Khushi missed Arnav every day. Needless to say they spoke everyday and through skype whenever possible. Arnav was busy with his assignments, his classes, and his life in Paris and then in the States. The different time zones was only adding to their woes. Yet they found time for each other. They spoke whenever they could. Shared events through photographs and videos.
It had been seven long years since Arnav had left. Khushi had taken a long time to get used to the fact that Arnav wasn't living in the same house. She still missed him every day. Khushi kept his room just the same with all their cherished moments. Khushi would silently sit by the poolside with a coffee whenever she missed him. She always felt his presence there.
Khushi was just shy of twenty two and she had completed her graduation in hotel management. She had always been interested in food, cooking, and hospitality. Naturally she chose this course and exceled very well in her chosen path. She had graduated some time back and done a brief internship in a five star hotel. Khushi had then taken a break. She wanted to think about her path further. Khushi wasn't sure whether she wanted to continue with her masters. Of course her Arnie insisted she get the masters done too. He had been full of ideas as usual, she thought with a smile.
Nani was getting old. She missed her grandson and had spoken to him only the day before. She asked him to come home. It was time enough. He had been away for too long she felt. Chote had done his graduation in Fashion Technology. He wanted to come back immediately but he had got a very good opportunity to work with one of the world famous stylist. And Arnav had lapped it up immediately.
And then he had gone to do his MBA at Harvard. In between he had wanted to come before going to the States but at the last moment one of his friends had been hospitalized. Arnav had stayed back to help his friend. Khushi had been terribly disappointed. She had refused to speak to him for a whole week. Arnav had pleaded in his email, via text and had later sent a cute gift through an international courier.
She had finally spoken to him after a week. "No Arnav I won't forgive you that easily. I will not come to see you till you yourself come. And this is final. Someone else was more important than me Arnav. I can never accept that."
He knew she was really angry when she called him Arnav instead of her usual Arnie. Though he had asked her a million times to come to the States, she flatly refused everytime. He knew he was being punished for chosing his friend over her. And after a while he stopped asking her.
And his Nani's health had not permitted her to take a long flight. Khushi was more than happy to stay back with Nani and take care of her. Now the time had come for them to care of their Nani, who was their mother and father all in one. He was ever grateful for Nani for bringing them up. Nothing he could do or say would be enough. And when she had called him a month back missing him, he had decided to quit his job and decided to get back to India.
Today, on his twenty seventh birthday he was finally returning home to his Khushi and his Nani. Khushi was excited that she couldn't sleep the whole night. Only a few more hours and she was finally going to meet him. Khushi knew he was returning for good. He had worked for a while after his MBA as a top notch executive in an MNC. He wanted to start his own venture here and he was completely prepared for it.
At the crack of dawn Khushi got up with a shriek. She went and danced through the house. She had a quick shower and made jelabis for herself. She was too happy that she wanted to eat jelabis. Nani came down to see the house in an uproar. She laughed seeing Khushi's obvious excitement. Devyani was also extremely pleased both of them were going to be together again. She hoped Khushi found her happiness. Devyani knew Khushi loved Arnav. Years of being with Khushi attuned her with Khushi's thoughts.
Khushi then prepared Arnav's favorite dishes. She went to his room and aired it. She changed the sheets in his room and kept some fresh flowers in his room. It was almost time. Khushi decided she won't even go to the airport. Let him come to me to meet me. He chose me over his friend.
Nani and Khushi were impatient. They were keenly listening for the car sound. And then they heard it. They heard the car horn. The BMW came in through the huge iron gate, into their mansion. Khushi almost ran to the front door while Nani got arthi for her granson who was at last returning back to her.
Khushi opened the door even before he could press the bell. She just ran into his arms, full of pent up longing of seven years. He had changed. His body was hard and muscular, he seemed even bigger and he smelt of rich cologne. Yet she felt home in his arms. She still felt his unique touch. A tear drop escaped her eyes and when she opened her eyes, she saw her. A beautiful, lithe woman who was wearing a short dress. She stood next to Arnav with her hand luggage.
Khushi moved away from Arnav and Nani took the arthi. She kissed Arnav's cheek and welcomed both of them inside. Arnav kissed Nani back and gave her a hug. He then took that woman's hand in his own and addressed that woman "Come in Lavanya. Meet my family."
Khushi instinctively knew Lavanya was someone important for him. Her heart broke into a million pieces. Khushi blinked back her tears and gave them a faint smile. She said she will be back and ran to her room. After her room was safely locked she let out her tears. Huge sobs came from deep down her heart. She felt alienated and orphaned for the first time in her life.
Why? Why did he hide this friendship from her? He had never spoken that name to her before. Why? Her thoughts were whirling around and the tears continued. She brushed away the tears when she heard an urgent knock in the door.
CID
59