It all started with 300 Rupees Chapter 33 - Page 20

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

D

Aakash's wedding.
That wedding.

Their wedding.
Their contract wedding.


That night.
The forced wedding.


He saw K talking but his ear couldn't comprehend anything. He still couldn't believe they were talking about the same Khushi.

The Khushi who had crashed Aakash's cocktail party.
The Khushi who had served everyone Indian food and drinks there.
The Khushi who had danced on Desi Girl at that party.

The Khushi who basically brightened up that party.

That Khushi?

The Khushi who didn't even need a reason to dance around the house.
The Khushi who even taught Lavanya to dance on Bollywood music.
The one that danced like crazy during the Sangeet just to win that competition.
The Khushi that had even mimicked him!

The Khushi that even danced on Holi just to pacify Nani.
Even though she was heartbroken herself.


His Khushi.

His Khushi?


No, that was not his Khushi.


His Khushi was lost somewhere after he forced her to marry him.
And everything that followed afterwards.


Their marriage.
Their wedding.


Just when he thought their relationship had taken a step further, he was surprised with this unknown side of this new Khushi.

The success.
The award.
The change.

The new woman she had become. Moving on with her new life but yet to move on with her heart

And that pain in her heart.

His daze broke by the most pleasant voice in the room "sorry Karan, here is the file."

He looked up to see her.

She walked passing him, slowly placing his phone back on the table...
Right next to his hand….
Making sure she touched his hand….
And his coat sleeves…..
While leaving…..

And spared him a smile…..

While failing to notice the pair of eyes clearly noticing all her moves…..

She gave the file to Karan.
He looked at it for a while and said "dad would have been so impressed by this Jalebi….this looks excellent."

She replied "It's very hard to impress him. Just because you are impressed doesn't mean that uncle would be too….How is uncle by the way….with Aashna and stuff and I didn't even have a chance to ask you…"

K interrupted "Ha, we were just talking about dad and you right before you came…."

"Really? What about uncle and me?"

"Oh….I was just telling……."

Suddenly, Arnav interrupted "Karan, let's continue the meeting Karan, I have to reach somewhere after this."

She turned to look at him, not able to realize why he cut K off. That was rude. She thought. What happened to him? He was alright just few minutes ago. Then why was he so grumpy all of sudden?

She looked at him questioning but got nothing in reply.
She couldn't take it anymore, she texted him.

What happened?

Her phone blinked.
Nothing sweetheart. Why did you ask?

He had to say sweetheart. Didn't he? She smiled but couldn't stop asking him…..

Why did you cut K off?

Her phone beeped.
I would rather hear you talk sweetheart. You want to talk?

She quickly typed.
Work. Do something!

She got her reply.
Do something? You like me to do something right now? Here?

She looked up to see his face.
And saw his grin.

She typed in frustration.
If I say yes, you would?

Part E Continues…..

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

E

He read that. Then saw his wife's face. She was biting her lips, less in anticipation, more in nervousness. He smiled inwardly. Knowing exactly what she must be thinking.

He typed…

Try me.

She read that and saw him again.
How was this possible? How was he still able to do this? If anything, today was her turn to torture him. Not the opposite.

What was going on?

When it was her condition, he played her like a marionette.
Now it was his condition, and he was he still doing the same.

Not fair. That's all she could think. She slid the phone away and opened that red file right in front of her face.

Hiding her unwanted blush from that message.
And her wanted irritation from that same message.

"Jalebi? What are you doing?" She placed the file back on the table and said "Huh?"

"What's going on? What are you reading?"

"Ummm this…….the projection…….of…….."
"Yes, what are you reading Khushi?" Asked her husband.

"Sorry!"

That's all she said and went back to staring at the screen displaying whatever that it displayed.

Her phone flashed.

Khushi, are you okay?

I am fine. You seem so different right now.

He saw her face.

Different.

Where was the old Khushi?

The happy Khushi.

The cheerful Khushi.

The carefree Khushi.

The clumsy Khushi.

That Khushi.
His Khushi.


Where was she?

He couldn't help but recall her outburst that night at their home. How much she hated her old self. How much she didn't want to be like her old self. How she had changed herself in this modern, independent, confident, professional woman but hid the real her somewhere deep down.

And she hid it so well under that smile.
The faade.

How was it possible for someone to change so much?

Was that really true?
Had she totally forgotten her old self?

That Khushi.
The one that he actually fell in love with.
That Khushi.

Where was she?

Would she ever come back?

It was high time she met with herself again.

The real Khushi.

The meeting ended.
So did her hope for the reply to her question.

Karan spoke "thank you for coming Mr. Raizada. Hope to see you at the New Year's Eve party."

Her head snapped.
Up.

To look at Karan.
To look at him
To look at K.

She waited for his reply. What was he going to say to that? She didn't know. Then she heard…
"Thank you Karan."

Both men shook hands and that was it.
It was time for him to leave.

"Bye Khushi." That's all he said.
And he was out the door. Gone.

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

F

What the hell was that? Am I missing something? She spoke "Karan, what happened while I wasn't here?"

"What do you mean Jalebi?" Asked Karan.

"Never mind."

She picked up her files and barged out of that conference room. To her office, ignoring all the greetings along the way.

She worked, worked little bit more. And some more. But no matter how much she worked, she couldn't distract herself.

She checked her cell phone, he hadn't called her yet.
Why was he supposed to call her?

Too irritated on herself, she went back to working. It had been two hours now, but no call.

She picked up the phone and called him. He didn't answer her call.


Few minutes later, she received a text.

In a meeting, will call back after done. Sorry!


She didn't like that, she called his office. No one answered his office phone. She dialed the main number...

The receptionist answered the phone, she quickly blurted "I am calling for Mr. Raizada."

She was not prepared for the reply "Mr. Raizada is not in the office right now, may I know who is calling?" She heard the receptionist's busy voice...


"This is Khushi." She answered with clear annoyance in her voice.

"Oh, Khushi Ma'am, I am sorry."


Surprised to hear that answer, she remained quiet for a bit.

Little confused over what just happened.

Did she hear someone address her ma'am in his office?

Why?


She asked...

"You know me?" The receptionist replied "Yes ma'am, I am officially told by Mr. Raizada to attend to you personally regarding any calls or concerns."

She wasn't expecting that. But that was nice to hear.

It was a warm feeling.

Unlike all other times she had called there.

At least all the women in that office were not like Roshni. She almost forgot why she called there...

She spoke again "Where is his meeting?"

"He does not have any meeting after lunch today ma'am. Would you like to leave a message? I will make sure he gets it. Or would you like me transfer your call to his cell..."

"Oh, thank you." That's all she said and the receiver found its place.

She hung up.
In pure irritation.
And anger.
And confusion.

She texted him back.

How long is your meeting?

To her surprise, he actually texted her back again...

Another hour or so!

What the hell was that? He wasn't in his office. He didn't have any meetings lined up after lunch, according to the receptionist.

Was he really in a meeting?
He must be, why would he lie?

Then why did the receptionist say otherwise?
What does she know, she is just a receptionist.

Something must have come up.
Yes, maybe something important.

But what?
Why wasn't she convinced?

He had never done this before.
NEVER.

She was always his priority, since they had met again.
Why was he ignoring her now?

That feeling of being ignored was getting too much for now.

Why was she feeling like that?

Is he really avoiding me?

Or I am just paranoid?

Stop thinking Khushi! She tried convincing herself. But failed.

Though her heart knew not to doubt him...

Her mind didn't let her stop...

Part G Continues….

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

G

Her office phone rang, she answered pretty quick "Hello? Oh….hi Karan….yes, sure, when are you guys going……oh…..where? Yes, of course I am hungry…..I will meet you in your office….."

She gladly took Karan's lunch offer, she needed to get out of her office, or her thoughts.

Or her doubts.



She was on her way home, she spared another look at her phone, nothing.

She had checked her phone unlimited times within the last few hours but it was as quiet as night.

She had never gone this long without talking to him since…..since she told him everything.

He had never gone this long without talking to her.

They had never gone this long without hearing each other's voice.


She felt an unbelievable queasiness in the pit of her stomach.

It was uncomfortable.
It was unsettling.
It was unwelcomed.

She picked up the phone to call him. But put it back. Again.

Why did she feel uncomfortable calling him?

She was glad she was going home.

To Aashna.
To her daughter.

But where was he?
Call him Khushi. She told herself several times.
But she couldn't.

But what she couldn't fail to stop herself from was those unwanted thoughts in her mind…
In her heart…

About him.
About the text.
How he left in the morning without saying anything.

She could already feel the distance between them.

But why?

She got home.

Aashna's face made her cheer up.
Just enough for her to be able to forget about her day…..

She changed and walked towards the kitchen.


She was cooking.
She was lost.
She was confused.
She was waiting……

The doorbell rang and she ran to the door like there is no tomorrow.
She showered him with questions before he even entered…..

"Where have you been? Why didn't you call me after the meeting? Why are you so late? Where was your meeting? Why….."

"I called you back several times, you were not in the office, your phone was off and you never returned my call. Your turn!" He replied.

She spoke "what? You called me?"

"Yes, many times." He answered while he walked in…

She walked to the table and got her phone to check why she didn't get his calls, to her surprise, her phone was dead.

She didn't know what to say. She spoke "I called you and your receptionist told me that you have no meeting...wait, did you tell her about us? She knew me."

"Is that a problem that I told her about us?" He asked with unreadable expression.

"But...you said...that...we won't tell anyone...until..."

He interrupted "did she say Mrs. Raizada?"

Totally confused at that, she replied "No...she was just extra nice to me...she knew my name...I thought you told her about us..."

He pulled her in.
Which made her stop talking….

And he whispered "if you don't want me to do anything while Naina and Aashna are here, then why are you wearing my t-shirt?"

And he let her go.
With a grin.

Part H Continues…..

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

H

Enjoying the shocking look on her face.

Scarlet.

Blend with bit of anger and pieces of embarrassment.

"Good evening Naina, how are you?" He asked her casually while he walked towards Aashna.

"Hi Aasha. What are you watching?" He asked her maintaining his distance.

She turned around to see him.
Then went back to watching some animated show on television.

Then turned back to see him again and said "Hi."
Just one Hi put another kind of smile on his face.

He was right. This would be the hardest wooing of his life.
Even more than Khushi.

He heard again "Annav, my doll's hair brush is missing. Where is it?"

His eyebrows arched, in surprise.

Khushi spoke "Aashna...let me help you find..."

He interrupted "Why? I can't find it?"

Surprised to hear that, she said "you don't even know how it looks."

"I know how it looks. I got it for her. Remember?" He replied...


"Fine. Then look for it. Good luck!" She walked towards the couch and relaxed herself to enjoy watching Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada going crazy over looking for a doll's hair brush.


Just the thought of it put a smile on her face.

First time, she preferred this over food.

"Where is it Annav?" Asked Aashna.

"I am still looking for it. Do you remember where did you put it last?" Asked Mr. Raizada.

"Where is my doll's brush Annav?" Replied Aashna.

"Forget it, where is your doll?" Asked Mr. Raizada again.

"Where is my doll Annav? In my room? On the couch? My bed? Mamma, I want cookies." Answered Aashna.

He turned to look at Khushi, his savior...

She replied "Aashna, let me get some cookies for you...and some popcorn for myself." She flashed her evil smile and walked away...

Not so much of a savior anymore.

What was he thinking?

How was he going to find that one tiny hair brush of a doll.
A doll!

He quietly watched Khushi come back with plate of cookies and popcorn, sat beside Aashna while she asked "where is the brush Aashna?"

"I don't know Mamma, Annav can't find it. Where is it?"

Khushi smiled, and then said "you have to wait Aashna, why don't you watch your TV while Annav tries to find your doll's brush. Okay?"

They both cuddled up on the couch.

Aashna watched her show.
Khushi watched her show.

Naina came, "Khushi, dinner?" Khushi replied "sit down Naina, let's enjoy the investigation show of a pink hair brush by the business tycoon himself - Mr. Arnav Arrogant Raizada."


He heard that while digging that toy chest.

Then he heard again "Khushi, I have never seen you like this. You are always so serious. I didn't know you could be so sarcastic as well. I am surprised. Well, I guess, it's a good thing." Said Naina, without realizing how carefully he was listening to her words….

It reminded him of K's words, yet again.

He walked to Aashna and said "here Aashna, is this the one you were looking for?"

She jumped off the couch and ran to him, took the brush from him and exclaimed "Mamma, look he found my hairbrush. Thank you Annav."

He couldn't help but admire her thank you. He wasn't even done admiring her cute voice when his phone rang……

He looked at it, after contemplating a lot, he excused himself and answered it "Yes. What? What do you mean you misplaced it? It's not ready yet? Why did I pay you that amount? I don't care. That's your problem. Make sure you have it ready by tomorrow……"

He was away from them, yet they could hear him, pretty clearly. Naina said "what happened Khushi? I have never seen him so angry."

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

I

Khushi replied "then you haven't seen the real him. This is the real him. It still surprises me how he learned to have so much patience with me, and now Aashna. Do you hear that? That's how he talks to everyone."

"Good that he doesn't talk to you like that." Said Naina.

She didn't reply to that.

There was so much to say, yet nothing.

Between the old him and the reformed him...

How was she going to explain Naina how he actually used to talk to her, at one time.

He noticed her silence and the pain of their past behind that silence.

How he used to always yell at her.
How he used to always put her down.
How he used to...

"What is wrong with you two?" Asked Naina.
"What do you mean?" Khushi asked in confusion.

"He is yelling today and you are actually chilled today. It's the first time I saw your new Avatar and now his……unbelievable."

They continued talking without realizing that he was already there long before...

He spoke "Khushi, can I talk to you for a second...alone?"

She got up and started walking towards her room. They both entered, he closed the door. She looked at him with questions...

He held her hand and said "Khushi, something urgent came up. I have to go. I don't know how long it's going to take...I probably won't come back tonight. I just have some year-end work to finish. I don't want to disturb you guys so late at night. Okay?"

She didn't say anything. She stayed quiet.

"Khushi?" He asked again.

All her feelings that she had earlier, came back.

With more anxiety...
With more alarming thoughts...
With more negativity...

He was avoiding her, it was confirmed now.
But why?

She didn't know.
Did he actually have any meeting today?

Why was she thinking all that?
Why was she so worried all of sudden?


She spoke "what's so urgent?"
He replied "some year-end numbers, inventories, work stuff...you know!"

Totally unsatisfied with his answer, she said "at this time?"

He answered "I didn't know this would come up...I don't have some important files with me...so I will have to go home...and I don't know how long it's going to take...that's why, I would rather stay there..."


"Okay, I guess I will see you in the meeting tomorrow..." She asked in hesitation.
"I might have to cancel that meeting...I have too many other things to take care of...some urgent stuff...but I will see you in the evening."

"You will cancel our meeting?" She asked while hiding her shock and disbelief.

"I might have to...it's a busy day tomorrow." He replied calmly.


She stayed quiet again.

While looking down.

Hiding her true reaction to this new information, an very undesirable information.


He noticed that. He pushed her chin up...

Slowly...

And saw her eyes, filled...


He quickly spoke "Khushi, what's wrong?"


Before she could even answer, she crashed on his chest...

Just holding him tight...

Not crying...

Just holding...


He caressed her long hair and said "Khushi? Are you okay? Alright, I won't go...let's not get upset. Khushi?"

She looked up, while still resting her body on him...

Part J Continues…..

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

J

She said "you can go...I don't want you...I mean...I will be fine...it's just that..."

He cupped her face while caressing her cheeks using his thumb, he spoke "Khushi...what happened?"

She replied "nothing...I don't like your work."

He smiled and said "I don't either."


She couldn't hold her smile anymore, she replied "since when do you not like work?"

He crushed her petite body in between his arms, tighter, and replied "ever since I have to leave you for work...I wouldn't go if it wasn't important...I still won't go if you don't want me to..."

She said "do you have time to eat dinner?"

"I will eat later, I am already late...I will see you tomorrow...okay?...if you are free...that reminds me...what's your plan tomorrow?" He finally asked.


"Tomorrow? Nothing. Why?" She asked in confusion.

"I was just wondering if you were going Karan's party tomorrow. Are you?" His eyes rested on hers while waiting for her answer...

"I will be home...we might even close the office early...I am not going anywhere...I will call you when I come home...you can come early too if you are done...with your work..."



Her mouth said something else...

Her eyes said something else...



He was right.

No matter how much she had changed, there was still that old side of her...


There...
Somewhere...
Deep down...


He didn't say anything further...
He cupped her face, placed his lips on hers...

He whispered...
"Stop me sweetheart..."

She didn't know if he would actually stop or not...
But that sounded good...
That power he gave her...
To stop him...

That feeling...
That right...

She said "make sure you finish everything as soon as possible...so we can spend time tomorrow...bye Arnav Ji."

He smiled and said "good night Khushi. I am sorry."

"Do you want to say bye to Aashna?"
"Of course!"

They both walked outside, together...

He walked to Aashna, she was brushing her doll's hair with her new found hair brush...

He kneeled down and said "Aashna, I am leaving right now...I will see you tomorrow?"

She replied "tomorrow? Mamma, where is Annav going?"

He spoke "I am going to work."

She spoke again "are you going to bring me more presents Annav?"

He smiled, but before he could reply, Khushi spoke "No Aashna, he will not bring presents every day...okay?"

Aashna looked at Khushi and said "no presents?" Khushi replied "no baby. Not every day."

"Annav, mamma said no presents." She clarified.

He almost extended his arm to touch that angelic face, but didn't...

He spoke "Good night Aashna?"

She replied "Mamma..."

And she ran to Khushi and said "Annav is leaving Mamma..."


Khushi picked her up and kissed her chubby cheeks and said "yes Aashna, he is leaving, you want to say bye?"

She nodded.

Then hid her face on her shoulder.

Part K Continues…..

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

K

He was there.

Yet not.


It would still take some time to be part of that family...

He spoke "bye Aashna..."


To his surprise, she said "bye Annav. Bye bye...byyyeee"

And she waved.
With a big smile.

He just nodded at Khushi and twisted the knob...




She was at work...
She was waiting for his call...

But he didn't call...
Not in the morning...

Not in the noon...
Afternoon passed...

She finally called him. He didn't answer. But he did text her back...

In a meeting. I will call you after I am done. I miss you sweetheart. I will see you in the evening.



Evening?
Busy?
Meeting?
Work?


Everything irritated her.
Is Roshni in the meeting too?


What am I thinking?
Why do I even think about her?

She is just an employee.
I am his wife.


What's the point?
She is there with him.

Watching him...
While I am here, calling him...


So what?

He will eventually come to me.


Khushi. What is wrong with you? You are comparing yourself to that s**t.

Ugghhh!


Why does he have to be so good looking?

It was already evening and he hadn't even called her back yet.

WHY??


She couldn't stop herself from thinking anything negative.

Karan's voice interrupted her thought "Jalebi, no chance of coming tonight?"

She replied "you know the answer Karan...I won't...I can't...I am sorry..."

"I understand Jalebi...as usual...we will wish you at midnight over the phone...enjoy relaxing. I have to get to the yacht little early to check on the arrangements...I am leaving right now...you should go home too...where is K?"

She replied "she is long gone. Between her hair and nails...she couldn't work today."

They both laughed. He bid her bye and left her there with her unwanted thoughts.

She finally dragged herself out of the office and headed home.

She got home, opened the door and walked in...

Naina was on the phone when Khushi walked towards her room...

Naina quickly hung up...


"Where is Aashna?" Asked Khushi. "She is at Rohan's, she just left...I will go pick her up in few minutes...Rohan got some new toys and he wanted to play with Aashna."

"Oh...let me change..." She continued walking towards her room...

While her thoughts didn't stop...


"AAAHHH" Naina heard her expected scream.

She ran out and screamed again "what is that Naina?"

"Exactly what you see Khushi..."

Part L Continues…….

It all started with 300 Rupees 33

L

"What? I mean...how? I mean...when? WHO?"

Naina replied "go back in Khushi...and find out yourself."



Khushi stood still. For another few seconds.

"Go Khushi..."


"Huh? Yes...okay..."
She walked back to her room...


With little less shock, this time.

She walked in...
Her eyes couldn't believe it...

Her whole room was filled with flowers...


No, not flowers...

Roses.


No, not roses...


RED ROSES.



In all the colors available...



Red...
Scarlet...
Crimson...
Burgundy...
Ruby...

Long stemmed...
Short stemmed...


Carefully trimmed...


Single stemmed roses...
Bouquets...


Everywhere she looked, her eyes could only find roses...

Her eyes landed on her bed...

Wrapped nicely……

And another single rose on her pillow...


She walked towards her bed...
And picked up the rose...


It smelled heavenly...
So perfect...


She saw the boxes again...


There was a card on top of the boxes...

She picked it up...

It said...


For my wife, Khushi!


She smiled.

She opened it.


She saw the card...

Picture of another long stemmed rose...

It said...


Love only means one thing to me - You...


She still couldn't believe all this was actually happening.
Why?

Why did he do all this?

How long it must have taken for him to do all this?




She still didn't get it.

What's today?

She couldn't recall anything. Today?


She was still holding the card.

She finally opened it...


It was handwritten inside...

In ink...


She read it.


Someone once told me we end up seeing the same person for the rest of the year if we see them at midnight tonight.

That time I wasn't sure if I believed that or not, but today, I believe everything that person ever said.

The only person I want to see for the rest of not only next year but also rest of my life is you .

She looked away.

Many years of her life flashed in front of her eyes...



Her past...

Her old life...

Her old self...



That Khushi. The one she had buried long ago...

The Khushi that she had forgotten long time back.

The Khushi that she left behind….

Just like her old life…..

Her life.

Her love.

Her family.

Herself.

Everything.

She turned back to see the card again and continued reading the last line.

Khushi, will you be my Taarikh?



She smiled.
And clear water took over her eyes.

Simultaneously.

One drop spilled on that ink...


Smudging...

Taarikh...




To Be Continued...

This is probably the hardest 'unres' I've had to write so far because I want to make sure my thoughts are articulate enough to do justice to this extraordinary chapter. I almost don't trust myself to write these 'unreses' because I know it will be impossible for me to put into words what I experience when I read this story. But just for you, I'll try Karma...

I LOVED the texting conversation, it was super fun and I really enjoyed reading it! Even when two people are comfortable in their relationship, you know exactly how to spice things up and make it new again. The texting conversation really got me wondering how much fun it would be to text YOU in real life!

While I was reading this chapter, I could tell that you're very invested in this story. You're writing is so realistic that it makes the readers feel that this could be their life. Your readers are attached to the Arnav & Khushi in this story and can actually feel involved in the way the story goes. That's the sign of a really well written story.

All the characters in this story have such realness to them; it makes your readers feel part of the scene you're writing. As an author, you have a power... the power to write scenes that make your readers laugh hard at one moment and make them sad the very next.

Just when it's all going good and everyone's happy, Arnav is suddenly made aware of how 'his' Khushi is lost somewhere. Karma, I love how you leave your readers to easily figure out some things and at the very next moment, slam them with something they didn't see coming. This chapter was emotionally charged from beginning to end.

I absolutely adore Arnav & Aashna's relationship. I can tell you're definitely a superb parent. Other parents can enhance their relationship with their child by reading this story and the way you've portrayed Aashna's relationship with her parents and the behavior of her parents towards her. You've subtly helped other parents look at their children in a different way and enable them to be more loving parents. Trust me, I'm sure you have.

Anyhow, I'm gonna stop here gurl. You know what I feel about your writing. You the best.

I don't have a perfect adjective that would do justice to this chapter. All I can say is that I LIKED it. I LIVED it. I LOVED it.

This story will forever be ingrained in my heart.