Part 2

Back in the car...

Khushi closed her eyes for a while not uttering a single word.  Avinash gave her enough time to recollect herself.  “Where?” he asked finally.  “Laxmi Nagar!” something came out of her mouth.  He looked at her.

“What was that?” he asked.  “The usual!” she answered vaguely.  “Who was that?” she looked ahead.  “Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada!” she declared.  “What? Lavanya’s fiancé?” he made sure.  “Humm!” she sighed. He was confused she didn’t bother to clear his doubt.  He drove away.  “Lavanya must have requested him to drop her..!” he thought.  

“So bahatii Naak... Whats up?” he tried to cheer her up after sometime.  She smiled.  “You tell me, whats up..!” she asked back.  “I asked you first!” he said.  “Ok!” she gave up.

“How is everyone..?” he started off to catch up with the years in between.  “Ghar chalo, Pata Chalega!” she said.  “Now your turn..!” she looked at him.  “We left Lucknow after my 10^th, came to Delhi.  Passed my MBBS from SN Medical college.  Went to London for a diploma and then to US for higher..! Returned last year!” He provided all the information happily.  “And Anita?” she asked remembering his wife’s name.  “Met her in London.  She is from Raipur!” he said smiling.  “And Lavanya ji?” she had a long list of questions.  “Humm.. I know her mother since my stay in US!” he said ready for the next question.  But Khushi didn’t speak up again.  She was thinking hard. 

“Umm.. Avinash? I mean... umm... Babuji is not well!” She didn’t know how to ask help in the first meeting itself.  But she couldn’t stop herself.  

“Not well? What happened?” she felt better sensing concern in his voice.  She narrated everything...!

“And Doctors say there is no improvement..?” he asked bemused.  “Avinash... I mean... I know your are a busy person... I mean you...!” she chocked.

“Stop.. stop! Ab Ghar to aa rahan hoon! Dekhungaa!” he said giving her relief. 

“Umm.. I am sorry.. I mean you must be thinking... I mean... !” she again was cut off.

“Ab itanaa hukk to banata hain...! Bahatii Naak ka!” he teased her.  She pursed her lips.  “Haan.. haan.. left  left..!” she said lifting her right hand and he laughed.  She locked her fingers sheepishly.  They were at the door.

“Nandkishore..! what is this? What are you wearing... ! and why are you so late?” Buwaji started off bombarding questions in the door itself.  “Aur yeh kaun hain?” she narrowed her eyes flaring up her nose.  He joined his hands.  

“Aap ko nahi pata..!” she made her way inside the house.  Payal looked at Khushi and the person still standing at the door.

“Jiji... can you recognise him?” she asked with her spirits lifted.  “Jiji...? Payal?” the figure at the door asked loudly.  Payal was blank.  The person at the door made his way inside too ignoring Buwaji.  He stood before Payal folding his hands.  “Who am I?” he asked grinning.  Amma came out hearing a strange voice in her house. 

“Who?” she was scared looking at the heavily built figure of Avinash.  He turned.  “Chachi ji! You haven’t changed a bit!” he complemented.  Amma too was confused.  Khushi had gone into the kitchen.  

“Yeh wohi hain, Amma... jo Hamari  mithai  churataa thaa...!” Khushi said loudly and Avinash grinned.  “Avinash Bajpai” he touched Amma’s feet.  “Jeetain raho!.. Bajpai? Dr. Bajpai’s grandson?” she asked.  He nodded smiling.  “I am a Doctor too!” A broad smile appeared on Amma’s face after a long time.  “Your Buwaji was my friend.!” She said happily.  

“Woh.. Babuji ko dekho..!” Khushi almost ordered.  Avinash ignored her.  “you still prepare those malai ki gilauri?” he asked Amma.  She nodded grinning.  “Haan..! I will prepare for you!” she said.

“Some other day, Amma! Babuji ko Dekho!” Khushi was impatient.  “Haan!” Avinash went in Babuji’s room.  Everybody followed.  Buwaji gaped with open mouth.

Khushi showed the file and prescriptions.  He tapped on Babuji’s joints, looked into his eyes!

“Hello, I am Dr. Avinash, from Lucknow... same school!” he looked at Khushi and she nodded.  There were no expressions in babuji’s face.  Tears rolled down.  Avinash looked at him intently.  “Ok!”

“If you can hear me, blink your eyes..!” Avinash said bending over.  Babuji blinked.  “Good! Blink your eyes..!” he told and Babuji blinked.  “Great! He has control over his eye movements..! That’s a good sign!” Avinash came as a ray of hope to Khushi.  

“We need to run some tests!” he said looking at Khushi and she nodded.  “You bring him to the hospital day after tomorrow ..!” he said.  “Ok!” Khushi agreed happily.  He looked around.  “Let me see his medicine chart and his medicines..!” he asked.  Khushi picked up the box and the notebook from the table.  He looked at neatly arranged tablet strips and the charts in the notebook.  

“What is this?” he picked up a strip lying at the bottom.  It wasn’t in the prescription list.  “Do you give him this?” he asked.  Payal came forward and looked at the strip.  “No!” she said.  He showed her the empty shrink wraps indicating that some tablets were consumed.  “No..!”  payal said looking confused.  “Doesn’t matter! Don’t give this.  Keep it somewhere else...not in his box!” said Avinash and Payal took the strip from him.

“Ok! Chachaji, don’t worry!” he kept his hand on Babuji’s forehead and babuji blinked.  Avinash smiled.  “Chalo Khushi.. Ab chalanaa chahiye!” he said coming out in the hall.  Buwaji was ready with mithai plate.

“Khushi’s engagement..!” she kept one piece on his palm happily.  He looked up at Khushi in surprise.  “Haan? Who is the lucky guy?” he asked grinning at her.  She looked away.

“Nandkishore! He is a great Lawyer...!” Buwaji didn’t fall short of words in praising her Sham Babua!”  Avinash nodded looking at Khushi furious face.   “Congratulations, Khushi!” he held out his hand.  “Thank you!” she said giving a dead fish handshake.  He looked up surprised but refrained from reacting.  

“He is such a nice person, he even takes care of Khushi’s babuji... they are not even married yet.. but look at his love towards this family...!” Buwaji was singing praises with a high tune. 

“Yeah.. and still his health is deteriorating..!” Avinash heard Khushi’s mutter!” 

“Hey, what is that?” he asked pointing at her forehead and she was transported to another world altogether, turning into a statue..! 

“Khushi..!” Payal nudged her smiling sheepishly at Avinash.  “Yeh Abhi Bhi, Aisi hi hain?” he asked payal grinning.  Khushi came back on earth.  Payal laughed heartily.  “Haan! Utanii hii pagal!” she said grinning.  “Jiji..!” Khushi stomped.

“Ok! Good night Khushi... and happy new year to all of you! And call me when you make those malai ki gilauri..!!” he went out of the door.  Amma smiled broadly.  

********   ********

“Khushi, yeh kahan mila?” Payal asked bewildered.  “Lavanya ji’s doctor!” she said still looking lost.  “Devi Mayya ka shukar hain!” Payal prayed.  Khushi went to change.  Buwaji had started off again about her attire, bringing stranger to house, not bothering about he wedding preparations...! Payal had stopped talking to Buwaji.  

Khushi had changed.  Payal and Amma were helpless.  “Should I tell her to just elope somewhere?” Payal had thought thousand times.  “But where will she go? She will be in more trouble!” Payal was desperate.  “Should I tell this to Aakash ji?” her heart leapt in hope.  “But if she wanted to, Khushi herself would have told someone in Raizada house!” Payal knew this wouldn’t help.  She couldn’t bear Khushi’s plight.  

That day, Khushi came home in the afternoon, completely dejected.  Payal kept on asking her.  But Khushi wouldn't tell anything.  “Jiji.. Ab Bass Shadi Karani Hain!” She had said in the night gravely. 

 

“Lekin Khushi.. don’t you feel its a sudden decision? You said he does not believe in rituals and all.. and now..!” Payal had asked surprised to hear the news of Lavanya’s engagement.

“I was wrong Jiji!” Khushi had dismissed.  “Kal Sagai Karani hain!” she was determined.  The engagement was a family affair.  Payal had refused to come out.  Sham and Khushi exchanged rings in presence of Buwaji.  Sham and Khushi touched elders’ feet for blessings.  “Go to the temple and come for the dinner..!” Buwaji had tears of happiness.  Khushi nodded.  She looked at the engagement ring in her finger.  “Chaliye Khushi!” Sham placed his hand on her shoulder and she repelled. 

"Buwaji.. I am tired today! Can I go tomorrow morning?" she asked in a small voice.  Buwaji understood.  "Ok!" she agreed to Khushi's relief.  "I am not well Buwaji.  I need a sound sleep!" Khushi went into her room and drew blanket over her head.  She was alone.  She was on her own to allow her mind to wander ... She had nothing left with her to cherish..! Emptiness filled her heart.  She closed her burning eyes.  Teardrops rolled down from the corner of her eyes, she went into deep slumber...! 

*********   *********  *********

Part 1

“Khushi..!” Lavanya called out excitedly.  Khushi’s heart ached.  “Haan Lavanya ji?” she asked forcing a smile on her face.  

“You know, you have to come in the evening..!” Lavanya said almost screaming.  Khushi didn’t answer. “Khushi..!” Lavanya waited for the affirmative answer.  “Umm.. Lavanya ji.. I mean.. babuji’s health..!” Khushi tried to find out some excuse.  

“Look, Chamakili... nothing doing..You have to come! Its a new year party yaar.. and I want you to be in the party..!” she pestered.  Khushi had no intention to go. 

“I am sending a car...!” Lavanya said authoritatively.  “If you are my friend, you will come!” She played the emotional card and Khushi heeded to it, as usual.  She sighed disconnecting the phone. 

“Khushi, you should go! You haven’t gone out for days..!” Payal too was of the opinion that Khushi deserves some enjoyment.  Khushi went into the kitchen without a word.

“How can I go?” she didn’t want to.  But she couldn’t say no!

*********   *********

“we are engaged, ASR! At least we can party together..!” Lavanya was totally disappointed.  “I am not coming Lavanya!” he was firm.  He went away and Lavanya sat on her bed thinking about their relationship.  Since their engagement, he had stopped going out with her. 

“What’s your problem, Lavanya! You wanted the engagement...!” he had barked when she pestered him for a dinner date. “ASR! We are engaged couple.. !” she had said disappointed.

“Main aisaa hi hoon, Lavanya! I had told you, before we got engaged!” he snapped back.

“What’s the use of getting engaged, then?” she retorted.  “You insisted, Lavanya!” he said and barged out of her room.

“Di, I am going to the office, will be back in the evening..!” he said marching out of the house.

*********   *********   ********

“What is this, Chamakili? Saree? No way!” Lavanya disapproved Khushi’s attire.  Khushi wore the best one she had, but Lavanya dismissed it.  “Chalo!” She ordered Khushi and took her inside. 

“What?” Khushi was flabbergasted looking at the packet.  “You are wearing this!” Lavanya ordered.  Khushi had no other option.  She wore the black gown with red satin flowers on it, with a black starry sash.  “Chamakili, you look so nice..!” Lavanya complemented hugging Khushi lightly.  

“Oh hi, yash... yeah... no i mean ASR is not coming..!” Lavanya said over the phone sulkily to Khushi’s big relief.  She was more relaxed.  “Devi Mayya.. thank you!” she said looking up in the sky.

“Oh, ASR.. Yash was asking for you..!” Lavanya had called up ASR.  She was missing him badly.  “You know what, ASR? Everyone is asking for you..!” she said sulkily.  There was no response from the other end.

“Chamakili.. wait..!” Lavanya said loudly when she saw Khushi moving out of the door.

“What?” came a question from the other end.  “No.. Nothing ASR, this Khushi..!” Lavanya couldn’t complete as the phone was disconnected abruptly.  

“Khushi?” He couldn’t stop himself from picking up his car keys.

“ASR!” Lavanya hugged him tightly.  He patted on her back lightly looking around.  “Oh! I am so happy..! This party is going to be the best one!” Lavanya said gripping his arm.  He only smiled at her with a nod.  His eyes kept moving on the crowd, searching for someone. 

Khushi turned abruptly.  “What is this? Breeze? Is he around? No.. not possible!” she went with PAM, Lavanya’s friend.  “But why do I feel his presence?” she had no answer.

“It was over.  Everything was over... there is nothing between us now! I am getting married and so does he!” she thought consoling her heart.  

“She is here, I know she is around!” he kept moving between the groups to find a trace for Khushi. 

“Come on ASR!” Lavanya pulled him on the dance floor.  He stood there withdrawing his hand.  “Lavanya, I don’t dance!” he moved out of the cheering crowd.  Lavanya sulked.

“He is here!” Khushi concluded.  It was not her hallucination.. He actually was there.  Khushi winced and looking around hid herself in the crowd.  Barring few from the old office, she didn’t know anyone.  She kept to herself feeling lonely in the crowd of cheering people.  Her makeover played the trick.  ASR kept looking for a Salwar Suit or Saree! 

“Hey, Chamakili... give this to Lavanya!” PAM gave her the clutch to give it to Lavanya and he saw her turning back.  “Khushi?” he couldn’t believe his eyes.  He followed.  She had vanished again.  The foundation day flashed before him.  He clenched his fists.  “Again?” he gritted his teeth.  Now he knew where to search.  Lavanya was irritatingly disturbing in his mission.  “ASR!” she kept pulling him into her friend circle.  He kept shaking hands and nodding and greeting people, looking lost somewhere else.

“ASR! Why are you looking so lost?” Lavanya asked him and he gazed at her. 

“By the way, I am so happy that you came, but how did this miracle happen, ASR?” she asked him wrapping her arm around his.  He gave her a smile and as usual refrained from answering.  “Whatever is the reason, ASR! The face is my fiancé is here with me on the eve of New Year!” she closed her eyes happily.  He looked up to see Khushi talking to someone.  He withdrew his hand from Lavanya’s and moved towards Khushi only to find her vanished again.  

“ASR! I think, its time for us to announce the date of our wedding..!” Lavanya said moving her eyes on the hep crowd gathered for the party.  He didn’t respond.  “ASR!” she pulled his hand.  “Stop it Lavanya! You know!” he reminded her.  She broke apart with disappointment.  

“ASR! I want you  to be with me at the moment of new year!” She thought she deserved at least that moment with her boyfriend and fiancé! He had not heard her.  “I will be back!” he blurted and left Lavanya alone!

The countdown for the new year was about to begin.  He kept moving now looking at the black gowns in the crowd.  The countdown began...

TEN : He saw a familiar figure in the crowd going behind the pillar in a western black gown!  He sensed her. 

NINE : he dashed to confirm.  The figure had vanished behind the pillar.  

EIGHT : She indeed was behind the pillar.  The cool breeze blew his hair back ... she tried to tidy her hair.

SEVEN: A hand was placed on her shoulder giving her shivers.  She froze with that touch.  Her heartbeats could be heard in that bustling crowd.

SIX : He turns her around with a force, stopping her from moving away.  Their eyes met and

FIVE : He froze mesmerised at her stunning beauty.  He gazed at her gown and pulled her towards him.  She couldn’t resist.  

FOUR : Touching her creamy cheeks meant cupping her face gently for him.  She was disarmed by the touch.

THREE : Their eyes locked to find some traces of their moments together in the past. 

TWO : She couldn’t bear his gaze and closed her eyes. He closed the gap between them..

ONE: he lifts her chin with his fingers, her lips parted quivering slightly.. and   Puff! The lights went off.  The crowd erupted in cheers, welcoming the new year.  The fireworks illuminated the skies. 

“Khu..!” he still held her tightly and she came back to her senses with the lights.  She looked at their position and tried to break away from him.  He still was in that world of darkness.  She pushed him away shaking from head to toe and he was still living that magical moment.  The kiss had confirmed that the flame in his heart was not put off.

“ASR!” Lavanya broke his trance and he looked around in search of disappeared Khushi.  Then onwards he only had his eyes for Khushi forgetting the crowd, his girlfriend, their engagement and even Khushi’s engagement!

Khushi had no desire to talk to anyone.  She merged herself in that faceless crowd trying to avoid his gaze.  She was introduced to many people either by Lavanya or her acquaintance.  Khushi just nodded or joined her hands.  

“Wish you could get your fiancé, Khushi!” Lavanya said trying to cheer Khushi up.  “Missing him, haan?” she teased her.  Khushi smiled faintly. 

“Hey Lavanya!” A bright looking guy stood before them.  “Hey Doc! Happy new year!” Lavanya greeted her doctor.  Khushi thought of going away.

“Hey, meet my friend, Chum... I mean Khushi... I mean...!” Lavanya pulled Khushi back.

“Khushi Kumari Gupta!” Khushi said introducing herself looking at Lavanya’s confusion, joining her hands.  “Namaste” she said in a low tone.

“Khushi Gupta?” the person looked confused too.  Something clicked.  He stared at her face.  She felt embarrassed.   She looked up.  Her hazel green eyes confirmed. 

“Are you by any chance are from Lucknow?” he asked taking a step ahead.  She looked puzzled.  “Ye  Yes!” she said a little scared.  “Shastri School?” he wanted to be sure..! She nodded.  “ye.. yes!”

“Junior Champion in 4^th class?” he asked her almost bumping on her.  “Yes... what? How..?” she couldn’t assimilate.

“Avinash, Senior Champion 10 th class!” he introduced himself in a unique way.  She looked up shocked and then her eyes lit up.  “Avi?” she blurted.  “Yes, bahatii naak! Yes, my dear running nose!” he said and she banged on his chest.  Lavanya had already moved away looking at them talking to each other.

“I am not a bahatii naak now!” she said pursing her lips and he roared in laughter.  “For me, you are still a bahatii naak” he  said teasing her.  She smiled broadly.  “Let it be!” she said wiping her nose with the handkerchief.  He couldn’t stop laughing.  “You are still the same! Only grown into a beautiful woman!” he said surveying her from head to toe.  She felt awkward.  “And you? You have over grown!” she said taking revenge looking at his size.  

“Hey Lavanya! She is my school mate! You know? We won School Championship.. She was primary School champ and I secondary champ. together we had brought the trophy to the school!" He said proudly.  Lavanya shrugged.  “Whatever Doc.  Now that you know each other, carry on!” she went away again.  Khushi was happy.  A smile appeared on her face.  She had a company of her childhood friend.  She needed nothing else.  Two brown eyes followed her burning with rage.  Now she had a reason to ignore them.

“Humm... I still remember school days..!” she said dreamily, missing her Lucknow.

“Yes old lady... I miss our felicitation ceremony where you had fallen down lifting the trophy..!” he pulled her legs for being so emotional.  She pushed him with mock anger.  “Wish Anita was here!” he missed his wife.  She looked up questioningly.  “My wife!” he said and she smiled broadly.  “She didn’t come?” Khushi asked.  Avinash shook his head. “Hospital Duty! She too is a doctor!” he said smiling.  “I think I had called you up, sometime back!” Khushi remembered.  He looked questioningly.

“I mean, we were in Nainital and Lavanya ji was ... I mean... not well!” she felt awkward to say Lavanya was drunk.  “Yeah.. her regular problem.. can’t handle the drinks!” he remarked. Khushi looked away to meet two brown eyes glaring at her.  Her phone rang and her time sense returned.  “I need to push off..!” she blurted looking out for Lavanya.

“Lavanya ji, I should be leaving now!” she pointed at the time now.  A figure in dark suit appeared next to Lavanya and she shuddered.  “Khushi, wait for some time.. I will drop you !” Avinash appeared next to her.  She looked away saying.. “No Lavanya ji! I will manage!” she turned her back and disappeared.  Thats what she thought but he was following her.  She came out in the corridors.

“Chalo!” he ordered walking with her.  “No!” she tried to move away.  “Shut up and sit in the car!” he had come back to his dominating character.  She looked around to find some familiar faces to escape from ASR.  She could find none. His hand moved to clutch hers and she took a step back.  “Ok!” she blurted and he raced away.

She was determined not to talk, not to look at him.  She was seeing him after a long time.  Her heart ached.  “No Khushi! You have left everything behind! Don’t think about it.  Accept your destiny..!” she folded her arms to stop her thoughts from coming out of heart! 

He focused on the road ahead not looking at her.  He had locked up everything.  Arnav with all the moments with her were buried deep inside.  Nothing can change his decision now.  He didn’t understand why was he with her again, why did he go after her, why was he craving for her; when she had shattered everything, without even once looking back.  He gripped the steering.  Her giggles with another person ringing in his head, he couldn’t stop himself. “Tum uskay saath kay baatain kar rahi thi?”  

She was silent.  “Answer me damn it! How do you know Doctor Avinash?” he asked banging his fist on steering causing it to honk shrilly.  Khushi shuddered and looked at him. He stopped with screeching breaks.  Khushi removed her seat belt.

“What?” he asked bewildered.  “Getting down!” she said opening the door.  “Fine!” he gritted his teeth.  She started walking away and he slammed on the accelerator.  The car behind stopped with screeching breaks and the head lights blinked.  He looked into the mirror to his horror.  The car behind had stopped with someone’s scream.  “Khushi..!” his heart didn’t think of anything else.  He stopped, hopped out of the car and broke into a run.  “Khushi..!” he screamed in panic.

The door of the car behind had opened and closed.  He reached the car to see it racing away.  He jumped aside and ran behind it.  “Khushi...?” she was nowhere.  “KHUSHI!” he screamed in rage clenching his fists.  Frustration mounting he slammed the door of his car racing away.

“Aray chote?” Anjali was surprised to see her chote alone.  “Lavanya...!” her voice trailed looking at her brother’s back.  He had already reached his room closing the door behind him.  “Humm!” she sighed hopelessly.  

He was pacing the room trying his best not to think about her.  “It’s over! “ he kept telling himself.  “I don’t care, whom she talks to, who she got engaged to! I just don’t care!” he threw the vase breaking it into pieces.  The crashing sound reverberated in his vault like room shuddering him.  The crashing sound calmed him down a bit.  He threw himself on the bed.

“What was that? Same passion? Longing! No!” he got up with a jerk.  “No!” that’s not true! He consoled himself, pulling his laptop and burying himself again in the work.  Late in the night his phone rang and glanced at the screen..

“Khushi?” he picked up immediately glancing at the time.  “Itani Raat ko?” he was surprised.