KHUSHI by Jalebi Jane (EPISODE 051)
IF DR YASH MALHOTRA WAS ASTONISHED by Arnav Singh Raizada's gruff manners and blunt speech, he had the grace to not show it. He treated Khushi's husband (and Anjali's brother) with the utmost courtesy. His reason was this: it was abundantly clear that the hot-headed tycoon was ardently in love with the wife and completely devoted to the sister. Yash may not admire Arnav's ways, but he had respect for any man who felt fully. Indeed, Yash would have respected Arnav less if the man had not felt threatened by his friendship with Khushi. He had watched Arnav closely and saw that his attention never left Khushi. When Khushi spoke, Arnav's eyes caressed her face. When she came near him, Arnav reached to touch her. When she performed an action, he hovered attentively, in case she required assistance. As one who cared deeply for Khushi, Yash was gratified to see his friend so well-loved.
Love had eluded Yash, but that did not mean that he could not recognize its glorious signs.
AFTER LUNCH, ARNAV AND KHUSHI offered to return Yash and his daughter to Buaji's. Little Khushi was instructed by her father to thank everyone properly and kiss everyone goodbye; which she did beautifully until she realized that everyone meant also parting from her new friend, Anjali. Tears bloomed in the girl's eyes, and her chubby arms tightened around Anjali's neck as Yash tried to separate the two.
Anjali suggested that she accompany them and that seemed to temporarily soothe the child's anxiety. During the drive, Anjali allayed Little Khushi's sadness, softly explaining that their separation would be brief. Adding that it was imperative Little Khushi go to Lucknow and begin to make arrangements for the birthday party, and that Anjali herself would follow in a few days with presents and a new party frock from Delhi's best children's clothier. Anjali distracted Little Khushi further by asking her what sort of birthday cake she would prefer and how it should be decorated---this was a topic that every almost-five-year-old was happy to speak long and hard on, and the trauma of separation was softened.
Khushi turned to the back seat and saw that Anjali's words had appeased Little Khushi. Khushi stole a glance at Yash and saw that his eyes were resting with warmth on the woman in whose arms his daughter snuggled. She touched Arnav's thigh to silently bring his attention to what she witnessed, but almost immediately realized that it was best to remain silent on the matter.
Fortunately Arnav did not read anything into her gesture; he covered her hand with his and played with her fingers between shifting gears.
THE DRIVE FROM RAIZADA HOUSE to Buaji's was not long; but it was long enough for Dr Yash Malhotra to discern that his interest in his patient Anjali Raizada had evolved dangerously beyond professional. The sheer genius of a double birthday celebration in Lucknow now seemed to him a plan of sheer madness.
This was wrong on every level! Or to satisfy a mind as accurate and scientific as his own: it was wrong on five distinct levels:
1. Professional ethics and personal integrity. Duh!
2. Pregnant vulnerable woman grieving for crook+bigamist.
3. Beloved sister of a volatile madman.
4. Affectionate sister-in-law of his best friend.
5. New Favourite of his cherished daughter.
Five compelling reasons to stay well and truly away.
Why then did his eyes continue to admire (things were as always unfolding in fives):
1. Her twinkling eyes
2. Her graceful manners
3. Her pouty mouth
4. Her glossy hair
5. Her perfect figure (yes, even with an expanding waistline!---what kind of sicko was he?)
And most troubling of all---why did his heart leap when he saw her snuggled in bed with his daughter? Or earlier---why did his heart sink when he realized that both he and Little Khushi would have to part from her?
They alighted from the car in front of Buaji's house. And while Little Khushi ran ahead into the house, Yash felt he had to at least attempt to right what he now was convinced was a wrong.
In a low tone, he said to Khushi, "maybe I was wrong to suggest this party in Lucknow."
He had not depended on Khushi's husband having such sharp ears.
Mr Raizada said to his wife, coming near them, "Khushi, it seems your friend is cancelling the party."
Khushi laughed, "Yash? Cancel a party? Never! He can never pass up an opportunity to show off his dancing."
Yash met Mr Raizada's eyes. He sensed the businessman measuring his true motive, and that filled him with guilt. Mr Raizada was absolutely right---he did want to cancel the party.
Anjali now joined the trio. She misread the situation and made a false assumption.
"Chotte, please don't change your mind. We're all excited about spending next weekend in Lucknow. In fact, Nani has probably already called Buaji to invite them all to join us---"
"How wonderful!" Khushi interjected.
Arnav looked at Khushi's beaming face but addressed his reply to his sister. "I never change my mind, Di. I hate parties. I hate Lucknow. Nothing has changed. But I've agreed to participate in this ridiculous scheme and I'll keep my word."
Both Anjali and Khushi spontaneously embraced him.
"But," Arnav continued, "whether Dr Malhotra is prepared to keep his word remains to be seen." He gave Yash a look implying ball is in your court, dude.'
Both ladies turned to face Yash, who fumbled to explain himself. "I have no objection to the party---after all, it is a collective celebration for my daughter and my best friend---" So far he spoke truthfully. But in continuing he became more creative. "Yet it seems that my idea is going to impose most on the person least inclined towards the party."
Malhotra had returned the Raizada serve.
Here the ladies turned to see how Arnav would play the ball.
Arnav's eyes remained on Yash as he clarified in a clipped tone, "Conveying a dozen people to our own home in Lucknow for a weekend is hardly an imposition---especially if it will give pleasure to my family. It is my wife's birthday. What gives her pleasure is no inconvenience to me."
Well done, Raizada.
Yash noticed that a hesitant look crossed Anjali's eyes while Arnav was speaking. She asked Yash, "Are you reluctant because of me, because of everything---?"
"No! Not at all," he said immediately, cursing himself for making her feel awkward.
She continued anxiously, "Oh dear, it's your party and I seem to have hijacked it entirely, haven't I? I'm so sorry. I got excited and carried away. Perhaps to distract myself---" She exchanged a brief look with her brother.
"Please," Yash said, taking her hand without knowing that he did, "please do not apologize. I'm indebted to you. I proposed the party, but you have made it concrete. Into a proper event worthy of the two Khushis. Even offering to host it at your Lucknow home. Thank you."
Anjali smiled, "So the party is on?"
He smiled in return, "Absolutely. I can't wait for the weekend."
Here Yash was entirely honest. Any desire to cancel or retract or rescind had dissipated.
They both seemed to become aware at the same time that Yash had Anjali's hand. He released it, and led her inside.
Nobody noticed a grim-faced Arnav and a gleeful Khushi watching the Doctor and His Patient disappear through the doors. Raizada had played well, but it seems the match was won by Malhotra.
By Jalebi Jane
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