It was like going back in time, for both of them. Except, they were more mature, they were together under the same roof and they were both two adults who were answerable to no one.
The freedom and proximity added as special flavor to their relationship.
They drew tines to the intimacy they shared, though they were free to do what they wanted.
Arnav never crossed the boundaries she had set, knowing how much she cared about such things.
And yet, he never regretted missing out on making love to her.
With Khushi love had so many shades that he felt a heady contentment.
They played scrabbles and chess and fought like kids.
They solved crossword puzzles and Sudoku.
They watched TV over buckets of popcorn.
The cooked together, laughing at his failed attempts.
They went for long walks sharing mindless chatter.
They kissed like teenagers, whenever the mood took over them. Usually he imitated the kisses and she responded with a wild abandon.
She was happy to allow him to sleep on her lap and visa versa when they rested in the afternoon.
When she went to work, he often accompanied.
With pride he realized she had built a fine business and was an astute business woman, though a kind one.
She was a wonderful boss, better than him, he admitted. She seldom got angry, though she could be demanding.
Her charitable work made him realize what a fine human being she was-more than he had ever realized.
She put her heart and soul into the work and every orphan girl in the orphanage received her abundant love.
For both of them it was a time away from time---their small world, where they did not allow thoughts of anyone or anything.
With an unspoken agreement they never talked about 'tomorrow' or the future.
Arnav did not want to push her.
He wanted to give her the time she needed.
He wanted her to realize that she could be happy again and that happiness was with him.
Kbushi was so used to the life with him now, which they had been leading for a week, that it was a shock when he announced late evening one day when she came home from work,
'Khushi Dad called me. He wants me to go to Mumbai for a meeting, which he can't attend. It will be just for a day.'
She never realized when her eyes brimmed with tears. Not seeing him first thing in the morning? Not hearing his husky voice? Not cuddling up to him over TV? Not sharing meals with him? A whole day without him?
As quickly she realized, she had become completely hooked to him, even without her knowledge. As she tried to dash away the tears, he hugged her close,
'It's just a day, I will be back. You can't get rid of me that easily,' he chuckled.
She was embarrassed to admit she was crying for him and she tried to wriggle out saying 'Mmm. It's not you. I mean I was missing Mom and Dad,' she lied.
'Yeah right! So, I will extend the trip to a week,;' he said and laughed when she hit him hard on his chest.
'So Khushi Kumari Gupta. Do you admit you will miss me?' he asked his eyes dancing with mischief.
'Why would I. I have so much to do,' she teased back.
'Mmm, so you are fine if I never came back?' he asked her, in fun.
He was unprepared for her blazing anger. She sprang out of his arms and charged at him, shoving him back with each question,
'It's very funny right?
To come back to my life and turn it upside down.
To make me forget everything.
To make me feel alive again.
To make me think of only you, from the moment I wake up to the time I sleep.
I don't even know when you will get tired of all this, tired of me and pack your bags and leave. Eventually, you will, but I was just hoping----'
She stopped unable to continue, realizing she had already said too much.
'Hoping what Khushi?
Hoping this would last?
So, that's what you think?
I am having some temporary diversion and I will grow tired of you.
I have left my work, the place I live, my home for you.
I am here just for you.
Yet you live in your world of fears and insecurities.
How hard should I try?
What else should I do?
Should I just go and jump off a cliff to prove you that I am serious about you? I really don't know what to do---'
He said, feeling hurt, frustrated and angry. Not sure of his ability to control his anger, he stormed out of the room.
Tears sprang to her eyes once again. She knew she was wrong in doubting his sincerity. She could not explain to him that she did not doubt him. She just did not know if whatever it was between them would last or if he would go away like the last time. She admitted that the past had a huge role to play in her doubts and insecurities. Though she tried, she was unable to free herself from the shackles of the past.
When they slept that night, it was with heavy hearts. Arnav had to leave early in the morning. He wanted to go to her and reassure her that he would always want to come back to her. But he was angry with her. Let her think what she wants. She wasn't going to believe him anyway, he thought.
Khushi cried herself to sleep, desperately wanting to talk to him. But she was scared of his anger. She would wait for him to cool down---
In the morning, when Khushi woke up, she headed for his room after freshening up. She wanted to talk to him and explain her Point of View.
But when she entered the room it was empty.
Anguished she went through the living room, kitchen and all other space. He was nowhere to be seen.
Then she found a post it on the kitchen counter 'Leaving for now----Take care. Be Safe. It hurts that you don't trust me my doll----'
His words hurt her. She knew he was hurt too.
She cried then, feeling lonely and lost.
Nothing felt the same without him.
Why was she fooling herself? She couldn't sail through a day without him and she had been asking him to leave just a week back.
He had become her drug, her addiction, her happiness, her reason to live. When did this happen? Was she right in letting it happen?
She wished she could just drop her fears and embrace whatever little Arnav offered? But she did not have a clue how to drop her fears and her promises to her parents.
She had barely dragged herself through the morning and was getting ready for work when the bell rang.
She opened the door, as it was the usual time for the maid to come in.
She was shocked to see the man standing at her doorstep.
'I hope you remember me?' he said looking at her directly.
'Yes. Of course. You are Arnav's father,' she said, all color leaving her face.
'Can I come in?' he asked politely.
She recovered from her shock and said 'Yes of course Sir.'
When he came in Ajay Singh Raizada studied the frail girl in front of him, the girl his son was obsessed about for close to 8 years now.
No doubt she was beautiful. But Ajay could not figure out what made his son so obsessive about this one women.
'Can I get you something sir? Tea? Coffee? A cold drink perhaps?' Khushi asked.
'No nothing. I did not come here for that anyway,' he said.
'How can I help you sir?' Khushi asked, fearing the worst.
He paused for a while, deep in thought,
Khushi observed the older man quietly.
He was an older version of Arnav. Looking at him, she could imagine how he would look at his age. Her heart constricted with the thought, would she be around him to see him then?
'So Khushi. Tell me, where are your parents,' Ajay asked,
'They are no more sir,' Khushi replied quetly.
'Had they been alive what would they want from you?' he asked.
'They would have wanted me to be successful in my career,' she said,
'And---' he prompted.
'And they would have wanted me to find a nice guy and get married and settle dwn and have kids,' she concluded.
'And do you think they were right in expecting that out of you, as parents?' he asked.
'Of course. Every parent expects that of a child,' she said.
'Right. That is why I am here.
I expect the same from my son.
I want him to move on.
I want him to get married and have children and have a normal life.
But he is unable to move on in life only because of you---'
Cricket
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Bigg Boss 19
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