Part 51 Fire

RM

Laya woke up late as she slept late. She stretched her hands, as usual, forgetting about her fake accident. She saw Manorama looking at her. Then she acted, pressing her hand like, it's painting.

"Be careful, bitiya... don't forget your condition," Manorama said making a worried face.

Laya nodded ok, sadly. She tried to get down from the bed and Manorama stopped her.

"Why are you getting down?"

"I'm going to the washroom," Laya said.

"But why?"

Laya frowned.

"What question is this aunty? Why would I go to the washroom?"

"Why should you go to the washroom, when I'm here? I will help you."

Bending down, she took a BED PAN from under the bed.

"You no need to go to the washroom," Manorama said observing her expression.

Laya horrified seeing that.

"No no.... I don't want to use it," she shouted.

She got down from the bed on the opposite side to Manorama and rushed to the washroom, hopping by one leg. She closed the washroom door hurriedly. Manorama burst out laughing.

AR

Aman sent a video of Arnav's dance performance which he performed on their college annual day and then he called her.

"Khushi, I have sent the video of Arnav's dance."

"How did you get it?"

"I got it from my friend. He is working in our college as a physical instructor. He sent it to me."

"Ohh... Thank you."

Khushi watched it. It was a western yet not so fast beat music. Khushi amazed seeing the slow and steady steps. She liked it very much and sent it to Lavanya. After watching that, La called her. Khushi attended it.

"Khushi, I can't believe Arnav danced..." Lavanya said excitedly.

"I too can't..."

"Shall we practice the same steps? It looks easy, Khushi. It won't take much time to memorize the steps."

"I just sent it to you to get an idea, La..." She lied.

"Let it be... it's amazing... we will dance the same steps. Watch the video carefully and memorize the steps. I will also watch it." Lavanya said.

"Don't know what he will think..."

"So what...? Everything will get cleared the day after tomorrow.... On your first night..." She laughed.

"Laaaaa...."

"Get ready... bye sweetie..." Lavanya disconnected the call.

Khushi called Garima and asked her to bring the Sangeeth dress and costumes to RM. She went to La's house straight from AR to do the rehearsal with Lavanya. After two or three times, they got the perfect finishing. Both of them became satisfied. They started to RM.

RM

"Laya, beta, I'm locking the door from outside because the noise of the Sangeeth will disturb you. Take a rest. Call me if you want anything. I will be here the next minute. Ok?"

Manorama left the room, locking the door from outside. Laya called her mother irritatingly.

"Mom... I can't take it anymore. This Manorama is torturing me in the name of care. Damn... locking me in the room, all are enjoying the sangeet party."

"I know... I had done what has to be done."

"What's that?"

"You said the girl is afraid of fire. I sent a man to burn something in the sangeet function. It will be going to feel like bad luck by Raizadas and also makes her fear. We will hit two birds in one stone."

"Wow... what an idea... Love you, mom..."

"But Laya, is it necessary to fight to this extend to get Arnav?"

"Of course Mom... I love him."

"But he is not... your life will be bitter if he doesn't give his attention."

"I know how to get his attention. By the way, what happened to you all of a sudden?"

"Your brother's friend, Subhash proposed your hand..."

Cutting her...

"Whaaat! Really?"

"Yes... just think about him. He is not less than Arnav and you know that."

"But, he not as handsome as Arnav..."

Geetha sighed.

"Mom please, I really want Arnav."

"Don't forget one thing, we can't struggle for a lifetime. We should take the right decision at the right time. Think about it. Take care."

She disconnected the call. Laya got irritated about the proposal. Geetha never discouraged her like this. It's because of Subhash's proposal. She threw the phone on the bed.

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

Raizadas were fully ready for the Sangeeth function. Akash and Payal finished examining the stage. It was decorated with glittering curtains on the three sides. Everyone is busy greeting their respective guests. Guptas were welcomed by Raizadas and made them sit.

"Where is Khushi?" Anjali asked.

Arnav listened to them who had the same question in his mind.

"She is coming with Lavanya," Shashi answered.

"Oh...so both the bahus are coming together...?" Anjali smiled.

In a few minutes, Lavanya's family reached RM. Arnav was disappointed, seeing Khushi in the simple salwar. It was the same salwar which she was wearing in the office that day. He left the place silently. Taking the dress bag from Garima, Khushi went to Anjali.

"Anjaliji, I want to change my dress."

"Ohh, sure Khuhsiji. Come with me."

NK heard it and he said,

"Di, send her to my room. La, take her."

Khushi and Lavanya went to NK's room and came within half an hour.

Arnav who was talking with Aman felt something in the air. He turned towards the stairs and stunned, seeing Khushi as she looked stunning. Khushi sat with Lavanya at the corner calmly.

The program started. Raizadas presented a variety of performances. Though Arnav was standing before the stage he didn't even watch the dance program but his woman. Arnav thought Khushi may dance. But there was no dancing symptom seen in Khushi. So, Arnav came to the conclusion and left the place to greet his supplier who just entered RM.

That was the last and final performance. No announcement... no introduction... done. The music started playing... Arnav looked at the stage jolting, hearing his favorite music. Khushi and Lavanya danced on the stage for the unforgettable theme of his life. Even Aman didn't expect this surprise. Arnav stunned as they danced for the same steps of his, without even a single change. So, MADAM is searching for information about him... he smiled. His gaze rooted in Khushi who dances like a feather floating in the air. Of course, she can do anything better than him, he agreed. His mind imagined something. Lavanya got disappeared from his sight and he replaced himself with her. In his mind, he danced with Khushi as the steps were well known to him.

Arnav closed his eyes unknowingly and started taking back steps. Suddenly, he came to reality as someone banged on him.

"Ohh I'm sorry..."

Arnav stopped looking at the man as he was NEW to RM.

"Who are you?"

"I'm in the lighting arrangement team, sir."

"Ohh..."

The man left the place and went behind the stage. Khushi and Lavanya were at the end of their performance.

The man who banged on Arnav fired the decoration curtain which was hanging at the corner of the stage. Yes, he was sent by Geetha. Arnav became horrified as his sight fell on the fired curtain who was admiring Khushi. In no time he rushed to the stage. Jumping on the stage, he reached Khushi in a jiffy. Clutching her hand, he pulled her down from the stage. Khushi didn't understand anything until Arnav shouted.

"Put off the fire...." Arnav shouted while dragging Khushi to the nearby room. His only intention was to take Khushi from the place before she sees fire. But Khushi turned around and looked at the burning stage. Her eyes widened in fear. Arnav dragged her to the room and closed the door. He stood panting hard and dialed Aman.

"Aman, tell me after the fire put off."

"Ok ASR."

"I saw a stranger in light blue color going behind the stage. Try to find him out."

"Ok..."

Disconnecting the call, Aman went searching for the man. Arnav looked at Khushi who was shivering.

In the meanwhile

As Arnav already told about Khushi's fear of fire to Raizada women, they understood why Arnav took Khushi with him. Seeing the fire, people got panicked. Shyam and NK pulled the curtains off and other servants of RM bring water and poured it on fire.

In the room

Arnav reached shivering Khushi in a single long step. Tears rolled down from her eyes and she was panting hard. Arnav cupped her face gently.

"Khushi... relax. That's ok."

He tried to console her but there is no change in Khushi's expression. Without thinking of anything, Arnav pressed her head on his chest softly.

"Khushi, you are safe... Don't be scared. I'm here." he whispered.

Khushi closed her eyes, getting comfortable on his chest. She clutched his coat with her right hand and touched his chest by left. Arnav caressed her head lovingly. Khushi's shiver decreased slowly and her breath getting normal. Yet, she didn't feel to get detached from him. And Arnav has no reason to get apart from her. He stayed... without thinking of anything... and anyone...

To be continued...

Fire... backfired...

Aman was searching for a person in a light blue shirt who rushed out of the RM after firing a curtain. The first thing he did was run away from RM after finishing the task. That's the instruction given to him by Geetha. So there was no reason for Aman to get the person.

In the room

Arnav and Khushi werestanding with a different mentality. Khushi wanted to get consoled whereasArnav wanted to console Khushi.