ARSHI FF: COLOUR ME IN LOVE : PART 50 11/10/19 PG.82 - Page 34

PART 38:

One week...a whole freaking week had gone by and Khushi was still at Akash's. He was slowly losing his mind, he thought, as he paced his room restlessly. The same way he had been doing for the last hour, and almost every day of this past week. Thunder rolled up above, causing him to pause and look to the ceiling. Every time his thoughts turned toward Khushi and the night it rained a week ago...what she had had to endure before he showed up, his chest tightened in pain. Damn it! He hated feeling helpless like this.

She should be here, he thought, gripping the house phone tightly as he battled within himself not to call the Rathore house. Akash's parents had come over to see Khushi and were spending the night. He definitely didn't want to get Akash in hot water with his wife after witnessing firsthand the hell Akash had gone through with her absence weeks ago. Interesting what he figured out in that time. All men, were not as macho as they made themselves out to be. Himself included. Look at me right now, he thought. His wife was away from him and he was beside himself with worry. He desperately needed to know how she was doing, but he was powerless to call. What if she needed him and he wasn't there? It would be like he let her down again...like all he did was let her down.

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair, before tossing the phone on his bed, deciding to take a shower to distract himself. No need thinking about something he didn't have the mind to do. He had just entered the bathroom when the phone rang. He hightailed it back into the room and snatched it up.

"Hello? he answered, urgency in his voice.

"Hello borther, how are you? Akash asked, a yawn catching on his last words.

"I'm fine, he answered irritably, "How's Khushi? Is she okay? It's about to rain and...

"Woah, woah, slow down buddy, she's fine, Akash said, sensing the urgency in his friend's voice, "She's with Payal, my mum and Dia. All the company she needs.

"I should be there, he said, a small growl lacing his words.

"No, you shouldn't, Akash said, a note of warning in his voice, "She's doing okay Arnav. A little shaken but she's fine. As fine as she has been the whole time she's been here. You have made some progress with my wife but do not mess it up by being rash. I won't stand for it this time.

Arnav exhaled deeply, "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just...I feel so helpless Akash, he said, dropping to the bed and rubbing his eyes.

"I know the feeling my friend, Akash's voice softened at his admission, "But you have to hang in there. Khushi will be fine. We'll get her back soon enough.

"What if...what if she hates me Akash? The last thing she remembers is me taking away everything she loved.

Akash was silent for a few seconds before replying, "Brother listen to me. I wish I could sugar coat things for you but I won't be a good friend if I didn't tell you the truth. As to what Khushi will do when she does come back, I do not know. But the Khushi I know isn't so hard hearted that she cannot or will not forgive you... in time. You might just have to work a hundred times harder to get her attention if she eventually decides to leave you.

"I can't let her leave me Akash...

"That's the kind of thinking that got us here in the first place, Akash sighed.

"You know why, Arnav almost growled.

"And I do. But you may have to watch out for her from a distance, Akash said, "She will decide what she does with the information you give her, when you give it to her.

"To think what that bas***d was ...

"Hey, enough, Akash stopped him, "Don't spoil my mood yaar. I pray it doesn't rain because it feels like my wife is married to her sister. I love Khushi but I want my wife back, he grumbled childishly.

Arnav despite himself, chuckled, "At least you have a real relationship to whine about.

"Okay buddy, I have to go back to the rest of the family. Try to stay calm okay? We've got this.

"Akash, if anything happens...

"I know...you'll be the first one I call. Now try to go get some sleep. Okay?

"Yeah. Please call to let me know what happened in the morning.

"Will do.

"Goodnight brother.

"Good night.

A little relieved after having spoken to Akash, he finally could take a shower in peace, knowing that his wife was surrounded by people who loved her, and they were mindful of her. As he stood under the hot spray of the jet shower, his wife's beautiful, smiling face floated behind his closed lids as he forced himself to remember her as she was...it felt like so long ago...

...

Arnav woke to gently being shaken awake. He blinked tiredly, rubbing at his eyes. He must have fallen asleep on the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed. He squinted up to see Shyam looking down at him, a mixture of understanding and concern etched on his face.

"Bhai...god morning, he said, swallowing to get past the gravel in his voice.

"Good morning Arnav. I would ask how you slept but... he indicated the lounge.

"I must have dozed off, he said pushing to his feet and trying to work the kinks out of his shoulders.

"Arnav all this is neither going to help you nor her, he said, shaking his head at the younger man, "You need to take better care of yourself.

"And I will, once she's back home, he said, regarding Shyam's already dressed state, "Going somewhere?

"You overslept Arnav. It's almost 8am.

Arnav cursed under his breath, "I'll be ready in...

"No, you won't, Shyam said softly, "You're taking the day off Arnav. How about you focus on you for a change?

Arnav looked genuinely confused, "And do what?

It was Shyam's turn to look incredulous, "Do you really do nothing else besides work?

Shrugging, "What else is there to do? There's enough movies at home to last a lifetime, and I hate golf...pray tell, what else is there to do?

"You need friend friends, and not just work buddy Akash, Shyam said, shaking his head.

"How many do you have? Arnav fired back with a raised brow.

Shyam regarded him with a considering light in his eyes, and then came to a decision, "Okay then, I'll tell you what. We'll both go into the office today, but once its 3pm, we're out. I will take you out and show you exactly what it is men do in their down time. I don't know how I didn't notice all these years, he shook his head in wonder.

"Notice what? Arnav asked.

"That you're still very much alone Arnav. Even with all of us around you, you're still alone, he said quietly. "Three o' clock Anrav, he said turning on his heels, "You need to get out more.

Arnav stood, staring at the door, and wondering what in the world his brother in-law was on about. He wasn't lonely...well, not really. But alone? No way. He disagreed with that. He'd been looking for something and he'd finally found it. And he would be damned if he lost it again.

...

Arnav sat cross from five men all of whom were older than him, save for one...Gaurav whom it seemed was the life of the party. He was the loudest of them all, poking fun at Arnav's situation and drawing a usually quiet Arnav into conversation ranging from business to world events, to family. He was currently regaling them with tales of his antiques with his wife. They were literally in stitches. Arnav smiled as he took a sip of bourbon, looking at the men who seemed to not have a care in the world as they laughed and thumped each other on the back.

Maybe Shyam was right. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been out just to hang out and have fun. No business, no trying to woo anyone or pass time. Just good old fun. But with all of this, he still couldn't shake the fact that he knew the picture would only be complete when his wife was okay, and they had worked on their issues. He glanced at his wrist watch, wondering why Akash hadn't yet called to update him, seeing as it was almost seven-thirty in the evening and it would soon be time for dinner. He had to talk Khushi into it yet again. As if on cue, his phone began to vibrate. Relief washed over him as he quickly excused himself to go take the call. It didn't matter that the ribbing turned to him about his wife calling him to get back home immediately. Hell, he wished it were true.

"Khushi darling, how are you? he asked softly, knowing the phone was already pressed up against her ear, "I'm sure Payal and Dia have been taking excellent care of you. What's for dinner? he asked, knowing full well that she wouldn't respond, but it was their song and dance, "I know I can't see it, but I'm sure you'll tell me all about it after your meal. Payal prepared that meal with so much love you're sure to put on a few pounds as soon as you taste it. Do you promise me you'll eat and not make a fuss?

He waited, and waited, and finally Payal's voice came on the line, "I think she's ready.

"Okay then. Thank you Payal, he said softly.

"You're welcome, she said after a moment's hesitation.

"Good night Payal.

"Good night.

Hanging up the phone, he turned back to the group of men, almost dreading how they were going to rib him because of this call. But for once, he didn't seem to mind, as a content smile curved his lips and he rejoined the group to shouts and chants from the other men, Shyam included. It was like his brother in-law was a different person in the midst of these men. The normally playful man who wasn't much of a talker had let loose and was almost going toe to toe with Gaurav on points of law, business, name it! It was a sight to behold, and he was intrigued as well as amused by it. It really had been too long since he had down time.

...

"And that, is how to have a good time, Shyam was saying as he sauntered into the house, more than a little tipsy.

Arnav had always known his brother in-law to be a lightweight and the same still held true today. "Now I see where you were always running off to way back when, he said, following the older man up the stairs.

"Now now, I had good reason back then. But right now, I wouldn't dare sleep out, he said, a mock terrified look on his face, "Your sister would kill me.

Arnav chuckled at that, "Don't I know it.

"The point is, he said, seemingly sobering up, "You have to keep living Arnav. You're too young to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. I mean...look around you, he indicated the whole house, "Arnav we're doing alright. More than alright. You don't have to take care of everything yourself anymore. Live Arnav. You've only got this life.

Arnav didn't know what to say to that so he just stared at Shyam who it seemed was not so tipsy after all.

"Everything will pan out as it should. Learn to relax. Okay? Now get some sleep. There's still work in the morning, he said, turning away as the door to his room opened and Anjali stepped out, and Shyam all but bellowed, "There she is! The most beautiful woman in the world!

"Shyam Keep it down you'll wake the others up! she shushed him.

"So what if they wake up? he said, grabbing his wife and giving her a very wet kiss smack on the lips, "They'll fall back asleep na? Come, I have something to tell you, he pulled a very embarrassed Anjali back into the room who look appalled to see Arnav standing there and chuckling to himself.

He stared down the hall way wistfully, wondering if his mischievous Khushi would ever be like that with him. Sighing, he turned and entered the room that brought him both pleasure and grief because this was the closest he could get to her right now.

...

Dr. Nishita scribbled in her notepad as she observed Khushi with Payal and the family. It was refreshing to see the woman everyone cared so deeply about was looking healthier and stronger. There was color in her cheeks and her skin was glowing. The fact that she was cognizant of where she was, and who she was gave her hope that little by little, Khushi was inching toward full recovery.

"How's she doing? Akash asked her.

Dr.Nishita smiled, "She's doing a lot better than the last time I saw her. And I'm happy the family has pulled together to create a good environment for her to feel safe.

"ha! If it were up to this one she'd shoot Arnav dead, Akash indicated Payal.

"Don't you dare say that, Payal snapped, sapping his arm, "He might not be my favorite person but I don't wish him dead.

"You're only saying that because the Doctor's here, Akash said in a droll voice, earning him another punch, and a chuckle from the Doctor.

"Okay, I must take my leave now. Please keep me informed on her progress for the next few days she'll be here.

"Will do Doc, Akash said, "I'll walk you out.

"Thank you, she said, letting Akash take her bag from her as they headed to the door.

"I'll go see about lunch, Payal said, hugging Khushi to her side before jumping up and heading toward the kitchen, "Watch her will you? she called to Akash who was just returning, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw the huge bouquet he was carrying. "What's that?

"You tell me, he said a bit curiously, looking at the arrangement, "They're for you.

"For me? she asked incredulously. "From who?

"You tell me, he said, eyeing it uncomfortably as he set it down on the table and handed her the white, gold embossed envelop.

She took it with a worried look on her face and opened it, reading silently as her eyes opened in surprise, "I don't believe it, she said more to herself than to her husband.

"What? he asked, stepping forward to take the card she extended, still looking nonplussed.

"I'll be damned, he said, a low whistle escaping him, "He sent these?

"For me? Payal asked, "Are you sure it wasn't a mistake?

"Arnav doesn't make mistakes like forgetting whose name he wants to put on a card, Akash said, a considering smile on his face as he regarded his wife and then the bouquet.

"I don't get it, Payal said, crossing her arms and looking a bit annoyed at her husband, "What does he hope to gain from this?

Akash shrugged, "I guess to score points.

"Well he failed woefully, she said, harrumphing as she stomped to the kitchen.

Akash chuckled to himself, picking a red rose and going over to Khushi, "Bhabhi, look what your darling pati sent my wife. He's trying to bribe her you know? But she's too smart for that. If I know him, he'll keep trying.

From his periphery, he saw Payal watching him from the kitchen. He thought it was about time Arnav stopped playing defensive and go on the offense. This should be interesting

...

Three days...that was exactly how long it took Payal to snap and call him. Arnav smiled to himself as he recalled her irate call.

"Mr Raizada I would appreciate it if you stopped sending me gifts, she had cut right to the chase when he'd picked her call.

"Good afternoon to you too Payal, he said pleasantly, trying to keep the humor out of his voice.

"Do not send gifts. I neither want nor appreciate them.

"A beautiful woman like you refusing gifts? Surely that's a sin in itself, he said smoothly.

"I have a husband for that so just stop! she almost shouted.

"That will be tough Payal, he said, "I suddenly realized how little I've appreciated all you've done for my wife and I thought to thank you.

"And I receive your thanks but please, stop with the gifts. I do not need them.

"But how else will I appreciate the fact that ...

"Please Ji... she paused mid-word, and took a deep breath, "I don't want any more gifts. I'm doing nothing special by caring for my sister.

"There's a lot of people who wouldn't do what you're doing Payal. To them it would be too much of a bother, he said matter of factly, "Either way, I hear you.

"Thank you, she said briskly, "Rakh ti hoon.

He chuckled to himself thinking of the gifts that were on their way to her right now. She would hit the roof for sure. Of course, after the first bouquet he's sent, Akash had called him to find out what was going on. He'd gladly explained.

"Look my friend. Thinking of this whole thing as a business idea was the first thing that got me into this mess. But that doesn't mean the same rules can't apply to get me out of it.

"So what? You're going to gift her into submission?

"Shyam bhai once told me something. If I had shown my wife that I loved her instead of being foolish enough to think she would fall in love with me eventually, I would have had a better chance at winning her over and avoided all this heartache. So I thought if I can't show her as yet, I'll at least show my stubborn sister in-law, what I feel for her sister.

"I don't know man, Akash said doubtfully, "Even I'm just discovering what a tough cookie my wife really is.

"You just let things be for now. Let me handle this.

Yes, Payal had raged at her husband who told her he would speak to Arnav. That was yesterday. Imagine her reaction today. He laughed softly to himself. This should be interesting.

...

Payal stared incredulously at the giant white teddy bear, large bouquet of red and white roses, a box of Lindt chocolate and several boxes of jewellery.

"Wow, Dia said, opening box after box, "I should've been madder at him than I was.

"I specifically asked him not to send me anymore gifts! Payal almost screamed, making Khushi who was sitting on the two-seater jump, and start to wring her dupatta again.

"Now look what you've done, Dia berated her, going to sit with Khushi and sooth her, "Don't mind Payal. She's just pretending to be mad cos she's getting gifts from your hubby dearest. I want gifts too yaar. Make him bring me some, mmm Di? she pinched Khushi's cheek a little, laughing out loud and hugging her when Khushi flushed a deep red and lowered her head some more.

"I'm going to give him the talking to of his life, she said, fuming silently as she pushed to her feet and grabbed her car keys, "Stay with Didi. I'll be back.

"Ask him for my gifts okay? Tell him I'm extremely mad at him too! Dia called out as she exited the house, then turned to Khushi, "Like it or not Di, that husband of yours loves you a whole lot.

...

Payal barged into his office without forewarning, "How dare you go back on your word?! What the hell is wrong with you?! I specifically asked you to keep your gifts to yourself and yet you went and got me gifts that I absolutely will not accept. I mean what are you trying to prove? Who are you trying to impress? I know you have money Mr Raizada, you don't have to throw it in my face. My husband is not poor, and can very well take care of me. So when I say stop flooding my house with useless gifts I do not want, I mean stop! she shouted, red in the face and a little out of breath from her rant.

Arnav to his credit just stood there watching her until she was done. Not a muscle moved as he continued to regard her quietly.

"Say something damn it! Payal snapped.

A ghost of a smile curved his lips, "Khushi looked just like you when she was mad at me, he said, staring openly at Payal who was suddenly stumped, and totally lost for words, "She returned everything I ever bought her for the wedding. When I took her old clothes and threw them away, so she was forced to wear what I got her, he said, turning to look out of the window at the still bustling city below, "She looked just like you did right now, so angry...so beautiful.

Payal was taken aback by the softness of his reply. To say it was unexpected would be an understatement. It knocked the wind right out of her sail. She shifted on her feet behind him, suddenly unsure of what to say. She had expected him to respond to her anger, but not like this. He sounded like he was...suffering. Badly too.

He turned to face her, an empty look in his eyes as he sighed tiredly, "I'm sorry about the gifts. I wanted to try to bridge the gap I created between myself and your family but...I forgot to cancel the order after our conversation. I'll make sure it stops.

Payal stared at him oddly before shaking her head slightly in acceptance and turning on her heels to leave the office. She did turn at the door to glance at him again, noting that he had turned back to stare out of the window, his hands clasped behind him. Gently, she shut the door behind her, a pensive look marring her beautiful features as she headed to Akash's office. His secretary Pammi waved her in with a smile.

She rapped on the door shortly and pushed it open, loving the look of joy she saw cross her husband's face when he spotted her.

"Hey babe, he jumped up, coming around the table to hug her and drop a kiss to her lips, "What are you doing here?

"Woh...I came to speak to Arnav, she said softly, an unsure smile curving her lips.

"Wait, what? Akash was taken aback, "Why? he queried, guiding her to the settee to the left of the office for more informal meetings in his office.

"I got another set of gifts today and I just got so mad... she said by way of explanation, "So I left Dia with Didi and came here.

"What did he say? Akash asked warily.

"He...he ummm...he said I looked just like her...standing there and shouting at him...she used to do that too...when he made her mad... Payal said, and swiped angrily at the tears that had involuntarily slipped from her eyes.

Akash exhaled, "I'm sorry baby, I'll talk to him...

"No, she shook her head, "He...he's...he's suffering Akash, she said, fresh tears pouring from her eyes, confusing her husband. "I mean he looks...bad.

Akash looked at his wife in confusion, "Did something happen my love? You know you can tell me anything.

She wouldn't speak, but accepted the hanky he offered her, to dab away the tears that stained her cheeks.

"He said he was sorry and I was so angry I couldn't see it, she said, sniffling, "He has bags under his eyes Akash. He looks...gaunt...I don't know...just... she dabbed at fresh tears. "Didi might be angry with him but I don't think she would want this.

"Want what? Akash asked.

"He looks like he's...empty...like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. I mean I know he messed up, and trust me I would be the last person to make excuses for him but...but after the dust had settled, if I'm being honest all he's ever tried to do...and has been doing is try to make it right. We've all been so busy blaming him...well and we were within our rights, but I don't think we ever stopped to think how he must be coping with all of this. He doesn't look like he's been eating or sleeping well.

"He's under a lot of pressure Pari, he resorted to his pet name for her, "He did something bad and for the first time in God knows how long, he's losing sleep over it. But he'll handle it. It's his cross to bear okay?

"But...

"No buts, Akash cut her off, "He's a big boy. He can handle himself. Now. I want to spend some time with my wife who saw fit to surprise me today.

"But it's almost closing time, Payal said, giggling at the obscene way her husband was wriggling his brows at her.

"Even better. I can close now, he said, flipping his wrist and smiling, "Yep. I'm good to go. I'll just get my bag and we'll be on our way.

Payal watched as her husband excitedly packed up for the day. He was happy to go home. What about... She must have been deep in thought for she jumped when her husband's voice sounded from in front of her.

"What are you thinking about so seriously? he queried.

"Nothing, she said, glancing about, avoiding his eyes.

"Liar, he said softly, smiling at his very expressive wife, "I promise you, Arnav will be fine. Okay? He watched her nod, thoroughly unconvinced, rather than talk more on it, he took her hand, "Let's go.

"Home?

"Hell no! I need my wife all to myself for a few hours, he said the last bit in the hall way, causing Pammi to blush and avoid looking at them.

"Keep your voice down Akash, she hushed him, her own face flaming as her husband threw his head back and laughed.

...

He heard Akash laugh out loud at his wife's persistent hushing. A different kind of pain gripped him. Perhaps Shyam was right and he was extremely lonely. To make matters worse he had been uneasy all day. It just felt like a cloud was settling over him and he couldn't shake it. His mind turned to Khushi, but he had to convince himself that nothing bad could possibly happen to her. She would be fine.

But then his mind pinged on another thought. He hadn't checked in with Aman in a while to see what was going on. Perhaps that was the reason for his feeling of foreboding. With that thought, he turned around and picked up his mobile phone.

"Talk to me Aman, he said, when the man picked up on the other end...

...

Akash and Payal were walking hand in hand into the house about three hours later, a definite glow on both their faces.

"Someone's been playing house away from home, Dia said, exiting the kitchen with a knowing smile on her face. "Oops! she exclaimed as some water spilled from the jug she was carrying to the table.

"Emphatically and unapologetically, yes, Akash said, drawing Payal into his side and kissing her soundly on her temple.

"Will you stop that?! she hissed, looking for all the world like she wanted to pass out as she extricated herself from her husband's grip, "Where's Didi?

"She's upstairs in her room. I was about to go and call her for dinner.

"I'll go get her, Payal said and jumped out of Akash's reach when he tried to grab her again.

"I think it's time for my sister to go back to her house, Dia said softly, winking at Akash.

"Try telling that to your sister, Akash grabbed an apple.

"You need to go shower and get back down here. I'm famished, and am not waiting for anyone, she turned and went back to the kitchen to grab plates.

"I'll be right back, he said, bounding up the stairs.

At that moment Khushi and Payal appeared at the top of the stairs, descending slowly as was the usual custom with her. Dia exited the kitchen carrying the plates and a few glasses balanced on them when suddenly, she slipped on a puddle of water she had forgotten was there on the floor. "Oh!

Her gasp alerted Payal who was holding Khushi, causing them to stop on the stair case. Unfortunately, in trying to steady herself, the plates and cups went up in the air and started to descend in a free fall.

"Di, look out! Payal called as the first ceramic plate hit the floor, followed by the rest.

Payal's hands flew to hear ears to block out the terrifying crashing sounds while Dia jumped out of the way. The ensuing silence was followed by a high-pitched scream that shocked Dia and Payal into standing still, dazed by the fact that Khushi was reacting to something.

Another blood curdling scream erupted from Khushi as a dazed Payal stood rooted to the spot. Dia who was watching her sister make any type of sound over the last few weeks had gone white as a sheet as she noticed Khushi's screams were directed at the fallen glasses and plates.

"Didi... Payal began.

"No!!! Khushi slapped her hand away inadvertently knocking Payal off balance so she had to grab the bannister to steady herself. Khushi raced down the stairs toward the broken pieces on the floor and sitting in the midst of all the broken shards, kept repeating, "No, no,no!, as she grabbed piece after piece and placed them in her, "No, no.

"Didi, Dia who was closest to her seemed to shaken to move.

"What's going on? Akash rushed out of the room, his hair stuck to his scalp showing he had just run out of the shower, barely having time to dress properly. He was extremely shocked to see a normally subdued Khushi frantically picking up broken glass and muttering to herself, "Payal, what happened?

"The glasses fell from Di's hands and when they broke she just started screaming and won't stop, now she's...

Akash rushed to Khushi's side, "Bhabhi please stop. You'll hurt yourself, he said gently, trying to stop her.

"No! Khushi shouted, pushing his hand away and continuing pick up glasses and bits of ceramic that had started to cut her skin, something she didn't seem to notice.

"Didi please, stop, you'll hurt yourself, Payal who was crying openly now. "Akash, do something!

"He can't do this...I won't let him...no! I won't! she muttered, kneeling on the glass to reach out and pick more shards.

Akash couldn't take it anymore and stepping around her, grabbed her from behind and lifted her off the floor, causing Khushi to begin a violent protest, kicking and scratching, shouting like a crazy person. Blood covered her clothes now as Akash tried to grab both her arms to keep her from pinching and scratching him in her frenzied state.

Dia just stood helplessly, crying and shaking. Payal seemed more stable so he directed his order to her, "Call Dr Nishita, now!

Payal jumped at the chance to do something she actually could do in the mayhem that had ensued. It should have been a happy occasion that Khushi had finally snapped out of it but this was not what they had expected, at all! As soon as Dr Nishita picked up, Payal frantically began to talk, describing what situation a struggling Khushi was in, her occasional screams of protests reaching through the receiver to the Doctor who assured them she was on her way.

"Dia, call Arnav, he ordered.

"Yes...

"You're okay Bhabhi, you're okay, Akash tried to soothe a sobbing Khushi who was spent from endlessly struggling against his tight grip, "It'll be alright, I promise.

"You need to get here Arnav...please... Dia was crying on the phone, unable to explain what was happening, "She won't stop screaming...please...come.

TBC...