Dark Night Dawning Chapter 12

Dark Night Dawning – Part12

The next morning the Raizada family was on its way to the Lord Shiva temple. This temple was situated 8 kms from Dehradun, on the banks of a stream. It was known as the Tapkeshwar temple. It had got this name because a drop of water always dripped from the rocks on the Shivlinga placed inside a cave. A special pooja was conducted on the full moon day of every month. As the Raizada family stood in reverence inside the shrine,the priest completed the aarti and distributed the prasad.

‘Thankyou Shiviji for saving Laad Governor’s life.  And you too Devi Maiyya, I will come to mandir as soon as I return to Delhi.’ Khushi said a silent prayer.

Arnav looked at the expressions on his wife’s face and knew that she was probably having her one way chat with God. He couldn’t help that small smile that stole into his lips.

‘Thank God you were saved yesterday Chotte!’ exclaimed Anjali, ‘I don’t know what I would have done.’

‘I think we should thank Khushi, don’t you Di? People say that pregnancy makes women emotional, but with you one can never say.’ Arnav teased his sister to bring her out of her melancholy mood.

‘Yes we are going to thank her,’ she smiled through her tears, ‘That’s why we are going to have a special dinner in her honour tonight at the restaurant.’

‘There is no need for all this Di.’ Khushi’s heart swelled with happiness at Anjali’s sweet gesture.

‘Don’t spoil our chances of getting a party Khushiji’ joked Akash.

The Raizada family returned to the hotel and lunched at the restaurant downstairs. Akash and Payal had decided to go to the Kemptyfalls  which wasn’t too far from the hotel. On the way back they would visit Gun hill from where they could see a good view of the Himalayan ranges one side and the Doon valley on the other side.Mamiji refused to go as she was motion sick and was tired of traveling on all the winding roads. Mamaji stayed back to give her company. Anjali and Naniji wanted to rest in their rooms. Arnav told them that he had to go to the mall to buy and new phone as he had lost the one he had during the fall. After that he would be working in the business centre as the crisis in the office was still going on. Though Khushi would have loved to see the falls, she decided to go to her room to rest as she no intention of being kababmeinhaddi between her jiji and jeejaji.

Khushi lay on the bed thinking about the past day’s event. She had been shocked to see Arnav at the cliff. It made her realize that life could be so fleeting. One moment you think the entire world is in front of you and the next moment puff….it’s all gone. There are so many things you want to tell someone, but you keep procrastinating thinking that there is a lot of time. Then one fine day it is too late, as that someone might not even be there in your life. She knew that she and Arnav had grown a little closer during their Nainital trip. He had changed his mind about their 6 month marriage and had made it a permanent one, hadn’t he? Though that decision might have had something to do with the last night they had spent together in Nainital.But she couldn’t deny that they had grown closer even after that inthe two weeks she took care of him while he was injured, and then the week when Lavanya came to stay with them. She knew what she had to do. She would have to tell Arnav about Shyam and would have to accept whatever consequences the revelation would bring about.Maybe Arnav would also tell her the reason for their marriage. Was there a possibility for a fresh start?

Arnav was in the business centre working with the team in US who were struggling to fix the problem there were in. Each passing hour was making it obvious that he was needed there. He would have to leave tomorrow night. As he furiously type out an important e-mail his thoughts strayed to the freak accident on the Cliffside. He still couldn’t believe the way he had fallen over. Even more freakish than that was the way Khushi had saved his life. She could have lost her life trying to save him. What did that mean? He knew that he and Khushi had grown closer in the past few weeks, in spite of his intentions to stay away from her. He had always thought that it was a physical attraction, but was it just that or was it something more?  Was there a possibility that he had misjudged her somehow? He would have to ask her about Shyam.

Anjali tried to call Shyam and finally reached through to him.

‘Hello Rani Sahiba?’

‘Where are you? I have been trying to reach you since yesterday. Your phone was switched off.’

‘My..my phone had died and I left the battery charger back in the room and then I misplaced my phone somewhere. By the time I sorted all this out it took this much time. What’s the matter? You sound very tensed.’ His heart beating fast, he waited with bated breath. He almost dropped the phone in shock when Anjali told him. His face began to twitch uncontrollably.

No! No! No! How could that be possible? Khushiji! What a waste of opportunity! What was he going to do now?

Arnav came back to the room late in the evening so that he could freshen up for the dinner. He didn’t find Khushi in the room. Just then he got a call from Anjali telling him that they were waiting for him at the restaurant. He quickly changed and hurried up. Arnav walked up to the table where his family was seated. Khushi was not at the table either. Where was she? Then he saw her……

Khushi wore a net saree with a velvet- sequin border. The saree was pink with hues of rust blended in to give it unique look. The border was golden sequin and pink velvet. The golden aari work on the blouse matched with the one on the pallu. The blouse was short ending just below her breasts exposing her long and slim midriff, her flat abdomen and her delectable navel.

Khushi looked ravishing!He had never seen her in a saree like this before and he couldn’t take his eyes off her as she walked up to the table. She felt her dhakdhak begin as she recognized the look in his eyes. She felt those intense eyes on her all through dinner and a warm sensation filled her body from top to toe.

Soon, Naniji got up from the table wanting to allow the youngsters to have a good time. She took her son and daughter-in-law with her.

‘Where is jeejaji?’ Arnav asked Anjali. Why did that creep leave his sister all by herself all the time?

‘He had to go back to Delhi on some urgent work. Why don’t you and Akash take my bhabhis to the dance floor?’

‘And leave you here all by yourself?’ asked Arnav, ‘No way Di. Akash you take Payal for a dance.’

‘Chotte, I am fine,you don’t have to baby sit me,’ protested Anajali.

‘No Di,’ said Khushi mischievously, ‘I am worried that Lady Frances might think that you look very lonely and come up here for a chat.’

‘Thank you for bringing my here Chotte,’ Anjali touched her brother on her cheeks in her usual affectionate gesture, her eyes tearing up, ‘You made time for me in spite of the crisis at work.’

‘Don’t ever say that Di,’ said Arnav gruffly, ‘I would do anything for you, and you know that.’

Khushi looked on as the brother and sister shared a tender moment. Her eyes welled up at the sight. How much love Arnav had in his heart for his sister, she thought wistfully. She wished he could spare a small bit of it for her.

Soon, Akash and Payal came back to the table and told them that it was their turn to dance. Just as Arnav and Khushi began to refuse Anjali commanded them to leave. When Arnav and Khushi reached the dance floor, the DJ began to play a slow song Tu hi mera.

Arnav took Khushi’s left hand in his, while his other hand clasped her bare waist. Khushi looked at Arnav, her almond eyes clashing with her chocolate brown ones, a streak of awareness sizzling through them.

Tereishqmein
Doobarahe
Din raatyuhinsada
Mere khwaab se
Aakheinteri
Ik pal nahoyejuda

He twirled her away from him, brought her closer, his hand on her quivering stomach, his lips near her ear. The veins in hand stood out as he used his strength to lift her high up in the air, holding her at the waist, as dipped her low almost to the ground with a hand under her head.

Tu hi mohabbat
Tu hi haiRahat
Lagtibhalihai
Teri saadgi

Patahoonkhudko
Harghadi
Terebagairtanha
Mujhethaamle
Mujherok le
Bhatkahoon main bhatka

Tu hi merameramera……..

As the song came to an end, they stood together looking into each other’s eyes, Arnav bending his head to kiss her…….

Suddenly they realized they were in the middle of a dance floor when they heard clapping from the other guests. When Khushi made to move away Arnav caught her hand and urged her to walk back with him to their table. As Anjali was tired she decided to go back to her room. Arnav and Khushi walked with her to see her to her room. Just then Arnav received a call from his work and excused himself.

‘Can I come in for a little while Di?’ asked Khushi as they reached Anjali’s room. Anjali looked a little sad and Khushi didn’t have the heart to leave her like that.

‘I would love that Khushiji, please come in.’

‘Di, don’t you think it is time you dropped the ji and started calling me Khushi?’

Anjali smiled in her usual sweet childish way and came up to Khushi to hug her, tears in her eyes. ‘Of course I will, you are the little sister I never had Khushi.’

‘What’s the matter Di?’ asked Khushi a little worry creasing her forehead, ‘You have been silent all evening.’

‘It’s nothing Khushi.’

‘Please Di, you just called me your little sister. Won’t you tell me?’

‘It’s your jeejaji,’ said Anjali quietly, ‘I think there is someone else in his life.’

Khushi looked at Anajli in shock as hot colour swept her cheeks, her heartbeat rising in crescendo. Hey Devi Maiyya!

Anjali continued, ‘I don’t know for sure, but a woman can sense these things you know. In the past year, he has been so distracted; he has not been his usual self. He used to stay away from the house for long periods of time saying he had lots of work, sometimes he shuts off his mobile while he is talking. I know he has been lying to me as well. I am sure he is hiding something from me.’

‘Everything will be alright Di,’ said Khushi guilt gnawing at her.

‘You know Khushi, I can’t discuss this with Chotte. I am afraid of what he will do if he got inkling about this. Promise me you won’t tell him I told you all this?’

‘Sure Di. But please don’t think about all this now. You are going to be a mother soon. Such thoughts are not good for the baby. Let’s talk about the wonderful things we will do when my niece or nephew will be born, ok?’

Khushi managed to distract Anjali by indulging her in talks about new member that would be coming into their lives, long into the night. Finally, seeing that Anjali was sleepy, she excused herself and left her room quietly. The talk with Anjali had left her confused. Should she or should she not tell Arnav about Shyam?

When Khushi entered her bedroom, it was completely dark except for the moonlight that had illuminated the room with its pristineness. She saw Arnav sitting on the bed, his back resting on the head board. At first she thought he was working on his lap top. When she went closer she realized he had dozed off with his lap top still on his lap. She loved how the hair on his forehead made him look boyish. She bent down, picked up his lap top and put it away. She went back to wake him up so that he could lie down more comfortably. As she placed her hand on his shoulders, she looked at his face. He looked so peaceful, with his eyes closed, his lips forming a cute little pout. Suddenly, desired surged through her like waves and her head bent down of its own volition, her lips touching his in the lightest of kisses……. 

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 11

Dark Night Dawning – Part11

Shyam watched the Raizada family sitting on the lawn enjoying their tea. Anjali, the darling sister was sitting between her two loving brothers and was laughing in her usual exuberant style. He could see the love in her eyes as she looked affectionately at Arnav.

Arnav, sitting there brooding, probably because of the conversation they had just had. Always behaving like he had the weight of the entire world on his shoulders.

Then, there was Naniji, the matriarch of the family, Mamaji, Mamiji, Payal and Akash – all of them sickeningly devoted to Arnav Singh Raizada. And why not? They all depended on him for their survival.

And finally Khushi – she seemed happy sitting there in the middle of the group. But then, his Khushiji was always like that. She had the ability to hide her true feelings.

Shyam turned around and walked away as fast as his legs could take him.A fierce rage had started within him. If he went and joined the group for tea he wouldn’t be able put on the façade of civility that he usually did in their presence. He needed to vent.

Oblivious to Shyam’s raging thoughts, the Raizada family listened in rapt attention to the waiter who had served them tea and pakodas. He told them that in the year 1911, a 49 year old spiritualist Lady Frances Garnett-Orme, had come to stay at the hotel Savoy with her companion from Lucknow, Lady Eva Mountstephan, also a spiritualist who specialized in séances and crystal-gazing. One morning after Miss Mountstephan had returned to Lucknow, Lady Frances was found dead. She had been poisoned by her friend. Though Lady Mountstephan she was arrested later, the court had acquitted her for lack of evidence. Since then it was believed by the locals that the hotel was being haunted by the spirit of Lady Frances waiting for justice to be served.

‘There is a gh…ghost in this hotel?’ stuttered mamiji after the waiter had left, ‘Let’s move to another hotel pleeej.’

‘There are no such things as ghosts Manorama,’ said mamaji consoling his wife, ‘He was just trying to entertain us because we asked him to explain its history.’

‘I suddenly feel very dizzy and weak,’ she shivered.

‘That’s’ because of over eating, first at lunch and then these pakodas. Let me take you up to the room for some medication and rest.’

As soon as they left, Akash excused himself to take Payal to Camel’s Back Road which was a 3 km stretch where they could have a sun set view of the Himalayas while they strolled along side it.

Just then Arnav got a phone from the office and he walked away so he could talk in private.

Anjali looked at her brother and then at Khushi who was looking at his retreating back wistfully. Anjali felt a little sad for Khushi who was saddled to her workaholic, unromantic brother. She suddenly realized that Shyam had not joined them for tea. She wondered what was keeping him. She dialled his number.

Shyam’s phone began to ring. It was his devoted wife. He cut the phone. He didn’t know why she bothered to care for him when the only person she really cared for was her brother – her chotte.She would never love anyone the way she loved him. They shared a very special bond, she said. In all the years he was married to her, he had never once seen that waver even once. And vice-versa. He had seen evidence of that on the night of Payal and Akash’s wedding. He had gone ahead and married Khushi just so that he could save his precious Di’s marriage.

After Anjali and he had been married, she had showered him with so much love and affection that he had started to feel that he was a stray dog that she had picked off the streets. What else would you call such blind devotion? She was a princess from a palace and he was a pauper from the slums. The same went for the entire Raizada family who smothered him with their patronizing attitude. But the worst was Arnav. He had made surehis poor brother-in-law would move into the mansion so that his beloved sister could live in luxury and style. He had even made provisions for a regular income to be deposited into his individual account as he very well knew that his poor brother-in-law wouldn’t be able to take care of his high maintenance sister with a meagre lawyer’s salary.Not that he was complaining.In fact that was exactly why he had married her.

He remembered the day he had accidently stumbled against Anjali in the temple so many years ago. He had helped her regain her balance when he realized that she walked with a limp and had helped her to her car. He had figured out right then that she came from a well to do family. He had been right. He had dug out her entire bio-data in couple of days. The only girl of the Raizada family, had no parents and lived with her younger brother, a grandmother and uncle’s family. It had not been difficult to beguile her with his charm. Even then, Arnav had his reservations but had bowed down to the wishes of his sister. After that the other members of the Raizada family had welcomed him with open arms.

He hated them.These condescending, overbearing rich people who thought the world revolved around them. Especially, Arnav Singh Raizada!

He had seen the way he had treated Khushi in the beginning. He had made her life hell. But that had soon changed. He was sure that it was her beauty that had mesmerised him. He only wanted to use her until his needs were satisfied. And it was his duty to protect Khushi from people like him. She and he were one of a kind- meant for each other.

Today, Arnav had threatened him that he would be kicked out of RM once the baby arrived. That could mean only one thing -that he had made a will. He must have left the entire property in the name of his darling sister. How dare he put an end to his best laid plans? He had worked years for this.

The root cause of all his problems- Arnav Singh Raizada. It would be so convenient if this root cause were to vanish from the face of the earth. With him gone, Anjali would inherit all his property. After that it would just be a cake walk for him. Then Khushi and he would live happily ever after.

Lost in his thoughts, Shyam almost missed seeing the object of his hatred walk right past, along the path heading for the cliff side. He was on his phone completely oblivious of the world around him. A sudden breeze had picked up, dust and leaves flying in all directions. Shyam watched as Arnav walked dangerously close to the edge. He began to walk toward him.

As the wind continued its wild objection, Naniji suggested that they should move into their rooms as the weather seemed to be getting worse. As Khushi walked next to Anjali she felt a stab of anxiety. Where was Arnav? He had left half an hour ago when he got a call on his phone. He should have been back. Khushi felt a steadily escalating sense of foreboding which she couldn’t understand. The trio went into the hotel’s lobby, moving towards the elevator which would take them to their rooms.

Arnav couldn’t think. One moment he was talking on his phone and the next moment he was flying. He felt himself falling, it was probably just seconds and then suddenly he stopped just as suddenly. He opened his eyes to see that he was stuck on a tree that grown in the side of a cliff. He carefully balanced himself and tried to find a grip using his hand so that his entire body weight did not rest on the flimsy branch. It was very tricky. How had this happened? Had he been so close to the edge that a gust of wind had pushed over the edge? Right now all he could think was to keep himself alive. He had so much to do.  What would happen to hi Di? Who would take care of her? And Khushi. There was so much he had to tell her.

Khushi! he whispered in anguish.

Khushi suddenly turned her head toward the entrance expecting to see ------ he wasn’t there.

‘Did you hear that Di?’ she asked Anjali.

‘Hear what Khushiji?’ asked Anjali perplexed at the way Khushi was looking back at the door.

‘I heard …… someone calling out for me.’ Anjali saw anxiety in Khushi’s eyes.

‘Looks like the story about this hotel had scared you Khushiji,’ she said softly, ‘Don’t worry it is just an old wives tale made up by the hotel staff to entertain the guests.’

After seeing Anjali and Naniji to their respective rooms, Khushi opened the door to her room. She shut it back again andturned around, walking as fast as she could.She entered the woods and took the path that led towards the valley. The wind howled through the trees, the light fading quickly as clouds covered the skies ominously.

Shyam was on his way back to Delhi. He had caught a bus that would take him to Delhi by night fall. He had called Anjali and informed her that he had some urgent work for which he would have to return to Delhi right away. After that, he typed another very important message on his phone and clicked on send. He then switched off his phone.

 After walking for about 10 minutes Khushi had reached an overlook with a view of the Doon valley. There was no sign of Arnav. Somehow she couldn’t turn back from there. She called out for him.

‘Arnavji?’ And then a little louder…. Arnavji?  Arnavji?

‘Khushi!’

That was Arnav’s voice! Where was it coming from? Khushi ran toward the edge of cliff calling out for him frantically.

‘I am down here Khushi.’

Khushi looked down and was horrified to see Arnav perched on the side of the cliff ------ his only support was a small tree that had grown out from the side of the cliff. A tree that looked like it would give way any minute! Khushi began to look around to see if there was any way she could help Arnav climb up from his perch. There was nothing. She realized that there would be no time to go back for help. And she had left her cell phone back in the room. Hey Devi maiyya, what would she do now?

Then, she spotted a narrow ledge leading up to the place where Arnav was. She would be able to reach him if she used some of the smaller trees that were growing on the cliff.

 Just as she was about to take a step, Arnav yelled at her, ‘What do you think you are doing Khushi? Go back to the hotel and get help.’

‘No Arnavji, that tree you are hanging on to might snap any moment.’

‘So what do you think you are going to achieve by coming down here? Just go!’

‘No! I will come down there and help you get out of there. You will see.’

‘Khushi, why don’t you ever listen to me?’

Khushi gingerly placed her steps and went down the ledge up to the spot where Arnav arms were at a reachable distance. She then offered her hands to Arnav to so she could pull him up.

‘Are you crazy, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada! There is no way you will be able to pull me up. Instead, you will slip and fall into this gorge even before me.’

Khushi realized that he might be right. Then she knew what she had to do. She lay down flat on the ledge next to him and slipped her feet into the roots of a small tree that had grown on it. She then asked Arnav to hold on to her. When he asked her to go away she pleaded with him.

‘Please Arnavji, by holding on to me some of your body weight will shift so that there is lesser pressure on the branch you are standing on. This way we have better chances of surviving.’

He looked into her eyes, ‘Do you know what will happen if I do hold on to you and this branch snaps?’

Without blinking her eyes she said, ‘I know……. But that is not going to happen, I am sure Jeeju will come looking for us very soon.’

Khushi stretched her arms down to him so that he could hold on her. Arnav realized that this was indeed a better grip than the one he had been holding on to. When he looked into her eyes he saw sheer determination, hope andsomething he had seen in her eyes before …..in Nainital.

‘Why are you doing this Khushi?’ He had to know.

‘Would you not do the same for me Arnavji?’ she countered. He remembered the day he had let go of her hand in his office. Even that day he had known that she wouldn’t be seriously hurt because she would land on the boxes. Nevertheless that act had been low even for him. He wished he could go back in time and change that. But then, there were a lot of things he would have to change. So many things had happened between them since then. He looked at her as they waited to be rescued.

It was more than an hour since Khushi had come down to look for Arnav. It was completely dark and the cold air nipped her skin. Khushi’s entire body had begun to ache now. Fear began to set in her heart as they waited. What if Akash fails to find them? She looked at Arnav and wondered if she should tell him how she felt about him? She should also tell him about Shyam’s treachery. Hey Devi Maiyyya! Please get us out of her safely she prayed fervently.

Similar thoughts crossed Arnav’s mind. What if they didn’t make it? Should he tell Khushi about why he married her?  Should he ask her about her relationship with Shyam?

Just then, they heard someone calling out their names. Khushi heaved a sigh of relief. ‘Down here!’ she yelled.

Akash came down the ledge with another man who was the hotel staff and Khushi reluctantly let go of Arnav’s arm.  Akash managed to pull up Arnav with the help of the other man. Tears ran down Khushi’s face as she realized that Arnav was finally safe. She ran up to him and hugged him. Arnav hugged her back tightly.

‘How did this happen Chotte?’ asked Anjali. They had all assembled in Khushi and Arnav’s room. A local doctor and come and examined them. He had prescribed them pain killers and a sedative to help them sleep. 

‘I am not sure Di. I was on the phone and was having a heated conversation with my executive in London. There was too much breeze and I was having difficulty hearing. I was walking too close to the edge. I felt a push……. It was probably the wind.’

‘How could you be so careless?’ she admonished, ‘What would have happened if Khushiji hadn’t heard you!’

‘What the ___?’ Arnav turned around to stare at Khushi.

As everyone turned toward her astonished,Anjali continued, ‘After the wind picked up, we were asked to move inside. When we were in the lobby, she told me she thought someone had called out for her. At that time even I brushed it off thinking that it was because we had all heard that ghost story. But I am assuming she followed through on her instincts and came to find you.’

‘This is similar to the time when your voice was completely gone and Khushiji was able to read your lips,’ said Akash, ‘But this time it is different. Maybe it was the ghost of Lady Frances who led you there Khushiji.’

‘Stop it Akash, you are scaring your mother.’ Mamaji said jovially.

Khushi and Arnav just stared at each other unable to say anything. Anjali then ushered everyone out of the room so that they could rest.

After everyone left the room, Arnav shut the door to their room and lied down on his side of the bed.  Khushi came out of the bathroom in her night suit and lay on the bed, switching off the bed side lamp. Arnav put his arms on her waist and hugged her to him. They slept like that spooned against each other, giving in to the complaints of their tired bodies, as sleep claimed them finally.

All explanations would have to wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow was going to be a new day.

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 10

Dark Night Dawning – Part10

Khushi felt her dhak dhak increasing as something bristly rasped against her jawline.‘Hmmm….’ she moaned aloud as she felt the roughness of his morning stubble, his lipsblazing a fiery trail into the hollow of her throat. His hand was on her breast, his thumb arousing her nipple into a hardened peak.His lips then then moved up to the nape of her neck, his tongue darting out to make circular movements on her skin. Just as she thought how good it felt, he closed his mouth over the soft bit of skin and began to suck on it. ‘Hmmmmmm….’ she moaned louder.He sucked harder as she moved her fingers into his hair pressing him closer, egging him on.

KNOCK! KNOCK! ‘Khushi?’

Khushi opened her eyes to see Arnav’s head at the nape of her neck, her hand in his hair holding him to her. Slowly, he lifted his head and they both looked at each other their eyes dazed. She closed her eyes once again as a pleasure almost close to paint shot through her when he used his index finger and thumb to pinch her engorged peak.

‘Khushi?’ the voice was louder this time.

‘O……One minute jii!’ Khushi scrambled from the bed, straightening out her hair. She looked frantically for her dupatta when she suddenly saw Arnav holding it in his hand. She took it from him avoiding his eyes, asshe went up to the door.

‘Khushi, I am sorry to wake you up like this but I need you to help me with breakfast.Lavanyaji is leaving today, remember?’ Payal whispered urgently.

‘Of course jiji! And why should you be sorry? We have plent ___ Hey Devimaiyya! It’s 8 already! I will be down in 10 minutes ……’Her eyes widened in dismay when she saw the clock.

When Payal left, Khushi scrambled around for a towel and rushed to the bathroom only to realize that it was locked. Arnav was taking his shower! The Laad Governor! Couldn’t he have let her shower first? Especially when it was all his fault that she had woken up late. Khushi felt warmth creep up her cheeks when she remembered what had happened early this morning and her fingers went up to her nape of their own volition. When she felt a little soreness at the spot her fingers had touched she went to the mirror and saw that there was a mark. Hey Devimaiyya what was she going to do?

**

When Khushi went down to the kitchen, Payal was well into the breakfast preparations. She began to help her and in no time a hot piping breakfast was ready to be served. The family had assembled at the breakfast table and Khushi began to serve. Arnavhad come down looking especially handsome in his crisp white shirt. A lock of his hair fell across his forehead and Khushi’s fingers itched to straighten them out. What was she thinking? She nervously adjusted her dupatta so that it didn’t reveal the mark.

‘What is this on your neck?’ Khushi had not seen mamiji standing next to her looking at her nape.

‘Mamiji!’ yelled Khushi putting on the brightest smile she could ever manage. ‘What a beautiful saree! Where did you buy it?’

‘Of course my saree is bootiful, phati saadi. I didn’t buy it from your Buaji na, that’s why! And moreover, there is no need to shout, I am not deaf!’ came Mamiji’s caustic remark as she took her seat at the table.

Arnav, having watched the little exchange between the two, looked up at Khushi. A bolt of awareness sizzled between them like lightning, making her heart beat faster and then Arnav’s phone rang breaking the tension.

‘Yeah?’ he barked into the phone.

Finally, it was time for Lavanya to leave. Her bags were packed and waiting.

‘ASR is very lucky to have you in his life.’ Lavanya whispered into Khushi’s ear as she hugged her.

‘There is someone special waiting for you as well Lavanyaji. And something tells me you may not have to look too far for him.’ Khushi whispered back.

‘Hello? There are others waiting here to get hugs.’ NK called out jovially.

Next, Lavanya said her goodbyes to Naniji, mamaji,mamiji, Payal and Akash.  Anjali walked in from the main door.

‘Good you are here Di!’ exclaimed Lavanya when she saw Anjali, ‘I was wondering if I will be able to see you before I left.’

‘I had an early doctor’s appointment today. I made sure I would be back in time to see you off.’

‘I am so glad you stayed with us Lavanyaji,’ said Anjali giving her a hug.

‘Same here Di. You should stay with me whenever you visit London.’

‘It’s a deal.’

‘It was nice meeting you NK,’ said Lavanya extending her hand when he was obviously expecting  hug, ‘But then I will be seeing you soon won’t I?’ She laughed.

Everyone were wondering what she had meant by that when Lavanya turned around and looked at where Arnav was still on the phone. Arnav shut off his mobile when he saw Lavanya walking up to him. She gave him a brief hug and just stood there in front of him holding his hand.

‘I am glad you stayed with us Lavanya,’ Arnav began tentatively, ‘After what happened _____’

Lavanya raised her hand indicating him to stop. A smile played on her lips though her moist eyes gave away the sadness she felt.

‘Don’t ASR….. it’s all in the past now. I am over it. Remember what I had told you just before I left the last time?’

Agar tumhare life mein kabhi pyar aajaye …hold on to it ASR…...kyon ki pyaar nafrat she bahut bada hota hai……Make sure ki tum usse apni life se jaane nahi doge.Arnav lips tightened as he recollected her parting words.

‘Now that you have found it, don’t ever let it go.’

Arnav watched as she abruptly turned away from him and walked away. If only things were so simple.

**

‘So Nanheji, what did Lavanyaji mean when she said she will be seeing you soon?’ asked Khushi curiously voicing what everyone had been wondering about.

‘Oh its nothing Khushiji, it’s just that I have a job offer in London that I am considering.’ NK replied nonchalantly.

‘Oh, will you be leaving us then NK bhaiyya?’ asked Anjali her forehead creased with disappointment.

Before NK could answer Arnav piped in. ‘You could always come and work for AR industries NK.’

‘Thank Nannav. I know AR industries would be lucky to have me.’

The nerve of him thought Arnav when NK continued, ‘But if I work for AR now, it would look like I got the jobbecause I am related to you. I’d rather find a job based my own merit. Then maybe someday, after I have proved myself, I’ll come and work for AR.’

He was not such a bumbling fool after all, thought Arnav as his entire family stood there shocked at hearing his words of wisdom.

‘Uhhh ….All the best to you NK. When do you leave?’He couldn’t help it!

‘I have an early morning flight tomorrow.’

Arnav then turned toward Anjali. ‘Di, I hope you check up went well? What did the doctors say?’

‘The check-up went absolutely well although ____’

He didn’t let her finish. ‘Although what Di?’ his voice went up a notch in concern.

‘Relax chote, the doctor told me that I will have to do all my traveling this month because after that I will not be allowed to until the baby comes.’

‘That’s fine, you can stay home.  There is no need for you travel at all in any case.’

‘Oh no chotte!’ exclaimed Anjali, ‘I want to go to this Shiva temple.’

‘Ok….. so what’s the problem?’ asked Arnav dreading the answer she was going to give him.

‘Errr….. it happens to be near Mussoorie.’ Anjali said in a low voice.

‘What the _____?’ This was unbelievable!

‘Chotte,’ interjected Naniji, ‘If Anjali bitiya wants to go to this temple, what’s the harm? Mussoorie is not too far away and is a hill station. The fresh atmosphere of the hills will do her good before she becomes imprisoned for the next two months. Moreover we will all be there to take good care of her.’

Great! Now the entire family will tag along in this so called trip.‘Alright then, I will make all the arrangements although I am not sure I can go. I just got off on call with Aman. There is a crisis brewing with one of the clients in the US. I may have to go to the states.’

‘No…no…..you have to come with us Chotte!’ exclaimed Anjali pouting, ‘It’s been so long since we went out somewhere together.’

‘It’s alright Rani sahiba,’ said Shyam affably, ‘We don’t need saale sahab. I mean, I am there to take care of you.’

Though he was addressing Anjali, Arnav was sure his words were intended for Khushi standing right next to her. Damn! He would have to postpone his trip by couple of days.

**

Early next morning the Raizada family set out for Mussoorie. Arnav was at the wheel of the SUV, Khushi sitting next to him in the passenger seat. Anjali, naniji and Shyam were in the back seat. Akash and Payal were in the other car with mamaji and mamiji. The crisis in Arnav’s office had kept him in the office till late the previous night. Khushi was sound asleep by the time he got back home. He had slid into the bed next to her, gathering her to him and fallen into a deep sleep. Khushi had woken him early next morning with a cup of hot tea.

Arnav hadn’t wanted to come on this trip. Hell! He wished this trip was not happening at all. He hated that Shyam was sitting next to his Di, cool and calm like he was the most devoted husband in the whole world. Right after his marriage to Khushi, he had told Shyam clearly that he was going to give him another chance to redeem himself. In the beginning, it had seemed like Shyam was going to do just that. But slowly he had begun to show his true colours when he had knocked on the bathroom door. What was he doing in their bedroom? Then he had tried to talk to Khushi at the restaurant. He hated the way he looked at Khushi. Unfortunately, he couldn’t touch the bastard until his Di delivered the baby. He just couldn’t risk it.

Then there was this huge crisis at work. A lot of money was riding on this deal and it would all go down the drain if he didn’t work on trouble shooting immediately.

And finally there was Khushi……… Lavanya’s parting words came back to haunt him. Damn! Damn! Damn! He banged his hands on the steering wheel in frustration.

Khushi sensed Arnav’s agitation. She wondered what was bothering him so much. Was it because of the trouble at work or was it something else? Normally, a husband would share all his troubles with his wife. But things were not normal between them, was it? A deep sadness engulfed her.

As they approached Mussorie, the car made its way on the meandering roads lined by lush greenery, the endless landscapes spectacular in their beauty, shadowed by majestic snow ranges on one side and glittering views of the valley on the other side.

Finally they reached their hotel called The Savoy hotel which was anarchitectural wonder, built mostly with wood in English Gothic style.Since it was already lunch time they went directly to the restaurant for lunch. After lunch Naniji, Mamaji and Mamiji went up to their rooms to rest , while Akash, Payal, Khushi, Anjaliand Shyam decided to go shopping for souvenirs to the Mall which was a series of shops. Arnav had refused to go along as he wanted to work. He told them that he would be at the business centre as that was the only place in the hotel that had an internet connection.

Around 5’oclock, he got a message from Akash telling him that they were just reaching the hotel and had asked him join them for tea on the lawns outside. Arnav got up from his seat to stretch himself and came by the window to look outside. He saw Payal and Akash walking ahead, Khushi helping Anjali who seemed a little breathless. Shyam seemed oblivious of Anjali’s state as his eyes were trained on Khushi. Arnav anger rose as he saw Shyam’s callous behaviour. He left the business centre his whole body shaking in rage.

‘What happened to you Di? You don’t look ok. Can’t I trust anyone to take care of you well?’ he raged looking at Shyam and Khushi.

‘Chotte!’ exclaimed Anjali, ‘I am absolutely fine. This is quite normal in at this stage. Why is your anger at the tip of your nose at all times?’

Noticing Khushi’s agitation Anjali continued, ‘Look, you have made Khushiji upset. Come on Khushiji, let’s join the others for tea.’

As Anjali and Khushi walked away towards the lawns, Shyam spoke to Arnav, ‘Be careful what you say in front of your dearest sister saale saab. You don’t want to upset her, do you?’

Arnav wished he could wipe the smirk off Shyam’s face as he retorted, ‘Don’t you dare call me that Shyam!’

‘Respect, saale saab, respect!’exclaimed Shyam raising his eyebrows, his face displaying the arrogance he felt,‘don’t forget that I am married to your dearest sister and hence your jeejaji.’

‘The only who has forgotten that between the two of us is you, Mr Shyam Manohar Jha!’ rasped Arnav with barely controlled anger.

‘Well, whatever it is, you are stuck with me,’ he said with derision. ‘There is nothing you can do about that.’

‘Don’t be so sure about that.’ Arnav‘s voice was low and menacing. ‘Didn’t I tell you that I was giving you a chance to redeem yourself? I don’t think you took my advice seriously.’

‘I think you already know that I have stopped money going into your individual account. I have made sure you are dependent on my sister for all your personal expenses. And once the baby is born, I plan to tell her everything. After that you will be kicked out of Shantivanlike the dog you are, without a single pie to your name!’

‘Anjali will never believe you!’ exclaimed Shyam his face twitching.

“Well…… we will just have to wait and watch, won’t we?’ said Arnav as he walked away toward the lawns to join his family for tea.

No! No! No! Arnav couldn’t do that to him! He couldn’t let years of hard work go down the drain that easily!

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 9

Dark Night Dawning – Part9

The group reached home tired and exhausted and decided to skip dinner all together so that they could retire early for the night. Khushi looked at Arnav to see staring back at her. The look in his eyes reminded her of their intense kiss they had shared in the giant wheel. This feeling scared her so much that when Lavanya mentioned that she had to start packing for the travel the next day, she immediately offered to help her.

In the room, the two girls packed each lost in thought. Khushi looked up at Lavanya, ‘I am so glad you came,Lavanyaji,’ she said handing over some clothes, ‘I am going to miss you.’

‘I am going to miss you too Chamkili,’ said Lavanya using the old nickname she had for Khushi.

‘BTW, we never spoke about you Lavanyaji. Have you met the man of your dreams yet?’

‘I did Khushi,’ said Lavanya smiling little sadly, ‘But he broke my heart.’

‘I am so sorry Lavanyaji!’ she said emphatically, ‘How insensitive of me.’

‘No Khushi, why should you be sorry? It’s just that it takes some time to get over someone like ASR. In any case, I don’t think I ever stood a chance against your beauty.’

It sounded to Khushi as if Lavanya was telling her that Arnav had chosen Khushi over her.

‘Please don’t say that Lavanyaji,’ she said desperately, ‘Beauty is just skin deep and you are ____’

‘Exactly!’ exclaimed Lavanya, ‘you are beautiful from the inside as welland that is what made Arnav choose you.’

Oh God, if she only knew!‘It’s not like that _____’

Khushi could not complete her sentence as Lavanya continued like she had not heard her, ‘I know from my personal experience that ASR can be pretty insensitive at times. But there is something you should know. The reason why ASR and I actually broke up.On the day of the satyanarayan puja after Payal and Akash’s engagement was fixed, you seemed a little upset and left early. ASR had been trying to reach you and you weren’t picking up his calls. I had never seen him as restless as he was at that time. Later, when I went up to talk to him he apologized saying he was sorry for hurting me, except that -----he called me “Khushi”. So the next day when he came up to me, I knew it was over even before he said a word. And it was not just those incidents, I guess I had known for a long time that he didn’t love me the way I loved him.’

‘Lavanyaji!’ said Khushi urgently holding Lavanya’s hand.

‘Don’t worry about me Khushi, I will be fine.’ Lavanya brushed away a wayward tear that had rolled down her cheek.

She continued, ‘When I first came here a few days ago, I thought I saw a tension between the two of you. But when I saw you two together, I realized that you two are so made for each other. And today at the mela, I saw how much you cared for each other when he made sure you could participate in the dance and when you nagged him for not taking his meds, when he took you to the golgappa stand and then finally on the giant wheel…..’

At Khushi’s horrified look she assured her, ‘Don’t worry Khushi, I only guessed looking at your flushed face after the ride.’

‘Basically, what I am trying to tell you is that ASR is a changed man now.’

As Khushi remained silent, helpless to reveal to her friend the truth about her marriage to Arnav, she heard Lavanya ask, ‘Another important thing I realized was that you love him.’

‘What?’ Khushi looked up Lavanya surprized.

‘Don’t try denying it Khushi. It is written clearly on your face. You do love him, don’t you?’

‘Yes.’ She said simply, unable to hide the truth from her friend.

‘I think ASR loves you too. He is different with you. But, having said that, I would advise you to be a little careful. Though I don’t know much about his past, I know there is something that holds him back from letting his feeling come out in the open. Unless he resolves this he might never express his feelings.’

Khushi remained silent. There was so much Lavanya didn’t know about this marriage and Khushi felt guilty for hiding this from her dear friend. But this was a battle she had to fight for herself and she didn’t want to burden Lavanya with all her woes.

As the two girls chatted, unbeknownst to them, a lone figure stood outside their room eavesdropping. Shyam had heard about the saying that eavesdroppers never heard anything good about themselves and what he had heard was definitely not good. His face began to twitch.No! NoKhushiji, how could you?

When Khushi went up to the bedroom, she did not find Arnav anywhere. She went into the bathroom to change into her night suit and realized that Arnav must have showered as the shower area looked it had been used recently. She also decided to shower to clean herself from the dust and grime after having spent an entire day the mela. She came out of the shower, towelling her hair dry. When she still couldn’t find Arnav she stepped into the pool area. She saw that he had fallen asleep on the pool chair, his head slightly on one side with this cheek against the back of the chair, his dark hair falling on his face.

What did she do now? Khushi simply stood and watched him for a moment. She wasn’t able to make up her mind if she should let him sleep or try towake him so that he could go to bed and rest properly. If the truth were told, she felt nervous at the prospect of disturbing him. With those fierce bronze eyes hidden under heavy lids, and his face relaxed, he did not look at all dangerous. Sleep had softened harsh lines of his face, smoothing away the hard cynical expression he wore when he was awake, and, looking at him now, Khushi’s love for him just increased two fold.

She was so near him that she could hear the soft sound of his breathing, see the way his chest rose and fell, the occasional flicker of his long lashes that lay like dark crescents against his skin. His rich dark hair glowed in the light of the lamp, reminding her of that incomprehensible longing to touch it. As if of its own volition her hand reached out tentatively until it rested lightly on Arnav’s head, feeling the soft strands of his hair slide under her fingertips. The slight contact was intoxicating making her shiver involuntarily.

As if sensing her touch, Arnav stirred, sighing slightly as he shifted position. Perversely, in spite of the fact that only minutes before she had been glad that Arnav was asleep, she now wanted him to wake.

‘Arnavji,’ she said slowly, her voice soft and hesitant.

The long lashes fluttered slowly but Arnav did not open his eyes. Leaning forward Khushi touched his shoulder, meaning only to shake him gently, but the feeling of the hard muscle beneath the soft cotton of his sweatshirt affected her as swiftly and shockingly as the moment she had touched the silkiness of his hair, and to her horror her fingers tightened convulsively, exploring the strength beneath them.

Arnav’s eyes snapped open and Khushi snatched her hand away as if she had been burned. He swiftly caught her hand and murmured softly, ‘You think my eyes are beautiful ha?’

One long fingered hand moved to Khushi’s face, tracing the line of her cheekbone with infinite gentleness, then slid slowly down to her neck, holding her without the slightest effort when she made a small, half-hearted attempt to move away.

‘I …. I said that because you were nervous,’ she whispered.

‘Really?’  Arnav drawled in that low, seductive voice as he drew her face gently, but irresistibly towards his.

Khushi knew that she should move away ----- but she couldn’t find the strength to break free from that light but inexorable grip on the back of her neck, and, if she was strictly honest with herself she wasn’t at all sure she wanted to.

Arnav’s lips brushed hers in a tantalisingly brief caress and she felt all trace of resistance seep from her, to be replaced by a warm, glowing sensation that flowed through her veinslike the effect of some potent wine. She scarcely noticed as Arnav’s free arm slid round her waist, gently pulling her down so that she was half lying across him, her head on his chest. When Arnav’s mouth touched her for the second time in a slow, lingering exploration of her lips Khushi closed her eyes with a faint sigh, oblivious of anything beyond this moment of total abandonment to the exquisitely pleasurable sensations his kiss was awakening in her.

Sensing her surrender, Arnav tightened his grip around her waist, pulling he even closer, and her arms crept up around his neck, a small, wordless sound of disappointment escaping her when his mouth left her for a moment. Then, her lips were captured again, this time in a fierce, bruising kiss that forced her mouth open beneath his, sending shock-waves of reaction burning through her as if the blood in her veins were on fire. Arnav’s hands were against her back; Khushi could feel the warmth of his touch through the thin cotton of her kameez, and her own fingers clenched in his hair in response.

‘Hell!’

Arnav’s exclamation came huskily against Khushi’s lips as she moved in his arms, pressing herself closer still, her hands shaking as they tangled in the thick silkiness of his hair. Still keeping one strong arm tight around her, Arnav’s other hand moved to the back of her kameez, dealing swiftly with the dori that fastened it, dragging it down until his hand closed firm and warm over the creamy breast his impatient fingers had exposed.

A fiery sensation of pleasure shot through Khushi, a pleasure so sharply powerful that it was almost like a shaft of pain, making her gasp aloud. She cried out in disappointment when he moved away from her abruptly, lifting his head, his body suddenly very still.

‘Arnavji -----‘ she began, but Arnav laid a finger over her lips to silence her.

‘I thought I heard --------, let’s go inside,’ he whispered and stood up quickly lifting her in his arms. He carried her through to the bedroom, bearing her down against the softness of the bed by the weight of his own ardent body.

With urgent hands he discarded his sweatshirt before joining her on the bed. A second later, Arnav’s lips were on hers, moving sensually against her lips, sweeping her away to that dreamlike world where nothing existed but herself and this one man. As his hands slid down her back she could feel their warmth on her sweat slickened skin, and her flesh seemed to burn as if his gentle touch had scorched a path down her body. With a small, wordless sound she nestled closer, shuddering with pleasure as Arnav’s mouth moved down the side of her neck to place soft feather kisses on it, her hands tangling in the dark crispness of his hair as she sighed his name aloud.

‘You looked beautiful right after you have washed your hair,’ Arnav whispered huskily against her throat, and hot tears of happiness pricked at Khushi’s eyes so that her lashes were wet when his lips brushed them a moment later.

‘Khushi?’

Arnav’s voice was softly questioning, his hands still for a moment, but Khushi made a murmur of protest, pulling his head down to hers so that their lips met once more.

His hands were more urgent now, pulling impatiently at her kameez, but when his fingers closed over her breasts they were suddenly gentle again, caressing the soft flesh with a slow sureness that had Khushi arching against him, murmuring her pleasure incoherently. Seconds later, his lips were where his hands had been and Khushi’s voice was silenced, her heart seeming to stand still in delight. She was scarcely breathing conscious of only the aching need deep inside her that only Arnav could assuage. She wanted him to love her, needed him so desperately ------- suddenlythey heard a shrill piercing sound rent the air.

‘Dammit!’ Arnav let out an expletive as he moved away from Khushi.

‘What’s that?’ asked Khushi still breathing hard.

‘It’s the security alarm. I will have to go and check. Just wait for me here.’ Arnav said pulling on the sweatshirt.

Khushi put her clothes back in order and lied down on the bed thinking…... Hey Devimaiyya!

As Arnav came out to the living room, he found Akash, mamaji, Shyam, NK and Hariprakash trying to figure out what had happened. They checked the panel on the alarm system to see that it did not indicate that any door was open. Just then Arnav received a call from the police station as the alarm was linked to the police control room. Arnav explained to them that they weren’t sure if there had been a break in or not and was informed that a personnel would be sent over to make sure everything was ok. As they all waited for the officer to come they managed to check the ground floor and found nothing amiss. After the officer came he checked the entire house and the premises to see that everything seemed to be in order. He told them that it might have been a freak incident and that they should contact the station if there was any further problem.

After the officer left, they all retired to their respective rooms. When Arnav went into the bedroom he saw that Khushi was sound asleep. The whole ordeal with the alarm had taken a long time. The day spent at the mela had been exhausting and he had begun to feel the exhaustion himself. He slid into the bed next to her, slipped his hands around her waist and fell asleep in seconds.

How could Arnav do this? He was brainwashing Khushi into believing that he loved her. He was seducing her with his rosy words. Everyone seemed to think that there was love between them. First Anjali had told him a few days ago and today he had overheard Lavanya telling the same to Khushi. They were fools! They couldn’t see that Arnav was only using her. Only he loved her the way she deserved. He just didn’t love her, he worshipped her…….

After hearing Khushi confess to Lavanya that she loved Arnav, he hadn’t been able to sleep. He came to the usual place he lurked about these days ----- the corridor outside Arnav’s pool side area. The pool side had a partition that was made of wooden planks. No one in the house went to these corridors hence maintaining a semblance of privacy. But it provided the perfect opportunity to spy. Tonight he had heard them in the poolside; he had heard Khushi’s bangles clinking in frenzy and had immediately guessed what was happening. He had thought he would be caught when Arnav had stopped,unconsciously sensing his presence. But then, they had gone inside the bedroom. He had to stop it somehow! Suddenly an idea flashed to him. He had just gone up to the terrace and opened the exit door to set off the alarm. 

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 8

Dark Night Dawning – Part8

It was a few days since Lavanya’s arrival at Shantivan and the entire Raizada family were seated at the breakfast table as usual.

‘What is your plan for today Lavanya?’ asked NK munching on his toast.

Arnav was relieved to see that NK’s attention had shifted to from Khushi to Lavanya.

‘I plan to go to the Surajkund Craft Mela.’

‘Mela!’ exclaimed Khushi, ‘I love melas!’ she turned to Payal, ‘Remember jiji, how much fun we used to have when we used to go the one in Lucknow?’

When Payal smiled her assent, Lavanya had an idea, ‘Why don’t you and Payal come along with me Khushi?’

‘Isn’t this the same one that is put up every year in Faridabad?’ asked Akash, ‘someone from AR fashions usually goes there every year to see if we can use some of the handicrafts and handloom designs in our collection.’

‘You are right Akash. That is exactly why I am going there as well. In fact, you and ASR should come along. It is always nice be hands on with some of these things, don’t you think?’

Akash looked at Arnav making it obvious that he would like to spend the day with Payal. Arnav groaned inwardly, ‘You go ahead Akash. But I have lots of work at the office.’

‘Oh come on ASR, this is work too you know?’ Lavanya’s tone was sharp with disbelief. ‘All work and no play makes ASR a dull boy.’

‘Cool!’ said NK turning to Khushi, ‘I have never seen a mela before. Khushiji, you will have to tell me what a mela is all about on our way there.’

‘What about you Di?’ Lavanya asked Anjali.

‘I don’t think I will be able to manage all that walking. You all enjoy yourself’

‘On second thought, you may be right Lavanya’ interjected Arnav when he saw NK’s puppy dog face, ‘It is important to be hands on with this sort of thing. I think I will come along to check out the handicrafts.’

Arnav took the wheel and the three couples set off toward Surajkund in Faridabad district which was 8 kms from South Delhi. On the way Lavanya told them that the Surajkund crafts mela was an annual event that highlighted the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of India. The mela’s objective was to educate patrons form both abroad and urban centres about the fascinating technique and skills involved in craft creation and to introduce the crafts and craftspersons to the buyer directly. The mela also celebrates the rhythms of folk theatre and had a theme state which was Assam this year.

As the group reached the venue, Arnav and Lavanya decided that to attend the Exporters and Buyers meet held at Surajkund design galleries area. Arnav decided to let Akash off the hook so that he could spend some quality time with Payal.

‘Would you be interested to come with us NK?’ asked Arnav hoping to pry him away from Khushi, ‘It would be a good experience for you.’

‘I don’t believe in mixing business with pleasure Nannav,’ he said smoothly, ‘Moreover I promised Khushiji that I will watch Hasi Khushi Something with her.’

‘ItsHasyaKaviSammelanNanheji’ corrected Khushi and turned toward Lavanya, ‘Do you really have to go to this meet Lavanyaji? There are so many fun things we can do here.’

‘This won’t take more than an hour Khushi,’ placated Lavanya, ‘Don’t worry I will bring back ASR safe and sound to you.’

Khushi felt warmth creep up her cheeks and she hoped nobody had observed her reluctance in seeing Arnav going to the meet with Lavanya.

After the group split up, Khushi along with NK, Payal and Akashwent to the HasyaKaviSammelan, where Khushi spent most of her time translating for NK.

An hour later they met up with Lavanya, Payal and Akash at the food court as they had decided ealier. She told them that Arnav had stayed back at the meet for some more work. Since they didn’t know when Arnav would be back, they decided to go ahead with lunch. There was a food festival that included foods from Punjab, South India etc. but, they decided to try some of the delicacies of the theme state Assam. Afterward, the group headed toward the Natyashala area where the folk dances were being held.

Khushi watched excitedly as the Assamese dancers performed their famous Bihu folk dance in their traditional Muga silk sarees. The saree was known as the golden silk saree as it was usually a combination of off-white or beige with red with beautiful patterns printed on them. At the end of one of the performances, an announcer came on stage to ask the audience that those interested in participating in the next performance should come backstage. Arnav walked up to the group just as Khushi got up to go backstage with a little encouragement from Lavanya.

‘What happened Khushi?’ asked Lavanya as she saw Khushi coming back from the backstage in just a few minutes.

‘No, Lavanyajithere wasn’t room for me,’ she said her voice low as she took her seat next to Lavanya, ‘There are too many people there.’

As they waited for the next performance to begin, the announcer was back on the stage.

‘Would Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada come back stage please?’ she said on the mike.

‘I think there has been a mistake,’ whispered Khushi when everyone said she should go.

‘This is on request by …… there is no name here, so let’s say it’s a secret admirer,’ shouted the announcer, ‘Please come back stage Mrs. Khushi.’

Khushi stole a glance at Arnav to see he was busy on the phone. When, she went back stage, she was taken into a green room and draped in the Muga silk saree which came with a ready blouse in the traditional red colour. When Khushi appreciated the beauty of the saree, she was told that she could keep as it had been paid for. Her hair was adorned with jasmine flowers and a red bindi stuck on her forehead to complete her look. She was then taken to an area where there were other participants learning the steps from the folk dancers. Khushi picked up the steps in no time as she had already seen the performance once.  After a couple of rehearsals they were ready to go on stage.

The families of the dancers had been asked to sit upfront so that they could get a clear view when the dance began. As Arnav watched Khushi perform, he was entranced. Khushi looked ethereal in the traditional costume. She had a natural rhythm in her body which made her look like she had danced theBihu folk dance all her life. The radiance in her face as she dancedkept him enthralled throughout her performance.

After Khushi’s dance, the groups walked around looking at the various stalls where folk painters, metal workers, stone and wood carvers, tie and dye craftpersons, embroiders, lace makers, textile printers, carpet and loom weavers, producers of silk fabrics, jewellers and  sculptors displayed their skills. Khushi had changed back to her suit and come out carrying a small bag containing her beautiful Muga silk saree. Arnav, Akash and NK had walked ahead while the ladies trailed behind a few paces.

‘So Khushi, secret admirer and all ha?’ teased  Lavanya, ‘Do you know who  it is?’

‘Yes,’ said Khushi simply looking at Arnav’s back, ‘It is the same person who gave me these bangles.’ Khushi had put on the red-orange bangles that Arnav had given her on the day of havan before the wedding, as it matched with the yellow-orange Anarkali suit she was wearing.

‘Are you trying to tell me that ASR gifted you bangles?’

‘The day before we were married.’

The ladies joined the men as they stood contemplating if they should try their hand at rifle shooting.

‘I want to try!’ Khushi was emphatic as she pushed past everyone to pick up the rifle.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t manage to shoot even one. After the othersfinished their turn she tried another time and failed once again. She stomped her foot in desperation and was about to put the rifle back when she felt Arnav step in behind and pick up the rifle. He placed the rifle in her hands as he bent toward her ear and whispered. ‘I didn’t think Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada was one to give up.’

‘I….I …’ He moved so that her back was flush against his chest, his hands over hers as he helped her aim and shoot. Khushi’s body began to quiver against his closeness. She closed her eyes.

‘Relax Khushi,’ he whispered in her ear as his finger enclosed hers on the trigger, ‘Are you planning to shoot with your eyes closed? Remind me never to come in front of you when you are holding a gun then.’ He was teasing her! She quickly opened her eyes as the first bullet hit its target successfully. Then one after the other all the bullets hit the targets successfully.

‘Sir?’ the boy at the stall asked, ‘Your turn is over. You have already won 2 prizes. If you don’t mind can you allow others to take their turn? Madam, please choose your prize.’

Arnav took a step back to see that a queue had formed waiting for them to finish. Khushi quickly picked up two stuffed toys and showed them to Arnav smiling up at him happily. When she saw Arnav looking at her dazedly she knew something was wrong. Then, when he stumbled while taking the next step she knew what it was.

‘You skipped lunch didn’t you?’ she asked as she slipped her hand around his waist to steady him.

‘I am fine,’ he clutched at her shoulder as he swayed, ‘I just forgot to take my meds.’

‘Jeeju, please see if you can find a sweet shop somewhere,’ she said her forehead creased in worry, ‘His blood sugar level must have dipped.’

Luckily, they didn’t have to walk too far. The found a tea stall that was also selling jelebis. Khushi led Arnav to a chair and quickly fed him the jalebi that Akash had brought in a plate. Arnav’s dizziness receded and soon he began to feel normal again.

‘I knew it when Lavanyaji came back without you that you will do something like this.’ Her tone was accusatory.

‘Come on Khushi,’ reasoned Arnav, ‘I had to attend an important call. After that, I realized that my meds were in the coat pocket of the coat I left behind in the car because it was too hot to wear in this heat.’

‘That’s exactly why I am carrying them in my bag,’ Khushi rummaged her bag for the meds. ‘After the last fainting episode you had, I am not taking any more risks.’

‘There is absolutely no need to do this,’ he said grumpily, ‘I can take care of myself.

‘So, Arnav, that was some great rifle shooting there,’ exclaimed Lavanya before Khushi could open her mouth to argue.

‘He took classes when he was in college.’ Khushi quipped, munching on her jalebi.

‘How did you _____? Oh wait, don’t tell me, it was Karan, wasn’t it?’ asked Arnav his hand on head. ‘Is there something he hasn’t told you?’

‘You mean other than you being nicknamed Archie? I don’t know ____’

Arnav wished he had never asked her because for the next half an hour Khushi enlightened their group about the two girls named Betty and Veronica who had proposed to him in college. She continued on to tell them about his dirt track bike racing and how he had handled the bike during the accident they had in Nainital.

As Khushi animatedly talked about Arnav, Lavanya look at Arnav looking at her a small smile playing on his lips. It was anybody’s guess what that look meant.

The group had then moved on to the amusement zone to try the various rides available. Arnav had refrained from going on any of the ride and had occupied himself with calls. Suddenly, Khushi had spotted a golgappastand. Payal and Akash didn’t want any as they had eaten too much during their snack break, NK and Lavanya were scared of the water as they were accustomed to it. The four of them were keen on getting on to the cup and saucer ride instead. Arnav, watching her from a distance, walked up to her and grabbed her hand just as she was about to get on the ride.

‘Come.’ He led her toward the golgappa stand.

Arnav watched as she relished each and every one of the golgappa she ate with her eyes closed. Suddenly as if sensing he was watching her, she offered him one. As Arnav refused showing his hands, indicating that he didn’t want to dirty them, she brought the golgappa to his mouth. He opened his lips to take it inand the tips of her fingers touched his lips delicately. Soon, he realized that he had eaten more than he needed to. He paid the vendor as Khushi finally finished the last one. She caught him staring at her lips and made a move to wipe her lips, but he caught her hand and stepped closer to her. He brought his fingers to her lips and smoothed his thumb from one corner to another. Khushi lowered her eyes for one brief moment as her dhakdhak started and she gave him a light push with free hand and turned away from him. Arnav unconsciously brought the thumb to his mouth and licked the pani from it as he walked behind her watching her receding form. The two of them were totally unaware of what had transpired, leaving behind the stunned golgappavendor with his mouth open.

As the sun began to go down shrouding the sky into twilight, Arnav looked at his watch indicating to the group that it was time to go home. Khushi wasn’t ready to go home yet and she begged him that they could leave after one last ride. Before he could muster a protest, she ran off toward the giant wheel which was just loading up the carts of the last couple of riders. As she ran up the stairs, Arnav swore under his breath, Yehladkimujhepagalkardegi!

‘I will go up there behind her, she is going to trip and fall, just wait and watch’ he told Lavanya as he ran behind her.

Just as if on cue, Khushi lost her balance and would have come crashing to the ground if Arnav hadn’t been there behind to catch her fall. He carried her back to the group like she was an errant child and put her down unceremoniously. ‘Khushi, are you crazy!’ he yelled at her, ‘What’s the big rush? You could just go in the next round.’

‘If you hadn’t carried me back here, I might have ridden in this round itself!’ she said looking at the giant wheel that had begun its ascent.

‘Unbelievable!’ Arnav shook his head in disbelief.

When the giant wheel came to a stop, Payal and Akash sat in one cart while Lavanya and NK sat in another one. When it was Khushi’s turn, the supervisor asked Arnav to sit next to her. When he refused saying he didn’t want to ride, the supervisor asked the man who was standing behind Arnav to join Khushi. He explained that this was important for the balance. Arnav took one look at the scruffy looking man and decided that there was no way he was letting Khushi ride with the lecher. He joined her on the cart.

As the wheel began its ascent, Khushi realized that had Arnav held the bars in a death’s grip, his knuckles showing white.

‘Why did you get on the cart if you were so scared?’ she asked him.

‘I didn’t know this would be so scary.’ He answered

‘Have you never been on a giant wheel in your childhood,Arnavji?’ she asked in disbelief.

‘No,’ he grated, ‘My parents had better things to do.’

‘Oh you poor thing,’ she said lacing her voice with sympathy.

‘You make it sound like I was deprived of some important childhood dream’ he said quietly.

As the cart began to make its descent, Arnav’s grip tightened on the bars, his teeth clenched as he felt his stomach dropping.  He closed his eyes against the sensation. Suddenly he felt soft hands clasping his cheeks as Khushi turned his face toward herself.

‘Do you know you have the most beautiful eyes Arnavji?’ she asked softly.

He opened his eyes to look into her beautiful almond shaped ones, ‘Huh?’ he gasped.

‘They are like molten chocolate, with little flecks that look golden when the sun falls on them. They look especially beautiful when your wet hair falls on your forehead and the water dripping from them wet your lashes so I can see each one separately. They look beautiful when you are happy, when you are sad, when you are serious, even when you are angry, but the only time they scare me is when you look like ____’

‘I am about you kiss you’ he whispered, his head lowered in one heartbeat as he leant over her and then his mouth was on hers, warm, coaxing and unbearably sweet.

She couldn’t believe it for a second, her mouth stunned beneath his, and then as her heart began its wild dhakdhak, she was aware of the delicious sensations of touch and taste as he drew her close against him. His lips were sensual and knowing and so, so sure, and the kiss deepened as his sweetly searching tongue found sanctuary in the warm darkness of her mouth, until she knew he must feel the trembling she couldn’t control.

The angle of his body was pressing the full softness of her breasts against the hard wall of his chest, and the rippling warmth from their tender, engorged peaks was heightening what his mouth was doing to her, causing the blood to surge through her veins with an excitement that was almost unbearable.

And then he drew away from her, adjusting her head against his shoulder as hesettled back upright in the seat.’Err…Khushi, the ride is slowing down …’

She heard the words above her head without their impact registering for a few seconds, and then, as she realized where they were, she felt burning colour start at her toes and fire upwards into every part of her body. She thanked her lucky stars that the sun had completely set and they were shrouded in darkness, but she prayed fervently that no one had seen them in the dim decorative lights adorning the giant wheel.

Arnav sensed her worry and drawled, amusement lacing his tone, ‘Don’t worry about it. I don’t think we were seen.’

On the way back from Surajkund, there was excited chatter amongst the group as they relived the fun moments of the day. Only Arnav, who was at the wheel and Khushi sitting next to him in the passenger seat were silent,lost in thought. This was one ride they were never going to forget.