Here is the next chapter. Please note that I did not have much time to proof-read and edit, so please excuse any errors (I will try to go back tomorrow and adjust them).
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Chapter 13
Khushi and Arnav remained in their close embrace for a moment that passed too quickly for each of them. Khushi was soothingly rubbing Arnav's tension away just by being there for him and silently listening to what he had to say. Arnav felt like he could finally open up about his past heartbreak and share his feelings with someone. His Di tried to break through the barriers he placed around himself many a times, but he never felt like unburdening his grief to someone who went through the same heartbreak. In Khushi's presence and in her warmth, it was much easier to let it all out.
"Titalya! Parmeshwari!! Arreh Sanka devi, where have you gone," Buaji was screaming loudly in order to find Khushi. The inebriated states of most of the people celebrating the festival of colors prevented further investigation to Khushi's whereabouts. Even though Khushi was well away from the action and wrapped up in her own moment with her Arnavji, it was impossible to miss the loud voice calling out her many nicknames. She hesitantly untangled herself from Arnav and looked straight into his eyes. She could see that he was a tortured soul and he just needed some help in order to heal. Could she be the one to make that happen, she thought to herself.
Not wanting to the ruin the moment they created for themselves, she slowly started, "Arnavji, I think Buaji's looking for me. I should go find out what she wants." Although Arnav was mildly upset about the sudden loss of contact, he understood her dilemma and gently let her go. While walking away from Arnav to go meet her Buaji, Khushi kept glancing behind her to take a look at Arnav. He was still sitting on the bench, sporting a dazed expression. Although she wanted to stay with him and ensure that he was alright, she knew she had to go to Buaji before she would come looking for her, and find her in a compromising position with a man.
"Buaji, why are you screaming so loud, I was only here," Khushi stated, trying to somewhat confuse Buaji, although it wasn't hard as the woman wasn't completely in her senses.
"Sanka devi, your Bauji is getting restless here. Every time that Shyam comes near him, he starts reacting weirdly. I feel his presence is disturbing him, so I was thinking that it would be prudent if we leave soon."
Khushi was shocked to know that her Bauji was reacting to Shyam adversely. He was the calmest man she had ever known in her life and for him to cringe just by looking at a man confused her. Due to the limitations on his speech, it was hard to understand what was going through the elder man's mind, but he never reacted strongly to any words spoken or to the presence of any person around him. The one exception that rose to Khushi's mind was when the Raizada family came over with Payal's shagun and upon introducing him to Anjaliji, he started acting up a little bit. Could there be a connection somehow or was it purely coincidental? Unfortunately, there would be no way of finding out until her Bauji was able to regain his ability to communicate clearly.
The Guptas were bidding farewell to the Raizadas and thanking their daughter's in-laws for hosting them so graciously. As was the case in all get-together's, the party stalled at the door, allowing for last minute conversations. The nasha had worn off steadily in all the members who drank bhaang, so there was no lull in conversation. Instead, the two families were arranging the next time they would be seeing each other. While all these lively discussions were taking place, Khushi was discreetly trying to look out for Arnav. She hadn't seen him since she left his embrace and was worried about his state of mind. However, she could not think of a reason to go upstairs without raising suspicions from both the families.
While craning her neck to catch a glance of the elusive figure, Khushi noticed slight movement near one of the French doors at the back of the house. She quickly determined that it was not Arnav, but realized that it was Shyam. Not wanting to give him any attention, she tried turning away, but something caught her eye. Shyam kept glancing at his watch every five seconds, and was speaking agitatedly to someone on the phone, and stood at the door, as if waiting for someone to appear. Curiosity got the better of Khushi and she decided to find out what he was up to as her instincts were telling her that something was not going right. As the elders were still held up in discussion, she quickly excused herself on the pretense of fetching some water from the kitchen. She glided over to the staircase discreetly, and held herself still, making sure that Shyam wouldn't notice her presence around him.
"Where is your man? I have the cash waiting. I don't have much time. I need to get this job done as soon as possible. I'm not paying this hefty sum for this horrible service," Shyam barked out. Khushi was a little shocked at the anger resonating from his voice. Even though he had evil intentions, he always spoke in a sickly-sweet tone. Khushi sensed that whatever was happening was not right and decided to linger around the area to see who he was planning on meeting and if that would give her any clues on what was going on, even though she didn't feel comfortable being in close proximity to him. She waited for a few minutes and then heard the door open and hushed voices.
"Give this to Laal Bhai. And tell him I want the job complete by the end of the week. It's imperative that he comes through on this assignment."
"Ok, sir. I will give the money to Laal Bhai. Someone will contact you about the status of the job," the delivery boy said with a menacing laugh.
Unfortunately for Khushi, she was not able to hear any of the conversation that took place after the door was opened. All she heard was the mention of "Laal Bhai" and the sinister laugh that resonated from the person on the other side of the door. Wanting to get a good look at the person to whom Shyam was talking, she twisted her body until the man was finally in view. He looked like any other delivery man and nothing stuck out for her to remember. However, when she heard his laugh earlier, she knew that something was amiss but because she didn't want Shyam to see her around him, she quickly returned to the front door, joining her family. It wouldn't surprise Khushi to know that Shyam had shady business dealings, as a man who could cheat on his wife could be prone to do anything wrong. She was definitely getting more worried about the man and realized that something had to be done about him.
Unfortunately for Khushi, the conversation between the Raizada's and the Gupta's came to an end, and Mohan was waiting in the car outside in order to take the Gupta's back home; hence she was not able to see Arnav. She would have to wait to see him until Monday, when they would be back at the office. The only thought running in her head on the way home was if he would be able to remember their conversation or would he feign ignorance and blame the temporary amnesia on the after-effects of drinking the bhaang? She ardently hoped that it would be the former, as she did not want him to retreat back to his shell.
The start of a workweek comes with mixed emotions for most people working in the corporate world. For Khushi, it always signified the end of the usually fun-filled weekend, and then the feeling of dread would come over her, thinking of being confined to an office for majority of her waking hours. However, this Monday was filled more with anticipation and slight excitement. She was anxious to meet Arnav and see how he was doing. Although she was sure that his breakdown was directly a result of the stimulant he consumed, he opened up to her a in a big way, and for that, Khushi felt honored.
The Laad Governor always left her confused since their first meeting. He was cold and ruthless in the initial stages, and then he became tolerable by helping her out and apologizing to her, only to be followed by him breaking her heart at Diwali. She didn't understand at the time what she had done to deserve such beastly treatment, but he erased all those cruel memories from her mind when he became flirty and nice during their siblings wedding, which was then followed by a generous job offer. The animosity in their relationship had fizzled considerably and this baffled Khushi. She had learned to deal with his abhorrence to her and her middle class background, but the cordiality he was presenting towards her was perplexing and she didn't know what to feel about it.
Did he want to be her friend, which led Khushi to wonder if he had friends at all, which was beside the point in this moment of time. Khushi couldn't help wonder if there was more than friendship that he willing to offer her. He had mentioned his heart beating rapidly in her presence during his spiel on Holi, a feeling Khushi could relate to. And he had warmed up to her embrace when she launched herself at him instead of pushing her off, signaling he was comfortable around her. Was he merely agreeable with her now that their siblings are married, or was there more to it, such as feelings? Khushi didn't want to ponder too much on his state of mind, as she didn't want to jump to conclusions, and ultimately face disappointment.
More than trying to figure out what Arnav thought about their budding friendship or relationship (or whatever it was), she had to be honest with herself and figure out her own feelings towards the man. Khushi had to admit that she enjoyed herself when she was in his presence and liked spending time with him and getting to know him better, as there were many layers behind the cold facade he presented. She relished the moments before the wedding when he was playful towards her and also appreciated him for the trust he placed in her recently, by the way of the job. However, did those things equate to feelings for her one-time tormentor? There was a strong possibility that could be the case, she thought to herself, while getting ready to head out to work. In order to gain clarity on her thoughts and find out what Arnav was thinking, Khushi decided to be bold by formulating a plan to ask him directly. She figured that the two could go out for a cup of coffee or tea and discuss the situation at hand. It was best to be direct, instead of letting everything simmer, as was the case the previous Diwali. With her resolution firm to ask him out for coffee, Khushi set out to work.
Upon reaching work, and settling down at her desk, Khushi was greeted by her friends at work. The topic of discussion was Holi, and how each person spent it with their family and loved ones. Khushi did not want to divulge that she partook in the festival at the Raizada mansion. As it was, many coworkers had found out that she was Akash Sir's sister in-law and deduced that was the reason she had a job at AR Group, an assumption she was not keen on spreading around the office. Khushi was so nervous and excited about coming face to face with Arnav at the office that she started blabbering on about her awesome bhang-making skills, which earned chuckles from the group stationed around her desk. As they were all enjoying a light moment, Khushi noticed a figure all in black from the corner of her eyes walking in giant strides. She knew the only person who shied away from any hint of color in the office was the one and only Laad Governor. His presence startled her while at the same time made her heartbeats accentuate. Today was the day she had to talk to him!
Please let me know how it turned out, I'm not that confident with this update. Also, I know there was no Arnav in this chapter, but rest assured, he will be back in the next one!
Arjun
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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