CHAPTER – 12

                                      

Payal and Kushi has been chatting for a while.

Payal: Hmm, so why didn’t you tell me all this before?

Kushi: Bhabhi....I...I was not sure if I should. I mean...

Payal: Ok then what changed now?

Kushi: I don’t know....today after talking to Anjali...I don’t know. It’s not just that....I wanted to share this with you but was hesitant because this is embarrassing.

Payal: Hey Kushi, what’s embarrassing in this. A hot sexy young guy desires you...you should scream it out to the world.

Kushi (rolling her eyes): Bhabhiiii....

Payal: What???? I’m saying the truth. You should actually flaunt it before those aunties in Lucknow who thinks you don’t stand a chance to get a handsome well to do guy at 30.

Kushi: Hmm if they come to know of this, they will scream blasphemy.

Payal: Let them, but it will be more out of jealousy (she winks mischievously).

Kushi: And our family? If Dadi even gets a wiff of it.... (Kushi shudders)

Payal: Only that is stopping you?

Kushi: Wha...What do you mean?

Payal: Hmm.....why do I feel that is not the only reason?

Kushi avoids eye contact while Payal observes her face closely.

Payal: What is it? His age or his job?

Kushi (looking guilty): Both.

Payal (raised her eyebrow): Seriously!

Kushi: Don’t judge bhabhi.

Payal: Oh and you can judge Arnav....based on his job and age right??

Kushi: Bhabhi it’s not like I’m judging him. It’s just that he is so young. 7 years difference; we are practically a generation apart. Plus he is a nurse and I’m a doctor. We are different on many levels.

Payal: Hmm...I won’t say you are wrong. There are differences, but it’s up to you if you see it as one.

Kushi: Bhabhi, I’m brought up in an orthodox family all my life. Even if I’m not orthodox, neither am I liberal minded like you.

Payal: Oh come’on Kushi now you are talking like a Malik.

Kushi: Woh toh mein hain hi!

Payal (sighing): Hmm...Look all I would like to say is what’s wrong in giving a chance to this.

Kushi: But why when it will end in sadness.

Payal: Why are you deciding the fate already? First you must see if it works. If not all this tension is for nothing.

Kushi: No Bhabhi, if I involve in this and if it works or not, it will affect Arnav and me; our friendship. I don’t think our family will accept Arnav if at all it reaches there. And I don’t think I have the guts to go against them. I will have to hurt him either way. Also I will be pulling myself down with it. So it’s going to be a tragic end anyways. Then why?!

Payal: Bz you want it, deep within you want this but you are trying to block that road for the sake of society and things.

Kushi( sighing): But that is the true world!

Payal: Yes but our world is which we create. Akash, you, all have been bound in unwanted shackles of orthodoxy which should be shaken at least in times like this. Your brother did it once and hence we have a life now. Now it’s up to you.

Kushi: And I’ve seen how it has hurt our family. How can I do that again?

Payal: I won’t deny Kushi. But isn’t you Bhai happy? At the end of the day that’s what matters. And even though it affected them in past, now they are happy with us, aren’t they?  If you are doing the 

right thing, then everything will fall in place with time.

Kushi is thinking over her Bhabhi’s words.

Payal: All I would say is give it a try. Try dating Arnav, maybe you will find it difficult to fall in love with him no matter how charming he is bz of the age difference, maturity level or some other reason that might pop up. Then you can call it quits and not regret later that maybe if you had given a try....

Kushi: And what if it worked...

Payal (grinning):  you already expect that right....pagli

Kushi: Bhabhii...

Payal: Ok I’m now quite eager to meet this Arnav..

Payal chuckled while Kushi tried hard to keep a poker face.

Payal: Ok to your qtn, then you can have a life out of love which you always wanted...

Kushi: And the wrath of our family...

Payal: Kushi no matter how much we try we cannot make everyone happy in this life...this is your life, at least live it the way you want and with the person you want...provided it is not a wrong choice in your own eyes...others perspective doesn’t matter....

Kushi looked down thinking.

Payal: Like Anjali said...for your sake give it a try...and then see where it goes....don’t decide now...

Kushi: Ok Bhabhi, I will think about it. And I will let you know what I will decide.

Payal: Good. Do think well keeping your prejudices aside. And if you still feel it’s not right then don’t force yourself into it. Or if you feel you should give it a chance and just fear is stopping you, darr ke hi ek step aage badao. Result will be worth it.

Kushi (smiling): Thank you Bhabhi.

Payal: Love you Kushi....Bye

Kushi: Bye

Kushi kept the call and sighed. She decided to have a shower first before giving her head to this matter. On the other hand, Payal decided not to tell Akash about this now. Let Kushi take a decision first and let’s see if it has future, she thought.

                                                  ***************

Arnav just finished his duty and was leaving for the day when Kushi walked in.

Arnav (smiling): Hi

Kushi: Hi

Arnav: I just finished my duty. You have night shift today right.

Kushi: Hmm

Arnav: Ok, bye will see you tomorrow. A bit tired actually.

Arnav walked towards the door when Kushi called him from behind.

Kushi: Listen Arnav

Arnav: Haan

Kushi: I want to talk to you.

Arnav didn’t know what gave him this feeling, but he felt a ray of hope looking into Kushi’s eyes at that moment.

                                                  *****************

In the cafe down the road

It has been 10 minutes now; they settled into their seats, Arnav gazed at her face to get a clue while Kushi looked here and there trying to articulate her thoughts into words.

Arnav: What is it Kushi?

Kushi (closing her eyes): Just give me a moment.

Arnav: With pleasure.

He called the waiter to order for two coffees. He badly needed one. At that precise moment Kushi spoke.

Kushi: Look let’s give this a try and see.

Arnav looked at her confused.  How come she agreed so fast?

Kushi (shaking her head knowingly): Before you assume things, all I mean is I’m trying to give a chance to...to this thing.

Arnav (acting innocent): What thing?

Kushi (giving a pointed glare): You know what or if you don’t, lets end this discussion here.

Saying this she was about to get up when Arnav held her hand.

Arnav: Sorry, sorry, sorry. I got it.

Kushi sighed and sat down again. Their coffees came at the same moment. After enjoying a sip of his coffee, Arnav posed his question.

Arnav: Why?

Kushi (looking up from her cup): Huh?

Arnav: Why are you willing suddenly?

Kushi: You have a problem? Wasn’t it you behind me for weeks for this thing? Now I’m agreeing then what’s your problem?

Arnav: No I don’t have any problem. But that is exactly my point, I have been behind you for weeks but you were even reluctant to consider; then what has changed so suddenly?

Kushi: Nothing. I...I just felt like giving this a chance.

Arnav (smirking): Really?

Kushi( shrugging): Yes

Arnav (with a knowing smile): Who made you agree? Di?

Kushi: No........ ( she saw Arnav’s knowing gaze hence blurted out)...Payal Bhabhi.

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: What did she say?

Kushi: That I should give this a chance.

Arnav: Bas....and you agreed...so easily?

Kushi: Arey yaar what’s your problem?

Arnav: Look Kushi, I don’t want you to agree for this because someone told you to; it should be because you want to. So, sorry, I’m not up for this right now. I will try till you agree on your own.

Saying so he got up and moved out.

Kushi: Wait...WHAT?

She ran behind him.

Kushi: Arnav, wait. What’s this new tamasha?

Arnav: Exactly Kushi. Why do you always need a thamasha to hide your real feelings?

Kushi (with an imploring look): What?

Arnav: Hmph...Why do you always need to hide your feelings? Payal bhabhi said, so you are giving us a chance. Not because you have interest in me and want this, right?

Kushi (stammering): ye..yeahh

Arnav: Know what Kushi, when you are not good at lying, don’t do it please. Easily pakad jaatha hai.

Now Kushi avoids his eyes and looks sideways hugging herself from the cold weather.

Arnav: Mujhe patha hai ki tum mar rahi ho mere saath dating karne ke liye.....you want to experience it...even if it just remains as that.

Kushi looked into his eyes with wonder.

Arnav: I know....you don’t love me yet. But....YOU....WANT...THIS. You want to give a shot at what I’m offering and see where it takes you. Lekin darthi hain admit karne ke liye. Sach yaa jhoot, bolo?

Kushi started fidgeting and stammering when he started moving forward to her.

Kushi: huh...hmm...no...I mean...

Arnav (came to a standstill close to her profile): Kushi....

Kushi looked into his eyes at that whisper of her name.

Arnav: Haan....ya.... naaa.

Kushi (taking a moment and not disturbing their eye lock): Haan.

Arnav (fist pumping in air): Yessssssss!!!!!!!! Wohooooo

Kushi (anxious): Hey wait. I don’t mean I love you. I just....

Arnav (grinning): Patha hai. You are still to fall for me.

Kushi sighed seeing he is not misunderstanding. But before she could open her mouth, Arnav said something which left her shocked.

Arnav: But I will take care of that. Wooing my woman is very easy for me. Especially if that lady is you, Kushiiii.....( He winked at her with his cheeky smirk).

Kushi for the first time felt a warm feeling clenching her heart, and she feared losing this battle already.....

NOTE: Finally as promised an update before June is closing. I know may not be long or exciting as you expected. I’m just getting back to writing. Please cut me some slacks if it is not up to your expectations. Waiting to hear your comments and reviews.