ENIGMATIC LOVE- ARSHI FF- PART 10 (III) Ready to go (OCT 11th) Page 8

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 Arvind Mallik's 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 27, 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...

NOTE (FOR EASY READING):

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

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: Your Nani told me everything about you. Come on... 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".

NOTE (FOR EASY READING):

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

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.

NOTE (FOR EASY READING):

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

PART-4 (I):

NOTE (FOR EASY READING):

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

PART-4 (II):

That night:



Arnav stepped out into the front lawn late at night. He had slipped out of their bed chamber after Lavanya fell asleep. He hadn't been able to rest well from the past two days.

"A walk in the garden might help", he told himself.

It was a beautiful moonlit night, the waxing phase of moon, cool and white.

As Arnav completed his third round around the huge gardens, he met with the sight his mind was longing for from the past 7 days.

She stood absolutely stunning in her orange sari with beads shining like diamonds in the moonlight.

Arnav felt happy, relieved and... alive...

He marched forward in hurried steps towards her as she moved back with a mischievous smile.

"Where were you?", he bellowed. He was about to touch her hand when she shook her head negatively and moved further back into a tree.


"I am sorry Saab", she said looking straight into his eyes, "I have been wanting to meet you but I couldn't".

"Enough with the cryptic", he said trapping her on the tree trunk with his hands on either sides of her without touching her.

"Why couldn't you come before?", he tried sounding angry though his anger was melting down fast in the pleasant jasmine scent wafting from her delicate body.


"I came but you were busy... with your family", she said.


Arnav was stunned. "You could have at least met me for a second", he said exasperated, "You have no idea how I pined for you this week".


She looked astounded at his admission of missing her, "I came... I came... but I was late... again", she said with a pause.


"What do you mean again?", he stressed on the word. She lowered her head, her long lashes covering her eyes for a brief moment.

"Look, I was... I was disturbed... if... um... something happened to you", he blurted the truth out.

She instantly looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "you were worried for me?", she asked like a small child.

"Yes, I was... very worried", the complicated introvert businessman was replaced by a simple guy concerned for his girl.



She looked at him for a long time roaming her eyes on his forehead, eyes, eyelashes, the scar on his eyelid, the sculpted face, the prominent nose and the firm lips. Arnav knew she was checking out his features but stayed mute. He watched her as she admired him. They stayed for a prolonged period of time under the canopy of trees gazing at each other in silent adoration. The cool night, the mild breeze and the silver light of the moon added to the romantic aura of the setting.



Arnav moved his body closer to hers, dipping his head down, his lips very near to hers.



"No Saab", she said blushing profusely, "at least not now".


Arnav realized what he was doing and moved a step back immediately, closing his eyes, clenching his fists in frustration. He turned back to walk away from there but was interrupted by her call.



"Saab", she said looking down, "You did nothing wrong", "it's just that I want you to know me before... "

"Then tell me about yourself", he spoke curtly turning towards her again.

"I will Saab", her voice was soft and slightly choked

"Are you okay? What happened?", he asked anxiously noticing her tears.

"I am very lucky to have found you Saab... after a long time...", she spoke honestly at his concern for her, "It's just that I don't know how to tell you"

"Give it a try", he encouraged.

"I am scared you won't believe me", she said sadly, "And I am not willing to take a risk".


Arnav exhaled deeply.


"Can we sit on the bench over there?", she pointed to a garden bench with a backrest a few feet away under the huge mahogany trees.

"Hmm", he said while walking with her.

"Can you tell me about yourself?", she asked him as they settled down.


He chuckled at the irony of the question. "Everything about me is out in the open", he spoke firmly, "It's you that I have no clue about... including your very name..."


"Saab, don't be angry with me", she said her big hazel eyes pleading.


"I am not angry with you", he softened instantly, "I just want you to trust me. Anyhow, let's talk about something else", he did not want their conversation to get awkward specially since he got to meet her after a long time, he wanted to spend as much time as possible with her.



They spoke for a few hours about random things punctuated in between with long periods of pleasant silence. They savored each other's company basking in the knowledge of unexpressed fondness.



With the first indication of dawn by the chirping of birds on the trees, she noticed that he was very tired and slowly dozing off with his head on the backrest. Smiling she got up to leave, without disturbing him, she drank in his handsome face and mumbled softly near his ear, "I love you Saab".




Three days later:



Arnav smiled at the sight of a naughty Mehak and a tired Anjali running behind her.


"I cannot tolerate her antics anymore", he heard his Di say.


"Look at the positive side of this Di", he said picking up the day's newspaper and coffee in each hand, while settling down in the couch next to Nani, "you might end up losing more weight".


Nani, Shyam and Lavanya laughed out loud.


"Well Chote", Anjali retorted, "May be in a couple of years I will see you doing the same behind your kids"


"Why would he do it Anjali?", Shyam said, "It would be his wife running behind his kid".


Lavanya blushed.



Arnav was immediately transported to the thoughts of a certain angel with big hazel eyes and a celestial face running behind his kids... no... their kids. The image brought an unknown gratification on his face.


He remembered how three days before, they spent the night together in the garden talking about mundane things when the experience was anything but mundane. To top it off, he recalled how she had professed her love to him assuming he was asleep. He had just drifted out of his sleep then due to the movement of the bench when she got up. He knew now he didn't have to follow her, she would come back... to him...



"What is that she is so scared to tell me about?", he contemplated.




That evening:



Anjali and Lavanya had expressed a desire to explore the palace. The north-wing was not completely done yet but there was a lake behind the Mahal on the north side that looked breathtaking. As Mehak played in the garden near the lake with Shyam and Arjun watching her, Anjali and Lavanya walked in with Arnav admiring the rustic interiors. Arnav started making a note of the renovations to be done on his IPad as he walked around.



A few of the rooms were empty with old furniture and paintings having been moved into a big living area by the workers. The three of them entered the north-wing living room appreciating the antique goods. Anjali and Lavanya planned to take a few of them to Raizada Mansion in Delhi. While they were dusting, Arnav's eyes caught something interesting- the portraits of royal families and Zamindars that owned Sheesh Mahal since it was built in 1500s.

There was a painting of an exquisite damsel standing sideways in front of a mirror with her back to the painting but the face was clearly depicted in the mirror. With a beatific smile, robed in a rich blue woven silk sari adorned with jasmines in her hair, she looked like a goddess. The thing that stopped Arnav's heart was the uncanny resemblance of the woman in the painting to his mystery girl.

"It is her, no doubt", Arnav was shocked, "But how?", "What is her painting doing here? and how is she related to the Mahal?"



The answer stared right at his face. There was an inscription with a name and details underneath the painting.

'Khushi Kumari Gupta'

1720 - 1739 AD

The world slipped beneath Arnav's feet. This can't be true... No, it can't be...Arnav was flabbergasted...

NOTE (FOR EASY READING):

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

PART-5:

PART-6 (I):

This part might be depressing for many of you but please be patient with me and hang around. Things always turn out for the best...

PART-6 (II):

PART-7: