Part 31 Arnav's plan

Sarath saw Sheetal thinking something, not touching the glass in front of her.

"What are you thinking?" he touched her shoulder.

"I'm thinking about Arnav..." She looked at him.

"You are thinking about Arnav? What happened to you? You are thinking about him a lot these days?" he asked mockingly.

"Shut up... this is not a matter to mock," she said seriously.

"What happened? You look stressed?"

"Arnav is doing some stupidity" Sheetal punched her forehead with her fist.

"Stupidity? What is he doing?" He said next to her frowning.

"He had appointed third-gender people in school"

"Whaaaat? Third-gender people?" Sarath was shocked.

She nodded yes.

"Are you sure? is that an authentic news?" he asked unbelievably.

"Yes, it is. Shyam told me. He sounded furious"

"But why does he do that? What's necessary?"

"That's what I can't understand. Arnav won't do anything without a valuable reason. I strongly believe he must have such a reason behind this"

"I will find it out," he said confidently.

"Will you?" She asked eagerly.

"Yes, I told you, my friend is there in Gomti Nagar. I asked him to keep an eye on Arnav. We will soon get to know why Arnav doing this"

"I'm ready to pay him for doing that but I want to know what he is doing"

"Sure... but, this decision of his will create problems for him"

"Yes... but, he doesn't seem to care about it"

"Oh... Ok. Leave it to me. I will take care of it"

"I don't know what will he do next. I'm tensed" She pressed her forehead.

"I think he is trying to get public attention," Sarath said that came into his mind.

"But, he is not an attention seeker"

"He is not seeking YOUR attention. It doesn't mean he won't seek attention" Sarath was serious.

"But why does he seek public attention?"

"For publicity. He will easily reach people with this action. Though the issue is controversial some people will definitely appreciate him. They will think him generous. Definitely, social activists will support him. No wonder they celebrate him"

"Do you think so?" she asked thoughtfully.

"Then, what reason would he have? You are going to see my words coming true"

Sheetal sighed.

"Yes, Sheetal. This is a stunt... Arnav is not what you think"

"Then this is seriously a dangerous issue," Sheetal said thoughtfully.

"Dangerous? Ho?"

"If he gets public support and goodwill, he will easily cover up the divorce issue. People will support him...Stand for him... I can do nothing because I have already spoilt my reputation" she said worriedly.

"Do you think so?"

"Yes, he is preparing for the divorce I guess"

"What will you do if he wants a divorce?"

"It's a simple thing. I know how to lock him"

"How?"

"Will tell you later. As of now, keep an eye on him"

"Yeah... I will do it" Sarath mixed something in her drink without her knowledge and extended it to her.

Taking the glass, she gulped it in a go.

........

Arnav stopped the car in the signal and waited for it to turn GREEN. Sarath's friend who had been assigned to watch Arnav saw his car at the signal. He dialed Sarath. He attended the call and was lying on the bed, next to Sheetal all nude.

"Tell me, Praveen," he said looking at sleeping Sheetal.

"Arnav is going somewhere," Praveen said.

"Follow him... I want you to know his every move" Sarath ordered.

"Ok... the signal is going to change. I will talk to you later"

"Don't forget you will be paid for doing this"

"Thank you so much," Praveen said delightedly and disconnected the call.

The signal changed and Arnav geared the car up. Praveen followed Arnav.

Arnav came to Gomti Nagar and stopped the car in front of Khushi's house. Praveen stopped the bike a little aloof and came to Khushi's house surreptitiously, looking here and there cautiously. He stood, hiding in the distance where he could hear their talks clearly.

Arnav knocked on the door. It was Suman who opened the door. Khushi saw him running to open the door. She flinched not understanding anything. Opening the door, Suman saw Arnav. In no time, he hugged Arnav. Khushi frowned. What was happening there? Why Suman hugged Arnav? What happened that he looked emotional?

"I don't know how to thank you. Thank you so much" Suman said that confusing Khushi more.

"Relax..."

Breaking the hug,

"No... you have no idea what you are trying to do. You are not just giving lives to people but changing something BIG. You don't have the necessary to do this. Yet, you are doing" Suman said emotionally.

Khushi somewhat understood what they were talking about. But, how Suman got to know about it? She didn't say anything to him...!

"Why should not I do this? Every person who belongs to this society has the responsibility to do this" Arnav said.

"But, no one is doing"

"Will do... don't think no one is caring about you guys. Many people do... they don't get a chance to show it out. That's all because this is a sensitive issue. If someone took a step daringly, people will surely follow in their footsteps. I want to be the one"

Now, it was clear to Khushi. She smiled.

"You will face problems from all directions... people, parents, students..."

"I know Sumi. I will take care of it"

"But, how?"

"I have already sent Emails to a few social activists who are in a good position. I got a few replies too. They appreciated me and were ready to stand for me"

"Is it?"

"Yes... the world is changing, Sumi. Little guts are needed to adopt it. At first, people will talk... after a few days, they will get used to it" Arnav smiled.

Suman nodded yes.

"That's why I said you too live your life as per your wish. Throw the dirty-minded people in the dustbin who opposes you. Create a world where you are respected. Don't hide inside the shell. Reveal yourself bravely because being the third gender is not a sin"

Suman nodded yes.

Khushi stood looking at them with a smile.

"I want you to be brave. I'm not saying this just because I'm going to marry Khushi" Arnav said smiling at Khushi.

"See Khushi, Arnav is preparing to marry you" Suman chuckled looking at Khushi teasingly.

Khushi smiled looking down.

"Are you guys going to make me stand here only? Won't you let me in?" Arnav asked, looking at Khushi.

"This is your house... You do not need our permission to enter" Suman said.

Arnav stepped in.

"Do you want me to be here or... should I go?" Suman asked looking at Khushi teasingly.

"Shut up" Arnav walked in and Suman followed Arnav smiling.

"Have you had dinner?"

Arnav nodded not pressing his lips together.

"Eat with us," He said.

"Gladly"

"But, we didn't prepare your favorite biriyani" he added.

"Whatever you guys prepare will be my favorite food" Arnav sat on the dining chair.

"Whose food? Main or Khushi's?" Suman purposely asked.

Arnav smiled not answering.

"So, it's Khushi's... Am I right?"

"She always comes first because she is the most special person to me" Arnav smiled at her who blushed biting her lip.

"I know that"

Khushi went to the kitchen and brought roti and aloo mutter (potato and peas) gravy that she prepared. Arnav ate it relishing it.

"How it tastes?" Suman asked.

"Delicious"

"Very soon, you will eat it every day," Suman said.

"Waiting for the day to come," Arnav said while dipping the roti in the gravy.

"Khushi, why don't you talk about anything?" Suman asked.

"She took an oath that she won't talk to someone's husband" Arnav answered.

"Oh..."

Arnav stood up, finishing the dinner.

"I will make her talk to me freely, making her my wife," Arnav said and went to wash his hands.

Khushi smiled, biting her lip.

Praveen slipped from the place and dialed Sarath to recite what he heard.

To be continued...

Note: The next two chapters are available on Inkitt.