Four of them finally came to this conclusion. The hanged up the call. Aman and Nitya agreed for engagement though they were not fully convinced till.. Keeping her phone back, Khushi got up from bed and moved towards poolside.
Standing at this point she knew she would not be able to raise a question mark on this "Separation" that came in between her and Arnav as an uninvited guest!! They had to stay away at that turn of life where they were getting closer to each other.. But it was true, "Distance makes heart grow fonder".
What he means to her, she realized that only when he moved away from her. Where he stands in her life, what she feels for him, how much she was attached to this man whom her heart proudly calls as her husband, she understood his value, she understood his feeling, she understood her very own feeling after staying away from him. These 6 months were going to be her time, to realize what a Lucky woman she was!! Sighing deep Khushi hugged herself, for an instance she felt like she was with him, in his embrace, breathing in same air like he does!!
Her lips broke into a smile.
Not only she, but also for him the case of equal!! Not only she was missing him but also he was doing same.. It was true, they had never confessed in words that they do miss each other, but some emotions some feelings are not needed to be explained in words.. It is better to be left like this only.
Does not she know how much he loves her or does he have any doubt what his wife feels for him??
They do understand that secret message between them and they do respect that.
Her phone beeped. Coming out from her stance, she went inside and picked up her phone.
"Good night!!"
The display conveyed her the message. And her fingers caressed her mobile screen, as if it were him and she was touching him!! Her heart felt heavy..
****************************
"Khushi.. Pink or Blue??"
"Umm.. I think blue Nitya.. You will look pretty.."
Smiling at her, Nitya went to change..
"Khushi?? Hi.."
Khushi turned around only to find Aman's sister Arpita. She smiled at her genuinly.
"Ohh.. Hi Arpita!! How are you??"
"I'm superb.. Aur tum??"
"Same here.. By the way you came with anyone??"
"Yes, Actually Aman, Dadi and Maa are here too.. they are in saree section. And I guess you are here with Nitya for sure.."
Khushi laughed at bubbly Arpita.
"She has just gone to change."
Khushi replied indicating towards trial section. Right then , Dadi and Aman's mother reached there along with Aman. Khushi and Aman shared smile in secret. Khushi greeted elders happily though Dadi still look angry.
"Khushi.. See.. How do I look??", Asked Nitya happily wearing a beautiful floral blue frock that reached till her knees. She was looking lovely. Khushi smiled brightly.. Nitya too smiled happily until her eyes fell on Dadi who had a stern look..
"Don't you think the length of your dress is too short??"
Nitya's face fell, she looked down trying to pull the dress as if trying to increase the length . Khushi noticed Nitya's fallen face then Dadi's stern eyes.
The length of a girl's dress, does actually matter??
But standing at a little distance, Aman gave a warm smile to Nitya to make her not to feel low. Accepting his gesture Nitya nodded her head slightly. Khushi noticed the communication just happened without any word. She could not helped but adored duo more.
Maa, Baba, not even Arnav.. They have never raised this question before her?? The length of her skirt never justifies her relation with their parents as well as with Arnav.. Short or long, her skirt does not detach her from her family.. is it right to give the tag of a measuring tape to the length of the dress , for the woman's life's value??
Then why did Dadi ask so??
"You look cute in this blue outfir Nitya.. it looks cool.. Is not it Maa??", smiling at Nitya lovingly Arpita looked back at her mother..
"Yes.. In fact Nitya you know, Blue is my and your Dadi's favorite colour..", Nitya's future mother-in-law added touching her cheek. She knows her mother in law, and she understands new generation as well.. Being a mother, Aman's mother wanted Nitya and Dadi to have a cordial relation.
Dadi did not say further.
"Dadi, Why don't you come with us?? There is a very good ice cream store here and you will not be disappointed going there once.??", spoke Aman trying to distract Dadi.
And of course Dadi was not that fool not to understand Aman, but she did not speak anything further and just agreed. Aman looked back at Nitya and Khushi.
"Why don't you both join us??"
"No, that's ok Aman.. I have some work, some other time.. But if Nitya wants, she can stay.."
"No.. I meant, Maa has just messaged me to return home soon as she has plan to go somewhere.. I can't join Aman.."
Not wishing to interfere young people Dadi was about to leave when heard Nitya saying "Aman." She turned around..
"He is going to be your husband Nitya.. And it is not a good manner to call him by his name!!"
Nitya and Khushi exchanged a confuse look, then how was she going to address Aman?? Like calling him "Swami" or what??"
"Call him with respect.. Don't call him as Aman rather as Aman Ji!!", Dadi explained.
Nitya chocked suddenly, Dadi threw another glare.
"Sorry.. I'll remember it next time.."
All were about to leave, out of concern Aman asked Nitya..
"Should I drop you both somewhere??"
"No, Aman.. (Nitya stopped abruptly and bit her lips. Dadi did not look away from her face.) I meant Aman Ji.. Khushi and I will manage.."
Aman could not help but grinned though Dadi could not see. Then Dadi started going with Arpita and Aman's mother. Khushi and Aman burst into laugh finding Nitya's miserable condition especially her calling "Aman Ji!!" Nitya just rolled her eyes at Khushi and Aman and left.
************************
Sitting behind Khushi on her scooty, Nitya talked on some random topic. They were returning from mall. Suddenly Khushi's phone rang.
"Can you please check who it is Nitu??"
"Yeah.. Let me.."
Taking out her phone from her sling bag, Nitya checked..
"Your husband dearest.."
"Shut up.. Answer the call and tell him, I'll call back later after reaching home.."
"What?? No way.. What if he says some romantic notes thinking me as you.. You do know that I have a huge crush on him.."
"NITYAA.. BE LOYAL TO AMAN.."
"Offo meri Jaan.. I'm loyal.. But when it comes to Arnav, I just get distracted.. He is a healthy distraction.."
"I'll throw you right here Nitya.. Shut your mouth up.."
"Ha ha ha.. Ok. Calm down..Let me pass your message to Arnav.."
Shaking her head, Khushi concentrated on road..
"Hello.."
"Don't tell me you have actually divorced your phone Khushi because I never find you both together for heaven sake .."
Nitya could not help but burst into laugh.. These two can never change, she can write in court paper..
"Arnav.. It's me Nitya.. Actually Khushi is busy, she said that she would call you back after reaching home.."
"Ohh.. Ok. Thanks Nitya.."
Hanging up the call, Nitya said from behind..
"Tum dono ka kuch nehi ho sakta Khushi.."
*************************
Finally after reaching home, Khushi quickly freshen up. Grabbing her phone from her trousers pocket which was now discarded on bed Khushi dialed the number.
"Finally you got free Khushi??"
"Arnav.. Now don't start complaining.. I was really busy. Just now I reached home, and the first thing I do is calling you back.. I'm not that irresponsible that you think.."
"Whatever.."
" What whatever?? .. Do you know what's happening here??"
"Kya ho raha hai wahan Khushi??", asked Arnav sitting comfortably on couch, at the end of the busy day with a cup of steaming coffee and having some conversation with his wife!! That was an ideal relaxation he felt that night. He so wanted to hear her, to know what was happening there with everyone especially with her!!
And she never fails to amuse him. The way she conveys him as if making sure her life's each secret remain naked in front of his eyes.. As if she wanted him to involve in her life intimately even though he was miles away..
"Don't tell me you actually saw those boys picture Khushi?? Like really?? What the hell am I doing?? I guess I am very much alive..", he exhaled deeply.
This extraordinary wife of his and that excellent friend of her!! If by chance any issues come in anyone's live because of these duo, he would made sure they were not be spared easily. Even the mere idea that anyone was trying to get a man for Khushi was enough to boil his blood.
"Stop being impulsive Arnav.. You should pat my back because I ended this misunderstanding soon.."
"And what did you do Khushi?? I swear I will not spare you or Nitya if any goof up happens further. "
"I told Dadi that marriage and love are already happened in my life.."
"Shadi Kise Aur Pyaar Kis Se??"
Her jaw dropped!! She hoped he was not serious.
"Shadi Tum Se Aur Pyaar Apne Pati Se Ho Gaya Hai.."
And just like his twisted questions, she never fails to answer in same way.