Chapter 7
The very evening of the day that Arnav had asked Anjali to start making wedding preparations Anjali did just that and when Arnav happened to walk past the table where Anjali was sat late evening she asked him to take a quick look. She had rang all Raizada relatives around the world and done everything she could think of and efficiently too
His sister was usually very good at this sort of thing but he looked at it anyway, it was an extensive list of things, people that would be required and dates. He spotted one thing on there they could cross off.
"Khushi already has a mangalsutra di.."
"I don't want anyone to forget that she has been bought up believing in this relationship I don't want to undermine all those years she has spent devoted this relationship I hope everyone will keep that in mind. Her brothers sensibility was what Anajli was the most proud of but at this moment in time Anaji wondered if Khushi who had just walked in and approached the table had overheard. Arnav had left without noticing Khushi and she seemed to want to ask Anajli something.
"Di erm..."
"Kya hua Khushiji.." (yes Khushi ji what's the matter? ) Anjali had a very expressive smile there was going to be a lot of good things ahead for the family but Khushi looked a little hesitant to say whatever it was.
"Woh Unki pasand na pasand..hamara matalab woh toh hame bohot kuch samaj gayey lekin hamare liyey yeah sab bohot naya hai, kisi ki patni hona .." (Di was thinking I don't really know much about his likes dislikes, I mean he's got to know me well in just a few days but.. this is all very new for me, I mean being somebody's wife in a true sense. )
Anjali was aware of what Khushi must have been going through and was there to help.
"Aap bilkul bhi fikar mat kiyey.. ham aapko sab kuch shikha denge...par ek shart par.. aapko hame mithai ban ana shikhana hoga." (Don't you worry you have me! But ...you'll have to teach me how to make all those amazing sweets I'm so rubbish at in return.!)
Khushi agreed her eyes smiling to replicate the smile on Anjalis face. It all felt so unreal but there was a warm content and positive feeling within her amongst her insecurities which were surely just natural?
...
The next morning as Arnav walked down to the breakfast table, it was time for Arnav Singh Raizada to actually go back to work after his long haul holiday which was reflected in his office attire of course with the whole getting married thing he would be away from the office a lot more in the up coming days and so that was more reason to put in the time now.
How much could poor Aman do on his own after all. With his blazer to hand Arnav had chosen blue to be the colour of his attire this morning .. he wore a lighter blue shade under his waistcoat felt strange dressing so formal after being in casuals for weeks on end but good at the same time. As Arnav walked towards the breakfast table a lot of family members had travelled far and wide on news of his marriage and were sat at the very table. Mama, maami, NK, Aaakash, Bubbly, Dadi almost all the family was present and the noise level well as expected was something else all together but Arnav eyes were for Khushi who was quietly eating her breakfast at one end of the table whilst all others were busy talking to one another. She looked a little isolated and that was when Arnav recalled the doctors words for a moment.
She didn't realize when it was that he pulled up a chair next to her until he wished her good morning .. Good morning..
It was nice to have someone she was vaguely familiar with for company the rest were new faces.. ji ..good morning..
Just seeing him put a smile on her face..
As Arnav reached for the orange juice Khushi tried to assistant but doing so Arnavs hands brushed against Khushi's she was cold.
"Aap kab loatonge ..??" (When will you get back.. ) There was something very innocent about the way Khushi had questioned him she was ever so polite. He could make out that she hoped he wouldn't leave her for too long.
"Not sure but you could come along if you want, I mean you can take a look around the office and there is a shopping centre around the corner from the building". He was suggesting this because he got the feeling Khushi was feeling out of place around all these new faces she'd never seen. That way he could fill her in about everyone too.
Before Khushi could accept because she really wanted to Anjali had over heard and jumped in ..at first it seemed serious but It was soon seen that she was pulling Khushi's leg.
"No Khushi Is mine for the day..aap bhul bhi gayi hamara vada?! (have you forgotten already! ")She looked cross for a moment but her eyes were playful. Khushi remembered she was to spend the day with Anjali so she could learn all the things she needed or make a start anyway she wanted a good start It was important but Khushi's gut feeling right now was that she didn't want to be around all these new faces.
"Jaaon .." Anjali smiled with a certain expressiveness, Khushi getting to know Arnav for herself was going to be far better than anything Anjali could teach her. That would really help the rest they could do any time.
Arnav had no clue what they were talking about but it was okay it didn't really concern him too much seen as Anjali was always the thoughtful sort of person he didn't have to worry about them getting on.
...
She watched him get up from the breakfast table just as she walked down from her room with her handbag that's all she needed she was ready. He smiled getting the feeling that Khushi was a little confined before him but happy non the less.
He found himself..walking at a certain pace forgetting that there was someone with him..
She didn't say anything even if he was walking a bit brisk for her ..she followed him as he led the way but after a moment or two he seemed to become aware that he wasn't alone..he stopped for a second..wating for Khushi to catch up.. when she did she looked up towards him, she didn't quite understand that look in his eyes but appreciated It..she appreciated that attention he gave her, he smiled and she did too just because he was oblvious to what that was about of course. his walking pace after that was attuned to Khushi's he walked so she could walk alongside him, it was the little things after all.
Next chapter:
It was lunch time at Raizada offices ASR bought into his cabin two take away meals from the canteen one for himself and one for Khushi.
He began to unwrap the different containers only for Khushi to mention something he was unaware of. "Hamara vrat hai..." (I'm fasting.)
His sister and others women in his family did the same ritual weekly too but as he thought out aloud he realized something for himself.
.. oh not you too .. he exclaimed disapprovingly, Di .. apne pati ke liyey... (Di fast's for her husband.. ) after catching on Arnav stops instantly for a moment. There was just silence for a second as Arnav observed Khushi "How long have you been?" ..
""Ji Jab se ham sola sal ke they".. ( Since I was 16..")
..
CID
272