CHAPTER – 5

          

Months rolled on effortlessly. Kushi was stirring her hazelnut cappuccino absentmindedly. She was thinking over the past few months. There hadn’t been much change to her life – it was all about work, work and work.  At times some proposals came and as usual she didn’t know when it came and went; nothing worked out. Her family as usual is on toes when the matter comes to hers’.

There had been some rough scratches in her communication with family; they were worried for her; one more year and she would be 30! And this irritated her.

I’m just going to turn 30, there is one more year and it is 30 not 60! But according to Daadi, a human being’s life span is just about 60 years and I’m going to complete almost half of it, alone! And if all that wasn’t enough, I started spotting grey hair; a way of nature to remind you that you are not young anymore. Sigh, life sucks!!!!

Just then she saw Arnav coming towards her table with his caramel cappacuino and double chocolate muffins for them. Kushi reminisced that the only change that has come to her life in the last few months was – Arnav!

Not even in my wildest dream had I thought that I would befriend Arnav or even have an amicable conversation with him. But now his friendship is really precious to me.  Almost all my friends are either married or have kids and nowadays we lack a common topic. All they have to say is either problems of married life or complaints about husbands or the little big things their kids did! And I have nothing to contribute in those conversations; instead I feel like a loser when I look around my apartment after those calls. Over the years almost 90 percent of my friendships withered away, some because my friends got busy in their lives and some because I didn’t want those friends anymore whose life did not parallel with mine and gave me just depression after each talk. Those friendships only reminded me of what I don’t have. Anjali alone lasted all these years; more so because we are in the same place and also because to an extent we still have time for each other. But still it was not the same like old times. Both had different lives and different priorities at the end of the day.

So my friendship with Arnav is a refreshing change. We both are single and have time for friendship without priorities hindering it. Also because he is the only male friend I had in a long time. It helps in giving me a different perspective on things at times. Also his positive outlook on life inspires me when I get clogged down by my depression. He is irritating at times; but that helps me to feel alive when I fight back or counter him. I hadn’t done that in a long time. No one had challenged me enough that my wild spirited soul, hidden behind the tough Doctor exterior and single unmarried well behaved girl from respectable family image, came to life again!!!

Arnav settled opposite to her and placed the muffins before her. Kushi had a small mouth and couldn’t open it wide enough to bite the whole muffin. So she used to cut them into pieces. Arnav saw it the first time when he visited Costa Coffee with her. After that it is always her duty to cut them into small pieces for him too. He waited like a kid for her to do that for them while she obediently did so.

Arnav: Why were you smiling lost in thoughts?

Kushi: Huh, nothing. Here have it.

She extended the plate of muffin pieces to him which he promptly began eating forgetting his question. Kushi sipped her coffee and propped a piece of muffin into her mouth scrolling in her mobile. They were having a break and dropped into the Costa Coffee opposite their hospital. It was their favourite cafe. Suddenly Kushi screamed in excitement looking at the screen.

Kushi: Yayyyyy!!!!!

Arnav (mouth full): What happened?

Kushi( grinning in complete glee) : Hrithik Roshan is getting divorced!!!!!!

Arnav (raising an eyebrow and chewing): So what?

Kushi: Are you asking me so what?! That means he is single again; and kya pata what if I have a chance? Maybe my marriage got delayed so much because of this!

Arnav (rolling his eyes): Seriously?!

Kushi: You won’t understand, it’s a girly thing!!

Arnav: Really? Have some shame; after all you are a doctor.

Kushi: So what if I’m a doctor, I’m a human being first and a single unmarried one at that. So I have all rights to drool over a star if I want.

Arnav sighed disapprovingly.

Kushi (getting irritated): My life is so dry that if I get some coolness out of this why are you bothered?

Arnav: If you are really his fan, you shouldn’t be happy when he is facing a tragedy. He has recently undergone a surgery and might only be recovering; and to top it now the divorce. From whatever he has portrayed to the outer world he has loved his wife and is a great father. There are two kids involved too. His life is going through a rough phase and all you care is that he is single! You can be so silly at times!

Kushi did feel a bit embarrassed, but she would die before admitting it before Arnav.

Kushi: Enough of your lectures. Why should we fight over someone who actually doesn’t figure anywhere in our real life. Let’s get back to duty. Come.

Arnav smirked knowing Kushi was purposely acting nonchalant and followed suit putting on an innocent face before her.

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

“Bachnaaa...eeeey....Haseenooo...”

The song was put on loud volume and Kushi could hear it even from outside the door. She was standing before Arnav’s apartment. She had rung the doorbell twice by now but there was no response except for the loud music. She pushed the door and saw that it was unlocked. She walked in; she had expected to see a typically scattered and disordered bachelor apartment but instead she was surprised to see the apartment was decked well and decorated tastily too.  

Kushi: Helloooo Mr. Raizadaa....are you in there?!

Hearing no voice she walked through the apartment and finally reached the bedroom door which was wide open. She saw Arnav dancing to the song wearing just shots.  He was fully into the song and didn’t realize that he is having audience. Kushi couldn’t resist the smile that stretched on her face.

When Arnav turned towards the door, he saw Kushi. Kushi thought he would turn red 

for getting caught off guard but his reply got her off guard instead.

Arnav: Having a nice show here Doctor?

Kushi: No no I just came in.

Arnav( grinning): I saw you through the dressing table mirror.

Kushi : Aah....I rang the bell twice, there was so response....and I heard the music so knew you are here...and the door was open...so I walked in and saw you...

Arnav didn’t wait for her to complete instead went and grabbed her hand and pulled her too for the dance. Kushi resisted.

Kushi: Hey hey no Arnav. I don’t dance. I have a left foot in it.

Arnav: I don’t see any judges here Doctor....just let go and dance.  Come on.

He held her hand and tried moving her along with his steps. She initially tried resisting and felt uncomfortable. But seeing Arnav dancing so funnily and with such free abandon she couldn’t resist the urge to flow like that too. Slowly she too started dancing with abandon. She is indeed a poor dancer and the way she danced showed it, but Arnav did not mock her, instead he didn’t look at her and continued dancing.

After a while both of them got tired and Kushi slammed onto the floor leaning on his bed while Arnav switched off the music player and grabbed a t-shirt and sat beside her wearing it. Kushi was leaning towards the water bottle when Arnav resisted her motion.

Arnav: You are breathing hard. Let it subside and then have water.

Kushi was feeling thirsty and stretched her hand again.

Arnav: 5 minutes patience Kushiii!!

                                                     *********

Half an hour later they were sitting in the same position but deciding on which video game to play.

Arnav: Why are you here all of a sudden? You are visiting my apartment for the first time right.

Kushi: Yeah....actually I thought of calling you out or into my apartment but then thought maybe I will just come over and have the lunch off you.

Arnav: Miser doctor!

Kushi: Hey....don’t call me that. How many times I have bought coffee for you and even bought homemade food for you.

Arnav: Oh my, are you keeping a record for all those?

Kushi: Hmm, I have a record of everything in my life. I’m a systematic person.

Arnav: Whatever. Now tell me what’s the real reason for coming here? Di is behind 

this, ain’t she?

Kushi (trying to put on an innocent face): No...not at all.

Arnav: Has anyone told you, you suck at lying?!

Kushi (grinning sheepishly):  Yup, a couple of times.

Arnav: Ok so spit it out now. What does Di want? Are you asked to spy on me?

Kushi (grinning cautiously): Okay, I know I suck at this job and I did tell Anjali that I won’t be able to do this in the way she expects.

Arnav raised his eyebrow waiting for her to finish.

Kushi: Anji want to get you engaged. For that she wants to know if you already have a girlfriend or something.

Arnav (Shocked): What? Marriage? I’m just 23!

Kushi: Well apparently, not exactly marriage. She just want to poke her nose into your personal life and see if there is any girlfriend and if so, then are there chances for any serious commitment. She will definitely be happy if you have someone like that, just that she doesn’t have the patience to wait and hear it from you. She wants me to dig it out for her since nowadays we are good friends. So yeah...that’s it in short.

Arnav: Di is never going to change, is she?!

Kushi: As it seems...nope!

Arnav (nodding exaggeratedly): In that case, you can tell her to rest in peace. I’m a happy singleton and am considering being one for few years more.

Kushi: Ok good for you. As it is rascals like you can have the entire bash till 30s or even after that and then get settled with an unlucky pretty girl in early 20s. You guys have it all, a festive youth and grounded married life when you want it. But we girls can have neither mostly.

Arnav: Aaah! Ms. Cynicist is back.

Kushi: Call me whatever you want, but that’s the truth.

Arnav: Kushi, do you realize how much negative energy you have stored in your mind. That is the reason for your grey hairs actually.

Kushi (suddenly cautious): I don’t have grey hair.

Arnav: Yeah and I have mustache! ‘mon dude, people in foreign countries sometimes paint their hair white, then why do you worry about one or two thin strands of grey?!

Kushi: Arggh....I came here to discuss about your love life, not my greying hairs!

Arnav smirked.

Kushi: Forget it. It’s no use talking to you. I will tell your Di to emotionally blackmail you into answers as she usually does.

Arnav: Oh no please. Save me that and ask all that she wanted you to find out. I won’t tease anymore.

Kushi grinned victoriously knowing she stroked where it hurt. Arnav would do anything to avoid his Di’s emotional athyachaar.

Kushi: Ok, then tell me what kind of wife do you want?

Arnav: Well ....there is a lot to say; where do I start?

Kushi raised her eyebrow resting her shoulder on his.

Arnav: Hmmm....first of all I don’t want a girlfriend or wife but a partner in crime for everything.

Kushi: Partner in crime?

Arnav: Yes.

Kushi: And how is it different from girlfriend or wife?

Arnav: Gosh. You want explanations on everything doctor. Hmm okay. Girlfriends are meant to be hot babes who are to be pampered and cuddled and enjoyed in youth. Wives are meant to be beautiful from inside; who pampers us and they are the foundation of the institution of family. But what I want is a partner whom I can live with and share my life with as simple as that statement can be. I don’t want her to be fixed into such clichés of the society’s dialect.

Kushi: Hmm.... idea is soooo good to hear. But trust me, when you start your married life, all such ideologies will vanish and you will turn out to be like any other man. Wait, wait before you argue, most men say this before marriage. I have seen some of my friends too. But later I have seen and learnt from their wives that they didn’t even remember uttering those ideologies.

Arnav: Why do you always generalise Doctor?

Kushi: Because that is what happens mostly.

Arnav:  Maybe. But I don’t want to know what happens to others, I just need to know my case.

Kushi (cocking an eyebrow mockingly): You think you will follow this even after marriage?

Arnav: yes sure. See, most men say these ideologies to impress girls but they don’t mean it. While some want to do that, but circumstances and the differences in the characters between two people lead to certain situations where you either give up those ideologies or conveniently forget them to keep family functioning. And there are some, who actually want to follow them but get so pampered and comfortable with their wives that they look over it.

Kushi (laughing mockingly): Aaaaa.....so it is never the fault of man. It is either situations or the problem of wives. Waah waah ( clapping).

Arnav: Ok I quit. I will prove the truth of my words when I get married.

Kushi (laughing): And I will check with your wife every week how are you fairing in it?

Kushi laughed freely and a second later Arnav too joined in her laughter.

Kushi( sobering up): Okay. So what other expectations do you have of your future ‘life partner’? How she should look, about her character, with our without career etc?

Arnav: Well regarding looks, she should look hot and beautiful at the same time....but for my eyes.

Kushi: Mm I can understand that. I have seen girls and boys going gaga over the beauty of their dream life partner and finally when they get married, especially through love marriage, you wonder what they saw in this one. It’s all in the eyes of each person!

Arnav (nodding): True. It’s not necessary that you find a person beautiful just because I do. Hmm then regarding character, I’m giving a blank space there because I cannot dream and pattern a person’s character. If I do so then that is the first step to failure in a relationship. I will just have to get to know the person and see if I can adjust her vices and values and then accept or decline her.

Kushi(nodding approvingly): Mm...good thought.

Arnav: And regarding career, again I don’t have any preferences. She can work or not work depending on her wish.

Kushi (opening her mouth): So you don’t want a career oriented woman? I thought you would demand one actually.

Arnav: Well, career is each person’s personal choice. I won’t object if she wants to work nor will I force her to work if she doesn’t want to. She should have her space and will.

Kushi smiled slightly, she really liked Arnav’s answer; that was different.

Kushi: What if she is having more busy or promising professional life or earns more than you?

Arnav: About busy life, hmm it is a problem in today’s nuclear families. You don’t have time for each other. But if the husband is busy then wives do try to adjust; so I think men should also put in some effort and try to balance both personal and professional life. And regarding she having a fat salary than me, that’s good right. I know most people don’t approve of it. But I think it doesn’t matter who earns more, after all the money comes into the same family. If the husband earns more the wife never feels any grudge but sees it as investment to family. Then why should husband feel bad when wife earns more. Moreover in my case, it will be of more help if she earns more because I want at least half a dozen kids of my own and to provide for all of them, it’s not easy.

It did not click Kushi first but slowly her mouth gaped open.

Arnav: What? I’m serious. I love kids and want at least a dozen, half my own and half adopted; can’t strain her lot right.

The laughter that ensued after that did not end for a long while. Kushi had never laughed so much in her life. But the image of Arnav sitting between 6-12 toddlers and grinning in his achievement made Kushi topple over with laughter.

Oh God, please have mercy on that poor soul, she prayed.

Well......God had his own plans, LOL.

Precap: Bhaang Effect

NOTE:

Hi guys,

Welcome to New Year, 2016! I had a wonderful Christmas; hope you had a bash too. My belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. I completed one year of marriage on Christmas Day. Spend loads of time with my family and stored a lot of memories in mind. Truly happy and I wish the same happiness for all of you.

Me, your friend, is back. And so id Doli Udegi. Will be regular with the updates hereafter. Love you all. Do like and comment. Let me know if you are bored or if you found it interesting. 

CHAPTER 4

                                                 

Anjali was lost in thoughts while they were travelling to their picnic destination in car. She was sitting in the backseat with Kushi by her side. Anjali looked at the two men in front of her. Viren was driving while Arnav was sitting with iPod fixed to his ears. Anjali sighed.

It has always been like this since the time she got married. Arnav never shared a cordial relation with Viren. He cannot be blamed for it. She and Viren were supposed to be married when she finished her MBBS. That’s what Viren had promised, that he will bring his parents at her doorstep to ask for her hand in marriage. But it did not happen. His parents were against him marrying a girl from middle class family. They forced him to go abroad and pursue his career instead. He had to leave to stand firmly on his feet. She had to wait for 2 more years before he came back. He had to, because Anjali’s mother passed away grieving for her daughter and Arnav had to leave to US since he got a scholarship for higher studies.

Viren did love Anjali, so he did come when she needed him the most. He had gone to Canada to create a life for them. His parents were still against the marriage but they finally had to concede in order to not lose their son. Soon after marriage his father died and his mother made sure Anjali carried the burden of it. She accused Anjali of being a curse to their family. Since Viren needed time to take her abroad Anjali had to stay with Viren’s family. She suffered a lot at the hands of his mother. Arnav was aware of it when once he visited Anjali during his break. He could not take it and asked her to come with him but Anjali refused stating that this is her family. It hurt Arnav. He even got into a fight with Viren for not being able to support Anjali before his mother. Viren truly loved Anjali but he couldn’t fight with his mother too. He loved his mother. Hence he remained silent sometimes when Anjali had to suffer. This brought about a rift and distance between Viren and Arnav.

One year passed like that and then they shifted abroad. Since his mother was alone, he took his mother too with them. Anjali soon started working but life was not easy for her. Viren’s mother was always a throne in their life and Viren did nothing about it. At a point, even Anjali hated him for it. Because Viren’s mother blamed her for not being able to conceive a child when in real Viren had problem and he did not reveal it to his mother instead let his mother blame Anjali till she lived. Anjali hated him for that; but she could not stop loving him. Like any couple, they had their share of ups and downs. But they survived it because deep down they still loved each other. Viren was sorry for what he did and his guilt was always there in his eyes; that was enough for Anjali. They rebuild their life once again and they are now happy.

But Arnav and Viren never came close. In fact he was distant to his sister too initially. He was hurt when she refused him and continued to live in hell in her love for her husband. He felt like an orphan when his sister distanced him like that. He tried to get over it by going even further from her. Anjali had to try immensely to get her chotte back. Arnav could never refuse his sister for long. She was his only living family. He forgave his sister but always remained distant from her life until now. Now they are back to being a family again but yet the differences between Viren and Arnav did not melt. And this hurt Anjali a lot. She really didn’t know what could bridge the distance between them. She hoped time would make it better, she really hoped!

She rested her head on the window and gazed outside absentmindedly.

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

It was not just Anjali but someone else was also lost in thoughts; none other than Kushi. She was lost and absent minded throughout the journey and half way through the picnic. Anjali and Viren were having a nice evening together hence they didn’t notice the sadness in Kushi’s eyes. But Arnav did notice his doctor’s aloofness whole day. When he saw her sitting alone at the end of the wooden bridge at the backside of the wooden cottage, with her legs dipped into the lake, he decided to finally check what is bothering her.

Last one month had brought them closer as friends, as co-workers. Arnav stopped calling her sexy. But Kushi didn’t mind now; they had a cordial relationship at personal and professional level. He is very good at his work which definitely impressed Kushi. But still there was a thin ray of formal nature in her behaviour with him. She never crossed it though Arnav really considered her a good company to be with. For him she was someone associated to his past, his dead mother, other than Anjali; someone whom his mother liked a lot. Also she was different from his usual cluster of friends. She was different, totally opposite to his character, not at all his type or choice of friend. But he felt she is a refreshing change in his life.

He went and sat beside Kushi who seemed lost. He asked her dipping his feet in the lake.

 Arnav: Hey doctor, kiske khayaalome kho gayi hai?

Kushi( startled): Arnav! You scared me!

Arnav: What? Just because I haven’t shaven it doesn’t mean I look like ghost! Girls go gaga over my beard look.

Kushi: Oh stop it Arnav. I’m not in a mood to hear you bragging about yourself.

Arnav: And that’s exactly why I’m here. What happened to your mood? Flight pakadke kahi gayi kya?!

Kushi looked at him startled for a moment wondering how he got to notice. Even Anjali hadn’t asked her anything.

Arnav: What? Now will you keep staring at my beauty or say something.

Kushi sighed and turned her face away choosing to ignore him.

Arnav: I guess you don’t want to share...hmm....okay.

They continued sitting in silence. Only the water flowing sound filled the air. Kushi was again lost in thoughts while Arnav played with water moving his legs occasionally.

 Kushi’s mobile started buzzing. She looked at the screen but didn’t attend the call. Arnav saw her action but didn’t comment. After a second he got up and left. Kushi felt disappointed. She didn’t want to be alone though she didn’t want to talk. She continued glaring into space. Few minutes later, Arnav came and sat beside her again with French fries and tomato sauce in his hands. Kushi looked at him and raised her eyebrow. He just shrugged and offered her the fries. She silently took some and both started to eat. He kept the sauce in between them and they ate in silence.

Arnav: Di sahi kehti dhi. Food is the way to get through you.

Kushi couldn’t resist the half smile that came on her lips. They continued eating for a while until Kushi spoke again.

Kushi: One more alliance gone.

Arnav (confused): Sorry?

Kushi (looking at him sideways): Marriage proposal. One more didn’t work out.

Arnav : Oh!!! Wha...What happened?

Kushi( sighing and looking down on her lap): Hmm...Initially they came saying horoscope didn’t matter to them. But after seeing my profile and photos, they replied saying horoscopes didn’t match.

Arnav: Oh. But hey all this happen when we seek an arranged marriage right. Do you have to get upset over it? He is not meant for you. Just think like that.

Kushi: It’s okay Arnav if it happens only few times. But this has been happening with me for past 8 years. So it’s not that easy. And to top it Amma blamed me.

Arnav: What? Why would she blame you when they rejected?

Kushi: I know she was just frustrated when this alliance too didn’t work. But she told me it’s because I rejected it in first place. It’s because of my negative attitude. And I should stop resisting when a proposal comes and....

Arnav: Wait a minute. So you had rejected this proposal first. Why?

Kushi: He did not meet my expectations and I wasn’t interested.

Arnav: Still your parents went ahead with it?

Kushi (giving a sarcastic smile): I’m your Di’s friend. Have you seen her? She is already married for more than 5 years; while I’m still single at 28. It’s obvious my family will jump at any proposal that comes their way hoping it to be a good one for their daughter.

Arnav: Hmm...That’s understandable. Loving parents are like that. But then if you were not interested in the proposal then you should be happy that it got called off. Why are you upset then?

Kushi: It’s true. But rejecting is one thing and being rejected is a totally different thing. I rejected him because I didn’t like him. But to know that even he rejected me hurt.

Arnav (raising his eyebrow and with a smirk): So you mean to say, you never wished to marry him and rejected him. But when he showed that he shares same opinion it hurt you? Women!!! (He bowed his head and chuckled).

Kushi (angry and emotional): Boys like you will never understand. You are so handsome and can get any girl you want. They throw themselves at you. But girls like me who are not good looking and to top it well educated gets rejected each and every time; even by guys who themselves look ugly. How do you think it makes us feel?

Arnav didn’t say anything but kept looking at her. She tilted her head back to face the lake.

Arnav: I’m sorry. I didn’t see it from your side.

Kushi (looking down at her lap and chuckled): That’s the problem. No one sees it from my side. Not even my Amma. Is it my fault that I’m not beautiful? Is it my fault that I have brains and reached heights? Just because guys can’t tolerate women who are over them in professional life, girls who have talent have to feel deprived or handicapped always. (Looking Arnav in the eye) For us, even our education, career, achievements are looked down upon and those are not achievements but hindrances to get a good guy in matrimonial field. Wow!!!

Arnav was seeing Kushi like this for the first time.

Arnav: It’s just a phase Kushi. It will pass once you meet the guy destined for you.

Kushi (laughing sarcastically): Nowadays I feel that maybe there is no one meant for me. I will have to stay alone like this, always.

Arnav: No Kushi. Think positively always. If you were married before, would you have been here? These achievements would never have been there.

Kushi: Yes I know. In fact I’m sure of that. Dadi would have married me off to another orthodox family and I might have ended my life in India itself. Such a life, such experiences and achievements everything is truly a blessing; something which I never dreamt of. But what I always dreamt of was a family of my own; a husband, kids and happiness. I did get more than what I dreamt, but I didn’t get what I really wanted.

Arnav (shaking his head): The problem is your outlook at the matter. Why do you think that you won’t get what you dreamt of? Life kadam ho gaya hai kya? Arrey, life can change anytime. Maybe tomorrow when you wake up the world itself won’t be the same anymore. There are millions of people out there who are not even blessed with a family or education or career prospects. There are also people who have been married but they have their share of problems. Either the bond won’t work or cheating spouses, affairs, no kids etc etc. No one is leading a perfect life. Forget all this, what if a earthquake or flood or storm breaks up here? Life totally changes. Then maybe you won’t be left with even what you have. (Sighing) Learn to appreciate the smallest of small blessing in life doctor. And phir dekhna, life will give you an energy and confidence to face all the hurdles in your path.

He kept a hand around her shoulder.

Arnav: Marriage should be one aspect of your life. Yes it’s your dream, but that is just one facet of life. You have a life before and after it. You have a lot waiting ahead of you. Don’t let your shoulders slump down for this. It will happen when its time. Now be happy with yourself and your life. You will feel like living more, than merely surviving which you are doing now.

Kushi had a thin layer of moist in her eyes. Arnav didn’t tell her anything new which she didn’t know. In fact this is what she hears always from everyone around her – her sister Ammu, her mother, her bhabhi, even Anjali. But somehow hearing it from Arnav, and the way he said it made her feel a lot better, genuinely. She gave him a thin smile.

Kushi: Arrey Waah! Chotte saab toh aaj bada prabhaashan de raha hai. It doesn’t sound like you at all. You are better with your usual ways of craziness and naughty nature.

Arnav: Well, I’ll take that as a compliment. Similarly this sad look doesn’t suit you too. Your face looks even worse and you eat a lot when sad. See you finished all the fries. I wonder how you are so thin despite eating so much.

Kushi had her mouth hanging open.

Arnav: What? You told me you like me with my sanak ways!!!

He winked at her.

Kushi: UUUUUU.....

She started hitting him and pulling his hair while he laughed and cried at the same time. Unknown to them a friendship was blooming in the air.

NOTE: Sorry guys, the update is well delayed I know. Personal life is busy. I’m not sure if I can give an update in next two weeks too. I will try maximum to give an update next week, but no promises. It’s my anniversary on 25^th and my family is coming and life is busy. So please forgive me for the delay.

If I cannot update in next two weeks, please forgive me. I will be back with a bang in 2016 then. My x’mas gift, anniversary special and New Year gift will be delayed this time. Hope you guys understand.

And sorry if you didn’t like this update. I actually forced myself to write since I didn’t want a long gap. Hope you all will wait for the further updates patiently. Also I felt a little discouraged when I didn’t see much comments or readers thoughts and discussions on the thread. Your comments and messages boost my confidence. Such a light story is not at all my genre. So I need your constant encouragement to gain confidence. Please do support me friends.

I love you. Wishing all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, in advance J

CHAPTER – 3

                                              

Arnav got up the next day with a hangover. He felt his head splitting up. He saw medicine and water on the side table. He took it and after freshening up he came down for breakfast. Anjali was already there at the dining table sitting with her hands supporting her head. She too was down with the hangover. Viren was making the breakfast today.

Arnav: Morning Di!

Anjali: Ugh! Mornin’

Arnav: Thank you for the party yesterday Di. I enjoyed a lot.

Anjali: Yeah we had a lot of fun na. It felt like old times.

Both Arnav and Anjali were smiling at each other when Viren walked in with breakfast.

Viren: Good morning, breakfast is ready.

Arnav straightened up and his change didn’t go unnoticed by his sister.

Viren: Saale saab, I hope you are feeling better.

Arnav just nodded. Anjali could not take this cold war between them any longer.

Anjali: Arnav, what kind of behaviour is this? You are here with us after so long and still you are holding onto things that happened in past? Don’t you think it’s high time you behave properly with your jiju?

Viren: Anjalii..Let’s have breakfast...please?!

Anjali was angry, her head was still hurting and she was feeling irritated. She ate grumpily while Arnav ate without any expression on his face. A silence boomed over the table; hence Viren decided to break it.

Viren: Umm...Anjali just give a call to Kushi after you finish. Just check with her if she is okay. She was very angry and upset yesterday.

Anjali: Kyun? What happened to her?

Arnav too looked up.

Viren (trying to hide a smile): Well won’t she feel angry when someone puked on her yesterday before passing out.

Anjali (shocked): What??? Who???

Viren: Your chotte!

Now it was Arnav’s turn to be shocked.

Arnav: WHAT????? No wayyy!!!

Anjali: Are you serious?

Viren: I am.

Anjali: OMG! Already she doesn’t like him, now this.

Arnav: What the! Di girls die over me!

Anjali (rolling her eyes): Yeah but not Kushi. (Then to Viren)How did this happen?

Viren: Well, you were all high yesterday.

Anjali: That’s true.

Viren: And to top it, you were giggling seeing the scene.

Anjali had her mouth wide open while Arnav was cursing under his breath.

Viren: Saale saab, it seems like you don’t do well with drinks. Then why did you drink so much?

Arnav ignored Viren’s question and addressed Anjali.

Arnav: Di, I’m leaving. I have to join hospital tomorrow. Have to get my stuffs ready for that. I will just shower and leave.

Anjali nodded with a serious expression on her face. Arnav turned to go before turning back again.

Arnav: And Di thanks for the medicine, the hangover is better now.

Anjali: I didn’t keep them for you, your jijaji did.

Arnav and Viren had an eye lock before he again chose to walk away without talking to Viren. Anjali saw him going and was depressed.

Anjali: I can’t take this anymore. Why is he behaving like this with you for something that happened in the past?

Viren: Baby, you shouldn’t force him to talk to me if he doesn’t want to. Give him some time.

Anjali: Didn’t I give enough time already. You keep telling me the same thing for past 5 years but see there is no change in chotte’s behaviour with you and for what? The fault was not yours, why is he punishing you for your mother’s mistake.

Viren:  even I’m to be blamed. Only if I had stood by you when you needed it, then the situation would have been different. I have hurt him baby, by remaining silent when you were getting hurt.

Anjali: But all that was in the past. Now I’m happy; we are happy. Can’t he see that? Can’t he move on too?

Viren: He can see you are happy. But it takes more than that to have an amicable relation between him and me. In his eyes, I am a failure as a husband and jijaji....

Anjali: No Viren, don’t say like that.

Viren: I won’t say he is wrong baby. He has every right to be angry with me. I never did anything but stand a spectator when you suffered in my own home. Even you were hurt by my silence but you had a big heart to forgive me.

Anjali (hugging him): Shh it’s all in the past. All that matters to me is we are happy now and will always be.

Viren (retuning the hug): Hmm

Anjali: You both are the most important people in my life. I just want you two together and happy.

Viren: Time will see to it baby, have patience.

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

Arnav walked into the lobby of the hospital in white shirt and blue jeans. All girls, be it patients, or people present with patients or visitors or nurses or office staff or lady doctors had their eyes only for him while he strode casually through the premises of the hospital. He kept walking ignoring the comments passed on him from all sides guessing his identity. After reporting to the MD of the hospital he got to his duty. When he walked out of the dressing room for staff all looked at him with wide eyes. He was dressed in a blue shirt and pant, the uniform for male nurses!

Now I have to meet Kushi before I took charge.

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

Arnav knocked on Kushi’s consulting room.

Arnav: May I come in?

Kushi: Come in

Arnav walked in. She still hadn’t got over the humiliation last day. Arnav had vomited and passed out; but she was the one who had to face the embarrassment. She had to change into Anjali’s dress which Viren offered before leaving home. Not to forget the laughter of all those drunken toads. Arnav is going to pay hell for this! Now that he is going to work under her, she is going to have her sweet revenge.

 Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, welcome to hell!!!!!

Arnav: Hi sexy. I’m joining work from today.

Kushi(raising her eyebrow and with a smile) : Oh is it? Good. And by the way, (putting on a stern expression)in hospital,  it’s Kushi maám for you.

Arnav: Umm yes. Se...I mean ma’am... I’m sorry for what happened last day. It was not intentional, trust me. It just happened like that and I’m really sorry for it.

Kushi was taken aback by his apology. Arnav never, never ever apologized for what he did. So this was quite unexpected. She melted for a moment, but then she remembered all the times he had teased and irritated her. This is the only time she will get to give him a payback. So even if he did that intentionally or not, she did face embarrassment; so he has to pay for his mistake.

Kushi (suddenly plastering a smile on her face): it’s okay Arnav, it happens.

Arnav felt weird. Kushi had never smiled like that at him; something was definitely off. But he brushed it past him and took to job. But soon he realized his hindsight was true. Kushi was driving him up the wall with neck breaking work. Though he is new to the place and mostly equivalent to an intern, she made him work like a slave. He almost worked 18 to 19 hours each day leaving him drained out. Lavanya felt bad for him. Though she too joined at the same time in the same post, she relatively had lesser work obviously. They didn’t have to report to a particular doctor but yet Kushi found ways to torture Arnav. She was feeling immensely happy at how the things were working out. Anjali did feel sorry for Arnav but since she knew Kushi’s temperament she didn’t interfere in what was happening. Afterall Arnav did deserve it for all those things he did with her. She actually found it funny – their cat and mouse relation.

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

Arnav was fed up. He had to put an end to this. He cannot continue like this. Kushi was surely having a gala time seeing him suffer. She was exceptionally sweet to him these days, but he clearly saw through the sarcastic smile behind her acts.

Just then Lavanya walked into the corridor where he was standing and thinking.

La: Hey Arnav, how come you are standing here? Didn’t Kushi maám give you any work today?

Arnav: Hmm actually I am thinking of giving a work to her instead!

La: Oh com’on Arnav. You are actually paying for all those teasing you gave her. Now are you going to rile her up again and attain more torture?

Arnav: I have no other choice La. Otherwise she will make me travel through hell and back.

La: Hmm what are you going to do?

Arnav(mischievous smile): You don’t wanna know!

La: Arnav, whatever it is, do carefully. If it backfires then you will have even tougher time.

Arnav( smirking): You said this because you don’t know our famous history. Arnav Singh Raizada has always won over Kushi Singh Malik. It is always going to be like that. You wait and watch.

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

Kushi had a tiring day. She saw some staff and nurse etc giving her weird glances. She could hear some murmurings around her though she cannot make out what it is hence she ignored it.  She had missed her breakfast and lunch. Hence she ordered a pizza and was waiting for it to be delivered when she heard a knock.

Kushi: Come in

Arnav: Hello sexy!!!

Kushi (already tired): Arnav, its ma’am.

Arnav (leaning on her table making her scrunch her eyebrows): Oh and why should I? After all now that I know what is between us!

He winked at her while Kushi remained confused.

Kushi: What is between us?

Arnav came around the table and leaned on her reclining chair and stood very close to her face making her uncomfortable; with a smirk intact on his face.

Arnav: Oh come ‘on baby. Why this act? I know.

Kushi (getting irritated now): What do you know?

Arnav: The reason behind why you are making me work a lot for you...with you.

Kushi (suspicious): What?

Arnav (with his best romantic expression): You want me to be with you....always.

Kushi (wide eyed): What?

Arnav: Yes babe. You want to spend time with me and you can do it without others suspecting is by making me work with you. Know what, already there are rumours about us, so I’m going to tell everyone openly so they stop with their speculations and leave us alone.

Kushi( eyes ready to pop out): You are going to tell what?

Arnav( shrugging his shoulders): That we are in love!

Kushi: WHAT?

Arnav (adjusting her fringe behind her ears): Yes sexy!

Kushi (angry now): Arnav, is this some kind of your sick jokes?

Arnav: No babe. Already people are talking about us. So I thought we better make it official. You see I’m so hawt, and has huge fan following here. I know that is upsetting you, so if we come out clean they will stop having eyes on me and I will be yours (coming more close to her) only yours!

Kushi (pushing him off): Arnav stop it.

Arnav: Okay if you want me to stop then you will have to stop first.

Kushi: What?

Arnav (sitting down on her table before her): Simple. Let’s just be professional and not bring in our personal feelings into our work.

Kushi: When did I mix it?

Arnav: Come ‘on ma’am. Who are you fooling? We both know what the truth is.

One minute silence boomed over their heads. Kushi sat with an angry red face while Arnav sat coolly with an innocent face.

Kushi: And what if I don’t?

Arnav: Then this news goes official.

Kushi: Oh please!!! I don’t care what others think. Moreover if they are planning to think that I will date a guy so young and to top it a male nurse then they can think all they want.

Arnav (crossing his arms): Exactly and if the rumour of such an unconventional love reaches your orthodox family in Lucknow?

Kushi looked at him with angry eyes.

Arnav : Let me think; then it will be end of your career here right?! You will have to pack up and leave for your home no matter what the truth is. And soon get married and be trophy wife to someone?!

Kushi: ARNAV!!!!

Arnav (leaning back): I’m sorry Kushi. I know this is not fair. But you haven’t been fair to me too. All I did with you was harmless teasing. And in party, I told you I didn’t do it intentionally. But you have crossed all limits by linking personal affronts with professional life. Just because I work under you or have a degree lesser than you, you have not right to treat me like shit.

Though his voice was low and calm she could clearly see he was angry; Arnav who was always a happy-g-lucky-guy was having serious expressions on his face. Even Kushi knew what he was saying is right, she did take it far. But what to do, she had Malik blood running in her and she hurt people who hurt her and with vengeance. But yes she was being childish but hell would break up if she admitted that to him.

Kushi: Ok, we will have a truce. But I want you to agree to two of my conditions.

Arnav raised his eyebrow.

Kushi: You will apologize to me sincerely for everything you did to me till date and also promise that you won’t be after me teasing, again. Then we can have an amicable relation.

Arnav pretended like he was thinking for a moment before giving up and smiling seeing her getting riled up again.

Arnav( smiling): Okay. But no one, not even Di will know about this truce.

Kushi : hmm okay.

She signalled him to ask for apology with her eyes.

Arnav: I’m sorry sexy.

Kushi: Arnavv...

Arnav (grinning): Okay I’m sorry....Kushi!

Kushi nodded satisfied.

Arnav: And I think for your second condition to turn true, we will have to bring our hands together for a friendship, what say?

Kushi looked at his extended hand and thought for a moment. She was not sure if Arnav really means it but then she thought to let go of her suspicions for once and take a leap. She did not know why she wanted to do it; maybe she was tired of their cat and mouse games. A friendship is a refreshing thought, if Arnav behaves like a gentleman. Anyways she extended her hand. Arnav smiled as they shook hands.

Arnav: Now we are friends Kushi. So everything is fine between us; right?

Kushi nodded.

Kushi: But what about the rumours going around?

Arnav: Oh Kushi, don’t worry. People just need a new gossip to forget this one. And a gossip in Canada is surely not going to reach your home without someone informing them, so chill.

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

Days passed by. They shared a better equation these days. Arnav was very friendly with her while Kushi still had reservations but maintained a relationship that bordered on formal and informal grounds. Arnav adapted to the new work well. Kushi did not burden him anymore and they shared a healthy professional relationship. Arnav admired her professional calibre; her personality and nature towards her patients and her dedication and service mentality. He is glad that he got this opportunity to work under her.

It is already one month since Arnav reached Canada. And today Arnav, Anjali, Viren and Kushi have planned to go on a picnic.

Precap: Picnic