Chapter 37

"Both of you, stay right there outside the door Buaji commanded Khushi and Kushal. Shouting out, "Garima, get the aarti taal (Plate with red vermillion and water to discard evil eye) 

Once the aarti was done, both entered into the house. It was a joyous occasion for the Guptas to see their younger daughter return from foreign!! 

"Aye Khushi, now you should not be running n flying around like a butterfly  how you used to before. All these people will put buri nazar (evil eye) on you Buaji was trying to explain to Khushi. Kushal's heart filled up with love looking at the scene. These things were new to Kushal and he enjoyed seeing his sister and he were getting. Oh how he loved the simpleton Buaji. 

 The wedding season was ON. Kushal and Khushi immediately began planning along with Payal, Shashi, Buaji and Garima. 

"No Babuji, you will not do anything with regards to his issue, I and only I will look after all the financial aspects of the wedding. Please dont take this right away from me, How can you say a brother cannot do? For once, the Gupta members saw how adamant and stubborn Kushal was.  

Taking advantage of the situation, Kushal tried to convince them on, "So Babuji, amma and Buaji, let us also move out to a new apartment, the only reason being we can have more space for the wedding ceremony.." . He was taken aback when there was immediate refusal from all, which included Khushi too. Garima calmly explained  "After the wedding we will think of it. It will be hard to move with all the wedding arrangements to be made and Kushal had no choice but to agree. 

With dates decided for the engagement to happen in a weeks time and the wedding four weeks after, Kushal made arrangements with his company to work from India. The engagement would happen at RM and a wedding hall was booked for the main ceremony.

"Yes Anjali ji, we arrived just a just a few hours ago Khushi was heard talking to Anjali on the phone. "Definitely I will come over, you know Anjali ji, there is so much to discuss and prepare, oh I am so excited. There was equal match of excitement and happiness in Anjali as well. Oh how she loved all this. Suddenly Khushi whispered into the phone, "Anjali ji, just listen to this fun now... and suddenly Khushi shouted, "Akash ji,.. only to see Payal running across to come to the phone. "Khushi pass the phone, I need to ask him something.. when Khushi winked, "Oh really Jiji, you will have to listen to me and do all that I say if you want to talk to him.. 

Payal pretending to be angry, "Hey Khushi, I will give you one big smack, give me the phone Khushi lifted the phone higher, with Payal finally agreeing, "Ok baba, give me now, I need to ask him something,.. Khushi coolly replied, "Jiji, it is Anjali ji. When did I say I was talking to Akash ji? You don't seem to be hearing any other name now a days .. "you Khushi Payal was heard shouting among the peels of laughter from Khushi and Anjali could well imagine the scene at the other end..

Managing office and preparing for the wedding was taking up all her time. She went for the dance practice in the evenings and knackered by the time she went to bed..  But, her nights were lonely and sad, since she missed a certain someone with chocolate brown eyes. Ever since he had apologised, both had kept away from each other. Khushi was moved when Shashi and Payal told them about his apology to the family members, and her yearning to see him now was more intense.

It was now confirmed that both knew that they had felt for each other. Well did they accept it? No. Did they want it? No. But hey, could they help it? Definitely No. And so, fair enough, they tried to maintain a certain distance. But with cupid playing tricks on them, could they maintain a distance? No again. Anjali and Nani were in full swing. You could probably add Devi maiyya into this list as well. All did not leave any stone unturned to create situations for them to be together. And on the other side was the two stubborn hearts. 

"What Aman, are you sure? The meeting was over a days ago, and he is still there? Anjali questioned Aman who told her for some unknown reasons ASR had extended his stay unnecessarily until the engagement.  

"Yes Anjali ji, we thought he would be here as soon as the meeting was over since Khushi has returned, but he is now keeping to himself, not been out a great lot. Actually, he has not called me either lamented Aman.

Having the Guptas over for discussion at RM, Anjali keenly explained, "Kushal, be here sharp 9 tomorrow, there is loads to finish. Now see, when we need all the help in the world, my great chote has decided to come in the last minute..

"What.. " Khushi shouted, gaining everyone's attention. Embarrassed, she replied, "aa, eh, I mean, well, Anjali ji, he is the grooms brother, how can he not come? After a few seconds of thinking, Khushi repeated, in low voice, "How can he do that?  You see Anjali ji, he will come, earlier.. 

"Anyway leave it na Khushi ji, even if he was here, he would be grumbling, DI, what is all this nonsense. Why should you do all these rituals. Its good Anjali whined, while Nani and Anjali exchanged a look of pity, "Poor Khushi ji, See how her reaction was and the how sad Khushi ji is

Experiencing  unknown emotions, Arnav too had tried to maintain a distance, since ASR knew, all his anger bursts and the unexplained behaviour only happened when a certain someone with hazel eyes was around he thought best to stay away and see!! Hence his extended stay in London. At that moment little did he know it was a bad decision. With each passing day or rather should we say night, it seemed harder to concentrate. He longed to go back, and that's exactly what he had done. 

"Dhak dhak, Dhak dhak.., Khushi's heart beat aloud and she thought "Hey Devi Maiyya, this laad governor is not here, we just spoke about him. Now don't tell me I can't talk about him as well. And so as soon as they heard the  bell ring, wanting to get away from everyone's eyes Khushi sprinted to the door saying, "Let me see Anjali ji " and the group soon settled back into their discussion.

"You, Why are here? Why did you come? Khushi stood giving a puzzled look.

It was definitely a pleasant welcome surprise he received when Khushi opened the door. This man could knock off the little sanity left in her and true to her name sanka devi, she demanded why he was at his home?!! Happy to see her gibbering he whispered quietly "Khushi this is my home. Where do you want me to go? 

Oh this man and his husky voice! She was already out of her senses, she stuttered, "aa eh, mmm.. home... yours... Anjali ji..  stay.. extend... acidity.. .. coming close to her, he said,

"Yeah right. I did extend, but I couldn't stay away and Khushi was still stuttering, "haan, extend, aaa  sss stay... aa away your ... hhh home enjoying her muddled state, and looking at Nani, Anjali and Mami who had by now come to the door, he said, "Khushi if you are done repeating what I say, and move, I can come inside, I am not too keen to be stood here..

When they saw ASR,  "Chote, its you? What a surprise, you are back? I was just telling them all you are going to stay back,.. and Anjali suddenly looked at Khushi, "Khushi ji, you told he would come!! See, chote has come

Raising his eyebrows, it was Arnav's turn to be surprised. Looking at Khushi,  "Really Di, did she? I had not told Aman as well, I just packed up and left.' Giving all of them a quick glance, "Now can I go if all your security checks are done?

 

"Chote. We are happy you are back. You did a good thing by coming..., Nani was happy to see her grandson. "Go freshen up and come down

"Yes Nani, I missed everything, looking at Khushi, "if only, now I can get a strong coffee.. 

Khushi was already half way through to the kitchen, without being told. Now there was vigour and happiness in her every step which did not go unnoticed by the experienced eyes.

The days were a blur of activities soon enough, the engagement day arrived. A special occasion to dress, to apply makeup, nothing but all talk of happiness. Khushi was dressed in a magenta lehnga and Payal had a beautiful green Ghaghra choli, specifically designed by the AR team under Anjali's directions and they all arrived at RM.

What a welcome Anjali gave the brides side when they arrived. All the guests had their mouths open in surprise and glee when flowers were showered from the top. And to top all the surprises was... Anjali too had worn a beautiful lehnga. "Anjali jee squealed Khushi.. "How was the surprise welcome an excited Anjali asked the guests. Khushi gave Anjali a tight hug, "it is so so so wonderful I cant express my happiness. Jiji loves all these.. and you know, you are looking the best I today..

Looking at Payal lovingy, Anjali replied "What could I do Khushi ji, Payal told me if she were to wear what we design, then I too had to wear one, so there you go, How do I look? Honestly I feel so odd, out of my Saree. Though I must agree, this lehnga is designed quite well and  I feel comfortable and happy. Thanks Payal ji"

 

Payal too hugged Anjali and after all the courtesies and blessings, all proceeded for the ceremony to continue while Khushi's eyes searched for the one person her heart yearned...

Before she could lay her eyes on ASR, there stood in front of her, NK. "Khushi jiii, Namaste, Hi, shaksikaal, beinvenue,... I am NK. Completely puzzled, Khushi gave him a nervous smile and folded her hands in a namaste.. "I have heard so so so much about you.. Nani and Anjali di have not stopped talking about you he continued...

Thank goodness, Anjali soon came there, "Khushi ji, meet my other brother, NK. He is Akash's maasis (Aunts) son.  He just came from Australia in the morning, just in time for the engagement function isn't it.. 

"That is nice Anjali ji, You have so many brothers,... anyway I can't complain, I too have got mine now!! Khushi spoke casually and again her eyes were searching for the one... only to freeze on the  spot looking into the dark chocolate brown eyes... Both could not stop admiring each other. ASR dressed in formal attire for the engagement and Khushi too in her best,  mesmerised they forgot the rest of the world... Anjali and NK had long gone, knowing its hopeless to disturb them..

It was time for the main ceremony, soon after the entertainment. Khushi along with her dance friends, gave a wonderful performance enjoyed by all and secretly admired by ASR while Anjali kept asking, "where has chote gone when all this entertainment is going on

"Jijaji, Jiji has specifically selected this ring, it is one ring made up of seven groves  indicating she will not leave you for the next seven lives Khushi teased Akash while he was busy shying away. Khushi continued, "aa where can you see all that, when jiji is standing here, Jijaji I am talking to you... Khushi tried to grab his attention. She had to stop her teasing when Garima strictly looked at her and said, "Kusi.. everything has a time. Let us begin the ritual.

The Gupta's were relaxed after the ceremony. Nani tried to make them feel comfortable. Nani was very happy her grandson was getting engaged and she had invited some of her friends from Lucknow too. Shashi knew some as well. The event finished without any hurdles and all were thankful. The guests had dispersed and just the Gupta's stayed. Talks of the wedding ceremony and preparations started. 

To make the mood light, Nani remarked, "Shashi ji, now elder daughter's wedding is finalised, you should start thinking of Khushi's as well. Many of my friends were asking.. I have someone in mind if you are ready.. " 

Anjali saw her brother's ears pop up top here what Shashi politely replied "Devyani ji, thanks a lot. It is all you elders blessings. There has been a few proposals, we are thinking, but Khushi.. and he hesitated.. 

Nani prompted him, "Why what happened? looking at Khushi, "do you like anybody else Khushi bitiya.

Obviously Buaji had to interrupt, "No No Devyani ji, nothing of that sort. Kushal is planning on coming back to India for a few months and he will be working in Lucknow. So Khushi wanted to move there. 

What a shock to the Raizadas. All made an O face looking at Khushi, who squirmed in her seat. Feeling conscious, she replied, "ah, well I was going to talk to you Anjali ji.. and she gave an unhappy look at her Buaji which said "Buaaji... Did you have to say it now??" 

Not understanding her discomfort, Buaji continued, "You know Devyani ji, todays generation. She wants to study something. Good proposals are coming by, we told let us do the engagement, you can still study, but this sanka devi, does not want to listen. She will not get married it seems!! giving a big sigh, Buaji continued, " well it is also a good time, as you know if she gets married she would not be able to spend  any time with her brother, so we all agreed. We too can visit Lucknow more often now

Seeing how Khushi's was getting uncomfortable, Kushal  addressing Nani ji and the others , "Well that is the proposal now, Khushi was going to speak to you looking at Anjali and Akash. Continuing, "There is a project to look after in Lucknow and I offered to do it, and Karan will be going to London to takeover the other project.

Finally, Anjali exclaimed, "Khushi ji, you want to leave us all, your work and go..

Payal soon followed suit, "See Anjali ji, I too told her, but she is quite adamant..

Khushi then replied sadly, "Jiji, I told you, you will get married and go away now she was too emotional thinking of her sister going away. Collecting herself, she said, "Anjali ji, I will talk to you later. Looking at the rest of her family she said, "I think we should go now, lots to catch up and of course start planning wedding preparations. She was already cheerful talking about all the wedding preparations..

Saying all the good byes and thanking the Raizadas for their hospitality and arranging the ceremony beautifully, the Guptas made their way to the door when, 

"One minute Payal ji, Chote, can you get the sample invitation card I gave you? asked Anjali, 

ASR ran up to his room while the rest waited. Suddenly, Anjali said, "Hey Bhagvaan (Oh God) I forgot, Khushi ji, please can you ask chote to bring the flower catalogue and food menu from the caterers 

After waiting for a few minutes, Anjali suggested, "Actually if Khushi can stay back for some more time I can have a chat with her about a few more preparations and then we can drop her. Ah, well if you don't mind that is 

Once again Buaji was quick to give a nod of affirmation saying "why not, Khushi will help you out beti, so the others left, having no choice.

And thus the two found each other in ASR's room, Khushi meekly requested what Anjali asked to bring... only to be literally pinned to the wall, "Khushi you are going away?

Oh, this man meddles my heart and brain, Khushi thought and said, "Arnav ji She wanted to answer his question, but should she? Or could she? Because she knew she would not be able to keep her mind and heart calm and talk. So she said, "please give me the things, all are waiting.

However before she left, moving even closer to  khushi, he whispered, "Here take this..

"Ji.. Khushi flustered at his closeness. Stressing on each syllable, ASR repeated "I said take this. Here is something for all, and YOU he stressed each syllable..

When Khushi came down with a big bag full of gifts and the samples and catalogues, she was surprised and a bit saddened that she was left alone!! 

"Arrey what is all this Khushi ji? asked Anjali looking at the big bag. Having no idea, Khushi replied, "Don't know Anjali ji, Arnav ji gave them. He said there is something for all and YOU, she repeated like a parrot, only to realise what she told a second later. Anjali could only raise her eye brows and told her about her decision to discuss few preparations and had asked the rest to leave. She desperately wanted to know why Khushi had plans of moving.. 

Preparing the plan for shopping, jewellery, clothes, accessories, both Anjali and Khushi browsed the websites and catalogues for shops and designs. When Arnav came down for a glass of water, he was indeed surprised to see Khushi. "You? " he exclaimed, with a pleasant smile on his face,

Khushi squirmed in her seat, Anjali explained, "Chote, I wanted to discuss a few things with her so I asked her to stay, Later on you or Akash or NK bhai can drop her .. can you look at these places/shops for us. We are planning to go there next few days...

"Di, I will look at these but only on one condition!! only if I can get a coffee!! demanded ASR looking at Khushi. Anjali had to just look  and Khushi got up..

"See DM, that's why I want to go away. It is too harmful to stay in his company. Look how I get a shock even if he touches me thought Khushi sitting down to discuss when by accident (Er well,..)  Arnav's fingers lingered on her hand for aaa ah well slightly longer than needed when she gave him his coffee.

 

After giving his valuable suggestions, Arnav stood up saying, "Khushi once you are done let me know, I will drop you. Anjali immediately replied, "Sure chote, I will call you only oh so very innocently..

Once done, Anjali took the opportunity to ask, "Khushi ji, what is this I hear about you wanting to go away? Anything bothering you here?

Khushi was only too keen to deny, saying "No no Anjali ji, nothing is bothering me, nothing at all. What can bother me here. Nothing can bother me in Raizada mansion, isn't it, nothing? 

What a confused state she was in.. Anjali guessing her reasons, looked puzzled, "Er.. Khushi  ji, I did not mean Raizada mansion

All the more confused Khushi blabbered, "Oh, yes, you did not mean Raizada mansion. That's right. Nobody is bothering me, you know, Nani ji, Akash ji, you, Mami ji, your mama, now NK ji, nobody.." 

Anjali knew Khushi was not in her present state, so "who else Khushi ji? Have you missed any body

 

"aaah nobody else Anjali ji, nobody really, honestly..no no current, shock, nothing very slowly and quietly she spoke sadly, 

 "because I know my family. They will definitely get me married off, and I am not really ready. But will they listen? So this was the best option for me to push my marriage. You know how Buaji is?

Showing a sad face, Anjali said "why Khushi ji? both you and Payal going off will be too much isn't it?

"Yes Anjali ji, but what can I do, I have to get away, have to get away from here

"Anjali ji, I think I should go now, and don't bother Arnav ji, I will call Kushal bhai, he will come to pick me Khushi was coming out of her trans..

Anjali spoke rather offended "Oh, why should he come all the way when Chote has already agreed to drop you? and she was already out calling loudly, "Chote... can you drop Khushi ji, and as if by magic, he appeared before her... How keen can he be!!!

The air was thick, and not a lot was spoken. Emotions running high on both sides, they did not know how to start a conversation. To lighten the mood, soon, Arnav asked "So khushi, those shops are fine for clothing. When are you all planning to go?

"Day after tomorrow."

"What about Jewellery? 

"Next week , Khushi spoke in mono syllables and Arnav was running out of questions.

"What course are you planning to do in Lucknow?

"Event management, 6 months

Overcome with pain, Arnav looked at Khushi and asked "Why Khushi?

Its a good thing she did not see his eye. This man dared to ask her this question when he was the root of all her instability. Unfortunate though, she was too scared to accept the facts herself, what can she tell him or the world for that matter. That she had fallen for the man who thought she was a gold digger, who had no class? May be he still thought the same. As if puzzled by his question, she asked "What do you mean why Arnav ji? 

Arnav, for the first time tried to hold a sensible conversation with Khushi, without being angry or shouting at her. "You have all your family here, you can do your course here as well, and Lucknow is close, you can always visit Kushal and he can come over too. Payal will be here, why do you want to go away leaving all these people?

"That's all true, Arnav ji, but I will have to go one day,.. sometimes we need to take decisions that are good for all of us. When we cannot solve certain problems, it is best to stay away from the problem. You will not understand" and Arnav definitely did get confused, and asked, "What do you mean? What is your problem?

By now Khushi had collected herself and knew she had spoken a bit too much. So she put on her bubbly self and said, "Leave it na Arnav ji, you should be happy you will not have me bothering you any more. Ever since we have met I think I have only been a menace. After Jiji's marriage, I will not bother you. Then you will have my sister in your house. Don't worry she will not give you any problems. But, you will all get to eat the best bestest food in the world..

Arnav asked worried, "Khushi its Lucknow, is it safe for you to go? feeling ashamed of his previous actions..

Sensing he was not happy, Khushi replied.. "Oh, it should all be fine..   You know how Kushal wants to go to Lucknow and any day, I would love to go there. This will be the only opportunity I might get

He wanted to continue more, but unfortunately for him and fortunately for Khushi, Gupta house came and she left saying a quick thank you and good night. 

When Arnav returned, he heard Anjali discussing seriously with Nani, "Nani, she does not want to marry and she wants to push it as much as she can. Her Buaji is too hasty, you know na, so she wants to get away from the whole situation. 

Nani affirmed Anjali saying, "I was shocked too, I was going to discuss about her marriage to you know who... I want her to be in our family

Alone in his room, Arnav felt more lonely than ever. He was not able to understand why he was so depressed. Yes he was not happy Khushi was going. But what can he do? Perplexed by all the revelations, Arnav tried to fit in the pieces of the puzzle, what he heard from Khushi, Anjali, Nani and their Buaji. "Is she trying to get away from me?... "Why ma, for the first time, I feel some emotion for someone other than my family?  I am sure she too feels the same, they why?...