Chapter 4 | Di
"Paison ke ameer, dil ke gareeb?" Payal looked in disbelief, her eyebrows raised.
"Kya?" Khushi stared back in defense "It was relevant to the situation...theek hai theek hai, ab please aise judge bhi math karo humein, kaunsa copyright laga hua hai us dialogue par" Khushi complained.
They both stared at each other before bursting out giggling, Khushi began tickling her sister until it turned to full blown laughter.
Turns out Khushi was right to expect her family to explode in hysteria. Her Babu Ji was absolutely furious, Bua Ji was devastated for her niece and Amma inconsolable.
One might think that someone had died in the Haveli that day.
Khushi didn't know what to do with herself as her mother yelled at her for meddling in affairs that are far from her concern.
Bua Ji, weirdly, was the least upset of the trio! In fact, she was trying to console her parents instead of revving them like usual??? Well, this was unlike her. But then she never instigated the scoldings about serious matters like these, Khushi realized.
However, as expected her father expressed disappointment in Khushi.
"Tum se yeh umeed nahi thi humein," her father had shook his head, glancing at her with a detached expression.
Khushi thought she'd mentally prepared for his reaction but it hurt nevertheless to experience and hear it out loud.
"Babu Ji-"
"Kya zaroorat thi?" He stared at her, expecting a reply. Khushi opened her mouth but something in expression made her stumble with her words. She'd never seen him behave this way with her.
"...Woh...loan....kaise chukate hum?..woh log.." Khushi tried untwisting her tongue unsure how to answer, he surely must see her point of view for these actions, "...woh log....ghar ke kagaz....dahej maang rahe the..."
"Kya dahej dahej?" he nearly shouted. Khushi flinched in response. She'd never seen her father this mad at her.
"Babua-" Bua ji tried to interject but he wouldn't stop, "Chuka lete kisi tarah! Woh tumhari responsibility NAHIN thi Khushi. Kya zaroorat thi Tumko is maamle mein dakhal dene ki?! Achha bhala rishta toot gaya is kagaz ke khel khel mein! Akhir kya zaroorat thi, batao mujhe!"
Khushi had had it. She gets why he's upset but expecting her to stand by and witness this farce of a wedding unfold at the cost of her sister's happiness was absurd!
Did he really think this marriage would have actually paved to anything genuine...when it's proposal was initiated on such disgusting superficial terms in first place?
Was saving themselves of the embarrassment really worth their daughter's happiness?
Can't they look at this situation as a litmus test for the groom? Which he failed!
And shouldn't they be glad instead? Can't it be a good riddance??
Is her father more upset about the loss he's incurred financially or from the communal embarrassment imposed due to the broken wedding?
Her parents might be too blindsided by the societal expectations to notice the actual threat dangling on her sister's happiness. However, Khushi - as mischievous she can be - was no rule breaker but neither was she a goody two shoes who'd stay quiet during situations she strongly disagreed with! She may perhaps understand where her father was coming from but she'd rather see him upset for a temporary bruise in their social standing(and may be fiscal one too) rather than see her sister's welfare deteriorate just because she was too afraid to let her father down.
"Kaise nahin zaroorat thi? Loan bhale hi aapne liya hoga, lekin karz ko chukane ki responsibiltiy sirf aapki nahin hoti Babu ji. These things get inherited to the descendants - willingly or unwillingly. Isliye, woh hum sabki collective responsibility hoti. Aur rahi bath rishte ki, woh rishta hi kaisa jiski neev(foundation) itne kamzor aur dikhawe ke se judi ho ki zara sa der kya hui, toot gaya? Iski shuruwaad hi itne upari jazbaathon ke saath hui thi? Jiji kya sach mein khush rehti aise rishte mein?" She said trying her hardest to keep her voice low but firm. She knew matching hysteria with hysteria wouldn't be helpful mitigate the situation. So, Khushi tried(hard) to keep a grip on her temper no matter how much she wanted to scream and shake her parents to see the bubble of pseudo reality they've willingly/unwillingly enveloped themselves in the name of "log kya kehenge"/"maryada"/"reethi-riwaz"
What a society they lived in... where the social status of a family was decided by how well the parents married their children off. It was one thing if the society truly cared about the well-being of it's constituents but no! As time and history have proved, it only cared about the impossible standards it sets. No consideration of economic disparity.
A disparity so unforgiving that it compelled families to fall into debt trying to keep up with the so-called culture practices in the name of indisputable traditions.
To be clear, Khushi loved her culture - the customs, the art and crafts, and even the rituals/traditions, however she'd be lying if she said she hasn't despised certain facets of patriarchal construct of this culture she'd seen growing up. And could not have hated it more than she did in that moment.
Society doesn't care if you live or die...or your well-being for that matter! Yet it HAS to have a say in every aspect your life - when you will get married? who you marry, the sect of the person you marry, the family, the stars, how much are the families spending, what gifts are the families exchanging, was it arranged, was it an affair?? How much is the groom getting? What is the groom getting? Did the groom had to ask? Or gifts were willingly preemptively offered. Was he given his worth? That is also the problem, it's always about WHAT women have to offer in exchange of menial respect and protection from the men. As if the women are unworthy of these men's services without the reward of a monetary or statutary or subordinal gain. As if they're incapable of protecting themselves, taking care of themselves, or supporting themselves.
It's always about expectation of gratitude for the bare minimum of efforts and the so-called liberties or freedom they claim to 'allow'. As if its their's to give??? As if its not the women's inherent right??
Worst, any criticism to such attitude or dissatisfaction with these practices of systemic opression of women is responded with deflection, gaslighting, double standards and self- victimization. And it will be coming from people you trusted the most - from your own family! People who know you more than they do this random man you were supposed to marry. At this point, it seems like this society hates to see its women happy. The metrics for a successful community were definitely off in her society.
Needless to say, Khushi was dissappointed to see what a sick misogynistic society they have evolved into where men's needs dictated women's right to be happy and feel secure!? They say it keeps improving with time. But Khushi believes it's still the same, just face looks different. At worst, its indisputably coercive and aggressive, at best, it's subtle and manipulative. in fact, it's been nothing but regressing lately.
Khushi believed herself to be a grown woman but she'd be lying if arguing with your parents don't reduce you to a babbling fool somehow. She fought her tears and that itch in her throat so hard. She didn't want to argue with her father but she will also not cry guilty tears for doing the right thing - inspite of all the chaos her action has left in its wake.
"Ab chhodo bhi Babua, kya karlo ge ab. Haan? Jo hona tha so hogaya. Kyon in baaton ko lekar apne jee ko jalate rahoge!" Bua ji intervened putting her foot down this time.
Khushi shot a grateful look at Bua ji but received a reprimanding stare in return. "Aur tumhein itna drama karke pet nahin bhara jo aur karne ke liye yahan khadi ho kya? Jao...andar jao, Payal bitiya ke yahan baitho! Pura din toh thithur thithur ke yahan wahan bhag rahi thi.. ab toh jao behen ka thoda saath do." She braced for it to lead to another scolding but thankfully her aunt only shooed her away half-heartedly
Khushi didn't need to be told twice to get away from the Angan where she was confronted by the entire family like a predator pouncing on its prey. Some of her cousins were seen trying to not wince at the intensity of this onslaught. Bua Ji was awfully quiet through most of this ordeal.
Finally freed from her reproachment, Khushi rushed towards her Jeeji's room the urgency echoed in her footsteps. She'd almost forgot about her sister in these futile arguments.
She swiftly wiped her now running tears and walked towards the room. Surprise would be an understatement when she entered her Jeeji's room. Her Jeeji was was seated on her work desk - typing away on her laptop as she murmured numbers and some financial jargon on her phone. An accounts spreadsheet was open on the screen. Her iPad on the display stand beside it, showed an ongoing...video conference?
Is she actually working?...Now? 12 am? Khushi blinked her eyes to process what she was seeing.
"Jeeji" Khushi called out gently. The said Jeeji signaled two minutes to her sister.
Not knowing what to make of the scene, Khushi carefully strode in and sat on the edge of the bed. Trying to think of how to approach the situation in front, she reached over to grab a glass of water on the bedside table, this was way more disconcerting than the chaos that ensued downstairs. At least there she knew what to expect!
"Yeah, the results are sufficiently coinciding with the predictions....yes, it's all looking good for now. Lemme know if you need a back up or anything else...until then I will leave you to it...glad to have been there to help you....also, I quit."
Khushi spit the water in shock.
That was the last thing one would expect of her. Not her workaholic, overworked, lack of boundaries, married-to-her-job Jeeji quitting it.... willingly!!! This HAS to be that one weird dream where nothing would happen as you would expect. Payal shut the laptop after clicking send on a long pre-written email. All while cutting the call without any explanation. Khushi immediately rushed to her sister's side to check on her, only to find her smiling at her.
"I did it " she simply said.
"Sab theek hai na Jeeji?" Khushi responded in concern.
Her sister held her hand and with a confidence Khushi had rarely ever seen her muster she said "Ek dum" with her head held high.
Khushi blinked and stared, trying to read her sister's face which shone with nothing but pride and self-belief. Khushi didn't know what to say but she got the sense that this was a moment she had to support her sister no matter how confusing it was for her. "I am proud of you if this is really what you want" she reassured while trying to parse what really was happening with her sister.
Payal blinked and nodded in confirmation.
"Aur...aapne change karliya?" Khushi slowly treaded further, not knowing what else to say.
"Haan, I didn't see why not and I had a pending work - " she gestured her work table trying her best to act non-chalant, "..isliye changed."
Was she trying to avoid the situation? Khushi speculated. She wasn't fully convinced her Jiji could react this way.
Yeh kabse itni impulsive hui hain?
"Jeeji aap theek toh ho na?" she decided to cut to chase.
Payal closed her eyes and took a deep breath pursing her lips, "Haan. Hum theek hain" she opened her eyes with disbelief.
Like she was surprised that she'd meant the words.
Khushi took this in for a moment and slowly attempted to relax as relief seeped into her bones. This all sounded too good to be true, she was worried she misinterpreted something. She couldn't help but confess "Humein patah nahin hum yeh kaise kahein lekin subah se hum bohot dare hue the Jeeji...humein laga..Jeeji -" Khushi kneeled on the floor taking hold of Payal's hands "..Jiji aap sach mein theek ho na? You don't have to be strong for us - you know that right? We can take it - we all can, if it's not okay - I can take it! Aap ko kisi ki fikr karne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Hum vaada karte hain. Koi kuchh nahin kahega aapko, dekhna aap" Khushi promised, she didn't realize she'd begun crying until Payal wiped the tears and held her sister in a strong embrace. She just wanted her Jeeji to be okay. She'd been even worried sick for her from the moment she'd stepped out of this room. She felt like she could collapse from the weight lifted off her shoulders from hearing her Jiji is fine. Khushi thanked her stars for this miracle. Society could go burn at this point. Her parents can get as riled up about this as they want. Khushi will not bend to make some entitled patriarchial construct of a society to tell her what's right and wrong. Her Jeeji's happiness is the priority for her!
"Shhhh"
"Chalo ab bas bhi!" her Jeeji scolded, it rattled something weirdly protective in her seeing her little sister like this.
"Shaadi meri tooti hai aur depressed tum ho rahi ho!" She tried to lighten the mood deciding enough is enough with the sad and intense atmosphere that had them shrouded since morning.
"Kuchh bhi Jeeji. I was genuinely worried!" Khushi retorted unhelpfully.
"Please tumhe bas mera thunder churana hai aur kuchh nai" Payal tried again.
Khushi's sputtered childishly, finally catching the intention, a little embarrassed at the teasing "kyaaa..matlab..aap bhi na Jiji..hum toh aise hi..."
Payal chortled in repsonse, "Pagal ho tum" she said.
Khushi smiled at the familiar phrase from her Jeeji.
"Aur Payal ho aap" replied Khushi, devolving into giggles at her own PJ.
"Ohoo neend aa rahi hai tumhein," Payal cringed, rolling her eyes, fighting a smile.
She stared at her sister, at the newness of her demeanor, the glint in her eyes - the joy of clarity found herself and not tears as Khushi had expected.
However, she had to ask one last time - for her own sake more than anything. Last few hours were catching up to her. Her Jeeji being her Jeeji knew her question before she opened her mouth.
"Haan hum sach mein bilkul theek hain - never better..." Payal hesitateded as she continued, she was feeling a little vulnerable "..sach batayein toh, humein kuchh der ke liye bura laga tha. Lekin! phir humein ehsaas hua ki kisliye. Isliye nahin ki wedding tooti, isliye ki wedding ki yeh saari tayyariyan bekar hui, aur itna sab karz se kiya kharcha bekar hua. Aur yeh sab sirf isliye kyun ki humne apna ghar nahin kiya unke naam? That's like adding insult to injury. Humne, humesha apni pasand ke saamne dusron ki pasand ko aage rakha hai. So, I didn't want to marry for me Khushi, I wanted to because Babuji aur Amma liked the guy so much. Did you know the first feeling I had on hearing the news? It was relief Khushi. I was just relieved we didn't have to sign off the house for the wedding to happen!
"I can't believe I let this happen in first place Khushi. This...wed-wedding didn't make sense from the beginning. It was ill-fitted from the moment the guy's family hinted a demand" Payal hinted a little You were right Khushi, I was too afraid to accept that. To call it for it what it is. Da-dahej ko dehej nahin kahenge toh kya kahenge. So, I consider myself lucky, all things considered."
"And I don't want to be that person anymore. The type of person who is okay to settle just because it feels easy to say yes. Or someone who is living a passive life, driven by other's expectations instead of by what she truly needs. I decided I deserve better!"
Khushi nodded fervently, "You do!"
"Isliye hum yakeen se keh saktey hain ki hum theek hain. In fact, I feel...kaise bataun....grateful? Yeahhh grateful i think because it made me realize my worth. I was stuck in a prison of my own making. What happened today..One way or another, it -it forced me to confront my fears. If this wedding wasn't cancelled I don't know if I'd have faced them with the kind of courage - even I didn't know I had. So...." Payal mulled to herself for a moment, speaking her heart out her sister, "yeah" she nodded "...yeah, I am okay, I can see myself being content with this decision."
Looking at this confidence, Khushi achhawas filled with such joy, she momentarily felt like everything was okay.achha
Grateful herself, she sent a quick thank you to her dearest Devi Mayya.
As relief settled in, Khushi realized she was dead tired. The high energy she had been running on the whole day, seemed to be crashing.
Payal sensing the energy change, grabbed her ipad and pulled her visibly tired younger sister towards her bed. She switched off the lights and they cuddled under the blanket.
Khushi instantly closed her eyes breathing in relief hugging her sister tight.
"Kitna bhaag daud karti ho tum" Payal teased her sister while looking for a cozy movie on her touch screen device, they both can escape to.
"Tch Jeeji, sone do humein, subah uthke aapko saari khabar bhi toh deni hai" Khushi pouted, hugging her sister tighter inspite of her sister's 'takkiya banalo humein' remark.
"Ab aur kya khabar dena bacha hai, itna sab toh humein pata hi hai"
"Kuchh nahin bas jo sunaya hain na humne us aadmi ko tumhein - "
"Kya?" her sister sat straight, "Tum usse mili?"
Khushi's sleep evaded just like that. "Haan..mathlab humein laga aapko pata tha-"
"Khaak pata tha, shaadi tumhare nikalte kuch hi minton mein cancel hogayi thi. Humein laga tumhein pata hai, Bua Ji ne toh bola tum traffic mein phasih ho. Tabhi bolun itni der kyun hui tumhein wapas aane mein", she puzzled. "Do ghante tak itna bhi kya suna diya tumne?" her jeeji asked grinning in bafflement.
"Humara bas chalta toh hum aur dus ghante sunate us b****r*m ki aulad ko, lekin kya karein b*w*k**f se behes thodi na kiya jata, hai na Jeeji?" Khushi could go on all night spilling everything but she ended it at that, feeling the man was unworthy of any more footage in their lives than he'd already.
Payal chortled lightly in reply, but couldn't help ask "Thoda bohot hi sahi, akhir bola kya tumne?"
Khushi recounted the events, trying her best to not cringe at her dramatic response. Regret, she did not but could it have been less chalant...perhaps. Her Jeeji's mouth lay ajar by the end of the story.
"Khushiiiii....." she tried chiding, unsuccessfully barely witholding a giggle, "..bua ji sach kehtin hain.....tum sach mein pagal ho" she said but Khushi knew she was pleased to hear the way she handled it.
Ping....
Ping....
Ping...., a series of pings signaling notifications sounded from Payal's ipad.
It was hers - Khushi's Insta account, she noticed.
"Tch! Khushiii.." Payal whined, scolding Khushi. "kitni baar bola hai tumhe, mere tablet mein apne account mat kholne ke liye. Mera work device hai. You know I like to maintain digital hygiene between work and personal devices!"
"Argh tch haan woh..app mein glitch horaha tha toh maine usme login kiya. You know I post on every Wednesday. Waise bhi, abhi kaunsa aap office ka kaam dekh rahi ho. Resigne kar liya hai aapne, abhi do minute pehle, yaad hai na? I quite" Khushi quoted her sister i
"Very funny, achha woh sab theek hai influencer baddie. Baad mein logout kar dena Payal chided, tum aur tumhari social media ke chonghle-" notification pinged interrupting her "Dekha dekha kitne notifications, so annoying!"
"Tch, achha ab theek hai na jijiii. Aise bhi kaisi jaldi hai ab. Kal subah logout kardeinge hum" Khushi too sleepy to care, dismissed her sister like she dismissing a royal court.
"Badi meherbaani memsaheb" Payal shoved a very sleepy Khushi, pretending to be miffed at her attitude. Khushi took that physical momentum to roll on to an actual takkiya this time. She was ready to drift off to the distant dreamlands! Finally some peace! Bohot kalesh hogaya aaj hey devi mayya!! Today was a lot, Khushi felt like she could sleep for days on end before she could even begin to unravel the events of the day. There was so much else she didn't get a chance to discuss with her sister, Khushi thought grimly. Seconds into that line of thought, sleep came and engulfed her like an old estranged friend. But alas, the bliss lasted for 2 hrs before she was violently shaken out of it by a cranky and sleepy Payal.
It was early morning...6am!
"Khushi..." Payal said "....why the hell are you being mentioned by..." She squinted, scrolling through the notification bar to check the count and squeaker in surprise "..a MILLION people online????"
"Huh??" Khushi croaked, her head felt 100 pounds. She tried to zoom in her focus on what Payal was saying, as her brain swung between sleep and wakeful states.
Ignorant of Khushi 's state, Payal went on, "Aur yeh..yeh...#asrkidulhan ke hashtag ka kya matlab hai?"
Khushi ,however disoriented as hell from sleep couldn't make head tail of what was being said.
"Jeeji...ky-kya keh rahi ho aap?" she moaned. "Humein kuchh nai samanh aara, sone do humein! Kyun bachhi ki jaan le rahi ho?"
Her sister however pressed on mercilessly with her inquiry "Khushi!" she rattled her body, "Yahan dekho...arey dekho!" she urged her sleepy sister who was lolling her eyes closed, to stay awake. "Kal kya hua? Kahan thi tum?? Aur yeh..yeh photo mein, Arnav Singh Raizada ki baahon mein kyun ho?" pointing at one of the thousand notifications that popped up on her tab. What? Dulhan, Arnav Singh Raizada ki baahon mein...Khushi made a face grappling to understand. Her sister's words, starting to register slowly.
Payal tried speeding her neend se majboor, akal se khafa sister's comprehension. She scooted closer, caught hold of her sister & shook her vigorously to get her attention. She finally explained "Listen, your accounts notifications woke me up from sleep to the most annoying sound nonstop pinging, it's been like that since last one hour" she said pointing to the still pinging sound of notifications which was now starting to overstimulate Khushi's senses.
Payal however unfazed demanded "What is the meaning of all this? What are these pictures? Is it AI or what? Are you being framed by your haters? Just tell me whatever it is okay. I will take care of it. Bas bolo mujhe mein"
Khushi didn't know how to explain situation when she was still reeling from it's aftermath. She'd been too preoccupied worrying for her sister yesterday to care about what'd actually happened at the fashion show. It didn't occur to her that this is something that might blow up to this proportion...online of all the places - the most volatile of mediums!
"Woh..." her voice croacked. She cleared her throat & tried again "Ahem.. jiji woh..."Khushi began, "..zara sal kya hua ki -"
"- Kya? Kya hua Khushi?" Payal egged her, worrying and thinking of the worst of scenarios her sister might have possibly gotten herself entangled in. The only plausible conclusion Payal could come to was her sister was being bullied. Because no ways she was actually walked the ramp of the biggest name of their country's - if not global, fashion industry. Her sister was a great designer and influencer(or maintains a social media influence, as Khushi likes to call coz she hates the label of infleuncer)but she wasn't endowed with a network to such an extent to be able to actually walking the ramp for the Raizada, forgodsake. That brand costs a kidney and a leg to afford what are they doing hiring her sister?? Wouldn't they want to get someone equivalent in brand worth if not an actual professional model?? Not that she didn't have faith in her sister's capability but the logical plausiblility of any other deduction just didn't click! Why are people spreading these types of rumors?
"Please naraz mat hona haan Jiji.."
This puzzled Payal even more. Why would she be mad?
Khushi winced in embarrassment, it sounded too weird even in her head to say it out loud. "
"...Woh na...uhh...kya hua ki, hum jab ladke walon ke yahan ke taraf nikle tab ghar dhoondte dhoondte hum ek...fashion show mein pahunch gaye" Khushi cringed thinking how ridiculous that sounded.
Payal was too stunned to say anything except ludly exclaiming "KYA!?"
"Haan haan Pata hai Jeeji, hum jaante hain how this sounds, but Devi Mayya ki kasam hum ghalati se pahunche...woh-" Khushi tried to premetively mitigate any overreaction.
Leave it to her sister to always end up at wrong place at wrong time, Payal sighed.
"Aur.....?" her Jeeji prompted her with exasperation, like 'what happened this time?' reflecting in her tone.
Khushi tried not to get offended at that. I mean she did tend to get into run into weird situations but her sister didn't have to be blatantly expressing it.
Khushi snorted, "Yakeen kariye, hum achheee se jaanthe hain Jeeji kitna bada designer label hai! Everyone in India does!! Aur hum yeh bhiii jaante hai how ridiculous this sounds but humein bhi yakeen nahin hota: Ek pal, hum ghar dhhoond rahe the aur doosre pal mein, dhoodhte dhoodhte stage pe banno ki mehendi kya kehna par ramp walk kar rahe the"
Phir?
She hesitated though, stifling her yawn as an excuse. Payal had to pinch her and demand "Saaf saaf batao Khushi!"
"Ouuuch! Please yaar Jiji, bas aap daantna mat."
"I'll think about it" payal made no promises.
"Tch!" Khushi pouted, straightening up to continue. She told her about how she ended up at the place searching for her almost-brother-in-law of a monster.
"Kya keh rahi ho?" Payal exclaimed in disbelief. "Sach keh rahe hain Jiji" Khushi affirmed, "Har taraf dulhan ke jode aur kya dresses the jiji! Kaash humari aankhe aankhe nahin camera hoti, toh hum woh moment ko humesha ke liye capture kar lete. Hayee hamara dil toh jaise yakeen karne ko tayyar hi nahin tha, ki hamari kismat mein fashion show mein jana aur woh bhi aise!?"
Khushi continued "Aur patah hai? Woh audience mein saare log taaliyan baja rahe the, usme se kai saare log bade bade personalities the"
"I am sure, waise kaun kaun tha" Payal asked invested in the tea.
"Arey woh sab chhodo woh video jo aapne dekhi hai na, woh tab ki hai jab hum pose kar kar wapas aa rahe the, aur jab taaliyan baj rahi thi. Tabhi koi audience mein se tezi se stage ki aur badha, hume laga na jaane kya karne aa rahe. Aur hum chauk gaye, itne mein hamara pair phisal gaya aur hum phisal gaye," Khushi recounted, shivering at the memory of the moment. She was so scared.
Payal gasped.
"Humein toh laga, Khushi beta, tumhari toh haddi phasli ek ho gayi aaj" Khushi got up enacting the scene for her sister with vivid gestures. "Humne toh aankhein hi band karli thi Jiji dar se, phir kholkar dekha toh wohi aadmi ne humein kas kar pakda hua hai!"
Payal gasped again. "You must have been embarrased, what happened then?"
Riding high on her sister's reaction, Khushi continued, "I was! Aise achanak sabke samne gir na bhai mazak thodi toh na hai jiji. You know it's been my biggest fear from kathak days. Lekin, kahani ka asli twist toh dekho ki jiski bahon mein hum gire woh aadmi hi khud designer nikla. Thoda time laga humein pehchanne mein, lekin yaad aate hi humne utarne ki koshish ki toh unhone humein roka"
"Roka??" Payal echoed. "Haan, roka aur bole ki kuchh der aur unki baahon mein rehne ke liye"
"Ohhh...kahin..usne tumhare saath kuchh aisa waisa karne ki koshish ki kya?"
"Nahin nahin, woh humein ishaara kar rahe the ki controversy se bachne ke liye unke saath thodi der pretend karne ke liye...." khushi clarified
Payal's eyebrows raised.
"I still don't understand how even you got up there!" Payal was remarked, unconvinced.
"Bola toh hum ne ki woh koi madam thi jisne by mistake humein yeh shaadi ke kapdon mein dekhkar hume model samj liye -"
"Han haan, woh toh hum jaante hain. Mera matlab hai ki....how come..no one stopped you from entering? Matlab itna badha fashion show tha..poori country mein uski charcha ho rahi thi. Aur lucknow main toh jaise pichhle teen mahinon se chai par charche ke liye iske siwaye aur koi topic hi nahin tha logon ke liye. Har jagah pehraydari ho rahi thi. Tumne toh dekha hi hai kitni traffic badh gayi thi har taraf due to these security measures. So, show ke location pe toh kitni security hoti hogi aur employees waghaira hote honge. Bhai, tumhein kisi ne kaise puchha nahin ki kya karrahi ho???"
"Ab kya bole hum aapko, situation hi aisa hogaya tha ki humein kuchh samjhane aur bolne ka mauka hi nahin mila! Rahi baath security ki, toh hum bhi theek se nahin jaanthe lekin bahar koi hota toh woh hum se puchhte na. Sirf kuchh employees the honge. Humein toh sach mein shadi ka ghar lag raha tha jaise sajaya tha unhonne."
"Aisa sirf tumhare saath hi hosakta hai" Payal sighed in dry amusement, "Phir bhi ajeeb baath hai ki security nahin thi"
"Pata nahin" Khushi shrugged agreeing, "Unki showstopper gayab thi. Mera khayal hai, unko dhoondhne mein saari fauj lagi hui thi. Ab itna bada show hai, aur unki main 'asset'" Khushi said quoting the white saree lady, " - nahin mile toh puri paltan toh lagegi hi. Us Arnav Raizada ne bhi yahi puchha tha hum se par woh toh "
"Idhar do humein", khushi reached over and snatched the ipad from Payal's hands.
"tch, Kya-" Payal started to protest only to be quieted by her sister's gesture like a traffic police.
Khushi silenced the device and began scrolling through the notifications. Her gaze landed on the image that got the most recent reaction. She tapped on it, traversing to comments to see what's going on.
who dis, someone wrote in the comments.
nayi lagti hai koi
actress hai kya?
kaun hai ye?
Why do they look like they have a thing going on lol
they're saying its part of the show
yaar iska lehenga dress bohot pyaara hai
i am from lucknow, yeh model fashion designer hai asal mein. wow, from fashion designer to raizada ki showstopper. kya kismat payi hai
arey ye kaisa fashion show hai model designer ki baaho mein girti hai. Acting hi hai ya cover up hai?
arey bhai just girkar woh itni normal lag rahi thi, n i have never seen asr so focused wo usually bada private hota hai na
i saw the show, i think it is part of the show..stage kiya hua as act
asr is so hot
is it part of the show?
dear god, me whenn???
ladki kaun hai?
The comment section went on speculating about khushi's fall - if it was real or not. Someone had recognized her from her insta account and tagged her and the original posting account had updated it. That's why the notifications were blasting off furiously since morning.
Khushi moved to different post now that was generating buzz - it was another video of that man and khushi holding hands and, looking at each other. There was a close up zoom in when Arnav was holding is head in an intimate style angle above Khushi.
why is he staring at her so much? kuchh hai kya inka?
She's so pretty!!!!
i think they're dating
asr kya lag raha hai, yeh kaun hai iski girlfriend? itna khoya hua kyun hai
ab fashion show mein bhi drama hoga?
what drama? yeh show ke liye acting thi kya?
can someone tell me if asr is dating someone right now? woh lara ke baad i thought he's been single na
i think it's real, mujhe toh woh fall real lagta hai. uski taang dekhi kis tarah twist hui?
mujhe pakka yeh dono ka koi chakkar lagta hai
asr is so handsome hayeee
giro toh aisa giro ki moment ke chakkar mein log saara hollywood bollywood bhul jaaye
saara hollywd bollywd aaya hai aur india sirf asr aur uski showstopper ki baat kar raha hai. Highlight hai boss
kaise ghoor raha hai usko mujhe sharam aa rahi hai. pls tell me this is real
who is asr dating? mujhe nahi pasand mere pati se aise koi chipke theek hai😠
arey yeh toh @kkgdesigns hai na? insta pe fashion design karti hai? isko liya?
Arey I follow her too. Kya design karti hai..I saw her dance reels also
Kya mast dance karti hai, modelling karti hai kya?
Khushi sneaked a glance at her sister for her reaction and got swatted in return.
"Ahhhh Jeeji! Bola toh humne naraaz mat hona" Khushi pouted, complaining while rubbing her arm.
"And I made no promises!" Payal retorted, reminding. "Itni badi baath hogayi aur tumne batana zaroori nahin samjha!"
"ahhhh will you stop attacking me first," Khushi asked for mercy, "haan theek theek hai" "arey, bachhi ki jaan lo gi kya aap bhi" khushi said not so innocently.
"Haan haan sab jaanthe hain hum, ab aage ka sunao" Payal answered with sass.
"Pehle hi us manhoos aadmi ne humein khoob sunaya ab aap bhi mat shuru hojana. Fikr mat kijiye, aap ke hisse ka bhi sunadiya us ne."
Payal straightened at the that detail. "Kya matlab, kya hua wahan?" she said putting the ipad aside.
"Usne bola ki usko hum par shak hai ki humne jaan boojh kar unka show ko interrupt karne ki koshish ki...you know.. apne fayde ke liye."
"Haan woh thoda valid hi hai. Kya hua phr?" she asked, picking her ipad again pulling up the search engine to check news on the event. "oof" she reacted scrolling headline after headline, "lagta hai yeh national news ban gaya hai - actually international - koi firangi designer jisne show attend kiya tha usne comment kiya."
Payal scrolled further. Her eyebrows raised. "What?" Khushi asked. "Kaafi tareef hui hai tumhari....hmmm..hm...wah bhai, sahi hai bhai tumhara."
"Matlab?" Khushi asked puzzled.
"Matlab? What do you mean matlab? Raizada aka tumhare design ki tareef ho rahi hain aur kya? Designer ho na tum. Isn't that a good thing?" Payal said
"Haan woh bhi hai? But log bhi toh dekho, kya kya keh rahe hain jiji. Kitni controversy ho rahi hai. Humein toh samajh hi nahin aa raha ki kya karein, kya sonchein...it's all ..a lot!" Khushi was overwhelmed with the response.
"I don't exactly know what you mean? But I think I understand thoda bohot. It's hard to tell how will Raizada react now. Unki company ke liye yeh bohot bada issue hoga agar yeh baath bahar aayi. I am surprised they haven'"
Khushi thought of the papers she signed yesterday. The NDA.
Khushi laid back on the bed and yelled in discomfort.
"Kya hua?"
Khushi hissed in pain "Aaah jiji chubh raha hai kuchh" she rubbed her back. The pearls plinked against each other as she tried to rub the spot of abrasion from between the mesh of them.
"Tch! itna bhaari lehenga pehenke so gi toh chubhe ga hi na?" Payal scolded her pagal behen.
"Haan haan change karke aatein hain, ek minute". Khushi when changing her blouse sudddenly realized that she had a ring on from the show's wardrobe. Hey Devi mayya, kya kardiya humne!? Show ka zewar utha liya! Ab wapas karna padega, and I will have to return this immediately. Der hui toh patah nahin kya karedenge humein chor samajhkar she though turning the ring over on her finger. The stones - a huge square shaped emerald surrounded by tiny cizette white stones, glinted in the morning sunlight filtering in, "Gold ka lag raha hai yeh toh...Pehle hi itni controversy hogayi hai social media par! Kahin aur badnami na hojaye - police wolice ko bhejdiya toh??? Nahin nahin, I should go and return it right now! Haan, yeh sahi hoga."
"Jiji!! Hum ja rahe hain", khushi grabbed her lucknowi kurta and jeans pants and changed into it.
"Kya? Kidhar?"
"Raizada office. Woh I need to return a ring I accidentally took with me" she made a guilty face, wiggling her finger to show the ring
Payal, stared with resignation "Khushi ki bacchi main sach mein pata nahin tumhrara kya karoon!!!" she scolded again.
"Sorryyyy I know I know, main sirf yoon gayi security ko ring dediya aur yoon wapas aayi"
"Haan haan jaise kal aayi na....CHAAR ghanton baad?"
Khushi opened her mouth to explain.
Payal cut her off by pushing her "Theek hai theek hai, jaldi jao isse pehle ki woh log dhoondhte dhoondhte hamare ghar aa jayein. Neeche buaji hongi, dekh kar jaana."
"Achha wait!" Khushi turned, questioning look in her expression. "Show me the ring, first!" payal grinned, "Hum bhi toh dekhein kis tarah ki jewellery pehnayi hai Raizada walon apni showstopper ko" she said gleefully.
Khushi strode back to her sister half skippingly, dramatically offering her hand to show the ring to her sister. It was a beautifully ornate ring with a large, striking blue gemstone as the centerpiece. The band was crafted from a warm, rose gold metal and features intricate, nature-inspired designs. There are delicate leaves and vines wrapping around the band and tiny, sparkling stones set into the design around the main gemstone. Overall, it had a very whimsical, fairy-tale-like aesthetic.
_
Arnav paced in the living area of his office. Di was supposed to meet him in the next 10 minutes. She's been in 5 meetings over the night. He didn't get the chance to see her since their phone call last night. Low key though, he was relieved for the delay. He was glad she was there but he'd rather go and reveal his ancestral background than face this inquiry from her he knows is gonna that he knows. This is insane, he needs to get over it! Why does this have to be such a big deal!
Arnav couldn't sit still though. He was going through the reports on the girl...khushi kumari gupta. It was a full night since hist encounter her. He hadn't slept a wink since then. He was going through the investigation reports on her, ordering more updated reports. He wanted to be sure about his facts before he went around accusing his uncle. He wasn't able to find anything concrete that confirmed the connection between the girl and the uncle yet. However, the timing of the two instances was too plausible to ignore. Or he was probably overthinking about this whole thing.
"Get the appointment with Shah for next week - usual time" he texted his PA, Shreya. He slid the phone back in his pocket, and immediately took it out in the next second.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, he could sense that he was leading himself into a rabbit hole.
His thumbs flew before his brain could follow through his instinct.
One thing led to another and...
'kkgdesigns' Arnav typed in his secret instagram account.
He browsed through the search results in his explore feed. It was filled with videos, screenshot images, and AI morphed versions of the moment from last night when the girl was in his arms. Boy, people are way too fast these days
He switched to the search results in the accounts tab before he saw something that will make him cringe. The PR training he received last month was painful enough. No thanks!
At first, he couldn't figure out if it was really her account because there was no verified 'blue tick' symbol next to it. Strange. The 115 posts in her profile confirmed it for him though. No way someone made that many posts in 12 hours. He was about to scroll, just then the feed went blank and it showed private!
"What the - " Arnav reacted.
"What the kya?" Anjali replied, apparently appearing out of no where.
Arnav jumped in his seat, startled.
"Di.." Arnav turned towards sister like deer caught in headlights, "aap?"
"Main aur kaun??"
"Nahin...." his voice cracked, "Ahem" he cleared, "woh I was going through reports"
"Why did you react that way?" his Di eyed him suspiciously, adjusting her beautiful chiffon stone work saree(a Raizada creation, ofc) as she settled herself over the sofa across him. She placed the silver pooja ki thali she came with on the center table of his living room.
"Which way?" Arnav played innocent.
Anjali raised an eye brow.
"No really, I was just so occupied. I didn't notice when you came. Isliye got started... thoda sa," Arnav scrambled a little too desperate to escape the scrutiny of his older sister. "Hmm" she mulled then mercifully decided to let it go. Thank F*ck Arnav relaxed.
"You know what, lets go outside!" Anjali chirped.
"What? Par kyun? Why not here? I am tired Di," Arnav almost begged.
"Maine kaha na" Anjali insisted not willing hear no. "Let's go" she almost pulled him outside.
"Let's gooo" she squealed.
Outside, in the guest house's garden. They settled under one of the Cabanas laid out for their guests last night.
Arnav squinted at the bright light of the sun washing over them. It was a September morning in Lucknow. Not as cold as it was in the night. The sky was a blank canvas, so the sunlight casted its warmth unhindered. One might even say, it was a pleasant weather.
Anjali had ordered a couple of masala chais for them. Arnav tried relaxing his nerves that were feeling jittery from lack of sleep. He shifted in his seat to turn Di with determination, eager to get this over with. He didn't want his sister to think of him unlike of how it appeared when they last spoke on call - impulsive or irresponsible. He still felt guilty about her sister's accusation of keeping his family in the dark about something that might impact them too. "Let's get this over with. What is it Di?"
Anjali's sharp gaze landed on her brother, "Kya chhote?"
Apparently she was not going to make it easy for him.
"Di, please" Arnav pleaded, tired of running from the topic.
"Kya chal raha hai tumhare aur us model ke beech?" she said going off topic.
F*ck me, why yes let's drag this some more! Arnav thought.
"Why? What do you mean?" Arnav said trying to avoid that line of discussion.
"What do you think I mean?" his sister rolled the ball in his court. Waiting for reply. "Di" Arnav begged almost. "What was going on Chhote?" Anjali pressed mercilessly.
F*ck Arnav swore.
"It was nothing Di, she fell and I covered for the fall. You know how big this is for Raizada right? I had to prevent controversy - major one atleast" Arnav explained as briefly as he could.
"Hmm" Anjali replied thinking, "How's everything now?"
"PR is hard at work...damage control. So far they seemed to be managing okay. Overall, not as bad as it'd have been without the stunt I pulled yesterday. Safe to say, it worked."
"So, you were pretending last night?" his Di asked her tone hinting skepticism.
"Ofcourse, it was Di. What did you think? I actually agreed to have the model fall in my arms and lovey dovily walked the ramp arm in arm with her???" framing it like that to ensure she understands how ridiculious the other possibility is. Which is zero.
"I don't know," Anjali confessed, "You guys looked quite convicing for it to be an improv act esepcially when acting is not your expertise," she shared upfront.
"Well, we were lucky then. But the PR team is also working on it to make sure the narrative translates and amplifies"
"Hmm" is all Di replied. She fiddled with her sari's pallu in her palm, as she got lost in her thoughts for a bit. Her eyes, ultimately roamed on Arnav's face, trying to read whatever it is they wanted to.
"Bas yahi poochna chahri thi aap?" Arnav prompted, now too tired to want to put up with the wait. He NEEDs to hit the bed in the next 30 minutes if he were to to finish with the rest of the damage control protocol he'd put together last night. He'd take care of the rest of the PR work in the afternoon..or possibly in the evening. He needs to catch up on his sleep from the last 2 days!
"Why?" Anjali asked finally arriving at the topic Arnav's been dreading since 2 nights.
"Why what?" Arnav needed to know what she was really thinking.
"You know exactly what I mean?"
Arnav's jaw shifted, he took a deep breath.
"Sheesh Mahal ke baare mein pooch rahin hain na aap" he tried to draw some repsonse.
Silence greeted him, confirming his assumption.
"Patah nahin Di kyun" Arnav answered ultimately. Truly though - he just didn't know where to begin. A lot of sh*t went down in the last 3 days. It feels like a lifetime has passed in that duration. He wished he'd slept off instead of fixating his attention on that khushi kumari gupta's case. Atleast, he'd have approached this conversation with better coherence of thought. His thought process was working in split disconnected silos.
If only his Di would understand and leave him be for sometime to parse the events of this week.
But Anjali's stern gaze - almost challenging him to try testing her patience, cautioned him otherwise.
Sigh. Arnav mustered energy and attempted to push through the mental fog.
"I heard through my sources that Sheesh mahal was being sold" he started.
"What? It was on the market?" Anjali finally reacted.
"Yes, but the info was kept within only certain circles" Arnav said, hinting to his Di on the type of circles his uncle had been sticking to.
"Oh" Anjali responded, her posture going rigid.
"Yeah" Arnav affirmed, "Sources said he was broke..you know the debt etc etc" Anjali nodded "yeah but the decision to place the bid was mine. I don't know why at that time, but all I knew is that I wanted in. Especially, when the DOM was intended to be for 2 days."
Anjali's brows scrunched in confusion "that's fast" she commented.
"Yeah, and you know we tried to buy the property off him several times right? And here suddently he wanted to sell it in two f*cking days. Even the timing of the sale appeared to be intentional! Just one day before the show??"
"It could just be a coincidence also right" Anjali provided a valid counterpoint, however she didn't looked too convinced herself.
"Yeah but what are the odds the property goes to sale right after I announce about the show's location right? It felt way too much of a coincidence. And if it really is then why keep it within limited circles?? Why hide it? It felt like a moment of now or ever. I wanted to know what's going on, you know? So, my proxies placed the bid for me Though we had to play tough, we managed to land the listing."
"I am gonna have to be honest Chhote", Anjali confessed, albeit with a bit of reticense. "I was worried about the possible outcomes of your decision to pick this guest house as the venue for this fashion show. But damn if I'd ever expected you will end up buying the entire property its situated in - granted it's.. our childhood home." Anjali swallowed, schooling her expression.
"I know Di, I know...as much as I hate to admit it, I think it was part of the reason for this decision. But, I promise you Di, I was super careful about this. I didn't. Ofcourse, everyone's safety was of paramount priority in the procedure. All contracts were checked, again and again and again. "
"I know, I was a little too hard on you the other day. I know you must have been careful. I was mad that you didn't tell me about it, or anyone in the family for that matter whose safety was a liability in this decision of yours. I don't think it's too far fetched to expect that much from you, is it?"
"I know Di"
Now, Arnav felt really bad. He didn't know what else to say. What could he say afterall. She was right. He knew it all along. But it hurt neverthless to hear it out loud. He was glad Shreya confirmed the appointment was booked. He could really use some unpacking of his decision making mental framework here.
"I agree. All I can say is now, I am sorry for the way it happend but.. it's done. The papers have been signed. I went there myself to check the papers for any booby traps and closed the deal."
"You met him?" Anjali asked. Her brows reached the roof, in shock.
But can you answer something honestly for me?" Arnav gestured for her go ahead "Why did you really meet him in person? I know you said to ensure the papers. But we both know " Arnav didn't have an answer. Or rather didn't know how to admit it. He was just feeling petty about. How was he to say that he actually wanted to meet him and size him up to feel better about himself. He wanted..closure?
"Patah nahin Di" is all he could admit.
Anjali sighed in silence. She turned her gaze towards the sunrays peeping through the scalloped edges of the cabana. It's gonna get too warm. Which was wierd because it was still December. Lucknow wasn't the coldest of cities but the wintery mornings can actually be pleasant under sun. Arnav was about to point it when he noticed her sweating. She was huffing too. "Woah you're sweating..in this weather?"
"Haan the sun is doing its number. Chalo let's go back in?" she suggested.
"I thought you wanted to talk outside?"
"Haan because I thought it's cold and pleasant outside, Clearly I was wrong. chalo let's get back in na"
"madam chai" their kitchen staff interrupted.
"Usko andar lekar jayiye please? Hum wapas chho - Arnav ke office mein jaa rahe hain" she instructed the staff member.
"Di, you sure you're okay?"
"I told you na, I am fine. What else do you want me to say?" she chided, now irritated.
"Fine, just checking in. aur kuchh nahin, jeez" Arnav said taken aback at this whiplash her sister's moods were giving. "No need to scold" he couldn't help buut add, lack of sleep was making it hard for him to regulate his own temper.
"Then don't pester me either" she said still irritated.
Arnav decided to bite the dust and changed the topic. He was already running low on his functional capacity. He needed to conserve his enerygy.
"Fine, Jeeju kaise hain?"
Apparently that was the wrong thing to say. His Di stiffened, "He is good" she said in a slightly tight voice. "Why? Did you talk to him about this?"
I mean i received emails from him, when I asked for his opinion on this purchase deal and the relevan legal papers necessary.
"Oh achha" she said maintaining the same tone. A wierd jittery energy formed around her.
Arnav wasn't sure if he was overthinking it. So, he let the observation slide.
They finally reached his office. His, Di walked to the living area's center table and grabbed the pooja ki thali.
"Okay, I should leave for Delhi today. I need to take care of few things. Can you promise me someting, take this..."
She handed him a steel lock with a key in it. "This is a taala with a mannat ki chaabhi in it."
"Mannat ki Chaabhi' Arnav echoed
"Yeah you need to take this and go to the Fateh Ali Khan's Dargah....it's right in the immediate outskirts of Lucknow. Not that far actually. I will send you the location."
"Okayy"
"Yeah, you need to go there and lock this for me. It will mean a lot to me."
"Sure DI, why not. I have a meeting tomorrow that ends in afternoon. When done, I can head there on the way home."
"Hmm yeah okay that works. Just make sure you do it with intention okay."
"Sure, I will" he said.
"Thanks Chhote, I appreciate it". Mmhm is all he replied.
Arnav, wrapped up his end of the work in the next 10 min, and headed to his hotel to hit the bed. Never had he felt pure bliss in going to sleep than the morning of 10 am when his shirtless self in boxers hugged the bed. He'd almost threatened the recpetionist to not let anyone in untile 4 pm even if the world claims to be ending! She giggled until she realized he was not joking!
Beep beep
Fahhhhk what now? Arnav woke up 10 hours later. Groggy and irritated.
"Sir, it's 8pm. and I thought since this is after your no disturbance until 4 pm request, I thought it'd be appropriate to let you know that you have a visitor downstairs."
"What?" He checked hsi phone on charge next to him. It confirmed 8:05pm. "Okay..yeah..who is it?"
"Sir, its a lady claiming to be Khushi Kumari Gupta"
Arnav sat upright so quickly, he nearly whipped his head off.
"What? Who?" he sputtered foolishly. Apparently, stumnling with his wits.
"Sir, it's Khushi Kumari Gupta"
Arnav swallowed. Irritation seeping in. "What does she want?"
"She said you signed a deal with her that she needs to discuss?"
deal? Oh ohhhhh right? the contract Arnav remembered.
"Right"
Just then, he heard a bell ring. He got up and strode over to the door. Before he could think any better, he . a moment too late realising that he wasn't when the girl..khushi screamed and squeezed her eyes shut that he was only wearing his boxers.
.....
Chapter in Progress...
Edited by Rizz-ington - a day ago
Current Affairs
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