#1 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 76

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Limerence : Part 8

Khushi stood outside the changing room, tapping her foot on the clean floor. There was a nervous energy surrounding her and she could not wait to see Payal adorned in all her bridal glory. It was Friday already and Khushi did not even recollect how the week had passed by. She had been drowned in work, while the extra pressure of giving Payal her dream bridal lehenga had taken a toll on her. Payal had made a permanent place in her heart. The other girls' zeal and optimism had started rubbing off on Khushi, making her smile more often than usual.

ARD was soon becoming home to her, with Payal's warmth, NK's humor and Arnav's guidance. She was growing, glowing and gleefully enjoying her work. She recollected the first time she had been witness to ASR's anger a few days ago. The meeting with the designers hadn't gone down too well. He had rejected a lot of their designs, citing them to be mediocre and had given a sound lashing to the design team. "I give you all the freedom, all the luxuries and everything that you demand for. All I ask in return is to be the best at what we do. Is this the best you guys can come up with? If it is then I am highly disappointed," were his exact words.

Khushi remembered the sullen faces of everyone, including Payal and herself. Disappointing Arnav had been the worse kind of feeling for Khushi as well. Even though she was not completely involved in designing, the thought of letting him down, made her restless and unhappy. Everyone had gone back to their respective workstations and two extremely busy days later, had shown the owner of ARD, what they were made up of. Khush realized that this third round of designs were absolutely stunning and what Arnav had done, was to drive his team to the level of excellence.

She admired the way he worked and yet had been extremely disappointed with his lack of interaction with her throughout the week. Was he ignoring her? That thought had crossed her mind one day and she had immediately wiped it off. It would be crazy to think that Arnav Singh Raizada was actually avoiding her. Why would he need to do that? He was a busy man, with a million things on his joblist, a huge responsibility on his shoulder and no time for trivial conversations with her, she thought. She had caught him glancing in her direction often during their meetings, but it had just remained that... nothing more... and she was saddened.

The sound of rustling fabric brought Khushi out of her reverie. She looked around to see Payal walking out of the changing room. She looked stunning and every bit of a bride, even without the makeup and all the bridal finery. Khushi looked at the fuscia pink lehenga with a motherly pride, the heavy bottom shimmering in the yellow spotlights. It had taken her two weeks to finish the sequins work on it, filling it up with intricate patterns and designs. The huge paisleys, added the final touch to the flare of the bottom.

Khushi looked up to see Payal's eyes admiring herself in the full-length mirror and Khushi's breath caught in her throat looking at the glow on her face. The clothes, the jewellery, the makeup would never make a bride...she realized. What was the most essential element was the love warming up her heart, eyes twinkling with excitement for a dream to be turning to reality. Khushi noticed her shiny eyes, her enthralling smile and the happiness that threaten to spill all around.

Khushi felt a sudden pang of inadequacy, as her own eyes teared up. Would she ever feel this way? A wedding... love... companionship... a happily ever after... all these notions, did not have a place in her life. Yet... in this moment she realized that she wished for all of them... to be hers...solely hers someday. A dream that had never been hers, was now making its appearance from the deepest corners of her heart. Somewhere, deep down there... was a little girl, who had played with beautiful dolls, marrying them off to their prince charming, dreaming of a marriage someday. All of those emotions burst forth, leaking from the corner of her eyes.

Without hesitation, the only question that formed in her mind and heart was, "How do you feel, Payalji?" Payal turned around at the question and saw Khushi's sullen face. Khushi quickly wiped off the traitorous tear before she could notice. Rushing towards the younger girl, Payal said, "I wish there existed words that would describe this feeling, Khushi. I am happy, scared, ecstatic, anxious, nervous, content, a bundle of nerves and a livewire all in one. Does that even make sense?" Payal laughed nervously, while Khushi shook her head in denial, not really knowing the emotions Payal was talking about.

"I was never a romantic Khushi. I was more into masti and madness. I loved my work, I loved to hang out with friends, I loved to travel and hog on food. I was happy with my life so far. I felt it was whole and I did not really need anyone to complete me. But then Akash entered my life and things started changing. I suddenly started feeling a void that I did not know even existed. His silences spoke volumes, and despite being in a noisy crowd, all I could hear was the language of his eyes. I fell totally and irrevocably in love with Akash and now I am going to be his wife. I cannot wait to be his... and him to be solely mine," Payal said, more to herself than to Khushi.

Each word that Payal uttered, Khushi gathered it like precious gems. Those were the feelings, emotions, experiences, which she might never be able to experience. It was best to smile in other's happiness and be content with their success. She knew this was a very big moment for Payal and to elevate her mood, Khushi asked, "How do you like the lehenga, Payalji?" That seemed to bring Payal out of her daydreams, as she replied, "It is more than perfect... much much more beautiful that what I had dreamed of wearing on my wedding day. Look at this stunning work, magic woman... this is exquisite. I so love it! Thank you so much Khushi."

Payal pulled Khushi into a warm hug, sucking her into the happiness bubble, that seemed to surround the soon-to-be bride. "Please don't thank me Payaliji. I am glad you loved it. You look beautiful. Akashji won't be able to take his eyes off you," she teased. For the first time ever, Khushi saw Payal blushing, and wondered how many things did love really have in store? Her jaded opinion on the word seemed to faze out in comparison to the brilliance of Payal's delight.

"Can I make another request, Khushi?" Payal asked seriously and Khushi felt a little uncomfortable at the question. Without waiting for a response, she asked, "What will it take for you... to call me Payal... only Payal? Payalji makes me sound like a schoolteacher, Khushi. Please please please... call me Payal." Seeing the pouting face of Payal, Khushi could not help giggling at the drama and nodded in acceptance. "Payal it is then... Payalji!" she teased, making Payal join in the laughter.

As Payal changed into her regular clothes and walked out folding her trousseau neatly, she said, "Khushi today is my last day at work and you are going to get rid of me for the next three weeks. I have asked ASR to let you assist Neena in my absence. She will be involved in the upcoming fashion show, which is in two weeks after my return. Its going to be a stressful month for everyone and with Akash and me away, the pressure is going to mount on NK and ASR. Please take care of my two brother-in-laws in my absence... will you Khushi?"

Khushi smiled and said, "Yeh bhi koi poochnewali baat hai? I will definitely try and help out as much as I can. You simply enjoy your wedding and honeymoon." Payal patted her cheek lovingly and said, "One more thing Khushi. I know you have already declined all of my invitations... to the mehendi, sangeet and cocktail party... but will you please atleast try to come for the wedding reception? Please Khushi... I regard you as my sister and I will be very happy if you could come."

Payal's earnest request melted Khushi's heart as she whispered emotionally, "I will come Payalji... I mean Payal. I promise." How could she refuse her sister, who she had just been blessed with? She wished with all her heart, for the happiness of this wonderful couple, who were going to be bound in holy matrimony... a ceremony, the absence of which had scarred her existence. So what if the world on her side was dark. She decided to bask in the glory and brightness of Payal's world for a while, enjoying the exhilaration that seemed to be floating around in the air of ARD today.

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Khushi was in high spirits while returning home that day. Despite the absence of NK and Arnav, who were a little busy winding up work, to free their time throughout the next week... she had been happy to help Payal finish off all her duties. The two girls had parted excitedly... Payal for the life changing experience that awaited her and Khushi because it made her happy, seeing Payal happy. It was as simple as that. There was a spring in her step, thinking about what she would wear for Payal's wedding. To be truthful, it had been a while since she had attended a ceremony. What with all the taunts and snide remarks always scarring her memories, of any exciting event she had attended since childhood.

However, she knew that this was not going to be one such event. Nobody in that social circle even knew about her existence and nobody would even care for her presence. All that mattered to her was fulfilling the promise she had given Payal and also NK. He had almost threatened her, to attend this event, and also suggested a driver to pick her up. Off course she had denied, not wanting to trouble him at a time, when he would be already bound with so many responsibilities. She would take one of Luckyji's auto drivers, so that her amma would also be at peace.

All of this planning came to a shaky halt as soon as she entered her house, which was eerily silent. Her eyes widened in horror seeing the man she hated the most, seated comfortably on their sofa. Her eyes flit between the worried face of her mother and the sneaky Shyam Manohar Jha. "Khushiji, you are home. I have been waiting for you for more than an hour. You should not be working so late. I promise, that after we are married, you will not have to work at all. You can take care of our house and me," he said maliciously, making Khushi cringe at the meaning behind his words. How was she going to get out of this situation?

"I am not marrying you... or anyone to be precise," she said as boldly as she could, trying to control her shivering body. He gave a loud laugh, making her heart thud in her chest as he said, "So you want to remain unmarried like amma here, Khushiji? You want to live a life full of taunts and embarrassments? I can give you so much more, Khushiji... respect and love." Khushi flared and replied heatedly, "You think people respect you? They are simply scared of you, you fool! I would rather be taunted for no fault of mine, than be related to a thief like you. Now if you are done, please get out of my house and never come back again."

Shyam's pretentious cool demeanor snapped, as he charged towards Khushi and stood merely a foot away from her. "I have had enough of your insults, Khushiji. I have always been polite and kind towards the two of you, but if you really want to test my patience, then so be it. I will be sending my parents to your house in a couple of weeks, with a rishta. You will have no option but to accept it Khushji... because with your approval... or by force... I am going to make you mine. Just be ready to be Mrs. Shyam Jha soon." He raised his hand to cup her cheek as she moved backward, shivering in fear of this threat.

As Shyam walked out of their home, Khushi slumped onto the sofa... tears finally making their way down her cheeks. How long did she have to fight this battle alone? All that she asked from this society was to be left in peace and even that was impossible to get. She felt a certain fear engulfing her. How would she fight off this evil all by herself? What if Shyam did something to her amma, in her absence? Garima rushed to her daughter, pulling her in those sole comforting arms, which brought her peace and strength.

To say Garima was shaken by the entry of Shyam Jha, would be an understatement. When he had put forth his ridiculous plans of marrying Khushi, a cold dread had seeped into her body, thinking of a hundred ways to keep this evil as far as possible from her beautiful daughter. While she was contemplating on throwing him out of the house, Khushi had just entered and then whatever had followed had been a total nightmare. Her heart sunk to see her brave Khushi so crumpled and drained. Even though her never-give-up attitude was fiery and aggressive, she wondered if they would be able to fight the vice around them.

Wiping off her tears, Khushi mentally reprimanded herself, for crying over someone as nasty as that scumbag Shyam. He was not worth it. In fact, he was not worth anything good. She leaned onto her mother's shoulder and said resolutely, "We will sell off this house in a week amma. This weekend I am going to meet with the brokers and look for a few good rental options. Buying a house in Delhi at this moment is difficult, so let us live on rent for a couple of years and when my salary will be sufficient enough to take a loan, we will buy our very own house."

Garima patted her head lovingly and replied, "Home for me is where you are beta. For your betterment, I am ready to move to even another corner of the world." Khushi giggled and faced her mother, teasing her, "Really amma... saath samunder paar? Aap bhi badi fimly hoti jaa rahi ho. Stop spending so much time with Kamla chachi." That quip brought another round of giggles from the Gupta women, changing the sullen atmosphere in a matter of few minutes. Was there anything in the world that could bring their spirits down? Didn't look like it!

Khushi then almost lay down on the sofa, putting her head in her mother's lap. It was her favourite place in the world... so peaceful... so warm, as she felt her mother's loving fingers massage her head gently. "Amma, I have to go for Payal's wedding next Friday. I tried to avoid it, but now she has emotionally blackmailed me to atleast attend the reception. I will have to go amma," Khushi said a little dejectedly and Garima wondered what had brought on this gloom.

"It is a good thing Khushi, that you are surrounded by such wonderful people in your office. I am really happy for you beta, that you have found new friends, who love and care for you. Then why are you sulking about going for the wedding?" she asked softly, her fingers still at work, massaging Khushi's head. "I don't have anything to wear amma. It is going to be such a high-profile wedding and I don't have even one dress that would suit the occasion. Nanheji had offered lending me a suit from ARD, but I refused. What do we do now amma?"

Garima smiled at her daughter, who very rarely showed this hidden childishness within her. It was moments like this that she reveled in, where her daughter actually needed her unlike most of the time, when she supported Garima like a fortress. "Why do you have to worry so much when your mother is still around. Where do I get such opportunities to dress you up anymore? Now that I have one, I am going to make the most of it," she said happily, as Khushi sprang up and looked at her mother with such hope, that melted Garima's heart.

"Come, let me show you a saree, Lalitaji had gifted me a few years ago. I had worked for her daughter's wedding clothes and she had been so happy with the result. She had gifted me a stunning saree then, which is still untouched in my cupboard. I think it was waiting to be adorned at the perfect occasion... which seems to be now," Garima said, dragging Khushi along with her to their bedroom. Khushi mumbled something about not knowing how to wear a saree, but the words got lost seeing her mother's excited face.

Khushi looked at the flaming red silk, contrasting with the rich beige. The gold silk threads in the forms that adorned the pallu, shone in the yellow light of the room. The thick gold border was simple yet added weight to the soft rustles of silk. The saree was exquisite... very unlike her choice of clothes, which were always pale and modest. She preferred to merge within the crowds that standing out. It was her timid personality that reflected in her choice of clothes. And the saree she held in her hands was a complete contrast to her style.

"This will be perfect Khushi. It may not be very expensive, but it does dazzle you know. I cannot wait to see you in this saree. You want to try draping it around yourself?" Garima asked excitedly. Looking at Khushi's hesitant face she continued, "Khushi, you are my brave girl. Don't be so afraid to welcome happiness. Let fate decide the course of your life, but its in your hands to live each moment freely. This saree is perfect and it will look stunning on you. Come let me show you."

Garima got busy in the task of draping the saree on Khushi, while her daughter thought about her mother's words. Joining ARD had been the best thing that had happened to her and as much as Nanheji, Payal and Arnavji were friendly to her... she had to let them into her life... truly, completely. Life in half measures was not something she lived by and it was time to enjoy this period, where her life was taking new twists and turns. As excitement burst forth through her heart, seeing herself draped in the deep red hue, her eyes took in her flushed face. She gaped at the mirror in silent stupor... the reflection was of a woman, she refused to recognize despite of knowing it was... her!

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Part 9