arshi Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 9

Seeing the picture you all must want to waste no time in reading.. so am not even going to try talking before the update.. hehehe.. hope you feel the dhak dhak..



Chapter 9

Shyam was in the shadows. His vision trained on Arnav Singh Raizada who was busy on a conference call, pacing the area near the poolside of his room.

A venomous hatred rose within Shyam against the man in front of whom. The man who was always in control. His saalesaab.. Shyam almost felt delirious at the irony of the name. It was a strange name.. saalesaab. Remove the postfix and it would perhaps describe the name he had in mind for ASR. And that would still be one of the milder ones.

Shyam was fed up of living in his brother-in-laws shadow. When he married Anjali he had thought god was being helpful and was handing him what he deserved in his life. All his life he had spent being mediocre and suddenly he had managed to land himself a sweet looking wife. An added benefit was definitely the fact that she was rich.

Sister to one of the rising business tycoons of India. His wife, Anjali Manohar Jha.

For a while he had gotten enough from Anjali to take care of his own shenanigans. In return he kept her happy. Which of course was quite easy. All that was needed was a little praise, a forced smile and lots of flattery. Shyam was good at all these things. He dreamed of more, but would not have been in such a hurry if he had not met Khushi that fateful day in Lukhnow.

He could not stand one more minute of looking at the competent successful man in front of him. Not when each time he was only reminded of one thing. Khushi was going to marry Arnav.

He walked into his room where Anjali was getting ready. She looked into the mirror and spoke to his reflection. "Kya hua aapko? Do you want some tea?"

He bit back a grimace. Always this interfering nagging presence in his life. Anjali had outlived her usefulness to Shyam. Shyam could clearly see it.

It did not come as a surprise when the thought had entered his head a few days back. He had wasted no time. His underhand dealings had brought him in contact with enough people, who might be categorized as the scum in society. Well, scum had its uses.

He had managed to hoodwink his unsuspecting wife to get money to buy what would be needed to finish what he had in mind.

Arsenic. Untraceable. Tasteless. Deadly. A pinch in a glass of sherbet and a sip taken from it. Shyam would have gotten what he wanted.

That is what he had mixed in the glasses on the night of the sangeet. Two glasses. One for Anjali Manohar Jha. And one for Arnav Singh Raizada.

He had felt invincible for a minute. And his eyes had landed on Khushi's babuji, helpless on a wheelchair. Shyam had laughed, possibly like a maniac. It gave a better effect he had to admit to himself. And he had boldly told Shashi Gupta what the glass held. The man who had tried to stop him from marrying Khushi. Well he could not speak anymore. Shyam had seen to it.

And now the other two obstacles in his path to khushi and money would be gone soon. Perhaps this over confidence had led him to boast about it. Who would have known Anjali would have walked up to him just then and demanded to dance? She had this annoying habit of showing up at extremely wrong times.

"boliye na.. Should I bring you some tea. You are looking tired. Should I oil your hair?" In the room, at present, Anjali was limping towards him. He did not feel like hiding his irritation. "nai rani sahiba. Humne kaha na I don't want anything. I have work. Humein disturb mat kijiye".

Her face had fallen, but Shyam deliberately turned and sat down in front of his laptop. He did not see one word on the screen. Instead continued to remember the night of the sangeet. With his wife dead Shyam would be free. Free to marry the girl whose would be husband was also dead. Because the second glass was meant for his saale saab.

But the glasses had shattered and so had the easy solution to every complication in Shyam's life. How could Shyam have known that Shashi Gupta would find some way to break the glasses filled with the poison? He banged the laptop lid and brought his hands together. The blood rushing into them. He did not pay any attention to the discomfort.

Khushi could not belong to Arnav. Under no circumstance would Shyam allow that to happen.

He was an orphan like Shyam. Then why did he deserve so much money? Why should he have the power to do what he wanted? And why should he get to marry Khushi?

Never... the answer was simple. Shyam looked deranged as his brain fixed on a single thought.. Arnav and Rani Sahiba had to die.


****


"Khushi tu bhi na..", Payal teased and gave an insistent tug at her younger sister's long her. Her younger sister was going to marry into the same house as Payal. Khushi was marrying the man she supposedly couldn't stand even thinking about.

Khushi was sitting at the foot of the bed leaning against it, while Payal sat cross legged on the edge of the bed applying oil on Khushi's hair.

"Jiji humne kaha na I don't want to talk about that laad governor. And don't pull my hair". She glared at her jiji.

"achcha Khushi.. First you don't tell me tumhe Arnavji pasand hain and then you don't even want to talk to me about him. hum toh tujhse baat nai kar re Khushi". Payal managed to looked piqued, thoroughly enjoying teasing her sister.

"par jiji... aap janti hai wo rakshas akroo laad governor kaise hain." At the very mention of him Khushi had turned towards Payal and had started to speak even more animatedly. Payal knew there was no point in trying to get Khushi to notice how life seemed to erupt in her at the very mention of his name.

"Imagine agar tum Aakash jeejaji ko pphone karogi then what will happen.." Khushi slouched her shoulders, pushed an imaginary spectacle up on her nose, then sighed. Mimicking Aakash's low tone she said , "Payalji.. aapne phone kiya? Tell me Payalji. I am listening".

"But jeeji agar humne Arnavji ko pphone lagaya he would say.." This time Khushi puffed up her chest and brought her lips close together, brows furrowed and snarled, "what the!"

Payal was giggling helplessly at Khushi's imitation when their buaji and amma walked in.

"aree o Payalia ee liyo nandkisore. pphoto dekho. tum aur damadji kitne achche lagat ho sath. Isn't it Garima? Made for each other nandkisore".

"ha jiji. All the photos are lovely. Specially Payal and Akash. Achcha kiya jo Anjali bitiya ne humein sare pohotos bhejwa diye." Garima agreed with her sister-in-law and fondly patted Payal on her head.

Khushi snatched the bundle of photographs from buaji's hand all ready to use this opportunity to return's Payal's favour and pull her leg a little. But the photographs were too captivating to not get lost in. She had hardly had time to look at anything or anyone because all her attention had been held by one person that night, she thought sheepishly.

How could she have spared any attention to notice anything when he danced with her that way. She blushed at the scandalous image of his hand making its way across her waist. pagal mat ban Khushi..

"amma look how pretty your saree is! aur jeeji in this photo you and Akashji have matching smiles. buaji with naheji.. you make a perfect couple! There must be a hundred different varieties of food." Khushi excitedly commented on each photo as she flipped through the stack.

Food.. Hmph.. How could she look towards food when he had been looking at her that way.. Dinosaurs had decided to start a dance to teri meri in her stomach.. Hehe.. She giggled at the thought..

But slowly something amiss started to register in her. She grew quiet as she reached the end of the stack of pictures.

Buaji and amma could sense that their plan was working. Their girl, in denial, was looking for pictures of someone and herself. They nudged each other in delight.

"umm buaji aur pphoto hai kya?"

"nai toh parmeswari. This is all that was sent. kyu? kuch dhundat ho ka?".

"no buaji.. I.. just thought.. kuch nahi.. " Khushi sternly told herself she was not looking for anything.

But it was of no use. She did badly want to see her photo in the saree.. That saree that he had gifted her.. And try as hard as she might she wanted to see them dancing.. How had it looked? Even in her heart she had to whisper it softly.. It was a deepest secret.. But the dance had felt wonderful.. devi maiyya aap toh samajh rahi hai na.. I just think photo rehta toh I could have kept it as a memory. Bas dance ke liye. nothing else..

"chalo tab thik hai. If you are not waiting for any more pphoto tab toh ee hum le jate hai. Garima oo Arnav bitwa and sankadevi ki pphoto jo alag rakhi thi lete chalo. She does not want to see".

(Okay then that's fine. I will take this photo away. Garima, let us take it away, the photograph with Arnav bitwa and sankadevi that we had kept aside.)

Payal had burst out laughing. Garima good naturedly handed the remaining photographs to Khushi and went to finish preparing lunch. Buaji winked at Payal and followed Garima out. The two sisters were left alone in the room.

Payal settled down to tie Khushi oiled hair into a plait as Khushi looked at the photograph in her hand. Was this her? Her hair blowing in the wind, his hand on her waist. The way his gaze rested on her and she was staring right back into his eyes. Her heart almost stuttered to a halt.

They looked like a couple from the films she loved watching. No that was not possible. She was not heroine like and he.. rakshas.. He was not at all hero like.. But a voice almost immediately dared to reply back.. He can fight.. He can dance.. He umm.. Looks nice.. And he brought you jilebi..

"dekha Khushi? And you say you don't love him? buaji is right. tu bilkul pagal ho". Payal was looking over Khushi's shoulder at the photo which showed two people wrapped up in each other.

"nai jeeji.. wo... I told you na aise nai hai. It is a plan. We did this so mamiji says yes." In a small voice Khushi unconvincingly spoke and was hit on her head by Payal.

"thik hai if you agreed to marry Arnavji just for my sake then no need to marry. Akashji aur main jaise bhi shadi kar lenge. And for such a reason koi zarurat nai to get forced to marry. Samjhi tum? Let us cancel this wedding. Phone lagao Arnavji ko".

Khushi was taken aback by Payal's declaration. Not marry .. In all the options she had not once thought of this. She felt a sudden hollow in her chest. Like the wind had been knocked out of her.

Without thinking she spoke up. "nai jiji.. wo.. he must be busy in office. You know how angry he gets if he is disturbed while he is working. aur phir mamiji... arre jeeji we forgot you have to meet Akashji , yaad hai? Let us plan that. ye sab choro."

Payal could sense Khushi's trepidation. She decided to indulge her sister, who would in time definitely know what it was that she felt for the man she was about to marry. Smiling she let herself get distracted as Khushi planned a secret trip to Shantivan.


****


It had been a busy day in office. ASR had been in continuous meetings with the foreign delegations that had arrived. And in the middle had come Khushi's call.

"Om Prakash where is my coffee?" ASR yelled as he loosened his tie. All day his attention had been directed in cracking the deal. He had meticulously reviewed each minute detail repeatedly with Aman. His entire focus had been on getting it right. That was the precision that ASR worked with. And he did not allow himself to make mistakes.

No sooner had the deal been signed his thoughts had jumped to the maddening girl he had struggled to keep in the periphery of his mind. Even while driving his car back home he was irritated.

She had come up with some plan to make Payal meet Aakash and had called asking for ASR's help. Of course he had to tell her it was a stupid idea!

He rolled up his shirt sleeves till his elbows. His muscled forearms clearly visible as they strained in tension. "Om Prakash coffee", he shouted again, impatiently.

Om Prakash scurried in with a mug and placed it on a table. He could tell Arnav bhaiya was not in a good mood. But he was certain that what he had on the tray with the coffee would weave magic to fix Arnav bhaiya's mood. He let out a shrill chuckle and nervously spoke. "bhaiya naniji ye bheji hai. party ke photo."

"Leave it on the table". ASR ordered in an off hand manner, as he stared towards the poolside.

He was restless. What did she mean when she said she would ask NK for help instead? Both their heads together would surely mean even more trouble than usual. He felt an undeniable urge to talk to her. Maybe he should have called her back earlier.

Even more restless than seconds before, he turned to pick up his phone from the table. His hand was arrested in its action as he spotted the photograph lying on the table.

Khushi.. in the saree.. The green saree he had chosen for her.. draped sensuously on her curves.. her face resplendent in the light.. staring back into his eyes.. while he held her close..

ASR gulped, his eyes loosing focus, dazed at how much he craved to be close to the girl in the photograph. Then he abruptly turned, sensing the very girl close by.

His senses were right. She was close. She had rushed right into his room the exact same minute. In fact, she dashed right into him.

"What the!".. Quickly regaining his balance, his arm comfortably wrapped around her, as her startled eyes locked with his.

"aap? What are you doing here? aur.. ye aap kya kar re hai? choriye humein..". She fidgeted, her eyes darting in all directions.

ASR was about to answer when he was distracted by the door closing with a bang. What was going on? He idly wondered. On second thoughts.. nothing else really mattered.. than the girl in his embrace.

"Khushi, in case you did not notice, this is my room. Remember? aur kya karne aayi thi tum yaha? Hmm?" His voice was low and gravelly. He was definitely not going to let her go anywhere. She felt just right, exactly where she was.


****

Om Prakash was grinning like an idiot outside ASR's room. He had just locked Khushiji inside. Now Arnav bhaiya would be happy.

"Om Parkaas.. eeha who eej comingj? Humka lagat hai koi eeha aaya tha. Tellj peleejh.". Mamiji was about to get her beauty sleep when she had decided she should eat the last piece of mithai that was left in the kitchen.

(Who came here? I feel someone did come. Tell me please).

On her way there she had noticed a suspicious flash of color dash through the hallway. Her sleep forgotten, she had taken it upon herself to unravel the mystery of the colorful unidentified blur.

"eeha? Eeha koi toh nahi aaya. Hum hi hai mamiji. Om Parkaas". He flashed a set of brilliant white teeth at the doubtful mamiji, who was still peering in all directions.


Payal was hiding under the bed in Akaksh's room. She had come to surprise Akash, thanks to Khushi and NK making the meeting possible. The rendezvous might have progressed glitch free had it not been for the voice that reached her ears. Akash's mother was making her way towards her son's room, and it seemed like she was looking for someone. Completely taken aback Payal had ducked under the bed, from where she cautiously pushed aside the hanging bedspread to check for any signs of approaching feet.

And her partner in crime, the hapless son, had rushed into the closet. He might have escaped all trouble, but NK in all eagerness to help ensure the successful completion of his and Khushi's supposedly fool proof plan had come into the room just in time to see Akash enter the closet. NK had run to the closet door and locked it from outside and run out again.

What NK did not take into account was the fact that Akash closet door would not open from inside if locked from outside. And to unlock it from outside would require a key. The key in question was safely in the keychain with Akash's car keys and office drawer keys. And this key chain, as was Akash's habit to carry, was in his pocket.

"hello hi bye bye.. Aakash bitwa.. bhere are youj? hum goodnight bolat khatir eeha aaye and youj naat herej. kahin kho toh nahi gaye tum. Akash bitwaa? " mamiji called out, sensing something not quite right.

(Where are you? I came to say goodnight and you are not here. Hope you did not get lost somewhere.)

"mamiji aap idhar ho. aur main aapko kidhar khoj raha tha. Let us go to your room mamiji". Feeling like a knight in shining armour, who had braved perils, to bring two lovers together, NK walked away with mamiji.

Slowly Payal came out, heaving a sigh of relief.

"Aakashji".. She called out desperately..

"Payalji".. His muffled voice came from inside.

She made towards the closet, attempted to open the door and realized what a situation they had landed themselves in!


****

"I am hiding from mamiji..". Her face was inches away from his.

There was a faint crease on his forehead, as he kept his intense gaze on her. His lip dragged upwards to thr left, in a devilish smirk that was wrecking havoc in Khushi's heart.. Dhak dhak dhak.. it pounded in her ears..

"And why were you hiding from mamiji? Did you come to meet me? Miss kar rahi thi mujhe?", he questioned.

She fidgeted, suddenly intensely aware that his arm was resting on her back. He remained unyielding, savouring her state of discomfort. He knew enough to notice what being near to him did to her. Her shuddering breath and crimson cheeks were more potent than any aphrodisiac.

"hum.. jeeji.. wo..", she managed in a breathy whisper. Then perhaps realizing the fruitlessness of trying to deny her response to his gaze and his demanding touch, she fell silent.

"tum dar kyu rahi ho itna? main tumhe kha thori na jaungi?". The irony in the sentence did not go unnoticed by ASR, for that was exactly what he felt like doing.

It was intoxicating to feel the effect he had on her. It made him want to break rules.. Hell he had even forgotten what those damn rules were that he was breaking!

Clearly in panic her eyes rose to meet his scorching gaze. "I am not scared. I came here with jiji. unhe Aakash jeejaji se milna tha. Nanheji helped me plan everything".

His hold on her hand tightened at the mention of NK. A dangerous glint shone in his eyes. "Didn't I tell you it was a stupid idea? Now you are stuck. When will you learn tum sab kuch nai kar sakti ho?"

She was still a little dazed and had missed the hardening in his eyes. She mumbled bravely.."nai.. hum..." Suddenly it struck her, "humne aapko pphone kiya tha. You did not help me. aur waise bhi I can do anything".

He noticed she was not looking towards him. Even when his other hand rose and grasped her open hair. She swallowed and avoided his gaze. "do anything? tum 2 minute bina kuch bole chup reh sakti ho?"

She shivered. No thoughts of trying to pull away anyway near her brain. She waited silently, her face angled away from his, eyes lowered. An unfamiliar coyness had made its appearance.

Now that she was quiet she was even more hard to deny. She looked beautiful. Perfect. Meant to be in his arms.

As if pulled by gravity he felt himself move towards her. His lips touched her cheek. The sound of a kiss echoed in the silence, mingled with the loud beating of two hearts.

Inhaling sharply, she went still. His lips remained grazing her cheeks, eyes shut, unable to move away. Tortuously slow they moved towards her quivering pink lips. All air left her in a rush.

dhak dhak dhak...


There would certainly have been no stopping..

But then the damn phone had to ring! Nymph like she slipped through his grasp and rushed to the door.

"What the? You are locked inside the cupboard? Are you crazy Akash? Where are the keys ?" , ASR growled on the phone.

Simultaneously Khushi exclaimed, "Arnavji we are locked inside. This door is not opening".



******

Doppleganger

How I Met Your Mother. Quite a legend has it become in popular culture. I have been watching it for a while, but finally had to write this in because I was surprisingly very deeply touched at some profound observations the show's protagonist Ted Mosby, who is on a perennial quest to find his soulmate, enumerates to his children.

I realized amongst all the inane crazy events on the show are important lessons in friendships that don't break come what may and that let you remain your crazy self. There is also that vital lesson in living life. In taking everything with that dash of spice, in not taking troubles and setbacks too seriously, in naively believing in love, in being positive cheerful and upbeat, but not worrying too much if you are none of these.

I guess am being a little too earnest because your only reason to watch the show might as well be the witty suave sometimes unbearably pompous always suited, the legendary,.. wait for it.. Barney.

Robin: Looks like I'm getting dumber.
Ted: No, just more courageous. Look, we've all been searching for The Five Doppelgangers, right?
Robin: Mm.(muttering)
Ted: But eventually, over time, we all become our own doppelgangers. You know, these these completely different people who just happen to look like us. "Five Years Ago Robin"? That girl, she was pretty great. But Doppelganger Robin? She's amazing.

                                                         - A lovely scene from HIMYM

So this is what got me thinking. Even a year back would I be stalking twitter waiting for updates on a hero (yes am doing this for #BarunSobti, the hero from my show #IPK.. err who knew talking in hashtags could get this addicting?) ?

We start off as someone else and evolve over life. Our priorities, our aims, the way we perceive, can all change. Does that make us our own doppleganger? Perhaps it does, and that is okay. In fact going by what ted has to say, it is amazing!

It's the opportunity life gives us to try out everything we want to, to live in any which way we want to, be who we want to. The question is do we have the courage to embrace the opportunity?

I have always been taught to be ambitious and nice. There was a time when I wanted to do just that and also be this heroine straight out of a  Sooraj Barjatiya movie. A mixture.

And now I don't want a crowd or excitement around me, I want to sit quietly with just me and this one other person who is becoming his own doppleganger too. I am not too scared to say 'No' when I don't want to. When did I start my journey of becoming this person whom I really like? 

To that also Ted has an answer. I have always believed in signs from the universe and when he said this I was almost struck by lightening at how true it is.

"people can look for signs all they want, but usually only see what they want to see, when they're ready to see it"

                                                                    - A wise old, Ted Mosby

In Budhism a key facet of the religion is being open to change. The young Sidhartha sat under the bodhi tree and witnessed the world transform, the wind blow, seeds germinate, birds fly, rain drops fall on parched land, trees wither away. He sat and watched time pass by. It brought him enlightenment. He became the Budha.

Our lives are the same. We can never remain stagnant, be exactly who we were maybe even a single moment ago. So the poignant question to ask is did you notice yourself today? Did you listen to what your heart desired and where your mind wanted to reach? 

Don't be scared to remain the same or try out something new. The only worry is if you are not giving your own instinct a chance. Don't fear who you will turn out to be, because a goofy TV character has wisely said we all become our dopplegangers one day and we are absolutely amazing that way.

Arnav Singh Raizada

http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4199102&TPN=50&#p116397745

We often burst into spontaneous soliquoys on our blast from the past thread where a certain man is concerned.. here is a snippet..

And you are absolutely right. No fifty shades of gray is Mr Raizada. He encompasses all colors of the rainbow in the emotions he portrays.

On a serious note I have been thinking of this comparison with Christian Grey (is that the character's name?) and here's what I deduced. Arnav Singh Raizada as Gul envisioned him was to be a romantic novel dream, the story writers and of course the actor made him real and so much full of life that he drove right out from the screen in his white SUV and parked himself into our hearts.

And now whenever we find any character attractive we find a bit of the quintessential traits we fell for in ASR. Basically its like krishna all over, who took different forms to play with each gopi. I see ASR in characters I have loved over the years and apparently the part of female population that loves fifty shades of gray sees him in that form too.

He might be a bit of all our imagination, but in totality he surpasses it all. haha sounds quite dramatic, but really in each subtle second that ASR was on screen Barun seemed to add such mysteries that in each rewatch we unravel something new about ASR. It is this thrill of discovering the man, his love, his attitude to life that makes writing about him, taking caps after neverending caps (even in low resolution) so absolutely satisfying. A new experience each time. 

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 8

This chapter is dedicated to the girl who made Khushi come alive on screen... Sanaya Irani..



Chapter 8

He saw the first drop of rain slide along her cheek, slowly follow a path down the arch of her neck and get lost in that mysterious dip of her collar bone. Her cheek had the most enticing crimson color on them. She was blushing, just like he had wanted.

How graceful was she tonight.. He skin luminescent in the moonlight, which even the rain clouds were unable to hide tonight. Arnav Singh Raizada did not like the rain much. But instinct told him that the girl in his arms, Khushi Kumari Gupta, must love the rain.

They were shielded by a large shrub, where he had lead her to tie that maddeningly alluring dori. And now with no one around she was right here, trembling in his arms.

In a single fluid movement she brought her fingers to touch the damp spot on her cheek. Raindrops continued to splash on the dark green blades of grass. Wind chimes tingled in the distance. She looked upwards at the sky, fascinated. Her eyes looked like they were remembering far off tales.

"What are you thinking?", he whispered cautiously, not wanting to break the perfection of the moment. The night was standing still, and only rainwater rushed gaily along its course.

"Amma kehti hai agar barish ki pehli boond gaal pe giri tab jisse pyar karo usse shadi hoti hai."

Love.. Marriage.. ASR felt struck with the lightening that suddenly streaked across the sky. For a split second it dazzled everything with its blaze. And then her eyes caught his.

She flashed a brilliant happy smile.

A song rose in the winds.. Drum beats ascended and violins faded in.. A man crooned somewhere far..

Teri meri.. meri teri.. Prem kahani hai mushkil.. do lafzon mein yeh bayaan na ho paye..

ASR had let go off her hand, but she had not moved away. There was comfort in the closeness. A million half formed wispy thoughts floated into ASR's head. This girl believed in love. She had always wanted marriage. Even when she was behaving like a pesky kid, matchmaking for him and Lavanya, ASR had been struck with her conviction in the sanctity of marriage.

She did not know that it was all mere words. This hypocrite society had devised this elaborate lie to ensure a man and woman stayed all their life together. The lie did not work. The baser nature of human being prevailed and the hard cold world always won.

Ek larka ek larki ki ye prem kahani hai mushkil..do lafzon mein ye bayaan na ho paye..

ASR was violently affected by memories he did not want to recollect. Those memories that refused to let go of him. His ma.. Like Khushi had his ma also believed in marriage? And what about her husband? Could people like him believe in anything? His ma.. He had not seen.. Not known.. Not been able to stop her getting hurt..

But Khushi..He would remove Khushi from this uncaring cruel world. He had a terrible desire to keep her safe. So she could be free to dream. He would make sure rain always made her face glow. That nothing and no one could touch her dreams. She was meant to be happy.. And he was here to make sure she remained happy.

Har ehsaas mein tu hai hair ek yaad mein tera afsaana..

"Arnavji ye salmanji ka gana hai. I love this song". She was excited and hopeful. Her refulgent eyes held a shy question in them. An invitation to dance.

ASR wanted to dance. With Khushi. And never stop...

And so.. they danced..

He stepped towards the open grounds and she glided alongside. He would make her his today.. No conscious thought. Conscious was each atom, each molecule, each fibre. She danced along. For this was where she was meant to be. In his arms. Twirling dipping whirling gliding..

Saara din beet jaye..saari raat jagaye..

Her eyes had held a challenge and he had surrendered himself.. A brown hand gliding along her thin bare waist, the color of ivory in the dark light.

She found herself flying safe in his sure hands. His eyes left her face, his head turned away, only to jerk back, a demanding hand extending out. She could not refuse his call. She placed her hand in his. All was right with the world. Right then it had ceased to exist. Memories came flying past. Catching.. falling.. walking away.. drawing close.

Ye tadap keh rahi hai.. Mit jaye fasle ye.. Tere mere darmiyan jo hain sare..

They stood bodies in contact. Immersed in a heady feeling. She raised her hand in a graceful swanlike movement. Face raised. His hand followed her in its trajectory. Scorching was its path as it moved stroking, igniting. She rested on his frame. He was meant to hold her this way. Would they ever move away?

No question anymore. All the answers ever needed in this tango. Unrehearsed, instinctive.. Written by the stars themselves..

Then came a resounding crash..


****


ASR rushed to where Khushi's babuji was frantically twitching. Garima was shocked, in tears seeing her husband in distress. ASR registered a passing annoyance to see Shyam quite nearby, but not moving a finger to help soothe the man in the wheelchair. There was broken glass on the ground near their table. Had uncle tried to reach for the glass? ASR wondered..

"babuji .. babuji what happened"? Khushi knelt next to her babuji and took his hand in hers. Shashi Gupta was shaking all over, a little out of control. Everyone had crowded around them.

Seeing the clearly distraught Khushi and her amma, ASR took charge. "Don't worry. Let us take uncle home. Aur main doctor ko wahi bula leta hun".

"Ha babua.. Ee thik rahega. Shayad bheedh bhaadh se Shashi babua ghabrai gaye hain". Buaji had come forward and was patting Garima on her back, in an effort to calm herself as much as Garima perhaps.

(This is a good idea. Maybe because of the crowd Shashi babua is agitated.)

"Ha jiji. Let us all go home. Inki tabyat bahut bigar gayi hai.. Aise achnak.. Pata nai kaise?" Garima looked teary eyed at her husband. Her one hand clutched the anchal on her head and with the other she had grabbed her elder sister-in-law.

(Yes. he is in a bad state. suddenly.. no idea how?)

"I'll get the car ready. Aunty, buaji uncle is already much better. Please calm down. He'll be fine". ASR was right as usual. The man in the wheelchair had stopped jerking and was staring into the distance.

"Madhumatiji, Garimaji Khushi bitiya hai na.. She will go with chote and they will take Shashiji home. Aaplog aur Payal bitiya thori der aur ruk jayiye". Deviyani Raizada had stepped forward and in her firm tone insisted that the rest of the Gupta ladies stay back for a while longer.

Seeing that her brother was indeed much calmer than before Madhumatiji finally gave in.

"Khushiji main bhi apke sath chalte hun. Do se bhule teen log rahenge to take care of uncle".

NK came up to offer his help. ASR was about to lose royally lose his temper when Anjali spoke up, "NK bhai bhule nai ..do se bhale teen.. But not today. Today you can help us here. Let chote and Khushiji go". Without waiting for a response from NK, ASR shrugged and walked off to call the doctor directly to Lakshminagar.

NK's face fell a little, but he stuck out his tongue. "Sorry sorry, mera matalab tha teen se bhale do hi. But I will help Khushiji take uncle to the car atleast. Aayiye Khushiji.."


Once they left, Akash took charge of distracting the Gupta women who still seemed worried. "Buaji aapne kachoriyan khai? The chef is from Lukhnow. You must try it" .

While the elder ladies walked in front, Payal and Akash fell into step behind them.

Payal had moments ago been dancing with Akash, her tinkling laughter echoing, and now she looked subdued. Akash felt a tug in his heart. Part of him was glad his dadi had stopped Payal from leaving. He could not bear to be away from Payal when she looked this sad. Yes payal.. In his thoughts she was now Payal.. Akash had yet to tackle the looming problem of how to convert Payalji to Payal in real life.. His Payal.

Firmly he slipped his hand into hers and squeezed tight. She looked towards him with startled eyes, that were no longer as sad as a moment before. Akash gave a reassuring smile to her and continued walking together.


****


"nani aap bhi.. You are a true matchmaker. You made chote go alone with khushiji. Waah nani! But Khushiji ke babuji ko achanak kya ho gaya? Aapko kya lagta hai Shyamji?"

Shyam was moodily standing next to the two Raizada women. He glared at Anjali, "Unko bhi sab kharab karna na?". Then mumbled some excuse about an urgent phone call and left.

A perturbed Anjali watched him weave his way across the crowd. Her husband had been in his own world all evening. She kept losing sight of him.

Anjali was very proud of her Shyamji. He was extremely hardworking and many people depended on him, but she wished he would involve her more in his life. She was interested to know what troubled him or when his case went well. So far, however, he never took her queries seriously. And recently he seemed completely wrapped up in his world.

She wondered what was troubling him. she had hardly seen him tonight. Finally she spotted him near the table where Khushi's babuji was sitting. Shyamji had been holding two glasses of juice and had claimed that he was bringing it to her so that they could drink together. But Anjali wanted to dance and he kept insisting that they should sit and drink. Finally she had managed to get him to put the glasses down on the table and dance with her.

And then had come the crash. The glasses on the table lay shattered on the floor and uncle was close by convulsing frighteningly. And after all this, Shyamji was now again off someplace by himself.

Anjali felt a gaping loneliness engulf her. She missed him terribly when he was not around. Didn't he miss her too?

As soon as the thought entered her head, she lightly hit hear forehead with her palm. Of course he must miss her.. She was his rani sahiba.. He was the most caring husband in the world.. How silly was she to doubt how important she was to him.

Feeling much better Anjali turned her attention to her nani. "nani did you see how chote danced today? Khushiji is already making him dance to her tunes.. Hehehe." She giggled happily, momentarily forgetting the nagging anxiety within her.

Her nani was also equally excited. "ha Anjali bitiya. Chote toh dimag ke aage dekhat hi nahi hai. His heart already knows what is head is still to figure out. Is liye toh humne undo ko sath bheja. Jab bure waqt mein koi sath ho toh wo dil ke aur paas aawat hai. Khushi bitiya and Arnav bitiya will live very happily, my heart says this".

Her voice had cracked a little towards the end. She held her grandson in high esteem and was very proud of him. And it was her heartfelt wish to see him with someone who would understand him and take care of him.

With a naughty smile and exaggerated mysterious air she asked Anjali, "par bitiya did you notice what I noticed?" .

"Ha mami.. Dur dur tak sab dekh sakte the.. Our chote is jealous of NK bhai..hahaha"..


****


ASR was in the Gupta house courtyard. The doctor had taken a look and confirmed that there was no deterioration in Shashi Gupta's health. On the contrary, the doctor was pleased to see more muscle movement in him. He had left feeling hopeful about the patient's health.

ASR was about to leave when the night sky caught his attention. Khushi had been inside, giving her babuji medicine. When she stepped out she saw him with his face turned upwards.

The storm clouds had drifted away long since, and a clear sky stretched as far as the eye could see. A crescent moon decorated the sky while millions of stars glittered around it. Instead of black the sky had a brilliant dark blue shade that was surreal.

Khushi loved to sit on the steps and watch the sky. Her amma babuji were sparkling brightly at her. And since some months Khushi had noticed another bright star right next to him.. A hesitant voice whispered within her, it was Arnavji's amma.. She was there watching her son. Khushi wanted to tell him this, but was afraid of his reaction. So she hadn't told him.

She had been very worried about babuji. Khushi would not admit it to anyone else, but her devi maiyya knew how relieved she was to have Arnavji here taking care of everything. He always knew what to do.

And he also knew how to dance.. She thought shyly.. They had danced in front of everyone.. Devi maiyya aapne dekha?

dhak dhak dhak.. The familiar sound echoed in her ears.. She crumpled her saree aanchal with her hand willing the noise too quieten.. It was too quiet.. He might her..

She quickly stole a glance his way to confirm if he might have heard.. She almost forgot to breathe..

He looked like a statue standing still. Face at an angle. The black suit jacket must lay crumpled in the SUV back seat. He was in the crisp white shirt he must have been wearing underneath. The white seemed to radiate light. There was no movement. Khushi could willingly have sat all night long staring at this beautiful statue.

Just then behind him a streak of light lit up the night sky. A shooting star..Without thought.. with exhilarating happiness erupting in her, she ran down the steps upto him.

"What the?" , he looked at her startled.

But she was already covering his eyes with her palm."Shhh.. Arnavji tutta tara.. Make a wish". He didn't move her hand away. She took it as a good sign.

Her eyes, tightly closed, she wished as hard as she could.. devi maiyya keep him happy always.. It almost hurt in her belly, that strong was her wish. And though it was just one single thing, not her usual long list, she wanted to stay in the moment for some time longer. Arnavji must not be used to making wishes, so he might need more time. With this reasoning she did not remove her hand from his eyes.

She could feel his unsteady breath on herself. Slowly it gained a steady rhythm.. She let go and stepped away. Her eyes on him, trying to read him.

Was he the Arnavji who had been filled with laughter behind the bush or was he the Arnavji with those sad demons that haunted his eyes when he had watched those stars near the poolside that night? Who was he at this moment, she desperately tried to work out?

She didn't need to worry. Though his face was thoughtful, there was a smile on his face, tender and caring. "Laad governor.. Hmmpphh.. Aise dekhke humein rula hi denge devi maiyya.."

The smile was quickly turning into that signature crooked smirk, which meant she had landed herself into trouble.

"So now you decide to talk to yourself?", he grinned. "Tum itni baatein karti kya ho khud se Khushi?"

"umm.. Wo .. When I get hungry I have to talk.. Humne kuch khaya nai na.. Those kachori, and chat and gol gappa.. I missed it all Arnavji..". She had started with a stutter, inventing an excuse as she went along till it had turned absolutely real.

She was missing food. This dhak dhak must be her stomach rumbling from hunger for sure. Such a simple explanation and here she had been thinking all sorts of silly things.

"And why didn't you eat?", his head was tilted to the side and arms folded across his chest. "because you were too busy dancing.. With me..", he said it with extreme satisfaction, a smug look on his amused face.

Khushi felt herself shiver, "nai toh.. I didn't dance kyunki..mera matlab i didn't eat because"

"I'm listening..", was all he said.

"kyunki.. Kyunki this saree is too expensive.. Ispe Khana gir jata toh? It's all your fault I am hungry."

"Really my fault?" his voice was still light, but he had turned and was walking away. Khushi felt disappointment wash over her. Part of her was telling her sternly, she should call him back. She would go grab his hand. She didn't want him to go. She wanted to talk.

And then he was back before her. As if he had heard her. She tentatively looked at his extended hand.

He was holding out a plate of... jilebi.. She felt like the world had burst into a song and she was whirling in a dance.

"This is from the party..", but ASR never managed to complete his sentence, because Khushi threw his arms around him and hugged him. She was beyond happy.. He cared for her..


****

"NK bhai Payalji really liked the party". Aakash had a bemused expression on his face, and was clutching a cushion to his chest.

NK was fiddling with his ipod, but kept it aside, happy to indulge in conversation with this lovesick brother of his. "Akash I think Payalji se zyada unki buaji ko party pasad aayi.. aaauu.. Mera bechara pair.. Bilkul gayab ho gaya.", he said vigorously rubbing his feet.

"NK bhai gayab nai ghayal ho gaya.. Gayab matlab disappear..". Anjali was with a pile of clothes that she was folding before going to bed.

"Tab toh sirf pair nai whole NK ko gayab ho jana tha. Wo buaji agar baki ceremony mein aayegi toh main wapas australia ja ra hun. Akash tum Payal bhabhi ko bhagake shadi kar lo. Sab problem solve. Main bhi wedding attend kar lunga."

"Ha nk bhai ye thik rahega. This waiting even I don't like any more", Akash was a quite lost in the memories of the evening.

Anjali burst out laughing at her brothers. Love was surely all around

With a sigh she remembered Shayamji had refused to come downstairs and spend time with them. So the three of them were alone in the hall waiting for ASR to return.


With a light step ASR entered the Raizada hall and was momentarily taken aback by the noise that greeted him. His siblings had apparently gone crazy. "What the?"

"What the?", they chanted in chorus.

"Chote you danced with khushiji.."

"bhai you never dance".

"nannav kitni baar tumne bola I don't dance, don't dance..aur phir ja kar khud Khushiji ke sang raat bhar nach diye".

"Hello hi Arnav bitwa.. hum 2 minutes gone hue aur tum two hours diappearj kar gaye.. dancing baki reh gava tha ka? Aur eek kaise dancing.. lonely dancing tum sirf oo phatee saree ke sath akele mein karat ho?", mamiji had also come right at the opportune moment.

(I felt for 2 minutes and you went away for two hours? Was there dancing left? And what kind of a dance.. that you did with phatee saree alone?)

"Ab bye bye..", and she cat walked away.

ASR sauntered to the sofa and casually sat down. Trust his hyper excited family to come up with this drama. But he was not really angry. Khushi was happy, how could he be angry at anything tonight?

"I danced..so? ", one eye brow shot up, the rest of him remained in its previous lazy stance.

"So? Ye tum keh ro ho.. Ab na bahut hua.. You both will look so good together on the marriage day. Hum kal hi matching lehenga aur sherwani order kar denge." Di came next to him and cupped his face.

He jerked away feigning impatience. "Di you know I don't wear sherwanis. And I am not getting married".

He left as Anjali hit herself on the head laughing..


****

At the exact same instant in her house in lakshminagar Khushi let the soft chiffon slip through her fingers. She had changed out of her saree into a white cotton kurti. Her thin fingers had deftly tied her hair into a plait and she had slipped a rubber band onto the end. Payal was already fast asleep. Khushi was sitting in front of the table with her friend, and the saree on her lap, and a plate full of jalebi in on the table.

She neatly folded the saree and was about to put it away when she saw a gleaming green sequin fall on the table. She picked it up with infinite care, like it was the most precious sequin in the world. Then from her drawer she took out a small round box. In it was already a leaf, that he had taken out from her hair.. To this she added the she sequin.. That had fallen from the saree he had gifted her.

She closed the box, her treasures safe within. She bit into one jalebi and let the sweetness trickle down her throat and settled down to talk to devi maiyya..Today I danced devi maiyya..and it was the most wondrous feeling that can ever exist..


****

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 7

Arnav and Khushi dancing together . Can't tell you how happy that makes me. Thank you so much for reading.

This chapter is dedicated to a girl whose comments always make me laugh.. my blaster friend Sohara..





Chapter 7


Unending strings of twinkling fairy lights were draped on the trees lining the garden. There was no fixed pattern on how the lights were wound on the branches. The effect was more whimsical this way.

A mixture of traditional and modern was apparent everywhere. Pastel apple green lace drapes fluttered in the breeze. The gazebos that had been set up had wines and creepers with violet flowers growing along the pillars.

Even the food had the appearance of a heady cocktail from Italy and Delhi. Counters were spread with waiters from the best five star hotel standing in attendance. Live counters where you could get the spiciest pani puri to the most subtle flavoured pasta, if that is what you chose. Neatly tucked away in a corner was a mountain full of crispy, dripping with sugar, mouthwatering jilebis.

Anjali Manohar Jha had wanted everything to be absolutely perfect. She stood surveying the final preparations, with her husband, Shyam Manohar Jha. She was pleased with how the decorations had turned out.

Guests would arrive any minute and Anjali was far from ready. Her soon to be sister-in-laws had arrived with their mother and buaji. All the ladies, young and old, were busy getting dressed. It was chaotic with mamiji, buaji, naniji all trying to get dresses at the same time. But, then it was a house where two weddings were about to take place sometime soon. There had to be confusion.

"Hum tayyar hoke aate hain Shyamji. And this sherwani is looking very good on you". Shyam heard his wife compliment him and immediately plastered a sugary sweet smile on his face.

He fingered the carefully folded parchment in his sherwani pocket. It was there.. As he saw his wife leave a delirious expression settled on his face. The crowd would work as a perfect foil for what he had in mind. Yes, he had not been idle while Arnav and Anjali had been busy organizing the sangeet function.


****


Aakash anb NK stood at the entrance of the lawn. Both dressed in expensive bright sherwanis in red and blue. Both were clearly searching for someone in particular because they were ignoring the stream of guests that had started to pour in.

"Akash, NK don't stand there like a pair of idiots. Why aren't you making yourselves useful?"

ASR in his black immaculate perfectly fitting suit had walked upto them. He curtly nodded, acknowledging a group of overdressed ladies, who looked quite dazed as they walked by.

Akash suddenly spotted the vision his eyes had sorely been missing. Payal was walking down the dimly lit pathway with Akash's dadi by her side. He distractedly muttered something to ASR and dashed towards the girl he longed to dance with the whole night. ASR let him go. Obviously the man would not be of any use in his current state.

ASR turned his attention towards NK, who was doing a pretty good imitation of a giraffe trying to look over everyones shoulder. ASR had a suspicion about who NK was trying to spot in the crowd. For NK's sake he hoped his guess was wrong. ASR was pretty certain he was not wrong.

"NK go tell the orchestra to start playing", he ordered his cousin.

NK became more agitated. "par nannav, main Khushiji ka intekal kar ra hoon." In his excitement, he failed to notice the quite violent turn ASR's thoughts had taken.

"when Khushiji comes I am going to bow down, aur apna hath age kar I will ask her.. Do you want to dance with me?". NK swirled around with an exaggerated mock bow and found himself staring at two highly delighted eyes, that belonged to a large happy woman.

"Hum ho do babua", buaji patted the scented rajnigandha garland hanging from her long plait. She took hold of Nk's sweaty hand and walked away with him stuttering behind.

ASR was a little relieved to see NK go. Though Khushi's amma, Garima aunty, looked anxious as her eyes trailed her sister-in-law walk away with NK. ASR noticed Khushi's babuji was as usual with a benevolent smile as he sat looking at everything around.

ASR sensed a deep feeling of affection wash over him. Uncle and aunty always had genuine smiles and behind their simple unassuming air were twinkling intelligent eyes. He took the wheelchair handle from Garima aunty and moved them to a well lit table near the edge of the garden,away from most of the hustle bustle. A deft hand movement resulted in a waiter rushing with small cups of the finest bon china filled with steaming hot soup.

"Aunty do you want anything else for now?", he politely inquired, taking a seat next to them.

Garima, who was secretly in awe of this particular future son-in-law, found herself warming towards him. Bitwa does look aloof and speak less, but his manners are impeccable. She looked at him talking to Khushi bitiya's babuji and explaining something which Garima had not caught on.

Tears threatened to come pouring as she saw her husband nod his head, listening earnestly, unable to say anything to his damadji, so making do with smiles and nods as much as he could. Garima knew him enough to understand he liked Arnav bitwa too. He had always wanted an intelligent caring husband for Khushi.

Arnav bitwa was still saying something. She thought about Khushi... Her old eyes had seen her bitiya when she was around this young man. Her little daughter who could not stop talking endlessly talking about movie heroes and raj kumars. Garima could feel the emotions come chocking.. She had always felt doubly responsible for Khushi. Her jiji's last memory.. She never wanted Khushi to miss her real mother.

While Khushi had learnt maths from her babuji, Payal had always preferred to help Garima around the house. But every morning during breakfast both sisters would sit and hear their father read aloud the newspaper. He had insisted they know what is happening around the world. And while they learnt all this from their babuji, Garima had tried to teach them both the one thing she herself knew. To love unconditionally.

She could glimpse the same unconditional love in Arnav bitwa's eyes, even though they were guarded and often sad.Her mother's heart could see his concern for everyone and her heart warmed upto him. Her daughter would be happy with him. He would take care of her.

"wo.. bitwa.. Khoosi bitiya was getting Lakshmiji ready. Aap toh jante hain how she gets carried away. Then she sent us all out here fearing we would be late if we waited for her to get ready. Hum thik hai bitwa. Aap jaake baki meheman ko dekhiye".

So that is why she was not here yet. Getting Lakshimji ready.. ASR assured them he would be back to check on them and got up to go. His eyes desperately searching for her. Impatient.. Insistent for one glimpse of her..

Someone, ASR was sure he should know by name, was shaking his hand as felt her walk in. Unerring his eyes turned to where she had halted. Her hands were fidgeting. A telltale sign she was nervous.

ASR had to swallow hard. She looked ravishing. Creamy white skin in contrast to the dark luscious silky green. The saree hugged her curves. Her arms were bare. Lithe and flowing. Even from this far her earrings shone. So did her bindi.

Her hair swayed in the gentle evening breeze. She raised her hand and brushed it away. ASR was suddenly jealous of her hand. A fierce possessive instinct overwhelmed him. He wanted to be the one brushing away that stray lock of hair.

With a start ASR managed to bring himself back to the conversation with the man in front of him. Part of ASR was impatient. Who was this man anyway?ASR had no idea and did not even care really. Right now, all he cared about was getting away from him. Towards her.


****


Khushi wasn't sure why she felt shy. Maybe it was related to the fact that she had caught her reflection in the mirror and she looked beautiful tonight.

Before this she had never given her looks this much thought, but tonight was different. She had dabbed a little of the expensive lip gloss..it had a beautiful name.. rose petal.. And she had lined her eyes with a kohl pencil..

It was not all this that made her look different. This green saree made her feel alive. The ripples in the pleat, the smoothness of the aanchal as it brushed her back, the million sequins on the borders that glittered whenever she moved. She had remained transfixed in front of the mirror.

His saree.. She swallowed hard and squeezed her eyes shut... chup kar Khushi kumari gupta.. It was time for some prayers.. Hey devi maiyya Arnavji did not even tell me unhone humare liye ye saree kyu kharidi.. And here I am.. So nervous.. Raksha karna devi maiyya.. I don't know mujhe kya ho raha hai..

Exactly on cue, as always, her heartbeat decided to speed up...dhak dhak dhak dhak.. By now Khushi knew what that meant. He was close by. She dare not open her eyes. Maybe he would not see her and just go away, she thought wishfully.

"Khushi"... Her eyes flew open. He was all in black. She could not take her eyes of him. Focus Khushi.. She scolded herself mentally.

He was not saying anything wrong. Still she felt her face heat up as she heard her name on his lips. "Aa..aap aise humara naam mat lijiye".

It was the wrong thing to have said, because the laad governor was smirking and Khushi didn't know where to look to hide from his unwavering gaze.

"You have worn my saree Khushi", said the rakshas without breaking his stare.

Khushi found herself get hopelessly muddled. What was she supposed to be saying right now?.. Umm.."saree?"..

"ha toh? I wanted to wear a lehenga. No one dances in a saree"..

He almost snarled at her response. Good.. She knew how to handle an angry laad governor, it was when he stopped being a laad governor that Khushi's problems started. Just the thought of a non-angry Arnavji was enough to send her heart in overdrive again.

"Arnie ..daarrling.. You look so good.." Khushi ended up rubbing her eyes in disbelief as whoever this girl was brushed her lips across ASR's cheeks.

Khushi's blood was boiling. Shameless rakshas has no sense of sahi and galat. He could have said namaste decently or if he had to be friendly then he could have shaken the girl's hand.

"You look lovely too. Excuse me." ASR was about to leave when he noticed Khushi's murderous expression. A light headed recklessness spread through him. He was ready to see what happens.

"Actually, are you enjoying the party?", he asked the elegantly dressed girl. He did not know the girls name so conveniently did not address her in any way. He seemed to have forgotten a lot of names tonight, he wryly thought to himself. At the same time, part of him responded back, reminding him, there was one name he had no intention of forgetting. And one face that was imprinted in his thoughts.

Khushi looked sullen. The moonlight and fairylights all reflecting of her already glowing face. All it needed was a shade of red, and ASR knew just the thing that would get her to blush.

"It is beautiful. Fantabulous. You do everything in style Arnie", the girl gushed. ASR bit back a grimace. People actually thought he might like the name Arnie. He hated nicknames as a principal. Yes, laad governor included.. he sternly reprimanded himself.

His attention went back to Khushi, who was busy glaring at the girl.

The girl, whose name would most probably never be known, had caught him staring at Khushi and had directed her attention there. "You must be the future Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada. Hi..I am Sohara.. What an exquisite saaree!"

Khushi looked slightly mollified by the compliment and even managed a tiny smile as she joined her hands in namaste.

"Why are you both not dancing?", Sohara asked. Khushi had just opened her mouth when ASR cut in, "khushi does not like to dance in a saree".

"oh.. that's too bad. Such an inviting dance floor, underneath the stars, will go waste. Would you like to dance Arnie?" .. ASR would have refused immediately, except for the look of indignation on Khushi's face.

"wo.. hum...", Khushi stuttered desperately. A lopsided deliciously wicked grin appeared on ASR's face. "tum.. kya khushi? Tell me.."..


"Khushiji main appka waha rahat dekh raha tha and aap yahan hain? Chaliye let us dance Khushiji." NK had appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.

This time, it was Khushi's turn to want to refuse. Then one look at Sohara, and finally at ASR. The smile was wiped off his face.. Good.. She decided.. It served him right..achcha hua..

A mischievous grin lit up her eyes and with exaggerated sweetness, batting her eyelash, she said, "Aap kitne achche hai nanheji".

NK, smiled happily, little knowing the effects of his simple words on a certain man in denial.



****


Khushi did not want to dance with nanheji, but she was going to say yes. She tried to inconspicuously look at the person whose eyes she could feel on herself. She thought wistfully.. it was not like he wanted to dance with her..

She turned towards NK and the next thing she knew a warm insistent hand had pulled her close.

He was staring right into her eyes. "Sorry NK, Sohara, this dance is Khushi and mine", and she found herself being led to the open garden area, as the piano notes chimed in.

His hand lay on her bear back. A shiver ran down her spine. She squirmed and noticed a satisfied expression appear on his face. He had brought up her hand and placed it on his shoulder. His other hand was firmly entwined with hers as he raised it.

Khushi forgot time and space. She vaguely heard a lilting tune. Guitar and piano grew to a creschendo as an earthy voice crooned.

"rabbaaa veyyy"..

For a second she found herself listening to the beautiful song. The next second she forgot even that as she twirled. And slammed back onto his chest. She could feel his heartbeat under her fingertips. In wonder her eyes found his. His eyes were twinkling, a whirlpool of emotions glimmered in them, that she found herself willingly drowning in.

She had moved away. Her hand stretched outwards still joined to him. He jerked her back and dipped her, supporting her in his strong arms. On his face was a kind of ..desire.. She gulped as she gave the look this name.. She was melting at his touch.

Her body sang to his tune. She found herself loving the song. Was this how people danced? Why didn't one simply keep dancing their whole life, the rebellious bit of her asked.

She could feel her back mold against his front. His fingers were brushing aside her open hair. His breath on her nape tingled. It made her shudder with a feeling too new to fathom.

She was whirling away again. From this distance he looked even more breath taking. Strong. Lissome. She wanted to go right back into his arms.

Anticipating her move, he held out his hand. His eyes beseeching. She flowed back, her body on fire with each touch.

The wind had picked up speed, in perfect harmony with the rising beats. Flutes were chiming in..rabba ve simmered in the air..

Khushi's anchal had blown over, covering his face. He used his hands to push it away. Even that simple gesture left her breathless. It felt like a caress, scorching her from inside.

They were now swaying slowly. An intimate whisper,"tum is saree mein..." She desperately longed to hear what he had to say, but he had lead her into another move. A barely concealed laughter, as she came whirling back to him..."Khushi were you jealous?"

"hum.. nai toh.. why should I.. aur waise bhi humein toh lagta hai aap jal rahei.." Her voice and breath had left her.

Her back was towards him, his hands resting on the curve of her hips holding her steady. Slowly she felt his hand trace a path across her bare back. Light fingers came in contact with her extremely aware skin. She forgot to breathe.

devi maiyya.. she closed her eyes, her knees were weak. She sensed him reach the thin dori.

It dawned on her then. He was tying her dori..devi maiya.. She wanted to tell davi maiyya so much.. Instead she turned to look at her Arnavji. He pulled her against himself. A sinful curving of the lip as he brushed his cheek against hers in a slow deliberate dance, and whispered in her ear, "I am not done yet".

She could hear her heartbeat resonate in her ears just as the first drops of rain started to fall... dhak dhak dhak..


******

Main aur Mr Riight

Its no longer a leaked video.. but an actual official trailer. A catchy song, a crazy hero.. cute, refreshing Main aur Mr Riight.

Sometimes when you wait for too long for something.. wishing hard for it to be perfect.. a sense of anti climax might issue.. or expectations break..

That DID NOT happen! on the contrary these 2 minutes have made me break into repeatedly smiles that am having a hard time to control.. my feet are tapping and my heart soars..

Wishing you all the luck..

Munda desi desi daru..

Physics and creativity

Aarwen has been wallowing in misery and self pity. Work has descended into her life and kept her away from here and everywhere else she would rather be.

Today morning however, LazyWiz has reminded her she is not like this. She can take life and remain cheerful. No wonder Aarwen loves lazyWiz.

So now onto writing and feeling good and stop cribbing.

I have always felt creativity is all about the unique edge in thought. And wonder when and if I will get it?

If you are remotely interested in Physics or in getting awestruck at creativity, then these videos you will love. 

Maybe in some parallel universe am happily writing and watching my TV show and reading books. So in this one I will continue with renewed vigour and zeal to write code. 

 There was a time not too far back I loved coding. Maybe I still do. And in this flow of time if writing code means unable to write a story, then there is a branch of time flow where writing still means a story.