Jalebi ~ Part 25

It had been weeks since anyone had last heard from Khushi. Arnav had given her time and space and had hoped that by this point she would have cooled down a little and would’ve spoken to him, but she hadn’t.

After handing over all business responsibility to Akash, Arnav found for the first time in a long time, he had time for himself. Legally, nothing had been signed over yet, but it was well known now that there had been a change in ownership and that Arnav was no longer in charge.

Arnav received a lot of phone calls, people he had previously worked with asking why he made such an abrupt decision. Many told him that he had made the wrong decision, but Arnav just stated that he had his reasons and for now, he was taking a step back.

To begin with, Akash had been more than happy to be the new owner of two successful fashion houses. He finally felt as though he got everything he deserved. He’d got his revenge on Khushi for rejecting him, and he’d punished Arnav for always having one up on him. Now he felt content with life. He also found that he was actually happy with Payal, glad that he had picked Payal in the end. She was understanding and supportive, he kind of woman one needed beside themselves when trying to be successful.

However, as time went on, Akash found that he was beginning to struggle to keep up. There were always so many files to check, so many meetings to attend, he barely had time for himself. He and Payal had been unable to go on honeymoon, and by the time he got home in the evening, he had no time for Payal because he was so tired.

He’d hoped that once he got into a routine with things and once he started getting on top of things, then it would be okay, but as time went on, he fell more and more behind. At one point he wanted to ask Arnav to step in and help, but he didn’t. He didn’t want Arnav to think he was incapable. No, he was going to make this work, no matter what happened.

 

*****

 

As Arnav walked into the kitchen, he saw Payal was pouring some juice. They were alone in the kitchen and Arnav took this opportunity to speak to her.

 

“Payal, can I speak to you for a moment?”

“Of course.”

“Payal… Have you heard from Khushi recently?”

“No I’m sorry, I haven’t. I’ve called her and left her messages, but she hasn’t been responding to anything.”

“Have you maybe spoken to her parents?”

“I spoke to Maasi the other day, but it seemed as though they had people at their house, there was so much noise. She said she’d call back but she never did. And every time that I’ve called since, no one has picked up.”

 

Running his hand through his hair, Arnav realised that maybe it was time to just go back to England. Maybe that was the best way to find her and speak to her.

 

“I’m going to try and get a flight out by the end of this week. It’s been over a month. I can’t wait any longer, I need to sort things with Khushi.”

“But bhai… Khushiyan.”

“I don’t know Payal, I’ve tried everything but you know I can’t get that sorted. I just need to make Khushi believe that I love her.”

“I’m sure she knows that but I don’t think that’s the issue here.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to work this out Payal, but I need to be near her. Not hearing from her is driving me insane.”

 

Nodding, Payal showed that she understood, because she did. Arnav didn’t tell her the truth about Akash because he didn’t want to cause any issues between them. He had been tempted, to be spiteful and to get back at Akash, but then he realised, he couldn’t do that because it would make him as bad as him.

Arnav headed back to his bedroom at pulled his phone out to call Aman.

 

“Hi Aman, find me a flight out to London… Any time before the end of the week… Okay, thank you.”

 

Ending the call Arnav realised that he was making the right decision. It had been well over a month. He couldn’t leave it any longer, he needed to work things out with Khushi.

 

*****

 

It was Thursday afternoon, Arnav was due to fly out the next morning. He had called both Khushi and her parents, tried to get an address, but no one answered. He had asked Payal for their details, which she provided, but even she wasn’t sure if Khushi would be living with her parents or not. Arnav wasn’t sure what to expect when he got back to England, but he knew he wouldn’t come back without Khushi by his side.

Walking out of one of the shops in the mall, Arnav bumped straight into a woman, making her drop the bags that was carrying.

 

“I’m so sor…”

 

Actually taking a look at the woman, Arnav realised that it was Khushi!

 

“Khushi? When did you…”

 

Gathering her things together, Khushi sorted herself out and turned away. Arnav took hold of her hand, pulling her back to himself.

 

“Arnav please…”

“Don’t make a scene Khushi. Let’s go somewhere and talk.”

“I’m not the one making a scene.”

“Khushi come on.”

 

Debating whether or not she should go with him, Khushi decided she may as well. If she didn’t speak to him, he would just keep trying and she needed to set him straight.
Arnav led Khushi out of the mall and towards his car. He moved over to open the door for her, but Khushi brushed his hand away and opened the door herself and got in. The moment she sat inside, all she could think about was that one time they had got intimate in the backseat. The first time they had given into their desires. If she could turn back time, Khushi knew she would take that day back. That’s when she really started developing feelings for him. If she hadn’t given into him that day, hadn’t lost control, then now, she would still have her business.

Getting settled Arnav got the car going, making their way out of the car park.

 

“Where should we go?”

“We can go and talk at my apartment?”

“Where are you staying?”

“I’m staying at the apartment I had bought before moving here.”

“Oh it’s done?”

“Yes, the work was complete last week, that’s why I came back.”

“When did you come back? Why didn’t you call me?”

 

Turning to face him, Khushi raised her eyebrow.

 

“Why would I call you? Why would I speak to you? Actually, what am I doing here right now?”

“Khushi please…”

“I got back 3 days ago. And honestly Arnav, I don’t think there’s anything left to talk about.”

 

Arnav said nothing. He didn’t want to start talking about anything in the car.
They drove in silence, Arnav keeping his focus on the road. Khushi sat beside him, her hands fidgeting constantly. When she was sure that Arnav wasn’t paying any attention to her, she turned to look at him. It seemed as though he’d lost some weight in the last month. His face looked a lot less full than the last time she saw him, and under his eyes he had dark circles. But other than that, he was still the most handsome man she’d ever seen in her life. Shaking the thought away, Khushi turned away. She couldn’t be thinking about Arnav that was any more.

The drive to Khushi’s apartment wasn’t a long one, but for Arnav, it felt endless. He felt as though they had been driving forever. As soon as he got the car parked, Khushi was out of the car, leading the way. Arnav followed her, watching her hips sway slightly, her butt swaying ever so slightly as she walked. How he wanted to grab hold of her hips and pull her back against himself. But he stopped himself from acting in such a manner. There would be plenty of time for all of that once they got everything sorted.

Getting into the lift, Khushi pushed the button for her floor and they began making their way up. Her apartment was only on the third floor, so before they knew it, they had already arrived.

Getting out of the lift, Khushi made her way over to her door and unlocked it. She stepped inside and held the door as Arnav followed her in.

 

“It’s quite a nice little place.”

“Thanks, take a seat. Let me just go and put this stuff in my room.”

 

Nodding, Arnav sat down at the sofa, taking in his surroundings while he waited for Khushi to reemerge from her bedroom. Would they be able to sort things out today? Would they be able to clear up their misunderstandings? He wondered if she’d let him make love to her, to let him show her how much she actually met to him.

Moments later, Khushi came out of her room and went into the kitchen area and put the kettle on. Arnav waited patiently as he listened to her pottering around. Maybe she was just nervous and was killing some time, he didn’t want to rush her.

A little bit of time passed and Khushi came out of the kitchen with tea, coffee and some snacks.

 

“Please help yourself.”

“I’m not hungry Khushi, I just want to talk to you.”

“Honestly Arnav, I really don’t think there is anything to talk about. Whatever happened, has happened. I saw on the news about how you handed everything over to Akash. I would ask you about that, but honestly, I am exhausted with all this. I want my business back, but more than anything I just want peace. I spoke to my team in England about what can be done. They looked at everything closely and told me that nothing much can be done. I can file a lawsuit against you, but it would be lengthy and intense and at the end of it I may not even get anything out of it considering I actually signed those papers. Moreover, if I took this to court, it could cause our relationship to come to light and I just…”

“You just what?”

“I know you were probably using me. That you probably got close to me so you could make me trust you. But what we shared… It was special to me even if it wasn’t for you. So I want to keep it between us. I don’t want some lawyer or some judge telling me I was an idiot for getting into a relationship with you. For being foolish and sleeping with you. I don’t need anyone to tell me that if I had hold of my feelings, then I would still have my business.”

 

She looked away and Arnav could tell thoughts of everything that they had shared was troubling her. Sliding off the sofa, Arnav moved towards Khushi before dropping onto his knees before her. Taking her hands into his own, he rested his head in her lap.

 

“Khushi, I need you. I’m incomplete without you. Khushi I love you!”

 

They remained in this position for a long time, Khushi running her fingers through Arnav’s hair, tears streaming down her face into his hair. Why was this happening? Why had their lives become so difficult?

Tears ran down Arnav’s cheeks and onto Khushi’s lap. He’d never let himself become this weak in front of anyone before, but he couldn’t hold his tears back. He needed to get Khushi back, he needed her.

Playing all their intimate moments back, Khushi remembered the intensity of their relationship, the feelings she’d felt for him, how she had felt when she was with him.

Coming to her senses first, Khushi wiped her tears away and started pulling Arnav away from herself.

 

“Sh, stop crying Arnav, please.”

“You need to trust me Khushi, I didn’t do anything to deceive you…”

“Whatever has happened, has happened. We can’t do anything to change what has happened.”

“Forgive me… Take me back.”

“I can’t Arnav.”

“Khushi I love you… I can’t live without you. The last month… You don’t know how it’s been. I hadn’t been able to focus on anything, I’ve been waiting for my phone to ring and for it to be you. I’ve been dying to hear your voice…”

“We have to move on.”

 

He pulled back, his eyes filled with tears.

 

“Does that mean you’ll take me back?”

 

He moved towards her again, hugging her tightly before placing kisses on her face.

 

“Arnav…”

“I love you so much.”

 

Khushi felt his hands move along her body, rushing from her hips up to her breasts all the while kissing every inch of her face.

Coming to her senses, Khushi pushed at Arnav, moving him away from herself before getting to her feet.

 

“Stop Arnav! Listen to me!”

 

He looked up at her, the smile that had started creeping onto his face, fell away. He got up, tried to reach out for her, but she took a step back, maintaining a distance between them.

 

“What’s wrong?”

“Just because I said that we need to move on doesn’t mean I want you back. I don’t trust you Arnav! As much as I want to believe you, I can’t.”

“What did you mean by moving in then?”

“I meant we’re over and we both need to accept that and move on with our lives. Start afresh.”

“Did our relationship mean nothing to you? Is it that easy for you to walk away? To forget about everything that was between us. That still is between us.”

“I’m trying to forget, please just let me.”

 

Arnav walked right up to Khushi, closing any distance between them.

 

“Are you telling me that if I’m this close to you, you don’t feel anything?”

“Arnav…”

 

He placed his hand on her cheek and Khushi’s eyes fluttered shut.

 

“Are you trying to tell me that when I’m this close and touching you like this, you don’t want me to kiss you?”

 

Her eyes remained shut, almost as though she didn’t hear what he had to say. Arnav moved in, closing his eyes, their lips a nail widths apart when the door opened behind them. Khushi came to her senses first and pushed Arnav away and moved away from him.

 

“Babe you home?”

“I… I’m here.”

 

Arnav’s eyes snapped open. Babe?

Someone called Khushi babe? Turning on the spot Arnav came face to face with Rohan.

 

“What is he doing here?”

“I could ask you the same Raizada. What are you doing here?”

 

Sensing the tension brewing between the two men, Khushi rushed between them, her back to Rohan, facing Arnav.

 

“Arnav… I should’ve told you as soon as I saw you…”

“Why is he here?”

“Listen. Arnav… I…”

 

She looked down before turning to Rohan who simply placed his arm around her waist, holding her close to himself. Taking a deep breath, Khushi looked up at Arnav again before holding her left hand out.

How had he missed it? How did he not notice…

 

“I’m engaged Arnav.”

Jalebi ~ Part 24

Somehow the night had passed for Arnav. He spent most of the night consulting with his legal team and in between, called Khushi whenever he got a free moment.

For the first part of the night, Khushi’s phone just rang for a long time before going to voicemail. During the second part of the night, her phone just went straight to voicemail.

 

According to the legal team, he could sign her business back over to her, however, he had to pass his decision past Akash first and make sure he also signed the papers. This was a new clause that Akash must have added, because Arnav had never had to ask Akash to sign anything off before. And considering how Akash had been acting, there was no way he was about to sign the papers for Arnav to hand his business back over to her. He’d have to find a way to sort this without bringing Akash in between.

 

Getting out of bed, Arnav reached out for his phone and saw that there were no messages or calls from Khushi. He attempted to call her once more, but again, her phone went straight to voicemail. He left her another text, asking her to please call him and that he loved her.

He decided to call the house, maybe she’d answer that phone. After only two rings, the phone was answered.

 

“Hello? Khushi?”

“Arnav? It’s me, her papa.”

“Oh, namaste uncle. How are you? Is Khushi there? Can I speak to her please?”

“Arnav…”

“Uncle please, please ask her to speak to me once.”

“She isn’t here.”

“Uncle if she’s refusing to come to the phone, please tell her…”

“No Arnav. She’s not here. She got the last flight out to England last night.”

“What?!”

 

Arnav felt his head spin. Khushi had left? She’d gone back to England? Without even saying anything?

 

“She explained in a rush what happened between you two. I can’t exactly say I tried to stop her.”

“Uncle, I know what it seems like, but you have to believe me, I didn’t do it! I wouldn’t! Sir, I love your daughter more than I love anything else in this world.”

“I understand all this, but at the same time, this has happened. Khushi has worked for so long to get to where she was and now to lose it all…”

“I’ll sort it, I’ll have it all signed back to her.”

“I’m hoping I wasn’t completely wrong about you and that you will give her back what’s hers, but I don’t know if she’ll ever trust you again Arnav. I know my daughter, I think it will take a lot for her to accept you again and for you to get your relationship back on track.”

“Uncle, I love her truly and deeply. Even if it means waiting a lifetime for her, I am willing to do it.”

“I don’t know Arnav… I really don’t know what to say to you.”

“When is she coming back from England?”

“I don’t know. But me and her mother are flying out by the end of this week as well. Anyway, I have to go, take care of yourself son and try and get all this fixed.”

 

Saying goodbye, Arnav disconnected the call. Khushi had gone back to England? This complicated things. How was he going to try and sort things out with her if she was all the way on the other side of the world? And it didn’t help that she wasn’t taking his calls or replying to his messages. He could go after her, but then it would be harder to deal with the business side of things. But he needed to explain the truth to her.

Arnav came to the conclusion that he would let her be for a couple of days and then he would try and contact her again. This way she would have some time to cool down.

 

*****

 

At the breakfast table, everyone was sat around, waiting for the new bride to emerge with breakfast.

 

“Good morning bhai.”

 

Arnav completely disregarded Akash as he took his seat. This didn’t go unnoticed by the members of the Raizada family. They all looked to one another, confused as to what had transpired between the two brothers. Ever since they had been children, their morning would begin with a fist bump or a pat on the others back as they walked past. Today for the first time ever, Arnav didn’t respond to Akash.

Nani raised her eyebrow and looked to Anjali who just nodded, trying to signify that she would explain all later. Payal emerged from the kitchen with the help of Hari Prakash and placed all the food on the table.

 

“Payal, before you serve the food, could you sit down please. I want to talk to everyone about something.”

 

Arnav gestured Payal to sit down.

 

“Chote what’s the matter?”

“Nani I…”

 

Taking a deep breath, Arnav got to his feet.

 

“I’m in love with someone. And I want to marry her.”

 

Manorama dropped her spoon and gasped.

 

“Arnav bitwa? Shaadi? We aren’t even finished with one marriage yet and you already want us to start planning the next one.”

“Haan mamiji. Nani, I’m in love with Khushi and she loves me too and I want to marry her.”

 

The elders all told Arnav that they had no objections, that they were happy that Arnav found someone he wanted to marry.

Anjali sat and watched.

 

“Chote, this is all good and well, but…”

 

Arnav nodded and turned his attention back to Nani.

 

“Something happened yesterday, and I’m trying to get it resolved as soon as possible but Khushi’s left me…”

 

Now Devyani was confused.

 

“I don’t understand Chote.”

 

Arnav explained what had happened, the fact that he was now the sole owner of both the businesses. He explained that he didn’t know how it happened and that he was going to get it sorted as soon as possible.

 

“But she’s left, she’s gone back to London and she won’t answer me calls, I don’t know what to do now.”

 

At this point Payal, who had remained quiet throughout the whole ordeal looked up.

 

“Wait? She’s gone back to London? When did this happen?”

“She took the last flight out last night.”

 

Payal stood there stunned, completely unable to understand what was going on. When had all this happened and when had Khushi left? And why hadn’t she said anything before leaving?

 

“Look, I just wanted everyone to know what the deal was, but I also want to reassure that I am going to get this all sorted and I am going to get Khushi back even if it’s the last thing I do. I love her and she means the world to me. I’m not going to let all this come between us and ruin what we have. I won’t stand for it.”

 

He aimed all this at Akash, making him know that no matter what happened, he wasn’t going to let this slide, that he wasn’t just going to let him win like this.

If Akash wanted to play dirty, then he was going to fight back. And he was going to win.

 

*****

 

A few weeks had passed and there was still no word from Khushi. Every call that was made to her went unanswered and every text message was unread.

Arnav had been checking with Payal if she knew anything but she didn’t. Khushi’s parents had gone back to England now and so Arnav couldn’t even speak to them to see what they had to say.

In terms of the business, Arnav had been working his hardest to get things sorted, but without Akash authorising anything, Arnav couldn’t do anything himself. It was starting to stress him out, and he was starting to feel like he couldn’t handle it all any more.

Sat in his office, Arnav was reading through some files when Akash walked in.

 

“Bhai, you have a meeting with Singhania’s. Have you got the file that they asked for?”

 

Arnav looked down at his desk and located the file that he was looking for. Opening it up, he realised that he hadn’t read over it and made the changes that were necessary.

 

“I haven’t had the changes done. But come on.”

 

Getting to his feet, Arnav slipped his jacket back on. But Akash stood there, annoyed.

 

“You had one job bhai! Where is your mind these days? You’re not getting anything done at all. Come on you need to focus.”

“Don’t tell me how to run my own damn business Akash.”

“No, I need to tell you. If you carry on at this rate, were not going to have a business, forget two. You’re responsible for two very successful business and at the moment they’re both starting to suffer due to your incompetence.”

 

This angered Arnav. How dare Akash walk in and tell him he was incompetent.

 

“I wonder why I’m so incompetent? Maybe it’s because you ruined my relationship with my girlfriend and I’ve been trying to sort it.”

“A woman should never be more important than your business.”

“Well she is Akash! And you ruined that for me.”

“You need to forget about her and you need to get your shit together.”

 

Anger bubbled though Arnav’s body. How dare Akash speak to him like that after everything he’d put him through.

 

“You know what Akash. You do it. I’m done.”

 

Grabbing his suit jacket and his laptop bag, Arnav made his way over to his office door.

 

“What do you mean you’re done?”

“I mean I’m going to speak to my lawyers and I’m signing everything over to you. I’m done with all of this. If you think you can do better than go for it. I’m done.”

 

Arnav walked over to the door and walked out of the office. He was speaking the truth and he was being serious. He really was done. All this wealth, all this name and respect, it was all great but what did it matter if he didn’t have the woman he loved in his life? Well he was done. Akash could have it all. He didn’t want any of this.

Akash watched as Arnav descended the stairs and made his way out of the office building. Once he was actually gone, Akash looked around. This office… It was now his? He walked round to the chair that was his brothers and touched the top before pulling it out. Sitting down, Akash felt all his happiness erupt out of him. This was all his! He owned it all!

Like a child, Akash spun in Arnav’s large chair before putting his feet up on the desk. Finally. Things as they should be.

 

*****

 

Staring out at the night sky, looking up at the stars, Arnav recalled his passionate night with Khushi at the farmhouse. The night they’d made love under the stars, with the rain coming down around them.

 

“How could you just leave Khushi? After everything we went through to get together?”

 

But Arnav wasn’t determined to get her back. Their story wasn’t over yet.

 

Jalebi ~ Part 23

 

Rushing out of the wedding venue, Khushi avoided bumping into anyone. She couldn’t face anyone now, she couldn’t explain what had happened.

Arnav rushed after Khushi but someone caught hold of his sleeve and pulled him back.
Turning, he saw that the person holding him was his Di.

 

“Di let me go, I really need to go to Khushi.”

“Chote, what the hell is going on? I heard the back end of your argument with Khushi and it sounded… Chote what the hell have you done?”

“I swear Di, I haven’t done anything, something has gone seriously wrong and if I don’t sort it, I could lose her.”

“Look, I understand, but I can’t have you leave now. It’s our brother’s wedding.”

 

Dragging Arnav back, he protested, tried to explain to Anjali that he needed to leave. When he realised that his protests were going completely unnoticed, he watched as Payal and Akash prepared to start doing the holy rounds. He looked at Akash who looked so happy. So content with life. How could he be so calm when Arnav’s life was being flipped over completely?

Akash looked down from the mandap and he watched as Di brought Arnav back into the main hall. As he saw Arnav’s face, he smirked. The deed had been done, the arrow had hit the target. He had planned his move carefully. He had gotten both Arnav and Khushi to sign the papers ages back, but hadn’t filed them. He knew that if he had filed them earlier, it may have caused issues with his wedding. So he waited. And he only had the papers filed this morning. This way, the proceedings would happen during the day, and by the time it came to Arnav and Khushi’s knowledge, it would be time for his wedding. He knew that Arnav wouldn’t cause a scene and confront him while he was getting married.

Mentally Akash pat himself on the back. Stage one was complete, now for stage two…

 

*****

 

“Mohit I need to see those papers.”

 

Handing over the papers, Khushi sat down at his desk and went through them.
These papers were detailed, they covered everything. But the main point was that she had given up all her rights to her business to Arnav.

Tears streaming down her face, Khushi shut the file and threw it at the wall.

 

“I don’t understand Mohit! I’m always so careful about what I’m signing! How did this happen?”

 

Taking a seat opposite Khushi, he placed his hand over hers.

 

“Khushi, I know this is hard. As your friend, not as your lawyer, I would recommend you go back to England for a while. I know all you want to do is get this sorted, but right now I don’t see what we can do. You go to London, take some time out and I’ll stay and see what I can do. I’ll try and get to the bottom of everything.”

“I can go to London but I won’t get any peace.”

“I know, but at least you won’t have to face Arnav all the time.”

“I don’t understand Mohit, I really don’t…”

 

Covering her face with her hands, Khushi let herself cry. How could this happen, why was this happening. She had loved Arnav with all  her heart. How could he possibly have done this?

 

 

*****

 

It was much later and the wedding was done. Payal had been welcomed into the home as the Raizada bride and the little post wedding games had been played. Di had taken Payal up to Akash’s bedroom, and Arnav used this opportunity to pull Akash away and speak to him.

 

“Bhai, what’s up? I don’t really have time to discuss anything now, need to get upstairs and get busy, if you know what I mean.”

“I think you’ve already been busy.”

“No I haven’t. That’s only you.”

 

Laughing at the suggestive joke that he just made, Akash attempted to side step Arnav and leave. But Arnav wasn’t having it today. Placing his hand on Akash’s shoulder, he pulled him back.

 

“What the hell are you playing at Akash.”

“I don’t know what you mean?”

“Don’t act dumb. Akash, how the hell am I sole owner of AR Designs and Khushiyan?”

“What? You are? I didn’t know that!”

“Don’t lie Akash! No one else knew the plan other than you. Why the hell did you do it?”

 

Dropping the pretence, Arnav watched as Akash’s expression changed from his easy going one to a much more sinister one.

 

“Okay, fine, yes I went through with the plan. I made both you and Khushi sign those papers. It’s thanks to me you own 2 successful businesses.”

“But you knew I didn’t want this!”

“You didn’t want it, but you needed it and you knew that! AR may still be floating, but we both know that without the backing of Khushiyan, AR is going to sink completely.”

“We had the backing of Khushiyan!”

“But it’s not the same when it’s owned by someone else! We needed 100% power to make sure that everything went the way we wanted it to.”

“You’re crazy! The whole point of the partnership was so that we would be able to make things better for AR. We knew we had Khushiyan’s backing.”

“Why are you reacting so badly bhai? You own two businesses now!”

“I may have gained a business, but I’ve lost the most important person in my life.”

“There was nothing special about Khushi any way, you’ll get over her.”

“I love her Akash! I was going to marry her! She means more to me than these businesses do!”

“You may love her that much, but she obviously doesn’t feel the same. If she did, she wouldn’t have cared about the business.”

“You don’t get it Akash! She thinks I cheated her!”

 

Beginning to get impatient, Akash looked at his watch before turning back to Arnav.

 

“Look, it’s my wedding night, my wife is waiting for me. We’ll talk about this tomorrow.”

“How are you going to be able to look Payal in the eye and get close to her when you know you’re the reason her sisters heart is broken right now.”

“We’ll deal with that when she finds out.”

 

With that, Akash turned away. Arnav felt anger coursing through his body. This wasn’t meant to happen, this couldn’t be happening!

He walked into his room, picked up a vase and threw it against the floor, making it shatter into a million pieces.

 

“AGH!”

“Chote?”

 

Turning around, Arnav realised Di was stood at the entrance of his door, her eyes wide. Walking into the room, Anjali observed the broken case, but stepped around it and placed her hands on her brothers shoulders.

 

“Chote what’s the matter? What’s going on? What I saw between you and Khushi and now… All this anger? I haven’t seen you like this in such a long time, what happened?”

“Di…”

 

Finally the anger subsided and Arnav felt like crap. His heart hurt, his head hurt… Tears rolled down his face as he hugged his sister.

 

“Chote…”

“Everything is ruined Di.”

 

Anjali hugged her brother. She hadn’t seen him this upset in a long, long time. Breaking the hug, she led Arnav to the recliner and sat him down, before sitting down beside him. Laying down in her lap, he wrapped his arms around her and cried. Anjali stroked his hair, he hadn’t cried to her in this manner since they had been children.

She let him cry, let him get it all out of his system. When Arnav finally calmed down, he sat up.

 

“She ended it.”

“What? But why Chote?”

 

Arnav explained about the business, about how he was now the only owner of both business. He skipped the part about it all being down to Akash.

 

“I don’t understand how this just happened though.”

 

He realised he couldn’t hide the truth, and also realised he didn’t really care about trying to protect Akash. He ruined his life, made Khushi walk away from him, while he was still living happily. He couldn’t defend him.

Arnav explained everything, from the beginning. He explained the original plan, about Akash’s insistence, about the fact that he thought that Akash would back off now that Arnav and Khushi were serious about each other.

 

“I can’t believe Akash would do that! Chote, I know he’s our brother, but I’m sure there’s more to the story. Otherwise I don’t see why he’d go through with it, especially when he knew there was no need. It’s almost as though he did it to make a mess between you and Khushi. I don’t know Chote, you need to find out what Akash’s game plan is.”

“I really can’t deal with him now Di. I need to focus on Khushi, I can’t lose her Di! But she’s not been picking up my calls or responding to my messages. She hasn’t even opened my WhatsApp messages. Di, it can’t be over between us. I love her.”

“She’s angry, and she’s confused. Give her some time, she’ll come round.”

“I’ll sign her business back over to her, I’ll even give her half of mine on top of all of hers, anything. I just need her to give me a chance.”

“She will, don’t worry. You both love each other. She won’t let this end.”

 

Getting off the recliner, Arnav opened his wardrobe and took a little box out before coming back to Di.

 

“I brought this the other day, I was going to talk to Nani while Akash and Payal went back to Payal’s maternal home tomorrow. And then after that, within the next few days I was going to propose to Khushi.”

 

Anjali took the box from Arnav and opened it up. She gasped at the ring inside.

It was in the shape of a flower, a large diamond in the middle with lots and lots of little diamonds around it.

 

“Chote this is beautiful!”

“I wanted it to be something different, something extra special, like she is… But now…”

 

Tears gathered in his eyes once more. Anjali wiped them away with her hand and she shook her head.

 

“Give her some time. In the meantime you need to get this sorted, you need to fix this stuff with the businesses. I’ve seen the way you look at each other, she loves you as much as you do her. She won’t just end things with you like this.”

“Her business is her life. She’s worked so, so hard to get it to where it is…”

“And we will give back what’s her. Don’t worry Chote, we will fix this!”

 

Hugging his sister once again, Arnav prayed that Di was right and that they would be able to sort this out. If they can’t… He didn’t want to think what would happen if he couldn’t get her back.

 

*****

 

The clock struck 2am and Akash was stood by his window, looking out at the moonless sky. He turned around, looked at the sleeping, naked Payal in the bed and turned away again. How had his life come to this, how had he settled for his second choice?

Akash had been in love with Khushi for as long as he could remember. Back in high school, before he began dating Payal, his heart was set on trying to win Khushi over. When everyone else saw her as Jalebi, he saw her as Khushi. She was smart, talented, and beneath all the nerd, he could see a beauty. Maybe his friends had realised his attraction towards her, maybe that’s why they dared him to ask her out…

 

*Flashback*

 

“Go on Akash, we dare you! Go and ask Jalebi out on a date! She’ll never say no to you.”

 

Laughing, Akash fixed his collar and marched over to her. They were right, she’d never say no to him.

He looked at Khushi who was sat at a table, busy working away.

 

“Hi.”

 

Looking up, Khushi smiled and regarded him before she went back to her work.
Taking a seat at her table, Akash waited for her to notice him again. She didn’t.

 

“Ahem.”

 

Looking up once again, Khushi shut her book.

 

“Can I help you?”

“I was wondering if you’d like to go out on a date with me?”

 

Looking taken aback, Khushi tried to make sense of what Akash was saying to her.

 

“Are you asking me on a date?”

“Yes. So will you?”

“Look Akash, I’m flattered but… No. I’m sorry.”

 

Gathering her books up, Khushi got to her feet and then left. Akash watched as she walked away, not being able to comprehend what just happened. She rejected him? She rejected him! Everyone wanted to go out on a date with her and here she was, rejecting him! How dare she?

He watched her walk away, she didn’t even look back at him.

It was then he decided that he had to have her. He needed to find a way to catch her attention and make her realise that she wanted him. Akash’s eyes feel on a table of girls and he saw the girl he was looking for, Payal Gupta. Khushi’s cousin.
Smiling, Akash decided on what he was going to do…

 

*Flashback end*

Slamming his fist against the wall, Akash cursed himself. How had trying to make Khushi jealous end up with him marrying Payal? He should’ve realised that it wasn’t going to make a difference to her, that she didn’t want him. But he had hoped, somewhere along the line she would have realised that she had feelings for him too, but she didn’t.

This plan, to take her business, that was his punishment for her rejecting him all those years back. He couldn’t let that go. And now thinking about it all, he realised she deserved this. She deserved to have everything taken from her. She had rejected him, yet she ended up sleeping with his brother. His no good, good for nothing brother. What did Arnav have that he didn’t? Why was she willing to jump into Arnav’s bed but not his?

Thinking about it, he guessed Arnav deserved this too. He deserved to have Khushi hate him and think the worst of him. Arnav always had everything handed to him on a plate. He never had to work for anything, he always got what he wanted. Well not any more. He lost Khushi and that was good enough for Akash. If he couldn’t have Khushi, then Arnav couldn’t have her either.

Jalebi ~ Part 22

 

The big day had finally arrived. Weeks and weeks of preparation has led up to this very day.

There were only a mere few hours left until the wedding. Everyone was rushing around, making sure that everything was in place and ready to go. Khushi was doing last minute checks on all of Payal’s things, making sure that her stuff was all packed and ready to go and Arnav was making sure that all things surrounding the actual marriage ceremony were set.

 

*****

 

“Khushi, make sure that all my dresses have been put in, the new ones.”

“Yes jiji, they’re all in.”

“I honestly can’t believe that this is happening. I’m getting married!”

“I’m so excited for you! You’re marrying the love of your life!”

“I know!”

 

Both Payal and Khushi hugged each other and squealed out of joy. In a way, it still all felt surreal to them. Payal had never thought she would find Akash again and even if she did, she didn’t think that they would end up together.

 

“Khushi, can you believe that as soon my wedding is done, were all going to have to start organising yours.”

 

Looking away, Khushi blushed. She was very much aware that Arnav had already started making little plans regarding their marriage. She couldn’t wait until it all started becoming official.

 

“Aw look at you blushing! It’s my wedding, but you’re the one blushing like crazy.”

“Jiji leave me alone.”

“Khushi, on a serious note, there’s something I need to ask you.”

“Anything, what’s up?”

“Woh, I’m nervous about tonight.”

“Don’t be, you’ve been looking forward to your wedding for months and besides, it’s not like you’re getting married to someone you don’t know.”

“No no, I’m not nervous about that. I’m nervous about… The Suhaag Raat.”

“OH.”

“Khushi, I know this is personal, but seeing as you’ve done it… What can I expect? Will it really hurt?”

“You and jiju haven’t…?”

“No, we both wanted to wait until after marriage.”

“Oh I see. Well I guess there isn’t a lot to tell, I’m sure it’s different for everyone. As far as it hurting goes, it does hurt initially, but you forget about the pain because of the immense amount of pleasure.”

“I know this is personal as hell, but do you enjoy it?”

 

Blushing, Khushi looked away. Thoughts of her passionate nights with Arnav came back to her and it was almost as though she could feel his hands and his lips on her body.

 

“Very much. It’s the most enjoyable and amazing feeling in the world. You think that the best feeling is when you have your arms wrapped around your love and when you’re kissing them, but once you’ve done it, once you’ve been one with your love like that, you realise there’s no better feeling in the world. When you can’t actually tell where your body ends and where theirs starts, that’s the best feeling.”

 

Looking away, Khushi felt the heat spread all over her body. Shaking her head, she made an excuse and left the room.

Rushing out of the room, Khushi felt her heart thumping. Leaning against the nearest wall, she took a moment to breathe. Why was she getting so turned on and breathless just thinking about that?

Almost as if he knew she was thinking about him, Arnav texted Khushi.

 

*I can’t stop thinking about you. Bet you can’t stop thinking about me either.*

 

How did he know? How did he know that she was thinking about him? Shaking her head, Khushi went back to what she was doing before.

 

*****

 

Everyone was ready and waiting for the grooms party to arrive. Khushi and all of Payal’s friends were hanging over the balcony, trying to see if they could see the groom arriving. When finally they could hear the music and see the fireworks, they all cheered, the groom had arrived. As much as Khushi was glad to see the groom, her eyes sought out Arnav. There he was, right at the front, leading the procession almost. He was wearing a gold sherwani, not as fancy as Akash’s obviously, but still beautiful. Khushi looked down at herself in her pale pink and gold sari. Their pictures were going to look amazing.

While Payal’s friends made sure that Payal looked perfect, Khushi did a last check to make sure that all of Payal’s things were in order. As she was checking Payal’s suitcase, she could hear her phone ringing.

Walking over to her phone, she saw that it was her lawyer calling. Khushi was about to take the call, but decided against it. It was Payal’s wedding, she didn’t have time to think about work. For one day, work wasn’t her priority.

 

*****

 

The grooms family had been welcomed and Akash was taken over to the mandap.

Busy ushering guests, Khushi hadn’t had time yet to actually stop and speak to Arnav. Arnav had tried to stop Khushi a number of times, but she told him she’d be back in a minute.

After waiting for almost 20 minutes, Arnav had enough. The next time he saw Khushi walk past, he grabbed hold of her hand and pulled her to himself.

 

“Arnav! Let go someone will see us.”

 

Dropping hold of Khushi’s hand, he smiled.

 

“Let them see, we don’t need to hide any more because as soon as this wedding is done, I’m telling my family about us.”

 

Biting her lip, Khushi blushed. She still couldn’t believe this was happening.

 

“You look beautiful, the way you’ve draped this sari, it really compliments your body shape.”

“Thank you, you look great too.”

“We should take a picture.”

 

Nodding, Khushi followed Arnav as he led them towards the photographer.
Catching the attention of the photographer, Arnav wrapped his arm around Khushi’s waist. The photographer asked if they were a couple. Khushi was about to say no, but Arnav said yes.

 

“Could ma’am place her hand on sirs chest then.”

 

Looking around, Khushi saw that no one was watching them and so listened to what the photographer was asking of her. Placing her hand on his chest, the photographer clicked away.

 

“Beautiful pictures and a beautiful couple!”

“Thanks.”

 

Moving away from each other, Khushi blushed.

 

“It’s nearly time for the garland exchange and stuff, I need to go and get jiji.”

“Okay, I’ll see you in a bit then.”

 

Smiling Khushi turned away from Arnav and made her way up the stairs. Reaching Payal’s room, she saw that she was sat on her own, waiting.

 

“Come on jiji, jijaji is waiting for you!”

“Is it time for the garland exchange?”

 

Nodding, Khushi took hold of Payal’s hand and helped her up.

 

“Oh by the way Khushi, you should really call your lawyer. Your phone kept ringing over and over again. And I thought it was important so answered it. He said that you needed to call him back right now, it’s urgent.”

“It’s okay, I’ll call him tomorrow, he knows I’m busy with you’re wedding today.”

“No Khushi, I think you should really call him. He sounded very tense.”

“Okay, but first let’s get you downstairs.”

 

Getting Payal downstairs and at the mandap, she waited until the garland exchange was done before pulling her phone out of her bag and finding a quiet room to make her call.

 

“Mohit, I told you I couldn’t take any calls today.”

“I know and I’m really sorry but something’s come up and it can’t wait.”

“Okay, tell me, what’s happened.”

 

Listening to what Mohit had to say, Khushi’s smile slid off her face.

 

“What are you saying? Surely there’s been a mistake?”

“Khushi I’ve got the papers in my hand right now. And I’m comparing your signature against other papers that you have signed for me. They’re identical and it’s your pen, the one you always sign with.”

“But why would I sign such papers, it doesn’t make sense. Have you tried calling the legal team?”

“That’s the thing, because the legal team were under the business name and not under just you like I am, they no longer belong to you.”

“Wait! Are you saying…”

“I’m all you have.”

“Look let me speak to Arnav and then I’ll call you back. This has to be a big mistake.”

 

Her head was spinning. How could this be happening? Surely there had to be some mistake, Arnav wouldn’t…

Going back to where the rituals for the wedding were taking place. Locating Arnav, she walked over to him, grabbed him by the hand and dragged him back to the quiet room that she had been in.

 

“Hey, what’s up? Someone’s impatient.”

 

Looping his arms around her waist, Arnav pulling Khushi into himself and started kissing her neck.

 

“I was getting bored of the wedding, I’d much rather be here alone with you.”

 

Pushing Arnav away with all her might, Khushi folded her arms over her chest. Arnav was confused. She’d never pushed him away like that.

 

“Baby, what’s the matter?”

“You tell me what the matter is.”

“Khushi, if I knew, I wouldn’t be asking.”

“Have you received any work related calls today?”

“Work related? No I haven’t. Why?”

“Well I received a call from Mohit.”

“Mohit? As in your lawyer?”

“Yes. My lawyer, who also happens to be my only employee at the moment.”

“You’re only employee? What do you mean? You have a whole team of people working behind you.”

“That’s what I thought too.”

“Khushi what are you saying? I don’t understand what’s going on.”

 

Taking her phone back out again, Khushi opened up the documents that Mohit had sent her.

 

“Look! Just look at these papers!”

 

Arnav took the phone from her and started looking at the documents, his eyes wide as he realised what they were. He kept reading, not understanding how this could be happening. At the bottom of each page, he saw his signature alongside Khushi’s. But he didn’t sign these papers? But they were in his handwriting!

Getting to the final page, Arnav looked at Khushi who now had tears streaming down her face. He took a step towards her, only to have her step away from him.

 

“Don’t come near me!”

“Khushi I swear, I swear I don’t know what these papers are, I’ve never seen them before! I’d never do this to you!”

“So these papers signed themselves did they Arnav? I don’t understand how I could’ve signed them but I’ve looked at the dates and backtracked. The day these papers were signed, it was the day after we spent the night at the farmhouse.”

“I really don’t know…”

“Stop saying you don’t know! These papers didn’t produce themselves! You must have got me to sign these alongside other papers so I didn’t read what it was saying. And you picked a day when you knew I was distracted. You had to have known something about it, it didn’t just happen.”

 

Running his hand through his hair and yanking his hair. How could this have happened?

 

“Khushi… I swear I said no, this wasn’t meant to happen, when I started falling in love with you I put a stop to…”

“Wait! You actually planned… There was an actual plan to take my business from me?”

“I didn’t…”

“At one point, was there a plan to steal my business from me, yes or no?”

“Yes but…”

“Oh my god!”

 

Turning around, Khushi raised her hand to her head. She couldn’t believe this.

 

“So you actually… You had a plan to steal my business from me? How could you? Wait… Our relationship… Everything between us…”

 

He took a step towards her, he needed to explain, he couldn’t let her believe something that wasn’t true.

 

“I’ll admit, there was a plan, but I swear, I never wanted to go through with it, I never had a single intention of going through with it. And when things started happening between us…”

“Did you try to woo me so it would be easier for you to steal my business from me?”

“No! No! Not at all! I genuinely fell in love with you, Khushi you need to believe me.”

“Did you sleep with me that night in the farmhouse so that I’d be distracted the next day?”

“You know I didn’t. You know this isn’t true.”

“Did you sleep with me so you can steal my business?!”

 

He could tell she was getting angrier as the moment went on. She was angry and didn’t want to listen to what he saying and he couldn’t blame her. He probably would be this angry too.

 

“Baby… Please, believe me…”

“Should I tell you the truth Arnav. I don’t give a crap that you’ve taken my business. I mean I do, but what’s hurting me is that in order to steal my business from me, you stole my heart. I gave you my everything. I trusted you, I loved you, I gave you my heart, my soul, my body, my everything and you…”

 

Tears now streamed down Arnav’s face. How could he make her see that he didn’t do this to her?

 

“Did you ever love me? Everything that happened between us, was that you being tactical or did you actually do it because you cared for me?”

“Khushi, you know the answer to that.”

“I don’t know anything right now. I have never felt so confused.”

 

Wiping her tears, Khushi turned away. Arnav grabbed hold of her hand.

 

“Khushi please, don’t leave like this. You have to believe me, I didn’t do this to you.”

 

Pulling her hand out of his grip, she could really feel her temper bubbling up now.

 

“You keep saying you didn’t do this to me but you also admitted that there was a plan! How do you expect me to trust you?”

 

She turned away again. She couldn’t stay here.

 

“I need to go and talk to Mohit.”

“But the wedding…”

“To hell with the wedding!”

 

She turned away and was about to leave the room, but stopped and turned round one last time.

 

“It’s over Arnav. We’re done.”

 

She left the room and Arnav watched as she walked straight out of the front door. He should’ve gone after her, but her words had left him paralysed.

 

“It’s over Arnav.”

 

Was she going to end their relationship just like that? How could she do that? They had spoken about marriage! Their wedding was as good as planned! How could she end things and walk away now? Couldn’t she see that he loved her, that he wouldn’t do that to her? How could she think so low of him? Then his mind changed directions as he began thinking about the logistics of what had just happened.

How did this happen? Akash had said he wouldn’t do anything? He’d said he was happy that Arnav was happy with Khushi… But Akash also knew what happened that night when he and Khushi had gone to the farmhouse. Had he used that knowledge and acted on it? Did he go to Khushi because he knew she would be distracted? Arnav needed to find out and he needed to find out now. But how could he do anything with a wedding going on?

Unwanted ~ Part 26

Arnav

 

My work in Mumbai was wrapping up nicely. Most of the issues that the AR branch was having here was getting wrapped up quite nicely. I still needed to stay here a little longer, to make sure everything was running like clockwork, but on the whole, my time here was coming to an end. And as much as I prefer Delhi to Mumbai, I wasn’t ready to go home yet. I felt like I had something here in Mumbai. Something that was making me feel hopeful. Was I delaying going home for a feeling? Yes. Was I being stupid? Probably.

But I wasn’t ready to go back to Delhi. I needed to stay here. My heart was telling me I needed to be here. And for once, I was going to let myself listen to my heart.

 

*****

 

Much to my distaste, nothing came up, and my time here was almost done. I had 3 days left in Mumbai and then I was set to go home. I didn’t want to go home, but at the same time staying here without an aim didn’t suit me either. I thought something would hit me, something would come at me, but nothing was happening. I couldn’t let myself hang around here, twiddling my thumbs.

But being here on my own was working for me. I didn’t have to deal with Nimisha, or Pari or Di. I was at peace. I had my house, so I was comfortable here, and I didn’t have to worry about anyone bothering me.

It gave me time to really think about Khushi, to do some more research if I could find any leads on her, but I couldn’t. She’d vanished completely. I know for a fact she left Delhi, her trail ended at the Delhi train station, but where she went from there, I had no clue. She could be anywhere in India. She may have even left India. She could ever still be in Delhi, there was just no way for me to know.

Getting up from my laptop, I made my way to the kitchen to fix myself some dinner. Settling on some pasta, I put the pasta on to boil and started preparing the sauce when my phone began to ring.

For a moment, I couldn’t decide if I should bother to go and see who it was, after all it would probably be just Di or Nimi. But I decided to go and check it out. Making my way back to my bedroom, I picked up my phone from the bedside table and saw that it was Veer. Veer was an old friend who used to live near us before he moved to Mumbai to start up a school. I took the call.

 

“Hey Veer, how are you buddy?”

 

Holding the phone to my ear, I made my way back into the kitchen to make sure that my pasta didn’t burn.

 

“Arnav, how you doing buddy? Has Mumbai been good to you?”

“It really has. I’ve been enjoying it here, really peaceful.”

 

We had a little chat, catching up on what we’d been up to since we last spoke a few weeks ago, until his tone changed.

 

“Listen, Arnav, I need to ask you a huge favour.”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“One of my teachers has literally just resigned. He has just emailed me his resignation now and has said he won’t be in work tomorrow. I’ve called the agency and said they can’t do anything for me so last minute and I don’t have any substitute teachers at the moment because I have so many teaches on maternity leave. So I was wondering… Do you think you could step in for me. Just for tomorrow?”

“Wait what?”

 

Was Veer insane? How could I possibly teach? I’m a business man, I couldn’t possibly teach primary school children.

 

“As much as I’m flattered, I think you’re crazy! I’m a business man, I have zero experience with teaching.”

“They’re only little, they’re 5 year olds. All you have to do is teach them basic maths and English and play games with them. The lessons are all planned, you just have to follow the schedule.”

“If it’s so easy, surely you can find someone else?”

“I probably could, but I would need to have checks done to make sure that they are able to work with kids and I’d also need to go through qualifications. Arnav, I’m asking you because I know you have no criminal records, you’re safe to work with kids and you’re perfectly qualified. If it wasn’t so late in the evening, I definitely would try and sort something, but Arnav, you really are my only option right now.”

“I don’t know…”

“Please? Just for tomorrow. I’ll spend all of tomorrow trying to find someone else so you don’t have to come back, but please? I really need your help.”

 

As I watched my pasta bubble away, I actually contemplated what Veer was asking of me. I should have said no, of course I should’ve. It was crazy, how could I teach 5 year olds? But something about this request was appealing to me. It would be something different, a real adventure, even if it was only for a day. The rational side of me knew that I wasn’t fit to teach kids for even an hour, forget a whole day. No… I couldn’t do it, shouldn’t do it…

 

*****

 

“Class B, this is Mr Raizada. Mr Kapoor had to leave suddenly so Mr Raizada is taking your class today. Everyone, make sure you are good and don’t cause any trouble. I’ll be back to check on you at lunchtime.”

 

Veer pat me on the shoulder, wished me luck and then left. I must be insane. I actually decided to come here. Me, who has never taught a single child anything before. But I guess it is only for a day, and they’re only little. How hard could it possibly be?

I looked down at the kids, all looking up at me with their big, bright, curious eyes.

 

“Hi… I’m Mr Raizada. I will be taking your class today.”

 

I walked over to the desk and saw that I was meant to be teaching the children the letters H, I and J in the morning and then in the afternoon we were going to do counting exercises. It seemed straight forward enough. Looking at my watch, I realised that there was more than enough time to go through the letters, so I decided to play a little getting to know each other game, to help them become familiar with me.

Moving back I stood at the front of the class. They were all still staring at me, it was slightly off putting and intimidating, but I did sign up for this.

 

“Would everyone like to come and sit in a circle? We can play some games.”

 

They all looked at each other, but then started shuffling. I helped them to move their little tables out of the way and they made a big circle on the floor. I went and stood in the middle, looking around at all the kids.

 

“In this game, when it throw you the ball, you have to tell me what your name is and one thing you like and one thing you wish.”

 

Just as I was about to throw the ball to one of the kids, a little boy put his hand up.

 

“Yes?”

“Sir, are you a giant? My papa is big but you are even bigger than my papa.”

 

I found myself chuckling and I saw the kids nod in agreement to each other. I mean I didn’t think I was that tall, after all Akash was taller than me in our family, but I guess I was taller than a lot of people so I understood what they meant.

 

“No I’m not a giant but I know I’m very big.”

 

They all nodded, accepting the answer and then we began to go round the circle. One by one they told me their names and I tried my best to remember as many of them. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t really remember the facts they told me, I just needed to learn their names. I didn’t even really need to learn their names. In a few hours, I would leave this place and I’d probably never see any of these kids ever again.

I went round, one by one and took their names in. Some of them told me that they liked fairly obscure things, but I guess that helped as it’d help me remember them.
I got to a little girl, whose hair was braided and whose eyes seemed incredibly familiar.

 

“What’s your name?”

“Arushi.”

“That’s a nice name. What’s one thing you like Arushi?”

“I like my mamas special jalebis! They’re the best!”

 

The mention of jalebis made me think of Khushi. And like this little girl, I loved and missed Khushi’s special jalebis that she would make for me.

 

“I bet my wife makes better jalebis than your mama.”

“Never! My mama makes the bestest special jalebis just for me. She says my papa loves them too!”

“Really? Okay, maybe we will have a competition one day, but for now tell me one wish you have.”

 

The little girls smile fell and almost instantly she replied.

 

“I wish I could see my papa.”

 

I looked at her little face. Moments before she had been lively and teased me about her mother making better jalebis than Khushi and now it looked as though all colour from her face was gone.

An innate instinct within me made me want to hug the child in front of me, I don’t know why. I don’t know this child, why was I feeling such a pull towards her? Pushing the thought away, I nodded and then moved onto the next child.

As I carried on my activity, my attention stayed with the little girl who wished for her father. There was something about this girl…

 

*****

 

Grabbing a board pen, I went over to the whiteboard and wrote out the three letters that we were to focus on. I pointed to the first letter.

 

“Does anyone know what letter this is?”

 

Only a few little hands shot up, one of them being Arushi. I asked her what the letter was and she correctly identified that it was a H and then proceeded to tell me that she had a H in her name.

I told her she was correct and then moved onto the next letter and the next child.

The morning session came to a close and the children all went to have their lunch. I escorted them to the canteen and then came back to my classroom to find Veer waiting for me.

 

“So, how was the morning buddy?”

“It actually went pretty well. The kids are all really well behaved and they’re just generally a good group of kids.”

“I’m glad it’s going well. I remember at the start of the year they were complete pains.”

“Have you found a teacher for them?”

“I haven’t. But I have a couple of people who I’m waiting to hear back from.”

 

I nodded, taking in what Veer was saying.

 

“Maybe… Maybe I can keep filling in until you find a permanent replacement. It’s not good for such little kids to have such instability.”

“Arnav… Are you sure?”

 

I thought about what I was saying. Did I really want to do this? But there was something about being around these kids that I was enjoying. I was drawn to them and I wanted to be responsible for educating them.

 

“I’m sure.”

Jalebi ~ Part 21

Devyani Raizada was a very smart woman. What her son and her grandsons refused to admit to her, she already knew. Before her son got married, he had been adamant in making her believe that there was no woman in his life. A few months later, he told her there was someone whom he wanted to marry. Akash had been acting coy for months before finally revealing that he had proposed to someone. And now Arnav… She could read Arnav most clearly because the woman that he wanted was right in front of them all.

For weeks during the wedding preparations, Devyani observed the way Arnav interacted with Khushi. She watched how at every moment, Arnav would find opportunities to speak to Khushi, she watched how their hands brushed against the others. She watched as Khushi blushed when he stepped to close to her. Devyani was certain that there was something there between Arnav and Khushi, but it didn’t seem that anyone was about to tell her about it just yet.

It was then decided by Devyani that as soon as Akash’s wedding was out of the way, she would sit Arnav and Khushi down and speak to them about what was going on between them and what their intentions were regarding each other.

 

*****

 

Knocking on the door to Khushi’s apartment, Arnav took a deep breath, made sure his tie was straight, and then waited.

 

Throwing the door open, Khushi smiled and ushered him in.

 

“Mama, papa, Arnav’s here.”

 

After much planning and discussing, Arnav and Khushi found an available evening when Arnav could come round and have dinner with Khushi and her parents.

After a full afternoon of cooking and cleaning, Lalita was finally prepared to meet Arnav.

Coming out of the bedroom, Khushi’s father smiled and walked over to Arnav.

 

“What a gentleman, he rings on the doorbell of his own apartment.”

“Namaste uncle. And I do have a key but I couldn’t use it, after all I have rented this place to Khushi and considering she is insistent on paying me, I can hardly just walk in.”

“Fair enough my boy, fair enough. Any way, these beautiful roses, are they for my beautiful daughter?”

“Erm…”

 

Arnav looked between Khushi and her father before shaking his head. He saw Khushi’s mother emerging from the kitchen and walked over to her and handed her the flowers.

 

“These were actually for aunty.”

 

Lalita took the roses that Arnav was handing to her and smiled. They were a beautiful shade of deep red.

 

“Why thank you so much, you really didn’t need to. Let me just go and put these in water.”

 

As Khushi’s mother walked back into the kitchen, Khushi raised her eyebrow at Arnav.

 

“Anyway, why are we stood here? Come on through my boy, let’s sit before dinner is ready.”

 

Leading Arnav into the living area, Khushi’s father sat down and then Arnav took a seat opposite him. Khushi watched as the two men bonded instantly, talking about business and sport.

A little later, dinner was served. Khushi’s parents sat on one side of the table, while Arnav and Khushi sat opposite them.

 

“So Arnav, what really are your intentions regarding our daughter?”

 

Arnav put down his fork and turned to Khushi, who placed a hand on his knee under the table.

 

“Woh… Uncle… I didn’t want to say anything until after Akash and Payal wedding, but seeing as you’re asking. I want to marry your daughter. And I was going to ask for her hand properly once Akash and Payal’s wedding was done. But yeah…”

 

Gasping, Lalita raised her hand to her mouth, her eyes wide. Khushi looked down, smiling to herself.

 

“You want… You’ve thought about marrying Khushi.”

“Jee uncle. I have thought about marrying Khushi for a while now. I’m serious about your daughter and I really do love her. So with your permission, I would like to marry Khushi in the near future.”

 

Turning his attention away from Arnav, Karan looked to Khushi who kept her gaze down, blushing furiously.

 

“Khushi, do you want to marry Arnav too.”

 

Not looking up, Khushi nodded slightly.

 

“I mean, it is very obvious that you care about our daughter and she cares about you. But Arnav, I will really need to speak to your family. More formality than anything else, but I need to.”

“I completely understand. And I would like to speak to my elders first anyway. Nani won’t be pleased if I don’t tell her myself.”

“That sounds like quite a good plan. Well I’m glad we have an understanding. Maybe once Payal’s wedding is done we will be able to start planning yours and Khushi’s soon.”

 

Everyone content with what had been discussed went back to enjoying their food.

Whilst still talking to her parents, Arnav dropped his hand under the table and placed it on Khushi’s knee. For a while, his hand had remained stationary, not budging from her knee. However now, his hand was moving up, and was resting on her thigh. Catching his hand, she stopped him in his tracks, but his fingers continued to caress her thigh. Even through her shelwar, she could feel the heat of his hand on her skin.

Arnav kept her hand on her leg, no longer moving it up, but he refused to move it. They all carried on eating, making small talk.

Once dinner was done, Khushi and her mother cleared up.

 

“Any way, Shashi and Garima called us round, they want to discuss some wedding related stuff. So we’re going to head off now.”

“When are you going to be back?”

“Were going to stay the night over there because we have to go with them to see some family early tomorrow morning.”

“Is it okay if I stay at home, I have work tomorrow and there’s some stuff I need to go through.”

“Of course. Arnav beta, you stay for a while too.”

 

Nodding, Arnav thanked his lucky stars that her parents were leaving them alone. He couldn’t wait to have some alone time with her.

A little while later, Khushi’s parents left.

 

“So…”

“So.”

“Looks like we have the whole place to ourselves.”

 

He moved closer to Khushi, closing the gap between them. Placing his hands on her waist, he pulled her into himself before lifting her off her feet and making their way towards the bedroom.

 

“Arnav we can’t…”

 

She couldn’t finish her words because he placed her down onto the bed and covered her lips with his own. Placing his hands on her waist, he held her down on the bed, touching her through her clothes.

Coming up for air, Arnav unbuttoned his suit jacket and put it aside before loosening his tie.

 

“Smart Singh Raizada’s done for the day?”

“Smart Singh Raizada was for your parents. For you, I’m Sexually Frustrated Singh Raizada.”

“Horny Singh Raizada.”

“You know it baby. Now, do you want to take your clothes off or shall I?”

“Arnav we can’t…”

“I know, I know, but surely we can make out.”

“Clothes don’t need to come off to make out.”

“They do, because I need to see your sexy body and be able to feel your soft skin.”

“But will you be able to control yourself?”

“I promise, I will.”

 

Laughing, Khushi pulled back and undid the dori of her kameez and pulled it off over her head. She moved back in, cupping Arnav’s face, ready to kiss him when he stopped her.

 

“Shelwar and let me get my clothes off too.”

“Arnav are you sure you’ll be able to control yourself?”

“I need to feel your skin against mine even if we aren’t making love.”

 

Blushing, Khushi tentatively pulled at the strings of her shelwar, but Arnav stopped her. He undid the stings himself and then hooked his fingers into her waist band, pulling her shelwar away from her every so slowly, giving her time to say no if she wanted. She didn’t.

Moving back, he took her in. She was wearing a lacy light blue pair of panties and bra. He then turned his attention back to his clothes. Moving his hands away, Khushi unbuttoned his shirt for him while he made light work of his trousers.

Once clothes were off and they remained just in their underwear, Arnav pushed Khushi down onto the bed, moving over her, taking her lips between his once more. His hands rested on her exposed waist, holding her down while his lips caused havoc on her neck. One hand in his hair, the other on the back of his neck, Khushi hooked her leg around his waist, rubbing herself against him.

Gone were the days when she would shy away. When they made out, she was bold, demanding, showed him exactly what she wanted from him.

Arnav could feel himself harden and it frustrated him knowing that they couldn’t, whereas Khushi still found it amusing that she had such an effect on him.

 

“Oh look, someone’s jumped up for attention.”

 

Pushing Arnav onto his back, Khushi moved over him, sitting over his hardness, rubbing it gently with her bottom as she leaned back in to kiss him. Arnav’s hands were on Khushi’s back as she continued to kiss him while she ground her body against his.

Arnav groaned as the friction she was creating got too much for him. He needed to rip her clothes away and bury himself deep in her body. He needed her so bad and it was evident from the way she was moving over him that she too really needed him.

How were they going to be able to hold off until after marriage?

 

*****

 

Much, much later, Arnav walked out of the bathroom after a cold shower and saw Khushi get into her pyjamas after her shower. He’d got dressed again, much to his dismay, and was now ready to set off for home.

Coming over to Khushi, he pressed a kiss on her cheek.

 

“Told you I could control myself.”

“I’m impressed, I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“I’m promising you now. I won’t make love to you again til our wedding night.”

 

The idea of their wedding night sent a shiver of excitement through her body. It’s not like they’d be doing anything that they hadn’t done before. But it was the thought of doing it as Mr and Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada for the first time that excited her. Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada… Mrs Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada. Mrs Khushi Raizada… She played with all the variations that she could choose from.

 

“What are you thinking about?”

“Mrs Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada or Mrs Khushi Raizada?”

“What?”

“My name after marriage. There’s so many options.”

 

Arnav wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

 

“I was thinking Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.”

“That’s so long though!”

“I know, but I don’t think a woman should have to drop her maiden name after marriage. Personally, I don’t mind how you choose to name yourself, if you choose not to take my name at all, I don’t mind. It won’t change the fact that you will be mine.”

 

He had a point. A name was a name. However she chose to be known after marriage, it wouldn’t change the fact that she was Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada at heart. Khushi placed her hand over Arnav’s heart and rested her head on Arnav’s chest.

 

“What did I do to get such an understanding and sensible person in my life?”

 

Wrapping his arms around her, Arnav placed a kiss on her head.

 

“I like it. Mrs Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. KKGSR. Wife of ASR. I like it.”

“Then that’s who you will be. I can’t wait to make you KKGSR.”

“I can’t either.”

 

*****

 

“Arnav… Let me go…”

“I haven’t held onto you to let you go.”

“What is it with you and pulling me away when there’s a houseful of people?”

“The sneaking around is what makes our relationship more fun don’t you think?”

 

Khushi couldn’t disagree, he did have a point. Something about sneaking around when everyone was around was exciting. It caused adrenaline to run through her body.

Today was Payal and Akash’s sangeet and they should be out there cheering for everyone who was performing, instead they were locked away in the kitchen again. But Khushi wasn’t going to allow this again not after they got caught last time. Pushing him away, Khushi moved across to the other side of the kitchen.

 

“Khushi…”

“No no no.”

 

Moving towards her again, Arnav pulled Khushi into his arms and attempted to kiss her once more.

 

“Arnav Singh Raizada.”

“Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.”

“That’s not me yet.”

“In my head that’s who you are.”

“If you keep behaving like this I’ll only ever be KKGSR in your head.”

 

And with that, Khushi turned away. Arnav watched her go. She was annoyed. God he loved it when she was annoyed. She looked so sexy when she was angry with him. But he knew something needed to be done to make her happy again.

 

*****

 

After running around and getting everyone on board with his plan, Arnav was ready to make Khushi happy with him again.

When the time was right, Arnav signalled everyone to get started and he turned his attention to Khushi who was sat beside Payal.

 

 

As Arnav started signing and dancing like SRK, Khushi couldn’t help but feel a smile spread across her face. No way was he doing this for her. Payal nudged Khushi and raised her eyebrow as Khushi got to her feet.

 

“Babul ki galliyan na chad ke jaane.”

 

And so it began. The fight Anjali and Rahul had all those years ago became Arnav and Khushi’s argument. Khushi loved how fitting the song was. Of course she wasn’t being serious about what she said in the kitchen. But she loved this any way and really got into the music.

When their performance ended, Arnav pulled Khushi aside, trapping her between his arms.

 

“So… Will you leave your fathers home and come and live with me.”

“We’ll have to see Raizada, only time will tell if our relationship really was formed many many many years ago.”

 

And with that, Khushi ducked under Arnav arm and ran away. Laughing, Arnav watched her rush away.

 

“Pagal.”

Jalebi ~ Part 20

By the time Arnav and Khushi awake from their slumber it was nearing 3am. The rain was still falling outside, loud and heavy.

Looking at the time, Arnav jumped up and ran his hand through his hair.

 

“Shit! Look at the time.”

 

Looking at the clock, Khushi too gasped.

 

“Mom and dad… They’re going to kill me. I said I’d get home before too late.”

 

Pulling the sheets around her, Khushi got out of bed and pulled her phone out of her bag. She saw that she had a couple of missed calls from her parents and then a text from her dad saying that the weather was really bad and that he would feel much more at ease if Arnav and Khushi didn’t attempt to come home in this weather.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Khushi quickly tapped out a reply before taking her charger out of the bag, plugging it in and then putting her phone down before getting back into bed with Arnav.

 

“Don’t worry, dad said the weathers too bad and that we should find somewhere to stay and not try and get back into the city in this weather.”

 

Arnav relaxed against the pillows and pulled Khushi into his arms.

 

“You hair is still wet.”

 

Touching her hair, Khushi realised that Arnav was right.

 

“We should have showers before we both fall ill.”

“Might be too late for that already.”

 

Laughing, Arnav got out of bed and handed Khushi a fresh towel. Holding the sheets close, Khushi got out of bed again and made her way over to the bathroom, before stopping dead in her tracks and raising her hand to her head.

 

“Clothes! Arnav my clothes are all out in the rain!”

“I’ll bring them in and put them in the drier for you. For now just take some of my clothes from the wardrobe and wear them after your shower.”

 

Nodding, Khushi went over to the wardrobe, and Arnav followed her, grabbing a dressing gown before he left the bedroom.

 

*****

 

Standing under the shower, Khushi let the hot water cascade down her body. It maybe long past 3am, but Khushi was feeling wide awake again, thoughts of everything that had happened between her and Arnav playing on her mind. She couldn’t believe that he was thinking about marriage, that he was ready and was willing to tell his family. That he was ready to ask her parents for her hand. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

If someone had told her a couple of years ago that she would merge her business with someone else’s and that she would fall in love with her business partner, she would have laughed in their faces and told them that they were crazy. But now that is was actually happening, she didn’t find it a hard concept to get her head around.

Yes, her business was still her priority, but she loved Arnav and it was evident that he wasn’t going to come between her and her business. They had managed to maintain a professional relationship while in a personal relationship and she was certain that they would be able to continue this.

Ready to turn the water off and get out of the shower, Khushi felt a strong pair of arms around her waist, lips kissing her exposed neck. Turning her head and lifting her face, Khushi saw Arnav standing behind her, his hands dropping to her hips and pulling her against him so she could feel his length against her butt.

 

“Hey…”

“I thought, why wait for you to be done when I could just join you in the shower.”

“I’m ready to get out now Arnav.”

“Nope, I don’t think you are.”

 

Spinning her around, Arnav pushed Khushi up against the wall of the shower, his hands all over her naked body.

 

“Arnav what are you…”

“I want you.”

“But we’ve already…”

 

Before she could finish what she wanted to say, his lips were on hers, his hands on her hips, pulling her close so the lower half of her body was crushed against his.

In no time, they were off again, Khushi’s moans filling the shower cubical…

 

*****

 

It was nearing 4am when Khushi pushed Arnav out of the bathroom so she could get dressed.

Wrapping the towel around his waist, Arnav laughed and got out and went to get dressed.

By the time he was fully dressed, Khushi got out of the bathroom, wearing one of his big t-shirts and a pair of shorts. Her hair was wrapped up in a big towel, her cheeks bright red from the heat of the bathroom.

 

“I found a hairdryer for you.”

 

Arnav pointed to the top of his dresser where a hairdryer was sat, waiting for Khushi.

 

“You always keep track of all my needs don’t you Mr Raizada?”

“I do… And I plan to keep track of them as we go through life together.”

 

For some reason, Khushi found Arnav’s words really made her blush. Biting her lip, she turned away so that she could dry her hair. He was promising a future… Promising that he would take care of what she needed in the future. He really was being serious about their life together and Khushi couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.

 

*****

 

“Babe… Babe, wake up.”

 

Eyes fluttering open, Khushi was met with the beautiful sight of Arnav leaning over her. Stretching her arms over her head, Khushi looped her arms around his neck, pulled him close to herself and pressed a kiss on his lips before letting him go again.

 

“A man could really get used to waking up his girlfriend if he got greeted like that every morning.”

 

Laughing, Khushi sat up in bed, stretching her arms and legs.

 

“Did you sleep well?”

“Best nights sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

 

Moving the covers, Khushi swung her legs out of the bed and got to her feet. She was feeling slightly sore, but she didn’t want to worry Arnav. Arnav smirked as he took her in. She was still in his t-shirt that was completely oversized for her and came half way down her thighs and his shorts that were just peeping out from below the bottom of the shirt.

 

“You’re clothes are all dry and I’ve ironed them for you.”

 

He nodded to the sofa on the other side of the room and Khushi saw her clothes all sat there, ready for her.

 

“You didn’t have to iron them.”

“I know but you didn’t want to go home looking a complete wreck. May have caused your parents to ask a lot of questions.”

“You have a point there Raizada.”

“I’ve taken out a fresh toothbrush for you and left it on top of the towel. If you need anything else just let me know. I’m going to go and get breakfast ready.”

 

Arnav turned away and was about to leave the room when Khushi rushed over to him and hugged him from behind.

 

“Thank you… For being such an attentive and caring lover. And I’m not just thanking you for the clothes and the toothbrush. Last night… Last night was by far the most beautiful night of my life, maybe even more so than our first night together.”

 

Turning in her arms, he pressed a light kiss against her lips, looping his arms around her waist.

 

“Last night was… Intense and passionate and beautiful for me too. But I know we can’t do this again any time soon.”

 

Khushi felt slightly taken aback by him saying this. She was just about to say that herself.

 

“I know that’s what you would have said next and I understand. You wanted us to not spend the night together again until after marriage and I agreed with that. Last night is something we both needed but I know we can’t do that again. But it’s okay by me, as soon as Akash and Payal’s wedding is done, I will tell everyone about us and we’ll get our wedding on track as soon as possible.”

“Thank you for understanding me and my needs.”

“I told you, I’ll always take care of your needs and what you want from me.”

“I really do love you Arnav.”

“I love you too.”

 

*****

 

Walking through the front door of her apartment, Khushi was praying that her parents weren’t awake yet. It was still only half 7, so she was hoping she’d got back early enough to avoid any awkward questions. But unlucky for her, her father was sat in the living room, watching TV while eating his toast. Turning his attention to his daughter, he switched the TV off.

 

“Lalita! Khushi’s home!”

 

Putting her bag down on the sofa, Khushi came and sat down beside her father.

 

“You’re already awake?”

“I didn’t sleep well, the whole time difference thing is still causing me to sleep at weird times.”

“You’ll get used to it soon enough papa.”

“I hope so, otherwise it’s going to be a very long month.”

“Do you guys still plan on going back as soon as Payal’s wedding is over.”

“Haan beta. You know India isn’t the place for me. I don’t even know how I am going to stay here for a whole month.”

“But…”

 

She wanted to tell her father about what Arnav had said last night, about what he had proposed, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. How does one tell their father that their boyfriend was ready to talk to the families about marriage?

 

“Did you and Arnav get all your work done yesterday?”

“We did.”

“You should invite him round one day so we can all have dinner together or something. It was nice meeting him at the engagement but it’ll be nice to talk to him when I can actually hear him.”

“I’ll let him know.”

“He is good to you isn’t he Khushi?”

“He is papa. He takes the best care of me and he respects me so, so much.”

“Well I’m glad that you have found love and happiness with Arnav. I’m hoping you kids do plan on making things official very soon.”

 

Blushing, Khushi looked away and her father got the answer he needed. She didn’t need to say anything, he knew his daughter well enough to know that she and Arnav did have plans for the future.

 

“Go and have some breakfast now otherwise you’ll be late for work.”

“I’ve already had breakfast but haan, I do need to get ready for work.”

 

Getting to her feet, Khushi hugged her father quickly before rushing off to her bedroom.

Karan watched his daughter rush away, her cheeks glowing bright pink. May she always remain this happy. That’s all he wanted in life.

 

*****

 

Akash walked into Arnav’s office to find his brother smiling at his phone.

 

“Ahem.”

 

Locking his phone, Arnav turned around. It was evident that he hadn’t been expecting anyone to walk in on him just now.

 

“Hey Akash, what’s up bro?”

“Nothing, I just came to see if you came into the office. You didn’t come home last night.”

 

Smirking, Arnav winked at Akash, who shut the door behind him and sat down at Arnav’s desk.

 

“You and Khushi spent the night together?”

 

Arnav nodded and sat down in his seat, opposite Akash.

 

“If I tell you a secret, will you make sure you don’t tell anyone at home just yet?”

“Of course bhai! You know I’d never tell anyone anything you told me in confidence.”

“I know you wouldn’t. I just wanted to make sure you knew. Well it’s just… I’m going to tell Nani and everyone at home about me and Khushi after your wedding. And I’m going to tell them and her parents that I want to marry her.”

“Wait! You’re going to marry her?”

 

Nodding, Arnav smiled.

 

“I spoke to her about it last night and yeah… It’s what we both want and we’ve seen that we can balance business and personal so, I don’t see why we should wait.”

“Wow! Congratulations bhai! That’s… I’m so happy for you! But… Don’t you think it’s too soon. You guys haven’t even been dating for long.”

“I know,  but we love each other and we know we’re serious about each other, I know it’s going to work between us. I don’t feel we need to wait.”

 

Getting to his feet, Akash went over to Arnav and gave him a big hug.

 

“Really, I’m so happy you’ve found your happiness in Khushi. And if you guys know what you’re doing then of course I’m going to support your decisions.”

“Thanks bro, means a lot.”

 

Looking at his watch, Akash excused himself, saying that he had something important to attend to. Arnav let him go and then went to Khushi’s cabin to find her.

Her door was shut and so he knocked and waited.

 

“Come in.”

 

Pushing the door open, Arnav walked in, shut the door behind him and then proceeded to come and take a seat opposite her.

 

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

“You’re working away.”

“Yep. So much to do. You should be working yourself Mr Raizada.”

“I tried to work, but my girl is refusing to get out of my head today. You see, we shared a super passionate night together last night and I can’t stop thinking about her. Can’t stop thinking about how her soft skin felt against my hands, how her lips felt against mine. How her body moved under mine… I’m sure you can understand my issue.”

 

Biting her lip, Khushi turned her attention away from her laptop and looked at Arnav before lowering her eyes once more.

 

“You know, it’s highly inappropriate to talk to your business partner about your sex life.”

“Is it also inappropriate to tell my business partner that I really want to take her clothes off right now and make love to her on this very desk.”

“Very, very inappropriate…”

“But I can tell my business partner definitely is imagining how it would be if we actually did what I just mentioned.”

 

Arnav watched as Khushi’s eyes fluttered shut momentarily. He knew the effect his words were having on her, and he loved knowing how much he affected her.

 

“Arnav stop…”

 

Her voice was a mare whisper, pleading him to not make her want him more than she already did.

 

“Last night Khushi… I can’t stop thinking about us.”

“I can’t either.”

“To think, soon enough, that can be us every single night.”

“I can’t wait…”

“Are you okay, after last night? I wasn’t too rough with you or anything was I?”

“No, no you weren’t rough at all. But I am feeling a bit sore to be completely honest with you. But I guess it could be down to the fact that we haven’t really… I haven’t… Last night was only my second night so… And… You’re really big so…

“You don’t know how much it means to me, knowing that I will be your one and only. As for size, I think you accommodate me perfectly. Made for me.”

 

Looking away again, Khushi looked at the keyboard of her laptop, blushing furiously.

 

“There’s so much I want to do with you, try with you… I can’t wait to be married to you Khushi. To make you mine. To explore our sexuality together.”

 

He watched as her chest rose and fell rapidly. She was breathless, nervous, excited… She wanted everything he wanted and that excited him. Way more than he should allow himself to get excited at the office. Getting to his feet, he leaned over and pressed a kiss on the top of Khushi’s head.

 

“I’ve got to get back and get some work done. I’ll see you late baby.”

“Bye…”

 

He didn’t want to have to leave, but he knew that if either of them wanted to get any work done, he had to leave now. He turned his back and began to walk away. Khushi watched as he left, her heartbeat and breathing still erratic from his words. She wanted everything he wanted. And she too could wait until they got married.

 

*****

 

Much later the same afternoon, Arnav and Khushi were still in a trance, memories of their passion from the night before keeping them distracted.
A knock on her door brought Khushi back to her senses. Had Arnav come back again? She couldn’t face him again, not now when she had finally completely calmed herself down.

 

“Come… Come in.”

 

Popping his head into her cabin, Akash smiled.

 

“Jijaji, hi! Come in!”

 

Entering Khushi’s office, Akash shut the door behind himself.

 

“How are you Khushi? Had a good evening with bhai?”

 

Gasping at what he was insinuating, Khushi blushed a deep red once more and looked away.

 

“Jijaji!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I won’t tease you. I’m just so glad you guys found your happiness in each other. Any way, bhai sent me to get you to sign some papers. He would have come himself but he can’t trust himself to behave at the moment.”

 

Laughing, Khushi took the papers from Akash and sat down at her desk. Sitting down opposite her, Akash watched as she skim read the top page.

 

“Oh, this is all to do with the New Years fashion show?”

“Yeah. Bhai asked if you could just sign and date all the pages.”

“Sure.”

 

Signing the first page, Khushi skimmed over the next one and signed that too.

After that, she stopped reading the pages and just kept signing and dating all the pages.

 

“Don’t you want to read through it all properly.”

“No it’s alright. Me and Arnav went through all the decisions any way. I trust him to have implicated all my changes accordingly.”

“You trust bhai that much?”

“I’ve trusted him with my heart jijaji, and now I trust him more than I trust myself.”

 

Getting to the last page, Khushi signed it and then handed the file back to Akash.

 

“Thanks Khushi. I’ll just pass these to bhai to get signed and then it’s all done.”

 

Smiling, Khushi nodded and watched as Akash got to his feet and left. Yes, she had trusted Arnav with her heart, she’d completely handed it over to him. And she did trust him more than she trusted herself. She knew he’d never hurt her. She knew he’d always cherish and respect her. Her Arnav loved her, and she loved him, and that’s all that mattered in life.

Jalebi ~ Part 18

“Khushi! I can’t find my bangles!

“Jiji they’re in the top drawer of your dressing table!”

 

Waiting at the bottom of the stairs, Khushi paused to see if Payal found the bangles herself or if she needed to go up.

 

“Arre haan, I found them, thanks!”

 

Going back to making sure all the decorations were up properly, Khushi went to find a mirror to check herself out. Khushi had been so busy with work and making sure everything was perfect for Payal’s engagement, that she hadn’t really had time for go shopping for an outfit for herself. When she realised she had nothing to wear, she’d just decided on wearing one of her old outfits or she’d take something from one of her Khushiyan ranges, but when Payal’s lengha arrived, Khushi was shocked to find a smaller box for herself. Inside was a simple, pale gold lengha with a note from Arnav.

 

“This is the first major event that we are going to be attending since after becoming a couple. You didn’t expect me to not style my girl did you?”

 

It wasn’t the most romantic note in the world, but Khushi treasured it regardless. The lengha itself was something she’d usually look at and like in a store, but she’d never buy. It was relatively simple, with a flowy bottom but the top was fairly tight and also quite small, just big enough to cover Khushi’s bust. It was a beautiful lengha and Khushi could imagine where Arnav’s mind was going when he picked this out for her and she loved it, but didn’t know how comfortable she felt wearing it around both their families. But if course the outfit came with a large, heavily detailed dupatta which Khushi draped in a way so that she could cover all the exposed skin at the front, without ruining the look of the outfit.

She couldn’t wait for him to see her!

 

*****

 

The Raizada’s arrived and Khushi rushed to the door to greet them. It was during all of the engagement prep that Khushi finally met every single member of the family. She had been nervous to meet the elders of the Raizada family, but it made things a lot easier meeting them as Payal’s sister and Arnav’s business partner. Arnav and Khushi weren’t quite ready to take the dive and let the elders of the family know about their relationship.

Anjali came forward and gave Khushi a hug.

 

“Hi Di!”

“How are you Khushi? You look absolutely stunning today.”

 

Breaking the hug, Khushi looked over her shoulder to find Arnav watching her.

 

“What can I say Di, your brother styled me.”

“Chote? Really?”

 

Nodding, Khushi winked at Anjali who laughed.

 

“But really, you look really beautiful.”

“As do you Di.”

 

Shyam also came over to Khushi, asking her about her general wellbeing.

Finally, Arnav approached Khushi as the Gupta’s ushered the rest of the Raizada’s into their home.

 

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, I really love this outfit.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“You look really good yourself Arnav.”

“Thanks. Are you parents here?”

“No they haven’t arrived yet, but they are on the road. I’ll introduce them to you as soon as they arrive.”

 

Arnav pulled at his collar and Khushi placed a hand on his shoulder.

 

“If you’re not ready to meet them, it’s cool. I’ll invite you over one night and you can meet them at home.”

“No no, I want to meet them and get the awkward stuff over and done with. I also don’t want them to think I’m hiding from them.”

“I still can’t believe you want to face them already.”

“I want them to know that I am serious about you and that my intentions aren’t to just fool around with you.”

 

Taking his hand in her own, Khushi leaned into Arnav, wanting to kiss him.

 

“Are you guys still standing here?”

 

Shyam rushed over to Arnav and Khushi, blocking them from everyone else’s view.

 

“Guys, I know you’re a couple and haven’t spent much time together recently, but now isn’t the time to start getting intimate. Especially if you don’t plan on telling the elders about your relationship just yet.”

 

Moving apart, Arnav put his hand on his brother in laws shoulder.

 

“Thanks jiju. For having our back like this.”

 

Shyam gave them and understanding nod and then went back over to his wife.

 

“We should…”

“Yeah, I need to check on jiji as well.”

 

Moving apart, both Arnav and Khushi headed in their respective directions, away from each other.

 

*****

 

Descending the stairs, all eyes were on the blushing bride to be, but her sister was also attracting a lot of attention. Around Arnav, he could hear aunties asking about Khushi, talking about how she would make a beautiful bride for their sons. It angered Arnav hearing people talk like that, but he knew he didn’t have to worry. Khushi was his.

Khushi helped Payal down the stairs and then led her over to the stage where Akash was waiting. As they reached the foot of the stage, Akash stepped down, took Payal’s hand and helped her up to join him, while Khushi came and stood beside Arnav.

 

“They really do look lovely together don’t they Arnav.”

“They do. But I’m pretty sure we make a better looking couple than they do.”

 

Eyes wide, Khushi looked around to check if anyone heard what he had said or if they had noticed them at all. But no one seemed to be paying attention to anyone other than the couple getting engaged.

Payal and Akash stood on stage, waiting for the right time for the engagement to begin. Everyone spoke amongst themselves, waiting.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rang.

 

“Mama and papa are here!”

 

Rushing away, Khushi went and threw the door open. There stood before her were her parents.

 

“Mom, dad! Finally! I’ve been waiting all day.”

 

Throwing her arms around her parents, Khushi called over a helper to take their bags while she led them into the main living space where all the guests and the rest of the family members were.

Payal descended from the stage and went over to her aunt and uncle and hugged them, before taking their blessings.

 

“Maasi, why are you and Mausaji so late? I was worried you were going to miss my engagement.”

 

Lalita Gupta hugged her niece and placed a kiss on her head.

 

“I wouldn’t miss your engagement for the world my dear. Now where is that mother of yours?”

 

Garima rushed forward, arms open as she embraced her older sister.

 

“Jiji! I’m so glad you and jiju have made it! I was worried jiju wouldn’t come, but dekho, you are both here.”

“Again, our only niece is getting engaged, how could we miss this?”

 

Once the initial hugging was done, Garima and Shashi ushered Lalita and Karan into the house and introduced them to the Raizada’s, starting with the elders and ending with Akash.

Greeting everyone in turn, both of Khushi’s parents eyes were looking for one individual. Arnav stepped forward to touch their feet before introducing himself.

 

“Namaste, I’m Arnav…”

 

Blessing him, both of Khushi’s parents took him in. Arnav felt nervous. Neither were saying anything but there was a silent exchange taking place between them. Khushi too noticed this and couldn’t help but feel nervous.

After what felt like a lifetime, Karan Gupta finally smiled and took Arnav into his arms.

 

“Arnav… We’ve heard so much about you from Khushi, it’s such a treat to finally meet you.”

“I wanted to come and see you and aunty while I was in London, but our plans changed and I had to come back soon after the conference.”

“No matter, no matter, we are meeting now. We are staying with Khushi until the wedding, so please do come by and meet with us when there is more time to sit and talk. I would love to pick at your brains regarding your business and future plans.”

 

What Khushi’s father was implying wasn’t missed by Arnav. It was clear that he wanted to talk to Arnav about what his intentions were regarding him and Khushi.

 

“It’s time for the engagement ceremony to begin.”

 

The attention once more shifted to Payal and Akash as everyone went back to their original positions, waiting around the stage. Arnav took Khushi’s hand just before she left to go stand beside Payal.

 

“I think your parents approve of me.”

 

Blushing, Khushi moved away from Arnav and went to stand beside Payal and handed her the ring so she could place it on Akash’s finger. She couldn’t help but wonder when it would be her turn to have a ring placed on her finger.

 

*****

 

Rings had been exchanged, Payal and Akash were officially engaged. Guests and the family members were all around the new couple, congratulating them on their engagement. Arnav saw this as an opportunity to spend some time with Khushi.

Taking her hand, Arnav dragged Khushi away and into the empty kitchen.

 

“Arnav, what are you doing?”

 

Shutting the door behind them, Arnav moved close to Khushi, putting his hands on her exposed waist.

 

“Did I tell you I think you look god damn gorgeous today?”

“You did…”

“In my opinion, I think you even look better then Payal.”

“Thanks…”

“I’ve missed you Khushi.”

“I’ve missed you too. But we’ve been so busy…”

“And now with the wedding preparations, were going to get even more busy. Plus with your parents staying with you, I won’t even be able to come and spend some time in the evenings with you.”

 

He stepped closer, his body heat making Khushi feel very warm. His hand brushed the dupatta away from her, and he placed it on the side. Raising her arms, Khushi tried to cover her chest. Her breasts may have been covered, but she felt exposed due to the tightness and the smallness of the material.

 

“Don’t feel shy, you look sexy as hell.”

 

He moved closer, one hand still resting on her exposed waist, the other on the side of her neck. He pulled her into himself, causing Khushi to gasp. Arnav took this moment to capture Khushi’s lips between his own. The initial shock melted away and Khushi wrapped her arms around Arnav’s neck, pulling him closer as his hands caused havoc on her exposed skin.

As they stood there in the kitchen, kissing, they both realised how long it had been since they’d been like this. Khushi bit down on Arnav’s lip slightly, causing his lips to part and she took the opportunity to slip her tongue between his lips.

As their tongues duelled for dominance, Arnav ran his hand down Khushi’s exposed spine, causing her to shiver with anticipation. Her hands raised to the top button of his shirt, attempting to unfasten it. Just as Khushi took the top button off, the door, causing them to jump apart. Khushi quickly turned around, grabbing her dupatta off the worktop.

 

“Chote! Really?”

“Di!”

 

Fixing her dupatta, Khushi slowly turned around, keeping her eyes fixed to the ground.
Anjali shut the door behind her and moved towards Arnav, her arms folded across her chest.

 

“Chote, Khushi, I understand that you are a couple and that you are in love, but really, now? Here? At this moment when there’s a houseful of guests? Anyone could have walked in. You’re lucky Nani asked me to bring her water.”

“I’m sorry Di… We haven’t had time to spend together… You know how it is.”

 

Anjali looked at Khushi, who’s eyes were still down as she fiddled with her dupatta, making sure she was properly covered again.

 

“Look, I understand what you two are going through, but you really need to keep yourselves in check. Anyway, it is evident that you’re serious about each other, and seeing as everyone else knows, Chote, I think it’s time you told Nani and mama and mami about your relationship. After all Khushi’s parents know so…”

“No Di, we can’t. The moment we tell Nani, she’ll start planning the wedding. We need more time.”

 

Looking at Khushi, Anjali moved over to her, placed a finger under her chin and gently lifted her face.

 

“Khushi, do you want to wait too, or is that what he wants?”

“I do… I want to wait a bit.”

 

Taking a step back, Anjali nodded.

 

“Okay, fine. I respect your wishes to want to take time, but please. I need you both to be more careful. You have two minutes to finish up what was happening here, and then I want you both outside before someone notices something’s up.”

 

Leaving the kitchen, Khushi hid her face in Arnav’s chest.

 

“That was by far the most uncomfortable moment of my life.”

“It’s only Di.”

“I know, but still. I didn’t want her to see us like that.”

 

Lifting her face, Arnav pressed a kiss on Khushi’s forehead and hugged her.

 

“Let’s go away tomorrow evening.”

“We can’t…”

“We can. We’ll just go to the farmhouse to spend some time together. We haven’t had any time to ourselves and I really miss you.”

“But how can we. My parents…”

“Business trip.”

“We can’t lie…”

“We’re not lying. We’ll go there during the day, do all our work there and then spend the evening there too before heading back.”

 

Taking a moment to consider Arnav’s proposal, Khushi thought about it properly. What he was saying sounded like a good idea. It was true, it had been a very long time since they last spent any time together. This way they would be able to do that without anyone thinking much of it.

 

“Okay… Let’s do it.”

“Great! So, come to the office first thing and then we’ll leave together from there.”

 

Nodding, Khushi placed a quick kiss on Arnav’s cheek before rushing away. Arnav watched as she left, smiling to himself. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

 

*****

 

As Arnav and Khushi rejoined the rest of the family, they saw the elders all sat around together with the pandit.

 

“Khushi, they must be setting the date for the wedding!”

“I still can’t believe that they’re finally getting married. It feels like it was only yesterday when they were first getting together.”

“Time has flown by hasn’t it?”

 

Nodding, they went over to where Akash and Payal were standing. As soon as Payal saw Khushi, her eyes widened.

 

“Khushi, I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything for you.”

 

Leaning in, Payal whispered what she wanted from Khushi.

 

“Oh come on! Really?”

“Please!”

 

Letting out a sigh, Khushi nodded.

 

“Anything for you jiji.”

 

Moving away, Arnav raised his eyebrow as he watched Khushi walk away. What was she up to now?

Suddenly the lights dimmed down, and a spotlight came on, focusing only Khushi. The melodies of a song began to play.

 

“This ones for you jiji and jijaji.”

 

As the song began to play, Khushi began to dance. The guests all cheered her on and clapped.

Everyone watched as she twirled and danced, lip syncing the words as she went along.

While dancing, Khushi couldn’t help thinking about herself and Arnav and how the lyrics also reflected them.

 

*Mere sapno ke khidiki pe aa gaya*

 

It was true, somehow Arnav had arrived at the windows of her dreams. He was in all her dreams, all the time. If she didn’t see him in her dreams, her night felt incomplete.

Continuing to dance, she turned to Arnav, singing to him without making it too obvious. He realised though and couldn’t help but smile.

 

*Hua dil pehli pehli baar re*

 

Never had she felt this way about someone before. Never had she been so in love with anyone and she was sure, she would never love anyone in this manner ever again.

 

*Dhadkano ke paas mein*

 

He was close to her dhadkan, even when they were apart from each other, he had made a space for himself in her heart and she knew that she could never let him get away again.

The song continued and Khushi carried on dancing. Payal placed her hand on Akash’s arm.

 

“This song… That’s how I feel about you.”

 

Smiling, Akash pressed a kiss on the top of Payal’s head, but his eyes remained locked on Khushi and Arnav. Their relationship was getting stronger, he could tell by the way Khushi kept directing certain lines of the song at him and the way he looked at her. If he wanted Khushi’s business, he knew he needed to act fast. If Arnav and Khushi’s relationship peaked, then there would be no way he could take anything of Khushi’s from under Arnav’s nose. He needed to work fast but what should he do? And how?

As the song came to an end, Khushi took a small bow. Anjali walked over to Arnav and gave him a nudge.

 

“I don’t know about anyone else, but I saw all the subliminal messages that Khushi was throwing your way during the performance.”

“Di!”

“I’m just teasing, but honestly Chote, I hope you both always stay this happy.”

“She’s becoming my life Di.”

“Then make sure you keep her close. And I hope no ones evil eye ever falls on your happiness.”

“If you keep praying for us Di, then I know no evil will ever be able to touch us.”

“God bless you and your relationship Chote.”

 

Turning his attention back to Khushi, he watched as people congratulated her on her amazing performance. He couldn’t help but feel proud of his baby. His Khushi, his love. Maybe he was ready to make them official after all. Maybe he needed to give their relationship a real name sooner than he thought.

Unwanted ~ Interlude I

Payal

I shut the door behind bhai, and I moved back and sat down on the bed.

I couldn’t stand it, the way he spoke to me, the way he looked at me. He acted like he cared about me, but if he cared for me, he couldn’t have let my sister leave. He wouldn’t have let Khushi go. Or even if she had still managed to go, he would have found her by now. He wouldn’t have married someone else, no matter what the circumstances had been.

Going over to my dresser, I pulled out my little box and opened it. Inside were envelopes containing all the letters that Khushi had sent me over the years. She didn’t write often, tops of maybe 3 times a year. But there was never a return address so I could never write back to her.

I pulled out a letter at random and found that it was the first ever one she wrote to me after leaving. Taking it out of its envelope, I sat down with it.

 

“Dear Jiji,

I hope my letter finds you in good health. I am doing well, I was unwell for a while, but I am well now. I know that you are probably really angry at me for leaving and not telling you, but I couldn’t do anything. Even the night before I left, I didn’t know that that would be the last night I would spend at the Raizada house with my husband. I didn’t plan to leave… It’s just something I had to do. I’m sure by now you are aware what happened. But I am writing to you to explain what I was thinking when I left. What caused me to decide to leave.

Initially, even after Nimisha returned, I didn’t plan on leaving. I was ready to stay with Arnav, to support him through her pregnancy. I knew he loved me, and no matter what happened, he would always care for me. But then I thought about it and realised that if I stayed, his priorities would always be with me. And as much as I wanted that, I realised that that wasn’t fair or right. He may not love Nimisha any more, but he did at one point, and she’s carrying the evidence of his love. He may not love her any more, but that baby is still his. The baby deserves his love and if I’m there, he’ll never be able to accept the baby.

I hope you can understand why I did what I did. I hope that you support my decision and that you forgive me for leaving without telling you. Maybe one day I will return, or maybe I’ll just come to see you, but right now, I think it would be best if I just stayed away.

Take care of yourself Jiji, and if he needs comfort, please be there for him. Reassure him that I love him more than I love my own life, and it’s because I love him that I have had to leave. Tell him that no matter how far I am from him, I will never forget about him, that I will never stop loving him. But sometimes, even those who truly love each other cannot be together. And that is us.

I will write again soon, I promise.

I love you always Jiji and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Khushi.

PS: I know I haven’t given a return address, but it’s because I don’t want anyone to know where I am. If anyone knows, Arnav will come looking for me, and he can’t find me. For the sake of the baby, he can’t find me.”

 

Tears streamed down my face. I remember receiving this letter for the first time, I remember the initial shock. I was still so angry at her, I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t give me her address or her number. I’m still angry with her.

I put the letter back and pull out a different one. I opened it up and realised that it was the one I received a few months after my wedding.

 

“To my dearest Jiji,

I hope you are doing very, very well!

I am doing fine. I’ve been working (what’s new, all I seem to do is work) and that’s about all I have been doing. It’s been a few years, but I feel like I’m really settling into my new life now. I’m hoping that’s the case for Arnav as well. Although, I feel like maybe he would’ve settled a long time ago.

I don’t really have much to say in this letter, I just wanted to check in on you so that you know I am well and that I’m happy.

I will write again,

Love you,

Your Khushi.”

 

This had been such a short letter, but it meant so much. If there had been a return address, the response to this letter would have been a very long one. I would’ve told her about my marriage.

When me and Akash got married, it was hard. I feel like I didn’t enjoy my wedding and the build up to my wedding the way I should’ve done. My sister should have been by my side, the way I had been for her at her wedding. But she wasn’t here and I was alone.
Even after getting married I struggled. Me and Akash didn’t consummate our marriage for over a week after we got married. I don’t know why, I couldn’t do it. My sister should’ve been here. She should’ve been in this very house. She should have been in the bedroom beside mine, but she wasn’t.

Wiping my tears away, I pulled out another envelope and took out the letter. This was the second letter she ever wrote to me, and only came a few weeks after the first.

 

“Dear Jiji,

I hope you are well. I am relatively well considering the circumstances.

I read in the newspaper the other day that Arnav and Nimisha had got married. I must admit, it did come as a shock to me. I had imagined them raising their child together, but it never occurred to me that they would marry. Maybe that was me being naive. Perhaps I should’ve realised that this would happen. But regardless, I was shocked when I read the news and I must admit, it did upset me a bit. I wanted him to move on and be happy with his baby… I just didn’t think I’d be replaced so soon. But I am glad he is happy. He deserves to be happy.

I guess there really is no space in his life for me any more, I guess I won’t be coming back into his life.

I really miss you Jiji. Maybe soon we can meet up one day? I don’t know.

Take care of yourself Jiji and take care of Amma and babuji and buaji. Tell them all that I love them and I miss them all so very much.

Tell Arnav… No don’t tell him anything.

I will write again soon Jiji, take care of yourself, I love you.

Love,

Khushi.”

 

She thought Arnav bhai got married out of choice. She thought he moved on and was ready to start afresh. He wasn’t. He didn’t want to get married, Di and Nani made him in order to save Nimisha and the Raizada family name. They didn’t want the Raizada heir to be born to an unwed mother. The wedding had been a small affair. Family only. Even me, Amma, babuji and buaji hadn’t been invited. But I guess it made sense. It would have been weird for us to see him get married to someone else.

I remember Arnav bhai coming to see me after the wedding, he had actually cried. He asked for my forgiveness, reassured me that he loved Khushi and only Khushi. That he would remain loyal to her for as long as he lived. As far as what I know, he stuck to this promise, he did remain loyal to Khushi. As much as I didn’t like Nimi, we did talk and I knew from her that to this day, she and bhai have not shared any kind of relationship and that their marriage still hasn’t been consummated.

That day he had cried some more, saying he didn’t want any of this, he just wanted Khushi back. He begged me to tell him if I knew where she was, if I had heard from her. I told him the truth, that I didn’t know where she was and I told him about the letter. He asked if he could read it and I took it out and gave it to him.

I’d watched as he sat and cried as he read her words. It felt so weird, seeing him cry like that. I was so angry at Khushi in that moment. She shouldn’t be making him cry like that.

She should be here, happy, by his side. But she wasn’t.

 

I kept going through the letters, reading them all one after another. All her letters came to our house and Amma would tell me to go and collect it.

Finally finding the last letter, I started reading it again.

 

“Jiji! How are you? I hope you are doing very very very well! I am well, I have been busy with life, but not a moment has passed when I haven’t thought about all of you guys.

I was in bed the other night and I thought about something. I have been gone for almost 6 years! I didn’t even realise so much time had passed! It also hit me that you have probably got married! And you may even have your own Aloo Kumar or Puri Kumari! I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of this before!

Well if you are married and if you do have a child, please say hi to jijaji for me and give a BIG kiss to my sweet niece or nephew. Tell them that even though they don’t know me, I love them.

Jiji, I miss you all the time. You are probably the person I miss the most. I wish I could come to see you, but I fear that if I come, I won’t be able to leave again.

How are Amma, babuji and buaji? Please tell them that I am always thinking about them and that I love them more than anything.

I love you all so so much,

Khushi.”

 

In this letter she had mentioned children and I wanted to tell her about Akshay. She didn’t know, didn’t have a clue that he existed and that hurt. She should know! She should have been here to spoil her nephew. But she wasn’t.

In Khushi’s letters she asked about Arnav bhai less and less, and it made me think, had she moved on with life? Six years is a long time, and a lot has changed, had she met someone else and started a new life? Or had she just come to terms with the fact that he had a new life and she was no longer a part of it?

I remember her telling me years ago that she had a job and it made me wonder if she was still working. I wondered what she was like, was she still the same old Khushi or had she changed?

Over the years, I’d searched her up on Facebook, I’d googled her, even called up random businesses asking if she worked for them, but there was no trace. Khushi had vanished. If it weren’t for these letters, one would think she fell off the face of the earth. Bhai knew people everywhere, and had people from all over find out if they could find her, but no one came up with any results. He had travelled from city to city, looking for her, but he couldn’t find her. She was missing.

When we were kids and when we played hide and seek, I would always win. I’d always find Khushi. Sometimes it took me all of 5 minutes, other times slightly longer. But I always found her, no matter where she was hiding. Why was I struggling now? Why hadn’t I been able to find her yet?

Wiping my tears away, I put all the letters back and closed the box. Maybe that’s what I needed to do. Put all my memories and emotions related to Khushi into a box and put them away. Maybe it was time to finally let get and move on with life…

Maybe.

Khushi, I love you

 

The man I hated the most stood before me. I’d almost reached my gate, was ready to go through security when he came and found me.

 

“Saale Saab, there’s something really important I need to talk to you about.”

“I don’t have time, I need to get on my flight.”

“But if you hear me out, you won’t need to go to London.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I need to tell you the truth about me and Khushi ji.”

 

Now he got my attention. My full attention. He wanted to tell me the truth about him and Khushi? But he’d already told me the truth? The night I got married to Khushi? He told me he was having an affair with her.

I didn’t need to hear anything he had to say so I started turning away but he caught my arm.

 

“Come with me so we can talk about this properly.”

 

I contemplated it for a moment, really thought about it. Had Khushi been telling me the truth? Had Shyam lied to me about him and Khushi? Nodding, I decided that it would be best for me to go with him. Shyam led me out of the airport and he gestured over to his car. Did I trust him enough to get into his car with him? But I got in any way, what did he have to lose?

At first I assumed he would drive us home, then I thought maybe he was talking me to his office, but he carried on driving for miles and miles.

 

“Where are we going?”

“Don’t worry Saale Saab, we just need to go somewhere so we can talk in peace without anyone getting in the way and overhearing us.”

 

He carried on driving, not saying much. A few moments later however, Shyam parked up. I had a look around, it seemed as though we’d come to some run down warehouse.

 

“Where are we?”

“I have some business here after so…”

 

As Shyam got out of the car while I remained seated for a while. Did I want to go into a building that looked like it was about to fall at any moment? Regardless, I got out of the car and followed Shyam. I needed to know the truth. Had Khushi been telling him the truth the entire time? Had I been wrong about Khushi, was my heart right all along? Was she innocent? I needed to know.

Following Shyam, I walked into the warehouse. The moment I stepped inside, I realised I screwed up. I shouldn’t have come here, I shouldn’t have trusted Shyam. The door shut behind me and I felt hands on me, pulling at me.

 

“What the?”

 

I struggled against the hands holding me, but I realised that there were many of them.  Had Shyam planned this? I looked around me, where had these men come from? How hadn’t I noticed these people? How had I walked into this trap? Was Shyam going to tell me anything useful regarding him and Khushi?

I tried to get the men off me, I needed to get out of here, how had I fallen for this? But there was many of them, forcing me down into a chair.

 

“Shyam?”

“I’m right here Saale Saab. Just sit and then we’ll talk. You don’t need to be worried about anything. I just want to talk to you in peace.”

 

They got me down into the seat and as soon as I was down, one of the guys took hold of my arms and strapped me down, tying my arms down to the armrests of the chair.

I should’ve fought harder, but I didn’t. I was so confused, shocked… What the hell was happening?

Once they had my arms and legs tied down, Shyam came before me, dismissing his goons.

 

“Shyam… What the actual…”

“Saale Saab. You wanted to know the truth so I’m going to tell you the truth.”

“But did you need to have me tied up to tell me the truth?”

“Yes I did. Now sit quietly and listen.”

 

He started walking around, it seemed as though he was trying to work out how he was going to start. Then he turned back to me.

 

“Actually, what do you want to know?”

“Khushi said that she wasn’t having an affair with you, that you lied to her and her family about being married and that the moment she found out the truth she broke off the engagement with you. Is that all true?”

“It is.”

 

I clenched my jaw. What the fuck?

 

“You told me she loved you?”

“I lied to you to make you jealous.”

“Why?”

“Because I loved her! I wanted her! And she wanted you! So when I realised you thought ill of her, that you thought she was with me, I took advantage of that! I didn’t realise that you’d go and marry her.”

“She wanted me…”

 

She wanted me? She wanted me?! I mean I always got the feeling that she cared for me… What she said on holi… I thought of all the times I thought I caught her looking at me in a loving way… But my head had always told me it was all fake… Surely…

 

“She loves me?”

“Yes.”

 

She loves me! Khushi chose me. She wanted me? I thought back to only a little while ago, when she held onto my hand, begging me to listen to her, begging me to not leave her. I thought of the look in her eyes when I told her I knew about her and Shyam’s affair. The way she tried to talk to me… The way she held me hand, trying to stop me from leaving her… How hard she had fought to make me stay so that she could prove her innocence.

 

“You’re so stupid Arnav. If you looked into her eyes, you would’ve seen her love for you. Every time you were remotely close to her, you could tell the way her breathing changed. But you were to blind to see it, too stupid to realise. Do you know, she only agreed to marrying me in the first place was because of you? After you announced your engagement with Lavanya ji, she agreed to marrying me. You broke her, made her feel like you didn’t want her and so she agreed to marry me under duress. Had you not been so cruel to her, then she would never have gotten engaged to me. All of this happened because of YOU Arnav.”

 

I thought back to Diwali, the way I’d gone close to her, the way she had anticipated the moment. The way she tried to speak to me after… The way she looked at me with tear filled eyes when I said I was going to marry Lavanya. I remembered the way I spoke to her in front of Buajis house. Telling her that our moment didn’t mean anything to me. The way her eyes filled with tears once more and they streamed down her face… I knew that moment had meant a lot to her. I knew then that she had feelings for me and that I had feelings for her. She was in love with me and I broke her heart… Because I let my ego get in the way.

 

“Shyam, we need to get home, I need to talk to Khushi.”

“You know that day on the terrace, when you saw her in my arms? The only reason she went up there in the first place was because she thought she was meeting you…”

 

I remembered… I had wanted to tell her that day I loved her. I was following her upstairs so that I could tell her that I was in love with her. But then I saw her in his arms and I thought… God how did I think that?

 

“All she ever wanted was you and your love. And you thought she was after me and your money. It’s so sad you never understood…”

“Jijaji please. Please, we need to go home.”

 

I watched as his expression changed, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

 

“Do you think I’m that stupid? That I’d just tell you the truth and let you run off to her? Do you think I’d tell you the truth and then let you run off to the woman I love? No Saale Saab. I’m telling you the truth because this is the end of your story.”

“I don’t…”

“You don’t understand? I’ll explain. Khushi ji can never be mine now, she loves you too much, but, everything you own, your money, your business, all that can be mine. But I can only have all that if you’re dead…”

“Shyam…”

“If I can’t have the woman I love, I’ll have the next best thing. Money, wealth… You’re going to rot here until I see it fit to kill you.”

“Jijaji please. I’ll give you anything, just let me go to Khushi. I need to make things right with her… I’ll give you money, I’ll buy you a house, I’ll give you whatever you want but please, let me go and make things right with Khushi.”

“Nah. You’ve taken enough from me, insulted me enough, this is where your story ends. It’s such a shame. Poor Khushi ji will be your widow, will mourn for you, probably never be able to move on from losing you… She’ll probably love you forever, mourn everyday for the rest of her life, but she’ll always think that she was never loved by you.”

“I do love her! Shyam please, please I need to go to her.”

 

I felt like I was becoming hysterical. He could take my wealth, take my name, anything. But I needed to get to Khushi. I needed to apologise to her, grovel for her forgiveness. I needed to tell her the truth, that I love her, that I’ve always loved her.

 

“Jijaji please!”

 

I struggled against the bindings, I needed to get free, I needed to go to her. Shyam just stood there laughing. And then he stopped and he looked sinister again.

 

“Tut tut tut… Poor Saale Saab. Played high and mighty all these years and now look. Begging me, ME to let you free. Tut tut tut.”

 

He walked towards me and opened up a little briefcase that was on a little table beside me. He pulled out a syringe with a needle and filled it with some kind of liquid.
No no, he couldn’t… I needed to talk to Khushi! He pulled at the sleeve of my shirt, pulling it up. I tried to struggle but it was no use, I was tied up too tightly. I felt the needle prick me and then I felt nothing more…

 

*****

 

I don’t know how much time had passed. Had it been a few days? Or a few weeks? I couldn’t tell. The room was always completely dark, someone always watching over me. They gave me food to keep me going, gave me my medication but that was it. I was always tied up, unable to even use the bathroom on my own… It was embarrassing…

But I thought of Khushi and that kept me going. I needed to get to Khushi. I needed to apologise, needed to beg… I needed to convince her that I was the stupidest idiot in the world. And then I needed to tell her that I love her.

Since I’d been here, whenever I was awake, all I could think about was all the times she’d looked at me with nothing but love in her eyes. I thought about the times she tried to convince me of her innocence and I insulted her. I thought about the time she told me it mattered to her what I thought about her. That she didn’t care what anyone else thought but couldn’t bare the idea that I thought ill of her. How could I have been so stupid? So blind? I hurt her over and over again… How had I been such an idiot?

I remembered Diwali… I had been so close to kissing her… I knew it felt right at the time, why hadn’t I accepted my feelings then? Maybe then all this wouldn’t have happened. She wouldn’t have had Shyam in her life, we wouldn’t have had this misunderstanding. Maybe we’d have gotten married on happy terms, maybe by now we would have consummated our marriage… God how I wanted to feel her soft skin against mine. How I wanted to run my hands along her body… How I wanted her to moan my name as I pleasured her. I wanted all this, I have done. Then why? Why had I been such an idiot?

I remembered the few times I had woken up beside her… On the recliner on our fake honeymoon and then during those days at Buaji’s house. The way she held me even when she was unconscious… She found comfort in being close to me even when I hurt her… I thought about the innocent look on her face as she slept, the feel of her body draped over mine…

I needed to go home to her. I needed to hold her in my arms, kiss her, love her, touch her, make her mine… I struggled against the me bindings. I needed to see Khushi once, just once! I needed to tell her the truth!

 

“Oi! Stop it!”

 

Shyam wasn’t around so he left his goons.

 

“I need to talk to my wife, please let me speak to her once.”

“Shut up and sit there quietly.”

“Please! I need to tell her I love her! Please!”

 

I begged him, I just needed to speak to her once! He shook his head and looked over to another guy who nodded and walked over to me. I watched as they prepared another syringe.

 

“Please, no I just need to speak to Khushi!”

 

He came over and poked it into my skin and moments later I slipped into darkness.

 

*****

 

More time passed. I don’t know how much time. But I had learnt that begging them did nothing. It just angered them and caused them to give me a shot. I couldn’t deal with that anymore so I remained silent, plotting how I could get away and go back home.

I was sat, minding my own when I saw one of the goon pull my phone out of his pocket and he handed it over to me.

 

“You have one call. Your only and final call to your family. Make something up, tell them your safe and not to worry. Say whatever you need to say because this is the last time you’re going to speak to them.”

 

He handed me the phone and I dialled home. I just needed to get a message to someone, to Khushi… But how?

 

“If you try anything at all, we’ll kill you on the spot and then boss will hurt your precious little wife. So think before you act.”

 

I couldn’t do anything. I didn’t care for my life but Khushi… They couldn’t hurt her. I couldn’t let Shyam hurt her. I dialled home and almost instantly Di answered. She shouted at me for not calling them, for not letting them know I was safe.

I cooked up a bullshit story about being in Scotland and I could tell Di believed me.

I spoke to Nani and mami, taking in their voices, remembering what they sounded like, just in case this was the final time I got to speak to them. Then Akash took the phone. He asked about Scotland and I fed him some more lines.

 

“Akash… Take care of Di and… Keep an eye on Khushi.”

 

If they did kill me, if I couldn’t get away, I needed to make sure that Khushi was safe. I know Akash, I know he’d look out for her, keep her out of harms way. He said he would handle everything until I got back and then he handed the phone over to her.

The moment Khushi took the phone, I could hear her breathing and I could tell she was crying.

 

“Khushi stop crying. Khushi, I’m fine, main theek hoon, stop crying.”

 

She kept crying. How did I let us get to this point, how did I let this happen? I should’ve stayed with her, I should’ve believed her. If I had, I would’ve been with her now, not miles away, trying to comfort her when we both knew something was wrong.

 

“Khushi that’s enough, stop…”

 

It was evident she wasn’t going to stop crying. How had I left her so susceptible to so much pain? How could I have been so stupid? If I hadn’t been so arrogant we could have been happy together right now, we could’ve been together. I could have been with her right this moment, with her in my arms, in my bed. Instead I was miles away from her, trying to comfort her… How had I fucked it all up so badly?

 

“Khushi I love you…”

 

I couldn’t think of what else to say. There was nothing else to say. I listened and I heard her breathing stop, her crying stopped. She was shocked, she couldn’t believe what I said but she heard me. Her mind was probably doing overtime, trying to make sense of what I had just said.

I held the line, waiting for her to maybe say something. In my heart I wished she would tell me she loved me too. If she did, then even if they killed me, at least I would be able to die happy, knowing that it really was me that she wanted. But she didn’t, she just held on and I listened as her breathing resumed and then I cut the call…