Khushi woke up hoping she wasn't late for the flight she had to catch with her parents. They were heading back to Lucknow - her parents and Payal till further notice and Khushi to get the remainder of her belongings. Her parents had agreed to let her complete her course and internship in Delhi - they hadn't no need to worry with Khushi living with her Bua, or so they thought.
Khushi looked around to see her bags packed, but no sign of her Jiji or Amma around her. Looking at the clock on the wall, she realized she was up early and had an ample enough of time to get ready and say her temporary goodbyes.
She was looking forward to this weekend break before starting her internship and course simultaneously.
--
Lucknow
It was her last night in Lucknow before she had to head back to Delhi and she was dreading having to finally speak to her parents about the silent decision she had already made.
They were all sitting in the living room of their modest two bedroom home after having dinner.
Shashi: Aab bol bhi dho Khushi, kya kehna chahti ho?
"Just tell me Khushi, what do you want to say?"
Khushi looked at her Babuji in slight surprise.
Shashi: Tumhe parhna itna mushkil nahin hai bitiya, tumhara chehra khuli kitaab hai.
"It's not hard to read you my dear daughter, your face is an open book."
Facing her Amma, Babuji and Payal - she gathered the strength to say what she had decided earlier in Delhi.
Khushi: Apne humein Delhi jakhe apne sapne poorey karne ki anumahti di, uske liye hum aapke bohut abhaari hain.
"You gave me permission to go to Delhi, for that I am ever grateful."
Garima: Dhat. Aisan kyun kehat ho bitiya. Bache tho haq se mangte hain, aur maa baap unki ichaaon ko poora karne ki bas koshish karte hain.
"Why are you saying that? Children are supposed to ask rightfully so, parents just try to fulfill those wishes."
Khushi: Aap dono ne hamesha, mujhe aur Jiji ke liye - hum dono mein kabhi koyi antar nahin kiya, hum jaante hain.
"You both always have for me and Jiji -- you have never differentiated between us two, I know."
Khushi's voice choked with emotion at the truth in the statement, her Amma and Babuji always were supportive of what they wanted -- never differentiating between Payal and her.
Garima: Kaahe karte? Dono humari betiyan ho.
"Why would we? You both are our daughters."
Khushi's heart lurched with love at the possessiveness by which her Amma said humari betiyan.
Khushi: Amma, Babuji tab hum Delhi wapas jayenge, hum Bua ke ghar mein nahin rehna chahte.
Amma, Babuji when I go back to Delhi, I don't want to stay at Bua's house.
Seeing her parents and sister were about to protest she quickly continued.
Khushi: Kuch kehne se pehle humari baat sun lein. Ab woh ghar sirf Buaji ka nahin hain, aab Jiji ka sasural bhi hai, aur hum nahin chahte ke humari koyi baat bhi Jiji ki honay wali shaadi pe koyi bhi bura asar laaye. Jaante hain ke wahan sab ache hain, sab humein bohut pasand karte hain, par aise mamlon mein thori savdhaani se kaam lena chahiye hai, hai na? Waise bhi, hum sirf NK ke kareeb hain uss ghar mein - lekin aab uski shaadi ho gayi hai. Lavanya uske liye aab se aur hamesha thak, sab se zaada mayne rakhni chahiye hai. Hum NK ko bohut achey se jaante hain, agar hum wahan rahe tho woh humari fikar mein laga rahe ga aur unke shaadi shuda zindagi mein hum museebat nahin bahn na chahte.
"Before you say anything, just listen to me. That house is now not only Bua's but also the house of Jiji's in laws, I don't want anything I do or say to affect Jiji's upcoming wedding. I know everyone over there is nice, they like me too, but in situations like these, it's better to be careful, right? And anyways, I am only close to NK in that house and now he is also married. Lavanya should be from now and till forever the most important in his life. I know NK really well, if I stay there he will constantly worry for me and I don't want to become a reason for an issue in their married life."
Garima and Shashi looked at their Khushi with tears gleaming in their eyes. She lived up to her name, only thinking of bringing happiness and being happiness for others.
Garima: Humari tiliya itni bahri kab hogi?
"When did my butterfly grow up?"
Gesturing Khushi to come forth, Garima took her in her arms, hugging her.
Shashi: Tho batao, phir kahan rehne ka iraada hai? Kya socha hai?
"So tell me, what do you want to do? What have you decided?"
Garima: Aap kya keh rahe hain, kya matlab?
"What are you saying, what do you mean?"
Shashi: Garima, tumhe aur humein dono ko pata hai Khushi sahi keh rahi hai. Khushi ne kuch na kuch socha hoga. Batao bitiya.
"Garima, both of us know that Khushi is right. She also must've thought of something. Tell me Khushi."
Khushi: When we were in Delhi, I went to go finalize my admission and uss din...
Khushi narrated her story.
Garima: Tu sach mein gayi thi?
"You really went?"
Khushi: Ji Amma. I promised you and Babuji I'd try right? So I am. So mein apartment mein rahoongi. Maine 6 month ki advance payment bhi de di hai.1 bedroom ka apartment hai, area acha hai - Jo paisey Rehana ne mujhe diye thay - tab meine sherwani design ki thi woh use kar liye. Kuch paisey bache hain, unn ko mein use kar loongi jab thak mujhe internship se pay nahin milthi. The internship is only for 12 weeks and I'll get 6 pay checks uss hisaab se - so mein ghar arahm se chala loongi. Internship khatham hote hi, mein part time job dhoondh loongi baaki kharchon ke liye and I'll be able to complete the 6 month course at the same time.
Shashi: Meri beti itni samajdaar hai, sab kuch soch liya.
"My daughter is so smart, she's thought of everything."
Garima: Teek hai, hai tho tu bilkul Anu ki tarhan. Ziddi. Mann banah liya tho banah liya.
"Fine, after all, you are just like Anu, Stubborn. If you made up your mind, thats it."
Khushi smiled in satisfaction, every time her Amma compared her to her Mama she felt the connection to her mother strengthen.
Shashi: Hum ne teri baat mahni, ab tu humari baat manegi?
"We listened to you, and now will you listen to us?"
Khushi: HAW! Humne kabhi bhi aap ki kisi baat ko mahna kiya?!
"HAW! When have I ever said no to anything you've said?!"
Shashi went to his room, coming back with an envelope. He handed it to Khushi who opened it to see a wad of cash.
Khushi: Babuji...yeh kya..
Shashi: Tu ne kaha tha, ke tu mahna nahin karegi. Tho rakh.
"You said you wouldn't say no. So keep it."
Khushi: Yeh paisey -
Shashi: Tere liye hi bachaa ke rakhe ve hain. Hahr maa baap apne bachiyon ki shaadi ke liye paisa jamaa karte hain, yeh bhi uss ka kuch hisaa hai. Tere sapne tere liye zaroori hain, aur humare liye tu.
" I have this saved for you. Every mother and father keeps money saved for their daughters weddings, this too is a little part of what we have saved. Your dreams are important to you, and you to us."
Khushi hugged her father tightly.
Khushi: Thank you, so much Babuji.
Garima and Payal joined them in their group hug, love and happiness engulfing the Gupta family.
--
Khushi sat on her short flight to Delhi looking outside at the sky. The sky was a beautiful blue with just tuffs of clouds scattered throughout.
She thought about what the next 6 months of her life would bring her now that she was going to be in Delhi, a place that was once home.
She hadn't told NK about her plans thinking it be best to tackle the issue when he came back from his honeymoon and her Amma had explained the situation to her Bua over the phone. Although her Bua was not happy with the decision, she relented grudgingly only after extracting a promise that Khushi would come visit any possible free chance she got.
Khushi was brought back to the present as it was announced that they were landing now.
--
Khushi gathered her hair up in a ponytail and straightened her kurthi and jeans as if she was preparing for a battle. But was it not a battle? Her Amma had decided to stuff everything possible in her two suitcases, preparing for what ifs. What if it gets cold? What if you need clothes for a party? What if you get sick? What if you miss home made food? Khushi had tried to assure her Amma she didn't need anything but the bare necessities, but her mom had glowered at her, silencing her protests. The two overflowing suitcases weighed more than her and the carry on that was half her size was dragging her kurthi down inappropriately. She needed to make her way out of the airport with her luggage in tow so she could hail a taxi. She now was thinking about how she shouldn't have refused her Bua when she insisted on sending a driver to pick her up. Looking around for help she suddenly was surrounded by commotion with men in suits clearing the way. In trying to clear the way, one bumped in to Khushi causing her to trip over her suitcase and land on the floor with a thud.
"Haye Devi Maiyya!"
Khushi was straightening herself when she heard a familiar voice.
"Now come on guys, watch what you're doing, you can't go around making beautiful girls fall for me, I mean I can do that by myself."
His guards stifled the smirks that were threatening to appear.
Khushi turned around to find that she was still unable to see him.
"Guys, clear the way so I can apologize to the lady."
His guards tried not to roll his eyes at their boss's remarks. As he cleared the guards out of the way, he saw Khushi bent down trying to straighten her luggage.
"Let me help you with that, and my sincere apologies for the buffoons here."
Khushi realized that he had not recognized her still. She looked up and him to see Aarav's reaction change from surprise to happiness in a matter of seconds. She was not prepared for the tackle of a hug that came her way. Surprisingly, she did not feel uncomfortable but warmth from his hug, as you'd feel from friends.
Aarav: Princess !
He let her go for his embrace and she felt a blush rise up her cheeks at his endearment. His guards carefully paid attention to the beauty in front of the prince. They too quickly concluded she might be either an old or new love interest.
Aarav: It's been too long since I've seen that beautiful face of yours. What are you doing here?
Khushi: Shaadi pe tho thay aap. It's only been two days since then. And I well --
Aarav: You were flitting around like a butterfly the whole wedding, barely caught a glimpse of you.
Guards: Kunwar, it be most appropriate to continue to the conversation in the car, the security is trying to control the press outside but it might become difficult if we don't leave soon.
Aarav: Oh yes, yes. Let's go then.
Khushi: Hum chalte hain phir, it was nice seeing --
Aarav: Do you really think I'm going to let you go by yourself ? That is unless you have someone here to pick you up?
Khushi: No I --
Aarav: Okay then it's settled. I'll drop you off.
Khushi: But --
Khushi could not even protest before the guards had taken her luggage and carry on from her, helping them exit the airport through a different area and in to a tinted black Range Rover. They settled in to the car while the guards got in to a car in front of them.
Aarav: Where are you headed? And what are you doing back in Delhi? I thought you left with your family after the wedding and you're by yourself?
Khushi's tinkling laughter stopped Aarav's continuous questions and instead had him observe her.
Aarav: Khushi. You really are happiness.
Khushi felt the blush crawl up on to her cheeks again.
Khushi: Kunwar Aarav aap --
Aarav: God Khushi, you make me feel old with the way you address me. Can we find a middle ground here?
Khushi laughed some more and put a finger on her chin, contemplating.
Khushi: KAS ! Teek rahe ga? A shortened version of your full name.
Aarav: I think I like it. KAS it is Khushi, until at least you feel comfortable by calling me just Aarav. Let's shake on it.
Aarav extended his hand to Khushi's and Khushi placed hers in his confirming the deal.
Khushi: Now as for your questions, I'm here because my class starts on Wednesday and the internship next week. I came two days earlier so I can settle in. Amma, Babuji and Jiji are back in Lucknow.I'm going to be staying myself here.
Aarav: By yourself? You're not staying at NK's?
Khushi: No, actually and he doesn't know that yet so please would you not mention it to him if you speak to him. I'm going to be staying in Connaught Place. I rented out an apartment there.
Aarav: Driver, did you hear that, drive her there first.
Khushi: Thank you.
Aarav: Not a problem Khushi, first time you're living by yourself?
Khushi: Yes, yes it is. Aap yahan Delhi mein?
Aarav: We have some properties here -- and a meeting I've to attend.
Driver: We're here sir.
Khushi: I'll see you then --
Aarav: What you're not going to invite me up Khushi?
Khushi: Woh -- actually I main --
Aarav: I'm just kidding Khushi. You have to settle down yourself, but I do hold you to a cup of coffee at your place. I've so many questions and conversations to have with you.
Khushi: Ji of course. Here's my number " " Thank you so much for the ride. Aab hum chalte hain.
Aarav: Ha. There's a first, no efforts to get a beautiful girls number.
Khushi shook her head smiling and went to exit the car when she felt her hand being tugged, she turned around and saw her hand was still in Aarav's.
Aarav: I guess we both forgot that we were holding hands still Khushi.
Aarav let her hand go and Khushi felt a certain warmth envelop her being.
Before Khushi knew it, one of Aarav's guards had all her luggage and was walking towards the building. She muttered a quick goodbye and caught up with the guard. The guard patiently waited till Khushi entered her apartment so he could set the luggage where she instructed and then headed out.
Khushi looked around the 1 bedroom apartment. It definitely needed a touch of khushi, Khushi thought. There was basic furnishings, two small sofas, a small dining table with chairs and a clean kitchen. She definitely needed to buy things to make this place more homely. The bed was thankfully big -- she shared a bed back home, her Jiji always admonishing her for the Tae Kwando she did in her sleep. She suddenly felt her heart become heavy, she would miss her family here -- it be the first time she was alone in Delhi, she realized the things her Amma packed would be useful here.
She looked at the time on her phone and decided she should call her Amma and Buaji both before she had her ear yelled off and then would worry about how to proceed with the rest of the evening.
After assuring her Amma and Buaji that she had reached safely and had locked the door correctly she hung up the phone and looked at her phone again. It was 5 pm and she had so much unpacking to do.
--
2 hours later
Khushi was finally done unpacking and setting up her bedroom. She had even made a list of everything she'd need to buy for the home and herself. Thankfully she had some money left, even after paying the deposit. She didn't want to touch the money Babuji gave unless she required it.
She decided to go for a shower, coming back to lay on her bed -- promising herself a quick nap before surprising her Bua with a visit.
Khushi woke up groggily to an incessant ringing. Khushi looked around trying to bring herself to focus.
Khushi realized it was the bell to the apartment and scrambled out of bed to the door. She peeked through the eyehole and opened the door hurriedly.
Khushi : Jeeju !
Khushi went in to hug Akash who seemed to have an abundance of bags in his hand.
Akash: Hey little saali sahiba, how about you help me with these bags?
Khushi: Oh! I'm so sorry!
Khushi helped Akash with the bags, placing them on to the kitchen counter.
Khushi: Jeeju, aap yahan?
Akash: Well a little butterfly had told me that she was going to meet me about an hour ago so I could help her surprise her Bua but when no one showed up, I figured it be best to show up here.
Khushi looked at the clock and realized it was 9 pm. When did her 15 minute nap turn so long?
Khushi: Shit!
Khushi looked at Akash who suddenly smirked at her vocabulary.
Khushi: Shit! I mean shh-- sorry ! So sorry Jeeju!
Khushi covered her mouth, not trusting her to speak again. Akash laughed at her antics and fussed her damp frizzy hair.
Akash: It's okay honey, now my saali sahiba, I picked up food for you considering you'd be hungry and I'd rather you not be out this late to get food. Also, let's not mention this to Chachi? She'd kill me if she found out I came to see you without her.
Khushi: You're the best jeeju in the whole of India!
Akash: That's it?! I thought you'd say the whole world !
Akash faked a hurt look causing Khushi to giggle at him.
With a wink she replied "It'll take you a little work to get there!"
Khushi: I don't have any utensils or dishes, how will we eat?
Akash: Don't worry! I picked up Chinese, so we can eat straight out of the cartons!
Khushi: Since you're so smart Jeeju and I'm so thankful, let's make this dinner a little special for you? What's say?
Akash: Huh? Woh kaise?
Khushi: Two minutes ! I'll be back.
Khushi ran to her room and turned on her second hand laptop she had bought off Nanhe. Waiting for it to start, she turned to look at the mirror of the small dresser. She groaned at her appearance, she looked like a mess! Brushing out her hair, she braided it and straightened our her Kameez with her hands. Logging in to the program she was looking for, she finally got a connection, putting a finger to her lips shushing Payal who was on the screen in front of her.
Akash: Khushi! Are you okay? What are you doing? The food is getting cold !
Khushi ran out and set the laptop on the far end of the dining table, ushering Akash to take a seat next to her.
Akash: Khushi what are you --
Payal: Akash ji?
Akash: Payal!
Akash's elated face made Khushi tinkle with laughter.
All three spend the next few hours talking and laughing.
--
Akash: Khushi, please lock the door behind me and do not open the door to any strangers and I still don't understand why you won't stay with us Khushi.
Khushi: Jeeju please you don't start too -- I just it's better for me to stay here you know for convenience and stuff. I'll see you bright and early in the morning ! Okay?!
Akash shook his head at Khushi. He knew that convenience wasn't the real reason behind her choice but he let it go.
Khushi locked the door behind him and went in to her room. She was putting away the carry on in to the wardrobe when she noticed a small object. Reaching for it, her eyes pricked with tears.
It was a nightlight. She was sure her sister had put it in to her bag very well knowing that Khushi could never sleep in complete darkness. Plugging in the nightlight that illuminated her room with stars, she fell asleep comfortably, snuggling in to her pillow.
--
Khushi woke up bright and early in the morning the next day. After taking a quickly shower and taking blessings from her Devi Maiyaa's moorthi, she headed to the Jha household.
On her journey to the Jha mansion, she received a text pop up on her screen from an unknown number.
"I thought you were playing hard to get but then I realized it was impossible, you didn't even have my number so you couldn't even try princess"
Khushi giggled at the text and replied back "Good Morning KAS."
KAS: A good morning it is! You replied so quickly! Don't lie, you were waiting up all night for my text weren't you? Wait -- how did you know it was me?
Khushi wanted to laugh out loud at his message but didn't want the auto wala bhaiiya to think she lost her mind. Strangely enough, she didn't feel really uncomfortable with Aarav's flirtation. Perhaps because there was no ulterior motive behind it, perhaps because she trusted that her best friend would never be friends with anyone with a bad character. It made it easier for her to become comfortable and confident with who she was.
Khushi: You can ask me next time we meet. I will message you later, I'm at Bua's now.
Khushi put her phone away after reading the last text.
KAS: So you haven't forgotten about our date? Oh there is a God ! And I'll wait for you to message me. Be Khush, Khushi!
Khushi had the same smile on her face when she walked in to the Jha household. She ran to her Bua and hugged her tightly.
Khushi: BUA! I love you so so so so much! Don't be mad and don't be upset and don't ignore me okay?! Just think -- now that I'm in Delhi you can spoil me rotten with all your yummy food and think about how I can spoil you with all my love, I mean I don't know if you're going to need it much considering you have Phuppa ji for that!
Khushi peeked up at her Bua who had a blush on her cheek from Khushi's last comment. Considering it was safe to move away, she looked at her Bua.
Khushi: Bua you know I'm so hungry, I've been up since 7 and I haven't had a morsel of food !
Madhumati's maternal instincts kicked in, ushering her to the table and asking the help to bring all the food she'd prepared especially for Khushi. Khushi winked at an Akash who was walking down the stairs.
Khushi was stuffing her face with a paratha when Akash came to fuss at her hair:
Khushi: Jeeju!!!
Akash: Chachi, can I just have some coffee ? I'm already late to the office.
Madhu: Beta, I will pack breakfast for you! Have it in the office but do not start your day hungry! I'll go get your coffee.
Akash: What are the plans for the day?
Khushi: I promised Bua I'd spend the morning here. Later in the afternoon I have to go buy some basic things for the home, I think the bigger shopping trip will have to wait till later.
Akash: Do you need any help? I can send the driver with you? Do you want me to come with you?
Khushi: I'll be fine Jeeju! I'm not a kid. Really, I'm not. I still have so much of last nights leftovers in the fridge -- did you think you were feeding an army ???
Akash: Shh! Chachi can't know. Are you not a one woman army? Pretty sure that's your third paratha.
Akash laughed as Khushi stuck her tongue out at him.
Madhumati: Beta yeh lo Maine thermos mein coffee bhar di aur nashta yeh tiffin mein pack kar liya.
--
Khushi finally stepped out of the Jha mansion much later than she had planned. Neither Madhumati or Devani wanted to let her go. She quickly got in to the car her Bua insisted on to buy basic supplies for her classes tomorrow. She figured she'd manage dinner with the leftovers she had and would go shopping for basics near a local store.
She headed home with her supplies and the basic groceries consisting of milk, bread, butter and chai patti.
She went to sleep that night in anticipation of her class the next morning.
Anupamaa
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