Internet friends, college friends and best friend

All day long I was miserable and quite literally drove Lazywiz crazy with my dejection because I could not write. I had to write. I was desperate to write, but I could not find inspiration.

Then at midnight as I was watching Season 5 Episode 18 of Gray's anatomy titled Stand By Me I suddenly found a reason to post this. A man with a beastlike shell of a face awaits to have his face reconstructed by plastic surgery. He needs to get proper post op care and has no family. So guess who show up to help him out?

His internet friends. They have chatted all through these years about their mutual passion around orchids. And these friends have flown out from different place to Seattle to be with him.

I haven't met my internet friends, but they are part of me now. An Indian TV serial an online forum would lead me to writing and becoming friends with a group of people I have not seen face to face, but who are part of me everyday. And Indi di .. an important reason I write and continue to write. My friends... 

Of course there are those 5 college friends and 2 school friends. On whats app and gmail who are still the ones that make me want to talk and never fail to bring a smile and exhale a sigh.

This episode also has McDreamy all teary eyed and sad. He is broken and doubting himself, but I hope it is a happy ending. I really like him. And I love him and Meredith together. 

Just they way he looks at her. Actually, his wistful look as he stares at anyone, the fact that he is slighter older mature but still a romantic and the fact that he is intelligent and capable makes him irresistible.

And finally since am writing I am no longer tense and upset. All in all a good day. 

Today is friendships day. Just another day when I got a hundred and more reasons to know am lucky to be living with my best friend. Happy friendship's day my lazywiz! 

I was intelligent that very first day in college when I decide I would follow you whichever corridor you lead me to.

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 21

Chapter 21

Arnav Singh Raizada strode towards his di's room. In his mind he had painfully relived Anjali's blank stare and listless words uncountable times since the denouement of Shyam Manohar Jha.

He paused in front of her door. 

Right in front of the door Akash and Payal were sitting cross legged on the floor with anxious expressions on their faces. They looked young. Then again, they were young. Though ASR himself was most probably only a few years elder to them, what he lacked in numbers he had made up in his experiences.

Deviyani Raizada might be the head of the family in matters of spirit and in ethics, but in deeds and actions her eldest grandson had donned the mantle of the grown up who looked after everyone. Even in this instant, when his head was a dark dense jumble of the past and the not so past, ASR continued to think about his family. 

Whether it was this sole focus of ensuring everyone got through the night that kept him in control of himself or was it the other way around, if asked, no doubt he would not have been able to determine for himself. There was no difference. He would be the one to make sure everyone got through. bas. And there was no question that he would make sure everyone was fine.

Payal started to rise seeing him, but he gestured her not to. The girl looked exhausted enough as is. He liked Payal. Her steady loyal spirit, sensible attitude, grace and firmness of opinion would make her an excellent partner for Aakash. 

Even though his primary focus lay beyond the closed door ASR was looking out for everyone. That is what he did.

"di had calmed down a bit bhai, but wanted some time alone so we came outside", Akash informed ASR.

ASR nodded, before noting in a calm voice as he pushed open the door, "I want to talk to her".



Anjali had thought about changing out of her light pink net saree. However, as she stood in front of her closet looking at her sarees she felt silly. What did one wear after your world had just crashed apart? What color suits you when everyone accuses your husband of cheating on you? What length of sleeves were right for your blouse? With a hysteric sob she had given up on the idea of changing.

She was still all dressed up for the engagement party that had been meant to take place. Dazzling chandelier earrings, rows of carefully arranged bangles in varying shades of pink, in varying thickness, a diamond studded choker, all adorned her. Her most festive addition was perhaps the most tragic of all.

A thick long line of vermillion red from where her hair parted on the forehead straight upwards, till it got lost in the thick black hair. She loved to put sindoor this way, in copious quantity, during functions and festivals. Her choice was expected in a way, after all she loved being married. She loved being married to Shyamji.

"di aap thik hain? di talk to me", her little brother sat near her feet at the edge of the bed.

(di are you okay?)

He had always been strong. Even when she thought she had left the past behind, she had needed support, while her chote had provided support to all. Her chote..

"please", his voice was barely above a whisper.

What she had been resolutely trying to ignore in the past hours had to be finally faced. Buaji, Khushi bhabhi..and most importantly her chote.. All couldn't be wrong.. still..

Anjali raised her hand and stroked his cheek, "hum thik hai chote. I just..", her voice wobbled and trailed away.

(I am all right)

Was she strong enough? She wasn't .. She couldn't be.. Not without Shyamji.. Her Shyamji.

ASR grasped her shivering wrist and held it firmly against his cheek. "di I am sorry. I didn't know. I couldn't do anything even after I came to know. I.. I failed you..".  All the agony in him came tumbling out at the hope of acceptance in her tone.

She had known Shyamji had changed.. When exactly she couldn't say for sure.. but he had changed..

"nahi chote. You didn't. You did tell me, tried to warn me, but I chose not to see. didn't want to believe you. I  still don't. I wish there was some other explanation", bereft, her eyes wandered to the framed photograph. She and Shyamji were posing for the camera, on their first wedding anniversary. 

Had it been three years already? What would she do when the day of her anniversary came this year?

"di", ASR's voice was hushed, still laced with urgency. When he was sure he had her attention he continued, "di Shyam", he swallowed, trying to form the sentences.

Then he rushed into it, "he had been doing all sorts of wrong. galat. Aman found out about his money laundering.. And Khushi".

Khushi Kumari Gupta's name lay suspended in the air. 

Arnav loved her to distraction. She was the girl for whom Shyamji had been willing to cheat on Anjali. Anjali's head hurt terribly, all she wanted was to curl into her chote's lap and sleep. When she would wake this nightmare would have ended. 

No.. It would not end.. The pain had to be faced..

"Shyam", soft, laced with sadness Anjali said the name. "I remember now this was Khushi bhabhi's", she paused, not wishing to go ahead with the sentence. "this was buaji's paying guest's name. I am not blind chote. hum jante hai jo tum sab keh rahe ho falls into place lekin hum.."

(I know what you all are saying, but I)

She leant forward, wanting his support. Placing her head on his shoulder she continued, "about the money also I think I have had a suspicion for long, just I chose to ignore it. hum dekhna nai chahte the. You know, nothing else mattered to me, I have been so happy these past few years".

(I didn't want to see)

She choked at the words. Her body shook as she tried to hold back the sobs.

"di aap mat socho. We'll find a way. I am here. I'll be right next to you", he sounded very young, his voice raw with emotion. 

(don't think of it.)

He had promised her the same fourteen years ago and made sure it was actually all okay.

"chote if anyone could have made everything back to the way it was, it would be you, but not this time", she said looking directly at him with infinite love in her trusting eyes.

He laid his head onto her lap. They sat that way for a long time till a small smile appeared on Anjali's face.

"And why will you be next to me? Kal hum bahut busy hai aur tum bhi. tumhari aur Akash ki shadi hain".

(tomorrow I am very busy and you too. It is your and Akash's wedding)

"lekin di"

(but di)

"I won't lie chote. Not to you. There is a gaping hole in my heart right now. Even though specially for the past year Shyamji has been distant and I have felt lonely at times I still can't quite comprehend how he could do something like this. humare Shyamji. humara dimag sach samajh raha hai par dil maan nahi raha".

(my Shyamji. my brain understands the truth but my heart refuses to accept it)

"di we will face it together". There was a sincere promise in him. As if with sheer force of will he would erase all tragic memories from di'd broken heart.

"ha chote. lekin is baar hum dukho ko humari khushiyan nahin cheenane denge. You have to get married".

(yes, but this time we will not let troubles snatch away our happiness)


****


Akash looked at the girl sitting next to him.  Her usual serene face was overcast with anxiety. Akash found his heart overwhelm with emotions for the girl who worried deeply for his family. 

He has not old fashioned at all, but he liked the fact that she cared. He liked that she had a quiet reserved air, but when she smiled it reached and lit up her beautiful eyes.

Payal was in a fiery orange lehenga that had sparse silver thread work. Her sunny yellow dupatta of a shimmery light fabric was in disarray. Since the time he had joined his bhai in the fashion house business his love for designs, cloth, colors had grown.  He reached out to feel the material against his fingers.

His abrupt movement had startled Payal, but his hand firmly slid along her dupatta till it reached her hand. His fingers interwove with hers. "The orange brings out your strength. You seem to glow with it".

The smile he had missed made a shy appearance back on her face. She squeezed his hand tightly, relieved that all the chaos of the past few hours had not soured their relation.  She had grown to expect Akash's quiet, placid loving. Seeing him in a serious mood had made her nervous.  Perhaps this was marriage, she mused, where you saw the one you love in all his different moods.

They got a few minutes to enjoy this shy peaceful companionship before NK was upon them. Payal tried to move her hand away, but unwillingly to let her go Akash shifted closer to her. He had managed to effectively screen the hands that still held on to each other.

"main di ka haal check karne ke liye aaya", NK announced.

(I came to check how di is)

"bhai is with her", Akash informed him, hoping he would leave soon, so Akash could go back to getting to spend some time alone with Payal.

However, it appeared that NK had no intention of leaving. He remained towering, smiling loopily, over the couple sitting on the floor.

"tum dono ki chori kamaal hai Akash Payal bhabhiii", he declared in a sing song loud voice.

(your concealment is great)

Akash immediately pulled back his hand, while Payal flushed.

"chori?",  the nervous lover stammered.

(concealment?)

"ha Akash..chori.. Ladka ladki.. Couple",  NK gestured excitedly with his hands pointing at the couple in front of him.

(yes concealment.. boy girl..)

"aapka matlab.. jodi.. chori nai NK bhaiya", Payal  laughed. She sounded so wonderful that Akash just had to reach out for her hand again. If NK got to see, then let him. He would hold Payal's hand right now.

(you mean couple)

The door to di's room opened and ASR walked out. Akash's hand again flew out of Payal's.


****

Deviyani Raizada was holding out branches with fresh leaves for lakshmiji to munch on. Watching Lakshmiji go about in her usual way brought a sense of calm and was helping to clear the worried old lady's thoughts. Even then her shoulders were hunched over bearing a heavy burden of the past.

She would make sure Anjali bitiya got past this tough time. Her Nani was right there with her..

"saasuma hum keh det hai hum sab Anjali bitiya ke taking carej kari hai par kal agar do do nayi bahuriyan shantivan ma enteringj naahi ki tab ee original bahuriya bhil also leabhingj shantivan".

(I am telling you this we will all take care of Anjali bitiya but if tomorrow two new daughter in laws don't enter shantivan then this original daughter in law will also leave Shantivan)

Manorama Raizada, the self proclaimed original daughter-in-law of the shantivan household and burst into the room and attempted to convince the head of the family.

Unknown to her Deviyani Raizada shoulders perked up a bit. She bit back the hint of smile and sternly replied, "there was no question of the wedding not happening Manorma".

"dekhiye saasuma hum.. Oh.. Hmm.. Okaay hello hi bye bye", not expecting such a smooth resolution manorma Raizada walked away to share this news with her husband. In her version of the incident she was already deciding upon adding a little color and excitement.

(look here sasuma)



ASR was in his room When his Nani came to him. "chote I need you to take me somewhere".

"ha nani", he quickly got up and picked his SUV keys.

"where do you want to go?", he asked when they were seated in his car.

"we are going to LakshmiNagar. hum khushi aur Payal bitiya ke ghar walo se milna chahte hai. And you will come with me. We will have the wedding tomorrow chote, ranta bitiya's one child has had her heart broken par hum unke chote ki khushi ghar lake rahenge".

(I want to meet Khushi and Payal's family... I will bring chotes happiness home)

Tears has pooled into the wrinkled, but sharp eyes and a few spilt over when her grandson reached to squeeze her tiny hand in his strong young hand.

 "Here, I think you need this. I am very proud of you chote hamesha.. Aur ab thora hasiye aapke bhya hone wala hai".

(now smile a little, you are about to get married) 

She handed him a small velvet box and then showering her blessings stoked his forehead.


****


There was a subdued atmosphere in the Gupta house. Even the vociferous buaji sat silent, her head tied with a red and white checked cotton hand towel. Garima was wringing her hands, tensed about the showdown in Shantivan.  She knew if Khushi's babuji was able to voice his opinion he would have insisted that the truth be told. Yes, Garima was proud of her daughters, but also worried for not just them, but the sweet Anjali bitiya as well.

Khushi came and handed a round of freshly brewed tea to everyone. Buaji and her amma were quick to notice how forlorn she looked.

"khoosi come sit with us, while we wait for your jiji to return from Shantivan", Garima sweetly coaxed her daughter, knowing some company would do her good tonight.

"ha titiliya aur eeha baith kar jara humara sir bhi dabai diyo nand kisore", buaji chimed in as well, eager to have Khushi chattering away as usual.

(sit here and press my forehead a little)

Placing her cup on the table Khushi rushed to her buaji and with both her hands pressed on her temples with a little too much vigor.

"haye re nand kisore.. Sankadevi will you make my headache worse.. Kono jarurat nahi .. Nand kisore.. I am fine", buaji bellowed.

(no need)

Giggling Khushi picked up her cup of tea, two biscuits from the plate and went to sit outside under the stars. She felt like spending some time with her amma babuji tonight.

"devi maiyya what must be happening there right now? I wish.."

A car had halted in front of their gate. A car distinctly so outrageously out of place in the congested lane of Shantinagar that there was no question who was inside it.

Too dazed to do anything but gape with an open mouth Khushi just sat and watched while naniji and her Arnavji stepped out of the car.

When naniji reached the Gupta house steps good sense finally prevailed and Khushi called out to buaji.


"Khushi bitiya aap baithiya eeha. I will go inside myself".

Deviyani Raizada was very fond of Khushi. From the first day she had met this cheerful, cultured, warm hearted girl she had gained a place in her heart. Anyone who was liked by lakshmiji was immediately placed in Deviyani Raizada's good books. And Khushi was not just loved by Lakshmiji, but by chote as well. 

With a smile she entered the house, trying to calm down the excited buaji, who was frantically trying to clean up the Gupta drawing room which was highly unprepared for the arrival of such a guest. It was quite a feat that Deviyani Raizada managed to show no surprise at a towel tied around Madhumatiji's head. No doubt where Khushi got her endearing.. what did madhumatiji call it?.. ha sanka.. 

"hum eeha khud aana chahte the. To tell you all there is nothing to worry. Your daughters will come to our house as our daughters tomorrow. Shaadi mein kauno badha nahi aayegi. Shaadi ke chal pahal se Anjali bitiya ka bhi thora man lag jayega". In her usual forthright manner she eased all worries.

(I wanted to come here myself. There will be no obstacle in this marriage. the hustle bustle of marriage will keep Anjali engages as well).

"eeha aapne humari chinta door kar di aur ooha nand kisore Arnav bitwa humari parmeswari ka bhi chehra khilkhila denge", buaji was wiping away big fat drops of tears with her towel, the same one that was bound on her head. 

(Here you have rid out worries and there Arnav will make our Khushi happy as well)

All the elders looked on at their children sitting on the steps outside. How young they were! How much in love.. How much happiness lay ahead of them.



****


Outside ASR  sat down on the steps.

"khushi apna muh band karo and sit", he had an intimate air of saying these things, with his lips pursed, as if it was a thrilling secret only meant for her ears. 

(close your mouth)

She sat down and started talking gaining momentum as she went along. "Arnavji how is di? wo thik hai? aap thik hai? Did you talk to her? You know I wanted to talk to you, but.."

(is she all right? are you?)

"Do you ever get tired of talking?", he was genuinely contemplating on her ability to talk non stop.

"nahi. In two things I never tire. Eating and talking, but then if you have you phone in your ear then even you keep talking.. Oh talking nahi..iscolding.."

Just having him in front of her was making her light headed. A few minutes back,  she had felt drained and anxious, and now even though she was worried about a million different things her shoulders felt lighter. It was like the rain clouds had parted and the sun had come out, which was silly because it was evening and dark now. 

"arnavji aapki amma", she asked in a small voice, hesitating to broach the subject, but longing to reach out to the aching man.

He went completely still for a second. She forgot to breath in that second.

She didn't want him to brood. All she wanted was to share and soothe.

"Her husband cheated on her. Chaudah saal ka tha jab meri ma ne .. She committed suicide".

(I was 14 years old when my mother)

He did not want to break down now. He wanted to distract himself, and her loving touch would only weaken his hold on himself. He took a moment to gulp down the bitter memories. She had moved closer to him, her slender body radiating a comforting warmth. 

His Khushi.. Today she knew all his secrets.. Today she was a part of all of him..

"by the way I have something for you", he took out a ring from his pocket.

Her heart had leapt, but she hastily demurred, "par Arnavji with di so sad how can I" ?

"Don't fuss Khushi. Apna hath do mujhe", his face was taut.

(give me your hand)

In a flash a sunset at the mandir she remembered. Khadoos laad governor had been scaring her then as well, even though he had been insisting on bandaging her bleeding finger.

"humein nahi dena hai", she turned away from him, and walked some step apart.

(I don't want to give)

"don't talk to me in that tone. I brought this specially for you. here..", his expression was sour as he concentrated on the task at hand, but within seconds the sourness had transformed to infinite tenderness.

It was unnaturally dark, only a full moon and infinite stars shone on them. The wind had picked up speed.  Her dupatta joyously fluttered with the breeeze.

He had taken her hand and slipped on the ring. His ring.

The ring had a slender platinum band, which was cool against Khushi's skin. All the heat came from ASR's fingers as they slid the ring onto her finger. On the platinum band were three clusters of small brilliantly cut diamonds. As a whole they sparkled in tandem, but each had a rhythm of its own on which they individually glittered.

She held still, his hand still holding hers. 

He raised his eyes and looked at her. Only it wasn't just one look, it was drenched and dripping in an infinite ocean of emotions.  Turbulent. Stormy. Placid. Deep. Of love, trust, friendship and a vow of hamesha. His eyes were saying it all.

"di was with me when I brought this. I thought the stones would remind you of stars. Three stars. Tumhare amma babuji aur meri ma hamesha tumhare sath honge. Khushi main .. I love you.". A compelling vulnerability had seeped into his words.

(your father mother, my mother will always be with you)

He had said it again. Calmly. Without shouting.  Was devi maiyya listening?

She wanted to giggle in happiness or cry because she felt overwhelmed or throw her arms around him, but there was something that she wanted to do even more.

"Arnavji hum bhi aapse I love you dammit", she just had to whisper. And though her voice quivered a bit, her smile was shy, and her face had a disarming honesty. 

Her words were poetry, because he felt like bursting into a song, or dancing or laughing or doing something insane. He could kiss her, but then he might not be able to stop, and he was definitely not in a mood to stop. So he settled for a close second.

"hmm.. We'll have to work on what you call me. Arnav is just fine. And you can start practicing from tomorrow. Tumhe yaad hai na, kal humari suhaag raat hai Khushi".

(you do remember, don't you? tomorrow is our wedding night)

And he winked. An outrageous flamboyant wink.

She could not believe her eyes or her ears. Dream Arnav..ji.. And the Arnavji in front of her had intermingled into one.

She blushed a deep shade of scarlet. Unsure of how to react she bit her lower lip and fumbled with her dupatta while in her heart a now persistent pleasant cascade of music rose.

dhak dhak dhak dhak..



****

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 20

Chapter 20

At the exact instant that Arnav Singh Raizada read Shyam's message on Khushi Kumari Gupta's phone and felt the earth slide from under his feet, Khushi was reading her name on a wedding card with a tremulous smile.

"ee dekho manno hum shadi ka carad ooha dur vides se banwai laye hai". 

(see here manno I have got the wedding card made from far off states)

An astute benevolent man was near his displeased, bearing the weight of heavy gold, heavy wife. She had reason to be angry of course. Her husband, Akash's one and only father, had reached just the day before his wedding. A slight concession could be extended given that he hadn't missed the event entirely, but Manorma wasn't in a very forgiving mood right now. The man who bore all her moods was here. She felt rather light and care free which of course meant she was enjoying all the attention.

Khushi watched mamaji and mamiji in wonder as she carefully placed silver coins in dainty translucent netted pouches. One coin for each of the guests. 

How many years had they been together? The loud domineering flashy mamiji and the calm simple mamaji. Di has said their marriage had been a full on filmy style love saga. She would ask Arnavji for details some day.

Arnavji.. Her hands had started to fumble..  as his name entered her thoughts, she realized it hadn't really left her mind even for a second.. She had to bite her lips not to smile.. He.. She exhaled.

Nanheji had come up and in all excitement upset the stack of coins and now mamiji was happily delegating the work of recounting to her daughter-in-law. 

"Akash bitwa ki saadi toh hum chor bhi dete par Arnav bitwa ki saadi ka mauka milna jara muskil tha. I had to come for that hai na Anjali bitiya?" Mamaji slurped the ginger tea Anjali had brought for him and looked on at her full of affection.

(I might have even missed Akash's wedding, but getting an opportunity to attend Arnav's wedding is much more coveted)

There were jokes and laughter abound. Khushi who had been desperately trying to hide her smile all this while gratefully took this opportunity and let her smile get wider. devi maiyya unhone humse kaha.. aapne suna?

(devi maiyya he said to me.. you heard)

What was happening around her was all a muddled blur. 

Jeejaji had come down all dressed in a royal blue sherwani and a contrasting cream churidar He even had a stole around his neck of wrinkled cream silk just like the heroes in the movies.  Payal had shyly let her eyes flutter towards the handsome groom before getting back to her counting.

He didn't lie. No. He had really said it. wo baat.. 

There was more laughter. Om Prakashji it seemed had been instructed to play some hindi songs,  guests would be upon them. Amma, dressed in a beautiful peach colored silk saree with golden zari leaves was coming down the stairs with naniji. Even naniji has put on some extra pearls tonight. She looked the regal matriarch that she was.

Khushi was right in the midst of all this, smiling to herself, eyes lowered, intent on preparing the gifts for all the people coming.  Her age old neighbors from Lukhnow would be here. They were all staying with other families in Lakshminagar.  Taiji had called buaji and let her know she would ensure everyone reached Shantivan on time. No one had ever witnessed a wedding into sucha  grand house in lakshminagar. The whole neighborhood was celebrating their daughters' marriage. 

When Khushi would look up her eyes sparkled with a brilliance unmatched. The crimson of her attire brought out her unnatural ethereal fairness. She looked young and innocent and utterly in love. She was the girl who had heard the man she was about to marry, the man she undeniably loved with all her heart, say he loved her. And she was the girl trying to keep the heady excitement a secret.

dhak dhak dhak.. A tell tale gust of wind beckoned her.. She looked up and saw him. He was still not dressed.. hoonh.. Would he miss his own engagement? He briskly walked ahead and out of sight. Was he going to the roof top?

Khushi felt her cheeks flush. Her insides where topsy turvey, his words kept repeating in her ears. Also how his hand felt when he pulled her close to dance, how his lips felt when he kissed her, how his breath felt against her, how his voice dipped low when he worried for her...

"khushiji khushiji  are you sure we should be giving ten silver coins to just one guest? Koi ghaas mehmaan aane wala hai kya"?

(Is it a special guest?)

"haw".. Khushi looked at all the coins that she had stuffed into one pouch. She hastily emptied it, not bothering to correct nanheji that it was khaas he must mean and not ghaas which just mean grass. Which reminded her.. where was lakshimji?

"bhabhi aap bari khoyi  khori lag rahi hai. Don't worry chote will be here soon".  Anajli was balancing two round silver trays in her hands, but that did not stop her from joining the fun.  

(you seem to be day dreaming)

She would soon have to go find Shyamji and verify that he was dressed and then she would hunt down chote and make sure he was dressed. All that could wait a while longer, for now there were two brides to be teased and lots of gifts to be arranged. She and nani had meticulously planned what each person at the party tonight would get. 

"hum.. I forgot something upstairs.. I will be back",  Khushi mumbled and rushed up the stairs.  She might just make a detour to the rooftop. Her heart raced at what he would say, for even a single second she did not want to stay away.

The wedding preparations continued unabated in the living room.


****


Shyam  stood rigidly straight, his stocky arms folded across his chest. There was no time left. If a wedding was supposed to happen tomorrow, it would not have Arnav Singh Raizada as the groom.  It was all crystal clear in Shyam's mind. If he killed Anjali the wedding would surely get postponed, and then eventually he would kill ASR too.

However there was the complication of money. Aman was too sharp for his liking. He had called on Anjali's phone  and verified every single transaction from Anjali's account in the past few days.  Then the account had been closed making matters even worse. A few days of no money from Anjali had made Shyam certain of one thing. He needed to confirm he got all the immense Raizada wealth before the siblings died. 

His silly idealistic teacher in the orphanage Shyam grew up in had always stressed on morals. For many years Shyam had believed him. He had spent time reading the scriptures, been polite and a decent boy. Till he realised that was not enough. He wanted it all. He wanted Anjali and her money.  And now he wanted Khushi. She would be his. And what fun is getting the girl without the money! Shyam would have it all.

Om Prakash had been telling Payalji that he thought he had seen Khushiji's phone left behind in Arnav's room.  He had taken a chance. Desperate times called for desperate measures. 

Arnav had walked right into his downfall. It was time to lay the death blow.



ASR had not waited to think about what he would see on the rooftop. He had simply made his way here.  Shyam stood before him. A part of registered the fact that khushi was not here.


"I read your message to Khushi".

He marvelled at how his voice remained levelled. He had to remain in control. 

Soon Shyam had turned and there was no time to think, only concentrate on breathing as he let Shyam's words fall on his ears.

 "arre saale saab. You read the message? Reading others private message is not nice, you know? Chaliye now that you read it you know that Khushiji and I planned this all along. Do you think a girl like her could have any sort of tenderness towards a man like you? Dekhiye bura mat manana, but you have to admit she is better off with someone like myself".

(look don't feel bad)

ASR's nostrils had flared, sharp jolts of anger slashed against his chest, he clenched his fist with such great force that his immaculately trimmed nails dug into the tender flesh of his palm. A few more minutes and it would bleed. Yet he stayed silent.

"arre Khushiji toh aapko bardasht bhi nai kar sakti pyar karna toh door ki baat hai. Love is what I have for Khushiji. She is my junoon.  She did feel a little bad tricking you Arnav, but for my sake she can go to any length. Just how I can go to any length for her".

(she can't stand you, then loving you is out of question. She is my passion)

ASR found himself lunging out at Shyam, when a broken scared voice spoke from behind him.

"Arnavji"

He didn't turn to look at Khushi. He did not need to. He did not want to hear what she had to say.

"don't you dare say a word", he addressed her with icy cool, his back still towards her. His hand had tightened around Shyam's lukhnowi Chikan kurta.  His deadly gaze remained on Shyam.

"Arnavji please let me speak. I.."

"I told you I don't want to hear what you have to say".  His words cut through the still night air.    

With a shrug he let go of Shyam's collar, then took a measured step back, but Shyam had swiftly moved forward.

"You came Khushiji. No need to hide it anymore.  We have nothing to fear". While speaking Shyam extending out his hand, but a firm unshakable hand caught his mid air.

ASR had shifted his position to block Shyam. He could feel Khushi move closer. Cold and shivering her fingers clutched his shirt from behind. 

There was a untamed wild air in him as he spoke, "Khushi tumhe is aadmi ki wajah se mujhe explanations dene ki koi zarurat nai hai".

(You don't need to give me explanations because of this man)

He heard her exhale.

With a frown he continued,  "I wanted to give it a try. Hear this plan of yours Shyam, but turns out patience is not my strong suite, specially when the women in my life are concerned. Di ko toh mujhe samjhana hoga and Khushi... I warned you to stay away from her.."

(I will have to explain to di)

Before Shyam had a chance to blink ASR had punched him right across the face. Shyam felt his canine cut into the lower lip, he could taste the salt as blood trickled through the tear. He staggered at the impact and out of instinct cowered back.

"Arnavji leave him", Khushi had placed her hand on ASR's shoulder, trying to restrain him. ASR shook her off and took a menacing step towards Shyam.

Through the pain Shyam managed a demented sneer. "So you don't want to believe me? Chaliye rehne dete hai aaj ke liye, but  you can't do a thing to me and you know that. After all I am your only sisters husband.  That handicapped girl whose mother and father committed suicide and left her alone. I gave her support and since you are a good little brother you have to do what she asks. Wo humari puja karti hai. She will not hear one word against me. It is fate that I came to help her and now she will help me get Khushi. All you can do is watch Arnav. you are powerless".

(Lets leave it for today. She worships me)

This time ASR grimaced in pure loathing of the man in front of him, before he slapped him hard across his face.

"That is where you are wrong. I am not good little boy". He gritted his teeth, his jaw hardening.

" I am Arnav Singh Raizada". He stated his name with a sheer staggering power that clung to the words. 

"And I am never powerless". Now his voice had started to rise.  "At the remotest chance that you do manage to get out alive from here di ko apni shakal dikhane ki himmat bhi nai karna".

(don't you dare show your face to di)

Shyam felt like his head had split open when ASR's fist had landed on him in another shattering blow. His voice was a roar as he spoke, Khushi was pleading for him to calm down.

"Arnavji you will end up killing him. please stop".



Everyone burst onto the roof during this juncture of the show down. They were aghast to see the sight. Akash hastily went to stand next to ASR who was breathing rapidly. 

Shyam wiped a trickle of blood from a gash on his forehead as he made his way across the rooftop. He pushed past Anjali who had cried out in alarm.

"Shyamji, what happened to you?",  she frantically tried to hobble after him, but a firm hand stopped her.

"di let him go". ASR's voice was hollow.

"nai nai chote. Ye sab kya ho ra hai? I don't understand. Did you do that to Shyamji? Humare Shyamji.. How could you hurt him?"

(what is happening.. my Shyamji)

"di I can't let you breathe the same air as him. He can't be here. Please trust me. I told you..  he has been cheating on you.. And Khushi. Please meri baat mano di.. wo aapke layak nai hai".  ASR implored, with his voice, his eyes, his entire being straining to have Anjali understand.

(please listen to me..he is not worthy of you)

When Anjali finally spoke after a prolonged silence, she seemed listless. "That is for me to decide Arnav". Her face had lost all emotions and an uncanny blank stare replaced it.

"di everything will be fine di. I'll explain", ASR tried to curb the sheer panic rising within him at Anjali's words. He felt young and helpless. 

Things were spiralling out of control. The piercing sound of a bullet shot rang in his ears.  She had spoken like a stranger and seemed to look right past him.

"babua thik bolat hai Anjali bitiya. Hai re nand kisore we should not have kept quiet all this time".  

(he is saying the right thing)

Astonished faces turned to hear buaji speak up. She walked over and took Deviyani Raizada's  hands into her. 

"hum logan ka maaf kar dijiye nand kisore. For our daughters sake we feared to tell the truth, but this is for the best. Shyam babua has not only betrayed Anjali and you all, but even us. Ooka bas chal jata toh humri dui dui bitiyan ka ghar barbad hui jata. He would have detsroyed Anjali bitiya and khoosi. It is all my fault". 

(forgive us. if he had his way two of our daughter's houses would be detroyed)

Buaji had placed both her hands on her head  and would have continued apologizing, but she noticed Anjali turn around in a trance and make her way to the door. Payal and Akash rushed after her.

"ye aap kya keh rahi hai Madhumatiji? What is this happening in our house?", Deviyani Raizada tried her best to keep her voice from breaking, but she could feel her hands shaking.  

Were they actually insinuating what she seemed to grasp? Had damadji actually planned on cheating on Anjali bitiya? 

In an eerie way the past came rushing to engulf the old lady. She had lost a daughter to the cruel clutches  of adultery.

Mamaji  finally spoke up, "koi thik se kuch batawega ki naahi"?

(will someone explain clearly?)

"Come with me mamaji.. aap sab.. we will explain everything".  Sounding suddenly more mature than usual, NK shepherded the elders downstairs. Akash had already given his a gist of what is brewing and Gupta family seemed to have the rest of the details. That would be enough to answer any questions for now. 

He had looked at ASR's ashen face, and Khushi's  tear striken face and surmised they needed a moment to gather themselves.



****



An hour later a visibly shaken mamiji stood by the main entrance of Shantivan bidding farewell to the early guests.

"hello hi se pehle hi bye bye aaj hui gawa", she said to no one in particular.

(it all ended before it started)

It was a mark of her harried state that a few wayward strands had managed to escape from her bun, dodging the hundred pins that had been jabbed into it. A few petals from the yellow rose on head had also wilted away. Luckily the red roses were still in perfect shape. Her kaajal was smudged and she had no time to fix it.

"bhat issublime tragedy eet eej. Hum toh first se hi bolat the. Gayab rehna phor many many dayj. Hum sab ke eyej mein dhool  jhoka.. par how. Manorama Raizada naahi dekh payi oo toroo colorj".

(what a sublime tragedy. I was saying this from the very beginning. He would disappear for many days. He tricked us all, but how. couldn't see his true colours)

"ka khud mein hi barbar karat ho mano"? Her husband had come pulling a chair on which she promptly sat down.  Luckily Om Prakash showed up with another one for the mamaji of the house to sit on.

(what are you muttering to yourself)


A group of ladies from the girl's side were on their way out. Hari Prakash and mamaji nodded at them while mamiji pretended to ignore them. One middle aged non-descript lady in a jarring orange silk saree was talking in a stage whisper to the equally jarring pink saree woman next to her. 

"This wedding will also get cancelled it seems. Poor Payal bitiya. Just her bad luck. Two weddings cancelled. I am feeling bad for Shashiji and Garimaji".

Mamiji heard the lady that resembled a florescent orange. Broken wedding.. 

It transported her to a wedding fourteen years ago that had not taken place. Her dear niece, Anjali, so very young at that time, had been abandoned by her mother, her cheating father, and the groom who would never have made her a good life partner.

She heaved herself of the flimsy maroon velvet chair that the wedding decorators had sent to Shantivan. Then loudly she called out to all that glaring orange , "hello hi who eej issaying ki Payal bitiya ki shadi cancelling. Manorama Raijada bhill making  issure that wedding bhill happeningj. And you bhill miss all good issnacks and isweet dishej becoj you are uninvited. Bye bye".

(who says the wedding is cancelled. I will make sure the wedding happens and you will miss out on all the good snacks and sweet dishes because youa re uninvited)

Pleased with herself, she went back to ignoring the glances she got from the rest of the ladies who were on their way out. Then, suddenly realizing what an awful evening this was turning out to be for all her children she sniffed sadly.

"waa oo hui na mano jisse hum shadi kiyat rahe". A gentle hand had made its way onto her shoulder. Behind a weary glance her husband was fondly smiling at her. His eyes reflecting the memories of the years they had shared together.

(wow that was the mano I married)

"aap toh bas shutupiya hi kar lo", she  rolled her eyes, but let his hand remain where it was.

(you just shut up)



****



Khushi slowly tried to understand what had taken place. Shyamji had said all those vile things about her, and when she had been convinced Arnavji did not want to even look at her, he had said he believed her. 

She stared at him, a single tear rolling down from her eye. 

di's words had crushed him... but there was something before that, Shyam had let it out casually. devi maiyya itni bari baat.. had Arnavji's amma and babuji really taken their own life?

She neared him. More tears wet her face. It was some time before his eyes moved to her.  He looked broken and exhausted.

"tum thik ho?", he asked in a dull gaunt voice. 

His voice reminded her of their first meeting.  There had been a detachment in tone, as if he was far away, not right in front of her. Even when he was angry his eyes had remained strangely dark. She had forgotten how used to she had gotten of the gradual changes in Arnavji.  This reminder of the reticent man in a shell of the past unnerved her.

She shook her head and ran towards him, flinging her arms around him. 

For an excruciating moment his arms lay limp at his sides. She could hear his heart quicken, but his body remained immovable. 

Then, how pigeons gain flight with a slight flutter of their wings, breaking through the clutches of captivity, her Arnavji  took a deep breath, and broke out of the past, soaring free. His hands encircled her and held on tight. 

The time for words would come, for now two heartbeats did all the talking.