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shalini_s

@shalini_s

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Posted: 11 years ago

#121

next step in their relationship??

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shubhanjli

@shubhanjli

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Posted: 11 years ago

#122

teasing teaser

looking forward

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Shameela

@Sam_Faizal

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Posted: 11 years ago

#123

Can't wait for the update after the teaser.

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Uthra

@Viji79

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Posted: 11 years ago

#124

Chapter 12

Arnav checked his wrist watch as he parked his car in the visitor's car park of the palatial house and got down in a hurry realizing he was a little late. He rang the doorbell that was opened by a house help a minute later, who led him in after asking for his name, through a visitor's hall to the first floor from where violin music could be heard. As he ascended the stairs, he tried to remember the very

familiar musical piece that was being played.

"Khushi, play the Nishad and Daivatha as jaaru from Shadja. Yes. Good."

Arnav hesitated to intrude the proceedings and stood at the entrance to a music room, where a man in his sixties, whom he assumed to be Pt. Narayan Mishra or in other words, Khushi's Guruji, adorned in a simple kurta pyjama was seated on the carpeted floor, in front of whom Khushi sat with her violin, playing the instrument effortlessly. A woman who looked a couple of years younger to Guruji, sat at his side with a Tambur on her lap, which she stringed constantly. He guessed it must be her Guru Ma. Soon Guruji noticed Arnav and signaled him to come inside and take a seat, but Arnav too sat down on the floor a little farther from Khushi.

"Let us play it once more, Khushi." Guruji turned to Arnav and asked, "Arnav, right?" When he nodded in response, Guruji said, "Just a few more minutes Arnav, then you can take her."

Khushi had felt something shift in the air around her moments earlier and now she knew why. Suddenly she became nervous, but the thought that she was in front of her Guruji helped her control her nerves. She played the Tarana that she had just learnt with confidence much to the delight of her teacher. When she finished playing, she kept her instrument in its case and heard the shuffling of clothes which indicated that her Guruji and Guruma had risen to stand. She too rose from her position and took a couple of steps ahead, as she knew with practice where he would be and bent to touch his feet. As usual, he gave his blessings and said,

"Khushi, your progress so far has been promising. At this rate you can go for the next All India Radio competition. A little more hard work for Bhairavi is required. Will you play the Khayal in the next class?"

Khushi answered in the affirmative and Guruma took her to the adjacent room, leaving the men in the room.

"Arnav, Shyam had messaged me that you will come today to pick Khushi up. Can you believe the boy sent me your photograph, so that I don't send her with the wrong person?" Guruji chuckled.

Arnav smiled and said, "You can't blame him though, what with the recent incidents reported from all over India in general and Delhi in particular."

"True. Arnav, Khushi tells me that you sing well."

"She is just being nice to me. I started to learn from my mother, but lost touch after she passed away. That was many years ago."

"I am sorry Son. You must have had your reasons. But Music is a divine gift, son. Keep connected. It is a great healer."

"Khushi keeps telling me that all the time and thanks to her, I listen a lot now."

"That's a good start, that girl will not leave you until you start to sing again."

Arnav smiled remembering his conversation with her a few days back. Guruji studied Arnav's face for a few moments and recognized the look. He knew then that his daughter was a lucky girl. Khushi came back with her Guru Ma. Arnav took blessings from the couple and Guruji gently patted Arnav's shoulder affectionately and said, "Come again leisurely, Arnav. Let us hear you sing."

"I consider myself blessed, Sir." Stated Arnav sincerely.

Arnav gently led Khushi to his car and carefully seated her in the passenger seat. He buckled her seatbelt after he settled in the driver's seat.

"Where are we going Arnav?"

"Do you have any place in mind?"

"Not really. I was only wondering where you can possibly take me. I would be a boring company in all the places that people would like to hang out."

There it was, again, Arnav thought. He took her hand in his and said as he joined the traffic, "Shouldn't I be the judge of it? And what makes you think you would be a boring company? I am all set to disprove it."

"So tell me where we are going?"

"Before that you tell me the places you have visited."

Khushi smiled. "That's easy. Concerts, music libraries, temples, may be a couple of business parties, SPARC, our office and of course, your office. Oh yes, we sometimes go out for picnics. I haven't been to any tourist spot or place of attraction, if that's what you are asking."

"Okaaay. Then it is time we start exploring."

"But Arnav..."

"So Khushi, what was the Raag that you were playing when I arrived?"

"It's Bhagesri. But Arnav..."

"Bhagesri!! That's why it sounded so familiar. Have you heard this song, Aa ja re, Pardesi? That's Bhagesri, too, if I remember right. And what competition was Guruji talking about?"

He wasn't an expert in handling visually challenged people and he was dependent on his instincts and his experience, so far, with Khushi. He was going to experiment and he knew that it would not help if Khushi remained nervous about their destination. Hence Arnav effectively stopped her from expressing her apprehensions and engaged her in a conversation for the rest of their drive.

------------------

Lavanya parked her Activa in the allotted parking lot of her apartment complex and pushed her tired body towards the elevator. As she entered the lift and pressed the button to her floor, she remembered Anjali's comment to her a few hours before she had finished her work, "What has gotten into you today Lavanya? Why are you working like a woman possessed?" Although they had finalized the designs for a fashion week that was coming up in two months in Mumbai, Lavanya was working on a design on the same theme raising curiosity inAnjali. She had simply smiled and said that it was always good to have backup designs, as she couldn't bring herself to tell Anjali, the reason behind her self-imposed hard work.

She wanted to forget.

She didn't want to remind herself the truth of her life.

She didn't want to face the harsh reality that she was the unwanted, forgotten child, a mistake born out of a loveless marriage.

She didn't want to remember this day.

The automatic door of the elevator opened upon arriving at her floor and she uninterestedly rummaged her bag for her door keys. As she was about to insert the key inside the keyhole, she literally jumped out of her skin on hearing a voice, a familiar voice that she didn't expect to hear, coming from behind.

"Hey beautiful!"

Lavanya dropped her keys in the process and turned around to see NK sitting on the stairs leading to the upper floor, flashing his trademark goofy smile.

"God! Nandu! You scared me."

"Oh! Did I? Sorry."

Lavanya glared at him before picking up her key and opened the door, silently nodding at him to follow her, which he did.

He plonked himself on a sofa in the hall while Lavanya threw her bag on a chair before joining him. She placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

"You look tired. Too much work?"

"Hmm. How long have you been waiting? I thought you were in Noida today?"

"It is Friday Anya."

"Damn. I forgot."

"What's wrong? I have been trying your phone for God knows how long. It's switched off."

"It must have died. So what brings you here? We were supposed to meet tomorrow anyway, right?"

He straightened up and willed her to look at him.

He surveyed her face. She looked worn out and her eyes reflected pain. He asked her softly, "Hey! Are you alright?"

The concern in his voice was beyond bearable and she couldn't look into his eyes and lie, at the same time, she didn't want him to see how vulnerable she was at that moment. She shook her head in the affirmative and threw her arms around his neck while his arms automatically wound around her waist. She sighed and placed her head in the crook of his neck and closed her eyes to collect herself, lest she alarmed him about her internal conflict. Little did she know that the person who was offering her the much needed comfort already knew that something was wrong and that she was not ready to discuss.

It's been a few weeks since they have been together and Lavanya had never been at ease with anyone in the past as she was with NK. He never judged her, always gave her space, respected her reservations, was present when she needed him emotionally without any questions and seemed to understand her emotional upheavals. Despite never having to live a life like hers, she was surprised to know how well he understood that she was broken and was slowly healing her without even trying, like how he was there with her at that precise moment when she was sad and like how just being in his arms was rejuvenating her as if the frustrating day never happened.

Lavanya slowly retracted from NK's hold and gasped upon realizing something.

"Oh my God! Nandu, did you come directly from Noida? You must be hungry. Give me two minutes, I will get someth..."

"Sshhh...Anya, I am not hungry. If you are not too tired then we can go out and then have dinner."

"I was tired, but not now." Lavanya gave him a convincing smile.

"Great, then freshen up. Lets get out of here."

Lavanya pressed her lips to his cheeks and vanished into her room.

------------------

"We are almost there Khushi. Just a few minutes."

"Arnav, why aren't you telling me where we are going? It's not as if the place is going to be a surprise. I mean, all that I can do is to hear the sound around me and not really see anything. So what big deal?"

Arnav was surprised with himself. Pre-Khushi Arnav would have blown his fuse off at that self-deprecatorycomment. But this post-Khushi Arnav knew to control his temper and had also developed patience. One showdown was enough for him to understand that Khushi's scars ran deeper than she showed and that yelling and reproach won't work with her. He had to choose his words carefully and hence restrained from giving an answer immediately, also since they had reached their destination, Arnav slowed down the car and entered the parking.

Khushi realized that her comment must have been inappropriate and led to Arnav's silence. She didn't understand why she repeatedly kept throwing her feeling of unworthiness on her loved ones. She sincerely regretted what she had said and opened her mouth to apologize when the car came to a stop.

Arnav unbuckled her seat belt before taking her hand in his and said softly,

"Khushi, you don't experience certain things only by seeing. I want to ask you to do something for me this evening, can I?"

Khushi could only nod.

"Forget everything else and just trust me."

"I will. I am sorry Arnav."

"You don't have to be. I will give you a brief of where we are before going in. Have you heard of Choki Dhani?"

Khushi nodded in the negative.

"Okay, that's where we are right now. It is in Sonipat.It's a re-creation of a typical Rajasthani Village. There are many activities and attractions that are based on Rajasthani tradition. I am not going to tell you what they are, as I want you to experience each and every one of them. You will be able to understand most of them. For the rest, you have me to help you."

"Arnav, have you come here before?"

"I attended a corporate party here a few months back. Come let's get the entrance tickets."

Arnav led Khushi to the ticket counter and as they stood in the queue, Arnav explained to Khushi what Choki Dhani was about. Started as part of ambience of a restaurant about 25 years ago, Choki Dhani serves as a mirror to Rajasthan culture. Spread across the country, it has evolved as a tasteful and authentic symbol of ethnic village life of this most colorful state in the country. Spread over many acres of beautifully landscaped area for a rustic look, generally all Choki Dhanis are dotted with machaans & platforms where different folk artists perform concurrently. A village fair is created every evening as an ongoing celebration of the rich & vibrant cultural heritage of Rajasthan.***

As Arnav and Khushi stepped into Choki Dhani, they were, as per the tradition, welcomed with arathi and served welcome drink. Khushi held onto Arnav's arms as she took, perhaps, her first step towards an incredible experience that was waiting to sweep her off her feet.

-------------

"Will you be okay here? I will be back in five."

Seeing Khushi nod, Arnav left her with her thoughts in a quite yet not-so-secluded place in the dining area to get their food. Khushi sighed and tried to list down all the crazy things she had done in a span of about two hours. When she had stepped inside Choki Dhani more than a couple of hours back, she didn't know what to expect.

Moments after they had had their welcome drink, Arnav took her through an exciting journey filled with fun. As he had led her through the place, she had heard folk songs played and her vision condition had allowed her to see bright orange color moving objects, which she came to understand that a folk dance was in progress and the dancers were dressed in bright orange and red Rajasthani ethnic dresses. She had stayed there for some time, swaying mildly to the music, holding Arnav's hand. Arnav had quietly let her enjoy the setting.

After treating themselves with matka kulfi and some snacks, they had then sat through a puppet show. She had learnt from Arnav that puppet or Kathputli was an ancient and one of the most popular art forms of Rajasthan, originally conceived and spread by the Bhat community. The stories that were narrated included that of Kings and Empires. Recently puppet shows were used to spread awareness against social evils. She had been able to see blurred objects moving on a brightly lit stage, as the puppeteer had narrated the most popular story of King Amar Singh Rathode. Arnav had helped her understand the narration as they had sat side by side on the sand amongst a few families and couples.

After listening to a few folk songs sung by a group in another wing of the vast expanse of Choki Dhani, Arnav had taken her for an exhilarating experience. Pottery. Ignoring her protests, he had made her sit in front of a spinning wheel where a kind old lady had held her hands and guided her through pot making. After minutes of effort, Khushi had finally managed to make a small ware, among huge cheer and whistle by the onlookers. Khushi blushed at the realization of having had an audience and seeked Arnav's help to clean herself. The lady had offered to dry and fire the ware that Khushi had made and have it sent to their home. Arnav had paid her handsomely for the service. Khushi knew that the texture of the wet clay and the ecstasy she had felt when her hands were made to dig into the spinning lump of clay would stay with her for a longtime to come.

After being dragged from one activity to another that included a Tonga ride, fire performance, astrology and gong, she thought she had had entertainment that can last for a lifetime, when she realized that she was mistaken, for, the next on Arnav's list of keep-surprising-Khushi' was a camel ride.

When she had heard him mention their next adventure, Khushi had freaked out, quite openly.

"You aren't serious about this, are you?" Khushi had asked gripping his hand tightly.

"Are you scared?"

"Can't say I am not." Khushi had replied shakily.

"Relax Khushi. Camel is harmless." He had stated encouragingly.

"But my nerves aren't. Arnav, why don't we skip this?" Khushi had tried to dissuade him.

"You hesitated before trying pottery too. But you did have fun, didn't you?"

"Y...yes. But there was no risk of falling down while doing pottery. But here there is. Particularly with me, the risk is huge. I can't climb on it without attracting attention. Let's go Arnav, please." Khushi had pleaded.

But Arnav had turned a deaf ear. "Have you ever been a pillion rider?"

"What? Yes. With NK."

"You will have to climb the camel just like you climb NK's bike. Simple."

"Arnav, I am serious, shall we pass this? I don't know if I will do it right. I don't want to become a spectacle." Khushi had said in a low hesitant voice.

"Khushi, will I ever make you do something that will bring embarrassment? Remember what I told you? Just trust me." Arnav had played his emotional card that had effectively silenced Khushi.

Their turn had come soon after. As Khushi had reluctantly run her hand on the crouched animal to comprehend how to get onto the animal, Arnav had gently turned her to face him and without warning, lifted her by her hips and rested her gently on the camel. She had squealed at the unexpected action and before she could understand what was happening, he had guided her leg over the handle bar and made her sit in a straddling position. He then led her hands to the handlebar in front of her and asked her to hold it firmly, before mounting the camel himself from the make shift platform and settled behind her. When the animal moved a little, Khushi had yelped meekly but immediately felt Arnav's hands on her shoulder trying to calm her down. He had then gently explained what to expect when the camel would raise to a standing position and assured her that he was right behind her and would never let her fall. When she had doubtfully nodded, she had felt Arnav's hands shift from her shoulders to the handle bar in front of her, encasing her in the circle of his hands, his arms touching the entire length of her arms and his breathe fanning her right shoulder.

If this proximity was not enough to turn her into a jelly, he had spoken softly in her ears, "Just sit back and enjoy Khushi, don't think about anything else." Did he even know that she had lost the power of thinking the moment he had held her by her waist to hoist her up? Her only saving grace was the hump that was present in between them. Otherwise, God only knew what would have happened to her had there been no barrier.

But soon that relief vanished too as the animal rose to stand and worse, started to move. He was all over her or so she imagined, not sure what really happened. But every cell of her skin had erupted in response to her hormones. She hadn't registered one word of what he said during their ride. All she remembered were his cologne, his breathe on her cheeks, his hands over hers and his muscular chest on her upper back.

After what seemed like eons, which she later realized as only fifteen minutes, the camel had stopped moving and in yet another torturous action, crouched down. She had heard him call out to her to give him her hand which she, because of frozen mind due to the sudden loss of the comforting warmth of Arnav, had met with a blank expression that must have forced him to do what he had done next.

One moment she felt his hand encircle her waist, the other she was pulled down gently and the next, his other hand had gone under her knees, making her realize that she was cradled in his arms. She had wound her arms automatically around his neck and didn't know how long they had stayed that way. She had lost the little semblance she thought she possessed when she heard him ask, "Are you okay?" in his deep husky, mind debilitating voice.

As she sat waiting for Arnav to return in the dining area, still lost in the thoughts of the memorable moments she had spent in the wonderful company of the most incredible man, she thought that if there was one word she knew that was befitting to describe her state of mind, then it was dazzled.

-----------------

"Okay, now out with the truth, Nandu."

"What truth Anya?" NK asked innocently. They had just finished their dinner in a cozy restaurant and waiting for their bill.

Lavanya looked at him intently and said, "If I know you well, then I know for sure that something is cooking in that mind of yours."

"Mmm. I am quite impressed Ms. Kashyap." He said and waved at the waiter, who nodded at him and disappeared into the kitchen.

"What are you upto Nandu?"

"You were upset when *you came back from work. Now you don't seem to be. You are smiling. So I am happy."

Lavanya put her head on his shoulder and played with his fingers. "Hmm. But we were anyway meeting tomorrow."

"We can meet tomorrow too, you know?"

"Nandu!!" Lavanya warned for which NK just smiled and said, "Okay, I wanted to meet you today, because it's a special day."

Lavanya's heart skipped a beat and at that precise moment the waiter reappeared and placed a black forest cake in front of them and left. The beautiful cake read Happy Birthday Anya.

Lavanya was too stunned to speak. Several minutes later, she found her voice and asked in a mere whisper, the pain returning to her eyes, "How did you know?"

"We went to Croma last week to buy you a headset remember? You filled out their customer information form and I went to pay the bill?"

"Because you insisted paying for it and asked me to consider it as a Women's day gift" Lavanya added unemotionally.

"Yes, yes. I knew your birthday from the form that you had filled" NK now seriously doubted if the whole surprise birthday celebration was a wise idea. It suddenly struck him that her sadness this evening was related to her birthday. But he didn't know why. Weren't birthdays supposed to be happy occasions?

Lavanya was still unresponsive when NK hesitantly shook her shoulder. Lavanya slowly turned to look at him, her eyes now misty and in an unexpected move flung herself at him and hugged him fiercely while breaking into sobs. A stupefied NK gradually engulfed her in a comforting hug and allowed her to cry on his shoulders, while thinking of possibilities that could have evoked this strange reaction. Finally he had a guess which he softly voiced out.

"Anya, sshhh. Calm down sweetheart. Is it your parents?"

Lavanya slowly withdrew from him and nodded, tears still flowing down her cheeks which NK gently wiped with some tissues.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Lavanya wiped her tears and took a sip of water before taking several minutes to calm down. Then she started narrating NK her painful childhood.

"My parents were always too busy in their own social circles and when they were together they never got tired of fighting with each other. They have never hesitated to fight in front of me, in fact, if I happen to witness their verbal war, then one of them certainly mentioned that I was a mistake that was still binding them in a loveless marriage, uncaring of whether I even understood the meaning. They never remembered my birthday and the nannies didn't care. My Dadaji was the only alive grandparent at that time and he used to call to wish me and that was probably the only thing that helped me remember the day. On my 8^th birthday, my Dadaji had come to our Mumbai home to wish me. He had got me a cake. My parents were as usual not present. As I was about to cut the cake they entered the house together. I remember getting extremely happy seeing them together on my birthday and I hopefully asked them if they remembered my birthday. What do you think they told me, Nandu?

NK, saw the unbearable pain in her eyes and wanted to ask her to stop, but he also knew that this will help him indirectly help her to get over the memories of a painful childhood. He nodded his head in the negative and she smiled bitterly and continued,

"They said that it wasn't such an important occasion to remember, but that they had got me a gift, however" Lavanya wiped her tears and said, "They said that they were legally divorced and that I can choose to live with either of them. What followed was beyond my comprehension. Dadaji and my parents shouted at each other while I was taken inside by the nanny. The celebration was forgotten. My Dadaji lived in Pune, but since my exams were going on, Dadaji took me to his relative's home in Mumbai and we stayed there till the exams got over. Later I had learned that Dadaji had decided to take me in and that my expenses would be met by my father."

Lavanya placed her head on NK's shoulder and continued, "After the exams, I went to live with Dadaji in Pune. There was a kind lady who was the caretaker of his house. It was summer vacation and I had started to settle down in my new home. A month must have gone by when Dadaji passed away suddenly due to cardiac arrest. My parents had come for his funeral and asked me whom I would want to live with. When out of bitterness, I said none, they both didn't persuade me and admitted me in a boarding school in Panchgani and went their ways. I spent my vacations in Dadaji's home with the caretaker, not wanting to visit either of my parents. I later learnt from my caretaker that my mom had wanted to take me with her but her second husband had objected to it. She had regularly kept tab on me but never talked to me. I stopped bothering too. It stopped to be painful after a while, but my birthdays always remind me the bitter truth of my life, of being a child who was never loved and never wanted."

NK didn't know what to say. He had not known much about her childhood since she had never been forthcoming about it and he never forced her to say anything. Today he realized how broken she was. He cursed her parents for not treasuring such a wonderful daughter and snatching away a happy childhood she deserved and couldn't help but thank the Almighty for blessing him with loving parents and extended family.

Lavanya continued hoarsely, "In all these years they have never really bothered to wish me. Occasionally they call me to find out what I am up to but other than that I am as good as an orphan."

NK silenced her and took her in a consoling hug. His gaze fell on the cake in front of them and he felt like such a fool to have hurt her. Still holding her close to him he cleared his throat and said, "I am sorry Anya, had I known, I would not have hurt you like this. I am such an idiot. Give me just two minutes. I will have this cleared and then we can go." Saying so, he made to rise, when she pulled him back, alarmed.

"No no Nandu, you are mistaken. Oh my God, its my fault that I cried all over you giving you an impression that you hurt me with this. Its not what you think. After years of being neglected, I couldn't believe that someone can give me importance and make something special for me. I was taken by surprise and wasn't prepared for this. That's why I reacted the way I did. I am not upset because of this."

NK released a breathe he didn't know he was holding. He put his hand around her shoulder and asked with concern written all over his face, "Are you sure Anya, you don't have to do this if you don't want to. Trust me I won't feel offended."

"I know Nandu, and I am thankful for that. But I am really okay. And I don't want to let go of this opportunity to cut a birthday cake finally." She flashed her dimpled smile and winked at him in an attempt to cheer him up.

NK understood her effort to make him feel better and crushed her to him in a protective hug. "I only wanted to make your birthday special, Anya."

"You have. And not only this day, you've been making every passing day of mine as special as today. Now lets cut the cake. Its so tempting."

NK laughed as he released her from his hold and exclaimed while lighting the candle on the cake, "For the volume of sweets and pastries you consume, how the hell do you manage to stay so lean?"

"That's the only good thing about my genes, I guess. Anyway, now sing." NK smiled and sang birthday song as Lavanya cut the cake and fed a piece. NK fed her some cake too.

He then produced a chain from his pocket that had a beautiful double heart shaped pendent. Ignoring her protest, he fastened it around her neck and secured the clasp.

After spending some more time taking selfies and talking, the duo left the restaurant totally unaware of the fact that their relationship was no more a secret.

----------------

*** Choki Dhani Sonipat

Scroll down for Part 2

Edited by Viji79 - 11 years ago

123

Quote

Uthra

@Viji79

Inactive

+ 6

Posted: 11 years ago

#125

Chapter 12

Part 2

Arnav glanced at Khushi who had leaned back in her seat in his SUV, with her eyes closed. Khushi had been responsive to his light hearted banter for the first half an hour of the drive after which she had requested him to play some music. Listening to classic collection of Kishore Kumar, Khushi had been silent for the past few minutes. He wasn't sure if she was asleep or just lost in thoughts, but he let her be and thought back to the evening that had given him an insight of Khushi and himself.

Arnav was extremely nervous when he had entered Choki Dhani with her, not knowing what to expect. Her initial hesitation had made him jittery about his choice of place for it would have been a total flop show had she been adamant to not cooperate. Obviously she had needed a little push every time he had asked her to participate in an activity, but when she overcame the initial fear, she had thoroughly enjoyed it. She had had so much fun at pottery making that her enthusiasm had caught on the onlookers as well. Ignoring her protests, Arnav had recorded some of her experiences on his smartphone's video and had taken plenty of photos, stating that she would certainly see them one day. Her unfaltering smile, shrieks and hearty laughter the whole evening were evidences that Choki Dhani wasn't a poor choice, after all. T

he only time she had looked sad was during Tonga ride. As she had silently sat beside him in the cart driven by a horse, she had looked breathtakingly beautiful with the fading sun illuminating her face with a strange glow, but he had not missed a tinge of sorrow in her eyes. He assumed she must have remembered something unpleasant and hence had dragged her to one activity after another to divert her mind.

The whole purpose of taking her Choki Dhani to put her at ease with him had indeed paid off. She allowed him to hold her, she had laughed at his jokes, had shared a few anecdotes from SPARC and asked him about his girlfriends from Harvard in a teasing way. And every single time he had fallen for her little more. But he also wanted to know if she was affected by him at all, if she felt anything for him at all. He wanted answers and he didn't have to wait long, for the answers came to him to his complete satisfaction during the camel ride.

People say that eyes speak where words fail. Where the eyes failed, the body had spoken in Khushi's case. The manner in which she had responded to his proximity made his heart jump in joy. The goose bumps on the entire length of her smooth hands, her stumble and zoning out, lack of protest when he had offered to feed her dinner and the blush that permanently stayed and enhanced her facial beauty while they ate amidst a friendly chatter were sufficient for him to understand that she was indeed affected by him and it needn't be written off as her unfamiliarity with men other than family any more.

As Kishore Kumar concluded Dil kya kare jab kisi se kisiko pyaar ho jaaye, Arnav turned off the music player and got Khushi's attention.

"Are we there, Arnav?"

"Well almost. So, did you enjoy?"

Khushi sighed and hugged herself contemplating about how she should answer that question. Seeing that there was a perfect opportunity to seek answers to her questions, she said, "I don't remember enjoying so much in a long time. But..."

"There is more, isn't it?"

"I am sort of getting used to your presence in my life, which is gratifying as well as scary."

"Scary?"

"Yes. Scary. I am scared that whatever have been happening in the past few weeks are just a figment of my imagination and that I will soon wake up from my sleep to find that this is all a dream."

Arnav realized that this was a serious conversation and needed his full attention. So he pulled over a few blocks from Gupta Mansion and switched off the engine. He turned off the headlights before unbuckling her seatbelt and making her turn towards him. He studied her face for a few minutes in the moon light and then said, "Sometimes direct approach works better."

Khushi nodded and said, "I agree. I have some questions for which I want honest answers."

Arnav liked the direction of the conversation for, he knew that if his instincts were correct, then his job was going to be easier.

"I promise to be honest."

Khushi took a deep breath and asked shakily, "What is going on with us, Arnav? I have interacted with you enough to know that you don't do friends. Then what is this that is between us?"

Arnav watched in awe, the play of expressions on her face that changed from nervousness to relief to doubt back to nervousness during the momentary silence that succeeded her question. At the reappearance of anxiety that marred her face, Arnav hurriedly leaned forward and took her hands in his.

"What do you think, Khushi?" Arnav asked softly.

"You said direct approach works better."

"Of course. But will you promise me that my answer will not affect our existing relationship?"

"I promise." Khushi said.

Arnav sighed deeply and shifted closer. "I want us to be more than friends, Khushi."

"Me..meaning?"

"Like girlfriend boyfriend?"

Khushi didn't know how to react. The girl who was confused about her feelings for him a few days back and had dreamt every passing day to hear this from him, wanted to cry out of happiness, but the cynical part of her mind wanted her to ask him the most logical question. "Why?"

Arnav smiled at the homogeneity in the brother-sister duo's thought process, although Shyam's Why was more because of his protectiveness and Khushi's was more out of her inferiority complex. But the question had the same response from Arnav, both the times.

"Why not?"

"You know why it can't be Arnav." Khushi said almost in a whisper.

"No, I don't know why it can't be, Khushi." Said Arnav without missing a beat.

Although Khushi had decided after her first outing with Arnav, that she would bare her mind that was full of doubts and questions to him, when she was actually having the talk with him, she struggled to find the right words that wouldn't hurt him and at the same time effectively convey her thoughts. All she could manage was a half-hearted justification that stumbled out as a result of an intense feeling of inadequacy.

"I can never be an ideal girlfriend, Arnav."

Khushi bent her head slightly, in an effort to hide her tears that threatened to spill.

Arnav's heart went out to the girl in front of him. His heart bled for the little girl who lost not only her sight in that gory accident but also her sense of self-worthiness. He gently lifted her chin with his fingers and said, "Khushi, I don't know what you think are the qualities of an ideal girlfriend. In fact, there are no inclusion, exclusion criteria"

Seeing Khushi opening her mouth to intervene, Arnav gently put his finger on her lips and continued, "Khushi, I know what you are thinking and if you ask me, it is baseless. You think you are flawed because you have a disability, isn't it? Tell me who is not flawed? Some of us here have more than one hidden flaws which are far more serious in nature when compared to the defect you think you possess. Don't you remember our first meeting? If I were to be judged based on that one incident for eligibility of being an ideal' boyfriend, do you think I will even qualify?" Arnav asked with a hint of smile in his voice, which didn't go unnoticed by Khushi and evoked a smile from her.

"Khushi, what matters more than your sight is the fact that I keep thinking about you all the time. I wake up with your thoughts and go to sleep reminiscing the moments I spend with you. I look out for excuses to meet you. Because the positivity you spread, your smile and you on the whole, make me feel alive."

This time Khushi didn't make any effort to stop her eyes from tearing up. She reached out for his shoulder and leaned forward to put her head on his shoulder while her hands wound around his neck. Due to the limitations of being inside a car with a gear box in the middle and inability to get out of the car due to the hour of the night, Arnav could only reciprocate the partial hug with circling her back with his hands, more as a comforting gesture, although all he wanted to do was to take her in bone crushing hug and absorb all her pain and tears. As he opened his mouth to speak, he heard her say, "I feel...feel alive too... When I am with you."

Arnav felt immense relief and joy settle in his heart at the shy statement. He slowly withdrew himself as he felt Khushi loosen her hold on his neck. He lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles and asked, "So, will you be my girlfriend?"

Khushi shyly nodded.

"Great. It's quite late. Let's get you home before your brother sends out a search party."

Khushi giggled as Arnav turned the ignition on after securing their seatbelts. When he was about to turn on the headlights, he heard Khushi ask, "Does this mean it was...it was a , you know, I mean, was it a d..date?"

Arnav was stumped by the innocence and a slight hint of curiosity that oozed out of the question. He bit back a laugh and said after killing the engine, "No it was not."

He studied her face and she looked like a nervous student waiting for her exam result. A wave of affection washed him and he impulsively leaned forward and placed a firm kiss on her cheek, letting himself revel in the feel of her skin against his lips for a brief moment before withdrawing and observing her face for her reaction. He then said, as he brought the engine to life again, "Now, it was...a date." He turned on the headlights, shifted the gear and drove throwing sideway glance on her, noticing with satisfaction, her raised hand to her cheek and a radiant smile.

Khushi was silent for the rest of the short drive to Gupta Mansion. Arnav parked the car in the car port and turned off the engine. While unbuckling his and her seatbelts, he asked her if she knew about the Holi celebrations at Shantivan. When she answered in the affirmative, he proceeded to open his door when he heard her call out to him.

"Arnav?"

"Yes Khushi?"

But she said nothing. Instead she extended her hand to him which he took and she searchingly traced her hand all the way from his forearm to his shoulder, neck and then face. When she was sure she was now touching his cheek, she slowly leaned forward. When her lips touched her own hand on his cheek, she removed her shivering hand slowly and let her lips touch his cheek, while her other hand rested on his other cheek. She felt a jolt that shook her core when his skin burnt her lips and soothed her at the same time.

Arnav had been confused initially as to what she was trying to do when she had traced her unsteady hand from his forearm to his face. When she had leaned forward, he somewhat guessed her intention and stilled in the fear that she may back out if he moved. He held his breathe, as he knew how big a step was this for Khushi and waited in anticipation as she slowly removed her hand from his cheek. When her lips finally met his cheek after a torturous wait of less than half a minute, his heart had stilled too. The sweet yet scorching kiss took his breathe away and he, who had much more experience with women, could not for God's sake comprehend the way his body reacted to this innocent kiss. An onlooker may dismiss the act as just a peck on the cheek, but for Khushi, her initiative meant the breaking down of her internal barriers and for Arnav, it meant he was successful in bringing down those barriers. As Khushi slowly withdrew, Arnav gently held her by her shoulders and said, "I can't wait for Holi."

As Arnav led her through the walk way to the main door to Gupta Mansion, Khushi asked in a sudden realization, "But Holi is ten days later."

Arnav let out a sigh, "Yes, and that's why I am annoyed. We are trying to finalize a deal with an international brand Khushi and the upcoming week is going to be really hectic."

"Oh!" Exclaimed Khushi with a hint of disappointment.

"Will you be too busy to call or take my call too? Khushi asked.

"Of course, I will call, Khushi, how will I ever get through the week without losing my sanity otherwise? If I don't answer your call, then it means I will call you later, okay?"

"Hmmm."

Arnav rang the bell when Khushi asked, "Will you be able to speak to Veena on Monday? Just a few minutes, whenever you get time. It's her birthday and she will feel happy if you wish her."

Arnav immediately took out his smartphone to feed in a reminder and said, "I will note it down in my diary and will certainly wish her. Will 9 AM work? Will you be around then? I will call your mobile."

When Khushi answered in the affirmative, Arnav hurriedly pocketed his phone, held her by her shoulder, pressed a quick kiss on her forehead and retreated just in time for the door to open revealing a smiling Shashi and Buaji. When Arnav politely declined to go inside, since it was already late and wished Khushi and Buaji good bye, Shashi offered to accompany him to the carport.

"I understand that you have accepted Naniji's invitation to celebrate Holi at Shantivan and I can't be more thankful for that."

"There is nothing to thank me, Son. Did you meet Khushi's Guruji?"

"Yes. It was such an honor. He loves Khushi like his own daughter."

"Everyone loves Khushi, isn't it?" Shashi asked with a playful smile.

Arnav unlocked his car with his remote key and looked at Shashi with an understanding smile.

"I am sorry Arnav, you don't get a chance to be discreet about Khushi. You are always having to keep us informed about your plans with her."

"I have no complaints Uncle. I am only thankful that you trust me with your daughter. It increases my sense of responsibility. And I am comfortable with that."

"Thanks for the understanding son. So, I hear that you have a busy week ahead."

Arnav understood that his Di was the source of this information through Shyam.

"Yes Uncle. Wish us success, if we win this deal, it will be our first step in the international market."

"My blessings are always with you, Arnav. God willing, this Holi will bring you happiness and success."

Shashi lovingly patted his back as Arnav gracefully thanked him for his wishes and drove away after wishing him Good night.

-------------

"Nita is leaving. Why has the world not ended?"

"You mean Aman's secretary Nita? She is married for God's sake"

"Precisely my point. Why did she have to leave just because that useless husband of hers got a better offer in Mumbai?"

"Why don't you ask Aman to recruit another hot babe as her replacement?"

"Aman won't, he can't stand my happiness. But Lavanya? Oh God! How am I still breathing?"

"I am wondering why you are still breathing. But I can't believe what I saw, as well."

"Exactly. What did she see in that useless cousin of Khushi?"

"I wouldn't say that if I were you"

"Oh I am scared. Spare my life. Seriously, who in their right mind would go out with NK?"

"You don't even know him, so shut up. By the way, when someone, in their right mind, can go out with you, who brazenly ogles every girl in the vicinity and who shamelessly laments about not getting a girl in front of his own girlfriend, then the one who goes out with NK is definitely sane."

"You call yourself a girlfriend? You are just a heartless woman, who refused one small thing that her boyfriend had ever asked."

"Wail all you want, but in the confines of your home. Now get out of my car."

"That's not how you end a date. Do you want a crash course?"

"No thanks. Now please spare me your drama and get out."

"Niceties don't work on you, do they?"

With that he grabbed her face and kissed her on her mouth. She struggled to get out of his hold and mumbled into his mouth, "leave me, you b*****d, I hate you" but when he continued unbending, she yielded and wound her hands around his neck, deepening the kiss. After a long time they came apart when breathing became a compulsion.

"I hate you. I don't know why I am putting up with you."

"Because I am the best. Whoa!! That was something, wasn't it? If you kiss me like this when you hate me, I can't imagine what it would be like, if you love me."

"I will show you right now." She grabbed him this time for a rough kiss that ended in bleeding of his lips.

"Oh God! Woman, are you a cannibal? Ow! It hurts you silly woman."

"You asked for it. And next time be careful mentioning another woman in my presence. Jealousy doesn't work on me either. Behave yourself for the next ten days and I will think of considering your request. Now good night." She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek which he returned and left her car pouting cutely all the while. She smiled at his histrionics before driving away.

That night saw two siblings clutching their stomach and rolling on the bed laughing at the sight of their cousin who was drinking his glass of milk using a straw.

------------

To be continued

A/N: Thank you all once again for patiently waiting for the update.

As I have mentioned in my note, I am not leaving this story unfinished.

Although I have interacted with visually challenged people in my profession, they have been limited to a clinic set up. Therefore I am trying to write Khushi's interaction with Arnav and her thought processes convincingly and logically. You may even laugh if I were to tell what I do to effectively write a scene. Please let me know your feedback. They will help me to improve.

I am not sure about what you think on the pace of this story. If you have observed, the relationship between the three couples other than the main protagonists have progressed faster. But ArShi's relationship can't progress in that pace. It will take time.

The next update will focus on Holi celebrations. After that, the story is expected to move faster.

I will sincerely try to update faster, but cant make any promise.

Love you all.

Cheers

Uthra.

Edited by Viji79 - 11 years ago

174

Quote

sman

@sman

Inactive

Posted: 11 years ago

#126

Me first :)

hayeee mai mar janva with such a cute Arnav...best part of this wonderful update is the camel ride..I loved the way they communicated openly.. poor Lavanya..hope she gets all love she lost till now from NK.

hats off Uttara..u know so much about music too..great..

Edited by sman - 11 years ago

Quote

headtotoe

@headtotoe

Navigator

Posted: 11 years ago

#127

And finally the wait is over !!!

This cant get sweeter Uthra... I am just loving the way Arnav is moulding this relationship. He is so considerate with Khushi... All her requirements, restlessness and insecurities are well understood by him. He keeps no stone unturned to make her comfy in his surroundings... All his efforts to make Khushi happy warms my heart... In turn Khushi is so upfront,clear and wanting to explore her feelings towards him.

You have done an outstanding job in projecting the inner most feelings of both these protagonists.

They are so apt ,natural and true to believe. You really have taken care of the small nittty gritties of the emotional and physical constraints that a visibly impaired person faces in day to day life..

Deficiency in Lavanya's life makes her a pitiable character but the way NK is supporting her it reinforces that they will go a long way together...

Payal and Akash were a surprise in this update...

Loved the update !!!

Edited by headtotoe - 11 years ago

Quote

inamajar

@inamajar

Navigator

+ 2

Posted: 11 years ago

#128

😎

An amazing update. So beautifully portrayed. Each of the characters have been given their space and how nicely you bring out their thoughts based on the situations. How they have evolved as friends as a group and with their respective partners, family.

You have brought out Khushi and the people who love around her so nicely. Loved her Guruji and GuruMa.

Arnav takes such good care of her, and brings out the best in her. How he encourages her. Even though her family has always encouraged her, they fear about what she thinks and let her be, but Arnav seems to understand what she wants and is pushing her to enjoy to come out of her inferiority complex. Not all can do that as well. Such nice bonding. Love them.

Wow! that was sad. Lavanya has gone thru so much. Terrible when people have kids and ignore them and blame a child for their indifference. Good that she found NK who has been so understanding and bringing her out of her past.

Wow! Payal & Akash have moved leaps and bounds.

Edited by inamajar - 11 years ago

Quote

Hetal

@Divyahet

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 11 years ago

#129

Part 11 n 12 both were very very beautifully written,

Loved the progress in each couple's relation.

Appu thanks a lot for the pm,

Love n hugs.

Edited by Divyahet - 11 years ago

Quote

aquagal

@aquagal

Inactive

+ 6

Posted: 11 years ago

#130

Riserva 😛

*Modificato* 😆

This was such an endearing update. I'm about to repeat my self but can't help it. I absolutely love the phase with which this story and especially their (ArHi) relationship is moving. It feels natural. I'm simply amazed that Shashi & Shyam have given Arnav a chance. Shashi is a very nice and understanding man having an eye to spot the real men I must say otherwise it would've been hard for Arnav to date Khushi or even to talk to her forget taking her out altogether.
I loved Arnav's idea to bring Khushi away from the regular places she has visited. She should not limit herself due to her physical limitations especially when she has such loving and caring people around her to watch her back. The outing was just what they needed to come more close emotionally. It also reflected that Arnav is molding himself too for her. Him keeping calm and helping her when required proved it.
I feel for Lavanya. No child deserves to feel like the way she does - unwanted and that too from her own parents. If they were so tired of each other they should have thought before bringing a child into the mess their married life was. I'm glad NK is there for her now to not make her feel special but to love her forever.
Payal & Aaksh in the end. Super!! Milk with straw!!🤣 ROFL

Poor guy but not that poor actually. He deserved it.
I'm looking forward to Holi celebrations & wishing the evil (read Sheetal) remains away from them.

In short I just wanna say Superbo!! perfetto!! Sopredente!!

PS: You must know by now how much Googleji helped me in writing this post 😉
PS1: But I'm learning. Meri pace bhi thodi slow hai aapke Arnav-Khushi ki tarah 😆

Edited by aquagal - 11 years ago