- “Kushi Bitia , we have the methai contract for the Raizada wedding all the wedding functions and the menhdhi dinner ,all the meals over the week are to be catered by us can you help ? It would mean a lot to me if you could take a week off . OK make it 5 days and come back to work with me . No one makes jelabi like you or gulab jaman or as a matter of fact most anything sweet !”
Babuji ,if you need me I ‘ll take 3 weeks off !, this is the first time you have asked me how could i dream of saying no to you. I nave plenty holiday due. Gupta Mithaaii’s zindabaag!
It had been a long time since Babuji had ask Khushi for anything. She remembered the last time as a child that she helped babuji . It was at a wedding Sheesh Mahal she mad all the jelabi there , the bride loved them so did her nani . They were the only two kind people at the wedding , they had taken time out to say hello and thankyou . To everyone else she was invisable . The bride’s brother had been intolerable and every time she went to deliver methai he was always thanked by him pulling her pigtails or making fun of her .
She learnt very quickly in that week to keep her mouth shut not let herself be made the brunt of every joke and kept out of everyone’s way. It was Arnav Malik who pulled her pigtails but it was also him that came to her rescue one day when she had been trapped by a group of elder boys who were pushing her around saying she was poor ,it didn’t count they could fell her bum and touch her breasts see what it felt like.Maybe if she was lucky they would let her show them her breasts and if she was honoured they would let her be kissed by them. Khushi was terrified and then Arnav Malik joined the group ….He broke the group down and scattered then to all different parts of the house by his glare .
He picked up Khushi dupatta and placed it over and gently led her back to her Dad and said sorry , Uncle ji take her home and never take her to places like this. There won’t always be people like me to help, to know where to draw the line , what is mischief and what isin’t .
“thankyou chotte Saab ”
“Arnav , uncleji , take her home now !”
Khushi had so traumatised from that event that she never thanked Arnav Malik for coming to her aid – but his words echoed in her ears for years to come – You are not a victim , you are a born fighter , grow up and show them that you are there equal money alone does not buy honour ”
Khushi had , proved them all wrong . She licked her wounds for a while and then came out fighting. She decided that she was going to be more than a mithaiwalas daughter . She was not going to school and then come out at age 16 get engaged and then married at 17 and first baby by 18 . There was nothing wrong with that but it was not for her .
She studied really hard topped in all her academic subjects , swam for her university team, jumped hurdles like a pro and shot like only a champion does. She got herself onto the scholarship programme and qualified as a doctor and went onto specialize as a cardiologist consultant .
From the day of the sheesh mahal incident she helped her father at the shop or at home but she never went anywhere with him. That day was never spoken of again but both father and daughter knew how much was owed to Arnav Malik. A debt that could never be repaid. Only a father could understand how much he owed.
Shashi Gupta had said no to the original order about catering the Raizada wedding and continued to say no , that it was not an issue of money but distance ; the wedding was in Delhli.
Arnav couldn’t bear to see the disappointment on Di face and so had decided to drop in on the mithaiwala to convince him to cater the wedding of the century. Money and free publicity that would be gained that mithaiwala would never have to work in this shop again. This contract would secure the mithaiwala’s future -it would be the goose that laid the golden egg.
He walked in oozing power and wealth but one look at each other ” Chotte Saab aap?”
“Uncle ji app?”
They were both transported to incident 15 years ago.
“Chotte Saab what can i do for you tea ,coffee , cold drink ?”
“Your daughter how is she ?”
“Every fathers dream – she has done well saab and made me very proud”
“Uncle ji maybe you can help me, I am here looking for a mithaiwala, KP Mitaiwala and family my sister getting married and she wants them to cater for the wedding.”
“It would be an honour Chotte Saab ”
“pardon ”
“You want KP Mitaiwala and family to cater your sisters wedding , and I said it would be an honour. I am KP Mitaiwala and family. Khushi ,Payal and me hence KP Mitaiwala and family. You just tell me how many people when and where and leave the rest up to me !”
“So why have you been refusing our wedding order?”
“But saab you haven’t asked me ?”
“Raizada wedding – 1 week all functions over 1000, guests in Dehli”
“But saab you ‘re Malik – oh i see it must be the grooms surname -Sorry saab its a misunderstanding of course we will do it – as though it were my own daughter’s wedding ”
“Raizada is my name since ….since ….” Pain filled those eyes for a second and then were shuttered . The Icy glaze returned .”
Shashi understood that day had been a turning point for everyone in SheeshMahal. He had left bringing home a petrified sobbing Khushi home but tragedy had struck that house in a big way that day . The barat returned home , the bride didn’t get married and Arnavs parents both died .”
“Saab its your sister wedding Anjali Malik”
“No my sisters wedding Anjali Raizada !”
“I will come down because of that day and do whatever is required of me Saab name the date send me numbers and location ”
“I want the best for my sister – she wants you so does my nani so you’ve got the contract ”
“Babuji , why was it necessary for you to help at this wedding?” – making more jelabi serving it in plates. She was working so hard for her babuji there was anything she wouldn’t do.
Her work rate and helpfulness had not gone unnoticed by any member of the family. If something needed fixing she fixed it glued it sewed it plugged it . in that weekand a half she had become indispensible to Nani, Mami ji and Di . She had somehow become the events manager. She knew the coming and goings of everything to do with the wedding.
“I am not wearing that and its final , i will come for the puja and thats only for you Di but i will come in my suit !”
Pindrop silence could be heard as Arnav Singh Raizada voice could be heard over the whole house .
Di looked “Ok Chotte but please come ”
Finally after being in this bedlam she had heard the voice of the great Arnav Singh Raizada but not met him .
Soon the house was back to its manic self people scurrying around like little mice just general wedding chaos surrounded the house.
Khushi took her cup of tea and quietly snuk away to the only part of the house which seemed to have no madness . For some reason this was the only part of the house that was infested with marriage madness. The pool, the plants , the quiet was just what Khushi needed. She sat at the poolside with her feet dangling in drinking her tea. She swirled her feet in the water making patterns closing her eyes and humming to herself.
What the hell who was in his room , he could hear the humming he looked but could see no one , and then suddenly hidden behind the table an angel, her eyes closed playing in the water . She was stunningly beautiful and yet ever so slightly familiar. He couldn’t quite grasp the memory ; He could almost taste the familiarity of the memory but at the last minute the haze wouldn’t lift. He went across to her and towered over his wet hair dripped onto Kushi face ,her eyes instantly open her heart stopped in fear and she jackknifed into the sitting position .
“What the hell?”
“What do you mean what the hell ?, who are you and what are you doing in my room ?”
“I’m Khushi , and I’m sorry but I was escaping the bedlam , that other world out there for a while in this sanctuary , to recharge my batteries. What happens to normal people at wedding times do their brains stop working properly. I seem to move from crisis to crisis. this should not be called a wedding -it should be called crisis management ”
“What crisis has ocuured ?”
“Oh not much , I have just had to spend an unecessary 20 mins calming the bride down because her stupid idiotic brother won’t wear a pyjama /kurtha. I mean will it kill the guy to wear some thing for 15mins and make her special occasion special . NO the dumb ass has to say NO ! and upset her. His no has spoiled her moment she does so much for him everyday – you can’t do this till Arnav leaves or you can’t do this because he is at home , this has to be this way for him. Then I feel bad and have to calm her down. I mean all she wanted from that arse hole was to wear a pyjama ?kurtha. Opps sorry i really shouldn’t cuss like that. But when i am tired and annoyed my mouth just runs away with itself. I’m sorry for invading your space but i’ll leave you now . I have recharged my batteries -thanks for the peace and letting me blow my steam off.”
“You can use my sanctuary anytime ”
Khushi jumped up shook his hand and left -“I think you are the only sane person inthois madhouse . What is your name ?”
“Khushi , Khushi where are you ?”
“Aye nani ji” and with that she turned and runoff not hearing Arnav’s words “I’m the dumb arse”.
Arnav senses tingled , he could still smell her jasmine scent long after she had left . The hairs on his neck were raised . Just thinking about her made him smile. He really was a dumb arse as she had so eloquently put it ;his selfish behaviour had made his sister cry on what was meant to be her happiest day . He remembered the last time di was supposed to be married it was as though someone had walked over his grave.
Later that night as every sat round for the pooja Di gave Arnav a reminder call , please come down – Pooja is about to start . Everyone caught sight of Di ‘s face stunned shock and her eyes brimming . The family turned in the direction of her gaze Arnav Singh Raizada wearing a Lucknowy pyjama /kurta .
Di went up to him and hugged him and thanked him “Chote you have made my day perfect – what made you change your mind ?”
“Nothing I was reminded by someone to think about what made you smile and how much though you put in everyday to make me happy . Shall we ?”
The pooja was over over .” These ladoo are really good -uncle ji has outdone himself this time ”
“Uncle didn’t make them Khushi did them -they are sugar free for you ”
Arnav smiled and continued to eat . He went out looking for Khushi apparently as he had come to find out she was the even planner for this wedding. “Arnav thankyou for hiring Khushi , she is the best event planner I have come across ”
“Err……Di…I haven’t hired an events manager ,I haven’t hired Khushi , I only asked her father to cater the food for 2 weeks .Come to mention it I have seen a single bill or receipt for any of the food “.There was confusion as they all looked around each other asking if Di had paid or Nani or Akash.
“Oh look there’s Khushi – Khushi bitia”
“aye Nani ! I’m just laying out the dinner for everyone ”
“Khushi are you the events organizer for this wedding ?”
“If by that you mean do i know whats going on and solving little problems do that Anjeli Di has a perfect day -then i suppose yes . ”
“Who employed you ?”
“No one – i kind of fell into that role ”
“Ok Khushi lets make it official nani Di , Khushi is the wedding planner /events manager – just put your bill in and I will see that it gets paid ”
Now i have to go and find Uncle ji
Arnav found Uncle and on probing asked why had he not seen any expenses .” Son , I have come down because of that day you rescued my daughter at Sheesh Mahal – there are no expenses .”
” What – no ! Uncleji , you can’t do that ”
“Arnav , if you want KP Mitaiwala and family they wont work at this wedding , if you ask your old uncleji to cater the wedding of course I will”
Arnav saw the futility of the situation-in time he would find a way – no way a mithaii wala could afford this expense but this was a matter of pride – He would have to find another way.
It was 2:00am in the morning Khushi checked up on everything house cleaned up breakfast set up for tomorrow clothes for all the ladies how had she ended up in this position but her Babuji had asked her help and that was that . This family must be special he just said it was debt that he could never repay to this family, so he wasn’t going to even try.
She needed downtime and needed to relax before going to sleep , she could spend half an hour then go to sleep -that would be enough sleep . She operated on a lot less when the situation warranted.
She picked herself up a large glass of lemon water and went to poolside , flipped open her laptop , updated her emails checked on her cases got the latest reports on her patients discussed a case that was being planned and finally switched to Skype and was chatting to her friend Sam , whispering away laughing quietly planning their next escapades.
Arnav heard the tinkle of laughter from the poolside- at this time – who could it be he woke up and listened carefully -yes this is a manic house -how do people cope with this shaadi waadhi rubbish . Honestly if i had to get married in this zoo i would shoot my self, and they don’t have any downtime . This family is mad mad mad but absolutey loveable . Ok Sam I KKG has to go to bed before the clock strikes other wise this this cinderella will be completely screwed for tomorrows ball. Love you babes and see you in 2 weeks and counting.
“Hi khushi you not in bed ”
“Hi umm…ummm sorry you said i could come here and I needed downtime after everything was cleared away ”
“It’s half two what have you been doing for the last two and half hours ?”
“Cleaning setting up and prepping for tomorrow and chatting to my friends ”
“You work after we have gone to bed ”
“How else is one to complete all tasks set ”
“Goodnight Khushi !”
“Goodnight see you at breakfast ”
At Breakfast the next day normal mayhem ensued people shouting , demands being met , everyone asking Khushi , can I have toast , aloo paratha , cereal , pancakes . The demands of his family were endless but Khushi was coping with his family and he smiled .
“Stop it ! All of you ! ”
Pindrop silence ,time stopped .
“Khushi please make two types of breakfast and not 50 and you all will eat it , this is a home not a restaurant ”
A moment silence …LOTs of sorries followed.
Khushi silently mouthed a thank you at Arnav and she returned to the kitchen and the noisy hullabaloo restarted.
Twenty minutes later breakfast arrived , everything arrived , pancakes ,muffins , cereal toast egg , omelet , fruit ,aloo paratha toast and orange juice .
“I thought i said …”
Khushi interrupted- “Saab – Shaadi ka ghar hai , babuji ki izzat ka sawal hai or meri jaan . If babuji ,finds out i have not done as asked, he will hang me ,as far I’m concerned your the lesser of two evils , So sorry he’s my boss not you . I follow his orders. Khushi koi kami nehi honi chaiyeh humari part per . There should be nothing wanting in our effort , every wish should be fulfilled . Salam Saab !”
The whole family burst into reams of laughter at her mistake of both him and her father .
After Khushi left to get more food , Arnav was shocked to learn that Khushi was Uncle ji daughter .
She had grown into a stunning beautiful creature , she had a spirit for laughter and fun , she seemed to have survived that day’s trauma , unlike him who had scars that were cut deep into him. Or was she still carrying them ,hidden behind the facade of laughter , the only difference was his were hidden behind the famous ASR temper.
Wedding arrangements continued , it was haldhi and mehndhi tonight.
“Khushi can i have a word with you ”
“Not now , is it to do with either mehendhi or the haldhi – No – then later err…err.. Saab ”
“Stop calling me Saab ,Khushi ”
“Well I don’t know your name … you have me at a disadvantage…. Saab ”
“I’m the dumb arse ….. Arnav Singh Raizada ”
Khushi face turned a healthy shade of red .
“Err …I’m…. sorry ….woh ……you see…..”
“Khushi -don’t worry I needed that lesson ”
“Sorry .. tea later in the sanctuary about 3:00 – that will be the calm before the storm ”
“It’s a date ”
Arnav turned on his heel and left unknown to him smiling like a Cheshire cat feeling very happy with himself .
Khushi felt happily stupid at the words its a date . No he didn’t mean its a date – He meant it is a date just a cup of tea -well whatever . She had work to do for now.
This interaction was not missed by Anjali or nani whose eyes were almost exploding out of there sockets. Arnav smiling and that too at a girl .
Di pulled Nani as hard as she could into a secluded area “Nani did you see Chote face -he smiled at Khushi and he wore a Pyjama Kurta for the pooja -It has to be Kushi hand behind this . Have you noticed he has started smiling when she is around . There is something brewing ? Nani err does it worry you that she is a Mithaiwalas Daughter ?”
“Anjali if she has got his heart i dont care whose daughter she is , she has to keep hime happy !”
“So nani shall we ask babuji for her hand after the wedding , you already know how hardworking she is and what a lovely caring person she is ?”
“Anjali that depends on your Chote – but we will help him like all good interfering families do !”
It was much later on that day three to be precise Khushi made tea for herself and went with an extra up to the sanctuary for her regular down time -but there was no Arnav .
How stupid of herself why would he come and he was bound to be busy. Khushi aimlessly drank her tea looked at her reflection and drew puddles. Half an hour that’s it tea break over she got up and left disappointed that she had had tea alone.
Back to the mendhi -nearly everything was in place just minor touch ups here and there.
“Damm.Damm and double Damm” – he had got held up he was half an hour late he rushed straight to the poolside and found a cold cup of tea and lots of paper boats floating. He smiled to hinslf Khushi . Khushi , he had better find her .
“Khushi Khushi ”
“mmm”
I said “Khushi ”
“mmm”
“Where are you and what are you doing ?”
He caught sight of her and the laughter bubbled up from inside him and let loose it erupted like a dormant volcano coming into life.
It was the funniest sight he had seen in a while , he couldn’t hear Khushi’s mutterings but a picture is worth a thousand words.She stood there entangled like a fly in a web,hundred of lights flashing on and off like a Christmas tree.
“If you have fought enough with those lights let me help let me help ”
One by one slowly painstakingly he disentangled Khushi explaining and apologising for missing their date but he had enjoyed his cold cup of tea and the paper boats in his pool.
Khushi looked up and smiled “fancy a catch up later after everyone has gone to bed and I have done all my jobs. If you are there your there and if not don’t worry ”
“I’ll be there !”
“Works calling ” Arnav reluctantly let her go he knew the jobs never finished.
At the mehendi ,he watched her from afar directing people , serving people, making sure Di mehendi flowed without pause , everything needed was at hand . Dancing started and they all danced he watched Khushi deftly avoid it.
“He came up to her you not joining in ?”
“I don’t dance and besides If the help dances who will do the work ? “”I remember you dancing “his mind flew back to memories not forgotten but buried deep inside him. Upstairs in Sheesh Mahal a young Di having mehndhi put on ,her friends dancing as non stop music flowed.Downstairs below in the angann (courtyard ) a little girl dance her heart out to the music whilst her father continually told her off and smiled “Khushi stop come and help -Pagal laldkhi”. Mehndhi finished and after the final guests left by 1.00 am . Arnav watched as OP and HP and an army of people cleared away the flowers and decorations taken down and different coloured ones replaced the old colour scheme an indication that haldhi was next . Breakfast laid out everything laid placed properly ready for the next day. Khushi told the staff who was to turn up in the morning and then later staggered the staff so that all got rest. I’ll be here in the morning and evening but not the afternoon you guys will have to manage. Then suddenly OP appeared Khushi Bitia your tea and your bag as everyone was about to leave “thanks OP Goodnight . She looked at her watch -not bad 4:00 she check her mails and the get some shuteye only 3 more days of madness left .
Arnav quickly scurried away from his vantage point to his room would she turn up for their date .
Khushi walked into the calming room to be greeted with a cold cup of tea and an empty cup of coffee , there were coloured paperboats in the pool to accompany her soggy ones from earlier . It had been his turn to wait. She laughed gently at the site and opened her emails .
Arnav quietly watched her undisturbed surprised at her speed at which her hands deftly flew across the keyboard. She was obviously no stranger to a laptop or keyboard . Why was he surprised because she was a mithaiwala’s daughter , or was he stereotyping her because of her background or beause she was a girl. He was secretly pleased that she was so accomplished . What he heard next did not please him at all.
“Hi Sam , babes I’m not waking you up ? ”
“To the contrary i was waiting for your call so I could go to sleep ”
“We are a right pair , the two of us ”
“You are my habit and I am yours KKG – you and I have been a team for a long time ”
Arnav didn’t want to hear anymore this was obviously a lovers conversation he was overhearing , why was he so angry. He had no right over her but he was definitely attracted to her and if he had read the signs earlier she was to him. He left and returned to his bed and tossed and turned angrily – all fair in love and war. Arnav jackknifed up in bed love and war ! It hit him he was finally in love . He had always loved her ,thats why he pulled her pigtails ,he hadn’t known how to deal with his emotion all those years ago. Why he had been furious with those boys when they had tried to hurt her -thankgod he arrived in time or things could have been a lot worse and now why he liked spending time with her on his own or just simply watching her.
Well he didn’t think she wasn’t married , she didn’t wear a manglesutra or a wedding or engagement ring , no sindoor . Tomorrow was going to be very interesting .
Khushi on the other hand had shown her friend the the pool and told him about her two would be dates and the paper boats . The chant that Arnav missed was Sam singing KKG ‘s in Love and Khushi turning beetroot red , stammering but not denying it . What was the point ? this was the first time someone other than Sam had managed to pierce her protective armor that she had built around herself since she was a child and that horrible incident which had jaded her and haunted her most of her childhood and young adult life. She had never forgotten the boy who came to her rescue but it took her years of counseling to put the incident behind her and use it as a driving force to get her to where she was today. Khushi was still scared of men and had never danced since that momentous day . She avoided relationships with men and never discussed marriage . Her father had always protected her in that aspect, for Payal he had found a good match and she was happy but whenever Garima or Payal tried to discuss Khushi rishta or proposal it was shewill get married to someone she chooses or when she is ready . He closed the topic and it was no longer open for discussion . People talked it was because she was not his daughter like Payal , the first and only time he had raised his hand on Garima when she suggested something similar. It is because she is my daughter that she will decide when she gets married and if its never then that is fine but never suggest that I love my children differently , anymore or any less that there is any difference between my two girls. There were all witness to that conversation and that night the topic of Khushi marriage was a closed book .
Khushi fell asleep on the swing by the pool . As she slept Dreams of innocence changed into a kaleidoscope of colours dark images of her past pulling at clawing at her pulling at her further and further into to the abyss ,the unknown and from afar she could hear” Khushi Khushi wake up – your having a bad dream ”
Arnav had heard the the mutterings and sounds growing louder from outside he ran outside to find Khushi tossing and turning sweating talking she was having a bad dream ;It didn’t take much to realise what she was having a dream about . “Let me go!Please let me Go !”she was whimpering. Arnav woke her up .The fear was evident in her eyes . Khushi you’re safe wake up look its me Arnav. She looked up and fell against him in a heap he sat there holding her quivering mass as her breathing returned to normal . Both sat there a long while in total silence as the sun rose . Finally Khushi spoke thankyou for being here ”
“Well we had our first date and watch the sunrise , not the way i intended though. You have some demons are to share Khushi ? ”
“Not yet later Arnav Later right now i have to ensure that the haldhi ceremony proceeds without a hitch otherwise Arnav Singh Raizada will be after my babuji ”
Arnav laughed “No he wont !”
“Seriously Arnav thankyou for earlier ”
He liked sitting here with his arms around her and her leaning back on him. But for now it was time to get up .
“Khushi where do you sleep in this house , which is your room?”
“I don’t have a room ,if its too late for me to return like its has been the last couple of nights i find this swing the sofa anywhere to have a snooze and the I leave at 11.00 and return by 5.00pm ”
“What ? Has no one noticed ? I am going to have a word with Nani ”
“Arnav don’t worry , your house is bursting at the seams at the moment and i am only the help ”
“shutup Khushi , you are a lot more to this family you just haven’t worked it out and you are definitely a lot more to me ”
It was later on in the day when Aranv came home to the blare of music ok Arnav only two more days and then the house will be back to normal . And Khushi will be here . He had bought her a present . He never bought anyone presents he chose sari’s for di but never bought anyone else gifts .
It was nearing 3 .oo , he entered and found panic had taken over the house Chote look at my outfit for my haldhi there was a big burn mark in her choli .
“Di don’t worry I’ll get the duplicate sent across and we will adjust on you ok panic over what time is the dhula wala arriving ?”
“6:00 pm plenty of time and don’t forget Indian timing ”
“It’s an ASR wedding they won’t dare be late ”
“Ok then its the brides prerogative to be late . So don’t worry . Err has anyone seen Khushi ?”
“She said she was going to find a quiet corner and get some sleep for a couple of hours”
“ok ask HP to send some tea to the poolside ”
“Naniji did you hear he asked where was Khushi ? I think he really likes her i mean he really likes her lets go find her Babuji and see where he stands ?
“Devayani Ji you called me is everything ok ?”
“Shashi bhai take a seat please I want to talk about Khushi ”
“Devayani Ji i apologise for anything she may have done or said i can only apologise ”
“Please listen Khushi has not done anything wrong quite to the contrary she has done everything right , we like her very much and if it is agrreable withyourself we would like to ask for her hand in marriage for Chote if both of them are agreeable , but from what i have seen that shouldn’t be a problem ”
Shashi looked up with tears in his eyes ” It is a great honour that you would consider my daughter worthy of your family but when it omes to marriage that is entirely in Khushi,s hand she has to say yes . I cant say yes or no for her. I know it is a big honour but and she will never get such a good proposal but its down to her .I am really sorry i can’t speak for her ”
“Thats Ok but if she agrees then you have no problem”
“No but we cant afford such a grand wedding ”
“We like Khushi ,not what you can or can not give her as part of a wedding present , you have already given her so much morals values and a work ethic.”
Arnav knew where he would find her. There she was fast asleep on the swing. HP brought the tea in Arnav signaled him to quietly leave it and go.
Arnav quietly had his tea and then went over to the swing he sat and lifted Khushi feet and placed them on his lap and went to dozed off to sleep . Anjali came to find Arnav to tell him that the courier had arrived from AR designs and her blouse needed adjusting. She smiled with what she found you have got it bad Chote .
She came up to him and stroked his hair, Arnav’s eyes fluttered open look into his sisters questioning eyes
“What? he whispered
My choli needs adjusting and there,s only you i trust give me 10 more minutes shuteye and then ill sort it out ok .”
I’ll be back in 10 minutes . Anjali left smiling and as soon as the door closed she almost ran all the way to nani ‘s room .” Nani ji come with me i said i would be back in 10 minutes but you will miss it ”
Miss what Arnav and Khushi – “just come ”
By the time they had returned all they saw was Khushi smiling at Aranv.
Arnav turned “Di I see that you have brought re -enforcements and before you both start yes I like Khushi and she likes me but for now we have a haldi to get through ”
“Arnav ”
“Di , be quiet let me finish or i ‘ll pin this choli to you !”
“I was thinking that Khushi should wear the same colours as the family what do you think ?”
“Firstly Di you get married and let me deal with my own -” Damm what he let slip she was never gonna let that go
“Yehh she clapped her hands and started swinging Arnav round the room I knew it you like her , you love her ”
“Di.. Di.. Listen to me yes I love her but its gonna take time ”
“We already asked Babuji for her and he said it was entirely dependent on Khushi ”
“Di let us just work this out we have not had any time to talk and we will after the wedding ”
The next two days passed in a flurry of activity , Arnav and Khushi taking every opportunity to spend time with each other tease and laugh with each other .Khushi ‘s nightmare forgotten for the moment both just enjoying each others company .
Arnav waved goodbye to his sister and Khushi came up to watching the car drive off she slowly slid her hand into his and squeezed it and lay her shoulder on his” she will be back soon – us sisters we never go far, home always tugs at our heart to bring us back ”
“thanks Khushi -if it wasn’t for you i would have felt totally lost today ”
“Arnav you know i fly back tomorrow evening at 7.30 to Lucknow ”
“Yes , I know , so when are you moving in with me ”
“i’m not ”
“Ok let me rephrase that when are you marrying me and moving in with me ”
“Mr Raizada is that meant to be a proposal?”
“yup ”
“Where’s the bended knee the flowers the ring ? On a more serious note Arnav you know very little about me you don’t know my hang ups are or what my real work involves ”
“I know you have demons, I have my own , which person doesn’t ;we will deal with them together .As to your work, you can do as little or as much as you want as long as you dont leave me for to long at one time . I am very possessive ”
“I’ll marry you ”
“Finally she agrees- 3 weeks Ok for you ”
“What more like one year at least !”
“Ok, do you believe in sex before marriage ?”
“What ? NO! ”
“Then three weeks its gonna have to be ”
“Arnav its gonna take me at least 3 months to finish existing work projects and cases – there’s already a backlog since i took of 3 weeks without prior notice . i need to finish everything off neatly ”
“Sex before marriage it is !”
“No ”
“then three weeks it is and you can commute to Lucknow on a weekly basis till your work is complete. Lets go tell nani and one more thing a small wedding i hope not this circus that we have just been through”
“On that we both agree- 3 weeks if Babuji agrees and I can commute to Lucknow on a weekly basis till all my part is played out over there and then i can carry on working full time in Dehli . ”
“Ok as long as you spend enough time with me “Everyone was overjoyed at the news but not the speed of the wedding and how small it was -just family . Within 3 weeks the arrangements had been made for a small family wedding no one was sure who cried more Payal , Garima Shashi Nani or Di . They were even sure why they were crying probably the fact that both Arnav and Khushi had agreed to a wedding a fact that until recent events seemed highly improbable.
“Arnav do you even know what it is i do ?”
“Yeh you help your dad in the family business and are a party planner to boot ”
“No are you sure you dont want to delay the wedding till you find out about me ”
“Khushi no delays , no excuses ”
Ok Arnav let me show you my room ”
“Now that i like the sound of what are you going to do to me ? Promises promises ”
Arnv received a slap across his arm for that
“Look pay attention and stop nuzzling my neck ”
“Khushi those are contradictory statements you are saying pay attention , I’m, doing exactly that by nuzzling your neck ”
Look this is me at school ,winning the hurdles and winning the gold medal on the swim team. This is me graduating from med school and this is me laughing with my babuji and amma and Payal ,This is me with Payal.
Arnav looked at Khushi you are one truely accomplished individual .
“Arnav a long time a go i was trapped by a group of rich boys who thought i was worthless , A young boy rescued me ”
“I know that was me !”
“No it was Mr Maliks’s son ”
“I used to be known by the the name of Arnav Malik but after what my father did to my mother and the way that family behaved I took the name Arnav Sigh Raizada my maternal Grandfathers name.”
“So you were the boy who always pulled my pigtails ”
“Only because I liked you even then”
“It was those boys who are resposible for what i am today nightmares included. ”
“Khushi i will get rid of your nightmares .But please get rid of mine I have been dying to kiss you since i saw you this evening now quench my thirst women !”
They were both lost in each others arms when they heard Sam voice from outside Not yet Payal give them another 5 minutes . Khushi that’s 5 minutes then we are coming in whether you like it or not in really loud voice ”
“Arnav come and meet Sam , my best friend and ..”
“He was the guy you skype at all unearthly hours of the morning – are you sure he doesn’t see himself in my shoes ”
“Arnav as i was saying meet Sam ”
“Sam meet Arnav ”
“So this is guy you are leaving us for he had better take care of you properly ”
“That I will”
“Arnav he is also Payal’s husband ,my brother in law ”
Arnav now smiled ” feel free to speak to her at any stupid time you wish !”
Sam laughed “i get the feeling till about two seconds ago you were threatened by our relationship but not anymore ”
“What can i say you speak to a guy at three and two in the morning its easily misconstrued ”
They all laughed -“Welcome to our family “
My Blog IPKKND fan Fiction - I want a cupful of happiness - 