Limerence : Part 5
Khushi was surrounded by huge rolls of fabrics... silk, chiffon, damask, taffeta, satin, wool, linen, denim, cotton, flannel, double gauze, voile, knits... the list was endless. She was helping a designer, choose the right material for his design and something that Khushi would be ok to work on. Some fabrics were extremely sensitive and tender. Heavy threadwork was impossible on them and hence, it was best for Khushi to be around when the designer finalized the material.
Khushi skimmed through the endless colours and textures of silk... her favourite fabric of the lot. It felt alive when touched within the hands. What she loved most was actually raw silk, the uneven weaving, the roughness added to its allure. There was something rustic about it and she loved to use it for the bridal range. She loved to do the zardosi and kundan work on it, adding the sparkling jewels to the raw fabric, transforming it from ordinary to something spectacular.
Payal had wanted Khushi to work on her bridal outfit and leaving aside the design and cuts, she had given Khushi free reign to decide on the colours, material and the enriching work. To say Khushi had been shocked would be an understatement. Payal Sharma, was one of the most upscale fashion designers and her designs so much in demand, that ARD was extremely proud to be associated with her.
Khushi had been thrilled when Payal had profusely thanked her for the wonderful engagement gift and had gushed about how much she had loved the saree. Khushi had been touched with such genuine praise and given full credit to Nidhant's design, to have inspired her to do much more. Payal had then gone further ahead and requested her help, in designing her bridal lehenga... something that Khushi always loved to work on and had agreed immediately.
That was three days ago. Mid-week had arrived and Khushi had heard nothing from Arnav, or of him to be precise. While taking the elevators in the last couple of days, Khushi's eyes had lingered around the lobby. Subconsciously searching for his face amidst the crowd. By the end of Wednesday, her spirits had plummeted and she had accepted the fact, that it had been a one-off project with the ARD owner and there was no chance of any kind of learning further.
"KKG, you go ahead. I will just speak to Ramanji and get this fabric cut into required sizes," the young designer's voice made her realize that she had again lost herself into her dream world, just like Nanheji always teased. She rushed through the door towards her desk, where an office boy was already waiting for her. As soon as she reached the desk, he said, "Khushi madam, Arnav Sir has called you to his cabin immediately."
Khushi stood stoic for a moment, trying to grasp the meaning behind his words. Had Arnav Singh Raizada actually called her to his cabin? That means he had not forgotten her... like she feared. She had not been one amongst the million people he met everyday. "Khushi madam...??" the office boy asked worriedly, not getting a response from her. She smiled brightly at him, nodded in understanding, grabbed her notepad and pen and rushed towards the elevators.
Those five minutes to the topmost floor, were filled with anticipation and excitement. Why had Arnavji called her to his cabin? Maybe to thank him for the saree that he gifted Payal and to tell her, how much Payal loved it. Or did he have another brief for her? Why didn't Nanheji say anything about a new job to her this morning? Nanheji always talked about anything and everything. Must have forgotten to inform her... Khushi's mind was buzzing with a hundred thoughts and ideas, unsure of the real reason behind this call.
As soon as she got off on the thirteenth floor, she was welcomed with the sight of the topmost models walking into the studio. The skimpily dressed models, their delicious figures, the gorgeous makeup and hair... everything made her fumble for a moment. She halted in her tracks and gaped at them for a few silent moments. They were being ushered by a couple of designers to try on their outfits for a small charity show. Khushi had heard about it from NK and also Payal, whose outfit was the showstopper.
As the door of the studio shut, Khushi slowly dragged herself to knock on Arnav's cabin. The excitement from earlier had now turned into apprehension. What did the owner of ARD want to do with a commoner like her? For a person who had got so little happiness in life, it felt surreal to expect any good news and that was the exact case of Khushi. Looking at the bright picture those beautiful models painted, she felt herself pale in comparison. It was only after she heard a loud "come in," that she gathered her bearings and rushed inside.
Arnav looked up from his laptop to see Khushi walking unsteadily towards his table. After four freaking long days he had managed to find some time to see her and his heart skipped a beat, looking into those hazel eyes that definitely had a magical touch to them. However, her face looked sullen and he wondered what could be the reason for her drooping shoulders. He noticed how she had worn a pale blue dress even today... as if she had shunned brightness from her life. But why?
Clearing his throat he said, "Come Khushi. Take a seat." She fumbled her way into the plush seat across him and looked up expectantly into his eyes, not knowing what else to say other than, "You called for me? What is it that you wanted to talk to me?" He smiled at her anxiousness and replied, "Relax Khushi. I have not called you to fire you or anything even close to that. So you can wipe that frown off your forehead, give me a bright smile and relax into your seat."
His sarcastic quip had her smiling in response, as she visibly relaxed, making Arnav feel much better. A girl named Khushi, looked best smiling... with happiness clearly reflecting in her persona. Mentally criticizing his train of thoughts, Arnav said earnestly, "Well I have been thinking about you, for the last couple of days..." he was abruptly interrupted by an intimidated Khushi. "Thinking of me? Why?" He could not stop the grin that lit up his face, at her nervousness. Why was this girl so jittery today, he mused?
"Ms. Gupta, will you let me complete what I have to say, or do you want to play Q & A, so that I will answer only as per your questions?" he teased, making her more nervous in her seat. She shook her head and urged him to continue. He did not miss the rosy blush spreading across her cheeks. Her cheeks so soft and skin so tender, that he itched to touch it gently. Was he actually thinking like a hormonal teenager, now?
Trying to focus onto the task at hand, Arnav continued, "Well, like I was saying, I have been thinking about you..." he paused dramatically and smirked seeing her widened eyes at his teasing, as he continued, "Would you be keen to do a couple of short fashion courses in hand embroideries and needlework? They are online courses and you can manage them on your weekends, without disrupting your work."
Khushi gaped at him with an open mouth for a moment before she gathered her thoughts and replied, "I cannot afford to pay for any of these courses, sir." He immediately responded saying, "Arnav." She looked at him in silent stupor and asked, "What?" He leaned forward, placing his hands on the table and said softly, "You promised to call me Arnav, Khushi." She looked back stunned. Today he was on a roll to make her speechless and unfortunately, she had already been in a messed up frame of mind.
He waited patiently till she realized that he is waiting for her to talk. "I said, I cannot afford to pay for any of these courses... Arnavji." She stressed on his name specifically. He felt a certain unknown peace hearing his name... said with such respect and innocence, that touched him in a place he never believed even existed. Clearing his mind and throat he looked at her tenderly and said, "Khushi... offcourse ARD will pay for these courses. At the end its in their benefit that you will be learning various styles of Indian and international embroiders and possibly various styles of stich and needlework aswell."
She looked at him unsurely yet asked stubbornly, "ARD already pays me salary for the work I do, despite not having a formal degree. Why would they pay for my education as well?" Arnav thought about the correct strategy to answer her question. He did not want it to look like a favor or pity. He knew she was too proud to take any. He had to put his words appropriately to make her understand his views about this arrangement.
"Khushi, in our life, we meet a few people, who become our guides, our mentors. They change the course of your life. Their faith in us develops our talent, leaps and bounds. For me that was my mausaji. I only had an idea, a vision and the educational qualification to start ARD. But what I lacked was funding and the trust of someone, who could believe in my dreams. He risked his own working company, to help me set up AR Designs. He not only helped me to set up this business, but also guided me through the process. He believed in me, Khushi..." he paused breathless.
Khushi saw Arnav, lost in a world of his struggling days. His eyes glazed with the dust of past, the memories lingering just around the corner. At that moment she realized what he was trying to express to her. He looked into her eyes, the haze clearing as he said, "I think you are extremely talented. Please don't fish for compliments and keep making me repeat myself, every time I meet you. I simply want to nurture this gift further and help you achieve your true worth. Will you give that to your super boss, Khushi?"
Her voice trembled as she replied emotionally, "Yes!" He smiled and got up swiftly, towering over her. His broad masculine frame, making her realize how tiny she seemed in comparison. He looked so strong and powerful... so confident and commanding, it seemed to Khushi that this man could never have any weaknesses, any problems in life. He seemed like a happy man in control of everything that happened to him. But appearances were deceptive and Khushi would some day get a taste of the turbulent truth that lay beneath those calm brown eyes.
"Great! Then I have another news for you. What do you think of working along with Payal... as her junior? I think you could help her to design and also learn the way designers think. She was extremely thrilled with your work on her saree and I am sure she must have already told you, how much she adores your work. What do you say, Khushi?" he asked, excitement clearly evident in his voice. Khushi slouched some more in the seat. Why was he throwing one bomb after the other today? She had been extremely excited for this meeting before she arrived. Now however, she wasn't so sure.
Everyone hates changes and it seemed like Khushi's life was about to change completely. Yet, the only question she managed to ask was, "Is Payalji ok with it?" He laughed... his miraculous laughter resonating in the silence of his cabin. "Off course I have spoken to her and for your information... she is not only okay, she is extremely excited about this team-up," he said. Khushi opened her mouth once and shut it again, not being able to form coherent thoughts. She looked at him and asked, "What about Nanheji?"
Arnav looked at Khushi incredulously, not being able to believe this girl, sitting right in front of him. Anyone sane would grab the opportunity he was offering with both their greedy hands. And here she was, doubting and questioning him, thinking about loopholes in his offer, so she could refuse him. Did such naivety really exist? She was truly unbelievable. He shook his head at that thought, and she took it as a denial. "Hey Devi Maiyya. If Nanheji is not ok with this shift then I don't want it to happen. He has been truly the one, who has supported me since I joined ARD," she panicked.
Her reaction made Arnav flare a little. Why was she caring so much about what NK thought? Wasn't HE the final authority in this company? Was he missing out on something brewing up between NK and Khushi? He had sensed it around NK earlier and now he was seeing that restlessness in Khushi as well. Or was he completely off tangent? And why the hell was this even affecting him, so much?
Arnav's calm facade had become a little angsty, as he asked harshly, "I have spoken to NK as well. He is happy with this shift. Do you have any other issues? Do I need to take anyone else's permission for this shift or can I go ahead and make this decision on my own?" Khushi felt the undercurrents of anger in his tone and knew she had crossed a line there. Offcourse he had made sure to speak to her seniors before taking this decision. How could she have been so stupid to question him? Just because he had been friendly to her, she had forgotten the huge difference of hierarchy that existed between them.
"I didn't mean it that way. I am so sorry if I have offended you. I just cannot believe that all this is happening to me. It is too much to take and I am a little scared of these new responsibilities. I am scared to let you down, Arnavji," she whispered her fears. His stiff body softened at the truthful admission and so did his voice. "Khushi, this is not a test. We are just trying out this new team to see how it works for both of you, as well as ARD. You do not have to stress yourself about it and just do your best."
His encouraging words brought a smile on her face and she nodded in happiness. "Well ok then, I will speak to NK and Payal about this and will also tell Aman, to mail you the details of the courses you are supposed to take up. If you need any help, get in touch with him or NK. They will definitely guide you, Khushi." She stood up at that and muttered a quick thank you before turning around to dash out of the room.
She was at the door when something struck her hard. She quickly turned again and spoke to Arnav, who was busy staring at her retreating figure. "Arnavji, if I have to study online on weekends, can I come to office to study?" He looked at her spellbound, unhappy with her question and asked, "Why do you want to come to office on a holiday? As I said, you can work from home."
She fidgeted nervously, her feet drawing patterns on the carpet. He knew something was bothering her and that thought was bothering him. He waited patiently for her to speak and when she did, he wanted to whack her in the head. Why was she so bloody innocent and shy? "Arnavji, woh actually... hmm... I don't have a computer at home and I would prefer to use the one in office to study, rather than going to a shady cyber cafe."
"Khushiii!!" he groaned. "Why do you have to worry about all these issues? When I want you to study for ARD, it means that ARD will be providing you a laptop for those purposes as well. And now before you give me a soppy story about how can you take so much from this company, let me tell you one important thing. ARD can afford to spend a few thousands on their star employee. It is called an investment. One day we expect your work to bring in crores for us... okay? So put all those worries out of that window and let your ideas flow in ARD."
His genuine smile had brought a smile to her face. Her face shining with so much happiness, that he reeled in those luminous happy eyes. The sadness in them, seemed to have completely vanished and he rejoiced in it. As she repeated her thank you and walked out of that door, he slumped into his chair. This girl was something else. All his life, he had been privy to its harsh realities, the cruel, cold, deformed face of mankind. However, when Khushi was around, all that he felt was warmth, kindness and genuine happiness around. As if she was everything positive against everything negative in his world. Without doing anything, she had made him hopeful and optimistic... about life. On that thought, he got back to his work, with a smile etched on his face.
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As the elevator descended... 10...9...8...7... Khushi could not stop grinning like a fool. All her life, she had been only used to taunts, sarcasm, humiliation and a lot of struggle. However, today Arnav Singh Raizada had changed her beliefs in mankind. There truly existed people who valued others, their dreams and their emotions. She was excited as well as a little nervous for this sudden change in her life. But whatever said and done, she knew, it is going to change for the better. She would finally be able to give her mother some much-needed respite and demand her to retire for good.
NK watched his favourite employee return back to her desk. There was an unmistakable spring in her steps, and a huge grin on her face. What could be the reason of such happiness... for a girl named Khushi, NK mused. "K... K...G..." NK called out in his typical way, stressing on each letter. "What is the reason for this huge smile on your face?" he voiced his thoughts.
She startled hearing his voice up close. Lost in her own world, she hadn't seen him walking towards her. "Nanheji, I heard you are more than happy to get rid of me. Seems like you are unhappy with my work," Khushi said solemnly, controlling her smile with great difficulty. As NK looked at her confused, she giggled continuing, "Well, Arnavji had called me into his cabin right now and told me about my shift from this floor, to assist Payalji."
As the confusion cleared, NK's face lit up... seeing incandescent joy flickering on her face. How did such small things make her so happy? "Well, yes yes! You are a big shot now, directly taking orders from the owner of ARD. Why would you bother about us mere employees?" he teased as her eyes rounded in surprise. She was quick to admonish him, "Don't talk like that Nanheji. You were and are my first ever friend in ARD. Whoever I will report to in the future or wherever I work, I will always be indebted to you for your kindness. Thank you for everything Nanheji."
NK shook his head, trying to tell her in actions that all this was not required. However, suddenly a brilliant idea cropped up in his head as he said smoothly, "Well now that you admit that you are in my debt, I would like my payment in kind." She looked at him in confusion and he sighed, realizing that this innocent girl, was far away from such flirty remarks and innuendoes. He would have to spell it out to her. "Well Khushi, just to return all the favors I have done for you, will you do the honors of coming out for a coffee with me?" he asked, his heart hammering in his chest in anticipation of her reply.
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Seher Hone Ko Hai
