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I want to go with him Papa. Can I go?
Shyam tried to concentrate on the document that was open on his laptop screen, without success. His mind kept going to the moment when Khushi had asked for their permission to go with Arnav to the concert. Even when his dad had given his approval, she had come to him and laid her head on his shoulder as she had asked him if he had no objection. Overwhelmed by the respect she held for him and driven by both a hint of nervousness and concealed excitement that was visible on her face, he had given his consent. The relieved smile that Khushi had given him proved that he had done the right thing. But it had not helped him to get rid of the restlessness he had been experiencing ever since. As he sat in his cabin the following morning, a little tired, after a night of disturbed sleep interspersed with nightmares about his mother's death and aftermath of Khushi's accident, he thought back to what his father had told him.
We have cocooned her in the warmth of our home, love and affection, but we should also allow her to metamorphose naturally and explore the various aspects of life and that includes love.
To be in love was indeed an incredible experience, no doubt and God knew, he would be the first person to be elated if his sister were to bask in the glory of a man's love.
But was that man, Arnav?
Khushi's first encounter with Arnav loomed large in his head, but was he being biased here? Considering Arnav's sincere effort to apologize for his monstrous behavior with Khushi and his eventual involvement and initiatives with SPARC, was it fair to still be apprehensive about him based on one incident that sparked as a result of misunderstanding? Had he not proved to be a worthy man by making amends for his mistakes the very same day?
Was he not a man of better judgment and one who detested prejudice? Shyam questioned himself.
Anjali's phone call had interrupted his thought process. His conversation with her was brief and conspicuously unenthusiastic from his side. He had resumed his musings after disconnecting the call when it struck him that the man who had been occupying his thoughts since last night was Anjali's brother and that must be sufficient reason to put his overworking brain to rest. Then why was he getting so flustered about just a casual outing of his sister with him? In fact, Arnav had been the gentleman, who, although unnecessary, had called his dad this morning on the phone to seek his permission to take Khushi out for the concert. Then what was he afraid of? Was he that possessive brother who didn't trust anyone with his sister's safety? After all, was he not dating another man's sister? Did that mean he considered himself more righteous and trustworthy when compared to another man? What did that make of him?
Shyam spent the whole day at work going through the above mentioned thoughts in circle without having been able to come to any conclusion. Frustrated, he decided there was no use spending any more time in the office without doing any work and called it a day after giving a set of instructions to his secretary. As he approached the parking lot, he was welcomed by the unexpected sight of Arnav leaning against his car, busy checking something on his phone.
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Arnav had been extremely nervous when he had called Khushi to ask her if she would accompany him to the concert. He had fully expected her to decline, although he had nursed hope in his heart. It gave him immense relief when she hadn't refused, instead asked for time till the next day to convey her decision. Knowing well where she came from, Arnav had agreed to it. Every passing minute ever since was spent in anticipation and trepidation.
The drive to ARD that morning was filled with chatter between Anjali and Akash, which Arnav sat listening with a smile on his face. As he had reveled in the unmistakable happiness that radiated from his sister's demeanor, Arnav's thoughts had gone back to Anjali's confession about her involvement with Shyam. Although Akash had humored the situation in his favor, he had not failed to notice that it was the first time in a long while, he found his Di genuinely happy, free from the shackles of the past and insecurities instilled by their mother's fatal heartbreak. Akash was right, there cannot have been a better person than Shyam for his Di. If they were to take their relationship to the level of matrimony, he was sure that his sister would be a happy woman forever.
Khushi had not kept him in misery for long, she had called him when he had entered his office to inform her consent to go with him the following Saturday. Arnav had wasted no time in calling Shashi to seek his permission which he had obtained easily, as expected. When he thought things were on track, Anjali, during their lunch, had made a passing reference to Shyam's lack of cheerfulness over the phone that morning and wondered if it had anything to do with Arnav's program with Khushi. Although Akash found Shyam's displeasure, if any, a little unnecessary, Arnav found it absolutely natural. A little argument had ensued between the two and finally Akash saw the fairness in Arnav's views about Shyam's possible apprehension. Arnav had decided to call Shyam late in the evening and resumed work. It was when he was on his way back home that he took a momentary decision to pay Shyam a visit, as he felt a phone call may not convey his sincere and honorable intentions as effectively as his personal meeting would. He took a detour to Shyam's office while calling him to check with his availability but the line didn't get through. As he parked the car, he made a call to Shyam's office number and was informed by his secretary that the boss had just left and was possibly in the elevator. Arnav leaned against his car, checking his phone for emails while waiting for Shyam.
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To say that Shyam was thrown off guard by Arnav's presence would be an understatement. With his conflicting thoughts since the previous night, it seemed a bad idea to meet him. He was sure that Arnav was here to talk about the forthcoming concert program and he was not mentally prepared to have a conversation with him, but since he was here, avoiding was not an option. While Arnav was still busy with his phone oblivious to his presence in the vicinity, Shyam used the distance between them to collect himself, after all it was not in his nature to reflect his mood on someone and when there was no reason to. He approached Arnav and calmly addressed him.
"Hello Arnav!"
Arnav looked up from his mobile and gave him a congenial smile before returning his greeting and coming forward for a handshake, which was duly returned.
"Why are you waiting here? You could have come up."
"I called your mobile to check for your availability and came to know you were just leaving. Did I disturb you or am I keeping you away from any urgent work?"
"Not at all. Is it something important?"
"Important, it is. But I won't take much time"
"There is a coffee joint across the road. We can go there."
"Great."
Arnav and Shyam settled down in a quiet corner in the not-so-crowded coffee shop and placed their orders. In an attempt to dissipate the uncomfortable silence that was threatening to settle between them, Arnav gently enquired after Shashi, Buaji and the Sharmas. Shyam didn't disappoint and answered affably before asking about Nani, Mama and Mami. Arnav gradually steered the conversation towards the purpose of his visit.
"How did you find out Khushi's interest in Music?"
That was a safe topic and Shyam answered cheerfully.
"We had gone to a music shop to purchase a keyboard for NK. That was the time when Chutki was recovering both physically and emotionally from the accident. We had taken her along when a person was testing a violin. Khushi was attracted to the notes he played, and we came to know that the person who was testing the instrument was a musician. Later, he became her disciple. Pt. Narayan Mishra. He and his wife literally healed Khushi." Shyam recollected with a loving smile, which reassured Arnav that he did the right thing by deciding to talk to him. If he wanted Khushi in his life, Shyam cannot be bypassed.
"Even with my short span of training in classical music, I can say that Khushi is extremely talented and has everything in her to make it big."
Shyam's face lit up with pride. "Although I can appreciate good music, I have no knowledge about the nuances. Sadly, none in the family. Even NK's knowledge is limited to western music. So we aren't able to do much to help her."
"Despite that, if she is this good, I have to give to you all for encouraging her continuously. My mom had rich knowledge of Hindustani music and she herself was a vocalist. She used to say that listening to various artistes and attending several concerts are essential to any musician who aspire to become performing artistes." Arnav paused to gauge Shyam's reaction and when he saw him trying to absorb what he had told, he continued, "That reminds me about why I am here."
Shyam had to give it to Arnav for all the preparatory talk. He smiled and said, "I know why you are here, Arnav and the purpose of that preamble."
It was Arnav's turn to acknowledge Shyam's intelligence which he did with a nod and said, "Then that makes my job easy, I guess. Di says she found you less cheerful when you talked to her and wondered if it has any association with the concert program this Saturday."
Shyam marveled at the knack with which Arnav hit two birds with one stone; one, he had indirectly revealed his knowledge about Shyam and Anjali, two, he made him know that Anjali knew about Arnav's plan to take Khushi out too, thereby making clear that his intentions with Khushi were honest. Shyam let out a deep sigh and leaned back in his chair.
"I would be lying if I say, I am okay with this. This is new to me, Arnav. You cannot possibly understand unless you are me."
"That I am here to discuss this with you is proof enough that I understand and more than that, respect your apprehensions, isn't it?"
"I appreciate it. It doesn't take away that restlessness from me, though."
"Then talk to me. Explain why you are not comfortable."
"How do I explain?"
"I will make every effort to understand."
Shyam thought for a few moments about the best way to explain his sister's limitations.
"Look Arnav! Chutki has never been in the company of people other than family or Payal for longer hours outside our home or SPARC. She feels comfortable that way for her food and other needs. So I have no idea how you can handle it. In fact, I am surprised why Dad or even Chutki didn't think about it."
Arnav leaned back and spent the next few moments in contemplation before answering Shyam. "May be she doesn't consider me a stranger anymore?"
He didn't know what Shyam felt, but he felt ecstatic at the possibility of some truth in his own statement. They were momentarily interrupted by the arrival of their order. Shyam considered Arnav's words for the first time with an open mind. But yet there were practical difficulties with Khushi which even Shyam or Shashi can't manage when taking her out for longer time, for which she preferred only Buaji or Payal. Arnav was not ignorant of what Shyam meant. So he continued, in an effort to erase Shyam's worries.
"I know what you mean. But there has to be a first for everything. It is just a two-hour concert and I will bring her straight home from there. Is that alright?"
"Why?"
"I don't understand."
"I can see you are quite serious about this. But why? Why Chutki?"
"Why not Khushi?"
"It's not easy Arnav. It may sound very exciting now, but after nurturing hopes in her tender heart, which you have no intentions to fulfil or half way through if you realize that you should not have embarked on this difficult journey and want to forsake it, she will be heartbroken."
"Difficult life is not new to me and I don't consider Khushi a difficulty, challenge perhaps, but not a difficulty. And I have never feared challenges in my life. And about breaking her heart, that wouldn't even be the last thing that I would think about, even if that would be the only thing to save my life"
"I don't know if you understand the nature of your feelings for her. If it is pity or sympathy, then I advice you to ..."
Arnav didn't allow him to finish and interrupted rather sharply, "I hope you are not implying that a normal man like me can't feel anything more than sympathy for a challenged person like Khushi. Every one of us is challenged. Hers is visible, ours is not. There ends the difference. Tell me, is that pity, what you have for her?"
"I love her Arnav, she is my sister."
"And I am her friend, as of now. And I have every intention to give whatever that develops between us, a name if and when it comes to that."
The conviction in Arnav's voice silenced Shyam effectively. They finished their coffee and waited for the bill.
Shyam remained thoughtful, mulling over every word Arnav had uttered. Arnav studied his face for some time and said sincerely,
"I know Khushi is very precious to you and to trust someone with her will not be easy. All that I am asking for is a chance, to earn that trust."
As an afterthought, Arnav added, "I have a sister too who is equally valuable to me. I will be, in every aspect, that gentleman with your sister, as I would expect the man in my sister's life to be with her."
That successfully brought an eased the tension that was visible in Shyam's face and lightened the thick atmosphere. The bill arrived which Shyam cleared and they headed towards the parking lot of Shyam's office.
As they neared Arnav's car, Shyam told him, "That you have come all the way to convince me, despite having my dad's consent, speaks volumes about your character. Your deeds right from the evening you came to our home seeking Chutki's forgiveness are more than enough to trust you. I am only worried about the outcome. At the end of the day, Chutki's happiness is all that matters."
Arnav nodded understandingly.
"I will see you on Saturday, when you come to pick up Chutki, Arnav." Shyam said extending his hand towards. Arnav took his hand in a firm shake and gave a relieved smile before biding him good bye and driving away in his car. Shyam stood gazing at Arnav's car till it disappeared from sight and took out his mobile to make a call to Anjali.
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Arnav parked his car in the visitor's parking of Gupta Mansion and started walking on the passage flanked by gravel pathway leading towards the main door. This was neither the first time he was taking a girl out nor was he unaccustomed to the proceedings of a date', yet, as he rang the doorbell and waited, he felt like a first timer, uncertain of what to expect from the evening. Shashi opened the door and welcomed Arnav in his usual cheerful way and made him settle down in one of the couches in the living room. One by one, the members trickled in the living room, except Khushi. Arnav handed a box of sweets that he had bought on his way to Buaji and accepted a cup of coffee from her. While Shashi engaged him in a lively conversation, Shyam and NK silently listened to the conversation after they had greeted Arnav with a handshake. As minutes ticked by, Khushi was nowhere to be seen and Arnav began feeling restless all over again wondering when she would make an appearance and relieve him of the distress caused by anticipation and scrutinizing glances all around him.
It was when he was answering NK's question on how he would handle if media where to be present there, that he felt the air around him change and he turned his head away from NK, as if being pulled by a magnet, to look in the direction of the top of the stairs leading to the first floor where his sight landed on his angel who was being brought down by Payal. She looked absolutely stunning in a royal blue ethnic silk top with red sequins along the neckline and the sleeves, paired with matching red colored silk churidar. The outfit was matched with a pair of ruby ear drops and kangan. Her hair was curled and set on her right shoulder. Her flawless face was devoid of makeup except for Kohl and lip gloss. Arnav didn't know how he managed to complete his answer to NK, but his abrupt change of demeanor must have indicated to the group present about Khushi's arrival. Payal greeted Arnav with a smile and took her leave for her clinic. When everyone started giving their instructions to Khushi, Shashi reminded that she was only going for a two hour concert and would be back in a few hours, effectively silencing his over-anxious family. Arnav threw a grateful glance at Shashi and went near Khushi.
"Shall we leave Khushi?"
And the impact of his voice came to her with a force.
Khushi had heard a part of Arnav's conversation with her family as she had descended the stairs a few minutes back. Yet, the same voice did something to her senses when he addressed her. Every time he met her, she felt like she was meeting him for the first time. When she managed to answer him in the affirmative, he took her hand in his, making her feel a jolt. As they started moving towards the main door, Shashi asked Shyam and NK to join him in the study immediately and asked Madhumati to send some tea to them, effectively stopping the gang from accompanying them, to the car. Arnav bid his goodbye to the family and led Khushi out of the door.
"Khushi, your seatbelt. May I fasten it?"
Khushi fumbled with her words, "Y..yes please"
Arnav leaned forward, taking care not to scare her with his proximity and pulled the seatbelt. But the limited space within the car, didn't help much and resulted in a slight grazing of his hands against her shoulders and his breathe fan her face leaving Khushi flustered. Arnav himself was not faring well in handling the closeness and leaned back in his seat for a moment after securing the seatbelt, to even his escalating pulse.
He then inserted the key into the ignition, but turned to her again before starting the car and said, "You look beautiful Khushi"
Khushi felt blood flow into her cheeks. "Thank you Arnav."
Arnav shifted the gear and drove the car out of the mansion.
After a moment of silence Khushi said, "People say that you are a very handsome man, Arnav. Only I will never be able to know." The tinge of sadness was unmistakable.
Arnav didn't hesitate and took Khushi's right hand in his left and said, "Don't say that Khushi. It's only a matter of time until you find out that I am not as good looking as you think."
Khushi smiled at that, "How is everyone at home? How is Anjaliji?"
"Everyone is fine. Di is doing well. Work is a little demanding as she is finalizing some designs"
"Its been sometime since I met her. I always feel so comfortable in her company."
"She will be delighted to hear this. She can't stop talking about you and your brother."
"Same with bhaiyya. He always mentions Anjaliji."
Arnav smiled to himself at that.
"By the way Khushi, I got hold of few CDs of your Guruji released few years earlier. I couldn't find any recent release. Doesn't your Guruji perform anymore?"
"He still performs Arnav, but has cut down on his commitments. He doesn't record anymore and is very choosy about his concerts, owing to his age."
"And his students?"
"He has taken only few students under his tutelage. And violin is also not a very popular instrument in Hindustani music circuit. He has a couple of students who have the potential to make it big, but ..."
"But?"
"With due respects, Ashok bhaiyya and Naveen bhaiyya chose academics and job in the US over a musical career, family pressure you see. People want stability Arnav. Guruji was not very happy with that."
Arnav carefully absorbed the information and said, "He has one more student who is very talented, Khushi."
Khushi kept quite at that comment, although the rise of hue on her cheeks indicated that she understood who he meant. Arnav smiled at that and asked, "Have you attended or accompanied him to his concerts?"
"I have attended a few, Guru Ma takes me when she attends."
"Guru Ma?"
"Guruji's wife."
"Oh! How frequent are your classes?"
"I attend classes every Tuesday and Friday. Guruji says I should practice more to be able to accompany him on his concerts. So I have been thinking to spend only half a day at SPARC henceforth and spend more time practicing."
"That's fantastic."
The car came to a halt and Khushi asked if they had reached the venue.
"Not yet Khushi. We are a few metres away from the venue. We will go in when it is about time for the concert to start."
"Oh! Why and how will you know?"
"There will be media Khushi, although the section of media that would be present here is not likely to recognize me, still I don't want to take chances. One of the organizers is known to Akash and he will text me when it is about to start."
"But what about the car?"
"My driver Mohan is waiting near the entrance. He will take it from there and hand it over to me when the concert is over. We will leave a few minutes before the end of the concert."
Khushi was dumbfounded. Such meticulous planning!! At the same time, she couldn't help but ask him a question which took form in her mind, as a result of her dormant complex about her physical limitation.
"Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything."
"Is the elaborate arrangement due to your resentment for media or ..."
"Or?"
"Or you don't want to be seen with ...me...with a girl like...like me?"
Khushi's voice softened to a mere whisper at the last few words. Arnav sat there staring at the girl who was broken and still trying to come to terms with her fate. The loss of her vision had left a deep imprint in her mind questioning her worth, not knowing what a valuable gem she was. Overcome by an unexplainable emotion, Arnav impulsively took her hands in his and said,
"I am sorry I made you think the way you did, but remember to never say that again, Khushi. You may not know your worth, but to me, to all of us, you are nothing less than a treasure." Arnav paused to gain control over his emotions, lest he scared her with his overwhelming love that threatened to spill all over and then continued, "I don't give a damn about what is written about me, Khushi. But I don't want your name to be pulled into this mess. It is my responsibility to safeguard you and the trust with which your dad has sent you with me today. And I would go to any extent to protect both."
Khushi felt ashamed of having even thought about Arnav in that light. She instantly apologized. "I am really sorry Arnav, if I have hurt you. It's just that I can't help but feel that I don't deserve all the love and affection I get. It doesn't go by the norm. There are so many of them out there who have been shunned by their own families because they are disabled. So this seems like a dream, to be blessed with love from every single person I have known."
"Then accept this dream and live it, Khushi." Arnav gave a light squeeze to her hand.
She relaxed but asked him seriously, "Are you in disguise, by any chance?"
"What?" Arnav laughed when he understood what she meant, "No, no, although I have overgrown hair and beard and am dressed in casuals, effectively masquerading my usual appearance in public. Although, it was absolutely unintentional, didn't get a chance to visit the stylist."
An incoming text message interrupted the moment. Arnav replied to the text and started the car. Khushi was silent until they reached the auditorium and occupied their seats. The concert had begun soon after not giving much chance for them to continue their conversation. Arnav decided not to broach the topic anytime soon. Her wounds were deeper and it will take a miracle to cure them.
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"Now where have the boys vanished Shashi?"
Shashi chuckled at the sight of his irritated sister. He muted the television and answered his sister, "Its weekend Jiji, you don't expect them to stay indoors and follow you holding your pallu, do you?"
"You are the one who have raised them as rogues, I tell you, just like you." She said with mock anger and then laughed it away seeing her brother's amused smile. Shashi patted the place beside him and she came to sit next to him.
Shashi said, "They both are out to catch up with some friends. They will be back for dinner"
"Shashi, I see some significant changes in Shyam. Do you know anything about it?"
Shashi smiled, wondering what he would have done without his sister. "Your son is in love."
"And when were you planning to tell me this? Okay leave that, who is the girl?"
"Sister of the man who has taken your daughter out."
"Anjali?"
Shashi nodded his head in the affirmative and Madhumati exclaimed, "I knew even in the fundraiser that something was brewing between the two. Shashi, that girl is something. Very respectful, loving and caring. You know, she insisted she will take care of Khushi that evening. Shyam is doing the right thing. Even we couldn't have chosen a better girl for Shyam. Although you don't say anything, I know I have my hand in raising that boy into such a nice man."
"Oh! So the rogue is a nice man now, because the girl is Anjali!!"
"You tell whatever you want. I don't care. When are we going to the Raizada's to ask her hand?"
"Whoa ! Apply the brakes Jiji. If it is in your capacity you will arrange for the sagai tomorrow and the shaadi the day after. Shyam has just confessed about his feelings for Anjali to me. He is yet to confess, propose to her and what not. Let them decide the pace."
Madhumati shook her head disapprovingly, "The kids these days, they want to do everything like the western world. But do you realize he is already 33?"
"Age is just a number jiji. And moreover, after Sheetal, the boy wants to tread carefully. I am not going to hurry him into anything and you will not too. But I have done my part and told Shyam subtly that he should think of marriage as soon as possible."
"Anyway! Finally some light at the end of the tunnel. I will pray that everything happens quick and smoothly."
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Mohan stopped the car in front of Arnav and Khushi and hurriedly got out of the driver seat and reverentially stood holding the door open for his master who was settling Khushi in the passenger seat. Arnav came around to the driver's side and dismissed Mohan with a nod. Khushi held her breathe as soon as she heard the driver the other door slamming shut, anticipating the onslaught of his cologne on her sanity. Only it didn't come...yet.
Arnav had just settled in his seat and was about to buckle Khushi in when his phone alerted him of an incoming message from Shyam.
Chutki can't stay hungry for long. Naivedyam in Hauz Khas village. She is used to the place. Don't be very late.
Arnav would have certainly jumped in joy had he been outside the car. That didn't stop him from grinning like a fool.
"Arnav! Umm...the seatbelt" She so wanted to get it done with.
"Oh! Yes ..yes.. How hungry are you?" Arnav asked as he went forward to fasten the belt for her.
"Not much Arnav, and anyway everyone would be expecting me for dinner" That was what she would have told if her tongue had cooperated. But the silly nose had to surrender to the mind dazing scent emanating from Arnav's warm body and the brain had to stop sending signals to the mouth to formulate the words she wanted to tell, taking advantage of which, defying all scientific theories, her heart took control and directed her to utter, "Very hungry."
"Great, let's go and get some dinner then", Arnav said and straightened in his seat. And Khushi's brain came back to normalcy with the sudden loss of his scent and realized what she had told. She attempted to do some damage control.
"No Arnav. I have not informed home and ..."
"Naivedyam. What does that tell you Khushi?"
Realization came. "Bhaiyya told you? He knows?"
"Yes, he knows, it was his suggestion."
"Then please start the car. I want dosa."
Arnav laughed and started the car.
"So, did you enjoy the concert Khushi?"
"I loved it Arnav. This is the first time I am attending a fusion concert. I was thrilled. Music is the only thing which has the power to touch hearts, breaking all natural and man-made confines, isn't it?"
"Can't agree with you more. But there is also another equally powerful weapon which can destroy all the barriers you mentioned"
"What is it, Arnav?"
"Love"
Arnav concentrated on the road and missed the undefinable expression on Khushi's face.
Naivedyam was a slightly upmarket and classier, necessarily south Indian restaurant. Khushi preferred the place for the homely and peaceful ambience. Arnav spotted a quite secluded corner and led Khushi there. When the waiter arrived with the menu, Khushi asked him if Ms. Prabha was around. When he answered in the affirmative, she requested to meet her. As Arnav was about to ask about this person, a bearer appeared with hot rasam and papad and enquired after Khushi with familiarity. Arnav was unsure of the hot liquid in the bowl when khushi explained to him that it was a famous dish in south India, which was either taken along with rice or drunk like soup and Naivedyam served it to all their guests as a welcome gesture. A few minutes later when they were finishing the rasam, they heard,
"Khushi bitiya !! How are you?"
Khushi broke into a bright smile and extended her hand which was taken by a kind lady in her early 50s. "I am fine aunty. How are you?"
"I am fine darling. Who is this handsome gentleman with you, may I ask?"
"Aunty, meet Arnav Singh Raizada, my friend. Arnav, this is Mrs. Prabha Manjunath, owner of this wonderful restaurant."
"It is wonderful meeting you Mr. Raizada."
"Same here Mrs. Manjunath. Khushi can't stop talking about your place here."
"I hope its all good Mr. Raizada. Khushi, would you like to come with me for a few minutes darling?"
Khushi nodded and the ladies excused themselves leaving Arnav to make a few calls. Khushi returned a few minutes later and Prabha wished them a nice evening and left.
Arnav enquired Khushi, "Is everything alright?"
"Oh yes, yes. She took me to her personal room, you know, for freshening up."
Arnav understood. As Arnav had no idea about south Indian food, he allowed Khushi to choose for him. Khushi ordered an Onion rava Dosa for him and a Mysore Masala Dosa for herself. While they waited for their food, she explained how she had come there for the first time as a young girl with her family and how Prabha had taken care of her needs and food. She wasn't sure if she frequented the place for the love she had developed for south Indian food or she came to love the food because of the place. Arnav listened to her, as she chatted away to glory about her knowledge of Dosas and couldn't help but smile at her childish excitement for a particular food. When the food finally arrived, Arnav didn't know how to eat it. He told her the same.
"Don't tell me you haven't eaten Dosa in your life."
"Okay I won't tell, but that's the truth."
"I can't believe this. Who spends so much years of his life without even tasting Dosa? Okay, now watch me."
Saying that, she broke a piece of dosa and dipped it in a bowl placed near her and put it in her mouth. He noticed that while his plate had two bowls, one with a white chutney and the other which he thought looked like dal, hers had only one bigger bowl of chutney.
"This is how you eat Dosa."
"Why is that you don't have the bowl of dal?"
"Oh that's sambar. I don't like sambar. I like only coconut chutney. And they know. That's why. Now you try."
"I am actually trying. But I can't seem to get it." Arnav said with a mischievous smile.
"Its just like breaking roti, Arnav. Here let me show you once again."
Saying that she again broke a piece and dipped it in chutney. She was about to put it in her mouth when she heard him say "Oh I can't wait to take the first bite, I am so hungry," and felt his hand grabbing hers and directing the morsel to his mouth, during the course of which his lips closed on her fingers. The unexpected touch of her fingers on his lips almost electrocuted them. Khushi withdrew her hand as if she had touched a live wire. Arnav's decision to do that was purely momentary, and he didn't regret it.
"Mmm. This feels like heaven, Khushi."
She didn't know if he referred to the dosa or her fingers and for the sake of her sanity, she chose to believe the former while the not-oh-so-innocent-Raizada meant only the latter.
"Now I get it. And this dosa is awesome. You have to try it." Saying that, he didn't wait for her response and broke a piece of his dosa, dipped it in chutney and shoved it in her mouth taking advantage when she opened her mouth to say something, which was forgotten the moment his fingers grazed her lips. Arnav didn't allow her dwell on the chemical reactions taking place within her brain and effectively distracted her attention to the desserts. That did the magic and Khushi insisted they have holige also known as Puran poli and payasam. Arnav saw the pure joy in her face at the thought of the sweet and decided to indulge himself relaxing his self-imposed restriction on sweets for her.
The desserts were relished the same way as the dosas, sharing from each other's plate and bowl; well, feeding each other would be a more appropriate description. If not more, the comfort level with Arnav had certainly increased for Khushi and she was not oblivious to it. Yet, after paying the bill and saying their goodbyes to Prabha, when Arnav had put her through another arduous (enjoyable, you hypocrite! Khushi chided herself) seatbelt fastening ritual, the restlessness came back. Khushi was not new to Arnav's proximity. He had come close to her during their several meetings either to take her hand to lead her to a seat or talking to her alone when in a group. But his proximity this evening felt different, although she could not point as to what it was. She needed a distraction.
When Arnav started the car, he heard her say, "Arnav ! Sing something."
"I haven't sung in a long time, Khushi. I don't think I remember anything."
"Yet, you sang with Veena. It will be ingrained somewhere in your mind. Sing something you used to love once."
"Hmmm. Let me think."
After a few moments of silence, Arnav's lilting voice filled the car.
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
Ki jaise tujhko banaya gaya hai mere liye
Tu abse pehle sitaaron mein bas rahi thi kahin
Tujhe zameen pe bulaya gaya hai mere liye
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
Ki ye badan ye nigaahein meri amaanat hain
Ye gesuon ki ghani chhaon hain meri khatir
Ye honth aur ye baahein meri amaanat hain
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
Ki jaise bajti hain shehnaaiyaan si raahon mein
Suhaag raat hain ghoonghat utha raha hoon main
Simat rahi hai tu sharma ke apni baahon mein
Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
Ki jaise tu mujhe chaahegi umr bhar yoohin
Uthegi meri taraf pyaar ki nazar yoohin
Main jaanta hoon ki tu geir hai magar yoohin
A quietness prevailed in the car as the song filled Khushi's senses. Moments after it ended, Khushi spoke, "With such a soul stirring voice, it's a crime to give up singing, Arnav. You may have your reasons and I don't mean to belittle them. But please think about reviving your music, at least for your own sake, if not for anyone else. Trust me, it will heal you."
At not getting a reply, Khushi assumed he was offended and said, "I must have crossed a line there. Sorry, if I have hurt you."
Arnav instantly realized his mistake of staying quiet and said, "There is no line between us, to begin with. And the last thing that you are capable of, is to hurt someone, leave alone me. "
Khushi smiled in relief, "You certainly know how to try and make me feel better, don't you?"
Arnav chuckled and said, "You don't even try Khushi, you know that? You just did, made me feel better just by speaking your mind."
Then he sighed audibly and said, "I have tried for so long to sing, Khushi, but without success. But I think now I have a wonderful person with me to whom I can't say no. I promise to try, if not for anyone else, if not for myself, but certainly for you."
And that promise was rewarded with the most beautiful smile he had witnessed. He noticed that they had reached Gupta Mansion and with a heavy heart, pulled into the drive way.
"We are here, Khushi." Arnav stopped the car and turned to Khushi.
Khushi extended her hand which he took into his warm ones. She said, "Thanks for the wonderful evening."
"That is supposed to be my line. I don't remember the last time I had spent such a beautiful evening. Will you give me the honor of taking you out again Khushi?"
Khushi was too surprised to verbalize her answer and only nodded her consent. He gently eased her out of the car and led her through the walkway. As they walked hand in hand caressed by a cool breeze, Arnav said, "If your Guru Ma is unable to take you to your Guruji's next concert, remember to call me, I will take you."
"I will. Thank you Arnav."
After ringing the door bell, Arnav took her hand to his lips to place a soft kiss on her knuckles. He did want to end the date with a kiss of different nature, but he knew he shouldn't be rushing things with Khushi.
"When do I see you again? How about dinner next Friday?"
"I have class on Friday, Arnav"
"I will pick you up from your class. We will go somewhere and then dinner?"
"Okay." Khushi said softly, the hue of red never leaving her cheeks.
Shyam opened the door and invited Arnav in. Arnav, however excused himself and wished Khushi a good night. As Buaji took Khushi in, Shyam came with Arnav to the car port.
"Have you finalized the blue print for the school?" Arnav asked Shyam.
"I am almost finishing the draft. I am thinking of presenting it to the board and benefactors for suggestions, before finalizing it. Will you be free sometime next week?"
"Of course, just let me know a couple of days in advance so that I can make myself available."
"It will be great if Akash, Anjali and your Mamaji can also attend."
"I am not sure about Mamaji, but Akash and Di will be happy to attend."
They reached Arnav's car when Arnav said, "I have asked Khushi out for dinner next Friday."
"Mmm. I see she is comfortable in your presence. And she is visibly happy."
"Her happiness is contagious, isn't it?"
"Our home thrives on her laughter, Arnav."
Arnav looked at Shyam and said sincerely, "You are an incredible brother, one who every girl would want to have as her brother."
"You are no less, Arnav. Being the elder brother gives me a slight edge over you, I guess. That's all. And sorry for the other day. I can sometimes get a little overprotective about Chutki."
Arnav laughed and leaned against his car door, "That was by no means, little. Jokes apart, you were right from your perspective. As a brother I would be concerned about who my sister goes with until I know in my heart that I can trust that man."
"And you do?"
Arnav straightened himself and said looking straight in his eyes, "I do."
Shyam smiled at that and Arnav extended his hand forward for a handshake. Shyam took his hand when Arnav said, "I don't know what to call you anymore."
"By my name, as of now. What comes later, we will see about it later. It is just a matter of time." Saying that Shyam pulled Arnav for a brotherly hug.
Arnav withdrew and wished him good night before getting into his car. As he shifted the gear to reverse mode, Arnav opened the dashboard to retrieve something.
"I forgot about this. Khushi had asked for this CD. Please hand it over to her. Bye."
Shyam stood in the driveway watching Arnav reverse out of the gate and drive out of his sight, and then turned towards the house unaware of his father's eyes on him from the balcony. Shashi saw his son walk slowly into the house and looked up in the sky to spot his favorite star.
Good times are here Susheela, finally. I wish you were with me.
------------------
To be continued
A/N: I am actually nervous. Please let me know how you found their first date and please please spare me if it didn't match your expectation.
I have taken up a few assignments, which means, the updates will be less frequent.
V, this thread and the wonderful people here miss you and that includes me😆
This update also goes to divyahet, love you Het.
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