ArShiFF: The Dawn of the Dawn - Thread 4 - COMPLETED - Page 67

Amma, I need your help.

Khushi, itni subah? What time is it? 5:30AM. How come you woke up early?

Amma, I wanna know how Arnav's morning used to start back then when his parents were alive.

Why?

Amma just tell me. Why do you ask so many questions?

Hmm where should I start. The day in their family starts with Komal bhabhi. She is very devotional and used to wake up at 4AM.

4AM? Khushi gulped worriedly.

Yeah 4AM. She used to wake up at 4AM. Even Chote used to wake up along with her.

Chote? Oh yeah you told me once. Arnav right?

Yeh ladki bhi na!!! Garima sighed. You are the first wife I have known who doesnt know your husband's other names.

I know him as Arnav Singh Raizada. I cant help if you people keep calling him with different names as chote, mote or whatever!

Garima giggled. Bechara Arnav! I wonder how he is handling you.

Amma! Khushi peeved. Continue!

Well Chote was Mama's boy and he used to help her pretty much whenever possible. He used to wake up early with her and help her setting up the pooja mandir, cleaning the idol, etc.. You know stuff you prepare before pooja!

No I dont know. I want every detail.

Uffo, what happened to you today? Acha suno phir, His favorite part is to pluck fresh flowers from his garden.

His Garden?

Yeah he is very fond of gardening.

But there is no garden here? Khushi looked around the building from her window. She didnt notice even a single plant.

I am not surprised. Garima spoke with welled up eyes.

Why?

I think he stopped gardening after his mom died. Garima spoke with choked voice.

Khushi became sad hearing that. How can one ill-fated incident change a person to that extent in life. She thought.

I think this is enough for today. I will call you later.

Khushi, careful beta. Dont do anything silly and hurt his sentiments. He is very attached to his mom.

Ji amma, I will be careful.

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Khushi took head bath and wore deep purple colored saree embellished with thin border of sequins. She sat infront of the mirror towel drying her hair. She peeked several times in the reflection of the mirror to see if Arnav woke up but the glass doors are still closed and she could barely see his feet popping out of the sheets.

Without wasting any time further, she went to Kaka to enquire about the pooja items.

Khushi bitiya, I think you should speak to Arnav babua before doing pooja. I dont think he will like it.

Why are you people so afraid of him? Dont worry Kaka. Just tell me where all the stuff are.

Kaka reluctantly showed her a small room where all Puja items are stored. Khushi was surprised to see the room full of puja items made of gold and silver. The whole room is sparkling and there was absolute no need of any other light. The sight was beautiful. It also gave her a sense how Arnav mom responsibly maintained the antique pieces so well. She quickly grabbed a thali and small bowl to serve prashad. She then prepared Kada Prashad (Wheat Pudding) unaware that it is one of Arnav's favorite sweet.

She never paid so much attention to poojas and fesitvals in her life as she was out of country and away from home most of her life. But ever since their wedding night, she seemed to be living the life for Arnav without her own knowledge. Her actions, her words, her thoughts everything is lingering around him without even her aware. And after what he has done last night secretly leaving a rose beside her, proved that she is needed more than she thought and she is determined to do everything she is capable of to bring LIFE into this man's life.

She cleaned the mandir and adorned the idol with flowers. She prepared her aarthi thali and served the prashad in the gold bowl. She then took her pallu and covered her head with it and started her morning prayer the way his mom always did...

Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Swami Jai Jagadish Hare

Bhakta Janonke Sankat

Bhakta Janonke Sankat

Kshan Mein Door Kare

Om Jai Jagadish Hare

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Arnav in deep slumber could hear the devotional song faintly. Its been ages since he heard that song. He frowned in his sleep and concentrated more and more to understand where its coming from and then to his own surprise he got glimpse of his mom smiling at him behind the closed eyes. He is dreaming. He is dreaming his perfect family.

His dream...

Komal, his mom started singing aarthi song melodiously as she started lighting diyas kept in her thali. Arnav never heard the song Om Jai Jagadish Hare song sung by any other but his mom and he preferred that way all his life. Soon his dad joined his mom and they both started doing aarthi together as ideal couple, still young and very much in love. Then his mom turned to her right and sighed a young lady to take over aarthi. The young lady who is busy exchanging smiles with his sister Anjali, smiled tenderly at Komal and took the thali into her hands. The young lady in late 20s looked around searching for someone. She then turned back to see him (Arnav) and sighed him with her eyes to come forward and join her. Arnav surprised, shocked and looked disturbed to see the woman as none other than but Khushi, his Khushi.

Then his parents, Aran and Komal came upto him and walked him to Khushi. Aran and Komal took Arnav's right hand and placed it in Khushi's hands.

Chote! Ab Khushi hee tumhari zindagi hain. Saying this, Aran, Komal, and Anjali slowly withdrew their hands from Arnav's hand and drifted away from the new Raizada couple Arnav and Khushi.

Dad, Maa? He wept calling their names...Khushi leaned to his chest and placed her hand on his chest and whispered, Its OK Arnav. Main hoon tumhare saath.

Khushi? Arnav jolted up from his sleep calling Khushi's name, confused for few secs as it slowly dawned to him that he was dreaming. He could still hear someone singing the prayer as he touched his cheeks that are drenched in his tears.

He got off the bed and rushed down to pooja mandir hurriedly. He saw Khushi doing aarthi. He fisted his palms and tried to suppress his anger. He went and stood next to Khushi and spoke in warning tone,

Khushi, what is all this?

She fluttered her eyebrows and sighed What? and she continued with her prayer.

Khushi, Stop it. He said as calmly as he could losing himself at faster pace beyond his control.

She didnt stop instead she sighed him to give her sometime to finish.

I said stop this nonsense, dammit. He yelled at the top of his voice.

Kaka tried to intervene but Arnav showed him his hand and asked him to back off.

Khushi in tears, faced Arnav with thali in her hand, closed her eyes unable to see the painful grief deeply rooted in his eyes and sang the following lines,

Tan Man Dhan Sab Kuch Hai Tera

Swami Sab Kuch Hai Tera

Tera Tujhko Arpan

Tera Tujko Arpan

Kya Laage Mera

Om Jai...She couldnt sing further as she broke down.

Arnav just looked at her with shocked expression. He didnt understand if she is adamantly continuing her prayer or if she is expressing that she is ready to give herself to him. He took steps backward and looked at her confusedly and walked away unable to explain his torment and unable to say a word to her.

On the other hand, as Khushi closed her eyes and recited those lines, all she could see is HIM, ARNAV. Every word she said, every line she recited referred to their relation for some strange reason unknown to her, leaving her jittered and perplexed.

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Arnav stepped into the cold shower and blankly stared at the tiled wall, remembering the dream and what Khushi did and said. More he thought, more his eyes became red and moist grieving over his great loss. He closed his eyes as tears didnt leave a chance to roll.

After what happened yesterday, he promised himself not to hurt her. But within 24hrs, he made her cry again. And that pain was just too much for him to handle. The best he could do in that situation is not to say a word to Khushi but to keep his anger, pain, and grief to himself. And he just did that.

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Kaka witnessed everything. He felt helpless as this is between the couple. Khushi rushed to her room as she didnt wanna break down infront of Kaka. For the first time, she saw so much pain in Arnav's eyes and it has become extremely unbearable and suffocating for her. She thought he would yell at her and take his pain out in the form of anger but he did nothing. He didnt even a say a word to her. She preferred the angry man over this silent man, at least he was expressing his turmoil in some way.

She then saw Arnav wearing shoes, through the glass doors. She rushed to him to speak but before she could say a word, he stormed out of his room leaving her dejected.

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By the time Khushi reached office, Arnav was already in meeting with the client. Khushi waited patiently for hours but he is in meeting one after the other without a break. He is busy talking and nodding his head as some sort of disagreeing with clients over something. What she didnt know is that he is stealing glances without her aware at every opportunity.

Irritation, frustration, and anger reached its peak for Khushi. Every ounce of her patience vanished and she picked her phone to call him, while looking at him through the blinds.

He saw her name on the display but he didnt look at her on purpose which irked her more.

In meeting! was his text message to Khushi.

Another change in Arnav! He ignored her call but he responsibly texted the reason for ignoring her call, because after what happened last night, he was sure that she wouldnt mind giving him another slap in front of clients. That brought a cute smile on his lips, making him forget all the anger.

How dare he ignore my call? And in meeting, My foot!!! as if I dont know. She peeved but she noticed subtle smile on his lips and finally she caught him taking brief look at her.

Attitude, Huh? Khushi said to herself giving him a witty look. Wait and watch Mr. Raizada!

She texted back to him, You got 3 mins to call me, otherwise I will barge into your meeting.

She noticed shock expression on his face while he read the message. He texted her back, You are not doing anything stupid of that sort!

I sure very well can. I am now Raizada, remember? I can be as cruel as you!!! She replied.

He chuckled reading her message as he imagined her tiny frame pouncing on him.

Clients were shocked to see his sudden outburst of laughter and didnt make any sense to them. Khushi saw Arnav smiling hard and she couldnt help but let out a happy mischievous smile.

Arnav soon realized that he is the only one laughing like an idiot in the room, he excused himself to make a call.

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He barged into Khushi's room without knocking but Khushi was anyway expecting him after that laugh. She stood welcoming with huge smile on her face.

Dont you have work? He surprised her with his question.

I..

He interrupted her, You got 4 hours to come up with Summer Collection ideas for the Canada client.

What? only 4 hrs?

Too bad, I just cut it down to 3 hrs. Not a word now! If you speak another word, I will cut it down to 2 hrs time.

She evidently closed her mouth with her palms, looking at him with puppy face.

And I need to have it on my desk by 5PM. Even a second delay can not be excused!

She angrily scribbled something on the sticky notes.

What are you doing? He questioned her contracting his brows.

She nodded nothing and hid the piece of paper behind her back.

He caught her wrist and snatched the piece of paper from her fist.

It read IDIOT.

She closed her eyes fearfully. He tried hard to control his smile but managed to put up bossy face, 2 hours! I need the report in 2 hours. He walked out smiling inwardly and making it more harder for her. There is one thing still existing between them that they didnt forget from their college days, no matter what they feel about each other be it love or anger, they like to torture each other in sweetest way possible.

Khushi swore him under her breath and closed her blinds angrily making sure that he doesnt see her rest of the day.

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Its 4:45PM and finally Arnav is free from all the meetings. He is desperate to get a glimpse of her but she closed her blinds and he very well knew she did that on purpose to take revenge. He swayed his head from one side to other thinking how crazy she is.

He leaned back against his chair and opened her Mehendi photo on his phone. He remembered how her slender feet ran to him last night, making his heart to beat erratically. He felt goosebumps remembering last night events. Last 24 hours changed them and their relation for the better. The hug, the slap, the warning, the tears, the punches, everything was worth the wait, he smiled as he gently rubbed his finger on her feet. He closed his eyes remembering his dream and what Khushi did in the morning. He is not against her praying but her choice of song and the way she sang it. And disturbingly she sang as best as his mom always did. For last 8 years, he submerged himself in so much work to avoid thinking about his loss. Now Khushi is here, just doing the opposite. He wondered why suddenly Khushi started these religious stuff. As far as he remember, she had never been religious or traditional in such matters in the college. But all these dont matter as much as his parents did. He wants to be left alone and to himself when it comes to his parents and sister.

Arnav was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard knock on the door. He checked the time 5PM and He got all excited to see his angry wife.

Come in! He said pretending he is busy.

Sir!

Tum? Arnav is surprised and a bit disappointed to see Aman standing at the door.

Sorry Sir. I didnt mean to disturb you.

Oh no no. Come on in.

Sir, Mrs. Raizada asked me to give you this file.

Khushi? Where is she? Arnav asked taking over the file

She just went home few mins ago.

OK! Anything else? He spoke a bit irritated and disappointed.

Nothing else Sir. I will see you tomorrow.

Arnav nodded and a bit disappointed that Khushi didnt say anything before she left.

He opened the file and saw a small envelope that read, To Mr. Raizada!

He opened the envelope with smile on his face as he knew it is from her.

I finished the designs in 1 hour 38 mins 19 secs, way before your deadline! Dont challenge me! signed by her as KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA SINGH RAIZADA.

He rubbed his temple with fore finger, with huge smile on his face thinking about her craziness.

Puri tharah pagal ho chuki hain. [[She's gone totally mad]]

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Raizada Mansion...

Arnav entered the house and noticed Khushi helping Kaka in the kitchen. She too noticed Arnav entering but she royally ignored him. He loosened his tie as he walked inside and noticed Khushi ignoring him on purpose but he didnt mind to say hi to her, which she was by the way expecting him to come and speak to her.

Idiot kaheen ka! Never seen anyone so egoistic. She muttered angrily.

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All three assembled at the dinner. All three ate in silence. While Kaka thought that they both are upset with each other after the morning fight. The couple themselves didnt remember why they are not talking.

As Arnav was about to get up from his chair, Kaka stopped him saying, Arnav babua wait a min, Khushi bitiya made prashad today. Let me get you some! Kaka rushed to the Kitchen, while Arnav silently settled himself in his seat and surprised that she prepared food in his house for the first time and he cant wait to taste it. He grew impatient inside while admiring her angry face.

Didnt even bothered to say HI. He is so deprived of sweetness. I hope this prashad gives him some budhi. She nagged to herself but loudly enough for him to hear. Typical wife! He thought.

Kaka came with 2 bowls of prashad and kept it infront of Arnav and Khushi. As Arnav was about to take a morsel. He stopped and looked at Khushi mischievously who was eagerly waiting for him to taste it.

Khushi, I got a call to make. Why dont you bring the bowls upstairs in few mins?

Nahi! She said in stern voice giving exasperated look at him. She soon realized Kaka is there and rephrased her words. Mera matlab, [[I mean]] I have some kitchen work. I might be late.

Thats OK. Mein intezaar karoonga. [[I will wait]] But make it fast. You know I dont like to wait for long. He walked away hiding his sly smile.

I wont go. Why should I go? He asked me not to talk. I wont go until he say sorry. She talked to herself, sulking at his attitude.

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5mins turned to 15mins turned to 30mins. She grew more restless and impatient than him. For the first time, she prepared something in his house and for him. She desperately wants him to taste it. She wanna hear him say how it turned out. Finally her restless heart won over her egoistic mind and she grabbed both bowls and walked to the pool area. She saw him sitting on the lounge chair reading some files.

She didnt speak a word but extended her hand holding the bowl to him. He raised his eyes and looked at her staring at somewhere else than him.

He took the bowl from her hands and as she was about to walk away, He grabbed her wrist and walked her to the corner and made her sit next to him on the floor leaning against the wall.

As he took the first spoonful, she waited eagerly and impatiently for his reaction. He paused and he had this amazed look on his face for a brief second but he continued eating without saying a word or taking a break in between. Khushi was amazed but a bit disappointed that he didnt say anything how it tasted. He finished his bowl and kept it aside and looked at her.

You are not eating? He asked pointing to her bowl.

She nodded NO, expressing her disappointment. I am full.

OK. He grabbed her bowl and started eating her share.

She grabbed it back from him. This is my share!

But you are not eating? Let me have it. He tried to take it from her.

I wont give it to you, unless you tell me why you were upset with me praying.

He frowned hearing her question. Khushi give it to me. Let me eat. He avoided the topic.

You are not answering my question.

Because there is no answer to that question. Give me the bowl. He tried to divert the topic as he is not comfortable sharing his pain to anyone even Khushi as that matter of fact.

She understood that he is not comfortable yet and she decided to let it go for this time but she is adamant to take revenge for their office fight. No, this is my share.

Then eat it.

Meri marzi. I will eat when I want.

Then you can go get another bowl when you are ready to eat. Give that to me. He tried to reach for the bowl.

NO! You already had one bowl. You dont need to eat another round.

Come on! Give it to me. It tastes great.

It took you so long to say that?

I thought you were smart enough to understand when I swept the bowl clean. He snatched her bowl and started digging again.

You have changed. You were not like this in college. She said sadly.

Yeah? How was I in the college? He asked raising his brows while taking spoonful in his mouth.

You used to do this and sing MMM whenever I made chocolate cake for you. She closed her eyes and brought her lips together and drawled.

He chuckled. Kaise kartha tha mein? Show it again?

Aise, like this, MMM. She enacted again.

Phir se Karo? [[Do it again]] He is clearly enjoying her silly expression.

Aise..She was about to do it again and she realized that he is doing it on purpose.

She slapped his shoulder and smarted, Arnav? I am being serious and you are making fun of me. She was about to get up and leave. He caught her wrist in time and pulled her onto him. She collapsed onto the floor, colliding with his chest. They both were lost in that moment under the beautiful moonlight.

She realized the extreme closeness between them and she tried to move away. He held her elbow and pulled her closer and whispered, People change with times Khushi. I did too. Get used to this Arnav. Sooner the better for you. He said looking at her while tears slowly filled her eyes and sparkled under the moonlight.

He continued, You know why I couldnt say a word about this sweet? He asked looking into her eyes.

She tried to search for an answer in his moist eyes, and she in a way guessed it's got to do something with his mom.

This was the last dish my mom prepared before I left to NY 8 years ago and before she left me for good. He spoke in shaky voice.

He released his hold on her but she grabbed his hand and held it tightly as he needed that touch and warmth at that moment.

No matter how much I tried to put myself in your shoes, I dont think I can understand your pain. Or I dont think I am strong enough to even imagine the pain. But I want to see you as the Arnav in college. I want you to come back. Why is it so difficult? She asked in low tone, almost whispering, holding his hands tightly as he started trembling.

Why is it so difficult for my parents and sister to come back? He asked as a lone tear escaped the corner of his eyes. He hated himself for showing that side of him to her.

She had no answer. She has never seen anyone so close to their family and grieve even after so many years. She placed her hand on his chest and leaned her head on his chest, hearing his tremulous heart beats. She cried for him as he is unable to cry for himself. You need to let them go Arnav. Its OK to move on. Main hoon tumhare saath, hamesha keliye. [[I am with you forever]] She raised her head and looked up to see him. He was surprised to hear the same words that he dreamt in the morning.

Dont promise Khushi. If at all I learnt anything in my life, its that Nothing is permanent and no relation lasts forever!!! He held her arms and distanced her away from him. He got up to leave as he didnt wanna show his vulnerable side to her anymore.

She didnt give up. She knew what he needed at this moment. As he was about to leave, she called him.

Arnav?

He turned around to look at her.

She opened her arms and asked tilting her head, Can I get a bear hug? She smiled trying to divert the mood.

He couldnt say NO because he needed her embrace to soothe his pain.

He took one long stride and pulled her into tight hug. And this time, she didnt leave him until he calmed down, until his irregular beats became more relaxed and regular.

Thank you Dumas for the images 😃

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