Arnav stood, his hands in his pockets, looking at the orangish pink hue of the sky, that was caused by the setting sun. His back faced the doorway to the poolside, but he knew it the second Khushi had come there. He straightened his posture "What do you want Khushi??" He asked without even turning around.
Khushi was a little surprised, she hadn't even made any sound yet.. so how did he know that she had come there? Could it be that he too was able to feel her presence, just like she always knew when he was around? Shaking her thoughts aside, she stepped into the poolside.
"Aapse baat karni thi Arnavji" (I wanted to talk to you Arnavji) She said in a small voice as she approached closer to him. He turned around, "ab kya baat karni hai?" (Now what do you want to talk?) He raised a brow "jo tumne pehle kaha tha woh kaafi nahi tha? aur kuch baaki reh gaya hai kya kehne ke liye?" (What you had spoken earlier was not enough? Is there something left for you to say?) Try as he may to hide it but his hurt was evident.
Khushi looked away as a wave of guilt washed over her, She had come to him with the intention of apologising for her words and then requesting him to change his mind, but now she knew that bringing up what ever she said earlier wouldn't get her anywhere, it would only increase his anger.. and most probably lead him into taking some other rash decision.
She was in half a mind to walk away, but she didn't like it that because of her foolishness, others were suffering, she looked up at him again "Lavanyaji, aur baaki sab pareshan hai.. Aapke sag..." (Lavanyaji and all the others are worried.. your engage..) She averted her gaze, "aapke aur Lavanya ji ke sag.." (Yours and Lavanyaji's engage..) talking to him about his engagement was harder than she thought it would be.
Arnav's brows came together, as he looked at her intently.. She cleared her throat "Lavnaya ji chahti hai ke unke amma babuji unke baaki rishtedaar, dost sab aap dono ke sag...gai mai aaye" (Lavanyaji wants her parents, other relatives, friends, everyone come for your both's engag...ement) She spoke looking at her feet. Arnav crossed his arms, it didn't escape his notice that she wasn't able to say that particular word.. it amused him a little.
He almost wanted to smile.. he cleared his throat "usne bheja tha tumhe mujhse baat karne ke liye?" (Did she send you to talk to me?) She shook her head, refusing to look up "Tho tum kyun aayi ho?" (Then why have you come?) His rude tone made her look up at him, the hurt in her eyes didn't deter him
"Agar kisiko mere decisions se problem hai toh woh mujhse directly baat kar sakte hai, tumhe koi zaroorat nahi hai unke mouth piece banne ki" (If someone has a problem with my decisions, they can talk to me directly, there is no need for you to act as their mouth piece)
Arnav was almost glaring at her by this point, but Khushi didn't back down either "Lavanyaji ro rahi hai.. Anjaliji, naaniji sab pareshaan hai aapke faisle se.. Kya aapko unn sab ke liye parva nahi hai Arnavji?" (Lavanyaji is crying.. Anjali, Naaniji everyone is upset with your decision.. do you not care about them Arnavji?)
"tum hoti kaun ho mere maamle mei interfere karne ki, aur mujhse yeh sab poochne ke liye?" (Who are you to interfere in my business and ask me all this?) she ignored that jibe "Jab Naaniji ne Panditji se baat karke muhurat ke liye tareek nikaal diya hai.. tho aap itne jald baazi.." (When Naaniji has spoken to the priest and noted down the auspicious dates.. then why are you in a hurry)
She took a deep breath, looking away "Sagai koi khel nahi hai Arnav ji..." (Engagement is not some game Arnavji) she started to say something, but stopped when she saw him take a step towards her. Khushi dared to look at his direction "Yeh tum mujhe samjaigi? TUM?" (You are going to explain this to me? YOU?)
She gulped but didn't look away "Waise Tumhari sagai kaunsi muhurat mai hua tha?" (By the way, on which auspicious date did your engagement take place?) Sarcasm dripped in his tone, Khushi looked away again "Hum humaari nahi aapke sagai ke baare mei baat kar rahe hai" (I am talking not about mine, but your engagement) She tried to keep her voice steady, memories of the very unceremonious and hurried engagement came in her mind
"Exactly!" Arnav took another step "Sagai meri hai" (Its my engagement) he took yet another step towards her "Khushi..." his tone wasn't harsh anymore "Meri sagai kal ho, dus din baad ho, agle saal ho, ya kabhi na ho usse tumhe kya fark padta hai?" (Why do your care if my engagement takes place tomorrow, after 10 days, next year, or never happens?) He bent his head a little, to look in her eyes, as she lowered her head, his eyes and voice held a lot of hope as he waited for her answer
She stood silent for a few seconds.. "Hhhhume koi fark nahi padta!" (I don't care) she said looking at the floor, then lifted her gaze to meet his "hum yahan sirf Lavanya ji ke kha..." (I am here only for Lavanyaji) her words died in her lips, he was looking at her like he could read her inner most thoughts, and she just couldn't lie looking into his eyes.
Arnav stepped back, the creases on his forehead clearing as realisation dawned, he looked to the pool for a second and then turned back to Khushi "So tumhe koi fark nahi padta, right?" (So you don't care, right?) Khushi's gaze flicked to the floor "Nahi" (No) she said with mustered up courage
Arnav smiled with a curt nod, it was clear in his eyes that something devious was going on in his mind "Okay then.." He held her hand "come with me" he started to walk "Aap hume kahan leke jaa rahe hai?" (Where are you taking me?) Khushi asked, her small feet trying to keep up with Arnav's long strides.
The two of them walked into the hall, the four ladies looked at the both of them curiously. Arnav stopped walking when he reached near the sofas, he let go of Khushi's hand and took a few steps forward "Lavanya, I am sorry," Everyone's eyes widened in surprise "Mai bina kuch soche yeh kehdiya tha ke sagai kal hogi... lekin.. Khushi ne mujhe samjhaya" (Without thinking about anything I said that engagement will take place tomorrow.. but.. Khushi made me understand)
He looked at her over his shoulder, she had a panicked look on her face "tho maine apna faisla badal liya..." (So I have changed my decision) Devyani and Lavanya let out a surprised smile, Manorama rolled her eyes and Anjali's curious mind came into play again
"Dates aap log ke marzi se tay karenge" (We will fix the date as per you all's wishes) Devyani's and Lavanya's smiled widened, Manorama looked at Arnav with wide eyes, and Anjali looked thoughtful. "hope you are happy now?" he directed the question at Lavanya, who nodded at him.
Arnav pursed his lips, looked over his shoulder again "ek aur decision liya hai maine" (I have taken another decision) He met everyone's quizzing gazes "Sagai ke saare arrangements..." (All the arrangements for the engagement..) He tilted his head, to indicate at Khushi "Khushi karegi!" (Will be done by Khushi!) Lavanya, Devyani and Manorama reacted just as he had expected, two wide smiles and one shocked wide eyed.
It was the reaction on his sister's face that he was not able to decipher "What?" he asked her, then thinking maybe she was just too surprised to react, he explained his decision "Maine usse office mai kaam karte hue dekha hai.. sincere and hardworking hai.. I think she will do a fantastic job" (I have seen her work in the office.. She is sincere and hardworking..)
He took a deep breath before continuing "mera aur Lavanya ka rishta tay karane mai Khushi ka bohot bada contribution hai, so I think it is only fitting to let her handle the engagement preparations.." (Khushi has a big contribution in finalizing the relationship between me and Lavanya) He looked directly at Lavanya "Right?", she nodded her head again with a broader smile.
He turned a little to look at Khushi, the discomfort in her eyes salved his ego, but his heart pained a little more. Ignoring the pang in his heart, he smirked at her, Khushi looked away. Anjali noticed the discomfort in Khushi's stance, and she also saw the challenging look Arnav was throwing Khushi.
Even if she wasn't completely certain on what was going on, she knew something was wrong with the picture in front of her.. "Chote.. Sagai ke tayyari mai bohot saare kaam karna hai.. aur hum Khushiji se yeh sab expect nahi kar sakte" (Chote.. there is a lot of work to be done in the preparation for the engagement, and we cannot expect all this from Khushiji)
Arnav turned to his sister, he did understand what she was trying to say, "dont worry di.. mai Khushi ko yeh sab free mai karne ko nahi bol raha hu.. yeh ek job hai.. and she will be paid for it" (I am not asking Khushi to do all this for free, it is a job) Anjali didn't know what else to say, it wasn't like she could confront him with her doubts in front of everyone "event planning ke liye ab market mai jo bhi rate hai, usse zyada hi dunga.." (What ever is the current market rate for event planning, I will give more than it)
He looked at Khushi directly "meri engagement ke saare kaam Khushi hi karegi, Hope you are okay with that Khushi" (Khushi will do all the work for my engagement,) Khushi gulped and looked away "Of course ASR" Lavanya stepped forward "Khushi humaari help karegi.. Karegi na Chamkeeli?" (Khushi will help us, You will right Chamkeeli?) Khushi gave a hesitant nod unable to refuse when Lavanya asked with such hope filled and happy eyes.
She then looked at Arnav, Khushi was almost close to tearing up.. and as usual it stabbed his heart.. He cleared his throat "ab mai kaam karne jaa raha hu.. Mujhe koi disturbance nahi chahiye" (Now I am going to do some work.. I do not want any disturbance) he went upstairs without so much as a glance to the rest of the family
"Hello hi bye bye... hum sab kitne samjhane ke koshish kiye the.. Arnav bitwa ek baat maan ne ke liye tayyaar nahi tha.. aur ee phati sadi paanch minute unse baat kari.. aur woh maan gaye.. aisa kya jaadu chadaya hai tumne humri bitwa pe? tumri har baat maan leta hai!" (How much did we all try to explain.. Arnav was not ready to listen to a word.. and this phati sadi spoke to him for five minutes and he relented.. What sort of sorcery have you done on our son? He listens to everything that you say!)
Manorama said thoughtlessly, making a face, leaving Khushi feeling extremely uncomfortable, Lavanya looked at Khushi, the two of them shared an awkward smile. Anjali's mind was piecing all the information together, the conclusions that she came up with made her head spin.. Devyani looked at her retreating figure of her grandson, trying to make sense of his behaviour.
Of course she was happy that he had relented to their wishes.. but there was something in his tone, in his words, that grained on her wise mind.. "Tayyaariyan shuru kare?" (Shall we start the preparations?) Khushi asked with a small smile, Devyani gave a small nod and everyone sat down, Lavanya and Khushi wrote down everything Anjali, Manorama and Devyani told them. Once they were done making the lists, Khushi bid everyone bye, promising to be arrive early the next day, to make an actual start on the preparations.
***
Khushi reached home just as the clock struck 7 in the evening, her whole family and the man who was now her fiancé was seated in the hall. She gave her father a small smile and was about to walk into the house, when Madhumati stood up and walked to her. "Jaldi se haath muh dho ke tayyaar ho jao.. Shyam Babua ke saat bahar jaana hai na?" (Quickly freshen up and get ready, you have to go out with Shyam right?)
Khushi had totally forgotten about the supposed dinner date, and when Madhumati mentioned it, she panicked. "Buaji.. hum bohot thak gaye hai" (Buaji.. I am really tired) She tried to give a lame excuse and her words irked the older woman, "Aisa kaa kaam karke aayi hai jo tumhe thakkan ho rahi hai?" (What work did you do to get so tired?) Khushi really didn't understand why her aunt was being so rude to her, she was already very hurt and did feel physically drained as well, her aunt's rudeness was just adding on to it
Garima stood up and came towards the two of them "Jiji.. hum nahi chahte hai ke Khusi Shyam bitwa ke saath akele bahar jaaye.. oo bhi raat mai" (Jiji.. I don't want Khusi to go out alone with Shyam.. that too at night) Everyone present in the hall was surprised, Payal, Khushi and Sashi was really happy, he prayed that his wife would be able to hold her ground against his very persistent sister.
Shyam and Madhumati were shocked "Kaahe Garima.. Shyam babua aur Khusi ki sagai hogayi hai.. tho inhe saath ma bahar jaane mai kaa pareshani hai?" (Why Garima.. Shyam and Khusi are engaged,, so why is there a problem for them to go out together?)
Garima shook her head "Sirf hum ghar walo ko pata hai ke sagai hogayi hai.. koi aur tha nahi sagai hote waqt.." (Only we in the family know that she got engaged.. No one else was there at the time of the engagement) Madhumati was taken aback with Garima's tone, she started to say something
"Nai Jiji.. humaari mann badalne ki koshish mat kijiye.. bina koi ghalti ke ek baar humri bachi ka apmaan hogayi thi diwali wali raat.. hum ab uski aur apmaan nahi hone denge" (No Jiji.. don't try to change my mind.. my daughter was insulted once, without any fault of hers, on the night of Diwali.. I will not allow her to be insulted again)
Khushi felt so grateful right then, that she lunged herself onto Garima, hugged her tight and started to cry. Garima rubbed her back "Hum hai tumri liye Khusi" (I am there for you Khusi) She whispered into her daughter's ears.
Shyam was really unhappy with the turn of events, but there was really nothing he could do. Madhumati was taken aback by Khushi's tears, for a fleeting moment she felt guilty for forcing her decision on to the young girl.
Payal too walked up and caressed Khushi's hair, she was happy that her mother took a strong stand tonight, She smiled at Garima, letting her know that she appreciated what was done. Garima blinked her eyes in acknowledgement.
Khushi disentangled herself from the hug, she wiped her tears, "Kal se shayad hume ghar wapis aane mai deri hogi.. Arnavji ne unke sagai ke saare tayyariyan ke zimmedaari hume di hai.. uss kaam ke liye hume paise bhi milenge" (From tomorrow, It might get late for me to return home.. Arnavji has given me the responsibility of all the preparations for his engagement.. I will be paid as well for the work) she said the words looking at her feet and then walked off to her room.
Shyam was utterly shocked.. Arnav's engagement? Did they already fix a date? Why was he not informed of this development.. He looked at the time, he was supposed to take Anjali out for dinner at 8:30, he excused himself, went out into the foyer and placed a call to Anjali.
***
There was a knock on his door, and before Arnav could say anything, the door opened and Anjali walked in, "Di?" He put his laptop on the coffee table and stood up "tumhare aur Khushiji ke beech mai kya ho rahi hai chote?" (What is happening between you and Khushiji, Chote?) Arnav was taken aback with the directness.
"what do you mean di?" he asked pretending not to understand, but mentally berating himself for being so obvious with everything, so much that his sister was questioning him about it "tumne itna insist kyun kiya ke sagai ke saari tayyariyan Khushiji kare?" (Why did you insist so much that all the preparations for the engagement will be done by Khushiji?)
Arnav gulped a little and looked away, it took him a second to compose himself "Di.. I already said.. woh acha kaam karegi.. usse iss ghar ke saare do's and don'ts pata hai, tho koi gadbad nahi hogi. Better her than some stranger right?" (She will do a good job.. She knows all the do's and don'ts of this house, so there wont be any issues)
Anjali sighed, he gave her a logical explanation that left her with no room for further enquiry.. She thought to confront him directly with the doubts that was nagging her "Chote.." before she could ask anything her phone rang, she saw the caller ID, it was Shyam
Arnav took a deep breath feeling relieved "Answer the call Di.. aaj aapka dinner date hai na jeejaji ke saat?" (Tonight you have your dinner date with Jeejaji right?) He gave a small smile, but Anjali just looked at him blankly "hum nahi jaa rahe hai.. humaara mann nahi hai" (I am not going.. I don't feel like it) She answered the call and walked out of the room, Arnav heard "ji Shyam ji" (Yes Shyam ji) before his door closed.
Arnav sat on his recliner, lifted his laptop and started to work again, but he was not able to concentrate, his sister talking about Khushi reminded him of everything that had transpired that day.. he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, the hurt on her face haunted him.