Part 4

Arnav was sitting on the bed with a rocky expression, thinking about, what Khushi told about marrying him. What's all this? He liked a girl. But he didn't marry her. The girl who he liked moves with him innocently. How could he keep himself in the distance if her attitude towards him is so cute?

He really wanted to keep a distance from her. Her bubbliness was making him attracted to her badly. No matter how he stays like an IRON but he could do nothing if she is a MAGNET. It will be better if he doesn't go to GH. He removed his coat and threw it on the recliner. Falling on the bed by his stomach, he laid down on the bed and closed his eyes. He wanted to sleep as he didn't get good sleep last night. He was toasting on the bed for a long but sleep was far away from his eyes. At last, he slept but he doesn't know when.

When he woke up, it was 5'o clock. He knew Ratna will ask him to pick Lavanya up from GH which he didn't want to do. He got ready to go to AR.

When he came downstairs, Ratna was amazed to see him. She coughed teasingly, thinking that he is going to his in-laws to pick his wife up.

Ratna: Chotte, you don't have to go to your in-laws. Your father-in-law called me and said that he is bringing your wife.

She chuckled.

Arnav: I'm not going to GH but AR.

He said without expression.

Ratna: What? But why? You said you won't go to AR today?

Arnav: yeah... but now, I have to go for some important work. A few files need my signatures. Those files will be forwarded for the deal only if I sign them. So I'm going.

Ratna: Ok. Have something and go. You didn't eat anything in the afternoon. Shashiji will also come before you leave.

Arnav: No mom, I will have something in AR.

Ratna: But wait for a while. It won't be good if you are not at home when your father-in-law comes.

Arnav(sighed): Say to him that I left in the morning itself.

Ratna: Didn't you say them that you won't go to AR today?

Arnav: Is it necessary to recite everything?

Ratna: What are you talking Chotte? They are also your people. They will feel content if you share something with them. It will make your relationship stronger.

Arnav (looking at watch): You greet him. I'm leaving.

Ratna frowned as he didn't give any heed to her words. At the same time, they heard a calling bell sound. Arnav looked at Ratna and she smiled.

Ratna: It must be your wife and father-in-law, I suppose.

Arnav nodded yes sighing. Ratna felt disinterest in Arnav's behaviour. She went to open the door with confusion about Arnav's not interested behaviour. She pulled the door widely. As expected, Shashi and Lavanya were standing at the doorstep. Arnav smiled seeing Shashi formally. Ratna greeted him.

Ratna: Namaste Jee.

Shashi: Namaste.

Arnav's face drained as Khushi hopped from behind the door and hugged Ratna happily. Khushi looked at Arnav who was looking at her with a stern look. Khushi gulped hard, thinking her "morning talks". She thought, seeing his rigid expression that he doesn't like her "over talks" about marrying him.

Ratna: How are you Khushi?

Khushi: Not so good aunty.

Ratna: Why?

Khushi: Because you have snatched my sister from me.

Ratna: Do one thing. You also came here and stay with us. Simple.

Khushi: It seems like, that is what going to happen.

Shashi: Don't do that Ratnaji. You can't handle her. She won't close her mouth at least for a minute. You will get tired of answering her.

Khushi: ohhh really? You are going to miss me like hell when I go marrying someone.

Arnav jerked hearing that. "Marrying someone?" Why the hell did this girl come here?

Ratna: She is right Shashiji. You are going to run to her home, giving so many excuses to meet her.

Khushi: Yes... don't forget that.

Ratna (smiling): What will you have?

Khushi: your special ginger tea.

Arnav was surprised to hear that. So Khushi had already come here? But when? Maybe, when he was in Colombo.

Ratna: Sure... Sit for a while.

Khushi: No. I'm coming to the kitchen to steal your ginger tea recipe.

Ratna chuckled at her. Ratna liked Khushi so much. Her easy-going nature attracted Ratna. Ratna wanted her Bahu to be like Khushi. But she got Lavanya who was opposite Khushi.

They prepared ginger tea for everyone. Ratna pours the tea in a cup before adding sugar to it.

Khushi: Aunty, you didn't add sugar in that cup.

Ratna: Because it's for Chotte. He is diabetic.

Khushi (shockingly): What? Oh, God... Is not he lucky to have your handmade sweets? What a bad fortune....? He has everything but he couldn't eat sweets... How sad....? Poor him.

Ratna was staring at Khushi not blinking. She expected this kind of reaction from Lavanya who didn't even give any heed to her husband's diabetes.

They came to the living room with a tea tray. Ratna served it to everyone. Arnav stood finishing his sugarless tea.

Arnav: I'm leaving uncle. There is urgent work in AR.

Shashi: Are you going to AR? Then please do me a favour. Drop Khushi in Sarojini Market Shopping Mall.

Arnav got stuck for a while as well as Khushi. She looked at Arnav with popped out eyes.

Shashi: This girl is nagging me to get my permission to go shopping in the morning. She won't get sleep until she spends the money which she won from you.

Khushi pushed Shashi's shoulder pouting making him chuckle.

Ratna (confused): What money did she win from Chotte?

Her question made Arnav embarrassed.

Shashi: He lost the game to Khushi. As per the bet, he gave her money.

Ratna: Which game?

Khushi (proudly): Chess...

Ratna (shockingly): Cheeessss?

Khushi nodded yes smilingly. Ratna switched her gaze to Arnav who didn't take his eyes off Ratna's face. Ratna was amazed at his reaction. She went silent seeing his sharp gaze.

Arnav: Actually uncle, I'm not going to AR directly. I have some other work on my way. It may get time.

His answer made Ratna more surprised. Because she knew he is lying.

Ratna: Drop her in the shopping mall and then do your work Chotte.

It was an order and Arnav sensed it. He nodded yes as he didn't want to deny Ratna in front of Shashi. He looked at Lavanya who was looking somewhere. Taking leave from Shashi and Ratna he headed towards the door.

Ratna: Khushi beta, go with Chotte.

Khushi: Thank you, aunty. (whispering) you have saved my cab money.

Ratna chuckled. Khushi rushed behind Arnav.

...

Arnav started the car. Khushi sat on the passenger seat.

Arnav (looking on the road): Put on your seatbelt.

Khushi: I don't feel comfortable with a seatbelt.

Arnav: Safety is more important than comfort. Put it first.

Khushi secured herself by a belt with a pout and Arnav started the car.

Khushi: Are you angry with me?

Arnav looked at her frowning as he didn't expect her to ask him that.

Khushi: I didn't know that you are hearing our talks, standing outside the kitchen. If I would have known your presence, I shouldn't have spoken those. Please don't keep it in your mind. Trust me... I won't marry you. I know how much you like LA. I can understand that very well, as you agreed to the marriage without even meeting her. And aunty also told us, you liked LA very much. I and LA are so close you know? We have never been separated until she joined the college. She got a seat at Mumbai University. That's when we got separated. We cried a lot. LA was not ready to go to college leaving me. But Shashi forcefully sent her. (Arnav looked at her when she called her father by name) Actually, I call him by his name when I get emotional and also angry. (Pause) where were we? (Arnav didn't answer even though he knew where they were.) Mmmm... yeah... I had a fever, crying all day. (Arnav looked at her shrinking his eyes) We missed each other like hell. That's when we made an unwritten agreement that we should marry the same guy so that we will be together. (Arnav looked at her with a stony expression) I know... I know it was stupidity. That time, we didn't feel so. As time passed, we forgot our deal because we got used to being separated. LA would have asked me to marry you for fun. So don't worry. I definitely won't marry you... never... No chance at all...

Arnav pulled the break and Khushi jerked.

Khushi: What happened?

Arnav: Out...

Khushi: Whaaat?

Arnav: You will get a taxi from here.

Khushi: So?

Arnav: Go by taxi.

Khushi: But why?

Arnav: I already told you that I have work on the way.

Khushi (pouting): But you agreed when aunty ordered you?

Arnav: But now... I want to go.

Khushi: This is cheating. You have to drop me at the shopping mall.

She demanded.

Arnav (frowning): Excuse me...

Khushi: What will you do if I don't get down?

Arnav rolled his eyes and started the car.

Khushi: Wait...

Arnav looked at her.

Khushi: I will go by taxi. You don't have to drop me.

She said with an angry pout and got down from the car. Before closing the door...

Khushi: By the way... The one thing, I said is absolutely true...

Arnav didn't ask her "what"... but his eyes...

Khushi: That.... you are so handsome Arnavji.....

She closed the door giggling and rushed towards the taxi stand. Arnav couldn't stop his lips from smiling. He waited until Khushi got a taxi. He followed the taxi keeping enough distance cautiously. Khushi got down from the taxi and settled the meter amount. Her jaw dropped seeing Arnav taking a "U" turn.

Khushi (self-talk): Did he lie? But why? (she thought for a while) Amma is right. He wouldn't have liked my talks about marrying him. That's why he purposely dropped me in the taxi stand. It shows how much he loves LA. That's why he keeps a distance from me. So that there won't be any misunderstanding between him and LA. That's really great. LA got a very good husband who really loves her a lot.

She felt delighted. But she couldn't be quiet without doing anything. She removed her phone and texted Arnav.

"I knew you purposely sent me in the taxi. I had seen you following me. CYNIC LARD GOVERNOR."

She went inside the mall, after sending the message.

Arnav took out his mobile hearing notification sound. His brows went up seeing Khushi's message. He opened it hurriedly and read it. He rolled his eyes and sighed. What a damn life is this.....?

To be continued......

Today's inkitt update

I won't talk to you

Ratna'smind was not at peace. She knew how excited Arnav was. But now, his face didn'tseems so. He avoids his in-laws. She didn't see him talking to Lavanya. She expected some teasing gestures between his son and daughter-in-law. Many girls wanted to marry Arnav. Arnav didn't like anyone. She had seen fire in those girls' eyes while they look at Arnav. But Lavanya doesn't even look at Arnav. How a girl could ignore a handsome husband like Arnav? 

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