CHAPTER – 13

         

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..... But she soon found her voice back to clear few things before everything left her hands.

Kushi: I want to talk in detail about this dating business with you. So that we both are on the same page and there will be no arguments over it later on.

Arnav : Ohhoo....so you want to be on the same page with me eh?!

He was grinning while Kushi rolled her eyes trying to hide her flustered state.

Kushi: Arnav...be serious for one minute please.

Arnav: Ok ok doctor. Tell me.

Kushi: You know that we are not sure where this will head. So we must be ready for any outcome. And it should not affect our lives in a bad way. A lot is at stake if we decide not to move ahead.  

Arnav: I know. I promise if we are not reaching a happy conclusion to this dating, then we will at least part on good terms. We will be friends, always I promise.

Kushi (nodding): Thank you. I need that guarantee from you.

Arnav: Of course Kushi. See all I’m asking you is to explore this thing between us. I know, sometimes we will click; sometimes you might not feel what I’m feeling. Then I won’t force you. You will have your choice, that’s my word.

Kushi smiled and nodded at him.

Arnav: So our dating officially starts tonight?

Kushi: Not tonight mister; I have duty and its Tuesday. Nothing should be given a start on Tuesday.

Arnav: Seriously, traditions to begin such a thing?

Kushi: Arnav...my belief if my belief...

Arnav: Hmm.....chalo teek hai. Waise bhi I’m also tired. We’ll start afresh tomorrow (yawnnnn)

He winked amidst yawning. Kushi rolled her eyes and left from there yelling a bye to him.

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

That day when she left Arnav after agreeing to date him, Kushi felt her heart light. She did not know why she was feeling relieved. In the next few weeks, again she always felt light hearted. She was disturbed too; but in a different and happy way. She was smiling more, feeling fresh each morning, looking more beautiful when she views herself in the mirror. There was some change around her, she felt. But pagli, did not realise the change was within her. Nothing has changed around her but within her. She felt each day is going to be a new day for her; there is hope, expectation and excitement in each moment. She didn’t realise it, but she knew something, something is different.

Music

Kushi: Haan.....something is different. Pata nahi kya....

Naye-naye naina mere dhoonde hain
My new vision is searching
Dar-badar kyun tujhe
Everywhere for You

Another thing I noticed is that my eyes have now started to search for Arnav everywhere. And when I see him, it feels different....I seem to look at him with new eyes or new vision. Something has changed about him.....

(We see Kushi entering the hospital and Arnav coming from the opposite side to greet her in his usual charming way while she keeps looking at him with wondrous eyes)

Naye-naye manzar yeh tak te hain
These new scenes around me, why are they staring
Iss kadar kyun mujhe
At me this way

Everyone and everything looks different. And people have started looking at me strangely too. I wonder why....

(We see Kushi walking towards her cabin and people hushing around her looking in her direction)

Zara-zara phoolon pe jhadne laga dil mera
Slowly slowly my heart started disliking the flowers now

Talking over phone for endless hours, chats, sms, and pings has now become routine for us....

(We see Kushi smiling seeing an SMS before entering OP)

Zara-zara kaanton se lagne laga dil mera
Slowly slowly my heart started falling for the thorns now

Seeing him, talking to him, being with him all the time has become exciting, thrilling and a new experience for me. Is this ok? Is this right? Am I still unsure....oh yes!!!!!

(Kushi is sitting in the canteen with Arnav who is talking nineteen to dozen while she is lost in him and her thoughts while camera rounds them)

Main pareshaan pareshan pareshaan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Aatishein woh kahaan
Where are the fireworks
Main pareshaan pareshan pareshaan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Ranjishein hain dhuaan haan...
The complaints have disappeared like smoke

Imagine the neat and tidy Kushi taking dresses from her cupboard and throwing them one after the other in the air and dancing amidst the strewn clothes......in her pjs without brushing and combing her hair.......very unlikely scene for those who know the impeccable and cleanliness maniac Kushi!!!!!

Music

Voice over of Kushi - The friendship is still there, but unconsciously more colours are infused into that bond slowly.....and did we notice it.....I don’t know......

( We see them talking, meeting for dinners, spending time out, having a late night bike ride lost in their talks like friends have)

Gash khaake galiyaan
The streets after getting a jolt and fainting
Mudne lagi hain mudne lagi hain
Have started changing their course

Now when he hugs me, holds my hand, pats my cheek, it feels different. Is he feeling it too? Maybe yes, he is in love with me right? But what about me, what am I actually feeling?

( At one end we find Arnav and Kushi talking and hugging in usual manner.....but at the right corner we find a virtual image of Kushi standing there watching this scene and singing to herself with a lovelorn expression)

Raahon se teri judney lagi hain judney lagi hai
They have started joining themselves to Your roads

Nowadays when he praises me, I find myself blushing a little...maybe in my mind.....I feel like a woman with him now....and.....it does feel good you know...

(The virtual image of Kushi talking to us these lines with a starry night backdrop)

Chaubaare saare yeh meelon ke maare se
All these squares, which are tired of the long distances
Poochhe hain tera pata
Are asking for Your address

What are all these feelings? Where are we heading to? Am I.....or is it just an infatuation? Is it natural? What is the real address of all these feelings?

(Kushi sitting on her window sill in her apartment gazing out and asking herself these questions)

Zara zara chalne se thakne laga dil mera
Slowly slowly I am getting tired of walking

Zara zara udne ko karne laga dil mera
Slowly slowly my hearts is feeling like it wants to fly

Why does my heart feel like it’s living a dream? Yes falling in love is my dream; experiencing love is my dream, finding a prince charming one day is my dream.....but is Arnav the answer to all my dreams?????

(Kushi, Arnav, Anjali and Viren are on a weekend outing to countryside and there we see Kushi walking at a distance from the group who is having fun and asking herself these questions......her eyes only on Arnav who is enjoying his time with his sister)

Main pareshaan pareshan pareshaan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Dilkashi ka samaa
Its a weather full of love
Main pareshaan pareshan pareshaan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Khwahison ka samaa
Its a weather full of expectations

Imagine Kushi dancing and singing suddenly when she was checking a patient amidst a ward of patients who looks at her in astonishment.  She floats away in her dream through the corridors of the hospital gaining shocked attention from everyone around her........something that no one ever dreamed of from a disciplined and strictly professional Kushi, she never lost her head when it comes to work. Yeh ho kya raha hai is ladki ko?!

MUSIC

Voiceover of Kushi - Arnav was a boy for me till now; a handsome guy. But now, I’m seeing him more like a ‘handsome guy’. I always dreamt of a manly person who looked rough and tough, is matured, responsible, an epitome of angry young man that every girl girlishly dreams of.........then why am I feeling all that I’m feeling for Arnav when he couldn’t be any different from my dream man?!......Why.....

(We see Kushi and Arnav in a pub and Arnav dancing with the crowd while Kushi stares at him with these thoughts going on in her head)

Be-baat khud pe marne lagi hoon
Without any reason, I have started dying for myself (falling in love with myself)
Marne lagi hoon
I have started dying (falling in love)

I have been before him in my worst looking avatars, but now I’m taking extra efforts to dress up. Why.... do I want to impress him? Is it just because I’m dating him....And I’m starting to love myself in a new way now....all this is new for me.....

(We see Kushi before the mirror checking dresses after dress and finally settling down on one. Finally dressed she passes a flying kiss to her own reflection)

Bebaak aahein bharne lagi hoon
Without any worries, I am sighing
Bharne lagi hoon
I am sighing

His cool attitude for everything irritates me; his foot in mouth syndrome frustrated me; his immatureness gets me bored; yet I found all these same traits cute. Why...............

(We see Arnav joking around with some other female nurses; Kushi sees and pulls him from there in the name of work...hiding her real emotions)

Chaahat ke cheete hai, khaare bhi meethe hai
These are the droplets of love, even the sour tastes sweet
Main kya se kya ho gayi
I have become what from what

Before I did not mind the pose in which I sat before him; I wasn’t bothered about the way I talked or behaved around him before. Then why am I conscious of all this suddenly around him? I don’t want this....yet I want this....haai main kya se kya ho gayi.....

(We see a conscious Kushi sitting before Arnav in a restaurant listening to Arnav who is going on with his talks and nakras.... while the virtual image of Kushi sighs and rests herself on the pillar by her side inside the restaurant singing and watching over them)

Zara-zara fitrat badalne laga dil mera
Slowly slowly my heart is changing its loyalty
Zara-zara kismat se ladne laga dil mera
Slowly slowly my heart is fighting against destiny

Another thing that surprised me is I’m into taking sneaky peeks at him when he is not noticing and I feel shy and girlish around him. When he presents me with flowers, chocolates, take me out on dinners, lunches, shopping, late night drives...I’m enjoying his company.  I always did enjoy his company; but enjoying a man’s company as a friend and as a prospective date is different.

(We see Kushi taking a sneek peak at Arnav when they are on his bike and when Arnav turns his head she moves her head down to avoid him catching her and then she closing her eyes and smiling with the breeze playing with her hair....happy and content)

Music and then suddenly  kaise madhhosiyen, mastiyaan....

And Kushi was realising the difference slowly. She was realising what is happening to her. Slowly her heart is changing its loyalty....its fighting her destiny.......

Main pareshaan pareshan pareshan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Kaisi madhoshiyaan...
What are these intoxications
Main pareshaan pareshaan pareshaan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Mastiyaan Mastiyaan...
Joyful times
Main pareshaan pareshan pareshaan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Aatishein woh kahaan
Where are the fireworks
Main pareshaan pareshan pareshaan pareshaan
I am confused, confused (surprised), confused (disturbed)
Ranjishein hain dhuaan haan...
The complaints have disappeared like smoke

She did not know how to deal with this. Should she allow what is happening to her, to what is brewing between Arnav and her? Or should she ignore it listening to the sane voice in her head? She did not know. And unlike all other times, she did not want to take advises from others. This is one decision which she wants to do from within her.

(We see Kushi dancing with kids on a meadow releasing a bunch of balloons in air.....

We see her playing in rain in Lucknow streets singing....

Clouding her with snow balls and playing in snow singing....

We see her driving through the lane amidst the green meadows of Canada singing to herself loudly and happily.....)

Music winding up.....

Kushi decided.....there is no point in letting go a guy who actually adores you, respects you and gives you your space. And there is no point in giving up the only feeling she has had ever in her life for a man. And why should she? Her family is never going to find a guy for her whom she will come to love. Their aspirations and hers are different. And when she had no choice of her own, going ahead with their plan was okay. After all she was incapable of falling in love or making a guy fall for her. But now when she HAS an option and that too a dhamakedhar one, why should she let go?

Age, job, immaturedness....all these are not even reasons enough now to let go of Arnav. Her family will also accept Arnav over time. Just thoda time dena hai. Woh toh degi. Once I get them to agree to consider Arnav, then the rest I don’t have to worry about. Arnav is there na!

She smiled a relieved and proud smile. She took the phone and dialled Arnav’s number.

Kushi: Arnav?

Arnav: Yes sweetheart

Kushi (smiling shyly): I want to talk to you. It’s important.

Arnav (sat up on his elbows with a ‘man mein laddoo’expression): Okay talk.

Kushi: No, not like this, in person. Can you meet me at Opera Mall at 7 today?

Arnav: Okay. Cool. Should I pick you up?

Kushi: No. You just be on time. And khabardar late hua toh.

Arnav (bowing his head before phone): Okay madam.

Kushi giggled and kept the phone.

The next few hours saw Kushi making some arrangements for the evening. She then got dumped under the number of dresses she pulled out for the evening. Then she ran to the spa for a quick appointment.

When the clock struck 6.30, Kushi was all set and ready in a yellow shimmering dress. She checked her appearance once again in the mirror before getting her clutch and leaving the apartment. When she closed the door, she got a call from Payal bhabhi.

Kushi (smiling widely): Bhabhi....I was about to call you tonight.

But what she heard on the other side made her rooted to the spot.

On the other hand, Arnav was already at Opera mall, waiting for his lady love in a dashing white shirt which she loved and a bouquet of daffodils in his hand.

Will Kushi come to Opera mall after the call from her bhabhi???? Wait for the next update.

GUYSSS,,,,

I want to share good news. I'm coming up with a new story. Read the post below to see the prologue and yes this one will be on blog only. So do read it carefully and let me know your reviews and if you are willing to read on blog. 

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.