IPKKND-ARHI-FF - Gypsy- Chapter 42 - Page 61

Beautiful updates...
Feeling really sorry for Anjali...
Thanks.. 😊

Awesome! Like how Arnav has realized what a mess he has created... i am sure he is going to make good amends...he is on the right path..redemption always starts with self realisation..

Chapter 33

Banjaara costumes were so easy to put on and manage, Khushi realized, wistfully longing for her dresses and loose hair. Instead she stood obediently in her lehenga choli and heavy jewelry while Garima and a maid pinned the dupatta on her head. To distract herself from the pain of dozen of pins going in her scalp, she focused on the jewelry and bangles. At least these were manageable, she thought compared to the truly ostentatious banjaara jewelry.

"There Anu, all done," Garima announced with satisfaction, stepping back to study Khushi in her finery. She truly looked beautiful in the pink lehenga choli worked in gold. Her dupatta was draped over her head and then allowed to fall in front nearly to her waist to allow for the delicately worked gold waist belt she wore. She looked like a princess, Garima thought proudly. To spare Khushi any embarrassment Garima had had all the girls choli's tailored to nearly her waist, not leaving any skin bare. She didn't deserve to have her scars on public display!

A highly nervous Khushi stood for Garima's inspection. While Garima fussed around, brushing her over for non-existent specks of linen and dust, straightening her dupatta and all, Khushi tried to swallow her panic. Her nerves were highly strung and she prayed inwardly for the courage to see her through the day. Not only did she have to contend with the Maharaja, she was also very well aware that today signalled the end of the life she had known all her life and the start of a new one; a lifestyle that she was barely accustomed to. Added to that was the pressures of her new status in life as a Maharani. Almost against her will for it was not in her nature to moan over the past and not for the first time, she wished that she and Shemaroo had not ventured near the stream that fateful day. Inspite of Baba and Maa's presence she missed her Maayi and her scatty headed Shemaroo. It was an ache in her chest. She would trade her soul for Maayi's blessings today.

"Anu, tu theek to hai na?" A worried Garima asked Khushi.

Blinking her eyes rapidly and swallowing hard, Khushi replied "Haa Maa, hum theek hai, hum sach me theek hai."

"I know you are scared Anu, but have faith in Devi Maiya, meri bachchi. Sab accha hi hoga."

Khushi nodded more to pacify Garima than herself and went out to join Shashi. Utterly charmed with her beautiful looks and well aware that she was scared, her adopted father gently complimented her, teasing her that he almost didn't recognise her. Garima brought the pooja thali and took her arti.

Very soon it was time to leave for the mandir.

Dressed in a cream and blue embellished kurta pyjama Maharaja Arnav Singh Raizada joined his family in the mandir inside Devgarh Palace. All of them were already there, waiting for him. Even the pooja thali was ready. Discreetly checking the chain watch attached to his kurta to see if he was late, Arnav hurried in the mandir. Thankfully he was on time, he thought!

In her position as the matriarch of the family, Devyani did the pooja and arti. Straight after that, a servant brought forth the tray on which rested a blue turban with a diamond set in its folds. Respectfully Arnav bowed his head so that his Dadi could set the turban.

As they filed out to the cars, Arnav pulled at the kurta in an annoyed fashion. Damn, he detested traditional wear, he really did. Unfortunately there was no avoiding it on certain occasions. Mentally he steeled himself to suffer it, well aware that he would be wearing such attire quiet frequently over the next few weeks.

Mamta and Devyani got in the first car and drove away while Arnav, Anjali and Prithvi got in the second one. Arnav smiled at Prithvi as they settled in their seats. His brother-in-law smiled back, remarking,

"So Sale saheb, how does it feel to be on the way to your own sagai?"

"To be honest, jijaji, I am not entirely certain whether it's safe to say so but I am nervous." He nodded towards Anjali, well aware his Di could never resist teasing him, especially if he admitted to any weakness. Predictably Anjali looked at him instantly.

"Nervous! And you Chhote! How the mighty have fallen!" Anjali clapped her hands like a little girl.

Arnav rolled his eyes at his Di. She looked so very pretty in a pale green sari. She smiled at him, reaching a slim hand to caress his cheek affectionately.

Prithvi witnessed the exchange amusedly. Anjali and Arnav were very close since she was only two years older than him, being 28 while Arnav was 26. He himself was 32 years old but sometimes he felt older than his years, especially when he looked back on the mess he had made of his life. His eyes went to his lovely wife in her green outfit and the childish way she behaved with her brother. This was a side of her he saw only when she was with her maternal family, especially her brother and the chances of seeing them together were far and few as it was for him. He looked at Arnav. It was hard to imagine a royal marrying a commoner let alone a banjaara but Arnav, with his family's support was doing just that. Prithvi was prepared to support it seeing that it was Arnav's life anyway. Arnav, inspite of being younger than his sister, always indulged her, Prithvi knew. He also knew that Anjali had probably never mentioned the circumstances of their marriage to anyone in her mayka. He didn't know if she was motivated by pride or some other emotion. At that point, Anjali turned her head and their eyes met for a few seconds before she looked away. With a sensation akin to deep loss, Prithvi recalled the shy, hesitant but affectionate glances she had given him in the very early years of their marriage. That was before he carried his stupidity too far and made some huge mistakes!

They arrived at the mandir and the chauffeur opened the door. Prithvi was the first to get out, turning to assist Anjali while Arnav followed. Anjali straightened her sari before turning to Arnav, checking him over before nodding approvingly.

The Maharaja and his family were the first to arrive and together climbed the steps to the mandir. The pundit was waiting for them and Mamta handed their offerings over to him before they turned as a family to pray.

The sound of car doors opening and closing signalled the arrival of the bride and her family and the Raizada family turned to await them.

Shashi Gupta and Khushi appeared first, one hand resting on his arm as she used her other hand to hold and manage her lehenga. Garima appeared just behind them and surprise of all, Thakur Alok appeared behind them. But not that much of a surprise really, considering that the Thakur and Shashi were old friends as well as employer and employee.

Arnav's eyes were on Khushi as she appeared on the top step of the mandir. For a moment he almost didn't recognise her, the expectation of seeing her in attire other than her usual banjaara and lately boys clothing next to none. He had not even thought about what she would wear to their wedding and now seeing her in traditional lehenga choli and and her hair dressed to accommodate her dupatta, he was stunned to say the least! She looked utterly beautiful he noticed. He also noted, with considerable surprise the way she handled her clothes competently as they entered the mandir and came to stand opposite them.

There were soft greetings all around and Shashi moved forward to hand their offerings to the pundit. He urged Khushi closer before turning to beckon Garima and Alok to join them in their prayer.

A short while later the pundit started the main pooja which continued for the better part of an hour as they stood together, their hands folded. The Maharaja and his future bride were right in front, standing side by side although they maintained a respectable distance.

All throughout the pundit's chantings, Khushi's eyes were closed and her head bowed. Arnav gave her many sidelong glances, marvelling at her beauty and inwardly hoping she would look at him so he could ascertain her feelings. But she looked neither here nor there!

But he didn't have to wait long to learn her feelings for when the prayers finished, the rings blessed and the moment to exchange them came, he got a very good idea of how she felt!

The moment she had been dreading was here, upon her! From leaving her home to her first car ride to the mandir, Khushi had maintained her stance of head high and eyes lowered. Entering the mandir, she had been instantly aware if his presence but she avoided him by looking down and during prayers, when he stood next to her, she avoided him again but no more. She couldn't avoid him anymore. As if from a distance she heard the pundit intoning that the rings were blessed and the auspicious moment to exchange them was here.

Shashi was gently sliding an arm around Khushi's shoulders, turning her to face Arnav; on her own Khushi seriously doubted that she could have managed to move even a single muscle! In the age old tradition of ladies first, Shashi removed the ring meant for Arnav that was his gift to his adopted daughter and gave it to Khushi. She took it with shaking hands as Arnav held out his left hand.

Khushi had been explained well in advance what all would be expected of her during the ceremony and so far she had not made even a single mistake but at this moment, it appeared that she would make it now.

She stood with the ring in her hand, staring at Arnav's hand which he had been holding out for the better part of a minute now with everyone else looking on, unable to move, to slide the ring on his finger and then hold out her own hand. She knew what she had to do but knowing and doing were different things entirely!

From the corner of his eye, Shashi saw the pundit opening his mouth to remind them of the auspicious moment wasting away and he quickly moved the hand he held on Khushi's shoulders down to her hand to urge her to place the ring on the Maharaja's finger. At the same instant, Arnav spied the same thing; he turned his head towards the pundit, forbiddance in every plane of his features while his eyes promised dire consequences if the pundit remonstrated Khushi at all. The pundit swallowed his words and satisfied, Arnav turned back to Khushi, moving his hand slightly closer just as Shashi urged her hand closer. The ring touched his finger and Arnav gently slid his hand closer while she held the ring in her fingers, practically wearing the ring himself. Their fingers touched for a tiny second and she flinched slightly.

Her movement was hidden by Shashi's figure but Arnav saw it. He frowned slightly, a dark feeling creeping in his chest. Anjali held out the ring meant for Khushi, a beautiful deep red ruby mounted in a heavy gold setting and Arnav took it, holding the ring in one hand while he held his right hand out for her to place her hand in. Once again she hesitated; for a long moment and once again Shashi raised her hand and Arnav gently took in in his.

The hand trembled, the fingers icy cold inspite of the remarkably neutral weather of the day. His eyes went to her other hand which was clenching her lehenga, twisting it. His frown darkened. Clasping her fingers to still the tremble, Arnav gently and slowly slid his ring on the slim finger. The ring slid and fit perfectly.

The pundit was relieved; the bride's hesitation brushed aside as maidenly shyness. Everyone breathed collectively except for the Maharaja and Khushi who stood in the same position, her hand held in his, her head lowered while she trembled.

They had to seek blessings next, starting from Devi Maiya onto the pundit and then family. But Khushi was standing still but this time it was Arnav alone saving the day. He held her hand tighter and turned towards Devi Maiya. By the simple movement of her hand in his, she had to turn with him. In those few seconds, their eyes met and the naked terror in the hazel depths touched him straight, it appeared on his soul. He stilled totally while his mind registered that she was completely terrified of him. Even when she had been a simply gypsy meeting him for the first time, she had not been as terrified as she was now. Then she had been scared, shy, apprehensive but not terrified like she was now. He couldn't look away from her terror stricken eyes while behind them everyone was waiting for them.

Anjali cleared her throat discreetly and Arnav blinked once while Khushi looked down. Outwardly calm although he was seething with emotions inside, he bent his head down at the goddess's feet and she followed his movement blindly. From there she moved with him, her head still down bent but moving of her own accord. They touched the pundit's feet and then his family's.

The pundit blessed them while his family blessed them as well as showered hugs and compliments on Khushi. Their gentle affection brought about a glimmer of a shy smile to her lips. Mamta and Devyani hugged and blessed their son's child bride while Anjali gave her a kiss and a hug while her husband smiled at her kindly, touching a gentle hand on head. To him she appeared completely child-like and her nervousness was apparent.

No one expected the Maharaja of Devgarh to seek the blessings of a simple equestrian, no matter how well known or well off, especially since he was not even his intended's real father, merely her adopted one. Khushi had even been advised that she must seek her family's blessings on her own in this case. Hence everyone was shocked when Arnav followed Khushi's lead and touched Shashi Gupta's feet. Too surprised to do anything, Shashi touched Khushi's head and just barely Arnav's before they were rising. His eyes went to Khushi's lowered eyes and softened. He looked at Arnav but the Maharaja'a eyes were on Khushi's face. He softly murmured,

"Maharaja Saheb?"

Arnav's eyes swung to Shashi's and the older man sucked at the tortured expression in Arnav's eyes. He had not missed out on the fact that his brand new fiance was terrified of him!

"Shukriya," Shashi spoke softly, thanking him for the gesture. Arnav nodded, not saying anything else. Khushi moved towards Garima who stopped the girl before she could bend, instead hugging her. Arnav stepped back to allow them their privacy while Anjali quickly had the sweets platter brought around.

The first hurdle, for everyone, was passed. Certain revelations were made to the Maharaja while Khushi's faith in her courage strengthened ...

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R!
Edited-
seems like what Prithvi made believe Anjali isnt that way so or maybe things have changed. Yet maybe he realizes how he truly did mess up not only his but her life too. The lead men of this story, exception Shashi, have things to learn really. And I love these side stories you're writing. Thanks for that.

Now coming to the heart tugging part. How do you do that woman?! You make the required scene so alive that the emotions involved reach straight to ones heart. The fear, restlessness , turbulence were so well potrayed. Not only did I wanted to hug Khushi but derived pleasure out of Arnav s' state.

The instructors prepared Khushi so well building up her self confidence. The intention was to make her an equal to the Maharaj. She herself built up her will and courage. But this coming face to face. . M glad it happened. It will give her courage the consistency. She had this way in mind that she'l face him and her courage will help. In due course she'l also find that what she is fearing to happen to her isnt going to.. I hope she finds that out soon.

My dear wasn't expecting this kind of an exchange! I know we were all waiting for him to feel for what he did, what she went through!

But this was raw emotions man! It was sheer torture for the soul my god this is so much worse to know she's terrified of you and doesn't want to be any where near you!


But lovely man! Superb! Wonderfully written!!lovely dear!


Cheers

Beautifully written...

Awesome chapter and beautifully written as always Chinky.
The emotions our beautiful couple was going through was portrayed so wonderfully that it left me wanting for more.
Arnav now knows that Khushi is terrified so him as she do not know what his expectations are of her and after traumatic experience she went through all because if his few careless words has made her loose any faith she ever had in him and his integrity...the question is that now he knows and how he is going to about restoring her faith and trust in him?? as this will not be an easy task for him.
I would love to know more about Anjali and her husband and their relation..they really intrigued me with the dynamics of their strange marriage and life together.
Please continue soon.
Thanks for the PM.

ANGEL Z ...LOVED THE TERRORIZED RING EXCHANGE

Loved the update!!!!
Anrav now knows now how Kushi feels about him..

So I thought I read all the stories later, when I get enough time out of my schedule. But I just couldn't keep away from reading this. I love love love this story Chinky! Last 2 chapters were great... I loved reading the sagai episode and Arnav's thoughts. And it was good to have insights into Anjali's marriage life...which badly needs some sorting to be done.