arshi SS : Hamesha ~ A heartbeat away, Chapter 23

Chapter 23

It was promising to be one of those mornings where silver tufts of clouds peppered an azure sky. The leaves on the trees bristled in the gentle breeze. Dew drops clinging softly tot the blooming plush petals.

Om prakash and Mohan had been delegated the work of draping satin curtains around the madap. Then the fabric would be pulled closer together and tied to the orante columns with crocheted lace ropes in the darkest shades of lilac. The rest of the hired workers were decorating the other spaces, but the mandap needed a hand from the family. Mamaji had decided Om Prakash and Mohan would do the honours.

They hadn't stepped away from work since sunrise. However, catching the opportune moment, unsupervised, they had pulled up the carved, pearly white, wrought iron chairs, meant for the banquet table.

"Hum toh bahute hi pehle se janat the ki Arnav bhaiya aur Khushi didi will get married". OP announced with a smug smile.

Of course, he had not considered remotely the possibility of being challenged. Mohan sharply cut him off. "Hum hi toh sabse pehle janat rahe".

OP found himself getting irritated. Ignoring Mohan's obnoxious claim he launched right into his story. "I have know all along. Diwali ka samay tha and Khushi didi ko dhanteras ka gifat chahiye tha. Humahi toh oo detergent packet Arnav bhaiya ko chupke chupke jaan pe khelke lake diyat rahe. He had given instructions koi dekh na le. Naniji, mamiji..from everyone's eyes I only hid the packet. Aur baad mein samajh aaya.. He put 2 silver coins in it, for Khushi didi".

He was complacent with the effect the story must have had. He waited for his friend to show wide eyed wonder, but the reaction was not as expected. Mohan clearly thought he was winning.

"You?", OP asked disbelieving the atrocious assertion.

"Haa..hum naahi to ka tum?". Mohan settled down, his hands supporting his head, while his legs stretched out in front of him. He stared out into the sky, satisfying himself of the pregnant pause before he started.

"Aree it must have been her first week in AR.. Khushi bhabhi was made to stand in the rain by Arnav bhaiya...Alone in that parking lot. DO you know unhe aati gari se kis hero ne bachaya? Humare Arnav bhaiya".

Mohan was apparently the better story teller of the two, because OP had pulled his chair closer. He did make sure the carmine velvet seat covers did not get wrinkled. He urged his friend on.

"After that when we were going home raate bhar Khushi bhabhi kept saying all sorts of things about Arnav bhaiya. Same jaisan filmo mein howat hai. Hum toh tab hi se keh rahe hai ki pyar toh hona hi tha". Mohan ended his story with a florish.

OP was not giving up. "I know more about her. Humare sath oo luka chupi khelat hai. So many times I have protected Khushi didi from his anger. Arree ekahi baar toh humne didi ko Arnav bhaiya ke room mein bhi band kar diya tha. Lock ghumai ke".

"ha you keep calling her didi. Humlog ki toh wo bhabhi ban gayi hai", Mohan instigated.

Things would have heaten up, and the mandap decoration halted for longer, hand not mamaji returned. "din bhar eeha baithat rehna ka mahurat naai hai. Get up and work!"

OP and Mohan scurried up from their chairs. Each picked an edge of the sheer fuschsia drapes that seemed to be sprinkled with the palest of star dust.

"Hello hi bye bye Anjali bitiya bher eej?", Manorama shashayed upto her husband.

He questioned her with a thoughtful air, "Mano tumko ka lagat hai ekdum se hi Khushi bitiya Arnav bitwa se shadi karat hai?"

Conveniently forgetting her surprise from a few weeks back Manorama eyed her husband amicably. "Aap toh shutupiya hi kar liyo. Humka toh kabse lagat hai ki phatee saree making housejwa Arnav bitwa ke clojet ma".

At her own clever joke Manorama decided to laugh loudly.

****

"Humari phool jaisan titiliya ko god mein uthai lai rahe. That time itself I had known that oo Raijaddan will be with out sanka devi. Dono hi thore mann mauji rahat hai nand kissore".

Buaji had poured herself a large glass of water from the crystal decanter. She had huffed and puffed her way into Anjali's room, where the Gupta's were going to get ready. Really these raijadans had too many stairs! It must take athe whole day to get from one portion of the house to the other..

Her eyes caught the rows of glass bangles on Anjali's dressing table. Buaji eyed the, with longing. If only her wrist was slightly smaller she would have borrowed a few for the wedding.

Garima, staggering under the weight of a dozen shopping bags, followed her sister-in-law into the room. With a mischievous smile she teased, "par jeeji if you knew from before then why did you fint unki shadi ki khabar sunkar?"

Buaji twisted Garima's ear, "dulham ki amma majak urawat hai nand kisore".

"di..di naniji ko aapse kaan hain", NK had barged in expecting Anjali inside.

"hain.. Kaan hainn?", buaji exclaimed still holding on to Garima's ear.

Garima tried to pacify her over excited sister-in-law. Her gestures went completed unnoticed by the lady.

"babua kaan nahi .. kaam hai", she corrected, extricating herself out of buaji's grasp.

"Same difference..that's it", NK grinned at Khushi's amma.

"Arre come inside babua. We are talking about Arnav bitwa and Khoosi bitiyas jodi". Buaji was smiling fondly at him.

"nai.. Mujhe kaan.. I mean kaam hai", NK panicked, like he always did in front of the over friendly old lady.

"hai re nand kisore bahutehi sharmat ho babua. Come here and sit. Tumako shaadi waadi karni hai ki naahi".

NK decided it was time to drop the niceties, and bolted out of there, fearing for his bachelor life.

****

The poolside was a riot of colors too. Flowers in full bloom made the place beautiful. The ripples in the clear water that refracted to the sunlight cast faint patterns on the far end wall. The moved and flickered, and in the blink of an eye took other surreal shapes. Nature had made sure the place held magic. The brooding gardener was bringing home his coveted sunflower.

"It is strange Lakshmiji. Lakshminagar has been my home only for a year. Gomti sadan humara ghar tha, but I am going to miss Lakshminagar as much as I miss Gomti Sadan.. Our mithai ki dukaan.. Devi maiyya hum jante hai hum zyada baatein kar re hain par humein toh wo kone wale chane wale bhaiya ki bhi yaad aayega.. Aur buaji ke ghar ke bahar brush karte hue happiyji se baat karna.."

"You can talk to me every morning Khushi", he was leaning against the entrance to the poolside, watching her. Arnavji was in that dark vest of the coarse fabric that Khushi wanted to run her hands over.

"And you can go back to buaji's house whenever you want to", his voice had grown serious.

"laad governor.. Abhi se humein apne se dur bhejne ki baatein kar re hai", she muttered darkly.

"I don't want to go anywhere away from you. I will always be with you Arnavji, samjhe aap?", she glared at him.

"Hamesha?", he was happy.

"Hamesha", she scampered up and held his hand for a second before letting it go with a jerk. 

"Haw!", her hand clamped on her delectable mouth.

He was amused as always, and curious enough to ask, "what the!?"

"aaj humari shadi hai Arnavji", her hands flew in the air widely.

"hmm.. I know that darling..", his eyes sparkled with a devilish gleam as he murmured. "In case you forgot I have been looking forward to tonight".

She shivered, and it had nothing whatsoever to do with the temperature outside.

"paar.. Di had said larka larki can't meet before the wedding.. You shouldn't be here", she admonished. Almost ready to drag him out of his own room.

"Achcha.. Aur kaun rokega mujhe?", his eyes arched high in lazy defiance.

She felt a little faint. It might be because she needed some food. It was equally possibly that he was too close. She was surely getting lost in the shiny darkness of those eyes, and forgetting to breathe.

Specially in a sombre tone when he added, "And Khushi the wedding is for you, for di.. Mere liye you are already the girl I will spend my entire life with."

He was playing with his ma's kangan, that never left her daughter-in-law's hand. His eyes held a fervent emotion, blazing with as much vitality as the sun. She smiled back content. Her eyes held a timeless promise, tranquil as the moonlight.

"Maa.. Maaa" Lakshmiji had gotten herself entangled in the flower garlands left near the poolside. Laughing Khushi went to help unravel Lakshmiji.

She missed the tender expression on Arnavji's face as he sat down on the poolside recliner. 

His eyes glistened with memories of the girl in fairy lights. They had blinked right at him and held him hypnotized. She had quivered at his touch, her eyes tumultous.

"Arnavji dulha dulhan ke liye toh kuch karne ko hi nahi hota shadi ke din. Hum toh joote bhi chura nahi sakte. It's more fun in others wedding hai na?"

She had come near the chair as she was speaking. Smooth and swift he pulled her on his lap. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears..dhak dhak dhak..

"If you are bored there is a lot the bride and groom can do today". He tilted her chin staring right into her eyes. Then tantalizingly slow he brushed his lips against hers. She closed her eyes and sucked in her breath. Her hand had skimmed against her back. Intimate and knowledgeable in its touch.

"di..", she yelled. He did not exactly let go but was distracted enough to turn towards the room. She got up with a giggle, blushing madly..

"laad governor.. Devi maiyya.." and dashed away. Not before turning to take one look at the man she loved. Madly. Wildly. With the intensity of the oceans, certainty of the lands and boundless like the skies above. Like a never ending prayer, like an everlasting dream. Like the hamesha of heartbeats.

****

"Manorama, my old eyes had spotted Khushi bitiya in that first meeting. Lukhnow se aur itni meethi boli".

Deviyani Raizada kept arranging items on the silver puja thal as she conti

nued talking to her daughter-in-law. Chandan, akshat, kumkum. She mentally ticked off each item. Anjali bitiya would know where the kapoor was kept.

"Jis din Payal bitiya aur oo mithai rahaein.. Remember that was Anjali's anniversary.. Aur damadji as usual had left.. Anjali bitiya was in tears". She had gone sad as she spoke, but went on. "Aapan umar se itti samajhdar baatein karat rahi Khushi bitiya. And also Payal bitiya. Both sisters will keep our boys and our home very happy. "

With a wail Manorma lowered her head onto her mother-in-law's lap. "humare bitiya je sang ee ka hui gava sasuma? How comej we nat isseeing damaadji ka karat rahein behind backwas".

Deviyani Raizada felt a terrible sadness steal over her. She patiently patted her daighter-in-law. She meant well, after all.

"Sab theek ho jayega Manorama. We will all be there for our bitiya".

Sniffing Manorama raised her head, nodding vehemently. Then a thought struck her, and the worry for Anjali dissipated a little. "Aap janat rahi saasumaa? Naahi naahi.. Telling lies crow coming to bite.. Humhi hi toh apko shadi ke khatir manawat rahein. Ab aap humari impartance ko mindwa kar lijiye sassuma."

Deviyani shook her head indulgent of her for once.

"Mamiji..naniji.. Have you seen di?", Khushi had come inside. Her face was flushed and vibrant. What a pretty bride she would make, the old lady thought with deep affection.

****

"Par Akash if you won't talk to me .. Main tumhe kaise bataunga ki I think nannav and Khushi toh wo pehle fall ke baad hi perfect couple ban gaye the.. You know "

NK was following a still angry Akash towards ASR's poolside. Akash had gotten his sneakers back, but the exchange had also involved a lot of money.

"NK bhai in case you forgot you just stole my shoe", Akash scowled at his cousin you was waving a thick bundle of crisp new notes with a flourish.

ASR with his usual common sense noted, " Akash this is your house and those are regular shoes. Why didn't you just go wear another pair dammit?"

Akash blinked a couple of times trying to process how stupid he had been.

"ye pyar ka kamaal hai. Larke bilkul hairan preshan hai". Nk was least bothered and busy counting the money.

"Arnavji we can't find di anywhere". Khushi had rushed in with Payal close behind.

ASR leapt up, instantly alert. "what? Tumne sab jagah dekha Khushi?"

Hardly waiting for the reply he sprinted towards di's room. Within minutes the entire household was scoring the numerous rooms, interwoven passages and poolsides to search for Anjali.

"Anjali eej not picking up pphone.. Missed callwa hui ja raha". Mami informed in a loud voice not sure where everyone was.

More groans came as Akash was dispatched to check outside. The happy wedding household had turned to a fearful group of people within seconds.

"I'll call the police", ASR said, his voice tensed. His brain was busy going over the possible places Anjali could have gone to.

Shyam.. He knew this could only be Shyam.

Khushi supporting the sobbing shaking nani distracted ASR. He leapt to hold her and seat her down. Garima had a glass of water ready for the shaken lady.

"nani I promise you main di ko le aaunga. I'll find her". ASR was in hell. Where had di disappeared to?

"bhai the guard outside saw di get into a car with Shyam". Akash came panting inside with the news.

"hai re nand kisore.. Oo Shyam humlogan ka peecha hi nahi chorat hai".. Buaji was as stricken as naniji.

"Dammit", ASR spat the words out. "I won't let him get away for this. I had warned him to stay away". His teeth were gritted and eyes thundered with fury.

"Anjali bitiya alone toh naahi hai.. Nothing eej happeningj to bitiya. Saasuma you nat to worryj pileej." mamiji sounded a little relieved, not knowing that being with Shyam was infinitely more lethal to Anjali than being alone.

Shashi Gupta, who had all this while been watching anxiously, had started to shake violently. Khushi rushed to his side. After another fierce struggle with his own muscles, his lips moved a little. Khushi bent her head to hear what babuji was trying to say.

"Arnav..", he stuttered. Khushi turned to look at ASR. Babuji had finally spoken. Amma had now broken down completely, but babuji was urgently gesturing towards Arnav.

ASR dashed towards the man in the wheelchair and knelt down. "Shyam.. Dangerous.." babuji's words were gaining strength as he spoke. His son-in-law's intelligent, quick flash of understanding soothed the man.

"Humari ee halat..Shyam".. Babuji had barely spoken the words that ASR nodded curtly and stood up.

"Akash call the doctor. Now", he shouted and he made his way towards the front door.

Khushi had given her babuji a hug before she ran after him. Payal was already holding babuji's hand as Khushi reached ASR. He was near the Shantivan door. Full of a single purpose he stode out.

ASR had dialed the police commissioner's number. He would drive out and find di.. Somewhere.. somehow.. He would get to her.

****

arshi SS : Hamesha ~ A heartbeat away, Chapter 22

Chapter 22

In her dream Khushi Kumari Gupta was busy eating from a plate full of crispy bright orange jiebis and a high heap of steaming hot crunchy samosas. Her brows furrowed. Vaguely she registered herself dreaming.

Her last meal in Gupta house before her marriage, and even in her own dream she could not eat in peace! Buaji was shouting at her from far away. "Uff bauji humein shanti se khane do na", she grumbled and decided to sprint off with the plate to find some solitude.

Within her dream world she turned, raised her leg to run, but when it fell upon the ground beneath, the surface was astonishingly strong and firm. Somehow, warm and comforting. Could the earth have such characteristics?

She blinked open her eyes, a little disorientated. Was she in a dream within a dream?

Arnavji was right beside her, on the bed!

Buaji was still shouting outside. What in the world was happening? It was extremely hard to unravel what was happening when it was effortless to get lost in those drugging dark eyes next to her.

"tum hamesha aise soti ho?", unfazed, he questioned her casually.

(Do you always sleep this way?)

Her leg was draped across his torso. Not wasting time on blushing, Khushi retracted her leg with speed that would have ashamed even a national level sprinter. After she had successfully moved her leg off him, having nothing else to do except stare, at close quarters, into his eyes, she could not stop the heated reddening that made an appearance on her nose.

His right eyebrow was still arched high in an amused curiosity. Light as feather he flicked her nose. "Tomorrow night is going to be.. ", he paused. "Interesting". He noted with a satisfied air still eyeing her leg.

He raised himself at an angle and touched her payal, that shone resting near her ankle.

"sankadevi.. ", buaji was clearly outside the door.

With surprising agility, again, Khushi sprang up and pushed Arnavji under her blanket. Not a moment passed before buaji was upon them.

"nand kisore payali aai gayi?"

(Payal came back?)

"h..ha buaji. You go sleep. What are you doing awake at night? Kal kitna kaam hai buaji.. Do you even remember kal suhaag raat hai"..

(y..yes buaji.. tomorrow there is so much work to be done)

Hey devi maiyya what was she saying.. Khushi smacked herself on her forehead in despair. She could hear a smothered chuckle next to her. He was on her bed sharing her blanket.. Her head was reeling.

"hainn?".. Buaji's laughter boomed in the still night. Having given up controlling the events of this night Khushi could only chew her lips and listen.

"don't worry titilya hum bhi pehle bahut darat rahe ee sab baatan soch kar, par tumhre phuphaji bhi na..". Buaji was trying to sway gently, highly impossible given her heavy mass. Her hand fondled her long plait.

(Initially I was also very scared about all this, but your uncle..)

"ha..ha buaji.. Aap jake so jayiye ab.. Please..", Khushi hastened to somehow get buaji from talking further. She was mortified enough, already.

(go sleep now)

"Parmeswari it is your last night in our house. Hum sochat hainn eeha apni Payaliya aur sankadevi ke sath hi so jai rahe. Shift a little".

(I am thinking of sleeping here with you both)

Khushi went sliding towards the warm presence in her blanket, buaji had tried to sit on the edge, which basically meant she took up practically half of the bed. The bed gave a loud creak and it was buaji's turn to show her agility. "Aisan toh ee bistar humare jaisan majboot hainn, but it will be better not to take a risk".

(As such this bed is as strong as me)

Plastering a hearty kiss on the nervous girl's forehead she blessed her. "nand kisore tomorrow is your wedding..". Buaji tucked her niece in for the night. Finally, she ambled out much to someone's relief.

Khushi was alone with Arnavji. In the dark, having Arnvaji close, in her room, on her bed, felt..exciting.. That know-it-all voice in her head whispered to khushi.

When ASR pushed off the blanket he was a little exasperated with himself. He frowned.

He had accompanied Akash and Payal to Gupta house. The couple had been happy to be given a few minutes alone when ASR slipped into Khushi's room. And here he was, but what was Arnav Singh Raizada doing hiding from buaji? Covered by a blanket.

He made a movement to object to having been pushed into a rajai. One look at the girl next to him shut off all thoughts.

He was in khushi's room, on her bed. Having her close in such an intimate surrounding, was a new feeling. One he longed to get used to. She would be with him from tomorrow. The thought made him extremely happy. A sense of fierce pride washed over him. She was his.

With a gossamer touch he brushed the lock of hair that fell over her eye. She blinked, but did not move away, trusting and comfortable. He shifted closer, his hand on her waist. Damn the stupid blanket! He couldn't even see his hand as it held her..

She flowed towards him. She was soft. And exquisite. Everything about her confounded and delighted him. He longed to know every single thought that flit through her gorgeous head.

"What are you thinking?"

She answered without hesitation, her voice, the slightest of breathless, "kal se hum sath honge".

(From tomorrow we will be together)

"hamesha", he confirmed and finally succumbing to the inevitable, kissed her. Long and deep. She sighed and wriggled closer into his arms. A fresh sense of longing, a compelling desire stirred within. There was newness and a pristine sense of promise.

(Forever)

His hands moved freely, she reveled in the touch, arching towards him. Slowly loosing herself in the wonder of his touch, she moved her hands to touch too. Unfamiliar firm strong muscles that her fingers were coming to know.

"Arnavji".. came her querulous sigh.

He pulled away, even though she seemed unwilling to let go. "khushi.. main", came his a deep throated whisper. There were so many things he wanted to tell her, but words would not be enough to capture the emotion that ran in his veins.

(Khushi.. I)

Her breath was haywire, but an profound certainty was visible on her face. "hum samajhte hai", and at that moment there was no truer words. She knew his heart and all the love it held for her.

(I understand)

A hushed knock on the window startled them. Payal must be outside wanting to be let in.

He was on his way out, when he turned. Khushi sat in the middle of the colorful riot of the blanket, her hair disarray, a sad smile on her face, watching him go.

He couldn't possibly leave her looking this sad..

A devilish smirk played on his still wet lips. "Khushi sleep well. And don't forget kal humari shaag raat hai".

(it's our wedding night tomorrow)

Her eyes went wide and mouth opened equally wide.

"bye". Satisfied that sadness was replaced by all sorts of other thoughts, he made his smooth exit.

****

Khushi still had her 'haw' face on, when Payal slipped in through the door.

Their last night as young girls in Gupta house. All the myriad colors woven in their dreams were read to splash into their lives the very next day. They were getting married.

They held hand tight as they lay on their backs staring at the ceiling, unseeing. Their thoughts busy with what was to come.

"ow jeeji", Khushi had been smacked on the head with a sorry looking pillow. Rubbing her eyes, with the back of her mehendi covered hand, she sat up and gasped flabbergast. Had her room been hit by a hurricane at night?

Everything was scattered everywhere and from what she could gather buaji was claiming this was meant to be packing.

"Will you wake up please Khushi? Humein packing khatam karna hai. Then mandir jana hai and be at shantivan by noon". Payal had picked up a stack of plain chiffon sarees and was eyeing them critically, deciding if she wanted a rainbow of similar sarees in her new wardrobe.

(we have to finish packing. then leave for the mandir)

So, she missed the mischievous smile that lit her sister's face. Khushi had grabbed a fuller newer pillow and aimed it with precision at Payal.

Panting and giggling, within no time both girls had indulged in a pillow fight, much to buaji's dismay.

Garima was taking care of the preparations outside while buaji had appointed herself to get the girls ready on time. If her neighbors so much as stepped into this room they would have realised how incompetent Madhumatiji was in getting her nieces ready. Still, she did not have the heart to break their fun.

Breathless, her sides aching with the giggling, Khushi suddenly recollected how she had taught even lavayaji the joy of a good pillow fight. Of course, it would have been way more fun if, like in the movies, the pillows burst open and feathers floated all over. That never happened in Khushi's room. buaji's stupid sturdy pillows! Khushi glared at the them.

After buaji had shouted again and got the girls moving, Khushi rushed to find the trinket box that had the most precious of her belongings. She peeped into it.

A leaf he had pulled out from her hair, a sequin from the saree he had gifted her, his ma's letter; all lay safe within. She quickly placed it next to her devi maiyya. Even if she forgot all her other things, these two were the ones she needed with her.

****

He was looking at the roses surrounded by verdant bushes. It would have been considered to be early in the morning by most, but already there a great deal of excitement and noise. He didn't care. He was looking at the roses.

"Chote.. Chote"

A lady with a warm smile and weary eyes made her way across the damp lawn. Her silk saree was half in gold and half in saphire blue. She held the pleats a little above her ankle, afraid of getting the edges spoiled. Her hand had gold bangles almost all the way up to her elbows.

"ma"!

He called out to her in excitement. "dekho the plant you were watering everyday has finally sprouted a bud. A red rose ma".

With a serene smile she viewed the rose which was taking its first few breaths. A few dew drops glistened on its velvety outer petals.

"ab Chalo Chote. It is your wedding today".

Her hand was extended out towards him, beckoning. He wanted to catch it, but couldn't seem to get to it.

"Ma..", he panicked.

She, however, smiled reassuringly, stepped forward and caught his hand in her hers. "I'm here chote. With you".

ASR flung off the covers. Wide awake with a clear head, he settled against the dark ebony rosewood headboard of his low rise bed. He reached for his blackberry and with a strange eagerness dialed her number ..

"Haaloo", came her trilling voice from across.

"Hi", he sounded husky to his own ears. A mixture of slumber and love caused his voice to take this heady tone.

"Arnavji"

"Arnav", he patiently corrected. His grin became more pronounced imagining her state of discomfiture at the other end.

"Kya kar ri ho Khushi?"

(What are you doing?)

Was this feeling called missing someone? A solemn thought entered his mind. He missed ma and it always made him choke with a sense of unbearable sorrow that he had endured for ages. It had become part of him. Could missing someone actually make you feel joy as well? He had no idea how Khushi managed to make his insides light and hopeful. Even ma had reached him in his dream today, not melted away unreachable like always.

"Arnavji are you even listening.. I asked.. Do you like pillow fighting?"

"What the? Kya kaha tum?"

(What did you say?)

"uff laad governor 5 baar hum yehi sawaal puch chuke hai.. I will come and explain abhi hum rakhte hai". He was about to disconnect when her querulous whisper reached him. 

"Arnavji I miss you". And she cut the call.

(5 times I have asked the same question. now am keeping the phone)

Now, he was definitely smiling, widely. He decided, that though missing her made him happy, he would still prefer her to be right next to him. And she would be, starting today. His heart seemed to indulge a funny sort of leap.

He put on his most serious look and tried to ignore the silly uncontrollable nonsense taking place in his heart.

It was time for his regular jog, and he would give Aman a call and talk about the consignment of pillows.. Huh? .. Did he just say pillows in his head? Dammit.. Why was she thinking of pillow fights?

No, nothing was regular today.

The austere Shantivan halls had been decked with flowers. His solitary jog was blocked by workers setting up points where fire crackers would take place in the night. Even OP had transformed from plain colored kurtas into a bright shocking red kurta.

Regular? He might as well forget that words exists.. Though his face had no hint of mirth, his heart continued its own sprint and jiggle.. Khushi.. It seemed to utter with each beat..

****

Anjali lay in a half drowsy state, her head resting on her grandmother's lap. She was relieved that sleep had seemed to dull the hollow sensation inside her. Nani's hand continued patting her in that soothing motion. She debated on waking up fully, or resisting the demands of reality for a few more welcome minutes.

Nani sat humming a gentle tune. A half forgotten lullabye that Anjali's ma would also sing. Most probably, ma had learnt it from her mother, the very lady humming the song now.

Not too long after, the door burst open and in walked Manorama Raizada. It was hardly dawn and mamiji was still in her printed flowery satin nightgown. She had meant to tip toe in it seemed, but seeing Anjali's eye open she plopped down comfortably at the edge of the bed.

"Anjali bitiya.. Baal mein hawt oilj lagane ke khatir hum ee tel lai rahe.. You bhil bej lubhing it.."

(I brought this hot oil for you hair. You will love it)

"Nani do you remember how ma would put oil on my hair and tie it into two plaits when I was sick?", Anjali turned to look at her grandmother who nodded gently at her.

"Such a normal thing to do..", her voice trailed off wistful.

"no noj Anjali bitiya.. Sirf tel naahi.. Aaj ishaampooing bhi karike pari.. Ebhening ma too tooj shaadi hai eeha.. Makupiya toh thik tarah se karike pari".

(not only oil.. today you need to shampoo too. There are two two weddings in the evening, the makeup has to be good)

Anjali sat up to humour her mami, letting her apply the oil on her hair, while Nani went to take a look at the commotion outside. Om Prakashji's shrill superior shouting, interspersed with bouts of equally shrill laughter, was evident even through the heavy doors .

The pressure from mami's finger's actually felt heavenly on Anjali's head. Mami chattered away happily on which fire crackers she thought were her favourite, Anjali let herself feel nothing except the heat of the oil against her scalp.

The door opened and OP walked in with a tray. ASR followed close.

"di breakfast", his voice was tentative.

"Om Parkaas eet eej time phar my gilas aaph orange juice pileej.. No issugar.. Only ice", Manorma rushed after him shouting her instructions in the most imperious of tones.

(it is time for my glass of orange juice)

"chote ye toh..", Anjali looked at the tray of food.

(this is)

"ha di. Mathura aaloo puri. I asked nani to make it for us. Here have some", he placed a heapful of food onto a plate for his di.

She accepted the plate and took a bite savouring the taste of the familiar security of nani's cooking. She saw ASR eating a small helping of the food too. His measured small bites, plate was left tidy as he wiped every crumb off it in is usual perfection.

"Chote its your big day today. One I waited for far too long. I always wanted to be there for you. Aaj ma hoti toh.."

(If ma was here today)

"Di aaj mere dream mein ma came. She was fine di. Aur aap.. aap mere liye sab kuch ho. We have each other. Sab thik hai di." ASR had put his plate aside. Earnestness in his demeanor was evident. He meant every word.

(you are everything to me. It's all okay)

Di heard his words and felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Her listless eyes gained back some of that twinkle. "chote if I mean all that to you, tum mere liye kya kar sakte ho?"

(what can you do for me)

"anything di.. Tell me", came his wholehearted reply.

With a straight face she responded."You know there is one thing that will make me happy my dear chote bhaiya. Wear the sherwani I brought you.. Please".

He shrugged, thought his eyes crinkled at the ends, giving away his delighted mood. "Fine".

"excellent. do you know I matched it to Khushi bhabhi's lehenga, but it has something to your taste as well. Black and red".

"Now don't go all poetic and say I will look like the smouldering coal or something like that di. You chose it. I'll wear it", his lips were pursued, but stretched at the end, controlling a smile.

Anjali clapped her hands in delight. Her papad ka tukda was getting married.

She had spent hours dreaming of this day. Boring Shyamji with the details, the never ending plans. Shyamji.. She breathed in deeply.

****

Arnav Singh Raizada was wearing a dapper grey cotton shirt. His waistcoat was of a darker grey hand woven khadi cloth. The clean cut could leave no one in doubt that the best fashion house had its hand in this master piece. With this casual elegance, a day old stubble on his face, hair glistening with the remains of his morning shower, he concentrated on his plants.

There were sunflowers in bloom in the pots. All they needed was a sprinkle of water. Meticulously he watered the plants.

He could hear mamaji shouting instructions at some worker outside. He was torn in amusement at how excited everyone was, but his thoughts lingered over di. He was worried for her. The anguish had not left her eyes. It bothered him a lot.

He moved to the rows of roses. Yes his garden finally had roses in bloom.. The fragrance wafted towards him soothing his spirits.

Now, it seemed mami was in a fit about something. He wondered if he should go look. Nah, he would leave it to others to deal with her.

When his phone range he guessed it would be Aman. Luckily someone managed to stay sane in all this. It would do ASR good to discuss some actual work. However, when Aman actually started speaking, ASR had to groan.

"What the! Aman are you out of your mind? You were coming here and Mohan was driving out and you both managed to bang into each other! Yes.. Yes I know its only a scratch on both the cars .. and you both were distracted, but who told you to run errands for the wedding? Shouldn't atleast one of us be working in the office?.. Okay fine, get on with whatever nani and di have instructed you to do."

He disconnected the call. Apparently, Aman preferred selecting which sweets would be served tonight, than looking over stock statements today. Okay, so even Aman was not untouched by this wedding madness, ASR thought wryly.

A moment later some more madness made its appearance. Akash and NK walked up arguing in loud tones.

"bhai tell NK bhai to give me back my shoes", Akash complained. He was barefoot and clearly sulking. NK was gloating, a pair of sneakers dangling in his hand.

"Nannav main aise nai kar sakta. You see I know everything.. joote churana ek kasam hai". NK stretched himself on the garden chair.

(stealing shoes is a promise)

"Rasam", ASR corrected him smoothly. His eyes caught Akash.

(ceremony)

The unfortunate groom tried to reason with his cousin. "The rasam is for the girl's side. They have to try to steal our shoes, not our own brother. NK bhai..", he was exasperated.

"na na Akash. Itna fun rasam kasam whatever main unke liye chor dun? Tum ghayal ho.. crazy.. Tum mujhe paise do nahi toh main tumhare shoes ko..". He looked around deciding what the most effective threat would be. He spotted the glass of juice that OP had left for ASR.

(no no Akash. leave all this fun for them? you are hurt.. crazy.. give me money otherwise to your shoes I will..)

"nai toh main tumahre shoes mein ye juice daal dunga". Nk declared as he picked the glass of orange juice that OP had left for ASR.

(I'll pour this juice onto yours shoes)

ASR wasn't paying attention anymore, he was laughing. His cousins stared in amazement at the sight, but ASR was staring at a girl blowing her nose admitting to have poured mango jooce into his shoes.

A normal day? hell no! Arnav Singh Raizada was getting married to Khushi Kumari Gupta.

****