Part - 15
Khushi POV
The Crown of Palaces looked magnificent, glistening brightly under the afternoon sunlight. I felt like a Queen watching the white marble Mughal architecture known as the Taj Mahal. My eyes were stuck taking in the beauty of this symbol of Love.
Only when warm fingers entwined with mine, did I realize how and what led me to witness such a beautiful sight. I whirled around to face the one person because of whom I found the perfect opportunity to visit one of the seven wonders of this world. Clad in a white dress shirt and figure-hugging faded jeans he was dressed to kill. While I stood next to him wrapped up in six yards of orange. A gift by Arnav Singh Raizada, my lover and date.
You look so enchanting in this creation of mine.
Did you design this piece? For me?
He nodded and dragged me from the balcony, back to the restaurant where our meal was waiting for us. I immediately sighed missing the view. There were no other guests apart from us. Only the staff could be seen hovering around us. If your boyfriend is ASR then of course booking the entire restaurant is not a big thing. Not at all.
Watching the floral decorations around us I could not help but recall how I landed up in the city of Agra. A few days ago after Arnavji's overnight stay at Laxmi Nagar, he had asked me out for a date. Our first date. And the idea thrilled me. He kept teasing me about it over the messages that we exchanged. Then last evening a package awaited me on my work desk.
The rest of the language teachers peeked from their respective cubicles to see my flustered face as I read the racy love note from Mr Raizada. Unwrapping the gift my eyes gleamed as a bright orange saree with zardozi work greeted me. The ladies behind me started whispering amongst themselves. They had seen me with Arnavji a couple of times. They knew I was dating the sponsor of this language school. Grinning at my beloved choice I quickly thanked him with a text. I received a reply instantly.
Wear this for our lunch date tomorrow.
Feeling giddy I could not sleep properly and chose to start my day a little early. By the time everyone came to the breakfast table I was dressed up in the orange saree looking no less than a fairy. Jeeji and Buaji both were very surprised by my new look. But they were satisfied when I told them about a special pooja at my office. Thankfully they did not ask any further questions after that. Picking up my steaming cup of tea I left the breakfast table and retreated to my bedroom. I could see the sun peeking inside my window, the beams created a natural spotlight for the idol of Devi Maiyya placed on my table. I took the artistic view as a blessing of God. A sign that Arnavji and I were meant to be. I sipped the beverage in between my musings. Suddenly my phone on the nightstand vibrated twice. I picked up the device cheerfully. Arnavji wanted me to come out on the main street after twenty minutes. Grinning at his words I replied in agreement. I was about to hit the send button when something made me stop. Knowing that Arnavji won't deny my request I asked him to bring a special box along for this date of ours. Feeling satisfied I finally tapped on the send button. The thumbs up and kiss emojis that I instantly received made me turn a dark shade of red.
After that what happened felt like dream. A ten minutes car ride to the tallest building which consisted of a helipad. A huge black helicopter with the logo of AR on its tail. And then I was flying in the air like a fairy in a fairyland. Throughout the ride, Arnav Singh Raizada kept a tight hold on my hand. Yup, the same man who once had loosened his grip making me fall dramatically. I wanted someone to pinch me. However, my eyes reached my hairline and my jaw dropped as our ride came to an end. The enigmatic vision of the Taj Mahal left me shell shocked.
Khushi...KHUSHI...Hello??
Huh?
Arnavji's loud and husky voice brought me back from my thoughts. I must have appeared to be a lunatic person to him. His brown eyes locked me in an intense spell. I could feel his thumb caressing the back of my hand. His actions made me shiver in response. After what seemed to like hours but were mere minutes Arnavji enquired about the box. He strategically placed it on the table next to our hands.
Tumne mujhse iss box ko lane ko kyun kaha Khushi?
(Why did you ask me to get this box Khushi?)
Woh humein aapse issi ke baare mein poochan tha.
(I wanted to ask you a few questions that are related to this box).
I backtracked my hand from his hold and used both of my hands to open the delicate box which was a key to Arnavjis past. Our past. The items were still the same. A scrap of dupatta. Three pearls. A silver key. It felt nostalgic. We have come afar. The fragments of our love and hate relationship were lying inside the box as if they were the most prized possession of Arnav Singh Raizada. Caressing the pearls with my fingers I tried to avoid the flashes of our first meeting and verbalized my doubts.
You still don't remember much about our first meeting right?
He glanced at the pearls with a lost look in his eyes. I knew I hit a nerve but some things needed to be discussed. Something important enough to move forward in our relationship. My fragile heart needed a little reassurance. Arnavji lifted his eyes and answered with a hint of frustration in his tone.
I am blank. I don't remember a thing about how we met. But why did you...?
Arnavji I know you feel annoyed because you don't recall our past. I just feel that when one day everything will come back to you...the ASR in you might force you to push me away.
As soon as I finished my sentence he stood up from his chair and pulled me up with him. Hugging my petite frame, he patted my back, making me sigh in relief. Thank god he is not mad. My healing heart wanted this. This feeling of comfort that only Arnavji could provide. I wrapped my arms around his form enjoying our proximity.
The egoistic side of me was unable to handle the sudden burst of feelings that flooded inside me after you came into my life. But when the ASR within me will return then he won't have any issues because I have already done the hard work for him. I have your affections. Right?
Chuckling at his explanation I felt the cloud of despair disappear. His words made my fears vanish altogether. Now I knew that finally, our relationship could move ahead. Without any obstacles. We can deal with the rest of the things. My family. His family. Our class differences. These are easy to tackle. My stomach growled loudly making Arnavji loosen his hold on me. With a grin, he gestured for me to finish our meal.
An hour later we were walking in the nearby garden. He asked me more about the items in the box. Slowly and gradually I told him all about our meetings. Coiled in hatred and fear, the pearls held a significant chunk of our past. The silver key that clued me in about our perspective towards life. And the scrap of dupatta that witnessed yet another argument after I landed my first job in AR Designs. I guffawed at the last one.
Arnav POV
I could not understand how our moments could be so intense yet painful. I was expecting that the box would reveal something beautiful. Yet Khushi Kumari Gupta's explanation felt so bizarre.
My inappropriate and disrespectful actions must have scared this woman. Her words broke something inside me. Cornering a lady and tearing the pearls of her blouse? Forcing the same woman to leave her city just to shatter her belief in God? Again tearing off a piece of her stole just to satisfy my ego? I was drowning in my guilt.
However, I felt an immense hatred for ASR. My dark and controlling side had pushed away from such a beautiful soul simply to satisfy his powerful self. I shook my head in disbelief. And now I felt thankful because my amnesia felt like a blessing in disguise. My heart finally found a way out to reach the love of my life. Now my absent memories did not make me angry. Rather I bathed in self-loathing after every explanation about my past. I sat on the nearby bench trying to process every information about my beastly side.
A few minutes later I sensed Khushi on the other side of the bench. She casually placed her hand above mine and continued to stare ahead. The Taj Mahal was still visible to us from an adjacent angle.
Khushi I understand your previous fears completely. But I can only promise to repent for every sin that I have committed against you. Even if my memories come back I won't let you walk out of my life.
We sat for a little while talking about our families. Khushi wanted her Buaji to like the new me. I too agreed with her. My family already loves Khushi so it is just the Guptas whose approval I need. Finally after some time, begrudgingly we returned to the helipad. Our date had come to an end but I felt much better after spending some quality time with my girlfriend.
Thankfully when I returned to Shantivan nobody bothered me. I only came down to have dinner with the family. My eyes met the twinkling ones of Dhruv Singh Raizada. He knew I was out on a date with his teacher. I simply winked in his direction and continued to eat my meal.
After retiring to my room I was trying to work on some accounts resting on the recliner when my worried brother charged inside my bedroom. I raised an eyebrow at his sudden presence but he scooted towards me and sat on the edge of the bed with an expression of defeat.
What is wrong Akaash?
Wrong? What is wrong? Bhai you don't know how foolish I have been.
Concerned by the seriousness of the situation I tried to calm him down but he was not in the mood to hear me out. He stood up and began to pace back and forth to annoy me. Rolling my eyes I stood up and made him stop.
Stop pacing and start talking.
Bhai I told Mom and Nani about Payal.
Oh.
I leaned on the poolside door listening to my brother's detailed explanation. Siddharth Shukla provoked Akaash to take this drastic step. And now he was sure that by tomorrow Raizada family would visit the Guptas with a proposal for Payal. Well does he not wish to get married? Then what's with the panicky attitude.
So you don't wish to get married?
No! No that's not...Bhai I love Payal and wish to marry her. But Payal might not approve of this. Tomorrow our family will drop the marriage bomb on her. Payal is clueless about my spectacularly foolish act. We just became a couple two days ago...
Now I understood his folly. Doing irrational things was easy. Finding explanations for the same was not just difficult but downright impossible. Moving forward to where he stood I patted his shoulders in sympathy. His plight made me recall the days when I shared a rocky relationship with Khushi Kumari Gupta. My vulnerable self needed her to stay by my side. While my confused mind could do nothing to satisfy my fragile heart.
It's fine Akaash I get it. I am an expert when it comes to feelings.
You know what I think you should call Payal right now and admit your mistake. Be honest. That's what our partner desires from us the most.
Pushing back his glasses my brother gave me a blank look as if I were speaking Latin. Woahhh. Am I that unpredictable these days? Or has ASR done a number on everyone? Weird. Cupping his shoulders I shook him a little, successfully bringing him back from his fantasy land. A few minutes later he left my room determined to confess everything to his girl. Hopefully, Payal will appreciate his honest approach.
After freshening up I called it a night and crawled on my bed to find a comfortable position. As I lay down, with a blanket around me, my mind began to imagine the different scenarios if Payal and Akaash would get married soon.
Amidst the several rituals between the two families, I could get the opportunity to spend more and more time with the bride's sister.
Also, my family would appreciate my involvement in the upcoming wedding. I could kill two birds with one stone. Smirking to myself I shut my eyes and let my imagination run wild.
Khushi POV
The next morning I woke up to an empty bed. It was Sunday so Jeeji's absence felt a little weird to me. Taking a quick shower I started my day and walked into the kitchen. I found my sister sipping her tea next to the counter with a scowl on her otherwise pretty face. Strange she was not in a bad mood last night? Before I could enquire about the sulky looks she stopped me.
Buaji has gone to the temple. It is just the two of us. Your breakfast is in the microwave.
Rolling my eyes at her childishness I picked up my breakfast and strolled towards the dining table. The best way to deal with Jeeji when she is in a mood is to let her be. When no one pushes her, my sister automatically starts talking. I was halfway through my meal when Jeeji placed a cup of tea on the table and sat on the adjacent chair. Giving her time to frame her thoughts I sipped the tea and continued with my breakfast. With a sigh, she finally revealed the cause of her tension.
Akaash told his family that he is in love with me. And now any day the Raizadas will land here to fix a date for our marriage.
I coughed up my beverage listening to the unexpected news. I knew Jeeji and Akaashji had a thing, but marriage? Wow. This is so strange? But then marriage is an institution that one enters into someday. Right? Then why is she so troubled by the idea? The frown on her face is not of approval I suppose. Suddenly realization dawned upon me. She is still trying to accept the idea of her and Akaashji being a couple. Of course, she will feel uncomfortable and trapped by the notion.
Taking a deep breath I continued to stare at the exasperation on her face. I knew what I had to do. Jeeju needs someone to assure her that all will be well. Plastering a smile on my face, I put my hand over hers on the dining table.
Calm down Jeeji. Akaashji informed you about his mistake. You have such a flawless relationship. He is so open and honest with you. Right?
Reluctantly Jeeji nodded as my words made sense to her. Though it did not diminish the anger in her otherwise calm eyes. Shaking my head at her expressions I continued my speech.
Even if Raizadas show up here with a proposal then you simply negotiate. Ask for more time. Maybe a few months. And we all are here to support you.
After another thirty minutes of talking, my sister passed me a smile. Thank you Devi Maiyya. She left the table but my mind was still consumed by the thought of her marriage. Her wedding rituals would mean a lot of meetings with the Raizadas. As in Arnavji and I would get chances to sneak around the family and spend more time with one another. My musings were put to a halt with the chimes of my phone.
Come to my office at lunchtime. Kuch baat krni hai.
(I need to speak with you).
I could feel him whispering the same words in my ears. Even in his absence, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada knows how to leave an impression. Flustered by his orders I tried to change the subject. But he was in a mood of his own. Flirt.
Aisi kya baat krni hai aapko?
(What is it that you need to talk about?)
Bas karni hai. Aur mujhe meri Khushi se baat krne se koi nai rok sakta. Tum bhi nai.
(I just do. And no one can stop me from talking to my Khushi. Not even you).
Khushi? Tum itni laal kyun horhi ho? Garmi lgrhi hai kya?
(Why are you turning so red? Are you feeling hot?)
Buaji's sudden entrance made me drop my phone in my lap. Blood rushed in my face listening to her comment. What should I tell her? Hello, Buaji I am blushing because Arnavji is in a flirty mood. You see he is my boyfriend. Embarrassed at being caught I tried to divert Buaji's attention.
Nai. Hum theek hain. Aap kaha gai thi itni subah?
No. I am alright. Where have you been from morning?)
Thankfully Madhumati Mishra did not notice my nervousness and shared the details of the latest gossip she received by word of mouth. Sighing in relief I quickly texted Arnavji that I would visit his office around lunch.
One day this man will be the cause of my death. A heart attack by the intense ASR. Cruel fella. Apne lafzon se aur aankhon se hi katil krdenge humara. Knowing that he will be waiting for me I got dressed and left for work. I had a half-day at work and Arnavji took complete advantage of this knowledge.
(He is a killer who knows how to use his words and eyes as weapons to destroy me).
Shyam POV
It is decided then my next target will be Khushi Kumari Gupta. Seems like ASR is his puppet. He adores that woman. And I will use this information wisely.
Laughing out loud in front of my men I sat on the plush recliner and made a drink for myself. This time I won't spare ASR. He will be punished for taking away my fathers precious land, Sheesh Mahal.
Luck saved him from the accident and the gunshot. But the death of the girl he loves will kill him from inside. Arnav Singh Raizada will die a slow death. He will feel this raw pain and emptiness in his heart. I know what happens when you lose the one who is your everything. He will be left broken and alone.
Admiring the photograph of ASR and Khushi kept on the coffee table I strategically placed a cross on the face of my enemy. Arnav Arvind Mallik. Haha. Enjoy the good times till they last buddy.
