Understanding Khushi (Chapter 53)

Chapter 53

Presence of dove in their life had brought a new kind of freshness. And Arnav had realised that dove had really taken away all the sadness and negativity away from the house. Dove had indeed become healer for two important people in his life.

The fashion week work was progressing very fast. Arnav was overloaded with work because of the short duration he spent in office each day but he knew that Khushi and di are far more important than any other thing. And another reason for his overload was because he was clearing his schedule for his di’s

delivery. Akash had been his been his implicit force, Akash had made sure the work was always on track and on time. He had become the angry little ASR in the AR now days.

It had been a few days; Khushi had been observing the growing friendship between NK and Poorvi. She remembered the time when Nanheji had brefriended her too. And one day Arnav saw her looking silently at NK and Poorvi who were fighting over something related to Anjalina Jolie. He smiled and decided it was time to tell Khushi something. He decided to take her out somewhere.

Evening

Arnav had informed the family that he was taking Khushi out and they might get late.

Khushi after a long had adorned a saree and that too red in color. Arnav looked lost; it took him some time to get back in control. Having a beautiful wife too was a big distraction when all he wanted to do was famish her all the time.

They had a wonderful dinner at some posh restaurant of Arnav’s choice. Offcourse the food was not too spicy or oily. And after that he had drove them to the London eye and settled themselves in a quite corner they saw over the Thames River sitting in embrace of each other.

Arnav: Khushi I want to tell you something.

Khushi:hmm

Arnav: You know I have started to think like you.

Khushi looked into his eyes

Arnav: I have wanted to share this with you for a long time, but before that I myself wanted to be sure and not give you any false hope.

Khushi:Why are talking in riddles?

Arnav, Pulled her closer.

Arnav: Promise me, that you would not go overhead and let the process take its time. And watch everything with patience.

Khushi: What is it?

Arnav: I am thinking of keeping your sister permanently in my company and make sure that she is not able to leave it.

Khushi: do you think it is possible. She is my sister.

Arnav: That is why; I will trap her just like you.

Khushi: you trapped me?

Arnav: I trapped you with my love and then married you.

Khushi: how could you?

She started hitting him on his chest with her small fists.

You want to marry her too?

Arnav held her hands and looked at her amused, going on a wrong track.

Arnav: Are you insane. Why will I want to marry her?

Khushi:Toh……(then)

Arnav: I think NK and Poorvi can be a good match. They are even good friends.

Khushi: really are you ?

Arnav: I had this thought even before I met Poorvi. It came to me, but I waited to see if……….

Khushi: It will be so good. Nanheji is a good man.But I thought you don’t like him?

Arnav: Then why do you think I asked him to come here with us and also leave di in his company.

Khushi: you tell me.

Arnav: I just did not like him because he used to take away Akash’s time from me. And later because he made you laugh and took your time from me. And I know he is a good man which I am not.

Khushi: No you are a good man. May be people are able to make me happy but I can only be happy if I have you. The smile only reaches my eyes if you are with me. And you may not be the ideal man in the world, but the best for me. And no one can love me like you.

Arnav: really

Khushi: Arnavji, but we will wait for the marriage for some time.

Arnav: Exactly.

Khushi: I am so excited. All sisters married in one house. I wish you had younger sister; I would have married her to Poorav.

They returned home late and were welcomed by dove who sat at the door waiting for them. As soon as he saw Arnav, in no time he was rolling on Arnav’s feet. It was an amazing feeling to have someone waiting for you.  Arnav picked dove in his arms and settled him in his bed which had been placed in their room itself. After settling him, he and Khushi had a refreshing and relaxing hot bath together.    

A few days later

Anjali’s due date was later in the week. All were busy pampering her. Due to her heavy pregnancy, her movements were restricted. And Arnav’s constant eagle eye on her irritated her.

Khushi: Now you see how irritating is this? Now came the camel under hill.

Anjali: Really. Now I know why you asked for his laptop.

Arnav: Complaining about me?

Khushi and Anjali were caught off guard.

Khushi: No, we were talking about……..

Arnav: About……..

Anjali: We were talking about how…………………………

Anjali felt some discomfort and realised that her water bag had broke.

Arnav and Khushi immediately attended to her sensing something was not fine.

Anjali: Chote. We need to go the hospital, my water bag just broke.

This was the last coherent thing that Arnav had heard, rest everything was blur. In no time the entire family was at the hospital. Anjali was taken inside while Arnav was pacing outside all restless. He was in hesteria because it had been two hours since his di was inside. As soon as the doctor came outside Arnav was all ready with his list of queries.

Arnav: How is di?

             Why did it take you so long?

             What is happening?

Doctor: Congratulations Mr. Raizada. It is a baby boy. Both mother and child are absolutely fine. Mrs Raizada is sleeping. You can meet them both after a while after they are shifted to their room.  

The doctor allowed two people to go and meet the new born. Arnav was in a fix who to take with him, this was a precious moment. But Khushi pushed him and naniji to go and see the child.

Arnav and Nani saw the new born in the nursery and they were all in tears. The baby was sleeping and looked so small.Arnav side hugged nani.

When they came out Khushi’s eyes looked towards Arnav with curiosity. Arnav asked the family to come after a few hours when di woke up.

All left leaving behind Arnav, Khushi and nani.

Khushi approached Arnav with her still curious eyes. Arnav too was all excited. Arnav: He so small, you know so tiny. It is so amazing. But he was sleeping. Now I realise all we did is worth him.

Khushi: I can’t wait to see him.

After a few hours

The entire family was back with lots of sweets and flower for Anjali. They were all eager to see Anjali and the baby.

As soon as the nurse informed that Anjali was awake, all rushed inside to see her. All faces were full of smiles. Anjali saw her entire family all excited and so happy. She smiled back and sat up with help of of nurse.

Arnav approached her di.

Arnav: App theek ho.(Are you fine?)

Anjali: I am fine. But where is the champ? I just saw his glimpse. I can’t wait to see him.

Khushi: Me too.

Anjali: You did not see him till now.

Anjali: Why so?

Arnav: Only two people were allowed inside, and I and nani went to see him. He was sleeping. I was so thankful he was not talking. I thought with the amount of company Khushi gave him, he would start chatting non stop like her.

Khushi: haw……..

All laughed. The nurse had brought the baby from nursery, and gave it in hands of the new mother. Anjali looked at the baby with keen attention. Her eyes fixed on him, and on same moment the baby too opened his eyes. The moment she saw his eyes her eyes averted to Arnav and then back to baby then back to Arnav and it continued for a while till Arnav got tensed at this too and fro football match.

Arnav: What the…..

Anjali smiled at him. Arnav was now confused.

Anjali: Khushi, come see the champ. You always wanted a nephew.

The moment Khushi took him in her embrace, she too looked into his eyes and then back to Arnav. Arnav was now irritated. But Khushi smiled towards Anjali.

Khushi: Look di, someone was speaking about me giving some traits too the baby, but see that same person seems to have given him his eyes. Consequences of being ‘chipko’. I just pray to devi maiya that he does not have Arnavji’s temper. Rest all is fine.

Arnav: What the…..

Anjali: And not his what the’s too.

Arnav: hnn…………………….

Anjali: Chote come see, his has eyes just like you. He looks like your son than mine.

Arnav saw the replica of his eyes. He had a bright smile on his face. He wanted to take him in his embrace but he was afraid that he might hurt him.Khushi sensed his thoughts. And brought the baby to him, and he touched his cheeks.

Arnav: It is unbelievable. His eyes are exactly like mine…………………………..

And he is soo cute…………………………….so small and………………………………….

And the baby gave a loud wail and started to cry. He was hungry. Khushi pacified him and he silenced.

Anjali: I guess he is fussy like chote too. Look at him cry.

All congratulated Anjali and each other. Sweets were exchanged. All returned back home and Payal stayed back with di.

After two days

Anjali and baby were discharged. They were welcomed at home with great joval. A small puja for naming ceremony was kept. Anjali asked Khushi, to name the baby and she named him “Aarav Singh Raizada”. The entire family was so touched by her choice.

Later at night Arnav had thanked her for this gift in his own sinful ways and Khushi willingly obliged him. They really enjoyed this me time they spend together with each other. Now they had Aarav and Dove too to keep them busy.

After 20 days

The day for fashion week had arrived. Last three days had been too hetic for him. All the end moment prepartions had taken lot of his time. But now the stage was set and he was waiting for the big moment.

But a bigger risk was making Khushi wear his show stopper without her being suspicious. Khushi was sitting in the balcony, patting Dove. She was surprised by the hug she was pulled in. But sensing Arnav she leaned back into him.

Khushi: You came so early. I thought you will be late.

Arnav: See, I have something for you.

He gave Khushi a packed parcel. It was a big box and Khushi was surprised.

Arnav: For the first time, I have myself designed something for you. I want to see you in it. Will you wear it for me tonight?

Khushi turned around and her both arms came around his neck seductively.

Khushi:  I would love too. But why are you showering me with gifts today, what is so special? What are your intentions?

Arnav: You are special. And I don’t need occasions to gift you something. Now go and wear it. I want to see you. Get ready fast. We need to get to the fashion show on time. I have informed the family too. They will be leaving for the venue soon. Akash and Poorav are already there to welcome the guests and see the prepartions too. Now go and change.

Khushi took the parcel and started to get ready. She was totally lost after seeing the attire. It was a combination of red and magenta with gold designs. It was beautiful and exquitive. The designs were so beautiful and creative that she was left mesmerized. After adorning the lengha choli, she realised that the duppatta was missing.

She came out but felt shy and stood near the wardrobe to hide herself. Sensing her Arnav turned around and was dumbstruck. The justice to his creation was done now. She looked beautiful, just like a new bride. And her shyness was doing miracles to her beauty.

Khushi:Arnavji, what kind of lengha choli is this? Where is its duppatta? And I am not going out before anyone like this.

Arnav just snapped her flow by showing her the duppatta in his hands. Khushi stood there silently while Arnav drapped the duppatta for her perfectly.

Khushi applied a bit of makeup which was mascara and a neutral color lipgloss. She adorned her sindoor. She asked Arnav if he wanted her to wear some heavy jewellery or something keeping the occasion in mind. Arnav without replying helped her out and adorned her neck with only her mangalsutra and her slender arms had two very beautiful ruby bangles which matched her attire and pronounced her to be perfect.

Arnav had dressed in a black Bandhgala suit with a red pocket square. The look was completed with his gelled hair, a rollex watch and brook shoes. He looked dashing and insync with his wife.

Khushi: I feel like a new bride.Like newly married.

Arnav: Remember we got married recently. So technically we are newly married.

With that he scooped her up and carried her to his car. Khushi knew today is going to be big day.All had worked very hard and the guest list consisted who not of the fashion industry. Today she will be Mrs Arnav Singh Raizada for the entire world. She would be introduced in his domain and she did not want his choice to be ever questioned. Arnav had time and again told her what she meant to him and he loved her the way she was and she doesnot need to change because love is beyond the physical boundaries. She gathered her strength and decided that when she had Arnav by his side then she need not worry about anything ever.

The entry into the venue was very quite. They had done a backdoor entry to avoid the media before the event. Arnav had done this too keep his showstopper dress under wraps. It was meant to be reviled later. Khushi found the entire family sitting in the right corner which was light such that they could not be seen and photographed. She received numerous compliments. And her excitement knew no bounds when she saw buajii, mamiji and mamaji too.

Soon light music started to play and the announcer began the preceddings of the fashion show. All eminent guests and top models were seated. The media was all set. With a tick tick of 10 to 1 the show opened. The music was light-indian classical and as the collection rolled out, it was reviled that the collection was authentic-indian, in its purest and most natural form. The first few dresses itself got an amazing response. The entire audience was left gaping. It was so different, exquitive, never seen before and refreshing.

The media was going all crazy and the buzz of camera shots been shot was un stoppable.

As soon as the third last model entered the ramp, Arnav pulled Khushi along with him whispering on her ear that she had to accompany him on the stage as he was the designer and at end of show as a custom he is supposed to walk the ramp. Khushi was nervous that very moment.

Arnav assured her by holding her hand firmly in his.

Arnav: I am with you. And I am not going to leave your hand, so don’t be nervous.

Soon the music theme changed its mode and lights were focussed. ASR was seen walking down the ramp with a beautiful model by his side. After coming in the center and posing along with Khushi. He called for the mike.

There was a loud applause and a round of oohs and aahs followed. Arnav bowed a bit. Thanking for the response.

Arnav: Good Evening ladies and gentlemen.

I am so glad and thankful for your presence here tonight.

Even before he could complete his speech the media had hounded over with their questions.

Media Person 1: Who is the inspiration behind this different-collection?

Media Person 2: Who is this beautiful new show stopper besides you?

Media Person 3: Have you designed the entire collection?

Media Person 4: AR is known internationally. Is it your attempt to break authentic indian textile to the international market?

After firing of so many questions when they got no response the media silenced waiting for ASR’s response. After a pause of 20 seconds he spoke.

ASR: The inspiration behind this collection is the gorgeous lady standing besides me. (Khushi was flagbusterred. First that she was the show stopper and then what was Aranvji going to say more, but she masked her face with a smile, not to spoil his day and held his hand more firmly.) She is the source to this collection. This collection is a dedication to my beautiful wife Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada.(There was aloud gasps and oohs and aahs)and Yes, the entire collection is designed by me. And I extend this opportunity to announce the introduction of new authentic-indian clothing line in honour of my wife.

(With that he pulled Khushi’s closer.) I also like to extend my graditude towards my family for being the rock solid support behind me.

Thankyou.

Media 5: Sir, you broke so many hearts by getting married?

Media 6: Was it love or arranged marriage?

ASR: No personal questions.

Media 7: Is she the same girl who fell in your arms at the Lucknow fashion show? Did you compromise by marrying her under some reasons? 

ASR : Yes, that was the first time I had met her and had fallen in love at first site and had to woo her really hard to get married to her. Our love is the only reason we are together. Enjoy the evening.

The formal event had ended and the after success party had begun. The elders had left after a while. But the best part was yet to come. The gang of prospective models waiting to trap the ASR were ready to pound on him for the injustice he had done by marrying Khushi thus breaking their rich dreams into shatters

.

Arnav had cracked two deals worth millions in the party itself. A fashion house from Germany and a retail gaint from New York had already confirmed their orders for the new ethnic clothing line.

Akash and Payal and all others were busy with guests and striking deals which were flowing freely after the exquitive collection. It was a huge success.

All wanted to be associated with the new line.

But Khushi was pissed off and jealous. The entire process of so many models coming and planting greetings and hugging Arnav was irritating her.  The poccessiveness in her grew; she wanted to slap them hard, but controlled her-self for her husband’s reputation only. She did not wish to create any kind of fuss.

As the party progressed, one thing was clear that the ASR was madly in love with his wife. Everyone noticed the change in the man when he looked and talked to Khushi and transformation to ASR when he turned to talk to the world. She was no ordinary women, she had his heart and she held a worth that no one else had.

But Khushi’s sharp ears could not ignore the talks that were going on in the circle behind her.  Arnav had left her for a while to attend an important call and the guests had missed noticing her standing nearby.

Model 1: Oh god, I can not believe ASR is married.

Model 2: Shit, now he is commited, even the chance of trying our lucks is gone.

Model 3: Did you see her, no doubt she is beautiful,but more importantly the way she has ASR wrapped around her,it is un-beliveable.

Model 4: I wish I could just spend one night with him, he is so sexy.

Model 5: it is impossible, he is one women kind of men, we have seen him over years and now that he has his wife……………

Khushi could not hear anymore because Arnav had come and pulled her away to meet someone.

As the night preceeded, gaining courage a group of few models who had been burned into jealousy and defeat by Khushi decided to spill some dirt on to Khushi. They decided to humiliate her by showing her status.

They all surrounded Mr and Mrs. Raizada.

Model 1: hey ASR why did you break our hearts so brutually. You got married that too without a choice.

Arnav: excuse me.

Model 2: Don’t be. No doubt she is beautiful, but we would want to know how did she trap you?

Model 3: Please tell us how did you trap him? I am sure you would have used some sinful ways……….

All laughed. Arnav was getting angry and Khushi was taken back a bit. Sensing her dis-comfort Arnav held her hand more firmly.

Model 4: Come on tell us? There is no denying that we have been trying all ways to reach him, but he never gave us even an glance but you have him all trapped.

Model 5: Did you guys. You know what I mean? We have heard indian girls are reserved and follow some silly notations of ………..

Arnav’s anger had dissolved, and a new kind of smirk adorned his face. He pulled Khushi closer by her waist and held her very close.

Arnav: Well that was not required. She did not need to do anything to trap me. I had fallen for her by just having a glimpse of her. And if that was not enough her unconditional love and care for me and my family made me fall in love with her each day more.

And the far more interesting thing is that it was me and my family who had trapped her. I had fallen for her while my family wanted her to be married to me long before even I had realised that I loved her.

And about her worth, she holds the heart and life of ASR completely, so you are a fool enough to not know her worth. And trust me don’t take her silence as her cowardness, she is a tigress in her domain. My tigress and she belives in complete conquer.

Am I right Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada?

Khushi was feeling like powerpuff girls. Having power over the great ASR it self was like having the nuclear power in your hands. She was also now enjoying all this. Now it struck her, why Arnav wanted to introduce her in his world?

  

Khushi: true, very true. I absolutely hate when someone revokes about my rights on you. Well you have not introduced them to me. Do they model for you?

The question was a bomb. The models could feel that they had messed with the wrong lady. She was indeed the counterpart of ASR. She was truly MRS. ASR. She had clearly demarked her domain on the ASR and could prove fatal to their modelling careers.

And in no time, most of them had gone flying away here and there. And both of then were now surrounded by a few real well wishers who were really happy for Arnav and congratulated him and his wife with their heart.

A while later, Khushi asked Arnav if she can go and sit somewhere and have something as she was tired and was also feeling hungry. The effect was noticed by many. Arnav in no time had instructed Aman Mathur to attend to the guests and he had excused himself from them. The guests were shocked to see the ASR personally going and setting a plate for Khushi and not trusting the waiters with her choices. The ladies who wished a bit of his attention were famished with jealousy. Their wounds were being salted. They were envious of Khushi’s luck. Arnav had asked for his dinner too, he called di too and seved her with dinner with him. While they ate, Payal handled Aarav who was sleeping silently on her chest.

Today the media and the fashion world saw a new dimension in the business tycoon ASR. They had seen his love, care, softness and attention towards his family. And more important and firing news was the beautiful homely girl who had captured the heart of this man ASR.

The party was too a great success and all returned late. Arnav had declared a three day holiday at AR. They had worked day and night to make this success and they deserved this rest.

      

Next Day

All except nani and buajii woke up late. All were lazing around. Khushi had decided to explore into the Kitchen today. It had been months she had been away. She had prepared mouth watering breakfast which was over eaten by all. They had missed her food terribly.

Arnav was surprised to see the headlines in the fashion section of the newspaper. They read out “Indian tycoon ASR married to a beautiful homely girl”, other said “Richest tycoon ASR finds his soulmate in genious IIMian” another read “Fashion Tycoon Raizada leaves million girls Heart Broken”

He was amused at the amount of research they had done over night to write about him. He was thankful that the marriage details were short by stating it as a private family affair. And thanks to Khushi rest all details were just a secret between him and his wife.

 It had been 3.5 months post Khushi operation, they family was going back to India after two weeks so Arnav had taken the entire family on 12 day Europe tour. It was a mind blowing experience. All enjoyed a lot. For Arnav it was a double treat. His days were beautiful and nights were amazing. They enjoyed the private time they got at nights in the hotels they stayed and he made the best of it, leaving no chance to famish Khushi. Khushi too was feeling so light and felt like flying. The physical intimacy they shared brought them closer and more comfortable in each others skin. The feeling of completing each other in ways no one else could was amazing.

 And not to forget they had missed Dove. Other than Arnav and Khushi, the tour had really helped Anjali and Aarav had really taken away all the pain she had to endure because of that creep Shyam.

The trip had also helped NK and Poorvi to mingle together. They had become good friends and the only matter where they fought was for Arnav and Against Arnav. Khushi and Arnav were happy about the development.

Anjali had also observed NK and Poorvi, she too was on same track as her chote, and Arnav had made her happy by disclosing everything to her. She too thought of them as a good match.

Before leaving from London, Arnav and Khushi had seeked permission from nani regarding NK and Poorvi’s alliance. The two old ladies had been so happy. They were all the more willing. And they had decided to wait for two months after which they can get then engaged if they agreed and when to get married they could decide by themselves.

Soon all except Poorvi and NK knew everything. Poorav on being told had become a keener observer on NK as if making sure he was the right man or not for his sister. But he trusted Arnav jijaji and jiji and also Payal jiji. So he too was ok with this alliance.