#1 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 37

Limerence : Part 4

The engagement party was a grand affair, and why wouldn't it be? The Mittal's were one of the most prestigious families in the Delhi business circuit. Manhohar Mittal was a man, known for his principles and ethics. Even though he had simply inherited his father's riches, he had solely expanded his business empire. Only when Arnav had grown up into an intelligent man, he had supported his nephew's dreams, which were gladly supported by his wife and sons, and ventured into the fashion market. Now, he was a happily retired man, dedicating all of his time, to his beloved wife.

Arnav saw his maasi shimmering in the peach saree. She looked stunning... as beautiful as his mother was. That thought made his heart prick, making him shut his eyes for a few minutes. "Arnav beta, what are you doing here in this corner? You should be on the stage, along with your brothers. Stop being such a khadoos and go have some fun, beta," his maasi's endearing words made him open his eyes to the fanfare.

She straightened his tie and ran a hand over his suit, straightening the invisible creases. He reeled in the loving motherly touch. "What happened Arnav? Why do you look so sad? Especially when everyone around is celebrating. Come... don't stand here alone. Let me introduce you to one of my friend's daughter. She is pursuing her MBA and is keen on joining a reputed company like ARD." Arnav groaned at the direction in which the conversation was being led. It wasn't the first time his maasi was trying to hook him up with a girl.

"No maasi... please. Not again! You know I am not interested in these girls. You have your good boy Akash getting married soon. Get all your wishes fulfilled with him, because you are not going to get the satisfaction of dressing me up like a joker," Arnav cribbed like a tantrum-throwing young boy. Manorama twisted his ear and said, "You think Akash is looking like a joker? You are the one who has finalized his trousseau and you are the one taunting it? That is so unfair. And I simply want you to be happy beta. Have some fun, laugh a little and enjoy the life you have made for yourself."

Manorama could feel her throat clogging with emotion. It always happened when she saw Arnav, completely lost and aloof even in a huge crowd. How she wished for his happiness, that had been snatched cruelly by her sister... her own blood... which had turned cold and stale. She ran her hand through his hair, straightening them. How quickly her boy had grown up... so mature, so responsible... in fact he had grown up faster than that was normal. She prayed every moment of her life, for happiness to barge into his gloomy life.

"Maasi... okay lets make a deal. I will go up on the stage and enjoy teasing the joker and his soon-to-be wife, along with NK, while you keep me, a good ten feet away from the women you are trying to fix me up with," Arnav spoke like a true businessman and Manorama could only smile in response. As long as he was ready to go and be surrounded with people who cared for him, she was more than happy. She agreed easily and looped her hand into his waiting arm, dragging him along with her to the grand stage.

The engagement ceremony was over. The guests were busy greeting each other. While the men were engrossed in discussing their business ventures, the women were interested in local gossip. Arnav and NK made their way towards the stage to meet the couple of the day. "Congratulations bhai and bhabhi," NK said cheerfully to which Payal replied, "NK! At home it is fine, but don't you dare call me bhabhi at ARD. Gosh! I cannot imagine the entire office beginning to call me bhabhiji!!"

The three brothers laughed heartily, seeing the worried face of Payal. Arnav cleared his throat and moved forward to hug Akash and Payal both. "Congratulations to the two of you. I hope all the preparations today, have been to your liking," he said formally. "Off course Arnav. Thank you so much for everything. I know you were the one, who cleared our work for the last couple of days, got our outfits ready and arranged this party. Even though you say you do not believe in all these traditions... you follow through them so articulately," Akash replied.

"It is only for maasi and the two of you that I would go to such lengths, out of my comfort zone, brother. Seeing you guys happy is all that I have ever wanted," Arnav said, his throat clogging with emotion. "Awww... you are such a cutiepie ASR... like a damn coconut... hard from outside and a total softie from within. I am glad I got a chance to know the real you," Payal said with genuine warmth for the man who was now not only her boss, but her soon to be brother-in-law.

"Don't call him a softie Payal bhabhi. You will be getting back to work tomorrow and he will definitely try to prove how wrong you are about him, by unleashing his wrath," NK teased, making everyone laugh around him. Clearing his throat Arnav said, "Ok so Payal, NK and I thought of gifting you something as a welcome gift into our family. I hope you like it." NK thrust the beautifully wrapped package into her hands, making Payal squeal in excitement.

Arnav's thoughts went towards the girl, who had made this possible. He could not get over Khushi's parting expression... she had turned towards him and called him Arnavji... No one ever called him that. It was exclusively by her. He was known as ASR, Mr. Raizada, Arnav or worse case Arnie. But nobody had touched his heart with his mere name, which sounded more like an endearment. "Aaa... this is so beautiful. I looove it!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Payal screamed and hugged NK and Arnav, making him disoriented for a moment.

"This is done by your KKG, right Nanheji?" Payal teased NK, while Arnav jerked at the meaning behind her words. He looked at a grinning NK as he replied, "Off course it was her. But it was Arnav's suggestion you see... completely his idea. In fact I got to finally introduce KKG to Arnav." Arnav stood ascetic silently, as everyone turned their focus towards him. What was going on between Khushi and NK? And even if NK had feelings for her, why was he feeling restless? These alien thoughts, these complicated emotions were making him agitated.

"She is good right, Arnav? I have been working with her on a lot of my designs and I am a total fan of her knowledge in Indian embroideries and stitch-work. She is brilliant and offcourse NK's find," Payal said in a breath as Akash managed to thrust a plate full of starters in front of her. He knew she much be starving from all the smiling for the cameras and excitement from before.

NK had just received a call and moved aside to take it. "She is extremely good," Arnav muttered and turned to leave the couple to themselves for a while. One day spent with Khushi and he had completely lost semblance of his own life. He had barely been able to sleep a wink last night, with their conversation resonating in his ears. Her luminous face yet sad eyes kept flashing in front of him.

Why was he getting so affected by someone he had met only a day ago? And was this even right for him to feel these emotions, when his brother might have feelings for the same girl? Khushi Kumari Gupta was already driving him insane. He moved towards the bar and ordered for a peg of scotch. He needed something to burn his parched throat. Downing the glass in a go, his eyes lingered over the perfect form of Lavanya Kashyap and moved away instantly. Even the thought of appreciating Lavanya, was making him cringe. What had happened between yesterday and today, that life seemed to have tilted its axis? He sighed and moved out of the venue for breathing in some fresh air.

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Sunday was all about stocking up groceries and essentials, in the Gupta household. Khushi had been busy dusting the entire house, wiping the windows and cleaning the fans, since morning. It was the only day she got to dedicate to the house, after joining ARD. Saturdays were usually spent helping her mother, finish of the pending stitching orders. Because she had been working all day yesterday and her mother was still a little weak to work, there was a huge pile of pending things to do.

Khushi rushed through the morning chores of cooking and washing the clothes. "Amma, lets sit for lunch. You even skipped your breakfast. How do you think you are going to get your strength back? You were running high temperature yesterday. Come on... come on! Get up and eat this delicious dal khichadi I have made, along with lots of ghee," Khushi coaxed her mother, as if talking to a small child.

"I am coming beta. You set the table. At times like these I realize how much my daughter has grown up. Taking care of her old mother, working hard throughout the week and managing this house. Looks like I will soon have to find a suitable boy to marry you off," Garima teased good-naturedly. Khushi stiffened while placing the plates on the small wobbly table.

"I am not marrying amma. Not now. Not ever," she said with more force than necessary. Garima winced hearing the anger and bitterness in her daughter's tone. She knew it was her fault. No! Not bringing up this topic. She had tried to talk about marriage many times before. However, the main reason for Khushi's disbelief in the institution was her own failure of a relationship. Khushi had long ago stopped believing in love and companionship.

"Khushi beta, aisa nahi kehte. Why are you...?" A livid Khushi quickly interrupted her mother. "Please amma, can we drop this topic. Atleast today? I am extremely hungry and exhausted. You very well know my ideologies and reasons behind my decisions. Discussing it is not going to change them. Accept it and move on. I am happy with my life. Why do I need someone else to complete me?"

Garima was privy to Khushi's excuses and replied with extreme calmness and love, "Khushi, living this life alone is possible, yes! However, it gets extremely lonely at times. You crave for comfort and companionship in those dark times. I know you are going to ask how I have managed to sail through these times. Well, I had you... my lovely child who brought along with her, a million reasons to smile. Watching you take your first step, hearing you say your first word... seeing you graduate. I have had a complete life Khushi... because of you. But who do you have? I keep worrying about what will happen after I die..."

Khushi rushed to her mother and gathered her in her dainty arms. "Amma please. Don't ever talk about such things. Nothing is happening to you and I will manage just fine. Trust me ok? Now come, don't stress yourself and eat this garma garam khichadi," Khushi tried to divert the topic, her heart still twisting in pain, at her mother's words. It was not something she had never thought about or never feared.

She was scared and apprehensive of her lonely future. However, there was no chance she could trust any man with her heart. And marrying someone without love was an unacceptable idea. Clearing these murky thoughts from her head, Khushi focused on the task of serving her mother. Some things were best left in a distant corner of your heart and head. Giving them importance would only lead to dejection.

The two Gupta ladies enjoyed a delicious lunch and then had a nice nap in the afternoon. It was rare for these women to find time to rest, when the work at hand, never seemed to end. It was Garima who woke Khushi up from her slumber a few hours later. "Khushi utth jao abhi. I have made your favourite adrak wali chai, mixed with a little lemon grass... just as you like. We have to go to the market to buy vegetables and stock the rashan for the week. Come on now," Garima nudged Khushi on her waist, where she knew it would tickle her.

"Amma stop tickling me. I am getting up," Khushi whined and rubbed her hazy eyes to stare at the ceiling. Days like these were so rare for them that Khushi cherished the time she spent with her mother. Why wouldn't the society, leave them to themselves? Let them enjoy their lives working hard and being happy in the small victories of life? Why was it so hard for people to let go off the past and enjoy living their present?

Shedding off her quilt, Khushi put aside these distressing thoughts again, which kept making their way into her mind, poisoning it. After a strong cup of tea, her most favourite drink, Khushi and Garima made their way to the market to buy fresh vegetables and other required groceries. Thankfully, Laxminagar was a buzzing business area, where local vendors thronged the streets offering subsidized rates.

By the end of their shopping spree, Garima and Khushi were loaded with bags and were busy in a discussion about the money they needed to pay to the local baniya, when the bags were snatched from Garima's hands abruptly. "Arrey auntiji, why are you carrying such heavy bags, when I am here to help you," the sickeningly sweet voice of Shyam made Khushi halt in her tracks.

"You don't have to bother. We can manage on our own," she gritted through clenched teeth. Shyam turned his entire focus on her, devouring her from head to toe. She felt shamefully naked under his lecherous gaze. He was one of those men she actually hated. His presence around her, unnerved her because behind that sweet smile, she knew lay a hideous criminal's face, who was notorious for activities that would put anyone to shame.

"Arrey Khushiji, you are always very angry with me. I am only trying to help. A beautiful girl like you, shouldn't have to do all such work. What is the point of my muscles, if your delicate hands have to lift these heavy bags," Shyam asked sneakily, snatching away the bags from Khushi's hands too. In process, he brushed his fingers against her hands... that slight touch making her cringe with disgust. She could see the lust in his eyes, as he eyed her heaving bosom.

"You are absolutely correct Shyamji. I am glad you are around to help us carry this weight," she said with a tight smile and grabbed her mother's hand, dragging her along, towards their home. Shyam was shocked for a moment at the sudden change in Khushi's demeanor. Yet he followed the two silently, as the market was abuzz with the current scene, playing out in front of their eyes.

Khushi unlocked their door and entered her house, switching on the lights rapidly. "Leave the bags in that corner Shyamji," she said coolly. Garima looked at her daughter in stunned silence. She knew something was cooking in her head. Khushi was not someone who would take mishandling silently. Shyam kept the bags in the corner and turned around with a broad smile in place.

"Next time you go to the baniya Khushiji, tell him my name... you will not have to pay a rupee for your purchases," he boasted about how terrorized the entire Laxminagar was with the Jha families activities. Khushi smiled and removed a crisp ten-rupee note from her purse. "Well Shyamji, I believe that everyone should be paid well for their hardwork. I cannot take anything free from either the baniya or from you."

Placing the note swiftly into his shirt pocket, Khushi moved back and said, "Now that you are paid for dropping these bags at out home, please get out." Shyam fumed in anger and was about to charge at her when she screamed, "OUT!" Her face contorted, eyes spitting fire and face red with rage. Shyam staggered back at the onslaught, never having experienced this side of the demure, silent Khushi. "You will pay for this Khushjiii..." he muttered in barely-contained ire, turned around and stormed out of their home.

Khushi slumped onto the sofa, the fight leaving her body as tears pricked her eyes. For how long will this go on? She would soon have to find a new home for them. Now that her salary had increased significantly, it would be of great help to find a better house for them in Delhi. She was done with Laxminagar and its residents. "You should not have done that, Khushi. You know how dangerous that man is," Garima said in resignation.

"Amma, he did not deserve any other treatment. I don't care how dangerous that man is, but I am done keeping quiet about his behavior. He cannot get away with his sickening talks anymore," Khushi said with utter disgust. Garima shook her head and went to the kitchen, to get her angry daughter a cold glass of water. "Shaant meri Jhansi ki rani. Breathe!" Garima said, a smile lingering on her face. At times like these she was very sure, that after her, Khushi would very well be able to take care of herself. Only if a nice boy would be able to see her courage, intellect and affectionate heart...

That night as Khushi lay in bed, her thoughts for a change were beyond what had occurred with Shyam Jha. It was a first that she did not feel affected by what was wrong with her life. All she could remember was the pair of most generous brown eyes, which had shone with respect at how her life had shaped up. Instead of demeaning her for lack of on-the-paper education, he had appraised her skills and experience.

Nanheji had always motivated her and loved her work. But getting praise from the owner of such a huge fashion house, was a dream come true. Considering the kind of women that hovered around Arnav Singh Raizada, the way they dressed, the way they spoke, their make-up and style... he hadn't once judged her on her plain-Jane persona.

How she wished to work more with him... to get to learn more of the fashion world, which she had come to love tremendously. But then, asli duniya mein toh sirf dil toote hain. Why would he want to work with her again? He had a huge responsibility on his shoulders. So much work, meetings, clients and looking into the upcoming fashion shows. Her task had been a one off and she would have to get back to working with Nanheji from tomorrow. Why did that thought trouble her? It was a restless night for Khushi, as she twisted and turned in bed, trying to find the comfort and warmth in the memory of those beautiful brown eyes.

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Part 5