#2 ArHi Collaboration SS: Jalebis and Chillies [ Completed ] - Page 38

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Chapter 17: S... for Sealed!

The Raizada house looked like it had been struck by a deep sorrow. Pujas had stopped, teasing had vanished, silence was installed. A silent Raizada house gave any person a sort of creepy fear. For once, even Arnav was scared. "What had happened?" Both Arnav and Khushi couldn't help but wonder. An angry Avni was pacing up and down the hall while Aman looked like he had been hit by a hurricane. Smita Singh Raizada was shooting an angry glare at him. The other Raizadas were just mere spectators.

"Ma." Two letters, one single word but a very powerful sentence in itself. Smita Raizada glared at Arnav and Khushi. How come Smita's laadli was glared at? Something was definitely fishy.

"Ma what happened?"

"Don't even speak. You both knew, didn't you?"

"What exactly do we know?"

"Haan tum dono bhi ab aise hi shuru kardo apni naatak."

Khushi tried catching Avni's eye but Avni made sure to look away. Aman looked anywhere but at them. "Arnav, I think it is about Avni." Khushi whispered.

Another round of glare was directed at them. "Why do you even try whispering?" Arnav said shaking his head in amusement. Khushi scrunched her face at that. "See you are even guessing correctly. It is definitely about Avni and you both most definitely know it, just like she told. I wouldn't be surprised if you both had actually encouraged her into this." Smita said, accusation dripping from her voice.

"Kya? Hum? We did not do anything." Khushi pipped in while Arnav didn't even bother justifying. He knew his mother will not anyway accept their side of story.

"Aur Aman I never thought you shall do this." And there goes another glare at Aman. "Aunty, woh I thought you will be okay with this. Arnav and Khushi were very happy. So I thought..." Aman trailed off.

Oh! So it was about Aman and Avni. No wonder they are angry.

"Haww! I never told I was happy about it. This Arnav was only very happy about it. He only told all that nonsense of not intruding and giving privacy. He only convinced me Aunty. Sach mein." Jalebi tried convincing.

"Ma what is there in this? So what if I was okay with it. I wasn't exactly happy Aman. Just okay with it." Arnav shrugged.

"Badi Chachi, they are lying. Khushi was very very happy. I told her only first."

"Kya? You never told me. I saw it with my own eyes. Poolside mein. Koi aa jayega blah blah. Sad part was I didn't have any camera with me." Khushi argued.

"Khushi kya baat kar rahi ho? What did you even see? Maine toh tumhe yeh sab phone pe kaha tha na." Now all the four were confused. Smita and Manorama's head just kept turning back and forth.

Khushi couldn't take anymore of this. "Avni! Aunty, I swear I never knew about her and Aman's relation until the day I saw them in the poolside."

"KHUSHI!" "Chup karo..." Aman and Avni interjected. Alas the damage was done! Khushi was in her element.

"Kya chup karo? Why are you both blushing now? Tab toh bade passionate the dono. Humphh."

Those words were enough to create the necessary ruckus in the Raizada Household.

"What? Avni and Aman?" Manohar Singh Raizada commented. (He had been sitting with a blank expression till now.)

"You and Aman?" Smita looked really surprised.

"Aha! So he is the 'Doctor shahab' you were talking to the other day and what was that he calls you? 'Wakil sahiba', right?" Pari chimed.

"Aman! How did you even manage to woo her? I know my sister is a tough one to impress." Akash was curious.

"Chalo! At least she has selected someone for herself. That too our very own Aman. Main toh yeh soch kar pareshan thi ki iss ladki ka hoga kya. Koi pasand karega bhi ya nahi!" Manorama heaved a sigh of relief.

"Maaa!" Avni whined and looked at Khushi and said, "Khushi ki bachchi, I thought you were my friend. Huh!"

"Khushi why do you do this?" Aman pleaded.

"Why did I do what?" Our Jalebi asked innocently.

"It was about me getting a job in Pune and going there. Didn't I tell about it to you both. But now the issue has taken a different turn I think. All thanks to you." Avni muttered.

"But why is Aman here then?"

"I had come to speak with Arnav regarding a reunion with school friends. I was only telling Smita Aunty to allow her to go to Pune for the job. Par ab my purpose of visit has changed."

Arnav all but laughed at that. Everyone paused to look at a laughing Arnav. Definitely a rare sight. Arnav laughing without inhibitions in front of everyone. As the look on everyone's faces registered, his laughter died down. "What? This reminded of how Avni plotted against us few months back. In fact, she is the one who pulls off all the pranks in the house. I'd say sweet revenge."

A clearing of throats turned their attention to Ajay Singh Raizada, the one person who had not uttered a word till now. Apart from her Arnav Bhai, Avni was closest to her Bade Papa, and seeing him all serious made her really nervous. "Bade Papa, I can explain..." Avni started only to be rudely cut off. "Another engagement! Couldn't you guys given us some time? We welcome a daughter, we bid bye to another." And with that he walked off coolly. Avni shrieked and hugged Aman only to be pulled back by Smita. "Shaadi ke baad yeh sab."

Khushi knew that was her cue to escape and she did. "Uh... Bye people. Amma is waiting for me. Arnav drop me na." And with that she dragged Arnav out or rather sprinted to his car. "Khushi you will anyway come back. This shall be remembered and gifted back." Avni shouted from behind. "I have only helped you paagal." Khushi quickly replied with a wink.

"So, Aman. Poolside haan? What exactly were you two doing there? "

The teasing started again.

*****

"That was fun, wasn't it?" Khushi asked as Arnav nodded his head in affirmation. He looked at her as she wore a happy and a contended smile. For once the silence in the car was relished. An incoming mail broke the comfortable silence. "Oh my God! Oh my God! Arnav, Arnav I have got a job. They have sent me a confirmatory mail now."

"The one for which you were interviewed before your final exams?"

Khushi nodded in happiness as a smile broke out on Arnav's face. "Congrats! Jalebi. This is just a start."

"Thanks. Thank you so much Arnav." She could only thank him for his continuous support but her eyes beat her to it. It showed Arnav what her words failed to express. His warm hands closed over her delicate palm. It was definitely just a beginning.

"So when are you going to tell everyone?"

"I shall first tell Amma and Papa and of course Jiji. Oh and I have to plan for Avni's marriage too. I am so excited about it."

"You have another marriage to attend too."

"Uh? Whose? "

"Yours."

"Not so soon Arnav."

"Yeah, sure. How about we wait for another ten years? Sounds good?"

"Perfect Boss." Khushi giggled.

"Keep making me wait. I will soon marry someone else."

"I shall make sure to destroy all evidences that make you a man." Khushi declared, glaring at a laughing Arnav.

*****

Six months later,

"Amma, why should I wear this saree and go to the temple? That chudidar looked good na?"

"Stop grumbling and sit down while I get ready."

As Jalebi sat grumbling about, she heard the bell ring and her mother hurried to open the door. Arnav, Anjali, Akash, Pari, Avni, Aman and the whole Raizada family walked in shocking Khushi. Payal also walked in along with them. "Jiji tum? When did you come?" Khushi squealed and hugged Payal while her father spoke up. "Please. Make yourselves comfortable." As the Raizadas settled down, Shashi started, "Khushi, this is Raizada parivar. This is Ajay Singh Raizada and this, his son, Arnav."

"I am his mother, Smita and this is my daughter... "

"Your daughter Anjali Di. That is Akash Bhaiyya, Mano Aunty, Pari Bhabi, Avni... what is even happening here? Why are you all introducing them to me, as if I haven't met them?!"

"Khushi sit quietly or the ladkewaale won't like you". Garima whispered.

"Hein?"

"Would you like to speak with my son for a few minutes privately?" Ajay asked, confusing Khushi further.

"Yes, I mostly definitely would like to."

Khushi stood up and walked towards her room while Arnav followed suit. She bolted her room as they entered. Turning towards Arnav, she asked, "Arnav! What is happening here?"

An impatient Arnav wasted no time in pulling her towards himself and kissing her. He peppered kisses on her face and slightly nipped on her collar bone eliciting a moan from her. "Arrnnav.. what's happening?"

"We are starting afresh. We are here to fix the engagement, that is if you like the groom and then the marriage." A smiling Arnav announced. A big smile broke out on Khushi's face. "Really? We are doing this properly now?" Arnav mumbled a "yes" still busy nibbling her ear. Khushi pushed him away and said, "Then stop kissing me you idiot. I am supposed to be shy now."

"Uh uh... that sounds difficult. We can tweak the rules a bit. Anyway I am Arnav and you?"

"Khushi. But called as Jalebi by a certain someone."

"I suppose you like that nickname."

"You can say so Mr. Raizada."

"So, do you like me?"

"I should discuss with my Amma and Papa. I shall let you know then. What about you?"

"Jalebi's sweetness seems to be stuck on me." With those parting words, Arnav left her room with a promise. He shall do it the right way, this time...for her and for them.

*****

05/05/2018

Hey Raizada,

Finally, I got time to reply back. The past one and a half years have been too hectic for me to sit and write this. So, Jalebi huh? At least I am sweet and happy, unlike you. My very own bunch of spiciness. Anyhow Jalebi is far far far better than Babloo. I still don't know how they named me that. Pet name or not, *sigh * on a brighter note, even my name acted as a catalyst between us.

Troubling you has always been my personal favourite hobby. You don't even know how much fun I get from that. The very first time you made me work, I despised you. And a few years later, you made me work...again. Life is definitely a circle. But look who is acting according to my wishes now. Vicious cycle it is! ;) I still cannot forget the disgust in your eyes whenever you found me standing outside the class. And a harsh nasty glare to add on. You even went to the extent of complaining to my mother. That was definitely very very mean of you. My teeny, teeeny weeny crush didn't wear off even after that. You were the only one who was good looking in the whole school. I was even dared to propose you which I did. You were complaining to Akash bhai about getting certain romantic notes na with cheesy pick up lines? They were written by me. I still remember on pick-up line, "My love for you is like diarrhoea, I am just not able to hold on to it. Geez! I still remember your priceless reaction to that one and how Avni, Akash Bhai, Anjali Di and I (of course I shall tease you) teased you, considering that you most definitely had diarrhoea that day. That was my way of taking a revenge on you.

Stealing your badge only made you hate me further. Accept it, I am clever. :D How you lift that one single eyebrow every time? It is annoyingly hot you know? But forget it that I told you this. Delete it! Okay? OKAY?

You never had any girlfriend? Seriously? You have rendered me speechless by this. Why the hell did you lie to me back then? Definitely to make me jealous.

Jiji? Really? They would have seen quite a show then. All my sass and all. Oh God! How embarrassing! I just hope Jiji only showed the kiss part of it to everyone and not a live video. I still did not get the guts to confront Jiji about it, thought it hardly matters now. A three day trip definitely changed our lives forever. You have promised to take me to Singapore, again. We shall go as lovers and not boss and worker. When is that happening?

Here you are giving me a pep talk while it is really you who is busy now, all the running from London to Mumbai to Italy. Do show me your face sometime. I would like to take a good look at my Chilli's face. I don't know how you manage to sneak in those kisses. (Your kisses are the only things that are sweet.)

I am now a very happy cartoonist, all thanks to you. You do make a wonderful counsellor. Why don't you work on it? We shall be the star Jodi then. ;) On a serious note, you made me realise that there should be passion and not compulsion. If not for you, I would have been stuck in your company or a different one doing a job I hated.

Avni's marriage was the best I guess, with so many people to attend. I still cannot get over how I announced her relationship to everyone in my way. And ha you saw how I won the sangeet? I can most definitely not forget the way you took me or rather dragged me to the gazebo and danced with me to our heartbeat's rhythm. See I told you, you will look good in that dark purple Sherwani. I am always right Mr. Raizada.

Moving on to your innovative way of starting afresh. From where did that strike you? I never truly expected that one. Trying to act like we never knew each other was a real difficult task, you know? Especially since you always cornered me and had your way with me. On one side you kissed me like there was no tomorrow and on the other, you act like I am a stranger. Bipolar disorder! :P

Thank you Arnav for that wedding. You made my special day just as I dreamed it to be. Only among the people I love. Small temple wedding without much of hungama. You were the only one who understood me when I asked for that type of a wedding. What good is a wedding in a big marriage hall with people you hardly know and recognise! Of course there will be masti and fun. But more than that it was all love and affection that I witnessed in our wedding. A real intimate affair. Thank you :)

But the highlight is my cooking on the next day. Waah kamaal hi kardiya na? None of you (including Smita Ma) had zero confidence in me. When you all but took so much efforts, did you think I wouldn't have? I might have practiced after all. When I was about to serve, all of you were like "Na na pehle isko do... na na na usko.." But the look on your faces after you all tasted. Have some faith in my cooking, Raizada.

Our long overdue honeymoon to Wayanad was just as perfect as I wanted it to be. The greenery and refreshing silence, way from the chit and chat of the city life... I couldn't have asked for more. How do you even know that I wanted to go to Wayanad? Don't even answer that. I can't even get a hold of your mysterious ways.

Are you wondering why I am writing this letter now and not before? To relive those days and those memories. So much has happened yet it all seems like yesterday. All those fights on my first day at RHF, my falling flat in front of you and you not catching me. Then how Avni ki madad karne ke chakkar mein I was recommending anger management classes to you...they are all etched in my mind. I hope this letter helps you to revive all those memories. I am now waiting for Payal Jiji to actually find someone. Badi bore ho rahi hoon without another shaadi. But I do think she has found someone. I am going to join hands with Manorama Chachi and investigate. What do you think about my idea? I know you are impressed.

Chalo I am getting late. Love you Raizada! Arrey how did I forget your proposal? I should most definitely narrate that. I think it was on the first day of my job. You had promised to pick me up and I couldn't find you anywhere. As I was walking away in anger, you came... late but excusably late. I could say you were nervous. You said and I quote, "Arnav and nervous? No way. If I love you, I shall openly declare it. Why would I be nervous?" Definitely the most romantic proposal in the history of proposals! Way to go Raizada! This shall be the bedtime story to our kids. How to not propose a girl! :P

My proposal was far more better. I know you are still pissed because I didn't know say the clich I love you too' and instead woke you up at 1:00 AM to propose you. "Khushi I know you are insane, but why? Couldn't you have told me before?" You are a buzzkill yaar. I get certain awesome ideas at night only. What can I do? Even you plan certain certain *ahem* *ahem* things for the night. Did I blame you? ;)

Lastly, I had to mention. What an abrupt way of ending a letter! Just when I was almost wooed, you come to an abrupt halt. Learn the art of writing from me! ;) Now, Come back from Pune soonish! And your letter shall be framed and used as evidence as and when required.

Happy First Anniversary Raizada! Jalebi and Chilli Hamesha... <3

Yours,

Mrs. Chilli.

*****

Thanks for reading.

Check the notes below.😃

Note:

Ah! The joy of finishing a story! This is the second short story I have finished, albeit in collaboration with you Sadh! :D

The idea popped up in our minds last December. We were having our exams. Remember, Sadh? Well, yeah. We are unique too, like our very own Jalebi and Chilli. 😉

Apart from our lovely Arnav and Khushi, the character which I enjoyed writing about most was that of Avni, and also the chemistry between Aman and Avni.

Ten months! A really long time! Well, we had gone MIA for quite some time though. I realized that writing in collaboration is not as easy as it seems. But I had fun, I admit. Our long chats deciding the characters and chapters and then forgetting about them and writing completely different plots, we did it all! Also, how can I forget how active we are! In fact, none of us started writing without the other one giving a push.😆

I also got to meet you in person, Sadh , because of this story and that was a wonderful experience! Wish we could meet often!

The best part was the love that we received from the amazing readers, that is, you! You all are the best I tell you! You waited patiently for the updates (which was quite often).🤗

All in all, I couldn't be more happy! 😃

I will miss writing this story! As for writing anything new, I don't know yet. I have an OS series to complete (Don't laugh, Sadh! I will finish it... one day!😉😛) Coming months is going to be very busy for me. You will be notified if I write anything!

Lastly, wish you all a very Happy Diwali! 😳

Love,

Arunima