Arhi FF, 'Chamkili' ch-7 The Mess We Make

Ok guys now before I go ahead with the update, let me warn you that this has not been proof-read, hence if u spot any grammatical error or any spelling mistake kindly let me know. And there r some important notes at the end of the update, please read those. 

Now this update is dedicated to mem1 and Nidsubh007 and Lara for being the sweethearts that they are J

                                         Chamkili

                                  Part-7

                         The Mess We Make

Arnav Singh Raizada was smiling. And no there was no Barney Stinson on the screen going off about the 'bro code' and neither was his crazy wife's besan covered face the reason this time. In fact he was all alone, sitting behind the steering wheel, driving his SUV and just... just like that... smiling. Shocking as it may sound... or maybe even goofy, but an adorably smug smile played on his lips.

'So Mrs. Raizada liked playing games, didn't she? Oh, how he would love to beat her at her own game. What did she say, hmm, the celebration should not be in their bedroom and should involve actual food... and so it shall.' Arnav smirked as his hands toyed with the bottle of chocolate syrup, his mind simultaneously toying with the images of when he would soon put it to good use. He was proud of his plan well you do not become Arnav Singh Raizada, if you lack the talent and courage of taking advantage of others mistakes, and with regards to his temptress of a wife, dammit he had all the haq.

As the traffic-light signalled a stop and he did, he looked outside and directly at a small food place. Well a petulant Khushi was the last thing he wanted tonight, especially considering his plans, and a hungry Khushi was a grumpy kid version and that wouldn't do. He wanted her in all her womanly glory tonight. And so making one of his more rare choices, that of listening to his good sense, he parked the car and got some food packed for his lovely wife, all her favorites. And to top it all, he bought some jalebi from a nearby sweet-shop. 'She'll be happy' and then of course it's only fair that she return my favor...' and with this pleasurable thought he finally parked his car outside KaLa at exactly 8 p.m. He called Khushi but she didn't pick up, he tried again and well, the same response and so he decided to just go inside and check for himself whatever the matter was. He spotted Lavanya near the entrance itself, she was with some of her employs.

"Hey! Lavanya Have you seen'"but Lavanya cut him off,

"Hey! ASR, what are you doing here. Guys I am sure you know Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada." she introduced him to her employs who all greeted him earning a tight lipped, smile?... or something of the sort in return

"Lavanya, I was asking about K..." but he was once again cut-off midway

"Ok people so I guess that's all for now, I'll see you guys tomorrow." she smiled at her employs dismissing them and she looked at her former boss, well he was livid almost and things didn't look too bright for her.

"ASR, wo actually..." and even before she could finish he was already moving towards the inner cabins but she had to stop him and so she pulled his arms,

"ASR please, could you come outside I need to talk to you. There is no point creating a scene here." he glared at her but then agreed and moved towards the parking instead.

"ASR I am sorry but I had to stop you there. I think Chamkili probably forgot to mention it to you or maybe she would have told you tonight. But she doesn't want anyone over here to know that you are her husband." she looked at him a little timidly, unsure of his reaction.

"Excuse me?" Arnav still wasn't sure if he heard it correctly. 'Khushi didn't want people to find out about their relationship? Was she out of her mind?' Arnav was already at the edge now and one small push was all he needed to raise all the fury of hell.

"And yes, I guess she forgot to inform you, but she left a little early today. I think she must have reached home by now." and that just did it. Arnav was livid now, ready to burst. And hence he hurriedly made his way towards car, knowing if he waited even a second more he would burst at anyone and everyone around but no he wanted to save his fury for its rightful deserver. And one look at him and she knew that calling him back right now would be inviting death and she didn't want to die so young and that too a spinster. So she just made her way back to the office, silently praying to Khushi's Devi Maiya to protect her devotee, for she needed it badly.

Soon he embarked upon another of his rash drives that fanned his fury all the more. His eyes fell on that innocent bottle of chocolate syrup and the next moment it was thrown out of the speeding SUV. And such was the force of his throw that no one would ever be able to find even a single shred of that glass piece.

"KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA, HOW BLOODY DARE YOU!" he hissed in a low tone as he finally stopped the car in front of shantivan.

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

Sheetal was standing in front of a mirror. Critically examining her image from all the various angles and' well, she couldn't see any major flaws there. In fact she was considered beautiful by people of both the sexes and she knew that she actually was. She then slumped on her bed as she wondered, 'But then why didn't he love me?' The thought had been gnawing at her for the past many days, well actually since the time she had had that chance encounter with him and his wife in the market place.

She still vividly remembered the day she had asked him out, oh yes, she was the one who had taken the lead in their relationship. After crushing on him for a long time and then being his friend for a while, she had finally mustered enough courage to set the wheels in motion and see where it goes. She proposed him. He had recently broken off with Cindy and that was their final year at Harvard and hence she just took the leap of faith, but then was pleasantly surprised when he had agreed to give it a go. Though he had made it very clear that he did not believe in marriage or even love for that matter and hence wouldn't commit to anything life-long or even long-term, but she had gone ahead with it anyway. Of course she had, for she didn't want to regret not taking this chance. And secretly in her heart of hearts she had harbored a little hope that maybe one fine day he'll just wake up and realize that he was in love and that day she wanted to be beside him... with him.  'How very stupid of me to expect love from someone who had no love... who had no heart!' she sighed. It would have been so much easier, had it actually been the case... had he actually been heartless. But she knew better, 'he did have a heart a beautiful heart... a heart full of endless love... it's just that his heart had always belonged to someone else.' She felt a lump growing in her throat. She glanced at Aarav sitting at the table, working meticulously on his homework. Aarav was enough for her, he had always been all she had ever wanted and all she would ever want. 'But then why this abyss of emptiness in me grows a little every day?' She decided to take a walk to distract herself from those turbulent thoughts. But as she entered the living-room she could hear some mumbling and though it was quite incoherent, still one could easily make out that the speaker was royally pissed. And as she looked at the love of his life, his wife, she once again wondered, 'where did I go wrong?'

Khushi was making jalebis and munching on the ready ones while talking to some invisible or maybe even non-existent entity. 'What does she have that I don't? What does he see in her? Yes she was beautiful and young and fresh but so am I... or at least was... six years ago, but that hadn't been enough for him then... had it?' her gaze zeroed on Khushi, the lady of the house... but soon she faded and some forgone but yet unforgotten images floated in front of her... it was as if the past had come alive.

"Happy birthday Sheetal!" Shaina, her room-mate wished her as soon as she woke-up, but then too lazy to get off the bed she had just stretched her arms calling Sheetal to her and she did go. They hugged and Shaina once again gave Sheetal her best wishes for the day.

A little while later, as she was standing in front of the mirror, giving some last touches to her make-up when she heard Shaina whistle as she stepped back in the room,

"Woho! Aren't you looking pretty today! All ready to blow Mr. Dreamy Eyes' super shatir dimag off, hmm?" Sheetal didn't say anything but she felt happy being appreciated for her looks. In fact she always made an extra effort to look good whenever she was with him. She finished giving a final coat to her gloss and then moved to where her hand-bags were piled on a shelf.

"Well, I am sure he must have planned something awesome for his girl-friend. And why not, he got perfect score for planning that super tough and entirely useless annual economic structure thing or whatever. Planning a birthday shouldn't be much for him, right?" she said rolling her eyes, one thing that she didn't like about her friend's boyfriend was the air of superiority that he seemed to have at all times. 'What a douche!' she cursed under her breath.

"Okay, now if you are done cursing my boy friend can we leave for college, he'll be picking me up from there." Sheetal all but dragged her friend as she juggled with her scarf and keys and hand-bag.

Sheetal had decided to skip the lecture, for it was Mr. Thomas's lecture and once in, it was impossible to leave until it was over and well making Arnav wait wasn't an option either. It was a choice between the Devil and the deep blue sea, and so to remain safe she decided to just hang around in the canteen. Though she wondered why was she actually waiting for him, not even once had he mentioned anything about her birthday plans since she had told him about it. 'Would he even remember and even if he did would he bother?' she didn't know.

Half the day was over and he hadn't even called her yet, she had started to sulk a little now.

"Sheetal I am sure, he must have gotten struck in the traffic, its really bad on Fridays." Shaina tried cheering her friend a little, "Why don't you call him?" and in a flash Sheetal was dialing Arnav's number, she thanked her stars when he picked up on the second ring itself.

"Yes Sheetal, anything important? I was busy." his voice cold, his tone clipped.

"Wo Arnav... actually... actually about the plan... I am waiting in the college." her heart sank a little.

"What plan? Sheetal what kind of childish behavior is this? You know we have our final project submissions next week and I am busy with it. What the hell has gotten into you?" he seemed really irked now, and she was on the verge of tears, so she moved to a secluded corner.

"Arnav... wo actually it's my birthday today and..." she hadn't even finished it when she heard his irritated voice,

"So?" both were silent for a while, which he broke finally.

"Look Sheetal if there is nothing else then I need to get back to my work, I'll see you later." and before she could reply the line went dead.

Sheetal wiped her slightly moist eyes and made her way towards Shaina.

"He wouldn't be able to make it, his Di is visiting and she is not well. But he said he was very sorry and that he'll make up for it soon. He is such a sweet-heart Shaina." Sheetal lied smoothly, she was getting better at it since her relationship with Arnav. Only the thing was, Shaina, her room-mate and also her childhood friend knew her a little too well. 'Ya right! Mr. Arrogant Singh Raizada was sorry!' But then Shaina would never say anything about it.

"Okay then birthday girl, what about my treat haan!"

She came out of her trance as she heard a loud bang from the kitchen, and then she saw Khushi picking up a ladle. Sheetal suddenly realized that she had walked upto the kitchen door in her trance.

"What do I do now? Now I can't lie to him and telling him the truth would be like awaking the Rakshasha in him." Khushi rambled, unaware of the audience she had now, who was trying hard to make sense of her ramblings but failing miserably. Her eyes widened as she checked the wall clock,

"Hey Devi Maiya! How could I forget? Why are you bent on testing me everyday, can't you just let me be for one day... just one day is it too much to ask. He said he would come to pick me up at 8 and he seemed so happy about the entire celebration thing, how could I forget about it." Khushi berated herself.

'Oh so that's the reason why Arnav postponed the meeting with the Russian delegates. So now apparently he could leave a multi-million dollar project hanging to just pick his wife up... while then even on my birthday..." she felt chocked again. But apart from tears something else also raised its head inside her... the attractive monster with those enchanting and all engulfing green-eyes.

Khushi made her way to her room, still lost in herself oblivious to Sheetal's presence, muttering something like,

"Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, he'll kill you. He won't even bother to roast you, he'll just eat you raw... hell he won't even bother to kill you, he'll just eat you alive. Hey Devi Maiya Raksha karna."

A minute later Sheetal heard Arnav's SUV stop and then saw a fuming Arnav enter and head straight to his room. A dark, sly smile made its way on her face.

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

Khushi was searching for a nice hiding place. She had a brilliant plan, she would hide until Arnav was asleep and the next morning she would make him some pan-cakes and maybe even wear that saree he had gotten for her, that would surely do the trick. So she hid inside the cupboard, the plate of jalebis still in her hand. 'Who said Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada didn't have brains?' She was happy with her plan, but there was one slight detail that Mrs. Shatir Dimag had missed, that... her Laad Governor could hear her heartbeats.

He entered the room enraged. She was no where to be seen... but he knew better. He walked upto the pool area, but she wasn't even there, he closed his eyes trying to contain his frustration... he needed to find her first. And then almost magically, as if guided by his own heartbeats he stood right in front of their cupboard. He opened the door with a jerk and hissed

"HOW DARE YOU KHUSHI! How dare you not tell me? How dare you... I went to your office and..."

'Hey Devi Maiya! HE KNOWS!' she was almost trembling with fear now, she needed to do some emergency control NOW. And so without even letting him finish, she said,

"Arnavji-I-had-no-idea-Samayji-was-there'" he froze as all he heard was SHYAMJI. 'Was that b****** following Khushi again? But how did that scoundrel get out?'

"Khushi, did he harm you? Are you okay? I'll set that useless commissioner straight, despite my orders that he shouldn't be released, that bloody son of a..." Khushi's head was spinning now, 'Arnavji knew him and Samayji was in jail?' Arnav was already in the middle of dialling the commissioner's number when Khushi said.

"Arnavji how do you know Samayji and why was he in jail... and... and how did you know about it? Hey Devi Maiya, did you..." and the rest of her words remained trapped somewhere inside her as a thought struck her, 'Hey Devi Maiya, did he do this because of me?' and her mind went in an overdrive picturing images of Samay chained in a dungeon, and Arnav laughing maniacally with a whip in his hand and then he unleashed the whip and...

"NAHI!" Khushi screamed.

"Khushi are you alright. And what are you talking about, they arrested him in front of all of us, you were there. In fact that Shy..." and then he turned towards her, the lines on his forehead gathered in a frown,

"Khushi who the hell is this Samayji?"

"But you just said that..." he didn't let her finish,

"Khushi don't test my patience, Just answer me DAMMIT!" he snarled towards the end. He was worried sick about another maniac behind his sweet little wife.

"Wo Arnavji actually... actually he was my senior at school and..." she said in a low voice.

"Why didn't you tell me? Are you okay?" he hugged her to himself, sliding his fingers soothingly on her back.

"Arnavji, I am sorry. I really didn't know about it' I had forgotten him completely and I was so shocked when I saw him today. I should have told you before that I had a crush on him. But it totally skipped my..."

"What!" he moved her out of his embrace to look at her face as he roared. And Khushi was dead scared now. She held his hands that were clutching her shoulders and closed her eyes, preparing herself for ASR's wrath.

"Arnavji believe me, it was just a small crush... I was so young... I was just in fourth grade and... and all my friends said he liked me and... and he was the head-boy and even Preeto said he was good and I was mad... hey Devi Maiya why did I do that! I am sorry Arnavji but... but I didn't know he would be there at KaLa, had I had any inkling of that I wouldn't have taken that job. Arnavji please..." and she was on the verge of tears when she heard that sound she loved the most in the entire world... the sound of his carefree... happy laugh. But as always it left her confused.

"Khushi, Oh you are such a kid." and saying that he pulled her in a tight possessive embrace.

"But Arnavji you were so angry then how... why..." she didn't know how to say what she wanted to say.

"Khushi I was angry because I thought you were talking about Shyam and I was worried." he paused for a bit before continuing further,

"So you had a crush when you were what?... barely ten? Not bad Mrs. Raizada." he teased her and earned a smack on his chest in return.

"Aww! Khushi you are the one who had a crush and still you are beating me... now that's not fair, is it?" he said keeping his tone deliberately sombre.

"Arnavji I am so sorry. I know I shouldn't have done that... I feel so bad' it's like I cheated..." and sobs raked her body.

"Khushi I was joking. Please don't cry baby. I am so sorry. I was just kidding." he tried soothing her with gentle strokes of his hands on her back and then lifting her in his arms he took her to their bed, laying her on it. He faced her as he supported himself on his elbow, his fingers gently massaging her hair.

"Khushi its okay, really. You didn't even know I existed back then and such things happen. And you just had an innocent crush on him... and I am sure you do realize you ended up with much better right?" and he felt a little relieved as she smiled a little.

"Okay so you had a crush on one guy in your school but I am still leading here... for I had... wait let me count my girlfriends once again, Cindy, Lata, Samantha... Aww! Khushi you seriously need to stop doing this" he made a face as his wife once again smacked him but then kissed her forehead as she gave him a warm smile.

"Khushi you are mine and I am yours, we love each other and there is no doubt about it and don't you ever doubt my love and trust for you okay." she smiled and pulled him in her embrace

"Arnavji" her fingers massaged his scalp.

"Hmm?" his eyes were closed as he enjoyed the magic that her hands weaved.

"I love you dammit!" and with that she captured his lips with hers... taking him by surprise. It was the first time that she had taken an initiative...

The last coherent thought he had before he dissolved himself in her was,

'Hell I shouldn't have thrown away that chocolate syrup.'

But then as Khushi's fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, it didn't really matter any more...

The night was still young and so were the lovers lost in each others arms... their bodies burning in a passion that needed no other fuel but love to burn through their bodies and souls...

Love

Srija

Author's Note: 

Guys first of all thanks a lot for reading this story, it really means a lot to me and a special thanks to all those lovely people who take time to put their thoughts in comments and me me feel awesome by pressing the like tab.

Now coming to the important stuff, I know the story has become a little complicated now, but I had warned you beforehand that this wouldn't be one of those classic, 'Sheetal is a bitch' story. I am not too sure about where this story is going but I would like to think that you weren't too disappointed with the update 

And I am thinking of editing my buddy list coz I have been sending PMs to many people who don't even read these stories so if you want to continue being on my buddy list please confirm your presence on my story threads. Also I wouldn't be receiving buddy request from random people from now on, if you want to receive PMs please make your presence known here.

And, finally guys my finals begin on the 10th of May, hence I am not very sure as to when I'll be able to update any of my stories next, don't expect much before the 20th at least but you might be surprised for an idea of a three shot is brewing in my head and I might just write it. Guys please wish me luck, need it badly

Tangent Worlds. Ch-5, 'Destined Destinations'

                                TANGENT WORLDS

                        Part: 5

                          Destined Destinations

As they entered the Lucknow station, the announcement was being made,

“Yatri kripya dhyan den, Katihaar se Delhi tak jaane wali 230468 Amrapali Express kuch hi samay mein platform sankhya 3 pe aane wali hai. Dhanyawaad.”

“Passengers attention please, train no. 230468, Amrapali Express, from Katihaar with destination to Delhi will be arriving shortly on platform no.3. Thankyou.”

While Khushi was trying to catch her breath, Sumit once again grabbed her hand and together they ran towards the over-bridge, his one hand clutching hers while with the other one he dragged a trolley-bag. And the moment they disappeared from the view, merging with a throng of dissimilar yet similar people, Madhumati entered the station. Halting at the entry she scanned the crowd adjusting her glasses while waiting for her breathing to normalize a bit, but then not finding anything or rather anyone that interested her she made her way towards the enquiry.

“Hai re Nand Kisor! Aye Babua make way for me. How shameless has this new generation become, they have lost all their decency and respect for elders. Aree hato, rasta do Nand Kisor.” and as she reached the counter, pushing people standing in the line she finally asked,

“Aye Nand Kisor, what is the position of the train to Delhi?”

“Kaki, there are two of them now, which one are you asking about?”

“Aye Nand Kisor, tell me about both and make it fast.”

“Ok, Lucknow-Delhi Mail would be departing shortly from platform no.5 and Amrapali Exp. would arrive any moment now on platform 3.”

“Jeete raho Babua!” and with that she made her way towards the over-bridge. 

Madhumati decided to check the Lucknow-Delhi Mail first, for it could leave any moment and then she could go check the other one, while in her heart she prayed her beloved God that she got lucky the first time itself. And it seemed that he was in a good mood, for as she was crossing through the over-bridge, she caught sight of something yellow, and not the mellow, sophisticated version of it but the bright, chamkili shade. ‘Now only Sankadevi would have guts to wear that.’ And thus forgetting about her earlier plan she took sure steps towards where she had seen the vision in yellow. As Khushi turned around, her eyes widened first in shock and then as the image of Buaji standing right in front of her sunk in there was pure terror in those huge, beautiful eyes. And, oh what a vision it was. The first thing that came to her mind was to run away and hide somewhere. And well as was true of her nature she acted on impulse but it seemed like Buaji knew her niece a little too well and so anticipating her move, she gripped her delicate wrist pulling her back as turned to make a run for it, and a bit too roughly at that making her hiss in pain.

“Aaaau Buaji that hurt!” Khushi whined but Madhumati still didn’t let go of her hand. Just then Sumit returned back to the spot carrying two bottles of mineral water, a packet of achari masti lays and a box of sweets in his hands, completely unaware of the older woman’s presence.

“Khushi, they were out of jaleb… Aaaa!” and he too screamed as Buaji’s free hand pulled his ear.

“Buaji what are… Aaaau” and he screamed again as her hand left his ear only to slap the back of his head.

“You idiots, what were you thinking? You were supposed to get married today, in fact you still are. Just come back with me.” her stern face deemed no opposition and so none came, hence she continued,

“Hey Nand Kisor, what would have happened had someone else found about this stupid letter of yours, there are so many guests in the house and all they need is something to gossip about. What am I going to do with you Sankadevi.” and saying that she turned around and tried pulling Khushi along with her but she felt resistance, not the overtly physical one for Khushi knew she stood no chance there, but a more subtle kind of resistance. Though subtle, it was no less sure or strong, and Madhumati could feel it. She turned around facing her dearest niece once again, witnessing her moist eyes and some tear drops threatened her eyes as well.

“Titaliya?” she looked at Khushi questioningly.

“I cannot do it Buaji. I just can’t.” she looked down, desperately trying to withhold the tears that threatened to spill any moment now.

“Bitiya, you do know what this will do to your life. Your name, your position in our society will be maligned forever. And what about our family’s name, your father’s honor?” and saying that she lifted her face, and looking directly into her glistening eyes, she further said,

“Titaliya, it will destroy your chance at having a normal, happy life forever. Are you really ready to give all this up.” she said gently cupping her Titaliya’s cheeks gently.

“There is no family without Jiji, Buaji.” her voice was strong, her tone certain. She continued,

“And about society, well they weren’t there to help her when she needed them, so why should I care now.” both her eyes and voice flared with anger.

“And what about you Titaliya, what about your life, your happiness?” This in fact Madhumati was most worried about.

“Buaji, I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror again, I’ll lose all my self-esteem… If I don’t go now, I’ll be killing my conscience and how will I even take Devi Maiya’s name ever again. I wouldn’t be happy if I lose all that’s me Buaji and seeing me die everyday will kill all those whom I love and who love me. I am selfish Buaji, I have to save Jiji for myself as well, for I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t. I’ll die if I don’t.” her voice broke towards the end, but then her Buaji embraced her imparting all her strength to Khushi.

“You have made your choice Bitiya and let me warn you that it’s not an easy one…” Khushi looked at her Buaji with wide gloomy eyes to which the older woman smiled, and covered her with a red shawl with golden border.

“But it is the right one Titaliya.” and Khushi smiled, sure at last that her family was not lost to her.

“Buaji, the wedding? Babuji? Amma?” Khushi almost chocked, unable to form any coherent sentence.

“Bitiya all choices have their own consequences, good and bad and we have to accept both. And you don’t worry Sumit and I will manage it over here and I hope you weren’t planning on accompanying her to Delhi, because then we might as well have had the wedding…” Buaji trailed off and the until then silent Sumit spoke, trying to save Khushi the embarrassment,

“Arre Buaji, how can your Nand Kisor ever leave you, hmm? In fact truth being told I agreed to marry this Jhalli just because of you, you know.” and he smiled one of his super cheesy smiles, he always kept reserved for Buaji, while she slapped him across his arm gently, according to her at least. just then the train finally entered the platform and they started to hurry.

“Sanka Devi, where are you going to stay, have you thought of all that or did you just get up and leave in your sanak.” she asked while they moved towards S7.

“Buaji, I got enrolled in this All India Literature Seminar and they have residing facilities within the campus, so you don’t have to worry.” but as she saw her Bua giving her unsure glances which were soon turning into angry glares, she soon improvised,

“Oh Sumit told me about it, he planned everything.” Buaji visibly relaxed at it. By then they had already reached Khushi’s seat and while Sumit was settling her luggage, Buaji took out some hefty cash and looking around carefully stuffed it in Khushi’s bag. Well knowing that her Bua had no direct source of income except for her Fufaji’s pension money, which she would miserly spend and diligently save, Khushi was obviously not very happy taking money from her so she tried protesting, not just ceremoniously but actually.

“Buaji, I have money. I have saved so much already and besides Sumit lent me the amount required for enrolment and other official stuff, so I really don’t need it.”

“Sanka Devi, musibat kabhi bata kar nai aati hai, samji, so just quit arguing and take it and if you don’t want to spend it, just take it for safe-keeping. You’ll be all alone there Titaliya, you have no idea how worried sick we’ll all be here, just keep it for my peace of mind. And oh that reminds me, here is my phone and yes let me take out the sim-card from it, that won’t be very safe, but get a new number as soon as you get there and call me… but no that could be dangerous, always call Sumit bitwa and that too from some public number, ok?...” she was so lost in her tirade that she missed the train whistle signaling its departure.

“Buaji, we should get down, the train would be leaving any moment now.” and with that he grasped her hand and led her to the exit, with Khushi following them in the tail and as they were about to get down Khushi couldn’t control herself and engulfed or rather tried to engulf her Buaji’s huge frame in a fierce embrace.

“Arre Titaliya, it’s not like you are leaving forever. Your Jiji awaits you Bitiya and we shall wait for the two of you. Nand Kisor and Devi Maiya are always with you, don’t worry.” she patted her back and gently pried her hands away and then looking in her glistening eyes with her own misty ones she said,

“I never thought I would say this, but your buaji will miss your sanak Sankadevi.” and the train finally moved slightly jerking the two women and Sumit came to their aid, helping the older one down and smiling at the younger one.

“Take care Khushi.”

“Hai re Nand Kisor! How could I forget, Garima gave this to me to give it to Khushi. Aye Khushi!” and she tried running towards the gate but Khushi was no longer there, in a flash Sumit grabbed the little pouch from her hand and made a dash towards the window of Khushi’s seat.

“Khushi, your Amma gave this to you.” he said passing the pouch to her through the window, still jogging to match the train’s momentum.

“Amma?” she sounded confused. But right then Sumit shoved it in her hand. Khushi looked up a little surprised as he held on to her hand, it seemed like he wanted to say something… But he didn’t… and he let go of her hand, standing still looking at her as she sped off with the speeding train. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to shut off the image of him, waiting? She didn’t know. But the truth was she did. She knew that he would have waited for her, would probably still wait for her… like he wanted to wait for her… and yet she couldn’t bring herself to comfort him with just some words… that… that ‘she would come back so hold on, wait for her.’ and she knew he would have been ecstatic, even if he’d have to wait his entire life. And even though she knew she would come back, she didn’t really know if she would ever return back to him. For while their old bond lay in a disarray and at least she couldn’t envision a new one, the one that he wanted.

“Hmm!” a sigh escaped her lips. ‘He really loves me, doesn’t he? But why can’t I find it in myself to love him back.’ Khushi thought to herself as the image of a waiting Sumit flashed back in her mind and she clutched the little pouch in her fist to her heart… as Amrapali Expresses headed towards its destination, Delhi… and took her to her destined destination…
**************************

“Arnav!” Nani yelled yet again as her grandson headed for the door and without giving her a backward glance made his way towards his SUV. On his way out he saw Aakash’s car entering the mansion premises, and he glimpsed a wasted Aakash on the back seat while the driver, Mohan, pulled in the car.

‘What went wrong?’ Arnav wondered and it wasn’t his fault if he couldn’t figure it out for about a year ago things were fine, Aakash was exactly what a 24 year old, MBA student should be like, normal and most importantly happy, well sort of at least. So what changed? he had no answer to that for he was not the most sensitive of men but even when he had tried asking Aakash what the problem was, his younger brother had just brushed him off telling him that’s exactly how rich, young men live. And well didn’t Arnav himself live such a life, although his imbalance was sort of balanced and subtle and not as glaring as Akash’s. The emptiness and pain and vulnerability did exist in his life but he had long since mastered the part of a cold and calculative business tycoon, hiding Arnav behind that immaculately played persona of Arnav Singh Raizada. But Aaksh’s wounds lay uncovered, his vulnerability too obvious and living in the world they did, it could actually destroy him.

Not knowing things related to those close to him frustrated Arnav to no limit and seeing the emptiness in their eyes and yet being unable to do anything about it tortured something inside him, it hurt… his heart? Well he couldn’t be too sure. What had he not done to safeguard his siblings against those nightmares that haunted him every night, to protect them from those tormenting memories which he relived every single day of his life? But it seemed like life finally caught up with them, well with Aakash at least. And that is what made his resolution to protect his sister from all that was dark and ugly and… well real, all the more fierce and concrete. And that could only happen, if she was under his wing, always and hence his search for the perfect husband for her and the perfect ghar-jamai for the Raizadas. Shayam Manohar Jha was actually a good option as he was mature, self-dependent, seemed family oriented and had no objection about any of his clauses. And also that Anjali liked him worked in this guy’s favor. So far he seemed like the perfect match for his barely twenty sister. Although, the background check he had ordered would take some time and so would his final decision. And his contemplation was hindered as his phone rang just that moment.

“Yes Aman.” The lines on his forehead collected in a frown as he heard what his PA had to say.

“I don’t care Aman I told you last week it self that I won’t be available today, you should have taken care while fixing this meeting with Kapoors and Sons co.”

he again listened and literally shouted at the end of it,

“Are you implying that I am lying or that I am careless… answer me dammit.” he then visibly calmed a bit as his PA probably apologized.

“See the meeting is design centric, right? So just consult Meghna, she’ll be able to handle that. And I’ll be there in the evening for the meeting with the Brazilian delegates. Call me if there is some problem. Ok.” and with that he disconnected the call.

The red light signaled him to stop and he did. The traffic was getting worse by the moment and that wasn’t really helping his temperament. He suddenly remembered that Aman was indeed right about him not mentioning about his absence today, but then just because he knew he was wrong, didn’t mean he would accept it. Who was the boss after all? And being the boss he needed to maintain a certain image. He wondered what would happen to his image if his employs knew that a man who traveled by exclusive private jets was right now heading towards Nizamuddin Terminal to receive someone. And Arnav couldn’t help as a smug smile appeared on his face.
**********************************

Entering the station he headed straight towards the enquiry,

“What is the position of Amrapali Express?” his tone uselessly formidable, habit perhaps.

“It is expected to arrive in about an hour.” the man behind the counter seemed least bothered about the fact that a muti-millionare stood in front of his counter and so did the multitude of people behind him who were pushig him to get to the counter. Arnav made his way towards a relatively empty area. He decided to wait in the car for the environment was not much of his liking.

“How many times have I told her that there is absolutely no need to travel by these lousy trains, but no, when has she ever listened to me? And her orders, do not call me, when I am in Lucknow, its family time. Bloody unbelievable! And these bloody trains, never on time. What can you expect when fucking assholes regulate this country.” and busily cursing the Indian Railways and her he made his way towards the exit, only to be stopped in his way as he felt someone pulling at his pants. And he looked down to see two huge dark eyes staring back at him.

“Arre Beta, how many times have I told you, this is bad manner. Comeon now say sorry to uncle.” but the toddler was probably another ASR in making, for she just made a face, slapped her father’s head and made her way towards a woman reading some magazine, her mother perhaps, Arnav thought.

“Sorry Bhaisaab, I don’t know why but she has huge issues with saying sorry.” the man apologized instead.

“It’s okay, I understand.” and funny as it may seem he actually did. The stranger smiled at him and made his way towards his family, perhaps? 

Dropping his plans of leaving for the SUV and sat on a corner bench fascinated by the child. For the next one hour the kid entertained the great ASR without even trying to as he ran all over the place and slapped his father mercilessly, laughed and cried and at times did both at the same time, he sang and danced unaware and unabashed in his innocence. Is it right what they say, ‘ignorance is bliss’, he wondered.

Finally the announcement was made,

“Yatri kripya dhyan den, Katihaar se nikal kar, Lucknow ke raaste Delhi aane wali Amrapali Express platform sankhya 1 par aane wali hai.”

“Passengers please pay attention…

 And as the train finally entered the station premises, Arnav made his way towards S7, yes that was where her reservation was.

“Hell, she wouldn’t even agree on an AC booking” he mumbled again.

The train finally stopped and hoards of passengers started de-boarding the train, pushing anyone and everyone around, not even caring if the great ASR was in their way and this frustrated him to no extent. As another one pushed him he turned around muttering a ‘What the!’ but froze mid-way as her heard someone shriek and then saw a flash of red… half sitting, half laying on her luggage which lay on the ground. A beautiful red shawl with intricate golden design covered her yellow-clad form and dark curtains of her waist length hair curtained her face from him. he sub-consciously craned his neck a bit to get a better view of her face. he saw her trying to get up, but she slipped again, and Arnav took a sub-conscious step towards her, but then stopped in his tracks as his conscious mind took control. And by then even she had managed to stand… her back facing him.

‘Well it wasn’t a practical possibility to save her from that fall.’ he though to himself, what scared him though was that he had wanted to. Wanting to save some stranger, now here was a first for the Raizada.
*************************

Khushi felt the continuous piercing gaze on her back. She was scared and angry… but she was also alone, hence she decided to work on the scared part, leaving out the anger part. She thus decided to move from there, but the gaze though giving her goosebumps was strangely… warm… and she couldn’t stop herself as she turned her head slightly… her eyes for some unknown reason halting on a black suit clad figure some distance from her…

PS: So guys, how was it? I know its a little slow paced, but that's how I planned it. Just be a little patient, wheels of action are set in motion now. Do drop in your comments.

Love,

Srija

Arhi FF: 'Tangent Worlds' ch-4, Wrong-Right Right-Wrong Choices

                           TANGENT WORLDS

                         Part: 4

                 Wrong-Right Right-wrong Choices

‘The fateful day was here at last.’ Garima thought with a wistful sigh. Standing still at the door, her eyes penetrated the darkness looking in the direction where her distraught daughter had disappeared not too long ago.

How many nights Garima, the mother had spent praying her Devi Maiya to never let her daughters face the question that had haunted her existence, since she developed that wretched faculty called brains.

“Amma, isn’t Jiji family?” Khushi’s voice resonated in her mind once again. Though wrapped in a new voice, the question wasn’t exactly new to her, she had lived her entire life… denying it… fighting it… accepting it… all her life… with it. ‘Her daughters had finally inherited her demons, and that was all she had to pass on to them.’ she thought with a wry smile, how very delusional of her to ever think that Khushi and Payal had any chance at escaping it… how very delusional. 

She didn’t know how long she had been standing at the door of her room and finally as a sigh of resignation escaped her lips, she turned back moving towards her bed, her legs felt heavy as she dragged them across the room. But the next moment she halted in her tracks as hauntingly beautiful musical notes cut through the dense air around her. Her feet gave up and she sank at the foot of the bed. She was playing again… after months and Garima didn’t know how to feel about it, relieved or apprehensive… content or miserable… as a whirlwind of long suppressed emotions erupted within her, once again, threatening to engulf everything… and she knew she was… scared.

In a dark corner of that weather beaten and time scarred house was a small room, unoccupied generally, but at the moment Madhumati stood aghast at its door. Khushi’s hair flew wildly around her face crowning her with a majestic dark halo, her hands moved in frenzy on the keys of the piano as she created unbridled passions that promised pure destruction. Thunderous storms brew both in and out. And as the hysterical roars of the wilderness in nature met with the frenzied notes of her piano, the wilderness within her… the earth, the sky and all that lay amidst witnessed in awe the destruction, for old things had to be destroyed, old structures demolished to give way to new ones… yesterdays have to end today, so tomorrow can make way. What that tomorrow will hold… no one knew but her Devi Maiya and she was as mum as always.
***********

Sleep was one of the few things that lay beyond the regime of Arnav Singh Raizada’s dictatorship and tonight it seemed like she had decided to evade him entirely. And so a tall, lean figure could be seen standing near the French windows that opened towards the pool area in Shantivan. As the flashes of lightening speared through the winds at irregular intervals a pair of dark and dangerously stormy eyes could be seen, and through those windows, the storm that raged within.

Arnav felt a sense of camaraderie with the storm, a unique empathy, as if it understood him. He was glad for the thunder, for it was in moments like these that the constant roar inside him was numbed for a while… that he could escape the agonizing screams of his mother even if for a little while. Storms and thunders brought numbness for him… a numbness that gave an impression of forgotten pains and healed wounds… false impressions indeed. But tonight as he stood there,  leaning against the door frame, his face a mask of strange calmness, his eyes closed as slight drizzle caressed his face in an attempt to soothe his pain, faint musical harmony reached his ear. He thought he was dreaming but then he opened his eyes and the melody was still there, the agitated harmony surrounded him. Try as he might but he couldn’t locate its source but neither could he deny its reality, it was surreal as if the winds and the rains brought the harmony along with them… a gift for him. And then realization stuck him. ‘But… but it was so long ago… so long ago that even his memories seemed slightly faded now. How could it be?’ and with that thought madness took over and he ran from his room, down the stairs, out of the main door and towards the out house. His breathing labored, his eyes blood-shot, his form drenched, his heart racing, as he took slow steps towards the out-house. And a little flutter of hope that he had felt inside him after ages died before it could even breathe as he came face to face with the closed door. He let out a sigh of resignation and leaned against the door closing his eyes once again. Not a tear escaped the confines his eyes, his misery had crossed the point where tears could express it… he had traveled long and far with his best-friend and his arch-nemesis, Despair… there was no looking back now. He still didn’t have the courage to open those closed doors for he knew if he ever did, he would lose the comfortable blanket of numbness and this frozenness was the best he could hope for… and so with one last pained look at the closed door he returned back to his room.
************

She found herself on her bed in her room when she woke up, she didn’t know how and when she came here, the last thing she remembered was her mother pleading with her to go along with her father’s decision, his decision to punish Jiji for no fault of hers while the one who ought to be punished enjoyed life and was probably stalking another beautiful soul to tear apart. Khushi Kumari Gupta wouldn’t let it happen, her decision was made and call her rigid, adamant, impractical, impulsive… well call her whatever you want but once the decision was made she followed it through the very end… Khushi Kumari Gupta made her own choices, crystal clear ones at that and saw them through the very end, never even considering a backup or a back out. And so her decision made, she sent a quick text, impatiently waiting for the reply and once it came, she quietly slipped out of the bed and her dupatta around her neck and her foot-wear in her hands, she very stealthily crept out of the house… unaware of a pair of eyes watching her. Well needless to say Khushi was missing from the breakfast table that morning and that sent Sashi’s mind in an overdrive…
*************

 Arnav descended the stairs, his mind still lost in the happenings of last night. ‘Was it a figment of my imagination? Is my brain playing games with me? No it cannot be… but it seemed so real… the strings of music, the Piano. It was as if she was… No he couldn’t let himself fall back in that dark abyss again, No! His family needed him.’ and with his determination renewed and his mask back in place he strode towards the dining table… If only he knew that abyss he was scared of, lay within him, clinging to the numbness and thriving Despair it grew… a little every day.

Nani and Anjali were there and Aakash’s absence was nothing new so Arnav didn’t ask about it and no one bothered to explain… It was just easier to pretend that everything was fine.  They all took their respective seats, Nani at the head of the table and Arnav and Anjali on her either side… and they waited. Arnav hated this, every single day that man would deliberately come late for he knew it would infuriate him but more than that Arnav knew that he just wanted to assert his importance, his position in the family. Arnav looked at their waiting faces once and started with his breakfast, he wouldn’t force them to defy but that didn’t mean that he would obey… Never.

And finally, Aryan Singh Raizada decided to grace those at the table with his presence. He sat at the farther end occupying the seat of the head of the family and smiled at everyone, finally giving his eldest son a look of contempt which was met with a look of pure loathing and so without another word the Raizada family started their breakfast. Finally Aryan broke the silence and with it the faint impression of peace that surrounded them,

“So how is the search going Arnav, for Anjali’s husband… the Raizada ghar-jamai?” The sarcasm and scorn blatant in his voice and for a moment all activity around stopped, but then Arnav menacingly cut the omelet in his plate and resumed eating and the others followed his cue. Aryan was irate, but only for a moment, he was a man rarely deterred.  And hence Aryan continued,

“You could have looked through some of my suggestions. I had some really good ones lined up there. But you wouldn’t even take a look. I am…” he trailed off but again no one replied,

‘You haven’t ever given me a chance to trust you in my entire life and I am not going to start now.’ Arnav thought with a finality that was visible in his visage as he passed him a cold glare and got off his chair.

And as Aryan saw Arnav leaving the dining space, he played his master stroke,

“Anjali, I was wondering if you applied for that All India Seminar happening next month.” and it hit right at the point as Arnav stopped in his tracks, his back to the table he stood still. Aryan smirked in his direction and continued,

“I mean it shouldn’t be a big deal getting in for you, considering AR is its chief sponsor.” He then looked at Anjali’s shocked face and feigned ignorance, “Oh you didn’t know. Didn’t Arnav tell you? I wonder why?” and with a satisfied smile he left the table.

Arnav still stood immobile and Anjali stared at his back, while Nani passed her a sad but reassuring look. Arnav had had his own reasons to hide this from his younger sister. He wanted her to be self-sufficient and not dependent on his position for achieving anything in life, and he also knew that if Anjali asked for anything, he didn’t have it in him to deny it to her.

But it wasn’t a lost opportunity that bothered Anjali… it was the lost trust. ‘Did he really think that I would use his power and influence to get ahead in my life? Doesn’t he trust me? Doesn’t he know me?’ and with that thought she got-up and moved towards her room, attempting to nurse her hurt self respect.

Arnav let out a sigh of dejection, he knew exactly what she was thinking and he would admit for once… and at least to himself that he was wrong…
************

A group of school girls blushed and giggled looking at the tall, fair and handsome light-eyed man sitting on the park bench. What they probably missed though was the figure of the sad, dejected woman sitting by his side.

“Is it selfish of me to be happy to find that my sister is still alive… despite everyone’s pain and suffering, I can’t help but be a little happy that she is still somewhere, waiting for me. Am I a bad person Sumit?” her faint voice was a plea for reassurance and Sumit, her friend would give her just that. He cupped her face and turned her to face him,

“Khushi you love her and you are happy because your love for Payal is beyond and above everything else. Its pure, its unadulterated, its true. Its Khushi’s love after all, it got to be crazy.” and he was relieved to see her faint teary smile.

“Sumit I have to go to Delhi.”

“But how do you know that she is there?”

“I don’t, but I have to start from some where and she was last seen there, I might get some clue from there. I think I’ll leave tonight itself.”

“Khushi, are you crazy! We need to plan this through. If you leave tonight Sashi uncle will use all his sources to get you back, after all you are his last hope for a societal salvation and he wouldn’t give up on that easily.” seeing her worried expression, he caressed her face, soothing her frowns, “Khushi, don’t worry, we’ll be figure out something. Just give me some time, okay? And for now, you just go back and behave normally, okay? I’ll call you tomorrow. Don’t worry I’ll take care of everything.” And then as he looked in her eyes, he knew he wasn’t going to like what came next.

“I am sorry Sumit, but… but I… I can’t marry you.” and Khushi looked deep in the eyes of her best friend and what she saw scared her, ‘there was hurt and pain and was it… was it LOVE?’ she shut her eyes trying to un-see what she had seen. His hands still cupping her cheeks, he was lost in her ethereal beauty and Khushi for the first time felt something different in his touch… in her best-friend’s touch and she was scared to open her eyes… to look into his eyes and see a confirmation of what she had seen earlier… too scared to face it. But then his phone rang, breaking their trance, she straightened and got up and he answered it,

“Ji Sashi uncle, Khushi is with me. Yes, she was about to leave. okay I’ll tell her. Ji.” he cut off the phone and looked at her, her back faced him,

“Khushi, Shahi uncle called…”

“I know. I’ll head back home then and I’ll wait to hear from you again. Bye Sumit.” and with that she moved towards the exit of the park, not daring to turn back even once…

He had smiled then, a charming smile, he couldn’t help his charming smiles but this time it was accompanied by a hollowness in his eyes. He was never delusional enough to believe that she loved him, the way he did and yet it hurt, it hurt bad to see that terrified look in her eyes, terrified of never being able to reciprocate his love, ever. ‘How was she so sure of it?’ he wondered, but then reason and love haven’t really been best buddies, have they?

“I am sorry Sumit, but… but I… I can’t marry you.” he could hear her say and all he wished was she had just added ‘now’ at the end, but alas!
************

Take Care :)

Srija.

 PS: Hey guys, so this was the fourth chapter of Tangent Worlds, okay I know it may seem a little hurried, coz it actually is, so I might do some editing some time in future, but I don't think any major changes would be made, so no worries. Well I hope you guys like it and please do let me know what u thought of it, your criticisms and compliments really inspire me. :)