Part 18
It was the third day when they were alone in the home and were sharing a breakfast in the solace of the dining room. Arjun was stealing glances of Arohi who was deeply looking into her plate. From last two days, she was slowly taking up the hold of the home. Cooking was her passion and she was thoroughly exploring it by making few dishes and feeding the young old employees of the home. She still hasn't joined the office. When Arjun inquired earlier, she delayed it saying that she will end her project first and then will inform him but even after the end of third day, she hasn't told him. Rashi was constantly calling him up on daily basis just to inquire that if their train went on a track only to hear Arjun's groan. How he wished to be near her, to hold her, to hug her, to let her know that she can always depend on his but these thoughts were still a few steps away to become a reality.
Arohi cleared her throat to get his attention and she got it. "I will be able to join the office from tomorrow. What time will be easy for you to take out to teach me?" Arjun bit the corner of his lips while making a morsel of food in the plate. His heart made a happy jump and that happiness was trying to make a place on his face but he stopped it. He will do that in the loneliness of his room later on. When he was sure that he had masked up his emotions well, he looked up and replied with a soft innocent face. "I think from 8-11am will be good. I usually don't have many meetings in this time. Later on you can sit down with the accountants and analyse their working procedure" Arohi nodded. "Good...Then I will be ready tomorrow morning" Arjun took the last bite of his omelette and finished his tea before getting up and wished her a good bye.
After signing up the portrait with her name at below corner, she took a deep breath and covered it carefully with the butter paper. She only hoped that all of her hard work will pay off well. "If I have been with Dhruv and my friends..." She wished.
She was missing her university. She was missing her dance classes. Her friends. Her students. Looking after a business was never her agenda in life. She wanted to pursue her career in arts. Either painting or teaching dance. But for her Nana who started this business with the hope that his children will look after it and for her mother, who was too thoughtful with her every move just to make sure that her daughter will have all the lawful rights to keep its ownership, she has to do learn at least the basics. Even though it was the same business which never let his grandpa love her but then, she knew, he was even not going to love her otherwise and this was the same business to save which, Arjun has married her. But was that really the reason. A pang of pain raised in her heart along with a doubt in her mind.
Should she stay angry with him that he took the most important decision of her life without her consent or forgive him that he helped her save her mother's business? But, wasn't their another way to save it other than marrying her? She wondered.
Her chain of thoughts was broken by the voice of the cuckoo and the crows that were making sounds from inside the trees of the front yard. She came out into terrace and leaned on the rail to see the blooming flowers of different colors, providing an eye pleasing view. Is her life is too on the verge to witness the colors?
Being alone, having all the time in the world for herself has made her analyse things more in depth. She knew, only saving the business wasn't Arjun's agenda behind marrying her and what other possibility came to her mind, she has refused to name it. Being too afraid to judge her own feelings regarding that four letter word. If it is then, will she be able to accept it?
The doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of someone. She watched the watchman interrogating the visitor before allowing her in. A lady entered wearing a baby pink sari and led herself towards the living room. Arohi frowned at her easiness of the way in and turned to get down and greet her.
"Isn't your Rashi Maam in home?" The young lady, looking like to be near about 30, was inquiring the maid. "No Maam...Rashi Maam is off to Bangalore for few days...But Arohi Maam is home...Let me just call her" The maid replied. And before she could go to call Arohi, She found her descending down from the stairs. "Arohi Maam is here" The maid quietly left the room to bring refreshments while Arohi approached the new entrant with hesitation. The lady smiled graciously and put forward her hand in a friendly manner. "Hi, I am Mrs Ishita Bhalla...Your next door neighbour" Neighbour? Arohi wondered. She was used to spend half of her time while sitting in the terrace but never once, she caught the look of her this neighbour. None the less shook her hand. "Hi, I am Arohi...Sorry but I have not been out much to know about neighbours" Arohi replied and gestured her to take a seat. "Oh no problem...Even if you have, we wouldn't have met as we were on vacation to meet my family in South. My daughter, Ruhi had vacations and just got back last night...Rashi knows us. In fact, she and I are really good friends...She always helped me with my dresses and things" Ishita smiled sincerely that in return made Arohi feel comfortable. "I know...She is so good at her work.." Arohi praised. "That she is...In between...You are her bhabhi right...While leaving for Dehradun, she told me that now she will only return with a bhabhi in hand" Ishita giggled remembering the way Rashi had said it. But that statement caught Arohi's attention.
Rashi was already so sure that Arohi will be her bhabhi? The whole plan was already made before they even left for Dehradun?
"Arohi..." Ishita's touch made her look up and remembering the last question of her, She replied stuttering. "Yeah...Yeah...I am her bhabhi" Ishita just smiled in response while Arohi gave a forced one. "Great...So now, as Rashi is not here...I will ask you to join us..." She took out the card from her bag and handed it over to her. "In this residential area, every year we arrange a charity ball from which we always helped an orphanage. Your husband, Arjun...mostly made the contribution through Rashi but as now you are here, we hope you can bring him in this function." Ishita said hopefully while Arohi took hold of the card with interest this time. "You just help them financially?" Arohi inquired while taking out the card. "Oh no...We help them with children's education...And then, we provide financial aid to the ones who are brilliant and have strength to prove themself" Ishita explained. The maid return with the juices but Ishita refused it. "Sorry...But I just need to leave...Have to distribute these cards in other homes too...Plus I still have to do unpacking..." She got up and tucked her hand bag on her shoulder. "I really hope you will make it to the party" "For sure" They gave eachother parting hug before Arohi escort her to the gate.
On the other hand, whatever spare time Arjun got, he put it to arrange a cabin Arohi. It was a cabin just across his. Earlier, he had made it for Rashi, hoping one day she would support him in the business but as she had a total different plan, he kept it locked. Now, it was once again opened to accommodate Arohi so she could also have her privacy. Arjun was too excited to have Arohi with him in his office. His all employees were on their toes as rather than staying in the cabin, their boss was outside, monitoring the changes of the room and if he would see even a one employee being neglecting to their work, everyone will be on the receiving end of his wrath.
He was just done about to leave for home when Rajveer entered his cabin and informed that they have to meet one of the contractors on urgent basis as they are having some issue with the supplies for the new branch of their hotel in Dehradun. Arjun rubbed his temple and looked at the clock to see it striking 7pm. As per their routine from last 3 days, Arohi would wait for him at dinner along with the food cooked by her and no matter what, it was becoming a temptation for him to get back home in time and have a dinner with her. Even if they stay silent for most of the time, just having her close was enough. But today he had to miss it. Half-heartedly, he picked up the phone and dialled home number to inform her while leaving the premises of their office.
She frowned while looking at the food placed in front of her by the maids and then her eyes took a glance of the seat where Arjun use to sit daily with her. She realized, she was getting addicted to these lavishes of life where you share your meals with someone. Before for 7 years, she was asked to eat in the silence of her room or in the kitchen. How you enjoy your food with discussions on dining table or just with the satisfaction that there is someone who would be there with her to talk to. She often used to wonder how writers mention "The dinner was a happy affair" when half if her life, she only met silence their but now, the last almost two months, she met with these small joys and thoroughly cherished it. No feeling hungry anymore, she put the empty plate away and asked the maids to have their meals and leave after putting the dinner back in fridge.
Around 11am, he entered the home with the help of his key. The silence of the home proved her that indeed Arohi was off to sleep. Sighing, he was about to move towards stairs when he heard the minute sound of the TV. Curiosity made him turn his steps towards the TV lounge where he found her sleeping soundly onto the leather sofa. He was stunned for a moment with the way the changing brightness of light, emerging from the TV was playing havoc on her beautiful face in such a dark. As always, A darkness lover. He smiled with the thought. With slow careful steps in order to not wake her up, he moved towards her. Her tiny fist was struck in between her soft cheek and neck while her other hand was carelessly placed on sofa. Few strands of her hairs were falling on her face. Her lips were curled into a small smile, telling him that she is having a beautiful dream. He wanted to touch that smile. With impulse, his hand move forward when right then she moved a little and groaned in sleep. His hand stopped in mid-way, fearing he might not disturb her. He knew that sofa wasn't one of the most comfortable things to sleep on but having her so close, just to see her so near was too much of a chance to miss on. Hunching down on his knees beside the sofa, he took an eyeful of her view before picking her up in his strong arms, without disturbing her sleep before leading her up to her room. As soon as he put the quilt over her, she snuggled into its warmth making a delightful moan. He kept on looking at her before adjusting the temperature of AC and leaving the room.
Their on the other hand, Rashi called up Ishita and was thanking her a millionth time. "Thank you sooo much di...Thank you...You don't know how big of a favour you made even you just came back last night" Ishita laughed at the way, she said it and stop her in between. "Oh don't worry Rashi...I completely understand ...After meeting Arohi today, I am even more eager to bring them together and surprisingly, this party came at a right time" Rashi giggled. "Yes, I know...I will also call Arohi tomorrow and will blackmail her to attend this party on Saturday night...At least in this way, they will be introduced socially as Mr and Mrs Punj...And may be, they will get more close" Rashi winked at her side but Ishita could clearly imagine her face right now and winked back. "She is so sweet yaar...I just got to spend 10 minutes with her and I am already in awe of her...and Don't you worry, introducing them and then also making them spend time with each other will be my responsibility..." Ishita promised. "Atleast now I can hope that this alone time will atleast have a positive impression on their relationship otherwise calling bhai left me with nothing but depression." Rashi explained. "Don't worry...I am on it...I will even make Raman and Ruhi join me in my task...But I will miss having you...who will decide my dress and help me with accessories?" Ishita pouted making Rashi awe. "Don't worry di...You do my work and I will do your...My assistants in Delhi, Maya and Priya will come tomorrow to your home with some designs that I have left for you...Choose whatever you like and you will find it ready on Saturday" Ishita thanked her this time and both went to bed with excited faces after cutting the call.
Next morning, when Arohi woke up and found herself warmly tucked into her bed, her face flushed with embarrassment. She knew perfectly who must have done it and that added more red on her cheeks. Right then she heard a knock on her door and got alert. "Arohi...You are coming to office today, Right? Then please get ready and come down for breakfast...We will go together" He spoke from outside the door before knocking again. "Yes...I will just be down in 10 minutes" She said out loud and heard the footsteps moving away. Taking a sigh of relief, she quickly got up from the bed, wrapped the quilt and left to bathroom to get ready along with her dress.
Feeling flustered, she came down, while playing with the edge of her light green dupatta. But then she heard Arjun talking on the phone with someone. "Don't worry...I will just be leaving in another 15 minutes. Ask them to hold on for an hour. I will see to all the details personally". Arohi took a sigh of relief feeling him busy and sneaked into kitchen to get her breakfast. Arjun was done with her breakfast when she came out and was back on phone. The suppliers were eating up his ears right in the morning. As soon as she was done, Arjun turned back after finishing his call. "Are you done? let's go then..." Arohi nodded and they left the home.
The drive was a silent one as Arjun's mind was pre occupied and Arohi couldn't be more thankful. Though her mind questioned why he hadn't woken her up to go back to the room. Why he picked her up instead? But she kept quiet and let the silent rule.
Arjun was busy with his meeting while in the meantime Rajveer showed her the office and her cabin. She loved to know that she will have her private place. Though she was not introduced formally in the office due to Arjun's busy schedule but all assumed her to be his friend that she felt relieved with. Later on Arjun came to her and started to teach her from the basics of accounting. His attitude was totally professional not with a single hint of personal touch. He drew the blocks on the paper pad, trying to explain her things in simplest way possible and she got it. At least, most of it. They were so involved that they didn't see the time till Rajveer called Arjun for their deciding meets. Arjun called the accountant who was a old age man and asked him to keep Arohi sit with him for some time and explain her things.
Arohi observed everything around and felt more proud of Arjun. He was just so good at his work and do make sure that everyone under him too works at the best of his ability. She was told that usually training classes were used to be organized for all employees from time to time to help them cope up with new technologies and developments and above all, he was loved by his employees for his well mannerism.
Everyone tried to help her in their own way. Rajveer too visited her cabin for some time and accompany her for lunch in the canteen. Everyone eyed the girl who was getting special treatment by the bosses but couldn't dare say a word on it. It was now 4pm, when Arohi felt tired and stretched her muscles after looking up from a file. She wanted to go home and rest for a bit so in the night she could concentrate on her studies for the exams with were still 20 days away. Getting out from her cabin, she looked at Arjun's one and after giving a cursory knock, she get in on hearing his "Come in". She got inside only to come to a straight halt. A girl, probably Arjun's secretary was leaning on the desk beside him. The front opening of her dress was exposing unreasonable amount of skin and her face held a devilish lusty look. But unobvious of the scene, Arjun's head was deeply engrossed in the file. An unknown kind of emotion rose in Arohi's heart and she glared at the girl with a killing look. "Arjun" She called out Arjun which quickly caught his attention while the secretary, Siya was looking at her with open mouth. WHO THE HELL IS SHE WHO WAS CALLING HER'S BOSS WITH HIS NAME. Before Arjun could spoke up, Siya spat on Arohi. "Excuse me...How dare you call Sir with his name? Aren't you the new employee...Don't you know the professional ethics?" She growled while Arohi looked at her with narrow eyes before turning to look at Arjun who was looking furious. "You Excuse me Siya...But how dare you talk like that with my BEST FRIEND AND WIFE?" His voice sent shivers down Siya spine while Arohi was too affected by it. No need to say, Siya was spell bound. First by his lion like growl and then by getting the facts that the lady standing in front was the wife of her BOSS. She was in a trans for a moment before she quickly tried to rectify her mistake. "I...I am sorry Sir...Am sorry Maam..." She looked from Arjun to Arohi. "I came late in the morning so wasn't aware of the facts" She tried to reason out. "That's not an excuse Ms Siya. You are my secretary, not my spokesperson. How someone deals with me or how I deal with others is none of your business." Arjun warned her in his own way before turning his attention towards Arohi. "What happened Arohi?" And in seconds, his voice tone changed from angry to soft. "I..I was thinking to leave...Just came to inform you" Arjun was already on his toes and was collecting his things. "I am done too for the day...Lets leave together" Arjun replied tucking the mobile in his pant pockets and picked up the file, he was viewing before. "Tell Rajveer that I left with Arohi...And also tell him that the presentation will be ready...I will work on it in home" He told Siya who just could nod in reply, fearing to open her mouth in front of Arjun now. Arohi waited on the door while Arjun moved towards her and lead her to the exit without giving anyone a second look. Siya burned in the back. She had been trying to allure Arjun from the last one and a half year. She was trying to grab his attention from her silly remarks, her longing eyes and even tried hands on seduction but nothing could make him turn and notice her. And here, a girl, as simple as Arohi had took his heart. She knew that was No one in his life just two months before and knowing his attitude, she knew that no one will ever have a chance till he want to. The news of Arjun's marriage took her by shock to just like anyone but she comforted her heart by saying that this wife of her will also not survive in this relation with him. On day, he will too ignore her just like anyone but today what she saw has dampened her all hopes to marry this rich man. Arjun had all eyes for Arohi and anyone can clearly say that the man as tough as Arjun was hopelessly in love with her. Tears blurred her eyes before she buttoned up the two upper buttons of her shirt and left to convey the message to Rajveer.
While riding back, Arohi again took a glance at Arjun while turning back her eyes on the road. She was deep in her thinking. And for a change, the question "WHY ARJUN MARRIED HER WITHOUT HER CONSENT" that so use to haunt her mind was no longer that irritating as new ragging questions took their place. "WHY ARJUN MARRIED HER? WHY SHE FELT SO FRUSTRATED SEEING A GIRL PRACTICALLY OFFERING HERSELF TO ARJUN AND WHY SHE WAS FEELING HAPPY THAT HE PROTECTIVELY DEFENDED HER?"
A strong wave of air blew, making the dried leaves of trees from autumn season, falling down on the dry grass. The tree hoped to get filled with fresh green leaves, knowing that the spring season is just on the corner just the way happiness was about to find a way in the life of Arjun-Arohi.
Next: Discussion on Love between Arjun-Arohi and the first close dance. ;)
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Muwah😳Edited by ..oneOone.. - 10 years ago
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