Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 30 July 2025 EDT
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 31st July 2025 EDT
TRIALS OF BOND 30.7
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Paravarish
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21 years of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
Allrighty !!!😛 Smitzy, please reswa late okay ?😛😉 You bet she's laughing at us now ...ye dono phir se chalu ho gaye ...ah ah Fairy kahan hai ?Originally posted by: ipkkndfanforeva
If our dear Smita doesnt update on time, u are bhery welcome to res!!😃
Chapter 23 Scene 3
[Shantivan, Diwali night]
Night's already setting in fast in the environs of Laxmi Nagar. There is a festive spirit as people are shouting out Diwali greetings to each other on the roads. Small children are running around burning phooljharis under the hawk eyed supervision of their parents. Older boys are already on the streets bursting bombs and setting the tails of rockets on fire. Gupta House looks beautiful decked with fairy lights all around the house as well on the courtyard boundary fences. There are numerous diyas arranged all around the verandah, leading to a wonderful aura of serenity.
However, inside the house is not even remotely close to the calm outdoors.
Garima is helping Shashi get into his brand new kurta. Thankfully, owing to the progress in the physiotherapy, he could stand on his own for short intervals. He has a smile on his face as he watches Khushi flitting in and out of their room looking flustered. He raises an eyebrow at Garima inquisitively, who shakes her head in exasperation.
"Khusee ko shyaam ko yaad aavat raha ki use saree pehen ni hai. To bas usi ki tayyari kar rahi hai," Garima says to Shashi arranging his collar.
"Arre Garima," Buaji calls from behind. "Payalia ka phone aaya raha. Keh rahi thi ki unke ghar se gaadi nikal gayi hai, Nandkishore. To shayad aadhe paun ghante mein yiihan pahunch jaye rahegi. Jaldi se tayyar hui jao. Sankadevi kahan hai?" Buaji calls out loudly looking around searchingly. Just on cue, Khushi rushes inside Garima's room and bangs into Buaji heavily.
"Ohhh! Maaf kijiyega Buaji. Hum sunhere rang ka dhaga dhoondh rahe hain. Aapke paas hai kya?" Khushi asks breathlessly. Buaji holds her head in disbelief.
"Oyee Parmeswari!" she says admonishingly. Khushi looks sheepish. "Aadh paun ghante mein gaadi aane ko hai. Tumka abhi sui dhage se kaa kaam pad gaya?" Khushi gapes at Buaji for a couple of seconds before bolting back to her room in top speed. Buaji looks enquiringly at Garima.
"Aaj Sakeswari kuch zyada hi sanak gayi hai kaa?" Buaji asks earnestly making Shashi chuckle loudly.
Back in Khushi's room, she's sitting on her bed and mending a golden coloured blouse. Nandini walks in looking interestingly at Khushi's threadwork. "Khushi I thought tum Raizada House ja rahi thi? Tum to silai kadhai ka kaam leke baith gayi," Nandini says cheekily. Khushi looks up at her despondently but then her mouth opens wide.
"Nandini ji!" Nandini looks startled at Khushi's cry. "Aap tayyar nahin hui abhi tak?" Khushi asks in a horrified tone. Nandini shakes her head.
"Tayyar kyun hona hai? Main kahan ja rahi hun?" Nandini counter questions and sits down on Khushi's bed. "Mere mum aur dad dono apni apni families ke saath diwali spend kar rahe hain. Aur unke saath ye festival spend karne ka mera koi interest nahin hai." Nandini's voice fades out at the end as she fiddles with the bedsheet. Khushi lowers the blouse she was mending and looks at Nandini with saddened eyes. It had been a long time since her best friend had last brought up her bitterness against her divorced and now remarried parents. "I wish main abhi Lucknow mein Dadi ke paas hoti," Nandini murmurs almost wistfully.
Khushi reaches out and squeezes Nandini's hand gently. She looks up and her teary eyes meet Khushi's who smiles at her warmly, "Humein maaf kijiye Nandini ji. Humein laga, shayad Dilli wapis laut kar aap fir se apne Maa aur Pitaji ke paas ja payengi." Nandini shakes her head dismissively and wipes her eyes.
"Khair chodo, Khushi. Maine Garima Aunty se baat kar li hai. Main yahin reh kar Buaji ke naye TV ki rakhwali karungi." Nandini says the words really earnestly but Khushi bursts into laughter, diffusing the tension of the room instantly.
"Hans kya rahi ho, Khushi?" Nandini asks her in a mock reprimanding tone. "TV ki rakhwali ke liye koi to yahan hona zaroori hai na!"
"Haan, uss TV mein to jaise Buaji ki jaan atki hui hai," Khushi replies still gasping with laughter. Nandini too giggles. "Nandini ji, aap hamare saath Shantivan kyun nahin chalti?" Khushi asks.
Nandini's smile fades and she looks thoughtful for a moment. "Pata nahin Khushi. I think, thoda ajeeb ho jayega."
"Arre ajeeb kya hoga? Wahan hum sab honge, Jiji hongi, Anjali Di hongi aur Jeeja ji bhi," Khushi immediately counters, carefully keeping NK and Arnav out of the list. When Nandini still looks dubious, Khushi adds enthusiastically, "Aur aap to Naniji se mile bhi nahin ho. Woh bilkul aapki dadi ki tarah hain. Chaliye na!" Nandini softens on hearing the reference to her Dadi.
"Acha theek hai. Par main pehnu kya? Mere paas saree nahin hai," Nandini mutters.
"Koi baat nahin. Hamari almaari mein Jiji ki ek purani saree rakhi hai. Aap woh pehen lo. Lekin pehle blouse dekh lo. Kuch kam zyada hua to hum silai kar denge," Khushi offers pointing towards her closet and goes back to mending her blouse.
"Par maine to Buaji ko kehte hue suna ki gaadi aane wali hai. Tum aakhir minute mein kyun silai kar rahi ho? Koi aur saree kyun nahin pehen leti?" Nandini asks taking her kurti off and trying out Payal's blouse.
"Woh kya hai na, humein yaad hi nahin tha ki yeh saree hamare paas rakhi hui thi. Jab humne ye aaj shaam ko dekhi to humne than hi liya ki humein yahi pehen ni hai," Khushi replies holding up the blouse to check if the stitches are done properly.
"Kyun aisa kya khaas hai iss saree mein?" Nandini asks adjusting her blouse.
"Ye saree humein Arnav ji ne humare janamdin par diya tha," Khushi answers looking down fondly at the half open cardboard box containing the bright fuschia pink and golden saree.
Nandini freezes while draping the saree and looks up at Khushi from across the room. A look of absolute of adoration dawns on Khushi's face as she runs her fingers through the georgette material, again getting lost in her own world like she had earlier in the morning. If a thought bubble could pop up on top of Khushi's head, Nandini wouldn't need to be a genius to figure what it said.
Every inch of Khushi's body was yelling out how much in love she was with Arnav. And finally, Nandini's rigid unwilling lips curve into a small affectionate smile.
[Raizada Mansion, an hour later]
Arnav bounds down the stairs looking absolutely dapper in a navy blue bandh gala suit. A satin navy blue napkin peeps up from his chest pocket. The suit fits him incredibly well, underlining the muscles of his arm and his broad chest tapering down to the waist. His hair is trimmed on the sides and has been slightly gelled back. He's clean shaven with the slightest hints of a stubble. All in all, he looks good enough to eat.
Fiddling with his phone he walks across the sitting lounge. The main lights of the hall are all turned off so that the fairylights and Diyas are the only sources of light, bathing the entire hall in a dim glow. On the other side, the family is already gathered near the temple with Mamiji and Payal doing the last minute touch ups for the Laxmi Pooja preparations. Aakash and NK are both wearing traditional kurtas and looking smart as usual. Payal is looking beautiful in a baby blue saree and Mamiji is loaded up with her usual share of bright make up along with a deep purple silk saree. Naniji looks her dignified self in a light cream Lucknowi Chickan saree. Arnav's eyebrows pucker in a frown.
"Nani, Di kahan hai?" Arnav asks at the very glaring absence of Anjali with her Pooja Thali. Nani looks at Arnav with distraught eyes.
"Anjali bitiya ki tabiyat kuch theek naahin lag rahe hai," Nani replies. "Woo apne kamre mein so rahi hai." Arnav immediately looks worried.
"Kya hua Di ko? Subah tak to woh theek thi," Arnav asks in a concerned voice. "Main doctor ko call karun?" he asks already scrolling down his phone's contact list. But Nani places her hand on Arnav's.
"Uski kauno zaroorat nahin hai Chotey. Woh subah se ghar ke kaamo mein laagi rahi. Shayad thak gayi rahi. Abhi thodi der araam kar liye rahe, to behtar mehsoos karegi. Aap chinta naahin karein," Nani says reassuredly. Arnav keeps his phone away, although not looking entirely convinced. Just then the main door opens and the Gupta family enter Shantivan.
Their entry bears different effects on different people.
Payal keeps her Thaali and rushes to meet and greet her family, closely followed by Arnav, Mamiji, Naniji and Aakash.
NK meanwhile stays by the temple and stnads on his toes to peek at the entourage that had just entered. Strangely he can see only Buaji, Garima and Shashi. When he realises that Nandini hadn't come, he walks towards them in dismay. Buaji pinches NK's cheeks as he greets her. NK shrinks back in embarrassment. In a bubble of happy conversation about their timely arrival, the gathering proceeds to the temple again, while Arnav hovers around the main door, waiting expectantly for Khushi.
Getting slightly restless, he walks towards the main door and almost bumps into '
"NANDINI?!" Arnav gasps in shock. Dressed in a bright orange saree, Nandini shrinks away from him raising her arm to block Arnav from crashing into her. As the two of them stand a respectable distance apart from each other, Nandini glares at him.
My version of Nandini (Neha Bamb of Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai fame)
"Mujhe invite kiya tha to ab yahan dekh ke itna surprised kyun ho rahe ho?" Nandini asks him and before Arnav can answer anything, she brushes past him and walks inside. Arnav sees her retreating back and shakes his head in disbelief. What a woman! Always ready to combust at any moment's notice!
However, just hearing the name all the way across the hall had made NK stand rooted to his spot. He slowly turns around, his eyes wide open, unsure if he had heard the right name. Then his eyes meet Nandini's who was hovering near the entrance awkwardly looking around and NK's face lit up with a huge smile. His insides were doing the somersault. He rushes to Nandini to welcome her.
"Nandini ji!" NK exclaims happily. Nandini smiles.
"Hi NK," she answers.
"Aap aaye, baadh aayi!" NK murmurs in a flattering voice. Nandini's smile dies down and she stares at NK for a moment. He immediately realises he's said something wrong.
"Baadh nahin Nanheji, Bahaar aayi," a disembodied voice filters in, making Nandini, NK and Arnav turn to look at the main door. And just a second later, Khushi walks in smiling, looking resplendent in the pink and golden saree. Arnav feels the air knocked out of his lungs.
He checks her out from toe to head, his mouth slightly open as he takes in her beauty accentuated by the lovely colour of the saree. As he looks at her face, he realises she's smiling fondly at him. His lips too curve slowly into a smile as his eyes light up with the recollection of having gifted this very saree to her on her birthday which she had then vehemently denied to wear.
"Bahaar aayi," Arnav murmurs faintly although definitely not as correction to NK. He still looks awestruck at Khushi's beauty. She giggles.
"Nanhe ji to kab ke ja chuke hain Arnav ji," she replies mischievously. Arnav gazes as Khushi walks by him and heads towards the temple. Then turning away from her, he shuts the door and stays still by it, calming his racing heartbeats. Oh Khushi!
When he finally walks back to join the group, Naniji just finishes the Aarti and offers it to everyone to seek blessings from their deities.
"Hum bahut khush hain ki aap sab humre parivar ke saath diwali manane aavat rahe hain," Nani says happily after everyone finishes taking Aarti and motions everyone to join her in the sitting lounge. Nandini looks at Nani with a warm smile and as soon Khushi notices it, she rushes in to make introductions.
"Nani ji, ye hamari sabse achhi dost hain. Nandini ji," Khushi gushes while NK hovers in the background looking thrilled that Nandini was getting introduced to the family right now. The sooner they liked her, the easier it would for him to convince them later. He didn't want a showdown with his parents or with Mamiji either. "Aur Nandini ji, ye hain Arnav ji ki Naniji. Humne kaha tha na, ye bilkul aapki dadi ki tarah hain?" Nandini greets Nani with a warm smile and a Namaste while Nani blesses her.
"Jeeti rahiye bitiya. Aap bhi Lucknow se hain?" Nani asks politely. And as Nandini replies in the affirmative, both settle down comfortably start talking nineteen to a dozen about their favourite city and all that had changed and what had not. Garima, Shashi, Buaji and Mamiji too sit with Nani and Nandini and start talking. NK sits on the arm rest next to Mamiji and smiles at their conversation, glancing towards Nandini surreptitiously.
Khushi walks with Payal, but both of them keep looking at Nandini and NK as they walk towards the other side of the hall.
"Spying kar rahe ho?" Aakash's good humoured voice makes the sisters turn away and look at him. They sheepishly exchange a glance.
"Jeeji, ghar bahut hi sundar sajaya hai aapne," Khushi says to Payal who smiles embarrassedly.
"Arre Payal ne kuch nahin kiya hai," Aakash immediately counters. "Woh to bas hitler ki tarah khade hoke order de rahi thi. Ye sab decorations to maine ki hain." Payal punches Aakash playfully on his arm. He winces dramatically and rubs the point as if really hurt. Khushi laughs seeing this love filled exchange between her Jeeji and Jeeja ji.
"Acha to agar sab kuch aapne kiya to phir Nanhe ji aur Arnavji ne kya kiya?" Khushi asks with the slightest trace of malice in her voice. Aakash and Payal exchange their knowing smile again.
"Woh kya hai na, iss ghar ke bachelor Raizadas ko ek beemari lag gayi hai jiske wajah se woh koi kaam nahin kar pate hain. Bas din mein sapne dekhte hain aur khoye khoye rehte hain," Aakash replies with a straight face. Khushi looks slightly alarmed.
"Kya? Arnavji ki tabiyat kharab hai? Kya hua unhe? Unhone to humein kuch bataya hi nahin," Khushi asks immediately getting flustered. Payal starts smiling seeing Khushi's reaction. Aakash too looks as if he's trying really hard to control his laughter.
"Haan Khushi ji. Uss beemari ko love-eria kehte hain," he mutters and then he too finally bursts into laughter. Khushi pouts at her jeeja ji making fun of her.
"Aakash, since subah se tumne itna kaam kiya hai," Arnav's voice from behind makes Khushi turn around, "tum aur Payal ja kar thoda rest kyun nahin kar lete?" he innocently suggests, although the double meaning in his words are not lost on any of them. This time Khushi starts laughing at her Jeeji and Jeeja ji's expense as if saying "right back at ya!" Payal bows her head shyly, whereas Aakash merely gapes at Arnav for a moment. Then Arnav winks at Aakash, motioning his head towards Khushi. Aakash immediately understands that his brother is hinting that he wants to be with Khushi alone for sometime.
"Payal! Mujhe bahut thakaan ho gayi hai. Upar chalein?" Aakash immediately grabs an astonished Payal by her arm and drags her up the stairs. Khushi laughs even harder seeing Payal admonishing Aakash for embarrassing her.
"You look stunning Khushi," Arnav whispers close to Khushi's ear. She immediately stops laughing as she feels a delicious shiver run through her body. She slowly turns around to face Arnav, her face burning up as a blush creeps up her cheeks. They stand in front of each other, just gazing into each others' eyes, the air between them crackling up with an electric intensity unheard of. Khushi feels her heartbeats racing up again, as Arnav's caramel eyes smolder her insides into mush. Suddenly, a strand of hair loosens up on Khushi's face and before she can raise her hand, Arnav raises his to brush it away from her eyes. Khushi stiffens at his touch, her skin erupting into millions of goosebumps. Then peering over her shoulder, she sees NK and Nandini talking amongst each other and walking towards her and Arnav. She immediately takes a step back distancing herself from Arnav, bowing her head shyly while Arnav's eyes remains fixed onto her, completely oblivious to the rest of the things happening around him.
"Khushi ji!" NK summons from behind Arnav and the buble bursts. Khushi looks up smiling in relief at NK. Nandini smiles back at her. "To since hum sab green diwali celebrate kar rahe hain, to obviously no patakhe. So what are we doing then?" Arnav looks annoyed. Tum apna romance karo aur mujhe apna romance karne do! He thinks to himself.
"Humare paas ek tarkeeb hai!" Khushi exclaimes excitedly. Arnav stares at her in astonishment. Of course, Khushi ke paas to hamesh ideas hote hain. Especially jab main uske saath time spend karna chahta hun. "Kyun na hum sab taash khelen? Diwali pe taash khelna shagun hota hai!" Nandini and NK both look excited with the idea whereas Arnav groans audibly. Khushi looks at him raising her eyebrows.
"Oh please. Hum log bachhe nahin hain ki cards khelenge," Arnav retorts.
"Theek hai Mr. Oldie. Tum mat khelna, okay?" Nandini retorts back glaring at him. Both NK and Khushi look between Arnav and Nandini with raised eyebrows.
"Excuse me? Oldie kisko bol rahi ho tum?" Arnav asks agitatedly.
"Tumhe. Hum sab to bache hi hain, kyun hai na NK?" she asks turning to NK. NK looks might thrilled that Nandini was considering him for support. He animatedly nods his head. Arnav groans again. Of course NK. Tum to usi ka side loge. Lovesick puppy!
"Chaliye na Arnavji, taash khelte hain. Bahut mazaa aayega," Khushi pleads with Arnav who still agree. Then Khushi thinks for a moment and smiles to herself. "Chaliye theek hai. Aapko darr lag raha hai ki hum aapko hara denge. Koi baat nahin, taash khelna sabke bas ki baat nahin." Arnav gapes at Khushi with his mouth open.
"Excuse me? Tum mujhe haraogi?" Arnav mutters in surprise. Khushi nods.
"Lagi shart?" she asks him. Arnav was obviously not one to back off from a bet, especially one made by Khushi ridiculing him.
"Theek hai. Done," he agrees. Khushi claps her hands together looking thrilled with her idea. NK rushes off to find the pack of cards. Arnav leans close to Khushi and whispers in her ears, "Par agar tum haar gayi, to wohi karna padega jo main kahunga." Khushi's smile fades and she stares at him, her throat drying up and her heart beating really hard at hearing the suppressed sensuousness of Arnav's voice. Dazed, she nods her head mutely and joins Nandini to make space on the centre table in the sitting lounge to play. Arnav keeps watching her, a smirk now playing up on his lips. This was going to be so much fun!
[Across the sitting room]
Nani and Garima are talking to each other while Shashi, Buaji and Mamiji are listening on.
"Hum soch rahat the aap sab se baat karne ko," Nani says. "Ab jahan itna samaye beet gaya hai aur Khushi bitiya aur Chotey fir se ek saath rehan ka faisla kiye rahe, to shayad ab humein aapan bachon ki shaadi ke bare mein faisla lena chahiye?" Garima exchanges a smile with Buaji.
"Yii to aap bahut achi baat kiye rahe Deviyani Ji. Hum bhi chahat hain ki Khusee phir se apan shadi shuda zindagi shuru kare," Garima replies agreeing to Nani ji's proposal.
"Hum to kahe hi rahe hain Nandkishore. Sankadevi aur Sankes- uh, humra matlab hai Arnav bitwa," Buaji corrects herself quickly as Mamiji looks on curiously, "ek dooje ke liye hi bane hain." Nani nods her head smilingly and then looks at Shashi.
"Hum aapke tabiyat mein sudhrav ke bare mein sunkar bahut khush hoye rahe Shashi babu. "Shayad Bhagwaan yahin chahe rahe ki aap apni Khushi bitiya ka kanyadaan ache se kar sakein." Nani says no wonder referring that Shashi will probably be able to move his limbs better by the time Arnav and Khushi get married. Shashi slowly smiles at her and nods his head.
"To theek hai, aap Khusee bitiya ki kundali humka bhijwa dijiyega. Hum panditji se baat kar ke shubh ghadi nikalwa denge," Nani suggests. Garima happily nods her head and looks across the room to find Khushi and Arnav sitting on the carpet in the other lounge. Khushi was talking animatedly to Nandini, but Arnav was gazing at Khushi with complete adoration.
[Back to Playing Cards]
Khushi is shuffling the cards and starts distributing them evenly between herself, Nandini on her right, NK across her and Arnav sitting on her left. "Okay to hum log 13 patti khelenge. Sab ko aati hai na terah patti?" Khushi asks. Arnav looks slightly confused.
"Woh Bridge ki baat kar rahi hai, Mr. oldie," Nandini clarifies to Arnav who looks annoyed at being addressed as "oldie" again. NK looks fondly at Nandini, no wonder in complete awe of her.
The four of them pick their cards and the play starts with Nandini placing the first card and following clockwise. Both Arnav and Khushi scrutinize their cards before putting down their respective hands. NK takes the first hand. Arnav glances sideways at Khushi, obviously not being able to keep his eyes off of her but Khushi immediately hides her cards away from him as if he was trying to peek into her hand. Arnav shakes his head in exasperation. Kuch nahin ho sakta iss ladki ka. The second round is taken by Nandini much to Arnav's satisfaction. The game continues on, with regular gasps and moans from NK who seems to be the only player who was garnering more and more points with every play. He seems to be wanting to impress Nandini by proving he was cooler than the other guys, but sadly, Nandini was beating his ass like anything.
Finally when there were only two cards left, Khushi looks keenly at the cards being unloaded on the deck. In the last hand, NK starts play with a spades 4. Nandini puts a clubs 9 not having spades in her hand anymore. With a confident flourish Khushi unyields the Queen of spades when the Arnav puts a diamond 8 ending the play and making Khushi sweep the last hand earning herself an extra of 13 points thereby losing the game. Khushi gasps out loud.
"Ramanchi!!! Aapne cheating ki hai!" Khushi exclaims pointing accusatorially at Arnav.
"Maine kya kiya?" Arnav asks raising his hands defensively.
"Aapne patta chupaya hai! Aap jeet nahin sakte! Aapke paas Badshah nahin atthhi honi chahiye thi!" Khushi retorts.
"What??" Arnav asks in confusion.
"Ohho!!" Khushi exclaims in annoyance. "King! Aapke paas king nahin 8 hona chahiye tha. Hum patte gin rahe the..."
"Oh really? Tum cards count kar rahi thi? To ramanchi maine ki ya tumne?" Arnav asks with a smirk playing on his lips again. NK who has been looking to and from Arnav and Khushi as if watching a tennis match throws his hands in the air too.
"Guys guys, ye sab kya ho raha hai?" he asks confusedly.
"I'll tell you kya ho raha hai NK, Khushi Kumari Gupta cards count kar rahi thi. So basically Khushi haar gayi," Arnav announces with a relish and a triumphant smile on his face.
"Hum hare nahin hain!!" Khushi immediately retorts, still unable to digest her stupidity of revealing that she had been counting cards. Meanwhile Aakash and Payal walk down the stairs and join the card playing party. NK and Nandini turn around distracted and greet them with smiles, asking them to join them for a game of cards.
Taking advantage of the situation, Arnav quickly pulls Khushi close to him and whispers in her ears, "You lost Khushi and bet ke mutabik, ab main tumse jo chahe karwa sakta hun!" Arnav mutters, his eyes shining with mischief.
Khushi gulps in trepidation hearing the determination in his voice. Oh, this was a bad idea! And within the next second, Arnav pulls Khushi to her feet and winking at Aakash surreptitiously, he drags Khushi away from the gathering and up the stairs towards his room, his heart hammering hard in anticipation of what awaited them.
Chapter 23 Scene 3
[Shantivan, Diwali night]
Night's already setting in fast in the environs of Laxmi Nagar. There is a festive spirit as people are shouting out Diwali greetings to each other on the roads. Small children are running around burning phooljharis under the hawk eyed supervision of their parents. Older boys are already on the streets bursting bombs and setting the tails of rockets on fire. Gupta House looks beautiful decked with fairy lights all around the house as well on the courtyard boundary fences. There are numerous diyas arranged all around the verandah, leading to a wonderful aura of serenity.
However, inside the house is not even remotely close to the calm outdoors.
Garima is helping Shashi get into his brand new kurta. Thankfully, owing to the progress in the physiotherapy, he could stand on his own for short intervals. He has a smile on his face as he watches Khushi flitting in and out of their room looking flustered. He raises an eyebrow at Garima inquisitively, who shakes her head in exasperation.
"Khusee remembered in the evening that she wants to wear a saree. She's just doing preparations for that," Garima says to Shashi arranging his collar.
"Arre Garima," Buaji calls from behind. "Payal had called. She said that the car has left from their house already, Nandkishore. So most probably it will be here in half an hour or fourty five minutes. Get ready quickly. Where is Sankadevi?" Buaji calls out loudly looking around searchingly. Just on cue, Khushi rushes inside Garima's room and bangs into Buaji heavily.
"Ohhh! I'm sorry Buaji. I'm searching for golden coloured thread. Do you have it?" Khushi asks breathlessly. Buaji holds her head in disbelief.
"Oyee Parmeswari!" she says admonishingly. Khushi looks sheepish. "The car will be here soon. What work do you have now with a thread and needle?" Khushi gapes at Buaji for a couple of seconds before bolting back to her room in top speed. Buaji looks enquiringly at Garima.
"Has Sankadevi gone extra nuts today?" Buaji asks earnestly making Shashi chuckle loudly.
Back in Khushi's room, she's sitting on her bed and mending a golden coloured blouse. Nandini walks in looking interestingly at Khushi's thread work. "Khushi I thought you were going to Raizada house? You are doing thread work right now," Nandini says cheekily. Khushi looks up at her despondently but then her mouth opens wide.
"Nandini ji!" Nandini looks startled at Khushi's cry. "You're not ready yet?" Khushi asks in a horrified tone. Nandini shakes her head.
"What's the need to get ready? where am I going?" Nandini counter questions and sits down on Khushi's bed. "Mum and dad are celebrating Diwali with their own families. And I'm least interested to spend this festival with either of them" Nandini's voice fades out at the end as she fiddles with the bedsheet. Khushi lowers the blouse she was mending and looks at Nandini with saddened eyes. It had been a long time since her best friend had last brought up her bitterness against her divorced and now remarried parents. "I wish I was back in Lucknow with Dadi right now," Nandini murmurs almost wistfully.
Khushi reaches out and squeezes Nandini's hand gently. She looks up and her teary eyes meet Khushi's who smiles at her warmly, "I'm sorry Nandini ji. I thought after coming back to Delhi, you'll be close to your parents again." Nandini shakes her head dismissively and wipes her eyes.
"It's okay, Khushi. I've spoken to Garima Aunty. I'm going to stay here and take care of Buaji's new TV." Nandini says the words really earnestly but Khushi bursts into laughter, diffusing the tension of the room instantly.
"Why are you laughing, Khushi?" Nandini asks her in a mock reprimanding tone. "Somebody needs to be here to keep guard for the TV!"
"Yeah, Buaji lives for that TV," Khushi replies still gasping with laughter. Nandini too giggles. "Nandini ji, why don't you come with us to Shantivan?" Khushi asks.
Nandini's smile fades and she looks thoughtful for a moment. "I don't know Khushi. It might get a little awkward."
"Why will it be awkward? All of us will be there, plus there'll be Jeeji and Anjali Di and Jeeja ji too," Khushi immediately counters, carefully keeping NK and Arnav out of the list. When Nandini still looks dubious, Khushi adds enthusiastically, "And you haven't met Naniji yet, she resembles your dadi. Come with us please!" Nandini softens on hearing the reference to her Dadi.
"Okay. But what should I wear, I don't have a saree," Nandini mutters.
"Don't worry. In my closet, there is a saree of Jeeji's. You can wear that. But check the blouse first and if it doesn't fit properly I'll do the adjustments," Khushi offers pointing towards her closet and goes back to mending her blouse.
"But I heard Buaji saying that the car is coming in the next half an hour or so? Why are you mending this now? Wear something else," Nandini asks taking her kurti off and trying out Payal's blouse.
"Actually, I didnt remember that I have this saree. But when I opened my closet and found it, I decided I just have to wear this tonight," Khushi replies holding up the blouse to check if the stitches are done properly.
"Why? what is so special about this saree?" Nandini asks adjusting her blouse.
"Arnavji gifted me this saree on my birthday," Khushi answers looking down fondly at the half open cardboard box containing the bright fuschia pink and golden saree.
Nandini freezes while draping the saree and looks up at Khushi from across the room. A look of absolute of adoration dawns on Khushi's face as she runs her fingers through the georgette material, again getting lost in her own world like she had earlier in the morning. If a thought bubble could pop up on top of Khushi's head, Nandini wouldn't need to be a genius to figure what it said.
Every inch of Khushi's body was yelling out how much in love she was with Arnav. And finally, Nandini's rigid unwilling lips curve into a small affectionate smile.
[Raizada Mansion, an hour later]
Arnav bounds down the stairs looking absolutely dapper in a navy blue bandh gala suit. A satin navy blue napkin peeps up from his chest pocket. The suit fits him incredibly well, underlining the muscles of his arm and his broad chest tapering down to the waist. His hair is trimmed on the sides and has been slightly gelled back. He's clean shaven with the slightest hints of a stubble. All in all, he looks good enough to eat.
Fiddling with his phone he walks across the sitting lounge. The main lights of the hall are all turned off so that the fairylights and Diyas are the only sources of light, bathing the entire hall in a dim glow. On the other side, the family is already gathered near the temple with Mamiji and Payal doing the last minute touch ups for the Laxmi Pooja preparations. Aakash and NK are both wearing traditional kurtas and looking smart as usual. Payal is looking beautiful in a baby blue saree and Mamiji is loaded up with her usual share of bright make up along with a deep purple silk saree. Naniji looks her dignified self in a light cream Lucknowi Chickan saree. Arnav's eyebrows pucker in a frown.
"Nani, where is Di?" Arnav asks at the very glaring absence of Anjali with her Pooja Thali. Nani looks at Arnav with distraught eyes.
"Anjali bitiya is not feeling well," Nani replies. "She is resting in her room." Arnav immediately looks worried.
"What is wrong with Di? she was fine all morning," Arnav asks in a concerned voice. "Should I call the doctor?" he asks already scrolling down his phone's contact list. But Nani places her hand on Arnav's.
"I don't think there is any need for that Chotey. She has been keeping herself busy in housework all morning. She must have got tired. If she rests for some time now, she'll feel better. You don't have to worry about it," Nani says reassuredly. Arnav keeps his phone away, although not looking entirely convinced. Just then the main door opens and the Gupta family enter Shantivan.
Their entry bears different effects on different people.
Payal keeps her Thaali and rushes to meet and greet her family, closely followed by Arnav, Mamiji, Naniji and Aakash.
NK meanwhile stays by the temple and stands on his toes to peek at the entourage that had just entered. Strangely he can see only Buaji, Garima and Shashi. When he realises that Nandini hadn't come, he walks towards them in dismay. Buaji pinches NK's cheeks as he greets her. NK shrinks back in embarrassment. In a bubble of happy conversation about their timely arrival, the gathering proceeds to the temple again, while Arnav hovers around the main door, waiting expectantly for Khushi.
Getting slightly restless, he walks towards the main door and almost bumps into '
"NANDINI?!" Arnav gasps in shock. Dressed in a bright orange saree, Nandini shrinks away from him raising her arm to block Arnav from crashing into her. As the two of them stand a respectable distance apart from each other, Nandini glares at him.
My version of Nandini (Neha Bamb of Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai fame)
"First you invited me and now you are looking surprised when I turned up?" Nandini asks him and before Arnav can answer anything, she brushes past him and walks inside. Arnav sees her retreating back and shakes his head in disbelief. What a woman! Always ready to combust at any moment's notice!
However, just hearing the name all the way across the hall had made NK stand rooted to his spot. He slowly turns around, his eyes wide open, unsure if he had heard the right name. Then his eyes meet Nandini's who was hovering near the entrance awkwardly looking around and NK's face lit up with a huge smile. His insides were doing the somersault. He rushes to Nandini to welcome her.
"Nandini ji!" NK exclaims happily. Nandini smiles.
"Hi NK," she answers.
"You came, and a baadh (flood)came with you!" NK murmurs in a flattering voice. Nandini's smile dies down and she stares at NK for a moment. He immediately realises he's said something wrong.
"Not Baadh (flood) Nanheji, Bahaar (spring)," a disembodied voice filters in, making Nandini, NK and Arnav turn to look at the main door. And just a second later, Khushi walks in smiling, looking resplendent in the pink and golden saree. Arnav feels the air knocked out of his lungs.
He checks her out from toe to head, his mouth slightly open as he takes in her beauty accentuated by the lovely colour of the saree. As he looks at her face, he realises she's smiling fondly at him. His lips too curve slowly into a smile as his eyes light up with the recollection of having gifted this very saree to her on her birthday which she had then vehemently denied to wear.
"the spring came," Arnav murmurs faintly although definitely not as correction to NK. He still looks awestruck at Khushi's beauty. She giggles.
"Nanhe ji has long gone Arnav ji," she replies mischievously. Arnav gazes as Khushi walks by him and heads towards the temple. Then turning away from her, he shuts the door and stays still by it, calming his racing heartbeats. Oh Khushi!
When he finally walks back to join the group, Naniji just finishes the Aarti and offers it to everyone to seek blessings from their deities.
"I'm very happy that you all came to celebrate Diwali with our family," Nani says happily after everyone finishes taking Aarti and motions everyone to join her in the sitting lounge. Nandini looks at Nani with a warm smile and as soon Khushi notices it, she rushes in to make introductions.
"Nani ji, this is my best friend. Nandini ji," Khushi gushes while NK hovers in the background looking thrilled that Nandini was getting introduced to the family right now. The sooner they liked her, the easier it would for him to convince them later. He didn't want a showdown with his parents or with Mamiji either. "And Nandini ji, this is Arnavji's Naniji. Didn't I tell you, she's just like your Dadi?" Nandini greets Nani with a warm smile and a Namaste while Nani blesses her.
"God bless you, bitiya. Are you from Lucknow too?" Nani asks politely. And as Nandini replies in the affirmative, both settle down comfortably start talking nineteen to a dozen about their favourite city and all that had changed and what had not. Garima, Shashi, Buaji and Mamiji too sit with Nani and Nandini and start talking. NK sits on the arm rest next to Mamiji and smiles at their conversation, glancing towards Nandini surreptitiously.
Khushi walks with Payal, but both of them keep looking at Nandini and NK as they walk towards the other side of the hall.
"Are you spying?" Aakash's good humoured voice makes the sisters turn away and look at him. They sheepishly exchange a glance.
"Jeeji, you've decorated the house beautifully," Khushi says to Payal who smiles embarrassedly.
"Arre Payal didn't do anything," Aakash immediately counters. "She was just standing there like Hitler and ordering everyone around. I did all this decoration work." Payal punches Aakash playfully on his arm. He winces dramatically and rubs the point as if really hurt. Khushi laughs seeing this love filled exchange between her Jeeji and Jeeja ji.
"So if you did all the work, what did Nanhe ji and Arnav ji do?" Khushi asks with the slightest trace of malice in her voice. Aakash and Payal exchange their knowing smile again.
"Actually, all the bachelor Raizadas in this family are suffering from a malady which prevents them from doing any work. They just daydream and remain lost in their own worlds all the time," Aakash replies with a straight face. Khushi looks slightly alarmed.
"What? Arnavji is not well? What happened to him? He hasn't told me anything," Khushi asks immediately getting flustered. Payal starts smiling seeing Khushi's reaction. Aakash too looks as if he's trying really hard to control his laughter.
"Yes Khushi ji. That malady is called Love-eria," he mutters and then he too finally bursts into laughter. Khushi pouts at her jeeja ji for making fun of her.
"Aakash, since you have been doing all this work since morning," Arnav's voice from behind makes Khushi turn around, "why don't you and Payal go up and get some rest?" he innocently suggests, although the double meaning in his words are not lost on any of them. This time Khushi starts laughing at her Jeeji and Jeeja ji's expense as if saying "right back at ya!" Payal bows her head shyly, whereas Aakash merely gapes at Arnav for a moment. Then Arnav winks at Aakash, motioning his head towards Khushi. Aakash immediately understands that his brother is hinting that he wants to be with Khushi alone for sometime.
"Payal! I'm dead tired. Shall we?" Aakash immediately grabs an astonished Payal by her arm and drags her up the stairs. Khushi laughs even harder seeing Payal admonishing Aakash for embarrassing her.
"You look stunning Khushi," Arnav whispers close to Khushi's ear. She immediately stops laughing as she feels a delicious shiver run through her body. She slowly turns around to face Arnav, her face burning up as a blush creeps up her cheeks. They stand in front of each other, just gazing into each others' eyes, the air between them crackling up with an electric intensity unheard of. Khushi feels her heartbeats racing up again, as Arnav's caramel eyes smolder her insides into mush. Suddenly, a strand of hair loosens up on Khushi's face and before she can raise her hand, Arnav raises his to brush it away from her eyes. Khushi stiffens at his touch, her skin erupting into millions of goosebumps. Then peering over her shoulder, she sees NK and Nandini talking amongst each other and walking towards her and Arnav. She immediately takes a step back distancing herself from Arnav, bowing her head shyly while Arnav's eyes remains fixed onto her, completely oblivious to the rest of the things happening around him.
"Khushi ji!" NK summons from behind Arnav and the buble bursts. Khushi looks up smiling in relief at NK. Nandini smiles back at her. "Since we all are celebrating a green diwali this year, so obviously no crackers. So what are we doing then?" Arnav looks annoyed. You do your own romance and let me do mine! He thinks to himself.
"I've an idea!" Khushi exclaimes excitedly. Arnav stares at her in astonishment. Of course, Khushi always had ideas. Especially when I want to spend some time with her alone. "Why don't we all play cards? Playing cards is considered a ritual for Diwali" Nandini and NK both look excited with the idea whereas Arnav groans audibly. Khushi looks at him raising her eyebrows.
"Oh please. We are not kids that we'll play cards," Arnav retorts.
"Okay Mr. Oldie. You don't play, okay?" Nandini retorts back glaring at him. Both NK and Khushi look between Arnav and Nandini with raised eyebrows.
"Excuse me? Who are calling Oldie?" Arnav asks agitatedly.
"You. All of us are still kids, am I right NK?" she asks turning to NK. NK looks might thrilled that Nandini was considering him for support. He animatedly nods his head. Arnav groans again. Of course NK. You'll obviously side with her. Lovesick puppy!
"Come on Arnavji, lets play cards. It'll be lots of fun," Khushi pleads with Arnav who still agree. Then Khushi thinks for a moment and smiles to herself. "Okay leave it. You're scared that I'll defeat you. Never mind. Playing cards is not everyone's cup of tea." Arnav gapes at Khushi with his mouth open.
"Excuse me? You'll defeat me?" Arnav mutters in surprise. Khushi nods.
"Want to bet?" she asks him. Arnav was obviously not one to back off from a bet, especially one made by Khushi ridiculing him.
"Okay. Done," he agrees. Khushi claps her hands together looking thrilled with her idea. NK rushes off to find the pack of cards. Arnav leans close to Khushi and whispers in her ears, "But if you lose, you'll have to do what I ask you to do." Khushi's smile fades and she stares at him, her throat drying up and her heart beating really hard at hearing the suppressed sensuousness of Arnav's voice. Dazed, she nods her head mutely and joins Nandini to make space on the centre table in the sitting lounge to play. Arnav keeps watching her, a smirk now playing up on his lips. This was going to be so much fun!
[Across the sitting room]
Nani and Garima are talking to each other while Shashi, Buaji and Mamiji are listening on.
"I was thinking of talking with all of you," Nani says. "Now that so much time has passed and both Khushi and Chotey have decided to be with each other again, maybe we should start thinking about their marriage now?" Garima exchanges a smile with Buaji.
"This is indeed wonderful Deviyani Ji. We all want Khushi to start her married life again too," Garima replies agreeing to Nani ji's proposal.
"I've been saying it all this time Nandkishore. Sankadevi and Sankes- uh, I mean Arnav bitwa," Buaji corrects herself quickly as Mamiji looks on curiously, "are truly made for each other." Nani nods her head smilingly and then looks at Shashi.
"I'm very happy to hear of improvements in your health Shashi babu. Maybe God also wills it to happen that you give Kanyadaan of Khushi bitiya." Nani says no wonder referring that Shashi will probably be able to move his limbs better by the time Arnav and Khushi get married. Shashi slowly smiles at her and nods his head.
"Okay then, please send us Khusee bitiya's kundali. We'll consult our Panditji for a suitable and auspicious date for the marriage," Nani suggests. Garima happily nods her head and looks across the room to find Khushi and Arnav sitting on the carpet in the other lounge. Khushi was talking animatedly to Nandini, but Arnav was gazing at Khushi with complete adoration.
[Back to Playing Cards]
Khushi is shuffling the cards and starts distributing them evenly between herself, Nandini on her right, NK across her and Arnav sitting on her left. "Okay so we'll play 13 cards. Everyone knows how to play 13 cards right?" Khushi asks. Arnav looks slightly confused.
"She's talking about Bridge, Mr. oldie," Nandini clarifies to Arnav who looks annoyed at being addressed as "oldie" again. NK looks fondly at Nandini, no wonder in complete awe of her.
The four of them pick their cards and the play starts with Nandini placing the first card and following clockwise. Both Arnav and Khushi scrutinize their cards before putting down their respective hands. NK takes the first hand. Arnav glances sideways at Khushi, obviously not being able to keep his eyes off of her but Khushi immediately hides her cards away from him as if he was trying to peek into her hand. Arnav shakes his head in exasperation. This girl is hopeless. The second round is taken by Nandini much to Arnav's satisfaction. The game continues on, with regular gasps and moans from NK who seems to be the only player who was garnering more and more points with every play. He seems to be wanting to impress Nandini by proving he was cooler than the other guys, but sadly, Nandini was beating his ass like anything.
Finally when there were only two cards left, Khushi looks keenly at the cards being unloaded on the deck. In the last hand, NK starts play with a spades 4. Nandini puts a clubs 9 not having spades in his hand anymore. With a confident flourish Khushi unyields the Queen of spades when the Arnav puts a diamond 8 ending the play and making Khushi sweep the last hand earning herself an extra of 13 points thereby losing the game. Khushi gasps out loud.
"Ramanchi!!! You cheated!" Khushi exclaims pointing accusatorially at Arnav.
"What did I do?" Arnav asks raising his hands defensively.
"You must have hidden a card. You can't have a badshah, you should've had an athi!" Khushi retorts.
"What??" Arnav asks in confusion.
"Ohho!!" Khushi exclaims in annoyance. "King! You shouldn't have had a king, you should've had a 8. I was counting the cards..."
"Oh really? You were counting cards? So did I cheat or did you?" Arnav asks with a smirk playing on his lips again. NK who has been looking to and from Arnav and Khushi as if watching a tennis match throws his hands in the air too.
"Guys guys, what is happening?" he asks confusedly.
"I'll tell you what's happening NK, Khushi Kumari Gupta was counting cards. So basically Khushi lost," Arnav announces with a relish and a triumphant smile on his face.
"I didn't lose!!" Khushi immediately retorts, still unable to digest her stupidity of revealing that she had been counting cards. Meanwhile Aakash and Payal walk down the stairs and join the card playing party. NK and Nandini turn around distracted and greet them with smiles, asking them to join them for a game of cards.
Taking advantage of the situation, Arnav quickly pulls Khushi close to him and whispers in her ears, "You lost Khushi and according to the terms of the bet, I can make you do anything I want!" Arnav mutters, his eyes shining with mischief.
Khushi gulps in trepidation hearing the determination in his voice. Oh, this was a bad idea! And within the next second, Arnav pulls Khushi to her feet and winking at Aakash surreptitiously, he drags Khushi away from the gathering and up the stairs towards his room, his heart hammering hard in anticipation of what awaited them.
A N A R H I F F ---- Iss Darr Ko Kya Naam Doon Summary: Khushi is an internet famous 27 year old fashion designer from Lucknow. She has a chirpy...
From the author's desk : Welcome to thread 6! I started to write this story years ago when the show was live and now when I look back on what...
Cricket
Financial markets and global economy
Ishaani
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