Dark Night Dawning Chapter 25

Palak’s wedding day had finally arrived. It was about 4 o’clock in the evening, and Khushi stood in her room getting dressed early so that she could go over to help Palak with her makeup. The last couple of days were a whirlwind of thoughts for Khushi. Arnav’s past had given her a new insight about his behaviour. Di had told her he had started believing in love. But she knew better. Though he had started to care for her, he would never love her. Her love would have to be enough to take them through the rest of their life. Rest of their life?She remembered the emphatic declarations she made in front of Di -----He better be ready with the answers……

Well, he was the one who wanted her to come to Delhi one month ago, hadn’t he? He would have to put up with her, she thought as she finally draped her saree over her left shoulder. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Surajji was early!

She hurried up to the door and opened the latch on the door and turned back without looking, ‘You are earlySurajaji, I need 10 more minutes,’ she said walking back.

‘I missed you too…..’ said a husky voice.

Arnav!

The first glimpse he had of her had stumped him totally. She was wearing the beautiful red chikan saree he had bought for her. She had her back turned toward him. With her lovely long hair in a clip and her dori undone, her back was completely bare, with only a small strip of cloth separating her upper back and her tiny waist , exposing the creamy smooth skin slick with sweat. His breath hitched at the way her hips swayed with her urgency to get back.

‘Arr….navji?’Khushi’sdhakdhak began slowly, and she whirled around, her eyes going wide with surprize. ‘what are you doing here?’ she asked him as her dhak-dhak increased in tempo.

She looked even more breath taking from the front, with her kajal emphasizing the beauty of her eyes. Herpallu was roughly gathered together on her shoulder, giving him a glimpse of her curvy waist and her delectable navel.

But then she had said Surajji……. Damn!

‘‘What do you mean, what I am doing here?’ he asked her irritated that she seemed so indifferent,‘I am here to attend Palak’s wedding of course,’ hesaid smoothly though his heart had started to beat in an erratic pattern.

‘Oh ….’ Did she sound a wee bit disappointed?

‘Arnavji!?’ Suraj was at the door, ‘Namaste……its good you were able to make it……Palak will be so happy!’

‘I am glad to hear that at least some one will be happy,’ he replied sarcastically, looking at Khushi.

‘Uh..…Khushiji…… do you still need a ride to the hall?’ asked Suraj doubtfully.

‘Yes Surajji, I promised Palak I would do her make up’ she said looking at Arnav defiantly.If he didn’t like Suraj, that was his problem. What did he think of himself? Did he think he could leave whenever he liked and come back when he liked? If he thought that she would just drop everything for him he better think again. ‘I will back in just a few minutes Surajji.’

‘One minute Khushi,’ Arnav’s voice stopped Khushi. He walked up to her and lifting his hands he took her dori in his hands, all the time looking into her eyes, a barely controlled temper simmering in them. Her eyes flashed at him as she stared right back. As he roughly pulled the strings together in a tight knot, Khushi’s breath hitched, and she let out a gasp. He then moved his hand up in her hair and undid the clasp on her clip.Abtheekhai…….

Khushi quietly turned around and went back into her room, her whole body quivering.Laad Governor was incorrigible!

As Suraj watched this entire scene, he sensed tension emanating from them in waves. He felt sorry for Khushi.

Arnav turned around and smiled thinly at Suraj. He looked extra traditional today in a red sherwani. There was gold work all over the collar and neckline which dipped in a deep v.  He could have shown off his chest to woo the girls but Saint Suraj had chosen to cover himself up with a red silk scarf. It was probably the latest style in ethnic fashions.

As Khushi came out ready to go to the wedding, Suraj said politely, ‘I will see you at the wedding Arnavji.’

As Arnav watched them leave,he thought about Khushi’s question ----what are you doing here?His memories went back ------

**

2 Days ago, London, UK                

Arnav paced about in his hotel roomthinking about Khushi. He missed her. He missed her food, her chatter, the khan-khan of her bangles, the tinkling of her payal. He had forgotten his medications yesterday as he was used to her reminding him every day. He couldn’t sleep at night as he missed having her in his arms while he slept. He missed her like hell!

He thought about her outburst a few days ago. She had been upset with him even before the dinner. He had been so stressed out with the new project that he had no idea what had upset her. Then at dinner it had not helped that Saint Suraj had driven him up the wall with all his insinuations about being kind and understanding. He knew he shouldn’t have offended Khushi like that by saying personal things in front of others. But why hadn’t she confronted him about that? Instead she had hurled unrelated accusations…..All they want is a woman’s body! …..Nothing else matters to them…..

Her words had a striking similarity to Shyam’s words ------

I have no doubt why he wants you --- your exquisite beauty tempts his rather jaded appetite -----  but when the bloom’s worn off he’ll discard you like a broken toy and never give you another thought.

Was she still letting Shyam’s words get to her like that? Had he ever given her such a vibe? He had stayed with her in Lucknow and had tried his best to prove to her that they were compatible. He had behaved like a normal husband, supporting her in whatever she wanted to do. It was a physical torture to have her that close and not be able to touch her. But he had made a conscious effort to stay away from her ……well almost. There was that passionate kiss they had shared in the kitchen. He knew that she was not averse to him from the way her body had responded to his touch. Then what had happened on the night of the movie?

She had been crying.Had he really behaved like a cad when he had tried to kiss her?Was she expecting him to hold her, talk to her --- comfort her?Guilt gnawed at him. Was she expecting words of love?

Once again Shyam’s words came back to haunt him ----

So much love for someone who will never love you back?Arnav isn’t capable of love. I have seen him move from one woman to the other ----- not one has ever touched his heart.

Shyam was wrong! Khushi had touched his heart. He remembered the words Anjali told him when Shyam’s truth had come out -----

The fact is that we are both the way we are because of our disturbed childhood. You were the most closest to mama and so you couldn’t get over what happened to her. You decided then that you would never allow anyone to hurt you like that…….

You had to grow up overnight shouldering responsibilities, normally an adult would have and in this process, you built a wall around yourself, which no one could penetrate, sometimes not even me. But she managed it somehow, didn’t she?’

Yes, Khushi had penetrated through the walls and had embedded herself into his very being.Now, it was time for him to bring down those walls and prove that Shyam was wrong…..

It was time to prove what he was capable of!

The next morning Arnav sat in the conference room of JW Ltd. making last minute changes to his presentation slides. ‘Good morning ASR!’ Lavanya greeted him as she walked in.

‘Good morning Lavanya,’ replied Arnav, ‘So what is the status?’

‘You have made tremendous progress in the couple of days’ she said emphatically, ‘I am pretty sure you will have the deal in your pocket by the time you finish your final presentation today.’

‘That’s good news.’ Arnav was relieved to hear that he had managed to do some damage control by working with the JW team members personally.

The talks regarding this deal had started three months ago when Lavanya had visited India. Then the US crisis had cropped up and while he was in the US fixing that, the London project had got delayed. Later when he decided to stay in Lucknow, he had delegated the job for the proposal to Aman’s team. The proposal had so many errors in it that they had almost lost the deal. But it was not entirely the team’s fault. He was supposed to do the final review which he had been unable to complete as the internet connection was completely down for a couple of days and he had neglected going to an internet centre to check his e-mails. 

Lavanya’s said, ‘ASR, to be honest, when I spoke to you a few days ago when you were in Lucknow, I was not so sure that this deal between AR and JW Ltd. was likely to happen. Though I did my best to help you out, your presence here was absolutely needed.’

‘Thanks for all your help Lavanya ---- as I mentioned earlier, I don’t think this would have been possible without you being here,’ said Arnav gratefully, ‘I hope today’s presentation goes well.’

An hour later, Arnav finished his presentation and took his seat at the table. In the meeting that ensued, the team at JW made it very clear that they were definitely interested in taking the deal forward. They told Arnav that they had been sceptical after the first proposal but after working with him for the past couple of days and today’s presentation they would be extremely happy to work with AR. However, they also told him that they would like him to make the presentation once again to their CEO in a couple of days as he was currently in Germany.

Arnav thought it over for a few seconds and addressed the COO, ‘I am sorry Mr Grant….. that might be a problem. I am leaving for India tomorrow as I have to attend an important wedding.’

Lavanya who was present in the meeting was shocked to hear Arnav turning down an opportunity for a meeting with the CEO of JW.

‘Is this a very important person Mr Raizada?’ asked Mr Grant surprized at Arnav’s announcement, ‘are you sure you will not be able to avoid this wedding?  It is very crucial for you to meet Mr Wills, to finalize the deal.’

‘Yes…. she is very important …..to my wife,’ he said without blinking an eye, ‘and no, I don’t think I will be able to avoid it. I could come back here next week to meet with Mr Wills, but I will understand if this going to be a problem. Thank you.’ Arnav shook hands with the team and left the conference followed by Lavanya.

‘It finally happened!’ exclaimed Lavanya grinning widely.

‘What?’ asked Arnav, not able to understand Lavanya’sstatement.

‘The mighty ASR, turning down a business opportunity for someone.....it’s a bloody miracle!’

‘I am meeting NK for dinner,’ he said a small lop-sided smile playing on his lips, ‘I guess I will see you there tonight?’ Arnav walked out of the office while Lavanya continued to grin looking at his retreating back.

This morning, Delhi, India

Arnav entered his sister’s room to see her putting her baby down for a nap. His nani was sitting on a chair by the bed.

‘Chotte, when did you come?’ Anjali asked him surprized to see him back earlier than expected, ‘How did your meeting go?’

‘I came in early this morning Di,’ he informed her, ‘I am not so sure about the meeting though. I wasn’t able to meet their CEO as I had to come back here to attend this wedding in Lucknow tonight.’

‘You came back all the way from London, without completing your work, to attend a wedding in Lucknow?’ she asked him her eyes wide with surprize.

‘It’s actually the other way around,’ explained Arnav,‘I left Lucknow because this project was on red alert and needed my immediate attention. Now that the damage control is done, I am going back. What’s the big deal?’

‘You left Lucknow only because of this meeting?’ Naniji seemed a little surprized as well.

‘Yes Nani!’ he told her looking at them strangely. What was with all the questions!‘Alright Di, I have to rush now, I have to go to the office for a few hours before I catch a flight to Lucknow.’

‘How long do you plan to stay this time?’ asked Naniji.

‘Umm….. not very long, Khushi and I should be back soon.’ Arnav replied quickly.

‘Do you think Khushi will come back with you Chotte?’ asked Anjali looking at Naaniji mischievously.

‘Oh she is coming back alright ------ even if I have tie her up and carry her over my shoulder,’ he told them walking out of the room.

**

As Arnav stood in the bedroom getting dressed for the wedding, he remembered the arrogant declaration he had made in front of his sister and nani. He had come all the way from London, walking out of an important deal and what did he see? His gorgeous wife dressed to kill in a stunning red saree and miniscule blouse ----walking away with the saint. He hadn’t spent one month in thissweltering heat, neglecting his business to finally get beaten by a halwai! If someone had told him a few months ago that he would be competing with a kurta clad, shudhhindi speaking desi boy he would have laughed. And here he was checking himself out in the mirror.F@%*!

Khushi finished with Palak’s makeup and came back to the area where the guests were seated waiting for the Jaymala to commence. When she looked at the beautifully set stage, painful memories of the time she had walked down the ramp in fear came back to her. She stemmed them forcefully as she began to serve cool drinks to the guests. Suddenly she felt her heart begin its slow dhak-dhak and her body suffusedwith an awareness she had come to recognize.  He was here! Then she heard excited murmurs from the Palak’s cousins who were also serving the guest Jeejaji! …. looks so…. Wow Khushi turned around to see what the excitement was all about. She was zapped!

Arnav stood there looking dashing in aplain off-white short jacket.It had a wide chinese collar, completely decorated with intricate gold work. The jacket had beautiful gold buttons down its length, on either side of the flap. He wore simple slim fit black slacks and black shoes. He looked like her sapnonkarajkumar!

‘What the hell are you doing?’ shrieked a lady bringing Khushi back to earth. Khushi realized she was serving the drink to the lady’s expensive glittery saree!

‘Sorry aunty!’ said Khushi, regretfully apologizing to the indignant woman. The Laad Governor was always trouble!

Arnav’s eyes sought out Khushi and followed her wherever she went. Payal’s cousin had flocked around him and gushing to him about something that just register in his head. He didn’t want to take his eyes off her. As she seemed very busy helping with the guests, he decided to go by himself and wish Palak and Prateek as they stood on the stage.Palak was thrilled that he had come back for the wedding.

As he got off the stage, his eyes again searched for Khushi. He spotted her talking to Suraj who seemed a little agitated. He was leading Khushi away toward the garden. Arnav temper rose. How dare he? He wasn’t going to let this happen all over again! He decided to go after them so that he could give that irritating son of a !@#$% a piece of his mind.

Arnav followed the direction they had taken and found them facing each other at the far end of a gazebo. The gazebo was at a higher level elevated by few steps. He was about to take the first step when he heard Suraj’s question and froze.

‘Why do you let Arnavji treat you like that Khushiji?’

Arnav wanted to barge in and bash Suraj’s face, but he stopped himself. He wanted to hear her answer.

‘Like what?’ asked Khushi confused about his question.

‘Like he owns you!’ he exclaimed.

‘I don’t understand what you are saying Surajji,’ said Khushi unable to comprehend him.

‘Alright, I will spell it out for you,’ he began frustrated, ‘He is rude to you when he talks to you. The other day when you got hurt at the fuse box, he yelled at you, then later when the water trucks came, he insulted you in front of everyone. At the dinner the other night…… the way he spoke…..I was so embarrassed for youKhushiji. I feel so sorry that you _____’ Suraj stopped when he saw Khushi had bent her head and her body was shaking.

Arnav wondered if Khushi was crying when suddenly she lifted her head and he saw her shaking with laughter! He also saw Suraj looking at her as if she had just grown two horns.

‘Khushiji, are you alright?’ asked Suraj baffled by her behaviour.

Khushi seemed unstoppable as she continued for a good 30 seconds. ‘Khushiji?’ he tried once again.

‘Sorry Surajji,’ Khushi apologized earnestly,‘I am alright now. What you said was so funny.’ Khushi continued when she realized he was waiting for an explanation,‘That is how we are, and have been right from the beginning. He is a little temperamental, that’s all. Nothing I can’t handle. If you think this is bad, you should hear about the things I have done to him!

She continued emphatically, ‘Once, I put orange juice in his shoe, another time I threw hot tea that scalded his chest, then, I put something in his juice that caused irritation in his throat and that is just half the things.’

Arnav chuckled silently as he remembered the incidents she was talking about.

‘What?!’Suraj was at a loss for words, ‘are you telling me you don’t mind?’

‘Surajji, it doesn’t work that way,’ began Khushi, ‘Each couple has a different equation. Some relationships are steady and calm like diya and baati.For example, Payal jiji and Jeeju. But Arnavji and I ……its mostly fireworks. It’s a little complicated.It is difficult for people to understand. But you will understand……when you find your Chanda …..er…. I mean the one meant for you.’

As Khushi began to walk away, he asked her, ‘Is this equation between you …..love?’

Arnav’s held his breath. Khushi paused a little before she answered him, ‘In the last couple of days I been thinking about this and have come to this conclusion …..

‘Why should we name this thing between us? I think it should be left as a question mark. Because, once that question is answered ….it ends….. and I don’t want it to end Surajji,’ she said cryptically,

‘I think I better get back…… the phere will begin any moment now.’Khushi turned around and left.

Suraj stood rooted to the spot looking even more confused than he was before.But there was no confusion in Arnav.He understood her perfectly like only he could. He released his breath he was holding, as the rhythm of his heartbeat returned to a normal tempo. He needed to take a walk.

By the time Arnav returned to the wedding, the ceremony was almost over. The stage seemed to be getting cleared for some event. Suddenly a loud voice on the mike broke into his thoughts. He saw a man announcing on the stage that some of the married men who were friends of the couple were invited to come on stage and say a few things to their wives to make them happy. He said this would be like a tip to Prateek so that he would be able to keep Palak happy in the future. This was a fun game organized by Pateek’s bachelor friends from Mumbai. A couple of married men sportively went up the stage. One sang the song KabhiKabhiMere DilMeinand another recited the ghazalTumkoDekha To YehKhayalAaya in the form of a poem. Then more men went up and began sang more songs.Suddenly, someone was announcing Arnav’s name. ‘May we have Mr Arnav Singh Raizada on the stage please?’

Khushi stopped in her tracks as she was helping Palak’s mom in handing out gifts to the guests. ‘Hey Devi Maiyya! This can’t be happening!’ She was even more shocked to see Arnav walk up to the stage.

As he stood on the stage his eyes looked for Khushi in the crowd. He thought of the first time he had seen Khushi walking down the stage – a beautiful skittish doe in her green lehenga, a golden chunni on her heard and a beautiful chain around her waist. When she fell into his arms and had looked up at him with those luminous eyes, his heart had skipped a beat. He had known right then that she was going to create havoc in his life. And how she did!They had come to a full circle today.

He took a deep breath and began to talk on the mike, ‘I am not very good in hindi…..so I am going to say some lines I learnt some time ago ….’ He looked into Khushi’s eyes reflecting trepidation, his own brown chocolate ones filled with resolve as he said, ‘Khushi…….

Main tumko chodke chalagaya….main apne mann ko behlaraha tha ki koi  faraq nahi padta….par tum yeh jaantiho ki main tumhare bina jeenahisakta….

Jab jokiya….jab jokaha ….sab bhooljaao…. bas waapasaajao……

Aaj kisi aur cheezka koi matlabnahi, kisi jhootka…..kisisachka…bas ek cheez  kamatlabhai…

Agar tum nahi to main bhinahi……tumhare bina mera koi wajoodnahi….jab tum merizindagimeinnaho to merizindagika koi matlabnahi….sirfisijanammein hi nahi…agle har janam mein….tum aur main kabhi alag nahi honge…..

Jab jo bura kaha uska koi matlab nahi….jab joburakiyauska koi matlabnahi…bas ek cheez ka matlab hai ki main humesha humesha tumse …….

There was pin drop silence as Arnav paused for a moment and they both looked at each other for countless seconds,tears flowing freely from her eyes, while his were moist. And then he lowered the timbre of his voice as he said the words that she had been waiting to hear for an eternity -----

‘KHUSHI I LOVE U!’

As soon as he had uttered those words, he saw Khushi turn around and run toward the exit,She was leaving!

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 24

Anjali sat in her room, crooning to her baby daughter. She looked up when she heard a knock and saw her brother walking in.

‘Chotte, this is a pleasant surprize!’ she exclaimed her facing lighting up at the sight of her brother. She hadn’t seen him in almost a month though he had been calling her regularly. But he hadn’t mentioned this visit when he called her a couple of days ago. ‘Is Khushi with you?’ she asked looking beyond him.

‘No Di, I came here alone,’ said Arnav, ‘I am leaving for London tonight on business and I have to rush to the office to look into a lot of pending work. I stopped by to see you and this little one here.’

‘How is Khushi?’ she asked him her forehead creased in concern, ‘why isn’t she here?’

‘Di, can we talk about how you are doing?’ Arnav walked up to her and sat on the edge of the bed, ‘How has your health been? I left you here soon after you came out of your coma. I feel so bad about that ----‘

‘Chotte, I have a house full of people to take care of me,’ she said putting him at ease immediately, ‘Payal makes sure I eat the right kind of food, naniji, mamiji and even Akash helps me take care of my baby.’

‘That’s nice Di, but are you really ok?’ he asked her, his meaning very clear to her.

‘I would be lying if I said, I haven’t thought about what has happened Chotte,’ explained Anjali, ‘but, I am determined to come out of it for the sake of my daughter and my family. My daughter is very important to me and I will not let anything come in the way of her happiness.’

Arnav hugged his sister, his eyes welling up when he remembered the time she lay in the hospital in a coma. But he was glad that she was okay now. He stood up.

‘Alright Di, I really have to rush now, but I will be back in a few days ok?’ said Arnav walking towards the door.

Anjali stopped him. ‘Chotte, I asked you how Khushi was doing,you haven’t answered my question. What’s going on?’

Arnav turned around and looked at his sister, a barely controlled temper simmering in his eyes, ‘Khushi is absolutely fine Di!’ he rasped, ‘but she needs to grow up!’ Arnav walked out shutting the door behind while Anjali looked on perplexed.

**

It was two days since Arnav had left and Khushi had thrown herself into work to keep her mind occupied. She had fired the maid and gone back to doing all the household work herself. She cooked, watered the plants and in the afternoon she went to Palak’s house to help with taking care of the guests who had arrived for the wedding. She had informed Varmaji that she would not be able to provide the dabba service for a few days. She had told everyone that Arnav had gone to Delhi to take care of some urgent business.

That night when Khushi walked into the house after helping out in Palak’s house one of the girls Mehek came up to her and gave her a parcel. She told her that it had arrived sometime earlier in the day. Khushi thanked her and took the parcel to her room. She opened it and was shocked.It was the beautiful red chikan saree.

She sat on the bed, clutching the saree to her chest as sobs racked her body. Arnav had bought the saree for her. From the past couple of days she had been trying to tell herself that his absence didn’t matter to her.But the reality was different. In the mornings, she inevitablyended up making two cups of tea.She saw him everywhere in the house --- on the living room sofa working on his lap top, watering the plants, walking into the house with the buckets of water, at the dining table, in the courtyard exercising, walking out of the bathroom with the towel around his shoulders, on the kitchen counter, even her dad’s scooter reminded her of him. She remembered their passionate kiss in the kitchen.But it got worse at night. She missed having his arms around her while she slept. She had not changed the sheets on the bed as she could still smell his cologne on it. She even put on the AC so it reminded her of him. She felt a deep pain in her heart like someone was squeezing it really hard.She missed him terribly.

Shyam had been one of the major reasons for the problems between Arnav and herself in the past. But now that he was no longer in their lives, why had she continued to resist? Her thoughts went back to the conversation she and Arnav had in this same house one month ago.

There is a vast difference in our class, in our traditions and our values….

In the past month he had proved that these barriers were no longer valid. He had adjusted to her middle class lifestyle without much complaint. After Rohan’s accident, the people in her colony had grown to respect him. Her friends liked him as well. He had earnestly supported her in her business. And she knew he done all this at the cost of neglecting his own business to some extent.

You move in high societies where girls like Lavanyaji will form a queue for you……

During Lavanya’s visit three months ago, she had felt that the modern, working woman was more suitable for Arnav.She had been insecure then.But not any longer -----Arnav himself had helped her improve her confidence by introducing her to latest technology, by making a website for her business.

Then what had made her say such harsh words to Arnav that night? She realized it was plain and simple jealousy!After spending one month with him, she had become possessive. She hadn’t even liked Palak’s cousins flocking around him the other day. When she had heard Arnav talking to Lavanya she had become jealous of their friendship. How could he talk to another woman that way? After that she had become even more upset during the dinner.

But it was the movie that had made her completely distraught. The protagonists in the movie, were star crossed lovers whose journey began in deceit and misunderstanding. Though the misunderstanding clears and they truly fall in love, they end up taking each other lives instead of succumbing to the wrath of their families – a modern day Heer Ranjha story. In the state of mind she was already in, she had become extremely upset and had taken it out on him. Hey Devi Maiyya, was she so foolish as to let a movie get to her that way! But to give credit to herself, she had warned him about that as well.

Remember the foolish things I have done?

He had still wanted to stay with her, hadn’t he? Then why did he walk out on her? Couldn’t he have stayed and asked her about it?

She stood up and wiped her tears. She realized what she had to do.

**

The next morning, Khushi walked into her house to find a surprize waiting for her in her living room. It was Anjali with her baby and Naniji! Khushi rushed toward them and hugged them, thrilled and surprized at the same time. She touched Nanijj’s feet and took the baby in her arms, cooing to her softly. Oh how much she had grown in six weeks. Tears of joy flowed from her eyes. She turned around to see Anjali and Naniji crying as well.

‘I …I am sorry for not visiting you…..’ she told them, her tone laced with regret.

‘Khushi, please…… there is no need for that,’ said Anjali touching her cheek affectionately, ‘we all needed a break after everything that happened. But the break time is over now. I came here as soon as the doctor told me that I could take this little one out of Delhi.’

‘We missed you so much Khushi bitiya,’ said naniji.

When Khushi was about to show them to the guest room, Anjali informed her that they were planning to leave in the night flight as the baby was due for a vaccination the next day. Since it was almost lunch time, she served them lunch and then took them to her bedroom for some rest.Anjali nursed her baby and she had gone to sleep on her lap.

‘Di……’ Khushi said hesitating a little, ‘I want to apologize to you for not telling you earlier about Shyamji.’

‘Khushi, we will talk about this in detail someday so that we can get it out of chests, but the reason nani and I have come here is something completely different.’ Anjali said seriously.

She continued, ‘Chotte finally told everyone the reason behind your sudden marriage. Though I was shocked at the time I realized that whatever the reasons had been, in the months following the marriage, I have seen that you both cared for each other a lot. When Chotte told me you had refused to come back I thought you were very much justified. I was happy that he had decided to stay back and convince you to come back.’

‘But when Chotte came back to Delhi a few days back, I realized that things were still not alright between you too. Knowing Chotte, I am sure he might have done or said something to hurt your feelings.’

‘No Di, it’s not like that,’ said Khushi urgently, ‘this time,I was the one who picked up a fight.’

‘Then he must have deserved it!’ exclaimed Anjali trying to put Khushi at ease, ‘in all this time he stayed with you did he ever express to you in words what he felt for you?’ she asked Khushi earnestly.

At Khushi’s silence she said, ‘Just as I thought.’ She was pensive for a few seconds and then she said carefully, ‘Khushi I think it is time you knew about our past.’

‘Di, you don’t have to ___’ began Khushi.

‘No Khushi, it is very important that you know everything about the person who love,’ she said firmly, ‘You do love him, don’t you?’

‘Yes.’ Khushi said simply, no more doubts in her mind.

Anjali began reminiscing as Naniji looked on, a deep sadness in her eyes.‘Our mother Sarita was the only daughter of Thakur Rudra Pratap Singh Raizada, one of the richest men in Lucknow in those days. He had many estates and businesses. Our father, Virendra Malik worked for him as an estate manager. Since our mamaji was still studying our nanaji depended a lot on father, and soon he became my nanaji’s right hand man. Love blossomed between mamma and father and nanajigot them married with great pomp and show. He gave them Sheesh Mahal as a wedding present. Nanaji had started trusting father like his own son and made him a partner in his business. Father’s status rose in the society. Everything seemed to be going fine for a few years. I was born and then chotte after a few years.Then suddenly, father began to change.

‘He started drinking and began to pick up fights with mother for no reason at all.Nanaji was shocked by his behaviour. One day nanaji found out that father had pilfered money from the company’s accountwhich led him to go bankrupt. Father had told mamma that our nanaji was the one who made bad investments. Mamma didn’t know what to believe. Nanaji couldn’t withstand the betrayal and died of a heart attack leaving nani and mamaji in dire straits. Mamma, chotte and I were devastated by this but there was nothing we could do.

‘In spite of everything that had happened mamma still loved father and lived with the hope that he would change one day and everything would be alright. But it was futile. Soon, she found out that he was having an affair and had become addicted to gambling. She also knew that his brother was the one responsible for influencing him. But, no amount of pleading from my mamma helped. We saw her being reduced from a vibrant person into a bitter and disillusioned woman. Seeing mamma suffer was very hard for both Chotte and me. I used to hide out in my room trying to shut it all out. But Chotte had just entered his teens and couldn’t take it anymore.He began to rebel against father so that he could protect mamma. This resulted in him being at the receiving end of father’s wrath. But soon, father found out that he was no match forChotte’s angst and physical strength. He stopped troubling mamma, though he continued indulging in his vices. By this time, Chotte’s hatred for father had turned into abhorrence.

‘A couple of years later, my alliance was fixed with one of the wealthiest familes in Lucknow. On the day of the wedding, when we were waiting for the baraat, mamma heard loud altercation going on in father’s study. She heard father and his brother fighting. His brother had used a woman to seduce our father into signing over Sheesh Mahal to his name. Father was in such a rage that he took a gun that he kept in his table drawer and aimed at his brother. His brother began to run towards the door where mamma was standing. In the confusion father ended up shooting mamma. Chotte who heard the gun shot ran into the room to find my mother bleeding profusely. He yelled for someone to call the ambulance and went in and took her head in his lap. By the time I reached the room, I saw her lying lifeless in Chotte’s arms. My Baraat returned back.

After this incident, father lost his sanity. The shock of killing mamma accidently, and having lost all his fortune and house to his brother was too much for him. He had to be admitted to a psychiatric facility. Our father’s brother kicked us out of the house the very next day. Chotte swore that he would get back our house one day. Then, nani and mamaji took us in. Overnight we fell from the lap of luxury into a mediocre life. Society could be very cruel to those who don’t have much. All our family friends who used to hang around us when we were rich refused to acknowledge us now. Chotte and I were made to realize the importance of money in a very hard way. Mamaji helped us as much as he could but he had his own family to take care of. Chotte worked very hard to put himself through college. After college, he started his own business with some money Mamiji gave him by selling her jewels. His business took off and we were back to good times again. Last June, he finally bought back Sheesh Mahal by paying double the original price for it. Father’s brother had mortgaged it as he fell into bad times. He wanted AR’s fashion show to be .held in Sheesh Mahal’s premises.’

How could she forget that fateful fashion show where she had met him for the very first time?

Anjali continued, ‘But the struggle had taken a toll on him. The same people who had shunned us when we lost all our fortune came back to us now for favours. We realized that money made people respect you. I was able to brush it off as a fact of life. But it was not easy for Chotte.Our childhood was anyway very troubled but Chotte had lost out on his youth as well. He began to view the world differently.He lost beliefin God as he began to believe that man writes his own destiny.He began to believe that money is all powerful and that everything and everyone can be bought. His belief inpeople and relationships got lesser day by day. He began to disrespect social norms and traditions which included the institution of marriage. He built a strong fortress around himself and didn’t let anyone come close to it.Most importantly, he did not believe in love.

‘Chotte loved mamma so much Khushi. It hurt him very badly to see mamma waste her life on a person who was not worthy of her. Since she was bound to father because of love, he began to hate that emotion. He swore never to be bound to anyone so much that they would have the power to destroy him.

The reason I told you this long story is so you can understand why Chotte is the way he is. But you have changed all that Khushi. He has started believing in love. I know it. He has changed and that is because of you. And you are the only one who can keep him that way. Will you please come back to Shantivan and give him another chance?’

‘Di, I know how difficult this was for you. I appreciate you sharing your past with me,’ said Khushi as she took her in her arms. Anjali cried softly into her shoulder. Then she wiped her tears and looked at Khushi imploring for her understanding.

‘I want to show you something.’ Khushi fetched her purse from the table and took a piece of paper and gave it to Anjali. It was a train ticket from Lucknow to Delhi.

‘You were planning to come back to Delhi?’ she asked her in surprize.

‘That’s where I had been this morning, Di,’ she explained, ‘I couldn’t book it for an earlier date because I want to attend my best friend’s wedding which is in three days.’

‘Chotte seemed upsetand I thoughtyou both____’ said Anjali lines of confusion creasing her forehead.

‘He could be upset all he wants Di……but he can’t get away that easily this time! I have a lot of questions for him when I get there, and he better be ready with the answers!’ said Khushi,her eyes flashing with temper.

Anjali and Naniji looked at each other and exchanged a mental Hi Five. Aranv was in for one heck of a surprize…... This was going to be fun!

Dark Night Dawning Chapter 23

‘What??!!’ For the second time that night Khushi had her mouth open in an O. She was mortified when she heard the advice Arnav had given Prateek. ‘Arnavji, how could you?’

‘Look Khushi, it was just a joke ok?’ Arnav said affably.

‘Joke?…..Arnavji! This is not Delhi ----- here in Lucknow you can’t say things like that. Prateekji comes from a traditional and cultural family!’

‘So what?’ he countered, ‘Do people from traditional and cultural families expect women to be behave like rag dolls?’ He decided to pull her leg,’You tell me Khushi, don’t you feel free?’

Was he asking her if she felt free in bed?! ‘Yes…..I mean No! ……I don’t know!’ exclaimed Khushi flushing crimson,‘Oh God, I am not talking to you about this!’ Khushi was already worried what Palak’s family would have thought about her behaviour earlier in their house. In the past one year she had got so accustomed to the Raizadas lifestyle that she had forgotten how women behaved in the in these parts. She would have to apologize to maasiji tomorrow.What will happen if Prateekji tells someone?’ she asked lines of worry creasing her forehead.

‘He won’t.’ Arnav declared confidently.

‘How would you know?’ she challenged.

‘He is a man ----- and men don’t talk!’ he said cockily,‘And what was I supposed to do when Palak came up to me told me advise him about letting her work after marriage? What was she thinking? Why would Prateek listen to some random guy who he met for the first time?’

‘I think Palak feels a little more free with you than Surajji, she feels like you are the cool older brother.’

Palak thought of him as a brother? As if he didn’t have enough problems with one sister back home. People were so quick to form relationships here weren’t there?  He said ‘Of course she will feel more free with me ----- Suraj behaves like he has a stick up his a@#!‘

‘Arnavji!’ Khushi cut him off. ‘Please stop talking like that!’

‘Alright, so explain this to me. If Palak is my sister, then does that make Suraj my brother? And if so, will you be Suraj’s sister?’ he asked her with a poker face.

Khushi just stared at him like he had just grown tow horns and then turned and walked away to her room.

That night Arnav entered the bedroom to find Khushi standing in her blouse and petticoat. She had just picked up her kameez in her hands when she spotted him. She clutched the cloth to her chest and snapped.‘What are you doing here?’

‘What do you mean what I am doing here? Looks like you have forgotten that you have given up the extra rooms for Palak’s wedding guests!’  Right now his room was occupied by half a dozen giggling school girls.

‘Oh!’ said Khushi hitting her forehead with her hand, ‘that’s right…’

‘How am I supposed to work with all this din?’ he asked her exasperated.

‘Kamlamaasi asked me and I couldn’t refuse,’ she explained. Why did she have to feel guilty about it? She hadn’t asked him to come here and work, had she? She defended herself,‘This is not Delhi! Here in Lucknow we help our neighbours.’

‘Oh believe me Khushi, I am painfully aware of the fact that this is not Delhi!’ he bit out.

‘Good! Now go out -----I have to change!’ she snapped back.

Arnav walked slowly into the room toward her, and stood in front of her looking at her from her head to toe. As he leaned in, her dhak-dhak began in a slow rhythm and she took a step backward only to realize that he was picking up a file that was kept on the table next to her.

‘I only came here to take this,’ he said and walked back to the door. Then, he turned around and said, ‘I think you are forgetting that I have seen you in a lot less Khushi.’ Giving her a scorching gaze he stepped out, knowing that Khushi was probably shooting daggers with her eyes, pouting her cute lips.

The next morning, when Khushi woke up, she realized that she was lying practically on Arnav. Her left hand lay on his wide muscular chest, her breasts pressed against his chest, her head resting on his left arm. Her face was nuzzling in the crook of his neck and her left leg was lodged snugly between his legs. Her hand tingled as it brushed the hair on his hard chest and as she looked up at his sleeping face, her hands moved up of their own volition to touch the roughness of his cheeks.She was reluctant to leave the warmth of his body.

Then she suddenly realized that the room was cold -----he had switched on the AC when he had come to bed after working till late. That was probably why she had hugged him -----to keep herself warm. Maasiji had put her in a fix by asking her for the spare bedrooms, how was masiji to know that she didn’t share the bedroom with her husband? And this husband of hers had thrown all the pillows that she had neatly arranged in the centre, to the floor!She slowly disengaged herself and turned around. Just as she was about the raise herself, a strong arm wrapped around her waist just below her breasts, pulling her flush against himself ashis lips brushed against the side of her neck. Her heartbeat accelerated to full zoom and heat pooled in the pit of her stomach as she felt his arousal against her lower back. After a few seconds she realized that he was still asleep!She quickly extricated herself from him and rushed into the bathroom.

**

A few days later, Khushi was busy in the kitchen preparing food for the boxes. Arnav was in the courtyard exercising with a vengeance. She could sense that there had been some tension brewing on the work side, as he had been very irritable from the past few days. He was on the phone a lot yelling at Aman, Akash and a bunch of other people who were apparently responsible for messing up a new project that was very important. But something told her that he was most irritated with himself as he wasn’t able to give his 100% being here in Lucknow. She knew that he ran into trouble often with the internet connection going down in the middle of an important meeting, network problems with the phone and the fact that he missed all the important meetings with clients visiting the headoffice in Delhi. Added to all this, the rooms being occupied by the girls had curtailed his privacy a lot. As she felt an inkling of guilt, she stemmed it. She hadn’t asked him to come out her, had she? She took her frustration out on the chapati dough. Just then, she heard the door bell and went up to the door. It was Palak. She had come to check with them if the night’s dinner was confirmed.

‘What dinner?’ asked Arnav, as he stood up wiping the sweat off his face.

‘Khushi, didn’t you tell Arnavji that all the young crowd have planned a dinner and a movie tonight?’

‘I …I thought you might not be able to go as you have been working late every night for the past one week.’

‘Arnavji, try to come with us na?’ pleaded Palak, ‘Please, please, please…….’

‘There is no need for all this Palak, I would have come anyway. It’s just that I didn’t know.’ He said staring at Khushi.

That evening Khushi got dressed for dinner and went up to the guest bedroom to call Arnav who had locked himself in there since lunch time. The girls were at Palak’s place, freeing up some space for him. As she was about to knock on the door she heard him say a familiar name. Her hand froze before it touched the door -----

‘Lavanya! Sorry I should have called earlier…..’

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‘I said I was sorry!’

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‘You have no idea how things have been here…… ‘

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‘Yeah…..yeah…. I understand…… I shouldn’t have done that……it was a mistake…..’

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‘There have just been too many distractions……..’

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‘It’s been such a relief that you are there……….I don’t know what I would have done if it was not for you!’

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‘Absolutely…….I will come there and set everything right.’

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‘I can’t thank you enough Lavanya…..see you soon…bye!’

Khushi ran back to her room, her heart thudding so loud she thought everyone might be able to hear it. What did he mean by that conversation? It seemed like he was lamenting to his ex-girlfriend. Did he still have feelings for her? It was a mistake…..  Had he finally given up trying to convince her to go back? She thought about the passionate kiss they had shared a few days ago ……Then Shyam’s words came back to her ---

The truth is that Arnav has never been faithful to any woman in his life. He is greedy, you see he can’t be content with one when there are so many ready to fall into his hands. Oh, I have no doubt why he wants you --- your exquisite beauty tempts his rather jaded appetite -----  but when the bloom’s worn off he’ll discard you like a broken toy and never give you another thought……

Hey Devi Maiyya! Did he want both? She was his responsibility and Lavanyaji…..wasshe his true love?

**

Arnav realized that someone was calling out for him. He came out to see that Palak’s cousins were standing there all dressed up to go out somewhere. Oh the dinner!

‘Oops I completely forgot girls, give me 5 minutes ok,’ he rushed back to his room to change. No problem jeejaji…. The words wafted after him as he quickly donned on some casual clothes. This time he chose a blue shirt to wear over his black jeans.

‘Alright let’s go……where’s Khushi?’ he asked them as he walked towards the door.

‘Khushi jiji already left in Suraj bhaiyya’s car ……along with Palak and Prateekjeejaji.’ One of the girls told him.

What the f!@#! Why hadn’t she come and remind him?

When they reached the restaurant, he saw her sitting between Palak and Suraj. His brown eyes turned a shade darker when he saw her looking gorgeous in a hot pink anarkali suit. But when he saw her smiling to something Suraj was saying, his temper rose a couple of notches. He greeted Palak and Prateek with smile as he sat across from her with two of the girls sitting on either side of him.

‘Too much work Arnavji?’ enquired Palak as he sipped from a glass of water.

‘Not really it’s just that someone forgot to remind me that it was time for dinner.’ He stared pointedly at Khushi.

‘Palak, please tell him I am not hissecretary!’ she declared staring right back.

‘Oh o…..jeeji seems to be upset about something,’ said one of the girls and began to giggle.

‘Well…..jeeji is always upset about something or the other….. so let’s forget that….. girls----go ahead and order whatever you like. It will be my treat in honour of the bride and groom to be!’ Arnav announced to the group.

All the girls except Khushi gushed with pleasure at the grand gesture. Khushi knew better. The Laad Governor could be charming when he wanted to be. How else would he have attracted all the women in his life? It was only she who had never been subjected to his charm…….

Once the orders had been placed, the girls attacked him with questions, ‘Arnav jeejaji, is your house really that big? Do you really have so many cars? I wish I could find someone like you jeejaji……’

Before he could say anything, he heard Suraj say sharply to girls, ‘Mehek, Sonal ….. you shouldn’t say things like that! Money is not everything in this world!’

‘Bhaiyya, they are just having fun,’ said Palak affably, ‘Just let them be.’

‘This is not a laughing matter Palak,’ he admonished his sister, ‘People need to be treated with love, understanding, trust and respect. And these things cannot be bought with money!’

Arnav got the feeling that Suraj’s conversation had more to it than he was implying, so he decided to respond, ‘But Suraj, don’t you think money has its advantages? People come and work for you because you pay them. Not because they love you.’ he smirked.

‘Maybe not Arnavji, but they would go the extra mile for you because of that.’ He countered.

‘My employees go the extra mile …..for extra cash…..it’s called overtime payment.  But then I wouldn’t know how it works in sweet shops….’ Arnav’s tone seemed innocent enough but Khushi knew that it was dripping with sarcasm….especially in his reference to sweet shop.

‘Employees can be bought with money Arnavji…. but these things don’t work in personal relationships.’ Suraj argued.

So Saint Suraj had subtly changed the course of the conversation to the real point. It was time to put that idealistic moron in his place. ‘Actually, I partially agree with you on that one Suraj. For personal relationships, just money may not completely do the job. You also need to have a certain charm to make the person happy.’ He suddenly turned his head and looked at Khushi with a gaze that scorched the very depths of her soul and said‘It takes a lot of talent to satisfy someone by taking them to new heights making them feel out of this world.You know what I am talking about, don’t you Khushi.’

There was no mistaking the meaning of what he had just said and Khushi turned the deepest shade of red. Luckily for her the younger girls didn’t have a clue what was being talked about. They had begun to chatter and giggle amongst each other. But Suraj had visibly stiffened at Arnav’s last comment. Khushi couldn’t believe he had said that. How could he publicly hint at something that was so very personal between them? She stood up abruptly and excused herself to go to the wash room. Palak joined her.

‘I don’t know what’s gotten into him Palak…’ she lamented as the y washed their hands.

‘So what Khushi? I thought what he said was quiet romantic. So tell me…..does he make you feel out of this world?’ She asked her mischievously.

‘Palak!’ she blushed and turned away from her.

‘Khushi…don’t think you can get away from this conversation,’ Palak’s voice stopped her. ‘One of these nights I am coming over for a slumber party. You can give me all the juicy details once my pesky cousins go to sleep.’

‘I don’t think so!’ said Khushi aghast at her best friend’s demands.

‘Khushi, don’t be ridiculous, who am I supposed to ask about this, my mother?’

As the group stood in the parking lot of the restaurant, Arnav tried to get himself out of the movie plan when he heard the movie’s name was Ishqzaade. He was sure it was going to be a teeny bopper love story and would bore him to death. Khushi’s head was splitting and she was in no mood for the movie either. Suddenly, one of the girls asked innocently, ‘Why can’t you both go to the movie? What do you plan to do after you go back home?’ She got shushed by the other girls followed by muffled giggles.

‘Of course we will go……’ bit out Arnav, ‘Moreover I think my car will be needed as I don’t think all of you will fit into the Santro.’

‘We will manage if you really want to go,’ countered Suraj.

‘Let’s just go to the damn movie!’ Khushi wished she could bang both their heads together. Just as she was about to take a step, she felt Arnav’s hand at her waist.

‘My car has been complaining about your absence my dearest wife,’ he said sweetly. But Khushi knew better. He was doing this just to spite Suraj. Arnav disliked anyone who opposed him in his views. This was so unfair of him. She walked back with him quietly, a barely controlled temper suffusing her frame.

As they drove back home after the movie, Arnav wondered how anyone could sit through that insufferable movie. But then he thought most movies were insufferable. The young girls seemed to have affected by its intensity. But it was the girl sitting beside him that troubled him the most. Something was bothering her for sure. She had been extremely quiet since….. he couldn’t even remember when. His work load had increased so much in the last 4-5 days, it wasn’t even funny. He would have to talk to her and figure out what was bugging her so much.

As soon as they were back home, Arnav rushed to his laptop. His phone had been overflowing with messages regarding the delay in the new project and he had a lot of damage control to do. He would have to finish working on the damn proposal tonight. After a while, he remembered that he had to talk to Khushi. He entered the bedroom quietly to see that lights were switched off. He wondered if she had already slept when he saw her silhouette by the window, partially illuminated by the moonlight streaming through it. He realized she was crying when he heard a sniffle. He went up to her and held her by her shoulder, his forehead creased in concern.

‘Shhhh Khushi what happened? Why are you crying?’ he asked as he brought her closer to him self.

Suddenly her body was racked with sobs as she tears started streaming down her face furiously.

‘God, Khushi stop it!’ he whispered hoarsely as he pulled her flush against him and with one hand and with the other hand he lifted her face up to him. Her eyes were closed but the tears continued to flow. He decided to stop them in the only way he knew how. He bent his head to her face and kissed the tears, on one side. He saw her screw up her eyes as she let out a gasp at his touch. He then repeated his action on the other side. Her eyes remained closed but her breathing had altered as she began to take shorter breaths with her mouth open.

He then ran his tongue under the inside of her lips from one end to the other. Her hand that had been resting on his chest suddenly clutched him harder as he continued his exploration of her lower lip. His lips then moved to her chin, tracing the contours of her jaw, down her throat till they reached the low cut of her neck line. His hands then moved around her waist up her back to zipper at the back of her kameez. He slowly brought it down as his other hand peeled her kameez off her shoulders down to her waist.

He bent his heads to kiss the valley between her breasts, raining wet kisses down her rib cage until he reached her navel. Then holding her tiny waist with both hands, he trust his tongue inside. ‘Oh Khushi…… I missed this so much!’ he groaned hoarsely.

His words suddenly broke into the sensual magic that he had entrapped her in. She tried to push him away as she said, ‘Why are men such cads? All he wanted to do was to sleep with that girl!’

Arnav continued to kiss his way up her body ‘What? …Oh! …. In the movie?’ he continued up her rib cage, into the valley between her breasts, ‘Well….. the girl was pretty stupid!’ he mocked as he nibbled up to her neck, ‘How could she not know?’

‘How would the poor girl know that men are such cads that they will do anything to get their own way?’ she said vehemently.

‘Khushi?’ Arnav lifted his head to look at her eyes flashing and her body shaking with anger.

‘They will even go to extent of marrying without thinking one second what she will have to go through! Without thinking for one second that she might be an innocent girl!’ she spat out.

What was she talking about?‘Are we still talking about the movie?’ he asked quietly as he took a step back. He thought Khushi was not making any sense at all.

‘All they want is a woman’s body! …..Nothing else matters to them!’ she continued in her rage.

His own temper rose as her incoherent accusations continued, ‘Khushi! I don’t know why we are talking about this all of a sudden. But let me tell you that women also want a man’s body ----it’s just that they pretend like they don’t. That’s the only difference.’

‘Women never pretend!’ she shot back, ‘They are helpless when a man forces himself on her!’

Arnav put his hands up as he took a few more steps back. ‘Is this what this was all about?’ he whispered hoarsely his face stoic.‘You think I am forcing myself on you?’ He walked away from her leaving her half undressed, her tears streaming down her face. At the door, he turned back and said in a clear voice, ‘If you think that what happened a few minutes ago, was force ------ then you are just fooling yourself Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada!’

When Khushi looked up, she saw the door banging shut. She pulled on her kameez with shaking fingers and climbed into bed. She had no more tears to shed as she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep exhausted.

In the morning Khushi woke up all alone in her bed. She still had a raging headache. A little later she went into the kitchen and made two cups of tea. As she sat quietly sipping her tea, she realized something. There was no trace of Arnav’s lap top in the living room or the dining table. She rushed into her room and opened the wardrobe. His clothes were gone. One of the suit cases was missing. Hey Devi Maiyya he really had left!