Part 11 - Spotlight
She sat in the corner observing, as the figure rushed back and forth, rubbing her hands together and mumbling something incoherent to herself. Occasionally, her hand would reach up her hair as she would stop by the mirror, check her reflection like before, the count of which she had lost, and then sigh and go back to parading around the room. Her gaze was fixed to her friend's figure, as the latter picked up her phone and checked it for the millionth time in the past half an hour. In that moment, Ananya realised once again that this was one of those rare occasions when her best friend and boss, Diya Panchal was nervous beyond compare.
If it would have been another person, she would have walked over to them, maybe placed a hand on the person's shoulder and tried consoling them. But here, it was a different matter altogether. It wasn't just anyone; it was the person who gave her strength when she was nervous. It was reversal of sorts and when she saw Dai ma entering from the corner of her eye, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. The old woman was nothing like her physical appearance, she was a pillar of strength from the inside and also one of the few people who could calm Diya.
As Dai ma entered the room, looking pristine in her white sari, she shook her eyes at the sight of her daughter marching down the length of her room and her bespectacled eyes searched for Ananya, finally settling upon the young woman and then acknowledging the slight shrug she gave. She knew which nerve she had to hit, and she did just that. She came and sat beside Ananya, who was sitting with on the couch with a forgotten album lying on her lap and started.
"Ananya, was it the same when you were to speak to Kabir Sahab about your rishta with Karan?"
"Not really Dai ma, papa is so cool and plus we were skyping. I guess this is because--"
"She has to meet the mother-in-law, right? I know I know how it is. Even when I had to meet my mother-in-law and sit with that long ghoonghat in front of my face, I was sweating my cobs off" the older woman finished dramatically, waving her hands.
Ananya, who was trying to maintain a straight face, was about to say something when she heard the stomping of a foot, "Stop it the two of you. Ananya I don't have you in my room right now to make your nonsense jokes. Either you support me by keeping your mouth shut or go and stuff your mouth into your husband's."
That successfully shut her up and she pouted at Dai ma, while the older woman guffawed at their antics and took her seat on the bed. Just when Diya was beginning to calm down, the rest of the clan entered. Rukmani, Krish, Kabir and Karan entered high-fiving each other while Dhruv and Shriya followed in soon after, laughing at something. Diya gave an incredulous look to all the people present in her room, which now seemed to be nothing short of a crowded Mumbai Bazaar and shook her head in exasperation.
"Dai ma I didn't realise you had planned a party at my house while I would be gone."
"Oh come on my dear Krish-naa, we have all come here to support you before you go to meeting the in-law endeavour. Look, my dear wife here has a few tips for you too", Krish smugly went and stood behind a heavily pregnant Rukmani, while the others fit themselves in wherever they could find space -- on the bed, the couch, the floor even.
"Oh yes. Don't worry Diyu, I'll dictate to you what my mother did to me when we told our parents about our relationship and maa and papa were coming over to the house. But of course the opposite happens when it comes to Devki maa. Anyway, my mother instructed me to stay silent, keep my eyes lowered, also to serve food which isn't possible in your case..." and she went on and on till Diya finally whined, embarrassed, "Bhabhi!"
"No no bhabhi Diyu can never do that, but I am not sure about the great ASK. Maybe he'll have to do all this instead. Isn't it?" Dhruv asked rhetorically.
As Diya looked at all of them helplessly and hopelessly, she couldn't stop herself from joining into their laughter. She loved her crazy bunch, more than anyone could imagine, and she knew that they were all only trying to distract her. After all, it was strange for her to meet another mother...figure. Her mother's passing had closed all doors on that path, and her masi and Dai ma were the only ones who had been able to get through it.
"But guys, what is it with all of you? Are we already finished with our quota of teasing the newly-weds?" she tried to change the topic, winking at Karan and Ananya.
And just like that, the entire group went to back to teasing the just returned honeymooners about their two weeks in the Maldives. Ananya blushed, pushing back a strand of her hair as the customary red and white bangles on her wrist chimed; when Dhruv cracked a joke on how there will be two pregnant women in their house now, while Karan pursed his lips, adjusting his glasses which rested in front of his narrowed eyes. Both of them had gotten married over two weeks ago in a simple ceremony with close family and friends, and Kabir had especially flown down to India from the US to attend their marriage.
He was happy living in the country he had called home for more than thirteen years now, heading the marketing team of a major firm as he neared his retired life. Even on Karan's insistence he had not returned to India for good, insisting that he liked his quiet life there, but everyone had sensed the undercurrent. When three years ago, Drupad had announced Karan's engagement with an unsuspecting Diya, Kabir had been as unaware. In fact, he hadn't even been at the venue at the time of the announcement and incidentally during those same days he had been thinking of settling in India, considering his son had become the successful businessman he had always dreamt of becoming, under the sure guidance of the person whom he had once known better than the person himself. She had left the country for a shoot soon after her confrontation with Arjun but when she had returned she had found Kabir's bags packed up and she had been informed about the severe argument which had ensued between him and Drupad.
Over the years, she had realised that her father had turned into a bitter man, but Diya had never expected him to take the kind of step he did when he fixed her engagement. Being close to Kabir, she had managed to talk him into staying for a few more days, realising that he would always be by her side. Involuntarily, she turned to face the once lean man, who was sitting on the couch, his hands placed over his grown belly, the wrinkles prominent near his eyes and the skin beneath his chin sagging as he laughed in his heavy voice. He was wearing a grey driver's cap and a checked loose plaid shirt, while his thick black framed spectacles lay on the bridge of his nose. His laugh was still as infectious and he had inherent warmth about him that had always made her trust him.
The ringing of the doorbell shook her out of her stupor, and while Karan offered to open the door; she went and sat beside Rukmani, who was lovingly running her hand over her baby bump, her other hand tightly wound around her husband's.
"You tell me the due date is near bhabhi, two weeks is it?"
Rukmani smiled in response, her dimple appearing on her left cheek as her chocolate orbs twinkled and her face glowed anew.
"But bhai aren't we going to start shooting from then, I mean it's almost a month since we've stopped shooting."
"Missing the shoot life, are we now Krish-naa?" Krish raised his eyebrow while Diya rolled her eyes at her older cousin and his attempts to agitate her. But she chose not to retort, adopting the ignorance is bliss mantra, as at the exact moment Arjun entered her room with Karan beside him.
They seemed to be engaged in what one would call a civil conversation, looking all peachy with no signs of the cold expressions, ignorance or any exertion of superiority. The others around her were as shocked, and Kabir coughed in a not-so-subtle manner, while she caught the glint in his eyes.
"Dad? Don't give looks. Can't a man talk to a man now?" Kabir shrugged.
"More like sworn enemies talking, baby", Ananya corrected him.
Then just as Karan was about to reply to his wife, Diya's voice reached them, "Baby shower!"
All heads whipped to her immediately, some looking shocked and others giving her disbelieving looks.
"Diya I was referring to Karan, we are not having a baby just yet!" shrieked Ananya.
"And there comes a typical Ananya. I sometimes wonder what would have happened to you had I not introduced you both", Diya shook her head, then continued; "Anyway, I was talking about the baby that is soon to arrive into our lives. We are just in time to organise a baby shower. Haina?"
Dai ma gasped just then, as everyone in the room broke into loud conversation, the excitement palpable as Kabir picked up his phone, frowning as he tried to type the numbers into it. Just as she was sure that her family was distracted, Diya walked over to Arjun who stood leaning against the door frame, the corner of his mouth slightly curved. She was just motioning to him with her eyes to walk on, when Krish held her elbow, whispering into her ear before he let her go, "Good move there, my dear sister. I'll let everyone know you left", his dark eyes twinkling as he turned to his glowing wife.
Shaking her head at her cousin, she finally walked out of the room as she followed Arjun out of the room, and house, while in the background Kabir's loud voice invited her masi and masa over to discuss the baby shower.
...
Half an hour later, the car was speeding past a less crowded Mumbai lane; a short cut that Arjun had told Diya would keep them away from unnecessary attention and curious eyes, as they neared their destination. They had settled into a comfortable silence, now that Arjun had extracted information of her whole shoot from her.
It had been a month since he had first asked her to meet his mother. Of course, she had been sceptical and it had taken a good amount of convincing on his part, and an alliance with Karan and Krish which had finally made her agree. After her initial refusal, he had been more than a little disappointed, however, when she had gotten busy in Karan and Ananya's wedding, he had grudgingly approached his nemesis. He had realised that he had no reason to be uncomfortable with Karan around, considering the man was getting married and he knew that he was Diya's best friend and nothing more, especially after she had given their relationship a chance. But the first time he had reluctantly walked over to the him, congratulating him on his wedding, Karan had immediately suspected that there was more to it.
That night when the women were busy getting henna on their hands, Karan had found him in the lawn outside, watching the stars as he occasionally sipped his drink.
"Of course you didn't walk up to me especially to congratulate me, did you?"
He had been surprised but had answered nonetheless, "I am sorry you feel that way."
The silence that had followed had been unusual; devoid of any tension or discomfort, till Karan had finally broken it.
"What is it?"
"I want her to meet my mother."
Arjun had expected a rash response, but instead, Karan had coolly replied, "You know I have always judged you as a stupid individual, I now realise you actually don't even have anything up there."
"Yeah, so funny. Ha-ha", he had rolled his eyes.
"It's actually not easy. And trust me, when I say it isn't easy --"
"-- it is actually close to impossible." Krish had walked in, completing the sentence, clinking his glass with Karan's.
"Sorry gentlemen, I happened to over hear your conversation and Arjun, it is actually far from easy", he had looked into the distance and continued, "You know Dhruv doesn't know what happened the night you two broke up, he would have killed you if he did. Dhruv has warned you enough, so I wouldn't do anything, but remember we have all started to trust you this time. I happen to know what led to the mutual dislike, and I am only giving you a chance because one, she has feelings for you, two, I know you love her and three, maybe because you are my father's favourite."
With a lot of coaxing from all sides, she had finally let her guard down and agreed. He remembered the smile on her face, and the slight hesitance, when she had finally nodded her head. He had been unable to believe that she had agreed but then she had received a call regarding a short schedule in Bangkok, and she had had to leave immediately. However, when he walked her to her car, she had kissed him on the cheek before pulling up the hood of her sweatshirt and sliding into the backseat, and had promised to meet his mother and grandmother soon after she returned.
He was beginning to take a turn that would lead them to the road of the house when he sneaked another glance at her, like he had been doing through most part of the drive. She was looking out of the window, as she absentmindedly fiddled with the seat belt. The trees that lined both sides of the road were beginning to come into view, and so were the luxurious other bungalows of the neighbourhood. He knew she was still somewhat nervous, although she would never admit it. Arjun sighed, letting a small smile form on his lips as he changed the gear.
"I met them once after you let."
Diya suddenly turned to face him, while he still concentrated on the road ahead, "Met who?" she asked curiously.
"My mother and nani."
"You did?" she asked in wonder, and he could sense her smile even without turning. "What did they say?"
"They were happy, my mother was relieved. Nani ruined my diet plan, but all was good. I even told them about us."
She hesitated, "What about us?"
"You don't need to worry. I know you still haven't accepted everything. I just told them I like you and that I would like them to meet you."
"How did they react?"
"They were surprised", he paused then, finally looking at her as he pulled up in front of the gate. While the guard rushed to open the gates, their eyes met. Her dark eyes were curious, her mouth slightly open and her forehead was creased with lines as she waited for him to continue. She was clearly anxious.
"Hey, you don't need to worry. They were surprised mostly because I've never brought home any girl, not one. Then because you are such a huge star, my nani was as excited as she was anxious. So in short, you don't need to be. They've probably whipped up everything they could along with the servants."
The car finally began to glide through the drive way, and as the garage approached, their laughter rang in the black sedan. Finally, as Arjun turned off the ignition, they both stepped out of the car, and Diya had her first good look of the colossal structure.
The bungalow looked like it was out from an Architecture magazine. With a series of geometric patterns, it was unapologetically modern, and stood amidst the manicured lawn. The freshly watered green grass and the raised flower beds in continuation bloomed with colour against the wooden columns and the gleaming steel. As the sun rays fell lightly on the porch and the shiny marble stairs, it made the structure look magnificent against the cloudy sky. The roof was flat, not fashioned in the old way, and the carefully constructed balconies on each level seemed to be designed with great care. The lines were clean and straight, while the polished glass windows contrasted beautifully with the shades of brown and white.
"Beautiful", Diya all but whispered, but it was loud enough for Arjun to hear. The water sprinklers went off just then, spraying across the grass and as the petrichor emanating from the grass reached their nostrils, they climbed up the carved steps, her heels clinking on the polished stone.
"My mother designed the house", the pride was visible in his voice.
"She did --" but she was unable to complete the sentence as she was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. It creaked slightly, and crossing the threshold stepped a woman in an elegant silk sari. Her shoulder length hair was pinned to one side, and her bright smile lit up her entire face. Her gaze was trained on Arjun, and she noticed that her glittering hazel eyes were exceedingly familiar. And Diya almost gasped as she realised, that they were exactly like the captivating eyes of the man standing beside her.
But then immediately, the Pritha Singh Khurana turned to her, ignoring her son. She felt her lips stretch in a smile, and as she felt Arjun's gaze observing her, she knew that the smile was one she reserved only for a few people. The woman held her hand, her soft touch instantly warming Diya's heart, and she felt a vague familiarity in it.
"Hello...beta, you are welcome here in our home. Please come in."
"Maa I thought you were coming to meet me but I see that isn't really happening. Well, I got rasgullas for you", Arjun lifted up the bag in his hand.
"You did or that Saket did? I wonder why you even came. You should have just sent your manager again with some useless, expensive gifts. It is such a rare sight; I forgot you are my child. And you know where the kitchen is, just please keep them away from nani."
He coughed almost sarcastically in response, if Diya didn't know him any better, and as they followed the older woman inside, she felt his fingers curl around her hand and surprising him as well as herself, she did the same.
To one side of the short passage was an open living room on one side, the entrance framed with wood. Two marble steps led to the palatial space, and she noticed that the interiors were a blend of vintage and modern, in contrast to the architectural design of the house. The inside had been fashioned with amazing detail, its warmth reaching to her, even as she noticed the black spiral staircase against the wall of the living room and even further, the dining and the kitchen area, along with a serene prayer room to one side.
The house had been designed with great taste and care, and cream coloured net curtains with copper and beige leaves on them, appeared translucent as the sunlight barely filtered in, yet managed to light up the entire floor. She hadn't even noticed when Arjun had left the room, and that she was now alone with his mother, who was observing her carefully, the smile still on her lips.
"You like the house?"
"Like? Aunty I love it, it is absolutely beautiful", she answered in awe, "Arjun told me you designed the house."
"Well, he left it to me and I think I did a decent job, considering I am a retired professor of architecture."
"Really? Where?"
"At Sir J.J. College of Architecture", Pritha replied proudly.
"That's the best in the country and it really explains this", Diya smiled.
"Come now, sit down. We can talk about you now."
They were just beginning to sit on the couch, Diya's eyes fixed to the family pictures of Arjun, when she heard a slightly high pitched, excited voice from behind.
"Oh my, Diya Panchal!
As she turned around, she saw Arjun's hand supporting an old lady as he helped her down the stairs. Her wrinkled smile was broad, as she seemed to be in a rush. Realising who she was, she slipped her hand into the older woman's outstretched ones, covering the distance.
"You are even more beautiful in real life", she cupped Diya's face and Arjun leaned against the wall, enjoying himself as the latter blushed at the compliment.
"But I wish my grandson would take me to the actual theatre sometime, not that wretched room where it is me with my old daughter, both partying with dal chawal", she made an agitated sound as Diya giggled, leading her to the sofa.
"You watch movies in a home theatre nani, it's as good as the cinema hall", Arjun all but groaned.
"It's easy for you to say, she is your girlfriend. You see her every single day. And even when she isn't here, you come home, sit in your room and admire her pictures or watch her movies in that cinema duplicate kamra", she turned to him pointedly, busying herself in calling out to her care-taker.
Everything forgotten, Diya's eyes immediately clashed with Arjun's. Her cheeks coloured as she realised that it was really the truth, and that nani wasn't making anything up. She raised her eyebrows just slightly, and then turned her gaze, as he nodded his head and crossed his arms against his chest.
Meanwhile, Sumitrawati Kapoor giggled inwardly as she noticed the silent exchange between her grandson and his lover. The feelings were mutual as well as palpable and even though she saw her daughter shoot a warning glance at her, she pretended to not notice. Her daughter was wrong if she thought that her grandson was still unsure about his feelings. Truth was, she knew everything about his past and she had almost shot off her bed in glee when she had caught him running his hand over Diya's picture on the magazine cover in her bedroom and then when he had informed her that he was inviting her, for lunch. She sent a silent prayer to the almighty, asking him for their happiness and her great grandchild.
...
When she had been dressing up for the affair, when she had been in the car, even when she had stood in front of the house, she had felt a deep sense of anxiety in her stomach. She had felt the way she had before an interview or walking on the runway during her initial days in the film industry. But that day, even though Arjun was beside her, she felt that the spotlight was only on her, that all eyes were trained on her. However, it had all vanished as she had taken her first step into the Khurana mansion.
And now, even as she waited for Arjun in his room, the warm feeling refused to leave her. She was content in true sense. It had felt the most natural thing in the world as she had mingled with the elegant women of the Khurana family.
Pritha, who from her looks could appear distant, had been as motherly to her as she had to her own son, coaxing her to eat more when they had all sat down for lunch. And the matriarch of the family, who had looked beyond elegant in her off-white sari and a string of pearls fastened around her neck, had been the life of the table.
She took in a deep breath, walking over towards the balcony as she slid open the French window. The cool evening breeze blew her hair softly as it mingled with Arjun's cologne. Glancing back, she surveyed the masculine dcor of his room once again, the thick brown duvet against the white sheets, the colour schemes of black, white and brown, and the passage that formed the walk-in closet. She closed her eyes, as the words of the women reeled in her head before they had gone to rest after she had coerced them to do so. They had both unknowingly pushed her towards accepting her true feelings for their son.
"Thank you, Diya. Thank you for giving me my son back, for asking him to meet us. From today, you will always be part of my family, no matter what."
Pritha had hugged her before she had left to supervise the dessert, while wiping her tears with the edge of her sari. And while, she had been left alone with nani, the older woman had called her close, placing her hand over her head.
"My daughter may not know anything about the past you two share, and I will not say anything, because I firmly believe that the past should always be in the past. But all I want to say is, if you have feelings don't run from them, my dear girl. Arjun loves you, and I am not asking you to forgive him. What I am saying is, don't hide what you actually feel, because I know he will never hurt you, ever. You are the only girl he has ever loved."
Diya felt tears sting her eyes, but before she could lift her hand to wipe them off, another hand did. The touch was exceedingly familiar, and she felt a jolt pass through her body. But as she glanced up into Arjun's eyes, all she found was love, love mixed with concern. He placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyebrows furrowed as he spoke.
"I am so sorry Diya. It is my fault. I should never have brought you here, after knowing you would be uncomfortable with--"
But before he could complete, she clasped her hand over his mouth, silencing him.
"Shush. You don't know how happy you have made me today. These are happy tears. I wasn't putting up an act when I was smiling and laughing. This family is now mine, no matter what", she echoed Pritha's words from earlier, as she removed her hand from his mouth.
Arjun couldn't believe what he had heard, and just when he was beginning to smile, he felt her stride closer. Suddenly she leaned in, clutching his shirt, as her lips brushed his, and whispered, "Thank you."
And then, her lips were on his, making him groan as her hands wound around his neck. Immediately, he pulled her closer, his hold tightening on her waist as all consuming passion spiralled through them. This time, she wasn't holding back. What had started from a soft kiss, turned to a searing one as he bit into her bottom lips, both duelling for access, as they crashed against the wall. Her tongue delved into his, tracing the contours of his mouth, as she felt an attack of collywobbles and moaned his name aloud. Finally, as she entwined their fingers together, somewhere between the next kiss and their heavy breathing, she realised that the spotlight was on them both. That they were both lost now, lost in the light of something special. Smiling against his lips, she felt his hot breath fall over her, before she hugged him close, pressed between his firm embrace and the brick wall.
TBC
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Edited by 8520NK - 9 years ago
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