Arshi FF: A Hundred Flukes. CHAPTER 37; See note pg 82 - Page 20

Originally posted by: cineraria

Originally posted by: cineraria

I love it when people call me A. I mentally add an 'SR' after that when they do. And then produce the sound the electric guitars of ASR's background music via mouth and go on to chant 'What the' a hundred times. 😳

Originally posted by: tomriddle

Also yar just lovd the above update.

Your detailing is mind numbing.

the entire kushi thinking of sweets and glass bangles and asr cursing the jewels of streets. wow.

That was a trait he had come to associate with her, in order to fix things, she messed them even more.

that line defines our kkg. 😆

Originally posted by: shree10

Yes CR, I totally agree with Tom!
@ TR (I think this is better isnt it?) You made me 😆 at jewels of streets.

and CR, Like TR said you caught the essence of kkg in that one line.
in order to fix things, she messed them even more.

Hola Ladies and more ladies (or Gentlemen?), I CR hereby request please don't throw Andas and Tamatars at me upon reading this. Well throw them, they aren't hitting me anyway.

I am not sure what you expect from this chapter, but yeah, this is crucial for the story.

Chapter 25: Mr. Hyde

"I sat in the sun on a bench; the animal within me licking the chops of memory; the spiritual side a little drowsed, promising subsequent penitence, but not yet moved to begin."
Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Arnav stepped out of the emergency, a faint, tiny smile appeared at the corner of his lips. Entrusting the lawyer with his sister's happiness had been the toughest decision of his life, but how did it relieve him now that he had consented their betrothal.

Three years ago...

Arnav forced himself to surrender his drowsy state and sat up on his bed. The past week had been tiring as hell and it was only this morning that he was able to catch some sleep and when he had slept, it was like after years he had slept so soundly, for AR designs had successfully launched its first clothing line independently and trade gurus had already predicted that the market response to it was going to be huge.

Anjali entered his room as usual unannounced, he had observed his sister to appear happier in the past few days. He knew this happiness wasn't solely because of his accomplishment. He had also noticed that she seemed to have wanting to tell him something but was only too busy to listen. It had been his sister's practice, ever since he was a little kid, to confide in him all that she felt about any damn thing whether he cared for it or not. Most of the time Arnav's only reaction to her talks would be a slight nod or even a 'why are you telling this to me?' statement, but whatever degree of disinterest he might display it never hindered Anjali from gushing to him. He was and would remain to be the first person to hear all news about Anjali from Anjali.

Secretly, Arnav treasured these moments he spent with his sister. He worked his ass off throughout the day to restore all that he and Anjali had lost years ago, all he now wanted was to see his sister happy, secure and content.

He watched her as she drew the curtains of the window aside, letting sunlight fill his room- the only moment of the day that made him welcome a new morning. She carried a mug of his black coffee in a tray in one hand and phone in another. She placed the tray on the side table smiling brightly at him and gave him the phone, "Morning bro, Akash is online for you." Akash had been pursuing his masters from the U.S. and had called his brother for congratulating him upon his new feat. Once Arnav was done with the call, Anjali cleared her throat.

"Arnav, I...I wanted to share something with you." she said in a nervous excitement. Arnav gave her a knowing grin, "I knew it." he said.

"You did?" she exclaimed looking surprised.

"Would you tell me now?"

"Well..." she smiled a little and then as if abashed at something she turned to face away, "Arnav, I think I am in love." she uttered and turned to face him again to see his reaction. He stared at her blankly for a moment, and finally said, "with what?"

Anjali furrowed her eyebrows, "I mean I am in love with a man Arnav" she said clearly disappointed with her brother's 'what'.

Arnav stared at her in the same way before bringing his gaze over to his hands, "Do I know him?" he asked quietly.

"I guess you do." she replied as she seated herself on the edge of his bed. "Aren't you happy for me Arnav?" she asked studying his face.

"Di, who is this fellow?"

"Shyam." she said smiling and drawing circles with her finger on the bed sheet.

"Who is Shyam?" Arnav said, his sharp, long nose crinkling a little.

"Uh, Arora Uncle's assistant, you know." she said surprised that her brother shouldn't remember the guy who always accompanied their family solicitor. Arnav's features cringed a little more, "Are you sure Di." he said trying hard not to sound disgusted.

"Why? What's wrong with him?" said Anjali suddenly wary of her brother's opinions. "I like him Arnav."

What's right with him? Arnav would have said but didn't, he could see that might hurt Anjali but still it was beyond him to fathom what made people say that they were in love with somebody. "You know what, I have never felt this way before for anyone" Anjali continued, "he makes me feel special Arnav. He makes me forget about all the bad things and says he'd always want to see me smiling. I always believed in love but I had no hope that I'll find it someday but a couple of days back when he climbed up the pipe to my window at half past midnight to propose me, I knew that I was in love."

"He did that?" exclaimed Arnav, this time making no attempt to hide his dismay, "you mean he came like a thief in our house?"

Anjali giggled shyly, "I know that was a little too Bollywood style but it was cute."

Arnav rolled his eyes, "And what did you say?"

"I said I need some time to think, I mean you know I won't say yes without talking about this with Nani and you."

The more Arnav thought about it, the more unsettled he became. If Anjali was to get married, it would mean she'd have to leave him. He couldn't imagine a life now, which would not have his sister around him all the time. But there was something that was much more unsettling than this, "Di, I hope you understand that he's a man of limited means." he said with a frown.

"But he's a man of firm principles." she defended, "you must understand that there are things in life more important than money and that everyone has his or her shortcomings. If he doesn't have a lot of money, I too am a cripple." she said sternly.

"Di, please...don't" he said his eyes flickering.

And then it had happened. In no time the young lawyer had won the family's heart. Realizing that his sister's happiness was with her MJ, Arnav too didn't show any resistance to their alliance. He also acknowledged that his brother in law did possess a unique quality - a knack for being able to convince.

****

Present time

He walked over to the office desk to find Akash had completed all the formalities. "Bhai how is jijaji doing?" Akash asked looking up from the form he had just filled. Arnav nodded, "Fine. Nothing to worry."

"I think I should inform at home." the younger brother said taking out his phone. A nurse came with the discharge papers as Akash talked on phone while Arnav signed them, still mulling over the incidents from the past wondering how a stranger had become so indispensible to their lives.

Inside emergency ward number 6, a hideous smile crept over the lawyer's lips as he hugged his wife, he closed his eyes the next moment feeling her while his imagination held, flamboyantly befooling his physical reality. All he thought about was Khushi, just how badly did he want to replace the woman currently ruling his embrace with the one who ruled his mind...

I am Shyam Manohar Jha

Ah it hurts! When this jolting reality hits, it hits bad. For it cripples wisdom and the sense that lines the walls of truth, a truth that felt so apparent but the path to it was forever misleading. And the truth is, with great sorrow, I admit that I, Shyam Manohar Jha could never love the woman I hold so dearly in my arms. And for that, she is not to blame, neither am I.

Then why do I hold on to her, you would say? The answer to that my friend, I choose not to be so simple.

But is there, buried in deep recesses where suffering gives birth to morbid ambitions...

I was born in the most humble family to the most humble parents. My father, the eldest of three brothers was compounder to the village doctor and the only earning member of the family of eleven people. Yes eleven- my father, my mother, two uncles; one of them deaf and dumb and the other just plain useless, their wives, my elder brother Ram, me and three children of my uncles. Our village was adjacent to Lucknow, bigger than the nearby villages and thus we had Gomti's water for irrigation, we had a dispensary, a provision store, a primary school and a Panchayat. We even abducted electricity from the high tension line that crossed our village, knowing the risks. One boy died every year in such accidents.

My childhood was spent in scarcities, we weren't destitute or something but existence was nearly hand to mouth. In my early days, school wasn't a necessity but a luxury. My elder brother never visited school after 8th standard. When he was thirteen, he got work in a fertilizer factory in Lucknow. The factory was owned by the Malliks- the richest family of Lucknow. Since childhood I had heard stories of the family's riches and thought them to be unreal but when Ram came home and repeated the same, I became vaguely aware of something inside me for the first time.

I was loath to our wretched living when there were people, not far away who dwelled in palaces of dreams. I hated world for this disparity for disparity alone is the mother in whose womb, desire for crime is nurtured.

Ram had wanted me to go along with him to the city where he had sought his lord for letting me be doomed to a place in his factory but I had refused. I had already made up my mind for what I had to achieve in life. I was twelve then when I helped my father in the dispensary till night and went to school the next morning. I studied very hard but never came first for that position would be reserved for the dumb lad of the Sarpanch. Ironically, the Panchayat which is supposed to be a democratic body devoid of political influences always had the Sarpanch from the same family. It was no secret for the people that the family was one of murderers.

After I had suffered in my primary schooling, my father managed to send me to a nearby town for matriculation. But we could not afford higher studies in a university. My mother had dreamt to see me as a doctor but I had a different dream. One to bring justice to the villagers via courts and to eradicate the corrupt Panchayat.

Akhadas- local wrestling grounds still existed in our village, where there would be annual kushti (boxing) competitions. The first prize money was huge. Huge enough to afford an LLB degree for me from the Lucknow University. Ignoring all that my family had against it, I participated in it. I won matches till in the final I had my opponent as the Sarpanch's lad. I was thrown in despair, for I knew the result was pre decided. I swear people had seen him stab my back with a knife- an unfair means, but nobody said a word.

He won. I lost. I needed the money that would have made my life, the money he'd now shower at a brothel in one night. Before he could do that, I stole it. I stole my fortune and fled vowing, never to visit my village again. The only promise I have kept till date. Did I do any wrong? No.

I got enrolled in the University. I was impressed when I read about socialism- the only social order that advocated equality. I made it the principle of my life, by which I stand firmly. I helped the poorer students and they helped me in return. Gradually I began to gain popularity, my people saw their leader in me, and I was seeing in me the new Karl Marx. It was in those days that I had met Vikram- my partner in crime.

The Student Union elections were impending and I was the most popular candidate. In days of campaigning my studies were hampered but I did not care for I had embarked upon a new path of life. My most fierce competition was from Rajat Upadhyaya, son of a prominent politician in the ruling party but he wasn't as popular as I was. Elections happened, students cheered for me, even before the results were out, they had crowned me.

The result that was announced shot bullets drilling holes in my aspirations. Rajat Upadhyaya won and became the president. My dreams were shattered by a bunch of bootlickers of his influential father who went on to capture booths. What happened to Rajat four months after becoming the president is something you should not ask me. My hands still shiver, I swear. But I am not to blame. He was wrong, I did no wrong. I suffered a third division because of the wretched elections and I was angry.

Everyone's days do not remain the same. While I was in college, my brother Ram, a petty factory worker had become rather close to his employer. The Mallik family had seen a decline, there were many rumors but nothing definite could be known. We had only heard that something horrible had happened in their palace called Sheesh Mahal a couple of years back. Even Ram wasn't privy to whatever that had taken place but the fortune had now been passed to Dheerendra Mallik- the last of the mighty Malliks and the most nefarious.

It was during my final semester when he took my brother's life. A story I would not let my mind repeat again. It hurts. I had even lodged a case against him and fought, but losing isn't an experience new to me.

I was despondent and desolate, with no other way to lead my life in sight, I made a fresh start towards one goal that I had fancied in my teens. I went to villages, heard people who had been deprived of justice and got them to civil and criminal courts. The outcome was nothing close to drastic, most of the cases remain pending till date but I earned a new found respect among the people. Shyam became Shyam Babu, a Messiah who selflessly fought for people's rights. Such respect in which the being took pride but its stomach did not. Resources were scarce and I barely had money, it was then that Vikram pulled me to Delhi, one night in the city and I was in love with almost everything about Delhi. He convinced and I saw the point, with one pair of jeans with empty pockets and two shirts, advocate Shyam Manohar Jha pursuing his dream was hilarious.

I readily followed Vikram's footsteps. He introduced me to senior advocate L. Arora who was looking for a young, energetic assistant. Arora, a seventy one year old man who took a lot of interest in his twenty eight year old new assistant was eager to believe in all that I had to say. He was impressed to say the least with my views and what I had done with my degree all these years. While telling him the tales of my escapades I never had imagined that L. Arora was to change my life forever.

Arora introduced me to his oldest clients- the Raizadas. Three and a half years back, when I had first met them, the Raizadas were of the elite class but not as obscenely rich as they are today, nevertheless their stars were on the rise and evidently due to the family's young scion Arnav Singh Raizada. Arora was reluctant to pause when it came to praising the entrepreneurial qualities of the lad but little did the old lawyer understand that it was not Arnav but his sister who had abducted my interest.

I had had a short period affair in my college days with a classmate that had started during my campaigning days and had ended with my defeat in the Student Union elections. When I saw Anjali, in our very first meet she held me in her infatuation and this time the pull I felt was much stronger than my previous. Anjali was beautiful, there was something royal about her beauty. She always had a smile planted on her lips and sadness in her eyes. She limped when she walked and I discovered the reason soon enough when I caught glimpses of the black caliper boot on her right leg through her long skirt. Anjali was not much older than me, around four years, she was in her early thirties- the only daughter of a rich family, such beauty and yet unmarried. Her disability explained it all which was perhaps incurable for had there been a cure, the Raizadas, especially her brother would have left no stone unturned.

Meanwhile Arora had given me the task of handling all the land related issues for the Raizadas, excluding the estates that Arnav had acquired recently. I had learned that the young businessman only trusted his personal lawyer B. Roy. But that did not make any difference in my story, what made the difference was a file named 'Mallik Heritage'. I distinctly remember, that day Arora had sent me to the Raizada's place which was an old bungalow in South Delhi to fetch some legal documents. When I arrived, Anjali appeared with a bunch of files from the study. I assume it must have been by mistake that with the bundle came the leather covered file named 'Mallik Heritage'. I was back in Arora's office when I noticed it, and immediately opened the first page and was shocked to find it there. For somebody from Lucknow, a picture of Sheesh Mahal was not difficult to recognize, but what was it doing with the Raizadas? I had learned in our first meeting that the Raizadas too were originally from Lucknow but was there any way they could be related with Malliks? The idea sounded vague but the possibility intrigued my brain. As soon as I had turned another page, Arora barged into the small room asking me about the same file. I was bewildered with the urgency in his tone, having no other option I handed it to him. Arora sighed in relief and picked up the landline phone dialing a number, "Hello Arnav" he said, "your file came with me. It must have been a mistake."

A couple of minutes later a tall guy wearing a crisp white shirt and plain black jeans stormed inside. His rugged face was unshaved and he must have been two or three years younger than me. This was my first meet with ASR, although I had been to his house a number of times but had never seen him there. He cast me a haughty glance when Arora introduced me, snatched the file and strode away. The rich, supercilious bas***d.

The incident had revived the memories of Lucknow in my heart and also of my poverty. But I wasn't so poor now. Arora gave me a monthly salary but when Delhi's dazzle had engulfed me, the salary seemed so less to satisfy my needs. I craved to cleanse myself of the despair my poverty had forced upon me previously, I knew well that you could not feed somebody else whilst your own stomach felt empty. People like me who have a vision need power to materialize it. Now call me over ambitious if you like, but the fact was that at the back of my mind an idea had begun to take form. I started frequenting the Raizada's home with one excuse or another, mainly with the purpose of meeting Anjali.

I knew well that I did not love her but what was wrong in making her fall in love with me? After all she was a disabled girl, who was so desperate to find love and I an ambitious man, desperate to find a standing in the society. We could be of use to each other so you can well understand that it was not wrong on my part to make a fake ID proof that showed me to be of the same age as her, just in case she wasn't at ease with the idea of marrying a younger man. I also joined the Lakshmi Nagar bench and fought one or two odd cases a week for free only expecting my clients to spread a good word about me in public.

On one hand was Anjali's brother, who was making progress every day towards becoming one of the most influential businessmen of the nation and on the other hand was I, Shyam Manohar Jha, oops Anjali's MJ who was making progress every day towards becoming her Mr. Right but my only obstacle was Arnav himself. Always too skeptic, too critical, too disbelieving but good for me that he was too busy to do a thesis on a petty lawyer whom his sister had begun to fancy. Strangely enough the remaining Raizadas seemed to depend too much on young Arnav for everything. So when he showed no objection, the family had been only so happy to have me as their son in law. They loved me and I displayed my affections to them with equal vigor.

It was also the time when they moved to their new abode- Shantivan, the Raizada Mansion in Vasant Vihar. Anajli and I lived with the family there for quite a while but then on her insistence we moved to a rental accommodation.

Life was so good so far, Arnav loved to shower his sister with money and her husband with presents but gradually my infatuation with Anjali was wearing out and what remained was plainly an infatuation with her wealth and a curiosity- their Mallik connection. But every time I tried to prod Anjali over it, she'd begin to weep and then I gave up on her. Anjali was no better than her brother, in parts she was as much a brat as he was. I began feeling out of place in her company, her friend circle for she was an urban modern girl and I a villager. Finally I could take it no more and some fifteen days ago I decided I needed a break. A break from Anjali, a break from Delhi, a break from my life. As if things were happening in my favor, Sahay- an old client of mine whose land dispute had been dragging for five years now called to inform about the impending hearing.

I took this as my opportunity to have some days to myself in my old city of Lucknow, but how dismal the coincidence that Arnav decided to organize a major event of his in the same city in the same dates. I was sure Anjali would follow suit so I lied to her that I was leaving for Mumbai to attend a course. I told her that I'd be going by road so that any doubt pertaining to my travel dates and tickets would not arise. I went by my car- the one Arnav had gifted me and hid it in Vikram's garage for time being. Vikram was as usual mad at me, he thought I was insane to be reconsidering my relationship with Anjali, how would he understand? Hopeless man!

Anyway, I left for Lucknow via train, little did I know that this trip was to put my world upside down. That afternoon I was simply sitting in the market with Sahay when I heard her screams. How could I, the good man of the people ignore that? I rushed to the site where a girl was being molested in broad day light, I jumped in and saved her and her family for that was what any honorable man would do. But when my eyes fell on Khushi the 'honorable' was left far behind while only the 'man' remained.

Khushi, since that very moment, her image stays in my heart. That deer like elegant frame, those eyes- the most expressive pair of eyes that had fear, hope, gratitude all of it in them. How she had crouched behind her mother and how she had turned to give me a last grateful look when her mother took her away...amazing... that very moment I knew I had to see her again.

My luck had never been so generous towards me as it was now, I found her father's wallet on the road. I went to the address given in it the next morning to return it and found her instead. It was crazy, I heard her talking loudly to herself and couldn't help but stop there and watch her. I found that she was moving to Delhi, such were my circumstances that when I felt the city had begun to bother me, one more time it made me want to give it a chance. The same time Vikram too called me demanding me back. I left for Delhi the same day, not for Vikram but for Khushi.

I had a huge argument with my pal who wanted me to return to my original life. Again. That blockhead couldn't appreciate that I had moved much away, I had begun to hope whether I'll see Khushi or not but within a week I received her phone. She needed help and how would I not help her? My state was confused, with every passing moment I desired her in my life but where would I place her, I was married. As if only to end the misery of my unsureness she had told me about how she had dumped her studies not caring about her future, just because she realized she did not belong there. That it was not her cup of tea...

My road had been straight so far, I informed in AR's inventory that a relative needed job, they were pleased to oblige, I knew this game was safe, Arnav or Akash none of them really bother with what and who works in the inventory but just here my road took a sharp U- turn. Khushi ended up with a job in the main office under Arnav. Risky you know but then when was my life devoid of risks?

Meanwhile Rani Saheba, I mean Anjali was convinced that I was in Mumbai while I was very much here, renting a room near the court, many people know me here but I have kept them far from the fact that I am a Raizada son in law. Clean as ever is my game where my balls always enter the right pockets. While talking to Khushi on phone I came to know about her aunt's pending pension case and offered my help. That day I visited her house, I wasn't sure how I'd handle the case but I was certain that I'd leave my best man impression on her. My eyes lingered around and came to a halt at a photo hanging in the hall, an older photo that had Khushi and an older girl with Madhumati. This was it, I realized I did not belong to Anjali or her life, so when Madhumati asked me where I lived, I lied that I was a bachelor living in a deplorable hostel accommodation. An impromptu lie but it turned out to be a master stroke as the old woman offered me to be a paying guest. I protested for a moment, but then went with the flow of the stream and accepted.

With this I got a chance to be near Khushi more often, and with each passing moment of our acquaintance I grew fonder of her strange ways and the truth started settling me and sinking in me that I was in love with her. Pure love that I hadn't felt for anyone before... love that I wouldn't let go.

In three years of my marriage to Anjali I did experience intimacy but I did not experience love. I experienced luxuries but I did not see that I couldn't do without them. It had been fifteen days that I have been away from her, I have handled my situation so well until now, there were times when I was sure to be caught and the fact that Khushi was working in the same office near Arnav and Akash had held my breath stuck in my throat like a tablet that water couldn't force down. But thanks to Arnav and his wicked fits of arrogance that he scared the poor girl enough to make her quit her job in AR designs.

I am relieved, Anjali has been desperate to see me since the past week and to settle things with her I decided I had to pay a visit. After a long time, when this morning I visited Vikram to get my car, Audi Q7, something Shyam Manohar Jha could never afford even in dreams but MJ could afford in reality made me see Vikram's point. Only a fool will leave Anjali and all that comes by the virtue of being a Raizada son-in-law. And Shyam Manohar Jha IS NOT A FOOL.

And hence I am here, with Anjali in my arms and Khushi in my heart, they both will work together and make me forget the suffering of my past, the loath, the poverty, the hunger, the lust, they'll satisfy all. My good women will let me enjoy the last laugh...and yeah before I forget I have to work on another fake ID and some documents, you know, a ten year older husband is worse than a four year younger man. I can understand the trauma it will bring my poor Khushi, no sweat, I'll set things straight before that...for I am your holy angel and your tiny devil, forever loving Shyam Manohar Jha...

"How are you feeling now." asks Anjali cupping my cheeks, tears welling in her eyes again, I smile and hold her cheeks, "Rani Saheba, when you are there, how will I not feel better?"

*****

Originally posted by: shree10

Yes CR, I totally agree with Tom!
@ TR (I think this is better isnt it?) You made me 😆 at jewels of streets.

and CR, Like TR said you caught the essence of kkg in that one line.
in order to fix things, she messed them even more.

Originally posted by: amus5

chap 6 - 12

ok so the reason for riding a scooter on the unknown New Delhi roads is Buaji's asthma ... well never thought this would be the reason 😆...ooohhh nani's tale of pets is truly hilarious...well nani you do possess some taste 😉 Anaconda Singh Raizada...hmm sounds interesting 😃

first day in office and the fire alarm is off and that too on ASR 😆 wow...the famous fall from the first floor glass cabin ... revisited ... feeling nostalgic 😃 Bravo Khushi...keep up with your never say die attitude. Devi Maiyya is with you 😊

you know - Khushi sitting alongwith her sister on that charpoy in front of buaji's house looking up at the sky is one of my favourite scenes and reading that scene was totally heartwarming 😃

moving on to the next updates ... c ya 😉