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.

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 7

Dark Night Dawning – Part7

Lavanya joined everyone for breakfast and updated them about what she had been up to all these months. She explained that she had joined a fashion house in London and had come to Delhi on business. She also mentioned that if everything went well, her company would soon be doing business with AR fashions as well. Everyone was happy to see that Lavanya had become serious about her career. On a lighter note, she added.

‘Even if things don’t work out for me in London, I think I can always come back to AR fashions, what say ASR?’

‘Do you even have to ask Lavanya,’ said Arnav amicably, ‘Your old job will always be open for you.’

‘Thanks ASR!’ she gushed with pleasure.

‘Hello everybody,’ said NK walking up to the table, coming to stand next to Khushi, ‘what’s for breakfast todayKhushiji?’

He could have asked anybody else at the table, but no it had to be Khushi thought Arnav irritated.

‘You favourite aloopooriNanheji,’ said Khushi smiling at him.

Just as Arnav wondered how Khushi knew about that, he heard his mami say to Payal, ‘So you remembered my instructions …..Khoonbharitaang? It is your duty as bhabhi to take care of your devar.’

‘Don’t worry mamiji, please let me know what needs to be prepared for Nanheji, I will do a better job than jiji’ said Khushi her eyes twinkling. Only Payal understood that Khushi was trying to make it easy for her.

‘See NK? You have anotherbhabhiwho is ready to take care of your whims and fancies,’ said Naniji jovially,‘As a devar, you can take full advantage of that.’

Unbelievable! Why was his whole family pampering that bumbling fool?This whole devar-bhabhidrama was getting on his nerves. 

‘Sorry Lavanyaji,’ said Akash suddenly remembering that they had a guest in their midst, ‘Let me introduce you to NK, short for Nandakishore. He is my cousin from Sydney.’

‘Hi Nandakishore, it’s nice to meet you’ she said raising her hand in greeting.

‘Same here Lavanyaji. Khushiji’s told me a lot about you and please call me NK’ he said,twisting his lips in what he thought was cute smile.

When Arnav saw Lavanya smiling back at him, he rolled his eyes exasperated. Looked like women loved his fair and chocolaty face so much they didn’t notice his foolishness. But, he had enough of this. He got up from his seat abruptly. ‘I should be off to work now’ hegrated, walking toward the door.

‘Wait ASR,’ called Lavanya stopping Arnav’s stride, ‘I have a meeting with the director of SK fashions in an hour. Can you tell me how I can get there?’

‘SK fashions? That is on my way. I could give you a ride if you are ready to go.’

‘Thanks ASR, that would be super!’ Lavanya jumped up from her chair, ‘Give me a minute to get my bag?’

Khushi was in her room arranging her clothes in the ward robe. This morning when Arnav hadleft with Lavanya, she had felt envious of the sophisticated business woman. She was probably the kind of woman Arnav would have preferred to have in his life, she thought ------ a woman who would understand his work, who would be able to give her opinion, help him make important decisions. She couldn’t understand why he had let her go from his life.

But then, she did know, didn’t she?a little voice asked her, as her memories went back to the events that started during Dusshera, the unspoken forces that had drawn them closer time and again ---- their first trip to Nainital where her plan to get Arnav and Lavanya to spend a romantic outing had backfired, with them ending up spending a night at a roadside dhaba, the day before Diwali when he had unwound the Diwali lights from around her quivering body, the tips of his fingers touching her heated skin oh so delicately, as his smouldering eyes had bored into hers with enough intensity to burn her, their tumble on the rangolicolorswhen he had managed to save her by twisting her so that his back hit the ground while he took her entire body weight upon himself,

Then on the fateful night of Diwali -----he had put her mother’s payal on her ankle andthey had almost kissed ----- while Lavanya was officially his girlfriend.

What did Arnav really want in his life? Would she ever be able to figure him out?

Lavanya had come back for lunch and crashed right away as jet lag hit her really hard. When she woke up a few hours later, she found everyone in the living room, looking at some photos NK was showing them. Only Shyam, Akash and Arnav were missing.

‘These pictures are really good,’ said Lavanya as she looked at the photos on the laptop, ‘Did you click them?’

‘Yeah I did, it is sort of my hobby. I dabble in some photography in my spare time’ replied NK glowing under Lavanya’s compliment.

‘He also took videos of the Akash and Payal’s wedding as well Lavanyaji’ added Khushi.

‘That’s wonderful!’ exclaimed Lavanya, ‘I have always wanted to learn photography. But I ended up on the other side of the camera. But I hope I will be able to learn some day.’

‘It is pretty simple Lavanyaji. I will explain the basics to you when you have time. BTW were you a model?’

‘Let’s say I dabbled a bit in that field before I went into the fashion business. Thanks NK for offering to teach me! And please call me Lavanya.’

Later, as Khushi and Payal went into the kitchen to prepare for dinner, Lavanya and NK had begun to talk about the latest English movies.Most of the other members began to disperse by then as they had no idea about what these two were talking about. They realized that they both liked action/thriller/super natural/horror movies and went into detailed discussion about the ones they had watched and liked.

Arnav and Akash had come back from work by dinner time. During dinner, the topic somehow shifted to cricket and NK generally asked everyone which team they thought was the best.

‘India. Bharat.’ Both Arnav and Khushi had spoken in unison.

‘You interested in cricket, Khushiji?’ asked NK surprised.

What the  ____? Even Arnav was curious to know.

‘I am not only interested in watching cricket, I used to play cricket when I was a young girl. I used to be a very good bowler.’ She said smiling happily.

There she goes, thought Arnav as everybody looked at her in disbelief.

‘Actually its true,’ said Payal in her usual soft voice, ‘she used to play with the boys in our neighbourhood and she also used to get them out with her bowling.’

Arnav smirked as he imagined Khushi as a young girl in pig tails bowling to the neighbourhood boys as they got out one after the other. He could see how that could happen.

As Khushi saw Arnav’ssmirk, she continued, ‘Dhoni is my favourite after Salman Khan.’

‘Khushi, Salman Khan is an actor, what has he got to do with cricket?’ asked Arnav incredulous.

‘He is the captain of the Bollywood team in CCL,’ she quipped.

‘What the _____?’

‘Hold on Arnavji, I will explain. CCL stands for Celebrity Cricket League!’ she finished proudly.

Lavanya watched in surprise as Arnav burst out laughing ---- a sight she had probably never seen as long as she had known him.

That night as Khushi stepped into Lavanya’s room to check in on her, she saw mamijileaving the room. When Khushi asked her if she had everything she needed, Lavanya pulled her onto the bed to sit with her.

‘Finally, I get to speak with you alone,’ she said, crossing her legs, ‘tell me Khushi, how did all this happen?’

‘What Lavanyaji?’ asked Khushi trying to stall.

‘You know exactly what I am talking about Khushi,’ said Lavanya, ‘mamiji told me about your wedding. What was with the rush all about? Mamiji told me that ASR’s only reply was that he got married because Naniji had insisted on marriage. Did he not propose to you at all?’

Khushi got off the bed and walked up to the dresser, as she remembered that fateful night before Payal’s wedding when ASR had proposed to her, Tumhemujsheshaadikarnihogi – 6 mahinokeliye, nahi to mein Payal aur Akash kishaadi hone se rokdoonga!

‘He did.’ she said truthfully with a smile on her lips as the pain in her heart began to take form.

‘But why not in front of the entire family?’

Khushi remembered how the wind had howled that night as they stood in front of Devi Maiyya, the temple bells clanging with fury as Arnav had tied the mangalsutra around her neck, pushing her maangteeka aside to smear the sindoor into her partition.Yeh sab cheezentumhareliyebahutmaaaynerakhtihainna, yehmangalsutra, yehsindoor…….yehrahamangalsutraauryehrahasindoor!

‘Someone who was very important to me was present there,’ she said quietly,‘Isn’t marriage ultimately a union between two people Lavanyaji?’ she asked, her pain increasing with each word, ‘does it matter if it is not in front the entire world?’

‘If you ask me Khushi, it doesn’t matter, but then I was brought up in London. But I cannot believe that of you. I mean, customs and traditions were so important to you, right?’

‘Tell me something Lavanyaji, you said you were brought up in London. Weren’t you willing to adapt the customs and traditions of this house?’ she asked quietly.

‘Oh Khushi, you are so right!’ said Lavanya coming up her to give her a hug, ‘Everything is fair in love and war. I am so done with this third degree now. Let’s move on to nicer things. Tell me about your wedding dress and stuff.’

‘I….I wore a beautifullehengawith a red chunri covering my head, my earringswere so delicate that they tinkled as the wind blew, and my wrists completely covered with dozen of bangles, a maangteeka that was shaped like a moon.’

‘Oh Khushi, I wish I was here to see you!’ exclaimed Lavanya, ‘I am so angry with you guys for not inviting me. I just don’t understand what the big urgency was all about?’

Khushi realized there was one way she could stem this barrage of questions. She lowered her eyes, a shy smile playing on her lips and said demurely, ‘That is something you will have to ask only him,Lavanyaji.’

‘Oh, are you trying to tell me that ASR wanted to make you his wife so badly that he couldn’t wait for a proper date and rituals?’ she asked mischief lacing her tone.

‘Yes.’ She just went with the flow.

‘Is that right?’ said Lavanya her voice low, ‘You know what? I am definitely going to ask him about that. But before that let me tell you something. I saw pictures of your Grihapraveshin NK’s laptop. The one in which ASR carried you over the threshold?  You looked absolutely stunning. But I am curious about the other picture actually.’

‘What other picture?’ asked Khushi a little nervous about the direction this conversation was taking.

‘The one in which you were sitting on the marriage bed. What did ASR ____’

Before she could finish the sentence, there was a knock on the door as Arnav walked in looking at Khushi first and turned to Lavanya.

‘Hi Lavanya, I just came to see if you are comfortable.’

How long had he been at the door?

‘Yes, thank you very much ASR,’ said Lavanya with a wide smile, ‘Your wife has made sure of that.’

‘Then if you don’t mind, I would like to steal my wife from you,’ said Arnav throwing a smile at Khushi, ‘it’s very late.’

‘She is all yours’ Said Lavanya.

She is all yoursThe pain in the region of her heart increased.

That night Khushi’s words played over and over again in Arnav’s mind. She had been mostly truthful to Lavanya’s interrogation. Only he knew what she must have been thinking when she said those words. Guilt gnawed at him as he tried to stop himself from thinking. It was a long time before he could go to sleep.

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 6

Dark Night Dawning – Part 6

‘Khushi, would you please wash my hair today?’

Khushi sat at on edge of the bathtub on one end, placing both her legs inside. Arnav sat with his head leaned back, just in front of her on the floor of the tub. She checked the temperature of the water with her fingers before raising the shower head to his hair. After wetting his hair thoroughly, making sure she didn’t wet his face too much, she took some shampoo on her palms and rubbed them to together. She massaged the shampoo into his scalp, running the tips of her fingers in small circular motion. She then ran her fingers through his hair, from the roots to the tips. She switched on the shower to rinse the shampoo off his hair, all the while raking his hair from the hairline to the nape. She switched off the water and continued to rake her hands until she had removed excess water from his hair. She then repeated the same with a conditioner, emulsifying the hair and then rinsing it off with lukewarm water. She took a towel and gently patted his hair dry, running her hands through his hair to check for wetness.

He loved the feel of her fingers in his hair. No masseuse in the world could match up to the magic in her fingers. The tingling sensation that arose in his head, moved all the way down his body ending in his toes.

‘Huh?’ He realized the sound had come from Khushi who was staring at him as if he had grown two heads. Then her eyes moved to his right hand. He looked down at his hand to see that it was cast-less. Damn! The cast had come off yesterday and he had forgotten all about it.

It was almost two weeks since the incident in the hotel where he had injured himself trying to save Khushi. The bruises on his back had almost healed and the cast on his right hand had come off the previous day. In the first week, Khushi had helped him bathe, dress, eat and had also managed to help him in his office work by typing out whatever he had needed. In the second week, his body had become stronger as he healed. He could bathe and dress himself to an extent, but still depended on her to do several things that included usage of both hands ----- washing hair being one of those things.

Arnav swore under his breath as he picked up his towel and rushed into the bathroom. He banged the door shut and closed his eyes to erase the memory of the shampoo day dream he had just had.

Khushi saw Arnav walk into the bathroom and remembered the first time she had bathed him.She had given him a bath seating him on a stool. The next day he had informed her that he would prefer to use the bath tub and had taught her how to use the hand shower. It was definitely very comfortable for him as he could lie down in the tub and lean back his head on the head rest. But not for her. This way, brought her closer to his molten brown eyes that kept boring into hers as she went about her chore. Khushi preferred to call it a chore in her mind as it made it easier for her to complete her task without becoming too flustered.

Ten minutes later Arnav walked out of the bathroom in his trousers and walked up to the wardrobe to pick up a shirt. The moment he put his arms through the sleeves he turned around just in time for Khushi to come up to him and button him up. Khushi finished doing the last button his collar to find Arnav staring at her, waving his left hand in front of her face. This time, she had forgotten about his cast and had unconsciously helped him button up like she had done for the past two weeks.

Arnav came down for his morning breakfast to hear excited chatter from the table. He was wondering what it was all about when he heard a familiar voice.

‘Nannav! How are you?’

No it can’t be! What was he doing here?

‘Hey NK, You are back’ asked Arnav drily.

‘Yep, I couldn’t stay away from you guys for too long’ he said happily.

‘We missed you too Nanheji!’ Khushi said happily.

Arnav’s irritation began. Did she have to make it so obvious? Shouldn’t she learn to tone down her enthusiasm now that she was married? But why was it only him who was bothered by all this? How come no one else seemed to notice this?

‘What to do Khushiji?’ he said apologetic, ‘I had to go and visit my other relatives, otherwise they would feel bad. But now I am done.’

‘NahiNanheji _____,’ When Arnav heard Khushi correcting NK’s hindi, his irritation increased, ‘So, when do you leave for Sydney?’ he asked, sure that NK did this just to get some attention.

‘Not any time soon I hope NKbhaiyya,’ said Anjali, ‘we would like you to stay for some more time.’

‘Ummm Di, I am actually exploring my options at working here in India for some time. I have a degree in MBA. I am planning to apply for jobs here.’

‘That’s wonderful NK bhaiyya! And you don’t have to apply anywhere. I am sure there is a job at AR industries, right Chotey?’

His house was beginning to resemble la-la land right now ---- Anjali behaving like his company was some kind of a Dharamshala for losers, mamiji doting on her favourite nephew while her son was doting on his wife as usual, NK continuing his silly antics with wrong hindi while Khushi untiringlycorrected him. The only person at the table who didn’t seem to want to participate in this revelry was the sour faced Shyam who was staring unhappily at Khushi and NK.

He was wondering if he could escape from answering his Di, when he realized that all pairs of eyes were trained on him, waiting for his reply. Just then, his cell phone rang and he jumped up from his seat saying ‘Excuse me’. Whew! Saved by the bell!

A few minutes later Arnav was back at the table. ‘That was Lavanya on the phone. She is coming to Delhi on a business trip. She will be staying with us for a few days.’

As the group exchanged uncomfortable glances, NK asked the obvious question, ‘Who is Lavanya?’

‘Lavanya is the girl Arnav bitwa was supposed to marry before this phatisaadi,’ said mamiji in her usual loud voice.

‘Manorama!’ gratedNaniji giving her a stern look.

An awkward silence filled the room.  Then, Khushi spoke up.

‘Nanheji, Lavanyaji is a very nice person. She is a lot of fun. You will see when she comes here.’

Arnav sat at the office thinking about what Khushi had said. He realized that she had meant what she said. He remembered how Lavanya was the one who had hired Khushi at AR industries. She had disliked Khushi immensely in the beginning. Then, Di had decided to hire Khushi to help Lavanya adapt herself to traditional ways as per his Nani’s wishes.Adecision that had changed the course of his life for ever.He had no idea how Khushi had managed to turn Lavanya’s dislike into a deep friendship that had resulted in turning her from a shallow person into someone his entire family including his Nani had begun to like and accept.Unfortunately for him, she had tried to turn Lavanya into herself, a girl for whom values and traditions were a high priority. So much so that Lavanya, who was a modern girl willing to live-in with him, had suddenly demanded the commitment of marriage much to his chagrin. He also remembered the chain of eventsthat had led to his hasty decision of announcing his engagement with Lavanya followed by their mutual decision to break up. He had been truly amazed at the maturity with which Lavanya had handled the situation, when she had told him that she knew this was coming, making him feel guiltier than he already was. Khushi was right. Lavanya was indeed a very nice person.

Khushi seemed to have an ability to win people over. First, his family, Lavanya, NK, his office staff, and …….. he didn’t want to think about that right now, he had a lot of work at the office. His injury had impeded his work and now it was time to get back into the grind.

That night at dinner, Arnav announced that Lavanya’s flight was landing at Delhi early in the morning, and that she would be here before breakfast time.

‘I will make sure the guest bedroom is ready’ said Khushi as she served some rice onto Arnav’s plate.

‘If you need any help with that please let me know Khushiji’ said NK putting on what he thought was a cute puppy dog face.

‘I don’t think anybody needs to do anything about it,’ said Arnav irritated, ‘We have Hariprakash to take care of things like this.’ He couldn’t understand why NK jumped at the chance to be near Khushi.

‘Some things need to be attended to personally,’ countered Khushi, ‘I know Lavanyaji’s tastes and I will make sure everything has been set up according to her liking.’

Of course she was going to do as she liked, thought Arnav. ‘Alright then, I will come along with you. After all Lavanya was my ……..er…friend before you.’

Arnav watched as Khushi went about setting up the guest room for Lavanya. He was on the phone with Aman but all his concentration was on the Khushi who was suddenly very quiet, lost in thought. Khushi felt like someone had punched her in her heart. It had not registered in her mind until he reminded her that Lavanya was his ex ------ his UK-bred, ultra-modern, sophisticated and fashionable ex-girlfriend. She remembered the first time she had seen them together in his office, standing intimately close. Later, when she had come to Shativan to help Lavanya adjust to the traditional ways of the house, Lavanya had treated her with hostility. But in due course this hostility had turned into friendship when Khushi had covered up for Lavanya’s mistake and had saved her from Nani’s wrath. But friendship came with certain obligations and Khushi had felt that it was only right to enlighten her new friend about the importance of marriage vows, explaining to her in graphic detail about how without marriage, Arnav would discard her for younger girls in the years to come. She also remembered how she had to double her efforts when Arnav had not taken lightly to this and it had resulted in a bitter quarrel between the two, ending with Lavanya walking out of the house. In all this time she had never felt intimidated by her even once.

Then, she remembered another time ----- the day Lavanya had hugged him after her plan to get them back together had succeeded. Her heart had felt a similar punch,a tear rolling down her cheek as she looked at the two of them in an embrace. Afterward, she had endured the agony of watching them together time and again, when Arnav had put her in charge of the preparations for their impending engagement.Only difference was that she had not understood it then.

Later that night back in their bedroom, Khushi ‘s silence had begun to bug Arnav as he sat on the recliner working on his lap top. She had quietly changed into her night suit and lied down on her side of the bed and gone to sleep.  He wasn’t really happy with his jibe at Khushi about Lavanya. But her exuberance toward Lavanya,who used to be his ex,had irked him and it had just slipped out. Well, it was her fault. She always made him do things that he regretted later.Then, why was he still feeling uneasy? He walked to his side of the bed, lied down on and turned to look at Khushi’s face until his eye lids drooped and he fell into a restless slumber.

The next morning Arnav returned from his morning jog to see Khushi bustling about in the kitchen. He was relieved to see that she was back to being in a chipper mood this morning.

‘Here is your tea,’ she said handing him a cup, ‘I think you should take a quick bath and get dressed. Lavanyaji will be here very soon.’

She was definitely back to normal he thought as he took the stairs to go up to his bedroom.

‘Lavnayaji!’ exclaimed Khushi as she saw Lavanya at the doorstep. She had heard the door bell and rushed to open the door.

‘Hi Khushi!’ shouted Lavanya as she came in opening her arms, ‘It’s so nice to see you again!’

Arnav watched as the two friends hugged each other happily. The entire family had come down after hearing the excited shouting.

‘I am glad you are staying with us Lavanyaji,’ said Anjali as she hugged Lavanya.

‘Congratulations to you and Shyamji!’ she said touching Anjali’s stomach.

‘Belcome Miss Kasyap’ said mamiji who had always thought of her as an ally.

Lavanya then touched Naniji’s feet with respect, something she had learnt from Khushi during her training days. Next, she congratulated Akash and Payal on their wedding.

Finally, she stopped in front of Arnav, smiled at him and gave him a hug as well. As Khushi looked on, the uneasy feeling in the region of her heart returned. When she saw Arnav staring at her intently she quickly lowered her eyes.

‘Hello ASR!’ she exclaimed, ‘Congratulations to you and Khushi on your wedding.’

‘Thank you Lavanya,’ said Arnav a smile on his lips.A hush had spread over the excited group. ‘Why don’t you freshen up first? We can catch up over breakfast.’

‘Sure.’

‘I’ll show you to your room, Lavanyaji,’ said Khushi as Anjali asked Hariprakash to takeLavanya’s luggage to the guestroom.

‘It’s nice to see you settled well Khushi,’ said Lavanya as soon as they had reached the room. ‘I can’t believe ASR finally got hitched! You have to tell me all about it!’

‘Lavanyaji I think you should freshen up first,’ said Khushi smiling at her, ‘Everyone is waiting for you at the breakfast table. We will talk later.’

As Lavanya went into the bathroom, Khushi turned around to leave the room, her face pensive. Talk later? What was she going to tell her?