AJHS - 14

Part - 14

Arnav POV

Fine. But if this does not works then don't blame me for being aggressive...

Pacing at Khushi's porch I tried to curb the sharp feeling of hatred for Siddharth Shukla, that stabbed my heart. Dhruv was making every effort to ease my mind. However, just the thought of another man staying in my girl's house for the night made my blood boil. Amid my musings I sensed Dhruvs suggestions blaring in my ears.

Listen to me. If Buaji has a soft corner for Akaash Chachu then take advantage of the fact. He can easily convince Buaji to let you guys stay the night as well. Also, this weather is not good for driving. So yes my idea will work.

With a quick goodbye, I hung up on D and returned to the living room, where everyone sat, enjoying Khushi's special ginger tea. She stood behind Buaji glancing at me from the corner of her eye. I could see the anger embedded in her magnificent face. Unfortunately, Shukla chose the same moment to break our romantic spell.

This tea is something Buaji. The spices make it extra special.

Everyone smiled at his compliment but my fear of losing Khushi skyrocketed. Excusing myself I dragged Akaash to one side and shared Dhruv's idea with him. Nodding with a stupid lovesick look on his face, my brother agreed and twirled around to work his magic on Buaji.

Ten minutes later, all of us were pushing the sofa set to different corners of the house. Buaji gave us pillows and mattresses while the girls went inside to arrange blankets for the three of us. Yup. Just because I cannot eject him from Khushi's house does not mean I will allow him the privilege to stay near my girlfriend. Buaji avoided me like plague but for now, my focus was on Shukla. 

The rain started to pick up. The storm continued to rage outside, resembling my mood. Like a flash of lightning spider-webbed across the sky, the rain got heavier.   The deafening sound made me conjure up a scenario that was different from reality. Where Buaji coaxed Khushi to get married to Shukla. And suddenly I felt the encompassing desire to assert my importance.

Khushi POV

After the dinner fiasco, I did continued to ignore Arnav Singh Raizada. But the infuriating man had to stay the night just like Sid. His jealousy induced behaviour was getting on my nerves. If he keeps this up then I would never get the opportunity to convince Buaji that Arnavji is a changed man. As it is he left a great impression on her before his accident.

After making sure that the sleeping arrangements were done Buaji asked us to retire to our rooms. The entire evening had drained me. So I chose to agree with her but my empty water bottle forced me to go back to the kitchen. And like a mountain lion ready to pounce on his prey Arnav Singh Raizada stood before me as I filled up my bottle. With wide eyes, I wondered. How? How does he do that? I tiptoed to the kitchen and did not make any noise then how come..? As if he read my mind, the smirking Raizada pointed his index finger towards my feet. Hey, Devi Maiyya my anklets. They are a dead giveaway.

We need to talk.

No, we don't.

With a dismissive wave of my hand, I picked up my bottle and tried to leave the kitchen quietly keeping in mind that there were other people in the house tonight. However, Arnavji had other plans. He held out his arm halting my movements.

Would you have liked it if Lavanya was still living at my house as a friend? 

That's irrelevant. This situation is very different from...

His mind-boggling question made me stagger. I looked away unable to hold his gaze. Even the hypothetical situation hurt my soul. Something pierced my heart when he mentioned another woman living in his house. It reminded me of the past, back when Lavanyaji lived with him in Shantivan. Lost in my thoughts I did not realize when he had successfully cornered me against the kitchen counter. The sudden proximity left me speechless. He raised his hand only to curl a fringe of my hair behind my ear. The gesture made me blush.

It hurts right. Now try to relate with my feelings honey. And you are too naive to understand that Sids stupid tactics. I know I am a man.

Placing my palm on his shoulder I tried to control my shallow breaths. Arnav Singh Raizada is surely possessed with some dazzling powers. He knows how to prey on innocent girls. When he rubbed his nose on my warm cheek I sighed breathlessly.

I...I just wanted...to have a friend. Why cannot girls have a good friend that is a man and is not interested in her? 

Feelings hands on my midriff I gasped at the sensation that warmed my insides. Arnavji was playing the game of seduction with me. And I could do nothing but fall for his charms. I pushed him away and tried to normalize my breaths. But he had other ideas. Placing his thumb on my collarbone he sensually rubbed the drop of sweat that was pouring down from my neck. He arrested my eyes with his own and spoke huskily.

Girls can have friends there is no doubt about it. But beautiful goddesses like Khushi Kumari Gupta place an enchanting spell on them leaving them helpless.

A loud thud made me come out of my fantasy world. I swirled around to see Sid staring at the two of us with a scowl. The moonlight from the window fell on his face. I glanced to the side only to see Arnavji smirking in his direction as if whatever happened between us was deliberately done for Sid to watch. Thankfully Arnavji pulled back his thumb. I sighed in relief. Before I could verbalize an explanation Arnav Singh Raizada coiled his arm around me and pulled me to his torso. A shiver ran down my spine, in reciprocation of his overwhelming touch.

Hey Siddharth. Khushi tumne apne friend ko humare relationship ke baare mein nai bataya? See, he looks so upset.

(Khushi you did not inform Sid about our relationship?)

Is it true Khushi. Are you two together?

When his flat voice reverberated in the semi-dark kitchen I could not help but feel obligated to answer. He should know that I am not single anymore. He should know that Arnavji and I are together now. And if my man's suspicions are correct then I should be very honest with Siddharth Shukla. Arnavjis previous words about Sid's tactics echoed in my mind. Coming out of my thoughts I chose to be very clear about my relationship status.

Yes. We are dating each other. 

Then why did you go to the movies with me Khushi? I thought you liked me? And why did you say yes to today's dinner? I thought we had something special going on...

Siddharth's sudden revelation about our meetings made me gasp. Understanding dawned upon me. Arnavjis earlier claims of Sid's intentions felt like a slap on my face.  How could he assume that I was interested in him in that way? Why would he...? Before I could make my point, Arnavji pushed me behind him as if this move could hide me from the view. His posture became rigid. I could see him fisting his hands. He opened his mouth to utter words, which sounded as cold as ice.

Don't you dare blame my girl, Shukla. She might be naive but I am not. Stop playing your tricks with her. I know this age-old 'you are guilty and I am a victim' game pretty well.

Siddharth advanced towards Arnavji with a furious look. I was about to scream but then someday switched on the lights in the kitchen. Our eyes flew towards the intruder. Akaash Singh Raizada glanced in our direction with a perplexed look on his face. His unintentional intervention felt so divine right now. Not wanting to divulge any more details I forcefully dragged the reluctant Raizada from the kitchen, he kept protesting but I did not listen. Rather I crossed the living room and kept walking till we reached the porch.

Arnav POV

I wanted to punch Shukla in the face for disrespecting my lady but I could sense that Khushi wanted to avoid any kind of clash. Reluctantly I allowed her to pull me away from the scene. Her emotions were as clear as the sun during the daytime. Humiliation. Annoyance. Anger. And the most vivid of all...respect. The last one confused me a little. My wristwatch read 11.30 pm. 

We now stood at the porch and the weather seemed to have calmed a little. The drizzling rain created a romantic atmosphere. Despite standing next to me Khushi Kumari Gupta seemed miles away from reality. I sighed watching the lost look on her face.

Tum theek ho?

(You alright?)

Patani.

(I don't know).

Khushi I am sorry...

Her eyes widened listening to my apology. As if she was not expecting to hear such a thing from my mouth. I thought my behaviour might have scared her. So apologizing seemed the best way to approach her. My voice trailed as her soft palm met my warm mouth. She shook her head gesturing me not to apologize. Her touch pleased the man in me. A few seconds later she dropped her hand and eyes to the floor.

Sorry to humein kehna chahiye. Dost banane chale the aur aapko hi khudse door krne lage. Aap to humein Sid ki sachai dikha rhe the aur hum samajhte rhe ki ye bas aapki jalan hai. 

(I should be the one to apologize. I was simply trying to make friends and pushed you aside along the way. You were simply trying to show me the reality of Sid and I kept blaming you for being jealous).

Khushi no. Don't be sorry. Ismein tumhari koi galati nahi h. 

(You are not at fault).

Par hum...

(But I...)

Cupping her face I kissed her forehead and forced her to look into my eyes. She should know about certain things about this world. Or else Khushi won't learn from her mistakes. When her eyes met mine I verbalized my thoughts.

The truth is tumhari simplicity ka sab advantage lena chahte hain. I hate that. Buaji ho ya Sid, learn to be adamant about your opinion Khushi. And always remember that I love you. Now smile for me.

(The truth is everyone tries to take advantage of your simplicity).

When I confessed my love to her, yet again she blushed in return. Slowly and gradually a smile replaced the sadness on her face. The gesture made me smile.

I like you very much Arnavji. Aur humare liye usse muh tod jawab dene ke liye shukria.

(And thank you for standing up for me).

The sudden revelation made me lift an eyebrow. Did Khushi just confess to me that she likes me? Her words made my heart flip. Dhak dhak. A strange tune played within my mind. While her sudden thank you made me realize why I saw the respect in her eyes a while ago. And then the unthinkable happened. For the first time, Khushi initiated a kiss leaving a warmth on my cheek, which made me wonder whether all of it was a dream. With a small smile, I turned sideways and gestured her to kiss my other cheek as well.

Isko bhi tumhari kiss chahiye.

(Don't abandon the other cheek).

Giggling at my cheesiness Khushi gave my other cheek a noisy kiss. My trick of lightening her mood worked and I wanting to prolong our moment I folded Khushi Gupta in my arms. The soft drizzle stopped altogether and a cold breeze disturbed our privacy. Not liking her trembling form I quickly pushed her inside the warm house.

To my immense relief, an angry Siddharth Shukla passed us and left the house without a goodbye. However, another voice distracted us. 

You both can thank me later on. For now, I need my beauty sleep. Goodnight guys.

My brother muttered while turning to the other side on one of the mattresses as he tucked his blanket to his chin. Khushi raised her eyebrows in surprise. Oh, I forgot to inform Khushi, that my family members know about my fondness for her. I simply nodded not wanting to go into any details. As Khushi blushed in response my eyes halted to the corner of her dining table. The wooden piece of furniture drew me to itself. In a trance, I floated towards it. Involuntarily my hand touched the corner of the table. 

All of a sudden I was transported to a vision that pricked my eyes. I could see someone insulting Khushi again and again. With teary eyes, my woman took in the poisonous words. And then to my horror, a bronze hand threw bundles of cash on the familiar dining table. I knew that hand very well. The hurt and pain plastered on my girl's features broke something inside me.

Khushi...

Arnavji...? What's wrong?

The memory felt like walking on shards of glass. I pulled my hand away as if someone burned it. The dripping concern in Khushi's voice felt like a punch in the gut. What the hell did I do? What kind of a monster am I? How could I treat her like that? How can I be so brutal to this kind woman? I felt her hand on my shoulder. Worried eyes met mine. I quickly pulled her hand from my shoulder and clutched it with both my hands. 

I insulted you. I disrespected you. What can I do to show you how guilty I am for the sin I committed Khushi?

Arnavji? Kya hua aap aise kyun..?

(Why are you saying all this...?)

Maine issi table pe paise phekhe the na? I shattered your self-respect in a matter of seconds. I am such a beast. I bruised your pride and confidence. How can I claim to be in love with you when I  ruined our relationship so easily?

(I threw bundles of cash on this very table right?)

Losing my hold on her palm I trudged towards the sofa and sat on it holding my head in my hands. No matter how hard I try I cannot repent enough for her to forgive me. The loathing and guilt consumed me. I don't deserve a woman of substance like Khushi Kumari Gupta. 

Khushi POV

If earlier anyone would have said that one day the cold-hearted ASR will repent for his mistakes, surely I would have had a good laugh listening to the joke. However, amnesia had done the unthinkable. And now even small things like my dining table triggered his memories. He sat on my sofa as tentacles of guilt clutched him. His helplessness made me unhappy. 

Everything in my world telescoped down to the solitary figure slumped on my sofa. Nothing else existed. The connection I shared with Arnavji surpassed everything. Our past. Our class. Our differences. Determined to make things right between us I advanced towards him. Placing my palm over his hand I tried to see his face. Sensing my touch he lifted his head and hand towards me. With remorse filled eyes he uttered the most beautiful words to me.

Even if you were to change your mind and send me away...I would go, but I would never be far.

His long fingers came up to gently stroke my face. The pain in his voice made me weak in the knees.  Can someone change so much because of a mental illness? Am I that lucky to have found a love so deep and raw?

I can't be without you Khushi, you are all there is for me.

First one tear trekked down his cheek, then another. As the seconds passed by I sat beside him and allowed him to drain all that guilt that continued to consume him. This is not what I wished for. An apology would have sufficed. He was breaking down, calling names to his past self. Even the word monster reached my ears.

It is alright. Arnavji. Your repentance is visible in your actions. And I am always here. You cannot get rid of me so easily.

I added the last sentence with a chuckle to which he responded with a grin of his own. Wiping the tears off his face, I entangled my fingers with his, unable to understand how rapidly I was falling for him. My teacher once said that some people are so deep you fall into them and you never stop falling. Slowly and gradually Arnav Singh Raizada was becoming my world. 

Sometime around 1 am Arnavji ordered me to go and sleep in my room. Opposed by the idea I tried to offer him another cup of tea but he put his foot down and I had no choice but to say goodnight. Finally, after a lot of ups and downs, the night was coming to its end. Shaking my head I fell on my pillow and in a matter of minutes sleep took over me.

Arnav POV

As the Gupta family were busy preparing a lavish breakfast for me and Akaash, I stood at the porch steps taking in the sunlight. After last nights storm, the sun felt like a balm to my soul. And I am not just referring to the weather. 

A lot of things happened yesterday. I barged into Khushi's house. Had a tiff with my girl. Not to forget my moments with her which were interrupted by Siddharth Shukla. I believe he won't bother us anymore now.

My woman. Khushi Gupta. Her presence is a shining light that chased away the shadows of the void that plagued my amnesia riddled mind. Little pieces of my past – our past – were bleeding through the tattered remains of my memories. Memories that had been lost, been taken from me by a cruel twist of fate. Including the painful bits for which I won't be able to forgive myself. But my girl is a generous person, beautiful inside and out, who does not believe in keeping grudges.

I could hear snippets of Buajis conversation with Khushi. Buaji was enquiring about Siddharth's absence in her house this morning. I rolled my eyes as Khushi made up an excuse about some family emergency. With a sigh, I whirled and stepped inside the house only to hear something that made me halt.

I wanted to speak with Siddarth about Payal, Khushi. The two will be perfect for each other?

Kya? Jeeji and Sid?

(What?)

Haan. Isliye to kal tumko isharo mein bta rhe the ki ladka acha hai. Bhool gayi kya?

(Yes. Remember yesterday I kept nudging you, praising the guy and what not?)

I grinned as realization dawned upon me. So last night, Buaji was hovering around Sid like a mother hen because of Payal Gupta. Interesting. A wide-eyed, gaping Akaash sitting on the sofa made me chuckle. Now, this sounds good. I could see the wheels turning inside my brother's mind He swirled his head in my direction shocked by the information.

Feeling elated by the news I hopped towards the breakfast table and winked in Khushi direction who was pouring tea in the small cups on the kitchen counter. Her reaction was instant. Buaji screamed at her absent-mindedness as tea spilt all over the counter. Shaking my head I sat on the chair and began to plan my first date with this child-like woman. Now nothing will come between us.  No amnesia. No Buaji. No Shukla. 

Flickering my eyes I noticed the gloomy look on my brothers face. Guess he never expected that Buaji would find Sid, as a match for Payal and not him. Nevertheless, I ate the bhajiye prepared by Khushi with new gusto. I had a date to plan with the woman of my dreams. Other things can wait.

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Thank you for your constant love and support.

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