No one is better aware than Arnav Singh Raizada that expect the unexpected from life. However, even his well versed knowledge didn't quit help him understand why he woke up with the memory of those haunting green eyes that he should have forgotten years ago.
Ironically, today was anniversary of the incident that would have been the most scandalous one in Raizada history if only Arnav has not used all resources and money in his disposal to shut the media.
AR's first fashion show in lucknow themed "Brides of India was supposed to be Arnav's closure to whatever lead to him and his family leaving Sheesh Mahal. He was supposed to remember the day as the day when he conquered his fear by owning the place that rode demons in his sleep since childhood. Now, he only remembers the place as the one where an eternal beauty with innocent eyes and childlike face fell on his arms.
Arnav never stopped thinking about Sheesh Mahali in the years he toiled hard to be rich enough to buy the place. The memory of the place was always accompanied by the sound of gun shot that killed his mother, the feel of water that drowned his father and the sight of his sister crying for being jittered at the altar. For many years Arnav breathed with the lingering memory. Now the memories were of the sound of bangles touching each other, the feel of soft skin and sight of beautiful eyes. Probably, this was universe's way of wiping away his nightmare. Pained moans in sleep were gone to be replaced by silent smiles.
Arnav Singh Raizada would never admit to anyone how that incident still affected him, not after the ruckus he created in order to buy every single photograph and video that could have fuelled a scandal ruining AR's repetition. However, he was not scared to admit to himself that he was still living in the past, with good memory this time.
This is not going to change anything. It is not like he will meet the girl again in his life.
*_*_*_*
No one is better aware than Khushi Kumari Gupta that dreaming with eyes open was hopeless. She has once been that girl and it did nothing great for her life. She was quick enough to come out of her delusion. Her sister Payal's wedding was Khushi's perfect wake up call.
Everything changed that one day years ago. Guptas were humiliated for not being able to give the expected dowry, Payal was heartlessly left behind in the altar, Shashi Gupta unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide and Khushi realized that her family needs her more than ever. Then changed Khushi from chirpy girl to a proprietor who managed Gupta Sweets and Savouries'.
It was the easiest thing to do for Khushi. How many are blessed with the luck of turning their hobby to business? Khushi didn't have a proper end point so she kept on going. She started a small restaurant, then took catering orders and then opened another restaurant. In years Khushi found herself as the owner of Annapoorna' food chain that was spread throughout Lucknow and nearby cities. Rotary club awarded her Youngest businesswoman award' a week before where Khushi advised not to dream but to act. Contrary to what she preached, Khushi was dreaming on a working day staring at a file.
Everything would have been different if Khushi had not ended up in Sheesh Mahal that night. But, she wasn't sure if that would have been a good different though.
The delay to reach house was destined and so was her falling in his arms.
Falling in the arms of a man and feeling butterflies inside stomach is universal sign of romance. Though Khushi has grown past her teenage idea of romance, she couldn't get the image of those chocolate brown eyes staring at her with mixture of anger and amusement. That was strange mix of emotion, Khushi believed. He was definitely angry yet he tightened his hold on her the first time she tried to get away. Her bemused look caused his amusement and he let go off her like he touched fire.
Strange man.
Every newspaper the next day printed about the mighty ASR and his company's fashion show. However, no clips of her were released. Much later, after Khushi involved herself in business, she realized what amount of work must have happened in the background to hide such a scandal on the Raizada's name.
The name itself sounded so attainable, but that didn't stop Khushi from basking in his memory now and then. She couldn't help but recollect the moment she fell in his arms. It was Khushi's way of remembering how life could have been if not for that incident. Payal would have been married to a greedy man, Sashi and Garima would have o toil hard post their retirement age and Khushi would have been married of to someone her Buaji preferred.
Khushi liked to believe that the one minute in his arms changed everything for her own family. This was no bollywood film. Yes, she thinks about a particular Mr.ASR more than it is healthy, but there is nothing more. This was no bollywood film.
This is not going to change anything. It is not like she will meet him again in his life.
*_*_*_*_*
No one is better aware than Anjali Raizada Jha that nothing works on her chote better than emotional blackmail. So, she used exactly the same to lure him to see a prospective bride for him. Anjali believed in learning from mistakes, so unlike the last time, she did her full research on the girl to make sure her chote will like her.
The resemblance between Arnav's life and the girl's life stuck her only when she was describing to Arnav how beautiful the girl cooks.
"She loves her family, chote, just like you love yours. She has single handed started business and doing great with it now. And just like you what motivated her was her sister being rejected at marriage day.
It was hard to tell if Arnav fell for Anjali's emotional blackmail or the story of the girl. Nevertheless, Anjali was happy that her brother at least decided to see the girl.
"They are here. Anjali announced smiling.
What happened next was something Anjali would bet that she has never seen in even the most romantic movies. Khushi's legs slipped while climbing down the stairs and Arnav who was at the end of the stairs easily held her in his arms. Their eyes locked and oblivious of the surrounding they were lost.
Sashi and Garima looked embarrassed at the sight of their daughter in a man's arms. However, Anjali smiled brightly at the scene. She was now sure that her chote will be married at the end of next month just like she and Nani wished for.
*_*_*_*_*
Just wanted to write something for IPKKND anniversary.
Hope it was good enough to read
P.S. Perks of Being Loved will be updated this weekend.
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