Arshi FF: The Broken Hearts ( NEW LINK ADDED) pg 151 - Page 39

Chapter 7

After three months .

Anjali smiled broadly as she tied Rakhi on her brother's wrist.
Yes like every year this year too he had come down to Kolkata for the festival. Though initially he had refused as he was busy at work and she had shown her disappointment, even emotionally blackmailed him but nothing seemed to have worked on him. She had lost all hopes when he had parceled her Rakhi gift making it absolutely clear that this time he wouldn't be present.
And today in the morning when her door bell rang, she found him standing at the doorstep. Her happiness had no bounds as she squealed, " chotte." And hugged him.

" chotte, I'm so glad, you came over." Anjali fed him his favorite kheer and caressed his face. The festival of Rakhi was very special for them, they had always celebrated it together. Never alone. Though they didn't need occasions like these to strengthen their bond, by God's grace it was already quite strong. Just that days like these made their relationship more special.
Arnav smiled back at her di. Even he was glad that he could make it. After working overtime for a week, he could squeeze in two days off for himself. Seeing the bliss on his sister's face, had made all those extra hours worthwhile . Although he had decided that he wouldn't come but later he decided otherwise .
" Even I'm happy to be here. Actually Khushi, compelled me to change my mind."
" Khushi?" Now anjali was curious to know about this girl who had made her otherwise stubborn brother change his decision.
" Khushi, she's a close friend of mine. Sometime back she was crying over her family...di, she's an orphan with really no one to call her own." Arnav held his sister's hands. " Seeing her miserable made me realize how lucky I'm to have you, kids and daadi...sometimes we take our near ones for granted." He peered up at anjali and found her eyes damp. " I'm sorry di."
Anjali pushed back her tears and shook her head. She cupped his face in her hands. " No chotte, don't be sorry. You're my wonderful brother...you were busy so you refused but see you couldn't hold yourself back." She pressed a kiss on his forehead. " I love you and I know you love me more than I do." Holding her hands, Arnav simply smiled. Her sister had raised him like her own child. She was his mother...his pillar of strength...his whole world. He could never let her down. And she definitely loved him more in fact the most in this world.
" maamu, let's eat. I'm hungry." Arnav turned his face and found his little niece, Neha pulling his arm. He couldn't believe she was growing up so fast. It seemed like yesterday when he would baby sit her. And now she even had a baby brother, sleeping soundly in his crib.
Arnav stood up and lifted Neha in his arms. " sure sweetheart. Even I'm dying to have your mamma's food."
Sitting on the dining table, anjali began serving them with stuffed paranthas. Arnav couldn't wait to dig his teeth in.
" oh di, I really missed your food." Hostel and canteen food would be so bland and tasteless that Arnav would often lose his appetite just at the sight of what was offered to him. But then to gain something, you need to lose something. Better opportunities in Delhi made him leave his hometown and his di...And he wasn't regretting it. After all seeing him working hard and doing well for himself made his sister proud of him.

" by the way chotte, thanks for this anarkali. It's lovely." Arnav smiled, one more benefit of coming to Kolkata, he could himself see how wonderful the suit looked on her.
" di, it's not my choice. In fact I was going for pastel colors but Khushi came up with this. She chose it for you." Talking about Khushi, it struck him that she hadn't called him since yesterday. Not that they spoke for hours but yeah once or twice during the day to keep a check on one another, ensuring that they were doing fine.
Anjali raised her eye brow and smiled. For the second time he had mentioned about Khushi. Perhaps something was cooking between the two.
" Khushi...seems like a special friend." Arnav noticed the teasing tone of his sister. Before she jumped to any conclusion, he needed to clear the air.
" Yes Khushi is special but just as a friend. We talk to each other... hang out together...that's about it." Anjali didn't seem to be convinced. Her eyes could see something that her younger brother was hiding.
" well then I should thank her for the suit. On second thoughts why don't I send a gift for her?" Arnav shrugged and didn't lift his head from the plate.
" ok then in the evening after meeting Dadi, we'll go shopping together." Arnav silently nodded and sipped on to his black coffee. Yeah black coffee with paranthas, he could have that beverage with anything.
" chotte, how's your job going on?"

Arnav chewed on the parantha before relying. " it's good di, but I have applied somewhere else as well. After I get back, I have an interview lined up."

Anjali furrowed on hearing his answer. He had recently been promoted, she thought he would continue with it, why did he wish to change.
" but why? It's your first Job and they pay you well so what's the problem?"
" di, I can't work at a call center all my life. I need to move on. Yes the pay is good and I'm emotionally attached to my workplace but I have to step out and look for better opportunities." He needed exposure and experience that could be gained only by trying out different things.
" besides di, I don't see myself taking orders all the time. Someday I wish to lead from the forefront." Anjali knew what he meant. Their childhood wasn't easy especially after their parents passed away. Her brother saw her working round the clock to pay his school and other expenses. The hardships faced by them had made Arnav hard and strong. His deep desire to excel and that too quickly, sometimes worried her.
" but chotte, money is not the end of all. Your jeeju is a banker, he earns in thousands and we are a happy family." Arnav smiled at her sister's simplicity.
" you know di, now you're talking like Khushi."
Anjali didn't argue, all she wished that her chotte didn't take a step that he might regret later.
" maamu if you're done then let's play badminton...please." Aw she looked so adorable when she made that puppy face.
" we'll definitely play but before that you need to finish your milkshake." Arnav passed neha her glass. He knew when it came to milk, she always made excuses.
" maamu, can't I have it later?"
" don't you want to be a strong girl and win when you play?"
Neha quietly nodded and picked up the glass. When she finished, she wiped her mouth with back of her hand.
" okay now I'll get the racquets."

Arnav laughed and stopped her from running to her room. Like Khushi she too had a spot of milk on her nose. Bending down, he swiped it with his thumb and kissed her cheek. " now go."
Anjali admired the way Arnav was with kids. He always handled neha, lovingly and tactfully.
" one day you'll be a great father." Arnav eyed his sister suspiciously, he didn't wish her to bring up the topic of his marriage.
" Yeah di, one day. And that day is quite far away. I'm in no mood to settle down...so don't even think about it." Anjali pressed her lips to hide her smile.

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Khushi pressed the call button and adjusted the phone between her ear and shoulder as she worked on her sculpture. Tomorrow was the competition day and she still needed to give final touches to her piece of work. Letting out an audible sigh she carefully removed the cellphone from her shoulder without dirtying it and placed it on her bed.
Since morning she had been trying to contact Arnav, but couldn't. God only knew what was wrong with his phone. She pursed her lips in annoyance as she extracted a piece of clay from the sculpture. On reaching Kolkata he could have at least informed her that he had reached safely. Agreed it was a festival day and he would be busy with his sister and her family, still a small message could have been sent. Picking up her potters knife, Khushi cut off a small section and rejoined it using wet slurry. She glanced at the wall clock and shook her head. It was six in the evening and he didn't care to get in touch with her.

Knitting her brows she wondered was she fretting over no reason? He was an adult and capable of taking care of himself, the thought of informing her might have slipped out of his mind especially when surrounded by his relatives whom he was meeting after so many months. In the last few months they had grown quite friendly and shared the smallest of their daily happenings with each other. They wouldn't meet everyday as she would attend her classes and he would work overtime but still through telephonic chats they would know about each other.
In him Khushi had found a very dear friend who understood her pain, supported her and was not a bit judgemental about her. She often cried on his shoulder( not literally, but yeah she shared her fears and pains with him). With him she wasn't sceptical to show how weak and lonely she was because she knew he would never take advantage of her vulnerability. She realized with every passing day she was getting emotionally dependent on him. Her small little world had started to revolve around him. And surprisingly this realization didn't disturb her on the contrary she was glad that she had finally found someone who held a very special place in her otherwise isolated life.
But today not being able to talk to him had made her insecure. He had promised to be present on the competition day but what if he forgot his promise and missed the occasion? What if after being with his family he decided to stay back for few more days? Not that she didn't wish him to spend time with his near ones, the mere thought of him smiling with them made her happy but what scared her that what if he forgot that she was here waiting for him? Just like he didn't inform her on reaching, he might not inform her of his coming late.
Khushi closed her eyes firmly and took a deep breath. This negativity had to go away. She couldn't panic over such a small thing. He always kept his promise and if by chance he broke it then he would have a valid reason to do so. She needn't worry instead she diverted her mind to complete the sculpture. She picked up the brush to wet the hard clay.
" Khushi...where's my tea?" She mentally kicked herself for forgetting to give maami her evening tea. Dropping everything she headed to the kitchen.
As the water boiled for tea, Khushi glanced outside the window. Once again it was dark and cloudy but she didn't panic as the thought of Arnav crossed her mind. She smiled to herself and turned to get the coffee jar from the cabinet. After handing over the tea cup to maami, Khushi decided to make black coffee for herself. She didn't know why a sweet person like him enjoyed this bitter taste. She added extra sugar for herself otherwise she doubted she could drink it even if she was missing him badly.

Taking the coffee mug she returned to her room and leaned against the open window. It was drizzling along with cool breeze blowing. The sweet fragrance of wet earth made her smile. Even though the sky was covered with clouds and there was no star to be seen still she was not afraid. The streets were deserted and there was soft sound of rain drops falling still the silence didn't scare her. Even her Arnav ji wasn't around still she wasn't frightened . Taking a long and slow sip of coffee, she could feel his presence. She didn't need to see or hear him to know that he was with her...her heart simply believed that he was and would always be by her side.
He wouldn't leave her. Ever.

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Arnav stared down at his cellphone that had been silent since he had arrived here. So what if she didn't call, keeping his ego aside he thought of calling her. He pressed the keys. *shit* he had forgotten to charge his phone and it had automatically turned off. No wonder he didn't get any calls. He plugged in to charge the cellphone.
" chotte hurry up we're getting late." Arnav pursed his lips, he would call up Khushi later.
Neha came running to Arnav and tugged his hand. " maamu I'm ready, let's go ." Both Arnav and Anjali grinned down at her.
" sorry neha, but you'll stay home with papa and anuj." Her mother informed her. Reluctantly neha left Arnav's hand and crossed her arms before her chest to sulk. Arnav kneeled down and pulled his cute niece to himself. " hey, don't be upset. Tell me what should I get for you, Barbie doll?" Neha flashed a broad smile and nodded. Arnav turned his face slightly and tapped his cheek. Neha at once gave him a sound kiss on his cheek.

Both Anjali and Arnav hurriedly walked through the narrow and congested streets of Kolkata. They were already running late, thanks to daadi who didn't allow his grandson to leave early and wished he had dinner with her. After lot of persuasion and a promise that on her coming birthday, Arnav would stay with her, did she finally let them leave. Call it love or her dominating nature she somehow always managed to get things done her way.
Anjali pointed toward a showroom that was about to get closed, in fact most of the shops were shutting down but this particular showroom had good stuff.
Arnav looked through various designer suits that were displayed. Anjali too showed him some anarkalis but he rejected all of them as they were of light colors and he knew that vibrant colors suited Khushi more. Half an hour later even the salesman got tired of displaying different suits in different colors and fabrics. But Arnav didn't seem to like any.
" chotte, what kind of suit do you want?"
Arnav thought about the cut outs that he had seen in her scrapbook. " something that goes with her personality. Di, she's too innocent and simple. She doesn't like expensive and flashy stuff...in fact she finds happiness in the smallest and simplest of things."
The irritation that had crept a few minutes back in Anjali 's mind, disappeared on seeing Arnav talk about Khushi. She smiled inwardly as they exited that showroom. Khushi was not just his " close friend" as he claimed her to be. On the contrary she was much more than friend.
Arnav stopped outside a small jewelry shop and admired the ornaments displayed in its show window.
" maybe we can find something here." Anjali suggested.
Arnav first looked for earrings before settling on a simple silver plated pendant chain. To know more about her brother's hidden feelings, Anjali picked up a heart shaped pendant chains. " how's this?"
Arnav glanced at the pendant and then at his sister who was trying to tease him.
" di, Khushi is my friend not girlfriend." Anjali was amused by his comment. " but chotte when did I say that Khushi is your girlfriend? " Arnav just shook his head, he didn't want to argue on that. He was clear in his head, he took Khushi as a friend. There was no place for love in their relationship.
Finally Arnav selected a chain that had a K alphabet pendant.
" this is perfect for her."
Anjali smiled and nodded her head in approval. Taking so much pain to select that perfect gift for someone who was only a friend, sounded strange. She didn't know whether Arnav was lying to her...to himself or both.

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Standing backstage Khushi rolled the end of her dupatta around her fingers as she waited anxiously for Arnav to return from his hometown. Last night finally he had called her up and told that he would be in Delhi by next evening and he hadn't forgotten about her competition...He would surely be there to support her. Hearing from him had relieved her. But now she was nervous. The competition would start in a short while and he was nowhere to be seen. Poking her head out she hoped to find Arnav among the students who had gathered however she was surprised to see shyam and his friends sitting in the front row. What were they doing here? Anyway she turned and walked to the window. Where was Arnav, she hoped he would reach on time.
Just then she felt someone touch her shoulder, she looked over and found Arnav standing behind her. " oh Arnav ji." Her instant reaction was to rush to him but she stopped midway.
Her eyes sparkled as she smiled broadly. Noticing that beautiful smile dance on her lips, Arnav realized that he actually missed it.
" I'm so glad you're here. Thank you."
" it's an important day for you. How could I miss it?"
Khushi pressed her lips in relief and lowered her head.
" so where is your sculpture? Can't wait to see it." She was a hardworking girl and He was sure that she would have made some thing great.
" I have submitted it for assessment. But in a few minutes we will be called on stage to talk about it. Then you'll be able to see it."
Arnav smiled and nodded.
" so how's your di and family back home?"
" oh they all are doing great. Di was on cloud nine on seeing me at her doorstep." Khushi could imagine how delighted his sister must have been.
" and di loved the anarkali that you chose for her. She wanted to thank you...and she's sent something for you." Khushi knitted her brows together as Arnav took out something from his pocket. Opening his palm he showed her the chain.
Khushi was moved by his sister's sweet gesture. " But Arnav ji there's no need for this. I'm glad she liked what I picked for her." Arnav simply took her hand and placed the chain on her palm. " don't drag me into this, I just chose it since di, was eager to gift you something. It's between you and her. But Khushi she'll be happy if you wear it."
Khushi smiled softly, without meeting his sister, she had already started to like her and since Arnav had selected it for her..it became even more special for her.
Turning toward the small mirror hanging on the wall, she moved her open hair over her left shoulder and raised her hands to wear that chain. She struggled with its hook when Arnav spoke from behind. " need help?" His sudden deep voice startled her and she immediately lifted her head. She remembered the day when they had gone for shopping and he had helped her with the strings of the suit, she had been so nervous and today...was no different. Again she felt her heart beat racing and her breath going shallow. She swallowed the lump formed inside her throat and slowly nodded her head.
He stepped closer and found her going stiff. Bending down he took the chain to clasp it. Once again touching her soft milky skin fluttered something within him. He had no idea why her closeness affected him so much. He peered at her reflection in the mirror and found her eyes shut with color rising to her cheeks. What was it between them that they both couldn't ignore? And why?
" done."
Khushi opened her eyes and saw Arnav stepped back.
" I think I'll wait with other students...the competition must be getting started." He didn't wait for her response and left.
Khushi smiled at her reflection as her slender fingers touched the K shaped pendant.
Backstage Khushi watched as the participants one by one went up to say a few words about their creations. They were supposed to make sculpture of someone who held a special place in their lives. She saw sculptures of Lord Krishna, Lord Ganpati, mother Teresa...etc.
She assumed the competition to be tough but that didn't perturb her. For her it wasn't about winning or losing, she just hoped that her creation could convey her real emotions and feelings.
Finally her name was announced. Her eyes scanned through the audience to stop on Arnav. Meeting her nervous gaze, he smiled at her. Khushi blinked her eyes and nodded her head.
" well a few months back someone came into my life unannounced...and since then my life has changed completely." Khushi paused to word her feelings. " He was there for me whenever I needed him. I didn't have to call him...He was just there by my side. Today if I see darkness, I find him as my Ray of light. And if I stumble, I'm not scared to fall because I know he'll hold me." Khushi's eyes turned to Arnav once again. " they say you love someone with your heart and I respect him with my heart...trust him with my heart because I know he'll never break my heart. If all this culminates into love then perhaps...I'm in love." There was pin drop silence as Khushi turned to remove the cloth that was covering her sculpture.
Tonight people's opinion didn't matter to her...just what he thought mattered to her.
Arnav's jaw dropped and eyes froze on the sculpture. It wasn't exactly his replica but close enough.
Did she just say that she was in love with him??

Thanks for reading

Rose