Part:1 Khushi
Khushi entered the great hall of Orbit, one of the five stars hotels, where the engagement party was taking place.
Taking a deep breath, her emotions in check she glided through the grand entrance with grace.
In her white sari she looked ethereal.
A dream hard to reach, a beauty hard to express in words, untouchable. And she knew she looked so. She had taken a lot of care.
A sweet revenge, she mused with dry smile.
Isn't it only right? To let the loser know what he had really lost? Well she wanted to take this little selfish pleasure and she would.
With the bouquet of long stemmed red roses she stood before Arnav, Arnav Singh Raizada.
I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me, it isn't over
She noticed with satisfaction how appreciatively his eyes swept over her whole appearance before they paused on her face searchingly. But she wouldn't let him see what he really wanted.
Khushi Gupta was made of hard stuff, who wasn't going to break with just one heartbreak, and not before him who didn't care.
So she wore the best dazzling smile on her face and congratulated the couple warmly, "Congratulations." Transferring the bouquet to the shy to be bride's hand she wished "May God Bless You with a Happy and blissful married life." She didn't wish love for her, because she now well knew how hard it is for Arnav Singh Raizada to love someone more than his ego.
Khushi didn't let her voice falter with iron resolve though she felt Arnav's intense eyes boring on her, burning holes through her skin, wishing nothing but even a tiniest give away that she was hurting.
Well truth was, she was, and no one could guess that more than Lavnya but she didn't walk up to stand beside her only friend because she needed to deal with this herself if she wanted to survive. She only watched with hawk eyes until Khushi left the stage and came down in confidence steps and took a seat beside her on the bar stool.
"How did I do?" Asked Khushi with a smile that could be best described as grimace.
In answer Lavnya only raised her glass little with a little tilt of her head which meant "good" in her language and offered her as shot of vodka, which Khushi took gratefully. In hope that the alcoholic burning would somehow would suppress the burn in her heart.
As Khushi made to move from the party Lavnya in tow out of nowhere Arnav appeared before her blocking her way. She looked up. Surprisingly her eyes were blank.
Lavnya quickly came before her guarding her like the protector she was in nature. But Arnav didn't care. He looked over her shoulder spoke in an even tone as if he didn't see her. "I want to talk to you Khushi and nothing else. So if you don't mind can we?" He pointed a secluded side of the hall with his hand.
Keeping one hand on Lavnya shoulder Khushihe conveyed with her eyes that she will be okay. Lavnya nodded and gave way to her.
As they stood looking at each other, the memories of their time together, good or bad, flew like strong current between them but both didn't let the other see the same heartbreaking feeling of disappointment and loss inside them.
You know how the time flies
Only yesterday was the time of our lives
We were born and raised in a summer haze
Bound by the surprise of our glory days
"So you came" it was Arnav who broke the chaotic silence.
"Yes I had too. How come I would not come to wish the best for you on a big day like this." Khushi said evenly crossing her arms over her bosom, more to hold herself together.
I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it
I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded
That for me, it isn't over
"So you will come for the marriage too? That would be the even bigger and eventful day of my life." Arnav retorted, unnerved by her calmness. Is it so easy for her to forget and move on?
He wanted her to be aching as he was, like never before. But then she was an actor, a muster of hiding her emotions, make reality look fake and an act so real that even the expert fail to defer.
"I wish I could. But I am flying out of the country day before. You know for shooting outdoor." She answered looking genuinely regretful.
Arnav pursed his lips in frustration and anger. What he wouldn't give to see what's going inside that pretty brain of hers. He was desperate to see her breaking so that he could draw some evil satisfaction that he wasn't the only one suffering but this woman!
"Okay Arnav I should leave now, have an early morning shoot." Khushi made to move but the strong hold in her hand didn't let her.
"Khushi it was not supposed be like this. It was our story. It was we, supposed to be getting engaged, not Astha and Arnav. Khushi we still have time." Arnav said desperately.
Khushi stared a little dazedly at the face that came to her dreams every night bringing bittersweet memories- moments they have cherished together, promises that they made to each other, and dreams they have dreamt together, all came back to her, as if they had ever left her.
Nothing compares, no worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes, they're memories made
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?
A sound of laughter floated in the air and her eyes fell on the girl laughing with few of her friends, unadulterated happiness shining in her orbs making them twinkle. Astha. Her dream of a happily ever after was clear as daylight for Khushi.
"No it's too late." She heard herself say. Then turning to Arnav's shocked face she said without any malice in her heart, who had seen her watching Astha, "She doesn't deserve this and me too. I wanted you to understand but you couldn't and now again you don't." A sad smile played on her lips as she continued "You have burned the bridges yourself. Now you cannot mend them in hurry. It is better that you fulfill someone's dream at least. As a parting note she added, "Hope she gives you things I couldn't give to you. Stay happy."
And she walked away leaving Arnav staring blankly after her.
"You know sometimes it lasts in love, but most of the time it hurts instead. After sometime it will be okay. You will get used to the ache." Lavnya offered with a wry smirk.
And Khushi chuckled without humor.
Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg, I remember you said
Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead
Song Credit: Someone Like You (Adele)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLQl3WQQoQ0
***
Yes I know I have 3 stories to complete and I am not updating for long and I am being unfairš³ but I can only blame it to my pregnancy hormone that I don' feel like updating the old ones š and my fried brain yet again came up with a new story while as usual listening to some songs. But the only relief is this won't be long but very short about 5 parts I guess and the next one will be up in few days (hopefully and I will try my best)
Thank you.
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
Suggestions / Comments
10