Posted on June 24th, 2017 | Edited on December 1st, 2018
| . . . C H A P T E R - 2.24.1 : M I D N I G H T - W I S H E S . . . |
"Are we getting her a cake?"
He looked up from the file he was reading when I asked him the question, leaning against the frame of the door of his room. It was Anjali's birthday tomorrow, and it was about an hour before midnight. He was sticking to his decision of avoiding me unless necessary, but that didn't mean I stopped trying to get him to talk to me. He questioned, "What?"
"Anjali di. Her birthday." I went on to fill in the gaps and catch him up to speed, "Are we getting her a cake? Or have you already taken care of that?"
He shook his head, returning his attention to the file. "She doesn't eat cake."
The surprise was evident in my tone, "Why the heck not?"
He closed his eyes as if reeling in some control, before he reopened them and went on to explain, "I had juvenile diabetics when I was young. I couldn't eat cake, so she never did either."
I do notice the past tense he used, telling me he didn't have it anymore but he still controlled his sweet intake. I understood this was just like pizza. He didn't eat it for her, and she did this for him. This sibling pair was really out to give Armaan and me some tough competition. I used to think no one could come close to the sibling bong I shared with Armaan. I was starting to learn how wrong I was.
"Be right back." I said, getting an idea.
Entering the kitchen, I tried to find the things I would need. He must have gotten curious, as he followed just as I started chopping fruits. "What are you doing? If you're hungry, there's food in the fridge."
I remained silent, going on to cut strawberries, grapes and bananas in pieces. Only, one of the grapes slipped from my grasp, slicing my index finger. Why are they such slippery beings? I instantly bit my tongue to hold back a curse, dropping the knife on the counter and swaying my hand.
"Khushi!" He exclaimed on seeing blood and rushed to my side. Knowing he would hold my hand, I tried to inch away. It wasn't that I minded him holding my hand. It just pained as blood continued to ooze.
Without warning, he put my finger in his mouth, sucking to stop the blood. I couldn't tell if it was my heart or my stomach that flipped, but something did feeling his lips around my finger. I dared to look into his eyes filled with concern for me.
And he says he doesn't love me.
I blinked, recovering from the shock of his actions. "Arnav?"
Hearing his name, he snapped out of it as well. He let go of my hand and didn't meet my eyes. "When you know things always happen to you in the kitchen, why do you try?" He snapped at me.
It only brought a smile on my face. Ofcourse, he cares. I hadn't done any of this intentionally, but it felt good to see this side of him. I knew he couldn't hold himself back no matter how much he tried. "I'm okay, Arnav." I told him before turning on the tap and washing the cut away and drying it with a paper towel.
When I went to pick up the knife again, he warned. "Don't even think about it." I glanced up, and he walked closer to reach for the knife and cutter. Moving it from front of me to his side, he took over. "What do you even need this for?"
I reached for a plate from the drawers and placed it on the counter. I started arranging the fruits in a circle, making layers. "It's not sweet, but she can't say no to this." I used graham crackers for base and made do with cucumbers, banana in the middle, and strawberry on top with a halved grape acting as cherry on top.
At the end presentation, he stiffly nodded. "I don't think she will." As I take the plate in my palm, he announced, "And I am banning you from the kitchen."
"Excuse me?" I stopped, turning in his direction with raised brows.
He scoffed, "What else do you expect? You always come out with an accident."
"Whatever you say." I answered, not fighting him on this. After his little show of expression, I was willing to accept this. I passed him the plate, "Here."
He eyed it curiously, getting the hint that I wanted him to take it to her to wish her happy birthday once the clock struck 12. He suggested otherwise, "You made it. You should wish her."
Again, I didn't argue. We both made it to her room. He opened the door ajar and we silently walked to her bed. He gently placed a hand on his arm, sitting in the space next to her. She awoke and Arnav smiled at her, "A very happy birthday di."
There was confusion on her face when she woke up, but hearing his wish, a huge smile spread on her lips. She sat up and hugging him, "Thank you, chote."
I awed at the scene at first, and then cleared my throat, "Ahem, if I may, there's people waiting in line." Ofcourse, it was just me, not 'people', but being a little dramatic never hurt anyone. Anjali laughed while Arnav shifted back as I leaned over to hug her. "Happy birthday, di."
"Thank you, Khushi." She answered.
Parting, I held up the plate to Anjali's eyes that I was holding in my other hand, "Arnav mentioned you don't eat cake, so I made this."
Her eyes sparkled seeing the make-shift cake from fruits. It wasn't the most decorative thing out there, but it was something. "That's so sweet, Khushi. You didn't have to."
I smiled, "Ofcourse I did. It's your birthday." I forwarded the plate towards Arnav, for he had more of a right to feed his sister the first piece than I did. He suggested we feed her together. I was a bit surprised, but followed through. In the last week, Arnav might have been reluctant, but I wasn't going to let go of any slipping moment coming from him.
He seemed to be in a different mood. It must be that it was Anjali's birthday, and he was shedding any pretense layers he usually put up. "By the way, you have to scold Khushi, but you can do it tomorrow."
Anjali questioned, "What for?" but I already knew what he was taking about.
I beat him to an answer, "Nothing, don't listen to him. You - uh - you should sleep now. You must be tired. We'll go. Happy birthday again! And good night." I shuffled, getting up as I rambled and pulled Arnav up as well by grabbing his arm.
As if to tease me, he opened his mouth but I had already pushed him out of the door by then. As I closed the door, I could hear Anjali laughing inside.
I turned to glare at him, "I'm thinking you don't value your life."
He answered with a smirk, taking a piece for himself from the plate and left for his room. I quickly went to the kitchen to place the plate in the sink before making my way to his room. Given his mood, I thought I'd be able to talk to him about tomorrow and the party he was hosting in the evening for Anjali's birthday. I had learnt the employees from the office would be attending, but none of them knew I lived here, or that I was his fiancé.
His room was dimly lit with the only light coming from the lamps. As soon as I looked up straight, I covered my eyes with my palm. I scolded, "You really need to learn to change in the washroom."
I could hear the smirk in his tone, "I have only taken my shirt off. Not my..."
I cut him off, holding up my free hand. "Not another word, Raizada." I heard him chuckle and move about. Then, I felt him nearing me, but I didn't know if he had put his shirt back on or not. My eyes remained shut. In return, he gave me another shock in the form of his lips pressing over my knuckles. My entire form stiffened at the unanticipated gesture.
"You can open your eyes." He informed, stepping away. When I finally did after swallowing, he was already on the bed. He asked casually as if he hadn't just kissed my hand, "Did you need something?" He was asking since I came to his room instead of retiring to mines.
"Well, I thought you should know, since you've been avoiding me, I haven't really been able to sleep." I was hinting to how he used to stay in my room and watch over me until I fell asleep. After I told him I loved him, and he kept insisting we wouldn't work out, he had stopped doing that. I was usually able to catch a couple hours of shut-eye, but not proper sleep.
His playful mood disappeared. "I have some work to complete." He reached for his laptop, immersing himself in work so he wouldn't have to have this conversation.
I sighed, walking up to him, "If you don't want to have this conversation, its okay. Say it. Don't make excuses." I reached for his laptop and pulled it away. "Besides, it's after midnight. Whatever 'work' you have to complete, you can do it after. Tomorrow is going to be a long day anyway."
"Khushi, give me my laptop back." He instructed in his usual demanding tone he used in the office.
Instead, I pulled the screen down, "Good night, Arnav." I too answered in a tone of finesse. Sometimes, he didn't remember that he was barely 24 years old. He shouldn't have to plunge himself in work to this extent.
. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .
| . . . C H A P T E R - 2.24.2 : L I L L I E S . . . |
I was seated at the dining table with Anjali the next morning. The table was filled with different food items, and I assumed this was Arnav's doing. Anjali had mentioned how Arnav always planned these little things for her on her birthday, but I was just starting to get a glimpse of it.
A few minutes in, Hari Prakash came with a bouquet in his hand. "Anjali di, this came for you."
She thanked him and took the bouquet in her hands. "Oo." I teased her, "Who are they from?"
She chuckled, "It's probably Arnav." She looked through for a note, and flipped it over. Whoever it was from, her smile vanished. Certainly, it wasn't from Arnav. If it had been from him, her smile would have only enlarged. "Hari Prakash." She called him back. He returned from the kitchen at the call. She handed over the flowers, "Throw them out."
He looked surprised at her instruction just as I did. She was always so sweet. It didn't seem natural for her to use that tone, or throw out fresh flowers. Whoever sent them, she must really not like them. I didn't think she was capable of such strong emotions of negativity. I decided to ask, "Di?"
She pressed her lips together, answering. "Lilies are not my favorite."
I could tell she was lying. Before she had read the note, there had been an admiring gaze in her eyes. Arnav chose that moment to walk in, "Good morning, di."
She tried to smile and wished him back. I got the impression she didn't want him to know the way she passed me a worrying glance. I kept my mouth shut, though I found this to be extremely weird. I didn't think Anjali hid anything from Arnav.
What was going on?
"I've asked Lavanya to bring Aarav in about an hour or so. That way you two can spend time together before the party in the evening." Arnav informed. Whenever Aarav was mentioned, an instant smile always took over Anjali's face. Today, even that didn't work.
She only answered in "Okay."
He looked from his plate to her, "Di? Everything okay?"
She nodded, "Yeah, just a bit tired." Arnav seemed dubious to believe her as well.
After he left, I stayed back to talk to her. Hari Prakash was clearing the table. "Di, who sent those flowers?"
She remained secretive, "No one important, Khushi. I told you. I don't like lilies. Now let it go please." She stood up and left for her room. She had never used that tone with me either. Not even when she had made me realize my mistakes.
I wondered if I should tell Arnav, or ask him. He may know what this was about... but, she certainly seemed like she didn't want him to know. Not wanting to disrespect her wishes, I kept the news to myself, deciding to tell Arnav only if I noticed something more.
. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .
Before the party, I decided to give Anjali the dress I had made for her. I knocked on the door and then peeked in. she looked up from the book and waved me inside. I held up the gift bag, "I thought I'd give you your gift before everyone from the office got here."
She bookmarked the page and closed the book, "You didn't have to get me anything, Khushi."
I handed it over, "I didn't. I made it."
Curious, she put her hand inside the bag and pulled out the dress I had folded in there amidst the gift papers. "Oh wow!" She exclaimed, unfolding the dress and holding it up. "It's beautiful!" Her hand passed over the design of the neckline. It was a little lower than normal, but I had kept it decent still. I had seen the types of dresses she'd worn, and I figured this design would be perfect. She pulled me in a hug, "Thank you! I can't imagine how much work you put into this."
I answered through a smile, relieved she liked it. "Oh, that was nothing. I'm just glad you liked it. I wasn't sure."
She expressed, "Khushi, you're a wonderful designer. Believe it. I wouldn't have given you the project otherwise."
Still, hearing her say it meant more. "Well, you can imagine the boost it gives when a renowned designer compliments you."
She laughed, her mood from earlier completely forgotten, "Not at all, dear. I haven't designed anything in years."
"Why not?" She glanced up from folding the dress at my question. I went on, "I mean, I have seen some of your old designs in the studio at the office. They're master pieces. You shouldn't have stopped."
She answered as if her mind was miles away, "Sometimes, things happen and you just lose your inspiration."
I understood her completely, even if she didn't go into details. When some things threaten to take everything away from you, it becomes harder to stand back on your feet. It had taken me years. "But, that doesn't mean you can't get it back." I pointed to her heart, "Inspiration comes from here more than the materialistic things. If you tried, maybe you could get back out there."
She placed her hand on my head lovingly, "You say the sweetest things, Khushi... but some things are better left alone."
I refused to accept that, "I don't believe that." She tilts her head to the side, not happy I wasn't letting this go. I hold her hand, really wanting her to listen, "You have a talent for it, di. We all have ups and down. We can't give up because of it. Think about it, you're at home all day and you've said it too. You get bored. Maybe if you started going to events again, you'd find it easy to get back that inspiration."
"Maybe if I really wanted it." She answered, pulling back.
"Do you know what Payal told me?"
Her brows narrowed, "Payal?"
"She joined AR Designs with me." I quickly inform before continuing with my point, "You were the reason she got into designing. Your works are not only innovative, but they held the power to inspire people to make their own path, to fight for what they believe in, and to trust themselves that they too had something to offer to the world. This was just one person. There must be tons in the industry who think the same. If not for yourself, think about it for them, di. If you ask me, just providing a platform such as AR designs for young talents isn't enough. Imagine how much we all would learn from you and more that you could do for others who aren't lucky enough to get accepted at AR, but still want to be a designer."
I held her hand again, expressing why seeing her happy meant something to me, "Di, we just want to see you happy. I am sure designing made you happy at one point. If you choose, it can create a new life for you too."
She alas nodded, if for nothing than to shut me up. "I'll think about it." I smiled at her answer. I knew just talking to her once wasn't going to do it, but it was a start. "How are things between you two?"
"We'll get there." I tried to sound positive, "Eventually."
She was confused, "Eventually? I thought things were getting better."
"I thought so too, but last week when we were out... I don't know what started going on in his head. He is convinced we don't have a future together because some secret of his is going to make me hate him. I don't know. It all made no sense to me."
"Why won't you two just sit and put all your so-called secrets in the open?" She commented, as if she was tired of seeing us always stepping about.
I chuckled, "Trust me, di. I want to. But, just when I get around, he is pulling away."
Aarav burst through the doors, putting out conversation on hold. "I'm here!" He ran in, jumped up on the bed, and threw his arms around Anjali's neck. "Happiest Birthday, di."
Anjali's mood brightened up as she hugged him back lovingly, "Aw, thank you, kiddo."
Lavanya commented, "Aarav, I've told you she's not your di."
Aarav pulled back, answering, "Why not? Dad calls her di. Why can't I call her di?"
Lavanya sighed, probably finding it difficult to explain relationships to a kid, especially one who insisted on following Arnav's footsteps diligently. Anjali waved for her that it was okay. She walked to Anjali and wished her as well.
Aarav fell back to sit in my lap while Lavanya wished. He spoke to me, "Hi again."
I smiled, resting my chin on his head, "Hey to you too. I missed you, you know?"
He grinned, "Ofcourse. Everyone who meets me misses me." I laughed at his snarky attitude. "Are you looking after my dad? He better not be sad again." And protective as well.
"I promise, I'm trying but he won't let me." I answered as he turned to face me.
He put on a thoughtful look and then started climbing down the bed. Once on his foot, he circled my index finger in his palm and tugged me to get up, "Follow me."
I looked at Anjali and Lavanya in confusion, but they were looking at us amused. Lavanya shrugged her shoulders, asking me to do as he said. Great, even his own mother wasn't going to stop him from bossing me around. Curious myself as to what was going on inside Junior ASR's mind, I let him pull me along.
. . . ∞ . ∞ . ∞ . ∞. . .
| . . . A U T H O R - N O T E . . . |
Sorry for not posting yesterday! As I said in my announcement, it was just a very long day. No major editing in this chapter... two more chapters and then it's conclusion!
Fun fact: Lilies are considered a symbol of humility and devotion, but are also most connected to funerals... after death, the soul of the departed restores their innocence. White lilies, in particular, are a symbol of purity, and as far as I know, in Christianity, also a sign of fertility. Now... I shall leave you to fill in the blanks of who sent the lilies and what it could foreshadow (:
Question: Did Khushi do the right thing by listening to Anjali and not telling Arnav? And whatever do you think Junior ASR is up to! I personally loved how he fell back in Khushi's lap after he wished Anjali ^_^