Himalyan Magic Prequel

Himalyan Magic Prequel 1
Just you wait Mr Raizada, just you wait

Khushi stood making jalebis and wondering if Arnav knew about Shyam and her. She decided she should ask him about it.

Anjali entered the kitchen and said ‘Khushiji! Good I found you here. I was about to look for you. ‘Could you please take this rice kheer and give it to chotey?....Don’t worry it is sugar free’ she said,at Khushi’s silent concern.

This will be a good opportunity to ask him about Shyam thought Khushi as she poured some kheer into a bowl. As she stepped into the living room she saw Arnav coming toward her. She went up to him and said ‘Arnavji ......’ her sentence cut short as he took her hand in his, staring at her with his molten brown eyes. Khushi looked up him her eyes going wide in surprise. What was he up to now?

He led her to the sofa, held her shoulders and pushed her gently into it all the while looking into her eyes. Khushi felt the pulse racing and her dhak-dhak started all over again. Hey Devi Maiyya! I know I said I was not going to talk to you. But I need help! Arnav sat himself on the centre table in front of her. He leaned toward her. Khushi leaned back a little. Arnav took a little bit of the kheer with the spoon and slowly fed Khushi. Khushi’s lips opened in surprise as she tasted the kheer.

Arnav felt his own dhak-dhak beginning. He didn’t think he was ever going to feel it again. It looked like his heart had a mind of its own.  So did his hand as it rose on its own accord to touch the corner of her lips. Khushi froze! His thumb lowly cleaned a small grain of rice stuck on the corner of her lips his finger lingering longer than was needed. Her breathing returned in an erratic pattern and she closed her eyes.

Arnav looked at Khushi’s face. She looked breath-taking with her eyes closed. Her breathing had increased in intensity and her hands holding the bowl were shaking slightly. Khushi opened her eyes as Arnav took her right hand in his. Her palm looked small in his own large one. He slowly led her hand toward the spoon, dipped it in the kheer and then directed the hand toward his mouth. He opened his lips to take in the spoon as he tasted the kheer.

Khushi, unable to bear this onslaught opened her mouth in enquiry when she saw his eyes flicker toward the railing for one brief moment. Khushi realized what was happening. Anjali Di was watching them! She turned her head toward the railing to see Anajli Di stepping into her room. Arnav got up from the centre table, looked at her for one final look and walked away from leaving her sitting all alone on the sofa with the bowl of kheer in her hand.

Later that night, Khushi sat on the bed thinking.  I have to find out if Arnavji knows about Shyam and me. But how do I do that? It is not that easy. What if he had no clue about it? I would then have to reveal the truth about Shyam hurting him and his Di in the process. Would he believe me against his own jeejaji? But then what did he mean that I have hurt him? I think I will have to figure this out in a different way. Maybe I will wait for him to tell me on his own. In the mean time .....he thinks that I should help him in maintaining this facade of fake marriage in front of the family does he? Hmmmm alright two can play a game Mr Arnav Singh Raizada thought Khushi and smiled.

Arnav entered the bedroom. Khushi was sitting on the bed lost in thought. He walked up to the recliner and sat on it so he could work on his lap top. Khushi stood up in one sudden movement. She took some clothes out of the cover her buaji had brought for her earlier in the morning and went to the wash room to change. She came out wearing her nightly salwar suit. Arnav glanced up at her to see her sans makeup and hair left completely loose. He had never seen her like this before. He felt warmth creep up his neck. He turned back to look at his screen as he sawKhushi looking at him. Khushi walked up to the bed and picked up her pillow and comforter and lied down on the carpeted floor at one end of the room.

‘Khushi!What do you think you are doing? Aren’t you supposed to _____?’  he exclaimed  pointing his thumb in the direction of the pool.

‘Maamiji is up there with the binoculars. I could go there right away if you wish.’ repliedKhushicoolly without turning her head.

‘Dammit! Looks like you will have to sleep here tonight’ he grumbled.

Maamiji was one crazy woman thought Arnav. I don’t know why I put up with such nonsense in this house. He glanced at Khushi’s sleeping figure. Her long black hair lay on the floor in a pool. The comforter covered her all the way up to her shoulder with a dip at her tiny waist. Tiny waist? Where had that thought come from? When Khushi had come out of that wash room in that suit all scrubbed up and clean, she had looked like a school girl. Man! This was harder than he had thought. Well, he hadn’t thought about this, had he? Arnav didn’t want to think further. He slammed his laptop unable to concentrate.

Khushi smiled to herself before sleep claimed her.

The next morning, Khushi went down to the kitchen. She started making tea, when Anjali came up to her ‘Khushiji, let’s go shopping today. We could get some new saris’.

‘I don’t think I need anything Anjaliji’ said Khushi smiling.

‘Alright  Khushiji. You don’t have to buy anything. Just come along with me for company.’ placated Anjali.

Arnav came down the stairs to see the entire family seated for breakfast. Great! He muttered to himself. He sat at his usual spot and reached for the coffee. ‘Here. Let me pour your black coffee for you Arnavji’ said Khushi standing next to him. As she leaned in to pour his coffee, her pallu brushed his shoulder and the sweet fragrance of roses assailed him. If the entire family hadn’t trained their eyes on them he would have stood up and moved her bodily away from him.

‘Khushiji? How do you know that Nanav takes his coffee black?’ asked NK munching on his toast. There was pin drop silence while everyone squirmed in their seats uncomfortably.  Khushi and Arnav looked at each other warily, both of them thinking about their only “date” at the restaurant where Khushi was thrilled to get a free biscoot with her tea.

‘Khushi? Will you please sit down?’ bit out Arnav trying to put a smile on his lips while he said that.

‘But I have to serve breakfast Arnavji’ said Khushidefiantly.

‘I think we pay Hariprakash to do just thatKhushi. Now,will you please sit down?’ said Arnavhis eyes showing the exasperation he felt.

Khushi complied by sitting in the chair next to him. Her elbow touched his for a second before she quickly moved it away.Man! He really hadn’t thought about this!thoughtArnav seething. He quickly finished his breakfast.

‘Chotey? Can you drop me at the mall on the way to work?’ asked Anjali. ‘The driver is out on an errand and I need to go shopping.’

‘Sure Di. Can you be ready in ten minutes’?

‘I think we can manage’ said Anajlismiling at Khushi.

We? Oh no!

Aranav drove in silence shooting sidelong glances at Khushi seated in the passenger seat. She was concentrating on the view outside. His Di had said she preferred to sit in the back seat and was currently engaged in a conversation on her mobile. He couldn’t believe he was driving to a mall when he could have been happily working in his office. But he couldn’t have refused his Di’s request. Only, he didn’t know then that Khushi was going along as well.

‘Chotey you will have to drop me off at my doctor’s clinic first. The receptionist called just now to tell me that they have advanced my appointment as the doctor will not be available at the scheduled time.’

‘Sure Di. Would you like me to wait and take you to the mall later?’

‘Oh no chotey! This will take time. You go ahead and take Khushiji to the mall and stay with her. I will call you once my appointment is done.’

‘No!’ exclaimed Khushi and Arnav at once.

‘Hold on both of you! Khushiji has had no time before the wedding to buy saris. How long do you think she is going to live on borrowed saris? ’asked Anjali sarcasm lacing her voice.

Anjali gave a satisfactory smile when they acquiesced.

Khushi and Arnav entered the sari shop together. They had dropped Anjali at the doctor’s clinic. They went up to a salesman who immediately started pulling out saris of different designs, colours and material. Khushi would look stunning in some of these ensembles thought Arnav as he remembered the other times he had seen her in a sari. What was he thinking? He stopped his wayward thought immediately.

‘Go ahead and buy whatever you need. You don’t have to look at the price tag any more. I will be on call as I have an important meeting. Just let me know when it is time to pay the bill.’ said Arnavin a clipped tone as he walked away to find a quieter spot.

Khushi seethed at his condescending tone. How dare he? Alright Mr Raizada! Just as you say thought Khushi. She asked the sales man to show her more saris. One dark red sari caught her eye. It was a net sari with bronze work on the border and bronze buttas all over. As she gazed at it the sales girl said ‘M’am why don’t you try it on? This sari even comes with a ready blouse’

Khushi went to the trial room to try on the sari. She came out to look at herself in the full length mirror. Her pallu kept falling off as she couldn’t find the safety pin she had taken off earlier. Khushi picked up her wayward pallu off the floor and looked in the mirror so she could drape it. She froze.  Arnav was standing just behind her and staring at her!

Arnav couldn’t take his eyes off her. The sales girl had come up to him and told him to go to the trial room. From the moment he had moved the beaded curtain to see what Khushi needed, he was zapped. Khushi had put up her long hair in a clip. There was something wrong with that blouse! In an instant he realized what it was. It had no back! There were only two strings that lay untied on either side. The blouse was so short that he could see the long length of her waist till his eyes reached herhips wrapped in red. He then looked up to see her eyes mirroring his own conundrum. His eyes moved lower to see the rise and fall of her chest,the long midriff, her flat stomach and her sari pleats tucked in just below her delectable navel. Delectable? He just had no control over his thoughts whatsoever!

‘Can I help you?’ asked the sales girl from behind him breaking his trance. ‘No thank you!’they replied in unison. They looked at each other silently for a few seconds. Each second seemed like an eternity. Then Khushi spoke.

‘Arnavji?’ she said with trepidation.

‘Could you please tie me up at the back?’ asked Khushi at his enquiring look.

Arnav was quiet as he moved up behind Khushi. He tried avoiding her eyes as he started to pick up the strings. As he began knotting the strings, his knuckles brushed against her skin. Khushi jumped at the contact. Arnav looked up at Khushi’s face in the mirror. Her eyes were closed.Why can’t I make one simple knot? It seemed like he was all thumbs! It wasn’t helping that Khushi’s breathing had intensified.

Khushithought she would faint any moment. She opened her eyes at the shrill sound of the cell phone. Arnav undid the clip in her hair in one quick movement and said looking into her eyes ‘Its done’ before he stepped away from her to answer the call.

Am I really up to this? Thought Khushi as she walked back slowly into the trial room.

That night Khushi sits at the dressing table taking off her jewellery. Arnav sat at his usual place working. Khushi gets up, takes the platic cover containing her old clothes and the covers containing her new saris from the morning shopping. She moved to the wardrobe and opened the sliding door. She stood there thinking she would have to rearrange some of the clothes when Arnav realized what she was up to.

I hope you are not planning to do what I think you are?

What?

You are planning to put your clothes in my ward robe aren’t you he said stressing on the my to make a point.

Yes she answered in matter of fact tone

No you are not going to do that KKG! No way! he exclaimed.

Ok she said and picked up all her covers and walked toward the door

Where are you going? He asked her incredulously

I will first go to Payal and then to Anjaliji replied Khushi.

WT? I mean why? He asked

Why? To ask them if they have any place in their wardrobes of course. she said opening the door to their room.

Wait! Come back here. He rushed to shut the door. He closed his eyes in exasperation.

I’ll make some room for you in my ward robe he said grudgingly

Khushi couldn’t help the impish smile that stole into her lips at his retreating back.

He told her to put her stuff in the bottom most shelf in the ward robe. Khushi looked at the shelf and thought to herself At least it’s a start. The camel has to sit out in the cold at first before putting out the master.

Himalayan Magic Prequel 2
This doggone girl is mine!

Arnav dreaded night time. Khushi had comfortably settled herself in his room thanks to his meddling mamiji. Now she was sitting at the dressing table taking off her jewellery.Life was so good until last week. How did it get so complicated?thoughtArnavas he sat at his usual place working. Now the khan-khan of her chudi and the soft jingle of her payalwere driving him crazy.

Khushigot up and took the plastic cover containing her old clothes and the covers containing her new saris. She walked up to the wardrobe and opened the sliding door. She stood there lookingat it when Arnav realized what she was up to.

‘I hope you are not planning to do what I think you are? ‘

‘What?’ asked Khushi still looking intently at the closet.

‘You are planning to put your clothes in mycloset, aren’t you?’ he said stressing on the “my” to make a point.

‘Yes’ she answered in matter of fact tone.

‘I don’t think soKhushiKumari Gupta Singh Raizada! No way!’

Khushiturned around and looked at him,annoyed, ‘Where am I supposed to put my clothes Arnavji?’

‘I don’t care.’

Khushiquietly picked up all her covers and walked toward the door.

‘Where are you going?’ he asked her.

‘I will first go to Payal and then to Anjaliji’ replied Khushi.

‘What the ___? I mean why?’ he asked.

‘Why? To ask them if they have any place in their closets of course.’she said.

’Wait! Come back here. I’ll make some room for you in my closet’ he said exasperated.

Khushicouldn’t help the impish smile that stole into her lips. Arnav had told her to put her stuff in the bottom most shelf. At least it was a start. The camel has to sit out in the cold at first.

Arnav heard a soft whisper in the darkness. He had just turned in for the night about 15 minutes ago after sending out some important e-mails. Sleep eluded him. Khushi had gone to sleep a long time ago. Or so he thought. He heard the soft whisper again Amma. Khushi was trying to call her mother. Then there was silence as the person on the other end cut the phone. A few seconds later he heard a soft sob begin. Soon her body was racked with sobs. Why did those sounds bother him so much? She deserved it didn’t she?He knew he had reasons to behave the way he did with Khushi. But he couldn’t understand why her own family was being so harsh with her.

He couldn’t take it anymore. He was about to tell her to stop when she got up and ran into the bathroom. She was out in probably about 10 minutes but it seemed longer. He hadn’t been able to sleep. It was as if he could hear her sobs loud and clear. The strange uneasiness was back. It had started in him when she had come into this room on their wedding day looking desolate. It had lodged itself when she told him that he had made her an orphan for the second time. It kept coming back to him now and then. Earlier today he knew he had behaved childishly when he refused to allow her to put her stuff in his closet. He just wasn’t prepared for this. Damn! He swore under his breath. It was a long time before he could sleep.

Shyam was sitting at the breakfast table. Arnav’s molten brown eyes turned icy as he looked at Shyam with a barely controlled temper. It was becoming difficult to tolerate that man under the same roof! He was forced to give the snake another chance because of his Di’s condition. Otherwise he would have taken great pleasure in kicking him out of their lives.

I don’t think I have breakfast Di, I have an urgent meeting I need to get to’ said Arnavwhen all eyes turned toward him.

‘One minuteArnavji. I have to ask you ______’ said Khushirunning down the stairs. She couldn’t finish her sentence as she slipped on the last step and fell down. She tried getting up but she had twisted her ankle. Everyone got up from their seat and rushed to help her.

‘Let me help you Khushiji’ said Shyam and NK in unison.

Before either of them could take a step, Khushi was lifted off the floor. It was Arnav. Khushi looked up at him in surprise. Arnav carried her to the living room and placed her gently on the sofa. He knelt down on the floor next to her. He took her foot gently in his hands and placed in on his thigh. He looked up at her and realized that she was remembering the other time this had happened.

‘Chotey? Shouldn’t we call a doctor?’ asked Anjali walking up to Arnav.

‘That won’t be necessaryDi. I know what to do’.

‘Are you sure?’ she persisted.

‘Don’t worry Anjalili’ answered Khushistill looking at Arnav, oblivious of the fact that everyone was looking at them strangely.

She closed her eyes bracing for the pain. Arnavheld her foot as gently as he could and gave it one firm twist. Khushiyelped out in pain and grabbed his shoulder. She opened her eyes slowly when the pain subsided.

‘Are you ok Khushi?’ he asked her softly.

‘I will manage. You will be late to work.’ 

‘That’s fine. I think I can afford to be late’ said Arnav standing up as he pulled out his cell phone.

Khushi was sure all this concern was a charade just to show off to the family. But she has still loved all the attention he had showered on her. Stop being a fool KKGSR! she berated herself mentally.

‘I don’t think I will be going into work today Rani sahiba. I just got back from my trip and would like to get some rest’ said Shyamlooking at Khushi.

No way!Arnav turned around, ‘I think I left the car keys up in the room. Khushi? Did you happen to see them?’

‘What? Your keys? I ….I’ stammered Khushi completely taken aback by his question.

‘I think Khushiji should restArn..err… saalesaab’ said Shyamirritated.

‘Oh you don’t have worry about that jeejaji. I won’t let her put her feet on the ground.’

ArnavliftedKhushi off the sofa in one movement. ‘After all, I have learnt all this from you’ he grated looking at Shyam.

Arnav felt a knife twist in his heart at the adoring look his Di was giving Shyam. It wasn’t helping that Khushi was giving him a big eyed confused look which was equally adorable. He quickly strode up the stairs,Khushi in his arms with the eyes of the entire family boring into his back.

Arnavhad just finished his meeting and continued to work on his lap top. Khushi had looked beautiful in her pink salwar suit. He couldn’t help thinking about her. She kept her hair down these days. He wondered if it had anything to do with what had happened after the sangeet. He broke from his reverie when he heard a knock.

Hariprakash had brought a cup of tea for him.

‘Where is Khushi?’ he simply wanted to know.

‘She is in the kitchen preparing lunchArnavbhaiyya’ said HP.

‘Is Payal with her?’ he checked.

‘No Arnavbhaiyya. She has gone to the mandir with Anjali didi and naniji. Only Shyamji is at home’ he said.

Arnav came down stairs. He saw Shyam sitting in the sitting area next to the kitchen looking at Khushicooking.He tamped down his anger and went into the kitchen. He wanted to tell Khushi to get the hell out of there. Just as he was about to call out to her he realized she was on tip toes trying to reach for something on the high shelf that was just a little out of reach.

‘Here, let me help you with that’ Khushi jumped at the soft whisper right next to her ear. She stepped back in fright only to hit the hard wall of Arnav’s chest. He was standing right behind her!She could have sworn his lips had touched her ear for one brief second. His hand was on was on hers. She quickly snatched it away.

‘Which box do you need?’ his breath whispered in her ear again.

‘Uh..?’ she squeaked.

Her whole body was had started to tremble at his nearness. What was he asking her? Ah right it was about the box.

‘The sssecond one’ she stammered. What was he doing here?

‘Here you go’ he said handing her the box.

Khushi quickly darted away toward the stove to resume her cooking. She looked flushed and a little shaky. He then looked at the person who was watching the whole show from the sitting area. From his view point it would have looked like he was kissing Khushi on the neck. It was just what he deserved. He could practically see smoke coming out from his ears. It was not over. He moved behind Khushi.

‘Khushi’ he whispered in her ear.

‘CLANG!’Khushi dropped the ladle on the counter top.‘Yes Arnavji?’

‘Will you teach me to make chai’

‘What? Why would you learn to make chai? I will quickly make some for ___’

Khushi’s words were cut short when Arnav put his hands on her shoulder. Khushifroze. What was he doing? He turned her around to face him. Looking in her eyes, he put his hands on her waist. His hands felt cool on her skin. Khushi’s heart went dhak-dhak. She closed her eyes at the sensations assailing her. Her trembling began all over again.Khushi felt herself being lifted up like a doll and placed on the counter top next to the stove.

‘Shall we begin?’ he said as she slowly opened her eyes.

Khushi watched as Arnav followed her instructions like a dutiful student. She realized she wasenjoying this little act of domesticity that was going on between them right now. If only it were real she thought wistfully.

Arnav poured the chai into the kettle. He then moved in front of Khushi. He put his hands on either side of the counter and leaned toward her.Khushi instinctively put her hands on his chest. She saw his lips move toward her left cheek. Seriously? Here?

‘Thank you’ he whispered into her ear.Khushi’s hand stilled as she felt a twinge of joy at his admission. ArnavSignhRaizada was thanking her?

Arnav looked over Khushi’s shoulder, at the figure now standing up and staring angrily at them. He stared right back his eyes simmering with latent anger.

‘Let’s take the tea to the sitting area’ he said abruptly pulling Khushi off the counter.

Khushifell against Arnav and hand to hold his shoulders for support. When she looked up at Arnav, she thought she saw anger in them. It was gone quickly. She saw him pick up the tea tray and go into the sitting area. She followed him to the sofa.

‘Jeejaji! We didn’t see you sitting here. Would you like to share some tea with Khushi and me?’

Khushi sawShyamon the sofa with a disgusted expression on his face. Arnav’s voice had seemed polite enough but his eyes were telling a complete different story.Did he know?, she wondered in dismay.