NEW SS: Ardent Desires - Sneak Peak of Pt 9 Pg 142 (31/12) - - Page 8

4 Years later

She covered her neck with the Green Dupatta and then stood up before the mirror gazing herself. She couldn't believe this was happening again with her.

Purvi: Then? What happened after that night? Did he repent on his actions?

Khushi: Phir wohi hua jiska mujhe darr tha. Usne shaadi se inkaar kar diya. Yeh kehkar ki uski hone waali biwi ne uski beizzati ki hai, usse characterless bulaake. Bahut bura laga sabko par yehi sahi tha. Kyon ki uss rishtey mein sirf ek Kashish thi. Pyaar nahi.

Shayad yehi likha tha humaare liye. Purre char saal beet gaye hai uss baat ko leke. Aur aaj phir se wohi ho raha hai jo tab hua tha. Maa mere liye ladka pasand kar rahi hai aur woh koi aur nahi balki ussi ka cousin bhai hai, Nandakishore. Ek seedha saadha aur accha ladka jisse naaki rishto ki ehmiyat hai balki unse pyaar aur judaav bhi hai.Par kya yeh sahi ho raha hai? Kya main sach mein phir ussi ghar se rishta jod sakti hoon? (And then the same happened which I always feared of. He denied getting married to me saying his Would be wife have insulted him calling him "Characterless". Everyone were hurt. But this was right too. Because this relationship was based only on "Attraction" not "Love". Guess this was written in our fates. Its been 4 years for that incident now. And even today I am passing through that same phase of my life. Mom has found a groom for me. And he is none other than his cousin brother, Nandakishore. A simple and good human being who doesn't just realize the importance of relationships but also believes in love and its bonds.

But is this happening right? Will I be able to tie my bond with that same family once again?)

Purvi: I knew it. Some guys just run behind such love makings. They are not interested in anything else than this. Forget it Khushi. You have got another opportunity now. Don't give up because Nandakishore belongs to that same family. I am sure he wont be like his Brother.

Purvi was Khushi's best friend these days and Purvi wished to know why Khushi was not feeling good today for meeting this guy who was already down with the family to see her. Khushi never shared the secrets of that night with anyone. Not even her own family but she couldn't hide it from Purvi. She had to lessen that burden from her heart by sharing her side of the story with someone and Purvi was her best person she could choose for this.

Garima came inside and saw her daughter ready in her green dress to meet the family once again but this time for their other Son.

Garima: They are calling you down.

Khushi: Maa, is this necessary?
Garima: Khushi, you know how awkward it is for us too. But they have brought the proposal from their end and Nandakishore is really a gem. Meet him once at least. If you don't like him, we won't force you.

Purvi: But why from the same family Aunty?

Garima: Purvi in case this marriage happens, Khushi won't be staying in Shantivan. She and NK will be settled in South Africa. So I don't think there is a problem with that now.

Purvi had no reply. She helped Khushi to come down for seeing the Guy and all she hoped is that he is really worth Khushi this time unlike his brother Arnav Singh Raizada.

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Anjali: I know this is strange but we all liked Khushi very much from the beginning and since we could do nothing for her then, we thought of giving the families some time to come up from that past.

Shashi: We have already forgotten that Anjali. All we care now is that Khushi is kept happy by the person she chooses as her life partner.

Everyone turned to see Nandakishore who only smiled at them and waited to see this girl. Khushi came out with Purvi holding the tray of Tea cups, looking down feeling extremely nervous for this moment. She remembered what had happened when she had seen Arnav for the first time.

"I am so sorry, let me help you clean it"

"No Thanks. Just show me the washroom. I will do it myself"
"This way"
"You don't need to shiver Khushi, I am not a Devil to eat you up for no reason"
"I know. But. I really apolozise for spoiling your suit."

"Then buy me one"
"Kya? Sacchi?"
"Hmm.Not now. May be on our first Anniversary?"

She stopped to look at him and know what he meant by this. It was a CLEAR Yes from him for their marriage and he didn't even take time to know her any better. He already liked her in their first meet.

Purvi: Khsuhi walk. They are waiting.

She came out of her flashbacks and continued walking towards the family. She was been introduced to Nandakishore first as rest all of them knew her very well. She raised her eyes and met his only to find him smiling at her but little shy enough. She smiled back.

She was made to serve tea to everyone and then while making one for Nandakishore, she remembered him again.

"I am diabetic, so a Sugarless tea would do"
"So does that mean you wont even taste any sweet?"
"Not much but I guess I should start it slowly"
"Why?"
"Di says you are too sweet."

That blush on her face was never seen by anyone before like today hearing his comment. She shivered passing his Tea and hence dropped the tea cup on his suit in nervousness.

Purvi: Khushi he is waiting. Give him the tea atleast.

She once again came out of her thoughts and passed the cup. He tasted it and smiled back at her.

Garima: What happened Nandakishore? Need anything?
Nandakishore: Yes Aunty, I guess she forgot to add Sugar in this.

Everyone's expressions changed but Khushi couldn't digest this fact that she was remembering HIM again after 4 long years. She immediately put two sugar cubes in his tea and murmured a weak Sorry to which Nandakishore only smiled and gestured from his eyes that it was alright.

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The family gave some privacy to them to talk and she was been asked to take him to her room and show him her paintings which she was good at. But this made her remember HIS words again.

"You are a Fab Painter Khushi. Have you tried exhibiting them out?"
"No. I like to keep them to myself"
"Good work. Hope to see some more from you in the near future"
"Sure. If I get some interesting theme, I would surely continue"
"I thought you already got one today"

He clearly indicated he was talking about himself. He wanted her to draw his portrait. And she was already on top of the world for getting this honor"

Nandakishore cleared his throat seeing her lost again.

Nandakishore: I am not that good in art and neither in appreciating others.

She smiled back at him and waited for him to say one word at least about any piece of work she showed him until now. But that never happened.

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Khushi: Nandakishore is such a big word. Don't you have a nick name?

Nandakishore: NK. Nannav kept that name for me. (He paused looking at her and then continued). I meant That's what everyone calls me. You too can.

She realized the reason for his sudden pause and she went back to those flashbacks.

"Di calls me Chotte. Akash calls me Bhai, Some cousins call me Nannav. I have many names. But you can prefer calling me Arnav. That's sounds sweet from you"

Nandakishore clicked his fingers for her to concentrate back on him.

Nandakishore: Are you thinking something else? Looks like you are lost somewhere.

Khushi: No. I was just thinking If you know about my past and.

Nandakishore: I hardly care about it. What I believe is in the present and a future if by any chance it's together.

She gave him again a weak smile and Purvi came inside the room.

Purvi: If you both done, they are calling you down.

Khushi: Yes. We are coming.

She wanted this to end as early as possible and this was the best way to get out of it.

They came down and the family looked at their blank faces to know if they decided something.

Nandakishore: I guess we need some more time to know each other. Only If Khushi too thinks the same. Or else we can stop this here.

Everyone looked at Khushi now to know if she was even interested in this or not. She had no idea what to reply.

Khushi: I too think the same.

She lied. But the family was happy that both were thinking something for good. They decided one thing. To give them space and time and wait for their individual replies. Taking the Gupta's blessings, NK left with the Raizada family back to Shantivan where he stayed at the present.

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Khushi: Its not easy Purvi. I cannot think of this guy.

Purvi: Only because he is Arnav's brother? Come on Khushi. I personally liked him. He was so kind enough.

Garima: Bitiya, we are not forcing you for anything this time. But if you had to deny like this why did you say you want time to know him?

Khushi: I lied Maa. That was the only thing I could do.

Purvi: Whatever Khushi. I think this time you should not take any decision hastily. Its matter of your entire future. Give some time. Know him better and then decide.

Garima: She is right Khushi. I too think the same.

Khushi was again left in a dilemma on whether she really needs to do this or not.

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Shantivan

Arnav: No one told me this. I too would have joined.

Nani: That's why we didn't tell you Chotte.

Arnav: What The.!! What is that suppose to mean Nani?

Nandakishore: Ohh Come on everyone, stop talking in riddles. I don't want Nannav to feel we are doing something wrong.

Anjali: We had been to Gupta House Chotte.

His expressions suddenly changed.

Nani: To see Khushi bitiya for Nandakishore.

For next few seconds Arnav couldn't hear of speak anything. So his family was planning to make her their daughter in law some way or the other. And when they couldn't let Arnav marry her, they are now thinking about Nk?

Anjali: I expected you to react the same way knowing it. And hence we thought of showing Khushi to Nandakishore first and then letting you know.

Nandakishore: Nannav. She is really sweet. Look I don't know what happened with you both in the past but you have moved on and so has she. I don't have a problem if she is willing to marry me. Hope you are fine with this.

That question left many doubts in his own heart on what to reply. And these doubts made him ask only one thing to NK.

Arnav: What did she reply?

Nandakishore: She needs time to know me. And I guess this is fair enough. Before committing to a person for entire life, we should know her completely. I don't say she has any qualities which I may not like. But I have to know her fully before saying a Yes, just like she wishes the same for me.

Arnav: NK, she is a Kid.
Nandakishore: She was a Kid Nannav. Not anymore. I found her really mature and confident. She has the understanding of her responsibilities and I am sure she will be a great partner.

Unknowingly Arnav fisted his fingers in anger only making sure no one here notices this.

Arnav: Fine. If you all have decided, who am I to interfere? Congrats NK.

He hugged NK artificially and then walked to his room.

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He kept glowing the bulb of the table lamp and shutting it off again and again getting lost in her memories. It had been 4 years and he had never given a thought about her after canceling his marriage. Then why was he reacting like this tonight? How uncomfortable it would be to have that same girl before his eyes with NK who once was going to be his Wife?

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Now the real Fun Begins. 😆