Part5

One pleasant Sunday morning Arnav was doing gardening in his home. That's when he heard familiar voices from outside. One was Aman and another one was... Khu..shi???? He sensed something wrong and rushed outside. 

Khushi's scooty seems fallen and Aman was standing there blocking her way. Khushi stood there all nervous. She was about to say something but surprised seeing Arnav coming in between them. He was wearing gray vest and tracks, all sweating. His hair was not gelled like always. His outlook itself tells her that he should have to do some hard work.

Aman was confused seeing Arnav's entry in between them.

Arnav: Khushi get inside my home. He said looking at Aman sternly.

Aman: Arnav, this is none of your business.

Arnav: This is absolutely my business because she is my friend.

Aman: you have no idea what her brother had done.

Arnav: Then you should deal with her brother rather than her.

Aman: Arnav, until now we never crossed another one's path. It will be good if you keep things like the same.

Arnav: until now I never crossed your path because you never tried to touch "my things".

Aman was surprised at his stance. He could sense some possessive in Arnav's eyes. Arnav was in the same college with Aman. But they hardly spoke as they were in different courses. Arnav never intrudes into anyone's matter. This is a very new one what he is doing right now.

Aman: His brother helped my sister in eloping. I won't forget his deed.

Arnav: He helped her because your sister wanted that. Even though if you want to do something then do it with Shyam. But never try it on Khushi because you should cross Arnav before doing it.

Aman kicked his bike and went from there giving a Firefall glare to Khushi. She gulped while hiding behind Arnav. Arnav gesture her to get inside his home.

Khushi: Thank God you came Arnav. Or else...

Arnav could see nervousness in her voice. Before Arnav say anything, her Facial expression changed into excitement. She stopped talking and lost in his house's beauty. It looked like a small fortress with high compound walls as no one could enter easily. That wall keeps away everyone from his garden and colorful flower plants. Its fragrance was mind-blowing. It looked like woodland. The house elevation has been covered by climbers which is having full of flowers while home was surrounded by pleasant turf.

Khushi(excited): Arnav is it your home?

She didn't notice it in Aman's tension that where she was standing. Arnav nodded yes.

Khushi: you have no idea how much I wanted to come inside this house. Do you know I'm fond of this fragrance? (she inhaled deeply) Whenever I crossed your home I stood outside for a few seconds purposely to inhale this smell. I never expected that I will come inside this "fort" one day. How colorful your home is. It's really a "pleasure ground".(She hopped)

Khushi removed her slippers and started running here and there making Arnav amused. There was a huge mango tree.

Khushi: wow how big...what's it's age?

Arnav: Twenty Eight.

Khushi(widening her eyes): Means your age?

Arnav(nodded yes): My father planted it when I was born.

Khushi: Interesting. I have no stories like this.( she pouted and received a chuckle from Arnav) so, to protect your plants from outsiders only you made this wall this much higher? Totally fortifying?

Arnav(nodded yes): And I like silence also.

Khushi: But you won't get it from me for sure.(she said laughing)

Arnav: Never mind, it won't suit you though.

Khushi: Great. So you like my blabbering.

Arnav smiled at her without answering.

Khushi: I like your home very much Arnav. Your wife must be lucky to live here. (Arnav was gazing at her like never before) but I can't say, she is lucky to have you as her husband. (she teased him)

Arnav: ok fine, let's get inside.

Khushi(started moving inside): How will it be, if there is a "swing in that tree?".

Arnav turned and looked at the tree in examining manner and went inside. Khushi was dumbfounded seeing his home. It was neither so huge nor small. Neatly maintained, artistic and classy. It was so "cool" without even "fan". So blowy. Maybe it's because of surrounded by trees.

Khushi: Arnav this look so classy. Who's the maintainer of your home?

Arnav: Me. He Said while wearing his shirt.

Khushi(surprised): you, and?

Arnav: only me.

Khushi: won't other members of your family help?

Arnav: There is none called members here.

Khushi(shocked): Means?

Arnav gestured her to see inside another room. She peeped inside and got shocked seeing a photo that was hanging on the wall with Grantland.

Arnav: My parents.

Khushi's eyes welled up instantly. He has no one? Though Arnav didn't show his pain but Khushi took his palm in between her palms looking at him.

Khushi: I'm sorry Arnav. I don't know you have gone through all this.

Arnav couldn't say anything except listening to her. She has no idea what she is doing. She was watering the "desire plant" unknowingly which was growing in his heart. He was tasting the fruit which he never tasted before. He was tensed about her hold on his palm. He didn't want her to leave. It felt so caring. He wanted it forever. When her clutch got loosened, Arnav tightened his grip making Khushi confused. She looked at him questioningly. Arnav got alarmed. He left her hand.

Arnav: I will bring coffee.

He went to the kitchen. Khushi followed him.

Khushi: you wait. I will prepare your coffee.

Arnav: It's ok. This is your first time here. You can do it when you "come" here. (he didn't say next time)

Khushi sat on the kitchen slab watching him preparing coffee. Arnav was relishing the moment. It's a so good experience. She is in "his kitchen" chitchatting with him while preparing coffee. How will it be if it is stable and forever? He got distracted by Khushi.....

Khushi: Really you won't deserve...

Arnav (nervously): What?

Khushi: To be called a bachelor. Look at your home. No trash, no dust, no dirty clothes here and there. You spoiled the term "bachelor".

Arnav(chuckled): oh really? Look at you, you to spoiling the term "teacher". No one will believe that you are a teacher. You are behaving like a kid.

Khushi(pouting): What to do? Actually this is what I'm. Do you know how tough to behave like a teacher? It's hell.

Arnav(with his lap sided smile): But you like teaching right?

Khushi: A lot. I like to be with children. It feels like I'm also one of them.

Arnav: You are, no doubt.

Khushi: Moreover, every time when I'm finishing lessons, it feels like I did something good for this society.

Arnav handed her coffee. She sipped it.

Khushi: Arnav, honestly speaking, I'm literally getting jealous on your would-be wife. Your coffee is amazing yaar. (she said closing her eyes relishing it)

Arnav was about to say, then Marry me. That's when her phone started ringing. It's Shyam. Khushi's mood changed into a serious one. Arnav was listening to their convo.

Khushi: Hello Bhai (pause) yah, but nothing serious happened(pause) he is my friend(pause)AR book mart owner(pause)I'm a regular purchaser of his shop(pause) I'm in his home only(pause) no need. I will come by my own(pause)okkkkkk.

She cut the call in frustration. Arnav could understand her state. Shyam would have been enquired about Aman and also Arnav. He knew Shyam has very huge friend circle but he didn't expect that he will get to know about Aman's issue so soon.

Arnav: Anything may I know?

Khushi: My brother. Because of him I'm facing a lot of problems. This is not the first time. He is so much fond of his friends. I'm not saying it's wrong. But whatever he is doing is not right. He is making my life hell. Today is Sunday I wanted to meet my friend who is living in the next lane from here. I can't even roam as I wish. (she said helplessly) he is coming here to take me home.

Arnav: Be careful. That's what I want to say.

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav: come. your brother may be here at any time.

Khushi: yah he will ask nonstop if he sees me in your kitchen so casually. Arnav was tensed hearing that.

They came outside and Khushi plucked a flower without asking permission and looked at him pleadingly while pouting. Arnav smiled at her.

Arnav: you can take more.

Khushi(excitedly): Really? Won't you get angry?

Arnav: you are exceptional.

Khushi plucked another flower and kissed it. Arnav gulped seeing that as if she was not kissing that flower but him.

To be continued.....