Chapter 10
Arnav's mouth fell open looking at Khushi. She looked like an angel in a white saree descending from heaven or a devil looking at things what she had done in the past! But overlooking at those stuffs, she really did look serene. Her eyes shined like a Swarosky crystal enthroned in Europe. Her smile was different today, something very blushy, very embarrassing in a cute manner. Arnav thought all this and a very different smirk rested on his face. He looked on the ground and then back to her.
"So, how do I look?" Khushi asked, expecting a very serious and honest reply.
Arnav, again, scanned fer from bottom to top. Again, he gave the very trade marked smirk.
"Arnav! How do I look?" Khushi asked again as Arnav did not reply.
"Umm, you look beau.. Nice." He smiled.
"Nice? That's it?" Khushi's smile which was dazzling on her face suddenly changed into a frown. She continued," I dress for about 2 hours for my so-called-husband and his client's,who teases me, dinner party and all I get to hear is 'nice'? Wow, thanks Arnav!' Khushi said this and turned to again adjust her saree in front of the mirror.
Arnav got into her room and tried to compliment her. But, then he saw that Khushi sleeveless and backless black blouse's doori was not tied and it hanged loose. He opened his mouth to tell her about the doori but shut it the next second thinking that what if she again said that he was a pervert. Or.. or what if she thought he not only scanned her from top to bottom but also from front to back!
But on the other hand, he also had to inform her about this. He could not let her be completely embarrassed in front of his clients. So, thus, he decided, he would tell her.
Khushi was still adjusting her saree and it's plaits, Arnav said, "Umm.. Khushi. Your. Your."
"My what?" Khushi asked, looking at him through the mirror.
"Your blouse's doori. It's open.." Arnav said and again looked at the ground 'cause he suddenly thought the ground was much more interesting!
As soon as Arnav said it, Khushi turned her head behind towards her back and suddenly jerked across the wall, her back facing the wall. She also started seeing the ground and used both of her hands to tie the doori profusely. But alas! She just could not tie the doori.
Arnav saw that she was having a problem with the doori so he asked," Can I help?"
"NO!" Came the direct answer from Khushi.
Arnav could not control his feelings and he just wanted to help her. He took 3 long steps and reached near Khushi. Khushi and Arnav now looked at each other in the eyes.
He kept the palms of both his hands on Khushi's shoulders, trying to turn her. She jerked his hands and said,"I said I do NOT need any help."
"Shhh.." he said and kept his index finger on her lips.
He again turned her and now she faced the wall. He sided some of the loose strands of her hair. He took hold of the doori and and tied it slowly, taking all the time in the world. After tying the doori he moved his back of the hand on her back. She shrugged her back and tried to run. But Arnav caught her again and caught her on the waist.
He slowly went ahead and rested his chin on Khushi's right shoulder. He said in his husky voice against her right ear,"Sorry. You don't look nice. You look beautiful, Khushi."
Khushi's lost smile again dazzled on her face. He finally left her from his hold and Khushi turned towards him. He smiled at her and fortunately, she smiled back.
Suddenly Arnav's phone rang. "hello, yes Mehta ji. We are on our way. yes, yes! Don't worry." he talked and walked out of her room. He turned and looked at her and then again marched out of the room. Khushi, for the last time, saw herself in the mirror, smiled to herself and left the room.
-X-
The journey again from their house to Mehta's house was in silence. But this was partial silence. Khushi was fidgeting with the pallu of her saree while Arnav was talking through his bluetooth. She looked at Arnav. Why I want to talk badly to you? Shut your bluetooth for once, Arnav! This feeling is killing me! Why? Have I started feeling something for you? This feeling is really very different. Why, Arnav, why? Arnav looked at Khushi as if he heard something. But again he started seeing the road.
-X-
They reached Jignesh Mehta's house and Mehtas welcomed them with all their love and gifts. Mr.s Mehta also welcomed Khushi with open hearts and as typical ladies, they also complimented each other on their dresses. Arnav and Mr.Mehta as typical men, asked each other about the ongoing cricket match's score and laughed heartily.
All were then seated on the dining table and were later joined by Mr.Iyer and his introvert wife, Khyati. The time before dinner passed quickly as one just could hear jokes, laughs, teasings and nothing else. When asked about Arnav & Khushi's marriage, Arnav smartly said that it is an arranged marriage because no one would then ask their love story and they didn't have to make up one!
"So, Khushi. Do you work or living on your husband's money?" Mrs.Mehta joked.
Khushi smiled and said,"No, actually. I'm an intern at Prince Wales Hospital."
"That's nice. I'm a happy home maker. But my hands pain while making food for him!" Everyone laughed.
"yea right. But who is it who loves to sleep on my shoulder or my lap after being tired?" Mr.Mehta asked his wife. She smiled continuously.
AFter this very statement of his, Khushi and Arnav looked at each other and a color of pink to dark red blush adorned both of their faces. For a while, both of them didn't see each other but eventually, their eyes just would not leave each other.
After more sessions of jokes and teasings, Mr.Mehta, mr.Iyer and Arnav started talking about their deal. The wives were busy in their talks but Khushi paid more, keen, attention on the men's talks.
"AR designs are known for beach wears. I think you'll should design something different of a beach wear for us, Arnav." Mr.Iyer suggested Arnav.
Mr. Mehta continued,"You're right Iyer. But I think different bikinis will be a better idea, na? Ladies really try to maintain a good figure for wearing one. What say?"
Arnav looked dejected by what Iyer and Mehta were saying. He wasn't satisfied by making beach wears or bikinis, at least that's what Khushi thought.
Khushi suddenly said,"No offence, Mr Mehta & Mr.Iyer, but ladies don't try to maintain a good figure just because they want to wear a bikini but they do so just to fit in this mad bikini-world. I mean, why do you'll want to make these outfits while there are a million shops out there who supply designed bikinis? Also, ladies really think a bikini will be the last thing they'll prefer to wear,"
Everyone's face was shocked after hearing Khushi's answer. No one expected the ladies, especially Khushi, to talk shop in between the men. Mr.Iyer and Mr.Mehta's eyes popped out and they looked at each other in shock. While the ladies felt proud on Khushi's answer but did not say a word. Arnav's face was just not describable. First this girl almost ruins my deal, i don't say anything. Then, she says things she is not supposed to say! Khushi, shut up! he thought.
Looking at their confused faces, she continued,"I want to say that this beach wears are a lot. But how you all ever tried to sell Indian wear here? Traditional dresses like sarees, ghagra cholis, kurta pyjama,etc will be a sure shot hit. And the only company producing them will be yours. And plus, there are not many Indian shops in Canada, isn't it?"she finally finished.
Arnav hid his face with his hands. I should have never brought her here, he thought. Both the ladies looked at each other and then Khushi. Mr.Mehta and iyer had a stiff, expressionless face. Finally Mr.Mehta broke the silence,"It's the first time I'm hearing a lady's idea. But I must say, you are a star, Khushi. this idea is amazing! Even I was tired of this semi-naked dresses. I really think, this is something different! What do you think Iyer?'
Arnav raised his head and Mr.Iyer continued,"mikavum unmai! Sorry, I mean, very true! We can also hire some Indian designers. Our profit margin will boost! Khushi, you are amazing. This idea is super! ASR, your wife is a genius!"
Arnav was out of his shock and said,"I know she is." He smiled and she winked at him. Later she blushed realizing what she had done in public.
-X-
After the dinner and alot of praises for Khushi, everyone headed for the door. Soon, afetr all the bye's and see you's Khushi and Arnav were seated in the car. Before Arnav started the car, he turned towards Khushi and said,"Thank you Khushi. You really helped me. You know, this Mehta and Iyer may seem very happy and all. But they take a lot of time to be convinced. That's the reason i didn't blow up on you after you almost ruined my meeting as that was the first time he invited us to his place. Thanks, Khushi!"
Khushi smiled and said,"no problem. Can't I help my husband in his deals?" both of them laughed.Arnav turned towards the steering and tried to power-on the car.
"What happened?"Khushi asked.
"The car is not starting!"
"Ohh. Chuck, let's walk? Khushi asked.
"Sure!" Arnav smiled.
-X-
Loong update! uff!đ I have a request. All those who want PM's pls buddy me! That'll be very easy for both of us. Again, suggestions and criticisms all are welcome! Ting.
-P.
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Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
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