arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 14

There can never be another Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta. May their love story live forever..





Chapter 14

The Shantivan hall had a sprawling uncluttered feel to it, filled with echoes of laughter and chatter since morning. The lofty tasteful teak furniture had been moved against the walls to make space for the freshly starched sheet that covered the mattresses. The walls had been covered with bright yellow and orange marigold garlands, Anjali having insisted that the decoration be traditional. Arnav Singh Raizada and Akash Singh Raizada were getting married to two sisters, Khushi Kumari Gupta and Payal Kumari Gupta. And today was the mehendi ceremony.

There were a lot of talkative middle aged ladies, all invited to take part in the celebrations. Payal had forgotten their names and was quite overwhelmed with all the people Akash's mother had introduced her to. An hour back Khushi had also disappeared after getting a scolding from buaji for having removed her mehendi too early. A gentle smile spread on Payal's face in happiness for her dear little sister. Her mehendi was dark..

With a sudden burst of nervousness Payal peered anxiously at her palm. Would her mehendi be as dark? Buaji and dadiji had selected the design for her. A bride in her doli.. Because of the intricacies it had taken longer to complete Payal's mehendi. Now her hands were growing tired since she had to keep them alert, afraid of spoiling her lehenga. She loved the peach color of the material of her lehenga, and it had heavy zardosi patch work on the too thick border. Even Akash's mother.. umm maji.. had seemed to like it.

Payal was getting used to this strange new feeling. Thinking of someone new as her mother-in-law. Amma said mother-in-laws were like mothers. Girls actually spent more years with their husband's mothers than their own. She suddenly desperately wanted to be back in Lakshminagar, sitting close to her babuji in her comfortable cotton kurtis. She liked keeping quiet and watching Khushi entertain everyone. That was home.. this ..was just a new place.. How could she belong here?

In sudden unfamiliar panic her gaze swept over the brightly decorated hall and she found herself looking at a man gazing upon her with a gentle smile on his face.. Akash.. The reason she was here.. As their eyes met he broke into a broader smile.. Then raised his hand, gesturing to show him her mehendi..

Payal demurely looked down, then quickly turned her palm upwards. Then just as quickly hid them again, in case someone noticed. Though her palm was hidden her smile was on her face for the world to see. She knew that everything would be okay. She was coming to spend her life with Akash. Her smile only grew wider as happiness lit up her heart.


****


"Akash main Khushiji ko le aaya. chalo mehendi mein break in karte hai", NK had crept upon Akash and spoke in a theatrical whisper, making him jump.

(I brought Khushiji. lets break into the mehendi)

Akash blushed a little seeing Khushiji smile. "umm wo khushiji I thought I would see Payal's mehendi. She is looking bored alone there and I.."

Khushi linked her hand in Akash's and gave an exaggerated sigh, "uff jeejaji jab pyar kiya toh darna kya. I have a plan".

(why fear when you are in love)

NK steered them towards ASR's room. Even though he knew his nannav would probably only find fault with the plans and act irritated, NK had this undying unshakable theory that the great ASR must like this excitement too.

He remembered the summer holidays spent together only too well. He was quite in awe of Akash's elder cousin, who would become serious and play the best chess game possible and the very next moment come up with a plan to blow up rahim chacha's garden wheel barrow, just to add some fun to a dull evening.

Actually more than brightening up nanav's day it was just fun to get him angry.. NK gave a mock evil laugh in his head.. Indian weddings were such fun!

"But plan kya hai khushiji?", Akash was questioning Khushi as they entered ASR's room.

(what's the plan?)

Khushi was nervous. Their last meeting a few minutes ago was still fresh in her mind. Her pulse was getting all ready to start the sprint they were used to in this man's presence. Spend her whole life with him?.. She gulped.. Why was she thinking of all this..

"ha khushiji aap kareeb batayiye", said NK as he sat down on ASR's recliner which hardly had place for two. ASR gave him a stern look and went back to his laptop.

"nanheji kareeb nai tarkeeb", Khushi corrected amicably. She was happy he had sat down next to Arnavji. Gave her an excuse to look at Arnavji. She liked to look at him while he concentrated on his laptop. pata nai kyu devi maiyya.. She wondered.

(nanheji not close.. idea..)

Suddenly she was curious to complete their conversation from earlier. A shiver ran down her spine in anticipation. Would he think of looking at her other hand? He had not looked even remotely angry when she teased him about being a khadoos laad governor rakshas..

Khushi giggled, extremely pleased with her idea. Then hurriedly tried to cover it up as a cough. He looked up then. Straight at her. A veiled indulgent gentle look on his face.

"tarkeeb.. That's it.. That's what I mean", NK did some funky hand movements. "Khushiji you have the best ideas. aapke idea se hi toh aapki aur nannav ki shadi ho ri. kamaal hai".

(idea.. because of your idea only you and nannav are getting married.. brilliant)

This time Khushi did start coughing for real. Akash worriedly patted her on the back. ASR turned his face a little to the side, a stray flicker of smile making its way to his face. pagal.. His mind seemed to utter.. His heart wanted to add a whole lot of other words for her.

"ha Khushi lets listen to this brilliant idea of yours", he teased, leaning back.

His undivided attention only flustered Khushi more. hooh.. samajhte kya hai khud ko.. hum nai darte unse..


(hooh.. what does he think of himself.. I am not sacred of him)

"jeejaji naheji aapne Hum Aapke hain kaun nai dekhi? All you need to do is this..", she spoke brightly, her eyes sparkling, dreaming of how her plan would work perfectly. And another pair of eyes followed her each movement, how she flicked her hair, nodded her head, blinked with those long alluring eyelashes, hands gracefully flowing in sync with the excitement her words carried.

(haven't you seen hum aapke hain kaun?)


ASR just watched her. How could anyone be this uncynical, believing in things, sincere and fun? How could anyone be this beautiful? She made him catch his breath.

Soon the others were heading out and Khushi was about to follow when he called out to her. "Khushi..", each nerve inside him felt a jolt when he said her name. She paused at the doorstep, but remained standing looking away from him.

"so tum kya keh rahi thi. main khadoos hon.. aur?", He had stretched out his hand and blocked her way. She turned to go from the other direction. He placed another hand on the wall.

"pura karo..", he had her encased between his outstretched arms. Could smell her intoxicating fragrance. Her swan like pale neck where a pulse was visible caught his attention.

"lllaad governor..", she had managed to say, when his single finger landed on that beating pulse. Leisurely it trailed along her collar bone.

"aur?".. He spoke in a velvety whisper following his brown finger against her pale gleaming skin.

(and?)

"rakshas", her voice was barely a whisper. The word ended in a gust of exhaled tremulous breath.

"Looks like you have spent some time thinking about me and you don't like me.. hmm?" , now the back of his fingers brushed along the unblemished soft skin from her dainty chin, along her jaw, caressing her cheek and rested against the spot her eye crinkled.

dhak dhak dhak.. Khushi felt her stomach knot. Her cheeks were on fire.

"Let me tell you what I think of you.. " he nudged her face so that she was looking at him.

"I think you are pagal", his hands had now left the wall and were slowly drawing her into his warm arms.

"I think you are..", he had pulled her closer, his hands resting possessively on the small of her back.

"chote..", Anjali's voice drifted towards them.

He moved away from Khushi, slightly dazed. She had not moved. What did he actually want to say to her?

Anjali entered the room, her hands covered with mehendi. She could not use them to lift her saree above her ankle so walked a little more slowly, afraid of tripping. Khushi and ASR both reached her at the same time, wanting to help her. They each placed a hand on her shoulders.

She beamed at them, "chote khushiji.. aap dono yaha.. Sorry to disturb.."

(you both here..)

Khushi turned a deep shade of scarlet and wringing her hands tried to explain,"wo anjaliji.. I .. We were just going down with nanheji and jeejaji..I will go check what they are doing.. Hum abhi aate hai"

She rushed out of the room, even before Anjali could stop her. "Khushiji humein aapse baat karn.."

(i need to talk..)

Anjali laughed at her shy bhabhi. She was extremely happy for her brother. "chote.." she looked at him with affection and felt her eyes brim with tears of happiness.

"di now don't start crying. I get it.. you are happy", he feigned and olled his eyes, as they made their way towards his bed. She sat down on the edge, he on the rug, looking up at her.

"chote weddings are beautiful aren't they?", her voice was clear and loving.

The darkness seeped into him. Weddings.. shehnai.. a bride.. a scream..

"no di. Weddings are ..", he could not complete the sentence, choking on the words. Anjali could see the darkness enter his eyes. The pain that had never left her chote had started to be pushed away in these past few weeks. Anjali had seen that, but the memories of a wedding still suffocated him.

Urgently she tried to explain. "chote we can't control what has to happen, what we can control is our actions".

She could remember her ma that day. All dressed up. Anjali had thought she looked pretty, but her ma looked even prettier than the bride. Anjali felt sad too, but she would be strong for her chote. He had remained strong for her, that day.

His entire life he had tried to bear everything alone. But now Khushiji was here, to be part of his life, just like Shyamji had come into hers.

"one wedding day had brought us loss, make this wedding special chote. Tell her how much you want her in your life. ek pal mein zindagi badal sakti hai, kuch bura ho sakta hai, par tum ho na chote. Tum kuch bura nai hone doge. Don't let anything bad happen in this weddings. Sirf achcha hoga humare sath, tumhare sath. You had stopped living after that day, today start living again. "

(In a second life can change, something bad can happen, but you are there. You will not let anything bad happen. Only good will happen to us, to you)

ASR was fourteen again for a moment. He wanted to believe all that his di was saying. Was it really possible? Could happiness be given a chance? Happiness.. Khushi.. Could she be part of his life forever? Hamesha.. Could it be this simple?

He knew his di was right.. He could not think of a single moment apart from Khushi now. He needed her to breathe.. His heart needed her to beat.. She had slowly entered inside him and filled the hollow vacuum with her laughter, crazy plans and all that talking.

He placed his head on in his di's lap and hugged her.

She was about to ruffle his hair when he raised his head swiftly and caught her hand.

"di aapki mehendi.. Don't dare touch me with that..", then as tears streamed down his dis eyes seeing her chote look relaxed and carefree and happy, the brother and sister's foreheads touched.

With their eyes closed, they lived the moment. They had managed to find a way out of the corridors of sheesh mahal after all. They had won the fight against the ever looming untiring enemy that threatened to suck every chance of happiness. They had won. They were going to be okay.


****


"Khushiji aapko Arnav bhaiya khoj rahe hai", Om Prakash had finally found Khushiji, delivered the message and rushed to do all the work mamiji had asked him to do.

Khushi stood in the silent poolside, holding a strand of fairy lights. He had untangled her from these right here. But she had not been able to untangle herself from him.

Again she opened her palm and looked at his name.. Arnav.. Every time she managed to fall he would catch her.. Every time she ran to him he stood waiting.. Her jhumka, churi, payal, dupatta all seemed to want to be with him.. Her amma, buaji loved him.. And she? What did she feel for him..

Listen to your heartbeats.. Her amma had advised her.. dhakdhak dhakdhak.. Khushi knew from very long they had been telling her something.. Was she ready to listen finally?


A hand placed itself on her shoulder. She stilled.

Arnavji..

She whirled around when she heard the voice of the owner of the hand. A venomous honey dripping voice. "Khushiji..", Shyam said her name.

Full of disgust at his touch she moved away. Shaking with fury she yelled at him, "how dare you Shyamji? Did I not tell humse door rahiye?"

(stay away from me)

"Achcha Khushiji sirf humse ye doori.. Saale saab ke toh aap bahut kareeb aa rahi hai.", his eyes were popping out and he had the look of a deranged man. He moved forward attempting to grab her hand.

(why this distnace only from me. With saale sab you are only getting closer)

With all her might Khushi slapped him hard across the face. "Shyamji never ever compare yourself to Arnavji. aapko sharam aani chahiye, devi maiyya se dariye Shyamji".

She was shaking in anger and Shyam stood stunned. A wild angry look on him as he cradled his cheek against his palm. An imprint of slim fingers was clearly visible.


****

"haye nandkisore.. ee ka karat ho babua?" Madhumatiji asked aghast seeing Akash and NK with a video camera and a blinding flash light.

(what are you doing?)

"buaji we thought we should take a video of the function.. Important mehendi ceremony hai.. kyu hai na future mom-in-law?", NK swept the flash light right into Manorma's eyes.

Garima and nani exchanged smiles.. Youth.. When would boys learn they were not allowed in the mehendi function..

"nand kisore.. bahute barhiya idea hai.. You can take my close up", madhumatiji swung her plait to the front and flashed a brilliant smile.

(great idea. You can take my close up)

"no no nk babua.. uha nahin eeha.. humka recordingj mein you takingj.. humaar saree ke fall ka cloj up isshot bhill makingj bhideo bhery colorphool".

(not there here.. record me.. take a close of my saree fall. it will make the video colorfull)

"oh saree kyu falling?", NK asked alarmed.

(why is the saree falling?)

"arre babua tum uko choro I am ready.. Akash bitwa take my video with this beautiful looking nand kisore..", buaji had linked her huge heavy arm around NK and he was having troubling breathing.

(leave her)

Akash had not heard a word that was said, he had been smiling at Payal, who was blushing, but smiling right back. After all these hours of watching her from far he was finally close to her. How beautiful she looked today. His future wife.. Payal..

"umm Akash?", nani's clear voice broke the staring contest of the couple. Their faces had turned red hearing the ladies erupt into peals of laughter.

****

"Khushiji achcha hua aap mil gayi.. Arre Shyamji aap bhi yaha hai?", Anjali made her way towards them, a little taken aback to see Shyamji turn and walk away without any answer. Was everything okay, she wondered.. Khushiji looked very shaken.

(good that I found here.. Oh Shyamji you are also here?)

"aap thik toh hai khushiji? What happened?", she took the girls hand in hers.

(hope you are okay?)

"aap bahut achchi hai Anjaliji", Khushi hugged her tightly. She had to calm herself.

(you are very nice)

"Aap bhi Khushiji. But are you sure you are fine?", Anjali stroked her hair in a soothing motion, worried. Had chote said something to Khushiji?

(you too)

Khushi broke apart and nddded her head, a small smile on her face. "kuch nai Anjaliji. Tell me why were you looking for me?"

"come with me", Anjali held her arm and took her along to her room. On the coffee table was a silver box. She opened it and took out a pair of bangles and made Khushi wear them. Her eyes were moist.

Khushi looked at the beautiful bangles then at Anjaliji.

"ye humari ma ke the. She wanted chote's wife to wear them. You know Khushiji I was jealous. Why would a new girl come into our house and get to wear these bangles? I wanted to wear them, you see. But now I am no longer jealous. You have come into my chotes life and brought back his smiles. Aaj se when I see these bangles on you, their khanak will only bring me peace, just like my ma's memory".

(These were my mother's)

Khushi didn't know what to say. She could feel the tears in her eyes and tried to blink them away.

"Anjaliji..", she said and stopped, trying to find words for her feelings.

"nahi.. not Anjaliji..my bhabhi.. You have to call me di now.. Aap ab meri bhabhi hai". Anjali cupped her face with both hands and kissed her forehead.

(you are my sister-in-law now)

"toh di ab aap mujhe aap nahi tum bulaiye. You call Arnvaji also tum. humein achcha lagega". Khushi never really liked that Anjaliji.. Umm di.. Who was elder to her addressed her as aap.. felt too formal..

(address me informally now)

Anjali placed her hand on Khushi's head. "humesha khush rehna tum dono. I know chote is difficult to handle, but you already know what to say to him. You understand him. Welcome to our family bhabhi".

(always be happy)

She looked older somehow, a strain showing on her face, betraying all the sadness she had to bear in her short life. She reached into the box and pulled a small folded paper, clutched it against her heart. Then placed it with care into Khushi's hand. "Our ma also welcomed you bhabhi".

Then abruptly she got up and left, afraid she might break down, as the memories of her ma intermingled with her infinite happiness for chote today.

Khushi held the colored paper in both her hands. Not moving she just sat with it. Arnavji's ma.. She had left a letter for her bahu?.. Was Khushi her bahu?..

Tears flowed from her eyes as she opened the letter to read.. "humare chote ki bahu ke naame. humare chote ki naakh pe bahut sara gussa rehta hai aur dil mein bahut sara pyaar. Gussa bardasht karna aur pyaar soot samet lautana".

(To my chote's bride. Our chote has anger on his nose, but lots of love in his heart. bear the anger and return the love with interest)

Khushi was overwhelmed. His ma had told her all Khushi needed to know to understand her Arnavji. And a voice inside her told her she already knew this. His anger.. His loving heart.. She wanted to be a part of both..

She lost track of time as she sat their alone. Crying. She clearly remembered the night he had stared at the stars asking her if his ma could see him.

Talking to the letter in her hand she spoke softly, "ma he is very nice. aap chinta mat kijiye.. He will be fine.. Hum.. Hum khushi hai..". With a strong conviction that seemed to erupt from each pore in her she spoke again, "hum aapki hone wali bahu hai. I will be with Arnavji.. Hamesha"

(don't worry..me.. I am Khushi..)
(your daughter-in-law)


She was slowly making her way out of di's room when she noticed a photo frame. A smiling couple, the wife with adoration in her eyes. Khushi was stunned.

di.. Arnavji's di.. the center of his universe.. Arnavji himself were such nice people..

She had been wrong about this. She could only protect di by telling Arnavji everything. Hey devi maiyya.. Humse galati ho gayi.. Please please let Arnavji fix it..

Blindly she rushed to find him, not caring if he would be angry with her. She had to tell him. He needed to know. He would know how to solve it, she trusted him. He would fix it. Please devi maiyya..

Her hands went up in prayer. She was sobbing uncontrollably when she dashed into him near the poolside.

Her head rested on his shoulder. She had found him. She would tell him everything and it would all be okay. He would make it okay.


ASR took a moment to realize what had happened. He looked at the coffee mug that lay shattered on the ground.. Then he understood and felt the breath leave him. Khushi was crying.

"Khushi?", he asked urgently. He was beyond worry. Why was she crying as if her world had been ripped apart.

"khushi? kya hua tumhe?", he was having difficulty breathing. shit.. A sense of dj vu stole over him. Once before also she had come crying to him.

"shh.. main hun Khushi.. tell me.. shh", his voice was tender, piercing into the heart, his grip reassuring. He held on to the panic inside him. He needed to be strong for her. His hand was clenched in such a tight fist that all blood supply was cut from it. A vein throbbed in his neck.. Dammit what was wrong?

"darling what happened?". A sense of forboding was engulfing over him.

He had been right. Happiness could never last for long.. it was always snatched away.. but he would fight it. He would not let any harm come to Khushi. Her smile would remain..

"shh.. Khushi?", with his thumb he brushed away a tear drop that rested on her cheek. Khushi had stopped whimpering, but was looking at him utterly woebegone.

Her expression tore into his heart, yet he held himself in check. Putting a firm pressure on her arm he shook her gently.

"Arnavji..", she spoke in a small voice. Scared of how much her words were going to break his heart.

"ha Khushi..", he held his breath, expecting the worst, no way prepared for the blow that was to come.

"wo.. wo Shyamji the.. unhone di ko dhoka diya..humein dhoka diya.. Shyamji bahut bure insaan hai Arnavji.."

(it was Shyamji.. he bretrayed di.. he betrayed me.. he is a very bad man Arnavji)

Random thoughts on The Vampire Diaries

Many times I want to write desperately, but keep putting it off waiting for the right words. This is an attempt at spontaneity.

Well, Vampire Diaries most definitely embodies spontaneity. 

In a mere 40mins there is such a lot that happens. People get killed, some remain dead, some not so dead. People fall in love and then are compelled to forget. There are vampires, werewolves, witches.

And then of course there is Damon Salvatore with his looks and one liners

A whole post about him here - http://aarwensspells.blogspot.com/2015/01/damon-salvatore.html

Specially in the first few seasons the plot twists and turns and exceptionally fast pace is thrilling. Just when you think there is no hope, in waltzs a new character, and right when you think everyone will be walking off into the sunset with a happy ending, in comes another danger.

** Vampire Diaries upto season 4 spoilers ahead**

Who knew the cheer leading captain, bossy childish Caroline could be such a gentle hearted loving vampire? One can actually grow to not only stop hating, but begrudgingly respecting an original (and the story of these first generation vampires was intriguing and beyond interesting), Elijah the honorable and charming vampire. Younger brothers can turn into good looking smart almost grown ups. 

However many times Damon makes a mess of things your heart still gushes seeing him on screen and he is as easily forgiven. Specially when he can have scenes talking as sardonic as ever to a dead best friend that almost make you choke back tears... Hey Damon does order an extra drink and keep a place next to him at the bar for his dead friend..Alaric Saltzman another excellent character.. and this is the reckless Damon who is doing something so sweet, can you blame me for feeling moved?

Then there are the love triangles where you like everyone and you can't say who should get whom and who is meant to be with whom. 

Of course Elena chooses Stefan over Damon.  And aarwen just had to run to lazywiz wailing that it is so wrong a choice. And the look in Damon's eyes. I was sobbing literally. How wrong, not that Stephan is a bad guy. In fact he is one of the best guys and yet there is something about Damon.

Before reaching this decisions Elena says when she is with Damon the feeling consumes him. It was then I could already feel the tear drops prickling in my eyes.

Anyway, having made her decision Elena calls up Damon and says words to this effect.. if only she had met the wrong brother, read Damon, before meeting the right one, read Stephan, things might have been different.. 

A few minutes later Damon lay dying and a flashback reveals she did meet him earlier, only he made her forget, because he does these stupid things without really thinking. 

In the flashback that we got to see, this is what he said to her... "You want a love that consumes you. You want passion and adventure..and even a little danger".. in their very first meeting, the first time he laid eyes on her this is what he told her.

Sigh isn't that what we all want too?

I was here crying, Damon was dying and before you knew it Elena's car went hurtling into the lake over a bridge. She was dead.

Cliff hanger.. yup.. just an example of how unpredictable things can be on a regular day at Mystic Falls or rather in the Vampire Diaries universe.

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 13

This chapter is dedicated to arhicrazy for making hamesha feel special.. thank you for the song!




Chapter 13

A svelte figure clad in mehendi green hand woven cardigan leaned against the railing outside. Her hair was bound in a long thick plait a small black band holding it at the end. A cup with a broken handle rested on the railing. Hot steam vapour was visibly rising from it.

Khushi Kumari Gupta picked her cup of tea and took a satisfied sip with a slurp. She then dipped her orange cream biscuit into the tea and gulped it down in one go. The hot scalding liquid intermingled with tangy sweetness of the cream trickled down her throat.

It was unnatural to see khushi this quiet, peacefully stagnant in one place early in the morning. Mornings were when she slept till late and when she finally woke up she would rush about like a cheerful whirlwind. Twilight was different, when everyone slept early in her house. If one happened to be strolling in the lanes of lakshminagar often one would witness a beautiful solitary figure out on the steps conversing with the stars.

However, today Khushi had not needed to be woken up by Payal. She was up early. Today was her mehendi! She had been been chatting with her trusted wise devi maiyya for a while now, when amma found her.

Garima watched her little daughter from far, understanding her trepidation. All these years her bitiya had woven dreams around her rajkumar and her grand marriage. How many pleasant summer evenings in their Gomti Sadan courtyard had Payal and khoosi spent with their amma giggling about such things. And now as each day edged closer the time for her bitiya to grow up came closer.

"Khoosie.. tum janat ho bitya why girls put mehendi before their wedding? You will be beautiful for Arnav bitwa. The mehendi leaves a frangrance..aur oo khusboo se bitiya tumhara ghar hamesa mahekega .. Aur mehendi ki thandak should be how calmly you face all troubles. His name will be on your hatheli. He will become a part of you. Always together.."

(You know why girls put mehendi before their wedding. the sweet smelling of the mehendi will always keep your home fragrant. And the cool touch of the mehendi will make you calm so you can calm face all troubles. His name will be on your palm.)

"nahi amma.. Aapne picture nahi dekhi? Main baat toh you forgot.. Mehendi ka rang jitna laal pati se utna hi pyar", came Khushi's cheerful reply. Her hands moved gracefully palms facing outwards when she said the word "mehendi". Then with equal flair they curled and unfurled into a budding flower around her heart as she said the "pyar".

(No amma. Have you not seen movies. you forgot the main thing. as deep is the color of the mehendi such is the depth of your husband's love)

"Bitiya tab toh your mehendi will be the dakest because damadji tumse bohat pyar karat hai. You both will be happy always. Tumhari amma, humari jiji hoti, then she would have also danced with me today kyunki we both are extremely grateful. Devi maiyya ne tumko aur Payal bitiya ko itna achcha jeevan sathi diya hai".

(damadji loves you a lot. If you amma was here, my jiji we both would have danced. Devi maiya has given you and Payal bitiya such wonderful life partners.)

Garima took her bitiya's hand in hers and said softly, "treasure him forever.. Hamesha.."

Khushi could hear the echo of the constant thudding of her heartbeat. It all felt too real today when her amma was saying such things in earnest. She saw amma about to leave and had to ask in a low uncertain question, a child desparately seeking an answer. "Amma aapko kaise pata.. you are so sure that Arnavji cares.. Par humein kaisa pata chalega?"

(Amma how do you know? How will I kow?)

Amma smiled gently and replied in her simple, uncomplicated way, "listen to your heartbeats, hear what they are saying". And she left.

dhak dhak dhak dhak.. Khushi's delicate fingers scrunched her kurta close to her heart.

Right at that moment a pair of sparrows landed on the railing. One sparrow playfully nipped the other on its beak.

Two for joy.. Khushi had always believed in signs.. And everything was telling her she was happy..

devi maiyya.. humein pata nahi if we can share with others the good luck these sparrows bring lekin hum Arnavji se baatana chahte hai.. devi maiyya do you think amma sahi keh ri hai.. kya unhe bhi humse utna hi..


(I want to share this luck with Arnavji. Do you think amma was right. that as much as I he also..)

"chup kar Khushi.. Don't start day dreaming about the smiling dhobi again", she glared at the sparrows and took another sip from her tea cup, but that did not hide the happiness that sparkled in her eyes.

(keep quiet Khushi)


****

His phone was vibrating. Arnav Singh Raizada parked his SUV on the side of the road and answered the call. He spoke into the bluetooth attached to his ear, "Ha di".

"Chote who told you to go to office today? Aaj mehendi hai na.. " He heard his di's voice and rolled his eyes. Mehendi.. As if he wanted to stay home for that! Now if he got to be around Khushi, he might have considered skipping work, but di had said guys weren't supposed to come..

(today is mehendi ..)

"Actually chote its good you will be in office. We have to come down to try out our dresses and get ready. You can also try out your sherwani and then all of us.."

This time he didn't let Anjali finish. "Di didn't I tell you I don't wear sherwanis?" He muttered with a finality in his tone.

Anjali, however, wasn't the slightest bit phased by his refusal. "Ha chote but a few weeks back you had also said you are not marrying. Aaj I didn't hear you saying no to the marriage, so by your wedding day I don't think you will be saying no to the sherwani I chose specially for you either. Samajhe chote bhaiya?"

(understood little brother?)

She had cut the call before ASR could get in another word. He loved to hear his di sound cheerful, but these daty she was a little too astute for his liking.


He reached office in no time and walked in. Immediately he could sense a flurry of muted activity around him. Loping up the winding stairway into his office cabin, he was ready to start his day at AR.

The company he had built from ground up. He still clearly remembered the day he had careful sat with the architect giving him instructions on how he wanted the layout of his office. He had wanted a panoramic view of everything and everyone, because at the onset he had decided that his company would reach unprecedented heights. And ASR would be involved in every single detail of AR.

It was good that Akash had an acumen for business as well. His cousin's mild demeanor might have fooled others, but ASR was quick to identify the potential the man had. And as with all his judgment his instincts had been right. The divisions that Akash handled functioned smoothly.

Then had come Aman. His precision and resourcefulness was exactly what ASR had needed. Arnav Singh Raizada valued competency. AR ran like clockwork actually, just like his life, everything in his control, till a distracting chattering girl had decided to enter his life.

He swirled around in his revolving high backed black chair. Khushi again.. Always his thoughts seemed to return to her.. Only now, he had stopped fighting the pull.. He could feel his barriers crumbling, all resistance disappearing. He wanted to draw her in and be drawn into her. There was no question of staying away. And hell he had no idea what that even meant, except that it felt exhilarating. That having her before him made him feel alive. Hadn't he heard his heartbeat just the other day?

"ASR I thought you might want to know that".. Aman's crisp voice buzzed from the intercom, bringing ASR out of his daydream.

"No Aman. I am not interested to know anything. Handle it. And only if you can't, lemme know. Am going to look over the presentation for tomorrow and I do not want any disturbance. Am I clear?"

ASR was ready for work.


It was past noon when finally he looked up from his laptop. He would have gone on working without a break, but a persistent feeling was gradually stealing over him. She couldn't be here in his office could she?

Completely distracted by the thought he pushed his chair assigned and headed out of his office. His feet seemed to know where to take him. He reached her, but it took him a moment to take in the sight of her.


****

Khushi was standing facing the full length mirror. Her hand touched the maroon crepe full sleves choli. It was not traditional, a round neck encrusted with finely cut dazzling zardozi crystals. The same crystal work adorned her magenta lehenga. The choli ended just above her waist, and she shyly drew her dupatta over her exposed naval. She knew why the choli needed to be short. It made the intricate work on her lehenga stand out. The top portion of her lehenga was like a kamarbandh made of zari. This was not the lehenga she had imagined herself wearing on her mehendi, but as she looked at herself in the mirror, she could not be happier.

She had to admit she looked glamourous. And Anjali ji and Payal had both liked it. The thought made Khushi frown. The three of them had come together to AR office to try out their outfits for the mehendi, but the other two had left her here alone.

Mamiji had called and was creating a fuss about something so Payal had to rush back to Shantivan. Khushi's dress had needed a minor alteration so she had to wait. Anjali ji had assured her that .. that Khushi could come home with the laad governor.. devi maiyya only you know where he was.. He had not even come to meet them. .
She pushed back a lock of hair that was falling over her eye. Her gaze fell upon the maantika that was pinned to her forehead. Her hair had been brushed back and a gold leaf covered with glittering cut rubies had been pinned up. Her earrings were a similar shape. The rest of her hair had been brushed straight and pulled up with a clip.

What if he wasn't in office? Khushi felt a panic rise within her. She could not wear this lehenga and go in an auto could she? Hehehe.. She was used to wearing a lehenga and driving a scooter, but ..

That's when she caught his reflection in the mirror. He was leaning against the doorframe, with his arms folded, staring at her. She felt shy and involuntarily her breath quickened. Seconds before she was happy with the way she looked, but now she was no longer sure.

devi maiyya did Arnavji like her lehenga.. hmmmpp.. hum bhi pagalait hai bilkul.. It does not matter.. And still her heart raced.. dhak dhak dhak dhak..


(I am completely crazy)

He seemed to glide, so smooth was his gait as he advanced towards her. She was ready to move backwards, biting her lower lip nervously. But she was arrested into immobility by the expression in his eyes. Within seconds he was upon her and she could feel his heated breath on her exposed nape.

She felt goosebumps erupt as his nose nuzzled her skin tracing a path along the curve of her neck. Her tight grip crumpled her lehenga, but she remained frozen to the spot. His lips reached her ear lobe and he nipped gently, whispering, "tum khule baalo mein..".

(with your hair open you..)

He had jerked open her jeweled clip and let it fall with a clatter to the floor as her hair cascaded across her shoulders in lovely soft waves.

She stepped back determinedly. "humein.. ghar jana hain. I mean shantivan jana hain. It is already late".

(I.. need to go home.. I mean I need to go to shantivan)

"chalo", came his lazy drawl. His eyes still smoldered with a sheer intensity that Khushi found captivating. Why did he always have this smug look these days, she wondered. Here she was having a hard time steadying herself, did it even affect him.. Magarmach.. That is what he was..

She had quietly followed him to the basement parking where his car stood, but suddenly spoke up with determination, "hum khud chale jayenge. I will take an auto".

"Shut up Khushi and gari mein baitho", he commanded, opening the passenger side door for her.

(sit in the car)

His tone was not angry, she did notice that as she slipped into the seat, taking care that her lehenga did not get crushed. Then she tugged at the seat belt.

His fingers grazed hers as he pulled it for her and fastened the belt with a wicked chuckle.

"It's already late. We can't wait an hour for you to wear your seatbelt", and they zoomed off on their way to shantivan.

rakshas.. and amma said her mehendi would be dark? Ha! All he knew was to irritate her.. Then everyone would laugh at her. Her mehendi would not even be seen it would be so light. She would not even bother putting mehendi.. She continued to mumble darkly. "yehi thik rahega devi maiiya I won't put mehendi"

"It's a good idea Khushi. All this mehendi crap is nonsense anyway", ASR seemed in a good mood.

Khushi's temper flared at this comment, "Arnavji mehendi is very important. All these rituals have a meaning. Sab nonsense nahi hai. Apko pata hai your name will be written on my hand with mehendi and.." She had conveniently forgotten her resolve from a moment ago about not putting mehendi. At this moment no one could stop her from getting mehendi on her hands. How dare he make fun of these rituals..

"What the? My name?", the car had luckily reached a red light as ASR slammed the breaks.

"ha Arnavji and you will have to find it. It is a game". Khushi would have explained more, but he cut in.

"Khushi I don't have time for your stupid games. I am not going to find my name in your hand". He eased in the gas pedal and the engine revived up as the car shot forward. His eyes were fixed on the road, but a slight furron on his forehead was indication that all his attention was on this pagal girl on the passenger seat of his car.

"Aap khoj bhi nahi payenge. You won't be able to find your name is liye aap dar rahe hain", Khushi goaded him, her face puffing up in irritation, a glare in her eyes.

(you won't be able to find it, so you are scared)

"Arnav Singh Raizada always wins at everything. And I would think I can find my own name Khushi Kumari Gupta", his voice cut sharply across and his firm jaw settled tighter at the bait.

Both had no time to wonder why suddenly this game had become about haar ya jeet.. And why was it important that his name be written across her palm and he find it. They settled in silence, a little dazed at the onslaught of feelings that always took them by surprise when they were around each other.

So many months of being around each other, one would think by now they were used to dealing these unexpected bursts of feelings, but it still always came as something new. A heady current that swept them along in an exhilarating free fall har baar.


****

A few hours later, Khushi was frantically trying to wipe away her mehendi with a kitchen knife.. Of course the mehendi was not going to leave her palm or for that matter become a shade lighter.

Why was she concerned? Because the mehendi was too red. Crimson with a certain black tinge. hoonh.. his favourite color.. black.. Why did he love complicating her life devi maiyya.. Everyone had teased Khushi mercilessly about how much "chote" loved her.. ha! Love.. If only they knew!

So here ducked Khushi beneath the kitchen counter hidden from view staring at the design of a peacock that adorned her palm. She had not even kept the mehendi for too long. Payal and others still had not taken off theirs. In fact buaji had called Khushi her set of favourite names when she saw Khushi had given into impatience and removed the mehendi.

devi maiyya.. humse aur intezaar nahi hua.. I'll tell you a secret.. I wanted to go to Arnavji so he could spot his name.. hehe.. wo nahi khoj payenge and I will win!


(I couldn't wait any longer. he won't be able to find it and I will win)

Only a few hours had passed since they returned together from his office, but he had been cooped up in the poolside. Khushi had peered through the windows leading upto the poolside twice. Once he was busy on his bluetooth. She deduced he must be scaring some hapless unlucky soul on the phone and the second time jeejaji and naheji were with him. He had looked quite irritated and Khushi had decided she better wait for him to be alone.

In front of her on the floor of the kitchen were bright red mithai boxes stacked high. She opened one and her face lit up to see a small motichoor laddo. The aroma for pure desi ghee wafted towards her nose and she eagerly picked one and gobbled it up. She was already on her third ladoo when her thoughts went towards him again.

She could sense laughter rising within her. devi maiyya aaj kal humein unke serious se chehre ki aadat si ho gayi hai. There are times when he is immersed in work and looks removed from this outer world, aloof. Then there are times when the crooked smile lights up his face. devi maiyya someday when he is not as scary and unpredictable I will touch that edge of his lips that is definitely assymetrical.


(these days I have gotten used to his serious face)

She forgot to swallow her ladoo and an insidious heat spread across her face. Her eyes widened at her strange thought. wo humein apne jaisa besharam bana de rahien hai.. What was she even thinking talking to devi maiyya about touching his lips! The thought made her so extremely nervous that she clenched her eyes shut.

(He is making me like him... shameless..)


Who should show up right then in the kitchen, wearing a bright orange kanjivaram, and completely laden in heavy gold. "Hello hi bye bye.. Ka karat ho eeha phatee saree? ab tumka toh khoon bhari handwa bulai ke pari.. handwa bhi toh khoon jaisan red hui gawa hai.. Itna red red handwa dekhi ki naahi.. Arnav bitwa eej lovingj only youj.. Maami knowjes all.. Underisstandingj?"

(what are you doing here phatee saree. Now I need to nickname you khoon bhari hanf. Now your hand is also red like the color of blood. Did you see how red your hand is? Arnav bitwa loves only you. I mami know everything. Do you understand?)


Khushi opened her eyes, and stood up, blinking a couple of times trying to understand mamiji. Mamiji had already left by the time Khushi's brain processed what she had said. Before someone else came and spoke about her dark mehendi she would find another place to hide.

Without warning she found herself again at the poolside. This time he was alone. Looking at his laptop screen with point blank concentration while his fingers flew across the keyboard. Khushi wondered why he didn't need to look at the keys to type. There were so many questions she had about Arnavji, she was curious to know more and was not sure as with anything related to him, why it mattered as intensely as it did.

She deliberately made more noise with her payal as she approached him. He looked up and waited. Without a word she extended her left hand palm upwards and challenged him, "Find a name".

His lips had curled into that irresistible smile, and his eyes gleamed with purpose. Without moving from his chair his gazed rested on her open hand. After a few minutes his jaw clenched tighter as tried harder to find what he was searching for.

"You are cheating Khushi. I don't see my name.", he finally admitted.

"haw ramanchi... aur aapse. toh aap haar mante hai?" Her voice sounded grown up to her ear. She wasn't sure how she knew what to say and how to play this game, but she sure was enjoying herself.

(haw cheating.. with you? so do you accept defeat?)

Her taunt had ignited the desire to win in him and slowly his smile became more prominent. He pushed aside the table blocking his way and sauntered towards her.

Then on her palm with his forefinger he traced circles. Even this simple touch seared her skin. It felt potent like an electric spark.

"'K', 'G', 'R'. You didn't write my name but yours. Khushi Gupta Raizada. Though I prefer Khushi Arnav Raizada..". The R rolled off his tongue, his voice thick with an undercurrent of desire. The name had never sounded as good to hear as it did now, spoken aloud by him.

She smiled and shook her head and replied still in that different sure tone, "nahi toh.. aap hi ka naam hai. K.. Khadoos.. Laad Gggovernor.. Rakshas", she stressed on the G, not breaking eye contact till she finished.

His eyes were folded across his chest, an amused air lingering in his heated gaze. The air sizzled between them, a heady intoxication in its wake, but a voice broke the spell.

"Khushiji.. Khushiji.." NK had come in to spoil the moment.

ASR's eyes darkened at the interruption, her gaze darting from her flushed face to her open palm. Without waiting to hear what Nk had to say he strode away.

Khushi did not turn towards Nanheji, instead carefully opened her right hand that had been clenched tight all this while. A tender smile played on her lips as she looked at her palm. On it, right in the center of a perfectly designed heart in the most delicate timeless calligraphy was written "Arnav".

Damon Salvatore

“Anything less than mad, passionate, extraordinary love is a waste of time. There are too many mediocre things in life to deal with and love shouldn't be one of them.”

There is definitely nothing mediocre and everything mad, passionate and extraordinary about Damon Salvatore's love. The love he had for a ruthless selfish vampire, and the love he has for a lovely modern day girl.

I read Vampire Dairies half a decade ago. I do remember liking the bad brother more than the boring good brother, but the books were not enough to make me ever want to write a blog entry. 

Then came the time I started to watch the show. Ian Somerhalder and his portrayal of Damon changed it all. 

I do want to put this disclaimer that he is the same actor who plays the character Boone in Lost. I wasn't crazy about him then, so this starry eyed response of mine is not just skin deep, though that does have a large role to play.

After all, when there is a seemingly remorseless human blood sucking vampire we are talking about, there should be skin and lust in the picture. Vampire Diaries the TV series is actually quite entertaining. Not as mushy as Twilight some might say, neither as hard to digest as True Blood.

Girls have always had a fascination for the bad boys.. umm in this case the bad vampire. Only he isn't all that bad. Now my post is based on Season 1 so I don't know what's about to happen and some of you might be condescending and shaking your head, thinking how little I do know, but the episodes I have seen give me more than enough reason to find Damon irresistible.

Deadly. Seductive. Ruthless. Sharp. Frenetic. Handsome. Quick Witted. Smirks. Is rude. Arches his eyebrows. Broody (even though he doesn't care to admit it). When he falls for a girl the love lasts for centuries.

That he single minded pursued Katherine for centuries, hating his brother with all of his broken vampire soul itself made him interesting. 

He didn't plan on it, maybe he didn't even know when it sneaked up upon him, but it did. He has fallen for his brother's girl again. And I have to admit Elena is pretty and graceful. I don't know the name of the actress, but I like her too.

So now he can't say it out loud. Atleast not seriously, though he does flirt with her outrageously. He protects her like it is what he is meant to do, scare away vampires and basically just has this special way of staring right at her, like she is all he desires. A lot of times he ends up protecting others too. He can gauge her feelings, he can make her smile. Doesn't treat her like a fragile doll. Understands her and lets her be. Hardly ever talk about his feelings. When he does it is the heady mix of wry remarks and emotions that are raw and resonating, need I keep going?

Never mushy. Always charming. What makes him fun is his unexpected actions, easy assurance, glib talk, smooth walk. 
What makes him wickedly tempting is an unparalleled intensity. An actor who is most devastatingly good looking. A character who is wild and exciting. Enigmatic. Who manages to thrill you as his tenderness could just as easily kill you.

And when you least expect it Damon turns and looks from across the threshold silently at the girl, who is most probably rushing off to save his brother, and you just know the vampire loves her like crazy. His smoldering gaze.. sigh.. At that moment it hardly matters that she belongs to the other decent brother, that Damon Salvatore feeds on humans, all you want is to see him get the girl.

He is extremely comfortable in his skin. We lay too much stress on a good conscience. He doesn't have any, and still I watch in wonder a man with a simple principle. Its all about an eternity of love. You burn in it. You drink it. You let it consume you. You live it.

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 12

This chapter is dedicated to lazywiz, the one who makes me smile.

Have you all seen Sukhi?? The long oily haired lau you tight tshirt actor.. the same one who played Arnav Singh Raizada. How not to wish him all the success in this world?



Chapter 12



"Di dhyan se... Jeejaji watch it.. Di aap thik hai?"

Simultaneously multiple things had transpired. Hopeful of finding Khushi Kumari Gupta on the rooftop, Arnav Singh Raizada had walked up only to see Anjali bending over the railing a little too precariously. Shyam had been bending towards her, but didn't seem to be steering her away. So ASR had yelled out cautioning his di.

Anjali whirled around with a smile , and Shyam had to try hard to cover up his exasperation. Another foiled attempt!

Agile and alert, ASR sprinted towards his di, an anxious expression clearly visible on his face. "Di what were you thinking? Aapko kuch ho jata toh? You should be careful.." He spoke fast, upset at the thought of di getting hurt, however remote such a possibility might have been.

"oh ho chote.. Tum bhi na.. Shyamji was here na.. He would have taken care of me. And I can also take care of myself. And I will not leave you and go anywhere till I see you marry Khushiji. So don't worry chote." Anjali was shaking her head good naturedly, oblivious to the peril her life was in, blindly trusting the very man who was threatening her life.

Something in Anjali's word's irked ASR. In an uncharacteristic curt voice he addressed Shyam, "jeejaji you should have stopped di from bending over too much. What if she tripped?"

His sharp tone was not lost upon Shyam whose eyes narrowed before widening, but before he could reply his wife had come to his rescue. "Chote he was right next to me and his hand was about to hold me, I felt it. Choro ab.. Am fine.. No need to worry.. Chaliye Shyamji I will make you some tea."

Shyam just smiled with his rather large teeth shining at his saale saab and followed his wife downstairs.

ASR had cringed a little at his di's rebuking tone. He hadn't meant to sound accusatory towards jeejaji, but couldn't help himself. Di's well being was paramount.

He was troubled that di had walked away. A chilly wind had picked pace and he stared moodily at the stars just starting to peep out from the darkening sky above. Two bright stars twinkled in tandem straight above. He grasped the railing tighter, his shoulder muscles flexing through his rust coloured shirt. He took in a deep breath of cold air, knowing it would not assuage the ache that resolutely clung on to him.

He felt her before the chime of her payal reached his ears. A sense of dj vu descended upon him. He had not been in talking terms with her that night when he had stood looking at the stars, but she had found him then too. And known what to say.


****


Khushi had gone around the house twice in search of the obnoxious laad governor. First she had decided it was good he was not to be seen and she was happy he was nowhere around. Then an insistent voice inside her had bossed around and forced her to find him.. umm.. to tell him.. samajhte kya hai aap khud ko..

Even before she reached the last step she sensed him close. She knew he was on the rooftop. Was he alone? Dhak dhak dhak.. her heartbeat had started to flounder. Maybe it was not a good idea to try and find him. Finally, she had peered onto the rooftop and caught him staring at the night sky.

As she approached his head turned slightly, but eyes remained fixed on the stars. Slowly he faced her. A gush of wind escaped her.. devi maiyya why did he have this pensive look? His startling black iris focused on a distant memory. She wanted to rush to him, she dared not.

"Arnavji?", tentative and hushed came her whisper. When he looked at her his gaze was earnest, piercing right inside her. Suddenly it didn't matter that Khushi had not the least inkling of what to say, of what troubled him. It definitely didn't matter that she was scared she would say the wrong thing, that he would get angry at her.

He looked torn, apart from the world on a deserted island alone.

"Arnavji amma says we are alike.. hum aapke jaise hain aur aap humare..". She wasn't sure from where the words had originated, but she had opened her mouth and spoken softly. She waited with baited breath.

"What the?" He looked worn out, but he smiled, his head tilting sideways, contemplating the possibility that Arnav Singh Raizada could be like Khushi Kumari Gupta.

Sensing him relax a little Khushi determinedly went on. "hum dono ajeeb hai".

She hadn't really meant to say that. She clamped her hands tightly over her mouth and shivered ready to face his wrath. Instead his thoughtful gaze lingered over her and the smile went slanting to the right. Her heart slid along the gradient, tethering for some time, till his right eye brow shot up and Khushi gave up on remaining unaffected.

He was about to take a step closer when a whole lot of noise distracted them both.

Payal, Akash, Om Prakash, NK and Lakshmiji had all burst through the rooftop entrance making a lot of noise in the process.

"mil gaye".. "found you bhai.." .. "mae..".. "eeha hai Khusiji".. Everyone said almost the same thing at the same time.

It was NK who rushed forward, "Khushji your buaji called. Please go home otherwise she will come here. Wo bahut scary hai. Main bhag raha hun agar wo aa rahi hain. Bechara NK hara jayega if she comes".

"hara nai maara NK bhai". Akash pushed his spectacles over his nose and tried to pacify the panicked NK.

"maee".. Lakshmiji's bells tinkled loudly as Om Prakash tried to keep a hold on her.

"Khushi tum pehle mere sath neeche chalo. Dadiji wants us to choose jewelry for tomorrow. Yaad hai na? tomorrow we have to come here for mehendi", Payal spoke up firmly.

"jiji did you notice your dadiji will be my naniji? Hehehe.. ajeeb baat hai na", Khushi was grinning happily as she started to move, but a steady clear voice spoke up.

"Guys Khushi will come down, but first I need her here for a little longer. She will come down later". ASR had the air of stating the obvious. This time he was not letting this crazy girl, who apparently thought his nani was her nani, out of his sight.

"parr.. kyu? " Khushi indignantly stuttered.

He fixed his gaze on her and spoke, "baat karni hai.."

"k.. kya?" She whispered, forgetting everyone around her. A shiver down her spine. Why did his voice hold promises untold?

"bas.. karni hai", was all he said and waited for everyone to leave.

NK had his eyebrows raised and even Payal and Akash wore amused expressions, but ASR was not interested. He remained waiting with his arms folded. Once the last of the crowd had disappeared he looked at the girl who claimed to be like him.


***


Anjali felt a little guilty about her annoyance at ASR. He had only been worried about her after all. She shouldn't have been miffed at his curt tone with Shyamji. Her glass bangles jingled as she fixed her saree's aanchal.

The truth, if she cared to admit to herself, was that try as she might her spirits were sinking lower with each passing day. Shyamji was so unpredictable these days. It left her forlorn and forever on edge. She would have to pull herself together. She shouldn't make such a big deal out of nothing. Hadn't Shyamji been perfectly wonderful today?

She had managed to calm herself by the time the crowd from the rooftop entered her room. They were still smirking, a fact that was not lost upon Anjali.

"Payalji where is khushiji? You all went to find her, didn't you?"

"wo anjaliji khushi Arnavji ke sath.." Payal couldn't complete the explanation because NK wanted to be the bearer of such fun news.

"Di nannav ne khushiji ko rok liya. Usne kaha use koi bus ke bare mein baat karni hai." He declared triumphantly and then added with a conspiratorial wink, "I think bus to banana hai, use Khushiji ke sath akele mein time bitana hai"

Anjali had to clutch her sides in pain from laughing hard. "NK bhai banana nai bahana.. And all of you together could not bring Khushiji from chote? Koi kaam ke nai ho tumlog" She teased.

"Di bhai had this focused look on his face. I don't think it would have been safe to question him", Akash explained bravely. "bhai did want to stay longer with Khushiji.."

At this everyone giggled some more. They could not believe their eyes, ASR wanted to spend time with someone that was not Aman and he did not seem to be angry with her either. Stranger events had rarely occurred at shantivan.

While the younger generation was busy enjoying the simple pleasures of a house with people in love, the elder generation walked into the room.

Nani addressed Anjali lovingly, "Anjali bitiya are you ready to show your bhabhi the necklace we got made for her? Payal bitiya aap bhi chaliye. Where is Khushi bitiya?"

"Who will go call Khushiji?" Anjali threw the open ended question into the room. There were no takers. ASR was clearly in no mood to send her down, no one was going to risk calling her.

As luck would have it, all eyes slowly turned towards Om Prakash. He was sent off to call Khushiji.

An unhappy Om Prakash grudgingly trotted upstairs wracking his brains for a plausible reason. He knew whatever reason he came up with, he would surely get yelled at by Arnav bhaiya. Why did he always get stuck in such a situation?Well in the worst case, if Arnav bhaiya got too angry, he could always own up to locking Khushiji inside with him. Surely that would save him from some of the shouting..


...


"Arnavji what do you think of yourself? Aap aise kaise kar sakte hai?" Khushi demanded loudly.

"Don't talk to me in that tone Khushi. Kya kiya maine?", came ASR's terse reply. He had not expected this sudden outburst.

"aap.. do you know what everyone will think.. ki aap.. hum.. we want to be alone to.." she quietened down, a hopeless panic on her blushing face, as it finally dawned on her there was no way she would be able to finish the tirade and explain to Arnavji what other's must think.

ASR wasn't the famed owner of a shatir dimag for nothing, he caught on. And smirked complacently. So she had guessed why he wanted her alone. No point in making her lips wait any longer.

His fingers wrapped around her slender wrist and jerked her close. And wasting not a second more his longing lips claimed hers. As they moved firmly over hers, she sighed and settled into his arms, in the exact way that felt perfect. Her soft lips were plaint and eager, responding with a fervor that left ASR in a welcome muddled haze.

She clutched his shirt with her fingers as his hand encircled her, stroking with a touch so possessive that it left her reeling. Her body was attuned to his every thought, but she had not anticipated the tremulous gasp that would escape her lips as he pulled her even closer.

Her gasp made him halt. Then leisurely, continuing to hold her, he simply looked at her. A smile playing on his lips. His eyes were dancing with mischief as they registered the heat in hers. He could get used to having her here, without distraction or any disruption. Just the feel of her breath on his, and her vitality and life running through her veins, rejuvenating him.


That is how they were standing intimately entwined when Om Prakash found them. He gulped at the sight and considered averting his eyes, but could not. A few more seconds of gulping like a gold fish sucking in air and finally he would have turned and left, but lakshmiji had followed him and chose that opportune moment to call out to her friend.

"maee".. Om Prakash was caught.

ASR felt Khushi pull away, but he jerked her back, refusing to let go.

"What?" he snapped. This Om Prakash would surely have his salary cut. Maybe everyone needed a long vacation so he had the house to himself and Khushi alone in the house with him. Or better still maybe he should take a vacation with Khushi. Having her all to himself, the possibilities were endless.

"wo Arnav bhaiya.. dhobi.. "

"What the?! Om Prakash have you gone utterly insane? do you think I give a damn about the dhobi?" ASR was about to lose his temper.

"Arnavji.. what the nai.. You should care about the dhobi.. aapko pata hai aap kitne pyare dhobi the." Even though he was confounded by what she had just said, her giggle was enough to light up his world.

The place where I am now

A very merry christmas!

I said these very words the other day to someone, and he said, "I don't celebrate christmas". I was undeterred and I flashed a brilliant smile at him and said, "We all celebrate the spirit of christmas".

On that bright sprightly note I sit with my laptop (a different one now, if you are wondering, since my old trusted friend, the laptop I owned was stolen). Its sunny outside and just the fact that I have a holiday makes me happy.

Which naturally leads to one main question in my brain.. what is it that I want to write about..

A while back I had written about a show.. Newsroom.. 
http://aarwensspells.blogspot.com/2014/06/newsroom.html


I watched the finale last week and ruminated about story telling. 

Serendipitously, that was just when my sister-in-law,  the same one who got me to try out 100happydays, read out a quote to me..

"Singing is like praying twice"

I typed in this phrase in google and was about to read about it, when I decided I didn't need to. I can't sing, but I already had a meaning of the phrase in my head and these few moments in the newsroom finale cemented the thought beautifully.

**Warning: Newsroom finale spoilers ahead**

Charlie, the benevolent godfather, lets call him, of all the members of the newsroom, suffered a stroke. There is the intelligent Howard grad who blames her rebellious side for his heart giving up. There is chaos at the uncertainty about the future that might have threatened everyone. And there is the man who has just come out of jail to find his best friend, a father figure in some ways, a beloved boss, gone forever.

They are at Charlie's funeral. And here comes the stellar story telling. The deceased man had two grandchildren.  The viewer is meeting them for the very first time. I could not take my eyes off the elder one. There is a look of distinction, intelligence and sincerity. Child actors in English shows are the very best. 

The man, whose best friends is dead, walks upto his best friend's grandson. And sings.

I am dying to explain why I liked this so much. How beautiful it was, he told the boy the truth. Then a song, to make the boy feel less lonely. Actually an outlet for everyone. And before leaving letting the boy simply know, "If you need someone to talk to, now that your grandfather won't be around, I am here". 

I shouldn't explain it you. That is the point. None of this had to be explained. The creators rely on the intellect of the audience and on the response from their gut. 

You may like it for some completely different reason. You may like the song just by itself. You may have liked the scene for the memories it brings of such nice characters that the show has. It will be personal and yours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp04NqmwWn4

I can't embed the video here, but do click and please watch this.

This episode taught me about writing too, because that is where I am now. I want to write. And write well. While this scene played out I suddenly felt inspired.

The trick is in leaving the things unsaid also speak in the most profound ways. The trick is in suffusing joy in hearts of people who will read the words I have penned down. The trick is in inspiration while entertaining. The trick is in being yourself. The trick is in believing in magic. The trick is in enjoying what you are doing. The trick is in letting your skill speak to you. The trick is in concentrating on the now and allowing it to lead you to unknown limitless spaces.

"Memphis is a stand in for wherever you are right now. That it really means, thats how I got here."

- Charlie Skinner quoting his teenage grandson

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 11

Aaj mausam hai suhana.. Barun ki movie ka wait karne ka hai bahana..
la la la la la
His movie is releasing!!! I wish him lots and lots of luck.


Credit - Wiwy.. thanks a lot for this. I love it.


Chapter 11


Khushi Kumari Gupta was standing in the middle of a crowded Lakshminagar street, early in the morning, happily munching on a handful of channas. Payal was inspecting the vegetables on display in a nearby stall.

Both girls were in pastel shades of yellow and green kurta with matching flower embroidery on it. Fresh and pretty, in the hustle bustle of regular Lakshminagar. The dresses and unaffected air were where the similarity ended.

The younger sister was doing no work and gazing into space, while the elder sister had an extremely busy efficient air about her. Her jhola was already full of vegetables and Payal was bargaining on more.

"Aaj mausam hai suhana..gaana gaane ka hai bahana.. What the what the what". Khushi suddenly sang happily, looking all around. Then noticing a crispy looking karela she ran upto Payal, "jiji lets have karela for lunch today".

"karela? lekin achanak kyu? chalo baba.. achcha Khushi.. I am buying it", Payal continued her bargaining. Khushi moved away pretending nonchalance. There was no need to tell di that buaji had been talking to Khushi about the benefits of karela to someone with diabetes.

Bitter, hard to swallow. Today that did not feel bad. On the contrary it felt exciting. Her heart felt overwhelmed at the vegetable that actually did good deeds.

devi maiyya hum pagal ho gaye hai.. She threw up her hand in the air. Of all the things possible, she was spending time thinking about a kerala, and that too fondly! sab us laad governor ki galti hai..

The intoxicating feel of his lips as it moved against hers flashed before her eyes. She had never ever imagined that his tongue could be so soft.. Clutching onto her forehead, her eyes rose upwards in despair.

dhak dhak dhak.. How hard had she tried not to think about it.. About him.. But wasn't it funny that the mouth that seemed to always move in anger could do such things too? Make her feel all sorts of things. So it was not funny.. but she did not know what other name to give..

She had walked a little further away from the hum drum of the market. And as the panic inside her quelled a little she could focus on the warm tender feeling inside her.

He did not need to help her. He did not need to dance with her. And there was definitely no need to do.. that..

She never did thank him for the times he had helped her. And he had wanted her to.. Khushi gulped.. Then determined to say it in her head.. She continued.. He wanted her to kiss him.. devi maiyya why did it not feel wrong at all? Instead he felt exciting, and reassuring. He was unpredictable, but still the one who would come har bar. He was scary and yet he made her feel safe...hamesha.. And she wanted to run away when he looked at her a certain way, but she also wanted him to continue looking at her that way.

A horn blared nearby and she was brought back to the present. A man who was selling flower garlands was walking past her.

"bhaiyaji.. do haar dena", she called out to him. She had decided she would buy two garlands. One for Lakshmiji, who would look gorgeous with the orange flowers around her neck and the other for mamiji's hair. She would go to shantivan and give it to them.

And while she was there she would tell that akroo laad governor that it was all a mistake.. She had not been thinking clearly that is why she had.. nai nai devi maiya.. It is better not to think about it..

"la la la la la la".. Humming she turned to go back to her jiji when she stopped in her tracks.

"Khushiji kaisi hai aap? Humne socha that it is a wedding house, there must be hundreds of things to do. And what all can buaji do alone. Toh bataiye humein if there is anything I can help with. For old time sake you can tell me Khushiji". A sickly sweet smile was plastered on Shyam's face.

He made a movement towards Khushi, but her face had hardened and she put up her hand to stop him from approaching her further. She was about to move away, but Shyam grabbed her wrist. "Aisi bhi kya berukhi Khushiji. Did I not explain to you? I only want to help you and buaji. After all there was a time when I was also part of this family".

She jerked her hand free and resolutely faced the creep. "bas kijiye Shaymji. How dare you come here and talk to me? yaad rakhiye humne sirf Anjali ji ke khatir kuch nahi kaha hai ab tak. But don't take my silence as my weakness. I cannot stand the sight of an immoral person like you. Next time don't come near me".

"Khushi Khushi".. Payal was making her way towards them. Seeing her Shyam decided to slink away. Sooner or later Khushi would be all his. He could wait a few more days.

An extremely worried Payal reached near Khushi. "Why was Shyamji here?", she asked. Payal could not stand him. Even when he had stayed as paying guest in buaji's house and buaji would go on praising him, Payal had felt a strange weariness about the man. Perhaps it was the fact that he was a bit too helpful, perhaps his coming to stay at buaji's place was a little too convenient. Payal had always felt uneasy around him.

And when buaji had forced Khushi into agreeing to marry him, Payal had been certain that it would be a mistake. Her sister had always dreamed about love and rajkumars. She shuddered to think what would have happened if Khushi had not come to know on time. But the kind Anjali di had not been as lucky. Payal felt sad at the unfairness of it.

"choro jiji. I strictly told him to stay away from me. jiji wish we could do something about it. Anjali ji kitni achchi hai. She does not deserve her heart broken this way". Khushi sadly spoke up as the sisters walked home.

In a fanciful hour Payal did contemplate Shyam might be in Gupta house to rob their unsuspecting trusting buaji, but never would she have dreamed he was married. And as fate would have it he was married to Anjaliji. Anjaliji who was gracious and cheerful always. Why did nice people always have to face challenges.

They had reached home lost deep in thought. Then after emptying the shopping bags in silence both sisters were out in the verandah removing clothes that had been set out to dry.

"Khushi everything will change soon. Shantivan humara ghar hoga. Akashji and Arnavji are very nice straightforward and caring. We cannot hide this from them". Payal spoke determinedly.

Khushi dumped all the clothes in her hand onto the floor and rushed to give her wise elder sister a hug. "jiji hum bhi yehi soch rahe the. par jiji am worried for Anjali ji and that rakshas. I don't want to see them sad".

"hai re nand kisore. dhula kapra jameen par fek kar gale lagat hai duno beheniya!". Buaji's eyes were watery and she engulfed her two nieces into a smothering hug. She was going to miss them a lot.

(Throwing away washed clothes both sisters are are hugging each other!)


****


"di jeejaji is not here again, and you are again in this mopey state". ASR was sitting with the newspaper in the hall.

"aur tumhe time mil gaya to notice my state? Then why don't you also notice that the newspaper you are holding is upside down chote?"

The truth was that ASR was right, Anjali was restless and lonely. Shyamji has been irritable and elusive the last couple of days. Anjali had vaguely hoped the wedding festivities would be the perfect occasion when Shyamji would be able to take some time off from work and be with her. Instead he only went further away.

"Huh"? ASR questioned. Then quickly corrected the orientation of the paper as his di's words settled in.

Anjali could not help smile indulgently at her brother. "chote stop this huh, hu.. And see yourself. chote ab na tum pehle wale chote nahi rahe. You have changed".

ASR could sense panic rise within him.

"Chote you are not even scary nowadays. Trust me, ye sab Khushiji ka asar hai". Anjali limped across to the sofa where he was sitting and firmly tugged the paper away from his face.

"di.. aise kuch nai.."

"bas chote. Not one word will I hear. Om Prakashji aap kahiye... hasn't our chote become new and improved?". Om Prakash had just come in with a steaming mug of coffee on the tray.

He squeaked after he heard Anjali's question and the coffee had a hard time staying in the confines of the cup. "hehehe humein toh Khushiji bahutehi pasand hai Anjaliji.. Humka lagat hai.."

"Om Prakash.. Shut up..". ASR muttered gruffly, desperately wanting the conversation to end. Even Om Prakash was now match making, what had the world come to! A little yelling would do him good. In fact everyone needed to see the return of stern Arnav Singh Raizada.

Anjali had already read his mind because she firmly wriggled her finger at him."Chote try karne se bhi you can't go back to being the way you were, samjhe tum? pyar humein badal deta hai. We don't know how or when, but an irreversible change happens and the world starts to sing and smile and we dance along".

"Ha Anjali bitiya sahi kaha aapne. Om Prakash humare sath chaliye chatt par phool mala lagane mein humari madad kijiye". Their nani was walking by with a big basket of flowers.

(you are right. Om Prakash come with me and help me put up the garlands on the rooftop.)

ASR's eye brows had crooked a little as he grimaced. "Di now please don't start with the saasein ruk jayegi nonsense. And you know very well I don't like songs or dances. and am not marrying".

"achcha chote, toh why did you dance with khushiji all evening. hum toh dur khare the, but from where I was standing it did look like you you were dancing". Anjali reached up and twisted his left ear a little.

He indulgently shook himself free, but Anjali continued in a sweet patient tone. "chote you have always faced the facts. Don't run away from them when they are the most important decision of your life. Listen to what your heart must be trying hard to tell you..". Saying this she got up to take a look at the decorations on the roof.

She did not wait to see the confounded look appear on her brother's face as his mind raced over the fact that he had danced... And had wanted it to go on forever... He had driven chattering old ladies to a temple, missing office. He was helping with preparations for what might very well end up being his own wedding... And all the while he was wrapped up completely in one girl and her thoughts...

Di had talked about change.. Where was the Arnav Singh Raizada jise koi larki se koi farak nahi parta. He stared unblinking ahead, his eyes losing focus. It hurt to think of her as "koi larki".. She was Khushi...his Khushi.. Only his.. He had made it clear to himself and her.. The girl he longed to kiss.. To hold close.. To see smiling.. Hamesha..

dhak dhak dhak.. A strange sound reverberated in his ears.. His heartbeat... he thought in wonder.

And a whiff of air seemed to ruffle his hair.. She was here.


He went still, only his eyes moved, finding her with unnerving certainty. She was kneeling down near the front door, talking to a goat and dressing it with flowers.

He shook his head aghast, flecks of amusement shining in them. He had kissed her dammit! And he wanted to taste her again.. And she was busy with her Lakshmiji, with no thought of meeting him first. She was infuriatingly ajeeb, but the breath of fresh air that he needed in his lungs.

What the! That sounded suspiciously exactly like something di would say.."ASR snap out of it". Did he just talk aloud to himself? Khushi Kumari Gupta was plain and simple bad influence on him. But then he could return the favour...

With a devilish smirk he decided it was about time for some bad influence on Khushi Kumari Gupta. She was standing, quite nervous, and was ready to tear her duppatta wringing it around with her hands.

Coming straight to point he started, "I was thinking about yesterday. Kya kiya tumne Khushi?"

She turned a shade of deep scarlet and fidgeted some more, only succeeding in making ASR lose control. He rapidly advanced towards her as she shrunk back mumbling, "hum.. wo.. aap.. hume jana hai".

He raised his fingers and touched her lips. "shh..", came a gravelly whisper. Her gaze remained riveted to him.

"Khushiji", came another high pitched voice from behind them, breaking their trance. NK was making his way towards them. "aap aa gayi? aap aayi baarh aayi. main tabse rasta fek raha tha. ab jake aakhen haar gayi. ".

(you came? With you floods have come.. Since long I have thrown away roads.. Now lost my eyes)

Khushi laughed delightedly. "nanheji raasta fek raha tha nahi..dekh raha tha.. And aakhe haar nai aakhen char. And baarh mein toh hum sab doob jayenge. Bahaar hi achcha rahega.. Hai na?"

She had moved a little away from ASR who had his lips pursed and was viewing NK's presence with a marked dislike and a steely eyed glance.

"Khushiji chaliye I will show you the decorations. sab aapke liye sajaya gaya hai..mera matlab for you and Payal bhabhi". NK wriggled his eyebrows in excitement and ASR snarled.

He heard his phone vibrate, and took out the bluetooth from his pocket, fixing it to his ear. "What is it Aman? Can you not handle a single damn thing yourself ever?", he growled on the phone. Then halfheartedly calming down he walked away. A pair of wistful eyes followed his departure, even as he half turned to catch a last glimpse of them before he got on the conference call.



****


Pressing the button on his bluetooth he disconnected the call taking purposeful quick steps towards the spot he had left Khushi an hour back. He was still in a dark mood and a slight pout was prominent on his face. Where was she?

"khoon bhari taang aur apni issister and phuture ma isssister-in-law ooo phati saree ke bhi bol diyo.. Last warningwa humaar kaan openj karke writingj mein note kari liyo..". Mamiji's loud voice fell on his ears. He saw Payal nearby, looking extremely dejected.

(khoon bhar taang and tell you sister and future sister-in-law-. This is my last warning that you should open your ears and note in writing..)

"mami I need to talk to Payal. And really, she has a nice name.. mami calm down okay..".

"hmmpp.. Hello hi bye bye..", mamiji swished around her hands in all directions and then with an extra sway in her hips walked away.

Payal gave a grateful glance at ASR, and waited to hear what he wanted to say. She was not even sure why her future in law had suddenly turned hyper. It disturbed her more than she cared to admit.

"Hope you are okay Payal. I know mamiji is not easy to deal with...", ASR spoke in a calm reassuring voice. His mami could get loud and dramatic at times, but what was inside was transparently on the outside. A little too transparent in case of Payal.

"hum thik hai Arnavji", Payal responded softly, with a hesitant smile.

"you know, you don't need to smile when you are hurt". ASR had a concerned thoughtful smile on his face as he addressed Payal.

"Thank you Arnavji. par jab tak Akash ji is with me and you are with Khushi.. Gupta sisters will remain smiling . And not just remain smiling, but hopefully bring smiles to other as well", Payal spoke up in a determined clear voice.

"Payal you are here already. Come let me show you the decorations", Akash was beaming at her and guided her by the arm in the direction of the staircase. Their short but sweet alone time in his room had ensured that Payalji turn permanently into Payal and Akash could not be happier.

Apparently it was becoming quite the norm of Shantivan to show the Gupta sisters the decorations, ASR thought ironically. He was left alone in the hall. Just then Khushi walked in alone, munching on what could only be a jalebi.

The sugary syrup intermingled with her taste. He was ravenous. He needed to kiss her.. Right now!

And this time he was not letting her go to see any new decoration with NK. He threatened the imaginary interrupter in his mind, but before he could reach those maddeningly inviting lips, the possessor of those lips was beckoned by someone else.

"khushiji khushiji ..", Om Prakash's excited voice rang out. Khushi's eyes darted towards a fuming ASR and then she scurried towards the kitchen.

Hell! this was insane... In frustration he slid his fingers through his hair.. How could it possibly be this difficult to get a girl alone for more than two minutes without goats, and interfering idiots descending upon them?


****

It was close to twilight outside. The strands of fairy lights had just started to glow. There was still a faint tinge of red that the setting sun had left behind in the far off horizon. The sky was crowded by flocks of birds flying back to their nests. The leaves on the nearby tree branches had a turned a sinister shade of black against the graying sky. A few early stars were already twinkling overhead.

Anjali was fixing the blood red orchids near the wrought iron swing on the roof. They were the most expensive kind, but would remain fresh at least a whole week. The fragrance of roses and chamelis also filled the air. There was no function today, but Anjali had wanted the house to be dressed up like a bride.

She was near the end of the roof, behind the swing, when Shyam found her. He climbed the last step and surveyed the roof. There was no one except Anjali.

He silently patted himself on the back. Why bother with something as elaborate as arsenic when a simple straightforward shove would do the trick. Off the ledge would go half his troubles! He would wail with tears pouring down his eyes, letting everyone know how lonely his life would be without his dearest rani sahiba. Everyone would be worried for their damaadji who would not eat or take care of himself.

And then in a few days in a double tragedy the son of the house would also die. And the son-in-law, Shyam Manohar Jha, would come out of his gloom to take control of the vast empire left without its boss. Obviously the girl meant for dead son would be married off to the grieving decent widower, the son-in-law, the heir to AR industries.

With an evil gleam in his dilapidated pupils he stealthily moved towards his unsuspecting wife. She shrieked as an hand rested on her shoulder.

"ranisahiba.. dhyan se.. If you will remain so lost then aapko chot lag jayegi. And then what will happen to me?" He crooned.

"aap bhi na..", she had come up with her usual response. He stopped himself from rolling his eyes. How silly was this woman and blindly trusting...

"arre look at the balcony. How have they placed the fairy lights? arre humare saale saab ki shaadi hai, everything should be perfect. chaliye hum hi sahi se laga dete hai". He moved towards the railing, knowing well who would follow.

"aap sabka kitna khayal rakhte hai. I am very lucky Shyamji". Anjali followed him to the edge, just as he had predicted.

Now all that remained was a little distraction which would hardly be difficult, since she was gullible enough to even believe a flying bear was crossing by chewing on a chewing gum, if Shyam happened to point that out. Pity! That someone so easy to handle had to be sacrificed.

"ranisahiba.. neeche dekhiye kya ho ra hai", he mocked a laugh.

Then as Anjali eagerly peered over the railing he put out his arms. It was time for her end.



****