ISHQIYA PART 2

 

PART 2:

(Khushi's apartment building)

She continued to breathe as he coached her to relax. One minute passed. Two minutes. And finally, after 5 minutes she was somewhat calm. Coherent enough to start a much-needed conversation.

Humein milna hain aapse.
(I want to meet you).

Abhi?
(Right now?)

Haan.
(Yes).

5-minute mein apne terrace pe aajana.
(Come to your terrace in 5)

Ok.

Khushi?

Haan...
(Yea..)

Do you still have that chocolate ice cream in your fridge?

What??



With a goofy smile on his face, Arnav leaned against the pillar on the rooftop and relished the chocolate ice cream tub. One spoon. Another. And another. He felt instant relief from the harsh weather. Delhi was under a heatwave these days. So coconut water, ice cream, and dahi were his best friends for the moment. 

Parallel to him paced a woman who resembled the Goddess Kali. Back and forth. She paced restlessly.  Muttering now and then about arranged proposals favorable for business deals and all that jazz. He shook his head at the sight. Karma bit the woman. For the past few days, he was floating in the same boat. Starving for some relief. However, 15 minutes back he finally felt at peace. Suffice to say Khushi had returned from her fantasy land.

You are unbelievable!

What's wrong Khushi?

You are snacking on...this stupid ice cream. Without bothering about the situation we are stuck in?

Hmmm.

Are you nuts?!? Rajesh and his family are coming here to see me tomorrow. And all you can do is hmmm.

Arnav grinned watching astonishment cross her face. Whoops, wrong gesture on his part. Thought the happy soul. He tried to school his features but failed miserably. Khushi Kumari Gupta's cuteness made it extremely difficult for him to maintain a straight face.

And now you are making fun of me? As if I have run away from a mental institution and you are the only one to possess sanity!

Hearing her words he sobered a little. Her emotionas wavered so frequently that the man could only watch unprepared. Taking a deep breath he placed the ice cream and plastic spoon on the ground. It was time to have a serious conversation with her. Advancing in her direction he stopped one foot away from her. Her eyes popped out at the unexpected proximity. With a small smile, he held her hands in his own and locked eyes with her soft brown ones.

Sorry but I am happy Khushi. Kal bahut kuch hoskta hai I know. But the best thing about this whole fiasco is the fact that...
(A lot of things can happen tomorrow I know).

What...?

His heart fluttered hearing the eagerness in her voice. Her reciprocation was not shocking to him. She is never shy about it. She raised her eyebrows, urging him to go on. So with a happy sigh he continued.

That you are here with me. Tum mere paas ho. Mere sath ho. 
(Next to me. With me).

His words had an immediate effect. Khushi hugged him with all her might. He could feel it from her tight grip. Like she was afraid that he will run away as soon as she will let go. Finally she had acknowledged what was staring at his face since weeks. Feelings. Love. 

I am an idiot. Bas ekdum soch lia ki iss sacrifice se sab theek hojaega. 
(It was a presumption on my part to think that this sacrifice will solve everything).

Comprehending Khushi's words Arnav let out a harsh breath. She was not a smart individual. He had lost a significant amount of his hair when his mother had informed him about Khushi' rishta.
Letting her go he retreated from her. The rage inside him needed an outlet and Khushi did not deserve to be manhandled. His hotheadedness was not meant for this childlike woman.

Arnavji...

His name on those lips sent a rush of chill bumps over Arnav's skin, consuming it like a sheet of paper doused in gasoline and touched to a flame.

WAIT....give me....a...minute.

He sounded harsh and cold. But this was a much better option than turning aggressive. Finally, Khushi had realized that they had the potential to become something epic. He did not want to ruin the progress.  

He sensed Khushi's eyes on him and started deep breathing to calm his overloaded mind. A few moments later he found the will to be the Arnav that Khushi cares for. He buried his hand in his hair and cocked his head in her direction. Observing her with keen eyes. And he was not disappointed.

She stood awkwardly staring at him and chewed on a cuticle. He grinned at his bundle of nervousness. No wonder he feels so passionately for her. This woman is unique. Meant for him. He tried to comfort her from where he stood.

Relax. I am okay now.

His response brightened the ever-present light inside her. And like a moth to a flame, she flew to him removing the little distance between them. His arms wrapped around her midriff, as hers fastened around his shoulders.

Trying to lighten the mood he thought of something that would surely bring a smile to her face. Arnav left her embrace partially as she placed her palms on his chest. Their movements were synced. And both were doing it involuntarily.

Toh finally iss Gujaratan ko ye Bangali pasand aa hi gaya.
(Finally, this Gujarati fell for a Bengali).

Ab Bangali itna dashing ho to ek bechari abhla Gujaratan kya hi kr sakti hai Arnavji?
(Now if the Bengali guy is such a dashing fella then what can a naive Gujaratan do?)

Saying so she pushed him only to run around the terrace making him chase her like a little kid. The two played for a while till finally, Arnav trapped her in the shackles of his arms. Despite the impending storm, the two lovers enjoyed what little moments they could with each other. And the worries of tomorrow were meant for the next sunrise. So the couple chose to let it go.

The next morning every single person in the neighborhood was aware of the fact that a suitable boy was coming with an arranged proposal for Shashi Guptas only daughter. Garima Gupta had been boasting about it for the last few days. Naturally even the milkman and maids were aware of the new development. And those who were not informed became involved due for various reasons.

The mechanic Happy Singh had repaired Khushi's scooter at 7 am as she needed to rush to the bazaar for a few things.

Raheem Chacha the watchman of the locality gave the man a knowing smile as Shashi Gupta walked in with bags of groceries.

Khushi's BFF Preetika organized everything for her girl. From picking a dress to an appropriate hair accessory. Everything was arranged for Ms. Gupta.

Aunt Vimla sat in the verandah of the Gupta family chattering nonstop about the dos and don'ts of matrimonial alliances with a cup of tea in her hands. While Garima tried to complete her chores nodding now and then.

Also not to forget Arnav Raizada who sat in his balcony with a grin plastered over his usual expressionless face. Which was unexpectedly, a shock for the rest of the Raizadas. 

While the princess of Gupta-house came out of the bathroom freshly showered showing no signs of anxiousness to the surprise of her best friend, Preetika Chaudhary. 

Aint girls supposed to be nervous wreck in anticipation of such a life-changing moment? Marriage proposals are no joke. Then why was her friend acting so weird? Khushi Kumari Gupta was known for blowing things out of proportion. Preetikas mind observed the minute details of Khushi behavior. Her friend was the epitome of calm today. Something felt wrong in this whole scenario. Preetika wished to corner Khushi and discuss her doubts. But they never got a chance. One thing or another kept her friend busy. 



The Aroras sat on the sofa chairs along with the Guptas and chatted about the good old days. Pleasantries were exchanged. Business talks happened. Snacks were served. And then Shashi Gupta started the tale of his proposal that was beautifully arranged by his father.

An hour and a half passed and everyone could see Rajesh discreetly glancing at Khushi who reciprocated the gesture with a silly smile of her own. Garima and Shashi were astonished to see Khushi's antics. But then ignored it thinking about their days of new love.

Finally both the parents coaxed their younger ones to have a word with each other. Pretending to be shy Khushi lead Rajeshji to her balcony where they stood awkwardly for the next few minutes.

Rajeshji leaned against the railing silently. While Khushi shifted from foot to foot under the watchful eyes and alert ears of Arnav Raizada who pretended to lounge in the balcony opposite hers.

A minute later the guy cleared his throat alerting Khushi and Arnav. Khushi eyed Arnavji who simply blinked in assurance. That was enough for the woman. Taking a deep breath she turned to face Rajeshji.

I don't know what are we supposed to talk about in this situation...

Yeah. You are right. I am nervous too.

Hehe. Same here. By the way, this might be too forward for me but you look really beautiful Khushi.

From the corner of her eye, Khushi saw Arnavji clenching his fists. She too was unprepared for the compliment. Her man was burning in jealousy. She could feel it in her bones. Knowing that Rajeshji was waiting for her acknowledgment she played along.

Thank you.

I am a fashion designer. And I have heard you are in NIFT. Our field of profession also matches. Just like our horoscopes.

Before Khushi could respond to him Arnavjis screams startled her.  Another biker was trying to move Arnav Singh Raizada's bike near the main gate to make some space for his own.

What The! Don't you dare try to take away what's MINE. 

Khushi could feel that he was not only warning the biker but Rajesh Arora as well. She was scared that he would make a scene if she did not handle this in the right manner.

Khushi...Khushi...

Rajeshji called her name twice. She tried her best to ignore Arnav Raizada and concentrate on the Arora guy. Her heart was ready to burst out from her chest. But still, she managed to fake a smile.

Yes.

Am I boring you?

No. Not at all. I am kind of distracted. It is just that...

Oh, I get it. Don't worry. This is very new for me too. Believe me.

Saying those words the man patted her shoulder and blood drained from Khushi's face knowing too well what was about to happen in a few seconds. Her ears were prepared for the doom.

DOOR REH USSE. Stop touching her you good for nothing creep!

This time both Khushi and Rajeshji stared at Arnav Raizada who was screaming at the top of his voice at the innocent biker who now stilled with his hands raised in the air. Waiting to be handcuffed by ASR.

She figured that if this keeps going on then Arnav will reveal everything about them to the entire neighborhood sooner than later. So quickly brainstorming for different possible solutions she came up with one that will be effective in getting rid of the Aroras.

Rajeshji I am very happy with this proposal. And even your family is so sweet. Especially Auntieji.

I knew it. The way you were smiling at me throughout the time our families mingled with one another, I knew you were as much interested in this alliance as me.

Khushi could feel the hair on the back of her neck rising. Arnavji must have heard the enthusiasm in her words. Devi Maiyya please give Arnavji a little IQ for a while. Please. Please. Just for a few minutes. Please Devi Maiyya.

Yes, Rajeshji. I want to get married as soon as possible. And you are so handsome and kind that no girl could refuse you.

The sound of a loud bang reached her ears. Her favorite glass of steel was being thrown around by Arnav Childish Raizada. She knew him too well. Just a few more minutes Arnavji. Be a little patient. She thought to him.

Thanks, Khushi. I like you. You like me. So what are we waiting for? Chalo shaadi krhi lete hain.
(Let's get married).

Yeah, I am ready. Just wait for a few weeks though. Once I am done with my surgery then we can go ahead.

Wait for what? What surgery? Are you alright?

From her peripheral vision, she saw an intrigued Raizada with his complete attention on her. Smiling inwardly she continued the charade.

No no. Nothing like that it's just my last one. I am a hermaphrodite. And I thought that this is something that I would discuss directly with you. Just one last surgery is left after that...

A...a what? YOU ARE...YOU ARE...

SHUSHHHHH....lower your volume Rajeshji. I don't want the entire Lajpat Nagar to know my problems.

Uhhh.. yeah...yes...sorry. My mistake. You are a...a...

A hermaphrodite. It means that I am born with both the gen...

Yes. Yes. I know what the word means.

Khushi turned sideways and saw Arnav Raizada holding a newspaper in his hands and whistling tunes of her composition. Of course, this moment will make his Mausam all the more Suhana. 

However, she was more worried about Rajeshji's reaction at the moment than Arnavs antics. He seemed to be stunned by her revelation. Crap. What if he loses consciousness? The Aroras will be more curious and then Rajeshji will confess everything here in the Gupta house itself. She mused.

Are you alright Rajeshji? Should I get you some water?

No no, I am fine. I just...you....phew. Maybe we should go back inside. It is too hot in here.

Sure.

Khushi gestured him to move ahead and she began to follow but not before giving one last look to Arnav who now had one hand on his mouth and the other on his shaking stomach. Great. She shook her head in mock anger and left the balcony.

Half an hour later Khushi stood with her family at the porch waving goodbye to the Aroras who were smiling sans Rajeshji. And simultaneously Arnavs bike whooshed past them. They were supposed to meet in the nearby market after the Aroras left.

We will be eagerly waiting for our next meeting Shashi. 

Yes, Vivek I am sure the kids will give a positive response.

And then to Khushi's immense relief, their car started moving away from her house. Turning smaller and smaller. It continued to do so and in minutes disappeared from her line of vision. She sighed in relief and then prepared herself for the Spanish Inquisition.

To Be Continued.

EID MUBARAK TO ALL MY READERS!!!!