ARSHI SS: Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya...

CHAPTER 01: Yuh Juda Hoke Bata...

ONE MONTH LATER

Wearing a white flowy salwar-suit in a beach where she is running with her dupatta clutched in her one hand and her long dark hair flying due to the breeze. The serene sound of the waves is filled with her melodious giggles while their footprints were left on the wet beach sand which was being washed away by the incoming soft waves. She looked over her shoulder behind her to see him chasing after her in mock anger and mirth shining in his twinkling aquamarine blue eyes. They both were chasing each other along the shore with little waves washing over their bare feet while she couldn’t help herself from admiring him even now. He is absolutely handsome in white V-neck polo paired with khaki cargo pants while his hair is messy, an cute grin on his face which made his dimples pop and his aquamarine eyes bright with joy.

She showed him tongue teasingly then turned to look ahead, bolting faster and knowing that he would catch her soon in his strong arms like he always does. Moments later she turned to look over her shoulder at him again but this time he wasn't there behind her or within her sight anymore. She slowed down before halting and looking around fanatically for him while calling loud for him but he was nowhere to be seen anymore now. There was no one in the beach and she was alone in the deserted beach which scared her to be stranded there alone but more than that was the emptiness which terrified her most. So, scared and alone she screamed for the one person she wanted to come back the most: “ARNAVVV!!!!” calling him out loud.

......

Chahiye kisi saaye mein jagah

Chaaha bahut baar hai

Na kahin kabhi mera dil laga

Kaisa samajhdaar hai

Waking up with a jerk screaming his name and outstretched hand trying to reach out for him, covered in sweat soaking her pastel-teal nightwear salwar-suit, tears streaming down her face, wasn't new for Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada now. Beautiful twenty-five years old with peach-crème complexion, heart-shape doll face with fine features, long chestnut hip-length hair, doe forest-green eyes accented with long eyelashes and shapely eyebrows, pink bow-shaped lips and petite slender hour-glass figure stood five-feet-six. She is smart having completed her business finance degree which is finally being fully used since she has been handling her husband’s business for last three years in his absence. Once known as the loving, caring wife of business tycoon Arnav Singh Raizada, popularly known as ASR who went missing three years ago when he never showed up at the altar on re-marriage day. That had been the day where everyone in his family who once loved him had turned against him for his disgraceful action of abandoning his bride. But Khushi hasn’t lost her trust on him, still has faith in her love and believes that one day she is going to find him and bring him back, she knows there has to be something awful must have happened that stopped him from reaching to her. 

Though since that day the once laughing carefree, bubbly Khushi has turned into a hallow empty Khushi who has bucked up to fill in the role that was her husband’s taking it all up on herself. Having those responsibilities have clearly given her insight of the man that he was and just how much he lived only for his family throughout his life though the same people hating him now caused her pain like it physical ache. It burned her inside seeing that the people for whom her Arnav scarified so much of himself have discarded him so easily. While on the other hand, learning about him this deeply made her fall for him even more and vowed herself to give him all the love that he deserves. Anyways getting back to the nightmares, well they have become a routine since last three years or more specifically to say that ever since he left her dreams have turned into this terrifying emptiness that is haunting her. Both the families have tried to smoothed her, console her but they are not whom she need or wanted… Their arms aren’t the one pair of arms in which she found her comfort, her peace and how could it be when they weren't his.

Now coming to Arnav Singh Raizada, who doesn’t know him and for those who live-under-the-rock-to-not know about him, he is twenty-nine years old going to be thirty soon is devilishly handsome business tycoon and fashion king. He has face of an Adonis with bronze complexion and chiselled features, striking aquamarine-blue eyes, aristocrat nose, strong jaws covered in light stubble, manly full lips and broad muscular frame stood six-feet-three tall. In terms of Mills & Boons, he is Mr. Tall-Dark-Handsome and is arrogant, brooding angry young man with looks of a Greek god and fury temper to match which made everyone quiver in his presence. He is number one business tycoon and owner of world's leading fashion brand and fashion house, A.R. Designs also well-known for being cold and ruthless heartless monster to all. But nobody knows that behind all that mask of hatred and anger lies a soft broken heart man whom no one has been able to reach. To world he is cruel breast, the ruthless ASR but beneath all is a lonely shattered and crushed heart whom the traumas of his past has shaped him to be the man he is today. That he struggling with the darkness that is threatening to engulf him and trying to find a ray of hope that would save him from drowning. He went missing three years ago when he never reached the alter and his whereabouts has been unknown since that fateful day. The family he had sacrificed so much of himself isn’t bothered or interested to find him today except for his wife, Khushi. The family who once loved him now hates him, those who once claimed to be his family has all but erased him from there lives and he is very well forgotten by them all except that one person who is still waiting and has faith in him.

Coming back to present, the last three years have been constantly haunted by these nightmares for Khushi now and waking up like this has now become the new norm for her now. And one would think that by now she has gotten used to it by now but sadly that isn’t the case for her now. The nightmares still left her shaken, rattled and scared every times as though it were the first time much to her frustrations. She couldn’t get over her fear or used to the terrifying emptiness though she has learned to with it better, learned to live with them in all these years. She pressed her palm on her face trying to wipe off the sweat while taking deep breaths to collect herself and her scattered emotions before she got out of the bed. Throwing off the covers she stepped down then taking a towel from closet went to washroom to get started with her daily routine thinking that since it is already six am now, she might have an early start today. This was the usual for her since getting woken up her nightmares meant that she could never go back to sleep and its wasn’t like she has slept that much since the day he has left.

Main na ponhchoon kyu wahan pe

Jaana chaahoon main jahaan

Main kahaan kho gaya

Aisa kya ho gaya

.....

MUMBAI – 08:00 A.M.

A beautiful lady of thirty with milky white complexion, pretty face with pixie features, doe light-brown eyes lit with mischief framed by shapely eyebrows and long lashes, straight cute nose, long waist-length dark hair tied in three-strand braid, slender curvy figure five-feet-eight tall. She is wearing maroon-black track suit with her I-pod plugged though the headphones weren’t in ears but pulled down around her neck. She also had a water bottle in hand as she entered the huge mansion gates running in moderate pace, panting and sweating from her morning workout. Jogging up to the porch stairs heading towards main door but something caught her eyes which made her backtrack and head towards the garden.

 

 

 

Sensing someone come his way, his ear picked up and he turned in the general direction while carefully listening to the light footsteps which was followed by the familiar floral feminine smell when the person sat next to him on the bench. He knew now that it is his beautiful Bhabs and soon enough confirming his identification, she greeted him: “Good morning Armaan!” chirpy and bright like always. 

She must have been coming back from her morning jog and most likely seeing him sitting here like this made U-turn to come here to inquire. He greeted back cheerfully: “Good morning Misha Bhabs!” smiling back at her sweetly.

 

 

Misha turned sideways to face him and observed him for few moments before asking: “Well what are you doing sitting here alone and brooding…? Don’t you think it’s little too early to start brooding now Ammy.” joked to lighten up but seeing that didn’t manage to take him out of blue mood, “Kya hua hai Ammy, are you okay…?” concern seeing the that touch of sadness in his eyes and behind smiles.

 

 

Armaan doesn’t answer immediately at first but knowing his sister-in-law wasn’t going to let him of the hook without any, says: “Yadhaash bhi kitni ajeeb cheez hoti hai na, jis cheez ko hum poori zindagi bhoolne ki koshish karte hai woh bhoolti nahi. Aur kabhi ek choti si cheez yaad karne ki koshish karo toh yaad nahi aati.” sounding world-weary. (Memories are such a weird thing, the thing you try to forget you whole life is what you can’t forget. And sometimes when you try to remember a small thing than you can’t recall it.)

 

 

She could easily guess the reason behind his thoughts and probes further: “Why are you dwelling with memories so early this morning…? Kuch hua hai…?” asked while eyeing him carefully.

 

 

He exhaled heavily as he shook his head in denial but could very well feel her unwavering stare on him which made sign in resignation before answering: “Nothing too important Bhabs, I am just getting nostalgic with memories which I rather forget and never recall again but that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon.” leaning backward on the bench.

 

 

She just hummed: “And why do you think you are feeling like this all of a sudden…?” questions him again.

 

 

He shrugged his shoulders and replied: “Don’t know why but I am feeling restless for the past few days for some reason. At times I feel like someone is constantly calling out for me but when I turn around there is no one. Also, this strange foreboding like something big is going to happen… Like something some drastic is going to change and nothing is going to be same again. I… I… I don’t know.” feeling hard to express.

 

 

Misha knew that this is her brother-in-law’s insecurities trying to get better of him and said: “Change is part of life Ammy and it will happen no matter what. So, all you can do is be prepared for the good or bad or change it for the better as you need it. You can’t stop change from coming, just like you can’t forever keep running from your past either because they always catch up with you at some or the other point. And don’t worry we are always going to be with you, so you can count on this fact.” assuring him with a smile.

 

 

This brings a faint smile on his face, replies: “I know Bhabs, trust me I know this by heart and trust on this fact that I have you all. I know that I have a place with all even if I don’t have that with them anymore.” as a lightness starting to replace his previous gloominess.

 

 

She warmly says: “You remember that always okay, you hear me…? Always know that we all love you and would always be with you, Ammy no matter what.” wrapping an arm on his shoulder comfortingly.

 

 

His smile widened at that, nods easily believing her words: “I know I have you all to fall back and you guys are my biggest support system. I love you Bhabhi-maa, thank you for everything and I know I am exactly where I belong, with my… our family.” giving her a heartfelt hug.

 

 

Misha reciprocated the hug with equally heartfelt warmness: “I love you too Ammy.” told her brother-in-law.

 

Armaan breathed deeply in the familiar warmth of his Bhabhi and told himself again that this is his life and truth now which is that this was his family, where he belongs now. Moments later they broke out of the hug when a sharp bark is heard before a golden retriever dog with a ball in his mouth came running to them wagging his tail which made Misha laughed. Armaan chuckled too saying: “Hey boy, come here.” calling his doggie to him who ran up to him like he couldn’t get fast enough.

 

 

Misha too patted the golden fur of the dog cooing: “Hey Saitan! Hey there, good boy.” continuing to shower the pet with some love before turning towards her brother-in-law, “Let’s go inside now, it's almost breakfast time.” checked her wrist-watch than getting up.

 

 

He nodded: “Okay.” scratching behind the ear of his dog a few more times before attaching the harness, “Come on Saitan, time to go inside now.” holding it got up from his seat too. So, with that Misha and Armaan who held the rein of Saitan’s harness started to walk inside the mansion that is their home while having casual conversation.

Oh mehrama kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

Oh mehrama kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

Na khabar apni rahi

Na khabar apni rahi

Na raha tera pata

Oh meharma kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

……

SHANTIVAN, DELHI – 08:30 A.M.

Jo shor ka hissa hui

Woh aawaz hoon

Logon mein hoon

Par tanha hoon main

Haan tanha hoon main

All were sitting at breakfast table as Khushi came downstairs wearing a simple designer pastel-pink-orange silk sari with golden broad border paired with light-orange with gold coin-size design blouse. She had minimal makeup, wore a pair of gold earrings while her long hair is tied in simple sophisticated bun with her sindoor a striking contrast with the dark-chestnut colour of her hair, mangalsutra around her neck and gold high-heels finished off her look of the day. Seeing that she never forgot to wear sindoor and mangalsutra of Arnav’s name ever was cause of quite a lot of displeasures for many of the family members though they kept about their thoughts.

KHUSHI' SAREE AND LOOK

 

 

Khushi sat down on her usual seat at the dinner table: “Good morning everyone.” greeting them all distractedly as she made a plate of toast to eat and then poured a glass of orange juice for herself.  She started eating her toast in silence but it hardly took her few moments to noticed that there was some kind of eye-conversation going between most of the family members and it was only Dhruv who seemed as confused as her. Observing discreetly for few minutes more asked out lout, “Di what happened…?” directing to the one person who is more likely to spill the beans easily and also startling them all.

 

 

 

Anjali Singh Raizada is a beautiful lady of thirty-three with her wheat-ish complexion, sweet face with complimenting features, hazel eyes with shapely eyebrows and long eyelashes, straight nose, sweet smile on her pink lips. Has long waist length black hair, slender figure stood five-feet-five though a slight limp on her right leg due to polio which makes her feel little inferior but she has got over it now. Despite being a sweet, caring person life has bought her many tragic things, her parent’s terrible death, husband's betrayal whom she worshipped and her younger brother, her Chotte who she once was proud is now dead for her after what happened three years back. So much as changed and she turned in an independent woman and after divorcing her cheater of a husband now in love and engaged with better person and hoping Khushi to move on like she did. She fidgeted with the pallu of her designer teal net saree for a moment before finally gathering courage to reply: “Look Khushi, we all know you have refused whenever we brought this topic but this time no running away.” taking a deep breath she continued, “We all want you to be happy in your life and so that’s why we want you to marry Dhruv.” puts forward the proposal.

 

 

Dhruv and Khushi started at their family members in equal measure horrified and shock though recovering quick she says the only response there: “No, absolutely no.” loud and clear.

 

 

Anjali quickly starts saying: “Khushiji at least hear me please out before you refuse, see Dev needs a mother and he is so attached to you. We think it's best for you and Dhruv tied know as you both need to move on in your lives as well as Dev gets a mother too.” being as persuasively as she could.

 

 

 

It was Dhruv who replied: “No Di I'm not marrying anyone.” politely but firmly making his thoughts on this known. He straightened in his seat and seemed formidable in formal black suit with pink button-down shirt that had collar button open and no tie.

 

 

 

This is Dhruv Singh Raizada, is a handsome fellow of thirty-six with fair complexion, handsome face with cherished features, black eyes accented with thick eyebrows, straight nose, clean shaven strong jaw, manly thin lips, short black hair and well build stood five-feet-eleven. He is smart, elder brother of Akash and elder cousin of Arnav, very sweet guy, loved his wife Kusum loads who died in an accident two years back leaving behind their three years old son with him, whom he loves to death. He was another person whom Arnav contacted last before he had disappeared three years ago though this information isn’t shared with rest of the family as he kept it to himself. He tried to lessen the family's hatred towards Arnav but never successful and it hurts him seeing once the family whole adored there Chotte, now curse him and his only consolation is Khushi's unconditional love and faith on Arnav.

 

 

 

Khushi adds her cent: “I'm already married Di which you seem to conveniently forget which makes this whole thing pointless. So, it would be better if you drop this nonsense and never bring such thing again, end of discussion.” firmly made her opinion known too.

 

 

 

Payal Singh Raizada, is beautiful woman with wheat complexion, lovely face with fine features, big doe brown eyes, cute nose, pink lips, long straight black waist-length hair and slender figure stood five-feet-six. She is twenty-seven was elder sister of Khushi and married to her bother-in-law, Akash Singh Raizada. Generally, a sweet, shy, timid, loving woman but hates her elder brother-in-law for what he did to her sister, wants her to move on. She looked at other family than signed this is going to be tough but it needed to be said by someone: “Khushi, we all know that you still love that man but he is never coming back, accept it now that he left you… chal gaya woh tumhe chood kar. And who knows he has probably settled down somewhere with someone else, how long are you going to wait for him like this…? Forget him and move on, just get married again and you would forget him… move on with this new beginning.” tried to make her sister see some sense while carefully adjusted her designer purple saree with gold-stone border.

 

 

 

Anjali too says in agreement: “Haan Khushiji, don’t waste your life on that man like this who didn’t even value you or your life like you deserved.” hoping to get her point across.

 

 

 

Khushi felt shocked hearing this but her anger flared, how could they think her love so weak, her Arnav's love so cheap but reining her temper, replied coldly: “Enough Jiji! Di! Na humara pyaar itna kamzoor hai aur na hi aap Anrav ke pyaar ki hadh janti hai. Forget it, why do I even bother explaining you guys, you people never understand…just can’t understand. Just get this one thing, loud and clear that I AM NOT MARRYING ANYONE ELSE! NOT NOW OR EVER!” picked her files and iPhone before storming out from there. (My love isn’t so weak and neither do you have any idea about the limits of Arnav’s love.)

 

 

 

All stared at the door she went out from and Dhruv signed making everyone turned to look at him almost expectantly now. Though fed up with is nosey family’s attitude, spoke to them calmly: “What is wrong with you all…? Kar kya rahe ho aap sab, first you guys wanted Khushi to marry NK and now me, mazak hai kya yeh aap logo ke liye! Why don’t you understand that Khushi only loves Arnav and no matter what you all think that isn’t going to change that for her.” feeling like he might lose his temper at them took a deep breath before continuing, “Look I know you guys mean well for us but we’re fine as we are and even though our respective partners are not with us, we still love them only. And as for Dev, I am capable of looking after him as a single parent and I don’t need anyone else for that. Please stop plastering us about marrying someone else because we could never love anyone else and you guys have to accept this fact.” with that being said, he too got up taking Dev along with him, left dinning leaving defeated family.

 

 

 

Dev Singh Raizada is five years old, son of Dhruv is cute with chubby face, puppy brown eyes, adorable smile and sweet nature is funny little bundle of joy along with being happiness of Raizada family, especially his father. He is loved by all and loves everyone, especially his Chotti-maa i.e. Khushi and his Chotte-papa whom he has only heard from his Chotti-maa through wonders why rest of the family hates Chotte-papa, when his Chotti-maa loves him so much. He hopes he comes soon so he could scold him for making cry his Chotti-maa and never let go again, followed after his father and even though he didn’t understand everything but knew enough that they had upset his Dad and Chotti-maa.

Duniya mujhe mujhse juda hi karti rahe

Bolun magar na baatein karun

Yeh kya hoon main

  

......

AR DESIGNS, DELHI – 12:30 P.M.

Sab hai lekin main nahin hoon

Woh jo thoda tha sahi

Woh hawaa ho gaya

Kyu khafa ho gaya

Dressed smartly in tan suit paired with maroon-blue button-down and dark-blue tie, he walked upstairs to Managing Director and C.E.O cabin with document files that needed signatures in him. Climbing the stairs distractedly his thoughts circled over about how much has changed in this office in past three years though he shook himself out of it reaching the cabin and knocking on the glass door with three light crisp taps. Moments later came the replied of a soft muffled: “Come in.” from inside and he pushed the door open to enter without any further permeable.

 

 

Stepping inside he saw the acting Managing Director/CEO Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada sitting on another chairs since she never sat on ASR's chair saying it only belongs to ASR and not even his wife is allowed to take his place. He pushed aside the maundering thoughts away and spoke with utmost professionally: “Good afternoon ma'am, here are the Raichand deal files.” passing them her before stepping back and continued, “They have confirmed for the meeting and so is your flight for today evening to Mumbai too, all arrangements are done for your travel.”  informed her while she just nods in responds while continuing to read the file before signing it off. He took this time to observe just how exhausted she looked and asks with brotherly concern, “Khushi you okay…?” while mournfully wondering internally just where did the bubbly girl he met all those years ago went.

 

 

 

This is thirty-five years old Aman Mathur is handsome with tan complexion, cute face with cherished features, black eyes with thick eyebrows, straight nose, slightly stubbled strong jaws, manly full lips, short black hair and well-built stood six-feet tall. He is smart, caring and loyal P.A. of ASR, now engaged to Anjali Raizada. He knows what had happened three years back with ASR and last heard from him was six months after that incident but never told anybody it along with Dhruv as per ASR had ordered him. He doesn't know where ASR is except that he is safe wherever he is, knows that the family who adored ASR now hates him which hurts him. But couldn't do anything, only knowing that when the truth comes out all would be burdened with guilt and the only good thing is Khushi's absolute faith in Arnav.

 

 

 

Looking up at the concerned face of Aman made Khushi sign tiredly as she drops her guard in front him knowing that he is the only another person along Dhruv who still his faith in Arnav and who somewhat understands her. She quickly finished signing the necessary document before replying: “Once again the topic of getting me re-married to someone else was brought up and this time they all want me to marry Dhruv Bhaiyya.” lightly rubbed her temples to ease the headache she could feel coming.

 

 

He was surprised by this and said so too: “I didn’t know anything about this, not that I am surprised that much with the remarriage topic but trying to you marry off with Dhurv and Khushi is definitely new. Anjali didn’t say a word or dropped any hint about this, I wonder why. How did Dhruv reacted to this…?  In fact, how are you handling it yourself…?” asked taking a seat now.

 

 

 

She shrugged before giving a tired look and answered: “Well Dhruv surely made his opinion know and you can already guess that I didn't take it any better either. I'm tired Aman Jiju, simply tired of hearing them badmouth about Arnav, tired of fighting them constantly for myself. Aise hi hum pareshaan hai Arnav ko lekar aur gharwale yeh harkate karte rahte hai, jaise pichle mahine sab chaahte the hi hum Nanheji ke saath sagai kar le, aaj woh chaahte hai hi hum Dhruv Bhaiyya se shaadi kare ab aur agle mahine koi aur hoga sabka Mr. Khushi-ka-honewala-dhulha-iss-mahine-ka. I can't take it, just can't take it anymore this nonsense!” barely reining her temper and emotions. (As it is, I am worried about Arnav and the family keeps doing these stuffs, like last month they wanted me to get engaged to Nanheji, today they want me Dhruv Bhaiyya and next month it will be someone else their Mr. Groom-for-Khushi-of-the-month.)

  

 

He concernedly says: “Talk to me Khushi.” encouraging her to open up to him with her feelings.

 

 

Working herself Khushi starts venting her frustration, “Agar Arnav hota yaha toh phir woh kabhi aisa kuch nahi hone dete humare saath, kabhi bhi nahi. Kaha hai Arnav, Jiju…? Kaise hai woh…? Theek bhi hai ya nahi yeh tak nahi jaante hum aur unki fikar karne ke bajaye sab gharwale aise behave kar rahe hai. It hurts Aman Jiju, it hurts so much to hear the family cursing and badmouthing about him, his Di who once adored and loved him so much, now just spits on his name. curse him now. It is like everyone in the family has forgotten everything he has ever done for them… like they don’t remember all the sacrifices he did for them. I couldn’t watch their behaviour but neither could I say anything, khoon jalta hai humara Jiju aur Arnav ki yaad aati… bahut yaad. God Jiju I can’t even begin to tell you how much I miss my Arnav; it is like everything feels wrong… so empty and meaningless without him. I just want to be in his arms again, feel save and warm.” tears streamed down her face by the end of her tirade. (If Arnav was here than he wouldn’t have let anything like this happen with me, never ever. Where is Arnav, Jiju…? How is he…? We don’t even know that if he alright or not and instead of worrying about that the family is behaving like this.)

 

 

 

Aman stared at her defeated posture for few moments before he quickly got up from his chair and went up to her, pulling her in a comforting hug, says: “Shhh Khushi, it’s okay… it’s okay.” patting lightly on her head lightly and then pulling back from the hug he wiped her tears, “Tumhara Arnav hai woh kahi bhi kyun na chal jaaye, lautke wapas aana usse tumhare pass hi hai. So, you can’t lose your hope and faith until then, you held yourself till now so you can’t break now. Your patience and wait aren’t going to be wasted, ASR will come back to you soon… he has to but until then just be strong Khushi, you need to be strong and I know you can.” smiling at her with confidence that he had on her devotion and love. (He is your Arnav, wherever doesn’t he go, he has to come back to you.)

 

 

She returned it with a watery smile of her own: “Thank you so much Aman Jiju, thank you for being there and not losing your faith in Arnav like everyone else.” said in slightly shaky tone but her gratitude heard clearly.

 

 

He just shook his head waving it off easily and pats he head one last time with brotherly affection before letting go off her and stepping back while she wiped last of her tears with the back of her hand. He picked up the files on the table: “I’ll take these and get them filed away now, everything for your travel this evening is arranged and I should get back to work now.” giving her one last smile left the cabin with the files.

 

 

 

Khushi stared at the door for few moments reeling herself back though she had to admit that it felt better to have talked at least some of her feelings with someone who understood somewhat with any criticism in return. Looking away her eyes went to the photo that is always there on her desk and picked it up in her hand carefully. It is the photo of Arnav during Akash and Payal’s sangeet ceremony laughing and looking handsome as ever as she caressed face lightly with her fingers before kissing it affectionately. She didn’t feel any better than before and she is just so done with her families but she wasn’t suffocating anymore, she knows he will come back to her even if she has to find him half-way across the globe but he will come back to her, she just needs to wait patiently for him to. Signing heavily and caressing his photo for few more moments before putting it down back on the desk, she straightened herself and took her seat to get back to work. She has a multi-million-dollar business to run and it was no time to mope or cry in office now, so with that thought she picks the next file and gets into preparing for her next meeting.

Oh mehrama kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

Oh mehrama kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

......

MUMBAI – 5:30 P.M.

Yun to yeh jahan paa liya

Maine hi mujhe paaya na

Hoke auron saa jaane kyun

Jeena hi mujhe aaya na

Armaan slumped on the sofa of the living room signing in relief at finally able to relax while Saitan panted happily sitting down beside his feet from their evening run while he has changed from his sweaty cloths to comfortable white sweatshirt and black joggers. He tipped his head back on the headrest and closed his eyes for a few moments, even though it didn’t make any difference to him but motion was familiar to him, so that is that. Today is one of those days when memories of past seemed to be crowding and suffocate him, memories that are better forgotten and left alone but they didn’t seem to want to leave him alone which only made him restless. At times it felt like he could hear her anklet and bangles tinkling around him, her merry laugh and cute giggles beside him and sweet voice calling him but when he turned towards them it was gone. It is like closing his eyes and her pretty face that popped in his head and no matter how much tried to lock them up, they wouldn’t leave him alone. Or maybe he wasn’t trying enough but no one has to know that now expect him.

 

 

 

His thoughts were broken by a hand brushing his hair affectionately and he soon recognized the touch, the touch of his mother who is now sitting beside him which he most likely missed being lost in his own head. She asked: “Are you alright Ammy…?” sounding caring and warm like always.

 

 

He replied her softly: “Yeah Mumma am fine, don’t worry so much about me.” though voice sounding more tired than he wanted to let her know.

 

 

She hmm-ed before replying: “Tumhari Maa hoon, agar main chinta nahi karoongi toh kon karega…? Now tell me what happened to you…? I am seeing from few days that something is making you restless and Misha also told me that you’re brooding more than usual. And don’t you even try to lie to me because I will know if you did.” wanting to know what was distressing her child so much.

 

 

Armaan signed knowing he could brush anyone off but not his mother, never her and so he silently put his head in her lap, then replied: “Kuch nahi Mumma, bas kuch yaadein hai jo picha hi nahi choodti hai chahe kitna bhi kyun na chahun main.” snuggling closer to her seeking comfort. (Nothing Mumma, just some memories don’t want to leave no matter how much I want them to.)

 

 

His mother only kept brushing her fingers though his hair saying: “Then stop running from those memories, maybe it is time that you face them and don’t worry if the worst comes your family is there with you to support you.” giving her advice to him.

 

 

He took a deep breath before replying: “Kuch yaadein itna piche choot jate hai ki hum chaah kar bhi wapas nahi ja sakte, tab unhe chood dena hi sabke liye acha hota hai.” not wanting to say anything anymore. (Some memories left so far behind us that we can’t go back even if we want, at that time it is better for everyone to leave them like that.)

 

 

Bless his mother to know him so well and being able to read his silence, just said: “Always remember that you are not alone, whatever you decide we will always support and love you.” then kissed his forehead warmly, “Kabhi maat bhoolna ki tum mere dil ke armaan ho aur tumhari Mumma tumse bahut pyaar karti hai Ammy.” straightened up and continued to carding her fingers through his hair affectionately. (Never forget that you are my heart’s desire and your Mumma loves you very much Ammy.)

 

 

 

That was all that was said for now between the mother and son as they sat there on the couch in silence and he snuggled more into her warmth but did squeeze her hand for a moment to let her know silently that he loved her very much also. She mere smiled with motherly affection with his head in her lap providing the much-needed comfort that was seeking and for the moment he lets all off his worries go and let the affection of his mother wash over him.

Duniya main itna uljha

Khud se main toota hoon

Mujhse hamesha main hi peeche chhoota

Main kahan kho gaya

Aisa kya ho gaya

.....

INDRA GANDHI AIRPORT DELHI – 7:00 P.M.

Oh mehrama kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

Oh mehrama kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

Khushi, NK and Lavanya hugged and bid the family goodbye as announcement for Mumbai flight was made, they pulled back and pushed their luggage trolley as they entered inside the airport. Wearing his yellow polo t-shirt, blue jeans and black jacket dragging his trolly suitcase though staring more at the pretty ladies milling around stumbled again and almost falling on Lavanya who snapped at him: “Christ NK! Can’t you watch where you are going, I am going to break an ankle because you decide to be a blind idiot all of a sudden!” barely regaining her balance and not toppling over her own huge suitcase.

 

 

 

This Lavanya Kashyap is beautiful woman of twenty-six with her dusky complexion, cute face with fine features, hazel eyes with shapely eyebrows, straight cute nose, pink lips with dimple smile, long black hair reaching middle of her back and model figure stood five-feet-eight. She is a model working for AR Design and Khushi’s best friend despite being ASR’s ex. She sweet, smart, modern girl and came back India from London two years ago and knowing everything she too joined the anti-ASR club with rest of the family wants her friend to move on forgetting ASR.

 

 

NK being NK back-answers grinning: “Well if you break an ankle than it won’t be because of me, it will be because of those six-inch pointy things that you call shoes or otherwise heels. God, how are you even walking wearing those ankle-breakers and lunging that huge luggage of yours without falling and breaking bones…? By the way, you do realize that we are going to Mumbai for three days or a week at tops and not for half a year… what the hell have you pack in all those bags…?” eyeing the number of bags she had scratching his head.

 

 

 

Nandkishore Mehra aka NK, is handsome fellow of twenty-six with fair complexion, cute face with cherished features, brown eyes with thick eyebrows, straight nose, clean shaven jaws, lips stretched in goofy smile, dimple chin, short spiky black hair and well build stood five-feet-eleven. His Hindi is funny, twenty-seven years old and cousin of Akash, being his mother’s sister’s son from Australia. He smart, cute and funny guy and been friend of Khushi while hates Arnav for what he did to her though had somewhere fall for her over the last few years. In three years had him responsible and mature person but only thing that never changed is his horrible Hindi.

 

 

 

Clearly taking offence of those she hisses at him angrily: “Not all of us are neanderthal like you brute, others have class which you certainly won’t know if it slapped on your face.” flipped her long curly hair over her shoulder and looking pretty as ever in blue-white short causal jumpsuit.

 

 

 

Dressed in simple light-pink designer anarkali-suit Khushi turned to them, stopping them before they got started full on: “Okay enough you both, we are in public and so behave like your physical age and not of the toddlers that you both mentally are.” sounding as exasperated as she looked. Lavanya and NK seemed like were going to protest but shut their mouths getting a stern look and huffed while obediently following like mature adults for now though they gave each other stink-eye.

 

 

 

These two were accompanying Khushi with to Mumbai for the business deal that she was travelling for this evening and like always started bickering as if cats and dogs. From there they went to their airline counter, collecting their boarding passes, dropping their luggage and for the security check. After completing everything, it was almost two hours later that they boarded the plane and found themselves sitting in their first-class seats while the flight took off. Khushi had this strange feeling that something is going to change by the end of this trip as she prayed to her Bhagwanji while clutching her mangalsutra pendent. Looking out of the window, at the clear dark night sky and she saw the smiling face of her Arnav as a tear escaped her eyes and her heart earning in its longing.

Na khabar apni rahi

Na khabar apni rahi

Na raha tera pata

Oh meherma kya mila

Yun juda hoke bata

*-*-*-*-*

[NOTE: Hello lovelies, here is the second promised update of the day, I don't know how many of you could guess but the length of the chapter has increased considerably and it is better to read now, thank god. Anyways enjoy and I'll be back with new update soon though now I am going off to read my new books that I brought for my birthday from my parents and I still plan to get from my husband LOL. Don't forget to leave comments and until next time take care...

With love,

 Kavya]