ARSHI FS: Dard Se Tere...

EPILOGUE: Tum toh rahogi meri…

“Life is about choices. Some we regret, some we're proud of. We are what we choose to be.”
                                                                                                                                            -  By Graham Brown

JANUARY 21, 2041

STARBUCKS CAFÉ, ENGLAND – 11:30 AM

She walked causally inside the warm café which was buzzing in the cold winter morning with the heavy aroma of coffee in the air making her instantly starting to warm up. Heading to the counter line and after few minutes wait gave her order of a tall vanilla cappuccino with caramel, then paid quickly moving aside to wait for her order. Standing she looked around the café for a table to sit but all table seemed to be full but near the back window she saw a guy sitting alone reading, so maybe she can sit there and as she got her order made way to that table. Standing in front of the table she closer look at the guy sitting wearing grey high-neck sweater paired with some faded sort jeans, his black coat draped over the back of a chair beside him. She couldn’t see his face as it seemed obstructed by the book, he was reading though his jet-black hair seemed to be styled in an artful mess, so she guessed he was young. 

ARNAV'S OUTFIT / LOOK

Seeming he didn’t notice her, so she cleared her throat and said: “Ahem, can I sit here? All the other tables are full…” as she nervously shifted from one foot to another.

The guy lowered his book and she could see his mesmerizing icy blue eyes from behind his black-frame of reading glass as he glanced around first and then settled on her. He tiled his to one side as he lowered his book and she her breathe stuttering seeing the Adonis sitting in front of her with his lightly tanned and five o’clock stubble highlighting his jaw line. He looked at her from head to toe making her little nervous and when he looked in her eyes as if he can see her soul, then a minute later a gave nod motioning her to take the seat in front of her.

He watched as the girl gave him a smile and placed little white purse on a chair, her coffee on the table carefully and sat down. She was a white shirt with grey jeans and magenta knee-high heels and purple-magenta jacket while a green hat on her head few dark-chestnut locks framed her face, her long hair seemed in Dutch-braid. She had a beautiful peach-crème complexion with a cute doll face and big vibrate violet eyes, pretty pink bow-lips and he had seen the cute dimple on her left cheek when she smiled.

RIANSHI'S OUTFIT / LOOK

She was very beautiful girl with an air of innocence and seemed to intrigue him in a way no girl ever did and he knew she felt his gaze though she was looking outside, her little blush gave away. So, putting his book down and cleared his throat to get attention, spoke: “You’re alone here or waiting for someone?” as he took a sip of his espresso.
   

She replied smiling slightly: “Yes, this morning I’m out to explore the city alone and do a little shopping maybe. And what are you doing alone?” as she sipped her coffee.

He replied: “I come to this café some weekend mornings if I’m free to read with unlimited access to caffeine.” giving her a lopsided smirk which made his dimples pop, making her blush little.   

Taking another sip of her coffee and she held her hand out to him said: “I’m Rianshi… Rianshi Khurana.” giving him a cute smile.

He took her hand answering: “Arnav… Arnav Singh Rajput, charmed.” and place a kiss at the back of her hand. He left her hand reluctantly asking, “So you are a Uni student here…? You seem like a student and I hope it’s University and not High School.”  

Rianshi asked curiously: “And why would my being High School student be a problem for you…?”

Arnav replied simply: “Than you’ll be too young for me to flirt with you, am not interested in flirting with little girls.” sipping his coffee.

She laughed at his statement lightly asking: “So you consider yourself too old to be a High School girl’s boyfriend…?” as sipped her coffee.

He shrugged replying: “I am an almost 27 years old man and a high school teen is a little girl to me, so yeah I do consider myself too old to get in teen-angst drama. Anyways, you didn’t tell me… you are not a High School student…?” feeling little apprehensive due to her stalling.

  

Rianshi sipped her coffee, replied: “No am not a High School student, I am final year Fashion Designing student along with being a part-time model to manage my own expenses. And am 21 years old... more like almost 22 now, so you don’t need to be worried about getting trapped in teen-angst drama.” smiling at his earlier comment.

Arnav signed internally knowing that she isn’t some teenager and said: “Oh so you’re a Fashion Designing student and I run a Fashion House, well aren’t we match made in heaven…?” giving her his best flirty smile.

She blushed at his obvious flirting and asked: “Are you always this flirty with girls you meet…?” fidgeting with the tissue paper on table.

He shakes his head taking his specs off, replied bit shy: “No, just you…” giving her a boyish smile when made him look younger and cute.

Rianshi turned scarlet due to his words as well as feeling bubbly-fuzzy inside. They both smiled at each other, as their solo trip to café turned into their first coffee date and beginning of a beautiful relationship.

………










HOURS LATER

RAJPUT HOUSE, ENGLAND – 09:00 P.M






Sonakshi walked out of her room after she had changed and freshened-up after coming from hospital 30 mins ago, this week had been very hectic for her with three emergency surgeries. She asked the maid to set table for dinner and made her way to her son’s room and pushed his door open smiling as she saw him seated at the balcony cozy chair engrossed in whatever he was doing on his sketch-pad. She walked behind him with silent feet, peeped over his shoulder to see him putting final touches on the design of red bridal lehenga, comments: “It’s beautiful… is this for some upcoming fashion week…?” in his ears making him jump startled.






Arnav puts a hand over his heart and looks his shoulder to see his mother laughing at him, he angrily pouts: “What the! Mumma are you trying to give me heart-attack?!” said, turning away from her and going back to put finishing touches on the design.

Sonakshi sat down on the other chair beside him though she stopped laughing, there was a smile on her face and she said: “Acha baba, am sorry… now tell me is this design for some new fashion week…? It’s very nice, Arnie…” trying to pacify her darling son. She affectionately gazed at him, she still believed Arnie had truly come back as her son just like he had promised her and she had loved him like he always has deserved. Though sometimes it astonished her just how much her son, Arnie resembled her best friend, Arnie in both looks and behaviour… and true to Aman’s warning they did have their hands full with mini-ASR so that they never had any other children, one was more than enough for them but she loved him nonetheless.







He could never remain angry at his mom and looked at her with small smile which meant she was forgiven, replied: “This is not for Fashion week… this is your would-be daughter-in-law’s wedding dress.” then looked at the sketch-pad carefully studying the design.






She raised an eyebrow at that unexpected answer, says: “Beta first find my would-be daughter-in-law then design her wedding dress… or is it your way of trying to tell us that you want us to start looking for your bride…?” maybe her son has decided that it was time for him to tie knots.






He was going to reply but another voice came door said: “What is cooking between you mother and son again…?” they both turned to look towards the door were Aman stood smiling, he walked in and glanced at the sketch-pad once then sat beside his wife, “Is this for some upcoming Fashion Week…? But I don’t recall any upcoming Indian Bridal Fashion Week… so what is this for…?” he asked his son.






Sonakshi answered: “Fashion Week nahi, tumahari honewali bahu ka shaadi ka jora design kar raha hai.” she giggled at the expression her husband gave at that statement while Arnav only rolled his eyes at his parents’ dramatics. (Not Fashion Week, it for your would-be daughter-in-law’s wedding dress he is designing.) 






Aman looked incredulously and said to his son: “ASR phele lardki toh dhoondlo shaadi ke liye, uske baad shaadi ka jora design karna.” honestly did every ASR’s mind works such mysteriously, first it was his best friend-slash-boss and now it is his son, he could never know what came to their minds and why. (ASR first find a girl to marry, after that design the wedding dress.)






Arnav gave a his trademark: "What the!" to his parents and shook his head, rolling his eyes at them.





Aman response to that was: "Arnie, I know it is your favourite word but how many times do I have to tell you not to say so much of 'What the!'... it is not the answer to every thing all the time." exasperatedly shook his head at his son.





Sonakshi says: "Aman be reasonable, you can't ask him that... don't you know if he doesn't say 'What the!' and 'You're fired, Rehaan!' hundred times a day, he couldn't sleep at night..." teasing her son and giggling at the disgruntled look on his face. She continues, "What Arnie, it is true... I mean the number of times you fire Rehaan in one day, am sure he is used it now and not even gets scared as by know he is well-aware that only he can handle the stress of being your P.A."  





Aman nods his head in agreement, adds: "Yep, sab ASR ek jaise hi hote hai... mujhe ab hi woh din yaad hai jab ASR used to scream 'What the!' and 'You're fired Aman!' at me in only one day... if I had collected a coin every time he shouted that at me, am sure I would have become a billionaire just with that only." signing as if remembering those days, than shaking himself out of hit said, "Tumhe warn kiya tha na maine Sona, not to name our son ASR... see this is what you get as a result, our son's first word was 'What the' and not Mum or Da..." shaking his head with dramatic sadness while Sonakshi laughed at the look their son was giving them for their teasing.





Arnav rolled his eyes at them, saying: "Unbelievable, why are you both always so dramatic...? And really you're getting way out of topic..." though he couldn't himself speak Hindi, he understood it easily.





Aman retorted back: "Okay then let's get back to your topic... Arre wah, yeh acha hai you're the one designing the wedding dress and still we are those who are being dramatic, really...? Or is this your way of telling us that you want us to start bride-hunting for you...?" looking at his son curiously.






Sonakshi also says: “That was what I was asking him… toh bolo Arnie, should we start bride-hunting for someone to wear this shaadi ka jora of yours…?” eager for his reply.






Arnav looked at his parents’ enthusiastic eager faces and went back to put finishing touches on his designs: “No need, I have already found the girl who will wear this wedding dress of mine and be my bride.” replied in cool casual tone.






His both parents shrieked together: “WHAAATTT?! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US BEFORE?! WHERE DID YOU MEET HER? HOW DID YOU MEET HER? SINCE WHEN IS IT GOING ON? PROPOSE KAR DIYA YA KARNE WALA HAI?!” seeing him sitting silent and staring at their faces wide-eyed as they said together again, “Don’t just sit and stare, spill already!” ordered him to start speaking already.






He shook his head at his parents amused, replied: “Today at coffee shop I met this girl with whom I sort of had spent the whole day and my solo visit to café turned into a coffee date. She is very beautiful, smart and has a good sense of humour… she is just different… like mesmerizing…” he had a dreamy look and small smile on his face remembering Rianshi.






His parents raised an eyebrow at the love-sick look on their son’s face and both smiled at him. Sonakshi said: “Yeh sahi hai, ik mulaqaat theek se hui nahi ki abhi se shaadi ka jora banana lage uske liye…” smiling at her son who got flustered after coming out of his dreams. (This is cool, first meeting happened and you started making her wedding dress…)






Aman too joined, said: “Arnie beta how are you so sure that she is the one going to be your bride… Chakkar kya hai...?” curious as his son isn’t known to for making such decisions by just meeting a beautiful girl the first time.






Arnav smiled at his parents, replied: “I just know that she is the one for me… if anyone is going to be my bride then it will only be her and no one else.” confident and bashful at the same time confessing this.






Both of them looked at this new side of their son amusedly, seems like the mighty has fallen hard and they were happy for him. So, not teasing anymore and genuinely Sonakshi asked: “Now since you’re already making wedding dress for my would-be daughter-in-law and already finalized the girl yourself, at least show us a photo of our honewali Bahu too ASAP…”







He smiled at his mom’s request and put his sketch-pad on the table beside him and picked up his tablet and opened gallery to show one of the photos of her that he had download from Google of her photoshoot. He passed the tab to them as they looked at the photo, he spoke: “Her name is Rianshi Khurana, she is 22 and final year Fashion Designing student, working as part-time model to earn her own expenses. She is a single girl child, daughter of Mr. Maan Khurana, owner of Khurana Steels and Corps. while her mom, Mrs. Geet Maan Khurana is running an NGO for rape and domestic violence victims. I had spent today with her on a coffee date and already have a dinner date with her this Saturday night and if it went as I plan then by end of it she’ll officially be my girlfriend.” as he told them his plans.









Aman and Sonakshi had to blink in disbelieve at the girl’s photo who apparently seemed to have stolen their son’s heart. This girl look a lot Khushi at first glance but then they could see the difference and they both shared a knowing look, then turned to look at their son who had gone back to complete his design, now carefully looking at it to decide if it was okay or needed more. They both looked back at the photo of the girl, what are the chances that Arnav finds a girl who resembles Khushi, truly fate is mysterious and unpredictable. For now, they both leave those thoughts and worries aside putting faith that this time around everything will turn out to be alright.

Sonakshi smiled saying: “Well my honewali Bahu is really very beautiful… so you showed us her photo, now when are we going to meet her…?” pinching his cheeks affectionately.






Arnav smiled at his parents’ easy acceptance, replied: “Well be happy with seeing her photo only for now, first let me make her fall for me than we can talk about her meeting you guys… I have to make sure that she doesn’t run away screaming after meeting you both.” chuckling as he joked, his parents were the coolest and best. His mom swatted him on the arm for his comment though she too had a smile on her face.






Aman smiled at the two most important people in his life, said: “Fine for now we won’t pester you but don’t make us wait too long or else Arnie we’ll gate crash one of your dates with your Rianshi, just to meet her.” as he returned his tab back.






Arnav rolled his eyes knowing well that his parents would actually do that and nodded in agreement, replied: “Yes daddy…” taking his tab back, he glanced down at the picture and softly brushed his finger over her face and whispered, “My Piyu…” a soft smile playing on his lips as his eyes melted with an unknown soft emotion.

Though it was said very softly still Aman and Sonakshi had heard it clearly and they also saw the look on their Arnie’s face when he was staring down at the photo and for a moment, it felt like they saw their friend Arnav looking at his Piyu’s photo instead. Unaware of his parents’ momentary recollection, Arnav gazed lovingly at the photo of the girl who has mesmerized him and stole his heart at look one, he just knew she was the one he was waiting for… his Rianshi, his Piyu.

………

JANUARY 10, 2042

THE LEELA PALACE, DELHI – 08:13 PM

The back garden of The Leela Palace was decorated and arranged for one of the biggest fashion shows for the new bridal line launch in collaboration of AR Designs with London based top fashion house, Aroha Fashions which was rising on top in past years. This was also Aroha Fashions’ first launch in India and that too in collaboration with another Fashion House, so this show has already gained much publicity and media attention especially with the new of Aroha Fashions MD/CEO appearing in the show.   

Akash Singh Raizada was busy checking the last-minute arrangements with the back-stage crew and making sure all models have arrived, when someone tapped his shoulder from behind making him turn around. There stood son, Prem Singh Raizada who told him: “Dad what are you doing here? And Mom is looking for you everywhere, now leave this and come with me…” started dragging is father without letting him speak, “Don’t worry about anything, I have already triple-checked everything with everyone, it’s going to be perfect. Now stay with Mom and enjoy the evening.” as he came to stop in front of his mother and pushing his parents together ran off to see all arrangements.

Payal stared at the direction her son ran off and then at the face of her amused husband, shaking her head said: “I don’t understand where does he get so much energy to run and jump like a toddler rather than behaving like the 27 years old that he is. I swear he has only grown up in size but not in his mind, it is a miracle how he manages office and I have no idea what he’ll do alone from next year when he steps up as the CEO.” with exasperated fondness that all mothers have for their children.

Akash puts an arm around his wife fondly replied: “Don’t worry Prem is very responsible even though he is goof most of the time and I have no doubt that he’ll be an excellent CEO when he replaces me… maybe as good as Bhai was.” a sad smile on his lips with that.

Payal felt the sadness of her husband over the death of his brother while her own grief over the loss of her sister creep in, its hard to believe that it has been over two decades that both their siblings are gone. She still remembers how hard it had been to deal with the news of Arnavji’s demise and realizing that how unfair they were with him but it was Khushi who had taken all that hardest which especially with her pregnancy made it worse. Her sister never came out of the grief and just within 02 years of knowing about Arnavji’s death, Khushi too had passed away in a road accident, those were some tough time for the family.

Akash asked: “Where is our family? I can’t see anyone, haven’t they reached yet.” trying to divert topic knowing where her thoughts were going.

She smilingly replied: “They have all reached but I don’t know where they are… they are here somewhere, let’s look around for them.” so with that both of them started to look around an mingle with guests as they searched for their family members.

…

Mrs. Shreya Abhimanyu Kundra née Jha, daughter of Mr. Shyam Manohar and Mrs. Anjali Jha was dragging her husband around with her in search of her siblings. She was excitedly blabbering: “I am so excited for this show to start, this has been the best team I have ever worked with and the designs we made were so amazing! You are just going to love them, I am telling you Abhimanyu…” working as Head Designer of AR Designs, this was her biggest project yet.

Abhimanyu smiled at his wife’s excitement and pulled her to him as to make her stop dragging him around. He slowed down and turned her to face him, said: “I know it is going to be amazing show, Shreya and now you need to slow down a bit before you fall down in your excitement.” tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, says, “And now let me admire my wife a little… have I told you how beautiful you look this evening?” making her blush shyly at his words, she tsk-ed him for flirting with her in public like this.

  

MR. ABHIMANYU KUNDRA AND MRS. SHREYA ABHIMANYU KUNDRA

They had an arrange marriage which had turned into love in the year of courtship after their alliance was fixed by both their families, their wedding happened 08 months ago. Abhimanyu is only son of millionaire and owner of Hotelier and had taken over his father’s business 02 years ago, he is handsome, kind and everything she had wanted in a partner.

Shreya looked around not being able to meet his eyes looked around and spotted her parents seated and motioned to her husband: “See Mom and Dad are there, let’s go…” and started to drag him to the sitting arrangement done around the ramp.

Shyam and Anjali smiled seeing their daughter and son-in-law approach as they hugged them as they reached, asking about generally how they are and listening to Shreya’s excited chattering about the show. When Anjali comments: “I am so happy for you Shreya, aaj agar Chotte aur Khushiji hote toh…” getting all teary.

Shreya had never even seen her Arnav Maama's picture ever, since there were none in RM and there are hardly any pictures of Khushi Maami especially smiling or in anything except white saree after her marriage with NK Maamu. She had known all about their tragic love story, thought a they were ultimate romantic couple, the milke-bhi-mil-na-sake types but she had seen one album with their pictures together which Khushi Maami had when she was alive. She had been too little remember the faces clearly, through she remembers that first time she had seen true love in those pictures. After Khushi Maami's death everything of hers related to Arnav Maama was locked in his room by one of the Prakash brothers which was again sealed to never be opened again. Truly in all these years none of the family members has opened or ever stepped in that room, she had seen the adults gaze or stand sadly outside the room but never did anyone open and entered. Shreya never could understand that how could her family who were so understanding, hadn't given Arnav Maama a chance to explain himself, for years never realized their mistake and even turned blind to Khushi Maami's suffering by making her marry NK Maamu. So instead of saying anything she just gave her mother a polite smile leaning more into Abhimanyu while Shyam hugged his wife to console her.

Abhimanyu asked: “Where are others? I haven’t seen anyone yet though I know Prem is here somewhere…” changing the topic.

Then a person made a loud entrance in front of them with: “And here I am, hello everyone missed me?!” standing before them with a jovial smile was Lakshya Kapoor, 19 years old, son of Nandkishore Kapoor and Lavanya Kashyap-Kapoor.  

 

LAKSHYA KAPOOR

Shreya teasing him: “Lo aagaya bandar! Oi where is your Mom, Dad and sister?” asked him.

Lakshya groaned saying: “Shreya Di am not a monkey! About Mom and Dad, they’re on the way… and Pari Di, I don’t know where she went…”  

Then came a feminine voice: "Main yaha hoon..." as all turned to see Ms. Pari Kapoor, 22  years old daughter of Mr. Nandkishore Kapoor and Mrs. Lavanya Kapoor though Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada was her biological mother, came running to hug Shreya screaming, "DIIIII! Kaise ho? I missed you so much..."

PARI KAPOOR

Shreya too hugged her saying: “Awww, I missed you too Pari, so much…”

As the sisters were busy hugging each other as if they met after a lifetime rather than mere three days, came other female voice exclaiming: “What the! Hugging without me, I want to join too… Sisters hug!” saying she joined in the hugging session as the three girls each other laughing and amusing their family around.

Akash and Payal had come to see this scene, it was her who had said: “What are you three girls doing, screaming like kids rather than behaving like adults. And Khushi how many times do I have to tell you that you are not 02 years old anymore, you have turned 21 now, so behave like that.” scolding though there was affection in that to see the children happy.

Khushi pulled back from the hug and smiled at her other saying: “Kya Mumma take a chill-pill, just because am 21, doesn’t mean I turned an Auntyji… abhi toh humare khelne ke din hai.” laughing herself as she made others laugh too. This was Khushi Singh Raizada, youngest daughter of Akash and Payal Singh Raizada, 21 years old and reminded her mother too much of the person she was named after with her childish mischievousness. She asked, “So we are all here but where are the others? I thought everyone is here as the show will start in 30 mins.”

 

KHUSHI SINGH RAIZADA

Prem said from behind: “We are here…” as he joined his family with his wife Drishti and they both smiled and greeted everyone.

MR. PREM SINGH RAIZADA AND MRS. DRISHTI PREM SINGH RAIZADA

Drishti finished giving her hugs and stood beside her husband saying: “Okay I just saw NK Chachu and Lavanya Chachi talking with someone, so I know they are coming and rest of us are here. But where is Samar? I thought I saw him coming this way…” looking at others for answer, taking her seat with Prem also sitting down.

Shreya shrugged replying: “I haven’t seen my idiot cousin brother all evening yet.” leaning into Abhimanyu as her mother poked her for calling her cousin-brother idiot.

Akash said: “I had seen Samar around but he ran off somewhere before I could call him.” as he sat down on his seat, pulling Payal beside him.

Lakshya laughs saying: “Woh dekho Bhai waha hai… and seems like he is little too busy in his own romance.” pointing others to a couple standing in a little scheduled place but not too far as he called out, “Samar Bhai, Maya Bhabhi! If you guys are done with your romance then please grace us with your presence.” laughing at the startled couple who looked around embarrassed. His laugh turned into a startled ‘Ouch!’ as he was hit upside down on his head and turned to see his mom standing there with his dad as he gave them a sheepish smile, “Hi Mom, Dad… I didn’t see you coming.” rubbing the place he was hit.

Lavanya gave her son a sarcastic smile saying: “That I saw already and what have I told you about screaming like that in parties…? And why are you embarrassing Samar and Maya…?” giving the stern mother look which made Lakshya hide behind his loving Anjali Bua and shaking head at her antics, she turned to her daughter, hugging asked: “How is my Pari baby…?”

Pari smiled hugging her mom back and replied: “Fine Mom, aap toh aise kar rahe ho jaise saal-o baad mil rahe ho and few hours.” laughing as she said that and sat back in her place after ending the hug.

Lavanya sat in her seat and NK settled beside her smiling said: “You do know your mom Princess, if she doesn’t see you even for 10 mins, she is like that only.” to his effort he only got a polite smile from her without any words as she turned away from him to engage herself in conversation with others.











NK signed in disappointment with lack of response and ignorance from his only daughter but there was nothing he could do about it. His relationship with his Pari has so many issues that he doesn’t even know how to resolve those issues even though Lavanya tries her best to reduce the distance between them but it’s of no use. After Khushi’s accident he had married Lavanya and rather quick, that is after 10 months only and that was mostly because Pari needed a mother as the family insisted. NK was so guilt-ridden that he didn’t even wanted to acknowledge his feeling for Lavanya back then but she with her patience and love had made their relationship work out. Soon, Laskshya was born with Pari their life was perfect and though she has always known that Lavanya was her step-mother, no one can say that seeing the relationship they shared.











But all that had changed when Pari was sixteen and got to know about his role in ruining Arnav-Khushi’s life, the way he married her and until her death Khushi had been unhappy... well that day Pari’s believe that her father was her hero shattered. She had cried and screamed at him about how he can do that to someone... from that day she never looked at him the same way and neither did their relationship was like before. Thing became even more complicated last year when the man since childhood Pari loves rejected her and is going to marry someone else next month... what made it more painful for her was they had remained friends. He remembers that evening she came home shattered, broke things in her room and then told cried on Lavanya’s arms saying that her broken-heart was price of her father’s deeds all those years ago... that she got pain in love, just like he had given someone else. Hearing that had really broken NK but their was nothing he could do, trying to put this turbulent thoughts away for now and concentrated on the conversations happening in front of him.   

Lakshya complained: “Kya Maa aap partiality karte ho, you are so nice to Di and you always hit me. I am also your son, pardosi ka beta nahi hoon jo aisa karte ho mere saath.” pouting cutely making everyone laugh.

Again, Lakshya was hit upside-down on his head accompanied with: “You deserve that only, idiot! Why did you scream like that so loudly…?!” stood there scolding him, Samar Singh Raizada, 25 years old and second son of Akash and Payal Singh Raizada with his fiancé, Maya Jaisingh.  

Maya sat down as Samar pulled her chair like the perfect gentleman her fiancé is, and then he sat down himself beside her. Drishti poked her husband saying: “And why can’t you be a gentleman like your brother, see that’s how you are to behave with your spouse.” which made the other ladies give their respective husband irritated looks while the husbands glared at Samar.

Maya laughed at this and Samar said: “What don’t give me that look, do you guys even know what all I had to do to win this woman beside me… Trust me after all that there is no way in hell am I ever going to stop being grateful to her for accepting that she loves me.” as he look her hand in his to kiss making her blush and others admire them, they all know the complicated love story of theirs.

SAMAR SINGH RAIZADA AND MAYA JAISINGH

That was when Anjali’s eyes fell on a couple just sitting down on the opposite side of the ramp, asked: “Isn’t that Amanji and Sonakshiji… what are they doing here…?” pointing to the said couple.

Akash replied the question: “Di, Aroha Fashions is Aman’s company and from what I have heard so far that he started this company with Bhai. At present he has stepped down and his son has taken over the company as CEO which was like 02 years ago, that is why they are here.” looking at the two people ahead he was talking about.

Shyam asked: “So, you have met their son yet…? Still calls himself ASR…?” remembering the cute 05 years old who had insisted them to call him ASR.

Prem answered the question: “Actually we haven’t met the present CEO of Aroha Fashions and he has never made a public appearance yet. So, no one knows how he looks that is why there is so much media hype for his appearance though he is majorly known as ASR.” confused how they know the guy as he doesn’t remember associating with the Rajput family ever.

Akash, Payal, Anjali, Shyam, NK and Lavanya remember the last time they had seen the Rajput family and it was on the day of Khushi’s last rite, after that over the years there had been no reason to keep contact with them especially since Sonakshi disliked them so much. But now seeing them reminded all of many things like knowing about Arnav’s death due to his brain tumour, Khushi’s accident, NK married Lavanya after 10 months of Khushi's accident and after that within a year Sashi Gupta had too passed away. After that Garima and Buaji had stayed in RM and they both too passed away within the span of 06 years of their stay and after a year that Mamaji and Mamiji too passed away in an accident. So much has changed in all these years, they all have their own kids who are grown up and are either married or going to get married.

They didn’t get chance to talk anymore as it was announced to settle down and the show is going to begin with 05 mins, so everyone sat on their seats waiting for it to begin. The anchor came with the welcoming speech with little bit about the companies and the launching of new traditional bridal line and went off the stage. Soon the music began and the models started coming on the ramp as everyone was mesmerized by the beautiful bridal collection that was being showcased with each a unique design. And then entered the show-stopped in gorgeous red-gold lehenga with a net veil covering her face and a little girl dressed in lehenga too was holding the veil, the audience were captivated like it really was the arrival of the blushing bride.  

The bride, oh sorry the show-stopper posed as she stood at the end of the ramp and then turned to leave but the veil had slipped from the little girl’s hand and caught under the model’s heel making her slip and fall from the ramp. In the fall the net veil fell down somewhere, uncovering her face as she landed in the strong arms of a young man with a startled gasp, violet eyes met the icy blue ones and the colourful glitters burst which was supposed to be for finishing the show. The timing was so perfect that it almost made the scene seemed choreographed and the cameras flashed wildly taking picture of the handsome man holding the blushing bride in his arms.

….

AFTER PARTY

THE LEELA PALACE, BALL ROOM

The Fashion show was a success despite the falling from ramp incident, in fact that had been called a spectacular ending of the show which had made the media go into a frenzy over it, especially since it was known now that the young man who caught the model was the ASR himself. Interviews were given by both companies’ important members to the media and the most sorted person for interview was ASR, who was held back by the media for quite a long while.

Where the everyone was buzzing with excitement, there was a sort nostalgic mixed feeling going through the senior Raizada family members. For them the scene of the end of fashion wasn’t of the present but back to almost 28 years in the past, the famous first encounter of Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta at Sheesh Mahal Fashion show in Lucknow. The new generation of Raizada’s were too busy with everything that they hadn’t noticed the look on their parents faces and for that the senior Raizada’s were grateful.

At present they were mingling with the guests with fake smiles and now got a few moments to gather around quietly to talk among themselves about the incident. Anjali was first to speak: “What was that, for a moment I felt like I was back at Sheesh Mahal on that day when Khushiji fell in Chotte’s arms. Was this a planned act Akash?” as she sipped her cold-drink to get her nerves to cool a little and Shyam simply wrapped an arm around his wife lost in thoughts didn’t say much.     

Akash pushed his glass up as he replied: “No Di, it was an accident but the model being caught by ASR and the glitter burst made it seem like choreographed which what being said to media as damage control. I could never have planned something like this, especially with… with…” couldn’t even bring himself to finish the sentence.

Payal leaned heavily on Akash as she brokenly whispered: “That girl… that girl looked so much like Khu… Khushi…” she seemed lost and on the verge of crying as he wrapped an arm around her.

That scene had brought back NK’s guilt back, like his past mistake was staring at his face, the reminder of what he had once destroyed in his selfishness came back to slap him on the face. Lavanya was worried about her husband, seeing had just gone silent after the show and only did his part of mingle otherwise said no more, she leaned into him to show her silent support but didn’t ask otherwise.

Their gathering was interrupted by the coming of the two people who had been reason for their unsettled minds and bringing a rush of memories that they didn’t want to deal with. There in front of them stood a handsome man in blue suit with white shirt and red tie with his arms around a young lady in red sari with minimal make-up and hair pulled in a sophisticated bun as they smiled at them. They were both reminder of very important people in their lives who are no more with them but social etiquette call and they had some of their own to hold, so hiding all they greeted with smiles.

The young man who they already knew was ASR otherwise also known as Arnav Singh Rajput, spoke: “Hello everyone, and what are you all doing here in the corner instead of mingling with the guests…? Celebration are in calls for the success of today and this joint venture… so congratulations to you all.” smiling ever so lightly but still seen present there, he spoke to the girl beside him, “This the Raizada family, they are the AR Designs owners… I only know Mr. Akash Singh Raizada as he is the MD/CEO of AR Designs at present though…” pointing at Akash and said apologetically, “Sorry I don’t know others, so please forgive me.”  

Akash smiled saying: “That is totally fine, you weren’t suppose to be knowing them, so let me do the honours of the formal introduction. This is my wife, Payal Singh Raizada.” pointing to Payal beside him who folded her hand in namaste, then beside her he pointed to saying, “That is my sister, Mrs. Anjali Jha, she runs an NGO for abused women and children and that is her husband Mr. Shyam Manohar Jha, he is a criminal lawyer.” as they both smilingly nodded shaking hands. Then he pointed beside them, “And that is Mr. Nandkishore Kapoor, my cousin brother but he is one of board member of AR and his wife, Mrs. Lavanya Kashyap Kapoor.” as they too gave polite smiles while shaking hands.

Arnav smilingly says: “Well its nice to meet you, am Arnav Singh Rajput but am pretty sure you guys already know that and you can call me ASR. And this gorgeous woman beside me is my fiancé, Rianshi Khurana.” as he smiled down at the love of his life who smiled back at him lovingly.   

Rianshi greeted back with enthusiastic smile: “Well hello to you all and I must say India is amazing, I had so much fun and am so happy that my last walk on ramp was here in India.” her chirpy personality visible.

Lavanya asked curiously: “Last walk on ramp… are you leaving modelling career, why…? I mean you clearly had looks to be successful model.”

Rianshi replied happily: “Oh I was a part-time model, mostly doing it for experience of how models are and the back-stage and yes today was my last ramp walk show because after this am turning full time designer for Aroha Fashions.” seeming quite excited about the new prospect.

Before further talks could be done, they were joined by two more couples who were soon introduced as Prem and his wife, Drishti, other being Samar and his fiancé, Maya. And it was Maya who had asked: “Rianshi do tell me how did you manage to fall and land perfectly in ASR’s arms… was it really accident or choreographed…? And I thought that models have perfect balance, so as to not fall down, so how did you managed that…?” her question asked out of pure curiosity.

Arnav was the one to answer that: “Simple Rianshi has a tendency of falling around me quite a lot…” giving a teasing smile to his fiancé who blushed and swatted him for his cheek. He chuckled a little and said to them, “No it was really an accident, the little girl holding her veil mistakenly let it slip which caused the accident. And really about landing in my arms, well let’s just say I have gotten too experienced in that.” with a cheeky smile at his fiancé.

Then came Shreya and Abhimanyu who also introduced themselves and a cheeky Lakshya too who did try to flirt with Rianshi but after knowing she is ASR’s fiancé, well let it be said ASR’s wrath is still quite famous. After that came Pari who after introduction part kept looking at Rianshi making her a little uncomfortable which didn’t go unnoticed by ASR’s sharp eyes. He asked in barely concealed politeness: “Why are you staring at my fiancé like that…?” arching a brow in question.

Pari realized that she was being rude, replied: “I am sorry for staring like that, it’s just you look a lot like my Mom Rianshi.” blushed embarrassed.

Rianshi frowned, said: “No, am pretty sure Mrs. Kapoor have no similarities at all.” looking at Lavanya.

Pari shook her head saying: “Not her, my biological mother... you look a lot like her though I can tell the differences between you two like your eyes are violet and hers were hazel, you have more prominent dimples than her, little different shade of hair colour. She had passed away in a car accident when I was 02 years old and though I don't have any memories of her, I have seen the few photos that are there as not many pictures are there of hers.” getting a little sad though no one knew what say as awkward silence settle between them.

That was when Khushi made and entry and happily introduced herself saying: “Hi am Khushi Singh Raizada and I have to say you are very beautiful Rianshi. Congratulation on your engagement and you both make such a cute couple, like I totally see you beside each other only. And by the way when is your wedding…? And I love your name Rianshi, what does it mean…?” talking nineteen a dozen herself, smiling brightly.

And like that the awkwardness gone and Pari's words forgotten and Rianshi laughs replying: "It's nice to meet you too Khushi and you are also very beautiful. Thank you for your well wishes and compliment... now what you asked next, ah yes, our wedding, well it in February 14. And my name means exactly what yours do; it means happiness, I really do like you Khushi and would love if you attend our pre-wedding rituals and wedding from my side. Though I know Arnie would sent invite to your full family as his business associate." feeling instant friendship with the bubbly girl.









Arnav joked saying: "Of course you like her a lot, after all she is a chatterbox just like you are Piyu." only to get a swat on his hand by his fiancé.







Laughing Khushi replied: "Of course I'll love to be part of bride's party and of your wedding as your friend, I am looking forward to it... maybe I should start deciding on my outfits from now. By the way, where is your wedding being held...? Is it going to be Indian or Christian wedding...? Have you brought your wedding dress yet...?" excitedly rumbled everything at once.







Rianshi answered with joyous smile: "You'll receive wedding invitation from me withing two days, I'll come to your home to give you personally. And our wedding is being held in Rajasthan, we are having a big fat Indian wedding with royal theme... a palace has been booked as wedding venue and everything is finalized. About my wedding dress, well Arnav has designed all my pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding outfits himself... they are all ready and next week is the final fitting." smiling as the loving gesture of her fiancé, he had left no stone unturned to give her a dream wedding.







Arnav told them: "The day I met Piyu was the day I had designed her wedding lehenga and knew with everything in me that this girl was everything I looking for all my life... That if anyone becomes my bride then it will only be her and no one else." placing a small kiss on top of his Rianshi's head as looked at lovingly.







Khushi coo-ed at the adorable pair, saying: "Awww you both are so cute, ASR do have a brother or cousin who is so romantic like you...? Tell me Rianshi, where I can find a guy like you did for myself because he is like every girl's dream come true." fangirling over the couple as they continued talking about the wedding plans.

The Raizada new generation laughed along with ASR over Rianshi and Khushi’s chatterbox nature while the Raizada seniors only stared at the couple. And yes, just like Pari had said they can see the sublet differences in looks as well as personalities of this Arnav and his Rianshi with their Arnav and Khushi. Like Pari had pointed out Rianshi’s eyes are of different colour and her hair is a tone lighter than Khushi’s had been, more prominent dimples, different speaking and carrying herself style. Whereas this ASR has lighter skin tone than their Arnav, a little bit taller, more stubble and definitely knows how to smile, laugh and joke along with quite sociable person. They both looked so similar and yet where so different than their Arnav and Khushi, the ones before them weren’t tainted by the tragedies of life… maybe their Arnav and Khushi had been like this if they hadn’t faced all that they had to.    

Arnav said excusing them: “Okay, well it was nice meeting you all but now we have to go and meet the other guests. Well see you around later…” smiled at them as he turned moving to go mingle with other guests listening to his fiancé excited chattering.

.....

FEW HOURS LATER

It was getting late hours of the night and the party was also coming to slow down with the excitement coming down a few notches. Rianshi smilingly stood alone in one of the ball room balconies, to escape a little from the noise inside as she admired the night-sky and garden view when a pair of arms sneaked around her pushing her back flash against familiar-muscular chest. She smiled saying: “You came here too after me, couldn't stay away for long, Arnie?” teasing him as she was turned around and was pulled into his arms now face-to-face.

Arnav replied in husky voice: “You know damn well that I can’t stay away from you even for a second Ria and if I could get my way than you would forever be within my arms reach, in front of my eyes. By the way did I tell you how beautiful you are looking this evening…? Not just that bridal wear but even in this red sari, you are absolutely the most gorgeous women Piyu.” as he held out a red rose for her.

She smiled taking it from him, says: “You don’t look bad yourself Mr. Rajput, am sure pretty much all women here were murdering me in their minds for hanging on arms all evening.” teased him and trying to hid her blush from his compliments.

He replied smiling down at her: “Well those women can burn for all I care because my eyes only see you Piyu and no one else… never anyone else.” as he loving held the love of his life, making her look down coyly and said, “God you drive me crazy, Ria! I don’t know why you insist on getting married on Valentine’s day, if I had my way, we had been married 10 days after I proposed you 03 months ago.”

She smiled looking up at him replied: “Yes well I have no doubt about that and I know how much effort I had to put to convince you to get married on Valentine’s but it has been my dearest wish Arnav… I don’t know why or when I had this sort of wish but I do. So now you have to wait and anyways only a month is left till the wedding, I think you can manage a month more.” standing on her tip-toe she kissed his cheek, “I love you Arnav and even I am impatiently waiting for the day when I get to be your bride.”

And somehow managing to lose her balance as she was going back on her feet, only to be caught in the protective arms of her Arnav. He smiled at her replying: “And I’m holding my breath for the moment when you walk down the aisle in red bridal lehenga as my bride… the day I will officially make you Mrs. Rianshi ‘Piyu’ Arnav Singh Rajput.” looking in her eyes with all the love in the world said, “I love you too Piyu, forever and always…” as he bend down to kiss her slowly with the burning passion and love he held for her, pouring desires only she made him feel which was reciprocated by her in equal measure.

Under the moonlight with stars shining in the night sky with a scenic garden as backdrop, two lovers kissing each other standing alone away from the crowded room, in a lonely balcony. The pair had so many dreams of the future together and maybe true love does get it’s happily-ever-after, maybe what was once lost, is found again but then again who knows really. Pulling back from the kiss they both stared each other with smile on lips and love in their eyes, he brushed a finger on her cheek whispered: "My Piyu, only mine forever Piyu..." leaned down to kiss her red cheek as she smiled happily in his arms, clutching the lapse of his jacket.

 “Remember, we are our own griefs, my dear, we are our own happiness and we are our own remedies.”
                                                                                                                                       -  By Huseyn Raza 

....

[NOTE: So, this story finally comes to an end and do tell me what are your thoughts on Arnav-Rianshi pair... I deliberately didn’t name her ‘Khushi’ instead gave her another name with same meaning. 






Sonakshi believed that her friend Arnav was born as her son and her stressed had induced her to go into labour, she had her son whom she named Arnav. Now, how many of you  think that it was reincarnation of Arnav-Khushi or was it a coincident that these two resembled a lot like them...? Because if you carefully read then even though Arnav was born the day after Arnav dies, Khushi might have been alive when Rianshi was born if you note her age and compare with Khushi’s death year. Do tell me your thoughts on the reincarnation thing... and yes this was quite different from my usual stories, so how was this little story?

I am waiting for likes and comments, and not comments like ‘good chapter or story’... I want little longer comments with your insight over this story and with the end. Until next time, take care lovelies...

With love,

Kavya]