CHAPTER – 2

June 27, 2014

Anjali was doing the final touch up when she heard the door bell ring. She is wearing a golden colour designer sari.  She walked down and opened the door for Kushi and Lavanya who appears to have reached at the same time. La is wearing a short black dress with sequins while Kushi has clad herself in a lime coloured plain saree with a designer blouse.

Kushi: Hai Anjii

Lavanya: Haii bhabhiiii

Anjali: Haiii darlings!!!

Introducing Lavanya Kashyap to you - Lavanya is Viren’s cousin. Lavanya is a sweet bubbly girl and free spirited being. She has just finished her course from US and just like Arnav, is here to join their hospital. Anjali adores her like a sister.

Anjali: Aree kitna late kar di. Guests will arrive any moment.

Lavanya: Oh bhabhi, we are guests too!

Anjali: Yeah sure!

Kushi: Hey how many people are there?

Anjali: Oh just our close circle. Want to introduce Arnav to all of them na, so.

Lavanya: Areey haa, where is your jigar ka thukda bhabi? I will be meeting him for the first time today; have heard that he is really handsome. Will I get any chance to call you Di instead of bhabhi?!

Lavanya winked giggling while Anjali joined in with a smile. Kushi was checking the decorations done through the window.

Anjali: Hay hay, don’t worry you can call me Di, if you want. No need to involve my brother for it.

La: Bhabhiii

Anjali (laughing): Ok baba. Don’t worry. I was just teasing you. He just went up to get ready; will be down soon.

Lavanya: That’s cool. (Suddenly catching her tummy) Oh God. I’m famished; I don’t think I can wait till the party begins. Bhabhi do you have something in the kitchen?

Anjali: Wait I have something for you.

Anjali moved inside the open kitchen with both of them on toe. She removed the cake from oven and presented it before him.

Kushi: Wow, you baked? Yummy!!!!

Anjali: Arey nahii

Even before Anjali could say one piece of carrot cake touched Kushi’s taste buds melting all her senses. Kushi had a sweet tooth and loved anything sweet.  Anjali’s mother was good at baking; though Anjali was not that good she too did it well. But today the cake tasted a lot better; it reminded her of the same taste as of Maya Aunty’s.

Kushi: Wow Anjali. This cake is really awesome. You have improved well. This one really tastes so good. Bilkul Maya aunty ke banaya hua cake ki tarah!

Anjali: That’s because it is not made by me but my chotte.

Kushi (shocked): What?

Anjali (shrugging): Yup. He has inherited Maa’s cooking skills actually. He bakes really well.

Lavanya (eating another slice): mmmm this is really good. I love it. Bless your chotte!

Kushi could not believe for a second that Arnav could bake so well. But then she remembered Arnav always used to hover around his mother and help her whenever she was cooking. He used to insist to be part of her baking trials too. This tastes so good, he deserves praise for sure. She took another big slice and stuffed her mouth.

 Arnav chose that exact moment to walk in on them. He found Anjali with two other ladies; a dusky beauty licking her fingers and a fair skinny one with her cheeks swollen with a cake slice half way through her mouth. He realised it was the cake baked by him.

Arnav: Hai ladies!!!!

Lavanya withdrew her fingers and checked him out. She felt like a bulb has lit over her head. She could hear bells ringing and violins playing in the background, also her heart began to race seeing his charming smile; all in all she felt all the symptoms of a ‘love at first sight’.

Whereas Kushi stood unsure how to react; she didn’t know if she should finish eating or stop eating altogether. The Arnav she knew was a small boy who was just 13 or 14 when she last met him. Though she had seen his photos from Anjali, seeing him in flesh at 6 feet and with an amazing physique like a man; she felt like she is meeting a totally new person.  

Within few seconds, Arnav recognized the fragile white beauty before him.

Arnav: Heyyyy...Sexyyyyy....is that you?

Kushi closed her eyes in ire but presented a funny picture as she tried to chew the cake in her mouth as fast as possible while her face was red in anger. Anjali sniggered at his comment while Lavanya stood confused.

 Of course I’m not meeting a new person; he is the same old irritating lad; only difference, he is not an irritating lad anymore but an irritating Man!

Kushi (finishing the piece, and trying to smile stiffly): Hi Arnav

Arnav: Oh my God, it IS you; how can I not recognize that stiff smile which makes your face look like a white owl even now.

Lavanya had her mouth open while Anjali tried hard not to laugh. Kushi’s face kept changing colour from red to white and vice versa.

Arnav: How can I forget you Sexy? Come here let me have a hug.

He came near her for a hug; she tried to restrain but he insisted.

Arnav: Oh come on Sexy, for old times’ sake.

Saying so he hugged her hard, making it difficult for her to breathe. Anjali knew when to put a full stop, so as soon as Arnav moved out of the hug, she caught hold of him arm to not create the next episode of their cold war in her kitchen.

Anjali: Arrey chotte, just go and check on your jijaji. Guests will be arriving any moment.

Arnav: Ok Di.

Just then he noticed Lavanya

Arnav: Hey we have someone else here too.

Lavanya( with a shy dimple smile): Hai Arnav

Arnav: Di, is this Lavanya?

Anjali: Yup, Lavanya I hope you have guessed this is my chotte.

Lavanya: Oh but he doesn’t look like a chotte from any angle bhabhi.  He is large in all sense!!! Change this stupid pet name.

Arnav: You are right. Do advise my sister at times. Actually her friends are always boring and old fashioned; it’s a refreshing change to see a girl like you around her.  

All in the room knew he was taking a dig at Kushi again. Anjali hurried him out of the kitchen while Kushi was boiling at 180 degrees by now.

Anjali: Ok chotte, now go fast. Go.

Arnav: Hmm, okay then catch you later in the party sweetheart.

Lavanya: Sure baby

Arnav: Bye

With that Arnav left the kitchen blowing a whistle while he avoided eye contact with Kushi. Once he left the kitchen, Kushi too moved out to wash her hands and to cool her mood cursing under her breathe. Anjali could not hold any longer and broke into peals of laughter. Lavanya was asking her what was all this and Anjali got busy in explaining the famous cold war between her brother and her close friend.

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

Hours later all of them were enjoying the party. Food and drinks were served and Arnav was already mildly drunk. Viren and Anjali’s friends and their family alone were present and Arnav knew none of them. But within minutes of meeting them, he was behaving as if he knew them from ages. All of them got gelled with this highly energetic handsome guy too. Arnav was lying on his jiju’s BMW car and drinking from a bottle. Most of the people were drunk and some were complaining there is no entertainment. Hearing that Arnav started singing an old Hindi song “pyaar deewaana hota hai”and others joined him. When he concluded the song, he suddenly heard a question hurled at him.

A girl: Hey, since you were singing so much about love, tell us what does love mean to you?

Arnav heard the question and turned his head in that direction. All others supported saying ‘bholo’. Girls in the party waited to hear his reply while boys were just egging on. Arnav lazily brushed his hair and replied with a genuine face.

Arnav: Love....is an emotion that can take control of you completely but one on which we don’t have any control. Love can happen any moment, at any place and with anyone. But once you are in love, then it is like you are struggling to swim up a tornado; no matter how much you try to come out of it, you will drown in it.

All were listening intently to what he is saying. Arnav saw all of them so keenly listening.

Arnav: Since, I’m nowhere near any tornado yet (he smirked) why don’t we enjoy this evening some more?

All laughed while a guy yelled jovially: You are a badameez yaar!!!!!

Music can be heard lightly in the background while Arnav says the following words standing up slowly with a mischievous face and smirk intact on his face.

Badtameezee ek bimari hai
Ek aisi bimari
Jo dheere dheere waqt ke saath
Budhaape mein badal jaati hai
Main kehta hoon jab tak budhaapa nahi aata
Thodi badtameezee hi kar lete hai

Full moon stood proudly in the background while Arnav’s face came in the middle of the moon and focus came down onto him grinning boyishly in drunken state. He broke the bottle in his hand and all cheered for him.

Music

He got down the BMW he was standing on and sent flying kisses in all direction. Once the music started taking up beats, he started walking towards Kushi with a saucy look in his eyes. Kushi started getting nervous at his pointed gaze. When he reached her, he took hold of Anjali’s hand who was standing next to her and moved amidst the crowd.

(Imagine as in song)

Paan main pudeena dekha
Naak ka nageena dekha
Chikni chameli dekhi 
Chikna kameena dekha
Chaand ne cheater hoke cheat kiya toh
Saare taare bole gilli gilli akhaa
Pa para para...

Anjali laughes seeing him dance and slowly imitated his steps

Meri baat, teri baat
Zyada baatein boori baat
Thaali mein katora leke
Aaloo bhat, Muri bhat
Mere peeche kisi ne repeat kiya toh
Saala maine tere muh pe maara mukka
papappara

Ispe bhoot koi chadha hai
Theharna jaane naa
Ab toh kya buraa kyaa bhalaa hai
Fark pehchaane naa
Zidd pakad ke khadaa hai kambakht
Chhodna jaane naa

Both Arnav and Anjali dance together while Viren and others cheer them

Badtameez dil, batameez dil, batamiz dil
Maane na, maane na
Badtameez dil, batameez dil, batamiz dil
Maane na, maane na


He does the signature step and seeing his step Anjali walks away laughing unable to imitate him in this step.

Yeh jo haal hai, sawaal hai, kamaal hai
Jaane na jaane na

He comes near his sister and continues to sing and dance surrounding her

Badtameez dil, battameez dil badtameez dil
Maane naa..

He reaches the middle of the venue and does the signature step while all others imitate him

Music

La also joins the dance and reaches near Arnav. She waves at him and asks if she can join him to which he answers by pulling her into his arms and dancing with her.

Hawa mein Havana dekha
Dhimka falaana dekha
Seeng ka Singhara khaake
Sher ka ghuraana dekha
Poori duniya ka gol gol chakkar leke
Maine duniya ko maara dhakka

La and Arnav dance together like Kalki and Ranbir in the song.

Hey Bollywood Hollywood very very jolly good
Raayi ke pahaad par teen futa liliput
Mere peeche kisi ne repeat kiya toh
Saala maine tere muh pe maara mukka

Anjali is shown standing in Viren’s arms and laughing at her brother’s antics

Ayaashi ke one way se khudko
Modna jaane naa

Kambal bewajah sharam ka
Odhna jaane naa

Kushi is seen walking in parallel to Arnav dancing and taking a seat not getting involved.

Zidd pakad ke khadha hai kambakht
Chodhna jaane na... Haha..

He reaches Kushi’s table suddenly and sings these lines surrounding her while she sat with an alert face. But by the end of the line he pulls her with him to dance.

Badtameez dil, batameez dil, batamiz dil
Maane na, maane na
Badtameez dil, batameez dil, batamiz dil
Maane na, maane na

Kushi stops short and does not dance and stands in the middle of the dancing people not knowing what to do. Arnav does the signature step with La

Music

Arnav dances tough stylish steps which involves sumersault, bend on knee step etc.

Think of Anjali in Kalki’s place here and how Arnav and Anjali having a mast time, playing with balloons, hugging each other and laughing like kids. It is clearly seen both are quite drunk

Aaj saare, chaand taare
Bann gaye hai disco lights

La singing (think in Kalki’s role)

Jal ke, bujha ke humko bula ke
Keh rahe hai, Party all nights

Anjali singing (think Anjali in Deepika’s role)

Naata betuki dillagi se, todna jaane na
Aane wale kal ki fikar se, judna jaane na
Zidd pakad ke khada hai kambakht
Chodhna jaane na... Haha..
Badtameez dil, batameez dil, batamiz dil
Maane na, maane na

All of them dancing together – Arnav, Anjali and La just as in the song.

Badtameez dil, batameez dil, batamiz dil
Maane na, maane na

Viren stands aside and watch the fun with a pleasant smile on his face while Kushi is pressing her head as a headache is making its way for her. She is so against drinking and is really getting irritated by drunken people around her.

Yeh jo haal hai, sawaal hai, kamaal hai
Jaane na jaane na
Badtameez dil, battameez dil badtameez dil
Maane naa..

Singing the last line, he had neared the table where Kushi was sitting. He ended singing and directly vomited onto Kushi’s saree and passed out with a smile on his face; leaving dumbfound and wide eyed Kushi in wake.

Viren stood up and moved forward to handle Arnav while Anjali giggled seeing Kushi’s face in her drunken state. La was hardly trying to balance herself on her legs, so she didn’t see what had happened. Kushi closed her eyes and yelled out loudly in her mind to control her anger.

Arnav Singh Raziada aka Chotte, I HATE YOU!!!!

CHAPTER - 1

IMP NOTE: 

Story from this chapter will start from one year back. We have to see what all events led to the prologue right? So read ahead.

I have remodeled my first chapter since I hated what I wrote first. Sorry for posting that shit; I hope you will like this. Do let me know your sincere reviews. I’m facing a difficulty in writing. Do tell me if I’m doing a bad job or encourage me if you like my work so that I can either improve or gain confidence. Hope you will be with me.

Also some of my friends pointed out a mistake I made. Manorama’s role is to be addressed as ‘masi’and not ‘mami’. I apologize for the mistake. Hereafter it is ‘Masi’.

Also I have made use of some Hindi here; if there are mistakes in grammar or words please excuse me!

                                            CHAPTER – 1

June 22, 2014

Anjali Raichand is in one of her best moods. Her brother is finally back after completing his studies and what more could be better when he is settling in the same city.  It has been years since the siblings last met. After Arnav joined for his studies abroad, he never actually came to meet his sister.  She had demanded him to come over for his vacations but he always avoided it saying it’s his time to enjoy and see new countries and spend time with friends; but she knew the real reason behind his reluctance hence didn’t push it. He had promised her that he would visit her once his course is over. Luckily for Anjali, he got his first job in Canada; finally forcing him to come down to his sister. Anjali was very happy at the turn of events. So in the joy of his arrival, she is organising a party to welcome him. Only close friends are being invited. She is busy with the preparations.

Right now we can see her dialling a number. Elsewhere a phone placed on a dining table vibrated. After 4 seconds, a hand took the phone and placed it on an ear adorned by jhumkas. A lady in white salwar walked back to the balcony to tend her plants while talking on the phone. We see her long black hair is left loose which almost covers up her thin frame.

Lady: Hello

Anjali(excited): Hey, next Saturday 9 pm I am holding a party at my home. I want you here at least 2 hours before; teek hai?

The girl has the phone fixed to her ear as she cuts down dried leaves. Rose bushes stood proudly before her. We are still seeing her back frame.

Lady: Okayy. But what happened suddenly?

Anjali: Arnav is coming back.

Lady: Who?

Anjali: Chotte, Kushiiii!!!!

The girl is now revealed as Kushi; her face appears before us amidst the budding roses. Her eyes became wide for a second hearing Anjali’s announcement.

Kushi: Oh!

She did not know what to say.

Anjali: Yes. I’m sooo happy Kushi.

Kushi: He wasn’t willing to come before. What happened now? Course over?

Anjali: Yes his studies are over. But the reason he is coming is because he has got his first job in our hospital. So he is not just visiting; but settling here.  

Kushi (incredulously): Our hospital? 

Anjali: Yes.

Kushi: oh ok.

Anjali: So be here next Saturday okay.

Kushi: Hmm...Is there any change in his character or has it got worse with time?

Anjali (laughing): Oh c’mon Kushi. That was so many years back. He was a kid then. Kids are meant to be naughty.

Kushi: Well, he didn’t exactly seem like a kid when he opens his mouth back then.

Anjali laughed out.

Anjali: Kids are always naughty Kushi. Anyways that’s all in the past.

Kushi: Hmm

Anjali: So I’m counting on you okay?

Kushi: Ok

Anjali: Ok then bye, have a lot to do.

Kushi: Bye

Anjali: Bye

Kushi sighed cutting the call. She smiled; Anjali sounded so happy.

 It has been a long time since I saw Anjali so happy. If Arnav is the reason, then so be it. I will attend the party. Most probably he won’t remember me and even if he did, he is no longer a notorious kid, so it won’t be that bad.

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

Anjali smiled fondly after cutting the call. She knew how much Kushi disliked her brother. Well, the reason for it made her grin. She remembered the first time Kushi came to her home; it was the first time she met Arnav too.

Kushi came to Anjali’s home on her first weekend in Mumbai. Anjali’s mother Maya had instantly liked Kushi. A mother-daughter bond had developed between then from the first day itself. Anjali only had her mother and brother; her father had passed away when they were too young. Arnav was just getting up from his sleep when Anjali brought Kushi to their room.

Anjali: And Kushi this is my brother, chotte...oops, Arnav. He doesn’t like me calling him chotte! Chotte udoo, we have a guest!

Arnav woke up when his sister began tickling him. He was an 11 year old kid then; a chubby boy with a haircut by which his hair fell on his forehead making him look cute. Kushi love children and took an instant liking for him. When Anjali introduced them she went ahead and hugged him.

Kushi: Hellooo chotte. Your sister says you are a naughty boy. Are you?

Instead of answering Kushi he turned his eyes towards Anjali.

Arnav:  “Di who is this sexy?”

Kushi had her mouth agape while Anjali burst out laughing.

After that day, Kushi came to Anjali’s house on almost all weekends. Arnav always used to stick around her. After their first meet, Kushi never had a good opinion about him. And to top it he used to play pranks on her and tease her calling her ‘sexy ‘which she so hated. Kushi used to get irritated and hyper most of the time while Anjali and Maya used to enjoy their cat and mouse show. In short, Kushi never really liked Arnav in the past.

Even today those memories brought a smile on Anjali’s face.  Now years later they are finally getting all the happiness back.

 I can’t wait to see my chotte!

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

Vancouver International Airport, Canada

All ladies in the airport were turning their attention to one direction. Some saw the long feet covered in the dark brown Gucci shoes; some saw the long legs clad in the skin fit blue denim jeans; some the Burberry belt that held the size zero waist in hold; some the intense caramel eyes covered by the Ray ban sunglasses; some saw the Sennheiser headset which rested around the strong neck where the Adam’s apple rolled up and down every instant; and some saw the trained muscular body beneath the two layers of white and blue Armani shirts. But what all of them noticed together was the handsome face which got carved into their hearts at the first sight. If that did not make them hyperventilate then the killer smirk which adorned his baby pink full lips, did it! Men like Arnav Singh Raizada didn’t need deodorants to impress women!!!

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

A dusky beauty with the right curves at the right places was waiting for her bag at the baggage claim. When she saw her heavy trunk coming, she turned to the guy next to her.

Lady: Excuse me.

Guy: Yes

Lady: Hi, I’m Sheetal Kapoor

Guy: Hi, I’m Karan, Karan Goddwani. 

Sheetal: Can you please help me with my bag?

Karan: Of course babe, with pleasure!!

He winked at her while saying pleasure and revealed his dimple. Sheetal smiled sweetly at him. He helped her get all her bags.

Sheetal: Thank you Karan.

Karan: No mention. Actually where are you heading to?

They started moving towards exit; he insisted to help her with the trolley.

Sheetal: In the main city of Vancouver. I’m here for a modelling assignment.

Karan: If you don’t mind I can drop you wherever you want.

Sheetal was about to answer when her trolley clashed into a leg.

Urgh!

Sheetal: Oh my God. I’m so sorry.

When she saw Greek God standing before her, she could no longer see Karan around her.

Arnav: It’s okay.

Arnav was about to move ahead when Sheetal stopped him.

Sheetal: Excuse me; can I get a lift pleaseee?

Arnav: Umm....I would love to, but I’m taking a taxi.

Sheetal: Aww....I don’t mind a taxi. By the way I’m Sheetal.

She offered her hand for him; he smirked and breezed his lips seductively on it while Karan stood dumbfound.

Arnav (gesturing with his hands): After you Sheetal!!!!

Sheetal smiled radiantly when she heard her name from his lips. They were about to move ahead when Karan called Arnav.

Karan: Can I have a minute please?

Arnav: Yeah sure. Sheetal

Sheetal: Yesss

Arnav: Do you mind moving ahead with my trolley too?

Sheetal: With pleasure!!!

She moved ahead with her head turned back towards him and he gave her an air smooch. He then turned towards Karan.

Karan: Bhai aap kaun ho; kitne mushkil se pada raha tha mein usko. Heroes like you will have one faithful heroine waiting for you. Let us, side actors and comedians do away with such items. Kyon kabaab mein haddi banker aa rahe ho?!

Arnav( smirking): Dude, what can I do? I’m a hero and upar se itna handsome! So girls will fall on me for sure. But, thumhare state par muje taras aa raha hoon, isliye ek free advise dethi hoon ladkiyon ko pattaane.

Karan: Ji bilkul. Bholiye.

Arnav: Bro, boys hitting on girls is old generation tactic; aaj kal ke ladke make girls hit on them; just like I did now. That’s why I am a new gen hero and you an old gen side!

Karan: Matlab, woo hit jo hua, that was made up?

Arnav (smirking): What do you think?

Karan had his mouth agape.

Arnav (holding him by his shoulders): You tried to impress her by holding her bags; but I made impression on her and made her hold my bags.

Saying that he winked at Karan and put on his Ray ban glasses; and walked towards the exit keeping the headset back on his ears and tilting his head to the music beats.

Arnav Singh Raizada has landed in Canada. Ab toh Doli ko udna hiii padega!!!!!

                               

PROLOGUE

A night view of the beautiful city of Canada is shown before us. While the city is bustling with lights and noises, we zoom through the various buildings and past the window of an apartment. A girl seems to be getting ready to go somewhere. She is wearing a blue-green sari which is floating around her plum body. She applied kaajal on her hazel nut eyes, nude lipstick on her rosy lips and a bindi on her forehead. She adorned pearl earrings and a matching bracelet on her right wrist. She felt satisfied and moved to the side table to get her clutch and cell phone. She was about to leave her apartment when she turned back and faces us.

Girl: Hello, I guess you guys have been watching me. What’s the matter, huh?

Readers: Er, sorry, actually Daljeet took us here. She was trying to tell us a new story and we found ourselves inside your apartment. If you don’t mind, can you tell us who you are?

Girl: Oh Daljeet. She is a crazy woman; always after some unconventional plots for her stories. But wait, what is she doing here in my room? I don’t have anything unconventional to offer. I’m just an unmarried Oncologist who is going to turn 30 this year. My life is so boring that nothing can be written about it. I wonder what she is up to.

Readers: Err...are you Kushi Malik by any chance?

Girl: Oops, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Kushi, Kushi Singh Malik, Lucknow se. But right now I’m in Canada because I work here.

Readers (grinning): Okay then we are at the right place. You are the heroine of our story.

Kushi(dumbstruck): Really? I’m a professionally successful single fat woman. I could really be the heroine of a story?

Readers: ermm...well with writers like Daljeet, anyone can be a heroine, you or us.Where are you heading to?

Kushi: Today is my friends’Anjali and Viren’s wedding anniversary. There is a party at her home. So I’m going there. Are you guys coming there to?

Readers: Well maybe, if Daljeet wishes.

Kushi: Hmm okay. I’m going to hire a cab, why don’t you join me then

Readers: With pleasure.

Kushi: Okay.

With that Kushi switched off the lights and left the apartment with us. We hired a cab and are now heading to Anjali’s home.

Readers: If you don’t think, we are probing, how long you guys have been friends?

Kushi (happy): Anjali and I go a long way back. We had been college mates for medicine and best friends from day one. Viren was our senior who was the first one to rag us on the campus. But they fell in love and got married. I was their cupid, so we grew to become three close friends over the years. He is a nice man and they are an apt couple.

Readers (with a grin): Are you close to other members of their family?

Kushi: Of course. I used to visit Anjali’s home since we both attended the course from Mumbai which was her home back then. Her mother Maya aunty was such a lovely woman. She used to sent me homemade parathas and chicken curry and kheer etc. She loved me like her own daughter. Sigh.

Readers: Hey what happened, why are you suddenly gloomy?

Kushi: Nothing, Maya Aunty is no more. I was thinking about those old days.

Readers: Oh sorry.

Kushi: It’s okay.

Readers: Hmm...Okay....doesn’t Anjali have a ... (smirking)...Brother?

Kushi: Yes, Arnav. He is a nice boy. Actually we had started on wrong foot when we first met. But now everything is okay between us. Now he is like a brother-come-friend to me.

Readers gaped hearing Kushi addressing him as ‘brother’.

Kushi: He is organizing the party today, so you will get to meet him there. He is quite handsome if anyone of you wants to try your luck.

Kushi winked at the gaping readers unaware of what is going through their mind. Readers, felt confused but wisely kept quite to see what is going to happen next. They reached the venue in another ten minutes. Kushi had bought a gift for the pair and entered their house with a pleasant face. She couldn’t see Anjali anywhere but she saw Arnav inside the kitchen and a smile appeared on her face. Seeing her smile, we readers looked in the same direction.

From above the five tier cake a brown haired guy’s handsome face appears. He is giving the final touch to the cake topping. He has his tongue touching his upper lip and one eye closed while he was doing that; oh my, should I describe how handsome he is! He looked so boyish when he did that, that we readers wanted to go and have a feast over him before the cake. There stood Arnav Singh Raizada, with an apron around his neck and carefully setting the anniversary cake. He is excellent at baking and he has made this cake especially for his sister and brother-in-law. He was about to light the cake when Kushi appeared before him.

Kushi: Arnav, where is Anjali?

Arnav: Kushiii!!They are getting ready; guests can arrive any moment. Come here, light this cake.

Kushi: Me? ...Okay.

She kept her gift aside and got the match sticks and lighted the candles on the cake.

Kushi: Wow Arnav, it smells yummy. Anjali will love it.

Arnav: I Love You.

Kushi thought Arnav was fooling her like always. She turned her face sideways to face Arnav, smiling. He was looking at her with a smile.

Kushi(chuckling): What?

Arnav sighed; she has been ignoring the obvious hints he dropped every now and then. Either she is naive or simply ignoring his feelings. Whatever it is, he could not let it continue. He clarified her doubts in such a way that she won’t doubt his intentions ever. He lightly brushed his lips with hers.

Arnav: I Love You Kushi.

Kushi stood dumbstruck not able to understand what was happening. Readers scoffed; and she said her life cannot be the subject for an unconventional theme.

Readers: Haa, now we just have to wait and watch the fun. But wait, if Kushi won’t mind, can we have a dig at the delicious cake and the yummy baker (wink).

CHARACTER SKETCH

Arnav Singh Raizada (23) – A carefree, fun loving guy. He is handsome, smart. Dil leke jaatha hai kind of guy!

Kushi Malik(30) – A matured, soft spoken, reserved girl. She is modern in her outlooks but traditional in her attitude. She is an Oncologist based in Canada.

Anjali Raichand (30) – Arnav’s beloved sister and only living family. She is Kushi’s best friend from college days. A free spirited bubbly woman.

Viren Raichand (32) – Anjali’s beloved husband and heart throb from college days. He was senior to both Anjali and Kushi in college. He is a Surgeon in the Blue Rays Hospital, Canada.

Subadhra Malik – Kushi’s Dadi. Very strict regarding morals and tradition. She is a cultured lady. But at heart she loves all her grandchildren.

Devayani Kashyap – Kushi’s Nani. She is a very sweet and fun loving lady. Mischievous, supporter of love. She is a great dancer and loves sweets though she is diabetic. She too believes in principles but always supports her grandchildren. Close friend of Subadhra Malik.

Manorama Malik – Kushi’s mami and chachi, since she is Garima’s sister and married Kushi’s chachu Mahender Malik. She is a lovely funny lady and very close to Kushi. A mother figure for Kushi more than Garima as Garima is always timid before Subhadra, Mami speaks for her. Loves Kushi a lot and wants the best for her. She will fight the world for her. But she is a men-hater as her husband cheated on her. She doesn’t like to be addressed as his wife though she is still staying in her sasural for her mother-in-law’s sake. Hence the kids address her as ‘mami’.

Shashi Malik – Kushi’s father, deceased.

Garima Malik – A God fearing, Mother-in-Law fearing lady. She is a timid human being, loves her children but can never disobey her elders.

Madhumati Malik – Subhadhra’s daughter and sister of  Shashi Malik. So she is Kushi’s buaji. She loves food and also cooks well. She loves anybody who appreciates her for her cooking. A lady who easily falls for flattering. Because of her overweight never got married and hence has that frustration within her. She doesn’t like when loving couples unite.

Gadha Malik aka Ammu – Kushi’s younger sister. Has all the qualities of a spirited and haughty teenager. Loves her elder siblings a lot and is more close to Nani and Mami. Doesn’t fear to talk before Dadi or anyone else. Thinks herself as Beauty Queen but is good at heart. Fights for justice.

Akash Malik – Kushi’s elder brother. A very calm and matured person. Loves his Kushi a lot and is a bit broad minded unlike the thick-headed people of his family. Akash is a scientist and works in Delhi.

Payal Malik – the one and only sweet bhabhi of Kushi. She is a very naughty and out spoken girl. But within her sasural she is a silent and sanskari bahu. She lives with Akash in Delhi. She adores Kushi. She is a Technical analyst of a firm in Delhi.

Arvind Raizada – Arnav’s father who passed away in a car accident when they were kids.

Maya Raizada – Arnav and Anjali’s mother who brought them up and was a school teacher. She died when Arnav was doing his graduation.

So now are you guys ready for this game? I know lots of people and you are confused maybe. But just remember one thing, if at all Arnav falls in love with Kushi, which is highly possible, then he has to win 7 other women’s hearts to finally make her his!!!!

So get ready for the match:

Arnav Singh Raizada v\s Kushi Singh Malik in the first half

And

Arnav Singh Raizada v\s The Malik Family in the second half