Chapter 33
[MEMBERSONLY]
Enjoy!
PS: I dont know why I have put Rains of Castemere here as a bg music. I felt it kinda related to the mind battle going between our lioness and our tiger. I prefer ASR to a tiger. He's not someone who sits around and let other people work. Anyone here fans of Game of Thrones? :D Totally different topic! I am totally mad, aint I?
Chapter 25
The Lioness and The Tiger...
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa9CvDPXYNI[/YOUTUBE]
It was nearly 10 in the night when they finally crashed into a hotel in
Jaipur. As Arnav had predicted, some biker had arrived on time to guide them to
the highway, much to Khushi's annoyance. Thanks to him, they had reached the
highway without much ado and from there reaching Jaipur was a cakewalk. Khushi
who was miffed by Arnav had slept the whole journey from the empty village
street to the pink city and there was nothing more amusing than that reaction.
Unbeknown to Khushi, the boys had a blast in the car while she was sleeping
like a buffalo and she would come to regret that sleep in the near future. That
time spent in the car while journeying to Jaipur was the paving stone of the
lifelong friendship of Arnav and Chris and Khushi was in for some high spirited
fun by hanging around with the boys.
Arnav was sitting in the balcony of his suite in a nice, plush hotel,
something which probably wouldn't be missed by him once they would go into the
jungle. He was whistling some old bollywood song as he sat near the window and
gazed out, while sipping on his drink. NK was sleeping in his room like a pig
and Arnav found it humorous. NK was in for some serious trouble. One trek and
poor boy wouldn't wake up the next day.
Chris wandered into the balcony clutching a beer bottle in his hand and
smiling languidly at Arnav. Arnav patted the chair next to him, motioning for
Chris to sit down, "want some beer, bro?" Chris asked Arnav as he sat down.
"No, having whisky here," Arnav smiled. Chris winked at him,
"oooh...you need to drink whisky in front on Khush. The reactions she gives are
hilarious!"
"Does she not drink?" Arnav asked as he downed another glass of his
favourite scotch. Chris shook his head, cracking up, "she's fine with people
drinking it but she kinda hates the smell of whisky. I don't know why but she's
always like, eww! Take that thing out of my sight.' She's fine with the rest
of the drinks. Even beer but whisky, she acts crazy."
"How about we spike her drink?" Arnav smirked as he took the beer
bottle from Chris and took a sip. Chris smiled, "we have already tried that. I
don't think she's ever gonna accept one more drink from my hand. But I have to
say this, it's downright hilarious to see her drunk. She's totally bonkers when
she's high."
"Leave spiking her drink to me," Arnav winked at Chris, "I want to see
what she's like when she's high. She acts all weird in front of me."
"By the way what happened between you guys?" Chris cocked his brows, smirking
at Arnav. This story he wanted to hear. He was way to curious to hear Arnav's
side of the story since Khushi wasn't going to tell him anything, ever. Since
the time he heard that Arnav had kissed her, he wanted to know how he had done
that because people who had tried to do so much as only touching her without
her consent had broken ribs and limbs and recuperating her blows till now. Her
name was enough to scare them all into hiding.
"Why are you so keen on knowing that?" Arnav asked for the umpteenth
time. From the time Khushi fell asleep, one constant question from Chris was
what happened between them. Arnav had tried to avoid the question but it kept
cropping up.
"Because I really wanna know how did you proceed to the kissing stage
without breaking your bones once," Chris smiled. Arnav widened his eyes,
"excuse me? What do you mean, breaking my bones."
"People have got broken bones because they tried to have a go at Gupta.
That's why I was telling you she's not what she looks like. She's a black belt
in taekwondo and beats up guys black and blue. I am just curious as to how you
managed to escape all of it."
"She's black belt in taekwondo?" Arnav whistled, "I had no idea. I keep
getting new and weirder information about her. She didn't seem like the karate
kid back when I met her all those times. I knew she was crazy but this is just
too much for me to handle."
"I gave you statuary warning, didn't I?" Chris guffawed, "never
underestimate Gupta."
"I guess I have to careful from now on," Arnav smiled. "Why is she like
this? I mean I have seen many girls but never encountered such a nut case ever
in my life. She's not a girl. She's like us boys."
"I know," Chris smiled, "when I first met her, this was my reaction.
But as I started knowing more about her, I was glad that she's isn't like the
rest of the girls. I would have killed myself if she was because I would have lost
the opportunity to know such a wonderful person. She's different, weird, crazy
but one of a kind. I am sure you are going to see it that way soon."
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Vinay had a feeling that his and Anjali's relationship was over. No
matter how hard he tried to make it up to her, she felt that whatever her
brother had suffered was greater than what he had. Not that he blamed her or
Arnav for his broken bonds, but Vinay was a human after all and he too had a
heart and feelings and the only person he genuinely loved ignored him. There
was no harsher punishment in the world than to see disappointment in the eyes
of your loved ones.
Anjali still behaved as his wife, a dutiful one at that. Every morning
his coffee, his office things would be ready, waiting for him but his Anjali
would be gone. She avoided all contact with him, resolutely and didn't bother
to check on him once. He felt terrible but he knew his wife was hurt from
inside. She too was suffering without him.
His mother came in with a breakfast tray, wiping her eyes as she set it
down. Manorama couldn't see her son and daughter in law living such a
mechanical life as opposed to the one they shared so gloriously. The love had
died and only resentment remained. She cleared her throat and said in a heavy
voice, "Anjali has made parathas for you."
"I am not hungry," came a sad reply as Vinay turned to face his mother.
Manorama caressed her son's face longingly as she whispered, "how long will you
drag this, Vinay?"
"Till Arnav gets his justice," Vinay replied morosely, "I have wronged
him terribly, maa and Anjali is not going to forgive me until the time at least
a semblance of happiness returns to Arnav's life and I don't know how am I
going to make it up to him."
"Don't you think Arnav is dragging this unnecessarily?" Manorama voiced
her nagging doubts. Ever since Arnav had taken a vacation and gone off without
giving a thought to the situation of his family, Manorama was riddled by all
the negative thoughts. She had started to feel that may be Arnav didn't care
about all this after all and he just wanted to separate his sister and brother
in law.
"No maa," Vinay shook his head. "I know what you are thinking but it is
not right. Arnav doesn't fake anything and he isn't the one who wishes to break
his sister's marriage. If he wanted that he wouldn't have let me marry Anjali
in the first place. That orphanage was home to nearly hundred kids and I
destroyed their lives by demolishing their home, leaving them to fend for
themselves and the riots I caused that day shook the innocent lives
irreparably. Arnav has a point. I have made a terrible mistake and there is no
exculpation for that."
"But that happened such a long time ago," Manorama complained, "what is
the necessity to bring it up now and ruin the peace?"
"He didn't bring it up to ruin the peace of our home, maa," Vinay laid
a hand on her shoulders, "his pain had crossed the threshold of tolerance and
one time or the other that had to come out and it did. I am not blaming him for
anything. It is I who should be blamed."
"Who is that person who died, Vinay?" Manorama quipped as she tried to
feed him a piece of paratha.
"I don't know her name, maa but I spoke to the Sister a few days back. She
said she was Arnav's dearest friend, more like his only family. That is the
reason why Arnav hates me so much. Not only did I ruin the lives of his
friends, I snatched the one friend he had from him. Imagine how he must have felt
when he learnt his friend was murdered by the gangsters I had sent to cause an
upheaval in that orphanage?" said Vinay bitterly.
"How did this all happen Vinay?" Manorama asked again, "why send
gangsters to a place where innocent children lived. What had happened to you
Vinay?"
"I don't know, maa..." Vinay's voice cracked as he remembered the
fateful day when he had sent some rash hooligans to empty the orphanage and
bring that bas***d out of that place. But the circumstances changed for the
worse when that scoundrel escaped. Vinay's anger knew no bounds and without
thinking he had ordered them to demolish the place and uproot everything of the
institution that gave shelter to the man he despised. Those startling green
eyes still razed his thoughts. The green eyes which looked at him accusingly
and cursed, "if you demolished this place today, you are never going to be able
to bear the burden of it."
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Her text message confused Khushi who was busy hogging her dinner. I want to talk to you. Call me when no one's
around...it said. What did Lavanya want to tell her that she wanted no one
to be around her when she called. Was she okay? Was she in some trouble? Such
frightening thoughts plagued Khushi but she was helpless. Chris and NK were
constantly beside her since the time she had come down for coffee in the afternoon. But she
had to talk to Lavanya and she had to do it now and an opportunity presented
itself when she saw Arnav coming down to have evening snacks and tea, smirking at her.
She scowled at him as she got up from the table in the restaurant and
went past him, ignoring Chris and NK calling out to her. Once outside the
restaurant, she sprinted to her room and closed the door, rushing to the
balcony and called Lavanya.
"Are you okay? Is something wrong?" she asked breathlessly as she heard
Lavanya's hello.
"Khushi, relax..." came the reply, "I am fine. I just wanted to speak
to your privately.
"Dude! You scared the heck out of me," Khushi reprimanded her, "what
was so important to talk that you sent such a weird message?"
"Dude, I think I am in love with Chris," Lavanya's breathless voice
filtered over to her. For a moment Khushi stood absolutely mute, clutching her
phone close to ear. But the next second, the blissful enormity of Lavanya's
words hit her and she screamed, "What the hell! How do you know him?"
"I met him in the airport," Lavanya confessed, "I think he must have
told you that he met some stranger in the airport who gave him money for the
taxi and everything."
"You met him once and you fell in love with him?" Khushi blurted out
before she could control herself. Lavanya chuckled, "no, you idiot! I met him
quite a few times after that. Chris wanted to tell you this but I stopped him.
I wanted to tell you this myself."
"You sly dogs!" Khushi swore, "there was so much going on behind my
back and I had no bloody idea about this! Since when all this drama started?"
"No drama okay?" Lavanya said, slightly miffed, "it was an unexpected
meeting at the airport and once after that he called me to come take my money
back. After that it just happened."
"Dude, do you honestly think I am bothered by all this?" Khushi
chuckled, "I was always wondering when is Chris going to meet someone who
complements him perfectly. I think I just had my answer. I couldn't be more
happier for him now."
"You think so?" Lavanya was relieved that her friend understood her.
"Of course! I think you both will be lovely together. It is for you to decide
how to go about with your relationship. What does he feel about you?"
"Honestly, I have no idea..." Lavanya said meekly, "I haven't talked to
him yet. Although I don't know what to say to him. I am just too confused right
now."
"Lavanya, just listen to your heart," Khushi consoled, "it doesn't
necessarily mean that love takes ages to happen. It just happens. If you truly
like him then your heart will tell you what to tell him."
"Have you ever been in love, Khushi?" and Khushi's heart stopped as a
myriad of memories hit her with such reeling force that she collapsed on the
chair, breathing heavily. Lavanya's voice called out to her but she heard
nothing. She just said, "Lavanya, I will talk to you later. Someone's on the
other line" and cut the call, tears spilling out her eyes. There it was, the
painful walk into her memory which was riddled with thoughts and feelings that
had developed over time for the only true friend and companion of her life, her
Rinnie...
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Diya had the time of her life in that little coffee shop that Akash had
taken her to. She never knew someone who seemingly appeared serious had such a
funny bone in him. It was rib tickling, her experience as both of them guffawed
at random things that they saw out of the window of that quaint shop. It was
hard to believe that Delhi, in its heart, had such a beautiful place. Diya had
always felt Delhi was crowded and chaotic. But she had no idea that Delhi could
be peaceful and serene. Her curious little heart wanted to explore more of this
city which held so many surprises hidden under its blanket.
"How do you know so much about this city?" she asked him the next time
they met at the same place. Akash smiled as he adjusted his spectacles, "my
brother once brought me here after he bought books at the shop."
"Your brother reads too?" she asked, "is it from where you kind of got
your obsession?"
"Yes," Akash took a sip of coffee, "he's freak. He loves reading.
Whatever skills or habits I have are mostly because of him. He inspires people
to be like him."
"That is so amazing," Diya smiled, "actually I can relate to your situation
so much. Whatever obsessions I have are because of my sister. She's crazy about
books."
"Wow!" Akash laughed, "What we have in common is forgotten but we have
siblings who have so much in common."
And there it started, the laughter, as they both cracked up again.
"Anyway, I have to leave," Diya said and Akash's face fell, "why? So
early?"
"My mom's scary dude!" she winked, "if I don't go home early, she won't
let me out for another month. Then our meetings will be banned. You want that?"
"Oh no," said Akash as he got up to pay the bill, "I will drop you. You
don't have your car..."
"Oh no," Diya smiled, "I have to go grocery shopping and everything. I
will take an auto."
"No," Akash shook his head, "I will take to you the supermarket and
drop you home after that."
"No," Diya refused, "if you insist then I won't meet you next time."
"You make a lot of threats," Akash said sadly as he shook her hands and
took her leave, "Bye."
"Bye," and Diya laughed as she saw him zoom off in his car. Shouldering
her bag, she walked out of the coffee shop and continued to walk on the road,
scouting for an auto. That was when she felt some other presence. Like someone
was watching her, following her. She turned around in alarm but there was no
one in her sight. Breathing heavily, she started running as her instincts
warned her. But the shadow followed her, eerily and Diya felt her heart
hammering against her ribs. Finally, she came to a main road and caught an auto
as the shadow fell behind. Safe in the auto, Diya clutched her head and took a
few deep breaths, calming herself down.
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Night was never a factor of terror for Arnav. He loved the moon, he
loved the stars, he loved the cold breeze, he loved the moonlight, he loved the
serenity. In the dim light of the moon and rustle of the leaves, he found a
strange peace, like his soul answered its inner call and made itself home.
Tonight was a little bit more special. He was miles away from his home, in a
different place, in different surroundings. He felt closer to himself. More
close than he was ever before.
As he was revelling in the calmness the night offered, he saw a moment
down near the entrance of the woods. A black shape was walking into the jungle
rapidly. He frowned deeply as he grabbed his jacket and a pocket flashlight and
raced down the stairs, thinking how ridiculous it was to venture into woods in
this time of the night.
Sprinting, he came to the mouth of the little jungle that had survived
the heat of Jaipur, a dry land with thickets of deciduous trees. Switching on
his flash light and bracing himself, he walked swiftly into the woods, looking
for the dark shape that was so foolish to enter the jungle unprepared. His
sharp eyes were constantly looking for some movement as he carefully, in his
guard, walked among the thick trees. Finally, near a small pond with clear
water, he saw a lone figure perched on a rock while clear sounds of sobbing was
heard.
"Excuse me," Arnav whispered, moving close cautiously, "are you okay?"
Whoever was sitting, got up suddenly and tried to make an escape but
Arnav had suspected something amiss and quickly grabbed the person. As he
grabbed the person, the shawl slipped from the head and the person was revealed
to be Khushi. Arnav stood dumbfounded for a second as a weeping face of Khushi
shone in the flashlight. She wiped her tears rapidly and struggled to get out
of his vicar grip which just tightened against her wrist the more she
struggled.
"What the f**k?!" he yelled, pulling her close to him, "are you
freaking crazy? Why are you here all alone and why the hell are you crying?"
"Leave me!" she struggled in his arms, "let me go, please!" she wept,
fighting very hard against his chest. "Please..."
"Khushi," he whispered, "Khushi...what's the matter. Why are you here
at this hour? What happened. Please tell me..."
"Why do you care," she sobbed again, hitting him on his chest, trying
very hard to escape his grip.
"Khushi, stop being stupid," he caught hold of her shoulders and
crashed her to him, "tell me what happened. What's wrong?"
"Nothing that concerns you," she stared at him defiantly, "stop
bothering me. Just let me go!"
"No," he made her sit on the stone, kneeling beside her, "what's wrong,
Khushi. Why are you like this? Is it because of me? Am I bothering you in any
way? What happened? Please tell me. I am worried."
"It's not because of you," tears flowed through her eyes relentlessly,
"I can't tell you. Please...just let me go."
"Khushi, Khushi..." he held her hands, without realising what he was
doing, "Khushi. Relax...please. just relax. Please..."
"I hate being like this..." she whispered and hugged him, crying on his
shoulders while Arnav didn't have the slightest idea what to do. He embraced
her, patting her head and consoling her. They sat like that for hours as the
moon gave way for the sun, a new dawn rose and birds chirped but the two
wounded souls comforted each other without knowing what they looked for in the
whole world were right there, in front of the other.
PRECAP:
What the hell is your problem? Yesterday you were all hugging me. Now, you are yelling at me again?
I am what I am. If you have a problem get the f**k outta here!
Like seriously woman? You'll drive me crazy one day!
As if you are not one already!
I am warning you Gupta!
Your threats dont work against me Raizada. Keep them to scare some rabbits!
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Comments (36)
[QUOTE=radzbharadwaj]Hey guys! The update is going to be tomorrow :) Anyway, I had a question about the index. Its a stupid work. Takes too much time to search for the links and then edit it and upload it. So I wanted to ask whether you specifically want links or page numbers of the chapters are enough? Please do let me know, the majority will be taken into consideration. Do wait for the update :) Dont forget to comment :) [/QUOTE] Links Please. Thanks.😃zafi2014-08-18 18:12:04
10 years ago
[QUOTE=radzbharadwaj]Hey guys! The update is going to be tomorrow :) Anyway, I had a question about the index. Its a stupid work. Takes too much time to search for the links and then edit it and upload it. So I wanted to ask whether you specifically want links or page numbers of the chapters are enough? Please do let me know, the majority will be taken into consideration. Do wait for the update :) Dont forget to comment :) [/QUOTE] Link or page numbers anything would do. But I prefer links :)
10 years ago
Hey guys! The update is going to be tomorrow :) Anyway, I had a question about the index. Its a stupid work. Takes too much time to search for the links and then edit it and upload it. So I wanted to ask whether you specifically want links or page numbers of the chapters are enough? Please do let me know, the majority will be taken into consideration.Do wait for the update :) Dont forget to comment :)
10 years ago
Started to read ur story yesterday. Its beautiful. Loved it.. can u please pm wen u update next.
10 years ago
Still waiting for that updated index 😊
10 years ago
Update Please... Waiting!!
10 years ago
read all chapy one go its amazing pl pm me when u updt want to follow this stry thanx
10 years ago
awesome story line i just read this in one go marvelous updates loved themcan't wait to read moreplz pm me for your updates
10 years ago
s955548
@s955548
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10 years ago
hey just read this story. And its wonderful...to be honest, the start was a little too slow. but thankfully, the later ones were not as slow as earlier ones. And i uderstand ur slow pace for 2nd half a it reall needed to build up the story. but i hope to see All a-k paced updates now. but i really like the way u hv rolled the story. Its marvellous. how u have cleared off All of clouds over arnav's sad past atleast. and its a thrilling idea to see tht it K who's chippu and A who's rinnie. But i m really very interested in knowing the way how u came to these names. and then agn i knw...tht revelation is far off. Anyways looking forward to Western-ghat adventures. Ahhh! its gonna b fun. Please update soon. really looking forward to it. and sending u buddy req. Please allow me to be a part of troop recieving PMs. thankx. Love,Meg
10 years ago