PART 5
Arnav with his colleagues sitting at their meeting room discussing the project details. Vishal and Anita were busy in eye staring session when Rania just peeped in between them giving a sarcastic look.She was trying to distract their concentration.
Vishal: Oh just move Rania. I cant see the flowchart properly..
Rania: Arre.. bhai You search for the flowchart on your lady love's eyes? I thought you were just drawing a chart with your eyes on her eyes...
All of them let out a big laugh.
Anita blushing : Shut up Rans.
Kunal came inside with two big cheese burgers and a coke and started munching. Tanish got tempted and took out one but got hit by Kunal silently declaring that the whole bunch is for him alone.
Akshay was talking to his latest edition girlfriend who was added when the previous one ditched him spoiling a date.
Misha just got frustrated on her work and turned her face to look onto her boss who would surely be immersed in the files as others are having a nice time. To her surprise for the first time since she joined she saw her boss with a file in his hand, but his eyes on the flower vase adorned with red roses, his lips forming a nice cute smile. Never ever had Arnav Singh Raizada had a smile on his project discussion that too his concentration couldnt be diverted at any cost.He is greatful enough to allow his team to take breaks and enjoy whatever they want but he would never turn his attention to anything. Misha shook Tanish who was getting water out of mouth seeing Kunal and his yummy feast as he had to wait till the pizza guys deliver their order. Kunal's mouth just opened wide enough for a toad to enter into his mouth when he was shown his boss's posture. The same goes for Vishal Anita who were interrupted again by Rania to show the more interesting scene than their free of cost love show. Akshay just turned to see his colleagues' horrified faces and looked at the same direction where they were gaping. Arnav let out a another sweet smile by shaking his head and looking down.
"Was that a blush ...?" Rania questioned..
Akshay: "Na.. he must have thought about the next function in the program and immediately must have gone against it."
Misha : " No I think something might have happened to him. I read in an article that the IT professionals now a days are prone to mental depression and they behave weird..May be our boss has lost his senses. OMG???
Tanish : "If this is the case of our boss, then think about us!"
Kunal : "Tanu ... that happens only for people who are intellectual. Not for a dumbhead like you."
Anita : "Just shut it guys... I think our boss is in love"
Vishal : "What ??? love? How do you know that?"
Anita : "His eyes shines with love. It is evident. "
Rania: "Wow you can read eyes also Ani.. I thought you were just drooling on Vishal's eyes all these days. But you have an eye on our boss? Wow Vishy.. take care buddy .."
Vishal got scared looked at Anita's face who was busily looking at Arnav's eyes. He just closed her eyes with his hands. All of them laughed at his act. Anita got angry for disturbing her eye sensing lessons. Suddenly all their assumptions and predictions came to a halt when Arnav just was trying to gain attention from his file and looked up to see them staring at him.
Arnav with his left eyebrow raised: "excuse me.. why are you all staring at me like this?"
Tanish : "Boss. Are you getting any weird feelings like some psychological disturbances or a tremor in your mind now a days?"
Kunal : "Boss dont worry we are there for you. Dont think about the project too much.. We can get over it soon."
Rania : "Boss are you ok? Do you want to take rest ?"
Arnav was surprised to hear such strange talks from his team.
Arnav "What the? What are you all talking about?"
Anita ( smiling) :"Boss I think you have lost your thoughts on someone !"
Vishal got scared again and Akshay just came near to Arnav .
Akshay : Boss I think we can call it a day. We all need rest.You have been continously working on this. Please I think we can wrap it up"
Arnav seized the opportunity as he was awaiting to get back home and resume his dreaming with his would be wife.
Arnav: "Okay. I think you are right Akshay. I m just tired. We can move now. Will catch you tomorrow guys."
Misha : "WHAT... he said he is tired?Did I hear properly?"
Arnav packed his laptop and left his room saying a bye to his team leaving all the confused souls who were releasing SOS messages from the closed room at this unpredictable behavior of their boss.
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Khushi, Swetha, Divya & Kavya were taking down notes in their classes when Shreya came in with a news.
Shreya : "Hey I have some good news now.. Our culturals are going to come up next month. All are looking forward for it. Our department should grab the title somehow guys"
Divya : "Woah.. thats great. Why to worry we have Khushi with us.. we will just rock. Haina Khushi"
They noticed that Khushi was looking outside the window with the pen leaning on her cheeks thinking deeply about something. She was not a person who is dreamy but her expressions baffled them up. A naughty smile with joy.They had to shout her name to bring her back to the reality...
Kavya "Are you okay? Didnt you hear what we said? "
Khushi : "Yea..what did u say now ?"
Swetha : "Khush any problem at home. I mean did dad scold you?"
Khushi couldnt guess what her friends were asking.
Shreya : "Okay Khushi.. Just listen. Culturals coming up next month. WE have to rock. You are our saviour. We need to really start practicing seriously.
Khushi: "Sorry dear.. I m not participating this time. Please.."
All of them shocked. "Why ? ..."
Divya "Are you worried about what your father will say?"
Khushi couldnt just conceal her marriage matter from her friends. She diclosed about her marriage being fixed and the four of them just couldn't believe their ears.
Shreya : "Are you freaking joking Khushi ? How could you agree for this ? You havent finished your studies yet? Unbelievable"
Kavya : "Yes Khushi. Even if they are nice, how can you rely the groom? Did you talk to him. When is he coming?"
Divya : " Are you being forced Khushi ?"
Swetha : "Did you just say ok for your parents? Dont you have your own feelings and likes?"
Khushi : "Just hold on please. My parents have decided to get me married; I respect them and their decision and would never go against their wishes. His family and my family gave me space to finish my studies and after which only they would conduct the marriage. I m grateful to them for that. My family can understand me,but its not necessary that he and his family should understand my interest in studies. They love me and they wanted me to be their bahu. They also accepted my decision which shows their love for me. And on the main part, I agreed on the basis of many aspects. First the proposal was brought by Raju uncle who is very close to both our families who had the best opinion about him. My father had met a friend of his who were also close to their family and could find that he is the best son any parents could get. All these were considered by my parents who could conclude that he is the best person they could choose for me. I always abide by their decision as no one could love me other than my parents who gave birth to me. Second his family is so sweet , all of them had liked me . Who would want a girl to be a bahu of their family at the first meet? Me and Anjali ji had met only once but we share such a nice bond which cant be expressed. More than just appearance there lies some deep emotions which drives me more towards them. I could find myself having more affinity towards Anjali ji, nani & Madhu on the first meet. What more do you need? And the final and the most important one; The person whom I going to marry liked me without seeing me directly. A person who has such high trust on his family surely will have trust towards his wife. If he shows immense affection towards his family how could you ignore the fact that he would love his wife the same way? He knws abt my studies, he also wanted time for his work. He had asked if we had any issues on that. That shows he respects others decisions as well.He had lost his parents at an early age and was responsible enough to bring back his family to a good position. Though he was young he had that determination and strength to take up the responsibility. All these made me more attracted towards him. His appearance is not the main point but if I can find my affinity towards his family,I could find some unknown bond with him by just looking into his eyes in his picture. I am sure my Devimayya wouldn't let me down."
All four of them just blinked their eyes only after this speech with their jaws dropping down.
Shreya " You have neither seen him nor talked to him but such a long speech about him , his family and the marriage?"
Divya " Looks like someone has fallen in Love.. Love is blind bachoo.. No need to see him.. you can continue dreaming."
Swetha : "Anyways we are happy if you are happy .. vaise how does he look like? Show us our jijaji's picture na ?"
Khushi blushed at this.. They started teasing her making her go red.
Kavya : "But what does this connect with you participating in the culturals?"
Khushi : "No Kavya. Now not only my parents they are also my family. I should ask their permission. I should give due respect to them as well."
Shreya to others : "Hey do you all think she is referring to his family? Naa... She wants the permission from her would be.. yaar..."
Khushi couldnt just tolerate the teasing and started chasing each of them running around her class.
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Arnav called up his house when Lavanya took the call.
Arnav : "Hey chutki.. how are you? Long time.. what happend? Are u angry with me?"
Lavnya "No bhai.. how can you say that? I was just busy with some college stuff. SO tell me how are you? "
Arnav: "Going good. How about you? Did u like the proposal? I mean you were the one who dreamt about my marriage and your babhi.. now are you happy?"
Lavanya's smile faded when she thought about Khushi. She couldnt think abt her bhai marrying the girl she hates the most. But she wanted to ignore the topic thats when she got a call in her mobile.
Lavanya : "Umm Bhai I have a call. I will pass the phone to di.. You talk to her."
Arnav felt weird at the answer. He wanted to know whether she isnt happy abt his marriage or not.. Anjali took over the phone and started talking happily interrupting his thoughts about Lavanya.
Anjali : "Chote... how are you ? We have informed them. They are happy about your deciosion. I think we would fix the shagun next week. My chotey is officially going to become Dulhe raaja.. Im so happy.."
Arnav : "Di.. .. I know you are happy about your mission being successful of getting a Sister In Law. If you had told this to Akash he would have made you happier long back."
Anjali : "I know about him. I wanted you to get married also."
Arnav : "Di shall I ask you something? Voh.. Did you talk to ummm ' Khushi ? I mean did you ask her permission? I dont want this to be forced."
Anjali smiled naughtily : "Oh chottey. I forgot to ask her. (hiding her smile..) what shall we do now? Okay I will suggest you one idea. Why cant you yourself ask her?"
Arnav coughed spilling his coffee out hearing at the phrase "Talk to Khushi.."
Arnav "Di.. I mean.. voh.. what will they think about me? You just ask her. Or ..would they mistake me if I talk to her?"
Anjali (laughing hardly ): "Oh my buddhu bhai.. I have already spoken to her parents and convinced them. They are okay with it. I will give you her mobile and house number. You call her immediately. Just check the time.. Its night. So call her fast and clear your doubts directly"
Arnav (noting down) : "Yes di..will call as soon as you hang up. Tell me fast"
Anjali : "What the ? Are you trying to ignore me from now itself?" She laughed then..
Arnav: "No di.. I mean its night time thats why..."
Anjali could understand his desperation and gave him the number. He just jotted it down and fed into his mobile. He called her house number though he had her personal number with him. He wanted to talk to her parents and didnt want to by pass them by talking to her directly. After all he needs to know their consent too..
Sashi answered the call. Arnav introduced himself started his conversation on a humble note enquiring about the family and his business.He spoke about himself and his family.Sashi couldn't just say he was touched but he was terribly shocked at Arnav's simplicity in speech and his warmth. He was moved when Arnav asked his permission to call him papa as he reminded of his father.Sashi was very happy to hear him call like his titaliya.
Arnav : "Papa.. Do you have any questions to ask me.. I know as Khushi's father you have the responsibility of making sure that her life is given to safer arms. I can assure you that I will look after your daughter with the same love and affection as she receives from you and would never let her happiness at stake. Do you agree whole heartedly for this marriage? I want your whole family's consent as marriage is not just the union of two souls but the union of two families."
Sashi was just tongue tied. Could he have just asked more than this? He thanked God for giving him a dammad like him.
Sashi "Bitwa.. we all are very happy for this marriage.. Dont worry about anything. I am very much impressed by your talks."
Arnav had a chat with Buaji and Garima who also was overwhelmed at his talks. He expressed his wish to talk to Khushi. Sashi readily agreed. He called Khushi who was eagerly waiting for her turn when she knew her fiance had just called and was talking to her whole family. Her steps were so slow and her nervousness was so evident in her face. Her fingers entwining the end of her duppatta. She came near the receiver and shyness to talk to him infront of his family made her look down. She prayed to give her strength.
Arnav could sense that she was on the receiver with the feeble sound of her breath which made him more curious but he was devoid of words. Dhak Dhak.. Two hearts beating on the same pace.. Heartbeats were complimenting each other as a gesture of oneness' After moments of silence he started.
Arnav : "Hi.. I am Arnav... umm Is that Khushi ?"
Khushi could just keep her hand near her heart as she felt like it could stop any moment after hearing such an husky voice. She just closed her eyelids letting out a prayer to devimayya no to make her embarass at this situation. She gained courage and tried to start her convo as he might think that she had no interest in talking to him.
Khushi. .( searching for words) "Hi.. Yea.. Khu... Khu...shi here."
He had heard the most beautiful voice ever in his life. The sound of the humming bird seems to be less sweet than her voice. If a voice could make him shake him so much .. then what would be the reaction when he see her directly..
Khushi : "Hello... ah are you there? "
Arnav "Yeah.. very much. Nice to hear your voice."
Khushi : "Thanks."
Arnav : ( lost in words. He blurted out) " Khushi ' Can I ask you something? Do you like me? Are you okay for this marriage?"
Khushi was slightly shocked by this sudden question which was not letting her to drool over the husky voice.
Khushi ( after seconds with a faster heart beat ) : " Yes. .. Do you like me... ?
Khushi didnt know what she had asked him. The intense pacing up of heart beat was so strong enough to let her senses loose out. It was an enchanting experience hearing his voice and she just spoke through her heart not through mind. Arnav was happy at her answer followed by her spontaneous question..He smiled and was about to answer when someone rang his door bell.
Arnav thought : "Damnit.. who is that now?"
He wanted to continue this talk but it was too late and he could understand how uncomfortable she would be while talking to him infront of her family.
Arnav : "Yes Khushi. I like you and your name too. Okay I think its late for you now. I will call you tomorrow in your mobile provided if you are okay to talk to me.."
Khushi .. ( happily and in a slight blushing tone ) "Yes... sure"
Arnav : "Okay then.. you take care.. I will call you same time tomorrow in your mobile. Bye. Regards to your family also"
Khushi : "Okay bye"
Hanging up the call she ran away from the hall to hide herself from the scanning eyes of her family who were very much happy to see their titaliya blushing.
TO be continued...
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PRECAP
Lavanya: "Where are you Kishore ? I have been calling you for the past two days.Why cant you pick up the call"
Kishore : "Just forget everything La. I have better things to do in my life. Just put a full stop to our relationship. Better you also just move on.I am not in a mood to talk to you. Bye"
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Note:
One point to be clarified.. I know I am not so regular in updates.Please bear with me. I m a bit busy with family and work. I would maximum try to post 2 updates in a week.
Thanks for this overwhelming response. I am glad that I could make some people associate the story with their own life. Even I could do that.
One of the reader had asked about the Guptas confirmation about Arnav as they havent seen him. I think this part would clear it.
Regarding Arshi meet I would like to quote the words of John Keats:
I am a bit descriptive in writing may be thats how I can write . A bit of feelings and overdescription would add sweetness to the story I believe😳.
Once again thanks for an amazing response. 😊
Edited by harhem - 12 years ago
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