Part 9

1 months ago

manjiri

@m4manju

Sundays usually were the least favorites for Kashish. They reminded her of the upcoming work week, ensuring that she was ready with her classwork completed, her clothes washed and ironed and her tentative meal plan for the week was decided. So, Sunday usually became busier day for her than any other day.

But here in India, on her vacation, and enjoying the company of an adorable geeky guy, Aman, she was enjoying her Sunday evening. Three words that she had never imagined she could join together, 'enjoying' and 'Sunday evening'. But now, as she stood near a small, unassuming stall that had a long line of people eagerly waiting and the sign that read "Bittu's famous Barf Ka Gola" in bold, cheerful letters, she found herself wishing the time went by slowly...

Her companion on the other hand, Aman, who was standing in that long line, didn't harbor any such disdain towards this day of the week. For him, all 7 days meant work, work that could come at any time and in any capacity! Being ASR's right-hand man, this was normal for him. However, he would surely agree off-record that having a relaxing evening with a very sweet girl was a big welcome!

After a few minutes of waiting, Kashish finally saw Aman walk in her direction holding two large cups with inverted snow cones placed in them.

She watched in glee as he handed over one cup with colorful shaved ice held by a stick, "Here you go!"

She took it and with the free end of the stick, picked her snow cone, "Which one is this?" she asked observing the icy delicacy.

"This is 'Rainbow' baraf ka gola (snow cone), the most popular flavor of Bittu ji's shop. It has a combination of mango, strawberry and watermelon syrups." He replied while he himself took a sip of his own barf ka gola of the same flavor.

Kashish mimicked his action as she took a small bite and sip of her snow cone, and her eyes automatically closed in relishing the burst of flavors on her tongue.

Aman looked at her and was captivated by the look of pure delight on her face.

She opened her eyes after a moment feeling his intent gaze on her. Although he had not officially said it yet and she had not acknowledged either, but this moment was enough to tell that they both were falling for each other...

He cleared his throat after a minute and asked, "Like it?"

Kashish, a bit flustered, responded softly, "Love it." Then, trying to cover her awkwardness, she added, "I mean, the baraf ka gola is really yummy."

He smiled.

They both stood enjoying their own snow cones, carefully managing to take sips and let the melting ice flakes fall into the cup.

The conversation steered to a more serious topic after some time, as Aman asked, "What is your thought on ASR and Khushi Bhabhi? I mean, you have known ASR for so long now and from what I see, you care deeply about him."

Kashish nodded, "I do. I respect him a lot and care for him too. Actually, it was my dad who had known him for a few years as a business acquaintance, always spoke highly of him. Thus, when he heard ASR who already has his own penthouse in London, wants to live in a rented place, he offered our house. ASR never said it openly, but me and my parents think that he needed presence of a family around him that time. My dad and mom many times tried to get him open up to them but he rarely shows his vulnerable side to anyone. Even with me, he doesn't easily break his silence. But I use my profession of psychology and impose my presence on him. You know, he is kind of a big brother I never had."

Aman smiled hearing that ASR had found people who cared for him even being away from his real family.

She then added, "But about Khushi's case, he has to do things himself, you know? We can only push him to a certain limit. Their past sure had a lot of trauma but it had magic too."

"But life works on logic, not magic." Aman said with a frown.

"It does. But it needs a tinge of magic too, magic of love, emotions, listening to your heart etc."

"Do they teach all of this at Oxford?" he asked in a teasing tone.

She giggled, "No. This is a romantic in me talking." And then added with a sigh, "but I agree, Arnav needs to make a firm decision regarding his and Khushi's life now. It is not only affecting him, but she is also suffering."

Aman too let out a wistful sigh as he hoped the same.

--*--

It was finally Wednesday, the day when Khushi had held a cocktail party in honor of her Anjali di and Vikrant jiju, to celebrate their engagement. As the evening approached, Khushi felt a strange sense of anticipation, as though something significant was about to happen. But she brushed off that feeling, thinking it was her nervousness in hosting such a big event for the first time.

Unbeknownst to her, Arnav was traveling in the same boat. In the last 3-4 days since Arnav started living in Shantivan, he and Khushi often crossed paths with each other. Sometimes through the serene mornings as he came downstairs to have a cup of coffee and she was having a cup of tea, sometimes through to bustling afternoons when he worked from home and she flitted about the house, and sometimes in the heartwarming evenings as he watched entranced when she practiced her dance moves in front of Nani, Anjali, Payal and mami ji. She had blushed prettily when she found him standing at the end of the hall, watching her. And then there was a soulful night when he showed her the stars that were supposedly her parents as she herself had shown him in the past. A memory she perhaps kept suppressed but he held onto it as a precious gem...

And then there was Manik, a man he had felt threatened about initially but soon got to know his fears were baseless. Because of Vikrant's timely interference, Manik and his estranged girlfriend Nandini had seemingly reconciled. Manik had sincerely apologized for rejecting her the way he did and offered to marry her on any date she chose. Nandini, in turn, said sorry for not understanding his reasons and suggested they wait until they both felt more certain about marriage. In the meantime, they both decided to continue being the way they were, in a steady committed relationship. Anjali, thrilled by the news, had shared it with everyone at Raizada mansion. And when khushi got to know that Nandini was in fact in Delhi today, she insisted manik and nandini both attend today's party.

Soon, the guests started arriving and the party began in full swing. Khushi watched with a pleased smile on her face as everything seemed to be going as per her plan. Thanks to Arnav's encouragement and her own amazing ideas, the event beautifully combined Western and Indian cultures. Soft music created a pleasant atmosphere, while a dance floor was set up for couples eager to hit the dance floor. The food counters offered a mix of Indian and continental dishes, and the drink selection featured both cocktails and refreshing non-alcoholic sherbets.

Her eyes soon found him, standing in a group of 3-4 people, most likely from the business world, eager to hear his thoughts. He was a well-known person in the business world, she knew. And she had seen people seek his opinions and revered them. That somehow made him even more charming in her eyes!

On the other hand, Arnav stood amidst this lively party, but his mind had a war going on between conflicting thoughts. He had often found his gaze going towards Khushi who moved gracefully through the crowd. She wore a stunning saree today, in a deep teal blue color with intricate silver embroidery that shined under the soft lights. The fabric draped around her with an effortless grace, accentuating her every move. Her hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, and a delicate bindi adorned her forehead, complementing the sparkle of her nose ring.

Arnav's gaze lingered on her, his heart wrestling with an internal struggle. He felt an overwhelming desire to tell her that he was as much hers as she was his, yet a gnawing fear held him back. He couldn't shake the thought of what would happen if she learned the full truth about their past, the pain he had caused her, and how he had once treated her.

His hands automatically went to his pocket where he had always carried her one symbol, her one nishani, her payal (anklet)! That used to make him feel that she was always with him in a way...

Would she hate him more if she knew the entire story? The fear of her anger and disappointment stopped him. The thought that his actions might have irreparably damaged the possibility of a future with her left him immobile.

But then there was this other side that assured him that she would give him a chance. He had seen her look at him with the same longing, in fact he wouldn't be exaggerating if he said she had feelings for him. So, perhaps she would be happy knowing she was in fact the only woman in his life?

So lost was he in these thoughts, and clutching the payal in his hand, that he didn't realize when he bumped into someone.

"I am so sorry." He heard a girl's voice and saw that it was Nandini, the girl he was introduced to as Manik's girlfriend.

She bent down and picked up the payal that had fallen on the floor.

"It's fine, I wasn't looking either." He said, holding his hand out to take back the payal.

"What an unusually beautiful payal!" Nandini exclaimed, handing it over to Arnav who had a warm, tender smile as took it from her.

"I know." He whispered.

"Your girlfriend's?" she asked with curiosity.

He nodded in denial, "My wife's."

"Ah. Lucky girl."

"Actually, I am the lucky one." He said with a longing smile.

Soon, manik came there looking for Nandini and after having a small talk with Arnav, they both went away.

However, that conversation was privy to someone else as well. To khushi, to be specific...

From a distance, she had watched the exchange, clearly heard what he said and felt a pang of dejection.

Why does this always happen to her? Why does it keep on repeating? When will she learn her lesson? He was not hers, no matter how much she wished. Seeing Arnav's deep love for his wife, she realized just how much he loved her. She turned on her heel and walked away, towards the poolside, seeking solace away from the crowd.

Meanwhile, as Arnav watched Manik and Nandini walk away, a sudden surge of inspiration struck him. He felt surer to follow his heart and openly pursue his love for Khushi. Like the other people in love, he too wanted to have his own love by his side now. He was tired of hiding in the shadows; he wanted to express his feelings for Khushi without any worry.

Determined, Arnav began searching for Khushi. She was nowhere to be seen in the hall or with any of the Raizadas. His heart quickened with worry. Where had she gone?

And then his gaze landed on her retreating figure, moving towards the poolside. Smiling to himself, he held her payal tightly in his hand, and took a deep breath. This was it! He will go to her and tell her what she is to him and what he is to her.

With purposeful steps, he headed towards the poolside, ready to confront his feelings and make his intentions clear to her.

Anjali watched her brother go behind Khushi and held herself back to do anything to either stop him or talk to him. In the past few days, she had seen them interact, had seen Arnav treat Khushi with utmost care and respect as she deserved. Then again, she was always aware of the strong pull khushi felt towards arnav despite losing her memories. So, if this was for the best of Arnav and Khushi, she will support them. Until then, she held her verdict.

On the poolside, as the wind whispered through trees, Khushi's heartbeat quickened. She felt someone approaching and standing close behind her. Goosebumps spread across her skin, and a flutter of nervousness twisted in her stomach. She instinctively knew that her body had this kind of reaction only in the presence of one person.

Arnav.

He was here.

--*--

A/N - *ahem* clears throat. Yeah, I am really stopping this one here. *ducks shoes and tomatoes thrown her way* sorry, I am not trying to be mean but have to keep you all hooked here, you see? A poor writer has got to do what she got to do... Happy weekend, sweet people! ♥

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