OS - Jaana Na Dil Se Door
As the sea waves touched our feet I could not help but grin. Months ago when I was all alone on this island trying everything to find the land, my mind had given up. Freedom looked like an expensive choice even for a ruthless businessman like me, back then. I don't recall much about how I ended up here. Nor do I remember more details about my life. All I know is that a terrible accident took me away from my former life.
So when there was no sign of life around me, no hope, desperation turned me insane.
Therefore, just like my mother, the idea of suicide tempted me a little too much. So one fine day, I drowned myself in the deep waters. For the first time feeling breathless made me happy. With glee, my mind almost gave up on my body when a hand grabbed my wrist. What the!?! Is someone trying to save me? There is another person besides me? Huh? With a lot of effort, soft hands pulled me out of the water. Feeling air around me again I spluttered and coughed maniacally.
That is when my salty eyes noticed something. A woman with a terrified expression kept rubbing my back shouting some nonsense about no self-preservation to Devi Maiyya. After a lot of patting on the back and waving before my eyes, she sat cross-legged beside me. Furious hazel eyes locked with mine.
ARE YOU NUTS?!? You just tried to TAKE YOUR LIFE! Devi Maiyya ye insaan zarur pagal hai.
(Devi Maiyya this man is insane).
I grinned watching the hyper girl fawning over me while throwing accusations at me occasionally. It's strange, isn't it? After weeks of loneliness when I gave up on the idea of struggling another being showed up on this isolated island.
The joy on my face probably confused her, because her next words proved the same.
Hey Bhagwan! You. Are. A. Psycho. Who laughs after almost getting drowned?
(Oh Lord!)
I shook my head and pointed a finger at myself. Of course, from her perspective, I would appear to be a nutcase who was trying to end his life. Rolling her eyes at my idiotic behavior the woman stood up and turned back to walk away. Even the idea of her retreat made me restless. Standing up I composed myself and tried to match her footfalls with my own.
Hi. I am Arnav. What are doing here?
Khushi. Why does it matter to you? You go and attempt suicide again.
Her wet form shivered as the wind blew now and then. Guilt swallowed me watching her shaking frame. Khushi is in this state because she simply tried to save me. Grabbing her by the arm I took her deep inside the island. She kept arguing, asking me to let her go. Rather than giving her any response I headed towards the little place that was my shelter. Starting a fire using a few stones, I made the girl somewhat comfortable.
As the night approached I could not help but wonder about how this woman ended up here of all the places. Knowing that my curiosity could last only so long the doe-eyed girl shifted towards me and then started her story. My eyes touched my hairline listening to her story.
She was all alone and lost. With no memories of her life. I could relate to her condition. Khushi had been here for three days. Yet she stayed hidden from my sight. She was trying to be cautious. But my suicide attempt had forced her to make a life-threatening decision. Thank god it was just me. What if it was someone else who had done this with the idea of manipulating her? This girl is naive.
You seem nice. Why were you trying to kill yourself, Arnav?
It is a long story. Do you want to hear it?
She nodded enthusiastically. And then I blurted out everything that had been bubbling inside me. The accident. Little memories. No life around me. My vulnerability and loneliness. The desperation to feel something other than this feeling. I was not expecting anything from her. Still, the girl hugged me. I could not help but clutch her form as tears cascaded down my eyes.
The pain, the hurt, all that I had gone through in the last few weeks disappeared in the comforting arms of Khushi.
Some days passed and we became good friends. I was able to cope with my surroundings. The idea of never being found did not bother me much. Khushi's presence soothed me. Her silly jokes and antics always made me laugh like a hyena. We hunted raw fish, wild fruits, and a few edible plants nearby. Leading a simple life with Khushi had turned me into a gentle being.
And then one day I could not find her. I looked everywhere around the island. She was nowhere to be found. Her disappearance had crushed me. Feeling exhausted, hurt, and lonely once again, I dragged my body to the shelter when I noticed something. Small feet peeking from behind the shelter. Forgetting my tiredness I rushed to the figure that lay unconscious on the ground. Her chest moved signifying that she was alive. I sighed in relief and rubbed her feet and hands in an attempt to wake her up.
Finally, Khushi's eyes fluttered open. Oh god. I can breathe normally now. The feeling that surrounded me left me aching for something. The realization of what had happened today floored me. Her absence could be my demise. Clutching her body to myself I rubbed my thumb across her cheek.
Don't ever go away, Khushi. Ever. Promise?
Promise Arnav.
I did not know if she understood the gravity of my words or not. But the next moment when Khushi placed a kiss on my palm she affirmed my belief. I grinned at her, watching a red hue replace the paleness on her face. For the first time in my life, I had found something that I never voluntarily looked for. Somehow Khushi had become an important part of my life.
The next day as the sun greeted us Khushi wished to lay near the shore. So that's what we did. And as the water kept tickling our feet, my mind accepted that now I had something to fear for. Something that made me vulnerable. But still pumped me up with strength and comfort. I desired what I never even imagined to possess. The heart of a woman.
Kya aap humse pyar krtein hain?
(Do you love me?)
Karta hoon.
(I do).
Aap darr gaye the na?
(You were terrified. Right?)
Haan darr gaya tha.
(Yes, I was).
Pushing me away from herself she stood up and eyed me with a challenge in her shining orbs. I could not help but smirk in response. It will be a roller coaster ride with a woman like Khushi. She wanted to be hunted. As she retreated I did not feel frightened like the last time. Rather I chased her fleeting form allowing her to run away for a while till my heart could not take it. And then I hunted my beautiful prey. Wrapping my arms around her squirming body, I placed small kisses all over her heart-shaped face. Her giggles made me puff out like a peacock. I make her happy. The idea boosted my ego.
However, time is never static. It changes like the wind. Our good time ended rather quickly. Jinxed by some kind of a negative aura. Suddenly heavy waves crashed into the both of us. A tsunami tried to swallow us. Lost in the water I tried to maintain my hold over Khushi but the strong waves pushed me away from my girl.
As my hand loosened her wrist, I found myself going deeper into the water with no signs of Khushi around me. My eyes closed on their own accord. Giving up to the gods will. And then when all the oxygen left my body a loud voice reverberated in the confines of my mind.
Chotte...
Chotte...
I know this voice. I recognize this voice. The familiarity of the tone made me gasp. It is my sister..its Di. What's going on? A huge blinding light replaced the water around me. I blinked furiously trying to make sense of the world around me.
Wake up...
You can do it...
My eyes fluttered once more and a blurry world greeted me. A beeping sound echoed somewhere nearby. I could make out the outline of a few figures around me. Where is Khushi? What is happening to me? And Di? How is she here? Agitated by my new circumstances I wriggled my body only to feel excruciating pain on my left shoulder.
Chottee... don't move. Your shoulder is still very sensitive.
Mr. Raizada. Can you hear me? Look at me. Arnav?
I blinked again to feel the haze around me disappear. I was not on the island. Rather I was on a bed that looked like a makeshift hospital room. Machines beeped around me. A man clad in a white coat enquired about me again and again. Then I saw my weeping sister standing on the other side of my room. That's when I recognized my surroundings. I am in my bedroom. At Shantivan. Slowly, the lost memories began playing on the main screen of my now-activated mind.
I was traveling to Lucknow for that Sheesh Mahal hotel deal. The helicopter ride was safe and sound. We were about to land on the rooftop of my AR Lucknow branch when at the exact moment the pilot suffered a heart attack. Everything made sense now. I fell, and my arm lost all sensation as my body landed on something hard. And that is when my mind disappeared into a dark abyss only to find myself on an unknown island. But how did I end up at that weird place?
My sister had hugged me for long. Slowly the rest of the family members had dropped in to see me. Nani, Mami, Akaash, Mama, and even HP. Their smiles made me sigh. Mami told me everything about the last three months. After my accident, Akaash had immediately taken me to the nearest hospital in Lucknow. I never woke up though. The doctors informed my brother about my state of coma.
He had no option but to take me away to Delhi in an Air ambulance. The family had lost hope but finally last week I showed signs of waking up. And this morning my mind and body were ready to wake up. Nani thanked Devi Maiyya for giving me a second chance at life. When she mentioned Devi Maiyya my mind recalled something that I had forgotten about after the sudden shock of meeting my family.
Khushi! Di where is Khushi? Khushi? She was also with me on the island. Where is she?
Everyone exchanged a strange look amongst themselves. The doctor who had allowed my family to greet me pushed everyone out and did a detailed check-up of mine. Once he was sure that I was feeling better, the doctor asked me more about my time on the island. Feeling a little lost I explained every minute detail about the island and how I met Khushi.
Look Mr. Raizada this will be a little difficult for you to grasp. But please understand what I am about to say.
What do you mean?
Mr. Raizada you were never on any island. That was only a manifestation of your mind. A way to cope with your comatose state. And this is not something new. Many patients of mine have claimed to have visited strange places...or have met...
Shut up.
How can he say such a thing? Liar. Manipulator. Khushi is real. She was with me all the time. She had saved me from drowning. When I tried to kill myself. When I had lost all hope. That chirpy girl is very real. She loves me. She cares for me. She is real. What utter nonsense?! I know she is real.
Ok, Arnav. Tell me more about Khushi. Her family. What else did she tell you? How come she ended up on the same island? Where does she live?
Her name is Khushi. She is a kind and loving girl. She did not remember much about her family. She ended up on the island like me because....because...
Words were lost to me after that. I stared back at the doctor who slowly nodded his head as if trying to make a naive 2-year-old understand something huge. The reality frightened me. Khushi is not a figment of my imagination. She is real. We were separated by the sudden tsunami. And then I...I...woke up? No. No. This is not how it happened. Khushi. My Khushi. She is not real? Not real.
A tear rolled down my eye as the doctor patted my other shoulder, leaving me all alone to come to terms with the harsh reality called life. Drained by my heartbreak and vulnerability, I found myself wondering whether waking up from the state of coma was better than living my simple life with Khushi. I missed our small world away from the reality. Humari choti si duniya. That's what she had said.
Six months later I completely recovered from the accident. My injuries were healed. My mind was in a better state. The counseling sessions had been the most challenging part though. Dealing with Khushi's absence was not a piece of cake. Her loss was not easy to bear. I wanted to scream at my therapist for calling her my imaginary friend. It still hurts like hell. However, I am trying my best to heal and move on. Khushi would have wanted that. I mean...the imaginary Khushi.
I started working two days ago. My family physician suggested that a change of scenario would be good for me. So now my days consist of sleep, work, meals, and spending some quality time with the family. I knew my life would never be the same again. But I tried to lead a normal routine for my dear ones.
And then one fine day Nani planned an unexpected trip to Lucknow. Her friend had suggested a marriage proposal for Akaash. The girl was a well-educated entrepreneur who wished to focus on her small business even after marriage. I had seen her photo on Nani's phone. One look and I knew that Payal Gupta would be perfect for my brother, who resembled a tomato right now.
Initially, Di had expressed her desire for searching a proposal for me. But after seeing my devastated expressions she never brought up the subject again. Everybody knew about Khushi. I always tried to ignore the pitiful glances directed at me. How can I love another after falling for Khushi? They had understood my predicament.
A week later we were attending the grand celebrations of my brother's roka. The entire Lucknow was present at the unique desi-styled event. Their exotic culture and warmth had left me impressed. That's another thing that changed inside me after meeting Khushi. My anger and ego both had mellowed down. I now appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness. Out of nowhere, a voice pulled me out of my stupor.
Hi Jethji. It is nice to meet the role model of my would-be husband.
(Hi Brother-in-law).
Hi Payal. And believe me, after listening about the struggles you faced, at the initial stages of your sweets business, I can proudly say that my sister-in-law is meant to be a Raizada.
She blushed at the compliment. It was the truth. Amidst the gossipers of this town, who tried everything to bring the strugglers down Payal had climbed the ladder of success effortlessly. She deserves the appreciation. Rubbing her henna-clad hand on the back of her head she gestured me to rest on the huge recliners placed at the corner of the giant tent. I was about to sit on the sofa when a familiar voice stilled my movements.
Arey ye sharbat sab ko jaldi jaldi serve kijiye. Kaise kaam krhe hain aaplog?
(Serve these drinks quickly. How are you working these days?)
I turned around breathlessly to find the owner of that voice. My eyes looked in every direction. Nothing. There was only a group of teenagers laughing out loud. A few more guests greeted my vision but none of them were her. I shook my head in disbelief. What the?! What am I thinking? I need to rest. The doctor had stated clearly, that Khushi is only a manifestation of my mind. Breath Raizada. Khushi cannot be here. You are hearing things now. As I tried to calm my agitated self the voice interrupted me again. Slowly I turned around to see the back of a woman dressed in an orange salwar suit. Her hair was tied in a messy knot. She was arguing with one of the waiters.
Arey udhar nahi, jalebi ki plates andar lekar jaiye.
(Not over there, take these jalebis inside).
Closing the little distance between us I tried to open my mouth. But nothing came out. A thousand questions echoed in my mind. A minute later, out of nowhere, I found the courage to whisper her name.
Khushi...?
She did not turn around immediately. My voice had jolted her. What the hell am I doing? What if it is not Khushi? But what if it is Khushi? My heart and mind were battling with each other. Slowly as if she understood my dilemma the woman swirled around to face me. The hazel eyes were brimmed with tears that threatened to fall at any moment. Surprise flashed across her features.
For a few seconds, everything slowed down. The laughter of the teenagers. The music comes from the speakers. The sounds of utensils. The shouting waiters. With every passing second Khushi moved an inch closer. My eyes were glued to the woman who had once committed to me without any conditions. And then she wrapped her arms around my shoulders. Her embrace shook me. As if destiny had decided to put me back in heaven after mistakenly pushing me to hell.
Arnav? Arnav?!? You are real. You are real. You. Are. Here. Arnav!
This time it was her who peppered me with small kisses all over my face. I could not help but grin like a fool. How? What? When? The questions kept piling up. But my mind lost to my thudding heart and I folded the woman of my dreams in my arms. Knowing that my life was now complete I kept holding her petite form.
If this is heaven then...
I don't know how this happened Arnav. I woke up from a coma some months back. The doctors told me that you are not real.
What? What do you mean? You were also in a coma?
I let go of Khushi but did not leave her hand which was entwined with mine. We stared at one another in wonder. Both of us were in a coma during our time on the island. It was mind-boggling to know that we were communicating with one another through a strange telepathic connection. Khushi and I had somehow surpassed the normal channels of communication.
This is so peculiar Arnav.
Yet so confounding Khushi. I am the groom's cousin by the way. It is nice meeting you in person.
She let go of me with a look of mischief in her twinkling eyes. I knew that look well. Taking a step back she folded her arms across her chest with a cheeky smile on her face, which was glowing like the bright sun. I could not help but smirk in response. Raising my brow I tried to understand her next move.
And I am Khushi Gupta. The sister of the would-be bride.
Phir toh aapko humara khaas khayal rkhna hoga. Ladke wale kahin naraaz na hojaein?
(In that case, I would expect you to take care of me. After all, I am from the groom's side, and you don't wish to disappoint me right?)
I declared making my voice sound husky. Khushi always loved it when I did that. And as expected my flirtatious tone left her flabbergasted. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Blood pooled around her cheeks making her look more beautiful if possible.
Arey Jethji, you already met my sister. Thats good. Khushi, he is the most respected member of the Raizada family. His name is Arnav Singh Raizada.
...Singh Raizada?
My name fascinated her. We never shared our full names. I could not help but pass her a playful smirk. Let's see how you are gonna respond to this, Ms. Gupta. Folding my arms across my chest I opened my mouth and used a nonchalant tone.
Sounds nice na Khushi? Jiske aage bhi ye naam lagta hai woh humari family se hameshe ke liye jud jata hai. Jaise Kumari Gupta ban jayega Singh Raizada.
(Whoever takes this name becomes a permanent part of our family. For example, in your case, Kumari Gupta would become Singh Raizada).
KYA??
(WHAT??)
I mean Payal Kumari Gupta will become Singh Raizada. Tum theek ho?
(You alright?)
I was enjoying teasing Khushi Gupta after so long. My girl blushed embarrassed by her own words. I could not help but grin in response. Not knowing what to say next she left Payal and me to give the waiters around us some more instructions. My eyes never left her form.
Don't mind her Jethji. She just woke up from a coma some months ago. Oddly, you both went through similar circumstances.
I nodded acknowledging Payal's words. You have no idea how similar our situation has been, Payal. I mused. She left my presence a while later. By now Khushi was done with her talks and sat on one of the recliners sporting a timid smile on her face. I knew what she must be feeling. We are in the same boat after all. Sauntering towards Khushi I joined her on the sofa.
This is not a coincidence Khushi. Our connection is very strong.
Haan Arnav. We met each other in our minds before meeting physically. And I am elated to know that you are very much real.
Main bhi.
(Me too).
Holding her hand in between mine I arrested her eyes with my own. She drove me crazy with her innocent love love-filled stare. That's all I desired. For the rest of my life. I knew it was time to make another promise to Khushi Gupta. Caressing the back of her hand with my thumb I kissed her digits. She immediately pulled her hand back.
Sab dekh rahe hain.
(Everybody is watching us?)
Aur jo thodi der pehle tumne mere face pe ek crore kisses de daale uska kya?
(And what about the bazillion kisses you peppered all over my face out of sheer adoration huh?)
I teased her with a knowing look. Her audible gasp made me smile like a loon. Prepared to have a long banter with the love of my life I was about to stand up when another voice called out for me. Khushi immediately straightened after that.
Chotte? Who are talking to? And did she give you so many kisses?
Her shock-laced tone made me grin. Pulling up Khushi along with me I stood up and faced my sister who watched me with a look of wonder and excitement. I sensed my girl squirming, but rather than allowing her to get away I pulled her a little more towards me and then stage whispered to Di.
Haan Di. Ye Chumban chor hai. Meri izzat pe hamla kiya hai. She should be punished for such naughtiness. Right?
(Yes Di. She is a thief. My virtue is in danger).
Di was astounded by my flirting but continued to nod in agreement. I knew Khushi would kill me for this so I jumped straight to the beeline and blurted out what was running in my mind. Two gasps reached my ears after that.
So it is decided then, this girl will save my honor by marrying me.
Khushi ran away from my clutches looking no less than a fresh apple. While Di grinned as comprehension dawned upon her. Blessing me with her hand on my head Di rushed outside. I am sure by now my entire family would be standing with a gaping mouth. I shook my head at my actions.
Ye tumne kya kardiya mera sath Khushi?
(What have you done to me, Khushi?)
Smirking at my thoughts I rushed in the direction where Khushi had run away. A few seconds later I found her leaning against a tree, a shy smile plastered across her face. Not liking the distance between us I advanced towards my girl only to fold her in my arms. Khushi did not take too long to embrace me. Who would have thought that one day an arrogant, stubborn, and shrewd man like me would fall in love with an innocent, simple, cheerful, and sweet girl like Khushi? But life is unpredictable. You never know what's in store for you.
Ek baat toh kehna bhool hi gaya Khushi?
(I forgot to mention something, Khushi?)
Kya?
(What?)
I love you.
Hum bhi.
(Me too).
.
.
.
.
I had a weird dream one night. That's how the idea of this OS struck my mind. Hope you enjoyed it. Would love to hear your feedback on this loveable tale of our favorite Jodi Arshi.
