Part 15 The trip

Khushi called Shyam to her cabin. Shyam went hesitatingly. Didn't know what she will ask.

*Good morning ma'am...*

Khushi nodded yes.

*Tell me Ma'am...*

*Have you forgotten what I asked for?*

*What ma'am?*

*I asked for Arnav's medical report*

*Sorry ma'am, I didn't get it but I got to know the exact report of his medical condition*

*Ohh... really?*

*Yes ma'am, as he is in the regular treatment, he is recovering...*

Khushi's face lit.

*yes, ma'am... he was at the beginning of the third stage, only ma'am...*

*But you said he was at the end of the third stage...?

*It was wrong ma'am... now only I got to know the accurate condition.*

*So, he can be cured... right?* she asked without showing her eagerness.

*Yes, ma'am...*Shyam nodded yes.

Shyam saw relief and happiness in her face even though Khushi didn't show it. Don't know how long he could manage the lie. Shyam sighed.

*You can go...*

*Ma'am... Arnav is a nice guy...he behaves smoothly until we talk about his health issue...*

Khushi nodded yes.

*I won't ask him anything... as of now...*

Shyam didn't know what AS OF NOW means. He faked a smile and left her cabin.

Khushi sighed in relief. So, Arnav had a chance to get cured. It was more than enough. She smiled with satisfaction.

Shyam was leaning on the seat, thinking about his lie over a lie. Arnav came to his cabin and saw him lost. Arnav flicked his fingers in front of Shyam's face. Shyam flinched back and plastered a smile seeing Arnav.

*What are you thinking so deep that you don't even recognize my presence?*

*I just...*

*What's the matter? You look all lost these days?*

*Nothing is like that...*

*Won't you tell me, Shyam?*

*No, no Arnav...*

Cutting him,

*Do you think I'm not noticing you?*

Shyam was silent.

*If I'm not wrong, you are upset because Ma'am gave me the program responsibility...*

*No no... however I would have taken your help. I'm relieved as you have taken the responsibility* he smiled.

*Then why are you looking disturbed*

*Nothing Arnav. I'm alright*

*Are you sure?*

*Yup* Shyam said nodding his head.

Arnav pressed his lips and left his cabin. Shyam sat straight, sighing. How could he say that you were my problem?

Arnav recalled Anjali's words again and again. Arnav was sure that Shyam was not fine. Anjali said it's not about family. If it was about the office, he would have known about it. Then what would be the reason? Arnav started thinking about it while doing work.

..............

The day for the Bengaluru trip came. Tomorrow, they will go to Bengaluru. Arnav was packing his bag. That was when his phone rang. The call was from Shashi.

*Hello Sir...* Arnav said.

*Are you ready to go to Bengaluru...?*

*Getting ready, sir...*

*All the arrangements for your stay in Bengaluru have done...*

*Yes, sir...*

*I'm so glad, Khushi is moving freely with you...*

*I too sir... in fact, I can't believe the change in her...*

*Even me... you guys don't know about her. Her rude behaviour... her anger... everything is a mask to stay away from the people. I was the reason for her change. She was a bubbly girl before her mother died.*

Arnav was shocked. He was thinking that Garima was her mother. Understanding his silence, Shashi continued.

*Garima is not her mother. Her mother died of Cancer. After that, she became more attached to me than ever before. Seeing Khushi struggling alone, my sister insisted me to get married. Khushi was fourteen years old at that time. Being a grown-up girl, she couldn't accept Garima in her mother's place. And she started hating me for giving her mother's place to someone. She started getting distant from not only me but also from everyone. She isolated herself because she was not ready to get attached to anyone again and get disappointed*

Arnav gulped hard. He thought Shashi's wealth was the reason for Khushi's rude behaviour. But he didn't know she had a weighty past.

*You are the first one she behaves coolly with. And I'm glad about it. After meeting you, she became soft and smooth. She almost stopped getting angry.*

Arnav closed his eyes pitying her.

*I don't know why she accepted you as her friend. Something in you must heavily attract her I suppose. After going abroad, she never wised to come to India. But now, she accepted your company to go to Bengaluru. Whatever it is, I'm happy about it. Please don't make her disappointed. Not that you will do that. You will take care of her if you know about her completely. Please don't deny anything. If she wants to roam around Bengaluru, accompany her... please...*

* I will take care of her sir...*

*Thank You...*

*My pleasure sir...*

Shashi disconnected the call and Arnav sat on the bed, looking at his mobile.

How wrongly, he predicted about Khushi. She was fourteen years when her mother died. No wonder she couldn't accept her stepmother because she was a teenager who could understand everything. Then how could she accept Garima ma'am as her mother? How Shashi was so brainless? How could he marry someone, having a teenage daughter even though his sister forced him? Poor Khushi ma'am. It was very wrong to predict anyone without knowing about their full story.

But, how did she become casual with him? What attracted her to him? Let's observe her on the trip. She will express it at any cost if she got attracted by something in him. Arnav finished arranging his stuff.

The next day

Khushi was ready with packed bags. She had sent the car to pick up Arnav.

*Beta, call me if you want anything.* Shashi said.

Khushi nodded yes.

*My friend Samuel is there in Bengaluru. He will help you. I have already told him about your arrival.*

*No need Dad... Arnav is with me. I will manage*

Shashi looked at her awfully.

RM

Taking his backpack, Arnav was waiting for the car.

*Chotte, don't roam in late at night. Go to the hotel room on time. Don't eat street-side food. Bengaluru is a cool region, so don't drink cool drinks. Take bath in only hot water. And...*

Cutting her,

*Mom... don't worry. I won't take bath, drink, and eat anything until I came bake...ok?*

Ratna hit his shoulder and Arnav chuckled.

The car arrived. Arnav hugged Ratna.

*Bye mom...*

*Don't forget to call me every day...*

*I won't forget*

Arnav got inside and waved his hand. Ratna stood there worriedly as if she was sending his son to space.

To be continued...