Limerence : Part 30
The entire office of AR Designs was abuzz
with excitement and gossip. After all, their very reticent and brooding owner
had finally agreed to get tied down to one woman. Despite the fact that he was
never known as a womanizer, his aura had always been intimidating and most of
the female population in ARD, fawned at his feet. As much as there were
employees raving about how wonderful a couple they made, there were an endless
list of females, burning with jealousy. The badmouthing against the
not-so-popular Khushi Gupta, still continued with whispered words and frankly,
there was nothing one could do about it. However, the couple in contention and
their immediate family and friends, were far beyond caring about such senseless
wagging tongues.
"Do
you like the saree, Khushi? I know you are upset, that I hid most of the
designing decisions from you. Par kya karoon? ASR's strict orders were to keep
you away from any added work stress than you are already dealing with. I know
you have been given the responsibility of coming up with ideas for a new line
of Indian wear," Payal
pouted seeing a sulking Khushi, scribbling at her desk. Khushi glanced up and
wanted to giggle, seeing Payal's sorry face. However, she wanted to torment her
friend a little more, what with all the teasing Payal had instigated in the
last few days. It was revenge time and Payal Mittal should get a taste of her
own medicine.
"I
know what Arnavji told you Payal. But didn't you think I would like to have a
say in what I wear for my engagement? I had dreamt of wearing my favourite
colours, I had imagined a particular kind of work on the delicate material... and
now I don't have much of a choice, do I? I like what you have designed Payal...
its sunning... but it is not me,"
Khushi spoke with a poker face, wondering how she had managed to learn these
kind of dramatics from Payal, in such a short span of time!
Payal's face fell and Khushi panicked
seeing her almost on the verge of tears. She rushed to comfort her poor friend,
"Hey! Payal... I was only joking. I am so
so sorry! I love the saree, Payal... it is stunning. It couldn't have been more
perfect, had I designed it myself. Please... believe me, I was only playing with
you." Payal sniffed, and then burst into laughter, shocking Khushi. "You think I don't know? You actually
thought I would believe in all the crap you were giving me. You may be able to
fool Neena with all that boldness, but I know the real Khushi better. I know
that every mean word said to someone else, hurts you more Khushi. And plus
Payal Mittal is confident about her designs. It took me hours to come up with
something that matched your simple yet elegant preferences."
Khushi swatted Payal and yet lunged
forward to hug her in relief. How truthfully Payal had spoken about her. "You scared me Payal... all the time teasing
me. I am just so thankful to have you in my life now... a sister I always wished
for. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the wonderful saree!" Khushi said
with emotion. "Oh! Come on... stop being
such a drama queen... does not suit my little innocent Khushi. Anyways, I heard
that mom has called Arnav and you at home today, much earlier than others. Do
you have any inkling about what is cooking in our dear sasuma's head?"
Payal asked inquisitively, unable to hide her excitement for the impending
engagement.
Khushi simply shrugged her shoulders and
got back to her scribbles. It was the first time she had been assigned a task
to design clothes on her own and the only thing running in her head was, to not
let Arnav down. He had shown faith in her talent and seen her flourish with the
online course she had been pursuing. The fashion show had been a huge learning
experience for her and somehow, she had suddenly got the strength and support
to dream bigger than she had ever done. With Arnav and the Mittals by her side,
she felt safe and happy. It was this inner contentment that reflected in her
work, giving her a sense of peace to unleash her creativity. Wasn't that what any artist loved the most?
-------------------------------------
It was only four in the afternoon, when
her phone buzzed. Arnav had called her to his cabin, from where they would make
their way to the Mittal residence. She wondered what Manorama had in mind.
However, the excitement of the upcoming day, would not let her dwell on other
thoughts any more. She was officially going to be Arnav Singh Raizada's fiance.
She recollected the time from a couple of days ago, when she had gone shopping
with her mother for a ring. It had been one of those emotional moments, when
her mother had revealed her dream of Khushi's marriage. Slowly and steadily,
whenever she could, Garima had saved enough money to marry Khushi off. However,
nothing had prepared her for a rich prince to come and whisk her daughter away.
"Will he like this simple ring, bitiya?"
"Amma, you know Arnavji... he will love
anything we choose."
"Even then Khushi... this is so simple and
basic compared to what he deserves. I don't know if we can even afford all
these expenses."
"Amma, I know how you feel... but Manorama
aunty has already placated your fears the other day na... then why are you again
fretting about the same thing? They are kind people and Arnavji has already
warned me, to not worry about all the unnecessary expenses. Do you want me to
call him here to see whether he likes the ring or no?"
"No, no bitiya. I am sure he will like it
if you think so."
Khushi could not stop smiling at the
adorableness of her mother. Even though she loved Arnav like a son, her
traditional thoughts made her want to give her dear son-in-law the entire
world. How did the girl's mother, quickly
form such a strong bond with her son-in-law, while it took ages for the girl to
bond to her mother-in-law? One thing she knew for sure though, that she
would share a lovely relationship with her new amma... who had welcomed her into
their family with open arms. With these thoughts running in her mind, she
entered Arnav's cabin without a knock and gasped at being suddenly pushed
against the wall.
"Arnavji...
what the..." her words were
delightfully silenced, as his mouth sought hers. Within few hesitant moments,
she responded to his hungry kiss, lost in the passionate daze he always
surrounded her in. All thoughts vanished from her head, as the world seized to
exist. Her entire world had culminated and focused to this one man, who made
her even forget, who she was. His lips moved over hers, tasting her with such
primal hunger, that made her body combust in flames. Her one traitorous hand
clutched onto his crisp shirt, finding the small opening at the neck to touch
his flaming skin. Her other trembling hand speared through his ruffled silken
hair, to pull him closer to herself.
Arnav though momentarily stunned by her
response, reveled in the desire she reciprocated. She tasted divine and he
somehow would never have enough of her. His hands moved over her delicious
curves, touching her intimately. An entire day without seeing her, had been
sheer torture and the slow bottling of his need for her had simply combusted
him into fragments of love. "Khushi,"
he breathed, pulling back from the languorous, delectable kiss, dropping tiny
kisses across her jaw. The knowledge of being engaged to her formally, although
scared the shit out of him... thrilled him to no extent. They wouldn't have to
hide anymore. She wouldn't have to go through defamation anymore. He would make
sure of that.
Khushi clutched onto her chest, breathing
in heavily... her cheeks flushed, her hair in disarray. Her lashes lowered,
unable to meet Arnav's eyes, knowing well that they would be dancing with mirth
and jest. He brushed his knuckles across her soft cheeks, his warm breath
fanning her exquisite face and whispered, "I
missed you." She blushed some more and mumbled shyly, "I missed you too." Pulling away from her a bit, he combed her hair
with his fingers and asked, "How was you
day, Khushi?" She looked up into his melting eyes and almost forgot what he
had asked.
Arnav chuckled and turned around, pulling
her along with him to the huge windows, which gave a glimpse of their favourite
view. Making her face the city, he stood behind her. Encircling his arms around
her waist pulling her flush towards him, he rested his chin on her shoulder and
sighed in contentment. "I asked, how was
your day?" he whispered again. She felt perfectly happy and relaxed in the
moment, in his comforting arms. Turning sideward to look at his stunning face
she replied, "It was very good Arnavji.
I managed to crack a few new designs and also made sure that most of the
clothes for tomorrow have been altered."
He turned her around quickly to face him
and said sternly, "Didn't I tell you to
stay away from all the preparations, Khushi? There are people assigned to do
those jobs. I don't want you to get hassled a day before this huge engagement
party. I know you already have too much on your plate." She shushed him
with her finger on his lips and said sweetly, "Arnavji... it was fine. I like doing stuff for our families. Anyways,
Payal was panicking with the last minute changes and I merely wanted to help. I
swear I wasn't too stressed."
He nodded and held her close for a few
silent moments, savoring her presence in his life. She had filled all the
hollows and slowly begun to mend his broken heart. Her smile, her chatter, her ideas,
her dreams... all seemed to have become an integral part of his life. And despite
the fear of what his mother had done to his father... he had begun to dream a
life with Khushi... where he was answerable to no one, if he chose to spend all
of his daily hours, simply whiling around her.
Pulling away he asked, "Are you ready to leave? I think we should
get going. I wonder why maasi has called us earlier than others. Do you have
any idea?" Khushi shook her head, as he picked up his jacket and other
important files to be taken home. "I am
sure, you have left your bag on the design floor. Lets get it and get out of
here... before I lose control over myself. It is so difficult to stay away from
you Khushi... you bewitching woman," Arnav said teasingly, wrapping his arm
around her and getting into the lift. They surely seemed like a couple in love,
completely smitten with each other, uncaring of the world... and that is exactly
how it should be.
-------------------------------------
As the servant opened the door to usher
them inside, Arnav noticed that the grand hall, which usually bustled with
vibrancy and energy, seemed uncannily tranquil. He wondered if his constantly chattering
maasi, was occupied in the kitchen. His eyes flickered to the sofa and came to
a standstill... just like his feet that refused to move forward. Warm brown eyes,
took him in hungrily. Khushi, who had walked ahead, turned around and asked, "Arnavji... why are you standing there?"
However, Arnav was lost... the world around him swirling around with the echo's
of past, a million memories good and bad made their way into his heart... his
mind... flooding them with images and words that had broken him a long time ago.
"Amma,
how are you?" Khushi
asked, sitting besides a pensive Manorama. "I
am fine Khushi beta," Manorama replied warmly, patting her head. Khushi
then noticed the woman sitting besides her and within a fraction of a moment
she knew who she was. Khushi gasped and looked at Manorama for a second, before
her eyes sought her man. Arnav, who had managed to gather his scattered wits,
walked towards them and sat down. Khushi quietly moved towards him, lending the
strength that she knew he would need.
"Maasi,
you called us home early. Was there any particular reason?" he asked icily. Manorama fidgeted in the
seat nervously, yet replied assuredly, "I
had to let her know Arnav. Despite what you have to say, she is your mother and
she needs to know about your engagement... and needs to meet Khushi." Arnav's
eyes turned even colder if possible, his hands fisting over each other. Khushi
reached out to cover his hands, worried that he would lash out at his own
mother. She was so unsure of how this day would unfold.
"In
that case, I would have liked if you would have asked me before inviting this
woman in our home. I am in a happy phase of my life after years of sorrow... and
I am not too sure if I want it to be eclipsed with her presence," he said sternly. "Arnav!" it was Manorama who admonished him, while Maya could
barely manage to control her tears. "I
don't need your permission to invite guests into our home," she said with
equal force and turned her attention towards Khushi. "Khushi bitiya, come here. Let me introduce you to your mother-in-law.
Maya... this is Khushi, the beautiful girl who finally thawed Arnav's heart."
Khushi's heart felt the conflict, between
Arnav and her amma. She felt unsure of what to do. When she got up and moved
towards Maya, Arnav did not stop her... and that gave her the strength to touch
the feet of the woman, who had given birth to her Arnavji. "Khush raho beta... you are truly beautiful. I am so happy for the two of
you," Maya kissed Khushi's forehead, her eyes brimming with tears and her
heart thudding dangerously in her chest, seeing the hatred in her son's eyes. How could she blame him though? She
deserved every nasty word from him. She deserved far worse.
"Khushi,
would you please help me with the dinner? I need some help in the kitchen," Manorama said hurriedly, wanting to give
Maya and Arnav some time, to sort out their differences. She didn't know what
this conversation would lead to. However, she had to do this for Ajay... she knew
her jijaji would have wanted Maya's presence on one of the most important days
of Arnav's life. Her heart ached for the raw sadness she had seen in Arnav's
eyes and wanted to rush to him. However, there were some wounds, which only
Maya would be able to heal, and she acknowledged that fact.
As Manorama dragged her into the kitchen,
Khushi glanced at a stoic Arnav, whose eyes were frozen on Maya's. She hoped
and she prayed to her Devi Maiyya, to give both of them patience and strength
to get through this painful confrontation. Despite the strong urge to rush to
Arnav and wrap him in her consoling arms, she realized that this was probably
the last piece of their past, that needed to be put into its correct place, to
finally complete their happy picture.
-------------------------------------
Thick, heavy, stomach-curling silence
engulfed the mother-son duo, who sat staring at each other... both unsure of what
to expect... or more so, how to even begin this conversation. It was Arnav, who
finally tore his gaze away and stood up. Walking away from her, he ran a
frustrating had through his hair and whispered, "Why?" It was one simple question, which had a million facets to
it. Why did you leave me mom? Why did you
break dad's heart? Why did you never look back? Why did you never reach out to
me? Why are you back? Why now? Why?
The tears that had choked her throat
until now, leaked freely. Maya stood up on trembling legs and whispered, "sorry." It was one heartfelt word that
could fill an entire ocean of emotions. I
am sorry for leaving the two of you. I am sorry for breaking Ajay's heart. I am
sorry for ruining your childhood. I am sorry for never looking back. I am sorry
for never reaching out to you, son. I am sorry for everything. Maya sobbed
into her wrinkled hands, looking older than her age.
Arnav's heart twisted seeing the sight of
his frail mother, broken to such extent. He felt torn apart, unable to fathom
the contrasting emotions he was experiencing. The turmoil of the past had
crowded his mind, unable to let him feel any kind of love or sympathy towards
the woman, who had broken his family. Anger rushed back into his veins as he
bit out angrily, "Sorry? Is that all you
have to offer after all these years? Why are you even here... when you believed
that I was a big mistake? Are you here to rectify it? How did you expect this
meeting to go? What do you want from me?"
Maya winced at the bite in his words and
knew she deserved all of it. She knew she had been a terrible mother. Despite
her differences with her husband, she had been so driven by falling in love...
that she had forgotten all else. She had been selfish and she would have to
bear the consequences of her wrong doings. With slumped shoulders she pleaded, "Will you let me tell you my side of the
story, Arnav? I am asking for a few minutes. Will you give me that much?" Arnav
snickered and asked, "Do I really have a
choice? Maasi has made sure of giving us some privacy... and only for her, I am
giving you this chance to say whatever you wish to."
She sighed and began a story, that had
been covered in dust and grime of time. "I
was merely twenty one, when my family wanted me to get married. I had known Ajay,
as a family friend from before, yet, never had any inclination to know him
better. I did not have any kind of feelings for him. I had dreams and
aspirations to work and handle my father's business. Like every young girl, I
dreamed of falling in love with a man, who would sweep me away in a blanket of
warmth and happiness. However, everything shattered, when Ajay hinted of
wanting to marry me. It was more of friends turning into business relationship
for the two families."
She paused and took in a deep breath, as
she continued, "I refused upfront,
unable to fathom the concept of marrying without love. My mother tried to
convince me, that after marriage everything would be all right and love would
come easily. With a lot of pressure from the families and Ajay's constant
persistence, I finally gave in. We married, and my life changed its course
forever. In the initial days we struggled to find compatibility. Ajay was one
of the finest men I had ever met... patient and comforting. He always tried to
keep me happy. Yet, the romantic fool in me, always craved for something more...
something unknown. I tired Arnav; I really really tried to work things out with
Ajay. I even went to a marriage counselor to find some help to feel the warmth
for my extremely caring husband. It was then that the families suggested us to
have a baby, which would complete this void in me."
"Soon
you were born, brining in such happiness and freshness into our lives. For
almost two years, my little baby boy became my world. Someone, who I thought
would bring Ajay and me together, somehow managed to drive us even further
apart. I drowned myself in taking care of you, ignoring the gaping distance
between Ajay and me. He was the same, caring, loving, giving me my space and
time... a very good man... just not the man for me. I could never love him somehow
and knowing the fact about how much he selflessly loved me in return, made me
feel even more guilty."
"By
the time you turned seven, I didn't know what exactly I was doing with my life
or what I expected out of it. Despite a wonderful family, I felt lonely and
sad. I had everything and then actually nothing. It was in one of those
business parties where I met Shekhar, the man I was destined to fall in love
with. He urged me to join his company as a consultant, making me rethink and
revisit my career options. As work and formal meetings turned more casual, I
fell in love with his exuberance and flair for life. I never cheated on your
father, Arnav. But the moment I realized what love felt like, as it wrapped me
into its enchanting embrace... I knew I had to get away. Ajay would not have left
me with a fight, and I had to literally turn to stone, to have left the two of
you. I knew if I took you along, Ajay would completely break apart... and that is
why I left a part of me with him."
Maya sobbed brokenly, slumping onto the
sofa. Reliving the days that had been filled with chaos and confusion, had
taken a toll on her fragile heart. And the worst part was that her son had not
even turned once to look at her, not an ounce of reaction from him. She knew
anything she said was not enough... each one lived with the baggage of their
past... guilt eating them up throughout their lives. Hers was something she had
brought upon herself.
She had stayed away from its consequences
for far too long. She had been running away from her son, because of the
mountain of guilt she had been carrying on her shoulders for years. It was now
the time, to face him, his opinion and his decision. As he turned to face her,
she blanched at the raw pain she witnessed in his eyes. His words rung loud and
clear into the deserted hall, "I have
heard your story maa... now is the time
for me to tell you mine. Hear it out and then I give you the right to make a decision... about what the future lies for
our relationship." She had been greedily waiting for him to address her as
"maa." And yet when he had, it sounded nothing more than a mere taunt... and
rightfully so. She braced herself to hear the turmoil of her baby boy, who in
this moment seemed to her like a lost child of eight... exactly where she had
left him.
-------------------------------------
Part 31
Wohooo! We are on Thread 5!! Through all the years that
I have been writing Arhi stories, this is the first one that has reached thread
5... and even though I hate making new threads, it feels good to be appreciated.
I can humbly thank each and every reader of Limerence, to have left their love
and encouragement scattered all across these pages. I know for sure that this
would be the last thread for this story. Phew!
A fair warning : There are just about a
couple of more updates to this story... and then maybe a couple of epilogues. (This
is exactly how I had envisioned this story... so I apologize in advance if I am
going to disappoint anyone.)
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