ArHi FF: Highway to hell-2, chapter 38, pg 141 - Page 19

awesome part...khushi arnav arnav for last part i guess shila khushi or freddy

Thanks for the PM. loved it. I think the last one was Khushi.

well...nice to see update..!!
well its completely different !!😊
totally confusin😃
guessin guessin...!! well i'm bad at it..!!
well i think first one is arnav ..second khushi..!
third arnav...well the fourth one...seemed from freddy..!!
because he was seein her gettin proposed...!!
i dont think i'm right..anyways finger crossed..
waitin for your update😊

Divya

Hiya folks!

Sorry to say, but nobody got 'em all correct. 😭

In reverse order then. The 4th dream was Freddy's. Quite a lot of you got that one.

The third one (ooh-la-la!) was Khushi's dream. Remember, she's the one who went to sleep wishing he was there, in the earlier chapter. Also, ASR doesn't watch movies! So, he wouldn't know about The dirty picture.

The second dream (the cricket team) was Arnav's. SImply because there's not a sane woman in the world who would even dream about giving birth 10 times. 😆😆 And even he woke up shocked at the excessive number.

But, I do recognize that these 2 were confusing. Because the second dream was kinda girly and the third was lechy..making it guy territory. So, if you said Arnav for the third and Khushi for the second, I think it's probably OK. Besides, since they are almost one, their dreams are interchangeable too. 😉

And finally, the first dreamer, was Aadit. Arnav would not have a dream which ended with him being called a troll..no sirree! And Khushi would not dream about dancing to entertain an invisible man (too kinky!) And why was Aadit dreaming about Khushi in this weird way, you ask? Well, because it is a truth universally acknowledged that married men do not fantasize about their wives, no matter if she is as gorgeous as Anjali. Bit of a googly, this one, I'll admit.

OK...the first person to come pretty close (3/4) was minimuffin86. And since she already described the scenario she wanted...I have obliged, as you will see, in the next chapter. Congrats Muffin, and thanks to everyone for playing. You guys were good sports. 😊

I recognize that not everyone appreciates this whacked out brand of humor that I let loose in the last chapter. For those who really did like it, I thank you! For those who thought it was crap...you're probably right, but it was still fun to write. And if you have a reason you absolutely disliked it, I'd love to hear it. No kidding. I'd like some healthy criticism.

Irrespective of your feeings though, I'll thank everyone for reading it. 😊 I appreciate your readership and comments.

Cheers!
Vidhya

We now resume our regular programming...😃

Chapter 26: Ek Khajoor ki Daastaan.

6 weeks later

It had been a terrible few weeks. Nita had been very, very sick. The high dose chemo they were pumping her with had wiped out her immune system completely. Her hair that she used to wear in 2 little pigtails had started to fall out in chunks a few days ago. Khushi had wept when she brushed her daughter's hair and found chunks of it falling into her hand. Freddy was the one who finished the task for her. He brushed all of Nita's hair out, so her head was almost totally bald now. And then he bought her about two dozen caps in different colors and styles. Nita was just bewildered. She didn't understand what was happening to her. She didn't understand why she was in this strange room with these machines and tubes sticking into her. She was in pain. She cried. Her mother tried to soother her. But the pain wouldn't go away. And she just cried and cried until she fell into an exhausted sleep. She wasn't keeping solids down with any consistency. And she'd lost weight. All her baby fat had melted away. She looked liked a wispy little ghost. Except when she broke out a rare, infectious grin. Khushi waited for those moments and treasured them. Her daughter's smile meant everything to her in these tough times. But the doctors had assured Khushi that the treatment was working. Khushi had to be satisfied with that.

Her routine remained the same. She spent her days at the hospital. Arnav walked her home at night. Occasionally he stayed to dinner. But it was never more than once a week. She had grown to rely on him. He was a pillar of strength. He helped Nigel at home. He also kept Nigel calm when he tended to go in to a funk. Which happened about twice a day. Arnav had nicknamed him Nervous Nigel. He'd stopped mixing up his name, though. He didn't do that anymore. In fact, he and Nigel had struck up a frienship of sorts. An arrogant, self-made business tycoon from India whos' mere presence usually intimidated people was friends with a shy, gay, college dropout who worked as a Nanny and was a wonder with children. They had one thing, and one thing only in common. They both loved Khushi. They looked up recipes they thought she would enjoy, and alternately coaxed and bullied her into eating well, made sure her elder daughter was well taken care of, and happy and kept her house spotless. Arnav Singh Raizada, who'd never so much as taken his plate to the sink back home, could be found hoovering Khushi's living room floor these days.

On some afternoons, Khushi would come home for lunch and find Arnav curled up on the sofa, a pair of glasses perched on his nose, with Sheila sitting in his lap and listening intently as he read her a story. Some days he and Sheila would fall asleep together while reading. Nigel had snapped a picture of them like that once. Sheila, sleeping peacefully in Arnav's arms, while he stretched out on the couch. He'd shown that picture to Khushi later. Khushi had felt a sudden lump in her throat when she saw it. A rush of affection for this man who had made her family his so effortlessly. He'd offered unstinting support and undemanding companionship. Had never asked a thing of her. Was there to wipe her daughter's snot and help with her homework. She acknowledged it to herself that day, when she saw that picture. She was in love with Arnav.

But to her intense annoyance, he didn't betray any sign of wanting anything more from her than just friendship. He had told her he loved her in India. He had followed her to the UK because her child was sick. He was involved in every aspect of her life, but one. His actions declared his intent, she supposed. But it would be nice to hear the words again, she sighed.

"Penny for your thoughts!" said Freddy, appearing in the hospital room suddenly.

"They aren't worth a penny!" she said wryly, looking at him.

"How's my girl?" he asked nodding towards Nita who was resting quietly.

"Better. Today's been a good day. She hasn't been cantankerous at all."

"Good. Well, listen. I am going to sit here for an hour or two while you go out to lunch," said Freddy.

"Oh, that's quite alright Freddy. I can just grab a sandwich from the cafeteria," said Khushi.

"Khushi, if you eat that cafeteria food any longer you will forget what real food tastes like. Now please. I made a lunch reservationf for you at Gustav's. My car's waiting outside with a chauffeur. Just go. Enjoy a fine Italian meal. You deserve it."

Khushi kissed Freddy's cheek and go up to leave. "If she should wake and want me?" she asked hesitantly.

"She'll be OK with Uncle Freddy. Don't be a worrywart. Just go." He said, pushing her out the door. Khushi stepped out into the crisp winter air, and inhaled deeply. She actually enjoyed the winters. She found the cold bracing. She loved the snow too, when it fell. She walked towards Freddy's Bentley. Freddy traveled in style, of course. One of the perks of being a world famous fashion designer. He had done this for her occasionally in the past weeks. Make her a reservation at an absolutely phenomenal restaurant for lunch and chauffeur her there. Just so she could have a break from the hospital and also get some time for herself. She didn't get much of that, these days. Her days being occupied with Nita, and her evenings with Sheila. Khushi felt so guilty about neglecting Sheila that she spent every available free moment with her.

She got to the restaurant and was ushered to her table. It was a quiet booth, tucked away in a pleasant corner. Her eyes widened as she reached the table.

"Arnav! What a pleasant surprise," she said.

"Hi Khushi! Mind if I join you for lunch today?" he asked, smiling at her.

"Not at all. I'd love to." She said, beaming. The rush of happiness she'd felt upon seeing him was reflected in her eyes. They absolutely glowed.

"How's Nita today?"

"Good! She's lookin forward to the teddy bear you promised her. Are you coming to see her this evening?"

"Absolutely. You know I wouldn't miss my daily visit for anything!"

"How's Sheila today?" she asked.

"She's good. By the way, did you know she's a math genius?" he asked, smiling proudly.

"Really? No. I did not. Do tell."

"She said 1+1=2 today," he beamed.

"Really? Just that? She just said 1+1=2?" asked Khushi puzzled.

"Yes. That's what she said. She said she knew addition, and when I asked her what it was, she said it was 1+1=2."

"OK. Did you ask her what 2+2 equals then?" asked Khushi seriously.

"Of course not. She's five. That she knows 1+1=2 is amazing enough. I am telling you, that girl is going to be a Rocket Scientist. Or a mathematician. Maybe even a Nobel prize winning nuclear physicist!" said Arnav excitedly.

"Or maybe she's just repeating something she heard and she doesn't know what it means Arnav," said Khushi laughing at his enthusiasm.

"You are such a killjoy. Why can't you just be a proud Mommy for once and be all like, my baby is the best!" he complained.

"Because you already do that Arnav. One indulgent parent is quite enough!" it slipped out before she could help it. She bit her lip. "Sorry, I didn't mean to.." she started only to be interrupted by him.

"Don't be. I'm not. I'm glad you feel this way," he said. He reached across the table and clasped her hand. "This is for real. You. Me. The children. This is happening. We are a family," he said.

"Thanks Arnav. I don't have the words to thank you for what you've.."

"Then don't!" he interrupted again, taking both her hands in his and holding them tight. "No thanks necessary Khushi Gupta! Now, eat your Spaghetti!" he scolded lightly.

"Err..if you let go of my hand, I will," she said glancing at her hands, entwined with his. He let them go reluctantly. The rest of the meal passed very pleasantly discussing Sheila's mathematical genius, Nigel's newly discovered passion for Indian desserts and Freddy's upcoming Spring collection which was gathering rave reviews. They talked of everyone and everything except the one person Arnav had loved longest and best in his life, and her husband. Khushi decided it was time to tackle that particular bull by the horns. 6 weeks had gone past, and ASR had refused to speak with Anjali. She had begged and pleaded with him to no avail. He was too hurt to budge. And Aadit had finally gotten tired of her begging him and being rebuffed and told her not to call her brother anymore. "He'll call when he's ready!" Aadit had decreed. So, the phone calls had ceased abruptly, but Anjali was still desperate to talk to him and make him understand. She had ventured to ask Khushi if she would mention it to him. Khushi had promised to try. She decided to dive in headlong.

"Arnav, I want to talk to you about Anjali."

"Nothing to talk about."

"She's your sister."

"She got married without telling me!"

"I know, but they were in love. They didn't think it through. Come on. Give over. Please. Talk to her. She's never going to be completely happy without her brother's support and approval. This is a big deal for her. Moving on. Getting married."

"I know. And I wanted to share in her happiness. But she chose to deny me that. So, she has no business to come to me now. I have nothing left to give her now!" he snapped.

"Aadit's parents are coming over next Saturday. She's meeting them for the first time. She's petrified."

"Why?" he asked baldly.

"What do you mean why? They want to meet their daughter-in-law, so they're coming over," said Khushi absently.

"Not that! Why is she petrified?" asked Arnav, eyes narrowing.

"Oh! Because she's meeting Aadit's parents, her in-laws for the first time. And Aadit's mom is quite a scary woman, I can tell you that."

"Really? How so?" he asked.

"Well, she's a true blue Tam brahm. She drinks only filter coffee and is into Carnatic music and temple activites. She is a very good cook, and makes the world's best Rasam. She dotes on her only son and wanted him to have an arranged marriage with a girl who's horoscope matched his. Instead her son went and married a woman 10 years older than him. And to make it worse, she's not Tam Brahm. In fact, not even a Tam. A North Indian who speaks Hindi and says Samburr when she means Sambaar! She's appalled. And I think Anjali knows it!"

"Hmphfh" he grunted.

"So, when are you going to see Anjali? Mr and Mrs. Murthy arrive on the 17^th," she said, scrunching up her nose.

"Did I say I was going to see her?" asked ASR.

"No. But you are. I know you are," she grinned.

"You want dessert or should we just leave?" he asked, glowering at her. She didn't want dessert. So they left soon after. She linked her arm with his.

"I feel like we're an old married couple. We came to the best, most romantic restaurant for lunch and we ended up discussing the kids' futures, and fighting over your sister!" she quipped. He smiled down at her. He leaned over and kissed her swiftly, before she had time to react. When he pulled away, she looked a little shocked and awed.

"I hope that kiss didn't feel like we'd been married 10 years!" he smiled.

"I don't know. I don't think I got quite enough of it to judge," she said, pulling him down to her lips again. For that moment, they forgot all their troubles and worries. They just went with the flow. It was perfect. For one fleeting minute, the world was absolutely perfect.

OK people, have at it. Let me know what you think...

You are making me cry with the first part Vidhya...