Arhi SS: Chamkili. Part-10, 'The Raizada Men.'

            
So, before I start with the update I want to dedicate this part to my lovely friend on India Forums, Gita, or as she is popularly known, mem1. She was generous enough to write an entire section about my writing on her brilliant thread 'Musings of Arnav Singh Raizada' and this dedication is my little way to express my gratitude for all this free publicity :) Love you dear :)

                   The Raizada Men!

“Okay Mr. Raizada, I understand your frustration but I’d expect a well educated and proficient man like you to respect the professional decorum of my work place.” Dr. Sinha said in a calm voice while looking through the forms that Mrs. Raizada had filled as per the hospital requirements, not even sparing him a single look. And to the credit of the said Mr. Raizada, he had the decency to look visibly embarrassed at his previous conduct. He mumbled a hasty apology that to his further annoyance went unacknowledged.

“Okay, so Mrs. Raizada your form says that you are twenty-three and that you have been married for almost a year now.” Dr. Sinha looked directly at Payal.

“Ji.” she replied softly.

“Hmm! Now I need to ask some questions from you before I proceed with the second level of diagnosis. And these questions are of an intimate nature, so are you comfortable with your husband here or would you prefer some privacy.” Payal looked a little unsure at this and before she could make her mind her husband spoke for her,

“Ofcourse I’ll stay.” Dr. Sinha wondered if she had imagined the hint of panic and vulnerability in his voice.

“Well, it is not your choice to make Mr. Raizada.”

“Ji, I want him to stay.” Payal said trying to defuse the tension that seemed to surround the trio. And her husband did seem a bit relaxed after that.

“Sure.” Dr. Sinha said , her voice still calm, cold and devoid of any sort of emotion. Payal felt a little intimidated by her.

“So, Mrs. Raizada is your menstrual cycle regular?”

“Ji.” Payal replied in a small voice, she knew that they were seeing a gynecologist and these were the most obvious sort of questions to expect and yet she couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable.

“Do you keep track of the dates of your cycle?” and at her patient’s slight nod she further continued, “when did you get your last period?”

“More than three weeks ago.”

“So you are expecting your next cycle somewhere around this or the next week? I see. Do you face any physical discomfort during or around your cycle?” Dr. Sinha asked while taking notes,

“Nothing severe, just slight cramps in my abdomen on the first day.” Payal started feeling a little at ease, probably owing it to her doctor’s professionalism.

“Anything major in the past?” the Dr. Krishna asked.

“No.”

“Okay, so in the initial stages of your marriage were you on any kind of contraceptive medication?” Payal looked a little confused and so the doctor clarified, “birth-control pills?”

“Yes, I used Sronyx for about six months, but I haven’t been taking any medication for the last four-five months. Doctor do you think that these birth control medicines could have had done some permanent damage to…” Payal couldn’t finish, unable to continue for the fear of actually getting an answer.

“See Mrs. Raizada we wouldn’t know anything unless we run some tests but yes continual intake of birth control pills is not a very safe method and one with long-term side-effects. Anyway, no need to panic for now for if taken under correct guidance they are also one of the simpler ways to avoid pregnancy and there are many couples who actually prefer pills to other methods.” she tried to comfort her patient while making her aware of the harsh but no less real medical facts. This had always been Dr. Krishna Sinha’s way, striking perfect balance between sugar-coating and an almost robotic insensitivity.

Aakash tried to soothe his wife, lightly patting her shoulders, while silent sobs rocked her frame despite all her efforts to control them. Their doctor gave them a much required moment before continuing further,

“Look Mrs. Raizada we should not arrive at any conclusion for now, lets just wait until your tests are done. Please don’t worry sometimes these things take a little more time than normal and even if there is some complication we will try our best to find a way around it.” she smiled at Payal and received a forced teary one in return. She gave Aakash a list of prescribed tests as they stood up and he shook her hand thanking her, but they were halted in their process of leaving as Dr. Sinha further added,

“Oh Mr. Raizada, here are some prescribed tests for you as well. Please get these done as soon as possible.”

Aakash looked at the prescription, a look of bafflement on his face, while his wife’s face mirrored the same.

“Well doctor I think there is some sort of misunderstanding, our appointment concerns my wife only.”

“Oh! Okay so have you been seeing some other doctor?”

“About What?” a look of utter bewilderment crossed his face.

“About this… this right here.” Doctor Sinha said showing him the prescription still in her hand, before adding further,

“Mr. Raizada, you do realize that there is a 50% likelihood of you being the physically inadequate one, right?” the frustration finally showed on her face following his ridiculous behavior. Aakash knew better than to argue at this point. He quietly took the papers from her hands and they were about to leave when once again Dr. Krishna’s voice stopped them.

“Oh! Also I have mentioned a site on the prescription, I’d request you to visit the site for you can find some brilliant advice on dietary and other such factors that effect fertility. And one last question, now though many people are oblivious to this but many a times, inability to reach mutual climax could affect fertility. Now in case of men it is relatively easier to both attain and decipher it, but female sexuality is relatively much complicated. So I hope both of you do share a mutually satisfying physical relationship?” she looked at the couple questioningly while they stared at each other for a moment before stuttering their answer,

“Yes.” claimed Aakash.

“Ji.” his wife followed the suit.

While they left the cabin, Dr. Krishna Sinha was left wondering if she saw a look of confusion in their eyes for just a second there…
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“Good Lord! Is that Arnav Singh Raizada?” Samay’s eyes zeroed on the tall, handsome man sitting opposite his boss, continuously staring in their direction. His colleague who had just straightened herself and was about to thank him for breaking her fall stood frozen there for a moment as she heard his excited whisper. Finally collecting herself she followed Samay’s gaze, hoping against hope that just maybe… just maybe Samay had made some mistake… And yet the next moment she found herself staring into a pair of deep brown eyes, glowing… glowing with something that… that gave way to a not very comfortable, fluttering in her stomach.

“I don’t know if you know this but he is like the LeBron James of the Indian fashion industry.” Samay whispered again. But all his comments and compliments fell on deaf ears for Khushi stared unblinkingly as her lover stood up and straightened his coat. She knew that look… it spelled disastrous trouble for her. Oblivious to all else, she saw her tormentor take measured steps in her direction. She had seen that graceful walk enough number of times to know that in that instant he was the embodiment of Devil himself. Her breath got stuck somewhere in her throat as her husband stood less than a foot from her.

“Are you alright?” he asked her in a gentle voice. Nothing out of normal about his question or his tone, it seemed just a gentlemanly gesture and yet Khushi knew better than to override her instincts that screamed at her to just disappear. Arnav Singh Raizada the passionate lover and the possessive husband not reacting to the sight of his Khushi in someone else’s arms was just too good to be true.

“And thank you Mr.?” Arnav looked directly at Samay questioningly and yet Khushi could clearly see signs of recognition in his eyes.

“Joshi. Samay Joshi. It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Raizada.” he held out his hand for Arnav, before further adding,

“And what exactly are you thanking me for?” Samay asked a little doubtful of what he might hear, after all the elder Raizada was quite famous for his cynicism.

But Khushi knew. She was one hundred percent sure of what would follow and yet she hoped and prayed with all her heart that she was wrong. After all Lavanya did say that she had already told him that she didn’t want anyone at KaLa to know…

“Oh, for saving her, Khushi here. You do know that she is Khushi .Singh .Raizada, right? My . Wife.” and all her hopes of him ever understanding her crashed once again as her husband Arnav Singh Raizada staked his claim on her… very conveniently dropping the Kumari Gupta from her name.
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“No, you cannot play in our team.” Anurag, the captain of the Junior Basket Ball league of Faith Academy gave his verdict.

“But why? I qualified in the selection round and the Coach let me in.” Aarav reasoned with his senior.

“Yes Anurag, he got in fair and square.” another kid piped in, while others shook their heads in support of this claim

“No he cannot play with us, my mom said kids from good families like  us should not mix up with such boys. Just ask him his father’s name? Or leave that, just ask him what the SR stands for in his name? Anurag mocked demeaning Aarav.

 “And he calls himself ASR.” Aarav stared at him unblinkingly, his eyes stinging due to all the effort he was putting in to block the flow.

“So ASR , do you know what kids like you are called in our society or should I spell it out for you.” Anurag said menacingly. Aarav wanted to run from there, to hide somewhere so that no one could ever find him… so that no one would call him that one thing that he knew was true about him. But no, he was ASR and he wouldn’t let out these insecurities, even at barely nine his pride wouldn’t let him. And so he did not run or hide, he just stood there staring at him. The other kids had also made their distance from him, in fact some had actually taken a few steps back.

Anurag blinked his eyes, while Aarav maintained his cold stare, finally forcing his senior to look elsewhere. He then kicked the ball, catching it and then finally throwing it towards the hoop. It fell right into it. Truly saying, it wasn’t really a very difficult or heroic shot, like in the movies but making it right did mean a lot to him. He then took slow steps towards the exit of the playground, convincing himself for the nth time in his life that it didn’t matter, that he didn’t need these guys or anyone else… not even his dad. No, he was fine… because life didn’t give him a choice.
_________________________________

“What the hell was Mr. Singhania thinking? How could he let Khushi work with us and that too on such an important project?” Celina groaned in frustration before continuing further,

“That young witch queen has destroyed his mental faculty, I knew it, I told you that this La bitch would destroy KaLa one day.”

“Celina, there is nothing we can do about it, so why the hell are you even fussing about it. What, are you going to go tell that ageing idiot that his fiancé is a conniving witch?” James tried to reason with her for what felt like the millionth time in the last fifteen minutes and now even the ever cool James showed some signs of irritation.”

“Oh don’t challenge me James, you know I can. And bloody hell I will. What the fuck was he thinking, she is Arnav Singh Raizada’s wife. KaLa’s biggest competitor’s fucking wife! I don’t give a fuck about this Singhania empire but I have bought twenty percent shares of KaLa with all my life’s savings and I cannot afford to lose it.”

“Celina please calm down, we’ll talk to him about it, but not like this, you need to calm down first. Okay listen, you just take the day off and relax. It’s anyway post lunch and we have nothing major lined up for now. Just relax and don’t worry I’ll inform Mr. Singhania.” but Celina didn’t even stop to acknowledge his statement and rushed out of the room, flinging her hand-bag around her shoulder with force. She stepped out, shutting the door behind her and moved towards the main entrance/exit… while the figure standing pressed against the wall near Celina’s cabin held her breath.
________________________________

For the last forty-five minutes, since the moment Arnav Singh Raizada had staked his claim on his possession, her, she had stayed locked in a stall in the ladies room, hearing to the endless taunts of the each and everyone, who were unaware of her presence. They had all cursed her for trapping a man so out of her league and then had accused her of working as an AR spy at KaLa. Some wondered if Lavanya was also involved in all this, after all she was ASR’s ex-girlfriend. In fact some even claimed to have heard Lavanya and Khushi talking about taking over KaLa.

Khushi dragged herself towards her cabin,  Koyal’s taunts still ringing in her ears. Celina’s accusations felt like a sharp slap across her face, and the sting was still there. Lost and unfocused she entered her cabin and was further distressed by the sight of her egoistic fool of a husband standing against her desk.

“What the hell Khushi! Where were you? I looked for you all over the place, I even called home to check and Lavanya is still looking around in the office.” Arnav came next to her in a flash and berated her for her childish behaviour.

“Did you have anything important you wanted to talk about Mr. Raizada, for you seem to have created a ruckus over not finding me?” she said in a flat businesslike voice.

“Khushi why are you acting like this? I was worried about uyou.” his hands reached out to cup her face, but she took a step back just then.

“See Mr. Raizada, if there is nothing work related you want to talk about, I suggest we wait until this evening.” and saying so she turned back, only to be pulled in her husband’s embrace as he locked the door and pushed her against it, pushing his body against hers, staring deep into those pools of hazel. She didn’t push him and didn't make any other physical attempt at distancing herself from him. But the very next moment he was thrown off-guard as once again her flat cold voice pierced his ears and then his heart…

“Okay Mr. Raizada, I understand your frustration but I’d expect a well educated and proficient man like you to respect the professional decorum of my work place.”

__________________________________-

To Be Continued…

Author's note: hey guys, so how was this? Comments and criticisms are always welcomed, in fact they keep me going. Oh and this is not it, there is a little surprise for you guys here, a peek into a one shot that I am working on, will probably update it in like two three days, tab tak ek jhalak...

On a Highway to Hell…

It all happened in the expanse of one day, one bloody freaking awesome day. One fucking day fucked up her entire world

She wasn’t a bad person… or a bad sister… or a bad daughter… Or so she would have said… Nope not just said but actually believed with all her heart and mind up until this morning and everyone would have vouched for her, she was more than sure. Heck, they would vouch for her even now. For they still lay wrapped in the warm cocoon of ignorance. Looking at the happy content faces of her mom and dad, she felt a sharp pang of envy and in that moment she had an epiphany, ignorance indeed was bliss, that Gray dude got this crap right and all those people who advocated knowledge were bloody sadists. Well whatever, she had seen the light and there was no going back now. Kushi Gupta had made a deal with the Devil himself…

How was it guys? Do lemme know what u thought of it. And for now I shall take my leave.

Toodles

Srija :)

Arhi SS, Chamkili: Faces.

                          FACES        
Chamikili:

Arnav Singh Raizada

Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada

Anjali Singh Raizada

Aakash Singh Raizada

Payal Singh Raizada

Devyani Singh Raizada {Nani}

Manorma Singh Raizada {Mami}

Lavanya Kashyap

Sheetal Kapoor

Aarav

Samay Joshi

James Potter

Celina Goldsmith

Dr. Krishna Sinha

Hey guys do let me know what you thought of these characters, specificaly the new ones. And yes, as more characters come along I'll keep adding those to the list.

Arhi SS: Chamkili. Part 9- 'Laying the Groundwork'

Hey Guys, this has been written in almost one go and I have not even read it twice, so please forgive the typos. Anyway here is the update, hope you guys like it, please do let me know.

                                 Laying The Groundwork...

Samay noticed Khushi’s bent head, her continuous mumbling and her nervous fingers wrapping and unwrapping the duppata around her fingers, she looked adorable and he couldn’t help a slight smile from taking residence on his handsome visage. He saw James’s twisted smirk and right then he knew what was to follow, well ofcourse he did, after seven years of his friendship with James he would know at least that much, wouldn’t he?

James then turned towards Celina, who herself was sporting a slight smile on her face. Lavanya had told her that they could trust Khushi on this project, but Celina had had her qualms about this recruitment and they were valid ones, considering Khushi didn’t have any form of formal training or degree, in fact even Mr. Singhania had shared her doubts but he had had to put his guns down in front of his much younger and if you asked Celina much shrewder fiancée. But she would have to give it to Lavanya, Khushi seemed promising and the best part was, the promise in her was so very unique, one of a kind probably and the no formal degree thing probably played a part here.

“Okay guys now as our colleague Khushi has very accurately pointed out, the fact is that there is indeed nothing extraordinary about these clothes.” James paused for a moment, smiling at Khushi as she stared at him wide-eyed. He then continued,

“So that’s the challenge people, we have to find a way to add that missing bit of extra to the ordinary.” James finished his little speech as others busily took down notes.  

“But remember these clothes are daily-wears so the fancy frilly stuff has to be to the bare minimum, we’ll probably have to invent some new techniques here, its not gonna be easy. Other factors that we need to keep in mind are the climatic conditions of Europe and particularly Spain and choose the textile material likewise. Also the fact that our clients want to hire an Indian firm for this job means that they obviously want some Indian ethnic touches to these designs.” Celina finished highlighting some of the major pointers of the project and then signaled Samay to takeover from there.

“Now James and Celina have already said most of it, so I am just going to add a little bit here. Now as you all know the project is quite profitable, and not just financially but otherwise too, as this would mean opening of a new market for us. The Armada’s is a huge firm and is perfect for launching KaLa into the Spanish markets, and this stands true for many other Indian firms as well, so it goes without saying that we have very tough competitors in the run for this project. And well it goes without saying that the contract goes to the lowest bidder.  Hence, apart from designs and textile and other such stuff we also need to focus on cost management. So guys we need to hunt for cheaper stuff but the compromise on quality has to be minimal and designers we’ll need your special assistance over here for whatever little flaws the textiles might have the supremacy of designs needs to cover it. In short we need to get the best designs done on okayish textiles.” he bestowed a sexy smile particularly on his female companions sitting in the conference room before continuing further,

“Okay people I am not going to bore all you creative types with my bland money talk, Celina and I will be handling the financial aspect of this project so we’ll be in constant touch with you guys but for now moving ahead I would now request my co-project manager, the lovely lady in blue to start with her presentation.” saying that he winked at Khushi making her realize that she was the lovely lady in blue. She blushed a little feeling somewhat uncomfortable but then moved to the centre and started with her presentation,

“ Samyji, Jamesji, Celinaji, Koyalji, Rishabji, Sonalji…” all the eyes were now rounded and fixed on Khushi, Koyal and Priya were in fact trying hard to control their erupting giggles, while a playful smile played at Samay’s lips… and surprisingly this time it reached his eyes.

“…Abhayji, aap sab ko hamari taraf se namaste.” Khushi smiled broadly at all he co-workers before continuing further.

“So my presentation is about the Indian ethnic wear and frankly speaking I don’t really know a lot about designing and I am really nervous right now.” she said while wiping a thin layer of sweat off of her forehead, and resumed once again whilst stammering a bit initially.

“So… I… I… Oh yes I am here to talk about the chicken-kari, an exquisite Lucknowvi specialty. Okay so the basics first, two most important things about Chicken-kari are, the compatibility as well as the contrast between the thread used and the ground fabric. What I mean is you cannot use very thick thread on a silk cloth, while on cotton almost all threads work, also the color contrast between the base material and the thread is indeed very essential. And I won’t speak much about color coordination for all of you sitting over here would have better knowledge of such technical intricacies than me, as for me, anything that appeals my eye, mostly clothes with gotas stitched to it.” She then started pairing various fabrics with suitable threads, while talking about the uniqueness of each. A few minutes later Celina interrupted her,

“Khushi don’t you think this silken fabric a little fragile gor this thread, it might rupture the cloth.” Celina said pointing towards a particular combination.

Khushi instantly realized her mistake.

“Oh I am sorry Celinaji, this must have slipped unnoticed, I’ll be more careful next time.” Khushi apologized and corrected the combination, while Celina smiled and patted a shoulder lightly. The meeting then continued as everyone pitched in their ideas for the project. Khushi sat there a little excited and a little bewildered…
_____________________________________

“Are you hundred percent sure about this?” Sheetal frowned slightly as she heard whatever the person at the other end of the phone line was saying.

“Okay just keep track of all the happenings around this and keep me informed.” She said in a conclusive tone and then kept down the phone before dialing once again,

“Yes Sneha, could you please tell me whether or not Arnav is free right now, I need to discuss something important with him. Please set up a meeting at the earliest possible.” she asked Arnav’s PA. She knew better than to call him on his mobile or his office line directly, she needed to maintain a completely professional front, it was very important for her plan.

“I am sorry ma’am but he is not in his office.”

“Does he have an appointment or a meeting some place else?”

“I am sorry ma’am but I have no idea as he got his schedule cleared for the next two hours, so its probably not work related, I guess its personal.”

Sheetal felt a little sting in her heart on hearing this, for she had a faint idea what this ‘personal thing’ could probably be. Well there was nothing she could really do about it and so she decided to wait those two hours, she’ll see him then, and anyway she needed to think this through, her plan needed to be flawless, the stakes were too high. But the real question was, did she really want to do this…
_____________________________

“Hey Khushi, Mr. Singhania wants to see you in his office.” Samay informed Khushi who was busy discussing the design plans with Koyal and Abhay.

“Oh! Okay! Koyalji Abhayji I am sorry that I have to leave in the middle of this but we can continue once I get back, until then could you both please think of some color combinations for the chicken-kari garments and we can discuuss the cuts and designs once I get back.” Khushi asked a little apologetically.

“Yeah sure!” Koyal replied while Abhay just nodded his assent. Khushi then moved towards Mr. Singhani’s office and soon Samay catchedup with her.

“Samayji I know where the office is, you don’t need to follow me, I won’t get lost.” Khushi smiled at Samay walking beside her, not too close but not far as well.

“Oh right! I just keep forgetting that you are not eight anymore.” he smiled at her before quickly adding,

“Nothing much has changed though.” he then winked at her.

“Ji?” Khushi frowned in confusion. He smiled and said,

“Nothing.” Well flirting with someone who had no clue about flirting was actually kind of lame.

“ So, how is Payal?”

“Jiji is fine. She is also married now and the best part is we are both married in the same family. It’s like a dream come true, you know I always thought that we’ll both be separated once we got married but…” Khushi kept rambling on but Samay was no longer with her, he was sixteen again and back in Lucknow, and lost in those beautiful dark eyes that were looking down coyly as she struggled to control her deep blushes and that shy smile that lingered on those beautiful lips despite her best effort to control it. She was a vision, a vision so enchanting and breathtaking that his mind was often tempted to conjure her image when he was alone. He wondered if things would have been different had he not left Lucknow all those years ago or had come back sooner to claim what was his. Well it was useless wondering and Samay Joshi did not indulge in anything that utterly useless. He was brought back to present as the peon’s shoulder crashed into his, Khushi was still busy rambling about her in-laws and her sister, he cut her in,

“So Khushi, what did you say your husband’s name was?”

“Ji Arnavji.” she blushed a little at the mention of his name.

“And your and Payal’s husband’s are brothers, you said right?”

“Hmmm.”

“So do all of you live in the same house?”

“Yes. Maniji, Mamiji, Di, Jiji, Jiju, Arnavji, me, Hari Prakashji, Om Prakashji and lakshmi. Actually there is also mamaji, Jiji’s sasur, but he has been away for quite sometime now.” Khushi chatted happily.

“Oh that’s must me nice, I am sure. So what are your husband’s like, I can tell your Arnavji is really amazing by the twinkle in your eyes.”

Khushi smiled coyly at this, she couldn’t bring herself to talk about Arnav at this point and so she just started talking about the awesome life, she was pretty sure her Jiji and Jijaji had.

“Aakash Jijaji is also great, he loves Jiji so much. And he is a very nice man, level headed and very dedicated towards his work and family, he also helps Arnavji with the business.” Samay couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of jealousy, they all had each other while he was alone in this world, all alone.
__________________________

Aakash sat beside a conscious and fidgety Payal, truth be told he himself was no less nervous. He looked at his wife and squeezed her hand trying to reassure her, she struggled to smile at him… to smile for him.

“Mrs. Payal Singh Raizada.” the peon called stepping into the hallway.

“Yes.” Aakash replied on her behalf.

“The doctor will see her now.” the peon said signaling towards the cabin. Aakash and Payal stepped towards the cabin.

“Hello doctor. Aakash Singh Raizada and this is my wife Payal.” he shook the doctor’s hand and took his seat while Payal folded her hands n a quite namaste before taking her seat.

“So Mr. and Mrs. Raizada, how can I help you?”

Payal’s head was still bowed as she felt her husband give her hand a comfortable squeeze once again.

“Well the thing is that we have been trying for a child for quite sometime now but…” he felt a little uncomfortable and so left the sentence hanging.

“Ok, how long have you been trying? Well the thing is the younger generation nowadays is so habituated to everything instant that they don’t realize that somethings just take sometime and its just normal.” she looked at the couple sitting across the table.

“Well I know that Dr. Sinha but it really been a while now, in fact we have been trying for almost six months.” Aakash looked a little exasperated and did a very poor job a hiding it from the two women in the room.
____________________________

Khushi realized that she had been continuously rambling and apologized for it, Samay just smiled at her and joked about how it was just a side-effect of womanhood. Truth be told, Khushi was actually beginning to feel very comfortable around him, so very herself in such a short span of time that thinking about it now, she was quite surprised at herself. And to think that just yesterday she had almost literally ran for her life on seeing Samayji in KaLa. Was it a sense a familiarity and belonging you felt when you met another brown skinned Indian in a far off country, say England. Well she did realize that it indeed had a lot to do with her Arnavji. In fact the way he had maturely handled her little panic attack last night had made her realize just how stupid she was being about this whole crush thing. Wow she did it again, she smacked her head mentally as she realized that this entire morning she had been calling her Laad Governor names for the same mature response that she was praising right now. As she neared Mr. Singhania’s office she wondered if everyone’s brain was as messed up as hers or Devi Maiya had shown her some extra love in that department. Well, the latter seemed more probable.

Lost in her thoughts Khushi didn not see the slightly raised ground near the cabin door and stumbled on it. She closed her eyes anticipating the fall, as well as the physical pain and the social embarrassment that would normally follow a fall, but none came. To her astonishment she felt two strong hands grasp her around her waist…

That was how Arnav Singh Raizada saw his wife when he turned towards the door following Mr. Singhania’s gaze… he saw his wife in the arms of ANOTHER MAN…

To Be Continued…

Author's Note: Ok so while at home I have nothing much to do and so I started watching IPk from the beginning for the fourth time (oh yes I have all the episodes saved on my Lappy :) ) and thats when I realized that there are many factors and many plots and sub-plots and major and minor characters that made IPK a sensation. And I wanted to attempt to bring that back... if I am successful to bring even one percent of the old IPK back , my work's done :) So this chapter was mainly about laying the groundwork for all that is to follow and believe me friends there is a lot. So please do let me know what you thought of this update, your response keeps me motivated :)

Love,

Srija :)

Arhi ff Chamkili. Ch-8B. 'That Which is Unsaid'-2

                                                  

Hey guys, this chapter here goes out to my friend Lara, for literally forcing the story out of me. Lara believe me when I say this story wouldn't have been going on if not for you. Love you dear :)

                                                                Ch-8B  

                          That Which is Unsaid      

      "Why me Devi Maiya? Why Me?"

 Khushi finally let out a frustrated growling plea as this silent contemplation was getting too much for her. She was supposed to meet her project team in less than an hour and she was still struggling with a colorful mountain of ground fabric that needed to be coupled with suitable threads, which was... well just another heap of unorganized mess. Khushi knew that chickankari was no child's play and when working for a reputed fashion house one could never be too sure or too perfect and was also aware of her highly unprofessional behavior and in fact hated herself for it, but then she was helpless, for the thoughts of a certain Rakshasha Laad Governor just wouldn't leave her alone. She desperately needed her tension buster, her darling jalebis, unleashing all her tangled thoughts into the twisted knots of her favorite sweet, whether  or not anyone got it but jalebi making was cathartic for her. But then again she couldn't risk being branded 'the Sankadevi of KaLa', it was a little too soon for that. While cursing the bane of her existence Raizada she shuffled her jhola and pulled out a box of chana, finally sighing in relief.

Last night she had been petrified, oh yes as much as the Rakshasha loved her, cherished her with a passion worthy of a prince charming, the fact remained that he was after all the Rakshasha of her life. And so when she had come face to face with her past she was shaken, quite literally in fact and had ended up hallucinating about the multiple ways he could, or better still, multiple ways he most definitely WOULD torture her, using methods, which if you asked her were as plausible as Arnav Singh Raizada murdering her with a pechkas and Salman Khan offering his condolences on her death. But then when she had finally come clean, confessing her past sins, he had done the one thing she had never imagined in her wildest of dreams he would do, he had laughed. Laughed in that honest child-like manner, for her it was nothing short of magical and so she had stood there, spellbound in that moment, forgetting the regrets of her past and disregarding whatever their future held. But if she could revisit the moment, she most definitely would and for reasons more than just wanting to hear him laugh again. She would then , hear him laugh once again but then when  he stopped she would ask him, why did he feel like laughing? Why was his response so different from hers? For she had almost died of jealousy when she had come to know of Sheetalji and his past but knowing about Samayji didn't seem to bother him at all, so then was she too immature for him, were they not as compatible as she thought they were? But then he had been jealous of Nanheji, oh yes she was sure of it, so then why not now? Or... or maybe he just didn't love her anymore... But before she could pursue this thought any further Celina knocked at her cabin door updating her about the meeting in twenty minutes and a hassled Khushi was back to her heap of unsorted textile and tangled threads.

The meeting started with Celina and James' combined presentation on the current fashion trends in the European market with special focus on Spain, they showed some images of the ethnic Spanish male and female costumes but then soon James added

"But well this is not exactly what our buyers are looking for, their target this time is the everyday wear, here are some pictures to give you a better idea." And Celina put on a slide show of people at malls and offices and parks and pubs.

"So guys any comments?" asked Celina after the slide-show was over. And all was quiet for a while as everyone raked their brains trying to figure out what it was that they were missing. And just then Khushi blurted,

"Its nothing extraordinary!" it was the first thing that came to her mind and honestly speaking she didn't really intend on saying that out loud, she was, well just thinking aloud. All heads turned towards her and with raised eyebrows and slight tilt of her head Celina signalled Khushi to continue further. A wave of panic engulfed Khushi as she wrapped the end of her dupatta around her finger and wondered if what she said offended Celina or James in anyway, she knew that they were the most experienced professionals in their team, what if the designs they had just shown were in fact designed by them. And in that moment of utter helplessness she turned towards the only familiar face in that entire room, Samay Joshi. She didn't know why she felt a little guilt somewhere deep within while turning towards him for some semblance of moral support... a little bit of warmth in that cold board room. Samay smiled at her and that smile urged her to go on. But that wasn't enough for her, nobody ever was... she needed him, her Arnavji in that moment, right by her side, holding her, filling her with his essence, his warmth, his power. She knew he would come to her aid whenever she needed him and' he did. Closing her eyes she smiled a little as her Arnavji made an appearance in front of her mind's eye, and she knew everything will be alright.

"Celinaji, Jamesji I didn't mean to offend anyone and I am sorry if I did, Devi Maiya ki kasam it was totally unintentional. All I wanted to say was just that I see people wearing dresses like these everyday, jeans, skirts, t-shirts and the likes, there was nothing new about these designs. But then again I hardly know about the technicalities of designing..." she trailed off.

Samay smiled at her response, he had always known that she had that something in her... something that with a little push could lead to great things. And he for one had always acknowledged and admired that spunk in her. For a moment there he was taken back in time when he was a 12^th grader and she was probably in her 4^th grade, and a certain teacher, Mrs. Prakash probably had made it her business to lure students to her private tuitions guaranteeing them better marks in exams if they joined her private classes and when Khushi had found about the same, she had made heaven and hell meet fighting against the injustice. Samay could still see the almost impractical verging on stupid valor in her, only Khushi could inspire  in him the contradictory emotions of respect and pity at the same time... this woman was an enigma and Samay found himself getting helplessly drawn towards her... He found himself wondering what her husband was like...

Author's Note: Hi guys, so once again too little, too late, huh? But yarron life has taken a really tough turn and out of no where I find myself living in a flat with a friend, trying to manage everything on our own, and well that is after five years of continuous DU hostels. Anyway, I am slightly tired of all the cooking and cleaning and m hence headed home for the next 20 days. Now I am not sure if the internet would work well over there, but if it does I would be updating the 3rd part of 'Untouched' very soon followed by 'Tangent Worlds'. Finally I just want to say, sorry for the ramanchi regarding the teaser, I was having some fun guys 

Love Srija

Arshi SS Chamkili, ch 8. 'That which is unsaid'

CHAMKILI

                    Part-8A

                       That which is Unsaid- A

Insomnia was not unknown to him. Since the age of fourteen, it had been his constant companion. Accounts and reasons were variables, this feeling of void, of restlessness, the infallible constant of his life. Work issues did consume a lot of his thoughts and of course bred a lot of his worries, after all managing a-now-international-firm was no child's play and neither was he a magician. But he was skilled, organized and calculative; a perfect mix of viability and vision, professional front thus didn't give him any nightmares. His Ma's scream, his Dad's betrayal and that dead look in his Di's eyes had haunted his nights for as long as he could remember, blurring and even blocking all that was good and beautiful in life. And he suppressed it, vehemently, locking up the shadows somewhere deep within him, only the doors could not hold and the darkness had started to seep out of that little corner and stealthily consume him... his entire being. But not anymore, life had finally relented and had gifted him his own guardian angel. She helped him embrace his past, accept open-heartedly the good, the bad and the ugly, because he couldn't let it go until he acknowledged it existed. That very same angel lay sprawled over their bed, her hand gripping his waist, while her limbs were tangled around his thigh, her lips slightly parted as she snored very... unh inelegantly... but that was his Khushi, crazy but cute. She touched him and he started to heal.

But Arnav Singh Raizada was not some fifteen year old teenager, he knew very well that 'happily ever after' was a myth created by mediocre fiction, a myth created to keep the inhabitants of a social unit in the line, promising an everlasting bliss in exchange for their acquiescence to the norm. And Arnav was amongst the few who didn't take the bait. He knew his life with Khushi was the best one could ever hope for, much more than what he actually deserved, and yet it wasn't without its glitches, its own catch and misses, it was all part of the game, and he was all for it. Like tonight, it was a night of contentment but was not without a slight hitch.

Samay, the name occupied most of his mental space tonight, how could it be any other way, for anything even slightly related to his Khushi warranted his absolute and undivided concern. When he had first heard the name in her panic-ridden voice he had assumed the worst, after all Shyam, the man who had done everything in his power to destroy Khushi's life and had actually been successful in completely obliterating his Di's life was never far from his mind. Hence when she had finally clarified that she was talking about some Samay and not Shyam, pure relief had washed over him. And then when he had heard his wife confess her 'sins' in all morose seriousness, he couldn't control the full-blown laughter that escaped him. But now that he thought of it, his reaction had successfully surprised him as well, had his initial reaction not been that of overwhelming relief, he was sure he would have felt what he was feeling now, blatant possessive jealousy.  Well, not that he was complaining, in fact far from it he was glad he reacted the way he did or else his innocent wife would have once again become the victim of his misplaced anger and Arnav Singh Raizada was done doing wrong by her ever.

She had tried making him jealous on various earlier occasions, conjuring that Banke Laal guy from her weird imagination or harmlessly flirting with N.K during Aakash's wedding. Well of course he knew that her crazy plans had more to do with getting some reaction out of him than anything else, yes, he knew it even then and yet he would be lying if he said he was completely unaffected. Hell the NK fiasco scared him to death, he had never hated that buffoon more in his life. But by the time this Baanke Laal episode came up he was well aware of his minx of a wife's crazy plans and weird imagination as well as her tendency to employ these to rile him up and hence it didn't bother him much. Also by then he was in a much better and surer place, as was their relationship. He couldn't help but smirk at his hollow arrogance and blatant hypocrisy, as the fact stared him in his face that Samay wasn't a creation of Khushi's pretty head and neither did he seem a clown like his cousin and that bothered him, hell who was he lying to, he was petrified dammit! This Samay person seemed like the ideal man, the kind of guy parents want for their daughters and levelheaded daughters want for themselves... the kind of guy Khushi's parent's would have wanted for her... probably she would have wanted for herself... Bothered by the direction of his thoughts, he shifted on his side, facing her, while his grip on her hand must have become painful as he saw Khushi wince and frown in her sleep. Loosening his grip, he enveloped her more fully, as if wanting to hide her from the world, keep her for himself... only himself, contain her... consume her such that no one would know her to be distinct from him. His wife snuggled into him further, attuned to his needs, as if that was the only natural way to be, nothing out of ordinary. He would never acknowledge it in front of her or anybody, for that matter, but for the nth time Arnav Singh Raizada was both thrilled and humbled by the realization that Khushi's undying love for him had more to do with the mysterious workings of her dimag, or dil as she liked to call it, than with him actually deserving her, and in instances like these he was most grateful for her crazy dimag. And yet why was that sinking feeling somewhere within him intensifying with every single heart beat? He snuggled further into her chest, desperately needing to feel her warmth, and her arms came around his head, as if anchoring him to herself.

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Author's Note: Hey guys I know this is very less after very long, but I feel like I am going through a major writer's block. Anyway, I am working on it and will hopefully come through soon. Do let me know what you thought of the chapter, will wait for your comments, they are a big help to me so please do write down whatever you feel like.

Love

Srija :)