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CHAPTER 1:
A New Friend and A New Enemy
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Arnav looked up from where he was sitting and was startled to see the time. It was around 8.30 pm and he had completely forgotten about his meds in remembering all the games he had won with Sheetal in the past. He was surprised that even Khushi had forgotten all about it. She was usually very punctual and it was strange that she had forgotten it. He looked up and searched for her for the first time since the match and found that she was missing. She must be talking to the goat, Paagal', he thought and walked to his room. To his surprise eerie silence met his ears. Thinking she must be in the kitchen frying jalebis, he took his meds and went there but surprise was waiting for him there too, as he saw Payal working alone.
"Arnavji... You wanted something..."
"No... Actually yes... Khushi... I mean... Where is Khushi?"
"Don't worry, Arnavji, she just called me saying that she had gone for a walk and got caught in the rain. She asked me to send Mohan Bhaiyya... I have sent him with the car."
"A walk?? In this weather?? ALONE??? At this time? Is she CRAZY?"
"She said she needed to be alone for some time... Don't worry Arnavji, she is like that... Often Buaji used to scold her because she wandered off."
"Yeah... but isn't she afraid of the dark?"
"Yes, she is... but sometimes..."
Their conversation was interrupted by Aakash, who suddenly came inside the kitchen to take Payal out for their dinner with Aarav, Sheetal, Nani, Mami and Mama.
"Bhai... actually, we need to go. Is there something important you were discussing?"
"No... Not at all."
Saying so, he walked off, leaving Payal to go with Aakash.
***
Anjali was resting in her room when she heard the doorbell ring. She knew her brother was downstairs and did not bother to go and see who it was, when suddenly, she heard her brother's loud voice coming from the hall. She sighed, she often wished he would grow up and learn to control his temper, but no, he never did. She didn't know what was the issue and she didn't know who was at the receiving end either. Pulling herself up and muttering prayers for the poor victim, she walked down. A familiar sight of her Chotte shouting at Khushiji greeted her.
"Chotte... What's wrong?"
"Di... Look at her. She went out for a walk at this time of the hour..."
"I already told you Arnavji, I went out a long time ago when it was all bright and sunny... and, listen..."
"Shut up, Khushi... Do you even have any sense?"
"Chotte..."
"Seriously, Di, which idiot will go out in this season? She is so..."
"Mind your words, Mister"
Arnav was interrupted by an angry voice. He looked up to see a strange girl standing beside Khushi.
"I don't care who the heck you are, but no one... I repeat... no one dares to insult my friend. And, Khushi, have you lost your voice? You were the one who used to smack bullies black and blue. Now you don't mind getting bullied by this CREATURE."
Arnav was dumbfounded. He never knew that someone other than Khushi dared to talk back to the GREAT ASR. He was about to open his mouth when Khushi chimed in.
"Uh... Kalpi... This CREATURE is my husband, Arnav Singh Raizada. Arnavji... this is Kalpana, my bestie from school days. Sorry, you guys had to get introduced like this. I... uh... I wanted..."
"THIS... Khushi are you serious? THIS is your PRINCE CHARMING? I thought you would do better. What MADE you say YES?"
Arnav had been listening to her comments with a sore temper till now and hearing her comment made his anger reach its peak. His voice silky smooth he taunted.
"And how better Miss. Know-It-All? Better than a top class business tycoon owning a chain of industries all over the world? By the way, your dear friend willingly said YES there was NO NEED for anyone to MAKE her say yes... NO ONE can refuse ASR, get that point clear in your mind... And if your inquiries are done, care to explain what you are doing in MY house?"
"I came on my friend's insistence. If she married you, this house equally belongs to her too... So if..."
"HOLD ON... Arnavji, Kalpi... Quit fighting and PLEASE listen to me. Arnavji, as I told you before, Kalpi is my best friend and she has come to Delhi from Mumbai to search for a job. She will be staying here till she gets a job and settles down."
"But, Khushi..."
"Don't worry Mister... I'll be out of YOUR house, before you can even sneeze. Goodbye."
"Kalpi... Listen, he didn't mean... Arnavji, ask her to stay na?"
"Why?"
"Huh... Laad Governer. Kalpi, don't listen to him. He doesn't mean a word he says. Please stay."
"No, Khushi... It's okay... I can..."
"Kalpi... Beta..."
Kalpi turned around to see Gauri Tai (Raghav's mother) walking slowly towards her. Her expressions softened as she rushed to her aid.
"Tai... I am here. Do you need something?"
"No beta... Just felt a little tired. Are we going to stay here for the night?"
"Woh..."
Anjali butted in, feeling heartily tired of her brother's temper and the stupid quarrel that took place in front of her. The poor old woman looked sick and tired to death. She glared at her brother.
"Move aside, Chotte. Kalpanaji, please forgive my brother, he sometimes behaves like a madman. My fault it is, for spoiling him completely. You are Khushiji's friend, this house is open to you, always. Please come in, Auntyji."
"But..."
"No buts... you guys are staying here. Hariprakashji, please take their things and come to the guest room."
***
Anjali saw to it that Gauri was comfortable and once that was done, she turned to her brother.
"Chotte, if you don't have any work. I think you can go to bed now. We will discuss tomorrow."
"But..."
"No buts, chup chap chalo..."
"Ok... Khushi, come."
"Arnavji, I would like to talk to Kalpi... I will stay with her tonight."
"What the... No, you are coming with me."
"Khushiji, I think it's better you go... Anyway, Kalpanaji looks tired."
"Okay, Di... Kalpi, I will see you tomorrow. Call me if you ever need anything, my room is just over there."
"Sure, Khushi..."
Arnav glared at Kalpi. He still couldn't digest the fact that someone could talk back to him. Kalpi glared back at him. She still couldn't understand what Khushi ever saw in him. Anjali noticed the heated glares they exchanged and prayed silently that these two individuals who shared a common love for Khushi will learn to get together.
"Kalpanaji... please make yourself comfortable. This is your house."
"Thank you... uh... err... sorry I don't know your name."
"I am Anjali, Arnav's Di. You can call me Di... Just like Khushiji does."
"Thank you so much, Di... you are truly kind."
"Oh... It's nothing... Hope you have a good night's sleep and pleasant dreams."
Kalpi smiled as pain filled her heart. Sleep? Dreams? Those words had been removed from her dictionary the day he had shattered her.
***
Precap: Arnav and Khushi's fight and Kalpi remembers Raghav.
Next Chapter
Edited by ...Tiana... - 8 years ago
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