Part 104

In the cool morning of December 26, Arnav and his family landed on the Lucknow Airport by a chartered plane. Papaji and Raj were at the airport to receive them. The elaborate arrangements were made. The entire Deep Avadh Hotel was booked for the relatives and the family members were taken to Taj Vivanta on the banks of Gomti River.

The Guptas were taken to their home in city. Papaji gave them the help of four servants. All the arrangements were done for them. Babuji could not control his tears entering his house mortgage free.

Papaji himself took Amma babuji and Buwaji to their house and made sure they were comfortable. He came back to the hotel. He had another major task ahead.

Every room in the hotel had two security guards at the door, apart from the regular hotel security. Anjali and Sham were given a special suite and more security. Sham sulked; he was constantly under vigilance, under the name of security. The guards never left him alone.

Papaji came back and went to meet Arnav.

"Puttar, everything is ready. Lunch will be served now! You have your lunch and this!" He handed over the box to him. Arnav gaped at the box... fighting his emotions...!

"Take her! Puttar!" said papaji gravely. Arnav nodded. He did not want to wait for lunch.

Arnav entered Anjali's room. Sham was sitting on the bed and she was getting ready. Aranv waited for her. She came out.

"Di, I want to take you somewhere!" he said looking at Sham. Sham got up with a jerk and said.
"Yes, Saale Saab! We are ready!" But Arnav raised his hand to stop him.

"No JIJAJI, I want to take her alone" He said, looking at his Di.
Anjali was confused! "Chote, what is it?" she asked. "Di, please.. Khushi's papaji is waiting for us!" said Arnav and got out of the room followed by Anjali.

Papaji was waiting for them at the lounge. He greeted Anjali and placed his hand on Arnav's shoulder. His black Mercedes was waiting at the porch. He took the steering.

"Papaji, I will drive!" said Arnav looking embarrassed.
No! Puttar, Its my honour to drive you two to the destination! Please allow me!" Papaji opened the door for Anjali and Arnav at the back. Anjali was bewildered. She glanced at Arnav. But Arnav was very serious and looked tensed.

"Is everything ok, Chote?" she asked in worried tone.
"Yes di!" said Arnav without looking at her. The car manoeuvred through the busy roads and was heading towards the Ghats of Gomati River. As the car left the busy city area and entered the cool suburban area, she looked around. Her eyes went hazy and her hand searched for Arnav's hand. He had folded his arms on his chest trying to control his emotions. She gazed forward and the car was entering the Hugh metal cast gates of Sheesh Mahel. She gaped, her jaw dropping. She held her breath looking mesmerized.

The expanse open area was covered by lush green lawn and the fountains were dancing spreading across the lawns. The entire mehal was covered with the lines of jasmine flowers. The illumination lights were set on outline of the mahal. The fragrance of the jasmine flowers spread all over, making the onlooker go dreamy. Anjali looked at Chote, when the car pulled over in the porch. Papaji got down and opened the door for Anjali. Arnav had already hopped out of the car.

"Puttar, I will wait here!" said Papaji. Arnav hugged him whispering "Thank you papaji!"

He took his Di's hand and walked with her towards the main door. They ascended the stairs to the main door. He took out the box and the key from the box from his pocket. Anjali was hypnotised. She could not take in anything. He opened the lock with his key and push opened the door of Sheesh Mahel. Their Sheesh Mahel, their House!

The siblings walked into their house! Came into the hall way, moved towards kitchen, moved towards their rooms, their parents’ bedroom, their play room, their study, their hiding room, their secret room... on the stairs, upstairs, in the guest room, moving their hands on every bit of the furniture there, on the walls, on the cupboards, on the beds..They together went to the terrace; Gomati was flowing silently with silvery water shining in the sunlight. The Ghat was quiet and very few people were taking in the beauty of the river standing on the top of the Ghat. Far away down the river, a sailor was rowing his canoe. Anjali revolved around to take in the beauty from all the directions, in that bright sunlight; the serenity which was long forgotten,  the scene which had painful memories, the house which had seen her mother die, which had seen them being ousted from their house, which had seen it being locked, had now embraced them! ..

The same house had come alive for the siblings. She looked at Arnav, and.... she lost her control. Arnav could not do anything, but watch the catharsis. He waited for his big sister, to come out as his sister, strong and confident, and not the one weak, frightened and superstitious!

Slowly her sobs subsided. She stopped crying and whimpering. She wiped off her tears, looked at him who was standing a little away, watching her.

"Chote!" she held out her hand. He came nearer. "Chote! This is our house! This is our own house! We are not orphans anymore. This house is our father's house. We are not orphans chote, our house is with us! She said holding his hand and moving around on the terrace.

He followed her holding her hand. She stopped, looking at him. "Di, I am getting married here!"
She looked at him and hugged him. Tears could not stop rolling. All her fears; her superstitions; her limping complexes were gushed away with those tears! She felt light and bright. After some time, they broke apart...!

"Chote! This is it! Chote!" she said spreading her hands and revolving in a dream state. He held her hand and brought her down in the hall. The entire house was decorated with colourful flowers and the fragrance spread all over. The old antique furniture was restored back with the repairs and entire house was brightened with the old style white/off white colour with Avadh paintings on the walls of passages and bedrooms. A huge larger than life size portrait of their parents hung in the hall with a spot light illuminating the oil portrait. Their old sofa and diwan were restored to its full beauty with restoration of the carving on it. They both sat on the sofa and then slowly moved towards the kitchen. An earthen pot and a glazed copper glass on it was waiting for them. He poured water in the glass and offered his sister the water from their Gomati River, in their house, smiling at her. She grinned releasing the tension from Arnav. 

“Mamma, I am not the earthen pot... I am strong... I can resist temptation... “ He pushed away his cries and smiled in realization.  Indeed he was an earthen pot holding cool, clean water.... quenching the thirst of people....!

They came out and found papaji sleeping covering his face with his handkerchief. Arnav felt guilty.
Papaji woke up with a start and got out of the car. Anjali came near and touched his feet with teary eyes.

He held her close and kissing her forehead said "Puttar, this world is beautiful! search for its beauty and you will leave all your sorrows behind!"

Arnav handed over the keys to papaji. They saw the workers waiting in the shadow of the blossomed mango tree. Arnav smiled at his Di. "Our mango tree!" they both said grinning with the memory of how they had planted that tree!

They came back. It was almost four in the evening and the engagement ceremony would start at 6.00.

Raj was waiting for them. Papaji grinned and said "Look Arnav, they are waiting for you! God bless you!" he walked back to his room. Khushi was nowhere to be seen. "Anyway, I will meet her in two hours!" thought Arnav smiling.

........

Exactly at five in the evening Raj  came! Arnav was getting ready with his normal attire of black suit with white shirt. Raj cast a look at him and smirked

"What?" questioned Arnav.
"Nothing!" said Raj looking away.
Papaji had gone to invite the other family members. Sham was in his room. Papaji knocked the door. Anjali opened the door and greeted him. She was wearing a deep green saree and was looking stunning. "God Bless you, Puttar!" said papaji placing his hand on her head. She smiled pleasantly.

Sham followed her with a light green Kurta and white salwar! He gawped at papaji; Papaji shook hands with him welcoming him warmly. And then placing his hand on his shoulder,  said "Welcome Mr. Sham. You are damadji, commanding the biggest honour per our tradition! I need to take special care of you!" He walked with Sham. Sham was nervous. Raj came forward to shake hands with Sham to welcome him. Sham was shocked to see Raj there.

"Hello Mr. Sham, Khushi is my little sister!" he whispered in Sham's ears while giving him a light hug. Sham gaped at him. Raj had a threatening look. "Don't do anything disgraceful!" Raj's eyes were warning Sham. Two bodyguards accompanied Sham everywhere.

Mummiji greeted Mami and Nani. Mami was curious to see the venue and Nani to see Khushi!
Aakash and Payal had already left the hotel. Aakash was the son in law from bride's side and Sham from groom's side. Mummiji and Papaji went ahead and Raj and Elsa accompanied the groom's side.

The motorcade reached Sheesh Mahel and Sham got another blow looking at the venue. Buwaji, Amma and Babuji on the wheel chair were at the gates to welcome. Papaji and Raj opened the doors of the cars to welcome the guests at the porch. The Raizada family was overwhelmed! Arnav still looked lost.

Raj escorted him to his changing room. It was his old bedroom. All his clothes were hung and accessories arranged in his wardrobe neatly.

Anjali came in. she opened the cupboard and looked for his dresses. The dresses were neatly arranged per the ceremonies and dates. She picked up the set and held it out for him to wear it. I silver gray kurta with intricate self design and beaded with pearls and white salwar was gaped by Arnav.

"Oh! No! I am not wearing this~ Di, you know!" He started off.
"No! Chote.. You have to wear it!" She insisted ignoring his resistance and anger.

"Enough Di! You know I don't wear this. I am comfortable in this OUTFIT!" Arnav said looking at his mono colour suit. Anjali was disappointed. "But chote..!" she pleaded

"No! Di, I am not wearing this!" he said dismissively.

"Oh! Yes, you are wearing this!" Came a forceful voice from behind! Arnav turned. Papaji was at the door with two more persons. He came in.

"These two will take care of your makeover!" he declared. Arnav opened his mouth to refuse.. but papaji did not give him any chance.  “All your outfits are designed by Regi Thomas Kannur...!” Papaji Declared and Aranv’s jaw dropped...!

“How?..When?” he didn’t know and Papaji wouldn’t tell.

"Arnav Puttar, listen as they say! I have specially brought them for you from Kolkata!!" he smiled at Arnav. Arnav looked lost.

"what was going on?" He looked at his Di. She smirked and raising her eyebrows she left hiding her grinn. He was being overpowered! Arnav Singh Raizada, was overpowered with love and affection!!

Elsa supervised over Khushi's make over! Khushi was wearing a golden brown Ghaghara with silver intricate embroidery and kundan work, matching jewellery and a light brown transperant chunari! She wore a light makeup highlighting her expressive eyes with eyeliner.  She stunned everyone..  and people could not take their eyes off her! Elsa smiled looking at her own work, satisfactorily. She held Khushi at arm's length and looked at her fondly.

 "Khushi, beware of Arnav! He will ....!" she did not complete her sentence as she saw papaji coming in. Khushi blushed!  Papaji came in hurriedly and stopped dead looking at Khushi! He literally whistled. Khushi looked at him angrily!

"Ok! Puttar, get ready. Pandit ji has come! Raj will come to take you!" he said and left. Khushi looked at Elsa.

The select invitees started gathering in the hall. The huge hall was decorated with flowers and lighting lines. A stage was set with flower decoration on a gold drape background with jasmine lines and white lily.

Pandit ji ignited the sacred fire and invoked Lord Ganesh with chanting and drawing auspicious symbols swastik on the kalash (pot). The atmosphere became propitious! The shehnai echoed mildly adding sanctity to it. Mama and Mami came in from Groom's side. Raj brought in Khushi from the other side. Panditji made her sit in the middle of mama and mami in front of the havan (ignited sacred fire) and asked Mami to put tilak on her forehead. Naniji was standing behind the three to supervise over the rituals and give her blessings. For the first time Mamiji looked fondly towards Khushi, looking at the elaborate and pompous arrangements made by her foster family. She knew, Khushi is no more a Phati saari now! She put tilak and panditji started chanting.

Khushi was asked to hold the silver pot with sugar filled and coconut with mango leaves on top of it symbolizing wealth and prosperity and perpetuity.

"You agree to accept her as your daughter in law with full will and affection, by putting tilak on her forehead." said Pandit ji. He asked Mama to stick a golden coin on her forehead where wet tilak was applied by Mamiji.

"She is your goddess of wealth when she enters your house as your daughter in law!" said panditji explaining the meaning of chanting of mantras. Mamaji nodded. Mami gave her the gifts in her jholi asking her to accept the gift in her chunari.

Khushi saw papaji hurriedly going towards the main entrance. She saw Shondeep and his parents walking in. She opened her mouth to call them out!

"Khushi, Don't! You are with your in-laws!" whispered Elsa in her ear. She was sitting behind Khushi to assist her. Khushi shut her mouth at once, but smiled when she saw Shondeep's mother waving at her. Shondeep took seat next to Sham and watched the ceremony smiling pleasantly. His parents were busy talking to Mummiji. Lavanya was looking at him curiously. He did not notice. Anjali greeted Shondeep and his family. Khushi was glancing at this. Elsa nudged her.

"Khushi, concentrate on what is going on! You can meet the guests later!" she whispered.

After Panditji finished with the bride and groom's parents, Papaji and Mummiji were made to sit on either side of Arnav. Pandit ji asked Papaji to put tilak on Arnav's forehead. He asked both of them to hold hands and said "You are accepting him as your son in law in your family and accept his family as yours!" Papaji and Mummiji nodded. They both presented Arnav their gifts. All five pandits started chanting the mantras with deep forceful voices making the entire place vibrate with auspicious and positive waves. The people around had goosebumps and they automatically joined their hands to bless the would- be couple.

Papaji encircled the money around Arnav's face and gave it to Raj to distribute among the poor to ward off evil. Arnav felt embarrassed. He did not believe in all these things. Anjali was grinning at him. She was happy to see subdued Arnav  getting overpowered. He looked away.

"Chote.. This is a must! You look so handsome today in this Indian outfit" She whispered in his ear. His face flushed and looked around to make sure no one had seen him blushing!

Papaji introduced his family with Guptas to the family members and relatives of Raizadas with gifts to everyone. Raizadas reciprocated with return gifts.

Elsa and Raj took Khushi and Arnav to their rooms to change.
"Hurry up Khushi! Now the ring ceremony! You got to look different and more beautiful!" She said holding Khushi's hand.

Raj took Arnav where the make over artists were waiting for him. They changed him completely with the western outfit. Arnav looked comfortable with dark blue three piece suit, with tie.
Khushi wore a western gown with a star studded transparent sash draped on her shoulders. 

“The design is the same.... The colour is different....! Regi Sir made me wear it... And then this Laad Governer humiliated me.... And took away my Malai Barfi....!”  She blushed with the thought of her Laad Governor!

The silver blue gown with diamond pendent in the neck matching diamond earrings, bangles and a tiara on her head were waiting for her. Her wavy hair was set to sprawl over her back and a lock appeared on her forehead skipping from the band of her tiara. Elsa brought her to the stage and the gathering held their breaths. Khushi blushed. Babuji could control his tears of happiness. Buwaji came forward and put a beauty spot of kajal tika at the back of Khushi's ear muttering to ward off evil.

Raj escorted Arnav and there was a complete silence in the gathering. Anjali followed him. He was looking handsome and captivating. Lavanya could not stop staring at him. Her heart ached and cried out for him. "You could have been mine, had you loved me!" she thought with tears in her eyes. She looked at both of them together and she realized that they were made for each other and no one had any chance to break them apart.  Her heart didn’t listen to this realization.... She was burning from within.

Elsa brought the boxes of rings in a silver tray with scented candles lit all over the stage, accompanied by Meera and Tej. The bright lights were dimmed. The spot light on both of them brightened their figures. Elsa opened the boxes of platinum engagement rings with A and K engraved on them. She gave the rings to both of them and asked Khushi to put the ring in Arnav's finger. Tej stood beside Arnav and Meera with Khushi. Khushi took Arnav's  hand in her shaky hand, blushing furiously with trembling lips and inserted the ring in his ring finger. Arnav's heart stopped with her touch and then raced faster uncontrollably. He looked at Khushi and lost in her beauty forgetting to put the ring in her finger. He just held her hand and lost his senses. She was not looking at him. She was staring at his shoes. Raj nudged him. He came back to his senses and inserted the ring in her ring finger. There was applauding from the gathering clapping and shower of rose petals and glitters all over the stage. Khushi looked up and her eyes went dreamy! Her prince charming was staring at her passionately holding her hand. She pulled her hand back seeing people around them laughing and whistling.

Sweets and drinks were distributed and people got engrossed in the talks in their own groups. Arnav and Khushi took blessings from the elders. Papaji took them back to the stage. People congratulated the couple. Khushi and Arnav stared at each other standing on the stage.

"Why did n't you answer my phone?" he asked her with gritted teeth when he found themselves alone on the stage for a brief time. She looked surprised.

"What? ....And why did you not do anything about the news?" she retorted back in a hiss.

He came a step ahead to retaliate. She took a step back.
"Cool Down!" came another whisper. Papaji was standing right behind them. He took their hands and placed them in each other’s clasps. The bickering suddenly stopped replacing it by passion. Arnav looked at her and tightened his grip. She closed her eyes holding her breath.

Sham was made to sit right in front of the stage with two of his bodyguards! He was getting desperate but could not do anything. Things were getting out of his hands. He stared at Khushi with his lustful eyes and his desperation climbed the peak. He floundered "You are mine, Khushi ji! You can't love anyone else! ... I will do something!! This is my last chance!" he thought. He got up from his seat and went up to the stage. Without taking his eyes off Khushi, he moved towards them to congratulate!

"Congratulations Khushi ji!" he held out his hand completely ignoring Arnav. Khushi gripped her right hand in Arnav's hand.

“Dhanyavad...!” She said looking elsewhere.  She tightened her grip. Arnav clenched his right fist. Sham took out the packet from his coat pocket and said "This is a small gift for you Khushi ji!" he held it out. She accepted it with her left hand.

"Would you like to open it? I will do it for you!" he said trying to take her hand in his. She let the packet drop on the floor from her hand, pulling her hand back. Sham had to bend down to pick up the packet from near her feet. Arnav smirked looking at Khushi.

"May be you can open it later! When you are alone!!!" he said keeping it aside and left. They did not leave each other’s hands throughout the ceremony, The charm was not lifted!!!

It was almost midnight when Arnav entered his room in the hotel, in a dream state!!!
Four Days Left!!!!