AJHS - 20

Part - 20

Lavanya POV

I stared at the invitation card kept on the dining table with a look of disappointment. I was having lunch at NKs place when suddenly a delivery boy arrived with a parcel on his doorstep. The package consisted of a music box and an invite to a double wedding.

When NK twisted his head in my direction I chose to ignore the card. He gave me a lot of time to get over the fact that my ex-boyfriend and best friend were getting married. We kept talking about other things. 

However, during supper, I could not help but glare at the envelope which caused a roller coaster of emotions to rise within me. Pain. Hurt. Sadness. Damn it. Was I hiding my sorrows under makeshift joy to keep others from seeing my vulnerability? But I believe in NK's company I feel delighted. As if we are in a bubble of happiness. Our small little world.

Stop it La. Stop staring at the invite as if it is a bomb with a timer meant to kill you.

I blinked rapidly. When did he sit beside me? Oh my goodness. I am acting like a psychotic woman who just received the invite to her ex-boyfriend's wedding. ASR was never an emotionally involved boyfriend. He always acted like I was an extra burden of his to bear. I twisted in my chair to see a smiling Nandkishore staring back at me.

I know it is not a bomb. It is just that...

He grabbed my hand in his own. The feeling was beyond anything I have ever felt. The comfort made me grin involuntarily. Pecking my palm he tucked a fringe that was tickling my forehead for a while now.

...it is just that you do not wish to see Nannav again. Completely understandable La. If you do not wish to attend the ceremony then we won't visit India. 

No. Do not make such a sacrifice on my behalf.

He did not say anything but simply leaned closer to my body only to enclose me in his warm embrace. The gesture made a tear escape my eye pocket. He kept patting my back for a while. And my mind could come up with only one solution for final closure. 

Arnav POV

Jeeju kept me company in my room as I wore the sherwani meant that came from the Gupta house. As per the traditions our wedding attires were supposed to be gifts from our in-laws. Just like me Khushi too would be dressed in the lehenga that Nani and Di bought for her. While wearing my watch I could not help but glance at the box on my dressing table. My engagement gift for Khushi Gupta. Today in the afternoon after our engagement in the middle of the Mehendi function I would make her wear this beautiful Kundan jewellery.

Cannot believe you are getting engaged to Khushi Gupta Saale Sahab? I mean I still remember months back when I visited Delhi after your accident you were so disappointed with life.

I glanced at my brother in law from the dressing table mirror. His words made me realise how much things have changed since my accident. Months back having no memories of my past made me vulnerable and edgy. I pushed my family away. I was mad at every single thing in my life. And the haunting alien silence was of no help. But later on, I met Khushi Kumari Gupta and since then I began to love my life. My dark world brightened by her light.

Love changes everything Jeejaji.

It does Saale Sahab.

Passing me a wink he left my room allowing me the privacy to focus on my thoughts. I was about to apply a little amount of hair gel when suddenly the reflection in the mirror swapped into a ramp where models clad in red indo western attire kept coming and going. I blinked twice unable to understand this memory of mine. Oh yes. I am in the fashion business of course this is a part of my work-life. 

However, in a few seconds, my eyes widened in disbelief watching Khushi Kumari Gupta in a bright green lehenga.

Surprise and shock laced her features. For a second she stood very still and then it happened. Losing her balance the woman fell off the stage. I caressed the mirror in fear that she might hurt herself.  

I gasp at the next image that appeared in the mirror. She did fall to the ground. Rather I held her quivering form in my arms throwing daggers at the woman of my dreams. Her trembling lips and terrified expression brought no change within me. Jerking her away from my body I almost threw her to the ground. And then everything vanished. I could see my horrified face in the mirror again.

Holy sh*t!!!

Is this how I met Khushi? Breaking her fall in a nasty manner and watching her like an evil villain?

Damn it.

An hour later we assembled in the hall. Khushi and I stood in the centre while our families stayed at a distance from the rest of the guests. A spotlight on us made us a little conscious. I could feel Khushi's eyes on me. Her glances have not escaped me. But my mind is still preoccupied with the earlier incident. My memories of our first meeting.

This is so strange. We are poles apart from one another. Our behaviour, action, temperament, everything is the complete opposite. But still, fate chose us to be together. We fell in love. After months of pain and turmoil, we ended our toxic relationship only to start afresh. Which makes me wonder whether I am a fool to believe that there is no god? Because this is no less than a miracle.

Suddenly I felt someone nudging me pulling me away from my train of thoughts. Khushi had had enough of my aloofness. She raised her eyebrows in an attempt to ask me about my worries. She could not do much as we were still crowded. I shook my head in denial trying to ease her. But this woman knows me better than everyone present here. So to assure her I simply whispered.

Later Khushi. I promise.

We exchanged rings amidst the applause of our families. I could not help but stare at my ladylove who blushed furiously. She looked like a ripe cherry in her maroon and blue lehenga. The piece enhanced her beauty beyond limits. While the Guptas and Raizadas kept teasing us I did not waiver my gaze from my now fiance.

But I could not admire her for long since Di took her away for her and Payals Mehendi function. Damn it. Whoever declared these rituals to be ladies only is a biased individual. A sexist pig. Why cannot a man see his woman's hands decorated in henna designs? Society and traditions are hard things to grasp.

But I won't allow these stupid rituals to separate me and Khushi. Did she not challenge me the other day about not seeing her till we are a married couple? I have to prove her wrong. I will see her at the Mehendi event. I will give her my special gift too. Let's see who has the guts to stop me!

I kept waiting for the perfect opportunity to see my girl. The ladies' function was happening in the Raizada Mansion backyard. The place was decorated with marigold flowers and mirror decorations. The only open window with a view of the backyard was too from the gazebo. I could only see the hundreds of ladies surrounding the area like flies in a honeypot. 

Agar ye log Khushi ko itna chupaenga to main kaise dekhunga.

(If these ladies will hide Khushi to such an extent then how will I catch a glimpse of her).

Bhai I wish we could see our brides on this day. But the no men policy is a mood spoiler.

I cocked my head to the side to see my brother who wore a similar look of anticipation and dejection. Ughhhh. Nani and Di cannot keep us away from our girls. Will have to sort this mess at the earliest. The sooner I can see Khushi the sooner I will be able to make her wear the gift that I have been carrying with me. Patting my pocket one more to feel it I grabbed Akaash by his neck and whispered my plan to him.

Slowly the despair on his face was replaced by a hearty smile. Great. It is time to show everyone what these Raizada men are capable of.

Some half an hour later HP returned to us with the latest updates on what was happening in the Mehendi function. According to him both his Bhabhis were done with the henna designs. The weather was not so pleasant now. The sun no longer played peek-a- 

boo like this morning. And Nani now wished the would-be brides to rest indoors. I smirked listening to this tiny detail. 

HP me and Akaash are leaving for some office work ask Nani to make Khushi and Payal rest in our rooms. To my annoyance, my servant passed me a knowing smile. I simply raised my eyebrow in his direction asking him to get out without being much rude. Thankfully he cleared his throat and escaped the living room. I shared a wink with my brother who knew where we had to go for the time being.

Khushi POV

During the engagement ceremony, Arnavji looked a little out of place. He was lost somewhere to be precise. I tried to ask him what was troubling him but since we were surrounded by our families I could not analyse much. He whispered the word 'later' to me. We exchanged our rings amidst our families and I could feel Mr Raizada's eyes on me. Maybe his mind was diverted after my constant queries. Later Di dragged me away to sit with Jeeji for the Mehendi function. I was doing an impromptu jig in my mind knowingly. Mr Arnav Singh Raizada was prohibited to attend this event and I am very sure that I will win the challenge of not facing him till our wedding ceremony.

When our henna filled hands dried Nani suggested I and Jeeji rest in our would-be rooms as HP delivered the news that both of them were out for some urgent work. Patting my shoulder in a winning gesture I left the gazebo with Di's help. She escorted me to Arnavjis room and only after ensuring that I was comfortable did she let me rest. But before she ejected the room I requested a refreshment. Anjali Di told me to wait for a while as she would send HP with the juice and a few snacks.

Smiling to myself I chose to sit on the edge of Arnavjis bed. Soon we will be sharing this room. The idea made me turn red. Tired of today's events I chose to lay down on the bed. I made sure that only my elbows touched the bed. The henna on my hands was still not completely dry. Closing my eyes I began to hum my favourite number of Salman Khans movie. Dil Diyan Gallan always reminds me of Arnavji and my story.

A knock on the door startled me but knowing that it was just HP with a tray of snacks I asked him to come inside. My eyes were still shut. As I continued my hummings a gust of wind blew across my face. My body was on high alert. Realization dawned upon me. It was not HP who knocked on the bedroom door. My eyes fluttered open, only to see my fiance standing over my head with a familiar smirk adorning his face.

Maine kaha tha na Khushi Kumari Gupta humein milne se koi nai rok sakta. Tum bhi nahi.

(I told you Khushi Kumari Gupta, no one can stop us from meeting each other. Not even you).

Hawwwwww!!!

With a loud exclamation, I tried to sit on the bed but found it difficult to do so because of my henna clad hands. Gulping nervously in the proximity of my fiance I kept looking at the wall behind him. But thankfully he understood my condition and placing a hand on my waist he made me sit up straight.

As soon as I felt a little comfortable I stood up from the bed and tried to walk out to the poolside. It looked beautiful decorated with marigold flowers. However, my fiance stopped me by guarding the glass door of the pool area.

Kya hua? Feeling shy?

(What happened?)

Nai woh hum...

(No actually I...)

Khushi you lost the challenge. Admit it. 

Haan toh aapne cheating kri. HPji se kahan ki aap office chale gaye hain aur humein yahan bula liya.

(Yeah because you cheated. Using HPji you lied to all of us about leaving for some official work and made me come here).

Instead of receiving a verbal response, I found myself retreating from him. My fiance kept advancing toward me. My heart thundered in my chest feeling strange butterflies floating within me. Our synchronized dance continued till my back touched his almirah. His eyes never left mine. But his hands moved towards his pocket. The movement distracted me. Slowly he pulled out a piece of kundan jewellery. Raising the ornament between us he passed me a smirk.

Cheating nai karta to ye kaise deta?

(Well cheating helped me in gifting this to you. Did it not?)

Ye..ye kya hai?

(Wh..what's this?)

Waist chain. For my girl.

I gasped feeling his hands snaking around my waist caressing my belly button in between. A few seconds later I felt the kundan Kamar bandh wrapped around my waist. The blouse of my lehenga was short enough to make the chain visible to everyone's eyes.

Thank you.

Anything for you.

His eyes glimmered with a strange passion making me gulp nervously. Slowly he closed the little distance between us. His lips landed on mine making me smile into the kiss. 

I am finally about to fulfil my dream. After so many struggles and up and down Arnavji and I will be bound to one another. The holy vows will tie us to each other in an unbreakable hold. But somewhere amid our happiness I could not help but feel a twinge of fear. As if something terrible was about to happen. As if danger was waiting in the drapes for the both of us.

Shyam POV

I entered the premises of Raizada Mansion dressed in a designer kurta. Instead of wearing a disguise, I chose to blend with the crowd. The guards did not check me as I walked in along with another guest with a gift and smile plastered across my face. My eyes wandered in every direction. It was important to keep Khushi Gupta in my sights. My next task requires a good amount of manipulation.

For a while, I kept an eye on the rest of the Raizadas. The fools were busy greeting the crowd of guests. ASR was nowhere to be found. He must be hovering around his fiance. I was trying to locate the woman when she rushed down the stairs with a blush on her face. She kept glancing behind her. That's when I saw him. He was following her with a smile on his face.

I fisted my palms in anger. How I wish to wipe off that smile...Soon Raizada. Soon my dream will be fulfilled. You snatched my father's dream. You took away Sheesh Mahal from us. Let us see how you tackle my next attack. My phone vibrated at the same second diverting my attention. I opened my device only to see something that I was desperately waiting for. Khushi Gupta soon to be Raizadas contact number.

Saving the number I sat on the nearby sofa and moved ahead with my task of breaking the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada. Now no one can stop me from succeeding in my mission. None.

Smirking to myself I picked up the glass of juice offered by the servants of Shantivan and focused on my job.

Arnav POV

I said my goodbyes to Khushi with a heavy heart as the Mehendi event ended. It was time for the Guptas to go back home. There was still a lot to be done. The Haldi and Pheras were scheduled for the day after tomorrow. So we could not ask them to stay for long.

Di and Jeeju did not leave a chance to tease me as soon as Khushi and her family left Shantivan, they were hovering around me. So juvenile of them. They were doing the same with Akaash but my brother was blushing like crazy. Rolling my eyes at them I chose to ignore the childishness and retired to my room.

Following my nightly routine, I soon fell into a deep sleep. Clueless about what surprises the next morning will bring for me. 

The next morning I woke up and joined my family for breakfast but none of them was talking and laughing like usual. The silence irked me. As it is Khushi did not message me this morning. So my mood was not very good. I stared back at them utterly confused. Even my little nephew Dhruv looked upset. Unable to understand their state of mind I asked D about this current dullness.

What's going D? I thought everyone will be happy after tomorrow's function? Even you look tensed to me?

He shared a look with the rest of the family and then sighed in disappointment. Now, this was making me mad. Nobody bothered to answer me. So I had no choice but to verbalize my anger.

HUA KYA HAI DAMN IT?!?

(WHAT HAPPENED DAMN IT?!?

My scream was enough to alert the rest of the family that only a straightforward answer will satisfy me now. Watching me fearfully Akaash pushed his glasses and answered my question. While his response left me flabbergasted.

Khushiji ne aapse shaadi ke liye....inkaar krdia bhai.

(Khushiji has denied marrying...you bhai).

I blinked as my mind comprehended the bizarre words uttered by my brother. This has to be a joke. Where is the punchline? Is this another ritual in the name of leg-pulling? I waited for the punch line. I waited for the prank to end. But nobody laughed. This is serious. This is damn serious. Unable to accept this I slammed my fist over the dining table. 

CHOTTE?!?

BHAI?!?

Before anyone could pamper me I raised my hand stepping away from them. I felt immense anger inside me. As if some unknown and dark side within me had been activated. Somehow Akaash's statement had unlocked a hidden rage inside me. So this is him. My other side. ASR. 

Leave. Me. Alone.

Pushing away from the table I dashed back to my room. I hunted for my phone like a mad man. Finally, I found it on the recliner in my room. Pulling my hair in frustration I kept calling Khushi Gupta. But I got the same answer each time. Switched off. 

What the hell is wrong with her? How can she do this? Knowing where she would be at this time I rushed out of my room. My family tried to stop me but I did not answer their calls and picking up the car keys I left Shantivan.

I drove like a maniac. Throughout my journey, I kept calling her. But her device was still switched off.

Very soon I reached her place of work. She had told me two days back how she had organised her classes to take a leave for our marriage. Today was supposed to be her last working day. From tomorrow onwards she had planned to take a leave for a fortnight. I reached the floor allotted for language classes. It was easy to find her room. The transparent glass window made it easy for me to locate her.

She was simply sitting at her desk with a faraway look on her face while her students were busy with some sort of assignment. There was sadness and remorse etched on her features. The boiling rage within me simmered a little after that. It is clear. Khushi is not too happy with her decision. Damn it. If she is so lost after cancelling our marriage then there has to be a very solid reason behind this decision of hers.

Sometime later the bell rang and Khushi walked out of the class dejectedly. Unable to take in her gloominess I stood before my fiance blocking her path. Khushi's eyes met mine. And for a moment I saw happiness and hope shimmering in those pools. However, as if a switch was flipped, her attitude changed. With a tightness in her voice, she curled her hands and spoke to me.

This is my place of work. I don't like distractions here.

She was prepared to hurt me. As if this was the only way to handle things. I chose to be quiet. When she did not receive the desired response Khushi skirted around me to walk ahead. But I knew there was something very wrong with her and my calculative mind knew how to tackle such a situation. If this is what it takes to get her back then let's see how this goes. Passing her a deadly smirk I replied coldly.

I know why I am here Khushi Kumari Gupta.

My words were enough to cut through the silence and freeze her expression. My tone resembled the cruelty of ASR. Sheer confusion rendered her incapable of doing or saying anything. The overpowering urge to touch her made me restless. But this time I controlled my softer side. 

Kya matlab?

(What do you mean?)

I mean sirf ek couple ki shaadi cancel hui hai Khushi. Since we are not getting married Payal aur Akaash ka rishta bhi nai hoga.

(Technically speaking only one wedding has been cancelled. Since we are not getting hitched Payal and Akaash will not marry each other too).

Her eyes widened as they flitted up to my face. Finally, she understood that my ASRish ways had resurfaced. She stood rooted to the spot staring at me as if I spoke in Latin. I have successfully trapped her. Now she won't run away from me. Passing her a sarcastic smile I waved in her direction and left the building, knowing very well that she would follow me soon.

Sorry for this manipulation Khushi but you have left me no choice. If you will cut ties with me then I will use every possible way to coax you, until you accept our love again. Leaning against my car I gave a picture of ease and comfort to a fuming Khushi Gupta who rushed out of her language school. Her eyes darted in every direction until they met mine. Teasing her further I began to admire my fingers. My actions successfully irked her, because the next moment someone slammed her palm on the bonnet of my car.

Himmat kaisi hui aapki Jeeji aur Jeeju ka rishta khatm karni ki?

(How dare you try and cancel my sister's wedding?)

Kyun? Tum todo rishta to theek main krun to galat. That's not how it works Khushi.

(Why? Only you have all the right to break a relationship, not me).

Her expressions turned cold. Cold like ice. Stiff like ice. Dangerous like a silent avalanche. She was mirroring the ASR within me. And that was turning me on. That look. She is a vixen sent from hell to finish me off. Damn it. So sexy.

Gulping my desires I gave her a nonchalant look. Leaning into her personal space I made her nervous. She reeled back. 

Inkar ki wajah bta do Khushi. Abhi bhi der nai hui hai. 

(Give me a valid reason for your denial Khushi. It is not too late).

This is my wish. Baat khatam.

(Conversation over).

Phir to hogaya faisla. Payal aur Akaash ki aage ki rasamein khatam Khushi. 

(Then the decision has been made. Payal and Akaash won't have any more wedding rituals Khushi).

She shook her head and turned to leave as my answer left her baffled. But I did not allow her to go away. Striding to her I clutched her wrist in my hands. She did not move around for some time. Annoyed by her I twisted her form around to face me. Her expressions were speaking volumes to me. This doe-eyed woman is hiding something from me. And I will figure out what is it that has forced Khushi to take such a drastic step.

Her jasmine fragrance tickled my nostrils. Unable to stop myself I slowly leaned toward those rosy lips. Her breath hitched as I neared her. Khushi wanted to be kissed by me. Her trembling lips made me aware of the same. With a smirk, I almost touched her nose. I shut my eyes giving in to the pleasure.

Precap: Arnav figures out the reason behind Khushi's denial of the wedding;

Shyam has a conversation with ASR.