Chapter 33-
Arnav parked his car and checked his mobile. When he didn't find a new message, he put the phone inside his pocket and walked into Shativan. He has a terribly busy day at work. Akaash had taken time off from the beginning of the week for his wedding festivities. The increased work load had left him exhausted. Plus a supplier of a particular fabric had filed for bankruptcy and the productions of the fabric was halted, leaving AR in a big spot of trouble. His misery was further made worse by Khushi's inability to spend some private time with him over the last week. Her mother; Garima Gupta had arrived the previous weekend for the wedding preparations and Khushi had been busy with her mother and with assisting Payal's family with the wedding preparations after work. Although she had forewarned him that it was going to be difficult for her to spend time with him, he had not expected things to be this bad. She had even refused to speak to him on the phone for more than a few minutes as her mother seemed to always hover around her. The other day when she had popped into his office fore a few minutes, he tried to steal a kiss. But Khushi was in a hurry and left his room citing an excuse of attending a call after giving him what seemed like a platonic peck on his cheeks. And yesterday when he had suggested that they meet at his home for an hour, she had plainly refused. Khushi lamented that her mother had been very observant, constantly asking her about the calls she recieved, her friends in the city and sometimes even indirectly asking her about Arnav.
As he was about to take the steps to his old room, his grandmother stopped him.
Arnav there you are. I hope you remember tomorrow is the henna function. I'm glad you decided to come this evening to help out. Why don't you stay here overnight?'
You know Nani, I can't do that. I prefer to sleep at my flat. I'm too old to easily adapt to changing mattress every now and then.'
Payal mentioned that Khushi's mother will be attending all the wedding related rituals. Does she know about you?'
You mean Khushi and me? No, Khushi felt it would be a bad idea to share the news of our relationship with her parents. Apparently they have a conservative approach where adult relationships are concerned.'
Devyani sighed, she knew this was going to happen. Listen Arnav, I know you hate it when I bring up this topic. but...'
Then don't Nani. You know this discussion makes me uncomfortable, then why bring it up constantly.'
Arnav, you have to do the right thing by Khushi. She cannot be the only one making sacrifices and compromises. You have to do it too. You arent going to lose anything by tying a mangal sutra around her neck.'
Arnav considered his grandmother's words and then replied. I love Khushi, she loves me. Very soon she will be moving in with me. I dont really see how a marriage would make things different.'
Arnav we live in a society and there are certain practises we need to follow. Marriage will give you both that much needed stability, companionship and committment. And it will also enable you to have children and have a family without the necessity of lying to others.'
Hang on Nani. Who said I wanted children? I think I have made it perfectly clear that the concept of marriage and children are two things I will never embrace. And where Khushi's sacrifices are concerned, let me make it very clear to you that I have never forced her to get into a relationship with me. It was completely her decision, Nani.'
But Arnav...'
Not now Nani. I think today's quota of advice is done. Please save some for tomorrow. After all it os going to be a few long days ahead of us.' Arnav started walking to his old room.
As soon as he got into his room, he threw his laptop bag and then started loosening his tie hurriedly. He took his phone out of his pocket and dialled Khushi's number. After two rings his call was redirected to a voicemail. He ended the call and very nearly threw his phone away, but he just about managed to reign in his anger. He started typing a message to Khushi.
Too busy to even speak to me? Sometimes I have to remind myself that we are in a relationship.'
He kept looking at the screen of his phone and was pleased when he got a reply almost immediately.
Sorry Arnav. Amma and I are going home only now after assisting Payal's folks.'
Khushi, you have been pretty much inaccessible. I don't like this... I hate this distance between us.'
Its not easy for me too Arnav. But Amma is here and we talked about this already. Just a few more days to go and then I'm all yours.'
I cant wait for this damn wedding to be done with. I have no idea why Akaash opted for such an elaborate wedding.'
Now you are sounding like a child. Payal always wanted an elaborate wedding. We used to talk about it all the time.'
Not willing to have another discussion on the importance of marriages Arnav, decided to change the topic of discussion.
I understand. I hope you are wearing the black lehenga choli I selected for you. :-)'
I'm not sure about that. My mother is insistent that I opt for something that's a little more demure. She feels that the choli reveals more than it covers.'
What nonsense! You know I had selected that outfit for you. If it was vulgar I would have never chosen it. Anyhow this is between you and your Amma. Remember you cant keep living a life as per the choice of your parents. Anyhow I need to take a shower and then get to work. Speak later.'
Khushi saw Arnav's last message and kept the phone close to her chest. She could sense Arnav's irritation over the last few days. She just wanted to be done with the wedding so that things could be back to normal.
Who is it Khushi bitiya. You have been relentlessly typing messages on your phone.' Her mother asked, trying to steal a glance of the phone screen.
Nothing Amma, just some work stuff.'
Have you thought about what I spoke the other day about your marriage?' Garima spoke in a soft tone.
Amma, please not now. I dont want to get married or even talk about it. Please dont keep bringing up this topic time and again.'
Garima took a stern approach. You just cant keep putting off this conversation. Once the wedding is over your father and I are going to talk to you about this. You must make up your mind by then.'
Khushi looked away while mumbling a whatever.' She had an inclination that things were going to get difficult for her.
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The following day Khushi and Garima arrived at Shantivan with Payal's family for the Henna function. In spite of her mother's advice Khushi opted to wear the black Lehenga choli with gold thread work. The lehenga as such was quite regular, but it was the choli that had left her mother flabbergasted. The choli had an halter neck and ended above her waist, thereby displaying her skin. Garima tried to get Khushi to wrap her Stole to cover her waist, but Khushi put her foot down and confidently wore it around her neck. Arnav was right, the outfit wasn't vulgar by any stretch of imagination.
Garima on the other hand was starting to get worried. She was slowly losing grip over Khushi and her decisions. She didn't hold the same influence she had over her more than a year ago, when she moved to Delhi. Not only was Khushi starting to make her own decisions without consulting her, she seemed comfortable even making those decisions which would displease her family. That worried her a lot. But Sashi had been very clear and told her not to ruffle the hornest nest until he arrived in Delhi. He wanted Khushi to have a good time at the wedding before they could speak to her and make a decision about her own future.
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Khushi met with Arnav's family, his grandmother, Anjali, who didn't seem her normal cheery self, and his extended family. Devyani introduced Khushi and her mother to the rest of the guests. Garima seemed to have struck up conversations with quite a few of the guests.
While she was lost in her thoughts, Khushi spoke to her. Nani, thanks for making my mother feel comfortable. I know you arent entirely happy with our decision to not reveal the truth to my parents.'
Devyani looked at Khushi with a smile. She took some of the kohl from Khushi's eyes and applied it to her chin as a way of warding off evil eyes.
You look very pretty bitiya.'
You dont have to apologise for Arnav's commitment issues. In fact I think you should keep asking him to reconsider his decision. I believe that some day he will change his mind.'
No Nani, I promised Arnav never to bring it up again. This is how our relationship is meant to be and with time I have accepted it. When he had the accident, I thought I had lost him forever.' Khushi closed her eyes, recollecting the worst days of her life. 'I'm just glad that he is still here, and I'm able to share my life with him.'
Fine bitiya, but dont give up. He will change some day.'
Khushi nodded her head not knowing what to say anymore.
Nani do you know where Arnav is? I havent seen him.'
He must be in his room. He came in a short while ago and said he had to attend to work related call.'
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Khushi started walking towards the staircase to get to Arnav's old room.
Khushi where are you going?' Garima asked.
Amma, who I need to meet Arnavji to talk about work. I'll be back soon.' She smiled at her mother and left, not waiting for her mother's reply.
""""""""""-
Khushi walked into Arnavs room and knocked on the door a few times. She heard someone walk towards the door but then nothing happened. Since she received no response she walked into the room. Once she was inside the room, she heard the door being slam shut and before she could react Arnav appeared from behind the door and held her from behind.
Arnav, gosh you scared me.'
Did I?' Arnav was busy placing kisses on Khushi exposed shoulder blades while his finers were restlessly exploring her wast.
Arnav...' Khushi meant for it sound like a reprimand but it turned to be a moan.
What Khushi?' Arnav continued with his ministrations as he started blowing air to the nape of her neck.
Arnav I have to go down.'
Don't go,' he turned her around to face him.
You look stunning in this outfit. Black is totally your colour.' He then proceeded to hold her head between his palms and kiss her on her lips. Khushi tried to reciprocate his kiss with as much longing, but she was aware that her mother would ask her a zillion questions if she didn't head back soon.
Arnav, please... Amaa is here. I have to go back.' She took a step back to put some distance between them.
Arnav swore under his breath. His earlier irritation was back in full force.
Fine! You should go. In fact I dont even understand why you came here in the first place.' His tone was bereft of any emotion.
Can't you just remain patient for the next few days?' Please Arnav.' Khushi's shoulders slumped. You want to know the truth. I feel exhausted, emotionally and physically. I feel like I'm trying to please everyone and in the bargain no one is happy, including you and including me.'
Khushi's vulnerability made Arnav forget his earlier irritation. He took a couple of steps to reach her and he held her in a tight embrace.
Sorry sweetheart. I know I have been behaving like a hormonal teenager. I'm now so used to having you around, I feel like I cant connect to a life without you anymore.'
Khushi relaxed into his embarce. They stood like that for a while before Arnav spoke up, You must go Khushi. You are right, your mother might not appreciate it.'
Are you sure?' Khushi asked while searching his eyes for any sarcasm. All she found in return was a look of understanding and complete faith.
Thanks Arnav.' And before he could say anything she kissed him soundly on his lips and ran away.
Paagal...' Arnav remarked to himself as he walked to his wardrobe to pick a change of clothes.
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After changing into a simple kurta Arnav walked down the stairs and then to the back-garden where the function had been organised. He saw Payal and smiled at her in acknowledgement. His eyes automatically started seeking Khushi who was nowhere to be seen. Payal held his eyes and pointed towards the other end of the room where Khushi was busy arranging some sort of a decorative plate. Arnav's face broke into a big smile. He decided to assist her with whatever she was doing. On his way he saw Garima Gupta speaking to his grandmother on the other side. Arnav changed course and started walking towards Garima Gupta who seemed to be engaged in some sort of a serious discussion with his grandmother. Based on what he had heard from Khushi he wasn't particularly fond of the fact that her mother was starting to get pushy about getting Kushi married. However he wasn't going to let that cloud their relationship. Garima was Kushi's mother and he would do everything possible in the next few days of Akaash's wedding celebrations to develop a friendly camaraderie with her and if possible impress upon her, as it was obvious that she wasn't entirely fond of him either.
As he got closer to the two women, he could see that his grandmother was starting to look uncomfortable about something Garima was saying. While he was just a couple of steps away from them, he heard Garima address his grandmother, 'We are keen on arranging Kushi's wedding this year. Your cousin sister mentioned that she had a grandson working in London who is of a marriageable age. Since you introduced me to her, would it be okay if I approach her regarding a possible alliance? I would be grateful if could facilitate this discussion.'
Arav stood still, letting the words sink in.
Garima ji, I'm not entirely comfortable with this arrangement. I think he is already in love with someone.' Devyani lied away coolly.
Oh thats a shame. Please let us know if you know of someone else for Khushi.'
Yes of course, Khushi bitiya deserves the best.' She spoke in a sweet tone and then looked at Arnav directly in the eyes. Arnav understood his grandmother's message. This exchange between Devyani and Arnav didn't go unnoticed by Garima.
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As Khushi was arranging the various henna cones on a decorative plate she felt Arnav hold her harshly.
We need to speak, NOW!' He said in a menacing tone.
Arnav not now. My mother is near by.' She tried to shrug his arms off.
I dont care Khushi, NOW! If you dont come with me, I'm going to lift you and take you away. And that would be quite a scene. The choice is yours Khushi.'
Khushi was furious with Arnav. She had always been patient and accommodating where Arnav and their relationship was concerned, but this week he had very unreasonable. On top of that his behaviour today was completely out of the line. She bit her tongue, trying hard not to scream back at him. She closed her eyes and fists and took a few seconds to compose herself.
She followed Arnav to his room after making sure that no one was looking at them. Once she entered his room, he closed the door.
What is happening Arnav?' She asked him almost immediately.
What kind of behaviour is this? Why did you have to handle me roughly down in the living room and then literally threaten me. Firstly I dont appreciate such behaviour and secondly can you for a moment consider the fact that my mother is in the same house as me. Do you have any idea of how she would react if she saw us both like that?'
Anav stood there, silently waiting for Khushi to stop speaking.
Are you done? Do you know what your mother had been saying to my grandmother?'
I dont know and I dont care what she has said. Nothing gives you the excuse to behave with me like this.
Arnav banged his fist against the door which momentarily dislodged Khushi.
Khushi your mother is making plans for your marriage and is shortlisting grooms during this wedding. She sought Nani's approval to approach her cousin for the alliance of her grandson.'
So? How does this affect us?'
You are joking right? Let me make this very clear Khushi, I'm not going to let you treat me like some sort of a relationship-experiment. If I hear about your wedding again, I swear I'm not going o keep quiet. I will speak to your mother, your parents and tell them about us.'
Tell them what Arnav?' Khushi raise her voice, the argument was getting out of bounds.
What will you tell them? That I'm you girlfriend? Or even better that we sleep around with each other? That we will never get married or have children? That I'm nothing but a glorified mistress in their world? What else are you going to tell my parents?'
She then held his collar and said with tears in her eyes. You. Dare. Not. Approach. My. Parents! If you do something like that, I swear this relationship will be over even before you realise. Do you get it?'
Arnav closed his eyes and whispered. Get Out!'
When Khushi didn't say anything, he opened the door and repeated, Get Out!'
Kushi walked out of the room with tears continuing to invade her eyes. Once she was out of his room, she heard the door of the room being closed with a bang.
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Arnav looked at the clock, it was close to nine in the night. After their fight Arnav made up an excuse of some urgent work and drove to the office. Initially he had been furious with Khushi, her mother and her family. But as the clock ticked his temper was slowly replaced by a sense of calm and reasoning. The more he thought about their fight the more he felt it was he who had been an idiot. It was he who had been unreasonable. Khushi had time and again demonstrated that she would do anything to see him happy and for their relationship and love to grow. Whereas he had always been the one who had been unreasonable and irrational. He didn't understand this version of the man he had become. He had always been able to keep a sense of pragmatism where relationships were concerened, but with Khushi his heart, his emotions took precedence over his rational mind. The very thought of Khushi leaving him and marrying someone else made his blood boil. He had to apologise to Khushi, he had to beg her forgiveness. he would everything to patch things up. With that thought he drove to Khusi's home.
He parked the car and kept trying to reach Khushi on her phone. But every call of his was redirected to a voicemail. He assumed that she didn't want to speak to him and had therefore switched off her phone. For a few moments he contemplated whether he should go up to her apartment, but then decided against it. Given that Garima was staying with Khushi, he didn't want to complicate things further,
He switched off his own phone and drove to his home with a sense of desolation. By the time he reached his apartment it was close to ten in the night. He opened the door to his flat, and deposited the keys on the console table kept near the entrance. he was suprrised to see his lounge being lit up. As he walked towards his living room, he saw Khushi sitting on the couch, with her henna clad arms placed on her lap. It looked like she was tired and had then fallen asleep. At that moment Arnav felt he couldn't possibly have fallen any lower in his own estimation.
'Khushi...' He called out softly.
She woke up listening to Arnav's voice and started walking towards him. I came home about an hour ago. I used the spare key you had left with me. I hope you dont mind.' She mumbled not knowing what to say. After having spent the whole day feeling upset about their arguemnet, Khushi made up her mind to speak to Arnav in person. She couldn't live like this, she couldn't be away from him, she couldn't pretend as if nothing happened while they both had a serious arguement. She was unable to participate or enjoy the henna function. While the henna was being applied to her hands, the person applying it asked her for the first letter of the name of her beloved so that she could inscribe it using the henna. Her mother told the lady that Khushi was single. Once her mother moved away, Khushi whispered the letter A' to the lady and asked to inscribe it as discreetly as possible. Once the henna had been applied, Khushi decided to go to Arnav's apartmenet. And for once fortune favoured her. Her mother decided to spend the rest of the evening and night at her cousin's place. Once Khushi dropped her mother at her aunt's place, she went to Arnav's apartment and waited in his living room for him.
She waited for Arnav to say something, but she got nothing in return.
Arnav wanted to apologise to her, to tell her how sorry he was for having hurt her. But he was too overwhelmed to see Khushi at his home at this hour of the day. He didn't know what to say anymore.
'Arnav say something, she whispered.' The intensity of the moment was freaking her out.
Arnav...' and before she could say anything further, Arnav pulled her with force towards him.
Careful, I have henna on my hands, it hasn't dried...' Arnav didn't let her finish, he held her face in his palms and took her lips in an intense passionate kiss that was anything but gentle. Khushi wrapped her hands around Arnav's neck.
Arnav broke the kiss and whispered 'I love you Khushi.'
The still damp henna on her palms lay forgotten as Arnav then proceeded to deepen the kiss while one of his hands grabbed her stole and threw it away.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrbKXJeXKRE[/YOUTUBE]
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A/N- The next chapter will be posted either on Monday night or Tuesday morning. Happy Sunday everyone.
Edited by Naach_Basanti - 11 years ago
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