Shantivaan rang with a din like no other as the Raizada clan's beloved and only daughter slipped a pristine platinum band on the smiling Shyam Manohar Gupta. It was the engagement that both the families spent the past month meticulously planning and their work bore fruit beautifully.
While the vast mansion was glistening exquisitely with red roses, soft drapes and dreamy lights, the Raizada family was dressed in their best, hosting their small group of friends with utmost perfection. However, nothing could outdo the bride-to-be, Anjali. Dressed in a coral-coloured lehenga, she looked positively radiant as she sat, demure, in front of Shyam.
It was a sight to behold.
And to Khushi, standing behind her brother, laughing and clapping with the crowd, it was reminder of everything she had won despite losing some very big battles.
"Khushi!" whispered an urgent voice in her ear.
She looked over her shoulder to see a panicking Payal. "What's wrong?"
"Some reporters are outside and they are demanding to be let in!"
Khushi let out a sigh of relief at the flimsy news, before turning her attention back to her brother.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Payal muttered, her voice so low that even Khushi had a hard time hearing.
"Because," she replied, in between posing for the photographers. "That's hardly a problem. Reporters are alwaysdemanding for information."
"And they resort to extreme measures when they aren't getting it!"
Khushi resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Stop overreact-"
She couldn't finish for Payal grabbed her elbow and tugged her away from the swarm of people. "I am not overreacting!" she exclaimed as soon as they were out of earshot. "The watchman is saying he never saw so many reporters at once, so they are bound to create some ruckus-"
"No they won't," Khushi interrupted, unperturbed. The decision to keep the ring ceremony a small and private one was Shyam and Anjali's joint decision and she knew, come what may, Arnav would not let it be disregarded. "They just like to make a scene. That's all. Besides Arnav already told them that they will be allowed to snoop around at the party tonight only if they keep away from the ceremony now."
She didn't seem convinced.
"Relax Sharma!" Khushi said, throwing her arm around her in amity. "Stop worrying about useless things and instead enjoy the perks of weddings."
"Perks?"
She nodded to her left, where an oblivious Akash was busy throwing instructions to the servants. Payal followed her gaze, before looking away with downcast eyes.
"Uh-oh," Khushi said, her shoulders falling in worry. "What did he do now?"
Payal didn't answer, not that Khushi needed one. After their absurd, but peaceful conversation at the coffee shop near their university, a strange understanding had paved its way between them, which of course at that time, both of them hadn't realized. It was only when Payal messaged her out of the blue a few months ago, asking for a family of photo of Arnav, Anjali and Akash that Khushi began to see the bond that they shared.
There was no enmity, bitterness, or most of all, unfamiliarity. When both of them met over coffee for a second time, an enlarged photo of the Raizada's in hand, it was as if they were always friends, as if they weren't speaking to each other after two full years of envy and rivalry.
It was quite shocking.
And after that, there was no turning back. For Khushi, Payal quickly became a close confidant –not as close as Lavanya, but still pretty close– giving her a much needed insight into Akash's mind, while for Payal, Khushi became the translator of his sometimes-on-and-sometimes-off attitude.
It was both eccentric and endearing.
"Let me guess," Khushi said with a sigh. "He is back to his silent treatment?"
"I honestly don't get it!" Payal burst out, miserable. "Sometimes he is so attentive to me, as if I am the only woman in the whole wide world and sometimes, he ignores me like I am nothing but just another woman! Like what's up with that?! Either tell me you like me, so that I know your cold shoulder is some temporary thing, or tell me you don't like me, so that I know all of this is just in my head and that I should stop wasting my time!"
Pity coursed through Khushi. She knew she was the reason behind Akash's hot and cold behavior, but she had no idea how that would be comforting in any way "It's not all in your head," she replied gently. "He likes you... it's written all over his face. He just needs time."
"I get that," Payal answered. "I really do. But can't he be a little consistent? Like he was so happy when I gave him that photo of his family and then the next day, he goes back to acting like I am nothing but a friend!"
Khushi was confused. "What do you mean he went back to acting like a friend? Doesn't he always stay in the friend zone with you?"
To her utter surprise, Payal's cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. "Ermm... yeah, he is mostly like that. But..."
"But?"
"But that day he... he sorta kissed me."
"Sorta?!" Khushi squealed, her eyes widening in excitement. "No one ever sorta kisses!"
"Shhh! Don't announce it whole world okay?"
"But we should! This is practically Akash telling you he loves you!"
Payal looked at her, hopeful. "You think so?"
"I know so! This makes so much more sense now!" she rambled at top speed. "Why didn't you tell me before?! I was going crazy not understanding why he wasn't dropping his typical hints-"
"Typical hints?"
Khushi paused, realizing what her blabber must sound like. "Don't get me wrong, but I know Akash and especially how he acts when he likes a girl. He won't confront her, like how any sane person would. Instead he plays around it until-"
She broke off, seeing Payal's eyes grow fearful with every word.
"Trust me Sharma," she said with a reassuring grin. "That duffer likes you more than he is letting on. Just play it cool and he will come running to you in no time."
Payal bit her lip, the doubts still creeping her mind, but nodded in gratitude all the same. "Thanks Khu-"
"Don't be silly," she interrupted. "I know how frustrating Akash can be at times. And if it really does come down to thanks, then I should be thanking you for pushing him to make peace with me. It's not like him at all to make the first move."
Payal smiled. "He would have eventually. You and Lavanya mean a lot to him."
A baritone voice floated their way. "To who? I hope you lovely ladies are not gossiping about me?"
Khushi turned around to see Arnav approach them with brazen eyes. "And if we were?" she teased, knowing that Payal was far from being comfortable in front of him.
"Then I am more than entitled to be in on it. By the way, thank you for sorting out the flower mishap this morning Payal. Akash was very close to bursting a vein or two over it."
Payal beamed. "No problem Arnavji. Khushi and Akash are practically family now."
"In that case, call me Arnav. I wouldn't want such a pretty lady embarrassing me with undue respect."
She hesitated.
"Or even better," Arnav said, easily understanding her predicament. "You can call me Bhai like Akash does."
Payal was surprised, but pleased. "I will give it a shot. Now please excuse me – I have to call the caters for tomorrow."
And she quietly disappeared, leaving Khushi alone with Arnav for the first time in over two days. With the wedding only a week away, it had became impossible for either of them to meet even amidst a group. It was torture at its finest.
"I know what you did there Arnavji," Khushi said, a coy smile playing at her lips. "Getting her to call you Bhai even before Akash made a move is a little touché don't you think?"
"Firstly, don't ever address me with ji again," he replied, mockingly serious. "And secondly, my suggestion was nothing compared to your advice. Since when did you take up this new occupation?"
"What new occupation?"
"Giving people relationship advice," he answered. "I didn't know you were interested in being a love guru."
She snorted. "I guess it's your influence. After all you were my shrink for quite sometime."
Arnav laughed, remembering the conversation they had eons ago, late one night in his office. "In that case, I am very proud of my work. To think that the ever so stubborn Khushi Kumari Gupta is giving advice to her ex's girlfriend..."
"Oh they didn't come that far," she replied, nonchalant. "If you came a little bit earlier, you would have known that Akash is being difficult."
"I don't have to eavesdrop to know that. Akash has always been hesitant with his relationships."
"So I guess that doesn't run in the family?"
"I am glad it doesn't. Because if it did, it would have been on you to make the first move between us, which needless to say, would have never happened."
Khushi crossed her arms. "Excuse me? Did you forget who kissed who first?"
"Hey, I wanted to kiss you just as much that day... and I did."
She couldn't help but remember the fervor with which he had captured her lips that day. "You did."
He cupped her face. "And for the record, I always will."
Deafening cheers suddenly echoed through the room. Khushi looked startled to her left to find her brother on his knee, holding up the engagement ring to Anjali in a proposal. She couldn't help but smile.
"Bhai," came Akash's voice. "The mandap people are here – they want to finalize their payment."
Arnav sighed, slightly crestfallen. Understanding his disappointment on not being able to spend time with her, Khushi gently squeezed his fingers in reassurance.
"See you tonight?" he murmured, when Akash sped off to answer a phone call.
"Tonight," she promised, before watching him disappear into the crowd once again.
* * *
Khushi lightly walked around the decked hall of the famous Imperial hotel in Delhi, double checking the arrangements of her brother's engagement party. While the Raizada's were hosting the event once again, she took the liberty of lending her hand, especially since both Arnav and Akash were strikingly absent from the celebrations.
She had just finished inspecting the appetizers for the night, when she felt a warm hand snake around her bare waist, courtesy of the shimmering silver saree Lavanya took the liberty of designing.
"Looking for faults?" came Arnav's husky voice in her ear.
Khushi grinned, her heart swelling in his warmth, before turning to him with a smart reply in hand; only, the words died on her lips. Dressed in a navy blue blazer, with his hair combed back and a chiseled jaw to match, Arnav had never looked so handsome!
"What?" he asked when she gawked unabashedly at him. "Cat got your tongue?"
She sheepishly averted her eyes. "Don't judge," she muttered. "You would do the same if you were with the most perfect person in the world."
"So you did notice all the those times I couldn't take my eyes off you?"
She bit back a smile. "Not as well as I noticed all the times you were being more affectionate than usual."
He gently nudged her onto the dance floor. "I am always more affectionate than usual with you. It's just that on days like this, it's more visible."
"Days like what?" she asked, her arms circling his neck. It was almost second nature now for her to move with him.
"Days like this," he murmured, his eyes suddenly on fire. "When you are looking extraordinarily beautiful and all I can think about is kissing those ravishing lips senseless."
Her breath was caught in her throat. Even though it wasn't the first time she sensed the desire in him, her heart still raced the same, if not with more vigor. It was passion like no other.
"Then do it," she whispered, rising to her toes.
He grinned upon hearing her suggestion, no doubt assuming she was crazy for the party was too big and the crowd, too prying. But like always, he didn't seem to care. Leaning in, he kissed her fervently, his arms pulling her even closer.
"Will it be rude if we make an early exit from this party?" he asked, when they caught their breaths.
Khushi giggled. "Would you care?"
"Not really, but Akash might just murder me."
"He would?"
"Most definitely," he answered, shaking his head. "He has taken this wedding so seriously that he is not going to forgive anyone for the slightest negligence."
Khushi was surprised. "So basically you are saying that Akash has taken the entire responsibility of the wedding on his head?"
"More or less."
"Then what have you been doing this past week?"
A lopsided smile flared on his lips. "Missing you."
She rolled her eyes, though secretly her heart did miss a beat or two. "And?"
"And keeping Anju calm. She spent all of last Sunday planting tiger lilies in the front lawn. It took every ounce of persuasion on my part to get her to stop and let Om Prakash do the rest."
"Tiger lilies?"
"They were my mother's favorite," he explained. "Anju came home one day with around five hundred of them and decided to plant them individually along the entrance. It was mayhem."
"Why? Was she worried about something? Or-"
"I don't think it was worry," he cut in. "It was something along the lines of why you make jalebis."
She averted her eyes, understanding what he was hinting at. Since the time Garima was admitted in the hospital with stage four cancer, Khushi took up the hobby of making jalebis, as a way to dissipate the growing fear of loosing her mother. And even after her passing, Khushi didn't stop, using the sweet aroma of the delicacy to cope with her bitter grief.
"How many did you make since last night?" Arnav asked gently, following her every unsaid thought.
"Too many. Jaya had to give some away to the neighbours."
"Did she also give them a warning about plausible food poisoning?"
Her lips cracked into a smile. "Shut-up. I am actually really good at them now."
"Is that why you daringly included some in the shagun you brought this morning?"
Khushi gasped. "H-how did you know I made them?"
He chuckled. "When are you ever going to understand that some questions have no answers?"
She snorted, amazed by how well he knew her. "Well I have an answer for you," she murmured. "You were the one who told me to start making jalebis."
Surprised flickered on his face. "I did?"
"Yeah, you told me one day that you like to garden because it reminds you of your mother. You didn't know it then, but that day, my mother was in a surgery and the doctors had told me straight up that her chances of survival were quite low. So, as soon you hung up the phone, I went to the kitchen and made jalebis for the first time in my life."
Arnav was stunned.
"Of course they turned out horribly," she continued. "But somehow it made me fear less the thought of loosing her."
"I didn't know," he whispered. "I assumed you asked me about gardening out of curiosity, but I didn't realize –even after all this time– that you were asking because you were in the same situation."
"You couldn't have known," she replied, knowing that he would sooner or later hold himself responsible for missing such an important detail. "But the point is, you always came to my rescue, even before we became a thing."
"Fian-" he began to correct, having a problem as she accurately predicted, with calling their relationship a thing.
He was cut off, however, with the sharp ring of his cell phone. His eyes blinked in surprise as he read the caller-id.
"Who is it?" she asked, curious.
"Lavanya," he muttered, before sliding his finger across the screen, answering the call. Then to Khushi's utter surprise, he held the phone out to her even before finishing the customary 'how are you'.
"She wants to talk to you," he mouthed in response to her questioning gaze.
Slightly amused, Khushi took the phone. "Where are you and why are you calling Arnav?"
"Because you clearly fail at keeping your phone with you at all times," came Lavanya's voice.
Khushi habitually looked down at her empty hand to realize that she was indeed missing her phone.
"And I don't think your phone is small enough to hide in between your fingers Khush."
Her head snapped up instantly as she wildly looked around the hall, spotting a grinning Lavanya many steps away at the open bar, Aman in tow. She waved her hand upon catching her eye.
"This is silly," Khushi mumbled, shaking her head. "Just get your ass here and talk to me in person."
Lavanya stuck her tongue out, before speaking into her phone. "Not happening. You and Arnav seem so happy to be stuck in your bubble, that I just can't get myself to butt in."
"Stop being dramatic. We are not the ones getting married."
"No, but you are definitely the ones who should be getting a room. Arnav can't seem to take his eyes or hands off you, can he?"
Khushi gazed up to see Arnav looking at her with his classic, crooked smile, while his arms continued their grip on her waist. He hadn't released his hold even once so far.
"Anyway," Lavanya said with a giggle. "I just called to tell you that your dress for the mehendi tomorrow is in my car. Don't forget to take it before you leave tonight."
"Should I be scared?"
"Not in the slightest. Besides you should have blind faith on me now. See how perfect you turned out tonight! Arnav is going to have a hard time letting you go home."
"Very funny," she replied without spite. "Now put down the phone before Aman starts regretting coming here."
Lavanya winked before ending the call.
"Care to share the joke?" Arnav asked.
She slipped his phone into the front pocket of his blazer. "It's nothing... Lavs was just reminding me to pick up my dress for the mehendi tomorrow from her car."
"Oh, so Lavanya took full control of your wardrobe for the wedding?"
"Yes, without even bothering to ask me."
"Then she definitely deserves all the credit in the world. She really does know what suits you."
"So you approve of this madness?" Khushi asked, holding up the pallu of her almost transparent saree.
He leaned in so that his voice was only audible to her ears. "I would hardly call this madness. Haven't I ever mentioned how sexy you look in sarees?"
It was as if the blood in her veins was suddenly singing. "Ohh... is this why you forgot your chivalry today? I look sexy?"
He softly nibbled her earlobe before whispering, "You have no idea."
Khushi felt jitters like no other run through her body. She closed her eyes, a soft moan escaping her mouth. Why did he affect her so much and that too, when they had been together for so long?
Not wanting to risk getting carried away, she grudgingly continued the conversation: "So s-should I tell Lavs to cancel my lehenga for tomorrow then?"
Arnav grinned, almost as if he could read her wild fantasies, before leaning back to look in to her hooded eyes. "It will have to do for now... but speaking of mehendi, I am curious – Will you be getting my name written or are you saving that until our wedding?"
She frowned, his question throwing her completely off guard. "Why on earth will I write your name in my mehendi?"
"Because it's customary. Just like how it's customary for me to look for it on our wedding night."
"... and the point of that is?"
He couldn't believe his ears. "Oh come on Khushi! Please tell me all these rituals are not foreign to your ears. Writing the husband's name is practically ancient."
"Yes, I have heard of it. But I don't understand why you are expecting me to follow it?"
"Because that's just how weddings are! You follow absurd customs that seem silly and pointless, but really, that's what everyone looks forward to."
Khushi couldn't help but roll her eyes, feeling as she was rudely woken up from a beautiful dream with a splash of ice-cold water. "Right... and what other absurd customs are you looking forward to?"
"Many actually... I am looking forward to smearing you with haldi-"
"I thought the groom doesn't come to the haldi?"
"He isn't allowed to come per say, but then again, what better use of windows and balconies other than using them to sneak into the house?"
A burly image of Arnav climbing up the pipes to reach her balcony forced its way into her mind. She stared wordlessly at him, wondering if he really was considering such a desperate act.
"But don't worry, your balcony is safe," he added, misunderstanding her silence. "I have different plans."
"Which are?"
"What's the excitement in knowing everything beforehand? Leave some surprises for the actual event."
Khushi bit back a cutting reply, her curiosity to find out the rest of his ideas taking the better of her. "Okay, so you are going to gatecrash the haldi. What next?"
"Sneaking into your house for the haldi is nearly not the same as gatecrashing it. It's actually the bachelorette party that I will be gatecrashing."
She was stumped. "The bachelorette party? Why?"
"Because I am curious to see how you will celebrate your last night of being single."
"But that's called being insecure."
"Or being possessive."
If she weren't so caught up in dread, Khushi would have been moved to hear his words. "And then?"
"And then we are going to fake a competition between the girl's side and groom's during the sangeet, but in reality I will lose to make you win."
"And then?"
"And then comes the actual day of the wedding, during which everyone will try their best to steal my shoes. And even though I have pretty good idea of where Lavanya is going to hide them, I am going to play along and give in to her demands."
Khushi gulped, trying to swallow the lump forming in her throat. "Then?"
"Then comes the bidaai, when your brother will undoubtedly warn me to take good care of you and of course, I will oblige. And then, comes my favorite part."
"The wedding night?"
He grinned. "Glad to see you keeping up."
"Hardly," she retorted sardonically. "After hearing everything you've just said, I don't see how our wedding night is going to be any more interesting than a bunch of silly rituals."
A line appeared on his forehead, as he finally registered her tone. "Did I miss something?" he asked, confused.
"You missed the whole point!" she exclaimed, somehow loosing the little patience she had been carefully reining in. "I hate big fat Indian weddings Arnav. What part of that do you not understand?"
He was startled. "Khushi-"
"You told me that the wedding was just going to be a show for everyone, that we are going walk five steps around a few burning pieces of wood so that we have a socially acceptable reason of staying together for the rest of our lives. Then from where did all these customs and traditions and rules come from?!"
"I didn't break my word Khushi," he replied, his voice quiet steady despite her outburst. "You asked me what I was planning to be our wedding. And that's exactly what I told you – plans."
"Well in that case, they are always going to be just that – plans!" she snapped. "If we get married, it's going to be over in a day, without haldi or mehendi or whatever godforsaken function there is. And if you don't get that, then maybe it's best we end this relationship in which you clearly don't see a future other than marriage!"
Khushi realized a second too late what she had let slip in moment of fury. But the damage was done. Arnav stood frozen in front of her, his eyes ebbing with disbelief, followed by hurt.
"T-that came out wrong," she muttered, guilt pooling deep within her. "I didn't mean-"
"Meeti!" called a distant voice.
Arnav's arms fell away, as Khushi reluctantly turned to her beaming brother.
"Did you send the driver to pick up Nanaji at the railway station?" asked Shyam, oblivious to her apprehensive face.
She nodded. "I think Anjali is calling you," she lied, sending her brother back to his radiant fiance. She waited until he was out of earshot, before facing Arnav again, her apology ready.
Only, he was nowhere to be seen.