Polemic Jackanapes #2: [COMPLETE] Chapter 13-27B - Page 64

Originally posted by: IPK007

First of all...accept my apologies for this shockingly late unres...😳

Another wonderful chapter, your story is like a slice of life...or rather successive slices of life...not all of them sweet. It flows so naturally. All the events, characters, circumstances, conversations are so real, nothing ever seems contrived at all.

I hope I'm not reading too much into Arnav not coming to pick Khushi up...!

And wow, just like the Guptas, I'm happy to have Khushi back too..

As Sandy point out, this chapter did highlight, very subtly, the difference in the personalities of the two siblings. While it's important to have the courage and confidence to speak your mind and stand up for what you believe in, it's just as important to not hurt people's feelings... Feelings must never be dismissed as collateral damage in the pursuit of greater good and at the same time, their consideration should not come in the way of saving a friend or loved one from impending harm, tangible or intangible...(How does one judge what's 'harmful' is a different matter...:/

But of course, easier said than done, and being an arm chair philosopher is one of the the easiest jobs in the world...😊

Lovely update as usual, Twigs..:)

PS: When's the next one coming?

Koi aaina insan ki itni achi tasveer paish nahi kar sakta jinti ke uski guftagu ka andaaz...Update was fab..aai re aai re khushi :P...I'm wondering why arnav didn't received her ...Is this his way to avoid payal...but payal se toh pehle bhi arnav ki aisi conversation hoti thein..I know payal ne es bar kuch ziada hi bol diya..& he was hurt...but kya hua aisa jiski wajah se arnav khushi ko received krne nahi aya..both was missing each other..I think payal ne arshi ke relationship mein bhi problem khari kar di hain...finally, payal ne apne dil ka hal khushi se bayan kiya..I totally agree with khushi..payal arnav ko aaina dikha rahe thi actual mein usy khud aaina dekhna chahye...she'is not sure about her relationship with Akash..dono ko thora time aur space chaheye to understand ke woh dono kya chahte hain kya expect karty hain ek dusry se...looking forward to the next part..thanks forpm..

Chapter 23

Khushi sighed in relief as she stepped out of the little conference room in her office. She had returned from the field trip only the day before, and she was already back at work, spending the entire day preparing a presentation on the field trip and its outcomes. She had just finished the presentation; her boss wasn't entirely happy with how things had turned out, but he was happy with her team and their work. She hadn't expected anything more; things were already difficult owing to the minute design changes they had to make in their model. She had put forth a few suggestions from her end for her manager to review, she hoped they would be useful.

She felt positively drained; she had hardly gotten much rest the day before after her return, and she had been working non-stop since this morning. Despite the tiredness, she looked forward to her evening. She was going to Arnav's place, she'd finally meet him after a whole week.

She had been worried sick because of his absence when she returned, not to mention angry. That he was unable to come to pick her up was one thing, but his whole MIA act afterword was what had bugged her. But he had called later that evening to tell her that he was stuck in a meeting all day, and had forgotten his phone at home when he left in a hurry. He had apologised profusely before she could even say anything, and he did sound exhausted. She decided to let it go, at least for the time being. There was no point picking a fight over the phone. There was also her conversation with Payal that kept lingering in her mind. She hoped to god that Aakash was wrong, and had just read too much into Arnav's behaviour. But if her sister had in fact done some damage, she would have to hear from her. Payal was already quite shaken up yesterday, Khushi knew she'd be far from receptive and hence had decided to keep quiet.

She closed her laptop and packed her bag; checking her desk one last time, she made her way to the parking lot. He had offered to pick her up, but she had declined because she had missed her scooty and wanted to ride it. She really had missed her little two-wheeler, especially when she had to walk around the village in the searing heat. As she hopped on to her scooty and rode her way towards Arnav's place, she couldn't help smiling in excitement at the thought of finally meeting him after all this time. No!, she thought. She would punish him for not meeting her the day before. She wouldn't kiss him. Yes, that was it. She wouldn't give him that pleasure. Not that they could so much more with Nani's presence in the house. But she wanted to kiss him, she realised. Why punish herself for his impudence? She'd kiss him alright! But she wouldn't say she loved him. And definitely not that she missed him. Where did she have the time to miss him any way! She puffed her cheeks in anger and straightened her face the next second as her helmet pinched where it met the frame of her spectacles.

Cursing the traffic lights throughout her way, she finally made it to the apartment complex where he lived. The watchman smiled as he saw the familiar face and allowed her to park at the convenient spot close to the residents' parking area. She thanked him sincerely like she did every time, and took the elevator to Arnav's apartment. She took a quick look at the mirror in the elevator to check her appearance. She rang the bell impatiently, but schooled her face trying to make sure it didn't give away her excitement. He'd pay for his absence yesterday!

She had barely registered how endearing his looked in the green shirt she had presented him a few years back, when she was pulled inside, backed up against the door and kissed - nay, mauled, by her evidently eager lover. So much for her plans to teach him a lesson. She melted into his arms effortlessly as he kissed her passionately, every bit like a lover who had yearned for his beloved. She felt the urgency of his touch slowly turn to smooth motions as he devoured the sweet silkiness of her mouth, now at a leisurely pace as if he had all the time in the world. Khushi found herself trying to sneak her hands inside his shirt when she felt him hold her wrists. That moment of surprise was enough to bring her out of the pleasurable trance; she moved back with a start and whispered, not quite softly "Oh God, what was I thinking! Naniji could walk in any minute!" Her wrists still clasped in his hands, her panic was rewarded with a boyish smirk on his face. "Nani is not walking in on us. She has gone to Ratnagiri with her gang'. They must be plucking mangoes from treetops."

"Are you serious?" she asked, incredulity writ on her face.

"Of course I am. It's one of their many yearly temple visits... I think they're more like temple picnics. Would I kiss you like that in the living room if anybody else was in the house?"

"You mean we're all alone?" she failed miserably at trying to keep the eagerness from her voice.

"Yes, we're all alone. Even Om Prakash has retired for the night." he spoke calmly.

"Then why did you st-"she held her tongue. She knew the battle was already lost.

"Why did I stop? Why didn't I allow you to go ahead with your wicked plans?" he smirked again, much to her annoyance.

"That's not what I was about to say." she said jutting her chin out. Crossing her arms across her chest, "I was about to ask why you didn't tell me this over the phone? That there was no one at home?" Placing her shoes neatly on the rack, she sat down on her couch, her feet tucked under her thigh.

Taking a seat next to her, he moved to put his arm around her shoulder, only to have her push it away. He thought she looked adorable trying so hard to look angry.

"I stopped you, because I owe you an explanation. And because we need to talk before I can eat you up." This time she didn't offer any resistance when he put his arm around her, pulling her closer to himself.

Leaning into his shoulder, "You didn't even call me yesterday. I was worried. And sad." she said honestly, her voice soft but clear. She was his, he was hers; why lie?

"I'm sorry." he said, planting a kiss on her temple. "The meeting wasn't in my control but the way I handled things was. I am so sorry I made you sad, that is the one thing I promised myself I'd never do."

"I understand the meeting was important Arnav, you know that's not what upset me. You didn't even call to tell me you wouldn't come. Or after I came home. If I didn't know better, I'd think you didn't miss me at all."

"Don't ever say that" his response was immediate. "I missed you so bad it hurt, it felt like I was going mad." he said, his hand made its way to her waist and he pulled her even closer. "I wanted to call you that evening, but, I was... I wasn't in the best frame of mind, Khushi. I'm sorry, that's hardly an excuse and in hindsight it was the silliest thing to do. But at the time it felt like not talking to you would be best for the both of us - I didn't want to say something stupid or for you to get worried over nothing. And then I went and did something sillier when I forgot to take my phone with me. Trust me it was painful not being able to speak to you, especially knowing that you'd be waiting for it. I called you the second I got out of the meeting."

Without looking up to meet his eyes, Khushi buried her face in the crook of his neck. "Khushi?" he urged, when she didn't say anything. She wrapped her arm around him in response; "I don't know what to say, Arnav. Since when has not talking to me become a solution to your problems? I have always felt privileged to be the one person privy to everything about you - the good and the bad. And then you say this and I am not sure what to do any more." The dejection in her timbre was as good as a punch in his gut.

He had spent that evening pondering over Payal's words, not in hurt but in essence - had he truly failed to love Khushi with all his heart? Had he held himself back, had his love for her swayed in tide with the way their lives were changing? He had seen Khushi's number flash on his phone several times; he wanted to speak with her, not just because he missed her, but because he had to tell her that he'd be unable to make it to the station. But his doubts had taken over him and he had held back, not knowing what to say, not wanting to say something he didn't mean. For the first time in his life, he didn't know whether confiding in her would be a reflection of his faith in her, or just him taking advantage of her love for him. As he lay in bed at night, he realised that the doubts didn't plague his mind any more. The only thing that did, was the fact that he hadn't spoken to Khushi. Hadn't told her that he loved her. That he missed her. That he was terribly sorry about not being able to come to the station. About that terse, cowardly text he had sent her. And then, he knew that Payal had been wrong. Her accusations had been wrong. It was true that he needed to look deeper within himself to know what he wanted from his life. But his love for Khushi - he would never allow himself or anyone else to question that again. He decided to call Khushi first thing in the morning and apologise for his behaviour. But he had overslept and was late for his meeting and in that hurry, forgot to take his cellphone along.

He had expected her to be hurt, perhaps angry. But the sheer despondency in her voice made him feel like the ground was slipping from beneath his feet. "Please, please don't say that Khush." he pleaded, his voice broken. "I.. wasn't thinking straight. And do you know how I realised how foolish I was being? When I thought about you. When I thought about the call I didn't take, the things I didn't say to you last evening. I knew then that I had made a terrible mistake. I am so sorry. You are my life Khushi, what is mine is yours. I, am yours. Forgive me this once, please?"

Khushi looked up at him, and leaned in to kiss him softly on his lips. "Don't distance yourself from me ever again, Arnav. I cannot bear that." the tears that were pricking her eyes now made their way down her cheeks. She realised now why Aakash had felt compelled to be so harsh with her sister. If he had seen Arnav look anything like he did right now, he would have been furious with Payal. Just like she was.

"Never again. I promise." he promised her and himself with renewed conviction and bent to kiss her again.

*

*

*

Arnav warmed their dinner, the kadhi chawal he had asked Om Prakash to prepare for them. He knew how much Khushi loved it, especially for dinner. They ditched the dining table this time and decided to enjoy their dinner in the balcony under the night sky, as Khushi continued her chatter about the field trip.

"I learnt so much," she said, swallowing another spoon of rice. "Its is pity things went a bit haywire in the end. Had the fire broken out even a few days earlier, we would have had the time to take measurements and perform more tests."

"Why didn't they just extend your stay?"

"Our final semester starts next week, Arnav. This week is supposed to be for reports and final drafts. We submit our conclusions and then leave. They couldn't extend out stay. They're sending another team there next week. But it's going to be difficult for them, most people who have been working on the project were interns."

"I wouldn't be surprised if your boss offers some of you a job after you graduate." Arnav remarked.

"Actually, my boss has already hinted at it. And he hasn't bothered to be discreet about it."

Arnav smiled in response. He had seen her work the past two months with such passion and dedication; that her manager was asking her to continue was no surprise. She was an asset wherever she was.

"What have you thought about that?"

"What is there to think, Arnav? This was it! After I graduate, I am finally going to do what I want. I've had no time to even look at my manuscript during the past few weeks, let alone edit it. I want to focus on it once I graduate. I want to write, Arnav. That hasn't changed. It cannot come second on my list of priorities any more. Dad said I am free to do whatever I want once I have this degree in hand. This time, I am going to hold him to his words."

"Whatever you want, Khushi. Whatever makes you happy. Just keep Shashi informed." he smiled and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You want to get some more rice?"

"Of course." they walked towards the kitchen, "I will tell him myself when we meet, but please tell Kaka the dinner was wonderful."

"I will. A complement from his Khushi bitiya will have him smiling the rest of the week." he chuckled.

They refilled their plates and made their way back to the balcony. "Your semester is starting next week, you said. You don't have any classes this time, right?" he asked sitting down on the wooden stool next to the flowerpots.

"No, just my dissertation. I am terrified, Arnav. I haven't had time to research the topic well. Merchant is a slave driver. And Karthik has already sent me a reminder about the manuscript that I am supposed to edit and send him this week. It's not going to be possible, not if I want it done properly. I'll have to ask for more time..." she pouted.

"You hate doing that!"

"I know. But I have no choice" she said as she finished the last bit of rice on her plate. "Here, let me" he said and took her plate, placed it over his and walked to the kitchen to put them in the sink. When he returned, he found Khushi on the couch again, this time with her head on the hand-rest and her feet up on the couch. He sat down next to her; keeping her feet on his lap, he massaged them gently, tickling lightly in between her toes making her giggle.

Neither spoke a word till Khushi sat up after a few minutes. "That bad?" he asked, amusedly.

"It was lovely." she rewarded him with a content smile. "But I was the one who went for the trip and you look like you've toiled in a paddy field. I want to know why."

Sighing, he leaned back on the couch and rubbed his palms over his eyes to warm them. She ruffled his hair lightly and took his hand in hers, urging him to say something. "It has been a long week, Khushi. Sinha hasn't been able to give me any time and I am handling three of his clients for him. This is the busiest I have been in the past two years and I'm just...tired, I guess. And sleep deprived."

"I hope things are progressing well though. Being busy can be a good thing, you used to say so yourself." she said sweetly. The tenderness in her voice seemed to physically wipe the dreariness of the week away.

"Yes, they're fine. There's a hearing for one of them this Thursday. This is one Sinha has left entirely on me. And I have still so much to do..."

"Are you nervous?" she asked, wondering if perhaps she should have phrased her question differently.

"Not really." he shrugged. "Maybe because I have made a conscious effort this time to not be emotional about my cases, my clients. I am doing my job, and I am doing it well."

"And I'm sure it will be worth it." smiling widely she hugged him close. In response, he held her to himself lightly.

He wondered if anything was ever really worth it, if he would still want to do any of it if it weren't a necessity. The only thing in his life he was certain about was Khushi, the rest could change and it wouldn't bother him. She was the centre around which his universe revolved; nothing else made sense any more. He had felt it happening, felt himself become dispassionate about every other thing in life. He no more looked for meaning or a purpose in his work except the inevitable need to work hard and do his best that was always him. Perhaps he was deluding himself, distancing himself from things so they wouldn't affect him anymore. So he wouldn't have to accept the ugliness that came with reality. But then, he already knew the realities. Seen it, felt it in the moment he had found himself unable to look into Aman's eyes when he returned from his sister's funeral. He had drowned himself in work after that moment, putting his mind into it while distancing his heart. But that wasn't who he was, and the fight within himself was consuming.

He looked down when he felt Khushi move. Placing her chin on his chest, she looked up, "What is it? You are awfully quiet. Should I be worried?"

"No, don't be." he said, unsurprised with how unconvincing he sounded. "I think... I think I am thinking too much. I don't know. Maybe...maybe I should take a little break." He had no idea where that came from, he hadn't planned on it. But he didn't feel the need to correct it or take back the words; they sounded... right. Yes, perhaps he could use a break. He couldn't remember the last time he had spent some time in quietude without any immediate commitments.

"A break?" Khushi asked, her beautiful face now scrunched in confusion. "I don't understand."

"Nothing, just a break. Like a little holiday. Some time off."

"Arnav is everything okay? How did this come up all of a sudden?" she made a move to lean away from him but he held her to himself, his arm still wrapped around her.

"Why is this worrying you so much, Khushi? Weren't you the one who often said that I should take a break? Give myself some time? I think now is a good time. I could really use it." he explained, convincing himself too in the process.

"Just... a break then? There's nothing more to it, right? You are being all weird Arnav, don't blame me for being worried." she was serious. What was up with the man?

"Stop worrying! I'm just thinking aloud, Khushi. You can come with me if this disturbs you so much." he offered.

"No, no" she said immediately. "I was just... you deserve some time alone, Arnav. Solitude is underrated, and everyone deserves to indulge in that luxury from time to time. I won't take it away from you. But don't flirt with other women, okay?" she said smiling sweetly, her hands in his collar tugging at it lightly. She was still uneasy about it, but maybe she was overthinking. But this was one of the rare occasions when he proposed doing something for his pleasure alone, and she'd be damned if she took that away from him. If he needed time alone, he would have it.

The look in his eyes took her breath away; shining with love for her, they took away any uneasiness she had felt for a few moments. "Thank you", he said with a grateful smile. Holding her face in his palms, kissed her passionately. His hands moved to her behind, urging her to wrap her legs around him.

"I have missed you. And I have worried you. There is a lot I need to make up for." he whispered close to her ear and felt her skin break into goosebumps. He carried her to his room and gently laid her down on the bed. He told her that night with his touch and his kisses, how much he had missed her, how much he loved her. How grateful he was to have her in his life; the girl he had fallen in love with as an adolescent boy was today the woman who meant the world to him, who filled his world with warmth and joy with her presence, with her love.

He revelled in her giggles as he kissed her navel, in her moans when he teased her damp core, in her sighs when they came together and the content smile that bedecked her face when he felt her come apart beneath him. She was his benediction, there was nothing he was left wanting with her his arms.