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.