Limerence : Part 15
After a relaxing hot shower, Khushi felt rejuvenated and relaxed. The day had been a tumult of emotions, making her struggle through the roller-coaster ride of life. As she pulled on a soft cotton kurti, her thoughts went to the man, who had broken through her defenses and made her finally blurt out every secret that she had held close to her heart for years. She had never revealed her story to anyone... not in school, not college, not neighbourhood. Most of those acquaintances had already formed their judgments, without even hearing her out. What difference would have her plea made?
However, today, seeing the mountain of worry swirling in those warm brown orbs, she had put down her guard and given into the voice of her heart. As she dried her wet hair, she reminisced his concerned voice, anxious face, gentle words and tender touch. His touch that had awakened something spectacular within her... an unknown spark of a deep longing to be forever ensconced within his warmth. She touched her forehead, where his lips had lingered. It was such a loving gesture, for a man so strong... the delicious contrast made her reel in the realization of her feelings for him. Finally a man, had broken through all her defenses and warmed her heart in a way that had shaken her to the core.
"Khushi beta," Garima's soft whisper broke through her reverie, as she saw her mother holding two mugs of, what she definitely knew to be adrak wali chai. Khushi put the damp towel down on the table and walked towards her mother, to pick her favourite mug. Silently the women, walked over to the balcony that faced a small children's garden. Being afternoon, it was deserted, as Khushi focused on the empty swing... something that she had always loved as a child. She had barely had a normal childhood. She could not recollect a time when her mother had taken her to a park to play. The neighbourhood children had learned the art of taunting from their parents and bullied her, every time she braved to go there. Slowly and steadily, Khushi had started going into her shell and staying at home, as much as she could. She focused her energies on studies and stitch-work. It helped her mind to remain occupied, than turn into a devils workshop.
"Amma... ARD's upcoming fashion show is finalized to be held in Lucknow," Khushi whispered, telling her mother exactly what had gone wrong since this morning. She was forever grateful to her mother, who never imposed herself or crowded her... she always gave Khushi enough time to gather her bearings and open up her heart when she was ready. Garima looked at her daughter gently, finally realizing the turmoil her daughter was going through. Lucknow held mostly negative memories for her daughter and even though she had tried her best to shield Khushi from all harm... but seemed like she had failed miserably.
"Oh Khushi beta," Garima hugged her daughter, setting aside the now empty cup. Tears that had subsided by now, threatened to leak out once again. But Arnav's words resonated in her mind... "And I blame you for crying for that man who does not deserve even a drop of this precious tear..." An involuntary smile bloomed on her face, thinking about how he had reasoned with her. It was a first that she had opened her heart to someone and definitely the first for that someone to comfort her. For him, she was not going to cry anymore. For him, she would try to be as brave as he thought her to be. For him, she would try to face the demons of her past. And for him, she would smile through the dreadful days that seem to be inching closer.
"I want to go to Lucknow amma," she whispered while pulling back from the hug. Garima looked at her in shock. Did her daughter just utter those words? How had this happened? Even the name of Lucknow had always tormented her. How had she agreed to go there? Was Arnav the reason for these huge changes she could notice in her daughter? Was the miracle she was hoping for... finally here? A multitude of questions must have flit across her face, as Khushi rushed forth to answer all of them. She narrated the entire story of how she had walked out of ARD, how Arnav had found her and consoled her. She had proudly spoken about how he did not judge her, even for a moment. Excluding the intimate details of those feather-light kisses, she bared her heart and soul to her mother... the only person who she could be herself with.
"Even though I am shocked with your decision Khushi, I could not have been happier. Do you know why?" Garima asked as Khushi shook her head in denial. "Because for the first time I am seeing you enjoy your life freely. Freedom from the baggage of our past, from the burden of a life I managed to give you, Khushi. I have always felt guilt choking me from within, every time I saw your retreat your steps from moving forward in life. I have cried at the failure of giving you a life full of happiness and liberty. I have rebuked myself for barely giving you a choice throughout your growing up years," Garima whimpered.
"Amma please..." Khushi pleaded her mother to stop. She did not agree to any of it. Her mother had done everything in her might in those difficult circumstances, to shade her from the harshness of life. "Nahi Khushi... mujhe kehne do! I need to get this out of my system. I have been holding this guilt, close to my heart for too long. I know you think I did everything to keep you happy and safe. But Khushi, like every mother... I wanted to do more... much more than I could manage to give you. That is how mothers are... greedy for their child's happiness."
Wiping away her tears Garima continued, "You have made me very happy today, beta. I cannot tell you how much your decision relives me of my guilt. It may sound selfish, but I want you to go to Lucknow bravely and face the world that had weakened us years ago. Show them that you are not weak anymore. I know for sure, that you have good friends, who will stand up besides you throughout. They will be you strength this time around." She smiled at her mother and pulled her into a hug.
"I know," was all Khushi could whisper. She knew it in her heart that Payal, NK and Arnav would be there for her. She was sure that Arnav would tell NK and Payal about everything that had happened, and surprisingly she did not feel uncomfortable about it. She made up her mind to have a word with them, herself. Because, as days and months had passed by, they had become her family... the one she never had until now. Garima settled on the bed, and pulled Khushi's head on her lap... just the way her daughter enjoyed taking a nap. It was moments like these that brought normalcy to their lives, making them hope for a better future, a contented life and a happily ever after. Khushi closed her eyes, giving into the sweet summon of dreams that were about warm smiles and tender kisses.
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There was a long silence in Arnav's cabin, as the three people gathered, could feel the mounting tension within the confines of the room. Arnav had returned back to ARD and had a quick shower in the lavish bathroom his cabin hosted. Arnav was used to working overnights sometimes and was always prepared with a pair of extra clothes within reach. He had summoned NK and Payal immediately to their cabin and had revealed the entire conversation he had with Khushi. Well, almost entire.
"What is wrong with her? We have been friends for months now and she did not bother to even tell me, what was going on with her life. I guess she does not even regard me as her friend. Suffering silently for years, no wonder she is used to being alone and pushes everyone that tries to break the wall she has surrounded herself with," NK said frustratingly. He was not a man to sit down quietly. He was known for his quick actions and zeal. It hurt him that Khushi had not reached out to him in the time of her need and slowly and steadily, she was drifting away from him. Her closeness to Arnav irked him, even though he knew that it was meant to be that way.
Arnav rushed to Khushi's defense, always being the calmer one, "NK, Khushi has been dealing with her life all alone... for too long. It is not easy for her to let someone into her life. She is not used to trusting anyone... because she has been broken a million times in these past years." NK was quick enough to respond, "But she let you in right? She trusted you Arnav." It was a statement, which sounded more like accusing. Arnav was taken aback by the sudden bluntness of his always-cool brother. It was rare to see a frantic NK, and that spoke volumes about just how much he cared for Khushi. Arnav was yet again reminded that he still needed to have a conversation with NK and even though it was too late to retract the steps he had taken towards Khushi... it was best to clear things with his cousin.
"NK, it is not about you or me this time. It is about Khushi," Arnav said calmly. NK mulled over the words as they sunk in. Yes. It was about Khushi... about whom she chose...about what she wanted and what she felt. It was about her suffering and now it should be all about her happiness. He knew his outburst would not have gone unnoticed by Arnav. Knowing his cousin too well, the time for confrontation had come. However, he was not up for it at the moment. He was feeling to raw and unhinged. While speaking to Arnav about Khushi, he would need a cool mind and a proper strategy.
Arnav could spot lies easily. After the treachery his father had gone through, the small child had become irrationally observant of people. And NK knew this. He needed to get out of here at this moment. The time to talk and rationalize would come later. Khushi was safe and in extremely able hands of his brother, who he knew would do anything to protect his loved ones. Hadn't he himself reveled in the adoration Arnav showered on his entire family? Sighing with fatigue, NK turned his gaze to directly lock it with Arnav's and said, "I need to get back to work. We shall discuss this later." Arnav nodded and saw NK leave the cabin silently, leaving Payal and him alone in the cabin.
Another round of questioning was about to happen and Arnav knew it by the way Payal stared at him. "Shoot," he said with a smirk, as Payal stood up from the sofa and settled herself in the seat across him. "So? What is happening between you and Khushi? So much concern for a mere employee... I haven't seen in the last five years that I have worked with you," she asked straightforwardly, like always. But what surprised her was Arnav's truthful confession, "I think I am falling in love with Khushi." There was stunned silence in the cabin for a few moments, as both its occupants tried to absorb the depth behind those words.
It was Arnav who broke the silence again, as he rose from the chair and walked towards the huge windows, looking at the cityscape that Khushi loved just as much. "I don't know how it happened... or when it did. All I know is that I cannot see her cry. I want to do everything that would make her smile. I want to take all of her pain away and hold her close to myself all the time. Is this insanity or is this love?" he spoke more to himself than to Payal. Payal giggled and rushed to hug Arnav. "I am so happy for you Arnav. This is definitely love and I love you for confiding in me. I knew something was brewing between you two, but I didn't know you would be confessing so soon. You are the most practical guy I know Arnav and Khushi is a damn lucky girl."
"Woah! Calm down woman. I am not sure whether I did the right thing by telling you. You and your chattering mouth! Please keep it shut regarding this. I am not sure of Khushi's feelings yet and with so much going on in her life, I don't want to impose anything more either. I will support her silently through these tough times and make sure that not an ounce of pain touches her. But for that I need your help and silent support... instead of a noisy one," Arnav teased, surprised at the easy flow of his words and emotions. He had been so used to bottling up his feelings all his life, that this moment felt liberating. Even though he was internally shit scared of these changes in him, he wanted to taste the fruit... the happiness that had been out of his reach for an entire lifetime.
"How mean, jethji!" Payal teased, truly happy for the man, who was not only admired at work but was loved in Shantivan too. She had seen the kind of respect Akash and NK had for him, the abundant love her mother-in-law showered on him and the way her father-in-law trusted Arnav. Knowing about his past, had changed her opinions about the arrogant, reserved, khadus ASR for good. And despite the dark cloud looming over NK, she could not have asked for a better life partner for Arnav. However, there were things she now needed to discuss with him, which they needed to tackle with utmost sensitivity.
"Arnav, your public display of worry from a while ago, was noticed by a lot of employees. It hasn't escaped their notice either that you have been dropping Khushi home lately," Payal said worriedly. "F**K!" groaned Arnav in frustration. Till now he had been only mildly irritated by the media and people around, who gossiped about his so-called flings. All this time, he never had anything or anyone to protect... to shield from this vile society. However, now, he had too much to lose. He hadn't even gained Khushi's love yet and the thought of her being subjected to more taunts and defaming... because of him... had him cursing vocally.
Payal saw him standing stiffly, his mind at work and knew he was affected by anything that would distress Khushi. She had to voice her thoughts, so that the business-minded ASR, made provisions for Khushi's safety and well-being. "Arnav, Khushi has been through a lot till now and I regard her like my sister. Please make sure she does not have to go through those spiteful comments yet again. I don't think she will be able to take it anymore. I don't know her decision about going to Lucknow... but I want her to be treated respectfully in this organization. This is one place she regards as her personal sanctuary... it's a place that gives her immense happiness. I have seen how she transforms once she enters the confines of this building. I want her to be able to walk around here with her head held high and not glancing away in embarrassment. Will you promise me that Arnav?"
If Arnav had any doubt about how good Payal will be as a wife to Akash or the daughter-in-law to the Mittal family, he was relieved off it in this moment. A woman, who thought so deeply about another woman, would only be one of the most generous human beings that existed. He walked towards her and held her hands within his. "I promise Payal... because what you are asking from me... is like a necessity. Khushi's safety and self-respect are extremely vital to me as well and probably the essence of how our friendship actually began. But I need a favor from you, Payal. I can't rush Khushi into anything right now and need some time to take things forward between us. Will you be able to allay these so-called gossipmongers in office till then?" Arnav asked with so much gentleness that Payal laughed loudly to see how the mighty had fallen.
"Offcourse I will ASR! Already people in this office dread talking to me and I have been named a Dracula' behind my back! Can you believe it?" she asked amusedly. Arnav could not stop the laughter tumbling out of him either... the tension from earlier dissipating at the ease of their relationship and mutual interests. After a few more minutes of discussing about the impending fashion show, Payal got back to work, leaving behind a pensive Arnav to mull over everything that had happened in the last few hours. His life seemed to have changed its entire course, leading him onto a path he had dreaded to take all his life. Was this what was called destiny?
Picking up his phone, he left a message to Khushi. He felt the strong urge to call her, hear her melodious voice. However, better sense prevailed and he guessed that she must have fallen asleep after the emotional fatigue of the day. "Khushi... tum theek ho na? Call me once you feel better." As an after thought, he sent in another message... something that he just could not help but send. How would she react after reading this, he mused? The short message stated ---- "Missing you."
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A loud crash echoed through the walls of Jha Mansion. The servants trembled in fear seeing the heightening fury of their chote sahib. Unfortunately for them, Manohar Jha and his wife were out of town and there was absolutely no one to tame the anger of their beloved son, Shyam Manohar Jha. Another crash boomed... a vase?? Or maybe the television!! What had triggered this fury for the usually careless and flamboyant Shyam, was beyond anyone's comprehension.
Shyam paced the entire length of his room, kicking away the fragments of broken furniture and innate objects he had just wrecked. His fits curled up in anger remembering the sight he had witnessed this afternoon, at the local temple. One of his friends had informed him of spotting Khushi around that area. Like a fool he had raced upto the temple only to halt in his tracks, seeing her wrapped around the man called Arnav Singh Raizada. Anger like never before had surged through his body, crushing his heart and shooting upto his head. He had silently stood behind a tree, watching the entire scene unfold before his eyes.
His insides had burned with jealousy and with great difficulty he had managed to control his wild emotions, that wanted to tear Arnav Singh Raizada to pieces. His conniving father had taught him well, to not act with haste and temper. After he had seen Khushi get into Arnav's car and drive away, he had gone to a bar and drank himself out of consciousness. It was only a while back that he had gained his senses and come home in a foul mood. He felt like screaming his lungs out... shooting a bullet right through Arnav's head.
However, even through this lunacy, he knew he had to hit the Raizada, where it hurt the most. Killing him in jiffy would not bring in as much pleasure as torturing him to death slowly... languidly. He wanted Arnav to burn... like he was burning... seeing Khushi in his arms. Unaware of the fact that the smart Raizada had made sure to keep an eye on him through detectives... Shyam had also garnered a lot of information about Arnav and his past. Sitting on the sofa with a thud, he pulled out his phone to send in a message to someone who he had met only recently... yet knew would be of great use in this sweet story of revenge. "Meet me at the Polo Club tomorrow afternoon at 3." Throwing away his phone carelessly onto the ground, Shyam threw his head back and gave an evil laughter, which would have made anyone cringe with pure loathing.
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Anupamaa
Cricket
10