understanding khushi (chapter 36)

Chapter 36

Poorav got a more serious and pulled Poorvi into a chair and sat beside her and with difficulty concreted his thoughts and said “Tumhe kya sahi lagta hai, humara jiji or jijaji ke ghar main rehna. Jiji has found new happiness in her life. Itna khush pehle kabhie nahi dekha humne unko. Ab hum kahini unki privacy main interfere toh nahi kardenge“

Poorvi thought for a while and replied “ You know what wo Arnav Singh Raizada hain, woh sab cheez ki priorities jante hain. Mughe lagta hai he will make sure that we do not disturb his privacy. Poorav hum dono jiji ke liye hamesha unki life ki priority rahe hain, unhone hamesha hame apni priority rakha hai. Par unhone kabhie bhi hum pe yeh zahir nahi hone diye ki who hamse kya chahti hain, unke bhi sapne honge humare liye, unki bhi wishes honge for us which jiji never shared with us. But jijaji unke life patner hain, better half hain or unhone apne saare sapne, desires and expectations unke sath share kiye honge. Jijaji ne itna bada decision liya hai toh jiji ke bare main, he must have thought about jiji’s happiness and desires which she herself in her goodness will never bother to tell us. I trust him for the decisions he takes for jiji. And this confidence in him has come from the happiness that radiates from jiji’s face. You and I both could see how carefree and protected jiji felt with him and her usual restless and worries were all gone. Jijaji has provided her with warmth and assurance that both of us could not. Jijaji has seen her beyond anyone and recognised the gold of heart she possesses. I guess we need to respect jijaji and his decisions.”

Poorav getting answers to his queries replied “You sisters always know exactly what is bothering us me as usual. But I agree we cannot disrespect his decision. For us nothing is and ever shall be as important as jiji and jijaji. Jiji has given her all childhood and soiled her young for us and made us what we are, so it is time that she gets all that she deserves and desires. So I guess we should pack now, don’t you think we have so less time. It is time to head back home. Our home were our jiji, our everything is there.”

Poorvi chirped “true, I cannot believe our separation has ended, our wait has ended, now we can go back to jiji. To our home, our life and cruiser of happiness, to our roots. Come let us pack.”

The remaining drive was covered in silence of peace. Khushi had leaned over to Arnav holding his left hand and resting her head on his shoulders while he drove back home. Arnav could feel her contentment. And secretly he loved the fact that Khushi had started to depend on him more and it always gave him a feeling of security which he had always craved for and at the same time she looked at all his needs and desires in ways no one ever had giving him security that even he had someone on whom he could leave himself to be taken care of.

On reaching home, both of them held hands and moved in to find di and NK munching on leftover pasteries. Khushi wished them good night after pleasant greetings. Arnav motioned her to go and rest while he shall follow her in a while and Khushi left. Arnav enquired about di’s wellness from her then he came to the thing that was wondering in his mind. He told NK and Anjali di all about Khushi’s siblings, their story, Khushi’s struggle, about her being highly educated and explained them why Khushi and Payal hid this all from them. Explaining about their fears etc. He also told them about his decision.

Anjali was moved and NK just said “she is truly a star” Anjali patted his back and appreciated him for his decision and said that she will tell everything to nani and everyone back home and assured him that nani will be proud of Khushi and his decision too.

After a while Arnav tucked di to bed and left to his room. He found Khushi had taken her medicines and was standing facing the large window looking out. He locked his room.  She looked enticing and beautiful in the soft blue night gown she was wearing.  He moved closer to her removing his coat, tie followed by his west coat and hugged Khushi from behind holding her firmly kissing her ears lightly. Khushi after a few minutes turned in his embrace, hiding her face in her chest. He held her. After a while she looked up, still in his embrace and conveyed all her thanks and emotions in a kiss. He was caught in a surprise when she lingered a soft kiss on his lips and just whispered “You never stop surprising me. Why do you understand all my needs and desires so well.” Arnav whispered back “there is no need to thank me but you know absolutely how to thank me and I absolutely love it and I absolutely don’t mind thanks like these.” 

understanding khushi (chapter 35)

Chapter 35

Arnav never liked to be emotional in front of anyone but his Khushi and these two were doing exactly so he quickly snapped and said “It is actually good that you have considered me as your family, and hence forth I have a decision which I have taken regarding my family and none of you have any say in it.” Poorav and Poorav were bit confused and he continued “…..even if you don’t then also you two have no choice,  but to listen to me.”

Poorvi came forward and said “ jijaji, I  really meant what I said and we shall obey all you say but just allow us to meet jiji sometimes…….please……rest we have no qalms following what you and jiji want.”

Arnav was quick to respond “No I will not allow you to meet Khushi sometimes……..”

Poorvi felt terrified, Poorav stiffened but Arnav came close and held both of them from shoulder and said “because you are going to live each day with her. And this is my decision. I know Khushi needs you and you need her, but now since I too need her, you both will have to coexist with me in our house and dare you refuse…..I have given you absolutely no choice. You two will live with us in our home.”

Poorav and Poorvi did not say anything but their faces which looked towards khushi for this unusual demand said all they were thing. Khushi shrugged her shoulders but a moment later joined her hand with Arnav and said “There are some things over which even I don’t have power. Your jijaji is too stubborn.”

Poorav said , though he could not complete his sentences but his thoughts were aptly expressed “ not right jiji, your house, …….society………………………jijaji’s family………”

Arnav was quick to respond “I care a damn about society ,so should you cause they were never their when you were in trouble, it was Khushi, so she should be your priority not that nonsense speaking society. Secondly it will be our home, khushi has absolute rights over me and whatever is mine and vice versa. Thirdly when me and my family did not allow my di, my everything just like Khushi is yours to leave me, I will not allow anything different for you guys as I know what it means to not have your support system with you.  And it’s a good option for you guys, you have waited so long to return back to her, so don’t miss any chances, I am a shrewd man I might not give another chance. Soch lo?”

Khushi was first to respond “ I also said these things but no matter what, we cannot deny the fact that we need each other and life is short to regret, so for once I want to be selfish and want to live with you two and off course now I can never live apart from Arnavji , so it is the best we have. We have waited for this for too long. I won’t force you but I want you two ……………………………….rest all is your choice”

Poorvi was first to grab Arnav and khushi and said with tears and sobbing “now we know why jiji chose you and we are lucky. And what choice jiji, jijaji has given us no choice. And I am sure he will do anything to get his decision implemented. I have heard he is too angry types, he is very strict and a lot is written about his ………..so I don’t want to face his wrath.”

Poorav, Poorvi and khushi sat and talked for long and Arnav watched them mingle, at mid night Arnav brought them to his car and they drove back to drop the two at their apartment and after final rounds of good bye and hugs…..Arnav shot back “goodnight, By the way the relaxation is only for tonight, so all you both have is tonight to pack your bags and stuff because tomorrow morning a car will be there at your place and breakfast will be with your jiji.”

Poorav and Poorvi were again trying to protest and looking towards Khushi for help. But they did not know that Arnav never gave up on anything related to his di and Khushi.  Arnav in one look could judge what was running in their minds. He while moving towards his door to the car shouted back “You two have not being given a choice and trust me I will not even let you hear your jiji’s voice even if you dare to refuse. Trust me to be laadgoverner on this as your jiji rightly calls me.” and he sat and left in the car.

Poorav was amused but Poorvi showed her amusement by verbaling “laadgoverner!! Jiji calls him that. It is so hilarious.”

 They moved inside,Poorav  broke his thoughts and said “atleast one thing we can be assured about that jijaji loves jiji too much, his eyes speak volumes when he looks at jiji. All those media and internet claims that he is man of few words are true but his actions speak louder than words.”

 Poorvi too agreed and joined in “you are right. His eyes never left jiji even for few minutes and did you see the change in his eyes when he looks at jiji, they are filled with warmth and the moment he looks away, they gain another kind of sharpness and all his worldly ways come into play. I am sure we could not have got someone better. His real nature is far away from what media says and writes about him.” Poorav interrupted her “You are right. I just hope jiji gets all the happiness, care and love she deserves. One thing I am sure is that, he does not speak much but his eyes speak so much and he is a man who will never back down on his commitment and his coming here on such short notice with his busy schedule just for jiji shows that he stand by what is his no matter what and the way he snubbed that Shini Robert and that Juliya clearly showed that he not only loves jiji but also respects her and her dignity.” Poorvi suddenly piped in “You know after reading and knowing about his anger pangs, I was afraid what he will do, but he handled it so well. Like we say jiska joota usi ke sar par bheeja bheeja ke mara.”        

understanding khushi(chapter 34)

Chapter 34 

         By the time they had descended the stair a large gathering had formed and surrounded them, friends of Poorav and Poorvi had gathered around the four. Gang of girls leaned over Poorvi and one of them while eying Arnav said “Poorvi you are so mean, you have such a big business tycoon as brother in law and you hid it from us. And Mr. Raizada its very rude of you to break so many hearts, we thought you were still hot available bachelor. You marriage is a shocker to all.” Arnav could catch the vibes and evil intentions in her voice and before he could reply back. Another one of the girls eyed Khushi from top to bottom and piped in “We never thought that the great ASR, the owner of most stylist fashion house had such ordinary taste. I mean you married an ordinary……….er….. a simple girl like Ms. Gupta……….”   Arnav exactly understood what she was trying to do, but he was surprised when Khushi pushed her arms into his holding him firmly like couples do and corrected her with a forced smile on her face “Its Mrs. Raizada and……” but Arnav did not allow her to continue further knowing that however hard she tries to speak but can never be shrewd to anyone, but girls them like them needed to be answered in that tone. He continued “…..and you should be smart enough to realise that she must be having something so special in her that the ASR you are talking about got married to her not anyone else. I don’t know about what you mean by simple and ordinary but she is the one for me and that makes her special which no one else could be. And about me getting married then I guess all those who needed to know where informed.” Poorvi too was smart enough to catch her jijaji and piped in to say “Well, I know some of you are heart broken but bad luck girls, he is committed and very much in love with my sis and ek baar jo commitment kar di toh phir yeh apne aap ki bhi nahi sunte, so bad luck. And please excuse us.” Arnav looked at her amused and pulled her closer and said looking at Poorav “don’t tell me that both your sisters are mad fans of Salman Khan.” Poorav looked up to him and shrugged his shoulders and earned glares from both his sisters. This was enough for those girls to escape into the party and only their real friends were left. Everyone wanted to talk to ASR and he did engage in talks , it showed his power ,confidence and all admired him. Khushi and Poorvi absolutely loved the admiration he was being showered. They did not get time talk much except a few small conversations and waited for the party to get over. The dinner was an all talking affair with even some of the professors seeking Arnav’s time but he remained absolutely close to the trio like a true family not diverting his attention away but wisely obliging all those who demanded his small portion of time. He quietly made sure that Khushi did not feel tired or uneasy at all. As the party came to end all friends of duo bid them good bye with taking promise from them that they shall arrange a nice meeting with their brother in law and sister soon before they leave for India. Arnav was prompt to answer “Sure, don’t worry we are in London for couple of months and soon we shall meet. See you soon.”                                               

          All four of them strolled towards empty lawns of the campus near their car park.  The party was over and people were still lingering on, some drunk others celebrating. As soon as they reached the secluded corner of the far end lawn with a bench Poorvi launched herself onto khushi and after a few seconds Khushi and all realized that she was sobbing. Khushi wanted to pull her and ask her but she was holding Khushi too tight, Khushi looked towards Poorav for help only to realise that he too had eyes dripping with tears and he too joined the hug and Khushi enveloped them into her arms as if two small children were seeking warmth from their mother. Arnav looked at the scene with serenity and wanting to seek the same warmth of her embrace which her siblings were. At that moment their eyes met and Khushi looked at him with longing and with eyes that conveyed that she will absolutely remain thankful for this surprise of his, he smiled back and reminding her with his eyes to attend to her crying babies and she shrugged.

         Arnav knew if he allowed longer, Khushi whose eyes too were tearing up will start overflowing and it will strain her and it is not good for her health. Arnav cleared his throat and said “Khushi tumhare babies kitne cribbing hai, kitna rote hai…!!“ and it got the expected result Both of them left Khushi and looked for more explanation towards Arnav. Poorvi could catch the joke in a second but Poorav still looked confused and looked from Arnav back to Khushi and verbalised  “jiji…………………what babies?”  Khushi burst into laughter and holding Poorav’s hand she said Arnavji is talking about you……and Poorvi” Poorav shied a bit and said “jiji………………..” soon Poorvi stretched towards Arnav and still sobbing lightly said “Aapko pata nahi hai jijaji, aapka or jiji ka yahan aaj hone ka humare liye kitni badi baat hai.(sobbing a little louder she continued) humare liye bachpan se jiji hi sab kuch thi, har cheez jiji ne di, but aaj apne or jiji hume ek aisi cheez di hai  jo hume shayad koi kabhie nahi de sakta. Apne hume humari family de di. Apka dono ka yahan hona jaise mamma papa aa gaye. Thankyou………..thankyou thankyou so much. Apko pata bhi nahi hai ki apke yahan aane se I am more happy than I ever could have been.thankyou………………………thankyou……(sobbing)“

         Poorav continued  and very humbly joined his hands before him and “Aap apne itne busy schedule main se humare liye time nikal ke yahan par jiji ko lekar aaye hai. Humare liye yeh ek special gift hai jiske liye I am so much in gratitude and not only this………….hume shayad pata bhi nahi hai ki apne jiji ki kitne baar help ki…..or sabse zyadda us cheat shayam se protect karne ke liye. Jiji ne bataya tha ki har bar chahe unhone apko bataya ya nahi but aap hamesha hote the unke sath or apne jane anjane wo sab kiya jo mughe karna chahiye tha. Main apko thanks bol kar apke jiji ke liye pyaar ko chota nahi karna chahta ………………………………………… we are so just proud that di got you.”

         Arnav always knew his family depended on him greatly but this warmth from Khushi’s sibling spread a new kind of warmth in him. He held his hands into his and gestured him to not do this.

understanding khushi (chapter 33)

Chapter 33

         Soon after parking the car Arnav pulled her out and held her hand firmly and started walking towards the entrance which had a lot of people gathered. Some people paused to see the beautiful couple entering, while a few recognised  the great ASR.  Khushi was more confused and she said "Arnavji." Arnav was fast to respond back and said "please khushi, atleast call me arnav here." And before she could again go back to her questions Arnav quickly pulled her into a secluded corner and held her from behind and put his chin on her shoulder and and pointed towards two people and what khushi saw froze her into happiness. Arnav whispered "Today is poorav and poorvi's graduation night and I did not want you to miss it." Khushi saw poorav wearing the Armani she had send him and poorvi was wearing the saree she sent her. They were looking great. Khushi was thrilled, she turned back and surprised Arnav by pulling him closer and kissed him on his lips and then hugged him hard and while resting on his chest said "how do you understand me so much. I thought it was yesterday and I missed it. I love you Arnav. Come lets meet them, they both will be both happy."

          Arnav pulled her closer and said "not now, wait for some more time and we will surprise them."

          Soon the ceremony started, Poorav was called on stage, he was adjudged student of the year. Once the formal ceremony was over, the graduation party began and one by one family members were called and introduced, again both Poorav and Poorvi were called on stage to say a few words...but both Poorav and Poorvi were lost, they were waiting for khushi , they thought she and jijaji could not make it. They looked at each other and said together "we ought this to you jiji, kash aap yahaan hote. Your hard work is getting paid, we miss you jiji."

         All cheered for them, families of all students were too chearing, and before they could come down, Arnav had pushed khushi upstairs on the stage in front of them. Both were shocked ... and in flick of a second poorvi had lunged herself at her and loudly yelled and said "jiji, I thought you would not come. See we have completed our graduation di. I so happy. Jiji why did you get late? And why has jijaji not come?"

         Looking at her chattering Arnav realised and said "truly khushi ki behan hai. Kitna bolti hai."

          Poorav was the sober one , he came and hugged khushi firmly and slowly said "thank god, aap aa gai jiji. Aab aap se ek paal door nahi rahenge hum dono. Thankyou jiji. "

         Khushi fondled his face and then looked around for Arnav and found him downstairs. The gathering was still cheering and waiting for their introduction. People were curious to know about khushi, the beautiful lady in a saree. Khushi  went to Arnav and pulled him to the stage and facing poorav and poorvi said "he is the one you should be thankful too, for bringing me here tonight otherwise I would have missed it. Meet your  jijaji" poorvi and poorav said Namaste and hugged him and poorav was about to touch his feet when Arnav pulled him and said "please don't make me feel old man" and poorvi said "thankyou for keeping your promise of bringing  jiji here." And then poorav introduced khushi and jijaji " hey friends meet my sister Mrs. Khushi gupta oops...mrs. khushi...(he looked towards khushi for help...)" khushi prompted "Arnav singh raizada" poorav and poorvi were shocked for a while but soon recovered and poorav continued and said "meet our elder sister, philosopher,friend,guide and our mother, whose the sole reason for what and where we are today Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada and also my brother in law Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada , who as you all know needs no introduction "  a large round of hooting by girls was followed for ASR.

         All descended the stage and...