SS: Keeping Khushi: Thread 7 Part 67 Pg 129 - Page 19

Smita,😊

NOBLESSE OBLIGE is what this part dovetails to. "Noblesse oblige", is generally used to imply that with wealth, power, and prestige come responsibilities. It is the obligation on noble or noble minded people to be generous and honorable.

Arnav, who was about to go to his office was waylaid by his wife Kushi in their room. She looked gorgeous and in pink of health. She looked very tempting. He was ready to skip the office if she said Yes! But Alas! Her answer was No! When he asked her the reason for her effort to stop him, she said she wanted to know something. She hugged him and asked, when Anand refused the proposal and left Delhi leaving Di heartbroken and refusing all the other proposals, did he never find out about Anand's whereabouts and his marital status? Seeing him smile, she understood that he did keep a tab on Anand.

"I did." He dropped a kiss on her nose. "I did not track his movements on a daily basis, but I knew what he was doing, how hard he was working, how well he was doing..." He sighed. "Khushi, he hurt Di. I felt very, very angry at that time, but what else could he do? Did he really have a choice? Had I been in his place, could I have done anything else?"

Khushi shook her head in the negative.

"His hands were tied, Khushi."

She nodded.

"A man is but the product of his thoughts, what he thinks, he becomes." ~Mahatma Gandhi

"He designed my hotel in Lucknow. I picked the plan from many others because it was outstanding, and when I looked at the name of the architect, it was Anand Dwivedi. He is one fine architect, Khushi. A master at his job! He may not have known that Axis Hospitality was my company, but I found out all about his business. After that, I have used his firm many times, always taking care to stay away from his sight."

The siblings, Arnav and Anjali being orphans, had always been close to each other. Her welfare was of utmost importance to him.

"Love is . . . Being happy for the other person when they are happy, Being sad for the person when they are sad, Being together in good times, And being together in bad times"

'Love is the source of strength'

~ Susan Polis Schutz

Arnav Singh Raizada, loved his sister and vice versa. They both derived their strength from one another. Being together, and for one another, helped them to tide all the tough times. They knew

"Tough times don't last but tough men do"

So looking after each other was their way. When Anjali was shattered inside, Arnav did not allow her to fall into pieces. He was her strength. Seeing her unhappiness, he helped Anand with his work discreetly. That is the deed of a responsible person. Noblesse oblige indeed

Both Kushi and Arnav had got lost in their thoughts and hug. Mamiji's comment

"Hello Hi Bye Bye! One pair of lovebirds ijj in Shimla, and the other pair ijj here! Aaj aaffice (office) naahin jaana he kaa, Arnav Bitwaa? NK Bitwaa ijj waiting for you near the carwaa."

aroused them from their stupor and gaily Arnav left for his office.

At 10 a.m. as previously arranged, Anand Dwivedi entered the office of Arnav Singh Raizada. Soon after the courtesy greetings, Anand spoke that Anjali must have told him that he would like to marry her, provided Arnav consents. He assured Arnav that, now he'll be able to take care of her in the way she is used to.

Arnav looked at Anand.

"I am sorry I hurt her and all of you ten years back."

Arnav nodded.

"I could have taken the money your Mamaji offered, and married Anjali then. But, I am afraid, I am not made that way." Anand smiled slightly. "I always seem to go for the difficult way out of a situation."

"A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it" ~ Ray Davis

When Arnav asked, what would he have done if she had married somebody else, Anand told him that he would have wished her all the happiness in the world, as he had never expected her to wait for him for ten years. He said only after three years, he could find out whether she was married or not. Till then he could only wonder and worry about her. He said his father passed away, had his sisters' marriage conducted, was holding two jobs simultaneously and was thinking of starting a construction company.

"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful"

Arnav nodded.

"I was shocked to see that she had not married, but even then I had no means of supporting her. I couldn't approach her and ask her to marry me. Then the company started functioning. We got some good contracts and projects. Slowly, our financial position became stable. But I had a lot of debts."

"Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it" ~ Winston Churchill

Arnav listened with keen interest.

"I had to return the money my brothers-in-law, Amma, and Buaji had given me to start the company. I did. I also started a shop for my eldest brother-in-law and his family as they are halwaiis by profession but were renting space for their shop. My second brother-in-law refused to take even a paisa more than what he had given me. So I opened a textile shop for my second sister. I bought six acres of land for my third brother-in-law so that he and his family could farm it. They are farmers by birth."

Arnav nodded.

"I had to see to the security of my Amma & Buaji. I was the only male in the family. If something happened to me, I didn't want them to worry about the future.

All this took seven years. As each year passed, and Anjali remained unmarried, I hoped I would get a chance to marry her."

"There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet"

When Arnav asked him, when he came to Delhi to see her, why didn't he contact Anjali and ask her to wait, he replied how long would he have asked? five years? and by the end of five, if his obligations were not fulfilled another few years? and be unfair to her?,

Arnav smiled. "She would have."

"She would have." Anand concurred. "That's exactly why I didn't ask. How could I make her wait indefinitely for me while all other girls of her age were getting married & having families?"

Arnav nodded.

"Love is . . . Being honest with yourself at all times, Being honest with the other person at all times, Telling, listening, respecting the truth, And never pretending"

'Love is the source of reality'

~ Susan Polis Schutz

In answer to Arnav's query, Anand told him that he had purchased a house in Delhi three years back, for his amma and buaji about two kms. away from Shantivan

"If you give me the address, I will bring Nani, Mami, Mamaji, NK, my brother, & Khushi to make a formal proposal."

"No.", said Anand smiling. "I will give you the address, but you don't have to come to us with the proposal. That was done 10 years ago. Now we will come to your house, and ask for Anjali's hand."

After the hand shake,

Arnav said softly, "You don't know how many times in the past 10 years, I was on the verge of contacting you and asking you to come back."

"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body" ~ Seneca

Anand said softly, his voice reflecting the loneliness and agony of the past 10 years, "You don't know how many times in the past 10 years, I was tempted to come here and carry Anjali off. Each time I saw her drawn face, pale with fasting and praying for me, I..I...", Anand could not complete it.

Arnav hugged Anand. Anand held him tight.

As they parted, Anand enquired whether Kushi was his wife, and he would like to meet her along with the rest. Arnav replied that, Kushi had been waiting to meet him too.

Here we see, Arnav Singh Raizada by discreetly helping out Anand Dwivedi, is ensuring that Anand is able to fulfill all his obligations. What Arnav does is fulfilling the obligation on noble or noble minded people to be generous by being honorable.

We see Anand Dwivedi too has done his bit. He had not put false hopes in Anjali Singh Raizada. He had not commited himself to her. He had not promised her anything, lest he is unable to fulfill them! He was fulfilling his obligations by being honorable and generous in deeds! Why am I terming it as an obligation. It is because, he is the custodian of Anjali Singh Raizada's heart.

At Anand's departure, Arnav rang up Khushi and Akash, and gave them the news. He told them that over the lunch he would break the news, and to keep their lips sealed.

When Akash told Payal about Anjali and Anand, she offered to return to Shantivan. Surprised, Akash reminded her that they had two more days remaining.

Payal stood up, walked to him, and put her arms around his shoulders. "Honeymoon is not a place. It is the two people enjoying it. Where ever we are, we can have our honeymoon."

Akash hugged her close, resting his face against her soft bosom. "What did I do to deserve you, Payal?", he asked.

"Love is . . . An understanding so complete that you feel as if you are a part of the other person, Accepting the other person just the way they are, And not trying to change them to be something else"

'Love is the source of unity'~ Susan Polis Schutz

Akash was stunned beyond words, at Payal's capacity to understand. She was ready to even cut her honeymoon short, just to be with the family, when Anand's family came, to formally ask Anjali's hand in marriage! She knew even if they stayed back her husband's mind would be with his Di. For her too Anjali's happiness is quite important. She too like Kushi, thinks of family in totality! Akash knew Kushi bhabhi was a gem- and that too rarest of them. But never in his wildest dreams did he think, he who always followed his bhai's footsteps without thinking twice, would end up possessing another rare gem just like his bhai! That is why he asked "What did I do to deserve you, Payal?"

Payal, like Kushi always has, is fulfilling the obligation of being generous and honorable!

That noon, when Arnav and NK returned for lunch, the entire family had gathered around the dining table, to savor the delectable fare prepared by Khushi, Anjali and HP. Arnav saw both DI and Kushi were bubbling with happiness, that had them glowing with excitement!

Arnav's announcement that, the time has come to prepare for another wedding was a surprise to all except Kushi and Anjali.

He said, "It is time to prepare for another wedding."

Mami paused, a piece of roti in her hand hanging in air. "Bedding? Ab kis ki bedding left he, Saasumma?"

Nani looked surprised at Arnav.

"I knows, I knows.", Mami said. "Arnav Bitwaa is going to marry again." She picked up a free plate and held it in front of her like a shield against Khushi's ire.

But Khushi & Anjali laughed. Nani shook her head at Mami's antics.

"One wife is enough for me, Mami.", said Arnav, hiding a smile.

"Aur naahin to kaa, Arnav Bitwaa. Will any man repeat such life-altering mistakes?", asked Mamaji.

Mami pushed Mamaji, who laughed.

"Who is getting married, Nannav?", asked NK, confused. As far as he knew, his Aarti hadn't said yes to his proposal.

"Di.", said Arnav.

His announcement that it is Di's wedding led to pin drop silence! Nani couldn't believe Anjali had agreed. She who had been pining for Anand had agreed for marriage! That was unbelievable! They thought they were hallucinating!!

Mamaji looked at Anjali with anxious eyes, and then at Arnav with serious ones.

Arnav nodded. He said, "Anand has returned."

Mami gasped, and closed her mouth with her fingers.

Nani cried, "Anand has come back? Devi Maiyya heard her prayers?"

Arnav nodded.

"He wants to marry her?", asked Mamaji seriously.

"Haan. Now that he has provided for his family, he can finally think about himself."

Arnav's declaration of Anand being the groom, had the family in smile with their stock of tears gushing down the cheeks!

"And the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through tears" ~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

They all hugged Anjali. Arnav watched it smiling.

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven"

~ George Bernard Shaw

Mami sniffed, and turned towards Mamaji. "This ijj love. Learn from them. Ten years, and he neber (never) phorgot (forgot) her. He cames to marry Anjali Bitiyaa."

"Acha?", countered Mamaji. "Shall I go away for ten years?"

Mami nudged him in play.

Mamaji teased. "No woman respects wife-fearing men like me who go to work in the morning and return in the evening. All of them want Salman Khan and hippies."

Mamaji's comment provoked mirth.

"If the family were a fruit, it would be an orange, a circle of sections, held together but separable - each segment distinct" ~Letty Cottin Pogrebin

Arnav announced that Anand and his family would be coming the next evening, to ask for Di's hand which led them to making all the plans.

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home"~ Mother Teresa

Arnav knows this. So he signaled NK to follow him to his room.

"Remember even though the outside world might be raining, if you keep on smiling the sun will soon show its face and smile back at you"

~ Anna Lee

He made NK reveal all that had gone between him and Aarti, every word that she had spoken to him. Now with Di's future settled his attention shifted to NK.

"Noblesse oblige; or, superior advantages bind you to larger generosity"

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this installment it is clearly seen that, Arnav Singh Raizada, the Custodian of the welfare of the Raizada clan, around whom the story has been woven, holds the key of approval. He is responsible for their welfare. Without his approval, his family members will not take any plunge. So it is his decision, that is binding! He is the responsible one, the chosen one by his clan and he is fulfilling his obligations honorably, generously, willingly and happily.

NOBLESSE OBLIGE indeed!

PICK OF THE DAY

Both the conversations below vie for the post.

"When you look at your life, the greatest happiness is family happiness"~Joyce Brothers

Its all about lighter moments in the family where the sun is shining brightly because the only daughter of the family is beaming her heartfelt smile and is illuminating the entire household with it.

"Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness" ~ Anne Frank

He said, "It is time to prepare for another wedding."

Mami paused, a piece of roti in her hand hanging in air. "Bedding? Ab kis ki bedding left he, Saasumma?"

Nani looked surprised at Arnav.

"I knows, I knows.", Mami said. "Arnav Bitwaa is going to marry again." She picked up a free plate and held it in front of her like a shield against Khushi's ire.

But Khushi & Anjali laughed. Nani shook her head at Mami's antics.

"One wife is enough for me, Mami.", said Arnav, hiding a smile.

"Aur naahin to kaa, Arnav Bitwaa. Will any man repeat such life-altering mistakes?", asked Mamaji.

Mami pushed Mamaji, who laughed.

"Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts"

Mami sniffed, and turned towards Mamaji. "This ijj love. Learn from them. Ten years, and he neber (never) phorgot (forgot) her. He cames to marry Anjali Bitiyaa."

"Acha?", countered Mamaji. "Shall I go away for ten years?"

Mami nudged him in play.

Mamaji teased. "No woman respects wife-fearing men like me who go to work in the morning and return in the evening. All of them want Salman Khan and hippies."

"Regardless of the shadows that cross the moon to make it appear less than it is, to the moon, it is always full. So it is with us" ~ Buddha

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it!

Part 62

It was time for lunch.

The arrangements for the visit by Anand and his family that evening were done. If only Akash and Payal were here!, Arnav wished. Being without Akash was like being without his right arm..., Arnav thought as he crossed the hallway with NK.

The door bell rang and HP opened the door.

Akash & Payal stood framed in the doorway. Arnav stood still, his mouth not entirely closed, while NK had his mouth fully open.

"Fly-catching ka irrada he kaa?", Mami asked NK laughing, before she too turned towards the door. She stood shocked for a moment.

"Akash Bitwaa, Payaliyaa! Kaa Hui Gawaa?" She hugged both of them. They bent and touched her feet. "Is Shimla alright? Kono tsunami-wunami to naahi hui na?"

Akash & Payal laughed. Akash said, "No, Maate, Shimla is perfectly fine."

"Then why are you backs so soon? What happened? Honeymoon cancelled?"

Nani, Anjali, & Khushi came out of the kitchen to find the reason for such a commotion.

Arnav and NK walked towards Akash & Payal. Akash hugged Arnav tight, and Payal touched his feet, smiling.

Arnav blessed her awkwardly, saying "Welcome home, Payal!", while Khushi giggled at his discomfiture. His eyes promised her retribution at the earliest.

Khushi and the others hugged Akash & Payal, delighted to see them. She kissed them both on the forehead.

Mami whispered in Nani's ear, "Saasumma, bhy (why) are they back soon? When Arnav Bitwaa & Khushi Bitiyaa went to Shimla, they used the taime (time) bell (well). They came home with khush khabri. Hamre Akash Bitwaa came back early, with just his suitcasewaa?"

Nani bit her lip, and said, "Are you in such a hurry to be a grandmother?"

"Grandmother?", Mami stood shocked, her mouth open.

"That is the problem with getting khush khabri, Manorama. You graduate from mother to grandmother.", Nani laughed.

(Naddiya26, thanx!)

"How can we miss meeting Anand and his relations?", asked Akash.

"But you cut short your honeymoon!", Anjali lamented.

NK laughed, "Di, they will celebrate their honeymoon in Delhi as Nannav and Khushi Bhabi are doing, months after their wedding. A never-ending honeymoon. Their chand is still in the shayad!"

"Shayad?", Di asked.

"Honey.", NK explained.

"Shahad, NK Bhai!", Khushi pinched his chin.

(Pieryrose, thanx!)

"Shayad, shahad, it is all the same, Khushi Bhabi!", NK teased.

"Acha? So from tomorrow onwards, I will add some shayad to your lime juice in the morning, not shahad. Let me see how you like it.", Khushi teased back.

Laughing, all of them walked into the hall. If only Aarti were here with them..., NK wished fervently as he walked with his hand around his Khushi Bhabi's shoulders.

"Khushi Bhabi, how are you?", Akash asked her, sitting by her. Payal sat near her, holding her hand in both of hers.

"Healthy and happy, Akash Bhai. Happier after seeing you both. Did you like Shimla?"

"Ji. Very much.", Akash blushed. Payal looked down, bashful. Khushi hid her smile.

"I am so glad you came back early, Akash Bhai, Payalji.", Khushi said seriously. "I think Anandji & Di will want their marriage conducted soon. If Payalji is with me, and you and NK Bhai are with Arnavji, we can manage anything."

Akash & Payal smiled.

Anand, his mother, Shanti, and his Buaji, Nandini arrived on time. Akash opened the door, and welcomed them in. They were joined in the hallway by the rest of the family, including Baba and the Sinhas. Greetings were exchanged, and all moved to the living room.

Anand introduced his Amma and Buaji. Arnav introduced Baba, Nani, Mamaji, Mami, Dr. Prakash Sinha, Amma, Buaji, Anjali, Akash, Payal, NK, & Khushi to them.

Anjali touched the feet of Amma & Buaji. They hugged and kissed her, tears filling their eyes. "We have been waiting for Anjali Bitiyaa for so many years, Devyaniji.", Anand's Amma said. Buaji nodded.

Anand touched the feet of Baba, Nani, Mamaji, Mami, Dr. Prakash Sinha, Amma, & Buaji.

Payal & Khushi touched Amma, Buaji, & Anand's feet, and received blessings. Watching them, NK imagined Aarti doing the same. If only she were here...His lips quirked thinking of the slow way in which she smiled, the way in which humour lurked in her eyes even after her lips straightened...

Sharing tea & snacks, the families fixed the details of the wedding.

If only Aartiji were here..., Khushi thought with a sigh. She would be sitting by NK Bhai, smiling in her slight, calm way, speaking little, but watching everyone closely, a smile hidden in her eyes.

"I was thinking that, if all of you have no objection, we can have a simple wedding in the temple that Anjali prays at daily.", Anand suggested.

Nani & Anjali nodded, moved beyond words. All agreed.

"Omkar is always available if you wish to conduct your pre-marriage functions there.", Baba said.

Anand was not familiar with Omkar, but seeing the delight and anticipation on the faces of the Raizadas & the Sinhas, accepted the offer with gratitude.

"Baba runs an orphanage there. We have 20 children. They love weddings.", Arnav explained.

Anand, Amma, & Buaji smiled. "Can we have this at the earliest?", Amma asked.

"Ji. Ji. Why waste time?", Mamaji replied.

The families discussed the details. If only Aarti too were here!, Arnav thought. His family would be complete.

NK leaned towards Payal's Buaji, and whispered in her ear, "Don't you find Anandji handsome, Buaji?"

(Illyria, thanx!)

"Hai Re Nandkisore! How can I tell you what he looks like? I can't see his face behind the forest he has cultivated on his face." NK burst out laughing.

Buaji whispered in Anjali's ear, "Bitiyaa, I will give you a sharp pair of scissors as a wedding gift. Chop down the forest, Nandkisore, when he is sleeping."

Anjali giggled.

Buaji whispered in NK's ear, "Bitwaa, don't forget Eeiyaam Bitwaa, I mean Aarti Bitiyaa when you arrange the cars for the wedding. I tried to call her three times, Nandkisore, but she did not pick up the phone. I will go to invite her for Anjali Bitiyaa's wedding, but she won't come. So when you arrange cars, ask for her to be present for the wedding. Insist on it."

NK hugged Buaji, kissed her cheek, and whispered, "I promise, Buaji."

A few seconds later, Payal cornered him. "NK Bhai, you arranged the vehicles for our wedding, didn't you?"

"Haan, Payal Bhabi."

"Can you arrange transportation from the same company for Di's wedding too?"

"Sure.", NK smiled.

(Pieryrose, thanx!)

"Can you...can you get Aartiji here? She was the one in the chauffeur's uniform with us for the wedding. The short girl with beautiful eyes. I will invite her for the wedding, NK Bhai, but she may not come. So can you insist on having her here? She is such good fun and great company."

NK smiled & nodded.

The wedding was fixed for next Thursday. After the Dwivedis took their leave, the Raizadas, the Sinhas, & Baba made all the final arrangements.

The shagun & sagai were to be held at RM. Mehendi & sangeet were to be held at Omkar. Haldi was to be held at Laxmi Nagar. The wedding would be held at the temple, and there would be a party that night at RM.

"It is time I left.", Baba stood up.

"Babaji, don't go. Stay with us this night at least!", said Mami.

"Haan, Sasiji, please stay with us. It is so long since we got a chance to talk to you.", Nani requested.

"My children are alone.", Baba said. "I have to go."

Arnav jumped up to drop Baba, who tried to refuse the lift. But Arnav was adamant.

The Sinhas too expressed the desire to leave. NK ran to get the car keys to drop them.

When they reached Omkar, Arnav said, "Baba, I need to talk to you."

"Khushi is alright, isn't she? She told me she is fine...", Baba said anxiously.

Arnav smiled. "She is fine. Determined to turn me gray by the time she delivers, that's all. I asked her to stay in our room and not walk about for fear of hurting the baby, and she is running all around the house, smiling at me whenever I try to stop her."

Baba said softly. "She knows the value of time. Of life. Of health. She will never endanger the baby. And the house is full of people all the time. Don't worry."

Arnav nodded, both of them thinking of Baba's wife and unborn child.

"Are you worried about Anjali Bitiyaa?", Baba finally asked.

"No, Baba. That chapter is finally closed, after ten long years." Arnav heaved a sigh of relief. "I can breathe now. Watching her distribute sweets, laugh, shop, and make arrangements for my & Akash's weddings was torture for me... Anand is a good man. He will take care of her. And she is crazy about him. So they should be OK."

Baba nodded.

"And if something is wrong, we are all here to help."

Baba nodded.

"I am more worried about NK."

"NK? What has he done?"

"Fallen in love."

Baba smiled.

"With a girl who dresses like a boy, speaks and acts like a boy, does the work of a man, and says she does not want to have anything to do with him."

Baba laughed. "Come in and have some spicy masala tea. Let me hear more about this wonder!"

Aarti fingered the red silk saree that Khushiji had given her, the Banarasi silk caressing her fingers. She touched the wrapper and the satin ribbon, and her hand moved to touch the empty box in which the Sunflower had gifted her the sweets. Her heart beat rapidly. She took the letter out, and read it, her jaw tightening.

Aarti,

Khushi Bhabi is pregnant. I just wanted to share the good news with you. And to give you the sweets.

I hope you are well. And missing me. At least a little.

I am going to be a chacha. Don't you want to be Khushi Bhabi's baby's chachi?

Her heart clenched.

Even after reading it a hundred times, the letter still made her heart ache.

His handwriting was cute, like a child's. As though he had taken a lot of effort to write neatly.

Her finger travelled along the letters gently, following the path of his pen faithfully. She raised the letter to her nose, her nostrils flaring as they caught a hint of his fragrance. Or maybe she was imagining it.

She returned the letter to the box carefully, and turned her eyes to the brown shirt & pair of trousers hanging there. The black pair was drying on the clothesline. She touched her underclothes and nightgown.

It was time she bought some clothes, especially some sarees for her mother. Tomorrow, she would have to go shopping.

Aarti ran her hand through her short hair, and paused. Her hair had grown slightly. From a military cut, now her hair touched the collar of her gown. She looked at herself in the mirror. Yes, her hair had grown. Straight, healthy hair, cupping her head like a cap, touching her collar. Maybe she could grow it some more, and let it touch her shoulders.

She smiled wryly, and turned away from the mirror. Her life was crumbling around the edges. What did it matter how long her hair was?

Part 63: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/fan-fictions/3334536/ss-keeping-khushi-thread-7-part-67-pg-129?pn=51