Part 6 What is La hiding?

AR

Arnav was checking a file in his cabin. He received a call. Not taking his eyes from the file, he attended it.

Arnav: Arnav Singh Raizada here...

"Shashi Gupta here..."

Arnav raised his eyebrows.

Arnav: Hello uncle, how are you?

Shashi: I'm so satisfied as I got a very good son-in-law...

Arnav leaned on his chair, sighing.

Shashi: I would like to meet you Arnav.

Arnav: Sure uncle...

Shashi: When will you be free?

Arnav: I have a conference only in the evening.

Shashi: Shall we meet now?

Arnav: Sure...

Shashi: I will be there in half an hour.

Arnav: Yeah...

Arnav closed the file after finishing checking the file. Why does Shashi want to meet him? Is there anything serious? Did Khushi tell him that he left her in a middle way? He leaned on the seat closing his eyes.

Arnav opened his eyes, hearing the door opening sound. He stood smilingly, seeing Shashi Gupta. Shashi extended his hand for a shake and Arnav accepted it.

Arnav: Take your seat uncle.

Shashi: yeah...

Arnav: Anything... would you like to have?

Shashi: Tea...

Arnav dialled the reception and ordered tea.

Arnav: Tell me, uncle...

Shashi: Actually, I didn't get time to talk to you.

Arnav: Yeah...

Shashi: I want you to know about my family. Shall I share?

Arnav: Sure...

Arnav was curious, what's that Shashi wants to share?

Shashi: I liked your family and you Arnav. I belong to a conservative family. I'm following the same now also. I want my daughters to be obedient and accept whatever I decide.

Arnav wondered, hearing that.

Shashi: There are not given a chance to choose as per their wish. And they never said NO to anything because they knew, whatever I selected for them will be the best. I give my daughters liberty because I know they never misuse it. Lavanya is a little reserved type girl. She shares everything with only Khushi. They are very close like a twin soul. Their bond made me worried. So I voluntarily sent Lavanya to Mumbai for studies even after she got a seat at Delhi University. They cried a lot. but I want them to face all the hard times individually. My daughters are everything to me Arnav. I brought them up with morals, values, and responsibilities. Khushi looks naughty but only with families and close friends. (Don't know why Arnav think about Rohit now) Khushi has one or two childhood boyfriends. But Lavanya doesn't even talk to boys you know? She fears talking to boys because of my strict nature.

He smiled proudly.

That's why Lavanya is not moving freely? is she fine with this marriage or does she says YES to Shashi? She is not only reserved but behaves oddly. Everyone is misunderstanding him including Khushi that who is deeply in love with Lavanya. Then why she is not at all talking to him?

Arnav's mind again went back to Shashi.

Shashi: I stopped talking to Lavanya and Garima because Lavanya went to a movie without taking my permission but only from Garima.

Arnav raised his eyebrows getting amazed.

Shashi: It's Khushi who consoled me. After that, they never dared to do anything without my permission.

Arnav thought, did he know that Khushi shopped with her friend Rohit, the day before yesterday?

Shashi: Day before yesterday, Khushi met her friend Rohit in the mall. She dialled me instantly and told me that it was a coincidence. she didn't want me to think that it was a planned meeting.

He laughed with pride.

Arnav understood that Shashi wants everything in his control. he is liberal at the same time, he doesn't want his daughters being pointed out for anything.

Shashi: I hope Lavanya shares a good bond with you and Rathnaji.

Arnav just smiled.

Shashi: I think we should plan for an outing. it will make us close to each other. What say?

Arnav wanted to scream "Nooooo".

Arnav: Actually, I have taken enough leave already. Give me some time to recover it.

Shashi: No problem, we can go next month.

Arnav nodded yes.

Shashi: Come to Gupta house whenever you get time.

Arnav: Sure uncle, but I'm really busy...

Shashi: I know Arnav. That's why I took your appointment before coming here. I don't want to take advantage of our relationship.

Arnav smiled at him.

Shashi: I'm leaving. Thank you for your precious time.

Arnav: Always uncle...

Shashi: Bye.

Arnav: Bye...

Arnav sat on the chair. Thank god he didn't compel him for an outing. He thought about, how Khushi splashed water on his face. That girl won't be quiet if they go out. he leaned on the chair.

So, Shashi Gupta knew about Rohit. That's nice. But why the hell he is thinking about Rohit Damn it? So what if Khushi has a boyfriend? What the hell is his problem?

RM

Ratna saw Lavanya pacing in the living room here and there.

Ratna: What happened Beta?

LA: I'm waiting for Khushi aunty.

Ratna: Is she coming?

La: Yes aunty, I felt like seeing her. so I called her.

Ratna's face brightened. Khushi has the potential to make her surroundings happy. As expected, she came. La smiled seeing her. Khushi came running towards La spreading her hands. La also spread her hand getting ready to hug Khushi. Instead of hugging La, Khushi hugged Ratna and laughed looking at La's expression. La hit on her shoulder pouting.

Khushi: Sorry... sorry...

She pretended like hugging La and again hugged Ratna making La drop her jaw.

La: This is too much.

Khushi(pretending like whispering): Don't get upset. All this hugging drama is for a special ginger tea.

She winked at her. Ratna laughed out louder.

Ratna: As if, I will give tea to people only if they hug me?

Khushi: These are tactics, aunty. See, you became happy when I hugged you. So, you will prepare good tea for me... Won't you?

Ratna: With hot pakoras...

Ratna went to the kitchen all smiling. Why Lavanya is not like Khushi? So adorable... so enchanting... Ratna thought...

Khushi: Hey La, did you learn cooking from aunty?

La nodded NO.

Khushi: Didn't I say last time? Such stupid you are. if I have been in your place, I will learn all the tasty recipes and made my husband flat. (sighing) But you don't have to do that because you made him flat already.

La: You can also learn if you want. Go and learn.

Khushi: Why not? But I will never serve it to your cynic husband.

She turned laughingly and got stuck seeing Arnav standing at the doorstep with a stern look as usual. She turned, facing her back to him, biting her lips. LA got confused, seeing her changed expression. She left the place, seeing Arnav. Khushi looked at her and thought she is going in shyness.

Khushi: Arrey... are you blushing? Goddamn...

Khushi joined her hands and bowed down.

Khushi: Namaste Lard Governor...

Arnav started heading towards his room. She blocked his way coming in front of him.

Khushi: Don't you know, you should greet a guest? How sweet Ratna aunty is? No one will believe that you are her son...

Arnav: She is sweet because she has no diabetes...

He said without expression.

Khushi(clapping): Wow... what a joke? Go and get fresh, until then I will try to laugh at it.

She said giving a funny expression on her face. Arnav faced a tough time controlling his laugh.

Khushi: Don't try to control your laughter. Laugh happily, live happily. I don't know how La is spending her time with you...

At the same time, Khushi's phone rang. Arnav tried to move from there. His legs got glued at the same place, hearing the name...

Khushi: Rohit...

She left the place and sat on the couch comfortably.

Khushi: I'm at Lavanya's house. yup...

She flinched and looked at the phone gulping.

Khushi: Stop shouting... my ear is painting. (pause) ok... relax. next time you can also join me when I come to La's place. but I should take Dad's permission before that. Yeah... (pause) undoubtedly... (pause) if he says NO... I won't bring you here. (pause) Definitely... (pause) no doubt, you are an important person to me but not more than my father and you know that. (pause) why are you getting upset whenever we talk about dad? this is reality and this is what Khushi is. (pause) We will talk later.

She disconnected the call. She rushed towards the kitchen. Arnav was standing, looking at her disappearing figure. He clearly understood what Rohit would have talked. It does not seem like just friendship. Though Khushi looks like a clear slate Rohit has some feelings for Khushi. He locked himself in his room. Didn't want to get involved with the matter. he came out only after Khushi left RM.

one week later

Ratna came with juice for La as she denied eating lunch. Ratna waited till evening, expecting her to come to have something. But nope. Therefore she came to her room with juice. But she didn't find La in her room. She kept the juice on the tea table and checked in the washroom and the poolside. Lavanya was nowhere. She came out and shouted Lavanya's name two times. She didn't get any reply. She got panicked. She thought to call her on her mobile and took the receiver.

That's when she saw La getting inside RM. Where did she go? That too, without letting her know? Lavanya was nervous, seeing Ratna. She plastered a smile.

Ratna: Lavanya... where did you?

Lavanya (stammering): I went to the medical shop to buy this balm aunty.

Ratna: Balm?

Lavanya: yeah... my head is aching...

Ratna: but, I would have given you the balm if you had asked me?

La: No aunty, I don't use any balm other than this.

She showed a small green colour bottle. it looked the country type.

Ratna: Will it work well?

LA: Yes aunty, Amma always prefers this.

Ratna: Oh... shall I apply it on your forehead?

La: No aunty, I will manage.

She went to her room, hiding something in her shawl. Ratna was so upset. However she tried to get close to La, everything goes in vain. Lavanya is not at all showing interest to build their relationship with Ratna.

Ratna believed as time passed, Lavanya will get attached to them. She consoled herself.

To be continued.......