WRITER's NOTE: Hello my beautiful readers! How is it going?? I know you all are dying to see Arshi together again (trust me so am I š) but then, the story's got to flow in it's own pace right? haha.. ok sorry about being a tease, but an Arshi encounter is on the charts!! do I hear you sigh "FINALLY smitzy!" hahaha
Have a read and let me know your thoughts. Comments/ critiques most welcome. This longgg scene is dedicated to KBTR who told me the last scene was too short š hope this one makes you happy dear! Also, a special thank you for -kitzdoll- for diligently being the FIRST one to comment (I've lost count how many times now š) thanks so much sweetheart!
cheers!
*None of my work can be copied without explicit written permission from me. It's not polite to steal ideas.*
Chapter 7 scene 3
[AR designs, Arnav's cabin.. later in the afternoon]
Arnav leans back on his chair and stares at the tiffin box sitting on his desk for a long moment. Khushi started working again for her dabba service. Arnav's eyebrows furrow in confusion. It doesn't make any sense to him. She had stopped working out of the blue. So why start now? Although there was so explaination possible to understand the ways Khushi's mind works, curiosity starts poking him in the ribs as he is struggles to comprehend. He interlocks his fingers and rests them on his lips as a plan of action starts formulating in his mind.
He picks up the phone and calls Aakash on the intercom.
"Aakash? I need to discuss about the calendar shoot. Kya tum mere cabin mein aa sakte ho please?" Arnav asks. Aakash replies something to which Arnav nods and keeps the phone down.
Aakash walks into his cabin a minute later, carrying a stack of files and catalogues with him. Arnav and he start discussing in earnest about the shoot that they were going to have in a few weeks. After half an hour of discussion, they stop for a breather. Arnav's face assumes a straight-faced look, as he pores over a file.
"So Aakash, Khushi ki banai kheer tumhe kaisi lagi?" Arnav asks casually. Aakash looks up from his papers in surprise.
"Woh kheer Khushiji ne banai thi?" he asks in amazement. "Kaafi achi thi bhai. Unhone dabba service fir se shuru kar diya?" he wonders aloud. Now it is Arnav's turn to look at him with a fake look of surprise.
"Haan. I thought Payal ne tumhe bataya hoga? Unki family mein itni badi problem jo aai hai." Arnav replies vaguely. He knows he was taking a long shot here; there may be something, but then there may not be any problem either.
But Aakash freezes as he now looks at Arnav uncertainly. Payal had indeed told him about her bauji's operation and the monetary problems. But how did Bhai come to know about this? He wonders.
"Par bhai, aapko kaise pata chala?" Aakash asks inquisitively. Arnav's heartbeat races. So something IS up. Khushi needs money and there IS some problem.
"Khushi ne mujhe bataya," Arnav replies in an isn't-it-obvious tone. Aakash relaxes. Of course, Khushiji would first share her problems with Bhai.
"Oh right, Bhai." Arnav's curiosity again starts picking up.
"Waise Aakash, I don't know how they are going to manage. I mean, realisitically speaking, sirf dabba service se -"
"I know Bhai! Maine bhi Payal ko yahi samjhaya. Sirf dabba service se, ek hafte mein 5 lakh kamana! It's a joke!" Arnav's eyes widen slightly as he absorbs this piece of information. 5 lakhs?! Aakash continues, "but aap to Khushiji ko jaante ho na. Unhone Payal ko bhi strictly bataya hai ki main unki koi help na karun." Arnav nods in assent.
"Haan I know. Khushi ne mujhe bhi mana kar diya when I offered to help." Arnav smoothly lies through his teeth. "I'm sure Khushi will be able to do it. She's a resourceful person." Arnav replies in a conclusive tone. Aakash gets the hint.
"Yeah I think so too. Acha bhai, I've a meeting now with some clients. Main aapse shaam ko milta hun," Aakash picks up his files and leaves.
Arnav again leans back in his chair, now thinking hard. Khushi needs 5 lakh rupees within a week's time. Aisi kya problem aa gai hai uski family mein? He wonders. Maybe I should have been more tactful in getting out that information from Aakash. Knowing her, he had expected Khushi not to take the money from anyone else. But tiffin service? Really? Ye ladki bilkul pagal hai! Use kya lagta hai, kheer bana kar woh itne paise kama legi? Arnav gets up from his chair and slowly starts pacing in the room.
Aakash ko bhi ye baat pata hai, par Khushi ne ek baar mujhse iss bare mein baat nahin ki! His heart feels a stab of hurt. Or maybe, it was a stab at his ego. He starts feeling irritated. Woh sabse apni tension baant sakti hai, par mujhse nahin. Main uska kuch bhi nahin lagta kya? Arnav swerves around in anger. Theek hai! Agar use meri madad nahin chahiye to main bhi kuch nahin karunga. Karte rehne do use apna dabba service! He thinks vehemently as he swerves again and paces in the room fuming now. He stops suddenly and stares again at the tiffin box, sitting innocently on his table.
[Cut to Gupta House]
Khushi, Buaji and Payal are all sitting on the dining table. They have sheets of papers scattered all over the table with numbers written on them. They look like account sheets. Buaji, is sitting quietly with a forlorn look on her face, because she has been discouraged from offering her savings for Shashi's operation by a very adamant Khushi.
"Khushi, sirf dabba service se zyada se zyada tum 1 lakh tak kama paogi iss ek hafte mein," Payal says holding up a paper where she has tallied some figures. Khushi looks disappointed.
"Humein to lag raha tha ki dabba service se zyada paise milenge," she mutters sadly. Payal smiles at her.
"Koi baat nahin Khushi. Humare paas aur bhi tareeke hain," Payal says optimistically. "Tumhe yaad hai, pichle saal humne ek party ke liye mithaiyon ka order liya tha?" Khushi's eyes widen as she remembers. They had unknowingly accepted the offer to work for Anjali's wedding anniversary party even when they had decided they'll never return to Raizada House. That was the day she had ended up in Arnav's cupboard. As if trying to shoo away something unpleasant, Khushi starts waving her hands in the air.
"Jeeji, humein unke ghar ke liye koi mithaiyan nahin banani hain!" she declares in a determined tone. Payal stares surprised at Khushi waving her hands like a windmill.
"Ohho! Hum unke ghar ki baat nahin kar rahe hain Khushi!" Payal exclaims exasperatedly and pulls down Khushi's arms. "Abhi shaadiyon ka mahina chal raha hai. Humein kahin na kahin se mithaiyon ka order to mil hi jayega." Khushi looks delighted with the idea.
"Arre haan jeeji! To subah hum dabba banayenge, aur shaam ko jalebi!" Payal shakes her head at the reference of Jalebi.
"Haan, bas woh jalebiyan tum khud mat khatam kar dena." Payal replies smiling as Khushi happily hugs her.
[AR designs, Arnav's cabin, sometime in the evening]
Aman knocks on the door. Arnav beckons him to come in and take a seat.
"Sir, calendar shoot ke liye models ki list maine compile kar di hai. Aur outfits ki final listing abhi tak Creatives se mili nahin hai. As soon as I get it, main file update kar dunga." When Arnav doesn't acknowledge him, Aman looks up from his file to see Arnav with his eyes closed, seemingly absorbed in some thought. "Sir?"
"Aman, tum iss weekend ek party throw kar rahe ho," Aman immediately takes out his pen and writing pad and starts taking notes.
"Ok, sir."
"Poore office staff ko invite karo. All departments including inventory and accounts." Aman looks up surprised. That is a lot of people! He suddenly thinks but doesn't comment.
"Sure, sir. Koi specific occasion hai kya, sir?" Aman asks as he continues writing.
"Haan. Tumhara birthday hai."
"Mera birthday -" Aman repeats as he writes it down. Then he suddenly stops and looks up dumbstruck. "Sir? Mera birthday to December mein aata hai..." Arnav opens his eyes and looks at Aman with a poker face, only his eyebrow raised questioningly. Aman gulps. "I mean, yes sir. December mein mera official birthday hai. Sunday ko mera actual birthday hai."
"Excellent!" Arnav again closes his eyes. "Catering ka contract tum Shukla ji ko doge. Expenses for the party will be covered by me." Aman again looks baffled.
"So technically speaking, aap mere liye party de rahe hain," he replies guardedly. Arnav lets out a rare smile. Aman gapes at Arnav with his mouth slightly open.
"Of course! You're my right hand! Tumhare birthday ke liye itna to main kar hi sakta hun," Arnav replies. "But obviously, you will not mention my name anywhere, right?" Aman nods. "And let Shukla ji know about this as soon as you can." He commands. Aman goes back to making notes. "And one more thing Aman," Aman looks up, wary to hear his boss's next words, "I want you to invite Khushi."
Aman stares at Arnav completely confused.
[Cut to Gupta House, much later at night]
Khushi has just kept the phone down and is doing her happy dance. Buaji suddenly walks in on her and gapes at her as if Khushi has gone mental.
"Haye re Nandkishore! Kaa hua tumko Parmeswari? Bhoot ghus gaya hai kaa sareer ma?" Buaji shakes Khushi by her arm enquiringly. Khushi grabs Buaji by both her arms and makes her dance along. Buaji does so albeit uncomfortably before finally stopping herself.
"Sanaka devi! Bataogi ki hua kaa hai?" A breathless Khushi piles herself on the bed.
"Devi Maiyya ne hamari sun li Buaji!" she says excitedly. "Humein ye to nahin pata tha ki itni jaldi sunengi, par sun li." Buaji is still waiting impatiently for her to blurt it out. "Shukla ji ka phone aaya tha Buaji. Aman ji ka janamdin hai aur woh ek bahut badi daawat de rahe hain. Saare office ke staff ko bulaya hai aur Aman ji ne to humein bhi aamantrit kiya hai! Aur pata hai uss daawat ke liye khana kaun bana raha hai?" Buaji rubs her imaginary beard trying to think of an answer when Khushi declares loudly, "KKGSR Dabba Service!" and starts dancing again. Buaji affentionately caresses Khushi's head.
"Lakh lakh sukar hai Devi Maiyya ka jo humri Parmeswari ki madad kar di. Acha apni Jeeji ko bhi khush khabari de dena yaad se. Hum sone ja rahe hain." And buaji leaves.
Khushi slumps down her chair and folds her hands in front of the idol of Devi Maiyya in gratefulness. "Devi Maiyya, aap jaanti thi ki humein kisi ki madad lena bilkul pasand nahin hai. Isiliye to aapne Amanji ke roop mein ek farishta bhej diya. Ab humein bas kuch aur paise jodne honge aur fir bauji ka ilaaj shuru ho sakega. Aapka bahut bahut dhanyawaad humari madad karne ke liye, aur humari takleef ko samajhne ke liye. Aapke siwa humari saari chinta door karne wala hai hi kaun?"
[Cut to Raizada Mansion, Arnav's room]
Arnav walks out of the bathroom, his faintly wet hair touseled on his forehead, a towel in his hands. He is in his track pants and his usual violet tee shirt and looks ready to retire for the night. Suddenly his phone kept on the bedside table beeps to tell him he has received a new message. Arnav opens it and smiles faintly. It's from Aman and reads only three words.
Sir, it's done.
Arnav knows Khushi is stubborn enough not to accept his help up front. So, two can play that game. He tries to imagine her reaction, if she ever found out the truth and smirks. Everything is fair in love and war Khushi.
ENGLISH VERSION
Chapter 7 scene 3
[AR designs, Arnav's cabin.. later in the afternoon]
Arnav leans back on his chair and stares at the tiffin box sitting on his desk for a long moment. Khushi started working again for her dabba service. Arnav's eyebrows furrow in confusion. It doesn't make any sense to him. She had stopped working out of the blue. So why start now? Although there was so explaination possible to understand the ways Khushi's mind works, curiosity starts poking him in the ribs as he is struggles to comprehend. He interlocks his fingers and rests them on his lips as a plan of action starts formulating in his mind.
He picks up the phone and calls Aakash on the intercom.
"Aakash? I need to discuss about the calendar shoot. Can you come up to my cabin please?" Arnav asks. Aakash replies something to which Arnav nods and keeps the phone down.
Aakash walks into his cabin a minute later, carrying a stack of files and catalogues with him. Arnav and he start discussing in earnest about the shoot that they were going to have in a few weeks. After half an hour of discussion, they stop for a breather. Arnav's face assumes a straight-faced look, as he pores over a file.
"So Aakash, how did you like the kheer Khushi prepared?" Arnav asks casually. Aakash looks up from his papers in surprise.
"Khushiji made the kheer?" he asks in amazement. "It was brilliant, bhai. She restarted her tiffin service?" he wonders aloud. Now it is Arnav's turn to look at him with a fake look of surprise.
"Yeah. I thought Payal must have told you? After all, her family is facing such a big problem." Arnav replies vaguely. He knows he was taking a long shot here; there may be something, but then there may not be any problem either.
But Aakash freezes as he now looks at Arnav uncertainly. Payal had indeed told him about her bauji's operation and the monetary problems. But how did Bhai come to know about this? He wonders.
"But bhai, how did you know about this?" Aakash asks inquisitively. Arnav's heartbeat races.So something IS up. Khushi needs money and there IS some problem.
"Khushi told me," Arnav replies in an isn't-it-obvious tone. Aakash relaxes.Of course, Khushiji would first share her problems with Bhai.
"Oh right, Bhai." Arnav's curiosity again starts picking up.
"But Aakash, I don't know how they are going to manage. I mean, realisitically speaking, only tiffin dabba service -"
"I know Bhai! I explained the same thing to Payal. Earning 5 lakhs in a week just by tiffin service! It's a joke!" Arnav's eyes widen slightly as he absorbs this piece of information. 5 lakhs?! Aakash continues, "but you know Khushiji. She has strictly instructed Payal that I shouldn't help them." Arnav nods in assent.
"Yes I know. Khushi forbade me too when I offered to help." Arnav smoothly lies through his teeth. "I'm sure Khushi will be able to do it. She's a resourceful person." Arnav replies in a conclusive tone. Aakash gets the hint.
"Yeah I think so too. Ok bhai, I've a meeting now with some clients. I'll see you later," Aakash picks up his files and leaves.
Arnav again leans back in his chair, now thinking hard. Khushi needs 5 lakh rupees within a week's time. What kind of a family problem is she in? He wonders.Maybe I should have been more tactful in getting out that information from Aakash.Knowing her, he had expected Khushi not to take the money from anyone else. But tiffin service? Really? This girl is completely dumb. Does she really think that making kheer is going to fetch her the money? Arnav gets up from his chair and slowly starts pacing in the room.
Aakash too knew about this, but Khushi didn't even once mention anything to me! His heart feels a stab of hurt. Or maybe, it was a stab at his ego. He starts feeling irritated. She can share her tensions with the whole world, but not me. Am I nothing to her? Arnav swerves around in anger. Fine! If she doesn't need my help, I won't do anything either. Let he continue with her stupid tiffin service! He thinks vehemently as he swerves again and paces in the room fuming now. He stops suddenly and stares again at the tiffin box, sitting innocently on his table.
[Cut to Gupta House]
Khushi, Buaji and Payal are all sitting on the dining table. They have sheets of papers scattered all over the table with numbers written on them. They look like account sheets. Buaji, is sitting quietly with a forlorn look on her face, because she has been discouraged from offering her savings for Shashi's operation by a very adamant Khushi.
"Khushi, tiffin service can cater for a maximum of 1 lakh rupees only within this week," Payal says holding up a paper where she has tallied some figures. Khushi looks disappointed.
"I thought it would fetch me more money," she mutters sadly. Payal smiles at her.
"It's alright Khushi. We have other options as well," Payal says optimistically. "Do you remember? Last year we took an order to prepare sweets for a big party?" Khushi's eyes widen as she remembers. They had unknowingly accepted the offer to work for Anjali's wedding anniversary party even when they had decided they'll never return to Raizada House. That was the day she had ended up in Arnav's cupboard. As if trying to shoo away something unpleasant, Khushi starts waving her hands in the air.
"Jeeji, I do not want to prepare any sweets for that house again!" she declares in a determined tone. Payal stares surprised at Khushi waving her hands like a windmill.
"Ohho! I'm not talking about their house Khushi!" Payal exclaims exasperatedly and pulls down Khushi's arms. "This is the month of marriages. I'm sure we can get a couple of orders to prepare sweets for wedding parties." Khushi looks delighted with the idea.
"Oh yes, jeeji! I can cook for the tiffin service in the morning and can prepare jalebi's by the night!" Payal shakes her head at the reference of Jalebi.
"Ya, only thing is, you don't finish up the jalebis all by yourself." Payal replies smiling as Khushi happily hugs her.
[AR designs, Arnav's cabin, sometime in the evening]
Aman knocks on the door. Arnav beckons him to come in and take a seat.
"Sir, I've compiled the list of models for the calendar shoot. I haven't yet received the final list of the dresses from the Creatives. As soon as I get it, I'll update the file." When Arnav doesn't acknowledge him, Aman looks up from his file to see Arnav with his eyes closed, seemingly absorbed in some thought. "Sir?"
"Aman, you are throwing a party this weekend," Aman immediately takes out his pen and writing pad and starts taking notes.
"Ok, sir."
"Invite everyone from the staff. All departments including inventory and accounts." Aman looks up surprised. That is a lot of people! He suddenly thinks but doesn't comment.
"Sure, sir. Any specific occasion, sir?" Aman asks as he continues writing.
"Yes. It's your birthday."
"It's my birthday -" Aman repeats as he writes it down. Then he suddenly stops and looks up dumbstruck. "Sir? But my birthday is in the month of Decemeber..." Arnav opens his eyes and looks at Aman with a poker face, only his eyebrow raised questioningly. Aman gulps. "I mean, yes sir. My official birthday is in December. Whereas my actual birthday is on Sunday."
"Excellent!" Arnav again closes his eyes. "For the catering contract, you'll contact Shukla ji. Expenses for the party will be covered by me." Aman again looks baffled.
"So technically speaking, You are throwing me a party," he replies guardedly. Arnav lets out a rare smile. Aman gapes at Arnav with his mouth slightly open.
"Of course! You're my right hand! I can do this much for your birthday can't I?" Arnav replies. "But obviously, you will not mention my name anywhere, right?" Aman nods. "And let Shukla ji know about this as soon as you can." He commands. Aman goes back to making notes. "And one more thing Aman," Aman looks up, wary to hear his boss's next words, "I want you to invite Khushi."
Aman stares at Arnav completely confused.
[Cut to Gupta House, much later at night]
Khushi has just kept the phone down and is doing her happy dance. Buaji suddenly walks in on her and gapes at her as if Khushi has gone mental.
"Haye re Nandkishore! What has happened to you, Parmeswari? Are you possessed by a ghost?" Buaji shakes Khushi by her arm enquiringly. Khushi grabs Buaji by both her arms and makes her dance along. Buaji does so albeit uncomfortably before finally stopping herself.
"Sanaka devi! Will you tell me what has happened?" A breathless Khushi piles herself on the bed.
"Devi Maiyya has listened to my prayers Buaji!" she says excitedly. "I didn't know she'd listen so quickly, but she has." Buaji is still waiting impatiently for her to blurt it out. "Shukla ji called just now Buaji. It is Aman ji's birthday and he is throwing a big soiree. The entire office staff is invited and Amanji has invited me too! And do you know who is catering for that big party?" Buaji rubs her imaginary beard trying to think of an answer when Khushi declares loudly, "KKGSR Dabba Service!" and starts dancing again. Buaji affentionately caresses Khushi's head.
"A million thanks to Devi Maiyya that she has blessed my dear Parmeswari. Remember to inform Payal about this good news as well. I'm going to sleep." And buaji leaves.
Khushi slumps down her chair and folds her hands in front of the idol of Devi Maiyya in gratefulness. "Devi Maiyya, you knew that I didn't want to ask anyone for help. That is why you sent Amanji as your angel. Now I just need to arrange for some more money from another source and Bauji's treatment can start. Thank you for helping me and for understanding my pain. Who apart from you can take my worries away?"
[Cut to Raizada Mansion, Arnav's room]
Arnav walks out of the bathroom, his faintly wet hair touseled on his forehead, a towel in his hands. He is in his track pants and his usual violet tee shirt and looks ready to retire for the night. Suddenly his phone kept on the bedside table beeps to tell him he has received a new message. Arnav opens it and smiles faintly. It's from Aman and reads only three words.
Sir, it's done.
Arnav knows Khushi is stubborn enough not to accept his help up front. So, two can play that game. He tries to imagine her reaction, if she ever found out the truth and smirks. Everything is fair in love and war Khushi.
NEXT CHAPTER (click)
WRITER's NOTE: Arnav may get pissed off with Khushi any number of times, but we all know in the end it is only him who is her knight in shiny armor. FEEDBACK people! please be generous š
Edited by smitzy - 12 years ago
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