Tewari & Sons, 23, Chandni Chowk - THREAD III - Page 9

Payal looked around as the guests had just begin to come in. It was half past seven so not too many people had arrived. She complimented Shruti from the event company on the arrangements. The place was colourful as was fitting for this festival and yet at the same time it was not garish. Which was exactly what Payal's brief to Shruti was, fun, yet elegant. Truth be told, Payal absolutely loathed this rowdy festival, but it was always a good idea for people to loosen up and she had to agree that Holi fitted the bill perfectly. Plus, this year the festival was even more important because of all the divisive factions within the ranks of the INP and the brewing conflict. Before the elections, this was the final chance to consolidate things by bringing people together. The accident that she and her dad had been in had helped to garner some sympathy within the party, which is why all the warring sub-groups had decided to put their differences aside and make an appearance. But the Holi party was also about getting together the New Horizons Class of 2004. She stifled a giggle at this thought. Who would have imagined that she Payal would be the one who would try to engineer this reunion. 

Which brought her to big trouble of the day at hand. But before that, there was another problem - Raghu Singhal.

"Raghu, what is the problem now?"

"Madam, venue bahut chota hai."

Payal had deliberately convinced her dad and Shruti that the party should be at their home and not a farmhouse or venue. For one, it made the place accessible for everyone. And more importantly, it also meant that they could all run back into the house should they need a break. She knew that she would need to take a break from the party. Or like if her dad got tired of socialising, he could even go in and take a quick power nap. 

The home party idea was also very convenient for people like Arnav. He had been the first to arrive, as early as six in the morning, with a laptop in tow. He had a video call with a client in the US which he could not reschedule. He had taken a pinch of gulaal between his thumb and index finger and carefully placed a dot on her forehead and had said rather earnestly, "Happy Holi, Payal. What is your wifi password?"

Though she wanted to warn him about the impending storm that might come their way, she could not bring herself to. With a little bit of effort, this might not even be a real problem to worry herself about. She intended to make sure nothing untoward happened. Which is why she needed to get rid of Raghu Singhal right away and escape his constant whining and the I-told-you-so face of his. 

"We have put a shamiana in the front too, Raghu, I think it will be okay. Plus, people won't stay for long, they will keep circulating. Can you please go with Shruti and check if the food and thandhai arrangements are adequate. Space is not a problem, but we should not run out of food."

Once she got rid of a reluctant Raghu Singhal, she decided that it was time to tackle the other, but bigger problem at hand - Poonam Raizada. She needed to find NK to help her. As more guests had filled up the place, it was difficult to spot NK. She finally found him, inside the house, explaining to Sonu, their house help something.

"NK, what are you doing here?"

"Hey Payal, do you know there is no bhaang in the party. I am trying to persuade Sonu to source some, but he is unhelpful. If he were half as a resourceful as Hari Prakash, he would have been more useful."

"Shut up, NK. Sonu is wonderful, don't mock him."

She then got rid of Sonu asking him to go and check on the water supply outside, so that guests would be able to wash up if needed.

"Wow! That is the nicest thing you may have said about anyone. Why not marry Sonu?"

"Shut up, NK. I need a favour from you. There has been a problem."

"What have you done now, Payal? I was always suspicious about this Holi Party of yours. Is it one of those things were one guest is murdered and all the rest of us are suspects?"

"What? Why do you need bhaang at all? You are already so high. No. I have invited one person, but I have not been able to uninvite another person."

"Can't say I understood any of that. I have been thinking you are behaving so strange since your accident. I told you they should have done a MRI scan. I think you have a brain injury."

"Arggh. God! Anyway, you know there is that New-Ons batchmate of mine Khushi, right?"

"Do you mean Cutie Kumari Gupta?"

"What? You are not her type. Anyway, that is not the point. You know there is this history between Khushi and Poonam Aunty, right?"

"I do. Not all the details though. Us Raizadas are secretive like that."

"I know. Anyway you don't need to know the details. So I was inviting all the New-Ons lot and decided to invite Khushi too. I forgot about Poonam Aunty completely. It stuck me only this morning and I can't uninvite Poonam Aunty suddenly, right?

"Not when half of Delhi has been invited. So what do you want me to do?"

"See, Poonam Aunty will just stay for ten to fifteen minutes tops. I want you to make sure that she stays away from Khushi."

"Why can't I be the person who ensures Khushi stays away from Chachi?"

"I am serious, NK. I don't want any drama."

"Oh please. I bet you engineered all of this I am only shocked that Cutie Kumari has agreed to come for this party. Poor girl."

"Why don't I have better people who can help me?!

"Don't worry, Payal. I am your knight in shining armour. Rather knight in see through chikan kurta."

She wanted to groan at this, but unfortunately she still needed his help so sucked it up instead. As they walked out together, she noticed that the place was buzzing, the dhol guys had arrived and rang barse was blaring from the loudspeakers.

"Yeah NK, what is up with your outfit? That is the first thing I noticed when you walked in."

"I knew it. I always suspected you were attracted to me. Actually I ordered this online and it is a disaster. But surprisingly, this is not the worst outfit of the party. That prize goes to Aakash who is wearing a Stanford t-shirt. Who wears that for a Holi party? "

"Aakash is here? Well I suppose it is okay. I mean Aakash at least went to Stanford and did not buy it at Sarojini Nagar market. But shockingly Aakash's Stanford t-shirt may not be the worst outfit of the party. That prize goes to my fiance, who is dressed in a Cashmere Hugo Boss three-piece suit."

"Arnav? Really? Why?"

"He is in a video conference call with some clients. I don't know if he has brought a change of clothes though."

"Ah yes, the Denver Retail guys. I am sure he deliberately scheduled it today so that he does not have to do raas leela with all the ladies of Dilli."

"I am just glad that he has come."

"How nice it must be to have such delightfully low relationship goals."

"Shut up, NK. Just remember what I have asked you to do and message me when the eagle lands."

"Who is the eagle?"

They turned behind and saw that Arnav Singh Raizada was subjecting them to his patented stare. Payal looked at Arnav, amidst the sea of white kurtas with colours splashed his beige suit really stood out. But then again, he always stood out. Not just because he was very good-looking, lots of men she knew were that, but he was always different from all of them. In his thoughts, through his actions he was always different, which was frustrating and attractive in equal measure. Before she could think of an answer to Arnav's question, his phone beeped and he looked at it, not seeming particularly happy with whatever he had read.

"Payal, mom is on her way. She should be here in ten."

Oh God. She had hoped that as a half-chance Mrs Raizada might not come, but clearly she was out of luck. 

"Arnav, I will see you in a bit. NK come with me, you had to help me with that thing, remember?"

"What thing?"

Wow, her normally chilled out fiance was very curious today.

"Oh just. I was going to introduce him to someone. I will see you in a bit."

She almost dragged NK and they made their way towards the main gate. What was she doing? She had always prided herself to be the rational sort, who did not make stupid decisions. Why then had she allowed Aman to talk her into this impending disaster. NK was probably right. She really should have got that MRI scan. 

**

Arnav spotted her first. 

He had finished his video conference with the people at Denver Retail and as was habit he decided to check his email before getting changed. Now that he was also looking after some of the AR Enterprises business too, his phone and computer was always blinking and sending him pinging sounds. His AR Enterprises emails were primarily those that were addressed to his mother, but in which both he and Aakash were marked. So in essence they were conversations between his mother and all the stakeholders of the company. He head learnt a fair bit about his mother just through these emails. She had a lot of firmness and flair in her business dealings. Sometimes he was tempted to do a reply all and say bravo' after a particularly scintillating exchange between his mother and a client. But by far the best email exchanges were between his mother and Vijay Shastri, the administrative head of the company. Shastri's mails ranged from the quality of daal in the canteen, to the inappropriate wattage of lighting in the office, to the number of dustbins to be placed per square foot of space in the office. Arnav had tried to make his mother understand that in her capacity as the Chief Mentor of AR Enterprises, she should let go off some of these very mundane administrative tasks. But it did not look like his mother would be anything but a hundred percent hands-on. Shastri and Mom's exchanges followed an infinite please and no sequence, he would request and she would get back with a resounding no. He did feel sorry for Shastri, but he had enough problems of his own to give it any more thought. But among the deluge of emails he noticed an exchange between his mother and a Mihir Gupta, who he understood was the CFO of the company.  There was definitely some undercurrent of hostility in the exchange that he could not put his finger on. Seeing the surname, reminded him of another Gupta whom his mother had been more than just hostile towards. So it was a bit disconcerting that just as he was thinking of her and there she was, the very last person he expected to see. She was holding on to a brown paper bag in one hand and had tightly gripped the handle of her crossbody bag in  the other. 

As usual, he felt like he as seeing her for the first time because she looked very different each time she did. She was wearing a light pink salwar kameez which he recognised was not in her usual style. This was a long, flowy Anarkali, altogether too unsuitable for Holi. But he realised that the reason she looked different was not because of her dress but because her hair. Since the day she had come in to his office just a day ago, she had got rid of her long braid and had cut her hair short. Ever since he saw her for the first time in New-Ons, this was the first time that she was wearing her hair so short, the length just below her shoulder and admittedly looking very chic. He could not decide if he liked this different Khushi. But the bigger cause of contemplation at this moment was why Khushi was even there. It was absolutely next to impossible that Payal invited Khushi to the party. That was not the Payal he knew. And more importantly, he was also worried that Khushi might run into his mother which would lead to something unpleasant.

He walked towards her and before he could catch up with her, his cousin Aakash had.

"Happy Holi, Khushi," Aakash said to her placing a little yellow colour on her cheeks and pulling her into a hug. She hugged him back and commented on his inappropriate Holi outfit. That is when Arnav noticed his cousin's outfit, who for some reason seemed to think that wearing his old college sweatshirt was appropriate clothing. The pair of them seemed too preoccupied to notice him even though he was right behind them. Khushi handed Aakash the brown bag she had saying there were sweets in them.

"Gujiyas from Gupta Mithai? I remember those," Aakash said.

"Gujiyas from Tewari & Sons actually. But Baba's recipe," Khushi replied.

It suddenly made sense as to why Khushi was here. Payal probably thought it was amusing to order from Khushi. Though honestly it was a rather uncharacteristic behaviour from Payal, who had little interest in trolling people.

"Hey Khushi," he said interrupting the two friends.

"Hiii... Arrr... nav," she said, her easy camaraderie with Aakash now replaced by the awkwardness that was normally part of their interactions.

"So Payal ordered mithai from you? That is great," he said conversationally.

As soon as the words were out of his mouth he realised that he had said something very wrong. Khushi's expression immediately changed. Though he not said any hurtful words, he sensed that he had hurt her somehow. The why of it became apparent almost immediately as Aakash explained and then over-explained how Khushi was here on Payal's invitation. And she got the mithais as a gift and not because she was doing home deliveries. And that is when it hit him. Payal ordering sweets from Khushi seemed very uncharacteristic behaviour, but Payal inviting Khushi for the party seemed more like something she would do, as a fun thing, to create some trouble. He knew that Payal did not like his mother at all, and as someone who had an idea of the history between Khushi and his mother, pulling this kind of stunt might have seemed amusing to her. He needed to confront Payal immediately. He left his cousin and Khushi by the main gate and went in search of Payal. He found her in conversation with the grand patriarch, the founder of INP KL Chaturvedi. After Payal introduced him to Chaturvedi, he was subject to the usual what-are-your-intentions-damaadji line of inquisition that every INP leader considered par for the course and not at all intrusive. After he managed to give passable answers, he was able to pull Payal and chat with her alone.

"Arnav, with such difficulty I managed to get an audience with Chaturvedi Sir sans his cronies.. what is so important that you needed to discuss? By the way I am glad you changed. NK and I were worried about your suit."

"Of course I had to change. But what the hell are you upto, Payal. Why have you invited Khushi for this party?"

"What is the harm in inviting Khushi? I invited everyone from our New-Ons batch."

"Really? All the two hundred odd people across sections? Please Payal, I am not comfortable with this.. you know all the history.. and that is so not you. What is going on?"

"I invited people who were part of the extended friend circle.."

"Really? Khushi was part of your extended friend circle?"

"I don't owe you or anyone any kind of explanation, Arnav. I know you are worried about Poonam Aunty. I have asked NK to keep her away from Khushi.. just like you, I also don't want any drama either."

"You know Payal, you have been behaving very strangely since your accident.. is everything okay?"

"So you also think that if I am friendly I am being strange? Thanks"

"No. Okay, maybe you are right. I am sorry. I am not asking you to explain yourself to me."

"Listen, Arnav.." she started saying until someone caught her attention and she said, "He is here."

Arnav turned to look and saw a middle-aged man, whom he did not recognise who was making his way towards were they were. He was probably one of the seedy guys from INP. He really wished his call with Denver Retail had extended some more, anything would be an improvement over this disaster of a party.

"Payal ji, Holi mubarak," the man said and smeared Payal with colour on her face and handed over a basket of dry-fruits. He could literally see Payal grinding her teeth, but she quickly recovered and offered the man a smile and greeted him as well.

"Toh yeh hai daamadji," the man said, patting him on the back, being over-familiar.

"Yeh Arnav hai. Arnav, this is Mr Anand Rams the owner of the famous mithai chain," Payal said making the introductions.

And that is when it all made sense to him. So this was why Payal had invited Khushi to the party. To engineer a meeting between Khushi and the man, so that they could convince her to give up Tewari & Sons. 

"Excuse me," he said, interrupting Anand Rams in the middle of his how he became a mithai baron story and decided to look for Khushi. He was mad at Payal for doing this, but he was madder at this unabated drama that looked like it would never end well. He looked around and realised the place was too crowded now. It was noisy and he had to literally duck random strangers who thought that it was completely alright to smear colour on him. He finally spotted Khushi who was in conversation with Aman. Rather Aman was saying something and Khushi seemed amused. Though Aman told him the other day that it was someone else he was interested in, it was hard to believe that Khushi was not that girl. He seemed completely at ease with her and surprisingly she with him. He finally managed to catch Khushi's eye and waved at her. She looked at him for a few seconds, she seemed mad at him for some reason and then she looked away.

Now what had he done?

**

Khushi was barely paying attention to whatever it is that Aman Sabharwal was saying. She just made the appropriate hmms and mmms at what she hoped were the right moments. At this moment all she could think of was how she should have not come for this party. It was unclear why Payal had invited her for this, but honestly she did not fit in. Why did she never learn? Renu Bhabhi had tried to convince her why this was a terrible idea. Aarav had been upset with her because by the time she would get back to Chandni Chowk after this party, Holi would be all but over. And she felt even more guilty when on her way to Payal's place Baba called and she didn't pick up the phone. It was a complicated story to explain and Baba who was just about thawing now would not see how meeting her New-Ons classmates could be in any way a good idea. She had allowed Payal to talk her into this in a moment of weakness. Did she crave acceptance from her New-Ons classmates? Is that why she was here? Or did this remind her of another invite to another party, a lifetime away and somehow this seemed like a full circle, for her to get closure on that horrible evening? 

But nothing had changed. Arnav assumed that Khushi was here only in the capacity of a halwai. Of course, that is what anyone would assume. Why else would Payal invite her to a party? The same Payal who did not even like her back when they were in school. Arnav and she had made some progress lately, but really nothing had changed. He felt some guilt towards her, but she was never an equal, who deserved to be part of his world. If he felt any affection for her, it was only when they had one-on-one interactions. In a group, among his own, she continued to embarrass him. Nothing had changed. Preeto was right, who had told her not to get sucked into that world again.She would just go and say hello to Payal and leave. If she left now, she should be home by ten, Aarav might forgive her after all. As Arnav walked towards them, she muttered an excuse to Aman and went in search of Payal.

She noticed Payal was deep in conversation with a few men and normally she would not have interrupted, but she wanted to leave at the earliest so this had to be done.

"Payal."

"Khushi! I am sorry, Arnav said you were here but my dad pulled me into something. Happy Holi. I am.. so glad that you came.."

Payal then shocked her by not just smearing colour on her face but also pulling her into a hug. Everything was upside down today, she thought as she put her arms around Payal.

"Payal, aapko bhi Holi Mubarak," she put only a teeka for her because Payal looked very clean and uncoloured. And inspite of the hug, she did not believe in over familiarity.

"Did you meet the others. I am sorry I am not sure who all are here.. but I think I spotted Lavanya and Colonel Anand near the chaat counter."

"It is Major Anand. Actually I wanted to.. leave.. my family is waiting for me.. so."

"What? No, no. You can only leave after lunch. Besides they have blocked all the exits because of the VIPs. How did you come?"

"Oh. Metro.. I am sure if I can just get to the station.."

"Don't be silly, Khushi. I will get you dropped. Wait, let me call Aaaksh, he will convince you."

She picked up her phone, but evidently was unable to reach Aakash.

"No, it is okay.. I don't need.. anyone to convince me."

"Okay listen, come here with me," Payal said as she pulled Khushi towards a group of men, "Dad this is Khushi, she was my classmate in New Horizons."

Khushi recognised Samir Singh, he was always on TV and the newspapers. He was a seasoned politician and played the part to the hilt. Though she did not like the politics of INP, there was no doubt that he was a charismatic leader. 

"Khushi beta, nice to meet you. Some of your other classmates are here, it must be nice to catch up with all after long, is it not?"

No, that is not how she would describe it, she thought moodily, but nodded in response.

"Dad, Khushi is an athlete, she is the sports coach at St Joseph's and she owns a mithai business at Chandni Chowk."

"Acha, yeh woh ladki hai, aa jayiye, aapko kissi se milana hai," Samir Singh pulled her by her shoulder and guided her towards someone. What did he mean by woh ladki? And whom did he want her to meet?

The man that Samir Singh wanted her to meet was on the phone and gestured with his fingers that he needed five minutes. He looked familiar, but Khushi was not sure why. Was he an INP leader whom she had seen on TV? Samir Singh and Payal both had got caught up with other guests and Khushi wondered if it would be rude for her to leave, or should she wait until the person on the phone hung up. The man was looking at her intently even as he spoke on the phone. Somehow he made her feel very uncomfortable. There was something disconcerting about him. 

"Khushi Kumari Gupta," a voice interrupted her thoughts and she turned behind to see that Shekhawat Sir, the wise old man Chandni Chowk was looking at her. She was surprised to see him there, because he was so careful about not aligning with any political party. But here he was. Oh well, she did not care about the politics of Chandni Chowk, she had her own life and more mundane troubles to consider. But what was most puzzling and frankly a little terrifying was that this man seemed to recognise her and know her name. She had met him once, when she was seventeen, surely she didn't look the same. So much for Aarav saying that her new haircut made her look like a mem.

"Namaste, Shekhawat Sir."

"Beta tum wohi ho na, mithai ki dukaan hai jiska apne Chowk mein?"

He placed his hand on her head and offered her a practised smile. She did not like this. It was just so uncomfortable. Maybe she was being fanciful, but his hands seemed to be caressing her head. She moved away from his touch, it was always good to trust one's instincts.

"Ji, Sir. Khushi naam hain humara,"

"Jaanta hoon, Mahesh ki dukaan chalati ho na?"

In all this while, she had never once considered it in this angle. To her Tewari & Sons was always about her trying to turnaround her mother's store. But this was in fact Mahesh Tewari's store that was taking all her mind-space and time. Baba's disappointment in her began to make more sense to her in that moment. Her Baba was a fair man, liberal even, but there was no denying that she had in some ways dented his male ego and pride. When she took on another shop, named after another man with so much ease, it must have hurt Baba both as a father and a husband.

"Ji."

"Sab theekh chal raha hai? Koyi dikkat toh nahin."

Dikkat hi dikkat thi, but she was not going to tell this strange man that. This conversation was getting more disturbing my the minute for her.

"Khushi, a word with you, please."

She turned behind to see that it was Arnav. His kurta looked as white as ever and barring a tiny dot on his forehead, his face was completely colour-free. She remembered their meeting from before and how he had assumed that she had only come to deliver mithai and so scowled at him and turned back to Shekhawat Sir.

"Beta, wahan chalo, aapko kissi se milata hoon main," Shekhawat Sir grabbed her hand as he said that.

"Khushi, I am sorry to interrupt but can you please come with me for a minute," it was Arnav again, she noticed that while he spoke to her he threw an angry look the way of Shekhawat Sir. She pulled her hand away from the creepy Shekhawat Sir and reflexively grabbed Anav's arm as she excused herself saying, "Sir bas abhi aati hoon." In spite of everything, she felt safer with Arnav than Shekhawat Sir.  

She walked with Arnav until they were away from the reach of Shekhawat Sir or Samir Singh. The music had got louder, there was a lot of squealing and shouting. She noticed Lavanya and Aman were chatting, while Major Anand looked at them amused and annoyed in equal measure. She realised that she was still holding on to Arnav's arm whose attention was caught by Aakash who was ducking and very purposefully making his way back inside the house. She wondered what Aakash was doing.

"What the!" she heard Arnav mutter and she let go off his arm and he looked at her.

"Do you want this milk thing to drink, Khushi?"

"Ummm. Oh you mean the thandai? No, I don't want. I am going to meet Lavanya."

"No.. I mean wait Khushi.. I am sorry that I assumed that you were here to give mithai. I guess you are mad at me because of that."

"Why should I be mad because of that? I sell mithai, I am not ashamed of that. Except that I wish Payal had really ordered from me, at least I would have got some business."

"Hmm. By the way who was the man who was all over you?"

"Shekhawat Sir? He is like the unofficial leader of Chandni Chowk. He solves everyone's problems, especially when communal tension happens.. he is the moderate voice from the Hindu side."

"Such things still happen in Chandni Chowk? You mean Bollywood is not lying? But why was he all over you?"

"I don't know either. He was behaving strangely.. everyone was.. In fact Sam.. anyway, let me go and say hello to Lavanya."

"What were you going to say? Something about Samir Singh?"

What was wrong with her? Why would she tell Arnav about her reservation and suspicion of motives of his to be father-in-law? This was not the conversation that she needed to have with him, or anyone. She was getting too candid and comfortable with him and all this after she had pretended to not even recognise him the first time. Maybe if she had been polite with him and Payal then, they may have lost interest in her. Just because she ignored them, they felt compelled to pursue and change her opinion about them. 

"Khushi, I.. this is kind of awkward for me to say.. but I think it is best you don't interact with.. I mean.. it will be better if you stay away from .. some of these people."

"You mean your mother? And your father? I know. That is why I am leaving. I can see your mother, she is there."

Khushi had just spotted Mrs Raizada, who was in conversation with a young man who had his arms around her shoulder and whispering something. Arnav too turned in the direction she was pointing and there was a frown and an audible sigh.

"That is mom with NK, my cousin.."

"The one who had that theory about New Year.."

Why did she say that now? And more importantly why did she remember that. He seemed amused by this and grinned at her.

"The same. But seriously, I meant don't chat with Anand Ram and Samir Singh.. they may cause trouble or you. And about my mother.. I wanted to.."

So that is who the guy with the mobile phone was? Anand Ram. Of all the people in world, why him.

"No. I don't want to discuss this, Arnav. We have decided to move past that. If you knew Payal was inviting me so that I would be forced to confront Anand Ram you could have made her stop.. she is your fiance after all.."

 "I.. had no idea why she had invited you.. I mean I still don't know why she invited you.. and how can I tell her anything. How can I tell any person what they should or should not do."

"That is your problem, Arnav. You never take a stand. You only watch, that is all you do."

Where did that come from, she did not know. She was as taken aback as Arnav was by her hostility. Why was she lashing out at him. She knew that this was not his fault. If anyone was to blame, it was her inability to stay out of trouble. Like Maa said, most of her troubles were created on her own.

"You are right. But you have this special talent to be in the wrong place at the wrong time every single time.. So.."

Hearing him say out loud what she had admitted to herself just minutes somehow hurt her and without meaning to, or wanting to, she burst into tears. They were not gentle sniffles-like sobs but full-on, ugly sobbing with a pool of tears.

"Khushi.. I am sorry.. I never.. I always.. I am so sorry. I didn't mean any of that. You know that. I have made mistakes.. I know that I should have.. I mean, stop crying now. Please. Shall I get you something to drink.. I think only that milk thing is there. It is pretty awful though."

"Thandai," she corrected him again, her sobs subsiding and she now feeling rather silly. He smiled at her ruefully and sat down on the grass, while she sat crosslegged on a jute moda. They watched the Holi revellers, she with wistfulness and he with a disgusted expression on his face.

"Khushi, don't you think this is the worst festival ever? People chasing other people, touching them without their consent.. it is just so wrong."

"I think it is sweet."

"Really? You would not mind if that Shady Shekhawat chased you down and coloured you?"

"No, that is not what I mean.. It is a fun festival if you are among people who know you and whom you like."

"There are some people here who like you, but I don't think they know you."

"What does that mean?"

"Nothing more than what I just said."

He was so strange. What did he mean by that. And he was saying that she was difficult to read and understand.

"Oye listen, what are you two doing here? Why won't you guys circulate? Arnav, stop hogging Khushi," Aman, his hand on his hips looked at the two of them. Arnav and she exchanged a look and both of them scowled at him. As if Arnav would hog her. Not that she wanted him or anyone else to hog her.

"Hold that," he said and clicked a picture of them.

"Dude, what are you doing. Stop taking pictures," Arnav got up as he walked towards Aman.

"But it is such a nice picture of the two of you. See. Khushi looks nice with her haircut doesn't she?"

"Well.. where is Payal?"

Khushi also got up and decided that this was enough. Except that she realised her wallet was inside the gujiyas bag that she had handed over to Aakash. How could she have been so careless. She would need to ask Aakash to find her wallet. She hoped that it was still inside the bag and someone had not thrown it away. Aman had met someone he knew and had gone away to chat with them. She looked at Arnav, who seemed to want to tell her something, but changed his mind. That is when Khushi noticed Poonam Raizada. She had been laughing at something that Samir Singh said and had looked in her direction and her face froze. After this, the snarl that she was so familiar with was back.

"Arnav, your mom has seen me," she said to Arnav who was staring at a grasshopper on the lawn, "I think I will go now."

Arnav did not say anything in response and instead pulled her back and linked his fingers through hers, holding her hand firmly and gently. What did he think he was doing? Okay, facing the mother might be a good idea, but they didn't need to be heroic about it. And Poonam Raizada will be mad at her, all over again.

"Stay here, Khushi, please."

She considered then that he might have caught her hand because he needed some courage too. She relaxed and stood a little behind him. Waiting for the harsh words, the questions.

Khushi hadn't felt that nervous in a long while, as Poonam Raizada walked towards them. At one level it was terrifying, but it was also probably a good thing to get over and be done with. She had thought about it many times in the past, what would she do if she were to come face-to-face with Poonam Raizada. And in all of those imagined meetings, she emerged unscathed. 

And then, Poonam Raizada reached where they were, but without a word or a glance, walked past them. Evidently someone else had caught her attention. Khushi pulled her hand from Arnav's and sprinted into the house in search of Aakash.

**

It could not be right. Where did he go away? Her eyes could not deceive her. She was absolutely sure that she had spotted Mihir Gupta in the crowd. The same Mihir Gupta who had been siphoning off Raizada funds and was up to no good. The same Mihir Gupta whom she had been getting followed but had made no headway with. Until today that is. Now it all made sense, Mihir was a plant by Samir Singh on someone in the INP at AR Enterprises. Now that she thought about it, this kind of made sense. She had suspected that someone big and powerful was helping Mihir, so this was not surprising. But she needed proof, this time she would collect the evidence before she made any accusations. She knew that Arnav did not feel any great love for Payal but it still did not mean that she could confront him with this theory. Not yet. And Payal may not know about Mihir Gupta at all. Maybe all of this is Samir Singh's doing. 

She was glad that she came for this party, though Payal had called her last evening to say that if she were busy she could skip it and that they wouldn't mind. She had found it strange behaviour from her to-be daughter-in-law, but now in the light of spotting Mihir Gupta here she felt a little suspicious. Was it possible that Payal did not want her here because Mihir would be here.

While on suspicious behaviour, there was NK who was suddenly feeling too much affection towards her and was being embarrassingly cloying. He wanted something out of her, though she could not imagine what. Speaking of the devil he appeared soon enough.

"Arrey Chachi, where did you disappear suddenly? I was talking and you went away."

"I thought I saw someone."

This seemed to distress her normally cool nephew for some reason, who looked around like he was trying to find someone.

"Who did you see Chachi? Forget that. Do you want to eat chaat? There is some excellent chaat out there. Apparently Payal has flown people especially from Bombay for this."

"What is wrong with Delhi chaat? Seems a bit much for a Holi Party don't you think?"

"Not at all, Chachi you know how Bombay has better street-food than Delhi."

"I am not going to argue with you.. but in Delhi we have Chandni Chowk."

"Exactly the problem."

"What?"

"Nothing Chachi, lets go."

Her nephew offered his arm to her and she took it, still puzzled with his behaviour. They were not that close, but she was fond of him and it was good to have him around the house. Arnav and Anand liked him too, so it was good. 

"Wait, Chachi," NK said scanning the crowd. Who was he looking for? Maybe that thandai was spiked, that would explain his peculiar behaviour.

"Okay all clear, Chachi, lets go and get you some Bombay chaat."

She decided not to ask him what did he mean by all clear. She also decided that she was not going to comfort Mihir Gupta today. He could easily wriggle out of it and explain it as something innocent. Also, the fact that he had decided to come for this party knowing it was Arnav's to-be sasuraal meant that he was very cocksure. She needed to speak with the private investigator again.

**

Khushi walked into the house a little tentatively. The house was empty, with all the action outside. But she was sure that she had seen Aakash come into the house and as far she could tell, she did see him leaving. Renu Bhabhi had bought her one of those cross bodied bags so that she could always keep her wallet and phone in that. She carried a gym bag to college and carrying a separate handbag sometimes because too much. But how stupid of her that she took out the bag and put it inside the cover and handed it over to Aakash. She didn't even have her phone to call him. 

She looked around the living room. It was huge and very beautiful. This was the first time that she was in Payal's house. The walls were painted with Warli design and when she looked closely at them she noticed that each wall represented a different time of the day. It was very classy. But she was not here to appreciate the decor of the house, she needed to find Aakash, who did not seem to be around. Just as she was about to leave, she spotted a young man, who was probably one of the helps around the house. He was dusting the grills, though honestly there wasn't the tiniest speck of dust as far as she could tell.

"Suniya, aapne Aakash ko dekha?"

"Aakash? Woh kaun? Aap kaun?"

"Ji.. main woh.. Payal ki dost hoon."

Was she really Payal's friend. Well it seemed like a harmless lie. Plus, given how suspiciously the man was looking at her, it seemed fine. The helps of her rich classmates never liked her, no matter how shampoo-ed and chic her hair was.

"Acha. Didi toh bahar hain."

"Haan jaanti hoon. Doosre dost ko dhoondh rahi hoon. Ek phone laga loon?"

The man took her to the phone and insisted on dialling the number on his own. Khushi had not memorised Aakash's number, so she asked him to dial her own number, in the half-chance that it was somewhere around. And sure enough she recognised her ringtone coming from inside the house.

"Mera hi phone baj raha hai."

"Yeh aawaz toh study se aa raha hai," the man told her, now looking at her more suspiciously, "Wahan pe toh Arnav Baba hain."

Arnav Baba. No. Why? Didn't she just leave him outside and come. How did he get a head-start and reach before her.

She walked towards the study with the man, a little nervous. The man opened the door and there was Aakash, sitting on the window sill with a book.

"Aakash?"

"Khushi?"

"Acha Bunty Baba ko dhoondh rahe the aap," the man said and shook his head and left.

"What are you doing here? And since when are you Bunty Baba?"

"Oh.. long story. Phir kabhi bataaonga. What are you doing here."

"My phone was in the gujiya packet, so I was actually looking for you. My phone rang from this room, didn't you hear it."

"Oh yes, the packet is here only. I brought it along when I came in. I thought I heard something, but I was not sure."

Khushi immediately found her bag and retrieved her bag. Her phone and wallet were both safe.

"What are you doing here, Aakash? That guy said that Arnav Baba was here?"

"Disappointed?"

"What? Of course not. Don't be silly."

"Just kidding, yaar. Don't take everything so seriously. But Arnav is really helping you. I heard he is helping you with the shop."

"How? Did Arnav tell you about this?"

"No. Anand Maama did. I am not sure who told Maama though, I know it is not Arnav. He is not that type. Jatata nahi hain woh."

"Bada pyaar aa raha hai tujhe apne cousin pe.. khoon ka rishta and all, haan?"

"Not like that. He has grown to be a good person and I want you to make peace with him, that is all."

"Main kaunsa uske saath jhagda kar rahi hoon. Jaanti hoon ki acha hi hai.. Thoda class conscious hai, lekin dil ka bura nahin hain."

"Class conscious? Hmm."

"Anyway, why are you here? Are you hiding from someone?"

"Kind of."

"Really? Who? What is happening, Aakash? I have no idea what is happening in your life these days."

"Nothing at all, Khushi. You know Anita Chawla and my mom have decided that I need to marry their daughter Opp.. Juhi. So the mothers have engineered a chance meeting between the two of us here.. I know this is awful of me, but I don't know how else to escape this."

"Aakash, what is wrong with you? Kitni der tak chupega tu? Just tell your mom no.. she is so sweet and would never force you to do anything you don't want."

"She is a very sweet person, but at this point she is only a shaadi obsessed mother, so she cannot see anything else beyond that unfortunately."

"Juhi is sweet.. whatever I remember of her that is."

"Of course, she is. But she is not for me."

"So who is this girl whom you like. Mujhe bata do.. dost hoon tumhari."

"Nahin, ab chodho."

"Please tell me. Why doesn't she like you? Is she mad?"

"Or really sensible."

"Hmmm. Please tell me who this is."

"You, Khushi, I guess there is no point denying it.. you are the girl."

"But.. what.. really.. I mean.. we are friends.. this is.. God.. I don't know.."

"Seriously Khushi, relax. I was just kidding."

"Oh. Are you sure?"

"Haha. Yes, I am."

"Okay. But you can't hide like this. You have to go and tell Juhi how you feel. That is the only right thing."

"I know, Khushi. I am ashamed of my behaviour myself. Just that, at a Holi Party in someone else's place is not the right moment to have this conversation, no?"

"Yes, I guess so. Anyway, I am leaving now. You are going to stay here?"

"Leaving already? Come on, you have hardly got any colour on you.. have lunch and go. In fact, Payal asked me to make sure you were comfortable.. she was worried about you."

"You and Payal were very close these days."

"We were always close. In fact, Payal and I were closer than Arnav and Payal. But once Lavanya switched to our Section in Class VII, we became friends and La and Payal never liked each other much. So, we drifted apart a bit."

"Oh, I didn't know any of this history.."

"You do not know of a lot of things that went around among the New-On-Ites, Khushi."

"I don't think I want to know. By the way, why are you not wearing a kurta-pyjama. Why this Stanford t-shirt."

Aakash grinned and shrugged in response. They walked out of Payal's house and were welcomed to loud music and unabated dhols. Clearly Payal's house was pretty soundproof and had kept the noise out.

"Do you remember that New-Ons jersey we got before we left school. I originally thought of wearing it, but turns out mom had thrown it away. Mothers!"

"I remember. I didn't actually get mine."

"Really? Why?"

"I remember it was just two days before our study holidays. Arnav was distributing the jerseys to everyone. But that morning Arnav and I got into a huge fight, so I didn't go and pick it up."

"You guys had too many problems."

"Yeah," she said thoughtfully. She did not even remember why she and Arnav had fought, but she had been mad at him. Maa had be even madder at her because she had paid nine hundred rupees for the jersey and had not even got it. Anyway, the past was the past. Now she should just go home.

**

"Is NK drunk?" he asked Payal.

"NK is always ridiculous, he does not need to be drunk to say and do stupid things," Payal offered.

She had a point. NK was always upto something crazy and said things with scant regard to what was acceptable social etiquette and what was not. The party crowd had shifted to the food area, where lunch was being served, though some of the youth members of INP were now in the middle, dancing to Bollywood numbers, complete with disturbing heaving and pelvic thrusts. The New-Ons bunch, Anjali Di, Major Anand and NK were now sitting on the lawns indulging in random chitchat.  Rather NK was narrating some real life account of his encounter with a woman, which to him sounded like an elaborate Bollywood plot while the others listened to him amused. He had to concede NK had a talent for stories.

Aakash came in with a box of gujiyas and it was passed around. It was some good stuff and everyone shut up for a while, the sweet now getting there undivided attention.

"Wow Payal, this is good stuff," NK said.

"I didn't bring this. Aakash did. Where did you get it from, Aakash. This is actually nice. Though I am not much a fan of gujiyas normally," Payal said looking at Aakash.

"This is from Khushi. She had brought it and gave the packet to me. From her mithai shop," Aakash said.

"Cutie Kumari Gupta," NK almost yelled," Where is she. Nobody has introduced her to me yet."

"She is not your type," Aakash and Payal said in unison.

"More importantly," Payal added, "You are not her type."

Arnav found this amusing. It was not just he who had a disturbing attachment towards Khushi, they all did. He looked around, she had probably left. He was not surprised at this, it was a big step for her to come here in the first place. And between him, his mother, Payal, Samir Singh and Anand Ram, her discomfort was understandable.

"Please you guys, how can you decide who is Khushi's type. I sat next to Khushi for a whole year, I don't think she had a type," said Aman.

"I knew Khushi better than all you guys," said Lavanya, "And if there was anyone her type, it was cbnertainly not anybody who went to New-Ons."

"Then clearly I have an edge," NK concluded.

"You guys are really obsessed with Khushi," Major Anand who had been listening to them said, "Was she the Number One crush of everyone in school."

"I don't think so, most people just liked to make fun of her. In fact, I think I was the only person who was friendly with her," Lavanya told her husband.

Somehow this seemed very disingenuous to Arnav. Yes, Lavanya was the first person to befriend Khushi, but this seemed like a rather petty thing to say. He was not sure what, but something about her statement seemed wrong.

"I had only one crush, my beautiful wife Veena.. kal, aaj aur kal types," Karthik said, which fetched his some awwws from everyone.

"What about you Aakash," Anjali Di wanted to know.

"Nobody at all, Di."

"Come on, Aaksh, bol do. No judgement."

"I don't know.. I guess.. Payal.. but please, nobody be offended. I mean, Arnav, I am sorry.."

"Relax, Aakash. No need to get so worked up," he told his cousin wryly. But what a revelation, Aakash and Payal. Maybe there was something to Anjali Di's theory after all, who now was looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He shrugged. He looked at Payal, who seemed rather pleased at this. 

"Wow, Aakash. That is a plot twist. What about you Aman," NK asked.

"Lavanya.. the one and only Lavanya.. she was the batch cutie. Sorry, Major Anand," Aman said, holding his ears with his fingers. Major Anand responded with a thumbs up.

"And Divyesh, what about you? Weren't you the cricket team captain, in my time, the New-Ons cricket captain got all the girls," Anjali Di said to a rather subdued and quiet Divyesh.

"I don't know really.. I guess I liked Veena. But she thought I was too stupid," Divyesh said grinning. Veena got up from her spot, walked up to Divyesh and gave him a hug.

"And what about you, dear cousin," NK asked turning his attention to him.

He sensed all the pairs of eyes on him, curious, amused.

"I had no crush on anyone. This is silly."

"Come on, now. You don't have to take my name. I won't be offended if you take someone else's name," Payal coaxed him.

"Haan brother, bol do," Aman encouraged him.

"I don't know if this was a crush.. but if there was someone I found interesting in school, it was.. Khushi," he finally said. 

And that right there was the truth.

**

"Khushi?"

"Yes. I am sorry, I don't recognise you?" she said looking at the man. She was just leaving the party and had just got outside the gate of Payal's house.

"I am Arjoon, Arnav's jeejaji."

"Oh. Anjali Di's husband."

"Right, of course, you know Anjali. So not staying for lunch?"

"No, my house is pretty far away, so only if I leave now will I make it home in decent time. So.. I am sorry, I must leave now."

"Khushi, if you don't mind I would like to chat you with for a bit. But if you are busy I understand."

What did Arnav's jeejaji want to discuss with her. Aakash had told her on a number of occasions that he was a good person, though they were not actually close. She knew that he was a writer and some kind of activist, but she was not too sure what is it exactly that he did for a living.

"Sure, we can talk now," she found herself agreeing and being led back inside Payal's house. He pointed to bench below a mango tree and they sat down.

"Khushi I know a little bit about you. and your struggles thanks to Anjali and Arnav. But they don't mean any trouble when they speak about you."

What troubles? What had Anjali Di and Arnav been telling him about her? What was he getting at?

"I don't understand Arjoon Sir."

"Please, just call me Arjoon. You know I work at the university too. Though now I am on the research side, but we the union are fighting against these ad hoc appointments and then asking the teachers to leave one find day kind of situations. You do know that this is against the university rules and they need to give you a six-month severance package if they do that."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

"Most people don't and the colleges take advantage of that. Joseph's is notorious for this sort of thing. Arnav had told me that you were a ad-hoc sports coach at Joseph's and that means you get no benefits.."

"The old coach is coming back to take over in the next term."

"Exactly, they can't do that just like that.. if you join our union, you will have someone else also helping you fights for your right. Think about it. Take down my phone number and we can talk."

"I will think about it Arjoon Sir.. I mean Arjoon," she saved his number and got up. He seemed like a nice sort, but she also a far cry from the sort to get involved in unions and all the assorted problems that politics of it brought. She also found it disconcerting that everyone seemed to think that she needed saving. Though her instincts told her that Arjoon Bose was a genuinely good sort and did not mean any of this as a game.

"Khushi, you are still here? You just missed an interesting few moments?"

Lavanya walked towards her, while Major Anand was on the phone.

"What happened? I was just leaving actually."

"Don't leave now, please. NK.. Arnav's cousin has sourced some bhaang finally. Major Anand knows you and actually likes you.. he will agree to stay if you rae around too. Please. I don't think he likes the rest of the New-On-Ites."

Arjoon seemed amused by the conversation between the girls and Khushi felt a little embarrassed.

"Lavanya, this is Arjoon Bose.. Arnav's jeejaji," she said, remembering her manners.

"Oh.. hi.. you are Anjali Di's husband? I have heard lots about you," Lavanya said, shaking hands with him.

"All bad, I reckon," Arjoon said grinning.

"The absolute worst actually," Lavanya said and pulled Khushi by her arm and took her back towards the party. This day was never going to end.

"So what interesting moment did I miss?" she asked her friend.

"It is not for me to tell. Maybe some day the person will have enough courage to say it to you."

"You are being so cryptic. Anyway, do you have any news of Noor Ma'm. How is she doing?"

**

"Arnav, where were you? We have a problem?" an agitated Payal ran towards him.

He checked his watch, it was half past three, how did the day fly past so quickly? And what an utter waste of a day. The lawn was a mess, the poor plants had all been coloured and there was food, plates and glasses everywhere. The cleaners had arrived to try and sort the mess. 

He had stepped out for a bit because his mother called him at work. He had been surprised, but she sounded upset about something. So, he abandoned the party and went to AR, where his mother was with Roy.

"Arnav, I am asking Roy to process the paperwork to give you power of attorney," his mother said.

Of all the things he expected, that was certainly not what he thought he would tell her. After his mother seemed upset at the party he did not see her. He asked Payal who sounded vague. It was only when he spotted his dad with Samir Singh he realised that his mother had left for office because something had come up.

"But mom, what is going on?"

"There are some crucial things happening here. I am going out of the country tonight, a short plant visit in Japan. Normally your dad and Mihir Gupta our CFO handle things when I am not around. But now you are on board, I would rather you or Aakash did. Don't worry, you won't really need to do anything unless something comes up."

He had not been convinced. It was not like his mother to make an snap decisions, she must have given this some thought. Anyway, he did not want to argue and signed the requisite papers that Roy had brought along.

By the time he was done, it was too late, but he was hungry. Payal had texted him to come home and eat and said that most of the guests had left. When Arnav returned, Archana Singh, Payal's mother spotted him and took him for lunch. It was the worst lunch ever, not because the food was bad, in fact it was quiet the opposite. But Archana Singh subjected him to a serious inquisition. He was glad that he managed to escape it finally. But now based on Payal's upset and agitated look, it seemed that there was some fresh trouble.

"What is it, Payal? By the way, your mother is actually very terrifying. She just subjected me to some very serious inquisition about us, the future and my intentions."

"Oh, don't worry, Seema Bua, my mum and Anita Chawla have become obsessed about their still single children and I think there is a race going between them. Thank God your mom is a snob and does not socialise with the masses.. what? Don't give me that look. I know you are devoted to Poonam Aunty, and believe me, I was appreciating her. I would take your mom over mine, who frankly is just driving me nuts."

"Hard to imagine Seema Bua as being like that though. So what was the problem you were talking about?"

"Oh, how could I forget. Khushi has passed out after consuming some dubious quality bhaang that Sonu sourced from somewhere?"

"What? Why did Khushi drink bhaang in the first place? That is not the kind of thing she does.."

"So you are judging her for not being a good Indian girl type? Not what I expected of you Arnav."

"No, I am not. Just surprised."

"To be fair, Lavanya was the one who tricked her into drinking it. I literally had to rescue the poor girl."

"Who is the poor girl?"

"Khushi, obviously. Lavanya was totally high. That Colonel or Major or whatever her husband is, was so pissed. He picked her up and carried her away. You missed all the entertainment. Why did your mum need to see you anyway?"

"Some paperwork. She is going on a business trip tonight, so some last minute things."

"Hmm. Now Aakash has gone to AR, because she needed to see him about something too."

"Really? Strange. Mom didn't tell me anything. Was Aakash drunk too?"

"No. He was too busy avoiding his mom who was trying to set him up with some random girls. Though he was so nervous when your mum called, it might have been better if he were a little drunk. Would have given him some courage." 

"So where is Khushi? Is she behaving.. crazily?"

He was not too sure if he liked the prospect of facing an uninhibited Khushi. It seemed terrifying somehow. She was someone who also kept her emotions in check, was very cagey in her interactions. And while he often wanted her to let go and not be so worried and weigh her words all the time, he was not prepared for it now.

"Relax, Arnav. She just dramatically passed out on the divan. I asked NK to shift her into my parent's bedroom, where she is in deep slumber. I asked NK to try and wake her up by sprinkling some water, but he said that she was too cute to be woken up."

"What does that even mean? NK is an idiot."

"Don't be jealous.. the most interest woman at New-Ons and all," she said with a sly grin.

"Shut up, Payal. It was a silly exercise.. crush and all."

"I don't mind, Arnav. I mean I can understand you having a crush on Khushi, if you had said Lavanya that would have been disappointing."

"Payal, are you drunk? You are suddenly being nice to Khushi?"

"See this is why I can't be nice.. the moment I am, everyone questions my motives."

"I am sorry."

"It is okay. Can we now fix this Khushi issue, please?"

They walked back into Payal's house. Thankfully Archana Singh had to go out for some all night satsang and Samir Singh had gone to the party headquarters for a meeting. NK was in the living room watching  something on TV.

"What are you doing, NK?"

"Hey, Payal. Oh Arnav is here too.. I am watching Damini on TV."

"Damini?"

"The movie. A girl gets raped on.. Holi and therefore the channel thinks we should watch it on Holi."

"What the hell. Anyway, where is Khushi?"

"I told you, Arnav, she is my parents bedroom upstairs. What do we do?"

"Lets take her to Raizada House," NK said turning off the TV and getting up from the couch. Payal giggled and he groaned.

"She is not one of those random cats and strays you pick up at Lodhi Garden and bring home. It would be totally inappropriate anyway. I will just drop her back home. I am sure she will wake up if we tried to."

"She won't. Major Anand and I did try to wake her up, but she is really in deep sleep. I even thought that she might be dead, but her pulse was strong."

"NK, what are you going on about? This sounds strange."

"Honestly the bhaang was pretty sketchy stuff. Payal's Sonu needs some training from our HP."

"Never mind. Lets get Khushi home."

The three of them reached Payal's parent's bedroom and found Khushi sleeping soundly, a razai pulled around her, that she held on too tightly. He realised that the new haircut did make her face look very different, almost doll-like, heartbreakingly fragile and beautiful.

"Khushi, Khushi," he said gently, patting her cheeks. Payal dropped a few things around and NK sang the entire Wake Me Up Before You Go Go song. But nothing helped.

"Oh she is truly out."

"Just carry her to the car, Arnav," Payal suggested.

"I should carry her? No way."

"Why not? She does not look too heavy. I will be gallant and carry her," NK volunteered.

"Hang on. I have a wheelchair in my car. Let me bring that."

"You have a wheelchair in your car? Why?" Payal and NK wanted to know. But he ran down to get the wheelchair, unprepared to answer questions. After some effort, with the wheelchair he managed to deposit Khushi on the backseat of his car and folded the wheelchair and put that in the front. Payal had walked out too and handed over Khushi's bag to him.

"Arnav, I am sorry."

"Why?"

"I shouldn't have invited Khushi. You are right, my motive to invite her was wrong. I realised that too late."

"Hmm, it is okay. No harm was done."

"Yeah, I guess."

"By the way Payal, none of you girls told us who your school crushes were, did you? Or did I miss that part?"

"No, you are right, it is all silly, so doesn't matter."

"I think I know who your crush was, Payal."

"I don't think you do."

"It was Aman Sabharwal wasn't it?"

"No way.. fine.. yes."

"I knew it... anyway I will see you."

He gave her  quick hug and got into the car and made way to Chandni Chowk. It was almost close to five in the evening, traffic was going to be horrid.

**

Khushi woke up with a start when she felt like she was falling down. What was happening? Where was she? There was barely any space for her to move? She struggled to sit up and realised that she was inside a vehicle of some sort. That too in the backseat of one. Had she been kidnapped? Baba was right. This city was dangerous for everyone, especially women. She should just move to Lucknow. Baba would be happy and her life would be peaceful. She could become a coach in some college there and marry a nice boy, who worked in Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation. She could have two children and the family would go Ganjing once a month. Maa would be happy that she had finally settled down and things would be just fine. 

But before fixing her life, she needed to get out of this car. She tried to sit up, but it wasn't easy. The seats were pretty luxurious and springy. After what seemed like the longest time to her, she managed to sit up. The car was not moving. Or it was moving so fast that it did not seem to be moving. She peeped between the two front seats to get a look at the driver. He was very handsome. Oh, her kidnapper was so very handsome. In fact, it was Arnav Singh Raizada who was kidnapping her. She knew it. She had suspected his intentions for a while. Now it all made sense. 

She tapped on his shoulder and he looked at her with puppy dog eyes and she shut her eyes with her palm. It didn't matter how he looked at her, he and his mother thought that she was the very worst kind of human being. It did not matter how nice he was to her and how much he helped her, when he was with his peers, he would never acknowledge her. Like today, he thought that the only reason she should be at the party was because she was delivering mithais. She did not deserve to be among all those people, in their world, so removed from her own. No, don't get swayed by puppy dog eyes, Khushi, just find the lock of the car and try to open it.

"Khushi, you are awake. How are you feeling?"

"Puppy dog."

"What?"

What was she saying? Her head was hurting. She just wanted to go back to sleep again.

"No, you are not a dog. You are Arnav."

"Wow. You are really high. Don't worry, we will safely get you home if this traffic moves. We have been stuck here for fifty two minutes now."

"Oh. Where are we? In Delhi?"

"Of course, we are in Delhi. What do you think, I am kidnapping you?"

"Yes. Delhi is not a safe city," she said putting her head on the headrest of the front seat. She needed to stop talking. She now recalled drinking the bhaang. Lavanya literally forced her to drink it. Baba always made bhaang for her, but what she had today was not nice at all. Right now she should not say anything stupid to Arnav. Right now she should just concentrate in keeping her mouth shut.

"Shhh," she said putting her finger on her lips. He seemed amused by this and shook his head.

"We are in Moti Bagh. I spoke with my cousin, he said that there is some problem in the city and the roads are chock-a-block everywhere. I think it will be close to nine before we get you home."

"Oh. I will take the metro. Delhi Metro is the best."

"What a lovely endorsement for Delhi Metro that loyal customers love it even when they are completely high."

"I am not high."

"Okay. How many glasses of bhaang did you drink anyway?"

"One."

"Really?"

"Six."

"Why so much?"

"I don't know.. I think Lavanya hates me."

"I see that you are truth serum drunk."

"Matlab?"

"Matlab, you can now only speak the truth. You cannot pretend to fake how you feel. No more polite and always holding it together Khushi."

"I don't lie. Nobody in your family believes me. Even your mother, the other day..  chodho.. why is the car not moving."

"Because I am not driving. No vehicles are moving, can't you see."

"But where are we?"

"In Delhi."

"No really, where are we?"

"We are still in Moti Bagh. Are you feeling ill? This bhaang looks very sketchy to me. Do you ever drink any alcohol?"

"I have bhaang every year, but I sleep for two whole days after that."

"I see. Do you want to sleep now?"

"No. Arnav, I want to ask you something?"

"What? Ask me."

"I have this feeling.."

"What kind of feeling?"

"I want to throw up inside your car. Is that okay?"

"No. Absolutely not, woman, Wait. Let me get you out. Actually that might make you feel better."

He got off from the front seat and walked around the car and opened the door for her. The fresh air made her feel a little better. He held his hand to her, but she shook.

"I am okay here. Yahi par kaam kar deti hoon."

"No, Khushi. Bahar bahut khuli jagah hain."

He pulled her out and she spotted a dustbin and threw up into it like a good, conscientious citizen. Arnav held her hand and patted her back, making comforting noise. He took out a water bottle and a tissue, wiped her face and hands and even tied up her hair with some thread or something. His hand on her shoulder, he guided her back to his car. 

"Arnav why are you so nice to me when we are alone, but mean when you are among your friends."

"That is not true."

"It is. You have always been like that."

"Well, I am sorry if you feel that way. Maybe you are right. I hadn't thought about it that way."

"But it is okay. If you had been nice to me in front of others, but mean in private that would be worse."

"I am glad that you are glass half full as always."

"But no bhaang in the glass."

"Absolutely not. Do you want to lie down inside the car. I can see the cars right in the front have started moving. Now that you have thrown up, you should feel less queasy."

"Okay."

He helped her into the car and magically produced a pillow and a blanket. Why did he have all these things inside his car, she wondered as he tucked her in. He pushed away the hair from her face. He was very gentle. He was saying something to her, but she was not really paying attention to any of it.

"Khushi, do you want me to play the radio?"

"Hanh?"

"Do you want me to play the radio?"

"Okay."

Though Holi was over, the radio station was still playing Holi songs.

Holi ke din dil khil jaate hain.. gile shikwe bhulke doston, dushman bhi gale mil jaate hain..

"How cheesy," Arnav had muttered at this. 

That was the last thing that she remembered as she fell asleep.

**

She woke up with the mother of headaches. She looked around, she was back in her house in her room. She tried to piece together what happened the previous day. But her mind was not ready for it. She vaguely recalled Shekhawat Sir and Anand Ram, Aakash hiding from Juhi, Lavanya getting her drunk and Arnav helping her throw up as he drove her back home. So embarrassing. What would Renu Bhabhi have thought? How many hours had she slept anyway? She did not even remember Arnav dropping her home. First she needed some nimbupaani before she could think clearly. Thank goodness she didn't have college today. 

When she came to the hall, she was horrified to see Arnav sleeping on the living room couch. 

"Arnav!"

He barely stirred, so she walked up to him and shook him up awake. He got up with a start, not looking too happy.

"God Khushi, you freaked me out," he said sitting up, rubbing his eyes with the back of his palms.

"Tum yahan kaise pahunche?"

"I came with you, remember."

"But... I mean.. I don't.. Oh god, ab kya hoga?"

"Hindi film heroine jaise kyun behave kar rahi ho? Relax."

"Listen, Arnav.." she could not complete her sentence because an excited Aarav came running into the room.

"Bua, suno toh, Daada, Daadi aur aapki Buaji aa rahe hain kuch samay mein."

"Maa, Baba aur Bua? Kyun? Sab theekh toh hain?"

"Haan, kal shaam aap thi nahin na, tab phone kiya. Abhi pahunchte hi honge"

"Bhaabhi kahaan hain?"

"Unhe station lene chali gayi.. samaan bahut hain toh isiliye."

This was really the best piece of news in a long time, her parents were returning. But, there was a problem. If they saw Arnav Raizada, they would freak out. 

"Arnav, don't mind, but aap na, peeche walle raste se chale jao."

"What?"

"My parents are coming, I don't want any tamasha now."

"Neither do I. Anyway, I am leaving right now, so don't worry."

"Yeah, but my neighbours will see.. baat bad jaayegi."

"And you were telling me that I treat you differently when I am among my people."

"When did I say that? I have never said that."

"Khushi, you told me some pretty interesting things last night."

"I didn't. Even if I did, that is different, this is different."

"It is not."

"Theekh hain, main buri insaan hoon. Khush."

"I didn't say that. Bilkul Hindi film heroine's atma has taken over you. I will leave now, lekin front door se."

He ruffled Aarav's hair and said, hey champ as he left. Aarav beamed at him, while Khushi scowled. She would have offered him chai, but her head was hurting too much and she did not really remember her manners. He washed his face and put on his shoes, taking forever much to her chagrin. He waved at her and walked out. As soon as he did, she felt bad. He had dropped her off home safely, taken care of her, she should at least give him thanks for that. She ran out of the front door and caught up, just as he was about to start the car.

"Arnav!"

"What happened? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything is okay. Thank you, Arnav, for dropping me home last night."

"That is okay, Khushi."

"And thank you for saving me from that Shady man, whose name I can't say out loud here."

He laughed at this and nodded his head. 

"And also, sorry Arnav agar maine kuch galat bol diya when I was.. not feeling well."

"You mean when you were as high as a kite? Acha relax, kuch galat nahin bola tumne. Go and get ready, your Maa and Baba will be here soon. I forgive you for everything you said and did. Including how you threw up inside my car."

"What rubbish. Mujhe sab yaad hai. I only threw up into a dustbin on the road. Anyway, bye."

"Bye. I will see you around."

A few minutes after Arnav's car left, the taxi with Maa, Baba, Bua and Renu Bhabhi arrived. It was so good to see her family. She hugged Maa and Bua and tentatively hovered around Baba.

"Champion, idhar aao toh sahi," he said patting her shoulder. That was all she needed and she threw her arms around her father and started sobbing.

As she helped her mom with the luggage she wanted to know how this sudden trip to Delhi had come about.

"Achanak kaise, Maa?"

"Baat hi kuch aisi ho gayi."

"Matlab?"

"Tumhaare liye rishta jo aaya hai... toh aana hi pada."

"Rishta? Kiss ka? Kya bol rahe ho aap, Maa."

"Sab boloongi. Pehle haath, moonh toh saaf kar loon."

What fresh trouble was heading her way now, she thought as she sat down on the front steps of her house. Maybe she will get that nice Lucknow boy, to roam around Hazrat Ganj with whom she was thinking about last evening. But was that truly what she wanted?

**

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