Chapter 10 : Searching for the other half of me
Khushi followed Arnav Singh Raizada through the whole set-up. He even took it upon himself to demonstrate where she could take enhanced photographs from. The malicious comment that speared in her mind refused to form into spiteful words. It wouldn't help her to engage in a verbal war with him, plus afterwards she always regretted fighting with him. But, sometimes, it was beyond her control. The man drove her irrational with his commanding tones and at times very narcissistic views. There were times when breaking his nose seemed very appealing. Very, very appealing.
''Khushi, are you listening to me?'', Arnav intolerantly glared at her striking a glance at his watch.
'' Yes, I was listening to you when you told me the ramp schedule. I was listening when you told me to stop taking pictures. Of course being me, I didn't act upon that . And, I was also listening when you told me to stop grumbling under my breath.'' Khushi answered back with a smirk.
'' Stop being a wise arse, it's very irritating''
Coughing, Khushi swallowed a laugh, '' this is priceless. Mr. Raizada, have you by chance looked in the mirror lately?''
'' Yes, I have. Handsome as ever. '' Arnav remarked fixing the lapels of his Versace coat and then strolled away leaving behind an amused Khushi. She let her laughter flow and didn't bother to trail after Arnav this time. The man was something. There was no way she could fit him into a box, he wasn't one to be retained. Neither did she want to keep him. Well, there was a time when Khushi would have gone out with him but then he opened his mouth and ruined everything. A tremendous waste.
Lavanya who happened to be walking by near the south end of the backstage found a dazzled Khushi grinning all to herself. She was tempted to scream in her ear but then decided that a soft tap on the shoulder was more sensible. '' Hey, Khushi.''
''Lavanya, right?''
The lady dressed in a simple black dress that showcased her curves perfectly nodded ardently. '' Wasn't ASR giving you a tour?''
'' He was but then he found something better to do.''
Turning off her headset that echoed several voices overlapping each other, Lavanya looked at her confused. '' We share an odd equation, where we enjoy demeaning each other.''
Lavanya managed a smile and deliberated Khushi for a moment. '' He must be really taken by you. ASR rarely pays attention to the female kind of course unless it's for physical purposes .''
There was a hint of spite in that soft voice. Khushi didn't know if she imagined it or it was actually there. However, she was staggered either way. Had she just chanced upon a little crush perhaps? But then again, she wouldn't wish for any woman to fall for a callous man like Arnav. Kind-heartedness was just not built into him. He was rather happy with his brusque ways. Lavanya would be crushed like a bug by him. Yes, she was competent in her work, however Khushi didn't think she was sturdy enough to handle someone like Arnav. The only reason, she was able to cope with him was because she recognized the black heart beneath that extremely good looking exterior.
'' Arnav is certainly not taken by me. He just cannot accept the fact that someone especially a woman can dare to challenge his authority.''
Hooking an arm through Khushi's arm, Lavanya chuckled a little, '' you two seem to be at each others throat. He is very handsome by the way''.
'' I could agree to that. He is very dashing.''
'' Ladies swoon over him, I'd say he is a little more than dashing.''
The comment at the end only warranted Khushi's earlier thoughts and she felt a little uneasy. But, that could have been because she'd skipped lunch. Her stomach protested and Khushi's cheek turned a scarlet red. '' Would like to join me for Lunch?''
'' Sure, just give me a minute. '' Taking the minute she asked for, Lavanya quickly gave out orders into her headset and marked off a few things on her checklist. She worked with a ease which meant she was passionate about her work. Khushi often never understood those who worked in a field that didn't motivate them. If you're going to stick with something for the rest of your life, you better make sure you would love it till your last breath. Her camera was her first love and any man who would marry would just have to accept that.
'' Let's go. I know a nice bistro down the street. ''
They both headed out of the auditorium and walked down the staircase towards the exit door. In the short time they had known each other, they became very comfortable around each other. During the walk to the restaurant, Lavanya explained how she came to work at AR Designs. Then, Khushi rambled on and on about her photography,mentioning all the wild trips she had been privileged due to her job.
Walking in through the doors, Khushi heard a soft chime. It was a cozy little place but still busy as ever. Khushi found herself smiling, when she spotted a waiter trying to communicate with a foreigner. What a nice capture that would be. Blend of two different cultures. It would be very insightful. Sadly, she had to leave that thought at the door and follow the attendant to their table.
Lavanya and Khushi were seated near the window, while they waited for a waiter to bring them menus. '' So, do you often have shows in Lucknow?'', Khushi prompted looking out the window. There was a flower shop at the opposite end of the street. Khushi could imagine smelling the roses that were showcased in the window. She was a pure romantic at heart. Roses were made for love and the feeling of love.
''We've had ten shows so far here, usually the bridal couture is showcased here. Plus, this city is very regal and ancient, it just accentuates our collection.''
'' That means, you have been here a lot?'', Khushi inquired glancing guardedly at Lavanya who didn't notice the impatience in her eyes. ''Yes, actually I lived here during my childhood.''
Khushi quietly traced the rim of her glass as she wondered, if asking Lavanya for help would be a mistake. After a thorough search online, she had not been able to come up with anything. Plus, she had come back to this city after many years, everything was different now.
The waiter arrived at their table before Khushi could speak up.
''I'll take the regular.'' Lavanya said without opening her menu.
'' Summer seasoned salad and a glass of orange juice.'' Khushi said picking the first thing that looked tempting to her. When she was hungry, every kind of food was edible for her. After the man took down their order, he flashed them a smile and left for the kitchen. Khushi took this chance to speak, '' Can, I ask you something?''
''Of course''
''I am looking for an orphanage. I don't remember the name but I do know it was not that far from the Sheesh Mahal.''
Brows furrowed at her inquisition and then lit up with curiosity. Lavanya picked up her phone and scrolled through it rapidly. When she found what she'd been searching for, Lavanya handed the phone over to Khushi, '' Is this the orphanage? My grandmother used to work here, she loved this little place. It was almost her second home.''
'' Yes, this is it.'' Hope sputtered inside Khushi as she looked at the picture. The building was a little broken down but that was due to time differences. It looked the same for the most parts and Khushi could bet her life on the fact that this was the same place...where she had waited countless nights before she had been adopted by two kind souls. '' Could you text me the address?''
'' Sure, but what do you need from there?''
As their lunch was served, Khushi mumbled a short answer about how she knew one of the ladies who worked there. The truth was, she wanted to know where her mother was. All she wanted was an answer from her. The restless night deliberated profoundly upon Khushi as she struggled not to reminisce how alone and frightened she'd felt as those cruel hands had tossed her away like she was a piece of trash.
'' Khushi, would like to join us tonight? We were thinking of going down to one of the nightclubs tonight.'' Lavanya asked as she took a hefty bite out of her sandwich.
For now pushing away any thoughts pertaining to her mother, Khushi managed a short smile '' sure. I hope you won't mind if I bring a friend along?''
''The more, the merrier.''
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Arnav held the phone away from his ear while his sister went on with her tirade regarding Khushi. Be nice to Khushi. Make Khushi comfortable. Keep Khushi safe. Khushi this, Khushi that. He felt like reminding Anjali that she was his sister not Khushi's but he did not. It occurred to him that Anjali and Khushi had formed a strong bond over few weeks. Anjali usually did not warm up to people very quickly but with Khushi she had.
'' Di, are you done?'' he asked in his monotonous cold voice.
'' Chotte, you have to take care of Khushi. Don't fight a lot with her. Be nice to the poor girl''
'' I am not the one who starts it, she does. Have you ever talked to her? She certainly thinks a lot of herself.''
With an exasperated sigh, Anjali snarled, ''what are you five? Just don't be too mean to her. She is such a lively person, I'd hate to see her affected by your grouchiness.''
''I have to ask, are you my sister or Khushi's?''
'' I am your sister but Khushi is a dear friend. Plus, sometimes we never know what is in someone's heart. You might not intentionally want to hurt them but you still end up hurting them.''
Arnav contemplated his sister's words as he thought about Khushi. Anjali was right in the sense that we truly did not know anyone in this world. A person may be surrounded by people but put all that aside and you would find a lonely person just trying to survive through another day. And, he was just starting to figure out that there was a lot he did not know about Khushi Gupta. Strangely, he wanted to know more about her.
''Chotte, are you listening to me?''her authoritative voice made Arnav respond back with a soft hmm to show that he was indeed listening to her.
Frowning, Arnav walked out of his office and onto the stage set. His eyes wandered across the whole room but didn't find the one person they were searching for. Khushi was nowhere to be found. '' Di, I will try to be nicer to your Khushi. Now, I have to go''. After closing the phone, Arnav checked a few other rooms and didn't find her there either. He agitatedly started to call her phone until he saw her walking in with Lavanya. From where he stood, it seemed like Khushi was trying to explain to Lavanya the proper way of holding her a camera. He was surprised to see her Nikon with Lavanya because Khushi rarely parted with it. It was a survival line for her from what he could gather. He reluctantly convinced himself to walk back to his office instead of towards her.
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Dressed in a short but not- so short black dress, Khushi quickly headed down. Except for her pearl earrings and a clutch, nothing else accompanied her. Not even her Nikon. Lavanya had courteously asked her to come and enjoy the night without giving into the temptation of capturing moments. It was a hard bargain but for a friend Khushi had given up the camera tonight and substituted a clutch for it.
'' There you are Khushi.'' NK exclaimed as if he had been waiting for centuries. He was well aware of Khushi's habits but still didn't refrain from mocking. Just as Khushi didn't shirk from giving him a glare that was dipped in a sweet as honey smile.
'' You didn't take very long!'', he commented sarcastically when Khushi started to fix his blazer. She un-tucked his shirt and even mussed his hair a bit. NK didn't object but it was clear he was used to Khushi's probing.
'' You are going to a club not to office. Live it up my friend.''
'' You can live my share also just as long as you stop fighting with Arnav.''
Khushi grinned and looked around. There was no sign of him anywhere, which meant he was probably kicking some innocent puppies somewhere. '' Angoor khatte hain, isme hamari kya galati hai? ''
'' You two are equally bad.'', he said reprimanding her. '' Oh, before I forget, the address you forwarded, I found the location.''
'' Can we go there tomorrow, I only have to be at the rehearsal hall for the dress fitting tomorrow.''
Nk shrugged softly and exchanged a worried glance with Khushi.
''What?''
'' Khushi, I don't want you to get your hopes up if we don't find anything there. It is not certain that we will find any about her information from there''.
'' I know but I need something to hang onto.''
Nk agreed with her but didn't further engage over this topic. He just did not want to see her hurt. Khushi had silenced her fears but he could see that she needed to know the truth. For her sake, he prayed that they would find something that would lead them back to her mother.
'' Ready to have fun?'', Khushi said changing the subject.
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Walking in through the doors, music blared loudly matching the pulse of her heartbeat. Oddly enough, she reveled in the atmosphere and found herself wanting to sway to the music. There were people everywhere, her hands itched for her camera.Before the urge could grow into a full grown necessity, NK pulled her through the crowd towards the bar.
It was insane how people found this kind of atmosphere alluring. Sometimes, Khushi found it entertaining to categorize the type of people who came to these nightclubs. There were those who were here for the enjoyment, other's loved the thrill and lastly those who wanted to be lost among the crowd. Unfortunately, Khushi often found herself in the last category. There was a once in a while random meet-up with strangers but mostly she liked being in the background and just relishing the view.
''Khushi!'', an excited scream brought Khushi's attention to the table near the bar. Lavanya was there along with two other people. After a quick introduction from both sides, Khushi and NK took a seat.
'' NK, what does that stand for?'' Lavanya asked as she signaled for a waiter.
Out of his comfort zone, NK blushed profusely, '' It stands for Nand Kishore. I was named after my grandfather.''
'' Get Out' I was named after my grandmother, well her middle name anyway.''
Khushi smiled applauding herself since her sneaky plan was half successful already. She had anticipated that NK and Lavanya would be able to find some pleasure in each other's company. They were very similar in many ways and the added bonus was they looked really cute together. The fact that Lavanya adored Arnav a little did not weigh into her plan. But, that is only what she told herself.
After placing their order, NK turned towards Lavanya who was indulging herself by swaying with the music. '' Would you like to dance?''
Lavanya placed her hand into his palm and let NK lead her onto the dance floor. Khushi enjoyed watching them dance especially the couple, she'd help initiate. It was cute how Lavanya slowed down for NK despite the music being loud and obnoxious.
Feeling a little troubled as crude eyes from the nearby table settled on her, Khushi got up and headed for the washroom stalls. She was nearly there, when an arm encircled her around her waist and drew her forward. Her chest collided with a rigid form and she recognized him instantly. Relief washed over and she held onto him. That was before her good sense knocked into her and she tried to push him away.
'' Let me go Arnav'', Khushi said and finally looked up at him. He was now gazing at her with fierce eyes. His expression muddled her but she didn't pay any attention to it. '' Arnav, if you don't let me go in the next second, I will scream.''
A magnificent smirk arose on those hard lips as if challenging her. Khushi grasped that her threat was useless. No one would hear her due to the loud music.
''Let me go you...idiot. Someone help please.'' She yelled but it was drowned out by the flamboyant music.
'' Let's dance.'' Arnav said, drawing her closer.
'' I don't dance!'' Khushi retorted irately close enough to his ear. When he scowled rubbing his ear, Khushi did an imaginary dance for her small feat.
''You don't dance not even for recreational purposes?''
''I don't enjoy practicing activities that are a waste of my time''
'' You mean, you are afraid to dance with me!''
Khushi opened her mouth in shock. He had managed to twist her words so easily. Her foot stretched out to stomp on his foot, but Arnav turned her around so that her back was to the wall. She was imprisoned with no where to go. His weight heavily leaned onto her making it uncomfortable for her to move an inch.
''We can dance or we can fight!''
''Neither. I choose neither.''
'' Well too bad for you. We are dancing'' He seized her arm forcefully and twirled her onto the dance floor. Khushi had no choice but to be swept away. When they settled into a soft rhythm, Khushi looked up only find him staring at someone beyond her. She was almost afraid to look back, his intense gaze made her shiver inwardly. Finally, when she looked back, it stunned that the same guys from the table opposite to them stood behind them. Khushi looked back at Arnav. It was definite, he was staring at them purposely.
Arnav moved around the crowd with Khushi in tow. His hands rested at her waist just barely, while she had moved her hands to his arms still fidgeting in his hold. He had not meant to stay especially when Khushi and NK had walked in. But, when he saw how those useless men were staring at her, something had erupted inside him. By forcing her to dance with him, he was making it evident to them that she was not alone. In a sense Arnav was protecting her despite the fact that he knew very well that she could handle it on her own. But, something had changed within since last night. He was looking at her differently. Arnav had not recognized it before but he did now. He was looking at her as if she was the shattered girl whom he had seen crying last night, who needed someone to shield her. Someone to be there for her.
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I updated quicker than before. I will try to update every week. I really hope you like the chapter. Your comments brighten my days like always. Would love to know what you thought of the chapter.
Take care :)
Edited by InvisibleSmile - 11 years ago
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