AJHS2 - PROLOGUE

Prologue:

Someone once said if you want something very badly, set it free. If it comes back to you. Then it is yours forever.

I shook my head, feeling tears sprout in my eyes. My clothes were soaked by the time I returned to Laxmi Nagar. The storm continued to rage outside, rain pelted the window, but I did not pay any attention to it. Nobody was home. Everyone had left for the Jaagran. I somehow dragged my body to my room and bolted the door.

As thunder rolled through the house I ground myself against the wall. To another person, it might appear that the bad weather is causing me pain. That the reason for my restlessness is the lightning and storm outside.

However, this excruciating pain that is rolling within me is not due to the climatic conditions of Delhi. The cause of this pain is him. Him. 

My heart wept tears of blood as Lavanyaji's parting words echoed in my mind.

He does not remember anyone Chamkeeli. ASR sab kuch bhool gaya hai. Sabko bhool gaya hai. 

(ASR has forgotten everything. He has lost his memories).

The tentacles of pain clutched my insides. I gulped. It was hard to process the fact that the only person who made me fall for him does not remembers me. My phone kept flashing every two minutes. Five missed calls and two messages. The notification read. I kept the device on the floor and pulled my hair hoping against hope for the hurt to disappear.

All the times we spend together. All the special moments. Sheesh Mahal. Dargah. Office. Shantivan. Nainital. Hospital. Diwali. I gasped as realization dawned upon me.

All those memories. They were gone. Khushi Kumari Gupta has disappeared from his mind. I closed my eyes recollecting his confused expressions. That lost look was not an act. My speculation stands wrong. It is not one of his new games. This is real. Retrograde Amnesia is real. Arnav Singh Raizada has changed.

Gulzarji ne theek kaha hai.

(The poet Gulzar uttered the truth).

Ye ishq mohabbat ki riwayat bhi 

ajeeb hoti hai,

Paaya nahi hai jisko,

Usse khona bhi nai chaahte!!

(Love is a strange phenomenon,

You do not wish to lose the one,

Who was never yours, to begin with).

He does not remember anyone Chamkeeli. ASR sab kuch bhool gaya hai. Sabko bhool gaya hai. 

My phone went off once more.

Dhruv Singh Raizada will not stop calling me. I will have to answer this call. Wiping my tears, I cleared my throat and picked up the phone.

Hello...

ISHQIYA - EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

Relax guys. I am a sales professional. Convincing people is what I do for a living.


For god's sake Aman our relationship is not a product that you can sell off!


Hearing the funny conversation between Arnav and Aman, Khushi guffawed uncontrollably. The two were sitting on the wide bench while she stood behind them with her arms coiled around Arnavs shoulders. One of his hands was glued around her wrist.


Looking around her surroundings she blushed furiously. They were in the same park where Arnavji had cornered her a few days ago. The park appeared to be very different during the daytime. A couple of children were playing with the ducks swimming in the pond in front of them.


Woah!! You were laughing a minute ago and now you look like a cherry tomato. Thinking about Arnav huh Khushi?



As expected Amanji did not leave the opportunity of teasing Khushi Kumari Gupta. Aman Malhotra had seen the sparks between the couple long back when the two were sworn, enemies. He had predicted the same to Arnav Singh Raizada. But at that point, his buddy ASR was too stubborn to accept what was visible to the naked eye. And Khushi was recently informed about the same.



Clearing her throat she tried to push her hands away from Arnavji. Key word being tried. Because Arnav Singh Raizada tightened his hold on her. His next words pleased Khushi to no end.


Stop teasing my girl, Aman.


Yes. Stop teasing Arnavjis girl.


She showed Aman Malhotra her tongue liking the fact that Arnavji did not allow even his bestie to tease her. Her boyfriend is one in a million. She is extremely lucky. Khushi thought. He looked up giving her his best upside-down smile making the woman grin stupidly at him.


Ok, you two. Stop making goo-goo eyes at each other. It's time to have a serious conversation.


Knowing what Aman desired to know Khushi and Arnav explained the issues that they were facing taking turns. First Arnav and then Khushi, gave Aman the necessary details of what had occurred in the last few days.


He nodded as and when required but did not interrupt them in between. Aman knew that his friends were going through a difficult time and the man was determined to help them. He supported team Arshi from the bottom of his heart.


Alright. From what you have told me one thing is crystal clear guys.


What?


Both Khushi and Arnav questioned. The two wanted to know Aman's analysis.


That both of your parents never hated each other. They are on good friendly terms. You both went from one emotional gauntlet to another. Your equation kept switching. But the older ones are sensible enough.


Oh.


Yes, Arnav. Oh. That's an apt response. I don't think that any of the parents would disapprove. So my question to you is why the assumption?


Aman's logical words cracked the stupid notions that were a resident in Arnav Singh Raizadas mind. Just because the Guptas approved of the Aroras did not mean that they hated the Raizadas.


The reality of Aman's statement floored him. Arnav shook his head and looked up in Khushis direction who seemed to be lost in the same thoughts. He kept staring at her beautiful face for a while. She was processing everything. A minute passed and then she started rambling making Arnav sigh in relief.


Oh no! I never imagined....in my idiocy, I never took out the time to comprehend what stood in front of me. Arnavji I thought that Amma and Baba would never approve of your Bengali background. How stupid of me...right? That's a relief...Thank you so much Amanji. You are like Laxman for my Ram like Arnavji. In fact...


Khushi! STOP!


WHAT? AM I WRONG?


Shush. Or I know other ways to silence you...


...


You are a good listener baby.


Aman Malhotra enjoyed these little moments thoroughly. He was here for only 4 days. And he had already planned to solve Arnavs issue before he leaves. Chuckling at the couple's banter the man quickly composed a message to someone really special. He was trying to win a stubborn heart. But what could he do? He was getting desperate.


Mujhse ek baar mil to lo Preeto. Please. You misunderstood my intentions that day.
(Meet me just once Preeto).


Mujhe Preeto mat bulao. Only my friends call me that. My name is Preetika. And I know all about your true intentions Malhotra.
(Don't call me Preeto).


Main bada hi chipku aashiq hoon Preeto. Itni aasani se peecha nai chodunga;)
(I am a really nosy lover Preeto. You won't be able to get rid of me so easily;) ).


When he did not receive any reply from her Aman turned back to answer one of the Arnavs questions. The new couple was still in dark about him wooing the charming Preeto. But he wanted to break this news to them only when he had Preetikas approval.





Two days later, Aman, Khushi, and Arnav decided to speak with the Guptas. There was no point in delaying the event. The Aroras were gone for good. It would not take too long for Khushi's parents to realize the disinterest of the Arora family. The iron was ready and hot. It was time to strike.


At sharp 5 pm, Arnav and Aman stepped inside the Gupta residence. Khushi greeted them at the door and led them to the living room. At the same time, Amma came out of the kitchen hearing the unexpected male voices echoing around her house. She exchanged pleasantries with the two giving them her sweet smile.


Hello Maam. How are you? I hope we did not disturb you by dropping here out of the blue.


Oh no no Arnav. I am absolutely fine. You and Aman, both are good friends of Khushi. And you guys are always welcome here. 


Hi Maam. How are you doing?


Hi Aman. I am doing just fine. Why don't you guys make yourselves comfortable? Khushi gets them some snacks and soda.


Half an hour later Khushi sat along with her mother who was making small talks with Arnav and Aman. Khushi gesticulated Arnav to start the much-needed conversation but he probably chose to wait for Mr. Shashi Gupta to return home.


They continued to speak about general things for a while. Around 6 o clock, Shashi Gupta returned from work. He too was delighted to see Arnav and Aman sitting together with his family. He greeted the lot with a warm smile. After exchanging a few words he excused himself to clean up a bit.


Sometime later he freshened up and returned, joining the guests in his living room. Shashi Gupta admired the two men. Especially Arnav Raizada. The man had saved his wife one fine day without giving a thought about himself. Since then he adored Arnav. He could not help but verbalize his thoughts.


Arnav I will always be indebted to you. If you had not saved my Garima that unfortunate day then...


Sir, please. Why do you keep doing this? Don't embarrass me like that. You are our neighbor and Khushi's father. That was my duty.


I won't be a Gupta if I don't express my gratitude once in a while. But if there is something I can do for you in return...


The rest of them smiled watching the beautiful conversation between Shashi and Arnav. This always happened whenever these two men were around each other. Khushi beamed at her father in delight. His question was the exact opening that Arnav was looking for. Gesturing towards her boyfriend she signaled him to talk. Rubbing his nose in response he answered an eager Shashi Gupta.


Sir, there is something that I yearn for. And only you can help me with it so...


Of course Arnav. You name it. If I can afford it, then it will surely be yours.


Exchanging glances of approval with Aman and Khushi Arnav nodded his head and chose to ask Shashi Gupta for his most prized possession.


Sir...Maam...I wish to have your daughter. Pyar karta hoon Khushi se. And I wish to have your blessings to make things official.
(I am in love with Khushi).


Thundering silence enveloped the Gupta house. Nobody said a word. It seemed that Khushi's parents had not absorbed Arnavs words yet. So they waited. Khushi, Aman, and Arnav waited with bated breaths. Khushi's heart fluctuated rapidly as further silence echoed around her house. 


The unnatural calm made Khushi Gupta anxious. This indication was enough for her to comprehend the fact that her parents disapproved of this proposal. She knew it. She could feel it in her heart.


You guys have gone all quiet on me? Is it a bad thing to love your daughter?


Arnav looked at them enquiringly. In mind, he was squirming miserably. But still, for Khushi he allowed himself to face this sudden discomfort. 


Shashi glanced at Garima with a confused expression. But Garima Gupta gave a rigid and cold look to her husband. Turning towards Arnav she answered.


Sorry, Arnav. This is not possible. You may leave.


WHAT?!?


Khushi' yelled at her mother flabbergasted at the sudden dismissal in her tone. She could not understand why her mother rejected Arnavji without an appropriate reason.


Khushi! Don't use that tone with me. 


But what is the reason for your No? We deserve to know why you are so adamant about not accepting this proposal for me. A minute ago you both were praising Arnavji for saving your life Amma. So what is the issue if I marry a boy like him?

Arnav Raizada was taken aback by the sudden dismissal. He could not come up with a logical explanation for Mrs. Gupta's denial. He is no Bill Gates but he surely is a well-educated person, earning good compensation from a known Multinational Company.

Raising a single eyebrow Garima Gupta kept staring at Arnav Singh Raizada till he became slightly uncomfortable. And then she shifted her gaze towards Aman Malhotra. The eye contact continued to the point where Aman began to fidget in his seat.

Why don't you both reveal the truth to my daughter? Why are you using Khushi?

Garima's questions confused the three youngsters. Arnav and Aman shared glances, while Khushi stood up from the sofa confused about the whole situation. Only Shashi Gupta tried to shush his wife but she simply shrugged in response.

Sorry, Maam I am afraid I have no answers to your questions. I am confused.

Arnav verbalized his response. And taking courage from the same even Aman and conceded to Garima Gupta.

Yes, Maam. I am also confused. What revelation are you talking about?

Finally, Shashi Gupta chose to clarify a few things that were running in his and his wife's mind. Always the peacemaker in the family, Shashi knew that this situation is extraordinary and needs his complete attention.

Let us relax everyone. I think there are a few things that need to be discussed. Arnav and Aman there is something that Garima witnessed some weeks ago...

Arnav, Aman, and Khushi heard Shashi Guptas each word with apt attention. The three were eager to know what exactly happened that made Garima so cold towards this relationship.

Aman the last time you came here for Arnavs birthday and even stayed the night in the Raizada house...

Of course Sir, I remember. We had a great time together.

Aman's immediate response made it difficult for Shashi Gupta to say his next words. He wanted to be polite and respectful but at the same time, he wished to say it out loud.

Around 3 am you and Arnav were around the verandah. And we saw both of you...

So what Sir. Aman and I both are late sleepers we were just...

Arnav was explaining his side of the story when everything clicked in the mind of Aman Malhotra. He had a photographic memory and recalled everything that Shashi Gupta was trying to say in a lot of words.

Aman felt like slapping himself and Arnav behind the head. He could easily picture the real reason for Garima Maam's denial. With a sudden jerk, he slapped Arnavs shoulder wanting him to stop talking. His friend halted in mid-sentence eyeing Aman enquiringly.

Uh, Arnav. There seems to be a little misunderstanding. Why don't you come outside with me for a minute?

Just shut up Aman. We need to give the Gupta family all the clarifications if there is a misunderstanding. So why do you want us to step out and waste time?

Yeah, Amanji, what is it that you need to discuss with Arnavji? Were you not the one who suggested revealing everything to my parents?

Guys why don't we just...

But before Arnav, Khushi or Aman could argue further a furious Garima stood up from the sofa chair, folding her arms across her chest. The rest of them followed her action and stood up as well.

Aman and Arnav I am not a fool. On the night of Arnavs birthday, I saw and heard everything that happened between the two of you.

Aman Malhotra's eyes widened in fear while a confused expression graced on the faces of Arnav and Khushi. At the same time, Shashi tried to hold Garimas arm in hopes to silence her. But the lady was not ready to stop.

Amma what are you trying to say? What did you witness that night?

Khushi could not control herself anymore. The curiosity to know more about that night finally pushed her to question her mother.

Khushi Arnav is only using you. He does not love you. His choices are different. And I respect that being an open-minded person. But involving you to hide his real relationship is not something that I am gonna appreciate.

If Arnav Singh Raizada was confused initially, then right now he was stunned listening to the reasons of Garima Gupta. He could not understand what led her to believe that he was using Khushi. What the hell did Khushi's mother saw that led her to draw such a conclusion regarding his love? However, the woman's next words left Arnavs feet glued to where he stood.

Arnav that night you were holding Aman's hands in yours promising him a life full of love with you. Look I don't have any issues if you both are a gay couple...

What The?!? Gay couple...?

Garima Gupta wandered towards him with a sympathetic look and held his shoulders in a firm grip. While the rest of the audience stood floored by the revelation. They watched Garima soothing Arnav with a warmth only seen on a mother's face.

It is ok if you like Aman. I am ready to speak with your mother if this is something that would shock her. But don't use Khushi as an excuse to get away from...

Arnav slowly removed Garima Guptas hand from his shoulder and gave her an amused look. He now understood the real reason behind her disapproval.

Maam...let me make one thing clear I am not...I mean whatever you saw...god. I am a straight guy.

Arnav listen to me...

No Maam you listen to me. That night I and Aman were not sober. It was my birthday and we were celebrating. So no. I am not gay. We were simply acting like drunken fools. That's it.

Uhh, what? Are you serious? You and Aman are not...?

No. No. Not gay. I am straight. We were intoxicated that night. End of story.

Khushi sensed a deja vu moment. A while ago, silence had engulfed her living room. But this time the deafening silence was followed by amusement because everyone pursed their lips trying to control the laughter that was about to echo in her house.

A few seconds passed and then everyone lost it. The elders and youngsters both guffawed to the point that their stomach was hurting. Tears swirled in Khushi and Aman's eyes. While Arnav snorted in disbelief. Hiding her eyes with her palm an embarrassed Garima laughed out loud. And Shashi Gupta sighed in relief.

Three days later Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta were standing in Khushi's balcony which was decorated with marigold flowers and fairy lights. Wearing traditional Bengali and Gujarati attires the couple was glowing with happiness.

They could hear the noise coming from Khushi's house which was filled with guests. They could also smell the food and snacks which was being served to the guests earnestly. Khushi and Arnav chose to have a small function in the Gupta residence for their engagement. None were too keen to have a big gala event. Only a celebratory dinner with family and friends.

Watching his Gujarati beauty Arnav Raizada could not help but entwin his hand with hers. When she stared back in acknowledgment he began to flirt with his official fiance.

Mujhe bahut sataya hai tumne Khushi Gupta. Ab bahut jald tumhe aise qaid krlunga apne paas ki chaah kr bhi bhaag nai paogi.
(You have troubled me a lot, Khushi Gupta. But remember very soon I will imprison you in my world and then you will have nowhere to escape from).

Arnavji!!!

What?

Please aap aise mat bola kriye. Hum ekdum laal peele hojate hain.
(Please don't say such things. I get flustered so easily).

Aweee. So my girl knows how to blush huh.

He winked in her direction which made Khushi turn red like a ripe tomato. She tried to leave her fiance's hand but the man only fastened his hold in return.

Mauqa milne par hum bhi aapke saath aise flirt krenge na ki aapko bhi blush krwadenge Arnav Singh Raizada.
(When I will get the perfect opportunity to flirt with you then you too won't stop blushing Arnav Singh Raizada).

Oh really? Who is stopping you now? Please flirt kro na Khushi. Please baby.
(Khushi please flirt with me).

Like a fluttering butterfly, she pushed Arnav away and rushed back inside making the man chuckle. He too rushed inside to follow his woman.

Because the reality is that he will always chase Khushi Kumari Gupta. The Gujarati woman who owned his mind, body, and soul.

But in the rush to catch Khushi Gupta he banged into Aman Malhotra. His best friend. He crossed his arms and placed his palms across his chest with a look of horror. Arnav glared back knowing too well what his friend was about to do.

Ladke ko chedta hai? Besharam. Garima Auntie ko batao?
(You love teasing boys? Shameless. Should I complain to Garima Auntie?)

Khushi who stood a few feet away heard the joke and started laughing like a hyena. Soon both Aman and Khushi were laughing nonstop while Arnav narrowed his eyes at the two of them. One misunderstanding of Garima Gupta had become a running joke amongst Aman and Khushi. Of course, Arnav hated the reminder.

Laughter, fun, and romance were now an everyday occurrence in this Lajpat Nagar neighborhood. And soon Arnav and Khushi became the love gurus for Aman and Preetika. Initially, the news was a giant surprise for Arnav and Khushi. But later on, they were engrossed in the task of matchmaking with a gusto.

It is okay to love. The caste, gender, or racial differences are secondary. What matters is sharing respect and affection.

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This epilogue marks the end of my three shot tale Ishqiya. Please keep reading and loving my work. Very soon I will update the prologue of my new FF. Honest reviews and comments are appreciated. Also do follow my blog and wattpad works for new updates. Thank you.

 Fyi am done with Dose 1 of my vaccination. You too go and get jabbed.