Arshi TS: The Game of Destiny [Part 3 updated on Page 5] (04/07/15)

Khushi entered the green room of the model for today's photoshoot. Maybe addressing her as a model would be more apt than calling her Didi. Such has become their relationship, mused Khushi looking around the room. Finally her gaze landed upon the stunning lady sitting before the mirror.

Payal Gupta is one of the most popular faces in top Indian fashion magazines. Known as "The Dreamgirl", she is one of the most sought-after models in the fashion industry. In fact, many Bollywood films have also been offered to her. But Payal's dislike towards Bollywood movies caused her to reject those. Her parents have always been very supportive of her career choice though modelling is not the most desirable profession for them. Since Payal had been determined, passionate and confident about her choice, Mr. and Mrs. Gupta happily complied with their elder daughter's wish. Khushi knew about Payal's ambition from a long time, even before Payal actually told her. How could she not know what her Didi's dreams are? They not only shared the room, but also their lives. But that was the past. Now the once soulmates have distanced so much over the years that they don't know each other anymore. None of them knows how it happened or whose fault it is. Maybe because of Payal's profession and busy schedule, maybe Khushi's lack of understanding towards her sister or maybe due to Akash. There are many "maybe"s. But the fact stands that the relationship once Khushi and Payal shared is on the verge of dying. And this scared Khushi a lot.

Last week, it was Sheetal's birthday. Khushi had to attend the birthday party of her best friend. She was grateful to Sheetal due to this. Because if she didn't go to Sheetal's party, she wouldn't have met Shyam, Sheetal's elder brother. Shyam had returned from Boston, USA the week before his darling sister's birthday after 7 long years. Khushi had noticed the bonding between Shyam and Sheetal, which reminded her about her and her Didi. She had felt very lonely that day. She had a sister but she wasn't with her. During a conversation with Shyam, Khushi had talked about the relationship between her and Payal. Shyam had been understanding and considerate. He listened to Khushi, her complaints and expectations from Payal. He had patiently explained it to Khushi that maybe even Payal was longing for Khushi just like she was. He encouraged her to start amending the precious relationship of the sisters. Khushi had considered Shyam's advice seriously over last week. She pondered upon what has gone wrong. At one point, she had blamed Akash for the distance between both the sisters. But then she realized that it was never Akash. It was her fault, it was Payal's fault. They had let each other slip away from each other. They could not live up to their "inseparable sisters" title.

Akash Singhania is a renowned Bollywood actor. His debut in the film industry had been a thud. But he slowly climbed up the stairs of success through his hard work. He had met Payal 3 years ago in a party of one of their mutual friends and hit it off instantly. They started going on dates and spending time with each other. After about two months, they had officially announced that they were a couple. This news had taken media by storm. They would constantly publish news about the couple, sometimes even gibberish. After about one year of their relationship, a newspaper had published a picture of Akash with another Bollywood actress in a very intimate position in Hawaii. Payal had been shocked. Akash had lied to her that he was going to Italy for shooting. But clearly he was cheating Payal behind her back. The real blow came to Payal when Akash himself confessed his infidelity during a heated confrontation. This time Payal was devastated. She had genuinely loved Akash. After this heartbreak, she had shut herself from her family, including Khushi. Khushi had tried a lot to bring the old Payal back. But Payal had devoted herself completely into her career. After a few months, even Khushi had stopped trying. This is where she had gone wrong. Khushi blamed herself that if she had not stopped in her attempts, Payal would not have gone so far away from her. But she had decided. She would get her sister back. She would bring back the smile on her Didi's face by hook or by crook. There would be challenges, she knew it. But she is also Khushi Gupta. If there is need, the timid and shy Gupta girl can be stubborn as well. She put her plan in action, the first step of which was to accompany Payal to her photo shoots. Since Payal was such a workaholic, Khushi had to start bonding with her during her photo shoots.

"Khushi? What are you doing here?"

Payal's confused voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She noticed Payal's appearance. She looked absolutely gorgeous. Her hair was let down and messy. She was wearing a white jumpsuit with a dark purple shawl. Among accessories, she was wearing a golden necklace, a golden hand chain on her right wrist and a golden multilayered wide bracelet on her left. The smoky eyeshadow and dark red lipstick gave her a confident and bold look, which she is. I gave her my brightest smile and went near her.

"OMG Didi! Look at you! You are looking breathtaking. How do you manage to do this everytime? What are you still doing here? You should be in Europe or USA! Actually, scratch that. I don't want you to go anywhere without me. If you go somewhere, you'll have to take me with you!"

Though bewildered by my sudden behavioural change, Didi smiled at me and said,

"I am not going anywhere. Don't worry. And thanks for the compliment, Khushi. I don't have any other choice though. It's ASR's calendar photoshoot. I have to look my best."

"You manage to look perfect even without these designer outfits and makeup Didi. So what if he is The ASR', you are no less! Did you read the Vogue edition last month? You were ranked no.1 in top models for Vogue India magazine!"

"Since when did you start taking interest in Vogue instead of your favourite The Scientist? And by the way, ASR is ranked as no.3 among the best fashion photographers from all over the world. So, don't underestimate him," Didi chuckled.

"Uff Didi! Are you my sister or that ASR's? Why are you defending him so much? And I don't care about him anyway. So, let's not bring him into our sister-time," I pouted and hugged Didi from behind.

"You are seriously impossible Khushi! I have to go outside now. The photoshoot would start in 15 minutes. Wanna come with me?"

"Of course I will! I want to see everyone's expressions when you go out. They would be star struck!"

Didi laughed and got up to go outside. We walked side by side. It felt so nice. I am really thankful to Didi for being so open to me. I so want to smack myself right now. I should have talked to her long ago. Didi would have been completely mine by now. But nothing can be undone now. So I should give my best now to restore our relationship.

Didi became completely serious once we stepped outside. She was totally ready for the photoshoot. I was amazed by her boldness and confidence. If it was me in her place, I would have freaked out. How can she pose while hundreds of people are staring at her?

Didi talked to a man before taking her position. I couldn't see the man's face. He was quite tall and had broad shoulders. He was wearing a light grey shirt with a brown jacket and black jeans. He was explaining something animatedly to a girl. He had an authoritative personality, I guessed. I walked a bit closer to him and sat somewhere where I have better chances seeing his face. But he was engrossed in the camera and his back was facing me. Was he ASR? Might be. I never saw him or his picture before, so I can't tell.

The next second when he turned, I took a sharp intake of breath. I felt as if the world has stopped and there was only me and him. His face was so perfect as if God had given special attention in creating him. He had sharp nose, strong chin and rich and tempting lips. He was wearing 60's black Michael Caine glasses. I frowned, not being able to see his eyes as he was looking down to his camera. As if he heard my desperate wish, he looked up straight at me. My eyes widened and held my breath. His chocolate brown eyes were captivating. They were drowning me in their depth. At the same time, I was feeling conscious of myself due to his staring. That's when I realized that I was shamelessly staring at a man and worse, I was caught red-handed. I immediately averted my gaze. I looked here and there looking for a distraction, other than that man. I finally got a magazine lying on the chair beside me. I grabbed it and held it in front of me, pretending to read. My breathing was heavy, as if I just worked out. After a few minutes, I heard someone announcing the beginning of the photoshoot. I finally kept the magazine down and looked towards Didi. That handsome man was taking Didi's pictures. So, he was the famous fashion photographer, ASR. I noticed his posture while taking pictures. He was similar to my Didi in professionalism. Confidence was oozing from him. After what felt like eternity, the photoshoot was over. I shook myself out of his thoughts and walked towards Didi. I hugged her tightly.

"Wow Didi! It was awesome. You were looking so sexy! I won't be surprised if all the young men in our building line up in front of our door shouting to marry you after these pictures are published!"

Didi smacked my arm. It actually hurt a lot. I winced and pouted.

"Shut up you silly girl! You are becoming naughtier. I need to have a talk with Mom and Dad, I guess. Now come on, let's go to my green room. I will change and freshen up and then we'll leave together, ok?"

I nodded smilingly and was about to go with her when I realized I forgot my purse in my seat.

"Oh Didi! I forgot my purse in my seat. You go ahead. I will get that and come to your room."

Didi agreed and walked ahead. I went back to where I was sitting and saw my purse on the chair. I took my purse and turned to go. Suddenly, I turned to the chair and I saw a white piece of paper folded. Curiosity got me and I opened it.

Never saw anyone reading a magazine upside down before. I would love to learn how to read upside down from you. Will you teach me?

Arnav Singh Raizada

9876543210 ;)

I read the words, written in neat cursive handwriting, of the note over and over again. I felt heat rise up to my cheeks. I looked around to see him. I saw him leaning against a wall in front of me. He was smirking at me. He looked so charming that I couldn't resist myself giving him a shy smile. He straightened himself and mouthed "Call me" before going away but not without winking at me. I gasped and covered my mouth at his carefree attitude. I looked at the number he gave me and shook my head, feeling very shy suddenly. I folded the note again and put it inside my purse before proceeding towards my Didi's green room.

Part 2: The Date

"She is late as usual!"

Arnav thought, getting annoyed. Khushi's habit of always being late never fails to ruin his mood. Getting late is fine as long as it happens rarely. But she always arrives at least half an hour late to their dates. Arnav hates people who don't understand the value of time. When would this girl stop doing it?!

"Sorry sorry sorry! I am late again right? Please forgive me, Arnu," Khushi took Arnav by surprise by literally jumping on him from behind. Once he recovered from the initial state of shock, he removed her hands from his neck. When Khushi came in front of him, he folded his arms over his chest. Khushi gulped and gave a nervous smile,

"Actually Arnu-"

"Arnav"

"Fine! Arnav, I did not do it intentionally. I left my house 10 minutes early than I needed to. But you know what happened? I saw two tall muscular men in black shirt and pants pulling a young guy, of about 5 or 6 years, forcefully into his black SUV. You know the market nearby? It happened there. I got really angry. I came out of my car, took a stick that was luckily lying on the ground and marched towards the goons. At first I warned them to leave the boy. But then they started laughing. On me! ME!! Khushi Gupta! I mean, how dare they? Then I got so furious that I beat the crap out of those bodybuilders. It was hard you know, because they were so strong and I am a soft delicate flower. But in spite of that, I fought bravely. I told myself, Don't stop Khushi. Save this kid. Prove to these men that women are no less. Prove yourself to be a true Gupta'. That did the work! I hit them so much that the pedestrians had to stop me. You know? Those men ran away from there so fast that I felt they were lost brothers of Usain Bolt! And the kid, awww. He was so chubby and cute! He kissed me and thanked me so many times. He told me his mom's cell phone number and I called her. When she reached, I scolded her a lot. How can she be so irresponsible, huh? I mean, you tell me, what would have happened to the kid if I wasn't there, if I didn't play with my life to save him? Right? And that's how I got late Arnu...I mean Arnav. Are you still angry with me?" she looked at me with those hopeful eyes.

I wanted to laugh out on her naivety and childlike expressions. Her animated gestures while describing what supposedly happened was really amusing. But I somehow stopped myself from smirking or laughing and maintained an expressionless face.

"This is the same story you told me on our third date!"

Her eyes went wide as saucers. I could see she was thinking really hard to come up with something.

"That was a different one Arnav. This happened today."

"Exact same vehicle, exact same people wearing black shirt and pants, exact same 5 or 6 year old boy, exact same location, exact same style of fighting...don't you think it's too much of co-incidence Khushi?"

She closed her eyes and leaned back on her seat. When she opened her eyes, she made a puppy face and seemed apologetic.

But this time I am not going to melt. It's our 100th date and she is late again! How can she be late today? I planned so much according to her liking and she herself doesn't care enough to be present here on time. That's not fair at all!

"I am really sorry Arnav! Genuinely, really, truly, sincerely, honestly, heavily, strongly sorry! I want to smack myself so hard! I am always late. I have always been like this, since childhood. You know? I was supposed to be born on 13th June. But I was born on the 15th! I hate this thing about me. I am sorry...Ouch!!" she winced and stared at me in complete shock as I hit her head with a magazine I found nearby.

"What? You said you wanted to smack yourself. I helped you basically..."

She narrowed her eyes at me and gritted her teeth. Oh how much I love it when she is angry! My own "sherni".

"People gift each other, talk lovingly to each other during dates. They don't go around smacking each other! And this is our 100th date Arnav!" she complained in a childish voice.

Though I wanted to continue this playful fighting with her, I did not want to piss her off today. I smiled at her and took her hands in mine. She relaxed immediately and slowly a shy smile came on her face. I could sit and watch her for eternity but I had made plans for her, which I wanted her to see.

I ordered her favourite Italian dishes: red pepper bruschetta, mid-summer Italian bread salad, tomato and arugula pizza, chicken scallopini, tiramisu chocolate mousse for dessert and lemonade. We ate the same dishes. After a peaceful lunch, I took her on a ride in my new black Ducati 1098. I bought the bike only because of Khushi's fascination for bikes. She jumped in excitement and pecked me on my cheek. I was satisfied seeing her happy. After about half an hour of the bike ride, I took her to my house. I felt a strange satisfaction seeing her in my house. Maybe because it is the first time I am bringing her here. I have lived alone in this huge mansion since my Nani's death 5 years ago. Now seeing Khushi admiring my house, I felt complete. She is the only one who can bring fun into my boring life. Brushing away my thoughts, I showed her the entire mansion. According to her, my room and the poolside attached to it are the best things in this house. Then I took her to the home theatre. One of her complaints about me has always been that I don't take her to movies like other couples do. So today I thought I would fulfill her wish. We watched her favourite romantic movie: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. I was a bit taken aback initially because girls normally love DDLJ or KKHH. Well, Khushi is not normal anyway. One thing I didn't understand in the entire movie is that how the heck did the wife not recognize her own husband just because of that annoying moustache? Unbelievable! After two and a half hours of pure torture, the movie finally ended.

"What an awesome movie na Arnav? So romantic! They look so good together right? But nobody can beat our jodi!" she excitedly told me.

Well not sure about the other things she said, but we are definitely the best couple! I kissed her forehead gently to let her know my approval.

"Yes baby. We are the hottest couple ever."

"Ok ok enough! It's almost 6. Now it's my turn of surprising you. Let's go," saying this she dragged me with her.

"But at least tell me, where are we going?"

"That's a surprise, my handsome prince. Wait patiently and you will get the biggest surprise ever."

I shook my head at her craziness. She told me...no...ordered me to move from the driver's seat as she would drive the car. After driving for about 40 minutes, we arrived at a restaurant. It was the same restaurant where we had our first date. Khushi had been so nervous that day. That was our first date as well as our first meeting...well, we didn't talk that day of the photoshoot. It had taken lots of teasing and flirting on my part to loosen her up. Khushi intertwined her fingers with mine and led me to the private garden and poolside of the restaurant. She made me sit on a chair in a dark corner.

"Wait for me here. I'll be back in 15 minutes," saying this she literally vanished, without letting me say anything. I was looking around for people but couldn't find anyone. Confused by Khushi's behaviour, I took out my cell phone to play Angry Gran Run. Ahem...it was my most well kept secret, which Khushi came to know one day when she was going through phone without asking me. She teased me a lot about this for up to 2 weeks since that day.

I felt someone's presence around me. I looked around and saw the most gorgeous sight ever. Khushi was standing in front of me in all her glory. Clad in a red one shoulder chiffon prom dress that ended well above her knees, she was looking ravishing. Her hair was let down just the way I prefer. Her right wrist was adorned by a simple diamond bracelet and there was her mother's black leather belt wrist watch on her left wrist that she always wears. Her face had a glow even without any trace of makeup. She was a breeze of fresh air after being around the always impeccably dressed and heavily made up models. She was coming towards me, her eyes downcast. After coming close enough to me, she looked up and gestured me to come along.

As we walked beside each other hands, I saw the garden lighting up with fairy lights. I noticed we were walking on a path of red rose petals. The path led to a white tent. I turned to look at Khushi and she smiled at me giving a reassuring squeeze to my hands.

I entered the tent to be knocked out of breath. The tent was beautifully decorated red and white curtains, white and yellow fairy lights and paper lanterns. But the most wonderful part was our pictures around the tent. Most of them were selfies of us together taken by Khushi during our dates and outings. Some were pictures of me. I looked at Khushi, pleasantly surprised and amazed by her planning.

"This is just the beginning, my dear boyfriend. Just wait and watch," she winked at me.

After seeing all these, I really can't wait for her other surprises. She led me to the dinner table and we both took our seats. A waiter brought our food to the table and left us alone as soon as possible. This time she ordered my favourite foods: herbed chicken and dumplings, pan thrilled thai tuna salad, posole with turkey and heart-shaped chipotle gorditas, grilled lime-soy tuna with noodles, filet mignon with mushroom-wine sauce, panna cotta as dessert and white wine. After we were done with the dinner, Khushi checked the time and said we have to go outside. When we went outside, Khushi took a black cloth and tied it around my eyes.

"Please wait for 5 minutes. It will be 8 o'clock and then there is something else for you, sweetheart," she announced so sweetly that I wouldn't have been able to refuse even if I wanted to.

After sometime, I felt her opening the knot. The black cloth fell down from my eyes and I was greeted by the sight of a smiling Khushi. She pointed towards the sky with her index finger. She clutched my arm tightly and after a few seconds, there was a noise...noise of fireworks. There were fireworks of different colours- white, gold, pink, green, red, yellow and blue. After the different colours splashed across the sky creating a beautiful scenery, there were more fireworks. This time the formation of fireworks said "I Love You Arnav". Then a heart shape formed around the words. I was astounded. Khushi had never said the three words to me before. And now when she did, it was the most amazing sight ever.

"I love you Arnav...a lot. Lot more than I have ever loved anyone, lot more than I have ever expected to," she whispered against my ears.

When I turned towards her, she went on her knees and took my hand. I was bewildered.

"Khushi, what are you-"

"Shh...don't interrupt me Arnav. I have to do this right now. I can-

Arnav, you have no idea how much you mean to me. You have no idea how much I love you. In this one year of our relationship, you have become my happiness, my life, my breath. Before you entered my life, I was fairly satisfied with my life the way it was. But then you made me realize what I was missing without you. I didn't have the love, the spark, the excitement, the passion in my life before you came. You have taken my heart, my soul from me. You have completed me Arnav, you have completed my life. I cannot imagine a life without you, Arnav. There cannot be Khushi without Arnav ever. Will you allow me to have the honour of being your Mrs. Raizada, your better half? Will you allow me to be a part of your life? Will you marry me, Arnav?"

By the time she finished, she was already in tears. I was totally overwhelmed. Nobody had done something so genuine and heart-touching for me ever. I felt special, I felt wanted. Khushi made me feel alive. Her honest confession had totally won my heart. I did not have to think about my answer. I did not have the need to. Because my heart always knew the answer.

"Yes...yes, of course Khushi! There was never any other option baby," saying this I pulled her off the ground and sealed the moment with a kiss.

When we pulled apart, I saw Khushi crying silently. I kissed her tears away and holding her chin, I made her look into my eyes.

"Look into my eyes. Can you see anything else other than love for you? I love you Khushi...more than anything and anyone else. You have made my life colourful and lively. You make me feel special. You have taught me what it means to love, to be loved. I love you so so much Khushi. I want you with me, I need you with me. Don't leave me ever, please," I said what I felt about her.

She hugged me tightly pulling me closer, if that was possible. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her back with equal intensity.

"By the way, I was late due to these preparations!" she mumbled loudly against my chest.