A/n: Here is the new Chapter. Slow but steady beginnings for Arshi. And I had written earlier a little something about our dear Anjali and Aman. And this chapter has a kind of closure about that. I have always loved how the character of Anjali was written in the original serial. At the right places they have shown that she never forgot about her past. And had been there for her younger brother. Living "normally". Leading by example for her all messed up sibling. If you were to think from her point of view, imagine how difficult it would be, to be just a silent spectator about the things happening around you. Managing a family with temperaments and mind-sets which were poles apart. The characterization dwindled towards the end. But as for me, I only remember the Anjali upto the Arshi wedding. She is one wonderful person.
And please gather a tad bit more patience. The next set of chapters will be mostly about Arshi and their coming together.
And thankyou so much for your patience and support. Love you all so much🤗
Here goes the next chapter. Please do comment and let me know how you felt.
CHAPTER 13
TWO MONTHS SINCE THE LAST QUATERLY CONFERENCE
"Hello" Khushi brusquely answered the call.
"What time are you coming?" It was Sarita, her PG's room mate.
"Hmm... not sure Sarita. We have to lot of reports to submit. Not only the annual reports. But also the reports for the upcoming IPO."
"You and your reports. Do you even know that people are supposed to have a life. It's a Saturday evening for God's sake. Since the time you have come, I have seen you working non-stop. It's a blessing that your office strictly closes on Sundays. Else you would have worked on that day too."
"What shall I do Sarita?" Khushi tried to explain, but was cut-off.
"Do as you like. I am reaching the cinema-hall in half an hour. Let me know if you want me to buy the ticket. Samjhi?"
"You know the answer. I can't make it." The call was cut already.
She sighed and put the receiver back on the cradle. She slowly rubbed her eyes, trying to relax. It had been close to two months since she had arrived here.
She could still feel her mother's anger. Her mother had not spoken to her for a whole week. She had accused her of having an affair with NK and even Arnavji. How preposterous!! Men like NK would not even give her a second look. And a person like Arnavji was way...way... out of her league. Mothers can be so irrational in these matters.
But she... she could "see" what was the right thing to do. This offer would elevate their status to a large extent. Devi Maiyya had finally listened to their prayers. This money could give them the much needed dignity in this society. Her mother was not seeing it now, but she would eventually understand.
And so she had moved to the Regional Office. Had found a women's PG. And that is where she had met Sarita. The most cheerful person she had ever met.
Sarita went to a movie every Saturday evening. And she had been inviting Khushi each time. But for one reason or the other, Khushi could not join her. And today was no different either.
The Head office was demanding one report after another. First for the annual financial reports. And then for the oncoming Initial Public Offer (IPO).
Half an hour later, her desk phone rang again. She would just not give up, would she?
"Yaar Sarita, I just cant come... I have so much of work."
"Achcha? Khushi bitiya. I am Kaka here."
"Arey Kaka. Sorry. I thought it was someone else. Tell me Kaka. How are you doing?"
"I am doing fine bitiya. Its just that I need some help."
"Tell me Kaka. Anything for you."
"Who Bitiya... Saheb told me that some important people are coming tomorrow evening. They would be staying for a week, I believe. I need to set up the house and also cook for them. I was wondering if you could come over to help me. I know how to make simple food. We will have to make something special, isn't it? Atleast as soon as they arrive."
"Woh... Kaka... Wont Sir be at home?" She didn't want to visit his house when he was present, lest someone would point fingers at her.
"Arey, don't worry about that bitiya. Saheb is travelling right now. He said he will be back Sunday night or Monday morning."
"Achcha? Then ok. I will come early in the morning. And leave before the guests arrive. OK?"
"Ok bitiya. Here, take down the address... Come soon bitiya. I am feeling very jittery about this."
Sensing Kaka's unease about the whole affair, she arrived the next morning at 7 AM. If they put their mind to it, she should be able to make lots of masala's and chop all vegetables for the week. She would then tell Kaka how to mix the veggies and the masala. She would also set up the house nice and pretty. But definitely leave the house before the guests arrive. And more importantly before Arnavji arrives.
Thinking on those lines, she rang the door bell.
Who was it this early in the morning?' Arnav pulled his comforter over his head and tossed to the other side and went back to sleep. Having finished his work earlier, he had arrived earlier that morning. And let himself in without disturbing Kaka.
Kaka opened the door. And then having laid out a plan, they set about doing their work.
At about 9 AM, an aromatic smell woke him up. Yummm' looks like Kaka was making something special. Wonder why he hasn't cooked like this before.
He woke up and ambled towards the kitchen, checking his emails on his phone along the way. Yawning. Scrathching his already messy hair.
"Kaka... Coffee..." He drawled at the Kitchen entrance.
Tang tadan ...tang..tang... a steel plate fell on the ground.
He looked up. Khushi was standing in the kitchen. Absolutely stunned.
"Tum? What are you doing here?"
"Aap? Aaap yahan kya kar rahe hain?"
"This is my house Khushi."
"Saheb... aap. When did you arrive?"
"Early this morning."
"But you were supposed to come this evening." Khushi corrected him.
"Do you want me to go back? And next time I will keep in mind to seek your permission before I enter my own house." This girl was ridiculous.
"I mean...no... I mean.. you cant go back, can you?" She looked at Kaka.
Arnav couldn't believe that she was asking him to leave his own house.
Kaka intervened. "Saheb, did you need anything?"
"Yes, some coffee would be great. That is, if I am allowed to drink in my own house." He looked at Khushi now.
"Haan haan sahib. I will get it to your room."
"Ok. After that I have some work. So I don't want any disturbance. I will step out at 12.30 PM sharp, to receive the guests in the airport."
"Ok Saheb."
Khushi saw him going back to his room. She quickly went to collect her bag. But Kaka pleaded with her to stay back. It was only a matter of 3 hours. Then Sahib wouldn't be at home. And she could leave once all work is finished.
She couldn't say no to Kaka. Especially when he was in such a predicament.
She agreed reluctantly. They went back to work and tried to finish up as quickly as possible. Arnav asked for coffee twice more.
"Why is Saheb having some many coffees today?" Kaka muttered. Khushi smiled. She made the coffee and asked Kaka to serve it.
At 12 noon, Arnav asked for his lunch to be served. He ate it quickly as he was getting late. But instantly new, this must definitely be Khushi's cooking. It was just so yummy.
Khushi stood in the kitchen the whole time, totally aware about his movements outside. She heaved a sigh of relief only when he left.
She had to "had to" wind up her work now. An hour later, Arnavji called up. To update Kaka that the guests were delayed. He wasn't sure when they would arrive. And he would wait it out in the airport as the commute was too much.
Relaxing a bit now, they eased up their speed, and started to chit chat in between.
***
Arnav was feeling so irritated. How can you miss a flight? Di would get an earful today. How can she be so careless?
***
COUPLE OF HOURS EARLIER IN DELHI
"Why do YOU have to go? Why cant HE come as he usually does?" Aman cribbed for the umpteenth time.
"This is the first time I am going to any place that he is staying. And want to surprise him with my walk. He hasn't seen me walking since the surgery." Anjali tried to explain.
"But... but ..." he huffed in irritation and looked away from her.
"Ok. Here is an idea. You can go now. Show him your walk or strut, whatever you would call it. And take the late night flight and come back. I will be right here to pick you up. What is the need to go away for a week?"
"I am not going "away". I am just visiting my brother. What is the matter with you anyway?"
"What is the matter with me? With "me"? I don't understand why it is not bothering "you"?"
"Ok, reason with me. What is bothering "you"?"
He finally gave up. He did not know himself what was it that was bothering him. "Nothing... just leave it."
And so, they did not speak for the entire drive to the airport. He was visibly upset. And she was feeling very very sad. If he was not ok with her travelling, then may be she should just cancel her trip. But what would she tell Chotey. And the family. That Aman was upset' that she was leaving. And that too only for a week.
He parked the car. Took out her luggage. And dragged it towards the "Arrivals" gate of the airport.
He handed over the handle of the suitcase to her. Put his hands in his pocket and sighed. And looked away. He just did not want her to go'.
She slowly moved towards the entrance. Showed the security personnel her ticket. Turned around to look at him. He was looking at her straight. Without blinking an eye-lid. Face all serious. She waved at him. But he did not wave back.
Giving up, she went inside. The glass door sliding open automatically. And closing behind her.
She turned around from the inside of the airport. This time she put up a smile and waved. Still nothing. And then her smile slowly faded out. She had not expected this of him. Of all the people, she had thought that he had been the most easy going. Her go-to person. But now, it seemed not true after all.
Even he' demanded things from her. Just like her Chotey treated her like a handicap even though she just had a limp. His over-protectiveness was claustrophobic sometimes. Her Maami and Maama had expected her to be resilient when they had lost their parents. And Naani had expected her to be submissive, because she was a rejected bride. The world expected her to be chirpy inspite of the fact that everyone took her for granted.
And then, he came along. And for the first time she had met a person who just saw her. There was no pity towards her background or the limp.
Infact had taken the initiative to fix the limp. The entire last month, he had been with her. Through the surgery. Through the recovery. So much so that, Chotey had visited her only when she was hospitalized. He had insisted that, with Maami's help, he would take complete care of her and that Chotey should go back to attend his business.
And today he was upset. For no fault of hers. And her heart broke all over again. She had lost a very good friend... Just like that.
***
He kept looking at her. Moving dejectedly towards the arrival gate. She waved at him. Expecting some sign from him that all was ok between them. Why was he behaving like a jerk anyways? She was just going away for a week. And that too to meet her brother'? So what the hell was his problem?
She was now waving back at him with a smile. The doors for the arrival gate slowly shutting. Tinge of tears gleamed from her eyes as her smile wavered.
That's when it hit him. The problem was not that she was "going". The problem was that he could just not "let-go" of her. She was where his home was now. He had presumed, subconsciously, that she belong "only" to him. That the two of them were one unit. And today, when she had started to pack, it hit him that she was not here permanently. There was a huge chance that she could go away anywhere, anytime and he had "no right to hold her back". Hell, he had given her no reason to stay back.
No, he would not let go of her. He would pursue her till she accepted.
Enacting with his fingers he asked her to stay put right there. He then went to the ticketing counter and for his good luck, managed to buy a ticket on the same flight as hers.
And quickly went inside the doors. Each minute was delaying his new life. He just did not want to delay it anymore. Not even a minute. Sprinting through the doors. He went near her.
"Aman. What happened?"
He kept searching here and there. Bingo. The Child-care room. He had never seen anyone entering that room. He took her suitcase in one hand and held her wrist in the other. And started walking fast towards the room.
"Aman... you are scaring me... tell me what happened. Is something wrong? Is that why you have been upset this entire morning? Tell me please..."
"You will know in just a moment. Just hold on." He had a smile on his face now. As they arrived at the door, he looked here and there. No one was looking at them in particular. He opened the door. No one was inside either. Pushed the luggage in. Pulled Anjali inside. Bolted the door, while still not letting her go all this while.
Turned around and swooped her into one longing kiss.
Anjali stood stunned. With her one hand held down by him by the side, she encircled her other hand around him for support. His free hand was over her shoulder and pulling her as close as possible.
In a short while he gave a slight gap between their lips. Giving both a chance to take a much needed breath. And just when she had opened her lips to take in a deep breath, he dived in again. And slowly nuzzled her lips with his own. Kissing ... caressing...tasting... loving...
She had wanted one sign from him that all was ok between them. But this... What has he been thinking... Whatever this is ... is just not right... He is not thinking straight... this has consequences. She is not good enough for him. He is not in his senses. He is having separation pangs. I should stop this. When he comes to his senses, he will regret this. And I don't want to go through another heart-break. Especially when it concerns him.
She pushed him with all her might. But he didn't budge. Her push had no conviction at all. He knew she was stopping this half-heartedly. She tried to close her lips and pushed his face away. Sneaked her palm between their crushed lips.
"No... no... this is not right. Let's go outside. You are not in your senses." She turned towards her suitcase to step out.
He yanked her back to himself. Folding her arm behind her. "You are not going anywhere."
"Ok...ok... I will not go anywhere. Let us go back home. Ok?" She decided it was best to go with the flow. Something was terribly wrong with him today.
"No.. I don't mean this trip. I don't want you to go away from me ever."
"What do you mean... ?" she looked at him confused.
He looked around. And took her towards the hand-wash counter. He propped her up on top of it. He put her hands around his neck and nudged himself between her legs and pulled her as close as possible.
Their faces too close now. Anjali tried to push her head back and bring her legs together. But he did not let her.
"Anjali Singh Raizada. I had been such a fool all this while. I don't know if you would even find it in you to forgive me for this delay." His eyes were taking in the fine features of her face. Fingers softly caressing her hair. A pleasant smile on his face.
"Aman... what are you saying... I don't understand... and what is all this... chodiye hamein... this is all not correct."
"This may not seem right for you. But every drop of blood in me is screaming out loud that nothing could be more right."
"Aman ... you are scaring me. Please be clear... What is it that you have in your mind..."
"Ssshh... Anjali... don't be scared. Its me. Your Aman. I am the same person you know."
She kept looking at him. Still unclear as to what he was saying.
"I am in love with you Anjali. Have been for quite some time now. I just didn't realize it."
"No... no.. Aman. This is all wrong." She tried to push him away. But he stay put.
"You don't know what you are getting into."
"I am physically handicapped."
"Don't you dare call yourself that. And don't try to fool me. I have been with you through the surgery and the recovery. So, I know the exact status of the knee."
"I was a bride-to-be once. My wedding got cancelled at the altar."
"Then I must say that whoever that guy is, he is one unlucky man." He smirked.
"No... no...you don't get it. The marriage was cancelled because... because..." She stuttered. She had to tell him the truth. It would finally make him see the light.
She gathered all her self-esteem and told him.
"Aman, my father had an affair. My mother killed herself when she heard it, hours before my wedding. My father killed himself soon after. And the groom's family rejected me." She went on to tell him how they were thrown out of their house and she hurt her knee.
She hung her head low. Unable to meet his eyes. Ashamed of her past. Tears slowly flowing down her cheeks. Almost sure that he would let go of her now.
Aman gathered her face in his palms. He never knew that behind that chirpy demeanor and the cute smile lay such a battered soul. Hell, that means even ASR must be as disturbed as her.
He slowly wiped her tears with his thumb. Then with his cheeks. Kissed her on the forehead, eyes, cheeks, lips and hugged her like there was no tomorrow. "I am sorry. I am so sorry, my love, you had to go through all this." He cradled her like a baby cocooned in his arms.
He tilted her face towards his. "Anjali, I cannot change the past. But we can make a future for ourselves. I do not guarantee happiness at all times. But I guarantee a life together. We will be together in everything that crops up in our lives. Good and bad times."
She nodded her head in a No.
"No... no... Anjali. Please don't say no. Your past is not really yours. It belonged to your parents. So, stop blaming yourself for that. It does not change the way I see you. You are still the same. I am still the same. Let's make a life together Anjali. Every minute we are delaying, is just a wasted time. Our life together could be so much more."
Anjali knew then, at that moment, that he was looking only at her. Anjali. No Singh Raizada. No Mallik. No handicap. Only her.
She nuzzled between his arms and pressed herself deep in his chest. And wept like never before. Aman just held her. Tightly. Letting her unburden herself from the years of torture.
After what felt like a long time he asked her softly. "So, is it a yes Anjali." Still reveling in the warmth of his embrace, she nodded a yes. Amans happiness knew no bounds.
"Really...? Really...?" He kissed her all over her face. And then a hungry one on her lips.
"But Aman... what about Chotey... and the family."
"Oh... family will be more than happy. And I give a damn about ASR. I am used to his sulking. He will sulk for sometime, and eventually see the sense in this whole thing. If nothing works, you can pout and cry. That will fix all the problems in an instant."
She punched him on the chest. She never knew what true happiness was. May be this was it.
When they stepped out of the child care room, they were just two people grinning ear to ear. And soon they realized that their flight had already taken off. Instead of feeling sheepish, they just giggled. And booked two seats in next flight.
Anjali called Arnav.
"Di. How come you are calling now? How come your mobile is working in the flight?"
"That's because we are not in the flight Chotey. We missed the flight. So, we would be catching the next one."
"Missed the flight? How can that happen? And what do you mean "we"? I thought you were travelling alone."
"Oh... did I say we? Nevermind." She bit her tongue. "I will see you later." She cut the call lest he interrogates her some more.
***
LATER IN THE EVENING
Khushi opened the door to scurry away before Arnavji came. She and her blabber mouth. Couldn't keep the track of time. She and Kaka had been updating each other of all the events since he had moved in into Arnavji's house. And finally when she glanced out of the windows, it was totally dark. Gasping in surprise, she hung her purse across her shoulder and opened the door.
And there stood Arnavji. Hand on the door bell. Surprised to see her opening the door. They just stood there mutely.
Anjali cleared her throat, which brought them to their senses. Arnav dropped his hand down and stood at the center of the door. And Khushi kept going right and left, trying to find some space to step out. All the while muttering "Sorry Sir. Didn't mean to stay so long. I will be out in a moment."
And Arnav was totally confused. If only she stood in one place, he would make way for her. If she kept moving like a mouse, what was he to do?
Finally Anjali cleared the confusion. "Chotey, wont you introduce us?"
"Woh Di... This is Khushi. She works in my office."
Anjali eyed him with doubt...asking him to give more details.
"She used to be Kaka's neighbor. And has come to visit him."
"Achcha? That is very nice. Khushiji. I am Anjali. Chotey's... I mean Arnav's elder sister. And this is Aman, my... I mean Arnav's friend." She thought she corrected in time, but Arnav did not miss the usage of the word "my".
"Namaste Anjaliji. Namaste Amanji. I didn't mean to intrude. I was just stepping out."
"Arey, not at all Khushiji. Infact you should join us for dinner."
"Nahi Anjaliji, it will be too late." She tried to reason with her.
"Arey, what is there in that? Chotey will drop you. Now come on. Don't say a no."
Trapped she agreed, albeit reluctantly.
They all moved in to the living room.
Next Chapter : UGLY FACE OF THE PAST
A/n: Not at all sure about this chapter. So please do let me know how you felt. Do comment or press the LIKE BUTTON.
Thankyou all so much. Love you.
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