Arhi FF, Chamkili. Ch-6. By Your Side.

                            CHAMKILI

                              Part-6:

                                      By Your Side.

As the hold of sleep slacked a bit, the welcomed darkness deserted him and the morning light pierced through his closed eye-lids. He frowned at this discomfort and turned to his side, a lazy smile spread across his face as he inhaled the fragrance, her fragrance. His eyes still shut, he subconsciously moved closer to the source, and inhaled deeply. What could he compare it to? He had tried drawing a similitude; well actually he had tried very hard, and since long back. Probably from the time when he had opened his eyes and found a delicate nymph in his arms, as if a gift dropped from the sky, quite literally in fact, just for him, and though he had consciously tried to push these thoughts away, his subconscious, seemed to have a mind of its own.

Failure was a notion alien to Arnav Singh Raizada… yes WAS… until a certain Khushi Kumari Gupta invaded his life, yes that is what she did. And since then he had been losing consistently. He lost his cool thinking of those beautiful scared eyes; he lost his sleep to those highly erotic and vivid dreams where he feasted over that enchantress so innocently unaware of her powers; he lost his heart to that child like untainted soul, so full of love and joy and the right spirit for sharing it, oh so free was she; heck he had even lost his mind, well who wouldn’t, loving that crazy hot woman. Arnav chuckled imagining what Khushi’s reaction would be to this piece of information, well not that she didn’t know, its just that he never had vocalized it in front of her and he was sure he never would. Some things are better left unsaid because they are… known already… felt already.

Well he wasn’t going to give up this time, not so easily. And so his eyes still closed, he craned his neck, trying to get closer to her side and then he inhaled deeply once again, taking in her fragrance for further analysis. Ha! he could be funny when he wanted to. So what was it? Roses? Lavenders? Lilies? No these were just… just too common place, so easily comprehensible, well bred in beautifully maintained gardens destined to finally land in those ridiculously expensive bouquets, too uptight and sophisticated… But no, Khushi was different…unique…one of a kind and so was her smell… it was exclusive, erotic. In fact there was something so untamable about it… almost wild… raw… like… like Drummond Pholx, a fiery red flower intoxicatingly fragrant… the flavor suited Khushi. But there was also something calm and serene about her fragrance… like Snowdrop, white as its namesake. She had struggled to give peace to a scared motherless kid and had finally succeeded in freeing him from those haunting nightmares. In fact if he was not such a committed atheist, he would have called her scent divine, but… His eyes still closed, he stretched his arms to her side, wanting to envelope her in a tight embrace, but,

“What the!” Arnav got up startled to not find Khushi by his side, for more often than not he was the one who woke first amongst them. The truth was that he really cherished that moment of holding her in his arms and watching her innocent face buried in his chest, he even enjoyed her frequent sleep-talks which were mostly centered around Jalebis and Devi Maiya, but some times when her face was all flushed, a shy smile adorning it, and her sleep roughened voice called his name minus the ‘Ji’, he would know exactly what she was dreaming about, and well his already too huge ego would get a further boost. He looked around the room, close to panicking, but the next moment the sound of shower running told him where she was and so he relaxed, supporting his back against the headboard, his eyes closed and the lines on his forehead gathered in an amused frown as he could hear her humming some random song, Salman’s? She was happy and that made him almost ecstatic. Though he wondered how she managed to get up so early, considering last night had been a long one. And the corners of his lips lifted in a proud smirk as the memories of the last night’s encounters floated through his mind.

Standing under the shower-head, Khushi rinsed her hair, washing the excess conditioner off it. She was busy humming a romantic tune and though the notes might have been all messed up, the feel was just that, romantic. A slight blush crept over the sides of her neck as she smiled coyly at the events of last night. She was happy, of course she was but more than the job itself, it was the approval and conviction for her visible in her husband’s eyes that transcended happiness, making the moment blissful for her, for them.

For a long while they had just sat atop a rug near the pool, in each others arms, she leaned against his chest, his chin resting on her shoulder while he dropped a kiss every now and then all along her face and neck, their fingers tangling together, playing a game known only to those who knew what love is. He had explained to her the nuances of the business world like how to handle people, some general pointers for making a good presentation, some basic etiquettes of handling clients and some tricks for dealing with high headed models. He had patiently answered all her questions, some stupid some not so stupid. She knew he was there for her, hamesha, after all he had promised her a forever together. She was overjoyed and had thanked him with a chaste kiss on his lips but then he had said something about ‘nothing is for free’ being the most basic rule of the business world and had offered to train her a bit in this law, like a true gentleman. She was genuinely confused and he had smiled indulgently reading her puzzlement. But the very next moment a devilish smirk replaced that indulgent smile, as his hands slipped through a slit of her kameez and onto her waist, giving the silky expanse of flesh there a firm squeeze. And as she gasped in pleasure, pain and shock, the meaning had finally sunk in. Well, then he had charged her well, not that she didn’t enjoy paying the bills…

As she stepped back in the room, their eyes met, and they instantly knew that they were on the same page. A proud smirk followed the realization for him and a coy smile for her.

“Good morning!” his sleep roughened, husky voice greeted her, while she nodded her head her acknowledgement, not trusting her voice.

“So, how come you are up so early, we did sleep very late last night, and I am pretty sure you seemed quite tired, overworked… just like me, you know.” He gave her a loop sided smile, as she turned her back to him, pretending to be busy doing stuff, truly she didn’t even know what she was doing.

“Well, everyone here doesn’t own a company you know.” came her retort. Whoever said that feisty and shy were antithesis, surely didn’t know Khushi.

“Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, are you accusing me of taking my job for granted?” he said as he prowled her, taking slow steps in her direction, well he wasn’t going to back either. And whoever said love and war were antithesis, surely didn’t know what Arnav and Khushi shared.

“Well, you are the Boss, no one is going to scream at you for being late while some of us mere mortals might actually lose our jobs for this. In fact I still recall a certain Laad Governor of a Boss from my first job, threatening to fire me almost everyday for no real reason. He really tortured me you know.” Khushi made an innocent face, pouting slightly and Arnav couldn’t help but smile at her.

“Khushi, just so you know, I am always on time, okay.” Arnav tried making a stern face.

“Ya, except for last Thursday I guess?” she challenged him.

“What was I supposed to do, you looked so irresistible with your hair dripping and your entire body slightly wet and to top it all you had decided to wear a RED saree. There is only so much a man can handle. You know, actually you are to blame there, not me.” Khushi’s eyes and mouth went ‘O’, she was enraged and he smiled inwardly looking at his lioness.

“How dare you! and… and what about yesterday morning, I wasn’t wearing red in fact…” and she trailed off as she remembered that her condition was much worse then. While Arnav raised an eyebrow in that quintessential Arnav way further adorning it with a loop sided smile. And he moved towards his flushed and flustered wife, huskily whispering in her ear,

“I like you better that way, you know… with no colors… except for the red of your flushed body that only I can conjure, like magic… and nothing else… absolutely nothing.” and whispering that he brushed his lips against the contours of her ear, tugging at her ear lobe. At the sound of her hitched breath he almost called Aman to reschedule all his pre-lunch meetings, but then realizing that it was Khushi’s first day at work and that she really didn’t own the company, he very very reluctantly gave up the idea. What wouldn’t he give this very moment for getting her a place in the AR Designs itself, keeping her to himself, entirely and exclusively. But he knew that it wouldn’t be fair to her, she needed this chance to boost up her self-confidence, to mature as a person, to build her own distinct identity, and Arnav Singh Raizada would never do wrong by the woman he loved and respected the most. And so giving her an indulgent smile he moved to the wash-room.

Her hand stilled midway, the cup touching her lips but she couldn’t take in a single sip as her eyes fell on the form of the lady of the house, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, as she addressed herself, descending the stairs. A shy smile was gracing her lips and a faint pink, her cheeks, she seemed a little lost and Shital wasn’t a kid to not decipher all the tell-tale signs. She saw her turn back as someone called her and the next moment Arnav was by her side, he whispered something to her, and her blush intensified, while his smirk got all the more sexier. Yes she used to find his hooded smiles very intriguing, in fact it was one of the major reasons that she had proposed him in the first place, and she did find it quite enigmatic even today, just that it had become a bit warmer now, better. Shital saw his arm going around Khushi’s shoulder and she seemed cocooned, an aura of contentment and pure bliss around her. Shital surrendered the reins of herself to her innermost and until now well hidden dreams and desires, as she imagined herself in Khushi’s place, Arnav bestowing her one of his rare magical smile, while his arms surrounded her… If only…

“Hmm!” an involuntary sigh escaped her lips. But the very next moment she was brought out of her reverie, as Naniji and Mamiji entered the dining space. Actually she was glad that they did, for from the corner of her eyes she had seen Khushi hastily disentangle her form from that of his, and Shital let out a sigh of relief.

Breakfast was a special surprise for Khushi, as Anjali and Payal had prepared all her favorite dishes, of course jalebi included. Naniji had added aaloo-puri to the menu but the star of the show today was the tamatar ki chatni, a Manorma Mami specialty, everyone had looked at her wide-eyed, pretty sure that the entire ordeal was a dream, an unbelievable one at that too, while Mamiji avoided looking at anyone. At the end of it Khushi was overwhelmed. She took blessings from Naniji and Mamiji, while Payal and Anjali hugged her, conveying their good wishes. As they dispersed Arnav took out his handkerchief and handed it to Khushi, and it was then that her tears, well actually her khushi ke aanso, finally gave way. But how did he know? Khushi wondered about their level of attunement to one another.

“Arnavji wo…” Khushi trailed not knowing what to say.

“It’s a big day for you Khushi, I know and don’t worry I am sure you’ll do just fine. And if you have any trouble in the office just give me a call. And anyway Lavanya is there, I am sure you’ll be alright, okay?” Arnav enveloped her in a warm embrace.

“Hmm!”

“Okay so Khushi I am going to the parking, I’ll wait for you there. Okay?”

“Hmm! I’ll just get my bag.” and saying that Khushi rushed towards her room as Arnav moved out.

“Naniji don’t worry I’ll manage.” Khushi heard Shital’s voice as she neared the living-room.

“But Shital bitiya, why would you take a cab when we have cars around here? I’ll just ask Mohan to get a car ready.”

“Naniji, there is really no need and anyway with all the other cars already out, there needs to be at least one here in case of an emergency. You don’t worry Naniji, I’ll manage really.” Shital gave a reassuring smile to the older woman and then moved towards the guest room to retrieve her bag.

The duo made an appearance yet again, Angel Khushi and Devil Khushi, the former perched on her right shoulder, while the latter on the left one.

DK: “Please tell me you are not thinking what I think you are thinking. DO NOT OFFER HER THE RIDE.”

AK: “But that’s the right thing to do Khushiji, you should help her.”

DK: “And where did helping her the first time land you? In a mess, did you forget that already? Don’t be an idiot again Khushi.”

Khushi: “You do have a point.” Devil Khushi gave a sexy smirk and raised an eyebrow challenging Angel Khushi.

AK: “But Khushiji, it’s your inherent nature to be good, you cannot betray your nature and hurt someone.”

Khushi now seemed a little confused and so Devil Khushi geared up.

DK: “But what she won’t know wouldn’t hurt her, right? Just slip quietly and no one has to know anything.” and Devil Khushi winked at Khushi.

Khushi smiled as her choice was made but as she was quietly sneaking out, her husband called her from outside,

“Khushi we are getting late, make it quick.” and she cursed him for his timing coz she already knew what would follow.

“Arre Khushi Bitiya, You and Chote are still here, that’s good, and it solves all the problems.” Naniji said stopping Khushi in her tracks.

“Ji Naniji, he is going to drop me at my work place, we were just about to leave, and we are getting really late.” Khushi desperately hoped for her predictions to be wrong, but alas!

“Shital Bitiya.”

“Yes Naniji, you called me.” Shital came out of her room ready to go.

“Bitiya Chote and Khushi Bitiya are about to leave and you anyway work in his office so I think the problem is solved, they can give you  lift, right Khushi Bitiya.” Nani smiled at Khushi who had to fake one herself.

“Ji Naniji of course, come Shitalji we were just about to leave.” and smiling at them Khushi gestured Shital to go ahead.

“Thanks Naniji, thanks Khushi.” and saying that she moved towards the gate with Khushi right behind her muttering her displeasure to her Devi Maiya.

Arnav saw the two women approaching and it didn’t take the intelligence of an astronaut to figure out that Khushi must have offered Shital a ride with them, what he couldn’t figure out though was that she didn’t really want to. As they came near he opened the gate to the passenger seat and held it. Shital reached him first,

“Hey Shital!” he wished her and she took it as an invitation to the front seat, the door of which he was still holding but as she reached the car, he gestured her towards the backseat, smiling politely.

“Make yourself comfortable.” He then smiled at his wife and anyone could easily figure out the difference between the two smiles, and so did Shital. ‘Ah! So much for little hopes.’ she thought with an empty smile.

Arnav parked the car outside the entrance of the KaLa Groups. And as Khushi opened the door to step out Shital wished her luck, ‘but why did it seem so half-hearted?’ Khushi wondered. Arnav too stepped out of the car and joined Khushi. As they stepped inside the building they were greeted by Lavanya,

“Right on time, Cham, umm I mean Khushi. Hey ASR! Actually Mr. Singhania is in a meeting at the moment or he would have come to meet you guys! But on behalf of the both of us, welcome Mrs. Raizada, I am sure you are going to like it over here” and her smile showed that she actually meant it and then leaning towards Khushi she whispered in her ear,

“And between you and me, the Boss over here is actually kind of good, quite unlike our former Boss.” and she winked at Khushi who smiled and looked at her Laad Governor who was giving her the look that said he knew.

“I am sure Lavanyaji and you know that you can call me Chamkili, I don’t mind and in fact over time I’ve actually started to like the name.” Khushi smiled at her friend.

“I know Khushi, but this is the our work place and being an owner its better if I don’t show any personal affiliation towards you plus if I call you Chamkili it is less likely that people around here will take you seriously, at least initially. So though outside the office you are still Chamkili to me but in here you are Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, though I’d prefer just Khushi because your name never seems to end.” she smiled at Khushi as did Arnav enjoying the three ‘Os’ on her face.

“Ok now Lavanya, I really need to go or I’ll get late for a meeting and I know you are going to take good care of my wife, but please if there is any problem just give me a call, okay?”

“ASR you don’t worry, I’ll look after her, and after all she is my best friend as well. You relax.” she then turned towards Khushi,

“Khushi I’ll see you in about ten minutes and yes, ask Lilly at the reception, she’ll guide you to my cabin. ASR you relax, she’ll be fine.” and smiling at her friends she gave them some much needed time and space.

They walked towards the exit hand in hand. The death grip of her hand told him just how nervous she was and the firm squeeze of his hand assured her that everything would be fine. Truth being told, he was just as nervous and he knew that Khushi knew it too. But for once he was going to make an appearance and just appear strong and she would believe it, even though she knew exactly what it was, an appearance. No words were exchanged between the lovers as they approached his SUV and none were needed. At the door of his car they stopped, he held her face in his hands as he bent a little kissing her forehead and the tip of her nose. His kisses that more often than not had a bone melting effect on her, making her knees seem useless, today though it gave her the much needed power. In his eyes she could see his affection, his care, his trust but then his doubts and fears were just as visible, love after all was a package deal wasn’t it. As he drove off to his office, Khushi kept looking until the SUV finally disappeared at some distance, merging with an unending torrent of such vehicles. Shital was now sitting by his side. And watching him go… her smile faded, just a little.

“Hey everyone, I want you to meet our new colleague and friend at KaLa, Khushi.” Lavanya introduced Khushi to the office staff who all smiled at her making her feel a lot more welcomed than she had felt at her last job.

“Hey! Khushi”

“Hi! Khushi”

“Namaste” Khushi smiled and greeted everyone back. She had a good feeling about this place.

“Okay now everyone back to work but I want to see the team for the Indo-Spanish deal we are handling, right now in the conference room.” she turned to Khushi,

“Khushi, you come with me, I’ll introduce you to your project team and then we can work out the basic plan for the project.”

‘Spain, hmm! I remember hearing about it somewhere very recently, where was it, umm… Oh yes I remember now, it was in that movie with Hrithikji, Abhayji, Farhanji and Katrinaji, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Oh such a nice movie and what a lovely place, Arnavji should have gone to such a place for his bachelor’s party and of course I would have blackmailed him to take me along and we would have invited Di, Jiji, Jijaji, Nanheji, Naniji, Mamiji. I’ll talk to him to plan such a trip soon…’

“Ouch!” Khushi landed back in the office as Lavanya pinched her on her arm.

“Khushi come back to earth, what the hell have you been muttering about?” Lavanya whispered in her ear and her tone told Khushi that she wasn’t pleased with her wandering talent. So Khushi gave her a ‘I am sorry’ look and then the meeting began.

“Okay now guys, Khushi here will be working with you all as the co-project manager, and Khushi this is your team, Koyal, Priya, Rishab, Sonal, Abhay, Celina and James. Celina and James here have expertise in European clothing exclusively. While the others have been recently appointed and guys this is your chance to prove yourselves. Now my friend Khushi here is an expert in Indian textiles as well as designs. So for starters she’ll be training you all a little in  chicken-kari and gota work, while Celina and James will help her with the European designs. Okay now everyone get back to work.” and with this Lavanya smiled at the team and pulled a horrified Khushi out of the conference room and led her to her new cabin.

“Okay Khushi relax, this is your cabin, if you need anything call me and yes I’ll just send Mr. Joshi to your cabin, he is your co-project manager and he will brief you about the developments regarding the project until now. Okay now I have to leave, best of luck Chamkili.” and Lavanya left saying that.

Once alone in her cabin, Khushi started having a full-blown panic attack.

“Hey Devi Maiya, this is so big, what am I going to do? Humse nahi hoga. There are so many experts around here and I am just going to make a fool of myself. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, definitely your expertise is in landing in messes, no in fact you invite messes and if there is none to invite you practically create them. Hey Devi Maiya, I…”

But her tirade stopped midway as her desk phone rang just that moment.

“Hello Mrs. Project Manager, I hope I am not wasting your precious time and I also hope that I am the first one to call on your office line.” and just like that all her tension vanished in thin air, hearing her husband’s voice. ‘How does he always know when I need him?’ Khushi thought to herself.

“Yes you are the first one, but Arnavji where did you get this number from even I don’t have it yet and how did you know I was the Project Manager here?” Khushi was a little confused,

“I have my sources Khushi. Did you really think I would let you off without any secret spies around you?” Arnav chuckled a bit imagining his wife’s horrified expression.

“Haww!” and he wasn’t that wrong as Khushi looked around for hidden cameras or peek-holes.

“Khushi relax, I just called Lavanya. So how’s your day going?”

“Fine I guess, nothing much has happened though but I am a little nervous, everyone here is so professional, so good…”

“But you are better, I know it. Khushi do you really think that I would have given my consent for this job if I didn’t have a hundred and ten percent confidence in your skills? Khushi just relax, you’ll do great.” he tried to calm her.

“And how do you know that?”

“Because… I know my wife pretty well. But more than that I know this woman who is totally crazy but somehow her crazy ideas work, almost always. You do know her, right?” Arnav smiled as this sudden realization freed him as well of the slight fear that he himself was feeling.

“Thank you Arnavji.” how could his charm ever fail?

“Not so easy Mrs. Raizada. Hmm! let me think. Okay how about you give me a thank you treat tonight. What say?” Arnav knew she would think of last night and well again, he knew her well.

“Fine, but only if its NOT in our bedroom and involves actual FOOD.” Khushi smiled pleased at her quick mind. ‘He had been teasing her so much lately, now what would he do?’ she thought to herself.

“Done. I’ll pick you up at eight.” and with that he hung up leaving an utterly shocked Khushi on the other side. The next moment he was busy making calls booking a honeymoon suite at some five-star hotel.

Khushi didn’t even know when someone came inside her cabin, and was now standing right in front of her desk,

“Khushi Kumari Gupta?” a voice called her and as she looked up, she stood with the shock.

“Samayji?” and as he smiled at the odd chance of meeting his school junior at his office, she blushed a bit finding her first ever crush in front of her, so unexpectedly. But the very next moment she felt horribly guilty for that blush. How could she!

PS: So guys, please do let me know what you thought of this part, it really feels great when after spending so much time in thinking and writing the story I finally get to hear your views about it. Hope you'll enjoy :)

Toodles

Srija :)

Arhi FF, Tangent Worlds. Ch-3 Family Honor.

                                TANGENT WORLDS

                      Ch-3, Family Honor

Arnav entered his house located in one of the most posh localities in New Delhi. He decided to head straight to his study, he needed to be focused, this was important.

But first…

“Hari Prakash! HP!”

The poor man came running to his boss,

“Yes, Arnav Bhaiya. Should I get you something?”

“A black-coffee in my study, and make it QUICK.”

And without waiting for an answer Arnav strode towards his study.

Once inside his study, he took off his coat and tie and flung them at the recliner before settling himself on the same, resting his fiercely pounding head against the sturdy but comfortable head-rest and closed his eyes. In about ten minutes time, there was a soft knock at the door and he turned to see his younger sister Anjali hesitantly standing at the door with the coffee tray in her hands.

“Bhai, wo actually… actually I…”

“Oh, come in. But why did you get it, where is HP?”

“Umm, its nothing Bhai, I just didn’t see you all day, so I thought I’d get it myself.” and with that she came in the study and placed the tray with his coffee mug on the table.

“So, how is college going? Anything I missed out on?” Arnav asked, his eyes closely studying his sister.

“Nothing much Bhai, studies are going fine but no rush you see as my exams just got over.” she walked towards the flower-vase in the corner of the room, removing the flowers from the vase and then putting the same ones back in, continuing further,

 “And then I had a little fight with Dadi about joining salsa classes, she was suggesting contemporary, but I really want to learn salsa. Oh, and there is this national seminar thing being organized by my Department…” she took the dust-cloth and started dusting some random files, some that needed it and some that didn’t.

“…and we need to submit a synopsis of our topic in order to get in, and I was thinking its worth a shot, would look really cool on my CV.” she moved to the window, removing the curtains and then closing them the next moment,

“Oh I have just been blabbering, so how was your day, anything new? Hey Bhai I heard you were meeting some Shyam person in the Oberai today, oh my friend was there, she saw you. Anyway, so how did it go?” She stood near the window, her back to his front but he could still see her fidgeting with her dupatta. A devilish smirk graced his lips as he decided to play along.

“Oh, that was just a business deal, nothing that would interest you Anjali.” he said as if to just brush her off and taking the bait she turned around facing him.

“No. Yes. Umm I know Bhai, but the thing is… umm, oh yes, you see the thing is that recently, I have been reconsidering your suggestion, you know about doing MBA rather than Masters in literature. So I thought that keeping track of such meetings would help me. You know it could help me understand people because I know how important it is in the business world.”

‘Hmm so she had the Raizada in her, but he was the Alfa and he would decide what was right for her and when to let her know of his decision concerning her life. After all he would only choose what was best for her.’ Arnav thought to himself, proud of his younger sister’s manipulative skills but prouder of himself for seeing right through it. Finally he said after a small pause,

“Anjali, its past midnight now and you shouldn’t be up so late. Go sleep, we shall discuss your career some other time.”

“But Bhai I…” Anjali tried to prolong the discussion, knowing what Arnav thought of her Shyamji was very important for her.

“Goodnight Anjali.” his tone beckoned finality and his sister of 20 yrs took the hint.

“Goodnight Bhai.” and saying that she moved to the door, her face drawn long in sadness when his voice stopped her,

“Anji you trust me, right?” and it was in moments like these that the carefully constructed mask slipped, giving one a glimpse of the man, the real Arnav, vulnerable in love, scared of getting hurt, not as sure of life as he would like others to believe he was. But to catch that momentarily glimpse one had to know him, and Anjali prided herself on knowing the most of him, the most possible extent anyway and how could she ever deny that man, her brother anything.

“Yes Bhai, always.” she smiled one of her warm smiles for she knew he needed it.

“Goodnight then.” he finally dismissed her with a barely there smile, moving towards his locker, withdrawing a medium size file. Sitting down with his coffee and the file, he glimpsed at the wall clock, 0:45 and he opened the file titled ‘Shyam Manohar Jha’.

                   *************************************************

Khushi was slumped beside the couch in their drawing-room. She still had the phone-receiver in her hand. ‘How long had it been?’ Khushi wondered. ‘Minutes, hours, well it surely couldn’t be days but…’ she looked at the receiver in her hand once again as if to convince herself for the nth time that what had happened had actually happened and was not something her overworked, crazy mind had conjured but… it was just too good to be true. ‘Was that really her? But… but, how could it be her?’  Khushi was struggling with herself, as much as just a glimpse of her old self back, as she thought back to the conversation she had had a while ago. She had picked up the phone to hear the broken sobs of someone… a girl…a woman… HER? But before she could say anything else some other woman had taken the call on the other side and had politely apologized saying that her little daughter liked making prank calls. But Khushi knew that voice, probably better than she knew her own, after all she had grown-up listening bed-time stories from her, seeking her advice when something troubled her, fighting with her when Hrithikji's and Salmanji's movies were coming on the same slot… how could she ever not know that voice, her jiji’s voice.

But just moments later her thought process took a bleaker turn, as the image of her father, pale as dead, crossed her mind. And her mind took her a few months down the memory lane, to another such call that had changed their lives forever. Shashi Gupta stood still as a statue, the phone-receiver glued to his hand when Khushi’s loud “Babuji.” made him stumble backwards and almost fall but Khushi was near enough to reach him in time and break his fall. A very distraught Shashi Gupta had informed his family that the call was from Payal’s hostel and the warden had just informed him that some accident had befallen their Payal, and he was required there urgently. The very concerned father had boarded the very next train to Delhi and that was the last they saw or heard of him for the next two days at the end of which he had returned, grim faced and alone, and had announced to everyone that Payal didn’t survive the accident and that he had stayed back to finish all the funeral rites in Delhi itself. The entire Gupta household went under shock, but the relentless efforts of their neighbors and friends the Kapoors and the Nigams reeled them back to life, everyone but Khushi.

Khushi had a hazy memory of what had followed, some rituals probably, as she recollected something about a grand feast on the twelfth or thirteenth day following her Jiji’s death. Were they celebrating it, her confused mind hopelessly tried to put the pieces together. Relatives, friends and acquaintances had gathered and mourned, initially, which was then followed by incessant gossiping about, why didn’t Sashi bring Payal’s body back and that the entire fiasco reeked of some scandal, finally winding up with some sagacious comments on the drawbacks of sending young girls to dangerous cities like Delhi, all by themselves and that too for studies, what good could one expect of such disastrous decisions. After all even Sita Maiya had to face the consequences of trespassing the Lakshman Rekha, it’s a pity that (wo)men never learnt anything from their past mistakes. Sulekha Bua was trying to explain some such thing to Khushi, or was it Sapna kaki…

She had smiled then… as she was smiling now, one of those empty smiles that you hope to never see, because if you did you know it shall haunt you forever.

“You have become so much more than just my Jiji, Jiji.” Khushi muttered to herself, “You are now, Payal Gupta, the cautionary tale.” and she smiled again. Something about the situation reminded her of the poem she had read a while ago, ‘Goblin Market’*, was it? How befitting it was to their situation, tale of two sisters Laura and Lizzie… Payal and Khushi, though she wondered who the Goblins were in their story? But not now, for now she would revel in the fact that her Jiji was still alive, yes she was sure it was her Jiji on the phone just moments ago… had life offered her a chance to be Lizzie, to save her Jiji, her Laura…Khushi wondered.  Khushi decided to tell her family about the call, about her belief… how happy would Buaji and Amma be… and her Babuji… no their Babuji, he would smile again and for real this time, unlike the plastic smile he had been sporting since past several months.

But just when she was about to knock her parents’ room, not bothering about the hour because for sure it was the happiest one in so long, she heard some faint sounds coming from inside, and as she heard Payal’s name, she halted in her tracks,

“I knew it was a mistake, things would have been so much easier had I not told you the truth. But remember this Garima, nothing, NOTHING has changed. Payal is dead. And the sooner you accept it the better it would be.” Shashi Gupta had roared.

“But how can you expect me to forget about my daughter, how can to tell me to just let it go, when I know now that she is alive. She needs us, Devi Maiya knows in what conditions she is living. Suniye ji* we can atleast inform the police about it, they can help us find her. And once she is found I promise she will never return back to Lucknow, no one will ever know of it. I’ll take her to our forsaken property in Purniya, and everything will be fine. Please just…” her amma was hysteric by now, but Khushi could see a steely resolve in her Babuji’s eyes,

“Do you even realize what a scandal it would cause and with Khushi’s wedding so close? Garimaji this is the last time that I am going to say this, so listen very carefully, Payal is dead for us, we have just one daughter now, Khushi, and I hope you will not ruin her chance at a respectable life because of your stupidity.” and saying this Sashi turned his back to his wife, signaling the end of discussion, while Garima fell on the ground, near her husband’s feet as her knees gave away, resignation etched on her face as silent tears made their way through her face. Buaji came and sat near her, supporting her form as her own eyes stung with unshed tears,

“What do you expect of her Sashi, she is her mother.” Buaji’s tone was accusing.

“And I was her father but after what she did… Jiji its better for her and for our entire family that she pulls her act together, if for nothing else then for her other daughter, Khushi. And she is to get married in two weeks time and this time I’ll let nothing, absolutely nothing ruin it.” and saying that Shashi made his way out of the room when he halted seeing Khushi enter the room.

“No.” Khushi said, her tone as steely as that of her Babuji’s.

“What?” fear and confusion evident in his voice.

“I cannot and I will not marry.”

“Have you lost your mind, what madness has gotten into you. Invitations have been sent out, relatives would start arriving any day now and you… how dare you say or even think such a thing.” anger was evident in his voice.

“So what do expect me to do Babuji, passively submit, get married to whom so ever you have chosen for me and forget that I have a Jiji, who needs me, who would come running by my side when I got into slightest of troubles? I can’t let her go Babuji, I can’t, not after that call… not after knowing that she is still waiting for me… waiting for me to come get her and bring her back home.” Khushi was close to tears now, but determination was still present in it.

“It’s too late to save her now. Oh God I could have saved her, if only I had not given into her demands to let her pursue her studies and had just gotten her married as I had planned earlier… I could have saved her.” something akin to regret in his voice. “But not anymore, I will not let you ruin your life like Payal, do you understand me. You will get married to Sumit two weeks from now and I’ll see that it happens.”

“Babuji but Jiji, she just called… and… and she was crying… she needs me Babuji, she needs us. We… we have to save her… I will save her… like Lizzie… Laura… I have to save her from those Goblins. Jiji… Jjjiji is alive… I have to bring her back. Delhi… I have to go…” Khushi was hysteric as she tried to string words and form a coherent sentence, Her voice broken and violent hiccups interrupting her at regular intervals. And just then she felt a sharp stinging pain on her cheek, and she saw shock on her Amma and Buaji’s face as she held her cheek in her hand. It took a while for her to realize that her father had slapped her, for the first time in her entire life.

“Payal is never coming back, do you understand me, Never. She has lost her honor Khushi, she was raped. She is dead to us, and she needs to remain dead for the sake of our family’s name, for our family honor.” and saying that he moved out of the room.

Khushi was in shock, her Jiji… her Jiji... no… no… NO. Khushi was still fighting with herself when she felt someone jerk her back to life and she saw her Amma’s face streaked with tears.

“Khushi bitiya, everything will be alright, you don’t worry, ok bitiya.”

“But I couldn’t save her… I wasn’t there when she needed me… she had to go through all this all by herself… and my dreams…no my nightmares, she… she was calling me and I… I couldn’t understand, she needs me… I have to save her… I have to go to Delhi… she is still there somewhere, she… she is waiting for me… she called me Amma, she is still waiting for me. I have to save her and I will, I have to go.” and her tirade was broken by another stinging slap, this time it was her Amma.

“Garima!” Buaji was by her side the very next moment.

“Khushi, your Babuji is right. You need to get married, we need to let go of Payaliya… this is for… for family.” and she looked at her younger daughter with teary pleading eyes.

“Amma, isn’t Jiji family?”

 PS: So how did you guys like it, feel free to express your opinions and yes I had warned you before that this is not a 'typical' Arhi romance and I have a lot of sub plots in mind for this story. Still I hope you guys enjoy the ride.

PPS: Here is a song I love, and it is dedicated to Payal and the likes of her who go through all kinds of tortures, while trying to survive in this tyrant patriarchal system. Here is cheers to all of us, survivors :)

Take Care

Srija :) 

---

* ‘Goblin Market’ by Christina Rosetti.

* Listen please.

Arhi OS: The Last Legacy

                           Arhi OS: 

                           The Last Legacy

She entered the room in a bright as sun yellow-orangish dress.

‘Bright as sun, like seriously? All these years with her must have rubbed-off at me. Khushi was just, well, inescapable.’ Arnav chuckled to himself thinking about his wife’s unmatched beauty and equally unmatched craziness.

She stood at the door-way, a little hesitant well she did know that Arnav did not like being disturbed when he was in his study. But right now the man was not in the study. He was lost in the land of mountains, where the clouds and the mist made Khushi seem like a mythical nymph, like a dream and just as ephemeral. But there she was and as real as could be, in his arms, dancing away the night on the deck of this small but cute house-boat, under the stars that seemed to be getting all teary, glittery looking at this perfectly happy couple, living the moment until it lasted.

Arnav and Khushi were dancing to an American retro number, ‘L’ill Red Riding Hood’ and Khushi… well, Khushi was having a hard time dealing with the accent, which irritated her but amused Arnav. He loved seeing his wife all riled up, muttering those words she invented, ‘Laad-Governor’ and stuff, that were nothing but disgrace to profanities. He then took pity on that poor soul and decided to translate it for her. Well that was the only concession he would be making tonight, for there was absolutely no way that he would let her choose the song, knowing her taste. But then when he had told her about how the song was about a ‘Big-Bad-Wolf’ wanting to be with Red Riding Hood so that he could protect her from other ‘Big-Bad-Wolves’ in the woods, she had laughed and laughed in that crazy Khushi way that breath pure happiness. And when her laughing spree was finally somewhat under control she had managed to say, “He is just like you Arnavji, that Wolf guy.” She had said it in a good humor but she must have seen the pain flit across his eyes for a fraction of second and she had regretted saying that immediately. He tried to man-up again, her hug unmanning him the very next moment.

“Arnavji, you know I didn’t mean it. I…I…I was just…” and unable to finish her sentence, she just cupped his face, hoping he would read in her tears what she could not articulate through her perfect Hindi. And he did. Truly saying he had not comprehended it as anything but a good-naturedly joke. But what hurt the most was to know that though she didn’t mean it, still that didn’t make it any less true. What had he done to deserve this lovely woman? Nothing and he knew that. He didn’t deserve her, it was as simple as that.

“Khushi, I am sorry. But I…I…” What more could he say, didn’t saying ‘I love you’ make him sound like a selfish bastard that he was?

Khushi captured his trembling form in her arms and his hands crushed her, unwilling to let her go, ever.

They stood like that for a while, two souls breaking and mending, together. Khushi sniffed and then finally managed to say,

“Arnavji, its going to take more than a sorry if you want my forgiveness for the devious crime of kidnapping my heart and keeping it in your captivity for eternity.” he could feel her slight hiccup-laugh vibrate through his body. She disentangled her form from his before further adding,

“Well, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, lets strike a deal. What do you say?”

“Mrs. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, that’s unfair, considering you have imprisoned mine, so we are even there. But tonight I am in a good mood, so whatever.”

He made a very fake disinterested face that made her stifle a chuckle.

“Arnavji.” her smaller hands encased his larger one, her eyes looking into his

“Arnavji, I…I want to create a life with you. I want to feel a little-bit of you grow inside me… I… I want to be the mother of your child Arnav.” He freed his hands from hers and cupped her cheeks, his lips moving towards hers, all but whispering against their plump softness,

“Only if she has your eyes.” finally capturing her lips with his.

The sound of bangles brought him back to his study. She still stood at the door-way fidgeting with the dupatta, her beautiful hazel eyes cast downwards and those ridiculous pom-poms sneaking out a bit as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

He could never understand Khushi’s fascination with those silly, uncomfortable little balls, all over her ridiculously bright dresses. When she was pregnant, he had made it perfectly clear that she was to forgo her pom-poms for those nine months. And no amount of cajoling or emotional blackmail or threats of making him sleep on the recliner had worked. When a Raizada put their foot down, the decision was made.

And finally she had given birth to Joy. Well that’s what they had named their daughter with those wide hazel eyes.

What had followed were deliriously happy days for the entire family. Little Joy was welcomed in the family with open arms and Aarav had developed the big-brother-possessive-streak instantly. And with Aarav’s mighty temper Khushi often pitied their daughter’s future boyfriends, Arnav, though, was with his son on this. Khushi had laughed saying, he was never going to find anyone good-enough for his princess. And he had grumbled that they had lots of time. The goddess of fate took this as a challenge...

Arnav had gone to the hospital to collect Khushi’s reports. It had been three months since the delivery and she had been constantly unwell, running frequent fever, losing weight. The gynaecologist said there might be some post-delivery complications and so Arnav made sure that Khushi went through an extensive routine checkup. He had felt the exact extent of his love for her the moment he had first felt the fear of losing her. It was like, fate was taking away from him its gift, for that is what she was, a gift, he had done nothing to earn her love, he knew that well. The doctor had told him that Khushi had cancer. And he had burned every single moment since then. Arnav Singh Raizada was never a man to just meekly accept things thrown at him, he always fought back and this time, he had to… for his Khushi.

What had followed was a hurricane of doctors and specialists and hospitals from all around the world. Having found the truth Khushi had made it a point to get their daughter thoroughly checked-up for even the slightest hint of the disease but had been relieved to know that she had remained unaffected. He had witnessed her break down to pieces everyday. Needles were injected in her veins until it became tough to find a nerve that was not punctured. Those monthly cycles of Kemo therapies and Radiations, burning through every cell of her delicate frame. He had seen it all, never leaving her side for even a moment. He had also heard her silent sobs, when she would sit by the mirror and mourn the loss of those beautiful glossy hair strands, he mourned the loss with her.

After months of his battle against fate, the doctors had finally given-up, ‘It’s too late. We are sorry’ they had said. The family had prepared itself for what awaited them and even Khushi had made her peace with her Devi Maiya, she had a big heart after all and who knew it better than her husband. They were in Algeria that night. Some internet site that mentioned a rare African herb that had miraculous powers for curing cancer, had landed them there.

“This is madness Arnav and you know that.” the very last string of patience that Khushi had been holding onto had finally snapped.

“What do you want me to do Khushi? Give-up on you, give-up on us…like…like you have. I am a selfish man Khushi, I can’t let you go, not if it’s in my hands. And it is. It is.” the ferocity in his voice was lost towards the end, and with the anger, the surety had also faded.

“Arnav I don’t want to live like this, its like everyday I wakeup preparing myself that this might be my last day… my last day with my family, my children and you and I never get to spend any of if with you all, and every night I just silently pray to Devi Maiya, please just one more day. I can’t do this anymore Arnav. I am tired.”

“What do you want Khushi?” he had bared himself in front of her, how did it matter anyway, she could see right through all his coverings and masks.

“Arnav I want to enjoy life. There are so many things I had wanted to do like sneak inside a studio and watch Salmanji’s shooting once and I have to make my special gota sarees for everyone, Naniji, Mamiji, Di, Jiji and some gota dresses for our princess and I want to visit home once, I want to go back to Lucknow Arnav. And I want to do all this with you. I don’t want you to remember me like this Arnav, all broken and tattered. I want the memory of Sanka Devi to live even when I am gone. And you Mr. ASR have to tell our children all the stories of their crazy mother.” A sad smile played on his parched lips, seeing her trying to lift his spirits even while death…

“Promise me Arnav that she will know her mother. You have to be her eyes, she’ll see me, hear me, feel me through you. Promise me Arnav that my daughter will know me. I don’t want to die Arnav. I don’t want to die.” And the lovers held onto each-other until…

“Chote what is this, Joy has been standing here for so long, can’t you just talk to her for a moment. I am sure that AR Designs could survive a few minutes of your absence.” Anjali had an irritated expression on her face, and Arnav wasn’t even sure when she had come there, where was he?

“Di… wo… actually, ya sure come in.”

“Oh I needed flowers for Arti, I’ll just get them.” and saying that Anjali scurried off from there, giving the two their time and space.

She took slow hesitant steps towards the centre table where he was seated, upon reaching there he gestured her to take the other seat and she did.

“Are you sure you want to wear this? You don’t have to, you know. All your friends would be dressed in those…” but she cut in,

“It smells like her.” he looked into those hazel orbs, confusion visible in his own chocolaty ones, “Bui gifted it to me, she did the fitting and all, its hers.” she wasn’t sure how he would react to this.

“Oh!” and she was disappointed because that was all he said.

“So, I guess you are busy, I'll just leave then.” she turned to leave when his voice stopped her,

“Wait. I have something for you.” he went to a nearby locker and retrieved a slightly old looking box. But when he opened it, a pair of most beautiful payals peeked at her.

“Umhh! They were…”

“Ma’s” and Joy couldn’t hold in her emotions any longer and wept her heart out in his embrace. While Arnav held onto his daughter, she needed him, wiping off that lone tear before she could see it.

“Come now, sit here.” he sat her down on his chair and knelt in front of her, taking her feet on his lap and fastening her mother’s payal’s around her delicate ankles.

“Dad, I know how important these are to you… you don’t have to…”

“It’s her legacy Joy and it belongs to you, she would have wanted you to have it. And then it’s not everyday that a pretty young girl turns sixteen, right.” she smiled her thanks.

“Ok now you hurry down for the arti. I’ll see you guys there in a while for the party.”

She got-up and was about to step out of the room when something struck her. She halted at the doorway and turned around.
"Dad, do I look like her?" she asked in a small voice
"You have her eyes." he gave her a warm smile and earned a teary one in return. As she started on her way again he called her,

“And Joy, Happy Birthday.”

“Thanks dad.” and saying that she left the room, her payal weaving an old-new magic, bringing back, what he could never let go…

“I let go of your last legacy Khushi but you still have mine…”

Hope you guys liked it, please do let me know :)

Srija

Arhi ff: Tangent Worlds. Ch,2: Brothers and Sisters.

    Hey there all you lovely people, here is the second chapter of 'Tangent Worlds'. But first of all two fair warnings, firstly, this is not a TYPICAL Arhi romance, but a little mature reading, and by mature I mean the story-line and not just '18+ scenes'. A little clarification here, I said not a 'TYPICAL' romance, and this in no way means that the romance quotient would be absent. And secondly, I have not proof-read the whole thing yet, will do it later, as m super tired right now. But well, hope you'll enjoy this.

                          TANGENT WORLDS

               Ch-2: Brothers and Sisters

“Jijiiii”

Khushi woke up with a jerk. Her hands crushed her ears, in a desperate attempt to block that voice, her Jiji’s helpless cries for help. Helplessness gnawed at Khushi, and she was glad for the Numbness that seemed to understand her so well, enveloping her in her calm embrace, lulling her spirit to a deep hypnotic sleep and Khushi followed her, charmed and spell-bound by that serene lullaby as she ushered her to the dark palace of her master, Despair.  

Khushi felt her way to the kitchen, not bothering to turn on the lights… light or dark… how did it matter now, she had nothing to fear now and nothing more to lose…

She gulped some water down her dry throat and was about to return back to her room when the phone rang. She picked it up, and glanced at the wall-clock, it was quarter past eleven, who would call their home so late at night?

                       *************************

Arnav Singh Raizada entered the premises of the Oberai Hotel and made his way towards the restaurant area. Standing at the main entry, he scanned the space, his gaze halting at his table, or to put it a little more diplomatically, his preferred table, right in the middle of the hall. And there he was, the man whose stars have brought him to this exquisite restaurant, way beyond even his wildest dreams, in front of one of the richest business tycoons in the country, Arnav Singh Raizada. Now how lucky of unlucky his stars are, only time would tell. Arnav checked his limited edition, Louis Moinet ‘Meteoris’ watch, it was one minute to quarter past eleven. The man was right on time and punctuality impressed the man who understood the worth of time exclusively in monetary terms. Arnav straightened his Armani three piece and strode towards his reserved spot. His personality beckoning a unique mixture of sophistication and rawness, his stance breathe confidence, a bit over in fact.

“Arnav Singh Raizada.” He stretched out his hand towards the man, who got up and took his hand in a short but firm shake.

‘Self-confidence. Good’ Arnav noted to himself, while taking his seat.

“Good to meet you Mr. Raizada. Myself…” But he was cut in between, as Arnav signaled the waiter.

“Dalmore 1974 Single Highland Malt Scotch Whiskey, for me and…” Arnav trailed off looking towards his appointee for the evening.

“I would have a Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch. Thanks.”

The waiter wondered why Mr. Raizada’s company preferred, something so ordinary, while the man himself ordered a drink worth $1,250. When the waiter had retreated, he turned towards ASR and smiled as he said,

“Well I prefer limiting myself to the known, when in a respectable, formal company. It reduces the chance of making a fool of oneself.”

Now though the Raizada lacked humility himself, he did admire it others. For more often than not it boosted his ego.

“So, I hope you understand how very important this deal is for me. She is a Raizada after all.” Arnav was not a man to waste time in pleasantries and so came straight to the point.

“Yes Mr. Raizada, I am well aware of that and I feel honored that you considered me for this, even if as a mere probable option.”

The waiter came just then with their orders and the men halted in their discussion as the waiter poured their drinks for them.

“And I believe you are aware of her condition.” Arnav started as soon as the waiter had left.

“Condition?” the man sounded genuinely confused.

“Yes, well I hope you do know that she is barely twenty and still an undergraduate student. So her studies remain her priority.” Arnav had no second thoughts about it.

“Ofcourse Mr. Raizada, I completely agree with you. I mean, I myself hail from the Academic environment and so very well understand its importance.”

“I am glad we agree. Now for the money matters, what do you expect of this arrangement? And please be very clear about it as ‘SELF-LESS SAINTLY CONSCIENCEs’ is not something I believe in.” Arnav looked the man in his eye, as if to get a glimpse of his psyche, he sure seemed to have an interesting one.

“Well I guess we agree on that too Mr. Raizada.” and saying that he raised his glass as if to cosign his adherence to his host’s philosophy about life.

“I am sure you would have heard of this great guy, Hobbes, he said something about man being a ‘social animal’. What text was that?” Lines on his forehead collected into a frown as he concentrated.

“Oh right, ‘Leviathan’. And since then a lot of discussion has followed claiming that man is first and foremost a ‘selfish animal’. And in fact if you think about it, Hobbes’ entire theory was based on this very premise.”

He paused and looked at his host, who had a look on his face that clearly said, he knew more than just counting money.

“But I won’t bore you Mr.Raizada with all this. Well, you see the thing here is that I too come from a well-to-do family, well maybe not the filthy rich kinds, but we are decent enough. And I am sure you must have run a thorough background check on me, so you’d know that.” Stopping here he smiled at Arnav, who himself was sporting a devilish smirk on his handsome face.

“So, money is important but I don’t lust after it. As long as I am able to buy my favorite 125$ scotch once in a while then life is good. But I won’t deny being attracted to the glamour that surrounds the name Raizada and being associated to it would definitely work in my favor, not overtly perhaps, but no less significantly.”  

The guest took a sip of scotch from his glass, swirled the drink around his tongue, relishing its smoothness and then swallowed it down.

Impressing Arnav Singh Raizada was no less than a challenge, but he was impressed by his guest’s cunning, a very moderate and more believable presentation of self-respect, sprinkled with subtle hints of flattery. Arnav appreciated cunning, because it boosted his ego, for it never went undetected. ‘He is good.’ Arnav thought to himself and then continued,

“Finally, I hope you don’t have any issues with the last clause, because if you do, then there is no point in having this discussion.”

“Well, ofcourse Mr. Raizada, I am on board with this as well. After all she has a home and all I can offer her is an empty house. And no one understands the worth of home better than one who doesn’t have one. I am a selfish man Mr. Raizada, I long for what I don’t have.”

Arnav caught a faint hint of some suppressed pain on his face before it was replaced with a very charming smile.

Arnav gave a small nod and then stood up stretching his hand towards his guest who took it for a short shake.

“It was good meeting you Mr. Shyam Manohar Jha. I’ll call you with my decision in a few days time.”

“The pleasure is mine Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. Let me escort you to the gate.”

And the gentle-men left, reaching the parking in perfect silence.

As Arnav drove away in his car, Shyam took out his mobile and dialed a number.

“Hey.” the voice on the other side all but whispered.

“I think we did it Princess.” Shyam said in an indulging tone.

“Well, then shouldn’t you be calling me Queen now and not Princess.” he heard the super excited chirpy voice.

“Of course, Rani Sahiba!” he said while giving an indulging smile.

Shayam didn’t observe the white SUV facing his back or the man sitting inside and smirking in full glory.

‘Did they really think I didn’t know?’

And thinking that, smirking to himself, he drove away.

Well, didn’t I say that he loved Cunning, because she never failed her master, Arnav Singh Raizada.

PS: Do drop in your feed-back, I live for those :)

Toodles,

Srija.