Chapter 5: Meeting the Raizadas
***Khushi's Thoughts
***Arnav's Thoughts
***Naina's Thoughts
Khushi was shocked beyond belief as she hadn't expected that the same stranger she met this morning would be right in front of her. She then remembered how after this morning's incident she went home to take a shower and change her clothes to go to the mandir in the afternoon where in which Naina invited her for dinner.
~Flashback Begins~
Khushi ran away from the stranger before he had a chance to say something and as she was running she heard Hey wait a minute coming from the same direction of the stranger but she didn't care to look, she just had to go away. When she entered her apartment she called Lavanya's name only to remember that Lavanya left yesterday morning and wasn't coming back till Monday. After taking a shower, she changed into a white kameez then proceeded to go to the mandir. After she finished praying and got ready to leave, she heard Khushi bitiya, please wait…Khushi turned around to see Naina walking towards her. Khushi it's a good thing I met you here today, I really wanted to invite you over for dinner as thanks for helping me that one day. Khushi stood dumbfounded but then regained her composure Mrs. Raizada, it's alright there's no need; I would have done it for anyone. Naina knew then Khushi was just perfect for one of her sons so she insisted even more, Khushi call me Naina, I feel much older than I am if you call me by Mrs. Raizada. And I will not take no as answer, dinner starts at 8 PM so I'll see you there! Before Khushi could say anything, Naina retreated back to her car.
~Flashback Ends~
Now Khushi was standing there at the door in front of the same stranger and heard him say Hi, how unexpected to see you here? Khushi was speechless and Arnav was very amused to see the woman once again. Naina then walked towards Arnav and Khushi, Ah, Arnav I see that you already met our guest of honor. Arnav this is Khushi, the young woman who had helped me that day at the mandir, and Khushi this is Arnav, my eldest son. Naina also saw Amir coming in Oh Khushi this is my husband, Amir, he is a doctor at the Delhi Hospital. Khushi stared at all three of them and felt quite uncomfortable Namaste Amir and hi Arnav, nice to meet you both. Both Amir and Arnav looked at Khushi with other thoughts about the young lady in mind as both said their hellos. Well all of you must be hungry and dinner is ready, Naina walked ahead to help Hari Prakash and Anjali set up the table while Amir went upstairs to freshen up. Arnav on the other hand waited until Khushi entered and then pulled her aside, what? Do you secretly have a double life? Arnav said while chuckling, No I don't and that's none of your business. Now if you please move aside so I can go help your mother and sister. Khushi then walked past him, he swung her back how dare you walk past me when I am talking to you? Khushi didn't want to deal with this I did and I don't really care about what you need to say. Whatever happened this morning and last night, just forget about it because I already have. There is no point in bringing it up and prolonging this conversation. I came here for you mother and sister as she insisted and after tonight you won't see me again, so let go of me. After saying what she needed to say she left Arnav stunned and helped Anjali and Naina. Arnav was angry at the nerve of that woman who dared talk back at him with such authority.
As Arnav was walking towards the dinner table he heard Hi, my name is Akshay and you must be the saint Khushi that my mom keeps praising! Khushi kept thinking on the very fact that this entire family baffled her with all the comments and praises they made about her haha yes I am Khushi but I wouldn't say I am a saint…then Amir and Arnav both arrived at the dinner table overhearing Akshay still talk to Khushi like I told your mother, I would have done it for anybody and it so happens that it was her at that moment. She had said to Akshay, Naina then had asked everyone to sit down. Akshay was mesmerized at first when he saw Khushi as he was going down the stairs and now after talking to her he thought she was just beautiful. Akshay took the seat beside ArnavBhai, don't you think Khushi is just so beautiful, I wonder if she's single. Arnav couldn't believe what his brother had said, how can he even like that chit of a girl, but he had to give it to Akshay that he had an eye for beauty. Whatever, she's not all that great. I don't understand why this family keeps praising her; she just seems like a simple girl. And I'm hungry, so shut up. Everyone started digging in, so during dinner Naina and Anjali thought it was a perfect time to get to know Khushi more by asking her questions. Khushi, last time you came over we didn't have a chance to talk, so where are you from and how old are you betiya? Khushi stopped eating and looked at the pairs of eyes that were staring at her to answer, there is no point in telling them super personal information, and I don't want to get too involved with anyone. Uhm, well I am from Lucknow and currently I am eighteen years old. Arnav then understood perfectly what this girl was after damn, how did I not realize this!? This girl just wants a rich husband…just like every other girl, but no not this time, I won't let my family get sucked into this cheap girl's talk. So why have you come to Delhi? Khushi still did not resume eating and answered the question; I have come to Delhi to further my studies in becoming a doctor. And before you think how convenient it is that I so happened to meet one of the greatest doctors in India, I must have lured some kind of trap to get to know your family. Then you are dead wrong Arnav because it was totally coincidental and I don't like having allegations made against me. Khushi then resumed eating and Arnav was seething with anger once again and his family was baffled to see that this girl took on Arnav head-on. Wow, Khushi that was just amazing. No one dares to talk to Bhai in that way…Akshay was starting to say until Arnav glared at him. Amir then spoke up See Arnav, the medical field has its merits so you should really start giving up this "dream" you have of becoming a fashion designer and just stick with being a doctor which will give a guarantee of a set life.
Arnav who was already angered by Khushi insolent remarks did not want to argue this matter with his father any longer but before he could say another word Khushi butt in I don't mean to disrespect you in any way but forcing someone to be something won't change the fact that they don't want to. I personally think life is not all about having a set future, I think whatever you do in the future should be able to make you happy and proud of yourself. There is always a point in someone's life where you stop pleasing everybody else, and start pleasing yourself. Everyone at the dinner table was just stunned by Khushi's answer, but beyond that Amir was very impressed.Khushi, I understand what you are trying to say and I will take that into consideration. As for you Arnav, I will let it go for now and see where your fashion designing business goes. Amir knew that Khushi was a very interesting patient as soon as he met her, but after hearing more about her and her courage not only to talk to Arnav in such a way but to him as well, made him want to help her even more; especially after this afternoon when Khushi barged into his office.
~Flashback Begins~
Khushi decided to go to see Dr. Amir Singh Raizada after just being invited by his lovely wife to his own house and she doesn't need him to blabber out the fact that she is one of his patients. She left the mandir and went straight to the Delhi Hospital and knocked on Amir's door. She waited patiently for two minutes and didn't hear anything, so she just barged right in. Amir was definitely surprised to see Khushi, Khushi is there something wrong? Do you need to talk to me about something? Khushi couldn't help but admire Amir for his concern for her, but still kept on with her facade, yes, your wife, Naina, just invited me over your house for dinner and I would like it if you don't tell anyone the very fact that I am your patient. You must be wondering how I know Naina, I know her because I was the one who helped her from falling at the mandir. Amir thought for a second before he responded Khushi my wife was just telling me yesterday about how a young lady had helped her, and here it was you all along. Thank you for saving her from falling. As for telling my family about your situation, that will never happen since I am first your doctor but I am delighted to hear that you will be coming over tonight for dinner. Well if we are done here, I must go attend to another patient. Khushi was glad to know that her secret won't be involving anyone else and she thanked the heavens for that. Thank you Dr. Amir…I guess I will see you tonight and then Khushi exited Amir's office.
~Flashback Ends~
Amir was not only curious about her condition but also why her behavior is such in a way where she doesn't want to let anyone in. Before then Amir does really need to know how bad Khushi's condition really is, so he can help her as much as he can. Even if Arnav was surprised by Khushi or Amir, he didn't show it so he just excused himself by saying to the others that he had an important business call to attend to. The rest of the night went rather smoothly with Khushi having fun with Akshay and Anjali. It was almost 10:30 PM when Khushi was getting ready to leave, Khushi I had so much fun, you must come again soon, and Akshay piped in too yes, Khushi it very nice to meet you and beyond that you are hilarious! Naina heard both of her children say as they were bidding Khushi good-bye, but before Khushi left Amir and Naina both looked at Khushi and then Naina spoke Khushi, you must come again one day, the house seemed pretty lively when you came.Khushi chuckled at her words, Thanks Naina and Anjali, and it was also nice to meet you Akshay, I will come back soon. Namaste. After Khushi left, Anjali and Akshay went their separate ways, and Naina then spoke to Amir, Amir, isn't Khushi just perfect for Akshay? She is well-mannered and very cultural; I honestly think she and Akshay are a great match! Amir knew Naina must have had something cooking in that brain of hers. Darling, I think you are thinking way too much into this. They just met each other today and not only that Khushi seemed like she is focusing on her studies and with that being said Amir left to go upstairs to sleep after a long day he had. I don't care, all I know is that I want Khushi to be my bahu and I will make it happen!
The next few days were a blur for Khushi and then Monday soon arrived. Khushi woke up by the sound of Lavanya screaming her name and pounding on the door. Khushi opened the door What do you want, Lavanya!? You ruined my sleep, woman! Khushi didn't realize Lavanya's appearance at first and then looked again, what the hell happened?! Why didn't you call me and tell me that you got injured!? Khushi panicked as she saw Lavanya's arm bandaged up, Relax Khushi it was nothing major, I just accidently tripped on something while I was getting to the dinner table! You know how I get with my mom's cooking, I couldn't help myself! And may I remind you, you have an appointment today! So get on with it missy, go on, get ready! Khushi glared at Lavanya with a hint of concern and then went to her room to get ready.
Lavanya and Khushi left to the Delhi Hospital and around the same time Arnav was talking to Amir at his office. Dad I just need to know what you said a few nights ago, did you really mean it…about the letting it go part? I mean did Khushi really change your mind?! What's with everyone and praising Khushi…? Amir looked at his son, Arnav, yes whatever I had said that night, I meant it and it's not only what Khushi had said that made me change my mind, I have been also thinking about it for quite some time and I think it's best for you to find your way. Besides Khushi wasn't all that wrong, you have one life and you should be able to live it the way you want. I just hope you understand there are other things out there too. Arnav was happy to know that his dad finally let it go okay, dad that's good to know. Well then, I guess I'll go. Arnav was walking out of the Delhi Hospital and he spotted Khushi outside the entrance.
He walked up to her, so we meet again? Khushi just couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Arnav and cursed her luck. I'm glad I didn't believe you when you said that you didn't try to lure my family in, you're just trying to get close to my dad because he's the biggest doctor in India and then you can get many connections in the medical world. Khushi was horrified to think that Arnav would be that rude to her but before she got to say anything Lavanya came right beside her. Arnav sir, aap here? Arnav then stared at Lavanya and tried to remember where she was from and then remembered that she was the model that Akshay was talking about a few days ago. Yeah I was here to see my father, Dr. Amir Singh Raizada, and it seems like your friend here was trying to make some connections with a big shot like him, I'm pretty sure she will find many. Khushi couldn't take it anymore, if you're done here, I wasn't here to see your father, Mr. Raizada, I was here to take Lavanya for her check-up as you can see that she has a broken arm. Now if you please excuse us, we are late for her appointment. Khushi just walked off, while Lavanya said she was sorry for her friend's behavior to Arnav. As Arnav was leaving he could hear Lavanya say to Khushi, what the f*ck is wrong with you Khushi…that was my boss! What were you guys even fighting about? Khushi was irritated as it is so she responded whatever, that man can go to hell for all I care. He is the most arrogant son of a b**ch, I have ever met in my life. Arnav chuckled at Khushi's words, oh Khushi you wish you never met me, I will make you take those words back!
***Note:
Thanks for those who have been patient with me…really patient! I know I said I would update last weekend, but my schedule has been pretty hectic! I'll try to update every week or once every two weeks, but like I said before, no promises! And as for the character sketch, forget about it! When I wrote that I didn't really know how the story would shape up, and if I try to explain it, the explanation itself would be very complicated! Let's just say the ages of the characters were more in the future as the story goes on. So when Khushi says she is eighteen, she really is as it is the present time still!
272