Part22 

Khushi searched for Ratna to convey about their Mumbai trip. As she didn't find her in the kitchen she walked towards her room. She saw her playing Chess with Arvind. She rushed to them and kneeled down in front of the chessboard excitedly.

Khushi: Amma, you play chess?

Ratna: Yeah...

Khushi: why didn't you say it before? We would have played...

Ratna: I'm not so good at Chess.

Arvind: Yeah... she wins only against Chotte.

He teased whereas Ratna pouted.

Ratna: That's why I'm not interested to play with him.

Khushi (not understanding): Why Amma?

Arvind: Because he always loses the game and let her win.

Khushi: Really?

Ratna: But Chotte never lets Arvind win.

She laughed.

Arvind: I agree he intentionally loses to his beloved ones. Doesn't mean he don't love me. He thinks that I will win him one day.

Ratna: But, he makes me feel good by losing the game...

She said proudly.

Khushi (smilingly): Winning Arnavji is not so big deal. I won him one time.

Arvind and Ratna spared a glance and smiled. Khushi perplexed by their smile.

Khushi: Why?

Arvind: He lost the game to you too?

Ratna: What will you say now? Don't I say he doesn't let his beloved ones feel low?

Arvind nodded yes.

Khushi: You mean, he lost my game intentionally?

Ratna nodded yes and gestured Arvind. He went to the cupboard and brought a few certificates. He showed it to Khushi. Khushi looked at them one by one shockingly. Those were Arnav's chess competition certificates. He was a state champion. And he played for many years and won for his school and university. Khushi was bemused like ever before. Ratna smiled inwardly as her next move get completed.

Arnav is a chess champion. He always loses to Ratna to make her feel high. But he plays the right game with Arvind. She remembered Arnav and Shashi's game. Undoubtedly, Shashi plays a better game than Khushi. Shashi never loses the game if he plays. He lost to Arnav. If Arnav is capable to win Shashi, how he lost the game against Khushi. What's all this? Did he lose the game to let her win the BET? She thought about how he played. Yes... he played first-rated game at the beginning. Then only he played the worst game. Why?

Ratna shook her shoulder.

Ratna: Where were you lost?

Khushi: Does Arnavji lose the game only to you?

Arvind: He had done the same with Ratna's mother... his Nani... he loves her so much.

Ratna: Yes... but he never did that to my father. He makes BET with my father and gets something from him.

Khushi faked a smile.

Ratna: What's the matter?

Khushi (changing the topic): Actually, I came to get your permission.

Ratna: Permission? For?

Khushi: My friend's marriage is about to happen in Mumbai. Shall I and Arnavji go?

Ratna: No... you should not go.

Khushi's face hung.

Ratna laughed at her.

Ratna: You are going with your husband. What's there to take my permission? You guys are not kids.

Arvind: And I'm sure Chotte would have decided about everything like where to stay when to return, everything. Am I right?

Khushi pouted.

Ratna: When will you start?

Khushi: Tomorrow.

Ratna: Go and arrange your bags.

Khushi: It's just two days Amma. I will arrange it for a few minutes.

Ratna: Just two days?

Khushi: Yeah... day after tomorrow is marriage. We will come back finishing the marriage.

Ratna: Chotte said so?

Khushi (hesitating): He didn't say...

Ratna: Confirm it first and make arrangements accordingly.

Khushi: Why Amma?

Ratna: You are going to Mumbai for the first time... Maybe Chotte would have planned something.

Khushi: It's an unexpected trip Amma. Somewhat, Arnavji managed to get leave. He may get complications if he gets more off.

Ratna: I don't think he will bother about it.

Khushi shrunk her eyes.

Ratna: Go and make arrangements.

Khushi nodded ok and left their room. She got back to her room all the way thinking about Chess. Arnav loses the game to his beloved women always. He lost the game to her too, that too the very next day of his and La's marriage. Does he do that with all the women who are related to him? She couldn't connect the dots that why he lost the game to her. She wanted to ask Arnav but nope. She wanted to see what he does. 

She saw him working on the laptop while giving instructions on the phone. It was visible that he is hurrying to complete his work as he has to take leave for the Mumbai trip. She decided to play chess with him later.

Arnav(cutting the call): Did you tell Mom about our Mumbai visit?

Khushi (nodding yes): Shall I pack our stuffs?

Arnav: You pack yours. I will pack mine.

Khushi: What's the big deal if I pack yours? It's just for two days....

She hooked her question.

Arnav: Take two more sets of dresses.

Khushi (surprisingly): Two more? But why?

Arnav: We are going to a new place. We have to be prepared for unexpected situations.

Khushi: Unexpected?

Arnav: Yeah...

He again got a call and answered while working on the laptop. Khushi began to arrange her stuff in a bag. Obviously her eyes were on Arnav. To her surprise, Arnav also was sparing her glance from time to time. She ended packing with several thoughts. Khushi went to the bed, after completing dinner. Arnav kept working for long. She closed her eyes and drift into sleep.

Next day

Khushi didn't find Arnav in RM when she woke up. He went to the office earlier to wind his work up. She saw his bag also being packed. After a while, she got Arnav's call.

Arnav: Khushi...

Khushi: Haan Arnavji...

Arnav: I will be there at 2o' clock. Don't wait for me. You have lunch and get ready.

Khushi: Ok...

He disconnected the call.

As Arnav said he entered RM at 2'o clock sharp. He got fresh in a few minutes. Ratna asked HP to keep their bags in the car.

Arnav: We are leaving, Mom.

Ratna: Yeah... (whispering) utilize the chance...

Arnav rolled his eyes and headed towards the car. Khushi touched Ratna's feet before following him.

Ratna: May God give you all the answers, you are searching for.

She smiled. Khushi hugged her emotionally. Though Ratna said in another perspective Khushi applied it to La's issue.

Khushi: Thank you Amma...

Ratna wondered. Why she looks sensitive? Has she started to observe Chotte? That's great... She was delighted.

Mohan dropped them in the Airport. Arnav and Khushi occupied Indian Airlines flight's business class seats. Of course, that was the first aviation for Khushi. Khushi's hands landed on Arnav's, at the time of takeoff. Closing her eyes tightly, she clutched Arnav's hand. Keeping his palm over her hand, Arnav comforted her. Khushi opened her eyes jerking and looked at him surprisingly. She felt the warmth of protection in his touch.

"He likes you so much"

Ratna's words echoed in her head. She leaned on the seat closing her eyes. After a few minutes, she slept. Arnav smiled at her. He also leaned on his seat. He was so tired as he slept late and woke up earlier than usual. He used the time to nap. So that he will be brisk in Mumbai. As soon as he dozed off, Khushi slowly opened her eyes and sighed. Thank God he slept. She knew Arnav must be tired. So, she gave him a chance to sleep. She saw Arnav's head slid a bit. She made him lean on her shoulder and kept her cheek on his head smilingly.

Exactly, after one hour, Arnav woke up from his sleep. He moved slightly and Khushi got alert. She closed her eyes, pretending like sleeping. Arnav saw himself leaning on her shoulder. He stayed not getting separated from her which made Khushi stunned. She thought he would sit jerking. But he is acting totally opposite to it. Both of them reached Mumbai all the way pretending.

It was one and half an hour's ride from Santacruz Airport to Kalyan. Mumbai is not less than Delhi in population and traffic... they supposed.

Arnav and Khushi got down from the taxi, in front of the huge Air-conditioned Marriage hall. A few girls who were standing at the reception, welcoming the guests, spraying rosewater and giving Rose, candy, vermillion and sandal paste. Taking them formally, Khushi and Arnav entered the hall. The Hall looked half empty. It seemed, the rituals haven't started yet. They looked here and there as they knew none there. Khushi took lead. She reached a man who was talking to someone nearby.

Khushi: Excuse me...

Man: Yes...

Khushi: May I meet the Bride?

Man: Yeah, she is in the upstairs... right side last room.

Khushi: Thank you, uncle.

She looked at Arnav smiling. They came to the first floor and find the room which was indicated by the man.

Arnav: I will be here. You go and meet her.

Khushi nodded yes as she didn't want Arnav to be with her while talking about Lavanya. She went to a particular room to meet Sheetal. Khushi went inside. The bride was adjusting her saree, looking at the mirror. She lifted her head and saw Khushi's image in the mirror. A trace of confusion spared on her face. Her face brightened as she recognized who she is. She turned towards Khushi and rushed towards her happily.

Sheetal: Khushi, right?

Khushi nodded yes.

Sheetal: Lavanya talks about you non-stop.

Khushi smiled at her painfully.

Sheetal (excitedly): Where is Lavanya? Is she hiding somewhere?

She peeped outside and searched for Lavanya. She turned around hearing Khushi.

Khushi: No Sheetal... she didn't come.

Sheetal (disappointedly): Whaaaat! But why? (sadly) Did her husband restrict her?

Khushi: No... actually...

Sheetal: Has she planned to surprise me?

Khushi: She... she is no more, Sheetal.

Sheetal (shockingly): Whaaaat? What did you say?

Khushi: You heard right.

Sheetal (panicking): No... I didn't hear you right.

Khushi: Ohhh.... Lavanya is dead...

Sheetal (with teary eyes): Dead.....?

Khushi nodded YES. Sheetal's next stance shook Khushi.

Sheetal (clutching Khushi's shoulders): Did she commit suicide?

Khushi froze hearing that.

To be continued...

Today's inkitt update

Lavanya's Love 

To read the above update, use my inkitt link dearies..

Khushi got horrified hearing,

"Did she commit suicide?"

Her eyes brimmed straightaway.

Khushi: How do you know?

Sheetal sensed her mistake of blurting out her prediction.

Khushi: Tell me, Sheetal...Please.... I'm getting mad in Lavanya's matter.