Part 21

Part 21

 Khushi paid the auto and stepped out apprehensively; now that she was here, she wasn’t too confident anymore. But since running away was not an option she took a deep breath and decided to go through with it, once and for all.

“You want to talk out here?” he wasn’t keen on that but Khushi was adamant and sat down on a chair in the middle of the restaurant, “I’m fine here”

He looked around and satisfied seeing Paradiso virtually empty “As you wish” he sat down, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you”

“So what have you decided?” he asked without wasting any more time, “I’ve already made my decision” Khushi looked at him, “I am done here”

He smirked as he leaned back on the chair, “So you have decided to pay the fine for breach of contract?” Khushi saw him twiddling his thumbs and it only reminded of his improper advances, “I refuse to pay anything. As far as I know, I’ve worked here for less than six months, and there is no notice period”

“Clearly, you haven’t read that contract you signed. Care to refresh yourself?” he asked, “After what you tried to pull off, why you think I care about anything?” If looks could kill, the man would be dead by now.

“Because... you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t care” Khushi’s face fell at the truth in those words, “So pick your best option and let’s settle this like two consenting adults” his eyes sparkled with an inappropriate mischief, “I’m not used to losing” he said, “There is an easy way out for you. It would be a shame…” he couldn’t have made things any more obvious, “You can go places, you know…so young…” It was almost as if Khushi’s fear fueled him on.

“You disgust me” she spat out, “Shh…not so loud” he looked around, “You’ve got more to lose” there was a sinister edge to his voice, “I told you its better if we take this inside my office”

“What’s the amount I owe Paradiso?” Khushi asked, “Why are you making this so hard for yourself Khushi…” he placed his hand over hers only to have Khushi pull back right away, “S.T.O.P!” she jerked back, “I’ll take you to court” but her voice was lacking any real conviction. Amused by her hollow threats, he arched his brows quizzically; “By paying the lawyer peanuts?” he was having fun now.

“You know what, do what you want, I’m through with this” Khushi got up, “You aren’t worth the trouble”

“Wait” he lunged forward and tried to grab her hand unmindful of curious eyes around them.  Luckily Khushi pulled away on time ready to flee until she hit a solid wall behind her, “What the!?” she spoke surprised by the block– there was no wall here! It was only when she saw the Manager stare behind her that it registered, and she turned around only to find Arnav glaring at the Manager! His jaws were set at a grim line and his hands fisted by the sides told her all she needed to know, he was angry. To say she was surprised would be some understatement. But before she could react, she felt him push her away slowly till it was him standing in between. She wouldn’t admit to it of course but Khushi was more than glad to see him there.

“Get lost!” the Manager wasn’t amused by this untimely intrusion, “Where is the contract?” Arnav asked, his voice was controlled but Khushi knew restraint didn’t come naturally to him.

“Who the fuck are you?” the Manager hissed angrily, “Oh wait” he stopped as it dawned on him, and then he looked back and forth between Arnav and Khushi, a sly smile broke his lips as he said, “You two …” his fingers pointed at them, “That’s why you want to quit, you found this chocolate face to screw…”

Khushi didn’t even have time to process those words when she heard a resounding slap, and the very next moment Arnav was holding the Manager by the collar, his words threatening and his tone ominous, “Get this in your fucking head, she is N.O.T coming back here”

The Manager, not a man to succumb so easily spat on his face in response and mouthed a “Fuck off” even as he struggled to free himself from Arnav’s hold. Khushi was too shocked to react.

Arnav didn’t want to create a big scene wary of the press that was always on his heels, the last thing he needed now was for them to get a whiff of this, “My lawyer will be here tomorrow to clear the dues, if any” he stressed on those words, “Otherwise I’ll see you in court”

“For what?”

“Don’t worry” it was Arnav’s turn to give him a wry smile this time, “You’’ find out soon…”

“You don’t scare me chocolate face… and I have nothing against you, it’s that bitch, isn’t it” he tried to move towards Khushi but nope, no one was going to get away calling Khushi a bitch at Arnav’s face. Enraged at his lewd insinuations, Arnav snapped and held him back and before the Manager knew what hit him, kneed him on the groin, “That is Mrs. Raizada for you” and again before shoving him away hard onto the tables behind them. The big guy yelped in pain as he staggered back, but he was quick to recover, “Raizada? as in AR Designs?” he knew then, that he’d messed with the wrong man.

Arnav walked over and warned him one last time “Stay away from her” And with that he turned around and without looking at Khushi, grabbed her hand and led her outside, she scampered to meet his pace studying his face which was an impregnable mask at this point, his words ringing in her ears, “It’s Mrs. Raizada, Mrs. Raizada…what the?” Her head was spinning already.

Eyes wide, “Mrs. Raizada?” Khushi stared at him for clues as he led her to the car “Let me go you big bully” she struggled but couldn’t free herself from his hold.

“Relax Khushi…” he said as he pushed her into the passenger’s seat and slammed the door shut, “This is not a joke, you know” Khushi argued, “You can’t just go around …” but he kept on ignoring her, “You can’t walk away like that, what that was supposed to mean?” her eyes followed his movements to the other side of the car.

“What!?” he asked, “You said Mrs. Raizada?” her voice dropped as he got in the car suddenly aware of his presence in that confined space, “Yes, So?” he raised his eyebrows like she was the one being unreasonable, “So, I said Mrs. Raizada. Now unless you want to go back there and tell him otherwise, stop complaining” No this was not how he had planned on telling her but he couldn’t change it now, “I had to get him off your back. Now he won’t trouble you” Arnav averted his eyes and started the engine hoping she would let this go for now.

“I don’t need your favors…” she crossed her arms and refused to fasten her seat belt knowing very well that irked him no ends. If only Khushi had realized he hadn’t been making things up about them…

Arnav chose to ignore her protest and focused on the road instead. It wasn’t easy for either of them, to be together like this and not really be together or to be caught up in silence when there was so much they could talk about. The silence was a shackle both struggled to break off.

It was Khushi who turned first and it was like nothing had changed between them because his expressions gave nothing away. He was still the every bit mysterious enigma who had his way, always. Would this ever change? She wondered.  Scared at the direction of her thoughts,  and afraid that the emotions she had struggled so hard to keep away would resurface, Khushi forced her eyes away from Arnav, from the only man she had ever loved; who could go from prince charming to the devil at the drop of a hat. Khushi sank back into the seat and closed her eyes, trying to shut out everything. He was not a good influence for her sanity, she knew all too well.

When Arnav finally looked at her a few minutes later, he was overcome with a strange emotion, if only he could keep her by his side like this, safe and protected, forever. If only. This wonderful person whose laughter he had robbed!

Khushi opened her eyes only when the car stopped, eager to get away from him but her hopes were dashed right away, “This is not my hostel” she looked up at the apartment that towered right above her, “You are staying here tonight” he spoke, “It’s better…” it wasn’t a request and she knew.

“Why would I listen to you? Take me back to the hostel” she demanded but he did not respond. Frustrated with his stubbornness, Khushi opened the door ready to take off on her own. And then just as she was about to get off, she stopped because it happened so quickly and unexpectedly that both of them stilled and looked at each other and then back down on his hand which was firmly clasped over hers!  A mere touch served as a reminder of happier times, when a spark was enough to light a fire. Uncomfortable under his steady gaze and his touch; she pulled back her hand awkwardly, “I should go…”

 “Khushi please…” his strained voice stopped her from fleeing, but it could not kill the uneasiness around them. Afraid that any more silence would push her further away from him, Arnav blurted out the first thing that came to his mind, “You don’t want to be hounded by the press Khushi” Arnav  was game for anything that would give him more time with her, as long as it didn’t hurt her.

 “Kya?” used to a life of obscurity, Khushi didn’t get it right away, “They follow me everywhere Khushi” which wasn’t entirely false, “and with what just happened” he played with the car keys nervously, “By now, every reporter worth his salt will have got a whiff about what happened back there. And if they find out who you are…they might…” he stopped hoping she would understand, and immediately softened up as he saw fear in her eyes,“ Khushi, trust me it’s for your own good. I promise I’ll drive you back to the hostel tomorrow morning by which time Aman will have taken care of everything”

“I don’t really have a choice do I?” she asked wryly. How could he respond to that? What was he supposed to say? The truth would only drive her away, so he chose silence and led her to the elevator lobby instead, “This way…”

Khushi went through her options and realized that there was a grain of truth in his words; and as much as she hated being with him, it was still better than having to deal with random strangers aka pesky reporters, she had no desire to entertain. A sullen LG was at least somewhat predictable. So she chose the lesser of the two evils, until Deeya’s shift gets over, she told herself.

Arnav kept stealing glances at Khushi throughout the elevator ride even as she was lost in her thoughts. It wasn’t till they were between the 11th and 12th floors, that he finally spoke “You shouldn’t have gone there all alone”

“Why?” she asked, her eyes focused on the 544 Kg weight limit as written on the wall, irrelevant information that she would soon forget.

 “He could have hurt you” he said.

Arnav could not decide which was more lifeless, Khushi or her words, “I don’t hurt so easily anymore”

“He will be taken care of. I assure you, he will never bother you again” No one could have guessed that they had a life time worth of pain to deal with beneath that calm façade.

When she did not respond to his assurance, he expected her to walk out when the lift stopped at his floor but to his surprise she did the exact opposite. Khushi turned around and looked at him squarely in the eye and said something, he would never ever forget in his life henceforth, “I expected you to do this that night” numbed with her words, he could only stare as she walked away from the elevator and towards his apartment.

 He followed her wearily. Their eyes met briefly as he took out his keys and unlocked his apartment door, Khushi walked in without another word only to stop before the French windows overlooking the vast ocean outside. It looked so serene…she noticed.

The click of the door, usually non-existent was amplified in the silence. It felt strange to be back here Khushi realized, the last time only a few days ago, she had woken up to a nightmare… and yet here she was back again! Sometimes life did not make any sense. She could see his hazy reflection on the glass but she did not have the gumption to turn around and face him, “Khushi…” he treaded cautiously unsure how to take things forward, “Please look at me…” he spoke with all the tenderness he could muster up, “We need to talk…”

Khushi turned around uneasily “I shouldn’t have come here…” he noticed she was fidgeting with her dupatta, “I…umm…” and looked towards the hallway connecting the bedroom to the living area almost like she expected someone to walk out from there, “I … will go back” her eyes furtive as she avoided eye-contact with him.

“Damn” he swore silently as it hit him, there was no point keeping her guessing, taking a deep breath he said, “I live here alone…” and saw her head jerk up in surprise. Arnav walked a few paces towards her and convinced he had her complete attention, “Natasha is a new business associate of AR Designs, it is a strictly professional relationship…just like the dinner last week was” Arnav said, “I’m not…” this was hard, “As is Lavanya who works in AR… I don’t expect you to believe me Khushi but I’ve kept my end of the deal…” they both knew what he was referring to. His honesty reflected through his eyes and it held her captive, for the first time in years; Khushi couldn’t look away even if she wanted to. Arnavji had truly surprised her.

Part 20

Part 20

Arnav sat slumped over his desk holding his head in his hands unmindful of all the scrunched up paper containing half-baked designs scattered all over. There was no question of getting any work done today, not till he had his answers anyway. His restlessness and desperation stemmed from that one phone call which had turned Khushi pale earlier in the morning. His intuition told him that expression meant trouble if only he could help, if only she would let him. So for the past hour he had been waiting for confirmation from Aman who had finally flown to Mumbai the day before.

It didn’t help either that his last meeting had been with Natasha and they had discussed the Page 3 gossip on them more than their project, “I’ve been told you are notoriously famous Arnav” Natasha, charming and beautiful, had this way with words. Intrigued he had asked, “What do you think?”

“I can see why you are famous” she said, “notorious not so much yet” and tossed the newspaper back to Jeff, her chief designer, “Save this copy, will you?”

Arnav reassured her, “This won’t happen again, I’ve taken care of that…”

“I shouldn’t be complaining you know…its actually worse back home. I guess I wasn’t expecting it here as well. TMZ should be paying me hefty royalty fees for all the crap they put out there” And so it was settled, just like that. Both of them had been in the business long enough to know what was going on here, and so there was no strain on their working relationship because of that nuisance.

His buzzing cell phone hidden beneath layers of crumpled paper on the desk finally broke his chain of thoughts; “Yea Aman?” the excitement was palpable in his voice.

“Sir, the coffee appointment has been set up for 3 PM” without wasting any more time, Arnav picked up his car keys and walked out of his office. As he got into the elevator and punched the keys to the basement parking, his thoughts once again drifted to the events of the last few days and inevitably zeroed in on her, Khushi – the woman that he had so terribly wronged. He leaned back against the stainless steel metallic walls and felt its coolness seep through even as his mind conjured up images of his Khushi, dressed in shades of grey like she was in perpetual mourning. He frowned. Everything was wrong with that. The changes couldn’t have been starker, and it pricked his conscience the knowledge that it had been his doing. A Khushi who was anything but Khushi was like the worst blow to him, albeit a much needed one. He had been living in denial for so long after Khushi’s mysterious disappearance that no one else but her would have been able to shake that off. Thankfully, by now Arnav knew without a shred of doubt that he had erred never mind that it had literally taken him years to accept it; which meant he was no longer living in denial. Meeting Khushi had taken care of that and in a matter of a few days; his life had taken a new turn, possibly towards a better future.

To his credit, he had returned from London with every intention to make amends but by then it was too late. Khushi was gone and had taken everything with her.  Di’s divorce from Shyam right after had not given him much time to think of anything else. If anything, it should have alerted him but he was far too entrenched in denial by then to care.  May be it was his coping mechanism, but it kept him sane to think that he was right and Khushi was wrong, why else would she run away and not fight for herself? This most certainly was not the Khushi he had known. What he failed to realize was that, he had pushed her too far with his accusations that the old Khushi had simply ceased to be. In any case, it was easier for him to assume the worst of her than to accept his own failures.  So Khushi was gone leaving behind this mountain of guilt, memories and a long list of what ifs.

But now he had a chance to make things better and he was determined to do so, in his own way. He drove off a determined man.

Deeya felt distinctly out of place sitting in the café of a five star hotel, her anxiety heightened further by the price list on the menu “Are these people on dope? Freaking thousand rupees for a cup of coffee?” It was ridiculous. Add to that, the man was already late by five minutes which only helped to reaffirm the stereotype in her mind, about these rich irresponsible brats, “fuck” she swore as she placed her cell phone back on the table after checking out the time for the umpteenth time. Deeya vehemently disliked people who didn’t value other people’s time and at the moment, Arnav was ticking off all the things on the wrong list!

A distinctly male and utterly pissed off voice startled her, “Stupid Mumbai traffic" it was meant to be an apology for being late but it did nothing to appease Deeya’s irritation. Instead, it sounded condescending to her, "Well, you should have flown in your private chopper then “she made no qualms about hiding her displeasure. To his credit, Arnav ignored her dig and took off his shades, "coffee?" he asked as he sat down.

Deeya meant to say something but was instantly thrown off-guard by a very obvious wedding ring on his ring finger. Arnav took her pause for indecisiveness, "latte?" He asked, and when she stared back blankly at him, he gave her another choice, "Cappuccino?" She just kept looking at him like he had just landed from a distant planet, "what? Isn't that what women drink?" Could this man be any more condescending?

She scrunched her brows, "One black coffee please..."

That surprised him, "Make that two then"

"So why am I here?" Deeya asked once the waiter was gone, "you know why" his response was typically short but to the point.

"I don't see how I can be of any help to you"

"On the contrary” his attitude only annoyed her further “you are the only one that can help me" and that only helped to further bracket him, as a typically arrogant jerk who did not respect women. Yes, Deeya unlike Khushi had googled him sufficiently the past week. The list of his indiscretions was too long, not something her friend needed to hear about but she was certainly glad to have found out. Sometimes prejudice rules over common sense, and Deeya of all the people had overlooked the machinations of the press.

"Why would I even help you?" she asked trying to make out his intentions.

"Because you care...” it sounded absurdly simple the way he put it, “About Khushi" he added soon after that pause taking her by surprise. Arnav read that flicker of emotion on her face as a sign of progress "Look…I know, you don't think too much of me and that's fine” nothing in his body language suggested otherwise either, “but I am here for Khushi and since you are her friend, You are the only one who can help me"

He had her attention alright, "How do I know you aren't out to hurt her again?" Arnav’s hands stilled in reaction, "how much do you know?"

"Everything" she lied of-course, because Khushi hadn’t exactly been forthcoming about every little detail of her past life.

Arnav sighed and placed his hands on the table, "I'm trying to get through to her and you're the only one who can help right now..."

"Given the means at your disposal, I find that hard to believe" which was true and precisely why Deeya found it odd that they were having this conversation in the first place, "Will you help me or not?" he asked slightly irked.

She thought about it, as she looked back at him, could she trust this man? May be it was worth a test, "Why are you here now?"

"Isn't it obvious?" he asked.

"That’s your assumption”

"I'm trying to ..." He paused, "Look there was a phone call, this morning” he stopped wary of revealing too much, “How do you…” her words died right after as it occurred to her, “Ahh yes, you’ve been stalking her…I know”

“Stalking?” that’s not what he would call it, “You talk about that?”

“When it concerns a stalker yes, we take our precautions well”

“You don’t really like me a lot do you?” he asked, “I thought you would never notice”

“Look Deeya” he narrowed his eyes at her, “Just tell me if there is anything…wrong. If something is …”

“What do you mean?” she wanted him to spell it out for her.

“Is something bothering Khushi?” he asked, and Deeya’s eyes shot up at the irony in those words, and for a brief moment she was tempted to tell him, no actually YELL at him, “Yes, YOU” but when she saw him shuffle in the chair uncomfortably and retreat slightly, almost as if he understood, she decided to let that go. Instead, Deeya weighed her options, since she could not go with Khushi,  Arnav would do, and judging by how desperate this man seemed, may be it would not be such a bad idea after all, she reasoned and let it out, much to his surprise, "Her old Manager is giving her a hard time”

"Old Manager?"

"Khushi used to work at Paradiso" Deeya gave him time to process the shock, "she used to work there? That's a big…" Deeya smiled smugly, "Get used to it, she's a damn good chef"

"Italian..." He mused, "That’s Khushi alright" Deeya didn’t let him dwell for too long. But still, it was news for Arnav because knowing her, he wouldn't have expected Italian to be her choice, the thought needed more exploration, he knew.

"Why did she quit?" he asked as he took another sip of that coffee.

Not keen on divulging too much information, "look, she is going over tomorrow evening at six to meet the manager, I just don't want her to be alone”

“I’m actually surprised you are letting her go all alone” it seemed odd to him, “Well unlike some privileged people, we actually have to work for a living”

“So will you keep an eye out for her or not?" she asked.

"You didn’t tell me why she quit" he answered with a question of his own.

"That’s for you to find out…so?” she was expecting a confirmation from him, “I’ll take care of it” he said but curiosity got the better of him and he asked, “How did you two even become friends?”

Her response was too quick for his liking “Just like you two got married” Deeya wasn’t the type to take his belittling ways quietly. He walked away without sparing her a second glance.

Part 19

Part 19

Mrs. Subhadra Malik walked into the kitchen looking at Khushi curiously, "It smells good in here, what are you cooking?" She didn't need an answer though because the mountain of Jalebis spoke for itself.

Khushi was lost in her thoughts, thinking about the news in the paper, it should not have disturbed her but it did and her mind had gone into over-drive, what did much married mean? Had he re-married? Or for that matter, what did much married bachelor mean? Was he really involved with Natasha? What about Lavanya? If yes, what had last night and this morning been about? And why was she even thinking of all this, "I don't care what he does" Deeya had given her one of those, are you freaking kidding me stares much to Khushi's annoyance.

"Why is he even here?" Khushi complained as she flung the paper back on the bed, "Because you sent him that money" trust Deeya to show her the light, "He wasn't here all this time and suddenly, as soon as you sent him that, he is here in Mumbai. Can't you make the connection Khushi?" Sometimes she hated the how much sense Deeya made.

"I see we're having Jalebis for lunch today" Mrs. Malik spoke but Khushi was still lost in her thoughts, so she walked closer, placed a hand on her shoulder and called out to her again, "Khushi..." finally managing to snap her out of her reverie, "Yes..." she turned around almost instantly and bumped into Mrs.Malik, "Ohhh! I'm sorry; I didn't see...I was" anyone could tell she was distracted.

"Thinking about something...?" Mrs. Malik stared back with a slight frown, "Is everything alright, you are unusually quiet today?" Khushi just stared back at her without a word. It was then, it hit her, being away from family, from her parents as she looked back at the concerned face of Mrs. Malik, she realized she missed her own family terribly.

"And I've never seen you make Jalebis before" it was true; this was the first time in years that Khushi was making her favorite sweets. Khushi smiled half-heartedly, and for some inexplicable reason, hugged her. She needed that, "I met him yesterday" she said, even as she held on to Mrs. Malik, she needed to.

"Met who?" she pulled back slightly to look at Khushi, "My husband..." only to correct herself right away, "I mean, ex-..."

It was the first time that she had talked to her in so much detail about that life she had left behind. Khushi didn’t talk about the specifics of the forced contract marriage and neither did Mrs. Malik attempt to delve too deep; she could however, guess from what little Khushi had told her to know that Khushi had left behind a troubled marriage in search for peace; and that suddenly after three years, she had come face to face with that ex-husband of hers a day before. It was bound to unsettle anyone especially someone who was trying to keep a distance.  Little was she aware that Khushi’s ex-husband was none other than her own grandson, Arnav Singh Raizdada aka Arnav Malik as he was known once upon a time ago. 

Subhardra Malik knew that Khushi needed to let it all out so she encouraged her to do so, “Sharing your pain helps Khushi. Don’t keep it bottled up inside” it was those words which had encouraged Khushi to open up about her past. Mrs. Malik just listened intently, surprised how life taught her new things every day, she rued at how wrong she had been before - in her ways, in her thinking. No it was not always the fault of the woman!

“You will have to forgive him” this wasn't the response Khushi was hoping for, “I don’t know if I can” her words were barely audible and grossly lacking in conviction.

Mrs. Malik sighed as she looked at this young girl who had her whole life ahead of her, “Not for him or anyone else but for yourself” she stressed on yourself hoping Khushi would understand.

“I don’t …” clearly Khushi was waiting to hear something else.

“You won’t be able to move on unless you let go”

“But…I am moving on, have moved on…my life here in Mumbai couldn't have been more different than it was back in Delhi” for a moment, it seemed like she was weighing them in her own mind. The difference couldn't have been more obvious, to her at least.

“But have you really?” may be it was her silence or the play of emotions on her face, Mrs. Malik wanted to help further and so she spoke about things she didn’t really like talking about, “Don’t get me wrong, this is something I say from personal experience. There is no moving forward without letting go of the past Khushi” she drew a breath in, “I wish I had been able to forgive too but I couldn’t and because of that, I have never found a closure to it” Khushi did not miss that faraway look in her eyes.

Khushi knew very little of Mrs. Malik’s past, “Closure for…and forgive whom?” Mrs. Malik gave her a half smile, “It was all my fault Khushi, I am the villain of my own story here” she elaborated sensing Khushi’s confusion, “I wronged my own people, and overwhelmed with guilt, I fled from my own responsibilities, but even after all these years…” she got up abruptly and walked over to the window, “It has taken me so many years to realize that you cannot run away because you carry it everywhere you go. And since I’ve never been able to forgive myself, I’ve never found that closure” the look in her eyes distant as if she were gauging that past she had tried and failed to leave behind, and when the pain got too strong, she shut her eyes trying to keep it out.

Khushi walked over to the window and placed her hand over her’s reassuringly, “You can tell me…” Mrs. Malik smiled at her gesture, “And add to your woes?” she cupped her cheeks gently, like a mother trying to comfort her young daughter, “You have enough to deal with child” Khushi blinked back teary eyed, “Didn’t you just tell me that sharing your pain helps?...what happened Mrs. Malik, you told me…” but she couldn’t bring herself to it, that past and the little that she knew of, was not normal by any means. How was she supposed to bring it up, luckily for her, she didn’t have to, Mrs. Malik continued, “My daughter in law committed suicide on the day of my grand-daughter’s marriage…and the barat went back”

“Oh!” Khushi’s hand instinctively covered her open mouth, she knew that pain of a barat going back all too well, “I’m sorry” she spoke softly, “That’s not all Khushi” Mrs. Malik was not done yet though, “ I sided with my son when I should have been on her side, with nowhere to turn to she gave up on life. I was so wrong…but by the time I realized my mistakes, it was too late.”

“And before I could do anything, everything turned upside down…a few days later; my son shot himself to death, overcome with guilt following Ratna’s suicide…”

“Ratna?” that name sounded familiar to Khushi, it felt familiar.

“That was her…” but even Subhadra Malik couldn’t talk about that past fully, and talk about her son’s indiscretions, “ and then when my son shot himself, I fled…”

“Fled? But…” Khushi looked puzzled, “I don’t get it…why are you punishing yourself then?”

“I left behind my grandchildren when they had no one… I have not seen them in years… I let them down” for the first time Khushi saw Subhadra Malik cry, “I don’t even know where they are now…I am a bad mother, I abandoned my family, when they needed me the most”

Khushi was speechless, and could see where all the guilt was stemming from, but what do you say to that? How do you console something like that? Suddenly her own problems appeared smaller and not insurmountable like they did at times.

Mrs. Malik wiped her tears swiftly and turned towards Khushi, “So you see, for your sake, for the sake of being happy and moving on, let the past go, and in your case it means, forgive him…otherwise that past will never let you go”

Khushi kept quiet, “Otherwise, you will wake up one fine day and realize it’s too late because years have passed, and that time never comes back”

Khushi just kept starring, “You are young…and have this long life ahead of you. You deserve happiness. Let the past go Khushi, set yourself free. Learn from my mistake” She cupped her cheek lovingly, “Do you know what I’m saying?” Khushi understood, “I know you can find happiness again… ” she smiled reassuringly, “And when you do, all of this, the past and all this pain will be gone… None of it will matter”

“What’s going on in here?” a voice all too familiar startled them both, when they turned they saw Ved standing at the door smiling at them both.

“Vedji, you are back” Khushi greeted him with a genuine smile, she couldn’t have been happier to see him back.

~~~

 “I want my cabin to be ready tomorrow, I don’t care how you get it done but when I come to work tomorrow, it should be ready” He said to an unsuspecting Nadia standing right before her desk.

“But Sir…” Nadia jumped up in a start, “It’s…” she stammered.

"No ifs and buts Nadia, I don't care how you get it done, when I come to work tomorrow, my cabin should be ready" and he walked away dialing Aman, not keen on any more excuses.

"I want you here in Mumbai Aman, talk to Aakash, he knows everything"

It took Aman by surprise this sudden decision, "Sir?"

"Talk to Aakash" and he cut the call. He took off his coat and flung on the chair, as he entered the office. He had not seen her since yesterday morning and that was making him restless but there was a list of things he wanted to do before seeing her again, for starters, he needed a plan. And he needed answers, but he was in two minds about getting professional help. The Arnav of earlier would have hired a professional to dig up all the information on Khushi but this one wasn’t quite sure, he needed to tread carefully. He wasn’t sure if Khushi would approve some stranger snooping around. And he certainly didn’t need riling her up any further.

The weekend had been unlike any weekend before, not only had he finally found Khushi but he had also learnt of how his family had gone behind his back to smuggle Khushi out of his hold. The phone conversation with Aakash had been an eye opener but the revelation about Di was quite simply a shocker. After finding out about the generous endowment in his late mother's name back at the Culinary School, he had called up one person he knew would have answers, but it was not the answer he had been expecting.

And even now, hours later, it didn’t quite make sense. Why would his Di go behind his back and set up such a thing, knowing very well that he would have helped. It didn’t make sense at all. How could he not have seen his Di and Aakash working together? At first he had been angry at Aakash and Di, but Aakash had pacified him, "You cannot tell Khushiji Bhai. Di came up with this idea after Khushiji refused any financial help from us. If she finds out, I don't know how she will react. We did this for Khushiji…” That was the only saving grace, not even the fact that Di had secretly siphoned money from him and that he had paid for half of the endowment made him feel better. He needed to talk to Di but that he knew would have to be a face to face conversation, not something done over the phone. As pressing as it was, it could wait, for now.

Arnav picked up the paper from his desk and leaned back on his chair, starring at the scribbles, all equally puzzling. LAVANYA was written in bold letters, why had she got those pictures leaked to the media? It didn't add up, especially since it had been her who had expressed concern over Natasha's "reputation". It was then, as he stared at that name, that a chilling thought occurred in his mind, could she have been responsible for all those other articles too? Was this her retribution? He couldn't rule out the possibility, not now anyway. This particular information was puzzling, and since Lavanya wasn’t answering her phone, he had no way of knowing anything more. But Arnav knew, there had to be an explanation, there always was. He had learnt that the bitter way too, courtesy all the pain he had inflicted upon Khushi.

Unable to get much work done the entire day, plagued by the memories of Khushi from a day before, Arnav drove to Mama’s Kitchen. He reckoned a glimpse was better than nothing. For now that would do too. Khushi on the other hand had an unusual day; Raul and Mrs. Silvio were away for most of the day, so her day was busy. That meant, she shouldn’t have thought of Arnavji or Lavanya or Natasha, but she had, much to her annoyance. Thankfully work didn’t let her dwell on her miserable love life for too long.

It was around ten thirty that Khushi stepped out of the auto and while she fished her purse for change, Arnav stared at her from his car parked about fifteen feet away. He noticed that she was too distracted to notice his car parked at the other side of the road.  Khushi on the other hand had expected Arnav to show up at Mama’s Kitchen, and it annoyed her, this realization that she had expected him to be there. The fact that he hadn’t shown up had stoked that annoyance further.  From this distance, he couldn’t tell if she was talking to herself or cursing someone, probably me, he chuckled. Once she was safely inside, he started the engine and drove away. He wouldn’t get any sleep that night just like the previous night. But he knew what needed to be done, in order of priority; at the top of that list was Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.

~~~

Arnav was greeted by the very rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee as he walked into Mama’s Kitchen early Tuesday morning. But it was Khushi he noticed before anything else, behind the counter, busy arranging a precariously balanced tray of baked products inside the display counter. He halted for a fraction of a second once he was inside taking in the sight, and then walked in deliberately slow languid steps taking as much time as it was humanely possible to traverse the distance to the counter. Along the way, he noticed little things about her, like how she was wearing a different shade of grey from the day before, and the fact that there was barely any make-up on her face except perhaps a hint of blush and the kohl in her eyes. Despite the lack of color, it was the most colorful morning he had had in a very long time. He felt a faint flicker of hope come to life invigorated by her presence no doubt. Khushi too engrossed in work, did not look up to see who it was till she heard the steps halt at the counter – by which time he was right up at the other side looking at her – waiting patiently for her to notice him.

“What can I get for …?”  the words died as soon as Khushi’s eyes met the all too familiar ones starring back at her, “Ooo…?” she staggered back slightly, “Careful” he said concerned that the tray would fall, to her credit though she held on. A part of her was elated, while the other struggled to keep that under tabs. It was Khushi’s turn to run out of words this time, “Hi…” he spoke in a manner so unlike the Arnav she had ever known that it pushed her deeper into that marshy terrain of stupefied silence.

He smiled at her predicament, and given his own, any progress was good “Good morning” he said still with that very un-Arnav like enthusiasm taking her further by surprise “Should I stand here or take a seat…” he gestured towards the chairs and when Khushi did not respond, he answered for himself, “I’ll take a seat then…” She just kept staring for a moment before she followed him. What the!

Khushi had no choice but to serve him given that she was in charge that morning, “I’ll take the Toast and Omellete and that” Arnav pointed towards the freshly baked cornettos, “what ever that is” his eyes unblinking as he spoke.

“It has chocolate inside” she said, you can’t possibly eat that – the unsaid, “oh…” he looked disappointed, she noticed, “Then a cup of coffee”

“Please wait” Khushi was in no mood for long conversations. It felt strange as she walked back to the kitchen, she was serving food to Arnavji and he was paying for it. It felt surreal.

“Khushi…” he called out to her, to her credit she stopped only to look back when he did not say another word. Damn this man! She walked away annoyed at his presence, what was he doing here? Arnav was annoyed at himself too, what the hell was he supposed to say? He waited impatiently, and when she was back with his breakfast, his eyes came alive with what he saw, “You remember?” he asked looking up at her, “The black coffee” he clarified when she stared back impassively. Damn he hated this masked face of hers, he could deal with her anger but not her indifference. But she surprised him the very next moment when she said, “I haven’t forgotten anything” and walked away without waiting for his response. Arnav knew what she was referring to but it did not irk him, if anything, this was progress. It’s a start, he kept saying.

And every morning without fail, Arnav showed up for breakfast at Mama’s kitchen before heading off to work during which time their interaction was limited to a bare minimum except when necessary. Arnav did not seem in a rush to push his luck further and Khushi was just glad that he didn’t create any scene. To Arnav’s great relief, there was no Raul in sight and there were no more articles published in the gossip columns, he had ensured of the latter. The first time ever he had done so. He didn’t know if Khushi had seen the paper but he didn’t need any more roadblocks.

It had taken Arnav all of three days to figure out Khushi’s routine. What Khushi was not aware of was that every night, he would follow her auto back to the hostel and head back only once she was safely inside her building.

It was on Thursday morning, that he noticed Khushi slightly disturbed following a call. Her face dropped as she answered back, and in no time, it went pale. He knew that look all too well. Arnav desperately wanted to ask but knowing her, he knew that was futile.

“What! Have you lost your mind Khushi?” Deeya’s voice was loud as it was, all that excitement made it worse, “It’s no big deal Deeya” Khushi tried to put up a brave front.

“Why do you even want to go back there?” Deeya did not agree to this idea, “And do what, give in to his blackmail?” Khushi asked.

“I wish you didn’t have to do this alone” Deeya just could not understand why her friend had agreed to meet that slimy Manager again, “I can’t get off work tomorrow”

“It’s no biggie Deeya, I can deal with this”