CHAPTER 11: Rango me hai pyaar ki holi...
03 MONTHS LATER, HOLI DAY
RAIZADA MANSION - 08:00 AM
A excited Khushi all ready bright and early for colorful festive wearing a simple white-yellow salwar and sat on bed trying to wake up her Kumbhakarna of a husband who just wouldn’t wake up. She huffed for umpteenth time trying to wake him: “Arnav baby, wake up! How long are you gonna sleep...” shaking him harder which doesn’t seem to get much useful.
Sleepy Arnav turned other side and pulled pillow over his head mumbling sleepily annoyed: “Arre let me sleep yaar let me sleep... in fact you too sleep with me...” and abruptly pulled her in bed with him.
Before Khushi could react she found herself caged in Arnav’s arms, facing his bare chest and the heat from his skin washes over her. She was immediately lost in their closeness and snuggled him with a sign and then a sudden thought hits her. It’s finally Holi today and they need to get out of bed ASAP!
Thinking mischievously Khushi let out an excited yelp then jumped at Arnav and pushes him onto his back, startling him awake. He growls as his eyes snap open, grabs her closer while at the same time pushing her way, which ends up making them roll over again until they were falling off the bed. Khushi gasp in shock as her back leaves the bed and Arnav tightens his grip on her as thanks to his fast reflexes flipping them over so he is below her when they hit the floor with a loud thump.
Grinning foolishly at his extremely shocked face, she chirps happily: "That was fun, can we do it again?"
He opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. He tries to speak again, but again nothing comes out only his hands tighten on her hips. He ends up staring at her with his mouth hanging open making her giggle.
Reaching up, she put her hand on his chin and shut his mouth: "Stop doing that, you look like a goldfish..." saying as sternly as she can, which only makes her sound like a child more than usual. Arnav grins up at her, making his silver eyes sparkle more and she whines, "Now come on, I wanna start playing Holi!"
Arnav chuckles at her eagerness, almost all traces of sleep gone from his face and body. Khushi gets up off him while taking his hands and yanking him up with all her strength, which isn't very much. He ends up having to stand by himself since she not much help. She gets behind him and tries to push him to move faster: "Come on!" which doesn't really work.
Arnav looks at the clock and complains: "It's only eight in the morning! Not even the birds are up yet!"
Khushi counter: "But I'm already up!" switching to grab his hand and drag him towards the door.
He doesn't budge again and flops back down on the bed, tugging her down with him. She lands on his chest making hum grunt. He grumbles: "Mahi, it's too early!" as he rubbed his eye with a fist that she’s not holding.
Khushi pouts: "Please?" sticking out her bottom lip.
He peeks at her with one eye, before groaning again: "Mahi, you know I can't resist that face!" as he protests. And she kept the face up, tugging on his hand gently, drawing his attention back to her. He grunts, unable to keep his eyes off her face, "Fine."
Khushi grin and drag him up again and then towed him to the bathroom by the hand while he stumbles along tiredly behind me. It would have looked strange to anyone who saw them to see a tiny girl dragging around a tall, muscled guy. She pushed him in bathroom with towel asking him to hurry up and he reluctantly gave into her and did as she asked him to.
***
Khushi impatiently sat on bed waiting for Arnav for 10 mins to come out as she again shouted for him: “Arnav hurry up... how much time it takes to get freshen up!" then she heard the shower being turned on and sound of water coming and she hollered again, "Don't tell me you're taking a shower right now..? You know right that you're going to get dirty all over with the whole color-play... so why did you taking a shower now?" clearly not understanding her weird husband.
Arnav hollered back from the bathroom answering her as he stood under the water falling over him: "Because I need a wake-up shower considering you woke me up so early in the morning on a holiday when I was considering to sleep in. And anyways taking morning showers is also called personal hygiene.... Don't tell me you skipped shower today, that is so ewww!!" as she teased her knowing she'll get irritated and he got his desired reaction also moments later as Khushi shouted at him from the other side of the door making him chuckle.
10 mins later Arnav walked out of washroom wearing loose jeans and a towel in hand which he held out for her sitting down on bed. Khushi took it from him and got up to stand behind him and drying his hair while said to her: “Yaar what are hurrying up so much about..? Holi party doesn’t starts before and guests will start coming than... I don’t understand why do we need to do Holi, you just get dirty and ugly with colors thrown on you...it’s so yucky!” making a face at the thought of Holi.
Khushi rolls her eyes at his complains answering him: “Just because you don’t like, doesn’t mean others also and anyways since we’re in India we ought to celebrate it...” and she finished drying his hair put the towel away and handed him his white shirt to wear as she helps him buttoning up.
Arnav quickly brushed his hair once and Khushi picked her large stash of colors after which they both went downstairs to see others already sitting in living room. Arnav went to sit beside the gents and Khushi went to help the ladies doing last minute things for the party at home today.
Ranveer sleepily grumbled: “Yaar, why are we up so early on a holiday, can’t we just sleep. I'm so sleepy, Ishaani didn’t let me sleep with her midnight cravings... I don't understand why is she getting so hyper over it, she can't even play or do running around!” exclaiming as he tried to stifle a yawn in vein and his eyes doped.
Arnav agreeing: “I too wanna sleep... god knows what they wanna do so early, even birds are not awake yet. Lucky Abir and Sana Bhabhi not having to endure this torture and the main event hasn’t even started yet...” groaning at the thought of the color-play that is going to happen in little while.
Neev to agreed making a disgusted face at the prospect of colors: “I’m not excited about that too either...”
Amaya says hearing them: “Arre chill na, why are you guys so fussing about? Here I thought boys like to get dirty...” clearly annoyed with all the complains of the men since morning.
Neev gives a dirty look to her, replying: “Well boys do like to get dirty but not with awful colors, please!” rolling his eyes at his wife.
Before anything else could be said Ryan, Zayn and Hiya came running holding their water-guns and Hiya ran to her Dadda while Ryan-Zayn went to show Neev their cool water-guns. The elders smiled at the enthusiasm of kids and listening them talk cutely. Arnav kissed Hiya’s forehead as he looked up and asked: “By the way who is keeping eyes on kids during party? There is going to bhang and all, don’t want anything to happen to them...”
Arpita answered smilingly: “Don’t worry Manav and I will keep eyes on the kids along with Ishaani since she shouldn’t be running around too much...”
Ranveer too smiled: “Thanks Aunty...” feeling relieved that someone will be keeping eyes on his wife whom she can’t escape making puppy-faces.
Arpita smiles at him saying: “No problems, I won’t let Ishaani go wild in excitement.”
That moment the landline rang getting everyone’s attention and Manav picked it up as he sat nearest to it, spoke: “Hello...”
From other side came cheerful voice of Sana came: “Hi Manav uncle, happy holi!”
Manav smiled hearing her answered: “Happy holi to you too beta, how are you?”
Sana smilingly replied: “Fine uncle, just missing everyone...”
Manav: “We’re missing you and Abir also.”
Everyone was listening to Manav’s conversation and Khushi requested to call on speaker and everyone gathered around the phone in hall. On the other side Abir and Sana also put the call on speaker as Sana went on complaining: “I so wish to be there now with you guys and celebrating Holi... but I’m stuck with my boring workaholic husband working!”
Abir simply said: “I’m so grateful to be here now and out the mayhem I know is going to happen today...” with relief laced in his voice.
Arnav: “Yeah lucky you, we’re stuck here...” pouting to himself and Khushi swatted him.
Khushi says: “I don’t understand why you guys are complaining so much and it hasn’t even started... I love Holi so much, it’s so colorful and fun!” getting excited about it.
Then they generally chatting asking Abir and Sana to take care of themselves’ and return soon, the couple asked their son to be nice and not trouble anyone, the over-protective bother Abir is asked Khushi to take care others to keep her away from bhang. So after the call was finished everyone went to have a quick breakfast which was filled with laughs and jokes as everyone seemed to be extra cheerful and getting into festive mood.
................................
10:30 AM
The holi party has started at the backyard of RM where all the arrangements where done from big tubs full of colors to stalls full of dry colors of all colors to stalls of thandai and bhang were set up. There was also dance stage set up and DJ was set for music which just added to the fun, the kids’ play-area was set-up away from the elder’s as no one wanted the kids to get hurt and so the three kids of RM where playing along with the kids of the guests with Manav and Arpita keeping eyes on them time to time who would once in a while got to the main party to greet the guests along and few nannies were hired to watch the kids full time.
A bunch of cars pull up at RM driveway and from those cars got down were the Khurana family, the Gupta family, Yuvi-Mayuri along with Aman who came to party with them and then lastly was the Mehra family. They were shown the way towards where party was on by the servants and Epsitha-Kunal dropped their daughter in kid’s play-area feeling lot better with the thoughtful arrangement. Seeing new bunch of guests arriving Manav and Arpita along with Ranveer-Ishaani were welcoming them with smiles as the pleasantries were just being exchanged when a giggling Khushi came running there crashing into Akash almost knocking him off his feet taking him by surprise. But he managed to stand upright and also steadied Khushi also from falling down.
Khushi immediately took a step back from Akash regaining her balance and apologized: “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t seeing wear I was running to...” her cheeks turning red in embarrassment.
Akash politely answered: “No it’s okay...”
Arpita concernedly asks her: “You’re okay beta..?” looking at her daughter-in-law
Khushi looks at her mother-in-law: “Yeah Mom I am.” smilingly replies.
Ranveer asked her bemusedly: “Still giving Arnie a good chase..?” his eyes dancing mirth as he eyed still color-free Khushi.
She grinned broadly: “Always...” and giving him a hi-5 with a cute giggle.
Manav, Arpita and Ishaani could just shake their heads at the pair knowing what they were talking and others were confused with the half talks. So out of curiosity Garima asked: “What are you talking about..? And Khushi why are you making Arnav chase you..?”
Khushi smiled answering cheerfully: “Actually in Raizada family there this is a tradition they do with every newly married couple's first Holi in the family. The husband will have to keep trying the whole day to apply color on his wife. But she will save herself from him and if he still succeeds, it means no matter how much your wife goes away from you in life because of situations and problems, you will always find her and keep her close to you. So Arnav and I too had that on our first Holi and it was so fun that since then on every holi I make him chase me and that’s why I am running...” laughing a little as she told them.
Hearing her Arpita, Manav, Ishaani, and Ranveer smiled at her along with Samar, NK, Mr. and Mrs. Khurana, Epsitha, Kunal and for a change Akash, Mayuri and Yuvraj gave Khushi a smile. But Lavanya, Anjali, Payal didn’t like hearing this while Aman, Garima, Sashi and Nani didn’t know exactly how to react for their own reasons. So anyways everyone their wished applying color to each other but Khushi didn’t let anyone telling them that Arnav applies her color first and then only she starts her color-play with others and stood aside watching them all with smile.
Lavanya also stood little aside as unsuspected as possible to not get colored applied on her by anyone else first as she wanted Arnav to be first applying her color and to be the first to apply on him. Her eyes went to Khushi and then at the color packet in her hand as she thought to herself: “Arnav would first put color on me and not you Khushi... you have enjoyed a lot of privileges in my absences taking my place. But now it’s time you realize your rightful place...” as she carefully stepped closer to Khushi unnoticed with handful of color preparing to throw color at her.
Khushi was so lost with conversation and greeting and she didn't notice someone had crept behind her and then someone a hand rubbed color on her cheek as she gasped and turned around to see the person. Arnav stood behind smirking as she looked at him with open mouth wile he smirked giving her intense look as he huskily said: “Happy Holi, Mahi.” his right palm rubbed her color her other cheek then pulled her come crushing on his chest, holding her close.
Khushi shyly looks down holding his right hand palm with her left hand and then brought it up to his cheek, putting color on him returned: “Happy holi to you too hubby!” with a very shy smile on her lips and eyes twinkling with love.
Arnav playfully wiggled his eyebrows at her saying: “See I caught you... I always to no matter where you go, but at the end of the day you’ve to be in my arms.” as he flickered her button nose with his.
Khushi simply replied: “And there is no other place I want to be than in your arms... cause that make all worth it at the end of the day...” placed her lips on his as they kissed passionately, very conveniently forgetting their surroundings and the people around them.
But the people around them who were watching had varied reaction from each one of them, the well-wishers smiled, the non-happy ones were jealous and few didn’t know how to exactly react. Anyway there was a lot of throat clearing making the love-birds aware of their surrounding and making them pull back from their PDA. Where Khushi blushed brightly seeing the audience around her, Arnav on the contrary had a smirk on his face much to her annoyance and then everyone was moved into the party to join others.
***
The party was going on full swing with colors, dance and music along with people drinking either bhang or thandai and people were now multi-colored faces enjoying the party. But standing in one corner was Lavanya Gupta who was watching around people having great time, her friends laughing, her parents having nice conversation with other guests along Arnav’s and Akash’s parents and Epsitha-Kunal. Than Ranveer was with his pregnant wife who was recording the event was her handy-cam, something he came up to keep his wife away from the color-play, Khushi’s elder brother, Neev with his wife Amaya where playing around with each other, Samar was running after Tuli who had poured a bucket of water on him and then there was Arnav who was dancing with Khushi which made her really furious to see that.
She was already pissed off with the earlier failed attempt and then witnessing that PDA of Arnav with Khushi which she knew he did to piss her off. In the past 03 months she had tried numerous attempts to get closer to Arnav but he just doesn’t seem to notice them, always glued to that Khushi. But those failed attempts hadn’t been able to back her off rather fueled her determination to win Arnav from that Khushi and throw her out of his life, she’ll surely find something to break them no matter what she needs to do. She fleetingly glanced around casually taking in her surrounding as around and her eyes returned back to the drinks table where she saw the bhang and thadai were made and kept side by side though separated.
Lavanya remembered the first holi Arnav had celebrated with them all those years back when they were in relationship and she clearly remember what had happened when he had accidentally consumed bhang. This gave her an idea as she knew if Arnav gets intoxicated with bhang than he starts blurring out all sorts of secrets and things, so maybe she could use that to make him confess the truth about still having feelings for her. So with that plan she carefully went to one of the waiters and bribed him to give bhang to Arnav as thandai then send him off, grinning in triumph at success she’ll get soon.
The waiter with tray in hand went around giving the guests to Arnav-Khushi who just stepped down from the dance floor to take a break from all the jumping and dancing. The waiter offered drink to them which Khushi refused but Arnav picked on and so did Amaya who talking to them along with Neev, who refused. Then they were joined by Ranveer and Ishaani who started to chat but then Khushi was called by someone so she went away, while Arnav and Amaya who had finished their first glass of bhang wali thandai started their bout of drinking glass after glass getting all drunk. It took Neev a while to understand and stop their drinking spree but it was too late, both had drunk over 06 glasses of bhang wali thandai.
Amaya had started jumping like a kangaroo all over the place with Neev hardly able to control her. Then suddenly she stops and stood in front of him, drunkenly says pointing a finger at his face: “You know what..? You look my husband... Hahahaha...” starting to laugh madly then speak again in-between her giggles, “You know I love my Neev soooooooooo much...” childishly spreading arms her arms on both side to show how much she loved her.
Neev smiled at her act and asked: “Really..?” clearly very amused by his drunken wife’s antics.
Amaya cutely nodded replies in sing-song manner: “Really...I’m flying and flying...” spinning again with her arms spread like wings or something. Then she stops and pokes his nose screaming at him, “YOU MISTER, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!!” running off with Neev chase after drunken Amaya again, who probably considered herself a jet plane.
Other hand Ranveer was holding a very intoxicated Arnav who he knew would start doing some crazy things. He was trying to take the bhang glass from his hands which Arnav refused to give up started screaming bloody murder: “AHHH!! LEAVE MY GLASS, YOU STUPID GLASS THIEF... GET YOURSELF ANOTHER ONE, THIS IS MINE!!!” as he started to jump trying to get away holding the big glass of bhang-thandai like something valuable.
Ranveer trying to control him says: “Dude, stop jumping and screaming like your toddler daughter... gosh, you turn such brainless and become so damn difficult when you get drunk!!” as he tried to retrain his jumping.
But Arnav wasn’t to be tamed and feeling offended by the words started screaming louder: “I’M NOT BRAINLESS YOU... YOU...” not being able to think of anything and then simply said shrugging continued, “...YOU WHATEVER! YOU’RE BRAINLESS, YOU HEADLESS CHICKEN!!” then stomping on Ranveer’s feet who immediately loosened his grip on him screaming a loud ‘OUCH!’, giving just the opportunity to Arnav for getting out of his hold.
Ranveer started hopping on his feet and his face scrunched up in pain as he exclaimed to his friend: “You almost crushed my feet, you idiot!! And by the way did you call me ‘Headless chicken’..?” as looked at his drunken friend in front of him.
Arnav laughed out loud simply shouting: “SERVES YOU RIGHT, YOU HEADLESS GLASS THIEF CHICKEN!!” showing him tongue and taking another large gulp of his bhang from the glass in his hand.
Ranveer could only shake his head while Ishaani was laughing her head off watching and recording the whole thing and Ranveer gave his wife a dirty look hearing her laugh. Arnav’s glass got empty and he started shaking it upside-down making a cute face: “Arre, this is finished!” then pouted sadly like a cute kid.
Then his eyes went to drinks table and he happily ran off towards that for getting himself another and Ranveer had to run after him to stop him from drinking more as laughing Ishaani followed them still recording. Ranveer tried a lot to stop Arnav but he couldn’t and was just running after him which was making him tired now trying to keep up with the hyper-active drunken Arnav.
Arnav ran towards Khushi who was talking to Payal, Akash, Aman, Mayuri, Yuvraj, Samar and Tuli with Anjali and Lavanya too stood along the group. All turned when Arnav and Ranveer came running and skid to a stop beside them as they looked at the boys confused as Ishaani too came following after them smiling widely and recording in her handy-cam. Khushi felt little odd the way Arnav was standing holding two glass in hand and Ranveer was panting for breath with all the running as she looked at them frowning curiously.
Arnav stepped in middle of the group slurred out drunkenly: “You know what, I hate you all... for everything you did... You all abandoned me when I needed you all most...” saying with sad eyes pointing at Payal, Akash, Mayuri, Yuvraj, Aman and Anjali as he continued slurring getting aggressive suddenly, “You all are bad, very bad... especially you Ms. Lavanya Gupta...” pointing at Lavanya and continuing, “You’re the meanest, most selfish person I have ever known... and I hate you the most!” as he hiccuped and burped on her face than started out laughing loudly.
Hearing him they all knew Arnav was drunk and the accused ones except Lavanya who got pissed, others felt guilty at different degrees hearing his words. While Ranveer, Ishaani, Samar and Tuli tired to control their laughs. Khushi looked at Ranveer-Ishaani and asked: “How did he get drunk?” feeling concerned and horrified at the same time.
Before Ranveer or Ishaani could answer, Arnav had turned towards her hearing her voice and stood in front of her. Very close and personal in you must say than he looked down at her said huskily: “And are so beautiful, Mahiya... How can anyone be so beautiful like you are... it should be considered illegal!” as he looked at her with bedroom eyes making her blush.
While Lavanya was turning more furious with all this and Ranveer, Ishaani, Samar and Tuli, even Mayuri and Yuvraj smiled at the cute couple. Well in past 03 months they’ve seen Arnav genuinely happy with Khushi and his new life, they both have come in terms that Arnav has moved on and it was Lavanya’s turn to let go. They were sad for her but then what is happening now is consequence of her own past decisions and anyways Mayuri-Yuvraj might do anything to help Lavanya get her love but knowing now that Arnav is married, they don’t intend to break someone’s marriage. Also they realized that Khushi is a very genuine and sweet person, so they’re polite towards her now being less hostile as they were initially. If only Arnav would forgive them, they just want to make things right with him and hope with time they could mend things someway to some extend if not completely.
Drunken Arnav probed a shy Khushi again: “You know what Mahi..? I LOVE YOUUUUUU..!” screaming at the top of his lungs making many eyes turn in their direction to see while Khushi blushed brightly and Lavanya fumed fire-engine red.
Blushing Khushi tired: “Arnav stop please...” looking around embarrassed with so many eyes on them now.
He looked at her and shook his head in refusal says: “Na huh, first you say back to me right now...” and her eyes widened in horror as she looked around people looking at them especially at Lavanya as Khushi being the ever thoughtful didn’t want to hurt her. Arnav followed her line of gaze and looked at Lavanya standing beside him with distaste screamed, “HUH YOU AGAIN, I HATE YOU SO VERY MUCH, MS. LAVANYA GUPTA!!” as he angrily stomped out from there.
Khushi signed in relief seeing people turn back to doing what they were while she blushed as few surrounding her teased her. She looked around worriedly for Arnav and was about to excuse herself, to search him when the music was stopped making the whole party literarily pause and looked towards the DJ but Khushi got mega surprise.
Arnav drunkenly got on the music-player table DJ was playing with a mike in one hand and a tall glass of bhang in other, almost falling off it as the DJ stabled him. He freed himself from his hold indicating that he’s fine to stand on his own and then tested if the mike: “Hello, hello... Mike testing, mike testing...” and smiled happily to see its working fine.
All were looking at him weirdly expecting that he was going to do something funny which happened too as he started screaming out on the mike: “People, people...Ah, what do they say it in Hindi..?” pausing a moment scratching him head. The DJ prompted him from behind and he gave him a drunken thankful smile. Turning around he started addressing again as he spoke in British accented Hindi, “Gao walo, gao walo!! Yeh jo Khushi hai na, Khushi... that beautiful woman standing over there...” pointing towards her who was blushing bright red due to embarrassment as everyone looked at her then back at him as he started speaking again, “That is Khushi, whom I’m married to... what do you say in Hindi...” thinking a moment says, “Yeah, iske saath mera lagan hua hai and I said ‘I love you’ to her then I told her to say back to me but she refused... USNE NAHI KAHA, GAO WALO!!” screaming his lung out.
Khushi face-palmed out of embarrassment and it wasn’t even god damn funny as to how embarrassed she felt, hoping the earth to swallow her but none of it happened. All the guests started laughing while Samar, Tuli, Ranveer, Ishaani and Neev even Amaya had jumped on Neev’s back for horse ride paused her drunken antics to watch ASR’s performance were laughing their ass off snickering.
Neev whistles lightly snickering: “Oh man, Abir and Sana are missing all the fun...” as he laughed seeing his brother-in-law’s drunken antic.
Ishaani assured: “Oh, don’t worry I’m recording it and will send them first thing after party is over...” as she bit her lower lip trying to control her laughs.
Samar chuckles watching the hilarious scene unfold in front of him, comments: “I thought Arnav didn’t like Bollywood movies, I never knew he has watched ‘Sholey’...”
Ranveer replied: “Must be Katya, she might have talked him into watching with her sometime when she had one of those fits of mood-swings of watching Bollywood movies during her pregnancy, I guess.” suggested with a chuckle knowing Arnav would do anything his wife would ask him to.
Samar says with mischievous lace in his voice: “Oh, I’m so gonna rub this on his face...” as he chuckled evilly thinking all the teasing he could do.
Arpita and Manav had approach the little group with anxious face yet laughing at their drunken son’s antics. Arpita interrogated sternly: “Who did this to my son..? Who let Arnie drunk and why the hell you let him..?” with motherly concern in her voice.
All raised their hands in surrender and Neev answered quietly carefully: “No one, he accidentally drunk a bhang thandai. And before we realized her had gulped down more than 05-06 glass, going completely out with it...see even Amaya is drunk here.” indicating towards his drunken wife on his back who was watching Arnav cutely and suddenly laughed out loud out of nowhere.
Arpita could only shake her head as her eyes went back to her son standing on DJ’s table and Manav simply said: “He is so not my son right now...” feeling all embarrassed and Arpita swatted him for saying that. Others laughed at his comment but then they all turned to watch the scene unfold in front of them eagerly with amusement.
Drunken Arnav continued speaking on the mike slurring and stumbling on his words: “Gaowalo, yeh jo Khushi hai na Khushi... she would’ve have said ‘I love you’ back to me. But all went in drain because... BECAUSE OF THAT EVIL RED QUEEN!” screaming and pointing towards Lavanya besides Khushi who turned fire engine red in anger wile Khushi gasped in horror hearing him refer Lavanya as ‘Evil Red Queen’. The little group laughed holding their stomachs at that all over again while Arnav continued, “BECAUSE OF THAT EVIL RED QUEEN, KHUSHI WON’T SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ TO ME!! And if Khushi doesn’t say it... then I jumping and Red Queen to jail and there chakki pissing and pissing and pissing...” as he took a long drink from the glass in his hand than continued screaming on the mike, “SUICIDE! SUICIDE! SUICIDE!!” posing as if he’ll jump making Khushi gasp out loud but then he stabled himself and she signed in relief putting a hand on her heart.
All the guests kept looking from Arnav to Khushi and then back at him waiting. Neev prompts to his baby-sister: “Katya just say ‘I love you’ to him, your hubby dear has gone crazy drunk and would really jump off from that table...”
Arpita also agreeing said: “Haan Khushi beta just tell him ‘I love you’ or else he’ll really jump off that table and break his bones.” as she looked back at her son concernedly.
Arnav again screamed on the mike drunkenly warning: “TELL KHUSHI TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ OR ELSE I JUMPING... SUICIDE! SUICIDE! SUICIDE!!” he waited and readied himself to jump off.
Ranveer chuckled commenting: “Arnie becomes such a bloody Dramaqueen to get Katya’s attention I swear!” shaking his head at his drunken best friend.
Manav rolled his eyes at his son’s drunken antics: “He’s so dramatic... Khushi beta just say ‘I love you’ to him or else he’ll go more weirdo with his drunken antics.” glancing towards his love daughter-in-law.
Ishaani also prompted: “Katya just say ‘I love you’ to him, you’ve spoiled your hubby so much the attention you give him all the time that he’ll do anything to get your attention when he feels lack of it. And anyways it isn’t as if you haven’t said that to him before... so quit being shy girl!” as she turned her handy-cam to Khushi recording her knowing she’ll say it now.
Hearing everyone’s words Khushi felt silly and asked for a microphone which was handed to her immediately. Then she spoke out loud: “Arnav stop, wait... I LOVE YOU JAANA!! I love you so very much... Now please carefully get down from there.” pleading him to come down.
Arnav grinned happily now and flipped Lavanya: “TAKE THAT, RED QUEEN!!” making her more furious and Khushi horrified while he simply went on continuing to announcing, “Gao walo, she just said ‘I love you’ to me, so no need of suicide anymore, people. CANCEL! CANCEL! SUICIDE CANCEL, GAO WALO!!” as he got down the table with the DJ’s help stumbling on his feet.
All the guests were laughing over the whole thing now even Khushi had to laugh at the whole situation as she too agreed now that it was all very hilarious even though she had been embarrassed. Ranveer says to her: “Come on Katya, let’s get your drunken hubby and take him inside before he starts another drama again.” and agreeing with him they both went to fetch the drunken guy.
Amaya too has started her drunken antics on Neev and he said to others: “Okay, I better talk my drunken woman as she’s going crazy again...” excusing them from there to take her inside the house pass through the crowd.
Arpita and Manav went away to check on the kids now that the drama was over, the remaining were laughing about Arnav’s antics as Ishaani and Tuli were telling about other dramatic things Arnav had done to get Khushi’s attention. Lavanya was fuming hearing all these and was totally pissed off, she had come here to the party to try her luck but instead had become a laughing stock and it was all because of that Khushi. Today Arnav had called her ‘Red Queen’ only because that Khushi has turned him against her but she won’t let her win just like that, she’ll get back at her soon. Not wanting anyone know about her pissed off mood she silently slipped from the group and though no one noticed, Anjali had seen her little sister leave didn’t follow her knowing she needs space but was concerned for her.
Ranveer and Khushi were running after a drunken Arnav who wanted another drink for himself but since they won’t allow, he ran off with them following. Both of them trying to catching him as Arnav was making them run after him round and round, around the drinks table as they tried to take the glasses out of his hands. Khushi called loudly: “Arnie, no don’t you dare drink that... put that glass down, RIGHT NOW!!” trying to make him listen.
But Arnav being stubborn shook his head in disagreement: “No I’m not doing that...” as she kept running away from them.
Ranveer huffed panting said: “Dude, what’s up with you... can’t you just stand at one place, why do you keep running..? And enough now Arnie put the glass down...” requesting him to listen.
He just shook his head but then with a thought says: “Okay, I’ll listen to you both if Mahi does what I ask her to... deal?” putting fourth his offer.
Ranveer asked: “What?” while Khushi got suspicious of her husband’s intentions now.
Arnav simply: “You’ll have to drink this thandai...” offering one glass in his hand he was drinking from, continues, “Drink this and I’ll listen to everything you say, promise!”
Ranveer and Khushi look at each other faces wearily; they both knew Arnav had one glass of bhang thandai and one glass of normal thandai each in his hands. So they can guess that the one he is offering must be bhang one and she thought of something said: “Okay, I agree but no need to give yours I’ll take one from the table and drink for you.”
He shook his head says: “No! You’ll have to drink from one of my glasses...”
Khushi felt stuck but then agreed: “Okay than I’ll take the other one in your hand and drink from that... is that okay?” knowing that one is normal thandai. Arnav agreed and offered the other glass in his hand and Khushi took it from him and gulped the whole in one go looking at him from corner of her eyes.
Then she put the glass down and looked at him saying: “See I drunk that drink for you...” but then started to feel funny.
Ranveer looked at her concernedly asked: “Katya, you’re okay?” but Khushi simply started giggling out of nowhere and picked another glass of drink as he looked horrified turned to ask his best friend: “Dude, what did you do..?”
Arnav gave a drunken chuckle answering: “You guys thought you can outsmart ASR... well guess what, you can’t! I had offered her thandai glass but she picked the bhang one to drink.” and laughed out at his smartness.
Ranveer could only hit his head and he pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes thinking but as moments later he opened his eyes to see the drunken couple is not around anymore. So worried he decided to get someone help him find them as he walked to his friends looking around for the drunken couple but they weren’t seen.
***
Neev walked across the backyard where the party was going on with his drunken Amaya on his back singing some Hindi song loudly totally off-key and massacring it totally. Reaching the backdoor he opens it with a little struggle with one hand and holding her carefully on his back and entering shut the door. By now Amaya has stopped singing but was now horse riding commanding him to move forward as he was her supposed horse making him roll his eyes at her antics and says to her: “Okay, now we’re inside the house...so down from my back, Amaya.”
Amaya shook her head in no and poked his cheek demanding: “Nooooooo, first show me your dimple...”
He tried speaking: “Amaya--”
But she cuts him off with continuing to stubbornly demand: “Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee, show me your dimple... I wanna see you dimple, show me your dimple...” poking his cheek more and he gave a lop-side smile making his dimple pop as she squealed seeing it. He again tried to put her down but she cling to him protesting, “No no no, don’t put me down! Don’t put me down! No no, I’ll drown... I don’t know to swim, don’t put me down!” clinging to him tightly almost making him stumbling with her sudden frantic movements.
Neev stabled himself and held her carefully as he to make her understand: “But Amaya love, there is no water here...”
She simply shrugged replied cutely: “So what, I’ll still drown...” tightens her hold on him giving him a drunken silly smile.
Neev gave up trying to get her off and started making way to his room as he walked up the stairs with her on his back again singing some song softly to own self. Entering their room he says: “Okay fine, we’re here in our room and the bed is high enough that you won’t drown.” as put her down on the bed carefully and she lay down without any protest just smiling simply. He properly made her lay down, removing her slippers and covering her with duvet telling her, “Okay now sleep.” and got up from the bed trying to leave.
Amaya held one of his hand making stop and turn to her as she cutely demanded: “I want to eat Nandos.” dropping his hand now having his attention.
Neev replied her strictly: “You’re not eating any Nandos now Amaya, you’re going to sleep...” making her pout cutely and he turned around to leave again but a smile on his lips.
She again held his hand: “No don’t leave Neev, don’t leave me alone please...” pleading him as he looked at her and she cutely continued, “Please stay with me Neev, please stay please Neev, please...” making cute faces and shaking his hand that she held tightly within her grip, “I love you Neev, I really really love you... Please stay with me Neev, please stay... I can’t leave without you, I love you so much Neev...” looking at him with puppy eyes.
He smiled at her sweetly and sat down beside her and said looking at her: “I love you too, Baby... a lot.” and bend down giving her a kiss on her forehead making her smile cutely as she few asleep.
Neev pulled back to see her sleeping with cute smile and brushed out a lock of her from her face with a smile on his lips. He really loved her a lot, they were childhood sweethearts and he was so grateful for her support when his parents passed away... she had helped him a lot to pull himself together and remind him that he has his siblings to look after. He considers himself very lucky to have her in his life, she adores Abir like her little brother and loves his baby sister like her own daughter, so yeah he is luckiest to have her as his wife.
Wanting to leave her alone at the moment, he slipped his shoes off and slid under the covers besides her pulling her into his arms, snuggling into her as he too fell asleep with moments due to early morning waking up and all partying.
***
Lavanya unnoticed to anyone walked inside of RM from backdoor wiping her angry-sad tears and biting her lips in efforts to not break down holding her head high. She just walked ahead without really bothering or looking where she is going to with all intents and purposes of being alone, away from everyone. So her aimless walking ended her up at one of the indoor poolside as she sat down on the hemlock at one side wiping the stubborn tears which just wouldn’t stop, no matter how much she tries.
She struggled to keep check on her conflicting emotions and heartbreak she felt right now, it hurts like hell to see the man you love ignore you and watch his open PDA with some other woman. Today seeing Arnav portraying his affection so openly with Khushi and Khushi also reciprocating it openly without any hesitations had strung her lot, more than she would like it to. Then she heard all the tales from Arnav’s friends that how Arnav is with Khushi and how Khushi never misses to show him her affection openly made her realize what all she hadn’t done. Lavanya’s mind flashed to the times when she was with Arnav and realized that she hadn’t shown her love for him openly ever, she was always conscious of people around them. She remembers how he used to get upset with her self-consciousness all the time and back than she hadn’t thought much but now she regrets it.
Lavanya’s self-thoughts as she mumbled to herself: “This is where I failed... I failed to show Arnav that how much I love him, like without the care of what anyone thought like that Khushi shows him now. Maybe that’s why he is ignoring me... because he thinks I don’t love him as I failed to show him enough...” as if it was her eureka moment and exclaimed, “Yes, I get it now! This has to be...I had failed to show him my love openly enough and that’s why he is ignoring my efforts. Yes, now I know where I’m going wrong and I’ll now work on mending it...” she thought with renewed determination as she wiped her tears.
But then sudden moments of curtains flying of one French window caught her attention ahead of her and she walked to see what’s there. Lavanya moved aside the curtains of the room to see the spacious bedroom with the queen size bed and above the headboard a live-size photo of Arnav-Khushi smiling wrapped in a loving embrace. She walked in the room, taking only a few steps looking around to see the room full of photos of Arnav-Khushi with each other and/or with the little girl, Hiya. She stared around the room for quite long time quietly and then not being able to take it anymore she walked out from where she came in and ran out of RM, getting into her car and sending a quick text to Anjali that she is going home.
Lavanya’s thoughts were all over the place and she need to be alone to collect herself or she’ll break as she fears, her thoughts are so scattered these days and she is struggling to understand herself. Though one thing she is determined about is that winning Arnav back even if her conscience tries to make her see that has lost him forever and now it’s all futile attempts, she ignores them. She needs to calm and collect herself if she wants to win her love back, she thought and with that she drove to her house, trying to regain some sort of stability which is all lost to her right now.
***
“Itna maza, kyun aa raha hai
Tune hawa mein bhaang milaya”
The DJ played the top-chatted Bollywood Holi number as people dancing on the dance-floor with hyper-energy crazily, some sober and some drunk, some alone or with friends and some with their partners. Among them were the drunken love-birds, jumping and dancing crazily to the beats as Khushi dancing to the beats without a care for the world, smilingly widely in a carefree world of her.
“Itna maza, kyun aa raha hai
Tune hawa mein bhaang milaya
Dugna nasha, kyun ho raha hai
Aankhon se meetha tune khilaya”
Arnav swirled to the music lightly but mostly having intense eyes on his Mahi, watching her every carefree move with that dazzling smile of hers on her lips. He pushed away anyone especially men, trying to get near his wife, guarding his precious from the anything and everything. Seeing her dancing was even more enchanting for him in his intoxicated state and suddenly he turns and pulls to him as they both look in each others eyes as he swirl them to the music lightly.
“Ho teri malmal ki kurti gulabi ho gayi
Manchali chaal kaise nawaabi ho gayi, toh?
Balam pichkari jo tune mujhe maari
Toh seedhi saadi chhori sharaabi ho gayi
Haa Jeans pahen ke jo tune maara thumka
Toh lattoo padosan ki bhabhi ho gayi (x2)”
Getting tired of all the jumping and dancing on the dance-floor Arnav dragged a giggling Khushi off the stage along with him. As they got out of the crowd bumping onto each other’s shoulder and laughing meaninglessly holding hands. Then Khushi felt her dupatta missing says out loud: “Where is my dupatta..? Arnie, where is my dupatta..?” Both started looking around before she spotted stuck on a shrub at little distance, she tucks his sleeve pointing towards it, “Oh there it is, you wait I’ll get it... wait here I coming.” as she turned to leave.
Arnav held her hand stopping her from leaving and says: "I'll come with you too..."
She shook her head: "No need..." but her was already to protesting and she held his face in her hand as she softly says, "You will stay here and I'll be just back... you're too drunk and it's just two steps, not too far. So you'll wait her and I'm coming in 02 mins and don't you dare move from here!" instructing him sternly as he pouts but nods like an obedient kid and she walks off to get the dupatta.
Arnav like an obedient husband stood waiting for his wife just where she has asked him to, looking around silently as he waited patiently. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to see his Mom: “MOMMY!!” squealing like an excited child hugged her tight as if he saw her after ages.
Arpita hugged him back smiling at his antics; he surely turns back into a child after he gets drunk then pulled back holding him by shoulder asked: “Arnie, what are you doing here alone..?”
He looked her puzzled and asked back: “What am I doing here..?”
Arpita: “That’s what I’m asking and where is Khushi..?” as she glanced around him to see if she can spot Khushi.
Arnav again repeated like a parrot after her: “Where is Khushi?” tilting his head to one side like a curious child.
She almost rolled eyes at him and asked again emphasizing more on her words: “Arnie I asking you where is Khushi..? She was with you... where did you leave her..?” cupping cheek with one hand
He stared at his Mom for few moments blankly and she shakes him again as he snaps out replying: “She is... she is... Khushi duppatte mein hai...” mumbling half in English and half in his British accented Hindi.
Arpita looked at him confusedly re-asked: “Duppatte mein..? What are you saying Arnie..?”
Arnav didn’t say anything and simply pointed towards the shrub where Khushi had pulled off her dupatta from it and putting around her neck carefully making the way to them. Soon Arpita realized by Khushi’s slurry greeting that she is also drunk and herself guides both of them inside the house and in their room for them to sleep it off. After Arpita left Arnav-Khushi in their room shutting their room to bid the guests off with remaining family down as the party was getting over and guests were starting to leave as the evening is approaching.
........................
Inside in Arnav and Khushi’s room, both had gotten off the bed and stumbled their way to the poolside-slash-garden walking out of the sliding door, giggling and falling on each other before they both flopped down on the edge of pool dripping their feet in pool.
Khushi’s head on his shoulder as he had his arm around her as she spoke softly: “You know, I love you so much Arnie, you make my heart race... But how do you do that?” pouting cutely as she looked up at him with curious pair of eyes.
Arnav looked down at her with drunken hazy love filled eyes, placing her palm over his chest upon, he replied simply: “Because you make my heart race...”
Her eyes widened in fascination feeling his heart thumping frantically under her palm, her face in her signature 3 ‘O' in shock. She asks: “Do I?” clearly fascinated that she could make his heartbeats race.
He nodded his head in yes then asked her back: “Do you know why?” and she shakes her head in no gesturing him why silently. So he continues replying her, “Because our heartbeats are one...”
She prompts back questioning: “Our heartbeats are one?”
Arnav nods his head in yes answering: “Yes, our heartbeats are one. We’re two halves of one... halves of each other and without each other, we’re only half a heart without each other...” as she looked at him with serious eyes and he stared back at her intensely with a soft gaze which was only reserved for her, “I love you Mahi... I really, really do!” looking into her beautiful blue eyes with a love mix of soft green flicks.
Khushi smiled back at him: “I love you too, Arnie Baby... I really, really do!” as she stared at his silver eyes which always drowned her in them. She could stare at them forever, she thought with a dreamy sign.
Arnav and Khushi sat content in each others’ arms by the poolside, dripping their feet in water and giving into each others’ eyes with dreamy love filled looks. This is their life now, with each other and in each others’ arms, their past doesn’t matter to them anymore only the future they’ve have together and the present they live with each other. They found their true love in each other after going through a whole lot of things but that’s okay because they got each other and that what really matters at the end for them, making all the heartbreaks worth it but a hell lot protective over each other.
NOTE: This chap is dedicated to @JashmineRahul, she was the person who requested Holi chap... in fact her request gave me quite a few nice ideas to take the story forward, so definitely inspirational request. So Jazz, here is your Holi episode and yeah sorry it took so many months but I hope you like this part and I’m expecting long comment from you.
03 MONTHS LATER, HOLI DAY
RAIZADA MANSION - 08:00 AM
A excited Khushi all ready bright and early for colorful festive wearing a simple white-yellow salwar and sat on bed trying to wake up her Kumbhakarna of a husband who just wouldn’t wake up. She huffed for umpteenth time trying to wake him: “Arnav baby, wake up! How long are you gonna sleep...” shaking him harder which doesn’t seem to get much useful.
Sleepy Arnav turned other side and pulled pillow over his head mumbling sleepily annoyed: “Arre let me sleep yaar let me sleep... in fact you too sleep with me...” and abruptly pulled her in bed with him.
Before Khushi could react she found herself caged in Arnav’s arms, facing his bare chest and the heat from his skin washes over her. She was immediately lost in their closeness and snuggled him with a sign and then a sudden thought hits her. It’s finally Holi today and they need to get out of bed ASAP!
Thinking mischievously Khushi let out an excited yelp then jumped at Arnav and pushes him onto his back, startling him awake. He growls as his eyes snap open, grabs her closer while at the same time pushing her way, which ends up making them roll over again until they were falling off the bed. Khushi gasp in shock as her back leaves the bed and Arnav tightens his grip on her as thanks to his fast reflexes flipping them over so he is below her when they hit the floor with a loud thump.
Grinning foolishly at his extremely shocked face, she chirps happily: "That was fun, can we do it again?"
He opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. He tries to speak again, but again nothing comes out only his hands tighten on her hips. He ends up staring at her with his mouth hanging open making her giggle.
Reaching up, she put her hand on his chin and shut his mouth: "Stop doing that, you look like a goldfish..." saying as sternly as she can, which only makes her sound like a child more than usual. Arnav grins up at her, making his silver eyes sparkle more and she whines, "Now come on, I wanna start playing Holi!"
Arnav chuckles at her eagerness, almost all traces of sleep gone from his face and body. Khushi gets up off him while taking his hands and yanking him up with all her strength, which isn't very much. He ends up having to stand by himself since she not much help. She gets behind him and tries to push him to move faster: "Come on!" which doesn't really work.
Arnav looks at the clock and complains: "It's only eight in the morning! Not even the birds are up yet!"
Khushi counter: "But I'm already up!" switching to grab his hand and drag him towards the door.
He doesn't budge again and flops back down on the bed, tugging her down with him. She lands on his chest making hum grunt. He grumbles: "Mahi, it's too early!" as he rubbed his eye with a fist that she’s not holding.
Khushi pouts: "Please?" sticking out her bottom lip.
He peeks at her with one eye, before groaning again: "Mahi, you know I can't resist that face!" as he protests. And she kept the face up, tugging on his hand gently, drawing his attention back to her. He grunts, unable to keep his eyes off her face, "Fine."
Khushi grin and drag him up again and then towed him to the bathroom by the hand while he stumbles along tiredly behind me. It would have looked strange to anyone who saw them to see a tiny girl dragging around a tall, muscled guy. She pushed him in bathroom with towel asking him to hurry up and he reluctantly gave into her and did as she asked him to.
***
Khushi impatiently sat on bed waiting for Arnav for 10 mins to come out as she again shouted for him: “Arnav hurry up... how much time it takes to get freshen up!" then she heard the shower being turned on and sound of water coming and she hollered again, "Don't tell me you're taking a shower right now..? You know right that you're going to get dirty all over with the whole color-play... so why did you taking a shower now?" clearly not understanding her weird husband.
Arnav hollered back from the bathroom answering her as he stood under the water falling over him: "Because I need a wake-up shower considering you woke me up so early in the morning on a holiday when I was considering to sleep in. And anyways taking morning showers is also called personal hygiene.... Don't tell me you skipped shower today, that is so ewww!!" as she teased her knowing she'll get irritated and he got his desired reaction also moments later as Khushi shouted at him from the other side of the door making him chuckle.
10 mins later Arnav walked out of washroom wearing loose jeans and a towel in hand which he held out for her sitting down on bed. Khushi took it from him and got up to stand behind him and drying his hair while said to her: “Yaar what are hurrying up so much about..? Holi party doesn’t starts before and guests will start coming than... I don’t understand why do we need to do Holi, you just get dirty and ugly with colors thrown on you...it’s so yucky!” making a face at the thought of Holi.
Khushi rolls her eyes at his complains answering him: “Just because you don’t like, doesn’t mean others also and anyways since we’re in India we ought to celebrate it...” and she finished drying his hair put the towel away and handed him his white shirt to wear as she helps him buttoning up.
Arnav quickly brushed his hair once and Khushi picked her large stash of colors after which they both went downstairs to see others already sitting in living room. Arnav went to sit beside the gents and Khushi went to help the ladies doing last minute things for the party at home today.
Ranveer sleepily grumbled: “Yaar, why are we up so early on a holiday, can’t we just sleep. I'm so sleepy, Ishaani didn’t let me sleep with her midnight cravings... I don't understand why is she getting so hyper over it, she can't even play or do running around!” exclaiming as he tried to stifle a yawn in vein and his eyes doped.
Arnav agreeing: “I too wanna sleep... god knows what they wanna do so early, even birds are not awake yet. Lucky Abir and Sana Bhabhi not having to endure this torture and the main event hasn’t even started yet...” groaning at the thought of the color-play that is going to happen in little while.
Neev to agreed making a disgusted face at the prospect of colors: “I’m not excited about that too either...”
Amaya says hearing them: “Arre chill na, why are you guys so fussing about? Here I thought boys like to get dirty...” clearly annoyed with all the complains of the men since morning.
Neev gives a dirty look to her, replying: “Well boys do like to get dirty but not with awful colors, please!” rolling his eyes at his wife.
Before anything else could be said Ryan, Zayn and Hiya came running holding their water-guns and Hiya ran to her Dadda while Ryan-Zayn went to show Neev their cool water-guns. The elders smiled at the enthusiasm of kids and listening them talk cutely. Arnav kissed Hiya’s forehead as he looked up and asked: “By the way who is keeping eyes on kids during party? There is going to bhang and all, don’t want anything to happen to them...”
Arpita answered smilingly: “Don’t worry Manav and I will keep eyes on the kids along with Ishaani since she shouldn’t be running around too much...”
Ranveer too smiled: “Thanks Aunty...” feeling relieved that someone will be keeping eyes on his wife whom she can’t escape making puppy-faces.
Arpita smiles at him saying: “No problems, I won’t let Ishaani go wild in excitement.”
That moment the landline rang getting everyone’s attention and Manav picked it up as he sat nearest to it, spoke: “Hello...”
From other side came cheerful voice of Sana came: “Hi Manav uncle, happy holi!”
Manav smiled hearing her answered: “Happy holi to you too beta, how are you?”
Sana smilingly replied: “Fine uncle, just missing everyone...”
Manav: “We’re missing you and Abir also.”
Everyone was listening to Manav’s conversation and Khushi requested to call on speaker and everyone gathered around the phone in hall. On the other side Abir and Sana also put the call on speaker as Sana went on complaining: “I so wish to be there now with you guys and celebrating Holi... but I’m stuck with my boring workaholic husband working!”
Abir simply said: “I’m so grateful to be here now and out the mayhem I know is going to happen today...” with relief laced in his voice.
Arnav: “Yeah lucky you, we’re stuck here...” pouting to himself and Khushi swatted him.
Khushi says: “I don’t understand why you guys are complaining so much and it hasn’t even started... I love Holi so much, it’s so colorful and fun!” getting excited about it.
Then they generally chatting asking Abir and Sana to take care of themselves’ and return soon, the couple asked their son to be nice and not trouble anyone, the over-protective bother Abir is asked Khushi to take care others to keep her away from bhang. So after the call was finished everyone went to have a quick breakfast which was filled with laughs and jokes as everyone seemed to be extra cheerful and getting into festive mood.
................................
10:30 AM
The holi party has started at the backyard of RM where all the arrangements where done from big tubs full of colors to stalls full of dry colors of all colors to stalls of thandai and bhang were set up. There was also dance stage set up and DJ was set for music which just added to the fun, the kids’ play-area was set-up away from the elder’s as no one wanted the kids to get hurt and so the three kids of RM where playing along with the kids of the guests with Manav and Arpita keeping eyes on them time to time who would once in a while got to the main party to greet the guests along and few nannies were hired to watch the kids full time.
A bunch of cars pull up at RM driveway and from those cars got down were the Khurana family, the Gupta family, Yuvi-Mayuri along with Aman who came to party with them and then lastly was the Mehra family. They were shown the way towards where party was on by the servants and Epsitha-Kunal dropped their daughter in kid’s play-area feeling lot better with the thoughtful arrangement. Seeing new bunch of guests arriving Manav and Arpita along with Ranveer-Ishaani were welcoming them with smiles as the pleasantries were just being exchanged when a giggling Khushi came running there crashing into Akash almost knocking him off his feet taking him by surprise. But he managed to stand upright and also steadied Khushi also from falling down.
Khushi immediately took a step back from Akash regaining her balance and apologized: “I’m so sorry, I wasn’t seeing wear I was running to...” her cheeks turning red in embarrassment.
Akash politely answered: “No it’s okay...”
Arpita concernedly asks her: “You’re okay beta..?” looking at her daughter-in-law
Khushi looks at her mother-in-law: “Yeah Mom I am.” smilingly replies.
Ranveer asked her bemusedly: “Still giving Arnie a good chase..?” his eyes dancing mirth as he eyed still color-free Khushi.
She grinned broadly: “Always...” and giving him a hi-5 with a cute giggle.
Manav, Arpita and Ishaani could just shake their heads at the pair knowing what they were talking and others were confused with the half talks. So out of curiosity Garima asked: “What are you talking about..? And Khushi why are you making Arnav chase you..?”
Khushi smiled answering cheerfully: “Actually in Raizada family there this is a tradition they do with every newly married couple's first Holi in the family. The husband will have to keep trying the whole day to apply color on his wife. But she will save herself from him and if he still succeeds, it means no matter how much your wife goes away from you in life because of situations and problems, you will always find her and keep her close to you. So Arnav and I too had that on our first Holi and it was so fun that since then on every holi I make him chase me and that’s why I am running...” laughing a little as she told them.
Hearing her Arpita, Manav, Ishaani, and Ranveer smiled at her along with Samar, NK, Mr. and Mrs. Khurana, Epsitha, Kunal and for a change Akash, Mayuri and Yuvraj gave Khushi a smile. But Lavanya, Anjali, Payal didn’t like hearing this while Aman, Garima, Sashi and Nani didn’t know exactly how to react for their own reasons. So anyways everyone their wished applying color to each other but Khushi didn’t let anyone telling them that Arnav applies her color first and then only she starts her color-play with others and stood aside watching them all with smile.
Lavanya also stood little aside as unsuspected as possible to not get colored applied on her by anyone else first as she wanted Arnav to be first applying her color and to be the first to apply on him. Her eyes went to Khushi and then at the color packet in her hand as she thought to herself: “Arnav would first put color on me and not you Khushi... you have enjoyed a lot of privileges in my absences taking my place. But now it’s time you realize your rightful place...” as she carefully stepped closer to Khushi unnoticed with handful of color preparing to throw color at her.
Khushi was so lost with conversation and greeting and she didn't notice someone had crept behind her and then someone a hand rubbed color on her cheek as she gasped and turned around to see the person. Arnav stood behind smirking as she looked at him with open mouth wile he smirked giving her intense look as he huskily said: “Happy Holi, Mahi.” his right palm rubbed her color her other cheek then pulled her come crushing on his chest, holding her close.
Khushi shyly looks down holding his right hand palm with her left hand and then brought it up to his cheek, putting color on him returned: “Happy holi to you too hubby!” with a very shy smile on her lips and eyes twinkling with love.
Arnav playfully wiggled his eyebrows at her saying: “See I caught you... I always to no matter where you go, but at the end of the day you’ve to be in my arms.” as he flickered her button nose with his.
Khushi simply replied: “And there is no other place I want to be than in your arms... cause that make all worth it at the end of the day...” placed her lips on his as they kissed passionately, very conveniently forgetting their surroundings and the people around them.
But the people around them who were watching had varied reaction from each one of them, the well-wishers smiled, the non-happy ones were jealous and few didn’t know how to exactly react. Anyway there was a lot of throat clearing making the love-birds aware of their surrounding and making them pull back from their PDA. Where Khushi blushed brightly seeing the audience around her, Arnav on the contrary had a smirk on his face much to her annoyance and then everyone was moved into the party to join others.
***
The party was going on full swing with colors, dance and music along with people drinking either bhang or thandai and people were now multi-colored faces enjoying the party. But standing in one corner was Lavanya Gupta who was watching around people having great time, her friends laughing, her parents having nice conversation with other guests along Arnav’s and Akash’s parents and Epsitha-Kunal. Than Ranveer was with his pregnant wife who was recording the event was her handy-cam, something he came up to keep his wife away from the color-play, Khushi’s elder brother, Neev with his wife Amaya where playing around with each other, Samar was running after Tuli who had poured a bucket of water on him and then there was Arnav who was dancing with Khushi which made her really furious to see that.
She was already pissed off with the earlier failed attempt and then witnessing that PDA of Arnav with Khushi which she knew he did to piss her off. In the past 03 months she had tried numerous attempts to get closer to Arnav but he just doesn’t seem to notice them, always glued to that Khushi. But those failed attempts hadn’t been able to back her off rather fueled her determination to win Arnav from that Khushi and throw her out of his life, she’ll surely find something to break them no matter what she needs to do. She fleetingly glanced around casually taking in her surrounding as around and her eyes returned back to the drinks table where she saw the bhang and thadai were made and kept side by side though separated.
Lavanya remembered the first holi Arnav had celebrated with them all those years back when they were in relationship and she clearly remember what had happened when he had accidentally consumed bhang. This gave her an idea as she knew if Arnav gets intoxicated with bhang than he starts blurring out all sorts of secrets and things, so maybe she could use that to make him confess the truth about still having feelings for her. So with that plan she carefully went to one of the waiters and bribed him to give bhang to Arnav as thandai then send him off, grinning in triumph at success she’ll get soon.
The waiter with tray in hand went around giving the guests to Arnav-Khushi who just stepped down from the dance floor to take a break from all the jumping and dancing. The waiter offered drink to them which Khushi refused but Arnav picked on and so did Amaya who talking to them along with Neev, who refused. Then they were joined by Ranveer and Ishaani who started to chat but then Khushi was called by someone so she went away, while Arnav and Amaya who had finished their first glass of bhang wali thandai started their bout of drinking glass after glass getting all drunk. It took Neev a while to understand and stop their drinking spree but it was too late, both had drunk over 06 glasses of bhang wali thandai.
Amaya had started jumping like a kangaroo all over the place with Neev hardly able to control her. Then suddenly she stops and stood in front of him, drunkenly says pointing a finger at his face: “You know what..? You look my husband... Hahahaha...” starting to laugh madly then speak again in-between her giggles, “You know I love my Neev soooooooooo much...” childishly spreading arms her arms on both side to show how much she loved her.
Neev smiled at her act and asked: “Really..?” clearly very amused by his drunken wife’s antics.
Amaya cutely nodded replies in sing-song manner: “Really...I’m flying and flying...” spinning again with her arms spread like wings or something. Then she stops and pokes his nose screaming at him, “YOU MISTER, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!!” running off with Neev chase after drunken Amaya again, who probably considered herself a jet plane.
Other hand Ranveer was holding a very intoxicated Arnav who he knew would start doing some crazy things. He was trying to take the bhang glass from his hands which Arnav refused to give up started screaming bloody murder: “AHHH!! LEAVE MY GLASS, YOU STUPID GLASS THIEF... GET YOURSELF ANOTHER ONE, THIS IS MINE!!!” as he started to jump trying to get away holding the big glass of bhang-thandai like something valuable.
Ranveer trying to control him says: “Dude, stop jumping and screaming like your toddler daughter... gosh, you turn such brainless and become so damn difficult when you get drunk!!” as he tried to retrain his jumping.
But Arnav wasn’t to be tamed and feeling offended by the words started screaming louder: “I’M NOT BRAINLESS YOU... YOU...” not being able to think of anything and then simply said shrugging continued, “...YOU WHATEVER! YOU’RE BRAINLESS, YOU HEADLESS CHICKEN!!” then stomping on Ranveer’s feet who immediately loosened his grip on him screaming a loud ‘OUCH!’, giving just the opportunity to Arnav for getting out of his hold.
Ranveer started hopping on his feet and his face scrunched up in pain as he exclaimed to his friend: “You almost crushed my feet, you idiot!! And by the way did you call me ‘Headless chicken’..?” as looked at his drunken friend in front of him.
Arnav laughed out loud simply shouting: “SERVES YOU RIGHT, YOU HEADLESS GLASS THIEF CHICKEN!!” showing him tongue and taking another large gulp of his bhang from the glass in his hand.
Ranveer could only shake his head while Ishaani was laughing her head off watching and recording the whole thing and Ranveer gave his wife a dirty look hearing her laugh. Arnav’s glass got empty and he started shaking it upside-down making a cute face: “Arre, this is finished!” then pouted sadly like a cute kid.
Then his eyes went to drinks table and he happily ran off towards that for getting himself another and Ranveer had to run after him to stop him from drinking more as laughing Ishaani followed them still recording. Ranveer tried a lot to stop Arnav but he couldn’t and was just running after him which was making him tired now trying to keep up with the hyper-active drunken Arnav.
Arnav ran towards Khushi who was talking to Payal, Akash, Aman, Mayuri, Yuvraj, Samar and Tuli with Anjali and Lavanya too stood along the group. All turned when Arnav and Ranveer came running and skid to a stop beside them as they looked at the boys confused as Ishaani too came following after them smiling widely and recording in her handy-cam. Khushi felt little odd the way Arnav was standing holding two glass in hand and Ranveer was panting for breath with all the running as she looked at them frowning curiously.
Arnav stepped in middle of the group slurred out drunkenly: “You know what, I hate you all... for everything you did... You all abandoned me when I needed you all most...” saying with sad eyes pointing at Payal, Akash, Mayuri, Yuvraj, Aman and Anjali as he continued slurring getting aggressive suddenly, “You all are bad, very bad... especially you Ms. Lavanya Gupta...” pointing at Lavanya and continuing, “You’re the meanest, most selfish person I have ever known... and I hate you the most!” as he hiccuped and burped on her face than started out laughing loudly.
Hearing him they all knew Arnav was drunk and the accused ones except Lavanya who got pissed, others felt guilty at different degrees hearing his words. While Ranveer, Ishaani, Samar and Tuli tired to control their laughs. Khushi looked at Ranveer-Ishaani and asked: “How did he get drunk?” feeling concerned and horrified at the same time.
Before Ranveer or Ishaani could answer, Arnav had turned towards her hearing her voice and stood in front of her. Very close and personal in you must say than he looked down at her said huskily: “And are so beautiful, Mahiya... How can anyone be so beautiful like you are... it should be considered illegal!” as he looked at her with bedroom eyes making her blush.
While Lavanya was turning more furious with all this and Ranveer, Ishaani, Samar and Tuli, even Mayuri and Yuvraj smiled at the cute couple. Well in past 03 months they’ve seen Arnav genuinely happy with Khushi and his new life, they both have come in terms that Arnav has moved on and it was Lavanya’s turn to let go. They were sad for her but then what is happening now is consequence of her own past decisions and anyways Mayuri-Yuvraj might do anything to help Lavanya get her love but knowing now that Arnav is married, they don’t intend to break someone’s marriage. Also they realized that Khushi is a very genuine and sweet person, so they’re polite towards her now being less hostile as they were initially. If only Arnav would forgive them, they just want to make things right with him and hope with time they could mend things someway to some extend if not completely.
Drunken Arnav probed a shy Khushi again: “You know what Mahi..? I LOVE YOUUUUUU..!” screaming at the top of his lungs making many eyes turn in their direction to see while Khushi blushed brightly and Lavanya fumed fire-engine red.
Blushing Khushi tired: “Arnav stop please...” looking around embarrassed with so many eyes on them now.
He looked at her and shook his head in refusal says: “Na huh, first you say back to me right now...” and her eyes widened in horror as she looked around people looking at them especially at Lavanya as Khushi being the ever thoughtful didn’t want to hurt her. Arnav followed her line of gaze and looked at Lavanya standing beside him with distaste screamed, “HUH YOU AGAIN, I HATE YOU SO VERY MUCH, MS. LAVANYA GUPTA!!” as he angrily stomped out from there.
Khushi signed in relief seeing people turn back to doing what they were while she blushed as few surrounding her teased her. She looked around worriedly for Arnav and was about to excuse herself, to search him when the music was stopped making the whole party literarily pause and looked towards the DJ but Khushi got mega surprise.
Arnav drunkenly got on the music-player table DJ was playing with a mike in one hand and a tall glass of bhang in other, almost falling off it as the DJ stabled him. He freed himself from his hold indicating that he’s fine to stand on his own and then tested if the mike: “Hello, hello... Mike testing, mike testing...” and smiled happily to see its working fine.
All were looking at him weirdly expecting that he was going to do something funny which happened too as he started screaming out on the mike: “People, people...Ah, what do they say it in Hindi..?” pausing a moment scratching him head. The DJ prompted him from behind and he gave him a drunken thankful smile. Turning around he started addressing again as he spoke in British accented Hindi, “Gao walo, gao walo!! Yeh jo Khushi hai na, Khushi... that beautiful woman standing over there...” pointing towards her who was blushing bright red due to embarrassment as everyone looked at her then back at him as he started speaking again, “That is Khushi, whom I’m married to... what do you say in Hindi...” thinking a moment says, “Yeah, iske saath mera lagan hua hai and I said ‘I love you’ to her then I told her to say back to me but she refused... USNE NAHI KAHA, GAO WALO!!” screaming his lung out.
Khushi face-palmed out of embarrassment and it wasn’t even god damn funny as to how embarrassed she felt, hoping the earth to swallow her but none of it happened. All the guests started laughing while Samar, Tuli, Ranveer, Ishaani and Neev even Amaya had jumped on Neev’s back for horse ride paused her drunken antics to watch ASR’s performance were laughing their ass off snickering.
Neev whistles lightly snickering: “Oh man, Abir and Sana are missing all the fun...” as he laughed seeing his brother-in-law’s drunken antic.
Ishaani assured: “Oh, don’t worry I’m recording it and will send them first thing after party is over...” as she bit her lower lip trying to control her laughs.
Samar chuckles watching the hilarious scene unfold in front of him, comments: “I thought Arnav didn’t like Bollywood movies, I never knew he has watched ‘Sholey’...”
Ranveer replied: “Must be Katya, she might have talked him into watching with her sometime when she had one of those fits of mood-swings of watching Bollywood movies during her pregnancy, I guess.” suggested with a chuckle knowing Arnav would do anything his wife would ask him to.
Samar says with mischievous lace in his voice: “Oh, I’m so gonna rub this on his face...” as he chuckled evilly thinking all the teasing he could do.
Arpita and Manav had approach the little group with anxious face yet laughing at their drunken son’s antics. Arpita interrogated sternly: “Who did this to my son..? Who let Arnie drunk and why the hell you let him..?” with motherly concern in her voice.
All raised their hands in surrender and Neev answered quietly carefully: “No one, he accidentally drunk a bhang thandai. And before we realized her had gulped down more than 05-06 glass, going completely out with it...see even Amaya is drunk here.” indicating towards his drunken wife on his back who was watching Arnav cutely and suddenly laughed out loud out of nowhere.
Arpita could only shake her head as her eyes went back to her son standing on DJ’s table and Manav simply said: “He is so not my son right now...” feeling all embarrassed and Arpita swatted him for saying that. Others laughed at his comment but then they all turned to watch the scene unfold in front of them eagerly with amusement.
Drunken Arnav continued speaking on the mike slurring and stumbling on his words: “Gaowalo, yeh jo Khushi hai na Khushi... she would’ve have said ‘I love you’ back to me. But all went in drain because... BECAUSE OF THAT EVIL RED QUEEN!” screaming and pointing towards Lavanya besides Khushi who turned fire engine red in anger wile Khushi gasped in horror hearing him refer Lavanya as ‘Evil Red Queen’. The little group laughed holding their stomachs at that all over again while Arnav continued, “BECAUSE OF THAT EVIL RED QUEEN, KHUSHI WON’T SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ TO ME!! And if Khushi doesn’t say it... then I jumping and Red Queen to jail and there chakki pissing and pissing and pissing...” as he took a long drink from the glass in his hand than continued screaming on the mike, “SUICIDE! SUICIDE! SUICIDE!!” posing as if he’ll jump making Khushi gasp out loud but then he stabled himself and she signed in relief putting a hand on her heart.
All the guests kept looking from Arnav to Khushi and then back at him waiting. Neev prompts to his baby-sister: “Katya just say ‘I love you’ to him, your hubby dear has gone crazy drunk and would really jump off from that table...”
Arpita also agreeing said: “Haan Khushi beta just tell him ‘I love you’ or else he’ll really jump off that table and break his bones.” as she looked back at her son concernedly.
Arnav again screamed on the mike drunkenly warning: “TELL KHUSHI TO SAY ‘I LOVE YOU’ OR ELSE I JUMPING... SUICIDE! SUICIDE! SUICIDE!!” he waited and readied himself to jump off.
Ranveer chuckled commenting: “Arnie becomes such a bloody Dramaqueen to get Katya’s attention I swear!” shaking his head at his drunken best friend.
Manav rolled his eyes at his son’s drunken antics: “He’s so dramatic... Khushi beta just say ‘I love you’ to him or else he’ll go more weirdo with his drunken antics.” glancing towards his love daughter-in-law.
Ishaani also prompted: “Katya just say ‘I love you’ to him, you’ve spoiled your hubby so much the attention you give him all the time that he’ll do anything to get your attention when he feels lack of it. And anyways it isn’t as if you haven’t said that to him before... so quit being shy girl!” as she turned her handy-cam to Khushi recording her knowing she’ll say it now.
Hearing everyone’s words Khushi felt silly and asked for a microphone which was handed to her immediately. Then she spoke out loud: “Arnav stop, wait... I LOVE YOU JAANA!! I love you so very much... Now please carefully get down from there.” pleading him to come down.
Arnav grinned happily now and flipped Lavanya: “TAKE THAT, RED QUEEN!!” making her more furious and Khushi horrified while he simply went on continuing to announcing, “Gao walo, she just said ‘I love you’ to me, so no need of suicide anymore, people. CANCEL! CANCEL! SUICIDE CANCEL, GAO WALO!!” as he got down the table with the DJ’s help stumbling on his feet.
All the guests were laughing over the whole thing now even Khushi had to laugh at the whole situation as she too agreed now that it was all very hilarious even though she had been embarrassed. Ranveer says to her: “Come on Katya, let’s get your drunken hubby and take him inside before he starts another drama again.” and agreeing with him they both went to fetch the drunken guy.
Amaya too has started her drunken antics on Neev and he said to others: “Okay, I better talk my drunken woman as she’s going crazy again...” excusing them from there to take her inside the house pass through the crowd.
Arpita and Manav went away to check on the kids now that the drama was over, the remaining were laughing about Arnav’s antics as Ishaani and Tuli were telling about other dramatic things Arnav had done to get Khushi’s attention. Lavanya was fuming hearing all these and was totally pissed off, she had come here to the party to try her luck but instead had become a laughing stock and it was all because of that Khushi. Today Arnav had called her ‘Red Queen’ only because that Khushi has turned him against her but she won’t let her win just like that, she’ll get back at her soon. Not wanting anyone know about her pissed off mood she silently slipped from the group and though no one noticed, Anjali had seen her little sister leave didn’t follow her knowing she needs space but was concerned for her.
Ranveer and Khushi were running after a drunken Arnav who wanted another drink for himself but since they won’t allow, he ran off with them following. Both of them trying to catching him as Arnav was making them run after him round and round, around the drinks table as they tried to take the glasses out of his hands. Khushi called loudly: “Arnie, no don’t you dare drink that... put that glass down, RIGHT NOW!!” trying to make him listen.
But Arnav being stubborn shook his head in disagreement: “No I’m not doing that...” as she kept running away from them.
Ranveer huffed panting said: “Dude, what’s up with you... can’t you just stand at one place, why do you keep running..? And enough now Arnie put the glass down...” requesting him to listen.
He just shook his head but then with a thought says: “Okay, I’ll listen to you both if Mahi does what I ask her to... deal?” putting fourth his offer.
Ranveer asked: “What?” while Khushi got suspicious of her husband’s intentions now.
Arnav simply: “You’ll have to drink this thandai...” offering one glass in his hand he was drinking from, continues, “Drink this and I’ll listen to everything you say, promise!”
Ranveer and Khushi look at each other faces wearily; they both knew Arnav had one glass of bhang thandai and one glass of normal thandai each in his hands. So they can guess that the one he is offering must be bhang one and she thought of something said: “Okay, I agree but no need to give yours I’ll take one from the table and drink for you.”
He shook his head says: “No! You’ll have to drink from one of my glasses...”
Khushi felt stuck but then agreed: “Okay than I’ll take the other one in your hand and drink from that... is that okay?” knowing that one is normal thandai. Arnav agreed and offered the other glass in his hand and Khushi took it from him and gulped the whole in one go looking at him from corner of her eyes.
Then she put the glass down and looked at him saying: “See I drunk that drink for you...” but then started to feel funny.
Ranveer looked at her concernedly asked: “Katya, you’re okay?” but Khushi simply started giggling out of nowhere and picked another glass of drink as he looked horrified turned to ask his best friend: “Dude, what did you do..?”
Arnav gave a drunken chuckle answering: “You guys thought you can outsmart ASR... well guess what, you can’t! I had offered her thandai glass but she picked the bhang one to drink.” and laughed out at his smartness.
Ranveer could only hit his head and he pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes thinking but as moments later he opened his eyes to see the drunken couple is not around anymore. So worried he decided to get someone help him find them as he walked to his friends looking around for the drunken couple but they weren’t seen.
***
Neev walked across the backyard where the party was going on with his drunken Amaya on his back singing some Hindi song loudly totally off-key and massacring it totally. Reaching the backdoor he opens it with a little struggle with one hand and holding her carefully on his back and entering shut the door. By now Amaya has stopped singing but was now horse riding commanding him to move forward as he was her supposed horse making him roll his eyes at her antics and says to her: “Okay, now we’re inside the house...so down from my back, Amaya.”
Amaya shook her head in no and poked his cheek demanding: “Nooooooo, first show me your dimple...”
He tried speaking: “Amaya--”
But she cuts him off with continuing to stubbornly demand: “Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee, show me your dimple... I wanna see you dimple, show me your dimple...” poking his cheek more and he gave a lop-side smile making his dimple pop as she squealed seeing it. He again tried to put her down but she cling to him protesting, “No no no, don’t put me down! Don’t put me down! No no, I’ll drown... I don’t know to swim, don’t put me down!” clinging to him tightly almost making him stumbling with her sudden frantic movements.
Neev stabled himself and held her carefully as he to make her understand: “But Amaya love, there is no water here...”
She simply shrugged replied cutely: “So what, I’ll still drown...” tightens her hold on him giving him a drunken silly smile.
Neev gave up trying to get her off and started making way to his room as he walked up the stairs with her on his back again singing some song softly to own self. Entering their room he says: “Okay fine, we’re here in our room and the bed is high enough that you won’t drown.” as put her down on the bed carefully and she lay down without any protest just smiling simply. He properly made her lay down, removing her slippers and covering her with duvet telling her, “Okay now sleep.” and got up from the bed trying to leave.
Amaya held one of his hand making stop and turn to her as she cutely demanded: “I want to eat Nandos.” dropping his hand now having his attention.
Neev replied her strictly: “You’re not eating any Nandos now Amaya, you’re going to sleep...” making her pout cutely and he turned around to leave again but a smile on his lips.
She again held his hand: “No don’t leave Neev, don’t leave me alone please...” pleading him as he looked at her and she cutely continued, “Please stay with me Neev, please stay please Neev, please...” making cute faces and shaking his hand that she held tightly within her grip, “I love you Neev, I really really love you... Please stay with me Neev, please stay... I can’t leave without you, I love you so much Neev...” looking at him with puppy eyes.
He smiled at her sweetly and sat down beside her and said looking at her: “I love you too, Baby... a lot.” and bend down giving her a kiss on her forehead making her smile cutely as she few asleep.
Neev pulled back to see her sleeping with cute smile and brushed out a lock of her from her face with a smile on his lips. He really loved her a lot, they were childhood sweethearts and he was so grateful for her support when his parents passed away... she had helped him a lot to pull himself together and remind him that he has his siblings to look after. He considers himself very lucky to have her in his life, she adores Abir like her little brother and loves his baby sister like her own daughter, so yeah he is luckiest to have her as his wife.
Wanting to leave her alone at the moment, he slipped his shoes off and slid under the covers besides her pulling her into his arms, snuggling into her as he too fell asleep with moments due to early morning waking up and all partying.
***
Lavanya unnoticed to anyone walked inside of RM from backdoor wiping her angry-sad tears and biting her lips in efforts to not break down holding her head high. She just walked ahead without really bothering or looking where she is going to with all intents and purposes of being alone, away from everyone. So her aimless walking ended her up at one of the indoor poolside as she sat down on the hemlock at one side wiping the stubborn tears which just wouldn’t stop, no matter how much she tries.
She struggled to keep check on her conflicting emotions and heartbreak she felt right now, it hurts like hell to see the man you love ignore you and watch his open PDA with some other woman. Today seeing Arnav portraying his affection so openly with Khushi and Khushi also reciprocating it openly without any hesitations had strung her lot, more than she would like it to. Then she heard all the tales from Arnav’s friends that how Arnav is with Khushi and how Khushi never misses to show him her affection openly made her realize what all she hadn’t done. Lavanya’s mind flashed to the times when she was with Arnav and realized that she hadn’t shown her love for him openly ever, she was always conscious of people around them. She remembers how he used to get upset with her self-consciousness all the time and back than she hadn’t thought much but now she regrets it.
Lavanya’s self-thoughts as she mumbled to herself: “This is where I failed... I failed to show Arnav that how much I love him, like without the care of what anyone thought like that Khushi shows him now. Maybe that’s why he is ignoring me... because he thinks I don’t love him as I failed to show him enough...” as if it was her eureka moment and exclaimed, “Yes, I get it now! This has to be...I had failed to show him my love openly enough and that’s why he is ignoring my efforts. Yes, now I know where I’m going wrong and I’ll now work on mending it...” she thought with renewed determination as she wiped her tears.
But then sudden moments of curtains flying of one French window caught her attention ahead of her and she walked to see what’s there. Lavanya moved aside the curtains of the room to see the spacious bedroom with the queen size bed and above the headboard a live-size photo of Arnav-Khushi smiling wrapped in a loving embrace. She walked in the room, taking only a few steps looking around to see the room full of photos of Arnav-Khushi with each other and/or with the little girl, Hiya. She stared around the room for quite long time quietly and then not being able to take it anymore she walked out from where she came in and ran out of RM, getting into her car and sending a quick text to Anjali that she is going home.
Lavanya’s thoughts were all over the place and she need to be alone to collect herself or she’ll break as she fears, her thoughts are so scattered these days and she is struggling to understand herself. Though one thing she is determined about is that winning Arnav back even if her conscience tries to make her see that has lost him forever and now it’s all futile attempts, she ignores them. She needs to calm and collect herself if she wants to win her love back, she thought and with that she drove to her house, trying to regain some sort of stability which is all lost to her right now.
***
“Itna maza, kyun aa raha hai
Tune hawa mein bhaang milaya”
The DJ played the top-chatted Bollywood Holi number as people dancing on the dance-floor with hyper-energy crazily, some sober and some drunk, some alone or with friends and some with their partners. Among them were the drunken love-birds, jumping and dancing crazily to the beats as Khushi dancing to the beats without a care for the world, smilingly widely in a carefree world of her.
“Itna maza, kyun aa raha hai
Tune hawa mein bhaang milaya
Dugna nasha, kyun ho raha hai
Aankhon se meetha tune khilaya”
Arnav swirled to the music lightly but mostly having intense eyes on his Mahi, watching her every carefree move with that dazzling smile of hers on her lips. He pushed away anyone especially men, trying to get near his wife, guarding his precious from the anything and everything. Seeing her dancing was even more enchanting for him in his intoxicated state and suddenly he turns and pulls to him as they both look in each others eyes as he swirl them to the music lightly.
“Ho teri malmal ki kurti gulabi ho gayi
Manchali chaal kaise nawaabi ho gayi, toh?
Balam pichkari jo tune mujhe maari
Toh seedhi saadi chhori sharaabi ho gayi
Haa Jeans pahen ke jo tune maara thumka
Toh lattoo padosan ki bhabhi ho gayi (x2)”
Getting tired of all the jumping and dancing on the dance-floor Arnav dragged a giggling Khushi off the stage along with him. As they got out of the crowd bumping onto each other’s shoulder and laughing meaninglessly holding hands. Then Khushi felt her dupatta missing says out loud: “Where is my dupatta..? Arnie, where is my dupatta..?” Both started looking around before she spotted stuck on a shrub at little distance, she tucks his sleeve pointing towards it, “Oh there it is, you wait I’ll get it... wait here I coming.” as she turned to leave.
Arnav held her hand stopping her from leaving and says: "I'll come with you too..."
She shook her head: "No need..." but her was already to protesting and she held his face in her hand as she softly says, "You will stay here and I'll be just back... you're too drunk and it's just two steps, not too far. So you'll wait her and I'm coming in 02 mins and don't you dare move from here!" instructing him sternly as he pouts but nods like an obedient kid and she walks off to get the dupatta.
Arnav like an obedient husband stood waiting for his wife just where she has asked him to, looking around silently as he waited patiently. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to see his Mom: “MOMMY!!” squealing like an excited child hugged her tight as if he saw her after ages.
Arpita hugged him back smiling at his antics; he surely turns back into a child after he gets drunk then pulled back holding him by shoulder asked: “Arnie, what are you doing here alone..?”
He looked her puzzled and asked back: “What am I doing here..?”
Arpita: “That’s what I’m asking and where is Khushi..?” as she glanced around him to see if she can spot Khushi.
Arnav again repeated like a parrot after her: “Where is Khushi?” tilting his head to one side like a curious child.
She almost rolled eyes at him and asked again emphasizing more on her words: “Arnie I asking you where is Khushi..? She was with you... where did you leave her..?” cupping cheek with one hand
He stared at his Mom for few moments blankly and she shakes him again as he snaps out replying: “She is... she is... Khushi duppatte mein hai...” mumbling half in English and half in his British accented Hindi.
Arpita looked at him confusedly re-asked: “Duppatte mein..? What are you saying Arnie..?”
Arnav didn’t say anything and simply pointed towards the shrub where Khushi had pulled off her dupatta from it and putting around her neck carefully making the way to them. Soon Arpita realized by Khushi’s slurry greeting that she is also drunk and herself guides both of them inside the house and in their room for them to sleep it off. After Arpita left Arnav-Khushi in their room shutting their room to bid the guests off with remaining family down as the party was getting over and guests were starting to leave as the evening is approaching.
........................
Inside in Arnav and Khushi’s room, both had gotten off the bed and stumbled their way to the poolside-slash-garden walking out of the sliding door, giggling and falling on each other before they both flopped down on the edge of pool dripping their feet in pool.
Khushi’s head on his shoulder as he had his arm around her as she spoke softly: “You know, I love you so much Arnie, you make my heart race... But how do you do that?” pouting cutely as she looked up at him with curious pair of eyes.
Arnav looked down at her with drunken hazy love filled eyes, placing her palm over his chest upon, he replied simply: “Because you make my heart race...”
Her eyes widened in fascination feeling his heart thumping frantically under her palm, her face in her signature 3 ‘O' in shock. She asks: “Do I?” clearly fascinated that she could make his heartbeats race.
He nodded his head in yes then asked her back: “Do you know why?” and she shakes her head in no gesturing him why silently. So he continues replying her, “Because our heartbeats are one...”
She prompts back questioning: “Our heartbeats are one?”
Arnav nods his head in yes answering: “Yes, our heartbeats are one. We’re two halves of one... halves of each other and without each other, we’re only half a heart without each other...” as she looked at him with serious eyes and he stared back at her intensely with a soft gaze which was only reserved for her, “I love you Mahi... I really, really do!” looking into her beautiful blue eyes with a love mix of soft green flicks.
Khushi smiled back at him: “I love you too, Arnie Baby... I really, really do!” as she stared at his silver eyes which always drowned her in them. She could stare at them forever, she thought with a dreamy sign.
Arnav and Khushi sat content in each others’ arms by the poolside, dripping their feet in water and giving into each others’ eyes with dreamy love filled looks. This is their life now, with each other and in each others’ arms, their past doesn’t matter to them anymore only the future they’ve have together and the present they live with each other. They found their true love in each other after going through a whole lot of things but that’s okay because they got each other and that what really matters at the end for them, making all the heartbreaks worth it but a hell lot protective over each other.
PRECAP: A Trip to the Past... Any guesses whose Point Of View it might be from..?
Loved it .....
ReplyDeleteDrunk arnav was cute esp gaon walo.....
Keep Arshi 2gether always.....dnt seprate dem.....
Plzzzz update all of ur ff once in a week ......n if possible give an estimated date when will u update nxt @ end .......
Thank you so much and yeah I know I was little irregular because after exams I went home for 15 days holiday to Kolkata and then the vaccation was cut shot due to my Dad was called back earlier. Getting back, Dad was too busy in office work and I had to do everything along...even cooking which I don't know much except cooking in Microwave reading the recipes. But now its more or less back to normal schedule, so you can expect regular updates...
DeleteWill be w8ng dear.....
DeleteFinally!! I'm so happy u finall updated. Lovr this story to the moon and back, just can't get enough of it.
ReplyDeleteComing to the update, awesome!!! Loved this update. A drunken Arnav and his act of Sholay. Khushi saying I love u jaana speechless. Love Arnav's parents for loveing Khushi so much. Hahahah lavanya red queen👹
Ranveer having hard time handling Arnav, Arnav calling him brainless chicken was just hiarious. Hate lavanya, xoes she really think that if she show how much she lives Arnav, that Arnav will go back to her😡 missed Abeer and Sana in this update.Good Ishani record all Arnav's antics waiting to see his reaction Neev and Amaya are really cute. Loved the end how both Arnav and Khushi confessed how much the love each other. Please update soon...
Thank you for your lovely comment...
Deletewow wonderful update n i like the way he call lavanya EVIL RED QUEEN
ReplyDeleteAmazing update, I think it will be from khushi's point of view.
ReplyDeleteThanks 4 the holi part.it was a surprise.
ReplyDeleteKhushis explanation about chasing on holi was funny n cute.when la bribed to ge arnav drunk I was angry.but seeing what arnav dif I am happy that he had bhaang.he blamed la n praised khushi, so sweet. The way he introduced khushi n suicide drama to make khushi confess her luv was do cute. Finally khushi confessed her love by calling his pet name given by her.1st time im reading khushi calling arnav a sweet name in a ff.arnav made khushi drank bhaang n finally khushi too danxed wiyh him.cute.their dialogues regarding heart beat similar to the show was romantic. Neev amaya scenes were damn cute.neev taking care of drunk amaya was very sweet
La thinks that arnav values khushi more as she failed to express her luv.so she is going to exoress her luv by making herself a fool.duno what she is going to do.but loved la getting embarrassed when drunk arnav insulted her
ReplyDeleteAwesome I just loved it... Arnav was soo cute... Loved the way he Lavanya evil red queen... And Lavanya is such a stubborn fool why can't she understand that Arnav moved on... Update soon dear waiting for more
ReplyDeleteLoved the update.. it was amazing.. Loved the craziness of arnav and gaon wala dialogue.. he said lavyana as red queen and made khushi drink bhang also when he is not in senses he played the mind of ASR... Lavyana is crazy why is she behind arnav to destroy his happy lyf.. Plz update soon..
ReplyDeleteHahahahahahaha... ARNAV drunk was hilarious... lavanya gonna make herself fool by attempting showing her love... waiting for next update....
ReplyDeleteLove it .i hope there past would be not so painful.I known u would write something unexpected.I really excited about it.
ReplyDeleteLoved the update. Amazing... especially ASR's drunken Sholey act.
ReplyDeleteWhy is Lavanya not understanding that by openly showing her love to Arnav she is going to hurt Khushi which will make ASR angry in turn, make herself a laughing stock and may loose sympathy of some of her friends?
Amazing story plz update
ReplyDeleteLoved the antics of drunk Arnav. Thank you. (Londoner)
ReplyDelete