She had no intention of closing the gap between them. What was the use when the past and their misunderstandings would crop up any time?
No. Even if she did not have much, she still had her dignity and she wouldn't give that up. But she still loved Arnav with a passion that defied logic.
She wanted to see him happy. She wanted him to believe in love, family, children, marriage and all the things that made life. She wanted an end to his loneliness. She wanted to see him laugh and smile and be like other men.
She knew love could have done that. But his heart was frozen to any girl, most of all her. And that meant she had to find what else could bring back his happiness"the one that had been lost in his childhood.
She knew it could not be money, because that he had in plenty.
Not success either, because he was one of the most successful man in the advertising and media world.
And she knew she could not help him find these in more proportion as she had nothing to contribute.
What could she do to make Arnav happy?
Suddenly, Anjali's words reverberated in her mind.
'Khushiji, if my mother at least once spoke lovingly to him and gave her blessings, my Chotey can change.
But, that is not possible as she refuses to see us.
But maybe if you can love my Chotey despite his anger and hatred, if you can restore his faith in human beings---he can change---
I know it is difficult. But can you try?'
An idea began to take root in her mind---
He was worried about her, today more than ever. He had caught a glimpse of her today, after a very long time.
Deliberately he had told Anjali the previous day that he had work at Nainital and he would be leaving early in the morning. He had stayed back in his room, to give the impression that he had left.
So when Khushi was happily feeding breakfast to Risheek and laughing as Risheek refused to swallow it, he made an appearance at the table.
Shocked she had looked at him, her hand frozen in mid air with a piece of paratha.
He noticed that it was shaking and her face had grown pale.
Was that the impact he had on her?
Did he scare her so much?
'Hello,' he said, trying to sound as nice as he could.
Nervously, she put her hand back in the plate, lowered her eyes, and said in a barely audible voice Hello.'
'So, how is your job going?' he asked.
'It's good,' she said. They were interrupted with Risheek's irritated 'Mami, you forgot to give me the next mouthful.'
Immediately Khushi renewed the task of feeding Risheek again, her hands still trembling.
As he observed her hand, he couldn't help noticing, that her bones were even more visible. He took in her whole appearance and he realized he was right. She had lost a lot of weight. There were dark circles below her beautiful eyes.
She looked frail and unhealthy. A pang of guilt ran through him. She was barely 23. She was as good as a friendless orphan.
Why did she make him feel like he was the worst monster on earth when she was at fault? Why was she doing this ridiculous job and stressing herself when he could give her money?
Was she doing it only to evade him or was she interested in the job genuinely or was it for the money?
As he continued to watch her, he observed how good she was with Risheek.
Her relationship with and treatment of Risheek never failed to surprise him. It was as if she was a natural mother.
She never got angry with his antics, had infinite patience for his tantrums, loved every single thing the child did. How could someone be so loving to a child and still be so treacherous?
Again the paradox put him into a dilemma that he could not sort out.
Again he tried to talk to her. He did not know why. But he had to know why she was killing herself over the job.
'So did you get your first pay?' he asked. Startled, she dropped the spoon.
'Ye---s' she replied nervously.
'I hope they pay you well. You never told me how much they pay you,' he asked, wondering if she was overworking for less pay.
'Yes they do,' she replied.
'How much?' he pushed, wanting to know if she was paid her worth for a fresh but talented copywriter. She had barely six months experience in AR designs.
'30k,' she replied.
That was not bad. Some freshers got even lesser. But he could not dispute her talent in copywriting.
'Hm. So you are rich this month. That calls for a treat. How about a party at a good restaurant,' he said, trying to tease her and get her out of her monologue.
They had to spend a long time in the same house, he reasoned with himself, trying to understand this urge to befriend her
But his friendly gesture had the opposite effect. She practically shrank further into her seat and said
'Bu---t you are busy and so am I. Why do you want a treat from me when you can afford the best restaurants, not to mention the costliest,' she said, a bit sharply.
Irritation marred his mood. He got up from his seat saying, 'Sure Khushi. Your wish. Your money. I am sorry I mentioned it. Forgive me.' With that he strode towards the stairs.
He had barely mounted the first step when he felt a tug on his hand. He turned around to see Khushi holding his hand.
'I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you. I just thought you would not be interested in spending any time with me.
But if it is ok with you, please mention the time and place and I will take you out,' she said shyly.
She was shy to be alone with him, he realized, watching the blush creep up her creamy cheeks, her eyes downcast.
She looked adorable and beautiful as her cheeks were tinged with red.
He couldn't stop admiring her beauty.
He was human after all.
Done deal! 7.30, Le Meridian. Be ready. And yes, dress to kill,' he said, as a smile played on his lips.
Shyly she nodded.
The evening suddenly felt very promising to Arav, no matter how much he denied it.
Back in her room, Khushi held her thudding heart. Had he just asked for a date?
A smile played on her lips as she stared into the mirror.
'Yes I will dress to kill-----' she told herself.
Bigg Boss 19
Anupamaa
Jhanak
10