Part Five
Arnav marched into his bedroom and loosened the knot of his tie. Carelessly throwing his jacket, tie and shirt around, he went for a shower. Standing under the tap, he let the water fall on his face and let it drain down his body. He was disturbed, for obvious reasons. Ratna's visit had messed up his mind. He had thought that he had repressed those memories. But obviously, the moment he saw her standing in front of her, all of it came running back to his head. He hated himself, even though it wasn't his fault. It was her fault. Only hers.
He was only ten years old when his father brought home a new mother for him. She looked absolutely divine even at the young age of twenty two, when she entered the house in her red saree. All of his friends told him that he had got an angel as a new Mommy. Little did he know that she was a devil in disguise. His father had absolutely no time for him or his new Mommy. Initially she seemed very nice. But soon, he began to feel awkward when she was around. He even spoke to his mother about it when she was watching him from above as a star. He told her that she seemed "strange" at times. Only when he turned fourteen did he understand what that "strange" meant. She used to place her hand on his thigh and caress him. Many times, much to his irritation, she would massage his shoulders and find excuses to keep touching him. He tried speaking it out to his father, but as always, Arvind did not find time for him. She would barge into his bedroom when he was just coming out from his shower in a towel. Sometimes, she would ask the servant to call him to her room under the pretext of some work and would try to seduce him by bending in front of him or touching him. Sometimes, she would even unbutton her shirt and draw his attention to her breasts, all for which he did not care. She crossed all her limits when she tried to fondle him the night he was drunk. Until then, he was a young man of sixteen who worked hard and played harder. But that one night changed his life and turned it upside down. He felt nauseated at the fact that she tried to rape him- his very own step mother. What was his fault if his father could not keep his wife happy and she was sexually frustrated? Immediately, he had opted for residential studies and had moved out of the Raizada Mansion. Arvind tried reasoning out with him, but what could he say? He just chose not to talk to him. At the age of eighteen, he took his first step into business and twelve years later, he was known as the "ruthless shark of business" and the "God of fashion world". But his dark past still haunted him.
His mind wandered to Khushi. She was someone who was so pure in soul. He knew she had a temper and had to deal very carefully with it. She possessed a rare beauty and a raging fire. He knew because he kept a watch on her. Not to forget, she even slapped him, oblivious to the fact that she would be working in his office. Aman's words rang in his mind, "Are you really sure?" The truth was, that he was not. Somewhere in the depth of his heart he knew that he wasn't very sure of what he was doing. He ought to tell her how he felt for her instead of forcing her into it. His first impression on her was very much different from what he had thought. He did not find anything wrong. After all, in his opinion, the main aim of falling in love and being in a relationship was to sleep with the lover. And he expressed the same to her. In turn, he got slapped. For what? For speaking out bluntly? He wasn't wrong. Arnav Singh Raizada could never be wrong. Yet, somewhere it did not feel right. It was as if his Mother was telling him that he was wrong. He was stuck between this confusion of right and wrong. He closed his eyes and opened them. He wasn't wrong at all. He convinced himself well. If he wanted something, he couldn't afford to wait for it. He had to snatch it and make it his own before someone else laid their eyes on it. This was what life had taught him. He never knew what it was to be normal. His entire childhood was messed up and his youth was scarred. He did not know what hearts, flowers and romance was. He was an animal, grown up in the midst of other animals. He had his needs and he did just anything to meet them. And he was doing fine until now. But Khushi's entrance in his life made his conscience come alive, and that made him restless.
He finished his shower and wrapped a robe round him. When he went out, he saw the photo of his Mother on the table. His nostrils flared with anger and he called out to one of the maids. Hari Prakash rushed to the room. "Who kept that photo there?" he growled. Hari prakash trembled. "Sorry Sir. It must have been the new maid on duty. I will tell her not to come to your room sir. Sorry" Arnav's fists clenched in anger. "Get out, now!" his voice boomed in the room and Hari Prakash ran outside, two steps at a time. He walked to the table and without looking at her photo, he placed it facing downward. "I'm sorry Ma. But I don't think I can face you after what my life has become. I know you have prayed for my success and that is the reason I am here today. But Ratna Raizada destroyed me as a human, Ma. I am a horrible person, and I know it. I'm sorry I failed you" he said in a soft tone. Then without looking back at the picture, he wore his boxers and got into bed to get some sleep.
The next morning, Arnav was woken up by a knock on the door. It was Aman. "Sir, Miss Gupta will be reporting by 9.00. Mohit said he would guide her and then get her signatures. The lawyer called to confirm the matter what you drafted to him." Arnav nodded and asked him to confirm the same. After following his master's commands, Aman asked again, "Sir, what exactly do you have in mind about Miss Gupta?" Arnav smiled in amusement. "All of you will know soon" Aman only looked on as Arnav got out of bed and marched to the bathroom. "You may leave" he announced, and Aman knew he had to get out before being told twice.
As informed, Khushi arrived minutes before nine. She was asked to meet Mohit for the formalities. She entered his cabin to be greeted with a smile and was asked to take a seat. He then took her certificates and other documents, stapled them together and asked someone to come and hand it over to the HR department. "Khushi Kumari Gupta, there's another thing that you would have to do" Khushi looked on in question. "You will have to take a blood test" Khushi looked puzzled, just like how Mohit was when Aman told him to tell her the same. And unknown to Mohit, Aman too looked puzzled when Arnav had given him the same orders. "But why, sir?" Khushi asked Mohit. Mohit just shrugged his shoulders, wondering what to tell her when he himself wasn't sure as to why Aman sir wanted her to go for a blood test. "It's a formality", he lied, "It comes handy when necessary" he was simply rambling now, but thankfully Khushi bought his lies. She was truly naive. Anyone else would have questioned as to why a blood test was required to work in a fashion industry, that too behind the scene. "Our company cab will take you to the hospital and bring you back." He told her and she nodded politely.
"You may have to sign a few pages. Just minor technicalities, pertinent to the new position in the company" He handed the papers over to her and hoped she wouldn't read them. He was sure to lose his job if he couldn't get her signature on the papers. He was too attached to his head and did not want to lose it to Arnav Singh Raizada. There was no need for her to read the ones underneath which were blank, should the case arise. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that, but he was taught long ago to cover all bases. She took the papers and started reading the top one, which he purposely set up as a decoy. It was a detailed explanation of her job description. He purposely made the font smaller in hopes it would slow her down, and by the way she squinted, his ruse was working. He pressed the button on his phone which was his signal to Sonia. He tapped his fingers on the desk as he waited for her to buzz for him. After a good thirty seconds, his intercom finally buzzed. He pressed the speaker button. "Yes, Sonia?" In a bored tone, Sonia said, "Mr. Mohit Shergill, there is something very important you need to do." As planned, he got ready to reply but she beat him to it. "No. It can't wait. You must hurry." Then he thought he heard her yawn. "There must be no delay. I..." Irritated, he shut off the intercom but replied, "I'll be right there." Bolting to his feet, he rushed to Khushi's side and handed her a pen. "I need your signature on these pages" He lifted the papers enough for her to see the signature line. "I'll fill in the dates and all that." "Well, I..." Khushi began uncertainly. "Please, Miss Gupta? I have a crucial meeting to attend." He lied as he gave her the best pleading expression he could muster and followed it up by what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "I..." She glanced back at the papers and then at him. With a shrug, she smiled and said, "...Okay." Then she signed everything. Before she could read anything else, he grabbed the papers. "Thank you for your time, Miss Gupta." She frowned as she eased out of her seat. "Is that it?" "Yes. The cab will be waiting outside to take you to the hospital" She shrugged her shoulder, "Oh. Well, thank you." He wondered if she'd be thanking him when she would realize that he had taken her signatures on blank sheets. Shaking his head, he led her out of the cabin. "Have a good day, Miss Gupta." She thanked him and made her way out to go to the cab.
After she was gone, he rushed to Arnav's cabin. "Sir, the papers. Miss Gupta signed them" he said and placed the file on his table. Arnav, who was busy going through the pictures of the model for the cover of Fashionesque, nodded and asked him to leave. Mohit was disappointed. Not even a word of praise after so much of effort! Such a rascal! Just before he walked out of the cabin, Arnav called out to him, "Mohit, remind me to make an increment in your pay" he said without looking at him. Mohit grinned. Arnav Singh Raizada was the best boss in the world. Just when he was about to say something, Arnav spoke again. "Now, if you're done admiring my beauty and are finished with gaping at me like an idiot, you may leave. Unless you want to sit here and discuss unicorns as we play with a tea set" Mohit smiled and mumbled a thank you as he made his way out. Arnav only smiled to himself after he left the cabin.
An hour later, Arnav was interrupted with a phone call, but when he saw the ID on his phone, he immediately picked it up. Work could wait for this. "Arnav Singh Raizada? This is Dr. Evens calling" Dr. Jason Evens was a close friend of Arnav. However, conversations during work hours were strictly work-related. "Yes Dr. Evens. I hope you have called to tell me what I wanted to hear" Jason smiled to himself as he noticed the eagerness in Arnav's voice. "Mr. Raizada, the girl you sent here, Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta, she is a very strong-headed woman. It took a lot of convincing, energy, time and patience to answer her queries. I hope you have chosen wisely" Arnav smiled at the way Jason teased him. "Just tell me what you called to say, Jason" he smiled. "Miss Gupta's reports are fine. She's quite healthy and has absolutely no problem" Arnav smiled and thanked him. A part of his worries were solved.
Khushi began her work at Gulmohar Designs from the very next day. She was given a separate cubicle and was asked to report to Mr. Aman Shukla, who was lot more reserved in comparison to Mr. Mohit Shergill. She was asked to make a daily report over the team working on the upcoming fashion events. In Mohit's opinion, that was the easiest to do since all she had to do was be present at meetings and make a note of the discussions happening. Arnav, of course observed her like a hawk. He had made sure that she occupied the cubicle from where she couldn't see him, but he could very well see her. Khushi did her job in all honesty, and was happier when she was appreciated by Aman. Her parents too were glad for her.
Two months passed in the same pace. Arnav kept watching her while she would work to the best of her ability. One morning, as Aman passed by her cubicle, he heard another staff member wishing Khushi. "Congratulations on what, Miss Gupta?" he asked her in a reserved tone. Khushi rose from the chair and smiled at him. "Sir, I'll be getting engaged tomorrow. I did not want to announce it, but one of the staff members knew and the news spread like wildfire" Aman was alarmed but chose not to make his reaction visible on his face. "Congratulations Miss Gupta. Now if you excuse me, I have some important work to do" and without waiting for her reply, he walked away and Khushi stood gaping at his retreating figure.
Aman almost ran to Arnav's cabin and entered the room with a heaving breath. Arnav looked at him and cocked an eyebrow. "What are you breathing like that? Were you being chased by a rabid dog?" Aman shook his head and Arnav was amused at his honesty. "Sir, Miss Khushi is getting engaged. Tomorrow" he emphasised on the last word. Arnav placed his hands behind his head and leaned back as he stretched his legs. "I know, Aman!" "You do?" Aman was not sure what to make out of it. "I do. And I have every intention of surprising Miss Khushi tomorrow" Aman looked on as Arnav smiled.
As expected, the next day, Khushi did not come to work. Her mother had sent her to the beauty parlour in the morning. "But Ma, the engagement is in the evening" she whined. "Don't try to teach me. Just do as I say!" Garima had fired back. She was getting her facial massage done, as thoughts played in her mind. As much as she did not want to get married, she admitted that Arjun Mehta was a nice and a decent guy. He had spoken to her over the phone almost every day and had met her in person a few times. He came across as a genuine person, for whom family mattered the most. What made her happy was the fact he told her that she was free to work after marriage. After several meetings, she had made up her mind to agree for the wedding proposal. She may not have been in love with him at the moment, but there was a lifetime to fall in love with her husband. Her story was not like the ones she read in her childhood, where her knight in a shining armour would come on a white horse and sweep her off her feet. She had seen her parents happy when she had agreed for the engagement and ultimately she was happy too.
Evening came too soon and Khushi was dressed up for her engagement. Dressed in a baby pink lehenga-choli studded with pearls and stones, she looked like a doll. Her mother was in tears when she saw her daughter all decked up to be engaged. The groom and his family were expected to come at around 7.00 and the ceremony was to take place in the Gupta House at 7.30 PM. Soon, the guests started pouring in and by 7.00 the house was already full with guests from both sides. The clock struck 7.30 as Khushi paced her room nervously. There was no sign of Arjun and his family. Shashi made several calls to Arjun, all in vain. Finally at around 7.45PM, Arjun came to home. Aastah too came downstairs to see what the matter was. What she saw, stunned her. He was in his regular formal wear, not in the sherwani that was picked for him for today.
"Arjun? Why aren't you ready?" Shashi asked him in a hushed tone, but Arjun just kept his eyes on Khushi. "Is this some kind of a joke, Khushi?" he asked her aloud, causing all the guests to remain in pin drop silence. Khushi saw that he had an envelope in his hand. "what is it Arjun?" she asked as she walked to him. "You are asking me? You still have the nerve to ask me that?" he raised his voice, which was very unusual for him to do. She took the envelope from his hand and opened to read it. Colour drained from her face as she read the document. "What is it, Khushi?" Garima asked her and tried to read it. "This isn't true!" Khushi told Arjun, who only replied, "It has your signatures on it!" "It's not legal!" she screamed louder, increasing the suspense, "I do not even know who Arnav Singh Raizada is!" Arjun smiled sardonically. "Is it? You do not know him and yet, you married him?" A collective gasp escaped from the guests. "That's right" Arjun said to the guests, "She is already married! So in case you want me to spell it out, there won't be any engagement happening here today!"
Khushi was too shocked to react and fell into the sofa as guests walked out, while Gauri comforted her. Shashi tried reasoning, but to no avail. He stormed back inside and stood in front of Khushi. "What was Arjun saying?" Khushi stood up as she looked blankly at the photocopy of the document. "A particular Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada married me, by proxy!" she muttered. Garima frowned. "A particular Arnav Singh Raizada? But who is this fellow?" she asked.
"I am!" a voice boomed through the room, and the four of them turned to see a man standing at the entrance. Khushi felt her legs give away underneath her as she recognised the man. "You? You're that guy!" she blurted out to which he smiled knowing that she had recognised him and recalled their first meeting. "You know him?" Garima and Shashi asked in unison. "She does. We kissed right in front of your house, a few months back." He said. A red-faced Garima and an embarrassed Shashi looked at each other, saw Khushi and then looked at this Arnav Singh Raizada. Arnav saw Khushi looking at him in hot white anger. "Now sweetheart, don't tell me you've forgotten me?" he said, taking steps towards her. Khushi looked like she could kill, literally! He continued to talk to them all, "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a word with my new-wife." "You can talk whatever you have to, right here!" Khushi roared. Arnav ignored her and spoke again, "Could I talk to her somewhere private? Maybe, in her room?" Gauri who stood silent and blank, pointed upstairs. "Thank you" he nodded at her, and took Khushi's hand in his. She pulled her hand away, "I know the way to my own room" she growled like a tigress and walked upstairs with Arnav following her. Shashi and Garima stood as if they were frozen. After a moment, Garima spoke, "What the hell just happened?" Shashi said, "Our daughter got married, apparently"
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