Part 10: Accidentally in Love
"Bhaii, I know this will annoy you a little, but Khushi's dad called me this morning and so I had to check something with you," Aakash's nervous voice came from the other end of the phone.
"What about Khushi's dad," he asked in a careful tone.
"Well, the family has found a boy for her. So," Aakash said cryptically.
"What does find a boy mean? A boy for what," he asked, feeling just a little impatient with his younger brother.
"I mean Bhaii, to get her married to obviously. Payal and Khushi's Daadi want Khushi to get married by end of this year. So." Aakash said. Evidently completing all his sentences with "so" was a new thing with him.
"Khushi is getting married to some idiot boy whom her family has picked for her," he asked, completely baffled by now.
"His name is Anuj Tripathi. He seems like a good guy. He works in publishing, heads Muffin Books, the children's book arm of Ostrich Books. So Payal was wondering if you can do a background check of the guy through Asya," Aakash said.
"No," he said with finality and hung up.
He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that Khushi was going to go ahead with an arranged marriage. As in, she seemed like such a free spirit full of joi-de-vivre. In fact, that is why he loved her. Correction - that was the quality that he loved about her. Like. Found interesting. Anyway, he was no meddler. If she wanted to marry some idiot her family picked via
shaadi.com, it was not his business.
Beep.
Arnav, the scans came out clean and I am back home. Thanks for all your help. Everyone needs a 12 am friend like you. Sorry for ruining your birthday.
No thanks required, Asya. Take care of yourself.
**
"Hello."
"What are you wearing?"
"Daadi! That is a really creepy question to ask someone over the phone."
"Matlab?"
"Never mind. I will call you when I am back after meeting Anuj. Stop stalking me now."
"I am not stalking you. Eat something before you leave."
"I am meeting him at my favourite restaurant. I am going to eat Ham and Cheese French toast with mustard dressing. Yum."
"Anuj is vegetarian."
"That is great! I won't have to share my food with him. If I am not able to eat all of it, I will ask for a doggie bag."
"Don't go chomp chomp in front of him. No boy who has seen the inside of your mouth while they watch you eat will marry you."
"Well boo to them then."
"Khushi!"
"Daadi!"
"Fine. Do what you want."
"Exactly what my plan is. Anyway I need to go and pee now."
"Silly girl."
"I love you too Daadi."
"Go."
"Bye."
**
"No, I don't like this at all," Arnav said, even as Lauren looked on worried at him and Asya.
"But Arnav," Asya said in a reasonable tone, "this is a good opportunity for us to really promote this book. Plus, Balwant Kaur is a great filmmaker, she knows exactly what she is saying."
"No, I am not acting in a movie, Asya," he said, "and there can be no more discussion around this."
"But Arnav, you are not going to play some flakey pretty boy. You are going to be the narrator of the film. How many writers get this opportunity?" Lauren, the ever persuasive went on even as Asya nodded.
"No. I have great affection and respect for you ladies, but this discussion is over," he said and walked out.
**
Balwant Kaur's new film Accidentally in Love announced
Ace filmmaker, Balwant Kaur, director of hits such as Smash it like Dhoni and Spice Route, announced her newest film titled - Accidentally in Love at a press conference in SOHO yesterday. The film is based on a soon to be out novel by Indian origin writer Arnav Raizada, published by Ostrich Books. Raizada will be working on the screenplay as well. The film will feature newcomers Shashank Kapoor and Sunaina Kapoor. Shashank Kapoor is the son of yesteryear onscreen sweethearts Vineet Kapoor and Seema Kapoor. Sunaina Kapoor is the daughter of 70s superstar Samar Kapoor.
Shashank, who looked dapper in a Versace suit, said, "There is too much pressure being a superstar's son. But I hope people will appreciate me for who I am."
Sunaina decided to go desi in a stunning Anamika Khanna sari, who she said was her favourite designer. Sunaina who recently got out of film school in New York said that she too had to struggle a lot before she got a call from Balwant Aunty to play the lead.
There is going to be another debutante in the film. Arnav Raizada the handsome writer is all set to make his acting debut with this film. If sources are to be believed, he will play the critical role of the narrator in this film. We understand that Raizada was reluctant to do the film, but was persuaded by his editor Asya Raichand to take on the project. The film will also feature Vrinda Kapoor and Ajay Kapoor in important roles.
The story set in Lucknow and shooting is scheduled to commence next month.
What the f**k?!
Arnav is now going to be a movie star? Oh well, whatever.
Khushi stuffed the tabloid into her bag. Where was this Anuj guy now? Should she order food? Daadi was right; she should have eaten something before leaving home.
Oh, there he was.
She waved at him and he smiled, walking towards her.
"Khushi?"
"Anuj?"
"Yes.
"Good to finally meet you."
"Yes, it is. Sorry to have kept you waiting."
"No problem."
They sat down and Khushi thought, kameena looks nothing like his Facebook profile picture. Photoshop ki jai ho.
Minus 100 points.
"Should we order in? I am ravenous," Anuj said, interrupting her thoughts.
"Oh, yes, please," Khushi said gratefully.
Plus 100 points.
**
Beep
Aakash tells me that you are marrying some guy called Anuj? Is this true? Why??????
Hey Anagha, I have been good. Thanks for asking. How are you?
Funny. Why are you marrying Anuj? Who is he? What happened to Arnav?
What about Arnav?
I thought the two of you were doing some serious eye sex.
What does that mean? And who has been spreading these rumours?
Aakash told me that the two of you were BFFs.
You are my BFF. We don't do eye sex.
Hmm. Waise you and Arnav look cute together.
My tote bag and I look cute together. So what of it?
You need help.
Pshaw.
Does that mean you are marrying Anuj? You had so many boys, and you go and pick some shaadi.com guy?
A man in the house is worth two in the street.
Kuch bhi.
**
<Doorbell>
What idiot was pounding on his doorbell at 2 in the morning, Arnav thought as he went to get the door.
He opened the door and was immediately enveloped in a big hug.
"A-dawg! Surprised, huh?" A beaming NK announced.
The universe must really hate him, Arnav thought.
"NK? What brings you here? I thought you were safely back in California," Arnav said wearily. When he saw that NK had come with two really large suitcases, he sighed.
"I am here because my company has sent me for two months. Don't worry I will move out to a serviced apartment next week. Unless, of course you would rather have me here," NK said, winking at his cousin.
"Well that is nice then," he said, "you can take the guest room for as long as you are here."
--
The next morning when Arnav woke up and came down to get some coffee, he saw NK already sitting there, fiddling with his iPad. So NK was really here. It wasn't something he dreamt last night.
"Morning, A-Dawg," NK said, "I am trying to get in touch with Khushi, but she won't pick up my phone. Any idea why?"
Seriously what is with every member of his family's never-ending love affair with Khushi?!
"I am not Khushi's keeper," he gritted through his teeth, as he poured himself some black coffee.
"Really? Lavanya was telling me that you had a crush on Khushi. You guys look cute together. Khushi is such a cutie and well you are, you know, just you," NK went on.
"Lizoo needs her head examined. I most certainly don't have a crush on Khushi. And about looking cute together, it is moot because she is getting married soon," Arnav said.
"Yes, Lavanya told me that too," NK continued, "but them Gupta girls and us Raizada boys have a penchant for running, so you might still have a chance. When Khushi runs away from the mandap, just be sure to be waiting outside with a car to drive her away."
"NK, I will help you move to your serviced apartment today itself," Arnav said as his cousin looked on indignantly.
**
"So?"
"A needle pulling thread."
"Umm."
"Laaa a note to follow So."
"Shut up, Khushi. I didn't call you so that you can channelize your inner Julie Andrews."
"You have changed after your shaadi. You are no longer the same Payal I knew. You have become a Raizada now."
"What is a Raizada."
"Mean, but kinda cute. But mostly mean."
"Hmm. So, what have you decided?"
"About?"
"Anuj, that is who. I heard you met him a few times."
"Yes. We met 5-6 times."
" 5 or 6 times?"
"You should be in CID."
"So?"
"We met 6 times in all. Happy"
"That is a LOT."
"And 5 would not be a LOT?"
"Hmm. So?"
"Arrey. What so?"
"What have you decided?"
"I haven't decided anything."
"Why not?"
"Do you like him?"
"Maybe"
"What is maybe?"
"Is an adverb."
"Khushi!"
"I can't decide. It is shaadi. It is coming back home to one person for the rest of your life. I am allowed a moment of doubt, yes?"
"So you have doubts?"
"No. I don't know."
"So what kind of guy is Anuj?"
"He is nice."
"What is nice?"
"An adjective."
"Khushi! Tell me 3 nice things about Anuj."
"Umm."
"Go on."
"You are being silly."
"I am waiting."
"Good lord, you are something. Perhaps this is why jeeju is having an affair with Anagha."
"Nice try at trolling me. But not working."
"Hmm."
"So."
"Well, Anuj is' tall."
"Umm. And that makes him nice?"
"I like my men like my glass of iced tea ' tall."
"I see. What other nice qualities does he have?"
"He is a hotshot editor. Maybe he will publish a book that I will write."
"If you write a good book he will publish it even if he does not marry you."
"Well that might be, but this way is a guarantee. I will withhold sex and make him sleep on the couch if he does not publish my book. And maybe slowly poison him by adding some tiny quantities of mild poison into his food."
"Mild poison? Really Khushi. I feel like calling Anuj and warning him."
"Hmm. I don't know Payaloo, I am confused."
"It is apparent. But Khushi, think about it. Follow your heart. Always. Remember that is what mom would have wanted you to do. I wish mom was around for you now."
"Hmm. I wish too. But you are my mommy. And a nice one at that. Except that I wish somebody took away your phone."
"You wish!"
"You know, my head says this guy is right, but heart has gone all cold and kind of uncommunicative. Waiting for it to wake up."
"Perhaps you need to get away from it for a bit. Away from Anuj and evaluate your life."
"You are right, like Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love and go to some exotic country and make out with exotic men."
"Khushi if you are going to continue spewing nonsense I will buy Daadi a one-way ticket to London and send here to you."
"Nooo. Fine, I will think about it. Will go to Cornwall this weekend."
"Why do you keep going there? Something is suspicious."
"Well. I think of Cornwall as my dowry. For marrying the UK."
"Umm. Places as dowry? Really?"
"Why not? I mean if the Brits got Bombay as a dowry, then yeh bhi chalega."
"I am really going to warn Anuj about you."
"I love you too Payaloo."
"Bye."
**
"K-star, it is so good to see you," Nandu said warmly as he hugged Khushi.
Khushi felt immediately a sense of happiness on seeing Nandu. He was such a fun guy, without a complicated persona and any pent up angst. Why couldn't she fall in love with perfectly amiable men such as him?
"Yes. Everything is so dreary around here. We need some sunny California cheer around here," she said beaming and meaning all of it. "So where are you staying?" she asked.
"But at my celebrity cousin's house, of course. And pissing him off every second," Nandu said winking at her.
"Good," she said, feeling vaguely satisfied.
"Hmm. So did the two of you have a fight," Nandu asked her, openly curious.
"Yes," she said, "he broke my heart."
"Aww. Poor you," Nandu said, holding her in a friendly hug, "But, my cousin would never do that. He is, deep down, a nice guy."
"Must be very deep down," she complained.
"So what happened?" Nandu asked as they waited for their food to arrive.
"He did a Darcy on me," she finally said.
"He did a what on you?" Nandu asked, looking perplexed.
"Darcy. The fictional dude all the girls swoon over. Who is kind of douche, but hot," she explained.
"I know WHO Darcy is. But what does Darcy the verb mean," Nandu asked.
"You know the whole mixed signals thing. Keep saying mean things but then do something uber nice. Say that you like a person, inspite of what a moron you think they are. That kind of thing. Anyway, food is here," she said.
Nandu looked at her thoughtfully.
"You guys have problems. Really, such babies the both of you are," he finally said.
"Whatever. I am marrying this guy called Anuj," she said.
"So I heard. What kind of guy is he anyway? Tell me more," he asked digging into his steak.
"Well. He is tall.." she said.
**
"Is that Arnav?" a woman's voice with a clipped accent asked.
"That is right. Who is this, please?
"I am calling from the St Michael's Hospital. You have been listed as the emergency contact of a patient Nand Kishore Raizada," the woman said.
"I will be there right away," Arnav said as he grabbed an umbrella and ran out.
NK, hope he is okay. I should have let him stay at my house, he thought guiltily.
--
"Yo A-Dawg," NK said, in his usual cheerful tone as he sat on the hospital bed eating jello.
"You are okay," he said both relieved and annoyed.
"I am fine, but Khushi is in a bad shape. She got six stitches," NK said.
"What?" Arnav said, "Where is she?"
"Woah bro!" NK said with a grimace, "no need to be so intense. She is in the room down the corridor. They wouldn't let me get off either. So that is why I called you."
"Hmm, so what happened," he asked.
"We were having dinner in Little Venice when suddenly that thing turned over and couple of wooden pillars fell on us. I managed to escape with scratches, but Khushi got badly hit. Poor kid," NK said woefully.
"Are you okay? Can I get you something," he asked, concerned.
"I am fine. Just go and check on Khushi. Don't do a Darcy on her. Or maybe you should. I don't know," NK rambled on.
"I am assuming you are high on some medication. I will be back," he walked out.
**
"Raizada, do you think I am going to die?"
"I don't think so, Khushi."
"What if I die?"
"We will worry about that when it happens."
"Fine."
"How are you feeling?"
"Happy. I am a happy kind of person."
"Or it could just be the morphine."
"You really broke my heart that day."
"I know. I am sorry, Khushi."
"You have to make it up to me."
"Anything."
"I want to do an item number in that movie of yours ' Accidentally in Love."
"No."
"What if I change my name to Khushi Kapoor?"
"The answer is still no."
"You are the worst."
"I am?"
"Sometimes. A bit like Darcy, I guess."
"Darcy? I think NK and you should get married."
"No. I am marrying Anuj."
"You are?"
"Maybe."
"Why don't you marry Darcy instead?"
"Only if he will ask me nicely."
"You might die an old maid then."
"I think so too."
**
Hey Payaloo, I have news, we need to talk. Call me as soon as you see this.
PS: I almost died.
PPS: But I did not die.
**
Hi Di, needed to talk to you about something. Call me when you see this.
PS: Nothing to worry.
Edited by TabassumR - 12 years ago
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