Part13
Arnav was on the bed thinking about his conversation with Khushi. How she got irritated, hearing him... She looked cute even in anger... in fact cuter... He smiled. She is entering into his life, "beating around the bush". When he was waiting for her, LIFE played a nasty game. When he thought everything is over, again it's falling in the right place. RIGHT PLACE? Really...?
His thought got distracted as his phone started ringing. The call was from Shashi. Arnav sat on the bed and attended it.
Arnav: Hello uncle...
Shashi: Hope you are fine?
Arnav: I'm...
Shashi: I hope you should have heard about the proposal. Ratnaji had told you.
Arnav: Yes...
Shashi: I didn't ask you before deciding it. Because I knew, you won't accept it. I don't know what you liked in Lavanya. But I'm sure; Khushi will give her best to mend things. Though she behaves childish she is very understanding. She knows how to hide the pain behind a beautiful smile and spread the happiness to her surroundings. Mark my words; you will thank me in the future.
Arnav wanted to thank him right away. He stayed mute.
Shashi: We care for you Arnav. We want your happiness.
Arnav: But... what about Khushi? Is she really fine with your decision?
He asked not wanting to show that he already met her.
Shashi: Of course Arnav. My daughters never go against my decision.
Arnav rolled his eyes in irritation. This is how he would have gotten Lavanya married to him.
Shashi: You can talk to Khushi if you want to know her stance.
He said confidently which made Arnav think about their conversation.
"I don't care you like me or not. I don't say NO".
"I had given my words to my father. I won't change it".
And peek of them all, "I won't disturb you"
Shashi: I hope you will understand.
Arnav: Yes uncle.
Shashi: Good. (pause) How is Ratnaji?
Arnav: She is fine and just got discharged from the Hospital.
Shashi: That's great. We will come to RM in the evening then.
Arnav: Ok uncle.
Shashi: See you in the evening.
Arnav: Bye uncle.
Shashi said WE are coming. Arnav didn't know that "WE" includes Khushi or only Shashi and Garima. He decided to wait.
.......
Ratna was resting on the bed. Arvind passed her the juice glass. Without taking it, Ratna was looking at Arvind's face.
Arvind: What???
Ratna(holding her ears): I'm sorry...
Arvind(frowning): For?
Ratna: I have lied.
Arvind: What did you lie?
Ratna(hesitatingly): That, I had heart attack...
Arvind went speechless.
Ratna: I lied, because I want Chotte to think about second marriage.
Arvind drank the juice in a go and looked at Ratna widening his eyes.
Ratna: Actually, I did that to make Chotte confess his love for Khushi. Trust me. I didn't expect, Shashi Bhai would start the marriage talk.
Arvind(sighing): You would have told me. I won't be nervous at least...
Ratna: Your nervousness is what made Chotte realize the depth. I know you are a worst actor. You would have been collapsed everything if I had told you that I'm acting.
Arvind: Ohh really?
Ratna nodded yes.
Arnav: Might be... I'm not a good actor like you.
Ratna: A mother can do anything for her children's happiness. Mind it.
Arvind: By the way, everything is falling in a write place.
They heard a knock on the door. Ratna laid on the bed. Arvind went to open the door laughing. Ratna glared at him. She joined her hands and gestured him to be serious. Arvind neatened himself and pulled the door. Arnav got inside.
Arnav: Are you ok mom?
Ratna nodded yes.
Arnav: Oh... Shashi uncle called me. He is coming in the evening.
Ratna: oh... is he coming alone?
Arnav: He said "we are coming".
Ratna: That means, Khushi also will come...
Arnav: I don't know.
He said plainly not showing his curiosity. Arvind folded his lips to control his smile. Ratna gulped. Arnav was about to turn his head towards him, Ratna called him...
Ratna: Chotte...
Arnav: Yes, mom...
Ratna: Did you eat?
Arnav: Going to... You too come, Dad.
Arvind: Yup... I'm also hungry.
Ratna (with intensive gaze): Serve only what Chotte wants.
She warned Arvind not to blurt out. He nodded yes controlling his smile and went with Arnav. This time, Ratna looked up with joining her hands.
Evening
However, Arnav tried not to be curious he couldn't. He sat in the living room with his laptop. Of course, he does that often. But today, there was a special reason for that.
As expected, Khushi also came with Guptas. Arnav looked at her like, he didn't expect her. He greeted them.
Arnav: Namaste aunty... Hello uncle...
Garima: Namaste Beta... how are you?
Arnav nodded yes. Khushi started heading towards Ratna's room as she didn't want to make him awkward. Arnav was disappointed as he thought she would say something. Guptas followed her. Arnav logged his laptop off and he also came to Ratna's room. He saw Khushi and Garima sitting beside Ratna whereas Shashi with Arvind on the couch.
Shashi: I think, we have to arrange the marriage soon.
Arnav and Khushi looked at each other. Khushi took her gaze from his face but it seemed Arnav had no intention to do so.
Shashi: Ratnaji will get Khushi's help if she is in RM. What say Ratnaji?
Before Ratna said,
Arnav: Let her complete her studies uncle.
Everyone looked at him and then Shashi.
Shashi: It will take more than three months.
Arnav: It's ok uncle. Her environment should be undisturbed, I suppose.
