direction) is over there.The light over there is switched on at night.And..
Khushi(interrupts): I'll tell him about the rest,bhaiyya.. Did u keep the campcot inside the room?
Murli: Yes & I've also kept the pillow & blanket on it.
Khushi: Thanks!
Arnav: Is that also included in 50 rs?
Murli: No.U'll have to pay10 rs extra for that..
Arnav: No problem! I'll meet ur manager in the morning & pay it to him. Thanks & goodnight!
Murli(smiles): Jai Mata di sahab! If u need anything,call me loudly.I sleep right outside in the courtyard.
Arnav: Okay.
After Murli left,Arnav looked at Khushi & found her staring at him.
Arnav: What?Dont u want to enter the room?
He knocked on the door.
Babuji opened it.He looked tired,tensed & anxious.
Arnav saw buaji & amma standing behind him,equally anxious & tired.
Arnav: Namaste!
Babuji: Namaste!Plz come inside Arnav babu..
Arnav: I'm sorry babuji! U all had to wait for so long bcoz of me.
Babuji: Thats okay!I should b the one saying sorry... Khushi told us not to tell u anything.So..
Arnav(interrupts): Leave it,babuji! Lets not talk about it..
Babuji: Plz come inside...
Arnav looked around the room.
It was a small,clean room with a cement floor & brick,unplastered, walls.
The room was sparsely furnished.The only furniture being a medium-sized wooden wall cupboard,a small wooden coffee table and two small wooden stools.
There was a mirror on one of the walls and a picture of Goddess Vaishnodevi & a calender on the other.
There was a window on the wall facing the door.It had vertical iron railing which resembled the prison gates,thought Arnav.
Apart from all these,there were 3 mattresses on the floor and 2 campcots.
Arnav observed that the bedsheets covering the matresses belonged to the Guptas. They had used the same bedsheets in the train,he remembered.
The flat pillows & the black blankets were from the saraay.
Arnav recalled Khushi telling him about the pillows during one of their phone conversations.
"How r u babua?" asked buaji,bringing him back to the present.
Arnav: I'm fine.How r u?
Buaji: I'm fine,Nandkisore.
Arnav: And how r u ammaji?
Amma: I'm fine as well.Bitwa.. sorry for keeping u in the dark..
Arnav: Plz.. u all dont need to apologize! I said the same thing to Khushi! In fact I'm sorry,that u all had to wait for sucha long time!
Amma: No bitwa..U're..
Arnav(interrupts): Plz serve the dinner.Meanwhile I'll wash my hands..
Babuji:Let me take u to the toilet block..
Arnav: No babuji,thank u!Murli had told me where the washroom is located. I'll manage. Excuse me..
_________________________________________________________________________
Arnav walked out of the room,trying his best to control the anger bubbling inside him,which was threatening to burst out.
He tightly balled his fists and took deep breaths to calm himself down.
A couple,who were standing outside the common toilet block,stared at him like he was an alien.
Arnav moved past them towards the wash basin.
Husband(whispered audibly): Whps this hero?
Wife(whispered back,audibly): U know Garimaji,u stays in no.12 ?He's her son-in-law. He came here few minutes back..
husband: He looks like he's from a rich family.Then y has he left his wife over here?
Arnav clutched the basin with both hands & closed his eyes.
Wife: Who knows?
Husband: May b he's come to take her along?
Wife: I dont think so. Had he come to pick her up y would he b staying here for the night?
Husband(shocked): He'll.. stay over here?! Mad or what?! The mosquitoes wont let him breathe properly!These rich people r anyways pretty weak! Theres no way he can stay over here!
That was the limit.
Arnav strode angrily towards them,scaring the wife.
Arnav: Who the hell r u?
Husband: Talk properly,bhai..
Arnav: It would b better if u dont teach me how to talk! Bloody gossipmongers! Y do u want to know who I am,from where I've come & where I want to stay?How does it matter to u?
Husband: Dont use cuss words! Or else..
Arnav(cocks his eyebow): Or else?! OR else what will u do?
Husband: I..
Wife(to her husband): LEave it! Lets go! Y do u want to fight?
She pulls her husband away.
Husband: He wanted to fight!Since he's rich he can say whatever he likes!And I hav to listen to him,is it?Wow!
Arnav wanted to blast him but he let them go after his wife gave him pleading looks.
He ran a hand through his hair to calm himself down.
Arnav(thinks): How did I get stuck in all this mess? What kinda place is this?And what kinda wierd people live over here?Khushi got only this place in the whole world to stay?
He went back to the room.
__________________________________________________________________________
Buaji: Come babua.. lets hav dinner.
Arnav: 1 minute,buaji.(calls loudly)Murli..!
Buaji: What happened babua?
Khushi: R u.. leaving? I mean.. r u shifting to a .. hotel?..
Arnav shook his head.
Murli came running towards the room.
Murli: Ji sahab?
Arnav: Take this campcot away & bring a mattress for me.And bring 1 more pillow.
Murli: Ji,I'll get it just now!
Murli immediately folded the campcot & took it out of the room.
Amma: But bitwa.. how will u.. sleep over here?
Arnav: Just like u guys sleep!
Buaji: We're used to it,Nandkisore. Hav u ever slept like this earlier?
Arnav: No! This is my first time!
Babuji: What is the need to do all this,Arnav babu?U can sleep on the campcot, just like I do..
Arnav: U hav weakness in ur legs,babuji.Thats y u sleep on the campcot.My legs r absolutely fine! And besides,when Khushi can sleep on the mattress,despite having a sprained heel & a muscle pull in the other leg,then y cant I sleep over here?
Nobody said anything after that.
Murli came back with a mattress & a pillow.
Murli: Where should I keep it,sahab?
Arnav: Keep it next to the last mattress. And keep the pillow on it.
Murli: Ji.
After Murli left..
Arnav: Come on,lets eat!
Khushi: 1 minute Arnavji..
Arnav: What happened?
Khushi: Y r u.. doing all this?
Arnav(shrugs): What hav I done, Khushi?
Khushi: U dont need to do all this! Did u hear me?
Amma: Khusi..
Khushi(interrupts): Amma,let me speak.
Babuji gestured amma to keep quiet.
Khushi: First u came here without informing me. Fine,u wanted it to b a surprise.. So thats okay. Then u told me that u'll b staying here for 6 days.I accepted that as well.Then u were hell bent on staying in a saraay. Now u r hell bent on sleeping on the mattress. What is all this? Y r u doing all this?
Arnav doesnt say anything.
Khushi:Tell me naa?I know u're angry? U want to shout & scream but u're controlling urself. When I told u about my foot injury,u yelled at me & then eventually u calmed down.That was better. If u keep swallowing ur anger,lyk u're doing right now,then niether will u hav peace o mind nor will I hav any!
Arnav: I know..
Khushi(frustrated): Areh!U know everything, Still u r quiet!Y?
Arnav looks directly into her eyes as he speaks.
Arnav: This is ur punishment,for not telling me about ur injury n the saraay!
Khushi(shocked): What?
Arnav: Yup! U didnt tell me that u're staying at the saraay since u didnt want me to bear the expenses of urself & ur family.Fine! U didnt tell me about ur injury coz u didnt want me to cancel my London trip & come over here. Ok! Understood! And.. may b u didnt tell me coz u took my joke & warning bit too seriously..U had ur own reasons for whatever u did. Similarly,I have my own reasons for what I'm doing! IF u were right in ur place I am right in mine! Topic closed! Now,sit down & hav dinner.Bcoz of this question answer session,babuji & others had to wait.. Lets hav dinner together!
Khushi: But Arnavji if u keep swallowing ur anger,itll hav a very bad effect on ur health. Ur blood pressure will b high.Ur stress levels will increase.Y dont u understand? I don know what I should do to make u understand!
Arnav(loudly): Exactly! I dont know what to do to make u understand that we r not different! Ur pain is my pain,Khushi & my money is ur money!
Arnav let out a huge sigh & then controlled his volume & tone.
Arnav: When di had told u that I was the one who was admitted in that hospital in Dubai,u'd told me..
*Flashback*
Khushi: Can Amanji take care of u the way di takes care of u? Can he love u the way I love u?Tell me,can he deal with u in the loving manner in which I deal with u?...
Arnav shakes his head.
Khushi: Then?! Falling unconscious once in every 6-8 months must not matter to u but it does matter to me! My breath gets stuck in my throat every time I see ur unconscious. Do u even know how scared I get at such times? No! U dont know anything! U simply decided not to tell anyone about it! Coz u dont want the family to worry about u! Had u told us about it,what wouldve happened? I & di wouldve come to Dubai to meet u,isnt it?After seeing u,we wouldve felt better! And u wouldnt hav to stay alone over there!
*Flashback ends*
Arnav: Tonight I'm asking u the same questions,Khushi. Tell me honestly..Can ammaji,babuji & buaji take care of u the way I do? Can they love u the way I love u?
Khushi(shakes her head): No. Nobody in the world can love me the way u do!
Arnav: HAd u told me about it,what wouldve happened?I wouldve come here after postponing the conference! Had I been over here,by ur side,both of us wouldve felt better. And regaarding the conference,it couldve taken place later.Its not ads if I wouldve lost all my money had I not attented the Conference! And even if that wouldve been the case.. so what? U're most important for me,Khushi! No one else is more important than u in my life! Not even my work! I agree,work is important, but not more than u!
He cups her face.
Arnav: I've told u earlier as well that u're the most important person in my life!
Khushi nods.
Arnav: U're lucky that ammaji caught hold of u & u didnt hav any major injury. Had something.. happened to u.. I wouldve..
He looks away.
Khushi(cups his cheek): Arnavji..
Arnav(looks at her): U hav no idea,khushi,what I was going through that day! Ur phones were unreachable.My gut feeling,that something bad has happened to u, was making me restless. To top it all,u hadnt even given me ur address! I was going mad thinking how will I find u out in the temple,amidst thousands of devotees? And if I dont find u in the temple,where will I go? (holds her hand)I cant tell u what all was goin on in my mind..!
Khushi: I can understand..
Arnav(yells): No! U dont understand! Had u understood u wouldnt hav done anything like this!
He leaves her hand and turns away.
Arnav: When di had told u about my lie,ud made me promise something.. Remember?..
*Flashback*
Arnav: I'm sorry Khushi.. I'm really sorry! I had no intention of hurting u! Plz orgive me..
Khushi: I'll forgive u. But before that u promise me.. From now onwards,u wont hide anything from me! U can share everything with me,Arnavji. I'm ur wife. U dont needf to hide anything from me.
*Flashback ends*
Arnav: Tonight u promise me-that u wont hide anything from me from now on!
Khushi: I promise!
Arnav: IF u break this promise, toh I swear, I'll never talk to u!
Khushi: Dont say that! I'll never break this promise!
Arnav: Better.
Khushi(holds his shoulder): Look at me.. plz..
Arnav (turns around): Tell me..
Khushi: Sorry! Plz forgive me!
Arnav: No! I wont forgive u this time around!
Khushi: Haww! Why? When I could forgive u y cant u do the same?
Arnav: Coz I dont want to forgive u! When u can do whatever u want,y cant I do what I want?
Khushi: But..
Arnav(imitates her): First u took ur pledge,without informing me,without discussing it with me. I understand,u wanted to bring babuji over here for the pilgriamge so u took the pledge.Accepted.But u didnt include me in this! Y?Coz I'm an atheist!Also accepted.Then u were hell bent on paying for this pilgrimage from ur salary. I agreed for that. Then u lied to me that u'd b staying with Sarita's cousin & his family.Then u lied that u were not hurt. Had I told u tonight that I'm going back to Delhi but I want to shift to a 5 star before I leave,u wouldve acted stubbornly once again. Then u wanted me to go back tonight itself.When I told u thats not happening,u insisted that I shift to a 5 star. When I didnt agree,u told me that u, ammaji,babuji & buaji will shift with me to the 5 star.Then u wanted me to get angry on u. Now u want me to forgive u. (folds his arms across his chest)What do u think? U'll keep making demands & I'll keep fulfilling them? Is that what u think?
Khushi: I.. um.. never said.. that..
Arnav: So then what exactly r u saying?
Khushi: All I want is that..
Arnav(yells): Enough! I've had enough of what u want,what u think,what u believe in n all that! Now its time u listen to what I want & what I'm gonna do!
Khushi gulps.
Arnav: Ive decided that I wont force u to shift to a 5 star!U can stay wherever u want to! I'll stay in that very place with u!
Khushi: Areh! Now why would u do that?I'm telling u naa,we'll shift to the 5star hotel tomorrow..
Arnav: This is what I want! When u did what u wanted to do,u never listened to me! So y should I listen to u now?
Khushi: But..
Arnav: U dont need to shift to a 5 star! Just ignore me! Forget that I've come here! U go as per ur plan. U must do whatever u had planned to do with ur family.I'll join u all in doing that.
But.. I'll bear all my expenses.And from tomorrow till we reach Shantivan,niether will I talk to u(to the Guptas) nor will I talk to u all! If I am miffed with Khushi then I'm equally miffed with u all! Khushi didnt want to tell me about her injury.But it was ur duty to inform me that Khushi has got hurt. I'm her husband,dammit! Its my right to know about her!
Khushi(interrupts): Arnavji,how dare u speak to my babuji like that?
Before Arnav could say anything babuji stopped Khushi.
Babuji: Let him speak bitiya.. Whatever hes saying is right! (to Arnav)Arnav babu, I am..
Arnav(interrupts): U hav disappointed me the most,babuji! I never expected u to b a party to all this! Tell me,had Khushi got seriously injured & had Khushi insisted that I should b kept in the dark about it,would u agree to it?
Babuji: Its not like that,Arnav babu. I know that,in ur absence,Khushi was my responsibility. I wanted to inform u but..
Arnav(interrupts): But Khushi told u not to & u agreed! Just like u agreed to hide the fact that u all r staying in a saraay from me!
The Guptas hung their heads in shame.
Arnav: Unbelievable!
Babuji(folds his hands): Plz forgive me,Arnav babu!
__________________________________________________________________________
Arnav felt guilty.He went to babuji and closed his hands over babuji's hands.
Arnav: Dont do that,plz!.. I dont want u to feel ashamed,babuji.. but.. FranklyI didnt expect this from u.. (sighs)I'm sorry! U all r elder to me.I shouldnt hav spoken to u like that, but..
Buaji: No babua.. Y r u saying sorry?
Babuji: Its not ur fault.I know u r right in ur place. We kept quite for the sake of our bitiya.. And I felt that it wouldnt b proper to disturb u.. Ur abroad trip would get cancelled and..
Babuji's voice trailed off.
Buaji: I wanted to tell u that we'd b staying in a saraay,but Sanka devi stopped me. She told me that if I tell u,her pledge will b broken. Its not a good thing to break a pledge. Its only bcoz of her pledge that we agreed to come on this pilgrimage at her expense. Otherwise once a daughter gets married, her family doesnt take money from her. Nor do they allow her to pay for them.
Arnav: I'm sorry buaji,but I dont agree with u. Khushi is ur daughter. U still hav the right on her money..
Buaji: No babua.After her marriage,u hav the right over her money! but since she had taken the pledge & since Sasi babua became well all of a sudden,as if it was a miracle by Devi Maiyya,thats y we agreed for this trip.
Arnav: So buaji u mean to say that after marriage,a husband has right over his wife's money?
Buaji: Ya babua..
Arnav: So does a wife not hav any right over her husbands money?
Buaji: OF course she has!
Arnav looked at Khushi.
Arnav: That means my money is Khushi's money & Khushi's money is mine!
Buaji: Yes babua..
Arnav: I see.. (turns to babuji) Babuji,ammaji,buaji.. now I dont hav any complaints with u'll. I understand y u hid the truth from me & on whos insistence u hid it from me.But plz.. dont hide anything from me in future! Even if its not related to Khushi.
Babuji: Promise!
Arnav: Now.. I've decided that I wont stop talking to u. But.. I wont talk to Khushi!
Amma: But bitwa..
Arnav(interrupts): No ammaji.. I wont change my decision change! I hav many more grievances with regards to Khushi. And..
At that moment Khushi's phone buzzed.Since it was with Arnav he answered the call.
Arnav: Hello..(pause)Ya Shubham..(pause)Wait outside.I'm coming in a moment.
After ending the call he spoke to babuji.
Arnav: Ull have dinner meanwhile I'll drop the driver to his residence.He wont get any form of conveyance at this hour..
Amma: Bitwa,u can leave after havin dinner. U must b hungry..
Arnav: No ammaji.I dont feel like having anything right now.Ill eat later.
Buaji: But babua,u dont hav any idea about Katra's roads.What if u get lost?
Arnav: Shubham has an idea about the roads. He'll explain everything to me. Itll take me a while to return.So.. plz dont wait for me..
Babuji: As u say.
Buaji: Will u go alone,babua?Or..
Arnav: Yes buaji.I'll go alone.Excuse me..
He left without even glancing in Khushi's direction.
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Khushi(thinks): Hes walking as if he's won a war & hes goin to recieve the bravery medal! Huh! Lard governer! He doesnt want to speak to me naa?Let him stay quiet! I will speak to him!
Amma: Khusi,bitiya u must go with him..
Khushi: Ya amma,I'm going.But before that,Id like to say sorry to u all! U had to hear so much from Arnavji tonight,all bcoz of me!
Buaji: U can say sorry later,Sanka devi! Right now,u must leave.Let me drop u outside. What if Arnav babua leaves before u reach the gate? Come,come!
Khushi: No buaji.I'll take the support of the wall. U dont worry.I'm leaving,amma.
Amma: Ok bitiya.Take care of ur foot..
Khushi: Yes.U close the door.I'll call u before leaving from there.
Amma: I'll drop u till the gate..
Khushi: No amma! Leave it.
Amma: Ok.. but take care of urself.Walk carefully.
Khushi: Ji.
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The moment Khushi came out of the room,she started walking towards the left.
She held the parapet with one hand for support.
Her eyes were trained on her feet.
Khushi: This lard governer is too much! First he tells me not to stand! And now hes making me run after hhh
She stopped abruptly when she bumped into Arnav.
Arnav held her by her shoulders and supported her weight.
Khushi(gasped): Hey Devi Maiyya!
Arnav(scolds): How many times do I need to tell u to walk carefully?Despite getting hurt u dont want to take care of ur foot,isnt it?
Khushi: I was looking at my feet while walking!
Arnav: Really? In that case,how did u not see my shadow?
Khushi: I dunno.. May b bcoz my attention was focused on my feet..
Arnav: U're unbelievable!
Khushi(pouts): U were not planning to talk to mee naa?U didnt even want to scream or shout? So.. y r u scolding me right now?
Arnav(looks away): I wont talk to u from tomorrow. And I'm not scolding u.
Khushi: Y were u waiting over here?Did u.. want me to accompany u?..
Arnav: No! But I knew that u would come!And secondly,I care about ur legs. Thats y I was waiting here & thats y I'm goin to..
Without a warning he bends & scoops her in his arms.
Khushi: Put me down! I told u naa.. there r people out here.
Arnav(while walking): Right! And all those people hav gone to sleep! And even if they're awake & watching us I dont care! I dont giv a damn!
Once they reach the car,Shubham opens the door to the backseat.
Arnav puts Khushi down on the seat,closes the door & walks to the other side of the car.
Then he opens the door & instead of sitting beside Khushi,he bends inside.
Khushi: What r u doin?
Arnav holds her legs & Khushi hisses.
Arnav: I'm helpin u.. stretch ur legs. Dont bend them.
Khushi: If I sit like this u wont b able to sit next to me.Then wer will u sit?
Arnav: On the rooftop!
Once he helps her sit horizontally,he closes the door.
Khushi(thinks): Now what is he doin?
Arnav sits on the passenger's seat and turns backwards.
Arnav: Common sense..(pause)is so uncommon!
Khushi makes a face.
They dont speak during the journey.
_________________________________________________________________________
Outside Shubham's house..
Shubham: Sa'ab plz come inside..
Arnav: No thanks! I dont want to disturb ur family at this hour.U come to the saraay at 8 am tomorrow.
Shubham: Ji sa'ab. U understood the directions for going back naa?
Arnav nods.
Shubham: Ok.I'll take ur leave.
Arnav nods as he gets into the driver's seat.
The moment Arnav does that Khushi tries to get up when..
Arnav: No!Stay where u r! No need to come in front!
Khushi: I want to talk to u..
Arnav: I dont want to talk to u!
Khushi: But I want to talk to u!And u'll hav to listen to me! Aapko humari asam!
Arnav: Khushi!
Khushi: Dont break this promise! Or else..
Arnav(interrupts): Ok fine! U say whatever u want to,I'm listening!
Khushi: I dont want to speak to ur back! I want to speak to ur face! Either u come behind or I'll come in front!
Arnav: wait!
Arnav takes the car out of the crowded lane into another lane and then another lane.
Arnav: What the..!? All these lanes r jampacked. Where do I park the car?
Khushi: I'll tell u.First u giv me my phone..
Arnav: Y?Do u hav that map application in ur phone?
Khushi:No I dont! U want me to giv u the directions or not?
Arnav hands her in his phone.
Khushi: Thanks! Take the 1st right..
Arnav does what he's told.
Khushi: Now go straight.(after half a minute)Now turn to the right.Thats the main road.Its wider than these lanes.
Once they reach the main road...
Khushi: Now keep going straight.. There's a temple of Shankar Bhagwan ahead.. Theres a small maidaan behind the temple.U can park the car over there.
Arnav: Okay
________________________________________________________________________
After parking the car in the maidaan,Arnav gets out of the driver's seat.
Khushi puts her feet down and stretches her arms.
Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyya! My body is in a bad shape..
Arnav sits on the backseat beside Khushi and then again bends towards her legs.
Khushi: Areh! Now what r u doing?
Arnav: Relax!Its not as if I'm chopping ur legs off! Y r u freaking out?
He holds her legs firmly and then slowly puts them on his lap.
Arnav: U need to shift a bit so that ur back gets the support of the door..
Khushi: What was the need to do all this?I could've sat down like I did earlier..
Arnav: That position will put pressure on ur heel & u'll hav more pain. And u can even get a baitaa in the other leg.This position is a bit cramped up.But atleast theres no pressure on ur leg.And if u sit like this,theres no chance of getting a baitaa.
Khushi: Ive not called u here to discuss about my legs..
Arnav: I know..
Khushi: Ive called u here to make u listen to a song!
Arnav: What the!?
Khushi: O yes! Niether r u allowing me to apologize nor r u speaking properly to me! Hence I thought of this. This song will convey my feelings to u..
Arnav: U can say whatever u want to.Theres no need to play a song!
Khushi: Nope! Now u'll hav to hear it! First I acted stubbornly.Then u acted stubbornly.And now again its my turn to b stubborn!
Arnav: Excuse me?We're not playin a game,thats its ur turn first & my turn next!
Khushi ignores him & starts fiddling with her mobile.
Arnav snatches her phone from her.
Arnav(yells): Stop it Khushi! Can u stop being so stubborn!?Theres a limit for everything! Uve crossed that limit today! (yells louder)I'm fed up of ur drama! First u wanted to come to Vaishnodevi! Then u wanted to fulfill ur pledge! Then u didnt want me to come along! Then u wanted to travel by a train! Then u wanted to stay at Sarita's cousin's place!Then u didnt want to shift to a 5 star! Then u wanted me to go home!Then u wanted me to shift to a 5 star! Then u wanted to sit in the passenger's seat in the car! And now.. u want me to listen to a song! What more do u want?
Khushi: I'm..
Arnav: I can understand ur wish to come to Vaishnodevi & fulfill ur pledge. But what I cant understand is y do u want to stay in that saraay?(yells)What is there in that godforsaken saraay that u want to stay over there? The room is so small,there's no plaster on the walls,no tiles on the floor,not even a bed! Common basin is cracked,the water flow is damn slow,common toilet stinks & I dont know how many mosquitoes r there! Still u want to stay there! wow!
He stops to take a deep breath.
Arnav: I cant understand for the life of me how & y were u staying since the last 5 days in that saraay? And that too when u were not well! Y did u stay there?Just bcoz the tariff is 50 rs per day?If u stay in that kind of a place in order to save money, mark my words,u'll end up spending more money! Coz either u'll hav dengue or malaria or u'll catch any other disease!U've brought ur family for a pilgrimage or to make them suffer?Poor ammaji & buaji! Since the last 4 nights they've been sleeping on the floor,on those mattresses!But u dont care naa?Y would u? Afterall u need to save money! U want to bear all the expenses from ur salary! U cant use Arnavji's money coz ur Devi Maiyya will get angry,since
Arnavji doesnt believe in her! Huh! It wouldve been better if u wouldve brought them over here for 2 days instead of 10! Instead of making them stay in that saraay,u couldve booked a decent hotel for them. U couldve booked a taxi and taken them around to all the temples in 1 day. Atleast they wouldve stayed comfortably in those 2 days! They would not need to walk down everywhere! But no? U dont want to think of this?Y should u bother?
He stops when Khushi sniffs.
He lets out a huge,shaky breath.
Khushi tries to keep her tone as close to normal as possible.
Khushi: Y did u stop?Go on.. U can say whatever u want to! I deliberately told u about playing the song.. so that u could take out all the anger that u were locking inside!
Arnav is shocked to hear that.
Khushi: I knew that u wanted to yell & shout. By not doing that,u bcame restless.While trying to punish me,u ended up punishing ur own self. I cant see u in distress! U can yell & shout & blame me as much as u want to! For the sake of ur health.. I am ready to listen to it all !
Arnav: Khushi.. I'm sorry!
Khushi: No,dont say sorry! Whatever u're saying is right. (sniffs) Arnavji,I'm getting no pleasure by staying in that saraay. I'd never imagined that babuji will start walking so soon. I wasnt prepared for this pilgrimage. With whatever money I had,I could only afford a saraay, not a hotel! And.. I am trying my best to do whatevr it takes to make my family comfortable.. (sniffs)Its their wish that we walk down to every other temple.They're aware that I'm trying to save money & they're helping me to do just that..
Arnav: But Khushi whats the need for this whole exercise to save money?Why r u doin all this dammit? IF I pay for this trip what will go wrong?
Khushi: But I'd..
She coughs.
Arnav pats her head.
Arnav: Aman was saying that there's water in the car..
Khushi: Its here..
Khushi takes out a small bottle of mineral water from the pouch behind the passenger's seat.
Arnav holds the bottle for her while she drinks it.
Arnav: Tum theek ho?
Khushi: Ji..
Arnav: Look Khushi,I'm..
Khushi(interrupts): Arnavji.. can I.. I mean.. can u.. give me a hug?..
Arnav(sighs): Of course!
He carefully puts her legs down & then moves closer to her.
Khushi leaps into his arms & hides her face in his chest.
She clutches his shirt tightly in her fists & cries.
Arnav wraps his warm arms around her cold body and kisses her head.
Then he runs a hand through her hair,soothing her.
Arnav: ssshhh! Khushi.. stop crying! Look here..
Khushi shakes her head,burying her head further into his chest.
Arnav: Khushi,I said look here!
Slowly Khushi lifts her head to look at him with tear filled eyes.
Arnav wipes her tears with his thumbs & cups her face.
Arnav: I'm sorry! I shouldnt hav taken out all my frustration by yelling at u.. I'm very sorry!
He plants a gentle kiss on her mouth.
Khushi closes her eyes,relishing the feeling of his lips on hers.
When Arnav tries to move away,Khushi pulls him closer,intending to kiss him fully.
But Arnav stops her.
Arnav: No Khushi! Not now! I havent finished speaking yet!
Khushi opens her eyes & looks at him,attentively.
Arnav tucks a stray lock of her hair behind her ear.
Arnav: Look Khushi, u need to understand this thing very clearly.. after a couple gets married,everything that belongs to the husband,belongs to his wife. So,if my family is ur family,my house is ur house, my SUV is urs,my chopper is urs toh my money is also urs! In fact,my money is as much urs as its mine! Its r money! Us par tumhara haq haU hav every right over it! Whenever u want,and especially when u need,u can ask me for money! I'm not telling u not to earn ur own money or not to use the money u'd earned previously. Everyone needs to b self dependent! I appreciate ur sentiments that u want to do something for ur family using ur salary.U r their daughter & its ur duty.U should do that! But,when u need money,I'm there,Khushi! While I'm here u dont need to stay in that saraay! I cant tell u how I felt when I saw that room! If my wife & in-laws hav to stay in a place like that,while I'm alive, then I should go &... drown myself in that chullu bhar paani!(well)
Khushi smiles a bit.
Arnav: Seriously!Just imagine,today u're telling me that u cant take my money. Tomorrow di will tell me the same thing! Then nani,then mami,Paayal.. If they all tell me the same thing I'll b dead!
Khushi: Dont say that!
Arnav: Suppose nani & di ask u to take them to some temple,in a taxi.. wont u pay the fare?
Khushi: I will!..
Arnav: And suppose,after reaching there, di tells u that she cant take ur money, how will u feel?
Khushi: I understand what u mean..
She hugs him.
Arnav(hugs her back): I'd told u naa,there should b no barriers between a husband & his wife?
Khushi: Yes.
Arnav: Money & lies,both of them r barriers. Infact these 2 r huge barriers!They create misunderstandings & distance between a couple. I dont want r relationship to go through any problem bcoz of these..
He breaks the hug,pushing Khushi away.
Khushi: What happened..?
Arnav: Promise me,Khushi,there will b no barriers between us from now on! U wont do anything which will create a distance between us..
Khushi: I will never do any such thing!
Arnav: Not like this! Say that u promise me! Come on,promise me!
Khushi: I promise! Okay?
Arnav pulls her closer for a hug.
Arnav: I promise! I wont do any such thing either!
Khushi(ruffles his hair): I know!Now,calm down!
Arnav buries his face in her hair,inhaling its floral scent,twirling strands of her hair in his fingers,loosing himself in that moment.
He instantly feels better.
Khushi: R u alright?
Arnav: Yup!
He lifts his head to look at her angelic face & luscious lips.
Arnav: How r u feeling now?
Khushi: Better.
Arnav traces the border of her lips with his thumb.
Arnav: Lets do something to feel much better!
Khushi smiles & as Arnav captures her lips in a long,hungry & passionate kiss.
When they part for air,Arnav notices the crimson tinge on Khush's cheeks.
He kisses her right cheek first,followed by her left cheek.
when he tries to kiss her red nose..
Arnav: Oww!
Khushi's nosering scratches his nose.
Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyya! Sorry!
Arnav(rubs his nose): Remove it,plz! I dont want to see it for the next 5 days!
Khushi: I'll remove it once we get back to the saraay.Where shall I keep it over here? What if it gets lost?
Arnav: I would love it!
Khushi: Dont say that! Its not a good thing if any gold jewellery gets lost!
Arnav shakes his head.
Khushi: What?
Arnav(tweaks her nose): Nothing!
Khushi: Should v go back now?
Arnav: Not so soon!
Yeh claims her lips again.
Then he showers numerous kisses on every part of her face.
When he moves to her neck,Khushi stops him.
Arnav: What?
Khushi: Not here..
Arnav: Whyyy?
Khushi: Amma,babuji & buaji r waiting for us. Dont u think u're forgetting something?We've not had dinner yet. I'm starving! And most importantly..
Arnav: What?
Khushi: I shouldnt b sitting in this position for a long time coz it puts pressure on my heel & then my legs will have more pain!
Arnav (smiles): Welcome back,Copycat Singh Raizada!
He lightly kisses her lips.
Khushi(smiles): Welcome back,Majnoo Singh Raizada!
Arnav(confused): Y Welcome back?I am forever romantic!
Khushi: O,really? I dont think so! U were not one bit romantic a while back! Niether were u talking properly,nor were u yelling! U just kept nodding! I was wondering what came over my Arnavji?Kashmir's climate turns even the most unromantic people into romantics! But my husband,who's so romantic otherwise,came here & became unromantic!
Arnav: Its nothing of that sort,ok?
Khushi: So will u talk to me from tomorrow or...?
Arnav: OF course I will!
Khushi: Thank u so much,Devi Maiyya!
Arnav: But,if u break even one promise toh..
Khushi(interrupts): Ya,ya! I know the drill! U're right,u know.. (smiles)U r forever romantic! U came till here to meet me! U brought such wonderful gifts for me! U brought me my favourite food! (sighs)And I kept thinking now what will happen?.. now what will happen?.. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I didnt even notice that u r wearing my favourite black shirt & blue jeans!
She runs his fingers on his jawline.
Khushi: U've shaved for me.. (ruffles his hair)Heck! U didnt even put gum in ur hair!
Arnav: Khushi,hairgel!
Khushi(nods): Ya,its one & the same!
Arnav: Even I forgot to notice something. I just noticed it right now..
Khushi: What is it?
Arnav smudges her sindoor with his thumb.
Arnav: U've managed to keep the sindoor that I'd applied to ur parting,intact!
Khushi: I had to do that. U know what? Amma & buaji were after me to wash my hair..
Arnav: What did u do?
Khushi: Amma told me that she'll wash my hair carefully,so I had to agree. Still, while she was washing my hair,I covered my parting with my palm. A bit of the sindoor did get washed away.. but much of it remained in my parting!
Arnav(kisses her forehead): Once we reach the 5 star tomorrow,u can properly shampoo ur hair. Then I'll apply fresh sindoor to ur parting.
Khushi: Ok. Now can we go back to the saraay?
Arnav(sighs): Alright.
He moves to the driver's seat after placing Khushi's legs on the seat & making her comfortable.
______________________________________________________________________
NOTE: I do not intend to potray dharamshalas or saraayghars in bad light. Whatever I have written was strictly as per the needs of the story. This is entirely a work of fiction.
No precap.
Kindly ignore typos & mistakes. Next update on Sunday.
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