Arshi FF: Zindagi Ke Mausam: Part 25b UPDATED! - p.86 - Page 46

Zindagi Ke Mausam: Part 25a

Translations : In Red

Thoughts: Italics

Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFNmDyBKqk8

As Reyaansh walked away and everyone processed the passing scene in front of them, Sheetal came and hugged Khushi.

Since when is Sheetal close to Khushi?

Sheetal: Khushi, you're awesome!

Khushi: Thank you?

Or not, she does look confused, what is Sheetal thanking her for?

Sheetal: Ria thought she could have that guy wrapped around her finger by the end of the night but thanks to you he didn't even linger around her. He's really like hot too, like how do you know him?

Khushi: I actually...He's...

Lavanya: He's her boyfriend Sheetal.

Sheetal: Oh my God, what really?! I never thought that you'd...but so cool! Does he have a younger brother?

Arnav: Sheetal.

Sheetal: Yeah Bhai?

Arnav: I think Mami is looking for you.

Sheetal: But Bhai...

Arnav: Now Sheetal.

Sheetal walked away grumbling under her breath.

Khushi: So uh anyway... NK actually I was thinking of spending the week at the Jha Mansion.

NK: Yeah Khush! That be awesome!

What the hell kind of game is this girl playing? Why doesn't she just stay away from NK? Doesn't she have a damn boyfriend?

Khushi: Okay, great. After the party, you and Lavanya come and we can spend the night hanging out. Jiji has her flight tomorrow so when we go drop her off in the airport I'll head straight back home with you, yeah?

NK: Sounds great! Lavanya?

Lavanya: Yeah, it be great!

Lavanya felt genuinely happy for Khushi, it was nice that she had someone special, it also soothed her insecurities considerably so.

Aarav: What are you guys talking about? And where did the guy go?

Lavanya: We're going to head to Khushi's place to hang out before Payal's flight in the morning, just talking about that.

Aarav: Mind if I join Khushi?

Khushi: No not at all! But my apartment isn't really big so...and his name is Reyaansh, KAS, He had to take care of some work, so he's out of the city for a few days.

Aarav: Rey Shmey. It'll be like that night we hung out at Lavanya's. Sounds good!

Khushi smiled remembering the night and the anxiety she had started vanishing.

Lavanya: Will you be coming too ASR?

So much for my anxiety disappearing, what will he say? Yes...I hope...NO Khushi, please let him say no, please, please, what how will I...

Arnav: I don't believe I was invited Lavanya.

Arnav looked at Khushi who was muttering to herself.

Has she always spoken to herself? Or am I just noticing it more now..Now that I...I what Arnav? You nothing, it's just bloody attraction.

Lavanya: Khushi?

Khushi: Huh?

Lavanya: You don't mind extending the invitation to ASR, do you?

Khushi: No! I mean, no of course not, yes, yes you're more than welcome.

Arnav: I can't make it anyway Lavanya, have an important meeting with our London clients over video conference.

Why am I not feeling relieved? I'm supposed to feel better. So why...

NK: We'll make a quick stop so we can grab our clothes and head to yours Khush! This is going to be more fun than this reception, all for appearances I swear.

Sheetal: Ooo the music is on! Can we go dance?

Without waiting for a reply, Sheetal ran on to the dance floor and began dancing to a loud dance number.

Sim: Why don't we have fun like that anymore? Let's go Lav! Come on Pam!

NK: I promise Lav will be all yours for you guys to have fun with but we just have to take a couple of pictures for the newspaper tomorrow.

NK grabbed Lavanya's hand and walked out of the hall to the side of the hall's entrance where they posed for a few pictures.

As everyone dispersed on to the dance floor, Arnav eyed Khushi who was wringing her fingers with each other.

Arnav: You don't seem too happy with my answer, disappointed I won't be spending the night at yours Khushi?

Khushi: Excuse me?!

Arnav: Would you not like me to spend - the - night

Khushi: What are you trying to imply Mr.Raizada?!

Arnav: Oh nothing, but I'll take you up on your offer another time perhaps, when I'm not your boss anymore.

Khushi: No!

Arnav: No to what? To not waiting until then?

Khushi: No, you're not welcome to my home Mr. Raizada, not now, not ever!

Arnav: And why is that?

Pehle jo bakwaas kar rahe thay, bhool gaye? I move on quick, pata nahin mujhe kya samaj te hain, batameez, besharam insaan!

Did he forget the crap he was saying before? About how I move on quick, what does he think I am? Insolent, Shameless person !

Khushi: None of your business!

Arnav: Scared of your boyfriend then?

Khushi: Scared of who?

Arnav: Your boyfriend? That's who he is, isn't he? The man you introduced us to?

Khushi, tu apni band khudh bajyegi. Khudh hi boyfriend banaya, khudh hi bhool gayi.

Khushi, you're going to screw yourself over. You make up the boyfriend and you forget yourself as well.

Khushi: I'm not scared of anyone, okay? And yes, he is my boyfriend, so what?

Arnav: So nothing Khushi, look, there's another one of your lovesick puppies drooling after you, why don't you attend to him? I've got a call to make.

Khushi turned to look at which Arnav was pointing towards and it was Aarav who was walking towards her.

Kitne batameez hain! What a rakshaas! Laad governer kaheen ke, Aaravji is so nice, but inko kya pata what it means to be nice, him and his stupid implications and stupid words, and stupid self, so freaking stupid.

He's so insolent. What a devil ! Laad governer he is, Aaravji is so nice, but what does he know, what it means to be nice, him and his stupid implications, and stupid words, and stupid self, so freaking stupid.

---

"Sir, sir can we take pictures of your brother and his fiance together ?"

"As promised, you will get a family picture but my brother would rather not share his and his fiance's pictures with anyone. Please respect that."

"Sir, is it true that Kunwar Aarav is also in attendance at your party?"

"What's a friend if they don't celebrate their friends happiness?"

Aarav walked out and let the photographers take a few pictures of him as well as with the couple.

"Lavanya Ma'm which designers dress are you wearing? It is beautiful! Is it an AR design?"

NK: It isn't an AR design but one of my best friends designed and handmade this outfit for Lavanya. She's full of talent and hopefully will be a sought off designer in the near future.

"Can we have a picture of her with you both, please?"

NK: She's camera shy, so that wouldn't be possible. Now if you'll excuse me, we've got to head back to the party.

"Sir, but sir! The family picture?!"

"You'll have something delivered to your office from our professional photographer."

--

"I tried to get her come out of the hall, but nothings working! The man she was with, moved her before the drink fell on her dress, so she didn't leave, she's been with someone all f**king evening! And now, I tried to get the friend of hers, yes...yes the same one you told me about, to get her to come out, but he refused to introduce her and stepped back in to the party after a few minutes."

"No. No I said I'd get the job done. Just keep the money ready. It'll happen before the end of the night."

--

NK walked in to see that the dance party was in full swing with all of his family enjoying. Before having a chance to grab anyone else, he was dragged to the dance floor with Lavanya.

Arnav sat on the table with his grandmother and sister. He was replying to his emails when he heard her voice. The last he saw of her was when she was dragging the Jha's to the dance floor but not dancing herself.

Khushi: Namaste Naniji. Kaisi hain aap? Maaf ki jiye, hum pehle nahin mil sakhe.

Namaste Naniji. How are you? My apologies, I wasn't able to meet you earlier.

Devyani: Koyi baat nahin beta, kaisi hain aap?

No worries dear, how are you?

Khushi: Ji teek. Anjali Ji! Aap kyun nahin dance kar rahi?

I'm well too, Anjali Ji ! Why aren't you dancing?

Arnav looked at her with an incredulous expression. Was she that stupid? Did she not know about her sister's physical condition?

Anjali: Khushi Ji...woh...I can't. My...leg.

Khushi: Anjali Ji! Koyi bahana nahin chalega. Mere Babuji kehte hain koyi cheez humari kamzori uss waqt thak nahin bahnthi jab thak hum khudh usse kamzori na samjhe. Now come, let's go! Let's show everybody your moves!

Anjali ji ! No excuse is going to work. My father says, no thing becomes our weakness until we consider it a weakness ourselves. Now come, let's go ! Let's show everybody your moves !

Khushi offered Anjali her hand which Anjali took hesitantly. Arnav felt the wave of shock at the interaction.

Arnav watched as Khushi took his sister to the dance floor and swayed to the music with her. Khushi's steps were mindful to be easy enough for Anjali to copy and after a few minutes Arnav saw his sisters face light up. She was laughing and smiling at Khushi's silly facial expressions.

At that moment, Arnav felt warmth fill the heart he didn't think he had. His sister was smiling, she for the first time was not letting her physical disability be a roadblock in living life.

Devyani: Devi Maiyya Khushi Bitiya ko khush rakhe...kitne dinon ke baad Anjali muskurah rahi hai...

I pray Devi Maiiya keeps Khushi happy, after so many days I've seen Anjali smile.

As the song began to change in to a slower one, the dance floor began to clear in to pairs of twos. Arnav wasn't ready to see the smile from his elder sister's face fade yet. Arnav walked on to the dance floor and took his sisters hand, and led her in to the dance.

Anjali: Chotte! Tum dance kar rahe ho? Sab teek hai na?

Chotte ! You're dancing? Everything okay, right?

Anjali laughed as he slowly twirled her.

Arnav: Di, do you not like dancing with your brother?

Anjali: Dhat! Of course I do. I missed you Chotte, it's been a while we've been able to spend time with each other.

Arnav: Di you know...

Anjali: Yes, yes I know you're busy with work, but kabhi apni Di ke liye bhi time nikal liya karo, your Jeeja ji also...

Yes, yes I know you're busy with work, but take some time out for your Di, your Jeeja ji also.,,

Arnav: What about Jeejaji?

Anjali: Nothing Chotte, he also stays busy, like you. That's all.

Arnav: I'll talk to him.

Anjali: No Chotte, that's between us two, I don't want Shyamji thinking I'm complaining about him. It's a husband, wife thing, you'll understand when you have your own wife. I shouldn't complain. Things are better now, you actually let me out of the house again now!

Arnav: Di, you know I was just concerned about...

Anjali: Yes, my safety, jaanti hoon. But take some advice from Khushiji, why don't you? Don't make me your kamzori Chotte, don't give anyone that power.

---

Khushi was walking away from the dance floor with Pam, Sim and Sheetal when Aarav asked her to dance.

Aarav and Khushi danced and laughed together, making their own steps up, making it less intimate and more fun. As the song was coming to an end Aarav pulled Khushi close to him.

Aarav: Khushi, I will always be grateful to NK for introducing you to me.

Khushi: Oh please KAS!

Aarav: Do me a favor and just listen. You interest me more than any other woman in this hall right now. You're a beautiful woman and while this is true to your physical appearance, I'm talking about who you are.

Khushi: You...

Aarav: Let me finish. I know you are with someone and I respect that. I just want to let you know I'm glad that I found a friend in you but if ever you'd be interested in giving me a chance to try to be something more, just give me the word.

Khushi: Aarav...

Kaash humaari zindagi mein pyar karne ke liye fursat hoti...pyar karne ki kismat hoti. par agar mere kismat mein nahin hai tho kya hua... iska yeh matlab nahin hai ke inko koyi pyar karne waali na mile, Devi Maiyya, Aaravji ko hamesha khush rakhna..aur..unke zindagi mein koyi aisi larki lekhe aana, jo inki zindagi mein khushiyan hi khushiyan bhar dein. Humara jaisa nahin...jo sirf naam ki Khushi ho...

I wish my life gave me the chance to love, to have the the destiny to love but...just because I can't doesn't mean he (Aarav) shouldn't find someone Devi Maiiya. Pleas always keep Aaravji happy and bring a girl in to his life who fills his life with loads and loads of happiness. Not someone like me, who just is Khushi from her na,e

The seriousness in his tone reflected in his eyes and just as quickly the mirth came back.

Aarav: Until then, I can't let all the other ladies lose their opportunity with me that be unfair right?

He twirled Khushi off to the next partner and that is how Khushi ended up in Arnav's arms.

Both met each other with conflicted emotions passing through them, having had conversations tonight that were planned.

Arnav's hands held on to Khushi's waist and her hands held on to his shoulders. They swayed to the song that begun to play, both of them staring intensely in to each other's eyes. For the first few moments, the silence between them was louder than words.

Khushi: This is...

Arnav: The song.

Dil mein jaagein, ishq waali...manmarziyan, manmarziyan

Khushi: How did you...

Arnav: It's...their story.

Khushi: It is.

Ab talak se, kuch alag si manmarziyan, manmarziyan

Arnav lifted Khushi up in the air, twirling her around and then slowly bringing her down against his body. The friction making the air thick with the undercurrent of their emotions.

Hum zameen pe tho falak se

Manmarziyan, manmarziyan

Sikhon jaisi, hai uchaali

Manmarziyan, manmarziyan...

Arnav held Khushi's hands in his, as she extended away from him, he pulled her back again, their bodies a mere inch away from each other.

Zidd ki maari

Bholi bhaali...

Manmarziyan...

Manmarziyaan

He spun her slowly, once, twice and then thrice, pulling her in to his arms again. Her hair which covered her back, now had settled against the side of neck.

Be adab si, par ghazab si...

Manmarziyan, manmarziyan...

Hosh khoya par sambhali,

Manmarziyan, manmarziyan...

He dipped her horizontally and when lifting her up, his fingers grazed her skin making him realize that her blouse was backless. He felt her shiver under his touch as his fingers found reasons to softly caress her spine.

Zidd ki maari

Bholi bhaali...

Manmarziyan...

Manmarziyan...

The song came to an end, and the tension that was between their bodies threatened to explode. Khushi felt her erratic heartbeat, all of a sudden she craved some air. She needed to breathe. She wished she could blame it on the exertion of the dance, but that wasn't why. It wasn't why. Not the increased heartbeat, not being breathless, neither had to do with the dance but the person she danced with. She had to get away from him, now.

Khushi: I...I..I have to go.

Khushi hurried off the dance floor, and became lost within the crowd. Arnav knew he had to follow her, he had to talk to her, but was pulled back by Lavanya.

Lavanya: ASR you danced? You danced!

Aarav: What was that Arnav?

Arnav: What?

Pam: You dance so well ASR!

Ria: What about dancing with me ASR? You never took me up on my offer!

Arnav: I danced with Di too. I would've danced with whoever came next. What's the big deal? You guys just need something to pinpoint. I have to call Aman about the meeting

Lavanya, I'll be back.

Arnav looked around the hall, scanning quickly unable to find her. He walked out of the hall and went in to the washroom. He decided to make the call to Aman and started walking in an opposite direction.

Arnav: Yeah Aman, make sure that tomorrow's schedule is set in a way where I finish by 4:30. Doesn't matter if it's an early start and...I'll email you the rest of the details.

Arnav: What the --- no, not you Aman. I'll email you the, yeah like I said, okay. Get to it.

The strange muffled sound came again to Arnav as he came closer to closet.

Arnav: Is anyone there? Hello?

Arnav opened the door to the closet he heard the strange sounds from to find Khushi look up at him with wide eyes.

What was she doing in a dark musty janitor's closet?

Arnav: Khushi? What are you...

Khushi ran in to Arnav's arms and began crying freely.

Khushi: Arnav ji!

Arnav: Khushi? Khushi, what happened?