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. 

CHAPTER – 11

  

“What’s going on here? “

It was Anjali. Anjali mused that she couldn’t have had a better timing. A smirk identical to her brother was seen on her face and that smirk spelled trouble for Arnav and Lavanya.

Both of them understood that Anjali has misunderstood the situation; it is better to clear fast. Both said at the same time.

Arnav: Di, it’s not what you think it is.

Lavanya: Bhabhi, it’s not what you think it is.

Anjali: Aww and how do you guys know what I am thinking?

Lavanya: Bhabhi, there is nothing between me and Arnav.

Anjali: Oh is it? But I don’t remember asking!!! Dekha kaise sach saamne aaya!

Anjali moved ahead without giving heed to their words. Both of them followed suit to clear the misunderstanding as soon as possible.

Arnav: Di, I’m not in love with Lavanya.

Anjali: Very well Chotte.  I will believe it if you want me to, till you are ready to confess the truth.

Lavanya: He is saying the truth bhabhi.

Anjali (grinning to herself): Ok bhabhi (addressing her as Chotte’s woo!!!)

That was the limit. Lavanya understood that this is going into a coil and she has to save at least her flesh and bone out of it.

Arnav( getting irritated): Di, for the last time, I’m not in love with Lavanya.

Anjali was still walking ahead not listening when she heard Lavanya’s words just after Arnav.

Lavanya: Arnav is in love with Kushi, bhabhi.

Anjali came to a halt while Arnav looked at Lavanya with a look that could kill.

Anjali (turning at once): WHAT?????

He was gazing at Lavanya with utmost frustration. She shrugged as if saying, story has to move ahead. And I just saved my skin!

Band Bhajaa Arnavvvv, he mused!

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

Anjali: Arnav, are you even in your senses?

They were now in Anjali’s house. She demanded them to come with her in the evening to discuss this further. Arnav was sitting on the couch and flipping through a magazine while Anjali went about cutting vegetables for dinner. Lavanya stood by the fridge close to Anjali munching on a carrot.

Anjali: I don’t know how I will face Kushi now!

Arnav: Di, please stop over reacting.

Anjali: I am overreacting? I AM?

Arnav: Of course Di. It is not a crime to fall in love. Why are you making a hill out of a mole?!

Anjali: Yes it’s not a crime to fall in love, but falling in love with a girl older than you? And to top it, she is my best friend too.

Arnav: Didn’t you fall in love with a man older than you?! And you should be happy that your best friend is going to be your bhabhi. There won’t be any fights between you too.

Anjali: But Arnav ...urghhh....that is the way of this world. I cannot fall in love with a man younger than me and you cannot love a girl older than you.

Arnav: Who has made such rules? Why what is wrong if I love Kushi? In today’s world even a man can love another man. Why going after such stupid traditions when they have no meaning in it?!

Anjali: Arnav, I’m serious

Arnav: I’m serious too Di.

Anjali (calming herself down): Forget about your stand. I know Kushi, she will never ever agree to such crazy ideas. She is from an orthodox family which will never accept such notions. And she is not a girl who would go against her family.

Arnav: Maybe, but that is for time to decide. It doesn’t mean I can’t try.

When Anjali was to object, Arnav interrupted.

Arnav: Look Di, I have fallen in love with Kushi and there is no going back for me. I won’t let it go without giving my best try. And I do believe that one day Kushi will realise my love and value it more than all those traditions she believes in. This is my belief. I won’t let anything hinder me.

With that Arnav walked away not noticing Viren who was standing near the doorway about to enter. He had heard most of the conversation.

Lavanya: I know Di, you are right in your thoughts. Arnav and this love affair have very less chances of succeeding. But I don’t think we should interfere. It is Arnav’s personal matter, let him sort it out.

Anjali: I can’t Lavanya. He is my brother and Kushi is my best friend. If anything goes wrong between them, then it affects both my dear ones. And knowing Kushi, I know even if she wants to, she won’t go against her family. And she is not a girl who can digest such unconventional things. Though she looks modern, deep inside she is still a traditional girl. And if at the end of all tries, Kushi rejects him, Arnav might not be able to bear it. Because I can see that he is serious about her. I don’t want to see him heartbroken.

That’s when she saw Viren. One look at his face and she knew he had heard their conversation.

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

Later that night, Anjali told Viren how she found about Arnav and Kushi, playing with the hair on his chest lying by his side. 

Viren: I understand your worry and your concern for both Arnav and Kushi. But we cannot intervene in their life unless they want it. This is their problem and they have to deal with it. If they need help, we can surely help. But otherwise I suggest you must stay out of this.

Anjali: But how can I Viren?! It is my Chotte’s life and Kushi’s. I can’t sit doing nothing when this might affect my brother and best friend.

Viren: Tell me one thing honestly, beyond all the reasons of tradition and Kushi’s family etc, do you disapprove this match? Do you have reservations against them?

Anjali remained silent for a long while before answering.

Anjali: Yes.

Viren: I guessed so.

Anjali (she felt the need to explain): It’s not that I don’t like Kushi. She is my best friend. If Arnav was my elder brother, then maybe I myself might have pushed them together. But when my younger brother is drooling after a girl older than her, and she is my best friend, it doesn’t seem right. If anything goes wrong I can lose both of them.

Viren: I agree. But it is their choice to make. And all I’m asking is let them make that choice on their own.

Anjali: But V...

Viren: And regarding your reservations, I understand them. To be honest, when I heard this first, I felt the same. But then who are we to judge them? Didn’t we marry against the traditions and caste beliefs of our families? My mother might have felt the same emotion which you are feeling right now back then. So when we made our choice without bothering about others, how can we dictate others life Anji?

Anjali did understand what Viren is trying to explain to her. But she somehow could not digest it still.

Viren (patting her head): You yourself said, if not for the age factor you would have approved them. So I think it’s better that you forget that factor for now. You should actually be happy that Arnav is seeing a good girl like Kushi for himself. If you think from a sister’s angle or a friend’s, you know they are good for each other.

Anjali (smiling): Well thinking about their past, I can never assess like that. Both of them were at each other’s throat back then.  

Viren (smiling): Weren’t we like that when we first met? When I ragged you and you fought back? And plus that is past. Since Arnav settled down here, they had been good friends. So maybe there is a chance.

Anjali (pouting): But from what Lavanya said, Kushi doesn’t harbour any feelings for him. She has out rightly rejected him many times. Arnav’s persistent nature is getting on her nerves.

Viren gave her a thoughtful look.

Viren: Why don’t you talk to Kushi?

Anjali (eyes widening): About Arnav? Marvayegi kya? You know her temper. Moreover you asked me to not interfere few minutes back.

Viren( smiling): I still mean that. But all I’m asking is to talk to your friend, as her friend. You know Kushi, she hyperventilates for the smallest of the small worries. Since it’s your brother in question, she might have felt embarrassed to discuss this with you. But she might need a ear to listen and vent out her feelings. Maybe you can help her relax and bring her to a relaxed state. Then maybe, who knows she might be able to think about this.

Anjali: I don’t know. Knowing Kushi..

Viren: You knew Arnav too. Did you expect him to fall in love with Kushi? No right?! So let’s not judge Kushi’s reaction now. Let’s wait and see if Arnav can woo her.

Anjali: Viren, my fear is not just about Kushi loving him or not.  I know her enough to predict this that she will always choose her family over her love, if at all she falls in love. Then what will happen to Arnav?

Viren: Hmm, you can’t protect him always Anjali. What is meant to be will be; we are no one to resist fate. We are always there to support him right? So relax.

Anjali: What do I tell her? Should I support Chotte or her?

Viren: You don’t have to take stands. Just talk to her. She might feel relieved to talk to someone. And also talk with Arnav tomorrow morning and clear your thoughts with him. He too have no one else than you to confide in. If he kept this from you till now, it means he feared your reaction and as expected you over reacted.

Viren ended with a grin while Anjali got angry.

Anjali: I over reacted? Anybody in my place would have done the same.

Viren (smiling): Okay okay, let’s leave that. You have two missions now. Talk to Arnav and Kushi and render the support both needs from you. All you have to do is offer support. Let them decide their destiny on their own; whatever the consequences we will be there for both of them, okay?

Anjali nodded with determination before hugging her husband to fall into a peaceful slumber.

                                                     ***********

Arnav had slept in at his Di’s place that night. Next morning when he woke up and came to the dining table, he saw his Di, buttering the toast for him. He knew she has realised his presence but ignoring him. He smiled.

Arnav: Good morning Diiiii

He went and hugged Anjali squeezing her arms.

Anjali: Ouch, chotte.

He sat beside her and started helping her.

Arnav: Di

Anjali didn’t talk anything and he knew she is upset with him for hiding this from her.

Arnav: I’m sorry Di.

Anjali: Have I become a stranger to you chotte that you don’t share the matters of your heart with me?

Arnav: I feared your reaction Di. And just like I expected you exploded. And I know you are still worried about the final outcome of all this. I didn’t want to worry you unless I am sure about Kushi’s feelings.

Anjali: Are you that serious chotte?

Arnav: I am Di.

ANjali: But why Kushi?

Arnav: Why not Kushi?

Anjali: I mean, Kushi is of my age. She is elder to you, and ...and so different from you. How is this going to work?

Arnav (sighed): Honestly, I don’t know Di. But I have lost my heart to her. And I won’t rest until I get her heart back too!

He said that with such a serious determination that finally Anjali sighed in resignation.

Anjali: I just want you to be happy Chotte. And I will be there for you if this is your happiness.

Arnav: Thank you Di. I know you would come around. That’s why I love you so much.

ANjali: Hmm enough buttering me. Have your breakfast.

Arnav: Feed me Di.

Anjali smiled at that and fed him his toast. Viren watched this scene from their open kitchen and smiled to himself. He hoped that everything goes well.

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

Music is heard in the background. Anjali and Kushi were in their zumba class. After three continuous 10 minute sessions, they took a break and eased onto the floor leaning on the wall behind them. When their breath came to normal Anjali softly broached the subject.

Anjali: Arnav told me.

Kushi was dirnking water and when she heard Anjali’s tone she knew, she knew.

It felt all the more difficult to face ANjali now. But still she did, after all they were friends.

Kushi: I seriously don’t know what is wrong with Arnav, Anji. I really don’t know how to handle this. I... I did not even know how to tell you about this?!

Anjali: I know. Feelings are mutual Kush.

Kushi: Can’t you advise Arnav? He will listen to you.

Anjali: Nope, I tried but he is quite adamant. Once he decides on something, nothing can stop him.

Kushi (sighing defeated): I don’t know what to do Anji. He was a good friend; I don’t want to lose his friendship. I tried to make him understand all this is wrong. But he is back to his old avatar of irritating me and now we rarely have a proper conversation. I seriously don’t know how to handle this boy.

Anjali: Hmm I know. (Pausing for a moment) Can I ask you something?

Kushi: I know what you want to ask; I have not misled him anyway, neither through words nor actions. I really don’t know from where he got these ideas.

Anjali: No, no. I did not mean that. I... I just wanted to know that....that..

Kushi: What Anji?

Anjali: Is there any chance of him wining you at the end?

Kushi (shocked and wide eyed): ANJI?

Njali: oh don’t shriek. I’m just...asking!

Kushi: Hmm you are my best friend; you should know me better than this.

Anjali (grinning): Yes but it is my charming brother at the other end. So I wanted to be 

sure you know.

Kushi: Charming my foot.

Anjali giggled.

Anjali: Tell me honestly Kush, if Arnav was my elder brother, wouldn’t you have agreed? It’s the age factor that is disturbing you right?

Kushi: Isn’t that disturbing you too?

Anjali: Honestly yes. I was shocked too. For a moment, I sincerely wished your ages were vice versa.

Kushi( whispered with a resigned look) : I wished it too.

Anjali: Really?

Kushi: Like you said, your brother is a charming bastard. Handsome, good personality, carefree character and a true gentleman inside; he is the perfect description for ‘prince charming’. In fact he is everything that I am not and I want to be or I’m searching for in my life partner. He is too tempting an offer to deny. But I cannot accept him, you know my family, they won’t agree. Hell will break loose if Dadi gets a whiff of it.

Anjali nodded knowingly.

Kushi: Moreover I fell like a cradle snatcher you know!!! Your Chotte makes me feel so bad about myself!

She said that and cringed her face to which Anjali laughed out.

Anjali(sobering down): So you are not going to accept my brother, are you?

Kushi nodded a no.

Anjali: Not even going to try?

Kushi : Not even going to try.

Kushi got up and Anjali joined her for the next session.

 Arnav is a gem; she knew it, but an untouchable one for her. Her family is a highly respected one in Lucknow, which values traditions a lot. They will not accept her union with a boy younger to her; that will be blasphemy for them. Why pull Arnav into something which is never going to have a happy ending?!

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

They were done with the classes and moving to the parking lot. Anjali had come in car while Kushi chose to walk as her apartment was nearby. Once inside the car, Anjali turned towards Kushi.

Anjali: Kushi, I know your decision is right and it is the best for all. Yet I feel you should reconsider it, not for Chotte’s sake, but yours.

Kushi looked on without saying anything.

Anjali: I’m your best friend and I want the best for you. And though there are issues to digest, I know you and Chotte can make this work, if you both desire. I won’t force you to think about it, but I will like you to think deeply before letting go. Maybe this decision can change your life forever, in a better way.

With that Anjali drove away leaving Kushi in thoughts which she did not want to dwell on.

                                             ***********

On her way back, Anjali’s words played again and again in her mind. She remembered all the attempts Arnav had done to woe her.

It’s not like I’m in love with him. But I know that given a chance, he might as well win my heart; but what then? How will I convince my family to accept Arnav? Also age difference is a big issue; my family will not be able to look beyond it. To be honest, even I’m not able too. When I was 18 and drooling over Hrithik, he was studying in 6^th standard; 6^th standard, Gawwwd!!! How weird is it?

 Also looks matter; I will look too old when I stand beside him. Serves me right for dreaming for a man 10 years older than me; the sole purpose being my greed to always look young before my husband. But if I’m to consider Arnav, then he will look as charming as ever while I look like an aunty even in my 40s beside him. Aww that hurts!!!!

Is that even a matter of concern? A guy like Arnav is every girl’s dream, she had dreamt of such a man in her life too. Uff, only if he would have been at least her same age, if not elder!!!!

With all these thoughts going on in her mind, she reached home and logged into Skype. She needed some serious advice and no one can match upto her bhabhi.

Calling Payal Bhabhi

The video chat came on and Payal Sharma, wife of Akash Singh Malik smiled through the screen at us.