,, - Page 15

TEXT!!!

I GOT A TEXT!!

A girl beside KHUSHI looks at her with wonder and Aww at the same time and smiles. She comes to her and help her open the text.

TEXT :

"KHUSHI, HOPE YOU ARE HAVING FUN , SHOPPING.

I WILL BE GOING OUT TONIGHT WITH MARK FOR HIS BACHELOR PARTY.

BUT I ALSO HAVE SOME IMPORTANT WORK WITH YOU.

TAKE CARE"

Khushi's heart starts to drum. He has IMPORTANT WORK and also with ME?

What can it possibly be?

Umm..is it?

Is it what I think "it" might be?

Racy thoughts start to pour in her mind.

His touch, his eyes, those manly hand, the grips. His sunshine like smile.

Khushi drifts into a wonderland of Arnav and his thoughts.

LA

"Khushi are you ok?

You are sweating and a bit flustered.

Are you feeling ok?

ASR will kill me if your health is not good and I am out with you."

MARK:

"Khushi!

You want ice-cream or water?

You seem a bit tensed.

Umm..ASR said you like sweets and there is a really good ice cream and cake shop.

Let's grab a bite and then we can head out.

Say what?"

KHUSHI

"huh?

What?"

La and Mark both smiles and LA takes Khushi's hand and starts towards the boutique ice cream shop.

KHUSHI

"Can you please take it to go?"

I need to hurry.

He has some important work to do and then he will attend dinner with Alex I think and then to your party at night.

Mark Ji!

What is a bachelor party?

Is it a formal occasion?"

Mark now totally out of place, looks once at Khushi and once at Lavanya.

MARK

"u'.MM Khushi darling!

Its nothing special.

We just guys go out for a drink and club hopping.'

LA

(With a big grin and a mysterious look)

"Yah right!

As if!!!

Mark baby, you can do whatever you want.

You are free for tonight.lol

But after tomorrow, YOU ARE ALL MINE.

But no fooling around tonight right?

My brothers and ASR your best man, will break your legs if I hear of a strip club or any other place, that we talked not to go.

I had to have my party tomorrow at my house.

I agreed to your rules and I hope you will respect mine."

Mark and Lavanya exchanges a sweet, sweet glance and Marks cuddles her up. Kisses her cheeks and whispers something in LA's ears.

Khushi steps a bit forwards with open eyes and leans in to listen to him whisper.

Mark and LA both laughs out loud, looking at a curious 5 year old named: "KHUSHI".

( while waiting line for the take out ice cream)

KHUSHI:

"MARK JI!

Is there is a zoo nearby?

Arnav Ji said we can go viist the zoo and there are free kangaroos roaming around that we can feed.

Also are there any penguins?"

Mark now at again loss of words and astonishment at a grown up married woman being so keen about kangaroos. Speak:

"Khushi!

You serious right?

You want to go to the Zoo with ASR?"

KHUSHI

"yes, why?

Is it far away?

He said we can go.

I really want to see a penguin."

Ohho!

Why is this taking so long?

Why are there so many people?

Arnav ji is waiting for me to return."

MARK

"Khushi!

Back to what I was asking,

Why do you want to see a penguin? Isn't there any in India zoos?"

KHUSHI

" I love penguin.

They remind me of Arnav ji

It has been my lifelong dream to buy a penguin!"

Now Lavanya and Mark both are stunned and wide eyed.

Both literally roll on the floor laughing.

Khushi becomes a bit shy and says:

"I say it because, Arnav ji walks in a wobbly manner and he is always suited and booted. So he sometime looks like a penguin.

Oh!

Why are you laughing?

I just said because I thought you guys are super cool . Hmm'.!! Not fair.

Please stop."

Khushi starts to laugh with them, eventually.

Then a very happy and excited Khushi runs to the car, with a huge bowl of take away ice-cream in hand. And starts chomping it down.

( A TRIPLE SCOOP OF vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, with rainbow sprinkles, strawberry, mango cut ups, 3 types of nuts, chocolate sauce, raspberry , cherry and broken cookie bits)

MARK:

'Khushi!

Before you leave, one more question.

Why do you call ASR " JI"?

You also call me "JI"?

I know it's something with showing respect.

But we guys are pretty close and ASR is your hubby.

So why so much distance in name calling?"

Khushi is gets a bit out of place.

"Umm''you guys are elder to me.

And Amma always calls my father with " Ji"

So I took up the habit.

Also in their house, everyone respects others and call with "Ji"

It's a custom and I honor it.

Um..if you want, I can call you Mark Bhai."

MARK

"wow!! No ..no'no'.

Darling, please, just call me MARK.

Please, I beg you.

No BHAI. And certainly no JI.

You said I am like a brother to you. And it's a request from a bro. Ok?

Just plain MARK."

(After a lot of persuasion from Lavanya, and mark and a lot of nagging Khushi finally agrees to call Mark and Lavanya by their names and nothing attached to it.)

LOCATION:

ARNAV'S PENT HOUSE

LIVING ROOM.

Khushi is stomping around, striding in the living room and study.

Waiting for Arnav to come back home.

She changed her cloths and is wearing a soft purple saree in chiffon from Manish's collection.

Arnav walks in.

Arnav is standing at the hall way.

A laptop in one hand, a coffee holder in other.

Mouth wide open.

Staring at Khushi.

She is standing in the midst of pale pink and white roses and lilies.

A Vision in lavender.

Arnav slowly keeps the stuff on the table. And walks closer to her.

Khushi almost bursting with excitement and anticipation, skips near him and halts right in front .

Arnav can feel the heat radiating for her , smell her anticipation, and embrace her joy of seeing him after a long day.

He slowly backs up a bit and then looks down.

(Unwillingly he says what needs to be said and get over with.)

ARNAV

"Khushi!

I have some work with you.

It's imperative that I focus, I mean we focus on that and get it done as soon as possible.

I have to go to Mark's party to night and there is very little time in my hand."

Khushi interrupts:

KHUSHI

"Arnav ji!

About last night,

I am really sorry.

I was upset, because you took my passport and I yelled at you.

Know I shouldn't have.

I came last night running back from the beach and you were asleep. So did not wake you up.

I listened to what you told me to do all day, went shopping and what not.

But you seem a bit upset.

I know, you have all the rights to be upset.

( Looking very sincere and sad, Khushi keeps on going. 'she leans a bit closer to him and starts)

Arnav ji!

Please scold me if needed, yell at me if needed.

But please, please I beg, no do be like this,

I am being brutally honest,

Do not ignore me like this.

I cannot tell how much '

How much it hurts.

It's just not mental or an emotional thing. My body actually hurts.

I never felt this way.

I just cannot hold myself together anymore."

(She stops speaking and her eyes does the rest. Its teary and clearly pain written all over them. With a cover of need and desire. )

ARNAV is startled. Hurt and in denial.

He just is not ready for this much openness form Khushi and especially at this point of time.

Her acceptance, innocence astonishes him to the core.

He knew he was ignoring her purposefully.

But he never expected her to be so honest and let all her emotions out in the open, for him to see.

"How much does this girl love?

How much open is she with me?

After the shit I did to her the bad, and ill treatment, how can she be so honest?

What is she made of?"

Arnav looks up at her face to see a stream of tears running wildly down her cheeks and then to her lips.

Glistening down her chin to her throat.

Arnav gulps a breath and his heart starts to ache.

"Why do I hurt her again and again?

The decision I am taking is for myself.

ITS FOR MY SANITY.

BUT SHE IS GETTING HURT IN THE PROCESS

I need to wrap up my work and then proceed.

But how can I explain to her?

She is very nave and at this point I do not wish to pressure her into anything drastic.

It's just not right.

She deserves lots better .

Khushi closes in a bit more and starts to raise a hand to touch his.

Arnav backs up.

He can see the desperateness in her eyes.

Her tears

Her pain

Her expectation.

ARNAV

"Khushi!

Please. WE need to focus on more important things."

As soon as he said the word " IMPORTANT", he regrets. DAMN!!!

WHAT!!

AGAIN?

HOW could I say more important?

She will think she is " Of less priority".

DAMN ME!

HELL WITH IT!"

Khushi cringes a bit away.

She holds her pallu in her hand and starts to back up.

She takes her eyes off him and retreats.

As a last straw, Arnav tries to amend the situation he just created.

"KHUSHI!

Please follow me to my room.

I need to show you something.

And while I am on phone, the speaker will be on.

Just seat and listen.

Do not, I repeat. DO NOT SAY A WORD OR MAKE A SOUND.

I need you to be there and listen.

I WILL MAKE A NUMBER OR CALLS. AND THE THINGS I WILL DO. I WANT YOU TO HEAR IT ALL.

COME

NOW"

Khushi's tears halts.

She follows ASR as he marches into his room.

He turn son the speaker.

Dims the lights a bit.

CALL# 1

ARNAV

"Hello

Mr Iqbal!"

Give me the status update.

MR. IQBAL( CHIEF OF GUARDS UNDER COVER, THAT ARNAV APPOINTED IN INDIA)

" Hello!

Sir!

I can see him. He is in the living room.

We have put a chip in his shoe and one in his briefcase.

So we can trace him exactly. And pin point his location.

You can make the call now.

Also you father in law and mother in law are on the plane.

Our men have escorted them to the airport and they are on their way to the hospital. The girl who is the guide is flying with them.

(Khushi's heart stops and she was about to burst out in shock)

(Arnav understanding instantly raises a finger and signs her to stay quite)

Sir!

We explained very nicely that you have booked an appointment for them in Bangkok, Thailand. And the cardiologist and trauma sergeant is one of the best in the world.

We have told that you have made the appointment four months back and this date was the closest possible for the doctor's booking.

Our men have made their passports and tickets and they will stay at the "Bainali resort", fully equipped and a Hindi speaking guide and a nurse will assist them in everything. We have also appointed an India cook for them.

The doctor looked after the papers that you faxed, he said the case is not that complicated. Your father in law will recover very soon under his treatment.

"Buaji", your aunt is also under supervision. Out guards in normal uniform is looking after her. But she does not know.

As for Shanti bhaban, your sister is doing well. Her doctor visits are monitored by our men too.

Everyone else is good.

( KHUSHI slumps down on the bed, she body is shaking hysterically.

She cannot believe that ARNAV: "HER ARNAV" made all the plans of getting her dad to Bangkok for treatment and everything was planned while staying married to her.

He thought so much and did even more.

And how could she not see or understand any of this?

Bangkok?

Assisted flying?

Indian cook?

Seriously?

All these?

She shakes in a balanced combination of tears and joy

She looks at Arnav with a new found trust and respect)

"WHO IS THE MAN STANIDNG IN FRONT OF ME?

WHO IS HE?

HOW CAN HE BE SO THOUGHTFUL?"

Khushi's head starts to spin with joy, happiness and sorry , all at once.

Arnav takes a quick look at her and then signs her again.

He dials another number, while keeping Mr Iqbal on the line, so he can hear too.

Arnav picks his finger on his lips and signs Khushi to keep dead silent.

"HELLO!

SHYAM?"

( Khushi flips out !

Angered , frustrated and baffled)

ARNAV

"HELLO SHYAM"

ARE you there?"

SHYAM

""ARNAV!"

"SO finally you call!

How dare you keep me under surveillance?

I know you are up to something. You left, then Khushi JI left.

Anjali is seemingly happy.

Something does not add up.

What are you upto?"

Where is Khushi JI?

If YOU hurt her, I will not spare you.

YOU MARK MY WORDS.

I LOVE HER"

(Khushi's face turns black. He tugs on her pallu on her chest tightly. Closes her eye shut keep her control intact.

She whispers very quietly. " SWINE!"

She holds the bed with both hands, just to keep her body steady .)

SHYAM

" Arnav! Come back!

And lift the guards from here.

Now"

(Arnav closes in towards Khushi.

He raises his left hand and holds her hand in a very firm grip.

HE KEEPS A STEADY EYE ON KHUHIS' TEARY LOOK

The hold explains his honesty and intention .

BUT what he speaks now contradicts it ALL.

NO MATTER HOW MADE UP, HOW PLANNED, HOW FALSE THE WORDS MIGHT BE, ARNAV KNEW IT WOULD HURT HER. !!!)

ARNAV

'SHYAM !

We know we had our difference.

You love Khushi and I KNOW IT.

AND

you will get your goal.

I do not love her.

I thougth I did, but NO.

She is silly and weird.

She is NOT FOR ME

I need someone better and someone who can take care of me.

Not a girl like her.

I do not want my sister to get hurt in anyway.

I will tell you to stay with my sister as her husband and A LOVING ONE FOR SURE.

I will compensate you for your time.

I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING AND CAME TO A DECISION.

Let the baby born and you will stay as a happy husband and father with them.

And regarding "KHUSHI"'

( Arnav strengthens his grip on her and looks more lovingly.

BUT'WHAT HE SAYS , RIPS HER SOUL, EVEN KNOWING THAT HE IS BLUFFING)

Yes, SHYAM,

REGARIDNG "KHUSHI"

Girls like her come and go.

You can have, " I mean have her" , after I leave her and get the divorce finalized.

You do not want to leave Di for a girl like Khushi?

Right?

You are a clever man. And you know how much money and property Di and the baby will get from me, right?

So SHYAM. Do the math.

I will be back soon.

And till then , just focus on Di.

Do not look for Khushi.

She will be yours in NO time."

Arnav shuts the phone off and looks at Khushi.

Very slowly, Khushi lets her hand slide and off from Arnav's hold.

Biggest tears slide down her eyes.

Arnav turns around and presses the other phone to speaker mode.

"Mr Iqbal!

So you heard what I just said.

The plan is on.

Thanks for your help.

Bye".

I need some time alone to absorb all these.

Please let my hand go.

I understand your stand point. I really do."

Khushi jerks her hand off, and darts out of Arnav's room..

(After 40 minutes )

Arnav is walking back and forth in front of Khushi's room.

First he could hear her cry.

Then he heard the bathroom to open.

Then there was some rustling and ripping of bags of some sort.

No cried.

No sound.

She is just silent.

Arnav rebukes himself again and again.

Maybe she was not ready to hear all this.

"May be I should have done this on my own.

Ma be its too much.

But she knows how I FEEL

I WAS JUST BLUFFING

I WAS JUST'"

Her door opens.

KHUSHI steps out.

She changed her clothes.

She is wearing a black night gown.

The kimono is neatly tied to her waist.

From throat to toe, fully covered. But seeing her in all black and specially know that there is night gown under the Kimono, makes ARNAV a little sweaty.

His heart beat starts to pick up the pace.

She eases in a keep a six pack can of coke in the freeze.

She also picks up a box of cookies and starts to eat two at a time.

Khushi

"Arnav Ji!

I am ok.

I understand."

She is wearing red lipstick.

Arnav finally got time to look at her face, tearing his look from her black satin.

Hmm'red?

Lipstick.

It's something new.

KHUSHI

" Arnav ji!

You want coffee?

I learned to make coffee in the machine. Mrs Gomez taught us.

You want it with splenda?

I just knew they make these, they are great almost as sugar. I bought a pack for you today.

I alos bought you sugar free cookies.

Here try one.

I will get you coffee."

"Umm..Lavanya told me to wear these cloths at home.

And said you mentioned to her that, my'.umm..anyways."

Arnav drifts into thinking:

"She seems all normal.

No tears.

No depression.

She is not acting.

She seems genuinely true.

She took time to cry it out, maybe and she knows I did not MEAN A WORD, I SPOKE.

May be she got the hold of the situation and understood that I am planning :

Arnav nods his head.

ARNAV

" Umm. Khushi, give me 2 splendas. And let's try the cookies.

We have dinner planned with Alex and the rest.

But if you want we can stay home.

I mean here.

I can spare some time and make some excuse to not go to the stupid party of Mark.

So you had fun today?"

"How were Mark and Lavanya?

Mark said, you mentioned ZOO.

We will try to go, as soon as I finish here."

"I actually took a lot in my plate.

If Alex did not help, I would have never'..'

Before Arnav could finish, Khushi steps just in front of him.

And ARNAV FACES THE GIRL, WHOM, ANY BOY WOULD LOVE TO CLAIM.

ANY BOY WOULD LOVE TO "LOVE".

KHUSHI demands :

" Kiss me"

KHUSHI IS standing just a hand's away from Arnav,

She is tiptoeing and hair let loose. With eyes closed, breathing stopped.

The hair is cascading the satin from her neck upto her chest.

Arnav forcefully keeps his stare away from her body.

He misses : "a few"'no.."not a few"'"quite a few heart beats".

He starts to sweat

His blood starts to boil up to the point of no return.

Khushi have her eyes closed.

Lips a bit curved

And she spoke the words so much determination and strength, that Arnav feels like sinking.

His hands rise on their own.

His breathing gets upto a point where he shake sup with each exhale.

He closes in towards her.

He closes in and SAYS :

WHAT ANY GIRL, WILL TRY TO DIE, BEFORE HEARING.

WHAT ANY GIRL WOULD LOVE TO " HATE"

ARNAV replies:

"NO"

Uttering the words, Arnav almost rushes to him room and slams the door at her face.

KHUSHI stands in the middle of the room, head down, almost fainting at the suddenness of what just happened.

SILENCED

REJECTED

ABANDONED.

KNOCK!

KNOCK!!

Without waiting, Khushi barges into Arnav's room. He looks up, standing in front of the open window.

KHUSHI

"WHAT IS UP WITH YOU?

You will not talk?

You will not give me time?

You will not TOUCH ME even ?

Why?

Are you still upset?

Am I that bad?

Am I not worth it?

What do you think of yourself?

I did not leave for India.

You asked me and I stayed. But now you are back to where we started.

Inspite of what happened and ignoring your "Ignornace" towards me, I make a step and master all the courage to tell you exactly what I want, how I feel and what I NEED.

I do not want any more vagueness between us.

And

You reject me like this?"

Arnav ji!

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND YOU.

I really wish I did.

BUT SORRY, I DO NOT.

Why are you acting like this?

Why are you so confused? "

( KHUSHI stops abruptly.

She seats on the bed for a minute and She makes her voice steady and with a new confidence, Arnav never seen in her)

She continues:

" ARNAV JI

I want to go away and stay with Lavanya Ji. For tonight.

I do not wish to stay alone , here tonight.

You will leave in an hour for the stupid party and I will die out of SHAME if I stay here, alone.

I want to leave, right now.

And also will stay with Lavanya Ji for her party tomorrow night."

ARNAV raises a hand and turns towards her to sooth her down.

Khushi

"NO ARNAV JI!

PLEASE, NOT NOW.

I BEG OF YOU.

Just let me go , I do not want any explanation.

It was stupid of me to open up like that.

You need space and I understand.

Sorry."

A SOBBING AND CRYING KHUSHI walks away, running to her room.

A PUZZLE Arnav stands without a word or scope of replying.

After 5 minutes

(Arnav storms into Khushi's room.)

ARNAV

"Khushi!

I cannot.

I just cannot take advantage of the situation.

You are not thinking sanely.

You are being too'.I don't know.

I AM A MAN.

AND IT'S VERY, VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO KEEP IN CONTROL.

I DO NOT WANT TO escalate the situation between us.

Not now.

At any given point of time, I can think of a hundred things I WANT TO, NEED TO DO TO YOU,

You do not need to wear a black dress or lipstick.

Just you being here, near me, or even in my thoughts. TURNS ME ON.

And when you offer, me "YOURSELF".

I cannot not resist.

Its out of the question that you will think that you are not worth it.

You are worth everything.

My entire existence wraps around you.

I never felt the way I do, for you.

BUT'

BELIEVE ME, I would rather die, than reject you.

BUT trust me. It's just not the right time.

You deserve lots better, then what I can give you now.

TRUST ME."

KHUSHI INTERRUPTS:

"ARNAV JI!

GO!

PLEASE.

I just need some time alone.

I do not mean to be rude or upset you.

It's just that, I called Lavanya JI, and she is on her way to pick me up.

They were around the neighborhood.

You will also leave with Mark Ji! And it is a late night thing.

I also called Mr. Mehta to stay close by.

DO not look so surprised. I want Mr. Mehta to stick around, so I feel at ease, leaving you for tonight.

You should not stay alone. Not tonight.

I need to change and pack my stuff.

Please Arnav ji!

Please understand, it's nothing personal.

ITS NOT YOU, ITS ME'I NEED SOME SPACE .

ANYWAYS'

PROMISE ME , YOU will take your medicine on time and text me of how you are doing.

Please, promise me.

And Arnav Ji!

I cannot explain how moved I am that you took your time and effort to help babuji.

You also appointed guard for Buaji.

It's really generous of you.

Not in my wildest dream would I have thought of that.

Me and Jiji will always be greatly in debt of you for doing all these and going out of your way to help us.

Thank you Arnav JI"!!

Arnav jolts out at the composed, planned Khushi speaking with definite hold and confidence.

He is stunned at her disposal.

But the last thankful words from her, makes hi, feel like a "showoff".

He recoils up a bit inside.

He nods his head and goes out of the room, leaving the door open.

( After 10 minutes )

Getting a call from Lavanya, that she is on her way and is at the lobby, coming up and that Khushi's phone is non reachable. Arnav drags his feet and a heavy , tormented heart to Khushi's room.

He enters the open door, that he left open and hears Khushi speaking

Khushi:

"Lavanya !

Oh sorry, I switched the ringer off, just noticed your call.

Yes I am getting ready. Have spoken to Arnav Ji!

He is ok, with me going with you for tonight.

Ok

Ok so Mark is also with you?

Alright.

The main door is unlocked.

You guys just come in.

Yes I think Arnav ji is also ready to leave with Mark.

No..

I am ok.

No'...I wasn't crying.

No.. Arnav JI did not say anything.

I had ice cream, so the voice is a bit off .

I am FINE.

Really its alright.

I have packed for two nights.

Yes, bags are all packed.

I will just put on my kameez, real quick.

Just will take 2 minutes.

Come in .

See you soon."

She is looking at the mirror.

BACK towards Arnav.

A small carryon bag packed.

A bag on her dressing table.

A salwar suit lying on the bed.

A sandal in matching color at the bed bottom.

A pair of diamond studs on her ear lobes and a bracelet shining in the light.

She is combing her long, beautiful black hair.

The black Kimono hanging from the chair

Her white bare feet gracing the carpet below.

The pale skin is teasing Arnav with the deepest of sting.

And she standing only in her night gown, bare back till the waist line, a cascade of hair blocking her skin from the rest of the world, sleeveless, off shoulder spaghetti string black silk threads: keeping the feeble piece of silk hanging from her shoulders.

( After 2 minutes of devouring the sight in front of him )

A careless manly whispers, colored with NEED :

"To Hell with my self control !!

Enough !!! "

''''..AFTER another minute

In same man whispers again, colored with ANNOYANCE:

"Shit!

NOW , REALLY !!!

What timing?

FU**!! "

( as ususal )

A door slams

A glass smashes

A laptop crashes.