Recap: Arvi leave for the conference
Chapter 16: A Step Closer
April 5th, 2012: Delhi Streets, 5:30 p.m.
Where the hell* could she be? Okay, Arjun. Think. Where would a girl as annoying, rude—hold on. Anyone with her characteristics could be anywhere. Where would Miss Deshmukh go? I think I know.
____
Outside a temple:
Arjun: Okay, so she couldn't have gone far. This is the nearest temple too. I'm betting that she'll be somewhere here. But, where would I go to look for—
Purvi: Sir? You okay? You're standing in the middle of the road and talking to yourself.
Arjun: Miss Deshmukh! Where did you—
Purvi: I was praying at the temple. I do it every day.
Arjun: Stop interrupting me! And anyhow, you do realize that we have to be there at 6:30, and it's 6:00. I still have to get ready and—
Purvi: Sir, excuse me, but no one told you to come look for me. Why have you been following me around and acting all touchy these few days, anyways?
Arjun: *Flashback: April 4th, 2012: Karanjkar Chawl, 2:30 p.m.*
Arjun is standing and talking on the phone leaning against the car. Purvi is struggling in the background to get her luggage in the back of the car. Arjun is looking around and deliberately avoiding looking at Purvi so he won't have to help her, when he spots Archana.
Arjun: *She looks familiar… Where have I…?*
Purvi: Sir, I'll be back.
Arjun: Yeah, yeah. *waves her away* *I know I've seen her. But— what if she's—no. Wait… she is!* That's… Manav uncle's wife. I've seen her in old pictures too many times. Why is she walking this way? Arjun! Stop talking to yourself. You've gone mad for sure. Wait she's leaving. Do I need to talk to her? But I've seen her, and she's Manav uncle's— I have an idea.
____
Arjun: Excuse me!
Archana: Yes…?
Arjun: I'm uh… kind of lost… and thirsty.
Archana: Hold on, beta. I'll get you some water.
Arjun: Oh, thank you so much.
Archana: No problem.
____
Arjun: Uh, thanks for the water…..
Archana: It's ok—
Arjun: I've seen you before. I think…
Archana: You have? Son, it's a big city.
Arjun: No! Like, I feel like I know you. Am I being… weird?
Archana: Kind of. How do you—I mean…?
Arjun: *takes a deep breath and closes his eyes* Archana… aunty. Right?
Archana: *clearly taken aback* How—how did you… how?
Arjun: *whispers* You're Manav uncle's wife. I've seen and heard a lot about you.
Archana: *whispers and gasps* Manav… I'm sorry, but do you think you could—
Arjun: Um, aunty—Arjun. Arjun Kirloskar.
Archana: *excited gasp* Huh! Arjun! How's everyone? DK sir, Ashana—
Arjun: You… knew… my… my mom?
Archana: Yeah. I've known you since you were a small child, Arjun.
Arjun: Um… aunty—I don't know how to put it, but uh….
Archana: Haan?
Arjun: *small voice* My mom's dead. She's been dead.
Archana: *shocked* What? Ashana… What?
Arjun: When I was a little kid. She… left the world forever.
Archana: *whisper* I'm… so terribly sorry. I didn't—
Arjun: You didn't know. It's fine. I've accepted it. Listen, I'm sorry for the abrupt meeting and whatnot, but I got to go. I have a long drive to Delhi—
Archana: You know Purvi… right?
Arjun: *confused* Yeah… why?
Archana: If you're really sorry, can you promise me something?
Arjun: Uh… sure?
Archana: Make sure nothing happens to her. She—
Purvi: *from inside her house* Sir! We're getting late. Let's go!
Arjun: I got to go, aunty. It was nice meeting you. Thanks for the water, and… uh. I—I will.
Archana: *smiles* Thank you so much Arjun.
Arjun: It's nothing. *runs towards his car*
*End of Flashback*
Arjun: Well, everyone else had plans of leaving right about now, so I figured you would need a ride.
Purvi: *confused* Okay… Well let's go?
Arjun: Okay. Well, because I'm really smart, I didn't bring a car— *phone rings*
Yeah, Riya. Just go ahead and leave. We'll be late. You can go. Yeah. Thanks. Bye.
Purvi: You were saying?
Arjun: Oh! I didn't bring a car, so we have to walk back.
Purvi: *whispers* Smart.
Arjun: Excuse me?
Purvi: Nothing… I didn't say anything.
____
Halfway there:
Arjun: I'm thirsty.
Purvi: There's water over there. I'll go get some… money?
Arjun: Um… I don't have that with me either.
Purvi: *whispers* Good job.
Arjun: Excuse me?
Purvi: I didn't say anything, sir. You sure you're okay?
Arjun: *sarcastically* No. I'm mad. I've been hearing voices and I see a psychiatrist on a daily basis.
Purvi: I knew it!
Arjun: *shocked* What!?
Purvi: Nothing! *runs to the stand and comes back with water* Here.
Arjun: You didn't have to spend—
Purvi: It's okay. I needed water too. It was only a little bit of money too. Let's go?
Arjun: *annoyed* Fine. What's the time?
Purvi: 6:10…
Arjun: I still have to get ready. Do you have enough money for a rickshaw?
Purvi: *sighs* Yeah.
Arjun: Would you prefer to walk there?
Purvi: I have that feeling that you weren't lying earlier…
Arjun: When?
Purvi: When you said you saw---here!
Arjun: *What is her problem!?*
As we sat down in the rickshaw, I realized that it's the first time I've seen Sir in something other than a formal suit. He looks… less arrogant… jeans and all.
****
April 5th, 2012: Event Hall, 6:45 p.m.
Riya: Arjun! Purvi! You're both here!
Purvi: *Have I mentioned how beautiful Riya is?*
Riya: Nothing's really happened. Here's the schedule for tomorrow, Arjun.
Arjun: *looks it over* Okay, so after Miss Deshmukh's presentations tomorrow, we can leave at about 6ish. Sound good, Miss Deshmukh? *smirks*
Purvi: Yes. It does, actually.
Arjun: Okay then…. Let's get going. The sooner we start, the faster we know the OUTCOME. Right, Miss Deshmukh?
Purvi: *whispers* Right Mr. Khadoos.
Riya: *tries not to laugh*
Arjun: Either, I really am crazy, or you just said something you shouldn't have.
Purvi: Sir, I haven't said anything. Hey, look. There's a table over there.
Arjun: *walks away angrily*
Riya: What happened? *smiling*
Purvi: Apparently, your brother is seriously crazy… and not very happy with me right now. *bursts out laughing*
Riya: *tries not to laugh* You're having way too much fun, aren't you?
Purvi: Well, Riya… things have only begun. *walks away*
Riya: *to herself* What's their problem?
____
Precap: Purvi giving presentations… Arjun annoyed by something. Or is he….?
Enjoy it? Pls like/comment.
Thx!: )
Things to think about: What will happen tomorrow? Will Purvi show Arjun up? How will Arjun react?
Just for the record: To clear any possible misconceptions up: Arjun knows about Purvi's relationship to Archana, but Archana doesn't know that he knows, and neither does Miss Purvi.
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