Limerence : Part 11
Arnav downed a glass of ice-cold water to calm himself. His penthouse brought some much-needed peace, which he had been craving for, since a few days. His hands felt scalded by the onslaught of last night, but he had seen and been through worse during his kickboxing training days. He was back to his penthouse after a chaotic night, filled with unending rituals and welcoming Payal into Shantivan. Thankfully his maasi had not forced the newly wed couple to stay back, wanting to finish the endless post-marriage rituals as well. Hence, even though exhausted, Akash and Payal had taken the first morning flight to Bali... welcoming their new phase of life in a completely different country... as well as celebrating their marriage night, which had now turned into day... snoring away to glory.
Making sure that everything had been taken care of, Arnav had cited some work and rushed out of Shantivan post breakfast. NK had already left an hour ago, and Arnav was glad that no one had questioned his absence. Now that he had got some free time to think over the things that happened over the night, he could not help but feel jumpy and angry. How had Khushi lived her life this way? It was so risky and unsafe for a girl like her! The frustration of not being able to do anything for her before yesterday, made Arnav irritable and pissed at himself. Why was she so freaking independent, denying help from anyone?
Arnav thought about the conversation he had with NK, after returning back to the reception. NK had retold his experience from a few days ago and Arnav had seen the dark cloud of remorse on his face, for not being able to do anything in those circumstances. Why had Khushi denied taking NK's help and finally agreed to all of his decisions? Whatever the reason be, he was glad that by now, she and her mother would be preparing to shift to a much safer place. Not that he had left them alone all night. In half an hour after his departure from Laxminagar, a couple of security guys were posted across the street where Khushi lived... making sure that the two women safely slept in their home. Arnav wasn't very sure of the losers he had encountered with and hence did not want to take any chances, where Khushi was involved.
Arnav slumped onto his couch, resting his head on the backrest, closing his eyes for a few moments. Flashes from last night kept disturbing his mind... how beautiful Khushi looked in the flaming red saree. Her flawless beauty did manage to garner attention of the people around... and that oblivious woman was not even aware of the intentions of many gathered. How could someone live in such brutal circumstances and yet manage to remain naive... was beyond his imagination.
What angered him more was his own reaction to her. Last night, he had been drawn to her like a magnet. Despite seeing the glimpses of NK's affection towards her, knowing deep down in the heart that things could get extremely complicated if his cousin was in love with Khushi... he had not been able to resist. ASR... a man who prided himself for his control and detachment, had been unraveled by a woman he had met just a few weeks ago. He was still unsure of what he was going to do... now that he had accepted the effect Khushi had on him. It wasn't something he could shrug off easily or ignore anymore.
He was still lost in his thoughts when his phone beeped. It was a message from Aman, which Arnav had been waiting for eagerly. Reading the contents of the message, a cynical smile bloomed on Arnav's face. He looked at the cityscape of Delhi, his thoughts lingering on the echoes of the past. Lucknow was his birth city, which had eventually, cruelly, destroyed his family. From a happy boy, he had been stripped down to being an orphan and all he could do was blame that god-forbidden city. He hadn't stepped on the soil of Lucknow since he was fourteen... the time when his maasi had brought him to Delhi. However, it seemed like it was time for him to go back... settle some scores which had been pending for a decade now. Strategizing plans for his next move, he typed furiously on his phone, sending orders to Aman, to put his plan into action.
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"Do you have any idea how much of a badgering I got from Arnav last night. I saw his bruised hands and asked him what exactly happened. When he revealed to me about the fight with these roadside romeos, I couldn't help but tell him about my experience. And then I had to face the wrath of the mighty ASR. He almost punched me for not getting you out of this shady area and keeping you safe someplace else. It is all because of you KKG. Why do I fall for your requests, I have no idea. I should have just moved you out of this place," NK kept ranting while helping Khushi move the furniture into the waiting truck.
Khushi rolled her eyes in annoyance. Since NK had arrived early morning along with the movers and packers, he had been talking non-stop about how Arnav had taken his case. Initially she had laughed at his terrible state. However, now the way he was blaming her for everything was annoying her like hell. "Nanheji, please do not blame me for Arnavji's fury. Last night he thundered on me like lightening, making quick decisions for us to move out of this place. I did not get an opportunity to even argue... and frankly, after last night, I don't even feel like staying here for more than a minute," Khushi began furiously; however, her anger had turned to despair by the end of her outburst.
"Hey hey hey KKG!! Its ok. I am glad you are finally moving into a safer environment. To tell you the truth, I could not rest properly since the time I had last dropped you home. Only because you had asked me for some time, I had given you the needed space. We care for you Khushi... and I am truly surprised at how you have made the quiet and reticent Arnav, to react this way. Its unusual for him to take rash decisions and impose his thoughts on others. I guess he feels protective of you too... ab kya karein, humari Khushi... bechari abla naari!" NK teased, earning an elbow strike in his stomach by Khushi, showing him how weak she truly was. NK groaned in pain, while the huge boxes were quickly shifted onto the waiting truck.
In a couple of hours, everything was loaded into the truck and dispatched to their temporary address. To Khushi's surprise, ARD's flats were just besides the office, making her thrilled at the fact of not needing to commute for atleast a couple of weeks. Such small mercies made this woman happy and NK mused. "Nandkishore beta, thank you for all your help. You and Arnav have been of such tremendous help to us. Even though Khushi pretends to be brave on the exterior, I know how relieved she has been with your presence. I am glad she has found such friends, who haven't judged her like the rest of the world," Garima said with true affection.
"Arrey aunty you don't have to worry at all. And frankly this is all Arnav's doing. He literally kicked me out of home this morning, making all the arrangements for this shift. I wish I had acted with such aggression, not paying heed to Khushi's independent streak," NK said wistfully, regretting his behavior. He felt so guilty to have placed Khushi in harms way, despite knowing how things were at Laxminagar. Shrugging off all regrets, he continued cheerfully, "... and aunty, can you please call me NK or Nandu, like my mother does? Nandkishore just makes me sound like some deity... I have no clue why would someone name their handsome and cool son, Nandkisore!"
Khushi giggled, looking at the stunned expression on her mother's face, listening to such straightforward talks of NK. Even though she had been well acquainted to these kind of casual conversations in the last six months at ARD, she knew her mother had never been accustomed to such frankness. Trying to put her mother at ease, Khushi said, "What about calling you Nanheji? I like the sound of it... don't you Nanheji?" Khushi's teasing made NK smirk as he replied, "I love the sound of Nanheji... KKG..." He rhymed their names together, earning Khushi's delicious laughter in response.
It was almost nightfall, when Khushi and Garima had settled comfortably into their new home. Khushi was stunned to see the huge 2BHK apartment, with a spacious hall and kitchenette. It was beyond Khushi's expectations and all Garima could do was praise her boss, for allowing them to use this apartment for a few weeks. "Khushi... I think I am going to leave now. I am so exhausted. The wedding and now this... I think I am going to skip dinner and crash to bed. My body hurts with all the packing and unpacking," NK mumbled tiredly.
"Atleast wait and have a cup of coffee Nanheji... it will freshen you up," she tried to stall him, but he was already on his way out. "Some other time Khushi. I will see you soon aunty and I won't leave you so easily. You will have to invite me for dinner," NK said jokingly. "Offcourse beta, come in anytime... now that the office is close to this apartment," Garima replied, making Khushi roll her eyes. What was this new bonding between her mother and NK? How could someone mix with everyone around, so easily? NK was so unlike her and she was glad for that fact. He had made the tedious task of moving out of their house seem so easy. However she knew that the bigger credit was to be given to the man who despite his absence, had made all of this possible.
As NK left, Khushi rushed around the apartment, looking through the rooms... breathing in the fresh air of freedom... enjoying the joy of breaking the shackles of a society she seemed to have left far behind. As she lay down on the bed that night, her thoughts were clouded with those brown eyes that were filled with fury. Her mind replayed the image of Arnav Singh Raizada's rigid body, clenched fists and contorted face, as he had punched Shyam right on his face. It was the first time a man had stood up to defend her... protect her... keep her away from the prying eyes of this ruthless society.
The always bold and independent Khushi, smiled at the thought of being cared for. A woman, who made all the decisions of her life, reveled in the fact that someone had taken the effort to resolve her problems. Despite the fact that Arnav had rendered her powerless, she felt more powerful than ever, in the realization of knowing that someone was there... to look after her. Khushi smiled and turned to her side, looking at the full moon that was peeking through the huge open window of her room and sighed in contentment. She felt at peace... a feeling that had abandoned her a long time ago. It took a few seconds for her even breathing to resonate in the silence of the night, as the fatigue of the day caught onto to her tired body and mind.
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"I love you Maya... I love you so much. Why are you leaving me? And what about our son, Arnav? He is still a child Maya... he needs his mother more than me!"
"I don't love you Ajay... I never did! This marriage was a business deal. I swear I tried to live up to the facade of a marriage, but I can't do it anymore. I am in love with someone else. Arnav was a mistake, Ajay... Everyone believed that after we have a child everything will be fine... but nothing is fine in this marriage anymore. I feel suffocated. Please just let me go."
"Maaa... don't leave me... maa... please... please... please..."
"How could you do this to me? I trusted you... After Maya left me... it was your friendship I trusted the most. Why did you do this? Tell me!! If you wanted money, I would have given you everything I had. All you had to do was ask!"
"Papaaa!! Papa, are you ok? What is happening to you? Someone please help... Please help. My father is collapsing... papaaa!!"
Arnav woke up from his nightmare, images, faces and voices flashing in front of his closed eyelids. He took in a fractured breath, switching on the tableside lamp. The painful face of his father flashed in front of his eyes, as he pleaded with his wife... as he felt betrayed by his best friend. He had suffered blow after blow, yet smiled lovingly at Arnav each time. Arnav was his father's most precious gift and he had made sure to not let Arnav feel the gaping hole that his mother had left into their home. A void, only a mother's unconditional love could fill.
Arnav shuddered at the memory of the fateful day... when at the age of fourteen, his father had collapsed in his arms... a major heart attack the doctors had declared. First it was his mother who had left them... but over the years, he had seen his father gather his shattered life and drown himself in work... to give Arnav every possible luxury in life. However, the end of his tolerance had been the big betrayal by his best friend as well as his business partner... who had mercilessly duped his father, transferring the entire business to his name. Ajay Raizada had not only become bankrupt in love... but money as well.
Arnav pushed at the comforter and walked limply to the washroom to splash some cold water on his perspiring face. The voices, the images, the moments... seemed to clutter his mind in sheer chaos. How he wished he had been born a NK or Akash... with simplified lives, loving parents and a happy family. Why was he the unlucky one, to suffer and crave for love all his life? Even with Khushi it seemed like NK was the better man for her... less complicated and less tainted. She deserved to have a carefree life, especially after all her struggles and suffering. How was he ever going to compete with his kindhearted cousin?
His feelings for Khushi were strengthening every second and they were soon going to be out of his reach to control. There were a thousand questions about what he had to offer her... a million reasons for him to keep a distance. Yet he knew he had to find out if NK truly had feelings for her and if she reciprocated them. Was he being a sadist to compete with his cousin... a cousin who had always stood by him in his tough times? However, Arnav had learnt very early in his life, that lack of communication could only create misunderstandings. His business acumen had taught him to not judge things how they were perceived... and that is why he needed to clear some air before treading on a path that he had never imagined was carved for him.
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As NK lay on the bed having a sleepless night, his thoughts went back to the last few days. Despite all the wedding chaos, he had observed the subtle changes in Khushi. It was all that he had been doing lately and hence it wasn't easy to miss how her eyes sought Arnav in a busy crowd. The way she laughed comfortably in his presence, despite knowing him only for a few weeks. He had known her much more than he let on... and hence he knew about how she interacted with everyone in ARD. It was only because he had almost forced his friendship on her, that she had opened upto him. Then how had a reticent Arnav, managed to break through those tough walls she built around herself?
It was her expressive eyes that had led him to his cousin, who seemed to act out of his character as well. He had never seen him so concerned about his employees... or even if he had been, he would never indulge in their personal lives. Last night, when he had walked back into the reception venue, NK had witnessed an extremely furious Arnav... a man who was so good at masking his emotions seemed to be in a complete mess. That was the first time he had seen a crack in his cousins facade of being in control of things. And in that thunderous moment, despite all the festivities surrounding him, he had felt a certain dread enveloping his thudding heart.
He got up and raked his trembling fingers through his unruly hair, mulling over the entire day that he had spent with Khushi today. He had tried to gauge her reactions and his fears seemed to be unfortunately coming true... dangerously alive... sucking him into a whirlwind of emotions he had never been privy to before. She had talked constantly of Arnav, bringing him up in conversations that were so distant from the man in contention. He knew she had absolutely no clue about her unintentional references... and even lesser clue to how much she seemed like a changed woman in his presence. Seeking Arnav in the wedding reception... demanding him to come along with them... agreeing to be dropped home by him... he had observed everything about her... and unfortunately she about Arnav.
A painful tear slipped through the corner of his eye, as a stunned NK touched the moistness unbelievingly. This was just the beginning of a heartbreak he had always dreaded, which was lurking somewhere around the corner. He was prepared for Khushi to reject him. However, he had never imagined her to choose his cousin over him. Was he overthinking in this matter, or were the signs that were staring him in the face actually close to the truth? He knew that Khushi and Arnav were far away from the realization of their true feelings for each other, yet he would have to find out first... for his own sanity... for his own fragile heart that had beat for someone for the first time in his entire life... and he dreaded it would be the last.
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Shyam took a large swig from his glass of scotch... the burning amber liquid fueling the burn in his heart. The stunning face of Khushi flashed in his mind, followed by the ugly brawl. His broken nose was a constant reminder of his broken ego. Arnav Singh Raizada... that was the man with Khushi last night... the man who had taken Khushi away from Laxminagar... from his life. But for how long would he protect her? If his sources were correct, it seemed that both cousin brothers had dropped Khushi home recently. Seemed like his nightmares were coming true, with every man, noticing the guile and beauty of his pure Khushiji... who he had failed to protect from this brutal world.
Downing an entire glass in a go, he ignored his snickering friends, who had been mocking his feelings for the woman he had lost his heart to a few years ago. He still recollected the sight of a young Khushi, smiling and chatting away merrily to the mechanic in Laxminagar. Her smile had left him enthralled and oblivious to his surroundings. Since that day, he had pursued her, managing to bring out the best in him each time she was around. However, seemed like Khushiji did not enjoy much of his good side. It was now the correct time to show her his true colours. He gave a loud wicked laugh that silenced his protegees... a plan forming into his vile brain to take what was rightfully his... or so he thought.
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Tum Se Tum Tak
Ganesh Kartikeya
10