BOUND TO BE - ARSHI - Page 2

Originally posted by: coderlady

Dadi knew Khushi's mother. That will put a new spin on things.

World is small.

Thanks dear

Part 4

“Khushi ji, you can’t go alone at this time, I will drop you.” Akash was once again, trying to persuade her to take a lift. Even though he had mentioned several times that she was like a sister to him, she didn't think it looked right. Especially when one has a brother like ASR.

“Akash ji, I have asked my neighbour to pick me, please get back to the party and enjoy. And thanks Akash ji for all the help you have done” she knew it was her last day. Before she could finish, Payal texted her to come out. “My sister is on her way to pick me. She had came along with Happyji, since she had to buy saree materials for her Buaji.”

Once in a life time chance, Akash wouldn't let go. “Khushi ji, will you not introduce me”.

Fidgeting with the Pallu of her saree, “Arun will be waiting for his mama, may be next time Akash ji... ” she tried to avoid getting very familiar with the Raizadas.

“Oh no I insist.”

Colour rose on Payals face as soon as she saw who her sister was coming with. “Akash ji aap, yahan. (Aakash ji, you, here)”

“Jiji, you know him? Anjali ji’s brother?”

Colour drained out of Payals face. Facing him “You are that Akash, Khushi kept mentioning? You are Akash Raizada?”

Stroking his perfectly gelled hair, Akash smiled sheepishly. “How are you Payal? ”

Payal never imagined the soft spoken, bespectacled man whom she had met at the market was Akash Raizada. Khushi did mention about Anajli’s brother Akash, but she didn't think they were the same.

Recovering from her shock, she replied, “I’m fine Akash ji, I wasn’t aware you were... anyway,” turning to Khushi, “Khushi, we need to leave, its already late.”

The journey home was unusually quiet for both the sisters. Payal deep in her thoughts. Why was there a hollow feeling in her heart. How, for the last few days, she eagerly went to market and even the temple with the hope of bumping into the spectacled man. If only she knew he was a Raizada. People belonging to high society, with hefty bank balances. It was never going to be. Period. Guilt rose in her heart for even thinking in such lines when it has only been a few weeks for her broken marriage.

Reminiscing the events from the past few days, Khushi was gloomy and busy thinking about managing the household . She had arranged a few jobs here and there, but nothing substantial. Anjali ji had been kind in paying her separate for arranging the party. With her immense faith in her Devi maiyya, she knew they would get on.

*************************************

It was almost late evening, when Khushi pulled her Amma along, and finally reached Anjali’s place. Even though Garima was excited to meet her friend, the difference in social status had created a mental barrier. However all her apprehension was soon gone when Greta greeted with all smiles and made sure Garima didn’t feel out of place. Both friends were left alone and they laughed, cried and spoke, all at the same time, like they had never separated.

Arun didn’t want to share his didi with anyone. Pulling her into his room,

“Didi, come, I will show you all the paintings I have done. I loved the paint box and all the colours you gave me...”

After showing all the scribbling and random painting, “ Didi can you please get me the biiig book from the cupboards on top of the wardrobes. Mamma asked me to ask pappa or maama. But I want it now..”

Standing on the slender stool, she stretched her slender waist, trying to see what was in the dark cupboard.

“Arun run and get a torch from Indu prakash ji”, Khushi asked rummaging through the contents in dim light. While Hari Prakash and Om Prakash were serving the Raizadas, their cousins, Indu Prakash and Shiv Prakash were as loyal to the Sharma family.

Bending more into the cupboard, Khushi tried grabbing something that seemed and looked like a book, when the stool gave way and down she went crunching her eyes, imagining herself in a twisted knot with a definite fracture. “Hai Devi maiyya”

Only, she didn’t hit the floor, but was caught by two firm hands, which she recognised even with her eyes closed. And now, because she recognised whose hands they were, she certainly didn't want to open her eyes.

How long could she stay. When she looked in his eyes, where she expected anger and hatred, all she saw none of it. There was confusion, and a look of contentment.

Time froze. He felt his heart beat faster.. was it his or her heart, they beat synchronously. He ran his eyes all over her face, trying to read her relaxed face.

Khushi literally jumped off him , “Aap? What are you doing here?.. ”

Arnav clenched his jaw, his temper rising. He had made up his mind not to get affected by her. Before he could give her a fitting reply, she mellowed, “wo. . Arun wanted me to get something...” she pointed her fingers towards the cupboards...

“Why do you always get into trouble?” he didn't want to hear her, “Never mind Khushi, it is your habit to fall. Don't expect me to catch you every time.. ” he smirked and made his way out.

“Arnav ji.” Khushi called. He turned immediately with questioning eyes, her voice was different. He stood waiting for her to continue.

Khushi waited, she didn't know how to say, but she had to get it out of her chest.

“It was never my intention to spoil your show. You may never believe, yet, I am sorry for all the loss you incurred because of me. I don’t know why, but I always thought I have to correct you, show you the other side of the coin. I'm sorry for that too. What right did I have, when I'm nobody to you. I should not have challenged you either, whether I was right or wrong. ”

Arnav rushed to her and held her hands nodding his head. “Khushi” is all he could whisper.

Putting up a smile on her face, “I hope we will never cross paths again. You don't have to put up with me. Good luck Arnav ji. ”

Blood drained out of his face and he stood watching her. He felt his life was slipping from him, like sand from his palms. He felt guilty for the wrongs he had done and she was apologising. It was as if she had thrown a bucket of water on his face. He wanted to say something, but words failed him. Khushi left him, she couldn't stay anymore

*********************************

“Khushi ji, I heard you have got a job?” Anjali sat holding her waist, stretching her back. Pregnancy along with looking after Arun was too exhausting. She wanted to taste all the varieties of sweets Khushi had had got.

“Luckily I have managed to do get some odd jobs.. some work for my neighbour then I will be doing some data entry job in the afternoon. Evening we have some children coming over for tuitions. Moreover, you know about my buajis saree and embroidery business. Because we are all available, she has accepted more jobs, tying Amma, jiji and myself.” Khushi smiled making it clear she was not interested in continuing with Anjali.

Knowing their history of employment, Anjali wanted to take things slow and didn't press too hard. She was too busy to analyse the equations between her brothers and Khushi. Moreover Akash and Arnav had been busy.

“Anjali has been praising dozens about you Khushi.” Geeta chirped, both Geeta and Garima finally came out from the guest room, after promising to keep in touch. Khushi bent to take her blessings.

“I am very upset you all are not staying for dinner. Anjali has called her family too. Unfortunately, my stay is short this time. We are returning to Lucknow tomorrow. Next time I want you to cook for me. I want to taste all the delicious Lucknowi cuisine you have made for Anjali. In spite of living in Lucknow, we can hardly find anyone who can cook authentically.”

Garima greeted Anjali, and after enquiring her health, said, “Beti, look after your health. Call Khushi if you need anything. You should come over too Geetu, you can see my other daughter.”

After her farewell speech, Arnav was disturbed. He knew it wasn't just her fault, he had equally to blame, perhaps more. But how could he? Arnav walked out to meet her say something, may be to thank her for helping his sister. But, he stood at the door seeing his Di and Khushi having a serious conversion.

The raizadas arrived with a cheerful smile. Even though Anjali lived next door, and they visited way too often, there was always a festive get up to the house.

Anjali made the introductions, but was left bewildered when Akash grabbed the opportunity to bent down and take blessings from Greta and eventually from a very flustered Garima who blessed him all the same.

After introductions and courtesies, Khushi and Garima left. Before leaving she couldn't not stop from looking behind to get a glimpse of the man who had his eyes fixed on her. The man who, for the last few days had taken over her thoughts, day and night.

Perhaps, she would never see him.

That's it for now... hope you all liked it

Originally posted by: shils28

Awesome!! ❤️❤️

Thank you dear..

Part 5

Distraction. That is what he wanted now. Staring at his employers quietly going about their work diligently, he felt empty. For the first time, he didn’t want to work. At the same time, he didn’t know what else to do either, when had he ever not wanted to work?

Going home was not an option, too many questions... he missed his Di at home. Ever since she had moved out after her marriage, he felt no urge to get back home.

Going to Anjali’s house, again not an option, because there would be ‘even more’ questions. He would normally visit in the evenings to meet his nephew. He didn't have to ‘Keep an eye’ on his jijaji anymore. Di was safe and happy.

He smiled thinking of how he had secretly done a detailed background check before the marriage. Even after the marriage, he was often seen in Anjali’s house accessing the condition. All his out station activities were monitored regularly.

Even though education was all that was valued in the Sharma household, Arvind coming from a middle class family was itself enough to raise alarm bells. He could see all the siblings were very highly educated to an extent bordering boring scholars and never really affiliated to materialism other than to further themselves in their quest for infinite knowledge. He recollected how mami had immediately taunted now Ananya, Arvind’s sister, will be forced upon him. But nothing of the sort happened.

Arnav’s behaviour had irritated Arvind when they were newly married and to top it, even Anjali molly cuddled him like a baby. Medicines were ok, but not breakfast, snack, lunch, tea, dinner.... But Arvind loved her, perhaps more than Anjali loved him. Handling AR cases he had to liaise with Anjali regularly, which became more than necessary when he had fallen for her FLAT. It took a lot to persuade her, before eventually she had given in to her emotions and accepted him.

*****

“Aman, book me a ticket to London. I want to check what’s the status of the project.” He barked into the phone, only he couldn't see Aman putting the phone away from his ears.

“Sir, Lavanya mam is looking in to that project. It is all going as per schedule. Why..” Aman stopped abruptly.

“Do I decide on that or you?” Arnav shouted and cut the phone.

This should do. All the restlessness, longing and hope that was taking rekindling in his heart would stop. Of course, he wasn’t thinking of anyone in particular he reasoned. He did not want to remember the mixture of emotions that ran through her eyes. Warm and caring when she apologised, and turning cold to say she was going out of his reach, his life. Who is she to go away, I will go away.

*****

Finally Khushi felt the burden of the contract off her shoulders. She didn’t want to go back or even think of all that had passed a few weeks. Yet what was this new weakness she experienced. Inability to eat, drink, sleep or think straight. She didn’t want to admit that all this was happening because of a certain someone. But what was her equation with him. Hatred... no she didn't hate him now, maybe she never hated him. Friendly... no, that could never be between them. What was this feeling?

Work was hectic and what better way of distraction? The various jobs was enough to take her mind off the ‘other’ distraction. Delhi seemed nice for a change. Prospects were wider for both the sisters, unlike Lucknow. In spite of their busy schedules the family started to feel more at home.

*****

Distraction came in the form of Lavanya. Though they were not officially ‘together’, she shadowed him everywhere. Lavanya was everything Khushi wasn't. She had status, class and money, though may not be as much as him, but she was no where middle class.

The distraction proved fruitful. To an extent. He had even allowed Lavanya to coax him to go to the Derby. He believed, yes strongly believed, this was the life he wanted, life that people of his class lived. But for all he tried, he could not get physical with Lavanya, though she clung on to him like a creeper most of the time, well actually all the time.

“Buaji, I am off to go to the temple to give them today’s order of sweets. Then I will be off to my office.”

Khushi hurried to the huge library, thinking why it mattered to input all the names of the books and journals from nearly 20 years ago into the system. If only she had concentrated on her studies than on Salman Khan jis movies, she might have landed a better job, she mused.

This was already her second job, which she was filling in place of her neighbour gone on maternity leave.

“Khushi, don’t forget to give sheermal (Special Lucknowi sweet naan) to Anjali bitiya. It is very common to crave at this time... ” Garima reminded her.

“Haan Amma I will not forget. How can I forget the all famous Lucknow Sheermal, specially made by Garima gupta..” Ever since the friends had exchanged numbers, Anjali ji’s cravings were conveniently conveyed and like a long lost daughter, Garima had fulfilled them.

“Hey Devi maiyya, it's good Laad governor has gone to London. Otherwise he would not have left the opportunity to taunt me everytime I went to Anjali ji’s house.”

**********

Nearly four weeks have passed since the day he saw her. Four weeks since the party and Akash had visited the market a number of times, err well, almost daily, the temple a few times, again, every Tuesday and Friday when she normally visited the Devi temple.. but Payal was missing. With the car working fine without any problems, he couldn't visit Happy ji’s garage either. With Bhai away in London, owing to busy schedule he was as busy as ever.

After playing with his nephew, Akash came round to see Anjali sighing and stretching her legs, “Di, you seem to be really tired. I think Khushi ji was good for you. You could relax leaving Arun to her. May be you should call her back or may be her sister. She could help you with your knitting stuff.”

Anjali raised her eyebrows seeing his concern. Though she knew his concern was genuine, she couldn't say about the suggestion. One brother runs off soon after Khushi left the job, keeping himself aloof, more aloof than before. The other brother never stops praising the Guptas.

Akash continued, unaware of the thoughts running in Anjali’s mind, “you know Di, the saree Geeta aunty got from them as gift can easily pass off AR quality. It is no less than what we make.”

“Akash,I no longer work in AR. I left 3 yrs ago, now again I will be off maternity leave. Arvind will chuck me out of my job from the firm if this goes on...” Anjali giggled.

“Then you should take the case to employment tribunal Di.” Akash smiled, sitting down, next to her and blindly picked the copy of “The Law society gazette”. Reading the name, he dropped it immediately as if it burned his fingers, getting a glare from Anjali. “Di, they will turn you into a bookworm one day. Is this all you get? The Law, Barristers,.. How boring you have become..”

“Akash may be you should employ her. She will be a good asset to the company. ” Anjali changed the topic. She knew how business ran in Raizada’s blood, academics ran in Sharma’s.

“Employ whom?” came the reply from the door. Jaws dropped. Both Akash and Anjali stared at the door.

No sooner had they got over the shock, they heard a loud and cheerful, “Namaste Anjali ji...”

Khushi stood at the door with her mouth open, eyes as big as saucers...

Phew... one more chapter done.. how was it....

chapter 4

At least the old friends met without the status being an issue between them. Payal is backing away for that very reason.

chapter 5

Arnav is distracting himself with Lavanya but not being very successful.

Originally posted by: coderlady

chapter 4

At least the old friends met without the status being an issue between them. Payal is backing away for that very reason.

Payal is still young, moreovr with a broken marriage, so obviously she will be wary

Originally posted by: coderlady

chapter 5

Arnav is distracting himself with Lavanya but not being very successful.

Just as a storm called ASR hit Khushi, storm called Khushi has hit him, he things he can survive the storm with these distractions

Part 6

“Employ whom?” came the reply from the door. Jaws dropped. Both Akash and Anjali stared at the door.

No sooner had they got over the shock, they heard a loud and cheerful, “Namaste Anjali ji...”

Khushi stood at the door with her mouth open, eyes as big as saucers...

“Hawww how can you be here”, obviously Khushi wasn't thinking what she was saying. In her flustered state, she didn't see Arnav pulling his hands off Lavanya who went inside to meet Anjali and Akash.

Arnav stared at Khushi. She would have been completely drenched, if the autowala hadn’t been kind enough to drop her till the gate, but Anjali’s mansion was still huge. She had to make a run to the door from the gate.

Arnav turned with anger

“Ms.Gupta, if your pea sized brain has forgotten, this is my sisters house and I should be asking you that question. You haven't still stopped coming have you?” Arnav hissed bending towards her face.

Arnav was transfixed for a moment. It had been ages since he had seen her. She looked pale and thin. He looked into the minute details of her facial expressions, surprise, concern and colour rising to her cheeks with anger....

Khushi too had had her fill. She felt relaxed seeing him after 4 weeks and 3 days. Nope she wasn’t counting, she just knew. He looked pale and thin. Obviously, no ghar ka Khana (home food) .

Khushi stepped back to create a distance, his proximity intoxicating.

“Yes I too have come to meet your Anjali ji. I have no wish to speak to you.” Khushi replied with equal fervour. She walked inside royally ignoring him, muttering to herself “laad governor, he thinks he can scare everyone. Mmmph not this Khushi kumari gupta“

Arnav clenched his jaw. “how dare you..” he marched ahead to give her a piece of his mind, when,

“Baby, look how cute Anjali has knit this...” Lavanya cooed.

Khushi turned back with a confused look. Arnav gave an irritated look at Lavanya before turning back to Khushi. Khushi immediately turned away and walked over to Anjali. Luckily Arnav got distracted by the phone.

“Khushi ji, what a surprise, we were just talking about you Isn’t it Akash?” she gave a cheeky smile to Akash who was almost blushing.

“Sorry Anjali ji, I wanted to call you before I started, but got busy, then when I left, my phone had no charge... anyway, I won’t take much time. Here is your Sheermal. ” Khushi opened the huge dabba and handed over to Anjali.

Thrilled to the extremes, Anjali literally jumped. “Oh Khushi ji, you have made my day.. Akash, get me a plate...”

“Di” Akash gave a shocked look, “you were just saying you were full?”

“Akash” Anjali shouted, “Don’t look at me like that. That was 5 minutes ago. I am hungry now. Khushi ji, come, let’s go to the kitchen. These people ask 100 questions before doing what’s been told. Akash, take your iPad from Arun. I don’t want him on gadgets for too long. ” She dismissed him.

Under normal circumstances, she would have stayed a little while playing with Arun, who surprisingly hadn't appeared yet, but oh no not today. The earlier she gets out of this place the better. Moreover, the weather had turned cloudy, not making it safe.

“Anjali ji, I will just say hello to Arun and make a move.” And she was already half way towards Arun’s room.

With Akash and Arun playing, Arun wasn’t too interest in his Khushi di. “Anjail ji, Arun is too busy today for me. Anyway I will get going..”

“Khushi ji, I will call your Amma and thank her personally, but thank you so much for bringing them. I know You are very busy. But you have made my day... sachi..” Anjali smiled broadly at Khushi who was gathering her belongings.

Still licking her lips, “After a long time I have enjoyed the dish so much. Now you need a reward. I will bless you with a good husband.. ” Khushi blushed hearing the reward, while Arnav who was making his way to the kitchen stopped with his ears all tuned in to his sisters conversation.

Giving a shy smile, “There is still a long way for me Anjail ji,... ... first my jiji” and Khushi’s smile faded.

“Why that will also be taken care of. Do you want me to suggested someone” Anjali was all excited at the prospect of match making.

“Khushi ji, let me contact some of my friends...”

Khushi stopped her, bursting her bubble, “Anjali ji, its ok don’t worry, it’s too complicated.”

“Is anything a problem? Khushi ji you are like my sister, you can confide, but it’s ok if you are not comfortable“ Anjali asked with genuine concern.

“Oh no, nothing Anjali ji, it’s only been few months since her marriage broke, so she is not too keen as of now. ”

Having been through it, Anjali knew that pain all too well. “Oh, I am sorry, it's hard when a marriage breaks, especially when you are a girl. But do you know something Khushi ji, sometimes it happens for the best. Someone better is waiting for her. Her very own Raj kumar ”

Khushi’s eyes grew wide with surprise. ”Anjali ji knows about our raj kumar?”

Anjali continued. “Is that why you all moved to Delhi?”

“Oh no no. We were all fine with it, of course after the initial heartbreak. But this was all my mistake, trouble started because of the video, when some goons..” khushi’s tongue slipped, Anjali widened her eyes, imitating Khushi who had now closed her mouth with her hands. Anjali looked confused, but Khushi changed the topic, “Anjali ji I think I should leave now, before my Buaji comes here with her belan (rolling pin). ”

“What video, goons, what trouble, that day she was telling the truth after all.” Arnav who was still stood near the kitchen, kept repeating in his head. “She had repeatedly told, She was there at the fashion show by mistake, she had come to visit someone. I must find out.”

Khushi came rushing out of the kitchen to bang into something hard. Arnav immediately held her waist to balance.

Both looked at each other, reminiscing what each had gone through. Khushi closed her eyes, she was getting too emotional.

“Khushi. That day. Sheesh mahal” he whispered, his hot breath fanning her face.

Khushi came out of her reverie and pushed him in annoyance. Arnav fisted his fingers, but luckily, Arun came rushing out. “Annav Maaama... when did you come?”

“Hey champ.. ” Arun was soon in the air laughing, before landing in his maamas hands.

Khushi watched with wonder in her eyes and a smile adorning her face. “Who is this man? So many faces?” she turned away and left as soon as Arnav turned towards her.

With Arun in his hands, Arnav joined Anjali when she had again dipped her hand in the box to take another bite. “Di, what have you become, how are you eating? And what are you eating? ”

Swallowing the last bite, “Chote you don’t know the maja of eating straight from the container. Ask Arvind.” Seeing him sigh, she continued, “By the way, when did you come? How come nobody knew? And Lavanya....” she left the question open leaving Arnav to form his own question!

“Di, she is still in her call must be” he dodged the question easily.

Akash, who by now had caught up with his siblings, rushed out saying,

“Di, I will take leave, maate will be waiting. Don’t forget di, you need to come for teej pooja. Bhai, I will see you soon. ” Akash was out before she could reply.

Anjali sighed. One brother tagging behind a girl who had no clue about anything other than partying and fashion, another brother! Oh She had to find out what was happening between Akash and Khushi..

Fabulous!

A request: Whenever you update a new chapter, can you you please update the title along with chapter number and date? It will be easy for us to know about latest chapter. Otherwise new updates are missed.