It was only late august, but she could see the trees had begun to shed their leaves. For some odd reason, the fall season always reminded her of a new beginning to an old end, despite the gloominess it brought forth. The yellow, red, and orange trees brightened her day, and during the day the temperatures were just warm enough for her to indulge in her favorite activity; cycling.
The distinct crispness of the air sparked into her nostrils as she whizzed past a familiar looking tree, with her basket at the front filled with sunflowers. Dried up leaves rattled, when she ran over a crusty pile with her bicycle. The gentle breeze bitterly brushed over her bare shoulders leaving behind a tingling sensation that made her shiver. She had once again forgotten to bring her sweater in her hurry to leave for rehearsal.
Khushi Singh Raizada was the epitome of vintage chic as she rode her bike through the narrow lanes, winding up at a street she knew by heart. For some, she might have appeared to be insane with her choice of wardrobe; the beige colored sundress with the fedora to pair it in this depressing weather, surely rose a few eye brows. To her credit, she definitely made a picture, a pretty and loud one at that; her ability to blend into the novice background with the leaves cascading all over her made her a poets dream. Fortunately, our missus rarely needed others approval, their digression over her appearance rarely left her awake at night.
Coming to a rapid stop, she applied the brakes and stringently got off the old-looking bicycle, her husband had gifted to her for her 20th birthday. It took her a minute to park it, and another to rush inside, thankfully only stopping a few times before she landed up in front of a black steel door. After knocking on the door, she patiently waited. It was only after she heard the scowl from the other side that she turned the knock.
'' You're late. ''
'' I know. I know, but you only have to put up with me for one last performance, after that I am as good as gone. ''
'' That's blackmail. '' The old man in his late fifties stood up, and walked past her, his shoulders filling out his navy blue sweater. '' When will you learn to play fair! You and I both know, you will keep on churning out stellar performances because you love the crowd. You feel liberated when you step onto that stage. ''
Vijay Shiven, was a conductor of a leading orchestra, however in his free time he was also a piano teacher. He was a very special piano teacher at least for Khushi, because he had been the first person to see the potential in her when she was only 6. One find day, she had walked into his shop with her mother and wandered over to a piano. Luckily, there had been no stopping her afterwards. He had taken it upon himself to teach and polish her into a startling pianist. Now, 20 years later, she sat before him, his own pupil; taking the great and turning it into breathtaking. He was immensely proud of her accomplishments.
Khushi shrugged non-noncommittally. '' Well, neither does life! I guess we all have to pick our battles wisely! '' She dropped her shoulder bag on the floor with a glorious grin and took a seat on the small wooden bench situated in front of the Yamaha piano. '' Should we pick up from where we left off yesterday? I think I have narrowed it down to two pieces. Though, I am still not sure of which to choose; metamorphosis or clandestine rhapsody for the upcoming performance? ''
A long silence ensued between them, eventually leading Khushi to conclude an answer to her own question. '' I think I might go with metamorphosis. '' She allowed her fingers to trail against the cool surface of the keys as if memorizing their texture. It was only a second later that her fingers went rigid, and distorted the calm of her eyes.
Mr. Shiven placed the scale atop her piano and nudged with his hand for her to begin playing. His arms rested behind his back in a regal manner, his favorite position to assume .When she did start, his eyes closed and waited for the melodious notes to over take him. She didn't displease him.
Khushi played the piece with the rhythm of her heartbeat as it had been etched into her very blood. She took the piece to a bristling climax adding layers upon layers before stopping, and then the rest of the journey was peaceful as a meadow in a mid-summer day. It flowed deep into her soul and warping her head to toe; spinning a stolen dream inside her head. Suddenly, her hands started to shake and she lost the trail she'd been following which lead her to a discord. It didn't take long for the deep sigh from across the room to make itself evident. She knew her grip on the keys was spiraling away, yet she pushed herself. Her fingers wouldn't move forth, and no matter how hard she tried the tremors wouldn't stop. The disgruntled sound that emanated from the piano was none too pleasing for either of the two occupants of the room.
'' Khushi...'', Vijay began only to stop seeing the painful expression mar her otherwise smiling face.
'' No, I can play it just wait...We are not cancelling today's rehearsal also. '' Being the stubborn soul she was, she tried to relax her body by closing her eyes. Her penances visible on her face as she attempted to fight with herself; a battle she was bound to lose as fates had sealed it. Although that never deterred her; her dream of performing at the Sydney Opera House would always remain despite knowing it would never come true. It wasn't within her to control the whims of her heart for they coerced her to be someone who was strong enough to reach out for her dreams, and believe in the possibility of them even though odds had being favored against her.
'' Okay, let's start from the beginning. '' Vijay said, willing to give her as many chances as she needed. He walked around the curve of the piano and rested his hand atop Khushi's shoulder. '' Just relax. Breathe. ''
Khushi nodded and flexed the muscles of her hands. Breathe, she told herself. Lately, the stiffness had only been increasing despite the change in medicine; the tremors hadn't deteriorated as the neurologist had predicted. Where did that leave her? Struggling to come up with a realistic answer, an answer she didn't want to hear; she desperately focused back on the large instrument.
You can do this. This is your heart. You know it inside out- don't think too much!
Touching the key with her index finger, she looked up at the music sheet. Once at an ease with herself, she willed herself to carry through the lyrical and translate it into the exploration of her heart as the piece was rightly named- metamorphosis. The glorious passages were an amalgamation of fine tuned high and low notes encompassing echoes that breached the secretive vaults of her heart. It was a simple piece yet exhaustively moving.
Vijay shook his head dismayed by the little slip-ups he could hear in the piece as Khushi continued to play. He felt deeply for the woman who sat before him for he knew her journey more than anyone else.
'' I can do it. '' Khushi murmured over and over, even though she knew her words were a mere lie. The lie she kept on conceiving everyday because the truth was shattering for her existence. An expression of complete bewilderment crossed over her face as she brought her hands together and crushed them against her chest. When she felt the trifle shaking; her heart lurched. The sadness that roared into her gut made her miserably sad. Not one to give in easily, she smiled. The bleakness of the white fog muddled her view but there was still a lot to be grateful for in life.
'' Khushi, I know you can do it but I think you need time...''
'' You are asking me for the one thing that is not within my reach. There is a reason time is priceless; it is the one thing that makes everyone equals because our race is the same. Yet, sometimes we are cheated out of our share...how we overcome this deceit is up to us. We can live the rest of our days cribbing or accept what has been dealt to us. I want to live up to my dream because I think every day the best of me is going to want to give up a little that is why I need to keep on performing as much as I can. I am going to do the show this weekend and the next weekend until I am hollered off the stage or someone takes me to Sydney. ''
It was because of her unyielding nature that Vijay often found himself flummoxed in her company. He thrust a hand into his disarrayed hair and burst into howls of laughter.
'' It's not fair. You know. '' Khushi confessed turning over on the seat; she stared up with her wide eyes accentuated by the streams of sunlight spilling through the small windowpanes. '' There is so much I want to do. So many places I have to go to. I was going to join cooking classes, write a novel, and maybe start singing. Okay - so singing in the kitchen would probably be a good start, but do you see what I am trying to say here? I have so much to do still and not enough time. ''
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Arnav found his dear wife already in bed by the time he arrived home. It was barely past 6, but he knew Khushi's sleeping schedule had been for the toss for the past few months. She would get tired very quickly after small tasks which left her drained.
He had considered leaving early today, unfortunately, his new assistant manager for their upcoming project had rained all over his plans. The young lad had been obviously intimidated by the new work environment which had sent his secretary into a tail-spin, thus leading her to dumping Jai-the-new manager onto him. It had been quite a day, but the worst of it was thankfully over. He was glad to be home.
Loosening his tie; Khushi's favorite tie, a red tie with black stripes, he threw it on the leather bound chair. His coat and vest followed later, he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt and popped a few buttons before joining Khushi under the covers.
Arnav wound his arm around her waist and carefully brought her back against his chest until he could feel the beat of her heart. Every time he heard that gentle thumping sound, he found peace. Dropping a kiss on her head, he entwined his hands with hers under the duvet.
'' I fell asleep waiting for you...'' Khushi slurred, her grasp on his hand tightening.
Leave it to his wife to surprise him, except he should have been used to it now. However, it always amazed him that she was aware of her surroundings even when she was fast asleep. It probably had to do something with her being a light-sleeper. '' I know, I am sorry. Jai, that's our new manager, he caused a ruckus at work.''
'' Why didn't you fire him? You love to fire people. ''
Chuckling, Arnav traced a pattern on her stomach unconsciously because it provided him a distraction. '' He is really good at his job once he gets over his awkwardness. He seems to remind me of a certain someone. ''
Khushi caught the hint despite his provocative attempt at being subtle. '' I am not awkward. ''
'' Of course not! Do you remember when I first met you at Shiven uncle's shop? You tripped over every instrument in that shop before you said 'hi' to me. ''
'' You caught me by surprise. ''
'' I didn't know yelling hello 3ft. away was equivalent to surprising someone. You could clearly see me. ''
'' That was not the first time we met though! ''
'' Yes, I know. You were almost ten I think... You were standing in the park waiting for your turn at the swing and I rode by on my bicycle. I stopped when I saw you, I just had to. Some unknown connection drew me to you, but a greater part of the 14 year old wanted to keep on pedaling until you disappeared from my view. I was about to leave when you suddenly looked up, you were midst the act of pulling on someone's leg. I don't know how to describe it but my heart quite literally slammed out of my chest. I knew you were going to be the girl I would marry some day. I felt as if I had been brought into existence just to know you. You were mine and it only took me one look at you to realize that. ''
Khushi turned over in his arms and hid her face in his chest. She didn't have to say it out loud for him to understand. They always were perfectly attuned with each other's thoughts and feelings without the need of words.
'' I am always going to need you in my life...Khushi. I am always rooting for you because you are my girl. ''
'' It's getting worse. '' She said softly against his cotton shirt, her warm breath seeping into the material and permeating his skin. '' I am scared. Today, I couldn't play the piano at all. What if I can't walk tomorrow? '' His hands glided up and down on her arms and she only knew that the warmth of his strong fingers on her skin made her feel safe. Wonderfully safe in his embrace only. He was home.
'' No matter what, I will always be there with you; if that means I have to carry you everywhere then so be it. But, don't ever think I will ever give up on you Khushi Singh Raizada. You aren't getting rid of me this easily. ''
He felt the wetness of her tears as it spread across his shirt, alerting him. '' Are you crying? ''
'' No, my eyes are just leaking. '' Khushi responded sarcastically, looking up at him from underneath the covers. Her chin collided with his cheek in her attempt to reach out of the cozy spot she had found herself against his chest. '' Of course, I am crying. Just because you are allergic to tears doesn't mean I can't cry! ''
He gently wiped away the tears and kissed her temple. '' I love you. You were always mine and always will be. I will always love you. I loved you even when I dated your best-friend. See, this kind of love is the everlasting type of love! Always and forever, Khushi. ''
Khushi gasped and immediately pushed away the comforter. She gruffly got up and threw her pillow at him. Her eyes were ablaze with scorned jealousy, which was a rare sight when it came to her. '' Sometimes you can be really charming. ''
Arnav pulled on her cheeks and hauled her into her arms once again. Her hair spanned across his face blinding his vision for a second, until she moved away slightly. '' You and I both know Lavanya was only a really good friend to me and nothing else. ''
Propping her elbows against his chest, Khushi wrinkled her nose and appeared to be considering his words.'' Exactly! This is why it is much harder to say anything against her. If she'd been a little bad, I would have had some fun badmouthing her. ''
'' I am sorry...do you want me to find up another ex-girlfriend of mine and invite her to dinner so you could fulfill the lifelong fantasy of yours to badmouth my ex? ''
'' Haha. '' Khushi used her hands and broke away from his hold. She started to get off the bed only to hear the pill timer ring on the side table. Her gaze traveled across several little white bottles that were filled with colorful pills. A fun fact was that you could make a full rainbow with a pill from each one of those bottles. Reaching out , she popped the lid and took out a pill from each. One was levodopa and another was an anti-depressant; she gulped them down with a few sips of water. '' I am going to make some coffee. '' She announced and caught the inside of her cheek between her teeth, hoping the pain might distract her from worrying. Something she had been doing a lot of recently, stress wasn't healthy for her state of mind.
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Walking inside the spacious kitchen which had been built on Khushi's request, Arnav quietly tip-toed forward hoping to surprise his wife, but instead found himself quickening his steps when he saw her fumbling over the coffee tin can. She was trying to hold it but her fingers were not allowing her to grip it. The brazen concentration depicted on her face, and the irritation was beginning to flicker in her eyes. Before, she could throw it away; Arnav landed up behind her and placed his hands around hers. He coaxed the warmth into her hands and helped her lift the item back into the cabinet.
'' Coffee is really taking a toll on me. '' Khushi quipped, eventually turned around to face him, with a wide grin that was enough to quell his worries. '' Mind handing me the milk from the refrigerator, handsome? ''
'' I do have mighty good looks, don't I? Blame the genes! '' Arnav retorted and turned his attention towards the fridge. He opened the door only to hear a loud crash followed by a thud sound from the other end of the room. Spinning on his heels, he found there was no time for shock as he rushed towards a shaking Khushi. '' Khushi! '', he bellowed; his voice raising several octaves.
His hands helplessly hovered over her body as he knelt on the floor. She was constantly twitching in convulsions as her entire body shook violently. Her eyes flickered close and then open; her mouth drooped and she appeared to be biting her lips. Slowly, her jilted body began to draw into a gentle lull as her eyes shut and her breaths became intrepid as if finally over coming spasms.
'' Khushi? Khushi?? Look at me? Khushi, can you hear me? '' Arnav called out to her, his voice filled with dread and utter fear, but she did not reply back. Everything ceased to exist for him as he watched his wife's breaths stretch out of her lungs. He pulled out his cell phone immediately dialing the emergency number fumbling once before getting it right. With his wife's limp body sagged against his lap, he spoke with a panicked fervor when the line connected at the other end. '' My wife has Parkinson's...she was diagnosed with it a year ago; this is the first time she has suffered from a complete seizure. I don't know what to do? '' His words were a mess as he spoke breathlessly, but fortunately for him, the operator had understood him. The ambulance was on it's way.
Please let her be okay, he continuously prayed staring at her serene face.
This TS the credit and the blame shall go to the one and only Kiya( autumn.03 previously throughmirrors)
So, I finally met the wise lady behind those perfectly conceived comments. We met at a Starbucks shop after she graciously drove into the city because I wasn't allowed to travel so far alone. It was honestly such an awesome experience because I had expected it to be a little weird and somewhat odd but it felt as if I had known her all my life. We hit off right from the start and eventually ended the day with a really sweet request from her side. Of course I could not refuse her and this TS is the by- product of that request. She wanted a story situated in the autumn season with a Khushi who could play the piano! & Tada...here is the story.
Thank you so much Kiya for requesting this story because I got to try something new.
Do leave behind your thoughts or views as always, would love to know how you found the first part. Please do share your feelings after reading it. 😳
Take care :')
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