... - Page 91

Originally posted by: Eccentrica

Hello guys! Next chapter's here😊

A big hug to all my readers🤗

Those who love the rains will love this chapter 😃. Read on...

Chapter 11: The tale of a rainy day.

August 2004.

"Yay!" the whole school cheered in unison. Even so, the sound was barely audible over the incessant downpour outside. The weather was reminiscent of a cloudburst. Clouds were thundering; preceded by lightning. All were tell-tale signs of a thunderstorm. Seeing this, the school authorities shook their heads, realizing that they had miscalculated. Not one of them had known that the rain which was already pouring heavily since last night would turn into a savage the next day. They spent the first two hours contemplating before finally deciding to let off the students. By then, the school compound was flooded. The premature release of students led to a new dilemma. School buses, which were signed on a contract basis, were all out on other jobs. Hence, transport of students presented a huge problem.

It was then agreed that students who were willing to go on their own would be let off while others would remain in the school till the buses arrived. Khushi and her friends chose to avail public transport and hence left the school building. The school compound was a sight to behold. Owing to fewer outlets for the water, most of it had accumulated. The water which was barely a few inches deep in the morning now ran up to the girls' knees. They carefully waded through the deluge before finding firm ground outside the school gates.

It was only when they were outside that Khushi opened her umbrella. However, one of its spokes gave way and left the structure dangling. As a result, the umbrella drenched her more than protecting her from the rain. Not that she minded. She ditched her umbrella. Khushi did not need any reason to get wet in the rains. She even declined her friends' offer to share their umbrellas with her. She did however give them her school bag for safekeeping. They gradually started moving towards the bus stop. On the way, they came across a bhutta-wallah (A person who sells roasted corn) and stopped to have some.

Arnav too had started off from school with a bunch of his friends and classmates. Aman had skipped school today. As Arnav came out covered in a slicker, he noticed that his car was awaiting him. He disjoined from his pals and proceeded towards his vehicle and was about to enter it when he noticed Khushi soaked to the core, happily munching on a bhutta (corn). He hadn't come across her since their past encounter when they had agreed on; or rather he had manipulated her on being friends and decided that this was a good occasion to cash in on their 'friendship'. He started to go towards her when he was stopped by his driver.

"Arnav baba, Memsahab has asked me to bring you home soon."

"I can't come now Jai Prakash Uncle. I have some work to finish. You take my poncho and my bag. I shall come home after some time."

"Par Arnav baba, raincoat toh leke jaayiye. Memsahab kya kahengi?" (But Arnav beta, please take your raincoat. Otherwise, Madam will question me)

"Don't worry about that Uncle. Maa ko main sambhal loonga."(Don't worry, I shall handle Mom). The driver then whizzed off. Arnav caught up with his friends and deftly maneuvered them into going for feasting bhuttas.

Khushi found herself in a predicament. For the past one month, Khushi had adroitly avoided meeting Arnav. Since his so called idea of friendship included not avoiding him, she had planned things well. She knew the places where she would come across him and deliberately bypassed those routes. Her eyes were always on his lookout and once she spotted him at a distance, she would eschew. She had no idea if Arnav was shrewd enough to look through her strategy, but she had to do it. Her initial anger towards him had doused out and since she had foolishly admitted on the quickening of her heartbeats in his presence, she was skeptical as to what he would try to make her feel disconcerted. But now there was no escaping. His expressions did not reveal anything and it seemed as though he hadn't noticed her. Khushi immediately crossed her fingers and sent a quick prayer to her Devi Maiya.

The entourage arrived at the carriage of the bhutta-wallah and Arnav gave a quick greeting to the girls. Khushi pretended to be engrossed in eating as though she hadn't seen him. Yasha then suggested to the newly arrived group to try the bhuttas.

"Hey guys'have these. They are delicious!"

The group assented to their suggestion. At the pretext of taking a bhutta, Arnav leaned close to Khushi and said "Hey buddy!" loud enough for the rest of them.

Hearing this, all heads turned and looked questioningly at them. Khushi gave out a sigh while Arnav answered, "Don't you guys know? We are friends now."

"What! How come you became friends and we didn't come to know?" Priya asked, sending out an accusing glare towards Khushi.

"And since when have you become pals?" Urvashi interjected.

"It's been a month, hasn't it Khushi?"

"Why didn't you tell us Khushi?" Sana added.

"Yeah, answer them Khushi. Are you ashamed of our friendship?" Arnav said, his face portraying mock anguish.

Khushi mumbled an "I'm going to kill him" before adding "Guys, it's no big deal. We just decided that it would be a sane way out of this whole link-up thing." She lied, knowing very well that she couldn't disclose the true reason behind this friendship farce. "Moreover, do I have to inform you people each time I make a new friend?"

"No re. It's just that Arnav isn't a random new friend. There's a lot more to it, in the eyes of others. Anyways, do you think announcing that you both are friends is going to keep a lid on your alleged relationship?" Sushma asked.

"We hadn't thought about it back then. But now we can at least say that we are 'good friends' as against 'we don't even know each other', Arnav replied.

"So, is this your way of saying that she isn't your girlfriend?" Abhidnya quizzed.

"Well, it only means that she isn't my girlfriend'.yet!" Arnav winked back that had Khushi foaming at the mouth.

Everyone had finished eating and they trudged towards the bus stop. The structure of the bus stop was dilapidated and hence Khushi was back to dripping in the rain, which gradually cooled her down. She began chatting with Aarti, who usually accompanied her to her dance classes. Arnav too got into a discussion on the recent tour that the Indian Cricket team was on. It was then that Khushi noticed that he didn't have his backpack with him.

"Did you leave your bag at school?" Khushi asked him.

Before he could reply, Nilesh quipped "Look Arnav, someone's concerned about you."

"It's not concern, I was merely enquiring."

Ignoring Nilesh's remark, Arnav replied, his attention completely on Khushi, "I gave my bag to my driver."

"So you deliberately chose to get wet in the rain. Why?" Deepika spoke.

"I was inspired by a girl who was joyfully enjoying the rain.' Arnav replied as a matter -of-factly.

His words had Khushi blushing since they openly meant that he had been watching her for a long time. But she was saved from others' response, since a bus arrived at the moment. The crowd aligned the bus. Public buses in Mumbai are commonly crowded, but owing to the heavy rain, the number of passengers was less. Gradually, one by one, all started to get a place to sit. Khushi, Arnav, Priya and Nirav remained amongst the standees. Soon Nirav's destination arrived and he got down. Simultaneously three seats, a single and one double were vacated. Arnav moved towards the single seat. But he was stopped by Priya who motioned him to accommodate the double seat with Khushi who had already occupied her place. Arnav complied happily.

Khushi did her best to not show the effect his close presence was having on her. Plus her colleagues' ribbing began to make her more uncomfortable.

At that moment Arnav yelled, "Cut it out guys. If this sitting arrangement is so tickling you then we shall get down from the bus." This quietened the rest. Arnav's reaction surprised Khushi. Never before had Arnav sided with her. Khushi thought that the least she could do in return was try to make small talk. She began by venturing into safe ground.

"So, how's Aradhana Aunty?"

"Maa's fine. In fact, the other day she was asking for you."

"Me? Why?"

"Maa had made some jalebis and other sweets for Raksha Bandhan. They reminded her of you. She said you like jalebis very much, don't you?"

"Yeah, but then who doesn't?"

"Well, for the matter, I don't. Or let me rephrase it as I can't."

"Why can you not like sweets?"

"Because I'm a diabetic." Arnav said and regretted blurting it out. Most people gave him a look of pity on knowing about his condition and that irked him.

But Khushi's face showed no such signs. On the contrary, she was curious to know more about it and asked him, "Since when do you have this condition?"

"I was diagnosed when I was an eight year old. As it is, I was never a big fan of sweets."

"Hmm, let me guess. You have type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?"

"How did you know?"

"I have read about it. Juvenile or early onset diabetes is predominantly seen in children. And since you were diagnosed at 8 years, it was easy to deduce."

"You seem to be well informed about all this. I'm impressed."

'It's nothing to be impressed of," Khushi replied modestly. "I know about this because I like reading scientific journals. Plus, Biology is my favorite subject."

"I see. Well Physics is mine. But even if we like two different sub-subjects, Science is a common favorite for both of us. Good to know that. Anyways, my stop is about to come. I should leave. It was nice talking to you. This is the first time we have actually talked like mature people, without fighting. But I enjoy our fights equally. See you tomorrow. Bye!" And Arnav departed.

"Likewise", Khushi thought, and waved him a goodbye.

How was it? Liked it? Loved it? Hated it? Let me know through your likes and comments. Silent readers, please respond. This work is purely a corollary of my imagination and does not bear any resemblance whatsoever, to any person living or dead.

For PMs, buddy me.😃

Originally posted by: ranjanatripathi

Your Ff is really nice...
I like the budding friendship of Arnav & Khushi in chapter 11...
Will comment after reading the subsequent chapters,,,,,,,,,,

Originally posted by: Eccentrica

Note from the author: I have had many suggestions to improve the pace of the FF; while I'm more than happy at the response, I'm sorry the pace will be so for a few more updates. I don't wish to go against the readers' wishes; it's just that I've already drafted a few chapters and wouldn't want to alter them. I know some of them are not very happy with the pace; I say can I play my 'I'm an amateur' card over here 😉? Jokes apart, I would request all my readers to be patient for a few more updates; I shall incorporate your suggestions soon. Thank you again for sticking through 23 chapters.

PMs later!

Chapter 24: Three phone calls.

Everyone got down to the task. Khushi and her gang took turns on the telephone, proceeding to call students in alphabetical order. As luck would have it, Priya got Aman's name in her list. She placed a call at his house, wanting to share the new development with him soon.

"Hello."

"Hello, may I speak to Aman Mathur?"

"This is Aman speaking."

"Hi! Priya here. I'm calling from school to know if you would be attending the farewell party."

"Of course. Just let me know the date and time. I'm sure the venue's our school auditorium."

"Yeah it is." After giving him the date and time, she continued in a low voice, "Ok, now listen carefully. We have arranged in such a way that Khushi has to call at Arnav's house. But do you think Arnav will want to attend this party?"

"Frankly, I don't know. Arnav has never been a fan of parties. But if it's Khushi who's going to call him, he might consider coming."

"Hmm, I hope he does. We are unable to see her so down in the dumps."

"What do you mean by down in the dumps?" an alarmed Aman asked.

"Well nowadays she seems quite doleful. She wasn't very eager about participation in this farewell party either. It doesn't take a genius to figure out the reason behind her woebegone look. We haven't pressed her to share anything with us. And I can bet that if she gets an affirmation from Arnav, her mood's going to lift up."

"I can help. Give me a buffer of fifteen minutes. I shall call him up and try to persuade him"

"Done. I should hang up now. Khushi's giving me suspicious looks. Bye then."

"Bye, see you at the party", saying this Aman hung up.

***

"Arnav Baba, there's a call for you." Hari Prakash stood by the door of Arnav's room with the receiver of a cordless phone. Arnav had just finished solving a mock test; he had finished learning the entire portion and spent most of his time in revision and paper solving. Even if he wasn't doing anything at the moment, he didn't want to take any calls.

"I said I won't be taking any calls HP uncle", a visibly irritated Arnav said.

"Par Arnav Baba it's your friend Aman. And he says he wishes to talk to you about something important. If you still do not wish to take the call, I shall inform him so."

"No, since you have already come up to the room I might as well take the call. Aur haan, tell Maa that I'm coming down for lunch as soon as I end this call." Hari Prakash left.

"Hello."

"What took you so long to answer?"

"The connection to my room has been disconnected so that I don't get disturbed. HP uncle had to bring the receiver from the living room. First tell me what was so important that you had to call me now? Haven't we decided that phone calls will be entertained after evening?"

"I haven't forgotten. As HP uncle mentioned to you, the matter's important. Are you game for the farewell party?"

"No I'm not. I'm hoping this wasn't the important talk that you wanted to have. Otherwise I'm cutting the call."

"Hey! Don't hang up. I'm not done. Are you sure you don't want to come?"

"Yes, I'm completely sure. Anything else?"

"Won't you come even if my cousin gives you a special invitation?" Aman left it at that waiting for Arnav to take the bait. Arnav didn't disappoint him.

"What are you talking about? Why will Khushi invite me?"

"Tch'tch'And to say that you weren't interested in the party! I think I should go now."

"Wait! Tell me what this is about."

"Hmmm'ok... But only if you insist", Aman replied slyly. "Khushi is a part of the group which has volunteered to make arrangements for our farewell party. As part of that, she will be placing a call to you in the next ten to fifteen minutes for your RSVP. I have already received a call. Since you are not interested in the party, why don't I call back and let her know about your decision?" Aman said, barely stifling back a laugh, fully anticipating Arnav's panicky retort.

"No!" Arnav screamed. "I mean no' thanks; don't put any extra efforts. I shall handle it. And I'm ending the call."

"Why? Are you afraid that you'll miss Khushi's call?"

"Shut up Aman. I have to go for lunch. Bye." And he hurriedly cut the call but not before hearing Aman's parting chuckle.

***

"Hello, may I speak to Arnav?" Khushi asked with bated breath. The rest of her friends had suspended their work; their ears attuned to the current conversation. Too bad, there was no option for speaker phone on the instrument; they would have to suffice themselves with one end of the conversation. Immediately after her phone call to Aman, Priya had informed others of their exchange. Now they waited to see if Aman's attempt at changing Arnav's mind was any successful.

"I'm sorry dear but Arnav is having his lunch. May I know who is calling?" Aradhana answered from the other end.

"Namaste aunty, Khushi here. How are you?"

"Hello Khushi beta. I'm surprised that you recognized my voice. Bohot din baad hamari baat ho rahi hai (we are conversing after many days). I'm alright. You say, how's school life?" At Aradhana's mention of Khushi's name, Arnav bolted from his chair and ran towards the place where Aradhna was talking. He motioned for her to give the receiver to him. But Aradhana waved him off.

"School life is good Aunty. Waise, Arnav said that you recalled me on some occasion a few months ago."

"Oh yes, I recall you all the time. By the way, I'm very angry with you. Tum sirf ek hi baar hamaare yahaan aayi. Beech beech mein ghar aaya karo beta. Khoob gappe ladhayenge." (You came only once at our place. Keep coming occasionally; we shall chitchat) Arnav was getting impatient listening to his mother's chat. Once again he asked for the phone.

"Bas karo Arnav, dekh nahi rahe hum Khushi se baat kar rahe hain?" (Enough Arnav, can't you see that I'm talking to Khushi?) She wondered why Arnav was so desperate to get on the phone; he had reduced his phone time to a minimum after his prelims, calling them a waste of time. Aradhana resumed her communication.

"Sure aunty, but you see I don't get time because of school. But since you persist, I shall drop by soon."

"That sounds good Khushi."

"Actually, I called up because I wanted to talk to Arnav; you know, ask him if he's going to attend the farewell party. Could you get him on the line please?"

"Of course beta. No wonder he's so impatiently hovering around me." Saying this, she placed the receiver in Arnav's hand. Khushi smiled at Aradhana's reply. Her friends had thought that Khushi would talk directly to Arnav and was surprised at the length of conversation between Khushi and Arnav's mother, as they presumed the other person to be.

"Hi!"

Hearing him after so many days, Khushi's heart skipped a beat. She bit her lower lip to keep from blushing. But she couldn't stop her cheeks from colouring. Khushi's friends noted that and smiled at each other knowingly. Now the actual dialogue starts, they thought.

"Hi!" Khushi had to clear her throat once to clear the emotion from her voice. Involuntarily, her hand went to her chest, as if to calm down her heart's erratically fast rhythm. "I wanted to know if you are going to attend your batch's farewell party." At this, all her friends groaned collectively. Trust Khushi to not make idle talk when it was the most important. Khushi ignored it, but Arnav having caught the sound asked, "Is that your friends' voice that I'm hearing?"

"Yeah. Apparently since I placed a call to your home, their work's been suspended."

"Hmm. Why don't you give them a 'Hi' from me?" Arnav couldn't decipher why he said that. He decided he just wanted to extend the duration of their talk.

"Okay. Guys, Arnav says 'Hi' to you all."

"Hi Arnav! They chorused back.

"There, that's done. Now answer my question. Will you be there for the party?"

At this, Arnav became thoughtful. Within the last ten minutes, he had already decided that he wanted to attend the party; the reason for the same was talking to him on the phone now. But giving an affirmation would put an end to the conversation. And he couldn't dally for long since his mother was nearby, having resumed her lunch. Even if she looked engrossed in her lunch, he wasn't sure if she was paying any attention to what he was saying. But he decided to take the risk. This was too good an opportunity to let go, simply because of his mother.

"I'm unable to make a decision. Why don't you try to convince me to come?" Arnav said, tongue firmly in cheek.

"Excuse me!" Khushi replied, her face depicting confusion. At the same time, she was happy that he hadn't denied outrightly.

"Yeah'I mean tell me what you guys have arranged for our entertainment, what are the refreshments for the day, what will you be performing for us'" he trailed off stressing on 'performing'.

"We haven't drawn a conclusion on the refreshments and entertainment. That answers two of your questions. As for the third one, you say'would you want me to give a performance?" Khushi replied with a stealthy smile. At this, Yasha gave a low whistle; the rest of them chuckled. Even Arnav was baffled by her response. But Khushi had merely done this for two reasons; one to stymie Arnav and two, to extend the conversation.

However, Arnav recovered within a matter of seconds to reply. "I would love to see one. Promise me that you will perform; anything of your choice, I leave the decision to you, and I shall attend the party. What say?"

"I say deal. I think we should stop here. I don't want the school authorities to question us on the huge phone bill. See you at the party." She gave him the date and time and placed down the receiver only to be drowned in the teasing of her friends. But she didn't mind, because Khushi's mood had elevated so high by Arnav's conformation that no amount of teasing was going to puncture it now.

Meanwhile Arnav reclaimed his position on the dining table wearing a goofy grin that was observed by Aradhana. She had listened to the entire conversation which had caused some doubts to arise in her mind and Arnav's current expressions confirmed her suspicions. But she treaded slowly.

"So are you going for the party?"

"Yeah Maa", Arnav replied trying to sound disinterested. "If the school's made such an effort to place personal calls at students' homes, I might as well grace the occasion."

"Arnav I'm your mother. So why don't you drop the faade and tell me the real reason behind your interest in going to the party?"

"What real reason Maa?" Arnav asked, alarm creeping in his voice.

"That you want to have some good time before the board exams?" Aradhana said pointedly.

"Oh that'of course'of course. You guessed it right." Not wanting her to detect the relief in his voice at not having guessed the real reason, he said, "Maa, I think I should resume eating; the food is cold anyways."

"You should have thought of the food getting cold before you started the extended jabber."

"Hmm" Arnav replied absently, his thoughts back to the recently concluded conversation; his eyes dreamy once again. Aradhana merely shook her head.

How was it? Liked it? Loved it? Hated it? Let me know through your likes and comments. Silent readers, please respond. This work is purely a corollary of my imagination and does not bear any resemblance whatsoever, to any person living or dead.

For PMs, buddy me.😃