Chapter 21
Arnav hurried back to his place for NK's engagement after the meeting with Aryan. Though he talked to Anjali two times before coming home, his mind was only diverted on Aryan's conversation with him. Yes, Aryan did have a point. Khushi was about to do the same mistake that Aryan committed. But she was lucky. And Arnav knew they both would have done something wrong.
On the other hand, he was just craving for Khushi. He loved her more than anything else and he just wanted her. He remembered the special moments he spent with Khushi at their apartment and he soon realized that those moments would never come back. He could have got Khushi in many ways but he apprehended that such a forceful relationship would have not kept him nor her happy. So, he was ready to sacrifice the happiness of one person rather than destroying the life of three individuals.
But at the same time, he swore to God that he would always protect Khushi, like how she did, no matter what. He captivated the times when she had consoled him when he needed someone badly. How she helped him stuck his deal when he least expected it. She was ready to be his wife and live with him having no knowledge about him. She did this just for him. And now, he thought it's pay back time. He must do something for her. But he would have never imagined that for her happiness, he would sacrifice her. Well, no one's ever heard that sacrifice brings happiness.
He was deep in his thoughts when the driver stopped the car and indicated that they had reached Shantivan. He got out of the car and suddenly he felt his legs had become heavy. He knew he had to talk to Khushi. He had no idea how he would face her. But he knew he had to do it someday. Someday, as in today.
He opened the door to his house and became nostalgic. He was coming back after 2 months and he had thoroughly missed this place. He saw to his right and naani ji was explaining something to HP. And like a devoted servant, he was keenly listening to her. He went ahead and saw his Manorama mami was applying make up, foundation and nail polish, all together. Quite a multitasker, he thought. Next to her, was his mama ji who was completely dressed in a ocher shervani and was reading the newspaper while Manorama was irritating him by asking him is her make up less? He saw that his Anjali di was getting down the stairs with a plate which was covered by a red cloth. Shaagun, Arnav thought. She looked surreal in a red, netted saree. He always thought why is he always surrounded by good looking women. Shyam follwed Anjali, who was, also, in a purple Shervani. He saw Akash, again in a blue shervani, talking to someone on the phone with a file in his hand.
What's wrong with the Raizada men? Why are all so much dressed for that NK's wedding!, Arnav thought.
"He is our first cousin, Arnav. Don't look so shocked." Anjali giggled, as if sensing herChoteh's thoughts.
"Yeah, right." Arnav said, making a face.
His mind immediately started scanning the entire house. From the dining table to the living room. The stairs, kitchen were thoroughly visioned. Even the pool area which was seen from the living room was not spared. Where is she?
Anjali and Shyam saw his scanning vision and smiled to each other. Anjali gestured something to Shyam and he nodded his head.
"Achha, saale sahab?" Shyam said, trying his best to maintain a straight face.
"Ji, jeejaji?" Arnav said, suddenly darting towards both of them.
"Your friend is in the room opposite to yours. Actually, both the guest rooms are taken by our guests for the week. So we thought it's better if Khushi ji will sleep in Akash's room while Akash will sleep with naani. Is that OK?" Shyam gave a look to Anjali, whose smile just did not live her face.
Arnav's happiness knew no bounds. He did want this. If he was asked, he would have happily let Khushi sleep in his own room. But he reminded himself that this was India and not Toronto. Living right in front would be great, he thought.
"umm.. Yea.. That's.. a good idea, jeejaji. By the way, where is Khushi?" Arnav asked, not wanting to show his excitement.
"Woh Choteh, she's getting ready. Actually, she should be ready by now. And please, you too get ready. Don't go to meet her now. We are running against time."
"OK di." Saying this, Arnav left for his room
-X-
Soon, the entire Raizada khandaan left for NK's engagement which was held at 4 Season's hotel. Khushi joined them as Arnav had come horribly late and had decided that he would come in another car. As a result, Arnav could not meet Khushi after landing in India.
He entered his room and saw that a black shervani along with a creme scarf was kept, properly ironed on his bed. A frown settled on his face. I am a Raizada and my status can only been seen with a suit. There's no way I'm wearing this. He removed a dark blue color paired with grey three-piece suit which looked quite elegant. He was tightening his cuff-links but the only person who was swimming in his mind was Aryan and their conversation. He thought of not asking for Khushi's opinion because he was certain that even though if Khushi wanted to meet him, she would never say yes. He just wanted to see her reaction. He cleanly gelled his long hair. And left his place.
-X-
He entered the 4 Season's
Air Hall(see link). NK's engagement venue was set up in an open terrace hall. This was actually the
only smart decision taken by NK, he thought. Luckily, after the day's scorching heat, the evening was really pleasant as the winds were really cool and were gushing through the hall. The view from the hall was definitely surreal and hypnagogic. The bar and actually the entire sky bar was bursting with people. Everyone, from politicians to actors, businessmen to industrialists were invited. Men were dressed in either tuxedos or suits and near family were in shervanis. Women were either in western gowns and near families were completely in Indian Attires.
As soon as he entered the hall, many people came to greet him. Arnav Singh Raizada, the name only hold so much weight. He was one of the eligible bachelors of the Fashion line. The men strolled towards him to get to establish business bonds while some came just to greet him. While the women were just floored by him and talking to him would be any one's wildest dreams. While some women had just naughty motives, other half just could not control their hormones and go talk to the sexiest man standing in front of them.
In all the talking and wine with business executives and colleagues, his eyes and mind were only searching her. Where is she? he thought. His entire family had reached half an hour back so they must be there, only. He excused himself and started finding her. Still NK and his soon-to-be fiance had not come there. So, ideally there was still some time left for the engagement. He finally found Anjali and asked directly where Khushi was.
Anjali giggled silently and teased him,"Kabhi kabhi hume bhi aise dhoondh liya karo, Choteh."
"Please, di. Where is she? I haven't met her since the morning."
"I don't know, Choteh. She was here only. She's been a great source of help since she came. But I think she's quite upset with you. Look! There she is!" Anjali exclaimed, pointing towards the extreme corner of the sky bar. There was Khushi.
Arnav turned towards where Anjali pointed and felt the world around his stopped. He saw Khushi and for quite a while, the people around him vanished. He saw Khushi in a green and satin purple
lehenga choli. The lehenga choli clearly showed her perfect figure and all curves at the correct spots. She had left her hair open and swept at a side. A perfect purple color
jhumkas adorning her ears.
He suddenly felt his legs had a brain of their own and were slowly walking towards her. He could swear to anyone that she really looked beautiful. All he wanted to do then was pull her in his arms and kiss her till her lips were completely swollen. Khushi was busying talking to some lady and looked so happy while talking to her.
Arnav, with a bright smile on his face, went and stood next to the lady she was talking to and coughed as if to show his presence. Immediately the laugh on her face changed in to an angry tone and she immediately looked to the other side. The lady darted towards him and exclaimed, "Ohh ASR! Where were you? Look at you. Handsome you've become." She said and butterfly kissed him. He kissed her back.
"Ohh Rhea. Thank you. Well, you have lost a lot of weight, isn't it? You look gorgeous!" he said, giving a look to Khushi. Khushi just gave a sarcastic smile. Rhea was wearing an transparent, white shaded saree with a black embroidery. Not much of jewelry but loads of make up. Her hair was tied in a bun with some sparkles on them.
"Sorry, ASR. Danesh must be finding me. We will meet the entire week, right? I'll make sure I attend all the ceremonies."
"yes, please."
"OK, bye Khushi. Bye ASR."
Within seconds Rhea left and Arnav and Khushi were left alone. "Haan, I'm coming." Khushi shouted, to no one. She wanted to avoid the awkward conversation she and him would have. As soon as she turned around to run, Arnav caught her wrist of one hand & pulled her to a remote area at the far end of the terrace, saying,"Not so fast!". He pinned her to the wall and caught both her hands with his behind her back. Her chest brushed with his musuclar torso. She tried to be freed from his hold but in return he tightened his hold more on her. He went more ahead and now there was hardly any difference between them.
Finally after struggling for sometime, Khushi gave up. She knew very well that Arnav would not do anything wrong to her, until her consent.
Arnav went upto her ears and whispered in his famous husky voice,"Did I mention you look very beautiful today?'' Khushi closed her eyes tight but soon opened them, realizing he wanted an answer.
"Nope. Because you did not meet me only today. You decide to leave your room mate on the very first day of our trip to India with all unknown faces. Thank you so much, ARnav. My first day was very much memorable. Now leave me. Anyone can come here and.."
"Do you realize how much do you talk? I would love to kiss and shut you up. Is that OK?'' Arnav said, his smirk showing all the naughtiness.
"Do you realize how much stupid do you sound? I would love to slap and kick you. Is that OK?" Khushi said, her face showing bits of anger.
Arnav loosened his grip on her and said,"I'm sorry Khushi. I had gone to meet someone."
"is that someone more important than me, Mr.Raizada? And who is that Rhea? I was standing there, adoring the skyline of Mumbai when she walked upto me. She is a bitch, believe me. You don't talk to her." Khushi said with a pout.
"I can smell something. Umm.. is that jealousy I'm smelling, Mr.Gupta?"
"Jealous and of that Rhea? My foot.."
Suddenly both of them heard someone cough to show their presence. Both of them turned to see who it was. Arnav was shocked and he immediately left Khushi from his hold. His eyes darted towards Khushi and saw her eyes popped out. Her face, every muscle of her face should shock, anger and betrayal all at once to see Aryan standing there in front of them.
"Khushi..." Aryan said, softly. As if every letter was difficult to pronounce her name.
"Ar.. Ary.. Aryan..." Khushi said, not believing that it was him, him. Standing right in front of her. She would have never believed that it was him, until a smile settled on his face. Khushi moved behind as soon as she felt Aryan walking towards her. Aryan felt thoroughly guilty at her moving behind. He immdediately turned towards Arnav who was observing Khushi, trying his best to control his tears.
Arnav acted as if he did not hear both of them taking their names. He cleared his eyes which were completely teary by now. He tried to smile and said, "Oh, Khushi. He is Aryan Rathod. My friend and colleague. And Aryan, she is Khushi Gupta. my friend from Toronto."
"You know him!?" Khushi asked, almost shouting.
"Yeah! Is anything wrong? Aryan?"
"No. NO. Nothing is wrong!" Aryan said. His face looking at the ground.
Khushi did not say a word and left from there as soon as possible. No, actually she ran. She just could not take it. Facing Aryan would be a great pressure on her. Arnav knew it. But he had to do it. Someday or another. He had to do it. And that day was today.
"You are my friend, Aryan. She should not know I called you here." Arnav said.
"What are you doing here, Choteh?" Anjali asked. Her face showed a confused look."NK and Aliaa have come. Come on." She smiled at Aryan and he smiled back.
"yea di."
Anjali made a mental note to ask Arnav something.
-X-
The engagement started and NK and his woman walked upto the center spot. Nandkishore, aka NK, was clad in a gorgeous creme and black shervani studded with diamonds. While Aliaa, his girlfriend and soon to be fiance and wife, was in a beautiful ghagra choli having shades of black, pink and embroidery of golden jewels. NK certainly did not deserve her, Arnav thought. Just one look at the couple, and Arnav's eyes skipped to Khushi.
His eyes traced the entire crowd. From the adults to the kids, the waiters, bartenders, everywhere. Where was she? Did she run away? No, she would not do that. But, where is she? He started looking and walking through the sky bar. But his eyes fell on her.
There was Khushi, right in midst of the crowd. Her eyes were swollen, as if she had just finished with a session of sobbing vigorously. She looked nowhere but right at the ground. Her one hand was clutching her lehenga while her other hand was caught by some one. He tried to see who it was but could not since there were people on the way. He went more further and saw who it was. Anjali di.
-X-
Next update, pakka some time soon.😉
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