Part 14

Marriage preparation was in full swing. Guptas completed all the rituals till Mehandi. Manorama and Manohar arrived in Delhi and they completed Arnav's rituals too. In that....... Manorama didn't get time to see Khushi though Arnav has Khushi's pics, but he didn't want to show it to anyone. Finally, NK was his savior.

NK: Naanav mere Bhai, will not you show us the bride?

Manorama: Haan Arnav Bituwa, Can we not see our daughter-in-law?

Manohar: Are you reluctant to go there because rituals happen?

Manorama: Maybe. Don't we know how shy our Arnav bituwa is?

Manohar: Then we can talk to Shashiji.

Arnav nodded ok hiding his happiness. He knew Shashi won't deny if they ask. But "What to do if they do not allow the Groom to see the Bride"? He dialed Shashi's number.

Shashi: Hello Damadji, How are you doing?

Arnav: I'm doing good Uncle. My chachaji wants to talk to you.

Shashi: Why not? Sure.

He passed the phone to Manohar.

Shashi: Namasteji, Arnav told about you people. He respects you a lot. I want you to come to our house and bless our daughter.

Before they ask anything Shashi Gupta himself invited them to GH. And Manohar was satisfied with his gesture.

Manohar: Ji. I called you to ask the same. My wife is so curious to see her Bahu.

Shashi(with so much of happiness): you can come tomorrow. As tomorrow is Haldi. We will be happy if you come and bless our child.

Manohar: We have to give the "HALDI" to Khushi. So we will come tomorrow with the remaining Haldi which used on Arnav.

Shashi: Sure. We will be waiting.

Manohar: ji. Namaste.

He cut the call.

Manohar: Looks like they are very kind.

Manorama: Then? Our Arnav bitwa's choice is always the best.

They looked at Arnav who was lost in the thought that "the Haldi which is going to be applied on Khushi will be the remaining of his". It all seems new yet surprise for him. NK shook him.

NK: Naanav seems like you will complete everything in your dream itself? Keep a little bit left yaar.

They laughed and Arnav faced a tough time to hide his embarrassment. His mind was drowning in "tomorrow's thought". For almost a week he did not see her. Will these elders allow him to enter GH tomorrow? What if they will not? He didn't want anyone to sense his curiosity. At the same time, he wants to see Khushi.

Next day.

Haldi was over in RM. Now Raizada should hand over the remaining HALDI to Khushi which was applied on Arnav. They were getting ready to go to GH as Shashi invited them. Manohar called Arnav to accompany them.

Arnav: Shashi uncle just invited you. Actually Groom should not come to Haldi ritual, right Chachi?

Manoirama: Arrey How do you know these things Arnov bituwa?

NK: what else? Books... Hai na Naanav?

Arnav didn't say that actually he Googled it.

Mahonar: I don't think your Father in law is so fond of these rituals. By the way, you have to come with us as we don't know their home.

Arnav: ok I will come and wait in the car.

They agreed.

NK(whispering): Hey Naanav, Say honestly, don't you really want to come and see Bhabi?

Arnav looked at him without answering. That "look" itself was the answer for NK. He planned something in his mind to bring Arnav inside GH.

GH

Shashi and Garima welcomed Raizadas wholeheartedly. They liked each other in the same instance.

NK(loudly): Ohh God I forgot to say that Arnav wants some water. Please, can I get?

Shashi(surprised): Arnav? Where is he?

NK: He is sitting in the car.

Shashi(frowning): what? But why he didn't come inside?

Manohar: Rules of rituals.

Shashi rushed outside. He saw Arnav was leaning on the seat closing his eyes. He opened his eyes hearing the knock. He came out hurriedly seeing Shashi.

Arnav: Uncle?

Shashi: why are you sitting here? Just come inside.

Arnav: But uncle...

Shashi(cutting him): put all the rituals in the trash bin and come.

Shashi dragged him inside. Arnav's breathe ditched when he saw Khushi with floral ornaments.

 "She herself is a flower. A flower itself was decorated by flowers"? he thought. She threw an arrow on him in the name of a smile and went to perform Haldi ritual.

Arnav was asked to sit on the coach little far from where Haldi ritual was taking place through the visibility of the scene was clear to his sight. It was very hard to take his eyes from Khushi more than that pretending like he was not affected.

 She looked like an Angel. A simple smile is enough to make Khushi beautiful adding to it; she looked extra gorgeous in between flowers.

Haldi ritual was over. Arnav saw Khushi was chitchatting with her friends. Suddenly Arnav felt something in his cheeks. It was Preeto who applied Haldi on his face from behind.

Preeto(giggling): Now you look like Groom Jeejaji. It will be easy for people to recognize you. (looking at Khushi ) Hai na Khushi?

Arnav looked at Khushi who was blushing.

Garima(hitting playfully on her shoulder): Bathameez ladki. Arnav beta... go and wash your face.

Preeto: But all rooms are already occupied by people aunty. Only Khushi's room is free. (she winked at Arnav who smiled at her)

Garima: So what? You can use her room beta. Go.

Arnav entered Khushi's room. Though this is not the first time he comes here but it feels special this time. Last time he was JUST her friend. But today? He was HALF OWNER of her everything. He went to the washroom and washed his face using KHUSHI's soap. It tickled his sense. That was really something. He came out smilingly.

He saw Khushi was standing there smiling at him. That smile... The same smile which makes him forgot everything. Now also no difference. He forgot everything. He forgot his own existence. He slowly moved towards her. Khushi was looking at him astonishingly. He touched her cheek making her close her eyes.

 His finger caressed her cheek. The "space" between them was getting erased. Their breathe mix together. Arnav was melting in the blaze called Khushi.

He jerked hearing his name was called by Khushi. He opened his eyes and saw Khushi was standing at the doorstep looking at him confusingly. What the... Was he daydreaming?

Khushi: Arnav, where were you lost? Wipe your face.

She passed the towel. Arnav took it from her hand and wiped his face, not wiped... but hid his flushed face. What the hell is happening with him? Goddamn. He left her room quickly doesn't want to stay there anymore. He couldn't say that he won't do anything stupid. He was that spellbound on her.

After that, he tried his best to avoid glancing at Khushi. Somewhat he succeeded though not totally. He was shocked to that extant. In some way, it was good. This incident made him realizes "his weakness". So he can make himself now. He should decide, "how should he behave with Khushi". He must be cautious. He shouldn't let his obscenity come out. At least not so earlier until Khushi will set her mind into this relationship.

To be continued......