The Valiant Knight
CHAPTER 19
Part 2
Its been 10 days since Khushi stepped out of the four walls and instantly felt like she entered her comfort zone... busy streets, which she used to spend " of her days outside the house in HYD. As the car sped through the traffic, Khushi couldnt relate how her life upturned and she still couldnt understand for the better or worse. She who considered herself as the man of the house in her family taking every single responsibility is now being treated like proper woman with all respect and unexpected care. She looked at the man controlling the wheel from the corner of her eyes and still couldnt believe that the man who once literally dropped her on the floor, brutally shoved her hands into metallic ring (kara) is now treating her like she deserves all the respect in the world, holding her hands firmly yet gently, opening the car doors for her and waiting until she pulled the last pleat of her saree into the car and wondered what more is she going to experience from this man.
The earlier encounter in the house broke her into nervous woman like never before. The way he adamantly pulled her, she knew he was intended to do something but what followed next cleared all her misconceptions about him. After scaring her with his stubborn act, the way he wrapped her in the almost abandoned pallu and commanded her to cover her back increased lot of respect for the man. That gave her tremendous confidence and trust that he could never harm her even if he wanted to. That helped her decide to give a shot to this marriage and convinced herself to trust this man more..more than any man she encountered in her life..
As the Hindi classic Tujhse Naaraaz Nahi Zindagi Hairaan Hoon Main being played, Arnav dabbed a control on the steering increasing the volume. Khushi closed her eyes relating her life to every word of that song while Arnav relaxed against the seat with his one hand resting on the gears thinking of his own unknown life.
She opened her eyes and looked over her shoulder to tell him that it is her favorite song but what caught her eyes alarmed her. His shoulders drooped, his eyes hooded and brows narrowed, his hands almost lifeless on leather steering, for the first time he looked defeated and that frightened her. The man who always put his foot down no inferior than a lion looked like a defeated child ignored by life.
Before she could reach out to him, her phone rang bringing him out of the trance and he instantly turned off the player. As she struggled to grab the phone out of her handbag, it slipped off her lap spilling the contents. She ignored the fall and attended Nani's call to inform that they are on their way. Arnav eyes briefly wandered the scattered contents of her bag and his gaze halted when he spotted a familiar object, one of his old possessions.
You still have it? He asked amused why she would still keep it.
Khushi wondered how quickly he masked his torment he was going through moments ago. She followed his gaze and picked up his kara that she still kept with her. Yupp, to remind myself to revenge you. She smiled quipping wittily.
Revenge? He broke into smile, I thought we had already outdone ourselves almost killing each other.
Speak for yourself Mr. Raizada. I am yet to accomplish that.
Woaah I am scared..Would you mind sharing your plans, to prepare myself well for the battle? He squinched his eyes almost pleadingly.
The way he asked in utmost flattering tone playing sly smile eased her up and gave her new kind of assurance to converse freely with him, which is exactly she hoped to receive from him if she wanted to sustain and work this relation. Lately she had been feeling helpless in his presence, words, and touch & if she decided to work this out, she doesnt want to feel like a doormat on the long run. She was happy, very happy creating the light moments with his complete co-operation without any bossiness. I thought we had our entire life to plan? Are we in hurry? She asked containing her blush smile.
He stared at her amused understanding the implication in her retort and rewarded her a lopsided smile, I guess not.
I was just joking, you can have it. She held out Kara in the air for him to take.
Entering the premises of Raizada Mansion, he said, Would you misjudge me to someone pervious to foolish emotions if I ask you to keep it with you? He asked shifting the gear to neutral with his eyes not leaving hers even for a moment, looking at her meaningfully curving his lips into a smirk...
She nodded NO smiling sheepishly...But I would definitely misjudge you to a teenager trying to make an impression.
I thought I already made one. He smirked defeating her once again with words.
In effort to hide her uncontrollable smile, she was about to get down when he stopped her holding her wrist. Careful with Bhang..
Dont you worry about it. I dont drink. She assured him with a warm smile.
Still, watch out. People tend to get overboard on this occasion. Stay close to people you know.
I thought YOU are going to be there with me throughout?
He took a moment to understand if that is her confidence in him or a plea for him to be with her. The statement meant much more than just for this occasion which both acknowledged at that point. Arnav chest swelled up with new responsibility as if she had given him all rights to protect her as he please.
Circling his thumb on the back of her palm, he nodded smilingly, Ofcourse, till the end! His simple statement gave her new hopes giving birth to new dreams.
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Arnav took her hand as she stepped out of the car. He expected sweaty palms of nervousness but she looked composed and poised ready to face his world with a smile, the most powerful back-off-I-can-handle trait of her which never failed to amaze him.
Soon they were greeted by Nani and she couldnt stop praising Khushi's beauty to her senior citizens. Ah look at you, you look marvelous Khushi. Anjali's selection was bang on. You look gorgeous. Nani kissed Khushi's forehead and Khushi looked a little embarrassed knowing that his eyes are all on hers. The fact that the saree was selected by Anjali didnt miss his ears.
Arnav excused themselves from the senior ladies and introduced Khushi to his close associates that Aman invited. Not once he left her hands making Khushi inquisitive to know the reasons behind it..a fake social gesture or a heartfelt want. And thus she put her curiosity into words.
I think my feet are quite OK to walk myself. You are making me feel like I am learning my first steps. She passed cliquish remark audible enough to his ears.
Are you always this ignorant or genuinely innocent to not to know why a man holds a woman's hand in public. He said with tad irritation mistaking her remark as her refusal to be held.
I know the reason, the gesture to convey that We are in relation. But I am honestly ignorant and would like to know if this is your want or some kind of social obligation. Pardon my innocence in this matter, please. She said suppressing her smile at the disappointment clearly evident on his face.
She is blowing him off with her subtle remarks, he wondered what transformed her from nervous room mate to bold wife in few hours. Unaware that she is preparing her grounds to give this relation a chance, he said in amused tone, Are you challenging me to confess something that dont even exist Mrs. Raizada? He whispered acknowledging one of the guests with a tight nod.
She nodded NO with a dazzling smile pleased to be addressed as Mrs. Raizada, I am challenging myself to learn you more as I remembered you saying this is all for the lifetime. She gave him a sly stare with finality and tried to slip her hands away from his grip to meet Anjali who stood in few feet's distance in conversation with bunch of ladies.
He was totally taken back by her words. He wondered if he is understanding her implications right. He tugged her hand and restrained her move pulling her closer. You will be disappointed if you think you can read me...And as she was about to speak in her defense..he cut her off..I dont act per social etiquettes. I do what pleases me and that includes holding your hands.
And that earned him a radiant smile and her fingers wrapped his palm more cozily. He could just feel the difference with his answer.
The first man ever held her hands and led her in life made her emotional. And she felt content that it was HIM and no one else, not even her father. She was glad it was ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA.
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In the meantime Anjali took Khushi to introduce her friends and Aman took Arnav aside to drill him on the recent revelations behind his first kiss with Anjali.
And you believed that? She just made a fool out of you. I was just aware of the plan but everything was single handedly ran and implemented by Nani.
And you let her do it?
Considering the fact that you guys didnt even had courage to hold hands in first 2 years, I think what Nani did was right. You needed that shove in your as*. Arnav said patting Aman's shoulder.
Oh yeah? We will see how fast you will proceed with your new wife. As Aman mentioned of Khushi, Arnav turned his head and looked at Khushi who was swaying her head refusing something to someone, with smile on her lips. This is different Aman.
How exactly?
In every way...Arnav walked away ending the conversation abruptly unaware that his every syllable of the word is about to come true...
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Anjali is extremely introvert and reserved when it comes to friends. She chooses them cautiously but once befriended, she swears her life for them. And such way, she recently added Khushi into her list for many reasons. Khushi is independent, strong woman like her and doesnt sugar coat what she feels no matter who is standing in front of her eyes. That was enough for Anjali to decide if the person is for life or few mins. In little time did they hung out Anjali understood what a genuine person Khushi is but wondered why she made big mistake of choosing Arnav.
Khushi observed Arnav and Anjali standing aloof from each other but didnt bother to find out the reasons knowing that Arnav may not like it. Nani announced all the couples to come forward and start the celebrations by coloring their partners as the first step. Seeing Arnav not joining in the customary ritual made up by Nani, Khushi stood at corner avoiding the participation.
How can he be so insensitive, every couple is here. Look at Khushi, she is feeling awkward when they should be the first couple to color being newly wed. Anjali smarted swearing at Arnav under her breath.
I didnt know you care about him so much. Aman teased waving hand to Arnav.
Not him..Her..She is genuine and doesnt pretend unlike someone else. Anjali spoke in her defense.
Nani compelled Arnav to come forward but he refused saying he had call to make. Thats how he always been..He hated colors and always eluded it each year... And when Nani asked Khushi to force him, Khushi simply smiled and preached that Noone should be forced to change their beliefs. Nani gave up finding another ASR in her. The celebrations started, couples started smearing colors on their significant others fondly, people started dancing, splashing colors, drinking bhang and the only people who didnt know what to do is Arnav and Khushi.
While Khushi helped Nani greeting and taking care of the guests, Arnav stood far amazed at how well she blended into his family acting no less than royal queen. There was not even a slightest hesitation in her stance or the way she greeted his associates with great intellectual poise or the way she handled guests with never-fading-warm smile. A proud smile spread on his lips as she commanded the helpers to take the trays of hors d'oeuvres to the guests.
On the other hand Khushi couldnt properly concentrate on guests as it started becoming excessively difficult with him around and his eyes constantly glued on her skin. After the morning incident, she was sure that something more is cooking in his brain which she is unable to comprehend. It was so much easy when he speaks than he just simply stands and stares at her. She started feeling uneasy and conscious with the way he is staring at her without a hesitation and not considering the surroundings they are in. Tucking her hair behind her ears, she lifted her eyes diffidently and found him looking at her with his signature piercing gaze that lately started creating chaos in the pit of her tummy. Then she found him walking towards her and She turned away as her heart started beating erratically. She never ever experienced these shy feelings, flutters and she hated that he is making her helpless, making her want to feel more of such tingling sensations. She waited for few mins hoping to hear his voice and when she heard nothing, she turned around to find him no where.
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Arnav was walking towards Khushi when he received a phone call from HYD that Ashu is hospitalized due to malaria. Arnav panicked and cursed himself several times that he neglected her all these 10 days amidst this marriage chaos. He made arrangements to leave in next 3 hours and decided to inform Khushi before he leaves.
Arnav was looking for her when he heard her voice and combination of red and cream bangles adorned hand holding a glass peeked from his behind...
He turned around as she held the glass closer and uttered...Lassi...
He nodded NO. Nani just forced a jug..I am quite full. He could see her hand retreating in disappointment but he did nothing to stop it.
Come with me..He dragged her away from crowd to a corner.
I have to attend a crisis situation and I probably wont be back for next 2 days. The candidates will show up tomorrow. Interview them and dont hesitate to set the expectations low on salary, probation for 3 months is my best suggestion. He advised as if she is dealing with MNC.
She nodded looking away pissed at his yet another sudden departure which means she will have no one to talk to until his return. Sensing her disappointment, he stepped forward and took her hands in his, taking a moment to observe her intently. I would have taken you along...he wanted to add those words but thought better off saying it..You need to get the business back on track. He said earnestly as the impending travel and concern for Ashu slowly started catching up on his nerves.
She nodded. You are right. She said meekly.
If you wish you may stay at RM with Nani and Anjali.
Thats probably the first time she heard him mentioning Anjali but somewhere she knew he would feel happy if she gets back home. Thats not necessary, I would like get back home after this, if you dont mind.
Her voice with tinge of ire, disappointment and yet seeking permission amused him and also pleased him for her decision. He nodded and turned to go worrying a second delay might lead to unknown consequences with respect to Ashu.
In the fraction of those moments, he repeatedly checked his time and she understood that he is running late...But the curiosity got better of her when she spotted something familiar around his neck peeking through his 2 button down cotton white shirt...She couldnt take her eyes away from the black thread faded into grey white with tinge of red hues here and there. She remembered she once owned the similar taveez which discoloured around the same areas especially where the black thread meets the locket. She wondered if it was on him all the time or if she failed to notice it earlier owing to the business formals and pull overs he always wore covering most part of his neck.
She tried to voice her eager curiousness and so the next moment he found himself being stopped as bunch of fingers wrapped around his wrist. He turned around questioningly and she noticed the very disturbed and unsettled look on his face.
Woh..taveez? I thought you didnt believe in such things?
Just a childhood memory...nothing more. He answered without giving more hopes to dwell into his past while his mind totally occupied with well being of Ashu. He checked his time and kept looking towards the gates restlessly for the driver to pull over the car. .
Is everything OK, You look worried ... She asked leaving his hand.
He shifted his feet to face her, stunned to hear her concern that grabbed his complete attention. That undid his worried nerves and he let out a smile of satisfaction. He looked at the table next to her and he smirked mischievously. He stepped closer and she tried to take step backward unsure of his impending action. He held her elbow and pulled her closer and uttered his breath fanning over her cheeks...I am going to meet someone special who is hospitalised. You will soon know who that is. For now, I want you to stop worrying about me and take good care of yourself while I am gone. Can you do that for me? He asked cocking his eyebrows stepping back little to see her reaction.
She nodded flustered at his touch unable to react. But she failed to protest as strong as she would have liked and he noticed that with proud smirk.
The delicate creases on her lips shone under daylight haunted him mercilessly. Brushing the pads of his fingers on her one cheek, he tilted his head, and placed a slurred kiss on her other reddened cheek that matched the shade of her quivering lips.
She stood like statue drilled to the ground, with her eyes wide open looking at nothing particular on earth at this point. Arnav took a step back looking at her with all his passion, his fingers reluctantly leaving the contact with her face that felt more delicate than a flower petal.
And before he could take her name, she dropped the lassi glass, turned her heels and ran away as fast as her feet could take her while he stood feeling unknown fear in him. He turned his feet to the car feeling restless as if he is leaving behind a huge part of him. As he realized a fact that very moment, Arnav picked up his phone and dialed...Taking deep sigh, Arnav said the first words that his heart wanted to speak the moment she went out of sight...She is very very important to me Aman, if anything happens to her...
After Aman assured that she will be his responsibility until Arnav's return, Arnav closed his eyes and flumped his head against the seat perplexed with the unknown emotions stirring in him. His face scrunched with concentration as he felt his heart beating restlessly and claiming for his attention and as his eyes landed on it, her name Khushi escaped his lips consciously and deliberately...
He wondered if what he is feeling is what it is...
Anjaane ho tum, jo begaane ho tum [you're unknown, you're unrelated]
Jo pehchaane lagte ho kyun [then why do you feel like related..]
Tum gehri neendon me jab soye soye ho [when you're sleeping, in a deep sleep,]
To mujh mein jagte ho kyun [then why do you wake in me..]
Jab tujhko paata hai [When it gets you]
Dil muskurata hai [,the heart smiles]
Kya tujh se hai waasta, [what's my relation with you,]
Kya tujh me dhoondhoon main [what do I look for in you..]
Kya tujh se chaahoon main [what do I ask for from you..]
Kya kya hai tujh mein mera [What all is there in you that's mine..]
Jaanoon na main tujhme mera hissa hai kya [I don't know what part of you is me, mine..]
Par ajnabi apna mujhe tu lagaa..[but stranger, you feel like my own..]
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Hows it?
Next Update is MahaaUpdate..time to twist things...
Edited by deepthiya - 10 years ago
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