AJHS - 13

Part - 13

Arnav POV

While my brother took care of my discharge I observed Khushi as she packed my belonging in a duffle bag. Finally, after five long days, I was allowed to go home. Di and Nani had visited me a couple of times. And both of them were hopping with excitement as they knew about my interest in Khushi Kumari Gupta their favourite girl.

As Khushi packed my stuff with a blush on her face I could not help but wonder about the dream that I had when I had been shot. Wanting to know more about that incident I directly questioned Khushi.

I saved you from a few goons when they bashed your head in the past right?

Halting her movements she stared back at me as recognition flashed in her twinkling eyes. Leaving the duffel bag aside she dashed to my side and placed her hand on my uninjured shoulder. 

Aapko yaad aagaya woh din?

(Did you recall our previous moments?)

Yes, and you were wearing a beautiful wedding attire too. Kya tum mujhse shaadi krna chaahti thi? 

(Were you planning to marry me?)

A dark flush dusted over her cheeks. Three big Os reflected on her features. Her yawning pupils and jaw dropping expressions made me chuckle. Bullseye. I should tease her more often. This flustered look suits her.

Hawww!! Nai. Bilkul nai. Woh to humare kapde chori hogaye the isiliye...

(What?!? No. Not at all. I had no other choice but to were that dress because someone stole my clothes...)

Jo bhi ho tum badi hot lag rhi thi Khushi.

(Well whatever. But you looked hot Khushi).

Stating my approval I snaked my arm around her petite waist. Now both of her hands were around my neck. Her touch ignited a fire inside me. I wanted her around me all the time. But she was not ready yet. A trial. Probably the most difficult task of my existence. I did not want to scare her with my obsessiveness. But her touch and jasmine fragrance were not helping the case at all. Her eyes were not meeting mine. The timid gesture made me sigh.

You did hurt those goons because they bashed my head. Your hand bled a lot that day. But when I asked for the reason behind the sudden protectiveness, you told me to get out of your vehicle midway.

I shut my eyes as hatred for my past self consumed me. Damn it. I am lucky that this woman is still giving me a chance to rectify my mistakes. Fluttering my eyes open I kissed her forehead as a gesture of my apology.

Sorry for my horrendous act. I believe my egoistic self could not accept the fact that I loved you so passionately. Hence I used my hatred and anger as a facade to hide my true feelings. But yes, even if it was only a dream, hitting those goons made me feel happy Khushi. Nobody can hurt you like that and get away.

Touching my forehead with hers I tried to enjoy the feeling of peace that would soon disappear. We would have to leave for our homes. 

Two hours later Akaash came to my room after completing the discharge formalities. It took a little longer than usual. However, I was able to spend more time with Khushi. Also, I got the chance to talk with Payal Gupta. She was here to pick up Khushi. Her reluctance and disapproval towards my relationship with Khushi was something that I tried to ignore.

My past self had hated Khushi and her family so Payal's cautious behaviour made sense. A lot many people expected an apology from me. I was prepared for it. Also, I sensed a coldness between her and my brother Akaash. Very similar to the night of Di and Jeeju's anniversary party. If I am the reason behind their unhappiness then I will have to team up with Khushi to get them together. That will be my thank you to him. Akaash has been tolerant towards my frustrating behaviour in the past. It's time for payback.

Lavanya POV

Sitting on the shore of Sydney's famous beach with my Facebook friend Nandkishore Raizada I tried to make sense of the tale that he shared with me. After chatting on social media for a while I took the plunge and accepted his request for a date. We spoke about everything and nothing over coffee. His personality was simply beautiful. A charming fella with a heartwarming smile.

I did not want our date to end so quickly, so I suggested NK for a walk around the beach. We laughed about silly things for a while until a vital fact struck my mind. In our previous meeting, he called me Sana and had stated that I look like his wife. My mind was still confused. Unable to curb my curiosity I blurted out the one thing that was bothering me. Giving me a wry smile he sat on the shore and gestured me to join him. 

I gulped listening to the strange yet twisted story. His wife, Sana, passed away three years back due to cancer. NK and his son Dhruv had a tough time handling such a big loss. I was shell shocked to see the pictures of his Sana. She resembled me so much that anyone would end up getting confused. Now everything made sense. I gulped recalling his expressions. Pain. Loss. Surprise. Shock. Denial. Love.

Nandkishore Raizada kept staring ahead at the orange hue of the sun. His eyes held a deep pain. I could understand the hurt completely. My one-sided love for ASR had made me bitter for so long. Love causes a strange restlessness. And NK lost the meaning of his life. He was still in recovery. Just like me. His silence made me pour out my own story of heartbreak.

Not long ago, I lost the one person who was my everything. He never loved me. I just assumed that what we shared was enough to last a lifetime. Is it not strange NK? Due to different reasons, we have lost the love of our lives.

You are right Lavanya. Life is strange. But Sana always told me one thing. Life is too short for regrets. Every moment counts. 

He said the words to me with a contagious grin. We both ended up doodling on the sand. For the first time after so many months, I felt light-hearted. My mind was in peace. 

Khushi POV

There are so many members in the Raizada family but Arnav Raizada specifically requested for you to stay the nights in the hospital. Why? A while ago he was your worst enemy. And now suddenly you both have become so comfortable with each other?

Jeeji fired one question after another in my direction, folding the laundry in the living room, her anger rose with every word she muttered in her livid state. Devi Maiyya why is this Laad Governor such a......sloth. Itna time nafrat krte rahe aur jab sar pe lagi tab jaake humse pyar kia. Ughhh. Sitting on the sofa I could do nothing but stare at the classic design of our bamboo table.

(He was busy hating me and only after hitting his head did he gain the wisdom to love me).

Thankfully Buaji returned soon from Vimla Auntie's house and I found the perfect excuse to avoid Jeeji. Pushing Buaji on the sofa I volunteered to make my special ginger tea for everyone. A few minutes later Buaji and Jeeji got busy talking about an upcoming wedding in the neighbourhood. Phew. Aaj to bach gaye. Par har baar Buaji humein bachane nai aayengi. I mused.

(Saved for the day. But Buaji won't be there to save me every time).

The air turned more chilly if possible. According to the news, it would rain heavily tonight. Humein sardi ki baarish bilkul pasand nahi. Before I could pour the hot beverage into the cups the device in my kurta began to vibrate. In a rush, I assumed it was Arnavji's call and did not notice the caller id before picking up. The call which I would regret answering for the rest of my life.

(I dislike the rains during the cold season).

Kaise hain aap?

(How are you?)

I am handsome like always Khushi.

Sid? Maaf kijiye humein laga ki koi...

(Oh sorry I thought you were...)

I flustered in realization. Thank god I did not say anything inappropriate in my enthusiasm. Devi Maiyya you saved me yet again. Before I could complete my sentence Sid interrupted me with something unexpected. His words left me surprised, to say the least.

Khushi you never invited me to your house for a family dinner. Toh maine socha main khud hi aajata hoon to enjoy your famous aloo puri. I will be there in a while. Hope you don't mind huh?

Oh! Ummm achha? Matlab...aap yahan? Haan haan kyun nai Sid. Issi bahane aapki Buaji aur Jeeji se mulaqaat bhi hojaegi. 

(Well sure? I mean...you here? Alright. This will be the perfect chance for you to meet my family).

After explaining to him my exact location I quickly hung up and hastily informed Buaji and Jeeji about our upcoming guest aka my colleague Sid. Both the women exchanged a glance with each other but I did not have the time to find out the reason behind their reaction. Choosing to file this detail in the back of my mind I started dinner preparations for my dear friend.

Some time passed and with a little help from Jeeji, I managed to prepare 3 dishes for Sid. Aloo poori, Zeera pulao and Gajar ka Halwa. I observed that Buaji enquired about Sid with a twinkle in her eyes. And at one point I even noticed Jeeji asking her to stop her questions. As I was garnishing the dessert my phone buzzed again. Well, when you are multitasking your mind slows you down. So naturally, I made the same mistake again. Without checking the caller id I assumed it was Sid calling to know about the last few directions to my house.

Haan Sid to kahan tak pahunche aap? Kyunki aapka dinner to tayyaar hai aur Buaji to bahut betaab hain aapse milne ke liye...

(Yes Sid where are you? Because your dinner is ready and Buaji is desperate to meet you...)

Oh really? Tumne uske sath family dinner bhi plan krlia Khushi Kumari Gupta.

(So you are planning family dinners with him Khushi Kumari Gupta).

The crushed dry fruits in my hands slipped on the kitchen counter as a gasp escaped my lips listening to the cold and harsh tone of my boyfriend Arnav Singh Raizada. Times like these make me doubt that the ASR has amnesia. The familiar harshness felt like a bucket of cold water on a winter night.

Arnav POV

Even though I left Khushi a few hours ago still her absence made my heartache. Wrapped in a sling I could do nothing but rest as per the doctor's instructions. My hovering mother hen of a sister made sure that I did not move from the bed. And I obliged since I was not in the mood to argue with her. As the night grew, unable to curb my restlessness I called the love of my life Khushi. Maybe a little flirting will cheer me up. She answered in four rings.

Haan Sid to kahan tak pahunche aap? Kyunki aapka dinner to tayyaar hai aur Buaji to bahut betaab hain aapse milne ke liye...

Sid? What the? Did she just address me as...Sid?!? And what is the meaning of this stupidity? She is done making dinner for that nincompoop? And her Buaji is desperate to meet him? That good for nothing fella has already jumped the guns. Cosying up with Khushi's family. Smart move Sid. But I won't let you win over Buaji so easily. Over my dead body. Not happening. And Khushi? What the hell is she thinking?!? Crazy woman!! How dare she?!?

Oh really? Tumne uske sath family dinner bhi plan krlia Khushi Kumari Gupta.

Ye kaisa taana hai? Humne 

unhe invite nai kiya. Sid ne khud hi kaha woh dinner pe aayenge. Mana karenge to manners ke against...

(Why are you taunting me? I never invited him. Sid invited himself to my house for dinner. How can I say No to him? Is it not against manners...

Clenching my teeth I tried to swallow the lava that bubbled within me. Now that idiot Shukla is planning to impress Khushi's family. How cliche of him...but his grand plan of self inviting himself to Laxmi Nagar won't be successful. He needs to accept the fact that Khushi Gupta is no longer single for fools like him to pounce on. Her words rang in my ears making me roll my eyes. Manners?!? Khushi should have made an excuse to avoid that loser. 

Manners? Yeah right. Tumhe jo karna tha woh to tumne kia nai. Ab main wohi krunga jo mujhe sahi lagega. 

(You did what you felt right. Now wait and see what I would do).

Leaving Khushi all the more confused I hung up on her. And then tried to come up with a plan of my own to resolve this unexpected issue. I checked my phone again to see the time. The clock read 7.45 pm. It is not too late. Maybe I could...oh yes. Of course. This will work. But then I won't be able to do all this on my own. Not with a recovering bullet wound. I need a helping hand to execute this. However, like a god sent help my brother Akaash Raizada walked into my bedroom with a tray of soup in his hand.

Bhai your dinner is here.

Akaash how fast can you drive if we leave for Laxmi Nagar in the next five minutes?

Sorry? What do you mean...

Khushi POV

I could not help but smile as Sid entered my home sweet home with a bouquet of roses for Buaji. Jeeji also blushed furiously when Sid kissed her hand praising her elegance and simplicity. If only Amma and Babuji were living here in Delhi with us then Sid would have brought a smile on their faces too.

Buaji melted like butter on hot pancakes when Sid mentioned him being a devotee of Lord Krishna. The two were in a deep discussion on Puranas when I dragged Jeeji towards the kitchen to lay the dinner table. She elbowed me with a mischief in her eyes.

Buaji is highly impressed by your friend Khushi. Maybe she will ask him to bring his Kundali, to ensure that your horoscope matches with him.

Shaking my head at her teasing I showed her my tongue. Sid had impressed Buaji in some twenty minutes or so of being in our house. Now Buaji will keep badgering me about getting married to a well-mannered man like him. And in South Delhi the pissed off ASR is hell-bent on spoiling my mood. Devi Maiyya why does he have to be so possessive when it comes to me? Sid is a good friend of mine. So what if he is having dinner at my place tonight? Cannot Arnavji be a little understanding? I did not even understand half of his words over the phone. It is the second day of our trial relationship and this is how he treats us? Ughhh.

 Ten minutes later Sid joined the rest of us at the dining table. But as I began to serve him a knock on the door startled all of us. It is 8.30 pm. Who is at the door this late in the evening? I mused. As Jeeji answered the door, Buaji gestured me to continue serving Sid. Completing my task I turned to sit on my chair when a gust of wind alerted me about a familiar presence in my house. I glanced towards the door to see both the Raizada brothers advancing in our direction. Since Arnavjis one hand was wrapped in a sling he raised his other hand to his chest and greeted Buaji with a small smile.

Namaste Buaji. Hum yahan se guzar rahe the socha aapse milte chale. I hope you don't mind our unexpected arrival.

(We were passing through and thought to drop by Buaji).

Buaji and Sid both stood up from their seat surprised by the unexpected company. Buaji's mood changed all of a sudden. Hey Devi Maiyya why did Arnavji come here without consulting me? Buaji is clueless about his amnesia. I am sure she must be recalling our last meeting with him. When Arnavji had forced my hand to work for Anjaliji by throwing a bundle of cash on our dining table. While Sid was fuming with anger. Ughhh. Arnavji loves to rile him up. Sid had every right to get mad at me.

 Buaji kept glaring at Arnavji who now understood that the matriarch of my family was not impressed by him. Thankfully, Akaashji saved all of us from the awkwardness that now surrounded us. He quickly spoke to Buaji distracting her attention from his brother. 

Uhhh Namaste Buaji. Maaf kijiye hum aise yahan aaye. Aap agar busy ho to hum phir kabhi...

(I apologize for dropping unannounced. If you are busy then...)

Nahi nahi Nandkishore. Akaash bitwa aise mat boliye aap. Hum bas Khushi ke mehmaan ke sath khana kha rhe the. Aaplog bhi aayi sath khalenge.

(No no. Don't talk rubbish Akaash bitwa. We were simply having dinner with Khushi's guest. Come join us).

The weather worsened with each passing minute. Heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning made the atmosphere more gloomy if possible. Six of us sat at the table but for a while, no one spoke. Only the sounds of cutlery could be heard as the sky rumbled once more. I stabbed my food glaring at Arnavji who sat opposite to me enjoying my dishes as if it was him who was invited for dinner and not Sid. Finally, a few minutes later Buaji spoke out loud startling every one.

Akaash bitwa Siddharth is not only Khushi's colleague but a really good friend too. He is a well-mannered boy.

Akaashji nodded in agreement and this caused Arnavji to fume. Haah. Now he cannot even tolerate Buaji praising my friend. What did he expect that Buaji will be pleased by his unannounced visit to my place? By doing this he pushed Buaji into liking Sid even more. Humse baat kiye bina aagaye muh utha ke ghar. Ab bhugtu Jalkukde Singh Raizada. I mused.

(Who told him to drop by unannounced? Now sit and regret Jealous Singh Raizada).

Buaji you are too good. Aap jaise bade ghar mein ho to hum jaise chote toh kabhi bhi galat kaam krhi nahi sakte. Balki main to kehta hoon aajse aap meri bhi Buaji hain.

(Elders like you make a house home Buaji. In fact from today onwards you are my Buaji).

Kyun nai Nandkishore? Tumhari hi hain bitwa. Aise ladke to kismat walon ko hi milte hain Khushi. Lakhon mein ek hai. Oh why are not serving him the halwa? Siddharth she made this Gajar Halwa with lots of love.

(Why not? I am all yours. Such boys have become extinct in our society Khushi. One in a million).

A loud clank sound reached our ears as Arnavji dropped his spoon on the floor. Quickly serving the halwa to Sid I lowered myself to pick up the spoon. But Arnavji beat me to it and clutched my hand in his own. Thankfully Buaji was busy talking to Akaash and Sid and she missed Arnavji's antics.

Leave my hand. You have already crossed the line by self inviting yourself to my house. 

I tried to get my hand out of his grip but he tangled my fingers in his staring at me with an intensity that I had to stop my struggles. In a husky tone, Mr Raizada whispered my name, forcing me to make eye contact with him.

I had no choice Khushi. Sid wants to impress your family so that Buaji can convince you that he is a better choice for you.

Pulling my hand with enough force I stood up with the spoon and I returned to my seat. Despite feeling Arnavji's eyes on me, for the rest of the dinner, I chose to concentrate on my meal. But his words struck a chord within my heart when I noticed Buaji praising Sid after every two seconds. So what if my family approves of Sid. Arnav Raizada has no right to barge inside my house just to assure his heart that I am only his girlfriend.

The storm and thunder continued to rage. It seemed that the heavy rain would continue for the rest of the night. As I was about to offer everyone my special ginger tea I observed something that made my eyes bulge significantly. Akaashji was holding my sister's hand under the table. While Jeeji ate the dessert with her left hand as if it was an everyday ritual. Wow. Raizada brothers love to hold hands huh. Not wanting to disturb their private moment I quickly announced that my special tea will reach the table soon enough. However, the peace disappeared altogether as Buaji caressed Sid's shoulder with a worried look and verbalized her concern.

How will you drive in this weather bitwa? Idhar hi ruk jao na aaj hum ko bhi acha lagega.

(Stay the night bitwa for my sake).

Idea to acha hai Buaji...

(Your idea is not bad Buaji...)

Three things happened as his voice trailed. A full-fledged smile appeared on Siddharth Shukla's face. A frown replaced the calm expressions of Akaash Raizada. And last but not the least bubbling rage was visible in the eyes of Arnav Singh Raizada who fisted his hand and sneered in the direction of my colleague.

While the thunder echoed in the sky above us, I felt the atmosphere in my little house darken. I knew it. I knew it in the back of my mind that this night would take too long to end. Closing my eyes I prayed to Devi Maiyya that nothing would diminish my small little world till the next sunrise.

Dhruv POV

As everyone left from the dining hall to retire to their respective rooms I sneaked inside the kitchen to microwave the spicy aloo samosa which Anji Bua had hidden from me. Plating the samosa I pressed the timer and bounced on my toes in excitement. As the smell of samosa wafted in the kitchen my anticipation to taste it increased tenfold. Finally, I pulled it out and poured a good amount of ketchup on it.

Ready to feel my favourite spicy salty snack I was about to take a bite of the hot samosa when suddenly my phone rang out loud startling me. My samosa fell on the kitchen counter creating a disturbing noise. My eyes widened when I realized that it was Chachu's call. Nannav Chachu ughhhh. Ek masoom bachche ko chain se samosa party bhi nai krne dete! Rolling my eyes I answered the call.

(He loves to disturb a little kid's snacktime).

Tumne to kaha tha ki ladkiyon ko romantic gestures pasand aate hain...phir Khushi mujhse itni jaldi naraaz kyun hojati hai? I am talking to you D? Aur woh Sid ab to usne hadh hi krdi hai...Dhruv are you there?

(You said girls are fond of romantic gestures...then why ain't Khushi accepting my apology? And that Sid has crossed all the limits...you there Dhruv?)

I pulled the phone away from my ear as his screaming voice almost punctured my sensitive eardrums. Gosh, what is wrong with these Raizadas? Cannot they handle a girl? Placing the samosa back on the plate I sat on the floor with my back against the fridge. From the sound of his voice I understood that he was pacing back and forth. This will take a little longer than I assumed. Another voice greeted me before I could frame an answer for Nannav Chachu.

Dhruv mujhe bhi baat krni hai tumse. It is about a girl. Agar, I Love You kehna ho toh whats the correct procedure...

(I need to talk to you as well Dhruv. If I wish to propose a girl how should I proceed...)

Shut Up Akaash! Meri love life mein waise hi bahut problems chal rahi hain aur yahan tum apni aur Payal ki story discuss kr rahe ho damn it!

(Bro my love life has lots of problems already and here you are discussing your and Payals love story? Damn it).

..Bh..bhai...? Do you know about me and Payal? When? How? I mean...

(Bro..brother?)

Munching on my warm samosa I tried to understand the issues of my Uncles. This is amazing. My goodness. Men I tell you. They are such fools. Taking another bite of my snack I comprehended the entire scene that took place in Laxmi Nagar. Mr Shukla will stay the night in Khushi Mam's place and Nannav Chachu hates this scenario. And Akaash Chachu plans on proposing to Khushi Mam's sister Payal. Nice. Mmmm. Samosa is good.

DHRUV?!? ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME? WHAT THE HELL? ARE YOU EATING SOMETHING??! Main yahan problem mein hoon aur tum wahan...SAMOSA KHA RHE HO?

(I am suffering over here and you are...ENJOYING SAMOSAS OVER THERE?)

I hiccupped in response. With a sweeping glance, I observed that no one was in the dark kitchen apart from me. Huh? How did he know?

Tum iss waqt kitchen mein wahi khate ho D. I know you. Now stop snacking and help me out!!

(I know you are in the kitchen D).

Okay okay. Relax. Lemme figure it out.

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Precap: the overnight stay at Khushi's house results in lots of trouble, chaos and romance for Arnav and Khushi.

Happy New Year. Happy Lohri. Happy Makar Sankranti friends. Guys do leave a review. I need to know how is the story going. Thank you.