Enigmatic Love-Arshi FF-Updated Note on Page 19 (Apr 26th)

INDEX:

PROLOGUE
PART-1
PART-2
PART-3
PART-4 (I), PART-4 (II)
PART-5

PART-6 (I), PART-6 (II)

PART-7 LATER

NOTE (FOR EASY READING):

Narrations: In Black
POVs: In Blue
Conversations: In Red
Flashbacks: In Green Italics

PROLOGUE:

"Are you okay?", He asked her.

She nodded her head.

"It's raining heavily out there", he said looking at her petite drenched form, "You can stay back here till tomorrow morning".

"Some of my wife's clothes are in that room", he pointed to an adjacent room, "You can change if you want".

"Nahi", she spoke for the first time.

There was a flash of recollection in his brain, "I have heard her voice before", he thought. He could not remember where he heard it though.

"I don't need clothes, but can I sleep here tonight?", she almost pleaded with an alluring voice.

"Of course you can", he re-emphasized, "Let me know if you need anything else", "I am on the second floor", he said indicating to a room upstairs with his index finger.

She smiled faintly and started walking towards the adjacent room on the ground floor. She looked beautiful in her blue woven silk sari, with long hair partly loose and adorned with jasmine flowers. His heart filled with peace as he stared at her mesmerizing shape.

He noticed her turning back a few times, once to look at him, the other times at the front door. There was a clear look of panic every time she looked at the entrance that he could not miss.

"Wait", he said stopping her, "Is there something you would like to share with me?", he tried being as polite as possible seized by an unknown urgent need to assuage her fears.

She turned around, her chest heaving with a deep sigh and gazed at him with a loving twinkle in her eyes, "Not now, may be later".

He watched her walk into the room and close the door behind her softly.

"Enigma !" he thought quirking his eyebrows.

PART-1:

Devayani Raizada is the stern matriarch of the Raizada family. Though a religious and superstitious lady at heart with immense affection for her loved ones, her outward tough facade helped her to exert torrential control over the family and its reputation. Despite loving both her children Ratna and Manohar equally, she carried a soft corner for the mild diffident Ratna. However, as fate would have it, Ratna turned out to be very unfortunate too. A few days before her wedding with Arvind Mallik, she lost the love of her life in an accident. Shattered though she was, Ratna soon found out that she was pregnant with his children.

Even though initially angry with Ratna for being an unwed mother, Devayani Raizada mellowed with time. She and her son Manohar Raizada supported Ratna in every way. Ratna gave birth to twins- Anjali and Arnav with Anjali being just a few minutes older to Arnav. Ratna and her kids were cherished and taken care of with love and respect by Devayani, Manohar, and his wife Manorama. Akash being the only child of Manohar, was in absolute awe of his cousins and treated them as his own siblings. Devayani Raizada, with her tremendous command ensured unity and good rapport within the family.

Anjali resembled both her parents in features whereas Arnav face was a spitting image of his mom. Devayani fondly called him 'Chote' even though Akash was younger to him. Chote, in his nature, was the complete opposite to his mom. He was strong, tough, confident and a determined young man, full of energy and vigor.

Starting AR Designs in Delhi at the young age of 26, Arnav rose to a commendable position in 2-3 years within the business world. A ruthless, shrewd and calculative businessman to the outside world, he was greatly attached to his family on the inside. He knew how his sister and himself were treasured by his Nani, Mama and Mami. He became a guide to Akash and slowly incorporated his Mama and Akash into his company rewarding them with high positions. Arnav and his company were the reason for the Raizadas currently being one of the richest and most influential families in the country.

Even though Ratna passed away when her kids were still young, Devayani made sure that she would honor the promise that Ratna had given to her friend Garima. That is how Arnav found himself married to Garima's daughter- Lavanya. It had been almost a week since he was married, but he did not get to spend any time with his new bride, not that he was intent either. Arnav was least interested in this wedding. For him, it was purely a marriage of convenience to satisfy his Nani and Di and to thwart their worry that he would remain a bachelor all his life.

Nani being the spiritual lady that she was, wanted to do a bunch of rituals at their ancestral home, Sheesh Mahal, in Lucknow to welcome her first grandson's wife. The Mahal had not been renovated since ages and was passed on through generations. Nani could not revamp it due to financial issues until now. So, Arnav took it upon himself to restore the Mahal to its original grandeur as a gift to his Nani. India's most famous architects, engineers and interior decorators were called for and Arnav personally monitored the progress of the work. He had therefore flown into Lucknow right after his wedding while his family including the new bride would come in the following week.

Arnav longingly waited for his family to come to Sheesh Mahal so that he could see the wondrous look in the eyes of his loving Di and Nani.

...Scroll down for Part-2...

PART-2:

Present day at Sheesh Mahal:

Arnav (shouted): HP, HP where are you?

HP, the loyal servant of the Raizadas, had left behind his brothers OP and JP at Delhi, and had followed his Chote Saab to Lucknow to take care of his food and medicines on Nani's orders.

HP: Ha Chote Saab

Arnav: Where is the girl? Did she leave already?

HP: Which girl Saab?

Arnav (gritting his teeth): The girl who stayed back last night here.

HP (realization dawning): Oh, so it was her! She just left Saab.

Arnav did not know why he was so agitated. He ran out into the grand lawn surrounding the Mahal. He saw the girl walking at around 25 feet in front of him. He raised his hand and tried to stop her when he realized he didn't even know her name.

Arnav (loudly): Hey you, stop!

The girl turned back with a gracious smile at him. Arnav now was certain that he had seen her before. He just didn't know where.

The girl mouthed a "thank you" from that distance, then spun around, lifted her sari up just a little over her ankles to cross the mud puddle in front of her and walked away briskly.

Arnav noticed that she was missing one of her anklets. Arnav could have caught up with her if he was not interrupted by his devoted PA, Aman.

Aman: Sir, the interior decorator wants to talk to you tomorrow regarding the furniture selection in the grand foyer. But you are completely blocked till next wednesday. Do you want me to rearrange any meetings?

Arnav (irritated): No Aman, My appointments with the architects and engineers are more important at this point. Ask the interior decorator to meet me on wednesday.

Aman: Ok sir.

Throughout the day, Arnav couldn't take the elegant beauty off his mind. There was something about her that was familiar yet peculiar.

With great difficulty, he pulled his mind into the administrative work. He continued with his other official meetings and video conferences with delegates in other cities. Akash, his right hand man was running the office at Delhi.

"You are doing a good job Akash", Arnav complimented Akash on phone at the end of the day.

Arnav had been stepping out with his friend Arjun for various outdoor activities in the evenings. Arjun was born and brought up in lucknow, hence had a good idea of the attractions not just in the city but around the city and neighboring areas.

Arjun was a distant relative to the Raizadas and a few years older than Arnav. Arjun practiced medicine.

Arjun: Arnav, I have a surprise for you today.

Arnav: Arjun, you know I am not very keen on surprises

Arjun: Please Arnav trust me, you will love this. When I spoke to your Nani today, she told me that it was your favorite pastime during childhood.

Arnav raised his eyebrows.

Arjun: We have to leave right away. It's almost 50 miles from here northeast.

Arnav (winking): Are you taking me to Nepal?

Arjun (grumpily): Nepal is not that close to Lucknow man.

Arnav chuckled.

They traveled for a little more than an hour and reached the destination.

Arjun: Buddy, welcome to your favorite sport- horse riding

Arnav was thrilled. It had indeed been long since he rode horses and he was a natural at it. They both chose two horses and rode them across the countryside. While Arjun trotted his horse lazily, Arnav galloped his across the fields. After about one hour, Arnav was the first one to return to the stables. He called the help and asked him to take the horse away. As he waited for Arjun to come back, he entered the cozy two-storied building that was connected to the stables. Arnav was marveled to see various architectural paintings on the walls.

"Do you like it?" A soft familiar melodious voice made him turn around.

It was the girl from last night wearing a peach green chikankari sari with embroidery. She looked ethereal.

"Hi", there was a huge smile on Arnav's face.

"Are you following me?", the girl asked cheekily.

"May be", Arnav responded back in the same tone, "Is it okay?", he gave his signature smirk.

The girl lowered her eyelashes and blushed. He realized that she seemed to be at ease with him.

"Where have I seen you before?", he asked her narrowing his gaze on her.

"Last night at Sheesh Mahal", she said with a naughty smile.

Arnav chortled shaking his head, "I am serious", "How do I know you?"

"Don't you remember?", she asked him painfully.

"I don't", he said firmly but then repented right away as he saw a sheen of tears in her charming hazel orbs.

Arnav felt an unexplainable ache in his chest. She turned her head away.

He took a step forward, "What is your name?"

"Find out yourself", she said.

"What? But how?", he asked surprised taking another step forward.

She just kept gazing at his eyes and took a step back.

"What are you doing here?", he asked.

"My Kaka works here", she replied.

"What were you doing in Sheesh Mahal last night?", he asked again

"I was visiting family in Lucknow", she said.

"Why were you so scared then? Why did you keep looking back at the door?", he put his foot forward another step.

"I was saving... protecting myself..", she trailed off taking a step back again this time out of the building into the garden.

"From?", he advanced another step.

She shook her head and moved back, "I can't... I can't say".

"I can help you", he said.

She gave an agonized smile.

"Arnav", someone called from behind. Arnav turned back to see Arjun.

Arnav immediately turned around and found the girl running.

"Hey wait", Arnav called but she did not stop.

Arnav did not want to lose her again like he did in the morning. The darkness was slowly setting down around the tall trees. He ran behind to catch her leaving Arjun stumped.

"Look, I can really help you", "Try me", he offered.

The girl stopped a few feet away from Arnav, inspected his face keenly and said, "Yes, only you can help me".

PART-3:

Arnav and Arjun were getting back to Lucknow after their horse-riding session. Arjun was driving. Arnav was lost in thoughts. He remembered the conversation with his mystery girl. She had said that her Kaka worked there in the building connected to the stables.

Flashback:

Arnav and Arjun went searching for the girl's Kaka after the girl ran away into the village.

Arjun: It's getting late, we need to get back to Lucknow.

Arnav (pensively): Hmm

Arjun: Are you even listening to me Arnav? What are we doing here now?

Arnav found a boy in that building.

Arnav: Is there someone here in the office that I can talk to?

Boy: Saab, everyone is gone for the day

Arnav: Ok, I met a girl.. I mean her Kaka works here.. I need to.. talk to him. Is there an older individual who works around here?

Boy (looking doubtfully): I don't know Saab, what is his name?

Arnav: I.. forgot the name. But it's important.

The boy looked at him suspiciously. Arnav took a bunch of notes from his wallet and opening the boy's palm, put it in his hand. Arjun's jaw dropped.

Arnav: This is important. Here is my card. This is the phone number on it. I need you to call me when you find out about an older man working here. Do you understand?

Boy (happily): Ha Saab, I will find out tomorrow and call you.

Flashback ends.

Arjun: Arnav, are you ok?

Arnav: Hmm

Arjun: Can I ask you something? Why are so obsessed with this girl? Who is she anyways?

Arnav: I don't know.

Arjun: Did you meet her before?

Arnav (sharply): Yes

Arjun: Arnav please, this is not good. She is just some village girl. And you are married. You should not...

Arnav (cutting him off): I don't want to talk about this Arjun.

Arjun noticed Arnav's temper rising slowly.

Arjun (winked and tried to soften the discussion): Lavanya should have come with you from Delhi. I think you are missing your wife.

Arnav glared at him.

Arjun: Okay, fine. I am just driving without another word.

Arnav was lost again... in her...

A couple of days later:

Arnav had a long day in meetings with his clients from London. His new branch of AR at London was doing good. Satisfied, Arnav slumped in his study at Sheesh Mahal in the evening. Within an hour, he had to meet with some architects about the ongoing remodeling of Sheesh Mahal.

He shouted for HP to get him coffee.

Suddenly, Arnav's senses became alert as he heard the sound of anklets. He walked out of the study into the adjoining patio that was connected to the garden.

"I like the smell of flowers. Jasmines are my favorite", Arnav found her talking to him smelling some flower buds.

Even without his knowledge, Arnav's face broke into a big smile. Everytime he saw her he liked it more.

"You again", he said affectionately, "Where were you from the past two days?"

She smiled coyly. "Don't get used to seeing me around Saab", she said.

That was the first time she called him Saab.

"Call me Arnav", he said. He was surprised at himself as to why he asked a stranger to call him Arnav instead of ASR.

She shook her head in negative.

"Why not?", he said.

"I cannot Saab", she said.

"What are you doing here?" When she remained silent, he continued, "Did you come to see your relatives again?"

"No", she said, "I came to see you".

Arnav was stunned at her blatant confession. He took a step forward while she took a step back into the garden away from the patio.

"Tell me your name", he repeated.

"I told you, you have to find it by yourself", she said.

"I need clues", "And by the way", he continued, "I spoke to your Ramu Kaka", emphasizing on the word 'your'.

Her eyes turned big. He chuckled at that. "He said his niece's name is Mala"

"Then maybe my name is Mala", she retorted

"No, it is not", Arnav spoke seriously this time, "Why did you lie?"

"What do you mean?", she asked.

"I met Mala too", "Who are you and why do you keep crossing my path?", he asked irritated at not getting any information from her.

"Because crossing paths with you makes me happy", she said genuinely.

"Look, I like to help you. I want to help you. For that I need to know about you. Tell me about yourself. I have to admit that since I met you, my mind is preoccupied with you", he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

She giggled softly. "I know Saab that your mind is preoccupied with my thoughts", she said cheekily.

Arnav was shocked at the conservatively dressed delicate figure in front of him talking so boldly.

"That is what gives me the strength to keep coming back to you", she said.

"What is that supposed to mean?", he asked puzzled

"I must leave now", she said abruptly.

"You are not leaving anywhere", he commandeered, vexed that she was leaving him again in riddles.

"I wish I would never leave you", she sighed, "I will come back in two days".

"Where are you going?", he couldn't stop himself.

"Home", she said

"And where is it?", "Your home.. I mean... where is it?", he asked desperately.

"Someday I will show you", she said turning to leave.

"Wait, let me drop you in my car", he tried.

"That's very sweet of you Saab", she smiled, "But no thank you. I can go myself".

She started walking into the garden with brisk steps. Arnav wanted to follow her, just then he heard HP call out to him from the study.

"Chote Saab", HP said, "Your coffee".

"Leave it there on the table"

When he turned back to follow her, she had disappeared... again.

...Part-4 on Page 5...