He was pulled out of his reverie by his sister's voice. "Chote", Anjali said, "Shall we get going?", "It's almost dinner time"
A couple of days later:
Arnav was still lost in his analysis of the situation but couldn't come to a sensible conclusion as she did not meet him.
Just like the previous two nights, he was about to step out into the garden tonight, for a hopeful encounter with her, when he was interrupted by his Nani. She walked with him into the front lawn and sat on the bench next to him. Arnav was a little irritated because he knew that she would not come to meet him if there was anyone else with him.
"Chote, are you not sleepy?", Nani interjected his thoughts.
"No Nani", "I love the fresh air in the garden"
"Hmm.." she paused, "Is everything okay between you and Lavanya?"
Arnav was stumped at her question. "Ha Nani, why do you ask?"
"I ask because you are supposed to be stepping into your bedroom and not into the garden at this time of the night", she said firmly.
As Arnav started saying something, she interrupted him, "No Chote, you are recently married. If you step out at this time for a stroll, it should be with your wife and not alone", she continued gravely, "I know the reason you married her is only to honor your mom's word". She waited for her words to sink into him.
"I respect you for what you have done Chote, but she is a good girl and she will have expectations from her husband".
Both were silent for a while, Nani then went on, "She expressed her displeasure to Anjali regarding your neglect", "Please don't get angry with Lavanya, try to adjust before things turn sour."
Nani got up slowly and walked away into the Mahal. Arnav pondered on her words. But a gentle breeze with sweet smelling jasmines changed his thought process entirely. He got up from his seat and looked around for the source of the smell and was disgruntled that it was from the jasmine bush. He was fated to be disappointed by her absence this night too.
A few days later:
Arnav was getting more and more short-tempered by the day. He was pissed about her unexplained absences and abrupt appearances.
On the other hand, he was tied up with a deal from a Europe-based clientele that he was intent on cracking. Akash from Delhi and Arnav from Lucknow worked hard to make a breakthrough.
"Pakoras and steamy coffee for a chilly evening", Anjali said placing the snacks on the table.
"Thanks Di", Arnav munched on the delicious refreshments, "Where is everyone?"
"Today is the day of fair, so Shyam took Nani there", "Lavanya, Mehak and I are going out for some girls shopping"
"Okay", he said.
An hour later, Arnav was rewarded with the arrival of his much anticipated guest in the lawn. The twinkling of her anklets was music to his ears. He walked into the yard from the study, and leaned on the patio door with hands in his pockets.
"Finally", he said his lips curving up, "I have been waiting for you for so long"
She looked at him and gave him one of her dazzling smiles. "Kyun Saab?"
"Oh, nothing much, just to check if your name is Khushi", he said in a very offhand manner raising his eyebrow.
She had shock written all over her face. She stood numb.
"So, are you?", he took a step towards her as she moved back, "Are you related to this lady?", he pulled out his IPad showing her the picture of the portrait that he had taken.
She spoke after a few moments of silence as Arnav watched her intently.
"I am not related to that lady", taking a deep breath she said, "I am her"
"What? Come again", he roared
"Saab, what I am saying is the truth. That is me", she spoke with a finality.
"I see", he conversed in a casual manner, "so, are you an apparition? Or a figment of my imagination?"
"Neither", she said
"Who are you or let's say it right, what are you Khushi?", he called her by her name for the first time.
"You called me by my name", she mumbled dreamily
"Of course I did, now don't agitate me Khushi", he said carelessly, "So tell me, are you a ghost?", he smiled sarcastically
"No Saab", "I am not a ghost", she replied instantly
"Then?", he asked now getting curious
"I am just stuck in a warped lifetime, a convoluted life", she said sadly, "I don't have a way out"
"Cut it with the cryptic crap", Arnav was ticked off, "Today I need to know everything about you", "Or I will never see your face again", he was dead serious.
"No, no, please don't do that", she begged him with tears in her eyes, "I have been waiting for you from long to come to Sheesh Mahal", "and as much as I want to tell you everything, I am cursed, I cannot", she continued, "and I am... I am worried about you"
"You are the one who is stuck and you are concerned about me?", Arnav asked surprised, "Anyways, why do you care what happens to me?".
He showed her his hand forward so they both could walk deeper into the gardens.
She did not answer him for a while as he chaperoned her slowly towards the huge mahogany trees.
"Is it because I am the only one who can help you?", he questioned again.
"No", she spoke softly, lowering her eyes, "It is because you are the only one I love"
A small smile played on Arnav's lips, "I am aware of that Khushi", he said as she snapped her head up with her hazel eyes rounding to the size of saucers.
"But, how?", she asked
"Well, let's say I heard you profess your love to me the other night", he chuckled as a pink hue rose on her face and neck.
He moved closer to her under the trees and meant to hold her hand, but she shook her head playfully and pulled her hands behind her back.
"What is all this Khushi?", folding his hands on his chest, Arnav tilted his head slightly to the left, "Tell me everything.. please", he spoke seriously.
"I cannot Saab, it is not in my hands", seeing his irritated expression, she continued immediately, "but I will help you find out about me... about us"
"Did you say us?", he was stunned
"Yes, this is about us", she affirmed, "Like I said Saab, my life is a bane", she paused, "but yours is entangled with mine. This is not just about me anymore, now it is about us"
"Please come to the Art and History Museum in Jalnagar", she continued, "There is a big section inside the Museum that has all information on the history of Sheesh Mahal", "You will know about me there".
She turned around to leave, when Arnav stopped her.
"Wait", he said, "Is there a way I can contact you when I want?", "I mean", he resumed, "Your appearances and disappearances are so random", he exhaled a restless breath.
"Saab, you are so eager", She giggled naughtily, "But yes, there is a way", "Even though I must say, you will take time to figure it out"
She started walking briskly towards the other side of the garden as Arnav stood and watched her fondly. Turning back, she looked at him with a brilliant twinkle in her eyes and said, "My portrait is the key"
Arnav smirked and subsequently strode back into the palace on purposeful steps.
Like they say, If something is beyond your wildest dreams, it is better than you imagined or hoped for.
...Part-6 on Page-13...
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