Originally posted by: rulama
Smita,😊
Here is the interpretation to Part 21.
When Arnav looked at Khushi, she
looked happy. When he looked at the stately personality standing behind Khushi,
he was dumbstruck. He had never expected to see the person at the party.
Anamika was one person who made the rules for herself. She was a person who
never accepted invitations to parties, be it official or otherwise. When Arnav
took a step towards Khushi, Aman called him with an apologetic note and said,
Sir Mr. Roy has come. Sighing inwardly, he turned towards Mr. Roy. Anamika
standing behind a seated Khushi surveyed the parting crowd. Her eyes that would
take in even the minutest of the details moved from the bold and the beautiful
to successful and stopped at Khushi's curious face.
Anamika asked Khushi in her cultured
voice softly, what does she see when she looks at them? Khushi turning her head
and looked at Anamika's face and said, she sees beautiful people. When Anamika
asked drawling, does she think they are happy? Khushi muttered they seem to be
happy. Anamika queried her softly, can't the looks be deceiving? Khushi looked
at Anamikaji with a question in her eyes. Anamika asked her to look at a girl
in green, the one dancing vigorously. What does she think of her? Khushi told
her that, the girl was beautiful and thought must be a model. Anamika told her
bluntly that she was.Now she was living with a man old enough to be her
grandfather, a sugar daddy. Khushi frowned and with a pity filled note in her
voice and asked whether the girl does not have a house of her own? Anamika
bluntly asked Khushi to save her sympathies for the deserving. Hailing from a
middle class family, her parents are unable to provide her with designer
clothes and foreign trips and she doesn't want to earn money. Khushi stared at
Anamikaji and wanted to ask her but could not phrase her doubts into words.
Anamika enlightened Khushi that the girl had was living with the man to whom
she had given herself without the bond of matrimony as he provides her money
and gift and she is able to rub shoulders with the Fashionistas. That way both
are happy and get what they want. Khushi asked her does not the grandfather have
anyone to look after him? Was he alone? Khushi's query made Anamika smile at
her innocence and explain to her that the man was a lone figure as one could be
with three ex-wives, a current one, four children and ten to fifteen
grandchildren. Khushi could not believe it!
Pointing out to a lady Anamika asked
Khushi what she thinks of her? Khushi answered that she must be somebody's Amma
and about 50 years old. Anamika giving a smile filled with derision told her
that not to let that lady hear such remarks, as she still thinks that she has
not yet crossed 25. She asked her as to who was the man beside her? Khushi was
stunned to see the person being called as a man. She told Anamikaji that he was
a boy and Khushi was sure that he was that Lady's son. Anamika intrigued with
her thought process, told her that boy
was her boyfriend. Khushi got a jolt and he stammered, that Dadi, I mean..
Anamika with a smile confirmed that Dadi was in liason with that boy. Khushi
was only just able to stare dumbfounded at Anamikaji by the revelations.
Snapping her fingers, Anamika
summoned a waiter and asked for an orange juice. She whispered something in his
ear. The man with utter respect left. Khushi sat there observing the people
Anamikaji had pointed out. Giving Khushi a glass of juice she asked her to have
it. To Khushi's whispered Thanks, she informed her that it was alcohol free and she had made sure of it.
Khushi frowning to grasp the implications of her words with her eyes on the
juice, she asked, alcohol? Why should orange juice have alcohol? Anamika
stretching herself enlightened Khushi that in such parties as these chances of orange
juices being laced by alcohol is a possibility. It would be the handiwork of
witches like Lisa and such others of her caliber just wanting to make you a
fool in front of your Arnavji. Khushi stared at her. She continued to say
looking directly at Khushi that, she was going to occupy a place coveted by
many, that of ASR's wife. Khushi in her innocent way asked her in a faint
voice, So many women love her Arnavji? The thought unnerved Khushi and the
glass in her hand trembled. Anamika stifling a yawn, told her that so many
women love his money, his status, the comfort it brings with it. They are after
him solely for the power of his money and clout his name provides. Khushi
looked at her, her mouth in a perfect O and her eyes as wide like saucers.
At last, when he could find time to
get away Arnav strode towards her calling, Khushi. Anamika was known to use her
acerbic tongue, at times. He hoped she had not hurt Khushi with her trenchant
remarks. Hearing him call her Khushi stood up with a dazzling smile. Taking her
free arm in his grasp, with a worried eyes on Anamika, he asked her was she
fine? He knew Anamika was a recluse of sort. She was as unpredictable as an
active volcano and like it, her fury too was legendary. No one dared to go near
her and any attempt to cozy up to her always ended with the other party behave
like an ostrich when in fear. No one dared to do it at any cost. Arnav wondered
what had Anamika said to Khushi.
Khushi being her chirpy self asked
him, does he know Anamikaji? Arnav with a nod, greeted her saying Hello,
Anamika. Anamika just acknowledged it with a nod. He told her with a face
expressionless that he was glad that she attended the party. He held Khushi's
hand securely in his. Anamika with a drawl told him that he had been inviting
her often enough and she had thought it was time to put him out of misery.
Arnav looked at her in silence. She told
Arnav that his wife was a very interesting lady making Arnav nod and relax a
little bit. Khushi with a laugh informed her that they were not married yet and
the wedding would be after five months.
Arnav watched with wonder, Anamika's
face relax into a slight smile at Khushi's quip. She asked Khushi, where had
she bought her saree from? Khushi looked down at herself and with a fond smile she
answered that, it was beautiful wasn't it? Anjaliji, that is her Arnavji's
sister had gifted it to her. Anamika could see the love and pleasure that was
visible on Khushi's face while taking the name of her future sister-in-law.
She looked at Arnav Singh Raizada.
ASR's wife was not a nobody, she reminded him making Arnav agree and retort
that Khushi was not a nobody. Anamika with a nod told him that, it was time to
introduce her to the world. It was high time the world knew of it, especially
the models who kiss and tell, don't kiss and still tell and kiss and tell more.
In other words, she meant all those who
meant nothing to him had to be put in their place.
Arnav stared at her. Khushi ping ponged
her head from Anamikaji to Arnavji, not having a clue as to what was going on.
Anamika with an authoritative note declared, five pieces for five months for Khushi
and him. Arnav was shocked to the core. Still gathering his wits quickly he asked
her, to let him.. but was not allowed to complete. She cut him coldly saying
that, no, he could not pay her for her clothes. Giving him a royal snub for
trying to offer her money in return, she turned towards Khushi and asked her, would
she wear the clothes designed by her? Khushi with genuine happiness to know
that Anamikaji designed clothes, and said, she designs clothes! Then she
definitely would wear whatever she designs. Anamika raising an eyebrow asked what
if it was not to her liking. But Khushi being Khushi declared happily, without
even thinking for a moment and said, how could she not like it? She was her
friend and she, without any doubt would like whatever Anamika made for her.
Anamika was enamoured by this declaration of Khushi, with a smile on her face,
she raised her eyebrows at Arnav as to ask now what do you have to say. All
Arnav could do was smile in return as Khushi had no idea of who Anamika was.
This update too is about the
learning process of Khushi but with a difference. So far she had to experience
things to learn from it. Now she is being introduced to the ways of
Fashionistas and their world by seeing things. She is being advised and
trained, in a word, MENTORED.
When Arnav looked at Khushi he saw
her happy. It was a relief for him after the previous party fiasco, but it was
short lived as he saw that she was with Anamika, the recluse fashion designer
who designed exclusively for her elite and chosen clients. She was the prima donna of the Fashion world. Though
Arnav meant to reach Khushi, his duty as the host diverted him.
"Character is doing
what you don't want to do but know you should do"
~ Joyce Meyer
Anamika who had observed Khushi from
the sidelines and sitting in the unlit area earlier, had taken a liking to her.
Her innocence, her directness, her curiosity, her sweet nature and even the
gentle admonishment had enchanted her. She knew here was a girl with a Golden Heart
that was unmatched and unsurpassed, but clearly needed direction with a firm guiding
hand if she needed to survive among the vultures in the industry. It was a
refreshing sight for her to see Khushi, who was not even aware that she was
talking to Anamika, the high priestess
of the Designer world. Deciding to mentor
her she begins to train her. This she took up not because of Arnav Singh
Raizada, but because of Khushi Kumari Gupta and her nature. Whatever she had
seen of Khushi had appealed to her very much. She had found a kindered spirit
in her, bringing out her protective
feelings, making her want to train
Khushi so that she would never ever shatter into pieces by the ways of the ugly
world.
"True leaders bring
out your personal best. They ignite your human potential"
~ John Paul Warren
First, she asks Khushi what she gleans
from the crowd. When Khushi answers beautiful people she asks does Khushi think
they are happy. Khushi's answer they look happy makes Anamika tell her
that, the looks could be deceiving.
Pointing out to a girl, first questioning what Khushi thinks about her, then
goes on to enlighten her that, people not always do things within the bounds of
matrimony. At times they indulge themselves outside it too, and that need not
be the norm but that was also prevalent. Men do it for their enjoyment, and
women most of the times for glitter, fame, money and upscale living without the
need to work. Many a time the liaisons would be between people who could be of
different generations. Anamika points out two two sets of people to illustrate
this point. First, was the young girl with her sugar daddy and the second a
lady in her fifties with her young gigolo.
This was a first set of initiation by Anamika.
"Your beliefs become
your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny"
~ Mahatma Gandhi
Anamika calls up a waiter and asks
for the drinks giving him certain instructions and when she gets it, hands a
cup of orange juice to Khushi and asks her what it was. Getting the answer as
orange juice she tells her that while in a party she needs to be careful, as there
would be chances of it being laced with alcohol just for kicks on part of the
jealous people like Lisa, so that Khushi would make a spectacle of herself in
front of her Arnavji. As to the reason for being jealous, it was because Khushi
was the one to occupy the much coveted post of ASR's wife. Khushi's naive question
of so many love her Arnavji? was answered with no, so many love his fame,
fortune the clout and the perks his name brings.
This was the second set of initiation by Anamika her mentor.
"A careful foot can
step anywhere"
~ Chinese proverb
When Arnav came near Khushi he was a
worried man. Knowing Anamika's unpredictable nature and her legendary fury, and
seeing them converse for such a long time with gestures and varied expressions
from far, he wanted to know whether Khushi was fine. Seeing her happy visage he
was relieved, but had his reservations while he was greeting Anamika. First he
was stunned to see her make an appearance, then he was thunder struck to see
Khushi in conversation with her. He was surprised to hear Anamika say that his
wife was an interesting lady making Arnav relax a tad bit and help him gauge
the atmosphere. When Khushi corrected her that their wedding was still five
months away, it amazed him to see a visible relaxed Anamika with a smile on her
face. Anamika getting a truthful answer for query on Khushi's saree,that it was
a gift from her to be sister-in-law and the love and happiness at the mention
of Anjali's name, confirmed Anamika's gut instinct that this girl was worth all
the trouble one could take. Here
was a girl who had genuinely admired the sari designed by her without even
being aware of who had designed it. This was also something that Anamika had
not come across for her products. She wanted to make Khushi the Fashion Icon to put
an end to the speculations and all the bitchiness. Her offer of 5 pieces for 5
months knocked out Arnav Singh Raizada, and again when his offer to buy it was
rejected out rightly he was stumped. When asked Khushi gave her unconditional
and outright acceptance of the clothes she designs for her without even having
the idea of what she designs, making Anamika smile and Arnav speechless.
"Nothing brings down
walls as surely as acceptance"
~ Deepak Chopra
Now let me explain what I have gleaned
from the last bit. Anamika though the name suggests one without a name contrary
to it, is in fact one of the most sought after designer who commands her own
market and her choice of customers who are ready to wait for her to design
custom made pieces for them. She is extremely choosy of people whom she mingles
with and Anjali has an entry into that fold. The saree now worn by Khushi, a
gift from Anjali, was custom made by Anamika for Anjali. Her clothes are
extremely expensive but are divine to wear. Maybe Anjali got it done for Khushi
or for herself. I think she got it done specifically for Khushi because, of
this line in the previous update.
"You are Khushi'?", the lady asked, her low, husky voice sounding
like music.
She had recognized the sari she had designed
and had observed her while sitting in the far corner in darkness. She had
observed that Khushi was not only simple and beautiful, but also, endowed with
loving and giving nature with lots of compassion. She had observed Khushi
needed guidance and when guided properly there could not be anyone better than
her to occupy the coveted post of ASR's wife and all would see what stuff she
is made off. This would make them see their worth that amounted to nothing but
dross in their own eyes.
"A diamond doesn't
start out polished and shining. It once was nothing special, but with enough pressure and time, becomes spectacular"
~ Solange Nicole
She wanted Khushi to wear those
outfits she designs and be like a show stopper in a fashion show, setting the
trend, not just with clothes but with the behavior too. She wanted her to be
the role model. When mentored by Anamika the Fashionistas were bound to
listen and would let Khushi make her way in life comparatively peacefully.
Anamika who was a seasoned veteran took Khushi into her fold. She gave her the
valuable lessons and one among them
was not all are bad in that world. There are some good ones too. It depends on
how you pick.
"Leaders..should
influence others..in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and
edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others"
~ Bob Goshen
Khushi has agreed to wear her designer
clothes without even knowing really who Anamika is and what is the price range
of her clothes. She just thinks from her heart, Anamika as a friend. This was
quite a refreshing attitude for Anamika as she has seen people always come to
her in the guise of friendship just for their benefit. Here was a girl who just
bonded with her in friendship and nothing else. Is it strange that Anamika got
enchanted with Khushi Kumari Gupta and she decided to Mentor her?
"We can complain
because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses"
~ Abraham Lincoln
This has made Arnav Singh Raizada aware
that Khushi Kumari Gupta is definitely worth everything he owns. She the
lioness who had matched him step to step at every roar he made with her own
brand of roar, and now, had a Mentor of
great repute, who was overwhelmingly powerful, backing her.
"The best teacher is
not the one who knows most but the one who is most capable of reducing
knowledge to that simple compound of the obvious and wonderful"
~ H.L. Mencken
That's why I titled it as MENTORED.
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.
ADDENDUM
Smita,
that was a wonderful choice to name the Prima
Dona of fashion as Anamika the nameless.
👏 👏
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