Part 1 Angry Arnav
Goa
“Chotte, why not you listen to your
Jeejaji?” Arnav's cousin Anjali asked.
Arnav rolled his eyes.
“Di, how many times do you want me
to say I’m not interested in going Abroad?”
“Chotte, your Jeejaji is the big
contractor. Because of him, many people are getting good lives but being my
brother, you are not at all showing interest in using the chance”
“Di, I’m happy with what I’m
doing…”
“You are just earning thirty thousand…”
“It’s enough for me, Di… I have my
own house. So, no rental issues. Got a simple job with a satisfying salary…”
“Is it enough? Don’t you want to
save money for your future?”
“Di, I just finished my master's in
chemical engineering six months ago...! I put my full effort into completing chemical
engineering. Let me breathe for a while freely. I will join jeejaji if needed.
I will surely ask Jeejaji if I need to settle down in my life… ok?”
“If you are not interested, you can
take up short-time work. It’s just for three months but can get good pay”
“This is why I’m not coming to your
house. You are not at all listening to me” he annoyed.
Anjali pouted.
“Di, please don’t compel me. I don’t
like to leave India. I’m doing a new project in my company. If it clicks, I
will get good pay in India itself”
“I didn’t intend to annoy you,
Chotte. If you join your Jeejaji, you will become firm in your life. If you
learn Jeejaji’s job, you can take up a sub-contract too… that’s why I told you”
“But, I’m not interested Di”
Anjali sighed.
“I’m leaving Di”
“Wait… have coffee and go”
“That’s ok, di… I have to press my
dresses. I get only one day off… I have to manage everything on Sunday…”
Arnav stood up, taking his helmet.
“Bye, babe…” he tapped Shali, his
niece’s head.
“Bye…” she smiled.
“Keep coming, Chotte…”
Arnav nodded slowly.
“I promise… I won’t ask you to go
Abroad. Please keep coming”
“I’m sorry, di…” he hugged Anjali.
“It’s ok… it’s all common between
us… isn't it?” She smiled.
Arnav chuckled.
“Bye, Di… convey my regards to
Jeejaji if he calls you”
“Sure”
Arnav left Anajli’s house.
Though Anjali was Arnav’s cousin,
she was so close to him. Whenever Arnav got time, he visited her place. Her husband
Shyam was a contractor who visited Saudi as he had contract there. He shared a
good bond with Arnav as they were in the same field. Shyam was ready to give
Arnav good pay but Arnav was not interested in going abroad.
Arnav lost his mother when he was
in his master's first year of engineering. His father started to become weak
after his wife’s demise. He died when Arnav was in his final year. Arnav
completed his master’s after a big struggle. His UG and PG friends were there
for him to console him. Shyam and Anjali’s part in consoling him was
noticeable.
As Arnav had no one, he had no grip
in life. He got a placement and just doing the work because he didn’t want to
be dependent.
Arnav was riding his bike thinking
about all of them. He stopped his bike at the signal and waited, looking at the
RED light to turn green. He frowned seeing someone familiar to him crossing the
signal. He was his UG friend Akash. Arnav was shocked because there was a girl
with Akash. The cause of his shock was, that Akash was in love with their
classmate Payal. Payal was still in love with Akash. Arnav knew that.
Arnav was not an ONLINE freak. He
would not spend time online. Even though his college friends created a WhatsApp
group, he hardly visited the group as he was busy with his master’s. He just
peeped into the group only to wish his friends on their birthday. But, he knew
Akash and Payal were still in a relationship. Akash himself told him that when
they met last time. Though he was not online freak, he was still in touch with
his friends. In fact, his friends were his refreshment candies. Akash was his
best friend.
Arnav’s eyes were on the girl who
was sitting behind Akash. She looked damn fair. The goggles she was wearing gave
her a stunning look. Her silky hair that was floating in the air looked like a
wave.
Arnav could not leave it easily. He
waited for the signal to change. Taking a U-turn, he chased Akash’s bike,
keeping him in his eye limit. He didn’t know where Akash’s house was. Though
they were thick friends, Akash never invited his friends to his house. Arnav
never minded about it as he thought he had a strict family.
Arnav came behind Akash and didn’t
find him. He didn’t know where Akash went. He searched for him, riding the
bike. When he came to the beach road, he saw Akash teaching the same girl to
ride a bike as it was a lonely road. He was telling her about Clutch, Brake,
high beam light and all. Arnav stopped the bike, blocking their bike, coming in
front of them.
“Arnav…” Akash smiled awkwardly.
The girl looked at Arnav.
“Are you shocked seeing me?” Arnav
asked heating up.
“No… not at all… why should I…?”
Akash stammered.
The girl looked at Akash, turning
her head.
“KHUSHI, didn’t I tell you about my
friend Arnav? He is the one” Akash said.
“Oh, the one who was the heart
throab of your college girls?” Khushi looked at Arnav and smiled which amazed
Arnav. This girl knew about him which meant Akash shared everything about him
with this girl but who was she?
“Hi, Arnav…” Khushi extended her
hand for a shake.
Arnav looked at Akash… no, he was
not looking but glaring at him but what Akash told him shocked Arnav more.
“She is my SISTER, Khushi,” Akash
said with an awkward expression, understanding the meaning of his glare.
“Sister?” Arnav frowned. Arnav was
shocked to the core because he didn’t even know Akash had a sister. He was
Akash’s best friend but Akash never told him about his sister. Why? Was she
really his sister or Aaksh was lying? His thoughts broke when he heard,
“Arnav, Khushi is waiting…” Akash
said looking at Khushi’s extending hand. Arnav clutched it gently.
“Hi…” Arnav said.
“I’m Khushi” she smiled clutching
his hand confidently.
“Arnav…”
“Akash is teaching me to ride the
bike. I have been asking him to teach me to ride the bike for a long but just
today I got his grace” Khushi said casually as if she knew him well.
Arnav plastered a smile.
“Ok, Arnav… we are leaving” Khushi
said.
Arnav nodded.
“Bye, Arnav” Khushi slowly moved
the bike.
Arnav stood, looking at them with
unbelievable expression.
Taking his phone, he called Payal.
“Hi, Arnav… how are you? When is
the marriage?” Payal asked.
“Marriage? What are you asking
about?” he frowned.
“You called me… so, you should have
some special reason… so, I guessed it must be your wedding”
Arnav rolled his eyes.
“When is your wedding?” he asked
her the same question.
“Maybe after two years…”
“Are you sure about it?”
“Of course…”
“Oh… when did you meet Akash?”
“Two days ago…”
“Oh… I just met him”
“Is it?”
“Yeah… with his sister”
“Oh, did you meet Khushi?”
Arnav was stuck. So, Khushi was
Akash’s sister. It was true.
“Yeah… just met her”
“You can never see such a confident
girl in your life, Arnav. She is amazing”
“Oh… ok, I will call you later”
“Ok, Arnav… bye”
“Bye,” Arnav disconnected the call.
It was true that Khushi was Akash’s sister. He was angry with Akash for hiding
about his sister.
Even Payal knew about her but him.
What Akash was thinking about him? What was the reason for him to hide the
truth from him? He didn’t know. Arnav decided to talk to Akash the same night.
He didn’t want to do it right away as he was with his sister now.
To be continued…
Arnav was thinking about Akash and Khushi. He could
not bear the truth that Akash hid about his sister from him. Akash was always a
selfish guy. He fought with his friends for silly reasons. He always wanted him
to be their priority but he would not do the same to his friends. NK always
taunted him for his silly behaviour. Arnav thought Akash didn’t tell them about
his sister because she was beautiful. Akash might have thought they would drool
over her. That disappointed him.
Arnav wanted to call him immediately but he had to
wait until he returned home. So, he called Akash after two hours. He waited
keeping his phone on his ear. The call was attended and Arnav was about to
shout, but he stopped hearing,
“Who is speaking?” in a girl’s voice.
“I want to talk to Akash”
“Arnavvvv…you? He is taking a bath…” the girl said.
“May I know who is speaking?” he asked even though
he guessed it as it was Khushi’s voice.
“Khushi… we just met”
“Oh… didn’t Akash save my number?” he asked
dejectedly.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t notice”
“Ok, tell Akash I called him”
“He is in a hurry to go to Mumbai to give an
interview. I will ask him to call you afterward”
“Oh… Is he going for an interview?”
“Yes... he applied for two companies. He will come
after two days”
“Ok, Khushi… I will talk to him later. Bye”
“Bye, Arnav”
She disconnected the call. Arnav wondered. Akash’s
sister talked to him without hesitation. She looked like an easygoing girl.
Then why did Akash hide about her from his friends? He wanted to lash over
Akash right away but he was going to Mumbai to give an interview. He would get
upset if he shouted at him. he didn’t want to do that when Akash was going for
an interview. It might affect his interview. So, he gave up his idea of talking
to Akash. More than that, he liked Khushi who spoke to him casually.
The next day
Arnav was going to the office. His bike moved slowly
due to traffic. His face brightened seeing Khushi going with her friend. She
was walking on the platform, chitchatting with her friend. Arnav forgot himself
for a few seconds. How flawless she was…! Her free hair, her smile, and her
goggles…! Everything was attractive.
Usually, Arnav would not like to talk to girls
voluntarily but now he didn’t feel embarrassed to do that. He gently waved his
hand at Khushi. She looked at him and walked casually passing him, without
reacting to it, making him disappointed. How sweetly she spoke to him when he
called Akash…! Then why did she ignore him now? Did she think about him cheaply
as he voluntarily waved his hand at her?
It seemed both brother and sister were the same. He
gritted his teeth. Arnav’s mood was upset for the whole day. He could not
forget the humiliation. Yes, he felt it as humiliation. How could Khushi avoid
him? Didn’t she know he would feel insulted if she avoided him? Would not she
feel insulted if anyone ignored her? He didn’t know whether he should leave it
or not. He didn’t know why his bloody mind was stuck in her.
Evening
Arnav was returning home. When he crossed the
University, his leg pressed the brake automatically, seeing Khushi coming out
of the university with the same girl Arnav had seen in the morning. He didn’t
want to talk to her but his mind didn’t agree to it. Stopping the bike, he went
to her and stood before her. The girl with Khushi frowned seeing him.
“What do you want? Why are you blocking our way?”
the girl asked.
“You may not know me but she,” he said looking at
Khushi.
He saw Khushi’s face blooming with a smile. How
beautiful she was while smiling! Arnav could not hold himself from thinking
that.
“Hi, Arnav… you here? You too came to the
university?” Khushi asked.
“No… I saw you crossing by. Just thought to ask you
about Akash…”
“Didn’t you call him?”
“No, I will talk to him after he comes from Mumbai
as he will be busy with his interviews. He will get upset if I call him…” he
intentionally said that, expecting her to ask her the reason.
“Mmm, you are right. Such a cynic he is” She
chuckled.
“When I saw you this morning, I thought you would
also be a cynic” he came to the point straight.
“This morning? Where?”
“In this same road…”
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t notice you…”
“I waved my hand…”
“I was discussing with my friend about my upcoming
exams. In that, I missed to notice you. I’m sorry if you are hurt” Khushi
smiled
Arnav didn’t know what to say. Didn’t she notice
him? But she looked in his direction…! Maybe, he would have mistaken her as she
was wearing goggles. Arnav consoled himself.
“By the way, she is my friend Preeto.” Khushi
introduced her friend to Arnav.
“Hi…” Preeto smiled.
“Preeto, he is Akash’s friend. They are college
mates. You know Arnav had a high demand in between their college girls” She
laughed.
Arnav was stuck.
“I hope you are not mocking me,” Arnav said
composing himself.
“Mocking? Why Arnav, won’t you see your image in the
mirror?”
Arnav rolled his eyes.
“You tell me Preeto, is not Arnav looking handsome?”
“Of course, he is looking handsome” Preeto smiled.
Arnav could not be without smiling.
“Akash always talked about you and your friend’s
gang. I know all his friends and the problems created by them in college” She
laughed but she stopped laughing when Arnav said,
“But we don’t know about you. we don’t even know
Akash has a sister” his voice sounded disappointed.
Khushi nodded pressing her lips.
“Akash is like that. Sometimes, he does silly
things. Don’t you know him?” She said.
She was right. Akash was like that. Payal always
complained. It was always Akash who would be the reason for their fight but he
never gave up but stood firm even though he was wrong.
“When is Akash coming from Mumbai?”
“Tomorrow night he will start from Mumbai”
“Ok…”
“Ok, Arnav… We came in the morning. Yet, the work is
not completed. We are getting late. Amma will be tensed”
“Just call her and say you are on the way”
“Mmm…” she thought.
“Ok, Khushi… you just carry on”
“Mmm, bye”
“Bye”
Khushi walked away. Arnav noticed one thing. She was
circling Preeto’s hand securely. She didn’t even leave her hand for a second…!
While walking also he was clutching her hand. He saw them getting into an auto.
Arnav left the place. He rode the bike smilingly. There was no stress in his
mind that suppressed him in the morning. How sweet Khushi was! How jovially she
was talking! Akash would have told her about him. That was why she spoke to him
without hesitation. He could not understand one thing. If Akash shared
everything about his friends with her, why didn’t he tell them about his
sister? He wanted to ask Akash when he came back from Mumbai.
The next day…
When Arnav crossed the university road, his eyes
wandered here and there expecting Khushi. He smiled at his thought and left the
place.
After the office hour, Arnav went to a shopping
mall. He wanted to purchase a gift for Shali for her birthday. He bought a
Frock for Shali and came out of the shop. He stopped at the same place and his
lips curved into a smile, seeing Khushi in the mall. This time, she was with
another girl. She was entwining her fingers with the girl as same as she was
with Preeto. He ran to her excitedly but she crossed him just like the previous
day. He stood gritting his teeth. He saw them going towards the escalator. He
went to them and blocked their way. The girl with Khushi jerked seeing him. In
that, she left Khushi’s hand and Khushi kept her leg on the escalator that was
moving down. The girl was horrified to see that.
“Khushiiii…”
Khushi looked behind.
“Khushiiii…” She shouted.
The girl looked at Arnav angrily.
“What the hell have you done? She will fall…” She
got into the escalator, pushing him.
Arnav frowned. He too got into it and asked,
“Fall? Why? Is she a child who doesn’t know how to
get off the escalator?”
“She is not a kid but BLIND” The girl exclaimed,
making Arnav shocked…!
To be continued…
Part 3 About Khushi
“She is not a kid but BLIND,” the
girls exclaimed, making Arnav shocked.
“Whaaaat? Blind? Have you gone mad?
I saw her riding a bike…” Arnav said looking at Khushi who was searching for
her friend extending her hand fearfully.
“Did she ride the bike
INDIVIDUALLY?” The girl questioned.
Arnav stood unable to answer
because Khushi didn’t ride the bike individually but Akash was with her.
“She is going to fall…” the girl
said gritting her teeth.
Leaving everything behind, Arnav galloped
down the escalator as Khushi was supposed to reach the floor. Without thinking
of anything, he lifted her from the escalator. Before Khushi understood what
happened, he kept her on the floor.
“Lavanya…” Khushi called panicking.
“I’m sorry…” Arnav said.
Khushi was stuck for a second,
hearing Arnav’s voice.
“Arnav?”
“Yeah…I’m sorry I don’t you are…”
he stopped not uttering the word blind.
That was when Lavanya came there.
“I’m sorry Khushi, because of this
guy, I could not follow you. he stopped me, Khushi” Lavanya complained.
“Actually, I misunderstood you,
Khushi… this is the second time you went crossing me. I just am upset with your
behavior. I thought you intentionally irritating me but I never imagined you
could be…” He gulped down.
“You were not wrong though. People
would think in the way you think. You didn’t know I’m blind… that’s ok”
“Are you really blind?”
“Do you think it’s a prank?” She
smiled.
“No… I saw you riding the bike that
day”
“I don’t like people sympathizing
with me. That’s why I do something with my loved ones. No one, except my
friends, knows I’m blind. I don’t like to let people know about it”
“Is this why Akash didn’t tell us
about you?”
Khushi nodded yes.
Arnav was more furious. What kind
of brother Akash was! Just because his sister was a blind girl, how could he
keep her in the dark? Was not it his responsibility to bring her out? Instead,
he was hiding her from the world.
“I’m really sorry for
misunderstanding you, Khushi”
“That’s ok… don’t be sorry… We have
to go, Arnav…”
“Yeah…” Arnav took a step from her
path and stood.
Khushi left the place, clutching
Lavanya’s hand. Arnav stood looking at her with an unbelievable stare. He could
not believe Khushi was blind. How sweetly she talked with him! How cute her
smile was…! He remembered what Payal told him about Khushi.
*You can never see such a confident
girl in your life, Arnav. She is amazing*
Yes, she was amazing. Being a blind
girl, she needed unimaginable confidence to ride a bike. How did she get such a
gut? So what if Akash was there with her? Even normal people meet with
accidents every day. It was not easy to ride a bike because it was not a matter
of only us but also of the opposite person. How could Akash hide her from them?
Leave others, was not Akash closer to him than others?
Arnav was thinking about Khushi all
the time. Poor girl! How beautiful she looks…! She was trying to show herself
brave to the world but Akash was not even ready to declare her as his sister.
The next day
Akash got down from the train with
his luggage. He was stuck seeing Arnav standing on the railway platform. It
took a few seconds for Akash to compose himself. He smiled at Arnav managing
himself.
“Hi, Arnav… how are you doing?” he
stammered.
Arnav didn’t smile.
“You here?”
“I’m here to meet you because I
want to know something that you are hiding from the world”
Akash was alerted. He understood
Arnav was going to ask him about Khushi. He stood silently.
“I didn’t expect you would not
recognize Khushi as your sister just because she is blind”
Akash was shocked as he didn’t
expect Arnav to know Khushi was blind.
“I met her in the shopping mall
last evening with her friend…” Arnav said understanding the shock on his face.
“you are mistaken, Arnav. I didn’t
hide it because she is blind. I hid it because Khushi didn’t want me to tell
anyone about her”
“But why? How could she tell you
so? Won’t any of your friends know about her? Won’t any friends of yours visit
your house ever?”
“They did… until Khushi became
blind”
“whaaat? Is not she blind by
birth?”
“No… she lost her sight when she
was studying in the tenth standard”
“But how?”
“My father and Khushi met with an accident.
In that, we lost our father and Khushi lost her vision. She got hit on her
head. It affected the nerve connected to her eyes. She lost her vision”
“Can’t she get her sight back?”
“She can but it needs an expensive
operation. We need a few lakhs for the operation. Being a middle-class family,
we could not spend that much money on her operation as we already lost our
father who was the only source of our income. I will do it if I get a good job”
Arnav felt bad for Akash and cursed
himself for misunderstanding him.
“Khushi lost her confidence as long
as her vision. She cried a lot about her condition. She was just a tenth-grade
student at that time. We didn’t know if we should feel for our father’s loss
or, for Khushi. In fact, we were not in the condition to give her hope because
we ourselves were hopeless. How could we give her hope? What to tell her? We
didn’t know”
“We could have helped you if you
had told us your real condition…”
“No, Arnav. Khushi restricted me
from telling about her to anyone and she strictly stopped me from bringing any
of my friends home. Because of my friend, she made such a decision”
“Your friend? Who?”
“He studied with me in school. He
was my best friend. He was with me when my father died. Khushi used to call him
baiya but he tried to misbehave with Khushi when she was alone at home. He
thought Khushi could not identify him but she did with her smelling sense. As
he didn’t expect that, he ran from our house. That’s the incident that made us
lose trust in people.”
“Did you leave him?”
“He ran to his sister’s house that
was in Bhopal. I never saw him after that”
Arnav gulped down hard.
“Just think Arnav, nowadays, even
normal girls can’t be safe. Then what about a blind girl’s condition? This is
why I didn’t tell anyone that I have a blind sister. People would take
advantage of our helplessness, Arnav. That’s why Khushi requested me not to…”
“But, she spoke to me nicely…”
“I told her about you. Though you
guys didn’t know about her, she knew about all of you. I shared all my college
experiences with her every day. That’s how I cheered her up.”
“I didn’t believe she could be
blind because I saw her riding the bike…”
“It’s an eyewash… she started doing
that to make people believe she is normal… but she rides the bike in the PLAIN
road with my assistance…! She came out of the shell a little by little. Her
friends helped her to do that. They made her apply for graduation and she
completed two years with the help of SCRIBE. This is her third year…”
“Yeah, I saw her at the university
two days ago with her friend”
“Yeah… she would have…”
“How are you guys running your
family?”
“We got our father’s LIC money.
Using the money, my mother built three portions on the terrace. Its rent is
helping us to run our family. After completing engineering, I’m working as a
delivery boy while searching for a job. My mother bought me a second-hand bike
for the job from her savings… that’s how we are running our family”
“I’m sorry, Akash… I misunderstand
you”
“That’s ok… I would have met you
the next day itself if I had been in Goa but I had to go to Mumbai to give
interviews…”
“Khushi told me… how did you give
the interviews?”
“I gave my best…” Akash smiled.
Arnav thought something and said,
“If you want, I can get you an abroad
job”
“No, Arnav, I can’t go abroad,
leaving my sister and mother alone in India. If it is Mumbai, I will take them
with me” Akash said.
Arnav nodded.
“Ok, we will meet later. Go home.
Your mother and sister will be waiting for you”
Akash nodded yes. Arnav sent him in
an auto and started his bike. He thought he was the unluckiest person in the
world. Compared to Khushi, his condition was much better. He thought.
To be continued…
Part 4 Dinner
Arnav was lying on the bed thinking
deeply. Of course, he was thinking about Khushi. She was blind but rode the
bike even though she did that for eyewash. How confident she was…! How brave…!
Akash was right. Even normal girls cannot be safe nowadays. Then no need to say
about a blind girl. Poor girl, how did she feel when she lost her vision…? How
broken she would have been…!
Suddenly, the power cut off! Arnav
sat on the bed. It was darkness everywhere. He rotated his eyes in the
darkness. He slowly got off the bed and walked towards the cupboard. He banged
on the sofa.
“Ouch…” He clutched the sofa
curling his toes.
He huffed in relief as the power
ON. Taking a candle and a matchbox, he came to the bed again. He kept them on
the side table and laid on the bed.
“It’s not easy to be blind. Khushi
is facing challenges every day, to eat, to take a bath, to walk, to do
anything…! Yet, she smiles not giving a chance for her disability to overpower
her” he felt bad for Khushi. At the same time, he was proud of her.
He tossed.
“I’m an idiot. How many times has
Di asked me to go Abroad? I denied. If I had saved money, I would have given it
to Akash for Khushi’s operation.” Arnav regretted not going Abroad for the
first time.
He slept late, thinking about
Khushi.
The next day
Arnav opened his eyes from his
sleep and looked at the clock. He jerked as it was 8 o’clock. He jumped off the
bed and rushed to the washroom. Taking a quick shower, he came out. Putting two
bread slices into the bread toaster, he dressed up. When he came out fully
ready, the toasted bread was also ready. He stuffed one in his mouth and wore
socks. He completed his simple breakfast and came locking the door.
He rolled his eyes seeing a girl in
the opposite house drooling over him. He brought his bike out of the house and
locked the gate.
“It seems you woke up late today…!
Didn’t you sleep well last night?” The girl asked clingy.
Without answering her, he kicked
his bike and he left home. Somewhat he managed to reach the office on time. He
pressed his finger on the biometric device and registered his arrival. He came
to his cubical and sat on the seat huffing.
Taking his mobile, he checked
WhatsApp group messages. There was nothing but normal good morning and a few
forward messages. He kept his phone on the table, closing his eyes. He jerked
as the darkness hit his mind. Again, he remembered Khushi.
Arnav didn’t know why he felt like
helping Khushi. It might be out of sympathy but he didn’t mind it. It was not
wrong to sympathize with her though. Arnav’s day passed with Khushi’s memories.
Evening
Arnav was returning home. He saw
someone familiar to him standing outside the restaurant. He smiled as it was
Payal. He came to her and stopped his bike in front of her. Payal became excited
to see him.
“Arnav… you here?” Payal smiled
with the same excitement.
“This is my way home…”
“How are you doing?”
“Great… what about you and your
Prince Charming?”
“Yeah, he just gave interviews in
Mumbai”
“He told me…”
“Yeah, he told me too, and also
about your misunderstanding”
Arnav nodded yes.
“I was angry with him for hiding
about his sister but I don’t know she is blind”
“Yes, he told me about Khushi just
a year ago. That too when I saw her with him…”
“Mmm, I too saw her practicing
riding the bike”
“Didn’t I say she is an amazing
girl?”
“Yes, she is… by the way, what are
you doing here?”
“Waiting for my Prince Charming and
his beautiful sister”
Arnav’s eyes sparkled. Was Khushi
going to come?
“Anything special?”
“Yes… it’s my birthday” Payal said.
“Whaaat? Birthday? But no one
wished you in the group?” he frowned.
“When did you check the group?”
“Morning 10’o clock”
“After that only everyone wished me
followed by Akash. Actually, he woke up late today as he slept late after
chitchatting with Khushi”
“Didn’t he wish you at midnight?”
“Yeah, he did…” she smiled.
“He should have wished you through
our group. Then we will also wish you”
“That’s ok…”
“Many more Happy returns of the
day”
“Thank you so much”
That was when Akash arrived with
Khushi. Payal gestured Arnav to be quiet and Akash noticed it.
“Hi, Khushi…” Payal hugged her.
“Happy Birthday, bhabi” She gave a
wrapped box to Payal.
“Thank you so much” Payal kissed
Khushi’s cheek, making her smile.
Khushi’s facial expression changed
and she asked,
“Is Arnav here?”
Arnav raised his brows amazed.
“You are amazing Khushi,” Payal
said.
“How did you find I’m here,
Khushi?” Arnav asked surprisingly.
“I can smell you” she smiled.
“But, how? We just met twice…”
Arnav saw embarrassment on her
face. Something kicked his mind. Didn’t he lift her when she was supposed to
hit the ground from the escalator? He understood how she became familiar with
his smell.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” Arnav
hesitated.
“Just leave it, Arnav” Khushi said.
“It’s not Arnav’s mistake if he
misunderstood Akash. Your brother is like that…” Payal teased.
Akash who was standing next to
Khushi moved to Payal and pinched her.
“Ah…” Khushi, see your brother
pinched me”
“This is not done, Akash” Khushi
hit his shoulder.
Actually, it was not Akash but
Arnav. As Akash moved to Payal, Arnav came a step closer to Khushi who was
unaware of it. She hit him thinking that, Akash was still next to her.
All of them became silent.
“What happened?” Khushi asked.
Payal and Akash glanced at each
other smilingly.
“Nothing, you just hit me,” Arnav
said smiling.
“Whaaaat? But I hit Akash”
“I’m here” Akash smiled.
Khushi dropped her jaw.
“When did you go there? I’m sorry
Arnav. it’s not intentional…”
“Relax… why are you panicking?”
“I’m sorry”
“Leave it, Khushi…you are feeling
sad as if you broke my bones” he chuckled.
Khushi smiled.
“Ok, Payal, Happy Birthday once
again. You guys carry on. I’m leaving”
“No way… join us,” Payal said.
“Yes, Arnav, how could you leave
just like that?” Akash asked.
“It’s ok, it seems you guys planned
for a FAMILY party…” he said teasingly.
“Nothing is like that… you are also
one among them… come with us,” Payal said.
“It’s ok, Payal…”
“Come on, Arnav” Akash clutched his
hand and dragged him with them.
Payal brought them to a FAMILY room
not wanting to embarrass Khushi.
“Order what you want,” Payal said.
“I want biriyani” Akash said.
“I want fried rice” Arnav and
Khushi said at a time.
Both got stuck for a second and
smiled.
“You too like fried rice?” Khushi
asked.
“Yeah… do you?”
“A lot…”
The ordered food was served. Khushi
kept the spoon aside and ate with her hand comfortably. No one would say she
was blind. She ate perfectly. Arnav wondered.
Khushi finished eating and waited
for someone to accompany her to wash her hands. Akash and Payal were eating
slowly, talking interestingly.
“May I help you, Khushi?” Arnav
asked.
Akash looked at them and said,
“Go with him, Khushi”
Khushi hesitatingly nodded and
stood up.
“Turn left” Said Arnav.
Khushi was surprised and turned
left.
“Take three long steps”
Khushi did.
“Move a little left side”
She moved.
“You reached the washbasin,” Arnav
said.
Khushi extended her hand and felt
the washbasin. She smiled and washed her hands. She liked how Arnav made her
wash her hands. She thought he would take her to the washbasin, clutching her
hand but Arnav didn’t do that. She liked it.
To be continued…
Part 5 Khushi’s Condition
Khushi smiled with satisfaction. Arnav was the same
as his brother. He was a gentleman. Khushi got back to her seat, just by
following Arnav’s instructions. She sensed Arnav didn’t come to his seat. He
might have gone to the washroom. She supposed.
After ten minutes, Arnav came and took his seat.
“You came?” Khushi asked sensing his presence.
“Do you really identify one’s smell?”
“If you don’t change your perfume...” She chuckled.
Arnav turned his face a little and smelled his
shirt.
“It smells nice”
Akash and Payal smiled at them.
“What are you, Arnav?”
“I’m working as a chemist...”
“How would you pass your time?”
Arnav got stuck.
“May I know why you ask about my time pass? Do you
have any suggestions?” He smiled.
“No... I mean, Akash told me that you lost your
parents when you were studying engineering. You don’t have siblings, too,
right? Then, how would you be alone at home? You should feel lonely...”
Arnav smiled lovingly even though she could not see
him.
“Most probably I have no time because I engage
myself busy. It’s hard for me to push only Sundays. So, I use Sundays to clean
my house”
“You miss your parents right?”
Arnav nodded forgetting Khushi’s condition. As
Khushi could not see his nod, she felt he became upset.
“I’m sorry if I upset you”
“Nothing is like that Khushi. It’s a reality after
all...”
“But you became silent”
“I nodded...”
“I didn’t SEE it” she smiled.
“I’m sorry... I just...”
“I can understand. It will take time for people to
synchronize with me”
Arnav cursed himself for the blunder but Khushi
looked unaffected.
“Will you eat at a restaurant daily, Arnav?”
“No... I cook for myself”
“Really? Do you cook?” She asked curiously.
“Yeah... I can cook better”
“Wow, your wife is so lucky”
Arnav smiled cutely but Khushi was not lucky enough
to see the smile.
“I’m so interested in cooking, but Amma would not
allow me”, Khushi said.
“It’s because she cares for you” Arnav’s answer
touched Khushi.
Usually, people would highlight her disability. Even
her mother did that often. Whenever Khushi wanted to do something, she said,
‘Khushi, don’t take risks. Don’t forget you are
blind’
As if Khushi would forget it. She liked Arnav’s
gentlemanly answer.
“I didn’t get you”, she purposely said.
“She would have been scared that you MIGHT get hurt
because handling fire is dangerous to an inexperienced girl like you”
Khushi smiled.
Akash and Payal finished eating. Payal called the
bearer.
“Bring the bill”
“Your bill is already settled, madam”
“Who settled?”
“He...” He pointed at Arnav.
“Arnav...?”
Arnav smiled.
“But why? This is my party”
“Maybe... But I gave a sudden entry. So, just felt
to take over it”
“No, no, Arnav...”
“Relax Payal... Take it as my birthday gift”
Payal rolled her eyes.
“This it’s not done, Arnav,” Payal said.
“Do one thing, Payal. Return it another way...”
Khushi said.
All of them looked at her.
“What way?”
“Give him a treat after his marriage”
This time Arnav rolled his eyes.
“This is a good idea,” Akash said.
“I will give you a treat with my handmade food”,
Payal said.
“Don’t take a risk, Payal. Arnav is a very good cook
it seems. It’s not easy to satisfy a cook. Don’t forget that” Khushi teased.
“Is it Arnav? Do you cook?”
“Then? Who is there at my house to cook for me? I
learned cooking...”
“That’s great... Who taught you?”
“Chef Google...” Arnav said, smiling, and Khushi
chuckled.
“You should have struggled to learn cooking right?”
Paya asked.
Arnav looked at Khushi and said,
“Of course, after all, it’s not easy to cook”
Khushi smiled as she understood he said that for
her.
“Ok, guys, I’m leaving,” Arnav said.
“We are also leaving” The trio got up.
They came out. Taking other’s leave, Payal started
her bike but it didn’t start. Arnav tried to kickstart it, but it was no use.
“Oh, my god... How will go home now?” Payal
panicked.
“Shall I book a cab?” Arnav asked.
“Then how will I take my bike? I will have to go to
the office
tomorrow...”
“Wait, I will call the mechanic” Arnav called
someone he knew.
“Payal, take Khushi inside and sit. Let the mechanic
come”
Payal nodded and went inside the restaurant taking
Khushi with her.
Arnav and Akash waited outside for the mechanic.
Payal made Khushi sit in the reception and took the seat next to her.
Within half an hour, the mechanic arrived. He
checked the bike. Payal saw that.
“Khushi, the mechanic came. Shall I go? Will you be
sitting here?”
“Yeah... You go”
Payal went to know what was the problem.
“It seems the engine is the problem, sir. It won’t
be done now. It will take time” the mechanic said.
Payal was disappointed. If it was the engine
problem, it would not be solved soon.
Arnav saw Payal standing listening to the mechanic.
“Payal, where is Khushi?” He asked.
“She is sitting at the reception”
Arnav walked to the reception.
In the meanwhile,
Khushi leaned on the seat and pretended like waiting
for someone.
She jerked sensing a touch on her thigh. She
shrugged the hand and stood up restlessly.
“How are you, Khushi?” The person asked.
Khushi was horrified hearing the voice. He was none
other than Akash’s friend Prathik who tried to misbehave with her once.
“I still am thinking of you. I could not forget you,
you know” he got close to her.
Khushi fetched a spray bottle from her sling bag.
She hit the spray on his face. In no time, he palpitated as if it was pepper
spray.
“How dare you touch me! Do you think I’m the same
Khushi who shivered to face you? I will kill you if you. Bloody impotent… why
are you showing your bravery to only me? If you have guts, go and show it to
the ABLED person” She pushed Prathik hard. He fell on the ground screaming.
Arnav, who just entered the reception and saw the
scene, was stunned.
“You bloody blind witch...” Prathik shouted
wrathfully.
Arnav lifted him and slapped him hard.
“How dare you!”
Hearing Arnav’s voice,
“Arnav... Arnav don’t leave him... Don’t leave that
ba*****” Khushi shouted. Tears rolled from her eyes.
Seeing her miserable state, Arnav pushed Prathik
down and rushed to Khushi.
“Khushi, relax...”
Khushi clutched his shirt tight.
“Arnav... Arnav is a bad guy... He is not good...don’t
leave him…”
“Khushi relax... What did he do?”
“He tried to misbehave with me just as he did once”
Arnav understood who he was. He gritted his teeth
and was supposed to go to him, but Khushi gripped his shirt more.
“Arnav... Don’t go... Please don’t go”
“Ok... I’m not going...” He gulped down.
People gathered in the reception held Prathik. Akash
and Payal also ran to them. Akash was shocked to see his ex-friends there after
a long.
He saw Khushi holding Arnav’s shirt tight, with
agitation. He guessed what would have happened. He advanced Prathik and punched
his face.
Arnav tried to take her hands off of his shirt.
Khushi clutched his hands. Arnav could sense her hands shivering.
“Khushi, I’m here. Don’t be scared…”
“Arnav… he… he tried to…”
“Shhhhh… I know… “ He touched her hand softly.
People started to hit Prathik as they understood
Khushi was visually impaired. He tried to run from there but he could not. His
shirt was torn brutally. The hotel manager was supposed to call the police, but
Akash stopped him.
“Sir, please don’t call the police”
“But why, sir? He tried to misbehave with your
sister”
“If this matter goes to the police station, it will
affect her future… please understand”
Arnav clutched Khushi’s hand and walked to Akash
wrathfully,
“Have you gone mad, Akash? He should be punished for
misbehaving with Khushi”
“Arnav, please stop it… we are leaving”
Akash clutched Khushi’s hand and pulled her but he
could not as she held Arnav’s hand.
“Khushi leave him”
“No, hand Prathik to the police…”
“Khushi, understand the issue…”
“I understood. You are bothered about my future.
Understand one thing. There is nothing called a future for me. Do you think
anyone will marry your blind sister?”
“Khushi…”
“If you love me, please hand him to the police”
Akash looked at her helplessly. The Restaurant
manager called the police and Prathik was handed to the police.
Akash and Khushi left the restaurant after sending
Payal in a cab. Arnav bid bye to them and headed home all the way thinking
about Khushi. He felt a tug remembering her state. How happy she was when she
came to the Restaurant…! Prathik spoilt everything. He felt bad for her. He
decided something.
Coming home he called Anjali. She attended the call.
“Hi, chotte…”
“Di, I would like to go Abroad. Talk to Jeejaji” He
said making Anjali stun.
To be continued…
Part 6 Arnav’s Decision
Anjali was thunderstruck hearing Arnav’s decision.
“Whaaaat? What did you say?” She literally shouted.
“I would like to go abroad” Arnav repeated.
“Chotte… I hope I’m not dreaming”
“Dii… stop your drama”
“Drama…? I just can’t believe what you say. How many
times have I pleaded with you to go abroad…? Then how could I believe?”
“You can believe it”
“What happened to you all of a sudden that made you
such a decision?”
“I want to settle down in my life… that’s why”
“Oh…”
“So, I decided to go abroad on a short-term project”
“That’s a nice decision, Chotte. Your Jeejaji will
be happier than me”
“I will talk to him later, Di”
“Ok, Chotte. I’m so glad about your decision you
know”
“I know Di”
“Any special reason for your special decision?”
Anjali asked curiously as she knew him.
“Di, do you want me to change my decision?”
“Ok ok… I won’t ask you anything”
“Good night, Di”
“Good night”
Arnav disconnected the call and went to the washroom
to get fresh. When he came out of the washroom, he heard his phone ring. He
took his mobile and saw Shyam’s name flashing. Arnav rolled his eyes. Anjali
should have told him about his decision to go abroad. He attended the call.
“Hi, Jeejaji, how are you?”
“I’m so fine and absolutely happy because of you.
Anju said you are ready to come abroad…”
“Yes, Jeejaji. I just thought to settle down in
life. Though my salary is enough for me, I have not started saving money”
“That’s nice to hear, Arnav. It’s very good
decision. You will get a good post with a good pay. You will not think of going
back to India if you come here once”
“No Jeejaji, I will definitely come back to India…”
Arnav said thinking about Khushi.
“Yeah, I know how much you love India”
Arnav was silent.
“I’m so happy about your decision, Arnav. I will
arrange your visa…”
“How long will it take to complete all the
formalities Jeejaji?”
“I can arrange it in a week…”
“No, give me some time. I will come next month”
“That’s great. We are going to start a new project
next month. You can join us”
“Thank you, Jeejaji”
“It’s me who should thank you. I know how sincere
you are. I’m lucky to have you in my company”
“Thank you for trusting me, Jeejaji”
“You deserve it”
“Thanks,”
“Bye, we will meet soon”
“Yup,” Arnav disconnected the call.
Finally, he found a way for Khushi’s treatment. She
would get her vision back soon. He decided what to do.
The next day
Arnav got ready to go to an important place. His
office was on holiday because that day was August 15th. He called Akash and he
attended the call.
“Haan, Arnav”
“How is Khushi?”
“She is better now”
“She is better now means, was she not fine?”
“Yes, Arnav. She didn’t sleep for a long last night”
“Didn’t you and your mother tried to console her?”
“No Arnav. We could not”
“What do you mean?”
“Amma was highly angry with us for filing a case
against Santhosh”
“But why? He is a rogue…”
“She is scared that Khushi should have to go to the
police station and court”
“So what?”
“She forced me to withdraw the case as it will lead
Khushi’s life miserable”
Arnav rolled his eyes with annoyance.
“I can do nothing, Arnav. So, I withdrew the case.
Khushi was upset with us for doing that”
“I would like to meet you,” Arnav said.
“I have to deliver four items… we can meet after
that. Or,
you can tell me the matter on the phone”
“No… It’s an important matter. I don’t want to talk
about it on the phone. Can I come to your home?”
Akash was stuck. He didn’t know what to say as Arnav
knew he would not invite anyone to his house. But, Arnav’s approach with Khushi
the last evening wiped his hesitation.
“Ok, Arnav. I will be at home in an hour. I will
send you my address”
“Thank you”
Arnav calculated Akash’s return time and started
from home accordingly. He reached the address sent by Akash and walked inside.
He stopped hearing,
“Amma, why did you change the song? I like that
song. Please keep it” Khushi said. Her voice sounded weary.
The song changed by Garima was, YEH DUNIYA EK DULHAN
KE MAATHE KI BINDIYA…!
“Song and you…! What did you gain from being
patriotic? A guy with bad an intention misbehaved with you. You were shielding
yourself not wanting to reveal your identity. This is what this country gave
you. This country will not save you. Men in this country are waiting for a
chance to tear you…” Garima said feeling distraught.
Arnav felt bad for both of them. He didn’t know if
he should go in or not. He decided to leave the place as the situation looked
unpleasant but he stopped hearing Khushi saying,
“I’m facing the problems. It’s not because I belong
to India. It’s because a few people in India are bad. It’s not our country’s
mistake because every country in the world has good and bad people equally.
Every country is facing the same problem as India. I’m an Indian. It isn’t a
problem. I’m blind. It’s also not a problem. The problem is people with bad
intentions. It’s not because I’m patriotic. If I face problems being patriotic,
I don’t care about it because I don’t mind about bad people. I’m grateful to
our country for giving me some nice people like Payal, Lavanya, Preeto and
Arnav”
Arnav’s eyes sparkled. Was Khushi thankful to India
for
giving her a nice person like HIM? he felt proud of
himself.
“Arnav? What do you know about him?”
“I may not see people through my eyes but I can
understand people by the gesture and by their TOUCH…! Yesterday, when I
clutched his hand, he didn’t think of taking the situation in his favour. He
didn’t feel to touch me in return. If someone had been in his place, he would
have even hugged me but he didn’t do that. He led me to the washbasin by his
commands…! He could have clutched my hand and took me to the washbasin. No one
would have thought of him wrong. Yet, he behaved gently”
Arnav was not on the earth. He didn’t think Khushi
would have observed him to this extent. He silently came out… but with courage.
He saw Akash coming. Stopping the bike, he came to him.
“Why are you waiting here, Arnav? You can go inside”
“I didn’t find your bike outside. So, I decided to
wait for you”
“Ok, let’s go”
He brought Arnav inside. Garima frowned to see a guy
with Akash.
“Amma, he is Arnav”
Arnav saw Khushi straightening herself.
“Oh… Just now I told Khushi how curious I am to meet
you” Garima shamelessly lied.
Though Arnav knew it was not true, he smiled. Arnav
looked at Khushi who was suffocating.
“Let’s go to my room, Arnav”
“No, Akash… I would like to talk to all of you”
Akash shrank his eyes.
“Tell me, Arnav”
“You know I have no one for myself. I have been
alone for three years after my parent’s demise. I have my own house, working in
a chemical company, now, I’ve decided to go abroad” he said looking at Khushi,
whose facial expression changed upon hearing his last statement. She composed
herself and came to the composure.
“But, why are you saying all of this to us, Arnav?”
Akash questioned.
“I have a reason. I want you people to know about
me”
“But why?”
“Because I would like to marry Khushi,” Arnav said,
making them dumbfounded. Khushi felt dizzy…!
To be continued…
Part 6 Proposal
“I would like to marry Khushi” Arnav said making all
of them dumbfounded.
Garima looked at Akash who was staring at Arnav
unbelievably. He didn’t know if it was true. He didn’t know what to say. They
were looking at Arnav as if he was not a human. Arnav’s eyes were only on
Khushi who was suffocating. She could not understand what she was feeling. She
could not conclude why Arnav wanted to marry her. They just met three or four
times. Of course, he was indeed a gentleman. She did not doubt that but a marriage
proposal was not something she expected from him. She jerked when Akash said,
“Arnav… I don’t know what to say…” Akash said.
“What’s there to say anything?” Garima asked.
Arnav saw Khushi’s eyes wavering. He understood her
inner turmoil.
“Are you sure, Arnav?”
“Yes… I’m damn sure about it”
“I don’t know what made you decide it…”
Arnav was about to answer him but stopped hearing,
“No… I don’t want to get married…” Khushi said with
agitation.
“Khushi…” Akash was supposed to say something, but
Arnav stopped him.
“Wait Akash…”
Khushi blinked her eyes slowly. Arnav walked towards
her. She sensed it. He came and stood in front of her.
“I know you would have sensed my presence near you”
Khushi gulped down hard.
“You can tell me the reason straight away because
this is a matter of US…”
Khushi parted her lips. She didn’t know how to deal
with him.
“Tell me Khushi, what stops you? What’s your doubt?”
he waited for her reply but Khushi said nothing.
“If you think I’m sympathizing with you, change your
mind because there is nothing to sympathize in you”
Khushi raised her head and gulped.
“You are more and more better than people with
vision because they have no confidence like you have. I like your confidence.
You are not less than anyone with vision…! I admire your guts…”
“But…”
“Let me complete…”
Khushi became silent.
“I’m going abroad not to earn money to settle down
in life. I’m going to earn for your operation”
Garima and Akash spared an unbelievable glance,
whereas Khushi’s condition was undefined with words.
“Don’t think I’m hesitating to marry you without
vision. I want you to SEE me before our marriage. I want you to accept me as
your life partner with your full sense not under any situation. You don’t have
to marry me just because I’m going to spend money on your operation. I’m not
doing this for a wedding purpose. Just think of it as my GIFT for your
unbeatable, incomparable confidence. The satisfaction of making a nice girl
confident is enough for me. I won’t feel bad if you don’t want to marry me but
I will feel blessed if you accept my proposal”
Arnav said all of them in a go, making the trio
dumbfounded again. Khushi was the one affected more than the doe. What kind of
man he was? He was ready to spend money for her operation but he didn’t want to
compel her for the marriage.
“You can marry me only if you like me. I want it to
be MUTUAL” Arnav said.
Who won’t like this man? Some people always try to
influence others but he…?
“It will take one month for me to go abroad. I will
come back in three months. Before that, your operation will be done. After
that, you can decide if you want to marry me or not”
“But, what will you do after coming from abroad,
resigning the job here?” Akash inquired.
“I’m doing a project. It will be over before I go
abroad. I will get a better job if I complete the project. That’s why I asked
my Jeejaji a month time to go abroad”
“Oh, will you go to your Jeejaji’s company?” Akash
asked.
“Mmm…”
“Your Jeejaji wanted you to go there for long,
right?”
“Yes, he was nagging me to come there for long but I
was not interested in going abroad. So, I refused his offer”
Arnav looked at Khushi and said,
“If you want to get your operation done as soon as
possible, I can arrange for it by getting advance from my Jeejaji… I mean
before your exams”
Khushi didn’t know what to say.
“No, Arnav. She has already applied for a Scribe”
Akash said.
“May I think you are fine with my decision?” Arnav
asked Akash.
“Why won’t I be fine, Arnav? I know you will protect
my sister like anything”
“I’m glad about it. it doesn’t mean you can force
Khushi to accept it. Let her decide what she wants.”
Arnav looked at Khushi and said,
“You are free to decide anything, Khushi. Don’t
think about others opinion. This is your life. Only you have the right to
decide it. You have full four months… until you SEE me.”
The word SEE made her ecstatic. She was overwhelmed.
“Don’t stress yourself. Just concentrate on your
exams…! If you want to get cleared any of your doubt, you can call me.
701096**** is my number. Bye…” Arnav walked.
Khushi stood gulping down. Of course, she memorized
his number. Garima rushed to her and hugged her.
“Khushi, please agree to the operation…! He has his
own house but his parents. He can earn money for your operation in just three
months. You can be like a queen with no tension. I think he loves you so much.
He will do anything for you. We can never get such a guy in our life. Agree to
the operation. You will like him because he looks handsome” Garima insisted.
It was not new to Khushi. She knew he was handsome.
Akash already told her about Arnav. He was a heartthrob of their college girls.
Then, he would be indeed handsome but, it was not at all matter here. He was a
man to be celebrated not for his looks but for his inner beauty. Khushi already
liked his gentlemanship. Now, Arnav added an essence to his gentlemanship. Her
respect for him was increasing day by day.
Akash came to her and clutched her hand. Khushi
straightened herself.
“Khushi, I want you to accept Arnav’s proposal not
just because he is a nice guy. He will be a comrade in your life. He will be
your saviour. He will be your BETTER-HALF”
Khushi was silent. She was not an idiot not to
understand that. Arnav was truly a nice guy. She understood that by his
gestures. The only doubt that raised in, her mind was, would he accept her
decision if she didn’t want to marry him? Would not he feel dejected? Could he
take it easy? If he could take it easy, what kind of love he had for her?
Should not the true lover fight for his love lady?
Night
Khushi was tossing on the bed. She didn’t get sleep.
She exited her room and walked to the table where Garima’s basic model mobile
(button type) would be. Taking it, she came to her room. She remembered Arnav’s
number once.
On the other side, Arnav also does not sleep. He was
thinking about undoubtedly Khushi. He was not sure if she would agree to the
operation. The much he knew Khushi, he was sure about one thing. If she had
agreed to the operation, she would marry him. If she didn’t want to marry him,
she would not agree to the marriage.
His chain of thoughts was broken, heard a phone
ring. Taking it, he saw the number. It was an unknown number. Yet, he attended
it.
“Hello, who is this?”
“Khushi…”
Arnav sat on the bed.
“Khushiii… is everything all right?”
“You asked me to call you if I have any doubts”
“Yeah, I did… tell me”
“You said you love me and you won’t compel me to
marry you if I don’t want to marry you”
“Mmm…”
“What kind of love is this? You love me but won’t
you fight for me and let me go…”
Arnav smiled.
“I will definitely fight for you IF(stressing) you
too love me”
“If you are not sure about me, why do you want to
help me?”
“Who said I’m not sure about you? You may not love
me but you will marry me if you agree to the operation”
“How can you be confident about it?”
“It’s because you TRUST me” Arnav said making Khushi
dumbfounded.
To be continued…
Part 8 Acceptance
“It’s because you TRUST me,” Arnav said making her
dumbfounded.
“I got to know that yesterday when you got angry
with Prathik… you clutched my hands tight. You didn’t want me to leave you. you
would not have done that without trust…”
Khushi closed her eyes slowly remembering the
moment.
“I would like to make you feel protective for your
whole life, Khushi. I don’t want you to feel it just because you are visually
impaired. My life became a vacuum after my parent’s demise. I want you to fill
their place. I don’t know why I feel YOU can do it. I don’t know why I want you
to become the one. I never felt with anyone like that. I don’t know what you
are thinking about it but I just said what I feel. I don’t want you to think
I’m taking advantage of your disability. That’s why I gave you a chance to
refuse me. you can marry me only if you like me”
“I like you…”
Arnav was stuck.
“You can decide about marrying me only after seeing
me”
“No need…”
“Means?”
“I will marry you”
Arnav smiled.
“Don’t conclude hastily…! I may not be up to your
expectations…”
“You have already met my expectations”
“It may change after seeing me”
“I don’t want to decide through EYES but HEART. I
already saw you through my HEART. You are a nice person”
“Thank you” Arnav said gladly.
“I will be here for a month to complete my project.
After that,
I will go abroad for three months. In that time,
your operation will take place. After I come from abroad, we will marry if you
are…”
Cutting him,
“I will be fine…”
“Thanks…”
“It’s me who should thank you”
“No need… I’m not doing this selflessly…”
“I didn’t get you”
“I’m doing this because I like you… I want you in my
life”
“Don’t you have any relatives?”
“I have. My cousin and her husband are my
well-wishers. They want me to settle down in my life. My jeejaji was ready to
give me a job but I was not interested in leaving India”
“But now, you are intended to go abroad… because of
me…”
“No, not because of you. To settle down in my life,
I’m going”
“I will have to take exams with the help of Scribe
only because I already applied for my exams. So, I can get the operation done
only after my exams”
“No problem… complete your exams”
“It’s next month last”
“Ok… whose number is this?”
“Amma’s number… it’s a basic model phone with
buttons. That’s why I could make a call”
“Understood…and soon, you will use Android phones”
Khushi gulped down.
“Go to sleep. Good night”
“Good night” Khushi disconnected the call.
The next day
Khushi came out of her room, getting fresh. Garima
handed her a teacup. Akash also came and sat next to her. Khushi sipped it.
“When did you come last night?”
“I came at 12o’ clock”
“Last night also you went for a delivery?” Khushi
asked.
“Yes, it’s urgent… so, my boss called me”
“I will bring you tea,” Garima said.
“No Mom, give me something to make my body cool. My
stomach is aching” Akash said.
Garima nodded, sighing.
“Don’t know when you will see the dawn in your life”
“If I get a good job, I will get rid of all the
trouble. Until then, I have no choice…” Akash said.
Garima went to the kitchen and brought him
buttermilk. Akash gulped it sipping it little by little.
“Hmmm… I don’t know how you are going to get your
sister married. It’s possible only if you get a job and settle down in your
life. It seems it will take at least five years. Khushi will be twenty-six at
that time. After that only you can think about your wedding. Will Payal wait
for you till then?” Garima asked.
“What can I do if she doesn’t wait? It’s all fate…”
Akash said feeling sad.
Khushi who was listening to them till then, said,
“Amma, I will marry Arnav”
Garima and Akash looked at her surprisingly. What
made her make such a decision in the night? They looked at each other
delightedly.
“Are you sure?”
“Mmm…”
“Thank god you analyzed our family condition and our
problem”
“No, Amma, I didn’t think about them…”
Akash and Garima frowned at her.
“I considered ARNAV. He is a gem of a person. I like
his approach. I hope I will be happy with him”
“Of course, Khushi…! he is a gem of a person. He
will make you happy” Akash said.
Khushi nodded yes. Garima thanked God for Khushi’s
clever decision.
“Shall we take the proposal forward?” Akash asked.
Khushi nodded.
Akash removed his phone and dialled Arnav’s number.
Arnav was preparing tea in the kitchen, keeping his phone on the kitchen slab.
He peeped in his phone and saw Akash’s number appearing. He put the stove on
the sim and attended the call.
“Hi, Akash…”
“Arnav, Khushi agreed to marry you”
Arnav got stuck. He didn’t expect Khushi to declare
it to her mother and brother so fast.
“Did she say?” He asked as he didn’t know if she
told them about their last night’s conversation.
“Yeah, just now, she told us. she likes you”
“That’s great... we will take this proposal as I
promised”
“Ok, Arnav…”
“We will take Khushi to the hospital for the
checkup”
“Sure”
“Shall I get the appointment?”
“Yeah, sure”
“Ok, I will let you know after fixing the
appointment with the doctor”
“Ok, Arnav. Thank you so much”
“My pleasure. Tell Khushi that I thanked her”
“You can tell her that directly. One minute...”
Akash stuffed his phone in Khushi’s hand.
“Talk to Arnav, Khushi”
Khushi kept the phone in her ear.
“Hello…”
“Hi, Khushi.”
“Hi…”
“Thank you for accepting my proposal”
“Don’t talk like I did you favour…”
“You did… you gave me a reason to live”
Khushi was silent.
“I would like to tell you something, Khushi”
“Mmm…”
“I love you”
Khushi was speechless. She didn’t know how to react
to it. Akash and Garima were watching Khushi’s face. They looked at each other
frowning. They could not understand anything why her expression changed
suddenly.
“Bye…” he disconnected the call.
Khushi was perplexed. She gulped down hard.
“What happened, Khushi?”
Khushi nodded no.
Giving his phone back, she went to her room. They
spared a glance.
“What happened to her?” Garima asked.
Akash nodded no.
“Would Arnav bituwa have said anything?”
Akash nodded his head from left to right with a deep
thought.
“Ask him if he said anything”
Akash called Arnav again. Arnav attended the call.
“Haan, Akash…”
“Arnav, what did you say that Khushi was stunned?”
Arnav smiled.
“I told her the truth”
“What truth?”
“That, I love her”
Akash was bewildered and smiled composing himself.
“I see… we thought something”
“Did you think I hurt her?”
“No no… I didn’t mean it”
“Give her some time. She will be all right”
“Mmm”
“Bye”
“Bye”
Arnav disconnected the call.
Akash looked at Garima and smiled. Garima raised her
brows.
“He said I LOVE YOU”
“Oh…” Garima smiled.
Khushi was pressing her hands together to suppress
the shiver. Though she knew Arnav like her, she didn’t expect him to confess it
so soon.
On the other side, Arnav was smilingly getting ready
for the office. He could not believe he confessed to Khushi. He might have done
that because he was going abroad soon. He didn’t want to waste time. At the same
time, Khushi also said she would marry him. so, he thought there was nothing to
hesitate.
To be continued…
Part 9 Feeling happiness
Arnav went to the office all smiling. He was so
satisfied with his confession. The toughest matter in the world was confessing
our love to our love, but he did that immediately without unnecessarily
dragging it. he didn’t know what Khushi was thinking about it. She must be
shocked. He could make her cool down if he got a chance but she had no phone.
She spoke to him through her mother’s phone. Her mother would attend the call
if he dialled her. So, he gave up the idea of calling her.
Arnav called the EYE hospital and got the
appointment for Khushi. he got the appointment the same day evening. He called
Akash to tell him that. Akash attended the call.
“Haan, Arnav…”
“Akash, I got the appointment for Khushi this
evening”
“Oh… really?”
“Yeah, get ready with Khushi at 4 o’clock. We should
be in the hospital at 5 o’clock”
“Ok, we will be there on time”
“Yeah… I will come to the hospital straight from the
office”
“Ok, Arnav”
Arnav disconnected the call and concentrated on his
work. so that, he could get permission to go to the hospital.
Akash told Khushi about her hospital appointment.
Khushi was struck dumb with astonishment and surprise. Was not Arnav working so
fast? Khushi started getting excited. She didn’t want to grow expectations in
Arnav but she could not stop herself. Arnav made her expect something from him.
Evening
Khushi waited for Akash getting ready to go to the
hospital. He came home to pick her up. Khushi said bye to Garima and went to
the hospital with Akash. When she reached the hospital with Akash, Arnav was
already there.
“Hi, Arnav…” Akash shook hands with him.
Arnav did that, looking at Khushi who had a slight
smile on her face.
“Hi, Khushi…”
“Hi…”
“Let’s go to the canteen and have something,” Arnav
said.
“We will have it after consulting the doctor,” Akash
said.
“Ok… Shall we go?”
“Mmm...”
“Let’s go”
They headed to the specialist’s cabin. Akash made
Khushi sit on the chair outside the cabin. Arnav went to the reception and
confirmed the appointment. He saw Khushi squeezing her hands. She was nervous.
She must be. She didn’t know what the doctor would say. Arnav wanted to clutch
her hand gently and make her confident but it would be too much and too
earlier. He sighed.
They were called inside. Arnav went inside. Akash
gave Khushi’s previous reports. The doctor went through them.
“Since it has been a long time since those tests
were done, they should be redone. Then only we can get to know her present
condition” the doctor said.
“Ok, doctor,” Arnav said.
“I will write a few tests. Get them done and bring
the results”
“Ok, doctor”
The doctor wrote the necessary tests and forwarded
the chit. Arnav took it from him. They came out. Arnav went to the reception
and gave the chit to the receptionist.
“These tests want to be done. When can we come?”
“One minute, sir”
The receptionist contacted the respective sections
and confirmed.
“The two tests can be done tomorrow and another one
will be the day after tomorrow sir”
”Ok, fix them”
The receptionist nodded ok.
“You should be here tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock
sir”
“Yup”
Arnav looked at Akash.
“Bring Khushi tomorrow morning…”
Akash nodded with hesitation.
“Any problem?”
“I don’t think I can get off. Today also I got
permission only after a struggle. Could you change the date?”
“Do one thing… you just concentrate on your work.
Ask Aunty to be ready. I will bring them in a cab”
Akash nodded ok gladly whereas Khushi was
embarrassed. How much Arnav would do for her?
“Ok, Arnav. We are leaving. I have to resume my work
after dropping Khushi home”
“Ok, you guys carry on,” Arnav said.
That was when Akash got a call. he rolled his eyes
and attended it.
“Sir, I will be there in an hour,” Akash said
pleadingly.
“……..”
“Sir, I came to the hospital with my sister. I will
come after dropping her home, sir”
“………..”
“Ok, sir…” Akash disconnected the call with a hung
face.
“What happened, Akash?”
“Could you drop Khushi home?”
Arnav looked at Khushi who just parted her lips.
“If Khushi doesn’t mind…”
“Khushi, I have to deliver a few parcels… my Boss was
shouting at me. you know him, right?” Akash said sadly.
“We will take a cab if you are not comfortable…”
Arnav said.
“No need… I will come with you” Khushi said, making
Akash huff in relief and Arnav smile.
“Arnav, I’m leaving. Please drop Khushi home”
“I will take her”
“Khushi, bye”
“Bye”
Akash rushed out. Arnav looked at Khushi and asked,
“Shall I book a cab?”
She nodded no.
“Don’t worry. I ride the bike safely” he said
smiling.
“I too sit safely,” She said.
Arnav smiled.
“Let’s go”
Khushi extended her hand towards him. Arnav clutched
her index finger, observing her face. Khushi smiled mildly making him smile.
“Come”
He walked slowly, taking her with him. They came
out.
“Khushi, three steps are there. Each of them is one
feet height…”
Khushi nodded and got down. Arnav waited, looking at
her carefully. They came to the parking.
“Khushi, let me start the bike”
“Mmm…”
Arnav started the bike. He didn’t know how Khushi
would take a seat. Khushi again extended her hand. Arnav held it. She caressed
his hand upwards to his shoulder and sat holding his shoulder.
“Are you comfortable, Khushi?”
“Haan…”
“Shall we?”
“Jee…”
Arnav started the bike and rode it carefully at a
gradual speed. He didn’t want Khushi to think of him badly even for a second.
“Arnav…”
“Mmmm?” Arnav looked at her through the rearview
mirror.
“Shall we have coffee?”
“Yeah… yeah, sure…”
Arnav looked for a coffee shop and he found one. He
stopped the bike and said,
“Khushi, a coffee shop is here”
“Oh…” she got down holding his shoulder.
Arnav also got down. Khushi was still keeping his
hand on his shoulder. Arnav looked at her.
“Khushiii…”
“Let’s go” Khushi walked not removing her hand from
his shoulder.
Arnav walked with her. Arnav made her sit on a chair
and took a seat next to her.
“What do you like to have, Khushi?”
“I don’t want anything. I had coffee before leaving
home”
“Then why did you bring me here?”
“For you…”
“For me?”
“You came to the hospital straight from the office.
Asked us to come to the canteen. I think you are hungry”
Arnav smiled mildly. It was a blessing to have
someone to read our minds… without sharing a single word.
“Mmm… I’m hungry” he smiled.
“Eat something first”
The bearer came to their table to take order.
“You too have something”
“It’s ok…”
“Ice cream?”
“No, Arnav…”
“One ice cream and one coffee” Arnav ordered.
The bearer left.
“This is our first time. I don’t want you to leave
without having anything” Arnav said.
Khushi nodded.
Their orders arrived. Arnav gave the ice cream to
Khushi. She took the cup in her hand and Arnav sipped the coffee.
“Thanks…” Khushi said.
“It’s just an ice cream…”
Cutting him,
“It’s not for ice cream”
Arnav was stuck.
“I thought I could never get my vision in my life,”
She said stirring the ice cream.
“Khushi, I’m doing this because I love you”
Khushi was stuck.
“I don’t know this kind of love…neither I heard such
love nor did I read about it…”
“Khushi relax…”
“Thanks…”
“But…”
Cutting him,
“For coming into my life”
Arnav was stuck for a while. he didn’t know how to
make her feel his happiness but he wanted to. He touched her head softly.
Khushi smiled mildly.
To be continued…
Part 10 Confession
Arnav dropped Khushi home. Garima
smiled at him.
“This is Khushi’s report, Aunty.
Two tests will be taken tomorrow. I will come at 10 o’clock and take her to the
hospital”
“Ok, Arnav bituwa…”
“See you, aunty”
“Arrey, come and have coffee…”
“It’s ok, aunty…”
Arnav didn’t know if he should tell
her that they had coffee on the way home but Khushi said.
“We just had, Amma”
Garima looked at her and then at
Arnav surprisingly.
“I asked Arnav…” Khushi said.
“Oh…”
Arnav smiled.
“Ok, Aunty, I’m leaving”
“You guys had coffee… it doesn’t
mean you should leave from the doorstep… come in, beta…”
Arnav hesitated.
“Come on, Arnav” Khushi called.
Arnav walked in removing his shoes
outside.
“What did the doctor say?”
“He sent a letter to the eye bank.
We will be ready for our turn. It will take at least two months for anyhow”
“It’s all God’s grace…” Garima said
looking up.
“Arnav’s grace…” Khushi said,
making Arnav stuck.
He looked at Garima who smiled
awkwardly.
“She is right… because of you, it’s
happening”
Arnav was embarrassed.
“Arnav bituwa, do you have any
urgent work?”
Arnav nodded no hesitatingly as he
didn’t know why she asked him.
“Could you help Khushi in her
studies?”
Arnav looked at Khushi who raised
her brows.
“Me? how?”
“Nothing… you just read the lesson.
She will listen to you”
“That’s all?”
Khushi nodded yes.
“Ok…”
“Arnav bituwa, you can sit in
Khushi’s room…”
Arnav walked to Khushi’s room.
There was no chair in the room.
“Sit…” Garima tapped the bed and
gave him Khushi’s book. Arnav removed the page marker from the book.
“I will prepare dinner…” Garima
left.
Arnav came and sat next to Khushi
on the bed, giving space.
“Shall I?”
“Yeah…”
“If you don’t understand, ask me to
reread it. Ok?”
“Ok”
Arnav read the lesson slowly giving
enough space. So that Khushi could understand it clearly and she did. He
stopped if the stance was tough to understand and explained it to her. Khushi
felt it content. Garima just read it. That was all but Arnav was something. Arnav
completed a lesson.
“Any doubts Khushi?”
She nodded yes.
“Yeah, tell me…” he looked at the
book.
“How are you so sweet?”
Arnav raised his eyes towards her
smiling face. He didn’t know what to answer.
“this world is revolving fast… no
patience, no time giving sentiments, nothing…”
He gulped down.
“Will you be always like this?”
Arnav knew what assurance she was
asking for.
“Khushi relax… I just…”
“No Arnav… this is not a matter of
JUST. It means a lot to me. What do you think my amma is doing?”
Arnav looked outside as Garima said
she was going to prepare dinner but she was watching TV. He raised his brows.
“She would be watching daily soap,
right?”
Arnav was silent.
“According to her, that’s what is
important”
“Ok, relax… tell me what you want
me to do”
“Nothing… just be yourself…
forever”
“I promise”
“Thanks…” She smiled.
“May I come tomorrow also to read
your lesson?”
“If you are free… if you have no
problem…”
“I have no problem”
“But will you be free?”
“I will make myself free”
Khushi smiled.
“Where are your books?”
“In the shelf…” she pointed at her
right side.
“Did you decide to read something
today?”
“I decided… and you helped me to
complete it”
“Ok… I will take your book home.
Will bring it tomorrow while coming to the hospital. Ok?”
“But why?”
“Just to go through it”
“Mmm”
“Ok… take rest… will meet you
tomorrow”
“Bye…”
“Bye…”
Arnav came out.
“I’m leaving aunty”
“Oh, thank you so much Arnav
bituwa… today is an important episode. That’s why I could not skip it”
“That’s ok, Aunty…”
“Are you taking Khushi’s books to
read?”
Arnav nodded yes.
“Ok ok…” she again concentrated on
TV.
The next day
When Arnav came to GH, Akash was
ready to leave for work.
“Hi, Arnav”
“Hi… leaving?”
“Yeah, I told you, I’m not allowed
to take an off”
“That’s ok. You carry on. I will
take Khushi to the hospital”
“Yeah, she is ready”
“Ok, we are leaving”
“Ok…”
Khushi exited the house and waited
for Arnav to start the bike. She sat behind him and they left GH. Garima and
Akash looked at each other with satisfaction.
“Thank God, Khushi got Arnav…”
Akash nodded yes.
………..
Arnav brought Khushi to the
hospital. The required tests were taken. They were asked to wait for the
results. Arnav and Khushi waited in the reception.
“Khushi, let’s go, drink something”
“Did you have breakfast?”
Arnav smiled.
“I had… I just am asking about you”
“No… I don’t want anything”
“Are you sure?”
“Mmm”
Khushi’s name was called.
“Wait. I will bring it” Arnav
walked to the reception.
“Khushi’s report,” He asked.
“You, sir?”
“Her would-be-husband,” he said.
Khushi felt a kind of pride. She
liked what he said. Arnav came to her bringing the report.
“Khushi, shall we?”
She nodded yes and stood up. Arnav
clutched her hand. Khushi entwined her fingers with his. Arnav looked at their
hands and then at Khushi who was smiling. He pressed her hand and walked with
her.
Arnav started the bike. Khushi sat
behind him. Arnav unusually rode the bike slowly. He didn’t want to reach home
soon. He just wished the journey would extend for his lifetime.
When they reached GH, Khushi walked
with Arnav.
“Arrey, you guys came?” Garima
asked.
“Haan, Amma… We are going to study.
You just watch TV” Khushi said.
“Haan haan… go go…”
Arnav came to Khushi’s room. Khushi
went to the shelf to remove the book, but Arnav stopped her.
“Come…”
“The book…”
“No need”
“Why?”
“It’s because …” he made her sit
and inserted an earphone in her ear.
Khushi was perplexed. Yet, she
waited without questioning him. he gave her a BUTTON phone.
“What’s this for Arnav?”
“This is a button phone. You can
operate it. We can store more than two thousand files on this phone. I just
saved fifty, last night. You can listen to it and repeat it if you have doubts.
I will get it from you tonight and will record fifty more files tonight”
“Didn’t you sleep last night?” she
asked worriedly.
“I did…”
“How long?”
“I said I did…”
“Tell me the truth…”
“Four hours…”
“Will you do the same today also
spoiling your sleep?”
“Four hours are more than enough
for me, Khushi”
“I can’t allow you to spoil your
health”
“Khushi, it’s just a matter of a
few days…”
“No need… you don’t have to do
anything that spoils your health. What if you fall sick?”
Arnav smiled.
“Nothing will happen to me”
“Arnav please don’t be careless…”
“Ok…”
“Won’t you listen to me?”
Arnav rolled his eyes smiling.
“Ok… I won’t be up… will do it for
only one hour… is it
ok?”
“You didn’t sleep last night
properly. So, sleep well tonight. You can record tomorrow”
“As you say madam…” he smiled that
brought a smile to Khushi’s face too.
“Khushi, you asked me why I want to
marry you…”
Khushi blinked her eyes slowly.
“This is why… to get this
affection, care and concern…”
She smiled.
“Hear the records… bye…”
Arnav was about to leave but he
stopped feeling his hand being clutched. He looked at Khushi who was holding
his hand securely.
“Do you want to tell me something?”
Arnav asked.
Khushi nodded yes.
“Yeah, tell me…”
“I love you, Arnav…” She said
keeping his hand on her cheek.
To be continued…
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