Arylie OS - Sibling conversations
I really like Arpita’s character, and the Rathore family in general show healthy, positive dynamics. This is a one-shot based on a conversation between the Rathore siblings centred around someone who is special to one and will soon become special to another. Written from Arpita’s POV and set during the journey back to Rathore mansion and the evening that followed.
Hope you enjoy it – any feedback is welcome and appreciated 😊
Zara xx
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Imlie had been uncharacteristically quiet in the car. Aru had been stealing glances through the rearview mirror at the resilient girl sitting next to me who had her gaze fixed on nothing outside. I was holding her hand and gave it a slight squeeze. She turned to me, smiled her warm smile but then continued to look outside. At least she wasn’t crying. But she had become good at hiding her emotions behind that cheerful smile. Poor girl! She had had to witness this disgraceful wedding due to my silly UNB. Idiot!
However, seeing the concern in his eyes now was … well… interesting. Aru had shown glimpses of himself during the whole wedding ordeal. From doing aarti to dancing merrily in traditional clothes, he had pleasantly surprised us all. Ma had already blurted out her wish for Imlie to marry Aru rather insensitively, but the prospect wasn’t as outrageous as it seemed then. Aru certainly cared about Imlie more than just an employee. He had stepped in to protect her in front of everyone just how he would for Ma and I. Was she becoming important to him?
He brought her home when he could have happily paid for suitable accommodation at a good-quality women’s shelter. Although that was possible, Ma and I were secretly delighted that he brought her home. She has been a breath of fresh air while she listens to all of Ma’s English attempts and laughs with her and even has the guts to talk back to UNB and take him by surprise. Ma and I can only marvel at how bravely she gives it back to him with confidence.
Although some of his ways were initially harsh, he seemed to have adopted the role of a mentor. From the way he patiently showed her how to eat with chopsticks and how he encouraged (well, forced) her to face her fears, it was evident that he wants the best for her. Appointing her as his lead reporter and giving her the space to grow into an independent woman, I was glad to see his care shown towards someone other than Ma and I.
I have been quietly observing my little brother over the past few days. The shrewd businessman that he is, thinks that he can mask his feelings from everyone, but I can read his eyes. I saw how he looked at Imlie when she dressed up as Simran. She had certainly caught him by surprise and the word ‘cute’ had escaped his lips! Oh the laughs that Ma and I shared over that moment later on! He tried covering it up by insulting her but it was too late. She ended up giving him a mouthful, infuriating him by calling him a ‘calculator’ and swinging her bag over her shoulder with a beaming smile on her face. Aru’s eyes had followed her in amazement until she was out of sight.
Then, that dance! Aru looked carefree and youthful as he danced with her. Joy was radiating from both of them as they danced to that classic number. He had been smiling throughout and I need to ask Imlie later for the pictures and recording of that, because that UNB will certainly not share it. Although there is nothing between the two, and Mr Tripathi had clearly been misled or misinformed, it was obvious to everyone that there was some chemistry between them.
My doubts were confirmed when he bought that gorgeous lengha for Imlie. I was there, Ma was there, he could have asked us to go and help Imlie, but instead he ordered a designer lengha for her! She was refusing to wear it, which was understandable from her perspective, but Aru’s insistence was saying something else. He was persistent and he wasn’t one to convince another and yet again, I saw something in the way he gazed at Imlie, trying to read her expression. Was he getting attracted to her? Would that explain why he kept calling her jungli even thought Imlie was looking breath-taking in that lengha?
Whatever it is or could be between them, I need to speak to Aru about it soon. When we arrived at Rathore mansion, she was leading the way and Aru’s eyes had followed her figure continuously. She surprised all of us by saying that she wanted to go and cook but she clearly needed the distraction.
When Ma and I walked into the kitchen, she had already whizzed up a few dishes and was inviting us to join. She asked UNB too but him and his silly dietary requirements. He tried to leave nonchalantly, but I saw him dip his finger into the delicious kadhi on his way out, naughty boy!
Later that night…
I walked into UNB’s room to find him staring outside the window. I linked arms with him and decided to get to the point.
‘Kadhi kaisi lagi?’
‘Kya?’ He shrugged his shoulders and looked away. ‘Aap bataaye… aapne khaya tha na?’
‘Bhai, humne to bahut enjoy kiya…tune nahi chakha? Tujhe dekhi thi maine? Apni Didi se jhoot bolega?’
He groaned as I pulled his ear and he diverted the topic.
‘Kya Didi… bataaye, aap yaha iss waqt? Sona nahi hai?’
‘Nahi… baat ko mat ghuma. Bahut zaroori baat karne aayi hoon? Imlie ke baare mein.’ His eyes widened as I said her name.
‘Kya hua usse? Who theek to hai na?’ He blurted out, his words revealing his concern.
‘Shaant hoja mera bhai…who iss haalat mein kaise hogi? Mushkil daur se guzar rahi hai woh, lekin woh bahut samajdaar hai aur mazboot bhi. Tu bata? Tu kaisa hai?’
‘Me… I am fine Di… mujhe kya ho sakta hai?’ I held his gaze.
‘Sach?’
He rolled his eyes… ‘Didi.. aap kya kehna chahti hai?’
‘Waise tum dono saath mein ache lagte ho.’
‘Di…’ he tried interrupting.
‘Aur agar tu thora pyaar se baat karega uske saath to shayad usse who dost miljaaye jiski usse zarurat hai. Imlie bahut achi larki hai, aur uske saath bahut bura hua hai, lekin tu mujhe promise kar ke tu uska dhayaan rakhega… pyaar se baat karega.’
‘Di… mujhe bhi uss jungli ki parva hai.’
‘Jaanti hoon, lekin hum sab jaante hai kisiko khone ka dard kaisa hota hai… iss liye… be nice. Aur tu usse ‘jungli’ bilkul nahi bulaayega.’
His eyes softened and he nodded. My sweet little brother 😊
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Bigg Boss 19
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