“Chotey, before you plan your wedding, there’s something I have to tell you.”
Arnav knew something was up.
Di looked uncharacteristically solemn.
“Di, what’s wrong?”
“Everything is wrong, Chotey, It has been wrong for a while, now. But it’s time to correct that mistake, and it must be done before you start this new phase of your life.”
“Whatever it is, I’ll fix it! Just tell me, Di!”
Anjali sighed.
Chotey would do anything for her, but this was bigger than anything she had ever asked of him.
“It can be fixed, Chotey. Very easily. But before I can tell you what needs to be done, I want you to know something I’ve hidden from you from a long time..”
“Di, you’re scaring me now. What is it?”
“I’m not happy here, Chotey.”
“What?!”
“Before you start ranting,listen to what I have to say. All those years ago, when we first moved into Shantivan, we needed each other’s support. We had too much to deal with, and we couldn’t have come this far without each other’s help..You have done so much for me, and I’d like to think that I’ve been there for you, too..”
“Why are you talking about all this now?”
“I have a reason, please hear me out. You have always been a huge part of my life, Chotey, but three years ago, I married Shyamji, and he became a big part of my life too. At that point, you asked me to continue living here, and Shyamji agreed, because his work took him out of town frequently, and he didn’t want me to be alone..And I went along with it, too, because the two of you wanted it. But I’ve never been happy about living here as a married woman, and it’s time for you to know that..”
“Why aren’t you happy, Di? Just tell me! Has anyone said anything? Has something happened to make you feel this way?”
“People have always made snide remarks, just not in front of you. And they are right. I follow all rituals, all traditions, but still continue to live in my brother’s house after marriage, that makes me a hypocrite! But their comments have stopped bothering me now. This is about me, and you. I wanted to tell you all this many times, but I didn’t want to risk your anger..it was cowardly of me, I know, but I just let the situation continue..Until you came home that night, and told us that you got married to Khushiji. To say that I was shocked would be an understatement. And then, I knew I needed to be here for a while, until I could reassure myself that everything was okay between Khushiji and you. And then you shocked us once again with your revelation, and this time, you told us the truth about your engagement..So now, I can’t put this off any longer..”
“What does my engagement have to do with making you unhappy?”
“I didn’t mean to imply that! All I’m saying is that your engagement is real this time. Khushiji will soon enter this house as a daughter-in-law. Shantivan will have a new mistress.
And you will be finally be happy, I know it. Give me a chance to be happy, too. Give me the chance to be the mistress of my own household, and make a home for my Shyamji. Let me go, Chotey. Don’t stop me this time. I need to leave, and make my own life, with Shyamji, in our new home. You have to understand, I have wanted this for so long..”
“Di, if you felt this way, you should have told me..”
“I already explained why I didn’t. And in many ways, you needed me, for advice, for support…But now, you have Khushiji. She should have the confidence of knowing that her husband solely relies on her for everything..and she should have the freedom to run this house the way she wants. So please, give her that. And let me go.”
“If you are sure that this is what you want, I will not stand in your way..”
“I am sure. And you will realise the truth of what I’m saying. “
“We’ll still be in the same city, though, it’s not like we’ll never see each other.”
“Thank you for understanding, Chotey. You have no idea how relieved I am! Wait till I tell Shyamji, we’ll begin packing right away!”
“You don’t want to wait till the wedding?”
“We will stay until Khushiji enters the house, Chotey. And then we will leave for our own home.”
“Di, as long as this makes you happy, I’m fine with it. But if you ever change your mind…”
“I won’t. Now go to sleep, while I tell Shyamji the good news!”
Arnav watched his Di make her way up the stairs.
How could he have been so blind?
He had been selfish in trying to keep Di here, and he had failed to see her dissatisfaction with the circumstances.
He shook his head, and started climbing the stairs.
Nani stepped out from behind the pillar as soon as she was sure that the coast was clear.
Anjali had surprised her today.
But it was all good, that was one less thing for her to worry about.
She had been making up a scheme to get Anjali out of the house, she wouldn’t need to do that now.
She was free to concentrate on the other members who needed to leave this home before Khushi bitiya entered Shantivan.
Mission Manorama was underway!
“Arnavji, are you fine with Di leaving?”
“If it makes her happy, yes.”
“I would never have guessed..”
“Yes you would. You can read people’s emotions better than me, Khushi.”
“I’ve never been able to read yours.”
“Not even now?”
“Well..sometimes..but I’m not sure.”
“What do you think I’m feeling now?”
“Sleepy?”
“Very funny. That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
“How can I guess, when I can’t see you?”
“You can hear it in my voice.”
“Hear what?”
“Desire.”
“Arnavji! You have to stop this!”
“Why?”
“Because I..because you…because I say so!”
“I cannot disobey a princess. So let me tell you my real reason for calling. I’m going to plan this with everyone in the morning, and we will come to your house with the Shagun tomorrow evening. That is the first thing to do, right?”
“Tomorrow?! Isn’t that too soon?”
“If it was up to me, I would get married to you tomorrow, and damn the rituals. But since we are doing it the right way, there has to be a ceremony, and it has to be tomorrow.”
“But I..”
“What is it, Khushi? You did tell me we could get married whenever I want..are you having second thoughts now?”
“Of course not! It’s just so sudden..”
“From what I’ve seen in Akash’s wedding, you don’t have to do a thing. Just sit there and accept the gifts.”
“I know that!”
“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow, then. And Khushi?”
“What?”
“Do you want to know what I’m wearing? And before you ask, I am wearing something today.”
“What?”
“A smile, that’s all.”
Khushi cut the call immediately, a shy smile on her face, too.
The smile disappeared as soon as she remembered that the Shagun was tomorrow.
Could her family finish all the preparations in time?
And what about Lavanyaji’s plan?
The next morning witnessed a flurry of activity in Khushi’s home.
There were gifts to be bought, cleaning to be done, sweets to be prepared, and most importantly, a dress for the bride-to-be had to be arranged at such short notice!
When the phone rang, Khushi almost missed it because Buaji was yelling at her for not eating her breakfast.
“Hai re Nandkishore, do you want to faint during the ceremony, Sanka Devi?”
“Buaji, I..wait, let me answer the phone!”
Khushi balanced the receiver on her shoulder while trying to eat her poori at the same time.
“Hello?”
“May I speak to Khushi Kumari Gupta?”
“That’s me.”
“I’m Godwani , the lawyer who has taken over your case from Mr.Vadra. I’m sure you know he’s on vacation?”
“Yes, I know..”
“Ms.Gupta, I have some news for you, The trust board has indicated that they are satisfied with the proof regarding your identity. It wasn’t a hard decision, considering the fact that you resemble your mother so closely. What this means is that your inheritance will now be released to you. In fact, the first instalment has already been deposited in the bank account you have opened for this purpose. Congratulations!”
Khushi didn’t know what to say.
She was happy, of course, because this meant that she wouldn’t have to go through more meetings, and sign the endless paperwork.
The money itself didn’t excite her all that much.
How could it, when her entire mind was taken over by thoughts of Arnavji and their impending wedding?
“Uh..thank you, Mr.Godwani..”
“I do have something else to tell you, though. Mr.Vadra informed the board that you were now engaged to Arnav Singh Raizada. My congratulations for that, as well. However, it is my duty to let you know that your marriage with Mr.Raizada will result in the loss of your title. Just like it happened with your Mother. Of course, it is a title in name only, but you should know this fact before you actually marry him.”
“Thank you for letting me know, Mr.Godwani. But let me tell you, there isn’t anything in the world which will keep me from marrying Arnavji.”
“It is your choice, of course. I will inform the board. And you will hear from us very soon about the rest of your inheritance. Good day, Ms.Gupta!”
Khushi replaced the receiver and turned around to see her father standing there.
“Are you sure about what you said, Khushi?”
“Yes, Bauji. I have no doubt.”
Shashi Gupta smiled.
“I’m proud of you. And I hope he will keep you happy. Or he will answer to me.”
Khushi laughed.
“What will you do if he hurts me, Bauji?”
“I’ll fry him in the Jalebi oil, that’s all.”
Khushi laughed again, and hugged her Bauji.
“I’m going to miss you..”
“You’ll always be my little girl. Until you have a little girl of your own.”
“Bauji!”
“What? I can’t wait to have grandchildren. I’ve said as much to Payal too..Khushi? “
He was speaking to Khushi’s back, as she ran into her room, blushing.
“Chotey, if you make one more change in the gifts, I’ll hit you with this thaal!”
“Di, everything has to be perfect. And this saree is completely wrong for her. Why would she wear beige?”
“She would wear beige, because that saree is for Buaji ! Give it to me! Why don’t you go water your plants or something, and leave the giftwrapping to us?”
“I already watered the plants. And I need to see all these gifts before you pack them. Where is that necklace I ordered?”
“You mean the ruby and diamond necklace? It’s right here. Chotey, you’ve lost your mind!”
Arnav ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
Why didn’t everyone understand?
These gifts had to be perfect.
Everything had to be perfect.
Including the wedding.
She deserved nothing less.
A few hours later, they arrived at Khushi’s home,earlier than the scheduled time.
Buaji opened the door, and welcomed them.
Arnav’s eyes searched for her immediately, but she wasn’t in the living room yet.
“Where is Khushi bitiya?”
“One moment, Naniji.”
As Garima walked towards Khushi’s room, Anjali turned to Shashi Gupta.
“Chotey has organised a party tomorrow evening to announce his engagement. It will be attended by all his business associates, employees and friends.
Should we send a car to take you all to the venue?”
“No, thank you, we will get there on our own. “
“As you wish. Ah, here’s Khushiji!”
Khushi entered the room, looking ethereal in a lavender saree.
Her hair cascaded over one shoulder, and crystal earrings glittered through the strands.
Arnav took one look. and was mesmerised.
He watched as she sat down, still not meeting his eyes.
He wanted her to look at him, and acknowledge his presence.
Before she could so, Di started the rasam, by placing a dupatta on Khushi’s head.
The gifts were given to Khushi, and he still waited for her to look at him.
He thought about his special gift, the one he had ordered a few days before.
Would she like it?
The food and drinks were served, and Arnav tried to curb his rising frustration at being unable to talk to her, or have a private moment with her.
Surely someone would suggest that the bride and groom be given some time alone with each other?
Nothing like that happened, though.
After the plates were cleared away, Di told the Guptas that she would let them know the exact date suggested by Panditji, and reminded them once again about tomorrow’s party.
And then, apparently it was time to leave.
He still hadn’t exchanged one word with Khushi.
Unbelievable!
He fumed in silence all the way back to Shantivan.
Khushi locked the door behind her, and quickly dialed a number.
“Hello?”
“There’s a big problem!”
“Calm down, what is it?”
“Arnavji is throwing a party tomorrow for all his friends!”
“Tomorrow? That doesn’t give us much time.”
“I know! What do I do now?”
“Rishi, stop that, I’m trying to talk! What were you saying, Chamkeeli?”
“The party!”
“Oh, yes. Don’t worry, here’s what we will do…”
Arnav reached the privacy of his bedroom and wasted no time in calling Khushi.
His anger reached new levels as his call went unanswered.
He tried again, with the same result.
Where was she, dammit?
Khushi sat on the front porch, looking at the moon.
She still couldn’t believe that the Shagun rasam was completed today.
It all seemed like a dream.
She looked at the gift-wrapped box in her hand, and wondered what it was.
Of all the gifts, this was the only one which had a note.
Only two words were written on it.
‘Wear it.’
It was time to find out what it was.
She tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a silver- colored box.
She opened it, and gasped.
The silver charm bracelet glinted in the moonlight.
All the charms were stars, with a small stone in the center of each.
It was beautiful.
As she lifted the bracelet out of the box, she noticed the small piece of paper tucked under it.
She opened the note and moved closer to the window to read it in the light streaming from inside the house.
‘A gift of stars for your wrist, so that you can see them no matter where you are, or what time it is.’
Her lips trembled as tears threatened, and she clutched the bracelet against her chest.
It was the most thoughtful gift she had ever received, and she had to thank him now!
She ran inside, and shut the door of her room behind her .
Where was her phone?
She found it under her pillow, and looked at the display.
Sixteen missed calls?!
She scrolled through the list and saw that they were all from Arnavji, and called him immediately.
He answered on the first ring.
“Where the hell were you?”
“I was outside, I’m sorry I missed your calls!”
“Dammit, Khushi, I was worried! What were doing outside, anyway?”
“I was opening your gift..”
“Why didn’t you take your phone with you?”
“I left it under my pillow. I’m sorry!”
“What do you mean, you left it under your pillow? You knew I was going to call!”
“It slipped my mind..Arnavji, your gift is..”
“Slipped your mind? What kind of excuse is that?”
“It’s not an excuse. I was in a hurry to open your gift and..”
“I’m surprised you didn’t forget about the gift, as well.”
“Why are you being like this?”
“What else should I do after spending an entire evening completing a pointless ceremony, and not being able to talk to my fiancee either!”
“It’s not pointless! Every ceremony, every ritual has a meaning!”
“Oh, spare me the details. All I wanted was to spend some time with my beautiful fiancee, but that never happened!”
“That’s how it’s supposed to be, Arnavji. In fact, some people believe that the groom shouldn’t even be there!”
“That’s stupid. My party tomorrow is going to be so much better. We can talk to each other as much as we want, and no one will say anything.”
“Is that why you planned this party? So that you can spend time with me?”
“Yes! I mean, no..I planned it because I wanted to introduce my fiancee to all my associates and friends. Stop making me sound so desperate!”
“You are desperate. You have spent half this phone call yelling at me because you didn’t get the chance to talk to me!”
“That’s not true! And even if it is, you are desperate, too! Have you forgotten that it was you who turned up at Shantivan last night?”
“While you were here, at my house. Why don’t you accept that you cannot last for one day without seeing me?”
“I can! And I will prove it!”
“Another challenge? You will lose this time, Laad Governor!”
“You will soon learn how foolish it is to challenge me. We’ll see who loses. The conditions remain the same, the first person to attempt to talk to the other, loses the bet.”
“And does the prize remain the same, as well?”
“Yes. Just think, Khushi. I can make you do whatever I want. Anything. Maybe I’ll borrow one of those designs from the mannequins and…”
“You won’t get the chance. I’ll win this, easily. So when do we start?”
“Right now. As soon as you tell me what you are wearing.”
“I’ll tell you what I’ll be wearing tomorrow, the winner’s crown!”
“Over-confidence is not good, Ms.Gupta.”
“You should know all about that, Mr.Raizada.”
“I’ll win. You’ll lose. No doubt about that. Good Night!”
Khushi opened her mouth to respond, but he had already cut the call.
She would do anything to win this, she couldn’t afford to lose!
Arnav lasted for all of four hours before giving in to the inevitable.
He just couldn’t do this.
He didn’t want to see her worried, and sleepless, all because of some stupid bet.
They were finally getting married, and this should be a happy time for her.
His anger, his ego, and his stupid bets would have to take a backseat.
He would go to her now.
He would apologize, and hopefully, she would forgive him.
And then, she would be back to her cheerful self again.
He pocketed his car keys and went downstairs.
A sudden feeling of giddiness overtook him, and he held on to the railing for support.
The sensation stopped as quickly as it had started, and he shook his head to clear it.
One thought surfaced.
Khushi.
He had to get to her.
He got into his SUV, and pulled out of the driveway.
The giddiness returned, much stronger this time.
His view of the road blurred.
When was the last time he ate something?
He couldn’t remember.
He did remember eating his pills, but the thought of food had completely slipped his mind .
His head was spinning now, and he knew he had to stop the car before he lost control.
He tried to apply the brakes, but his foot felt heavy and useless.
He couldn’t see anything now, could barely feel the steering-wheel under his hands.
Vaguely, he heard the loud noise of a blaring horn.
He wanted to react, but he couldn’t.
The next thing he knew, there was a loud crash, followed by a bone-jarring thud.
The pain spread through his body, sharp and piercing.
His last thought was that atleast Khushi would know that he had been coming to meet her.
And then, there was blackness.
*********************************
PS: My reply to some comments on page 61.
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Love,Lies And Two Weddings? 