Vignettes -12. From ... , with love - Page 20

Hey there, guys...

Thank you again for all the wonderful comments you have left for me!

This is, I guess, the update everyone has been waiting for. I hope it matches up to your expectations...it had me worried, you know, how you guys had been hanging on in anticipation...

And it is looong! Enjoy! And considering the effort that has gone into this, please leave comments...

Walking up to the Poojaroom, Anjali and Khushi found Mami and Payal ready with the pooja thaal. Taking over since Nani wasn't expected back soon, Anjali was about to start when she suddenly looked around and asked, "Dhruv aaya nahin?"

"Arre, usko tum jaanat ho naah, Anjali bitiya. Hum Hariparkaas ko bheje the, use jagaane ke liye. Lekin uth hi nahin raha!" Mami clarified.

"Yeh Dhruv naah, kabhi nahi sudhrega!", Anjali laughed and had turned back to start the pooja when Khushi interrupted, "Arre, Aise kaise? Itne saalon baad wapas aaya hain aur pehli pooja mein shaamil na ho? Hum abhi jaake le aate hain, use."

Watching her springing up the stairs, Payal murmured, "Yeh Khushi bhi naah!"

Smirking at her daughter-in-law, Manorama replied, "Do not burry, Paayaliya, Dhruv toh jaan nahi paayega usspe kaunsi toofan attack kar rahat hain. Arre, jo Arnav Singh Raijaada ko daily handle karat hain, Dhruv toh eejy hain oo ke liye!"

**************

Walking past Akash's room, Khushi came to a stop at Dhruv's door. Now that she was here, she was a bit hesitant to go in and wake a person who was basically still a stranger to her. Drawing in a steadying breath, she knocked twice. Getting no reply, she pushed the door open to find the room in semi-darkness. Taking a moment for her eyes to get adjusted to the dim light, she peered in to find her young dewar sprawled face down, fast asleep.

"Toh yeh sone mein Arnavji jaise nahin hain", she thought with a grin. Leaning down, she shook his shoulder. "Dhruv, utho, aarti shuroo honewali hain."

Burying his head further under the pillow, he grumbled, "Kya, Di! Sone do naah! Kitni baar kaha hain, growing kids need their sleep!"

Chuckling, Khushi couldn't help poking him, "Di nahin, Bhabi. Aur ab toh aap grow ho chuke ho. Uthiye!"

It took a moment to penetrate into his sleep-muddled head that it was his Bhabi who had come to wake him. Opening one eye, he contemplated what would be the best way to convince her to let him sleep. Not able to think of anything, he turned over to stare at her cheerful face.

Unfazed at the grumpy face staring up at her, she smiled wide, "Wada kiye the naah, hum, ki aapko aarti ke liye bula lenge? Toh aayiye, sab aapka intezaar kar rahe he."

Involuntarily the question popped out from his mouth, "Bhaiyya aur Bhai bhi aa gaye?"

Her face softening at his question, Khushi shook her head, "Nahi. Woh donon apne meeting mein vyast hain. Shayad dhodi der baad ayenge."

Waiting till he got up, Khushi walked ahead, leading him downstairs.

Seeing Dhruv walking down behind Khushi, his mother gave Anajli and Payal an 'I-told-you-so' look. Smiling happily at Dhruv, Anjali handed over the pooja thaal to him. They had just finished the pooja when Akash and Manohar walked in. Taking in the sight of Dhruv doing the evening pooja after years, they stood quiet, eyes moist.

As Payal went up to her husband to take his briefcase, Khushi called out, "Jijaji, Arnavji aaye nahin?"

Loosening his tie, Akash replied, "Bus humare saath nikal hi rahe the jab ek urgent call aa gaya. Toh Bhai woh attend karne ke liye ruk gaya. Abhi aate hi honge."

Dhruv, who had looked up from his conversation with his father, relaxed. He had expected the worst, and had imagined that his Bhaiyya might have stayed back to avoid him. Anjali caught the look on his face and sent up a silent prayer that her Khushiji be able to mend the rift as soon as possible. Eventhough it had been just a day, it was becoming very painful watching the two brothers keeping away from eachother.

**************

After the pooja, everyone settled down to have their tea and were busy catching up on the day's news. Dhruv was sitting back and watching everyone but his eyes constantly strayed to Khushi, who, while busily chatting with Anjali, kept sending anxious glances at the door intermittently. Suddenly stopping in the middle of a sentence, she turned to the door. Anjali peeked around her and sure enough, within seconds, the door banged open and the usual call rang out, "Khushi!"

Jumping up, Khushi yelled back, "Aayi..." and ran to receive her husband. Smiling at her, he handed her his laptop bag and had started walking to the family living, when he came to an abrupt stop. Eyes hardening as he saw his youngest brother hastily looking away, he turned around to go up to his room.

Grabbing hold of his hand, Khushi stepped in front of him. Looking up at him until he met her eyes, she gently shook her head, silently pleading with him to come sit with the family. He started pulling away, but was stopped by her soft, "Arnavji..."

Sighing as he surrendered to the silent pressure his wife was exerting on him, he turned back and stared at her, his eyes reproachful. Smiling softly, she led him to his usual chair, which thankfully, was farthest from where Dhruv was sitting. Pushing him down, she said, "Hum aapke liye coffee late hain."

Arnav was unsuccessfully trying to engage in some business discussion with Akash by the time Khushi came back, very uncomfortable from all the hopeful, pleading glances coming his way. Gulping down his coffee quickly, he got up, sending a silent warning at his wife that he had reached his limit. Not paying any heed to it, she pulled him down again and settled beside him, merrily chatting away about her day.

A few minutes later, Khushi got up again to fetch something from the kitchen, and seeing his chance, Arnav quickly got up and walked off. Spotting him just as he reached midway to the stairs, she called out," Arre, aap kahan ja rahe ho?"

Barely pausing in his stride, he called back, "Khushi, mujhe bahut kaam hain, main humare room mein ja raha hoon. Please bring up my dinner in a little while."

Running up to him, she said," Khaana upar kyun bhejoon? Aap ko aaj sab ke saath khaana hoga. Aapko pata hain, aaj Di kitna kuch banaaya hain?"

Turning to her, he muttered exasperateldy, "Khushi, I want to eat in our room! Kahaa naah mujhe bahut kaam hain."

In her haste to get him to spend as much time with Dhruv as possible, she grabbed his hand tried again, "Par Arnavji, aaj toh parivaar ke sab log itne saalon baad ek saath..."

It was a roar that stopped her mid-sentence, "Khushi, I said NO!"

Shaking his hand free from her hold, he snarled,"What part of 'I have a lot of work' don't you understand? Leave me alone!"

The sight of her blanched face making him feel even worse, he strode up the stairs, aware of the total silence he was leaving behind.

While the rest of the family tried to fill the awkward silence with forced-cheer, Dhruv sat staring at his Bhabi, who was rooted to the spot, looking up at her husband's retreating figure. It was with reluctant respect that he watched the hurt fade from her face to be replaced by a steely, determined look that actually reminded him of his Bhaiyya. Turning, Khushi caught his look and gave him a faint smile, which sent a shiver up his spine, making him rethink his initial impression of her. Yes, Anjali Di had been right, Bhaiyya had indeed met his match.

**************

Barging into his room, Arnav flung his laptop bag on to the bed. The stricken look on his wife's face at his outburst clouding out everything from his mind, he started pacing. Guilt at taking his frustration out on the one person he valued above all else eating him up, he strode off to the poolside.

Trying to regulate his uneven breathing, he looked up at the sky, focussing automatically on the stars that he and Khushi had designated to be their parents. The cool breeze ruffling his hair reminding him first of his mother and then of his wife running their hands through it, he calmed down gradually. Taking a deep breath, he looked up again to send them a silent apology for hurting Khushi.

Deciding to make it up to her when she brought him his dinner, he decided to go take his bath and wait for her. She would forgive him, he knew. She always did.

Finishing his bath quickly, he changed into his home-clothes and settled on the recliner. Khushi's hurt eyes haunting him, he slammed the laptop shut and leaned back, berating himself for the innumerable times he had made his wife a target for his anger at someone else.

"And this time, it was for Dhruv!", he thought bitterly. "The one person who I had decided was dead to me. Why is it affecting me so much to have him home? Why am I not able to just ignore him?"

Trying to distract himself, he looked around the room, only to be reminded by the many, many study sessions he had had in there for his younger brother. Unable to clear his head, he stepped out again to the poolside. Deep in thought, he lost track of how long he had stood there when he heard the door open. Relieved to have Khushi with him, he turned around, only to see an apprehensive Hariprakash peering at him from the open doorway, dinner tray clutched in his trembling hands.

His initial irritation at it not being his wife give way to wry amusement as he took in the sight of a shaking Hariprakash, scared out of his mind at the prospect of facing his master's wrath. As always, he marvelled at how it was that other than Di, Khushi was the only person who could take his anger without flinching. "But they get hurt, when I'm being unreasonable", he thought regretfully.

Turning to Hariprakash, he asked, "Khushi kahaan hain?"

Setting the tray down, the man replied, "Arnav Bhaiyya, Khushi Bhabi neeche Anjali Didi ke saath rasoi mein hain. Unhone kaha ki aapko davai bhi lene ke liye yaad dila dein."

Sighing as he realised that Khushi was still too upset to come up, he said, "Yeh sab neeche leke jao. Main neeche dining room mein aake khaa loonga."

Relieved to know that he would not be getting yelled at, Hariprakash mumbled a hasty "Ji, Bhaiyya" and ran out, grabbing the tray on the way, followed more slowly by Arnav.

**************

All heads turned to him as Arnav came down the stairs. Oblivious to the attention he was getting, his eyes busily searched for his wife and not finding her, sought out his Di. Rising to the occasion as usual, she tilted her head in the direction of the kitchen, disapproval at his earlier actions written clearly over her face.

Nodding his thanks as he wondered again about how neatly his wife had managed to get the entire family wrapped around her little finger, he made a beeline for the kitchen, which was thankfully empty except for his wife. He stood for a minute, silently observing Khushi, who was bustling around getting the batter ready for making jalebi. His heart heavy as he realised how much he had hurt her, he walked up to her and whispered, "Khushi..."

Not pausing in her work, she replied, "Ji, aapko kuch chahiye?"

The terse tone hitting him hard, he fumbled, "No, nothing. I just wanted to...umm..."

Tunring to him, but not meeting his eyes, Khushi said, "Arnavji, humein bahut kaam hain. Aap jayiye aur Di se baat kijiye, hum aapke liye chai banake abhi bhej denge."

Realising that she wasn't ready to forgive him yet, he quietly walked out. Pausing to take in the sight of his family joking and laughing with eachother, he debated joining his Di for a while. Deciding against it as he watched her laugh at something Dhruv said, he turned and went out to the poolside. If Khushi wasn't with him, he still found it difficult to spend much time with the family.

"She is the connecting link", he thought, "Khushi hi toh hain jo mujhe apne hi family ke kareeb laye hain."

**************

"Di!" the call from the kitchen interrupted Dhruv's conversation with Anjali. Looking up, he saw his Bhabi gesturing to Di to take the teacup she was holding to Arnav Bhaiyya, who was now standing by the pool, staring up at the night sky.

Taking in the look on Khushi's face and the tense posture of Arnav, Anjlai sighed.

"Yeh donon bhi naah!" Anjali muttered, "Inki pyaar ko ab kya naam doon? Hamesha jhagda, lekin anmol pyaar!"

Dhruv watched Anjali go to the kitchen and take the teacup from Khushi only to put it down. Pulling up Khushi's chin gently, Anjali saw the tears in her eyes and wiped them away. "Aap Chotte ko jaante hain naah, Khushiji. Usska gussa aapse nahin hain. Aapke ya humare oopar hi hamesha nikaalte hain, naah?"

"Hum jaante hain, Di. Par isska yeh matlab nahin hua naah, ki hum wapas unse gussa na ho sakte hain? Do minute unko bhi bhukatne do...Laad Governor!"

Smiling as she understood that Khushi's mood was on the mend, Anjali gave her a quick hug before taking the tea and walking outside.

Dhruv continued watching as she went to the poolside. Arnav turned around swiftly as he heard her footsteps. Finding his Di behind him and not his wife, his face lost the hopeful look and he glanced beyond, eyes frantically searching for Khushi.

Looking to his right, Dhruv saw his Bhabi stand by the counter, watching her husband. Dhruv saw Di say something to Arnav Bhaiyya as she put the cup down and stroked his hair. Stuffing his hands further into his pockets, Arnav stood mute, staring at the floor.

As Anjali walked out, Arnav looked up again, his eyes locking instantly with those of his wife, the pain and regret in his brother's eyes making even Dhruv's breath hitch. He heard Khushi Bhabi's sharp intake of breath and in the next instant, she passed by him in a blur as she rushed to her husband.

Not taking his eyes off her, Arnav watched his wife come running to him, her hurt forgotten in the face of his pain. Oblivious to the fond looks they were getting from the family, Arnav gathered her up in his arms, holding her close. Finding as much relief in giving comfort to her husband as he was getting on receiving it, Khushi stood quiet, gently stroking his back, silently telling him that all was forgiven.

Not breaking the embrace, Arnav whispered, "Khushi, I'm sorry. Pata nahin main hamesha tum par hi apna gussa kyun nikaalta hoon. It's not fair, I know, par..."

Hugging him tighter to silence him, she said, "Pata hain. Jaanke ki shaadi kiya jo tha. Laad Governor aur unke gusse donon ko saath main apnaye hain."

Snickering, she continued, "Aap hum pe nahin chillayenge to aur kis pe karenge? Bechare Amanji par! Aur unko baad main chappi bhi nahin milta! Aap hum pe hi apna gussa nikaal dijiye."

He smiled at her words, which he knew, were meant to lighten his mood. Heaving a sigh as he gave her a final squeeze before releasing her, he grinned down at her. "Bus chappi hi nahin, aur bhi bahut kuch milta hain naah, tumhe? Yaad dila doon?"

"Haun!" Khushi exclaimed as she smacked him on his chest. Laughing at her blushing face, Arnav leaned down to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

Dhruv was brought out of his stunned perusal of the scene that had unfolded before him by his mother's comment, "Ee liyo! Berld baar khatam aur saawan barasna shuroo hui gaya!"

Trying to decode that statement kept him busy until Arnav and Khushi came inside to join the rest of the family for dinner amid all-out teasing from Anjali and Mami, supported actively by Payal and Akash. Listening to the multiple conversations flying across the table accompanied by loud laughter, and intermittently watching how his Bhaiyya was taking the ribbing in its spirit and even giving back shot-for-shot, Dhruv finally realised just how much change his sisters-in-law had brought to the family.

**************

By the time she finished up her work downstairs and went to their room, Arnav was already in bed, propped up on his pillows, reading. Smiling at him as she went to get her nightwear, Khushi thought of how shocked she had been when she had first seen her Arnavji read something other than his files.

It had been a little after their 'second wedding' that she had realised how her husband had been hiding behind his work, first to escape from thinking about her and later to escape from his pain at being betrayed in love. Now that their life was back to being a bed of roses, he had returned to his books with a vengence. The time that they spent reading in bed had become their quiet time. He was introducing Khushi to his favourite authors one by one, delighted at how much of a bookworm she was also turning out to be.

Coming out of the bathroom, she stood brushing her hair, quietly watching her husabnd, gauging his mood. Arnav was deep into his book, smiling at times as he read about the happenings on the bummel. Relieved as she realised that he was re-reading one of his 'makes-me-laugh' books, she decided that she would talk to him today itself. He would read it when he wanted to divert his thoughts, and that meant that he had been preoccupied with Dhruv's return. It would be easier to delve deep into the issue.

"Achcha hua ki Arnavji aaj hum pe chillaye! Ab hum jo bhi poochenge, woh aaj ke liye hi toh sahi, humein manaa nahin karenge", Khushi thought with a chuckle as she tied her hairband. Looking up, she caught her husband's reflection on the mirror, smiling his special smile that he reserved just for her, the one that always conveyed his love, his awe and his pride for his wife. Seeing her looking at him through the mirror, he extended his hand, calling her to bed.

Turning around, she walked straight into his arms. Squiggling around till she found her usual comfortable position, she leaned on him, head tucked under his chin, one arm wrapped around his stomach. Bending down to breathe in her 'Khushi-scent', Arnav smiled against her hair, at peace in her arms. It was a few minutes after he went back to his book that he realised that she was just laying there, not reading. Putting down his book that he had been balancing on one hand, he murmured, "Kya hua? Itna chup kyun ho?"

Hugging him tighter, she looked up at him, "Hum aapse baat karne ke liye apni himmat ikkatha kar rahe hain."

Laughing at her serious expression, he said, "Achcha? Aisa kya gadbad kiya aaj? Kuch bhi ho, bol do. Ek baar tum pe shout kiya tha naah, aaj ka quota khatam. Jo bhi ho, main tumhe nahin daantoonga."

"Humein aapse Dhruv ke baare main baat karni hain", Khushi replied quietly.

Blanching, Arnav reared back, looking away, "No, Khushi. That subject is not open for discussion."

Putting her hand out, she gently pulled at his chin to turn his face towards her. As she looked at him silenlty, Arnav cursed the fact that besides his Di, his wife was the only person who had the ability to see the emotion behind his annoyance and anger. And like his Di, Khushi was also adept at exerting quiet, loving pressure on him until he shared what was hurting him.

Deciding that it would be easier on both of them if he surrendered, Arnav sighed, "Kya jaanna chaahti ho tum?"

"Sab kuch. Hum jaanna chahte hain, Arnavji, ki aap itni dukhi kyun hain. Aapki yeh takleef humse bardasht nahin hota", his wife replied, her eyes focussed on his.

Cradling her closer, Arnav looked away for a moment and smiled, a bittersweet smile, as it dawned on him that she was waiting to understand the whole story, especially his side of the story, before she started on her crusade of trying to fix things. Looking back at her dear face, he asked, "Di se tum baat kiya hoga, naah? Mere paas aane se pehle? Kahaan tak bataaya Di ne?"

Khushi smiled a guilty smile as she realised how well he had her figured out. He lifted an eyebrow as he stared at her, sure that she would have tried to sense out the history before deciding how to approach him.

"Ji, hum Di se bhi baat kiye the, shaam ko. Unhon ne aapke bachpan ke bare mein bataaya. Dhruv ke dyslexia ke baare mein, aur kaise aap usko padhaate the, usko Harvard mein admission milne par aap kitne khush hue the, aur yahaan tak ki aap America mein use milne jaane ke baad aapne kaha tha ki usse aapka saara rishta toot chuka hain.'

Even though he had expected that Di wouldn't have held anything back from his wife, hearing it put so bluntly made his breath hitch. Sensing his discomfort, Khushi laid her head on his chest, gently rubbing in circles, knowing that it would be easier for him to talk if his emotions weren't on display, if he could talk without being watched.

Understanding that his wife was giving him space, he leaned down to kiss the top of her head, and paused, untying her hair before burying his face in it. Taking a minute to compose himself, he began, "Dhruv hamesha se yeh bolta tha ki bada hoke woh mere saath office mein kaam karega. Though it made me haapy, main use encourage kabhi nahin kiya. Mujhse zyada koi nahin jaanta tha ki uski disability ke wajah se use koi bhi career ki or force nahin karna chaahiye, lekin yeh uska khud ka faisla tha. Kayi saalon tak yeh sunne ke baad, kahin na kahin, mere mann mein bhi yeh ek given fact jaisa ban gaya ki woh bhi Akash ki tarah mere saath AR mein join karega."

A gentle smile forming on his face, Arnav said, "Tumhe pata hain, Dhruv bilkul mere jaisa hain. Woh bhi quiet hain, introvert hain, gussewala hain, aur gardening bahut pasand karta hain. We used to spend a lot of time digging around in the dirt and Di would yell at us."

As Khushi tilted her head to look up at him, he continued, "I used to coach him in this very room, after I came back from the US, and started my business. Main itna proud tha uss din jab use Harvard mein admission mila, ki main tumhe bataa nahin paoonga. Usska khud ka choice tha ki woh Integrated MS karega, Business Administration mein, taaki woh jald se jald AR join kar sakein aur uski growth mein shaamil ho sakein."

Khushi quietly listened, wrapped around him, as he spoke, lost in memories, "Hum teenon mein se, mere kareeb tha woh, pata nahin kyun. Aur mein yeh kabhi nahin expect kiya ki woh mujhse aise jhoot bolega, woh bhi aisi silly reason ke liye. Woh mujhse bol sakta tha, Khushi, lekin usne mera bharosa toda."

Knowing her husband, she could understand the pain he would have felt at that. Arnav Singh Raizada was capable of taking on the world, but betrayal from his loved ones could crush him, completely. Heart aching at the deep sadness in his voice, she hugged him tight, burying her face against his neck, trying to take away his hurt. But she still hadn't been told what the whole issue was.

Wrapping his arms around his wife, Arnav drew a deep breath, centering himself with her help. "Actually, after going there, he had started enjoying freedom for the first time. Apna decisions khud lena, akele rehna, yeh sab se uss mein bahut badlaav aa gaya, shayad iss liye ki yahaan hum sab usska thoda zyada dhyaan rakhta tha. And there he found that usska gardening mein jo interest tha, woh bahut deep tha. He dropped his MBA classes and switched to Botany. Par ussne mujhe bataaya nahin. I think, woh pehle bataane se darr raha tha, later it became his prestige issue. His life, his decision, apne Bhaiyya ko safaayi dene ki kya zaroorat tha?"

Unable to hear his painful recital any longer, Khushi said, "Shhh...bus Arnavji. Aur bataane ki zaroorat nahin hain. Humein maaf kar deejiye, humne aapko yeh sab yaad dilaaya."

Looking down at her, Arnav replied, "Tum mujhe jaanti ho naah? Tumhe kya lagta hain, main yeh sab bhool chuka hoon? Meri purani yaadein mujhe hamesha pareshan karte hain, Khushi. Unless I'm lost in thoughts of you, or unless you are with me. Pichle ek saal se main yeh seekha hoon ki tumse share karne se, meri chest mein jo weight hain naah, woh kam ho jaata hain."

His silence after that telling her that he would like to unload this burden also on her, she leaned up to kiss his jaw and nodded, "Ji, boliye..."

"Jab bhi main poochta tha, he would say that it was all going well and dismiss the topic. Mujhe koi shak nahin hua, until mere naam ek letter aaya, uske staff advisor se, ki woh MBA credits mein fail ho raha hain. I was shocked, Khushi! Later mujhe pata chalaa ki woh uss subject ki classes attend hi nahin kar raha tha."

Arnav paused for minute and swallowed, trying to regulate his breathing. "Dhruv ko study habits maine sikhaaya tha, and I knew that he wouldn't do that. So, main US mein conference ke liye jab gaya tha, Dhruv ke college mein gaya. When I met, main actually usse yeh keh raha tha ki ek galat letter aaya hain. He kept quiet at first, then he said that he had changed courses."

"I couldn;t belive my ears, Khushi, that woh mujhse, poori family se, ek saal se jhoot bol raha tha, woh bhi unnecessarily. I got angry, and tum toh jaanti ho naah, jab mujhe gussa aata hain toh mein sab kuch bhool jaata hoon."

Being the one who had suffered the most under that infamous temper, Khushi smiled tremulously. His expression apologetic as he understood her smile, Arnav continued, "I shouted at him, asked him why he couldn't show the minimum guts to tell the truth and he shouted back that he didn't need my approval for every decision. It just went downhill from there. Woh bol raha tha ki main tyrannical hoon, kisi ki bhi marzi ke bina unke liye decisions letaa hoon...and so on."

Pausing, Arnav choked out, "Shayad main aisa hi tha, pehle. But never, ever with him. Not with my Dhruv. It was always him first for all of us. And in the end, what he said was this...ki mein uske liye uska life decide karna band kar dein and to leave him alone to live in peace. He said that he wouldn't be able to breathe if he was around me, Khushi..."

Stunned, Khushi wiped her tears away, which had started flowing as she had listened to how her husband had again been hurt so badly by a loved one. Trying to put a lid on the rage that was now bubbling up inside her, she leaned up on an elbow to gaze at her Arnavji. Dry-eyed, face filled with the past pain and hurt, he looked back, unable to say anything further, knowing that he didn't need to say anything more to make her understand.

He reached out to wipe her face, "Mere liye ro rahi ho? Mat ro, Khushi. Mein yeh sab apne beete hue kal ke saath apne andar se nikaalna shuroo kiya tha. But now, after three years, woh wapas aa gaya hain."

Clenching his jaw, he rasped, "Jab bhi main use dekhta hoon, uski woh aakhiri sentence mere kaanon mein goonjta hain. I can't take that, Khushi. So please don't make me spend time with him."

Nodding, she replied, "Humein maaf kar deejiye. Hum kabhi nahin chaahte the ki aapko koi takleef pahoonche. Aap jaante ho naah, aap jab koi takleef mein ho, to is se aapse zyada dard humein hoti hain."

Pulling her down into his arms again, Arnav sighed, a deep sigh of utter exhaustion. "Ab mujhe iss baat pe kuch mat poochna, Khushi. Let it be the way it is. Parivaar ko apna beta wapas mil gaya, but that doesnot mean that he will be accepted by me as well."

Cuddling close, Khushi nodded, still unable to process how Dhruv could have been so ruthless. She couldn't fathom why the person, who watched every move that Arnav made with so much love and regret could have behaved that way.

Arnav's quiet voice pierced her thoughts, the pain in them making her tear up again, "Aur ek waada karo mujhse. Chaahe kisi ki bhi bhale ke liye hi sahi, koi baat mujhse mat chupaana. Aur kabhi bhi jhoot mat bolna. Chaahe kitni bhi bad news ho, mujhse sach-sach bataa dena, Khushi. And if tumhe kabhi bhi aisa lagta hain ki main tumhare decisions mein kuch zyada hi interfere kar raha hoon, toh mujhe bataa dena. I'll back off. Just please don't leave me in the dark."

Khushi's trembling voice, laced with tears, fell on his ears like a soothing balm, "Aap hi toh mere zindagi ho, Arnavji. Aapke bina saans hi nahin le paati hoon, aapke bina ek bhi kadam hum kaise uthaayenge?"

Wrapped in his wife arms, head pillowed against her heart, Arnav slept after a while, the burden of undisclosed pain finally lifted. But for his Khushi, sleep didn't come for a long time.

Lying on her back, she continued stroking her husband's hair for hours, unable to figure out how to mend the rift, how to bring the lost boy back to his brother, and unable to get rid of the boiling rage she felt for the boy who had hurt her husband so badly. Dhruv Singh Raizada had known his brother and his temper all his life, but he was going to get a taste of Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada now.

How was it? Did it do justice to Arnav and Dhruv?

And please leave comments...

Don't restrict yourself to single word comments, learn to write long, people! I did!

Next update on Monday. Have a happy weekend!

P.S: Arnav was reading "Three men on a Bummel", if you're curious...it is my "happy-book" as well... :-)

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Hey there, guys...

Thank you again for all the wonderful comments you have left for me!

This is, I guess, the update everyone has been waiting for. I hope it matches up to your expectations...it had me worried, you know, how you guys had been hanging on in anticipation...

And it is looong! Enjoy! And considering the effort that has gone into this, please leave comments...

Walking up to the Poojaroom, Anjali and Khushi found Mami and Payal ready with the pooja thaal. Taking over since Nani wasn't expected back soon, Anjali was about to start when she suddenly looked around and asked, "Where's Dhruv ?"

"Arre, you know him, Anjali bitiya. I had sent Hariparkaas to call him down. But he won't even open his eyes!" Mami clarified.

"Yeh Dhruv naah, he'll never change!", Anjali laughed and had turned back to start the pooja when Khushi interrupted, "Arre, How come? HIs first pooja after so many years, and he won't even come down? I'll go get him."

Watching her springing up the stairs, Payal murmured, "Yeh Khushi bhi naah!"

Smirking at her daughter-in-law, Manorama replied, "Do not burry, Paayaliya, Dhruv won't even realise what typhoon has broken over him. Arre, to one who daily handles Arnav Singh Raijaada, Dhruv is eejy!"

**************

Walking past Akash's room, Khushi came to a stop at Dhruv's door. Now that she was here, she was a bit hesitant to go in and wake a person who was basically still a stranger to her. Drawing in a steadying breath, she knocked twice. Getting no reply, she pushed the door open to find the room in semi-darkness. Taking a moment for her eyes to get adjusted to the dim light, she peered in to find her young dewar sprawled face down, fast asleep.

"So he doesn't sleep like Arnavji", she thought with a grin. Leaning down, she shook his shoulder. "Dhruv, get up, we're about to start the evening pooja."

Burying his head further under the pillow, he grumbled, "Come on, Di! Let me sleep! Don't you know, growing kids need their sleep!"

Chuckling, Khushi couldn't help poking him, "It's not, it's your Bhabi. And you're all grown up now. Up!"

It took a moment to penetrate into his sleep-muddled head that it was his Bhabi who had come to wake him. Opening one eye, he contemplated what would be the best way to convince her to let him sleep. Not able to think of anything, he turned over to stare at her cheerful face.

Unfazed at the grumpy face staring up at her, she smiled wide, "Didn't I promise to wake you for the pooja? Come now, everyone's waiting."

Involuntarily the question popped out from his mouth, "Bhaiyya and Bhai have also come?"

Her face softening at his question, Khushi shook her head, "No. They're still in their meeting. Maybe they'll come in a little while."

Waiting till he got up, Khushi walked ahead, leading him downstairs.

Seeing Dhruv walking down behind Khushi, his mother gave Anajli and Payal an 'I-told-you-so' look. Smiling happily at Dhruv, Anjali handed over the pooja thaal to him. They had just finished the pooja when Akash and Manohar walked in. Taking in the sight of Dhruv doing the evening pooja after years, they stood quiet, eyes moist.

As Payal went up to her husband to take his briefcase, Khushi called out, "Jijaji, Arnavji ?"

Loosening his tie, Akash replied, "He was just leaving with us when an urgent call came and stopped to attend to it. He'll be home soon."

Dhruv, who had looked up from his conversation with his father, relaxed. He had expected the worst, and had imagined that his Bhaiyya might have stayed back to avoid him. Anjali caught the look on his face and sent up a silent prayer that her Khushiji be able to mend the rift as soon as possible. Eventhough it had been just a day, it was becoming very painful watching the two brothers keeping away from eachother.

**************

After the pooja, everyone settled down to have their tea and were busy catching up on the day's news. Dhruv was sitting back and watching everyone but his eyes constantly strayed to Khushi, who, while busily chatting with Anjali, kept sending anxious glances at the door intermittently. Suddenly stopping in the middle of a sentence, she turned to the door. Anjali peeked around her and sure enough, within seconds, the door banged open and the usual call rang out, "Khushi!"

Jumping up, Khushi yelled back, "Coming..." and ran to receive her husband. Smiling at her, he handed her his laptop bag and had started walking to the family living, when he came to an abrupt stop. Eyes hardening as he saw his youngest brother hastily looking away, he turned around to go up to his room.

Grabbing hold of his hand, Khushi stepped in front of him. Looking up at him until he met her eyes, she gently shook her head, silently pleading with him to come sit with the family. He started pulling away, but was stopped by her soft, "Arnavji..."

Sighing as he surrendered to the silent pressure his wife was exerting on him, he turned back and stared at her, his eyes reproachful. Smiling softly, she led him to his usual chair, which thankfully, was farthest from where Dhruv was sitting. Pushing him down, she said, "I'll bring your coffee."

Arnav was unsuccessfully trying to engage in some business discussion with Akash by the time Khushi came back, very uncomfortable from all the hopeful, pleading glances coming his way. Gulping down his coffee quickly, he got up, sending a silent warning at his wife that he had reached his limit. Not paying any heed to it, she pulled him down again and settled beside him, merrily chatting away about her day.

A few minutes later, Khushi got up again to fetch something from the kitchen, and seeing his chance, Arnav quickly got up and walked off. Spotting him just as he reached midway to the stairs, she called out," Arre, where are you going?"

Barely pausing in his stride, he called back, "Khushi, I've a lot of work. I'm going up now. Please bring up my dinner in a little while."

Running up to him, she said," Why bring your dinner up? You should eat with everyone today. Do you even know what all Di has made specially for dinner?"

Turning to her, he muttered exasperateldy, "Khushi, I want to eat in our room! I have a lot of work!"

In her haste to get him to spend as much time with Dhruv as possible, she grabbed his hand tried again, "But Arnavji, the whole family is together after such a long time..."

It was a roar that stopped her mid-sentence, "Khushi, I said NO!"

Shaking his hand free from her hold, he snarled,"What part of 'I have a lot of work' don't you understand? Leave me alone!"

The sight of her blanched face making him feel even worse, he strode up the stairs, aware of the total silence he was leaving behind.

While the rest of the family tried to fill the awkward silence with forced-cheer, Dhruv sat staring at his Bhabi, who was rooted to the spot, looking up at her husband's retreating figure. It was with reluctant respect that he watched the hurt fade from her face to be replaced by a steely, determined look that actually reminded him of his Bhaiyya. Turning, Khushi caught his look and gave him a faint smile, which sent a shiver up his spine, making him rethink his initial impression of her. Yes, Anjali Di had been right, Bhaiyya had indeed met his match.

**************

Barging into his room, Arnav flung his laptop bag on to the bed. The stricken look on his wife's face at his outburst clouding out everything from his mind, he started pacing. Guilt at taking his frustration out on the one person he valued above all else eating him up, he strode off to the poolside.

Trying to regulate his uneven breathing, he looked up at the sky, focussing automatically on the stars that he and Khushi had designated to be their parents. The cool breeze ruffling his hair reminding him first of his mother and then of his wife running their hands through it, he calmed down gradually. Taking a deep breath, he looked up again to send them a silent apology for hurting Khushi.

Deciding to make it up to her when she brought him his dinner, he decided to go take his bath and wait for her. She would forgive him, he knew. She always did.

Finishing his bath quickly, he changed into his home-clothes and settled on the recliner. Khushi's hurt eyes haunting him, he slammed the laptop shut and leaned back, berating himself for the innumerable times he had made his wife a target for his anger at someone else.

"And this time, it was for Dhruv!", he thought bitterly. "The one person who I had decided was dead to me. Why is it affecting me so much to have him home? Why am I not able to just ignore him?"

Trying to distract himself, he looked around the room, only to be reminded by the many, many study sessions he had had in there for his younger brother. Unable to clear his head, he stepped out again to the poolside. Deep in thought, he lost track of how long he had stood there when he heard the door open. Relieved to have Khushi with him, he turned around, only to see an apprehensive Hariprakash peering at him from the open doorway, dinner tray clutched in his trembling hands.

His initial irritation at it not being his wife give way to wry amusement as he took in the sight of a shaking Hariprakash, scared out of his mind at the prospect of facing his master's wrath. As always, he marvelled at how it was that other than Di, Khushi was the only person who could take his anger without flinching. "But they get hurt, when I'm being unreasonable", he thought regretfully.

Turning to Hariprakash, he asked, "Where's Khushi?"

Setting the tray down, the man replied, "Arnav Bhaiyya, Khushi Bhabi is helping Anjali Didi in the kitchen. She told me to remind you about your medicines too."

Sighing as he realised that Khushi was still too upset to come up, he said, "Take this back. I'll come down for dinner."

Relieved to know that he would not be getting yelled at, Hariprakash mumbled a hasty "Ji, Bhaiyya" and ran out, grabbing the tray on the way, followed more slowly by Arnav.

**************

All heads turned to him as Arnav came down the stairs. Oblivious to the attention he was getting, his eyes busily searched for his wife and not finding her, sought out his Di. Rising to the occasion as usual, she tilted her head in the direction of the kitchen, disapproval at his earlier actions written clearly over her face.

Nodding his thanks as he wondered again about how neatly his wife had managed to get the entire family wrapped around her little finger, he made a beeline for the kitchen, which was thankfully empty except for his wife. He stood for a minute, silently observing Khushi, who was bustling around getting the batter ready for making jalebi. His heart heavy as he realised how much he had hurt her, he walked up to her and whispered, "Khushi..."

Not pausing in her work, she replied, "Ji, do you need something?"

The terse tone hitting him hard, he fumbled, "No, nothing. I just wanted to...umm..."

Tunring to him, but not meeting his eyes, Khushi said, "Arnavji, I'm busy now. Why don't you go sit with Di? I'll bring you your tea in a minute."

Realising that she wasn't ready to forgive him yet, he quietly walked out. Pausing to take in the sight of his family joking and laughing with eachother, he debated joining his Di for a while. Deciding against it as he watched her laugh at something Dhruv said, he turned and went out to the poolside. If Khushi wasn't with him, he still found it difficult to spend much time with the family.

"She is the connecting link", he thought, "Khushi is the one that connects me to my own family!"

**************

"Di!" the call from the kitchen interrupted Dhruv's conversation with Anjali. Looking up, he saw his Bhabi gesturing to Di to take the teacup she was holding to Arnav Bhaiyya, who was now standing by the pool, staring up at the night sky.

Taking in the look on Khushi's face and the tense posture of Arnav, Anjlai sighed.

"These two!" Anjali muttered, "What can we call this love? Always at war, but priceless love!"

Dhruv watched Anjali go to the kitchen and take the teacup from Khushi only to put it down. Pulling up Khushi's chin gently, Anjali saw the tears in her eyes and wiped them away. "You know him, naah, Khushiji. His anger is not at you. And doesn't he always let it out on either you or me?"

"I know, Di. But that doesn't mean that I can't be angry back, right? Let him suffer too...Laad Governor!"

Smiling as she understood that Khushi's mood was on the mend, Anjali gave her a quick hug before taking the tea and walking outside.

Dhruv continued watching as she went to the poolside. Arnav turned around swiftly as he heard her footsteps. Finding his Di behind him and not his wife, his face lost the hopeful look and he glanced beyond, eyes frantically searching for Khushi.

Looking to his right, Dhruv saw his Bhabi stand by the counter, watching her husband. Dhruv saw Di say something to Arnav Bhaiyya as she put the cup down and stroked his hair. Stuffing his hands further into his pockets, Arnav stood mute, staring at the floor.

As Anjali walked out, Arnav looked up again, his eyes locking instantly with those of his wife, the pain and regret in his brother's eyes making even Dhruv's breath hitch. He heard Khushi Bhabi's sharp intake of breath and in the next instant, she passed by him in a blur as she rushed to her husband.

Not taking his eyes off her, Arnav watched his wife come running to him, her hurt forgotten in the face of his pain. Oblivious to the fond looks they were getting from the family, Arnav gathered her up in his arms, holding her close. Finding as much relief in giving comfort to her husband as he was getting on receiving it, Khushi stood quiet, gently stroking his back, silently telling him that all was forgiven.

Not breaking the embrace, Arnav whispered, "Khushi, I'm sorry. I don't know why I always take it out on you. It's not fair, I know, but..."

Hugging him tighter to silence him, she said, "I know. I married you knowing it. Laad Governor and his anger, I accepted them both."

Snickering, she continued, "And if you don't yell at me, who else will you yell at? At poor Amanji! And he won't even get a hug later! I think you taking it out on me is best for all concerned."

He smiled at her words, which he knew, were meant to lighten his mood. Heaving a sigh as he gave her a final squeeze before releasing her, he grinned down at her. "You get a lot more than a hug when I make to you, don't you? Should I remind you now?"

"Haun!" Khushi exclaimed as she smacked him on his chest. Laughing at her blushing face, Arnav leaned down to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

Dhruv was brought out of his stunned perusal of the scene that had unfolded before him by his mother's comment, "Ee liyo! Berld baar over and saawan has started already!"

Trying to decode that statement kept him busy until Arnav and Khushi came inside to join the rest of the family for dinner amid all-out teasing from Anjali and Mami, supported actively by Payal and Akash. Listening to the multiple conversations flying across the table accompanied by loud laughter, and intermittently watching how his Bhaiyya was taking the ribbing in its spirit and even giving back shot-for-shot, Dhruv finally realised just how much change his sisters-in-law had brought to the family.

**************

By the time she finished up her work downstairs and went to their room, Arnav was already in bed, propped up on his pillows, reading. Smiling at him as she went to get her nightwear, Khushi thought of how shocked she had been when she had first seen her Arnavji read something other than his files.

It had been a little after their 'second wedding' that she had realised how her husband had been hiding behind his work, first to escape from thinking about her and later to escape from his pain at being betrayed in love. Now that their life was back to being a bed of roses, he had returned to his books with a vengence. The time that they spent reading in bed had become their quiet time. He was introducing Khushi to his favourite authors one by one, delighted at how much of a bookworm she was also turning out to be.

Coming out of the bathroom, she stood brushing her hair, quietly watching her husabnd, gauging his mood. Arnav was deep into his book, smiling at times as he read about the happenings on the bummel. Relieved as she realised that he was re-reading one of his 'makes-me-laugh' books, she decided that she would talk to him today itself. He would read it when he wanted to divert his thoughts, and that meant that he had been preoccupied with Dhruv's return. It would be easier to delve deep into the issue.

"Good that Arnavji shouted at me today! Now whatever I ask of him, he won't deny me", Khushi thought with a chuckle as she tied her hairband. Looking up, she caught her husband's reflection on the mirror, smiling his special smile that he reserved just for her, the one that always conveyed his love, his awe and his pride for his wife. Seeing her looking at him through the mirror, he extended his hand, calling her to bed.

Turning around, she walked straight into his arms. Squiggling around till she found her usual comfortable position, she leaned on him, head tucked under his chin, one arm wrapped around his stomach. Bending down to breathe in her 'Khushi-scent', Arnav smiled against her hair, at peace in her arms. It was a few minutes after he went back to his book that he realised that she was just laying there, not reading. Putting down his book that he had been balancing on one hand, he murmured, "What's wrong? Why are you so quiet?"

Hugging him tighter, she looked up at him, "I'm gathering my courage to talk to you."

Laughing at her serious expression, he said, "Achcha? What were you upto today? Whatever it is, tell me, I won't shout. Today's quota's already over."

"I want to talk about Dhruv ", Khushi replied quietly.

Blanching, Arnav reared back, looking away, "No, Khushi. That subject is not open for discussion."

Putting her hand out, she gently pulled at his chin to turn his face towards her. As she looked at him silenlty, Arnav cursed the fact that besides his Di, his wife was the only person who had the ability to see the emotion behind his annoyance and anger. And like his Di, Khushi was also adept at exerting quiet, loving pressure on him until he shared what was hurting him.

Deciding that it would be easier on both of them if he surrendered, Arnav sighed, "What do you want to know?"

"Everything. I want to knowwhy it hurts you so much, Arnavji. I can't see you in pain", his wife replied, her eyes focussed on his.

Cradling her closer, Arnav looked away for a moment and smiled, a bittersweet smile, as it dawned on him that she was waiting to understand the whole story, especially his side of the story, before she started on her crusade of trying to fix things. Looking back at her dear face, he asked, "You must have talked to Di? Before coming to me? Till where did she tell you?"

Khushi smiled a guilty smile as she realised how well he had her figured out. He lifted an eyebrow as he stared at her, sure that she would have tried to sense out the history before deciding how to approach him.

"Ji, I had talked to her in the evening. She talked to me about your childhood, about Dhruv's dyslexia and how you used to coach him, how proud you were when he got admission at Harvard, and how you broke off all ties with him after visiting him in America."

Even though he had expected that Di wouldn't have held anything back from his wife, hearing it put so bluntly made his breath hitch. Sensing his discomfort, Khushi laid her head on his chest, gently rubbing in circles, knowing that it would be easier for him to talk if his emotions weren't on display, if he could talk without being watched.

Understanding that his wife was giving him space, he leaned down to kiss the top of her head, and paused, untying her hair before burying his face in it. Taking a minute to compose himself, he began, "Dhruv used to tell me that he would grow up and work with me. Though it made me haapy, I never encouraged him. No one knew better than I that someone with his disability shouldn't be forced into any career, but it was his choice. But after hearing the same littany for years, it was sort of taken for granted that he would join AR like Akash had done."

A gentle smile forming on his face, Arnav said, "You know, Dhruv's just like me. Quiet, introvert, short-tempered, and crazy about gardening. We used to spend a lot of time digging around in the dirt and Di would yell at us."

As Khushi tilted her head to look up at him, he continued, "I used to coach him in this very room, after I came back from the US, and started my business. I was so proud when he got into Harvard. He chose to do Integrated MS karega, Business Administration so that he can come back and join me in AR."

Khushi quietly listened, wrapped around him, as he spoke, lost in memories, "I still don't know why he was so close to me. And since he was, I never expected him to lie to me, that too for such a silly reason and then go on breaking my trust."

Knowing her husband, she could understand the pain he would have felt at that. Arnav Singh Raizada was capable of taking on the world, but betrayal from his loved ones could crush him, completely. Heart aching at the deep sadness in his voice, she hugged him tight, burying her face against his neck, trying to take away his hurt. But she still hadn't been told what the whole issue was.

Wrapping his arms around his wife, Arnav drew a deep breath, centering himself with her help. "Actually, after going there, he had started enjoying freedom for the first time. Taking his own decisions, living alone, sort of changed him. Maybe because he had always been under our wing . And there he found that his gardening craze went much deeper. He dropped his MBA classes and switched to Botany. But he didn't tell me. I think, first he was just scared, later it became his prestige issue. His life, his decision, why should he justify anything to his own Bhaiyya?"

Unable to hear his painful recital any longer, Khushi said, "Shhh...enough Arnavji. You don't need to talk anymore. I'm sorry I reminded you of all this."

Looking down at her, Arnav replied, "Don't you know me? You think I would've forgotten? My past haunts me always, Khushi. Unless I'm lost in thoughts of you, or unless you are with me. This past one year is when I've started breathing again. That too just because I could share them with you."

His silence after that telling her that he would like to unload this burden also on her, she leaned up to kiss his jaw and nodded, "Ji, boliye..."

"Whenever I talk to him, he would say that it was all going well and dismiss the topic. I never suspected a thing, until a letter came for me, from his staff advisor, that he was failing his MBA credits. I was shocked, Khushi! Later I came to know that he wasn't attending the classes of those subjects."

Arnav paused for minute and swallowed, trying to regulate his breathing. "I taught him his study habits, and I knew that he wouldn't fail. So, when I went to the US conference, I went to Dhruv's college. When we met, I was actually laughing about how I had been sent the wrong letter. He kept quiet at first, then he said that he had changed courses."

"I couldn't belive my ears, Khushi, that he had lied, to me, the whole family, for a whole year, that too unnecessarily. I got angry, and you know how I lose it when I get mad."

Being the one who had suffered the most under that infamous temper, Khushi smiled tremulously. His expression apologetic as he understood her smile, Arnav continued, "I shouted at him, asked him why he couldn't show the minimum guts to tell the truth and he shouted back that he didn't need my approval for every decision. It just went downhill from there. He said that I was tyrannical, that I take decisions for everyone around me irrespective of what they themselves want...and so on."

Pausing, Arnav choked out, "Maybe I was like that. But never, ever with him. Not with my Dhruv. It was always him first for all of us. And in the end, what he said was this...that I stop interfering in his life, to stop making decisins for him and to leave him alone to live in peace. He said that he wouldn't be able to breathe if he was around me, Khushi..."

Stunned, Khushi wiped her tears away, which had started flowing as she had listened to how her husband had again been hurt so badly by a loved one. Trying to put a lid on the rage that was now bubbling up inside her, she leaned up on an elbow to gaze at her Arnavji. Dry-eyed, face filled with the past pain and hurt, he looked back, unable to say anything further, knowing that he didn't need to say anything more to make her understand.

He reached out to wipe her face, "Are you crying for me? Don't, Khushi. I had left it all behind. But now, after three years, he's here."

Clenching his jaw, he rasped, "Whenever I see him, those last words start ringing in my ears. I can't take that, Khushi. So please don't make me spend time with him."

Nodding, she replied, "Forgive me, Arnavji. I would never cause you pain. You know it hurts me more that it does you."

Pulling her down into his arms again, Arnav sighed, a deep sigh of utter exhaustion. "Don't ask me anything more, Khushi. Let it be the way it is. The family got the long lost son back, but that doesnot mean that he will be accepted by me as well."

Cuddling close, Khushi nodded, still unable to process how Dhruv could have been so ruthless. She couldn't fathom why the person, who watched every move that Arnav made with so much love and regret could have behaved that way.

Arnav's quiet voice pierced her thoughts, the pain in them making her tear up again, "And promise me something. No matter for whom or what, never keep things from me. And never lie to me, Khushi. No matter how bad the news is, always tell me the truth. And if you ever feel that I'm taking decisions for you or interfering in your life, just tell me straight. I'll back off. Just please don't leave me in the dark."

Khushi's trembling voice, laced with tears, fell on his ears like a soothing balm, "You are my life, Arnavji. One who can't even breathe without you, how will she live her life without your help in decisions?"

Wrapped in his wife arms, head pillowed against her heart, Arnav slept after a while, the burden of undisclosed pain finally lifted. But for his Khushi, sleep didn't come for a long time.

Lying on her back, she continued stroking her husband's hair for hours, unable to figure out how to mend the rift, how to bring the lost boy back to his brother, and unable to get rid of the boiling rage she felt for the boy who had hurt her husband so badly. Dhruv Singh Raizada had known his brother and his temper all his life, but he was going to get a taste of Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada now.

How was it? Did it do justice to Arnav and Dhruv?

And please leave comments...

Don't restrict yourself to single word comments, learn to write long, people! I did!

Next update on Monday. Have a happy weekend!

P.S: Arnav was reading "Three men on a Bummel", if you're curious...it is my "happy-book" as well... :-)

If you liked my work, please do visit [URL/forum_posts.asp?TID=3351669]My Index[/URL]