SS: Sunshine After Rain - Re-posting Final Chapter page 18 Updated! - Page 6

Chapter 5

Arnav woke up - with groggy eyes - due to the peculiar sound of Dholakcreeping in his ears. Rubbing his eyes he looked around, it was dark outside with just 3:45 AM. Then he remembered it was the sound of Prabhat Pheri (Morning Walkabout - Group of people go about on the streets singing choruses very early in the morning, during the preceding days of Gurpurabh).Gurpurabh was in two days and preparations for the same were already in progress. It was almost a weeklong festival, to celebrate the Birthday anniversary of Shree Guru Nanak Dev Ji - the founder of Sikhism.

Arnav swung his legs down the bed and got up to carry out his morning routine. He would then have to be down for Langar preparations as it was being organized at their house today owing to Babey's personal request at the Gurdwara.

He was making his way down after fifteen minutes when he heard Babey shout at Khushi "You go take your bath, right now! Ladies will be here soon. How will it look if people of the household are not ready? GO!!"

And sure enough, he saw Khushi rushing out of the kitchen - muttering to herself and wiping her soiled hands on her Kameez - and in the direction of their roofless, open bathroom. Must be cold for her, he mused and then shook his head at the thought. It was November after all. The weather was slowly turning chilly.

"Sat Sri Akal, Babey" Arnav wished as he entered the kitchen. Babey looked up, wished him in return and then continued singing Bhajan as she simultaneously stirred the contents of the large cooking pot.

"What do I have to do Babey?" Arnav asked, eyeing the big pot of halva, which was for Prasad. It looked tasty, and warm, so apt for this cold weather.

"Thibani, you just serve the Langar when its time. It's the tradition of our house. Male members serve Langar. I hope you have not forgotten this while your stay in Vilayat?" Babey asked sternly, her mouth twisting in distaste. Babey had always taken issue with the idea of him studying in Vilayat. But his father had been adamant, not listening to his mother for the first time in life. And hence, he had managed to send Arnav off, to pursue a common dream nurtured by both.

Arnav grinned at her mischievously and said "I will defiantly serve Babey. But first let me taste and do the Bhog. How will people eat, if I haven't eaten first?"

"You won't listen to me, will you? I'll hit you if go anywhere near food before Bhog. This is all for Prasad" Babey reprimanded him sternly, her lips pressed in a firm line as she tried hard not to soften at her dear grandson's roguishness. It was hard not to laugh at his yet childish behavior to rile her up.

"Not even a tiny portion?" Arnav asked cheekily, trying to make his best innocent face.

"NO! Go away. Now" Babey scolded and then muttered under her breathe "These kids. Shoo one away and other makes appearance. As if both are victims of some severe starvation. Go now what are you waiting for?!" Babey roared seeing him still standing near the Halva and Arnav ran out chuckling at Babey's threats.

Khushi was shouting for Babey from the bathroom and he stopped to listen

"- Babey...!! Babey my towel! I left it outside"

He looked around and spotted her pink and white towel on the low folding bed. He turned to go back in and ask Babey to pass Khushi her towel when he remembered his grandmother was busy and a little put out at the moment. Should he give it - he contemplated. It was still dark outside, nobody would know, not even Khushi. Making a quick decision he walked to the bathroom, grabbing the towel as he went and knocked at the old wooden door a touch hesitantly - trying to ignore his thumping heart.

Sounds rustling of chains resounded from inside and then her bare arm stretched out. Tiny sprinkles of water dotted, the flawless skin of slender, pale arm - and he stalled, his throat suddenly felt usually parched. The fresh fragrance of roses wafted from insides coercing him to inhale deeply. He wanted to lean in the fragrance, walk inside the warm, steamy bathroom and caress the body this gorgeous hand belonged too. Was it desire? Was it something else? It was Khushi after all and he did not even for a moment begin to forget this fact.

"Babey?" Khushi's voice brought him back. This was so immoral, he knew and the worst part was, he still wanted to act upon his impulses. Feeling heinously remorseful he quickly handed her the towel, making sure their hands did not touch and turned to walk away, but for her soft voice

"Babu Sahib?" she called, her timid voice halting him. How did she know? He turned around again, his eyes wide in confusion, his heart galloping in his chest as stared at the slightly parted door. He sucked in a sudden breath as he saw the dark reflection of her curvaceous, petite form redid spellbindingly on the floor as she stood huddled behind the wooden ingress. What was it between them, he wondered? How did she know he was around? Not even daring to raise he his eyes he waited for her to speak.

"Thank you Babu Sahib" he heard her whisper and there was long silence before the door between them closed again. Why did it feel she was not just thanking him for a towel and something more? Like he had done something far more obliging that she had tried to put into these two words? Her silence of few seconds had spoken louder than her words. Did she want to say something? Exhaling loudly, he raked his hand through his hair and walked away. He will have to make a decision quickly.

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After Langar, gentlemen of the village left for their respective works while ladies lingered behind helping Babey and Khushi to clean up and chatter around. Sarpanch's wife and many other ladies of influential men from the village sat with Babey as they talked nine to the dozen about anything and everything. Babey being the elder was respected and treated with grandeur in their village. After all, she was also the mother of their Late Sarpanch, the best their village had ever seen.

Arnav too had left for court after saying he'd be late tonight. This had made Babey curious and a little worried but they kept quiet, not wanting to have an argument in front of village ladies.

Suddenly Sarpanch's wife spoke up in a rather hesitant tongue "I hope you won't mind me saying this Babey, but we all feel Khushi's presence like this in this house is not appropriate"

Babey looked at her in bewilderment "Ki? Why do you think so, Preet? Has my Khushleen done something wrong?"

"No, No absolutely not" Preet rushed to correct Babey "In fact she is a very sweet and nice girl with high integrity. But, the matter is that... "Preet now looked highly uncomfortable as she looked around at the other ladies for help. All kept their heads bowed as none wanted to defy or offend Babey.

"Say it, Preet. You don't have to be hesitant with me. I understand it must be of something great importance that you are bringing this up like this. Please go ahead" Babey encouraged her good-naturedly. But the fact was she was herself a little nervous. Society's opinion mattered and especially for a girl. And Khushi was like her own daughter to her now. She prayed nothing was wrong. The integrity and character of a young, unmarried woman were to be preserved. The double standard behind this belief wasn't lost to Babey, but she had to follow the laid down rules. Women were being snubbed every day and the contrast they all were expected to present when it came to marrying off a girl to their beloved sons was daunting.

"It is just that when we came here in the morning we saw Arnav passing Khushi her towel while she was in the bathroom. We all were there and nothing inappropriate happened "she rushed to clarify seeing Babey's alarmed expression "Arnav Putar made sure he just handed her the towel and walked away. But Babey they are both young and even of marriageable age. They live in the same house and such things are only bound to happen eventually. Don't you think it's a good idea if elders take the matter in hand and have them married to each other? I don't mean to intrude but why to give people an opportunity to talk. It's better if we settle this in the house"

There was heavy silence and all the ladies now looked amply scared. Had they stepped a line with Babey? Was it wrong to talk? They sat with their heads lowered and waited for Babey to make a decision.

And then Babey spoke up, her voice merry and her face lit "I have been thinking of the same Preet. Now your word had cemented my idea. I shall talk to Thibani today when he returns from court and if everything goes accordingly, we can soon start preparing for a wedding. I am so happy and relieved. Khushi's tension was eating me from inside every day. Now everything can be settled. And I don't see any reason for Thibani to refuse. And as for Khushi, her opinion matters but she won't deny me. She knows I have her best interest at heart"

The ladies sighed in relief and then soon everyone joined in a merry chatter owing to this good news, oblivious to one shy, blushing girl who stood in the corner listening to all this.

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Khushi had been distracted for the whole. She was happy, like a bubble of some unknown joy was filling her heart. She had blushed and giggled like a school girl, even forgetting the ominous anxiety she had been feeling from last few days. Was this what she wanted after all? Babu Sahib? He was a handsome man, she thought, turning beet red. He was educated and he was smart. She respected him. She trusted him like a family. And his eyes... they were pools of molten brown looking in she'd feel herself drowning. He was always so courteous with everyone and even treated her with reverence. He would never cross the line with her and always maintained a safe distance. However, she hadn't failed to notice his effort behind this restraint. There was something between them. She might not understand it but he defiantly did. Maybe that is why she loved him?

Did she?

"Khushi?" Babey called. Her veteran eyes hadn't missed the at sea look on young girl's face and her vaguely she knew it was about the proposal. Her insides calmed a touch and couldn't help but feel a little revealed. As much as she cared and worried for Khushi, she also wanted Khushi for her Grandson. After herself she could only trust her obnoxious lad with Khushi. She had some confidence her and she knew Khushi was the one and only for him. Also, her eyes hadn't missed the way her grandson looked at Khushi. She knew some feelings were brewing in there and now would it take a step in and bring an end to his longing.

Khushi's head snapped up at Babey's call and she mentally chided herself for getting lost again "Hanji Babey?"

Babey suppressed a grin and proceeded with a straight face "I have made a decision for you, hope you don't mind? I won't impose it on you and if you disagree you must tell me immediately. Okay, Putar ji?"

Khushi meekly nodded and looked down, suddenly very shy. Her heart raced as she knew what was coming next.

"Thibani is nice, isn't he?" Babey asked slowly.

Khushi jerked her head imperceptibly, still not looking up. Babey then continued "I have always wanted a nice girl, from decent family for him. He is my only grandson and naturally I have dreams relating to his marriage. But after the tragedy our families faced, my hopes my wishes everything felt like a distant dream. I wanted my Thibani married with grandeur. But I know that won't be possible now. Then I got you. My Khushleen! I see a daughter in you. I never had one, but now I have you. Everything I can wish for." Babey stopped to silently wipe her tear.

Khushi sniffed as she felt Babey's warm hand on her bowed head "I want you for my Thibani Putar ji. Will you marry him? And complete my last wish? I know he can be stubborn, irrational and sometimes even annoying, but he is a nice soul. He won't hurt you and will always treasure you. I am scared for him after me as I am for you. So will you take care of him, marry him and give him family?"

Khushi burst into tears and hugged Babey tightly. How can she refuse now? She would get to stay with Babey, whom she was terrified of ever leaving. Yes, this is what she needed. Babu Sahib and Babey - her family...

Babey wiped her tears and then Khushi's. She caressed Khushi's had gently and asked: "So I take that as a yes?"

Khushi blushed, her insides soaring and her heart thumped. Not able to stay longer she got up and ran away from there, with a shy smile.

Babey laughed at the embarrassed, girl and silently thanked her Waheguru for bringing this joy to her.

That night Khushi snuggled into her blankets and stared into the darkness a stupid smile on her face. Babu Sahib, it felt like this was a dream. She desperately waited for his return that night. Babey would talk to him, she grinned. What will he say? Will he agree or will he deny? Her smile slipped a little, but it soared again as she thought of Babey. He won't refuse her.

She waited for long. And as the each moment passed, she felt her heart thumping, a fear settling down. She waiting and waiting... because Arnav did not return back then...

A/N: Once again, I look forward to hear from you guys on this chapter. Your views are one of the things that make me return back to IF everyday😊