Arnav was waiting outside the operating theatre, Akash, Payal, Buaji, Garima and Shashi were with him. Payal's eyes were raw and red from crying, her Buaji and Amma were in a similar state. Akash sat next to Arnav, unsure of what to say at this time, what was the right thing to say? If he gave words of optimism he could be giving his Bhai false hope and if he was realistic...he didn't want to say anything. They all waited in silence. Mamiji walked towards them, Akash stood up and went to her.
"Akash bitua Anjali ko ek sweetsa betiwa hogaye, hum aph sab ko batane ki liye ayein teh, Khushi ka kya hua, sab tik hai na?" Manorma asked Akash in hushed tones so only Akash could here. Akash gave a small smile.
"That's great news Ma, lekin Bhabi..." Akash struggled to find words to explain to his mother what had happened to Khushi but he knew he had to. Once Akash had explained everything, the colour in Manorma's face paled and faded. She immediately looked at Arnav, Anjali had taken on the maternal role in Arnav's life after their mother had passed away but Manorma had always felt she and Arnav were very close. Few people respected Manorma and her eccentric ways, but Arnav always did and Manorma could not handle seeing Arnav in this state. Arnav's face was weary, pale, his gaze was focused but his mind seemed to be miles away, deep in thought, his jaw was clenched and his hands in fists. Manorma went over to Arnav, she placed a hand on his shoulder, he jerked his head around to see Mamiji, she smiled meekly at him but Arnav just looked away.
"Arnav bitua, kuch nahin hoga Khushi bitiya ko nahin kuch hoga tumhari bacha ko. Bhas, hosla rak." Manorma said, Arnav didn't respond. His thoughts were lost in Khushi, he recalled all those instances when he and Khushi had unknowingly been forced together, when she accidently reached his Lucknow fashion show, when she joined his office, when he saved her from the building, when she came to work at the Raizada house and then when they married...a marriage which started off as a way to reveal the truth about Shyam and as well as doing that it forced them to both realise a simple truth...Arnav and Khushi, despite the reluctancy, the hatred, the annoyance and the obstacles were meant to be together.
Nothing could tear them apart, not his arrogance, her naivety, not Shyam and this most certainly was not going to tear them apart. Arnav felt fear in his heart, it was true but more than that he felt the intense love he had for Khushi. Khushi who had awoken a side of Arnav he had buried deep inside of him long ago, she appeared in his life and changed it irrevocably. After giving him all the world's happiness she couldn't leave him, he wouldn't let her. Arnav and Khushi had woven so many dreams for the future, Khushi wanted to travel, see and do things she'd never been able to do, they both wanted to have more children, they decided three was a nice number, they were going to watch their children grow and they would do it together. Khushi couldn't leave him mid-way with half-fulfilled dreams.
"Bhai." Akash said and Arnav came back to his current reality, his wife was in the operating theatre, both his wife and his child's life hung in the balance and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it. "Bhai, Di had a little girl, she's healthy and they're both safe. Payal and I are going to quickly go see Di and check she's okay, are you okay here?" Akash asked and Arnav nodded. "We'll be back as soon as we can...call me if there's any news." Akash said, Arnav nodded and returned back to the purgatory that was waiting. Arnav thought about how happy he'd been when he realised that he was going to be a Father...but if he'd have known Fatherhood could cost him Khushi's life then he could have lived without. There was no way Arnav could do this without her. There was a reason behind why Arnav never wanted to marry, he never wanted to have the pain of loving, love always bought pain, it didn't matter if anyone was at fault or like Arnav and Khushi you were victims of fate there was always pain in love's path. Arnav wanted an easy life, he had his business and success and that's all he needed. But when Khushi came along, love snuck up on him and he had no choice but to love her as he had the most intense feelings for her, her absence made him restless and her presence caused him joy. She had become an integral part of himself and his life. Arnav snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a cry, a faint wail from a baby. He looked up to the operating theatre, the light was still on but he could hear his baby's cry. He knew it was his and Khushi's baby. His heart picked up pace, if the baby was born that must mean that atleast a part of the operation was successful. The light was still lit above the operating theatre...why weren't they finished yet? Arnav couldn't help but wonder, if the baby was born what else could they be doing? What if...what if there was a complication? They said it was risky for the baby and Khushi....oh god....oh god. Arnav couldn't help but imagine the worst, his heart was beating at a manic rate and he couldn't control his fear. The light went off and Arnav practically jumped to his feet. The Doctor came out, she scanned the hallway and then saw Arnav who had already made his way to her.
"Doctor, kaisi hai Khushi? Aur humara Bacha sab tik hai? Khushi tik hai na? She's okay isn't she? And the baby, everything's okay with the baby?" Arnav asked panicked. The Doctor raised he hands.
"Mr. Raizada please calm down, there was a lot of blood loss during the surgery but everything went smoothly. You're wife is very weak at the moment but she will improve. We have to move the baby to another wing where we care for premature babies, we'll have to observe the baby to ensure there are no immediate or long term problems but at the minute it looks quite positive. Your son is very strong Mr. Raizada, despite being one and a half months early he's a healthy 6 pounds and four ounces, he would have been quite a heavy baby had Mrs. Raizada carried him full term. But as I said after we've checked him over and if he is healthy you can take the baby and Mrs. Raizada when she is well enough, home." She said and Arnav froze...he had a son....Khushi and Arnav were parents...they had a son. He was overjoyed but he wanted to see them both.
"Doctor can I see them?" He asked and the Doctor smiled.
"We're just shifting Mrs. Raizada to the maternity wing and the baby, will unfortunately be separate to Mrs. Raizada so you'd have to see them separately." She said, Arnav nodded and decided to go see his son first as Khushi was still being shifted to the Maternity ward. The news spread amongst the Raizada's and the Gupta's and everyone was happy that Khushi was safe, Arnav and Khushi had had a boy and the baby was strong despite the early birth. Arnav reached the wing and entered the room, there were tiny, fragile and underdeveloped babies in incubators. Arnav walked through and silently prayed that each one of these babies survive. He reached his son's incubator, there was a sign that said, baby Arnav Singh Raizada. They had used the father's name as they had no time to ask Arnav and Khushi for a name, even if they had Arnav and Khushi hadn't decided on one. Compared to some of the other babies, Arnav's baby looked healthy, his body was long, there wasn't a lot of weight but once he came home, Arnav was sure Khushi would take care of feeding him to her chubby requirements. His son's eyes were shut and he slept soundly bundled up, his small chest rising and falling. It was amazing, he had Khushi's fine black hair, her long slender nose but he had Arnav's strong jaw, distinctive lips and to Arnav's amusement his frown. Arnav stared in wonderment, when his son began to stir, he opened his eyes and as Arnav looked into them he nearly had to do a double-take because he felt as though he was looking into Khushi's eyes. Their son had Khushi's light hazel eyes and the same depth in them, Arnav could see the curiosity and slight fear in his son's eyes as his son gazed at him for the first time. This feeling was something Arnav could not explain and it was something he could not put a price on. It was perfect.
Read more of this here
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Fifty
Anjali's Godh Barhai went smoothly and everyone was exhausted, Arnav was particularly irritated by the notion that men were not allowed to attend but he wasn't about to follow suit with Akash and NK who had previously entered such functions(Payal's Mehendi) in sarees and then paid the price. Exhausted Arnav went up to his and Khushi's room to find her standing by the french doors near the poolside. Her expression was distant, her hands gently caressed her bump as she looked hazily at the stars. Arnav shut their bedroom door, but Khushi didn't register the noise. Arnav became a little concerned and so he walked up close to her and wrapped his arms around her, placing his hands on hers above the bump. She suddenly registered his presence and looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Kya hua? Aaj raat, poolside ke paas?" Arnav asked and Khushi shook her head.
"Kuch nahin, baas Amma aur Bauji ki yaad arri thi, toh socha ki yahaan unke saat todhi bohut waqt guzaarongi." She said as she looked up at the stars. Khushi herself was due to become a mother soon and she couldn't help but miss her own, it was true that Garima has always done her best to be there for Khushi but it isn't the same as having your own mother at that time. Khushi had had so many fears and questions during her pregnancy, she didn't have her own mother to turn to, she had no mother-in-law in the Raizada house. She just had women who did undoubtedly care for her but unfortunately were not her own blood. Khushi had mainly relied on Di for her questions not to mention how much Arnav had been helping her. But still it was hard, Di was in the same situation and so she found comfort in talking to her but she didn't like making Di sad by talking about all this and so Khushi today decided to seek comfort in the stars.
"Kya hua? Aaj raat, poolside ke paas?" Arnav asked and Khushi shook her head.
"Kuch nahin, baas Amma aur Bauji ki yaad arri thi, toh socha ki yahaan unke saat todhi bohut waqt guzaarongi." She said as she looked up at the stars. Khushi herself was due to become a mother soon and she couldn't help but miss her own, it was true that Garima has always done her best to be there for Khushi but it isn't the same as having your own mother at that time. Khushi had had so many fears and questions during her pregnancy, she didn't have her own mother to turn to, she had no mother-in-law in the Raizada house. She just had women who did undoubtedly care for her but unfortunately were not her own blood. Khushi had mainly relied on Di for her questions not to mention how much Arnav had been helping her. But still it was hard, Di was in the same situation and so she found comfort in talking to her but she didn't like making Di sad by talking about all this and so Khushi today decided to seek comfort in the stars.
Arnav looked at her face and he rested his head on her shoulder and breathed deeply.
"They'd be proud of you Khushi, everything you've been through and how you've come out of it all. Think about it Jaan. First your parents die, did you become cold and distant like me? No you still loved your life, you remained hopeful, optimistic and strong. Then when we met and everything happened with Payal's wedding, your Babuji's business and...Shyam. I mean a lot of people wouldn't have handled everything like you did. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada." He said as he turned her around and tilted her chin up. "You are so strong, we're going to have a baby soon and I know that you will be just as wonderful at raising our baby as you have been with facing life. You probably wont even need me to help. I know you you'll get all, "Rehne dijiye Arnav yeh tumhare baas ki baat nahin hai."" He said as he attempted to imitate Khushi. Khushi hit him playfully but then smiled and titled her head so it lay on his chest. She wrapped her arms around him and sighed.
"Aap humare saath rahein toh sab kuch ucha hi hoga, maine bohut kuch khoya hai zindagi mein, lekin abh nahin." Khushi said and Arnav held her tighter, he knew how she was feeling. There were times when Arnav would look at his life, family and in particular his wife and think about how unfair it was that he couldn't share any of this with his parents. They weren't here to see the man he had become, see how he cared for Di always and supported this family and now how he was going to become a father. They weren't there and there was nobody who could take their place. But Khushi was right, now was not the time to focus on what they lost, they had both come from dark beginnings but now was the time when all would become better in their life. Arnav suddenly became tense as he felt Khushi grip painfully onto him.
"Khushi kya hua?" He asked as she began to groan and squeal.
"Arnav, dard... hora... hai." Khushi said as best she could, she felt unbearable and searing pain.
"Dard? Kahan par?" Arnav asked.
"Peth mein." Khushi said, she couldn't handle this, she gripped her stomach and bit the sides of her cheek. Arnav looked confused.
"No, no, no. This can't be right, Khushi you're not due for another two months!" Arnav said.
"ARNAV!" Khushi screamed, Arnav now coming out of shock, grabbed Khushi and lifted her up, she could hardly move as a result of the pain. Ambulances always took too long and so he decided to drive her to the Hospital. As he made his way out he saw that Akash was helping Di to the door too. Arnav and Akash exchanged looks. The rest of the family were looking concerned and stood behind Akash. Akash decided to explain.
"Di's water broke." Akash said and Arnav nodded.
"Khushi's having pains...I don't think its normal." Arnav admitted. Khushi wasn't concentrating on words, she was cluctching Arnav's chest on the verge of weeping, whereas Anjali was very calm and was only now becoming worked up after seeing Khushi's state. Arnav looked around at the family who all looked ready to go to the Hospital also.
"Aap humare saath rahein toh sab kuch ucha hi hoga, maine bohut kuch khoya hai zindagi mein, lekin abh nahin." Khushi said and Arnav held her tighter, he knew how she was feeling. There were times when Arnav would look at his life, family and in particular his wife and think about how unfair it was that he couldn't share any of this with his parents. They weren't here to see the man he had become, see how he cared for Di always and supported this family and now how he was going to become a father. They weren't there and there was nobody who could take their place. But Khushi was right, now was not the time to focus on what they lost, they had both come from dark beginnings but now was the time when all would become better in their life. Arnav suddenly became tense as he felt Khushi grip painfully onto him.
"Khushi kya hua?" He asked as she began to groan and squeal.
"Arnav, dard... hora... hai." Khushi said as best she could, she felt unbearable and searing pain.
"Dard? Kahan par?" Arnav asked.
"Peth mein." Khushi said, she couldn't handle this, she gripped her stomach and bit the sides of her cheek. Arnav looked confused.
"No, no, no. This can't be right, Khushi you're not due for another two months!" Arnav said.
"ARNAV!" Khushi screamed, Arnav now coming out of shock, grabbed Khushi and lifted her up, she could hardly move as a result of the pain. Ambulances always took too long and so he decided to drive her to the Hospital. As he made his way out he saw that Akash was helping Di to the door too. Arnav and Akash exchanged looks. The rest of the family were looking concerned and stood behind Akash. Akash decided to explain.
"Di's water broke." Akash said and Arnav nodded.
"Khushi's having pains...I don't think its normal." Arnav admitted. Khushi wasn't concentrating on words, she was cluctching Arnav's chest on the verge of weeping, whereas Anjali was very calm and was only now becoming worked up after seeing Khushi's state. Arnav looked around at the family who all looked ready to go to the Hospital also.
"Look we can't all go in one car, Akash you take Di with Mamma, Mami and Nani. Payal you come with us and stay with Khushi while I drive." He said, Payal shook her head and followed Arnav as Arnav carried a pained Khushi to the car.
They reached the Hospital, Di and Khushi were in separate rooms. Di was being prepped for Labour whereas Khushi was being monitored and tested. Arnav was next to her, Khushi wa writhing with pain, tears forming in her eyes.
"Arnav, bohut dard hora hai, yeh logh kuch karte kyun nahin." Khushi said, her tone was more of a plea of desperation. Arnav was finding it extremely difficult to watch her in this state. He caressed her face.
"Jaan they can't give you any painkillers kyunki bache par assar hosakta hai. They're doing some tests, everything will be alright." Arnav said as he tried to reassure Khushi but he himself didn't know what was going on. Khushi gripped her stomach when she felt something, she raised her hand and began to cry aloud.
"Arnav, bohut dard hora hai, yeh logh kuch karte kyun nahin." Khushi said, her tone was more of a plea of desperation. Arnav was finding it extremely difficult to watch her in this state. He caressed her face.
"Jaan they can't give you any painkillers kyunki bache par assar hosakta hai. They're doing some tests, everything will be alright." Arnav said as he tried to reassure Khushi but he himself didn't know what was going on. Khushi gripped her stomach when she felt something, she raised her hand and began to cry aloud.
"Arnav....ARNAV! KHOON!" She screamed at her hand, her hospital gown now had a large amount of blood staining it. Khushi was shaking with fear, Arnav was in shock.
"K-khoon, khoon....N-nurse....NURSE! DOCTOR!" Arnav shouted, multiple nurses and their doctor came running in. The Doctor took one look at Khushi and began to quietly explain to the Nurses to change Khushi's bedding and clothes and prep her for surgery. She took Arnav to one side.
"Doctor kya hua Khushi ko? Aur humara bacha, bacha toh tik hai na?" He asked and the Doctor looked sympathetically at Arnav.
"Mr. Raizada, apki wife ko as we call it "Placental abruption" ho gaya. This is when the placenta breaks away from the baby aur baby ko oxygen aur khana dono nahin milta. She's going to need to have a C-section right away as this is dangerous for both the baby and your wife." The doctor said and Arnav digested all of this. Here he was again, at the cusp of happiness with everything, his whole world being snatched from beneath his feet. This is exactly why Arnav never believed in God because any benevolent God would not cause this much pain to one person and especially would not endanger someone as devoted as Khushi again and again.
"K-khoon, khoon....N-nurse....NURSE! DOCTOR!" Arnav shouted, multiple nurses and their doctor came running in. The Doctor took one look at Khushi and began to quietly explain to the Nurses to change Khushi's bedding and clothes and prep her for surgery. She took Arnav to one side.
"Doctor kya hua Khushi ko? Aur humara bacha, bacha toh tik hai na?" He asked and the Doctor looked sympathetically at Arnav.
"Mr. Raizada, apki wife ko as we call it "Placental abruption" ho gaya. This is when the placenta breaks away from the baby aur baby ko oxygen aur khana dono nahin milta. She's going to need to have a C-section right away as this is dangerous for both the baby and your wife." The doctor said and Arnav digested all of this. Here he was again, at the cusp of happiness with everything, his whole world being snatched from beneath his feet. This is exactly why Arnav never believed in God because any benevolent God would not cause this much pain to one person and especially would not endanger someone as devoted as Khushi again and again.
"Mr. Raizada." The Doctor said as she bought Arnav back from his dark thoughts. "We have to operate immediately, we suspect the abruption is minor but its still dangerous, we need you to sign this consent form." She said as she handed the form to him, he signed it and as he gave it to the Doctor he paused.
"Doctor, lekin Khushi aur humara bacha toh tik hogein na?" Arnav asked. The Doctor looked at him sympathetically, she took the papers and squeezed Arnav's shoulder.
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Forty Nine
Sorry this is a short update, I still have exams going on. I finish on Thursday and so Thursday night I will post a long update. I appreciate everyone's patience and I hope you enjoy the update :) x
Arnav went up to his bedroom, reminding himself that Khushi has a right to be a little unreasonable, pregnancy is a stressful time and he should not hold it against her. After her tantrum earlier, Arnav had ended up looking after Pari with Di. Pari was picked up soon after her tantrum and then Khushi spent the day avoiding Arnav and giving him the silent treatment. He reached the bedroom where Khushi was ferociously muttering to herself, obviously she had not calmed down. Arnav took a deep breath and walked into the room, he gingerly approached the bed, Khushi shot him a look of shock as he took a seat next to her on the bed. Khushi shuffled away from him and Arnav exhaled.
"Come on Khushi. Really? Stop with this childishness." Arnav said and Khushi turned to look at him hurt.
"I'm childish? When you play your silly pranks and make your jokes that's not childish? I get upset and its childish? Of course it is! Why am I even asking you? Tum toh Arnav Singh Raizada ho, tum khabi galti nahin karte. Sorry Arnavji maaf kariye humein." Khushi said. Arnav exhaled deeply.
"Khushi I didn't mean it like that and you know it. We were all just joking around aur tum, its just a joke okay jaan?" He said as he put his arms around her hoping she would relent.
"Ah ha ha, nahin aaj nahin. Tum "jaan" "jaan" kehke mujhe maana nahin sakta." She said as she pushed his arms away. Arnav slipped his hand around her wrist and prevented her from moving.
"Choriye humara haat." Khushi said without looking at Arnav, she knew that it would just take one look, one look in his eyes and she wouldn't be able to hold her argument for much longer. He stroked her hand with his thumb.
"Kyun? I promised to have your hand in this life and in the next seven lifetimes, toh phir main kyun choroun tumhara haath?" Arnav said, smiling as he remembered Khushi had a special space reserved in her heart for such filmy dialogues.
"Arnav." Khushi breathed.
"Khushi." Arnav said with equal heaviness. Khushi attempted to wriggle out of his grasp and Arnav kept his grip on her, until he suddenly let go. Khushi became confused and turned around. Arnav looked at her and gave her a sideways smile.
"Its okay Khushi, jitna gussa karna hai karo, mujhe patta hai ki akhir tum mere paas hi chalongi." He said and Khushi smiled to herself.
"Itna confidence?" Khushi teased as she shuffled closer towards him, Arnav opened up his arms and Khushi nuzzled towards him.
"What can I say? I'm always right." He said smugly, Khushi slapped him lightly. "Ow. Khushi, what was that for?" Arnav asked, Khushi smiled.
"Itna confidence ucha nahin hotha, I was just trying to get rid of some the hot air in your head." She said, Arnav gave her an unimpressed look, before they could start fighting again Khushi placed a light kiss on Arnav's lips.
"Goodnight Arnav." She said as she turned over and went to sleep.
The next morning Khushi was up early, it was the day before Di's Godh Barhai and work needed to be done. Arnav had taken another day off after Nani had scolded him, explaining why it was necessary for him to be at home, considering Anjali didn't have a husband now, this time was going to be difficult for her and she'd need her family to support her and remind her to celebrate a joyous occasion such as this. Arnav groaned as he heard Khushi open and shut draws and cupboards as she got ready. He rolled over, pulling the pillow over his head.
"Khushi! I'm trying to sleep here!" He groaned aloud.
"Sorry, sorry, bohut kaam hai, main do minute mein tayaar hogi." She said as she went to the bathroom. She came out to find Arnav dragging himself out of bed.
"Arre, tum kyun utagye? I've finished getting ready, you can sleep peacefully now." She reassured him and he gave her a condescending look.
"Yeah right, I'll let you go downstairs and work yourself into a state, there is no way." Arnav said, Di was in her last month of pregnancy which meant Khushi wasn't too far away either and so doing work in a state like that, well it was stupid and Arnav wasn't going to let her take any risks.
"Tum bhi na, you worry too much." She said and Arnav grinned, he stood up and grabbed his clothes from the wardrobe. He walked up to Khushi and lightly brushed his hand against her stomach, he looked up to her with warm eyes and kissed her deeply.
"And you don't worry enough." He said as he pulled away. Arnav then proceeded to spend the whole day monitoring Khushi, ensuring she doesn't do too much work. If she went to go decorate something he'd take charge, if Khushi decided to help with the cooking he'd scold her, if she went to go check on anything he'd tell her to go sit down. Khushi was beginning to get annoyed with her husband's antics. She sat in the living room with Di in the end. Khushi had an expression of exasperation and Anjali smiled to herself.
"He doesn't mean to be so controlling." Anjali said to Khushi, who looked up confused.
"Ji?" She responded and Anjali smiled.
"Chotte's way of showing he cares is in a different style to normal people. You see, when I got ill Chotte used to irritate me so much. "Di woh maat karo, Di yeh maath karo" honestly I used to get so annoyed." Anjali said and Khushi nodded in agreement to those sentiments.
"Lekin dheere dheere, over time I realised, that was Chotte showing he cares. Chotte likes to control every situation and when something goes wrong he can't handle it. So with those he cares most about, he gets a little possessive. Lekin sirf isiliye kyunki woh humse bohut pyaar karte hain." Anjali said. Khushi sneakily looked at Arnav who was busy with flowers and lights, he and Akash both looked lost in the array of decoration chaos. She smiled at him, Khushi knew what Anjali was saying was true, he was her Bholuji after all. Arnav didn't know how to show his feelings and express worry and instead he just bossed people around, it was what he was best at. Khushi laughed a little. Arnav suddenly looked over at her and mouthed, "what?" to her, she smiled, shook her head and replied by mouthing, "I love you." Arnav looked around to make sure no one saw, he realised Akash had, he gave Akash a resentful look, Akash looked away, Arnav nodded to Khushi and began to work again.
Read more of this here.
Arnav went up to his bedroom, reminding himself that Khushi has a right to be a little unreasonable, pregnancy is a stressful time and he should not hold it against her. After her tantrum earlier, Arnav had ended up looking after Pari with Di. Pari was picked up soon after her tantrum and then Khushi spent the day avoiding Arnav and giving him the silent treatment. He reached the bedroom where Khushi was ferociously muttering to herself, obviously she had not calmed down. Arnav took a deep breath and walked into the room, he gingerly approached the bed, Khushi shot him a look of shock as he took a seat next to her on the bed. Khushi shuffled away from him and Arnav exhaled.
"Come on Khushi. Really? Stop with this childishness." Arnav said and Khushi turned to look at him hurt.
"I'm childish? When you play your silly pranks and make your jokes that's not childish? I get upset and its childish? Of course it is! Why am I even asking you? Tum toh Arnav Singh Raizada ho, tum khabi galti nahin karte. Sorry Arnavji maaf kariye humein." Khushi said. Arnav exhaled deeply.
"Khushi I didn't mean it like that and you know it. We were all just joking around aur tum, its just a joke okay jaan?" He said as he put his arms around her hoping she would relent.
"Ah ha ha, nahin aaj nahin. Tum "jaan" "jaan" kehke mujhe maana nahin sakta." She said as she pushed his arms away. Arnav slipped his hand around her wrist and prevented her from moving.
"Choriye humara haat." Khushi said without looking at Arnav, she knew that it would just take one look, one look in his eyes and she wouldn't be able to hold her argument for much longer. He stroked her hand with his thumb.
"Kyun? I promised to have your hand in this life and in the next seven lifetimes, toh phir main kyun choroun tumhara haath?" Arnav said, smiling as he remembered Khushi had a special space reserved in her heart for such filmy dialogues.
"Arnav." Khushi breathed.
"Khushi." Arnav said with equal heaviness. Khushi attempted to wriggle out of his grasp and Arnav kept his grip on her, until he suddenly let go. Khushi became confused and turned around. Arnav looked at her and gave her a sideways smile.
"Its okay Khushi, jitna gussa karna hai karo, mujhe patta hai ki akhir tum mere paas hi chalongi." He said and Khushi smiled to herself.
"Itna confidence?" Khushi teased as she shuffled closer towards him, Arnav opened up his arms and Khushi nuzzled towards him.
"What can I say? I'm always right." He said smugly, Khushi slapped him lightly. "Ow. Khushi, what was that for?" Arnav asked, Khushi smiled.
"Itna confidence ucha nahin hotha, I was just trying to get rid of some the hot air in your head." She said, Arnav gave her an unimpressed look, before they could start fighting again Khushi placed a light kiss on Arnav's lips.
"Goodnight Arnav." She said as she turned over and went to sleep.
The next morning Khushi was up early, it was the day before Di's Godh Barhai and work needed to be done. Arnav had taken another day off after Nani had scolded him, explaining why it was necessary for him to be at home, considering Anjali didn't have a husband now, this time was going to be difficult for her and she'd need her family to support her and remind her to celebrate a joyous occasion such as this. Arnav groaned as he heard Khushi open and shut draws and cupboards as she got ready. He rolled over, pulling the pillow over his head.
"Khushi! I'm trying to sleep here!" He groaned aloud.
"Sorry, sorry, bohut kaam hai, main do minute mein tayaar hogi." She said as she went to the bathroom. She came out to find Arnav dragging himself out of bed.
"Arre, tum kyun utagye? I've finished getting ready, you can sleep peacefully now." She reassured him and he gave her a condescending look.
"Yeah right, I'll let you go downstairs and work yourself into a state, there is no way." Arnav said, Di was in her last month of pregnancy which meant Khushi wasn't too far away either and so doing work in a state like that, well it was stupid and Arnav wasn't going to let her take any risks.
"Tum bhi na, you worry too much." She said and Arnav grinned, he stood up and grabbed his clothes from the wardrobe. He walked up to Khushi and lightly brushed his hand against her stomach, he looked up to her with warm eyes and kissed her deeply.
"And you don't worry enough." He said as he pulled away. Arnav then proceeded to spend the whole day monitoring Khushi, ensuring she doesn't do too much work. If she went to go decorate something he'd take charge, if Khushi decided to help with the cooking he'd scold her, if she went to go check on anything he'd tell her to go sit down. Khushi was beginning to get annoyed with her husband's antics. She sat in the living room with Di in the end. Khushi had an expression of exasperation and Anjali smiled to herself.
"He doesn't mean to be so controlling." Anjali said to Khushi, who looked up confused.
"Ji?" She responded and Anjali smiled.
"Chotte's way of showing he cares is in a different style to normal people. You see, when I got ill Chotte used to irritate me so much. "Di woh maat karo, Di yeh maath karo" honestly I used to get so annoyed." Anjali said and Khushi nodded in agreement to those sentiments.
"Lekin dheere dheere, over time I realised, that was Chotte showing he cares. Chotte likes to control every situation and when something goes wrong he can't handle it. So with those he cares most about, he gets a little possessive. Lekin sirf isiliye kyunki woh humse bohut pyaar karte hain." Anjali said. Khushi sneakily looked at Arnav who was busy with flowers and lights, he and Akash both looked lost in the array of decoration chaos. She smiled at him, Khushi knew what Anjali was saying was true, he was her Bholuji after all. Arnav didn't know how to show his feelings and express worry and instead he just bossed people around, it was what he was best at. Khushi laughed a little. Arnav suddenly looked over at her and mouthed, "what?" to her, she smiled, shook her head and replied by mouthing, "I love you." Arnav looked around to make sure no one saw, he realised Akash had, he gave Akash a resentful look, Akash looked away, Arnav nodded to Khushi and began to work again.
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Saturday, 2 June 2012
Dark Paradise Chapter Forty Eight
Khushi was sat on the floor in the living room with Pari, Nani, Di and Payal were sat on the sofas planning Di's godh barai. The family had decided to keep it small and intimate because of the whole Shyam issue but Di was happy with that, all she needed was her family. Arnav was sulking upstairs, after all the fuss Khushi created over her hardly seeing Arnav, she'd rather spend her time with a little toddler than her husband- well fine, he'd just work then. Lets see how long madam lasts with a toddler when her feet hurt, back hurts, head hurts and her sickness kicks in. Khushi was happily playing with Pari when something occurred to Anjali.
"Khushi." Anjali said and Khushi raised her head towards Anjali with a smile. "Hum sochre teh, ki maine toh meri bacha ki liye naam sochke rakha hai, apne yah Chotte ne kohi naam...?" Anjali asked and Khushi rolled her eyes and put her arms on her hips.
"Yeh loh, apko patta hai Di, apke Bhai duniya ki sabse ziddhi mard hai. Any name I suggest, "No Khushi that's too common, too boring, no Raizada would have a name like Happy, Lucky or Pinky." Maine galaat hi kya kaha hai? Mera naam Khushi hai, english mein Khushi ka kya matlam hai, Happy, na?" Khushi asked and Anjali nodded and Khushi nodded also. "See common sense ki baat hai, lekin nahin, usse lagta hai ki yeh saare naam bekaar aur stupid hai. Phir humne socha ki aggar ladka hua to kya naam rakenge. Aur Di joh naam maine kaha tah, tum sunke khush hojayengi aur woh gusse se laal." Khushi said as she indicated her head upwards to where Arnav was working. Anjali exchanged a look with Nani and Payal and they braced themselves.
"Dheko ab maine toh pehle Prem kaha, ucha naam hai, na?" Khushi asked and they all nodded. "Arnav asked why Prem and I told him, mera favourite hero Salman Khan, "Maine Pyar Kiya", "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" aur "Hum Saath-Saath Hain" main uska naam Prem tah. Usne toh what the- what the- kehke na bhola. Phir humne Raj aur Rahul naam kehe aur usne kaha ki uggar main humare bache koh Shar Rukh Khan pe naam rakhenge toh phir woh humare bache koh boarding school ko pechenga." Khushi said as she sulked, the women attempted to hold their composure, Khushi was so pagal but loveable and Chotte just seemed to fuel her pagalpaan without meaning to.
Arnav eventually came down when he heard the eruption of laughter, he looked to see Khushi looking confused as Nani, Di and Payal laughed.
"Aap sab haas kyun re hoon? Mere naam uche nahin teh kya?" Khushi asked. Nani was the first to compose herself.
"Nahin Khushi betiyaan aisa nahin hai, bhaas mujhe patta hai ki zuroor Chotte tumhare bache koh kohi "A" wala naam rakhdonga, jaise ki "Anjali" aur "Arnav". Isiliye yeh "Happy" "Prem" "Rahul" "Pinky" chalega nahin." Nani said and Arnav realised Khushi had told the family about her bizarre choice of names. If she could get her head out of the clouds for one minute Arnav genuinely would be in wonderment. Khushi raised her eyebrows and nodded with realisation, she looked at Pari.
"Ucha Pari, toh yeh baat hai. Chalo sochte hai, kya Salman Khan ne kohi "A" naam se role kiya tah..." Khushi said as she began to stare into the distance with concentration. Arnav shook his head and took a seat on the floor with Khushi and Pari.
"Khushi." He said gently but she shushed him and shook her hands in his face, she wanted to concentrate. Anjali smiled.
"Chote Bhabi naam sochrahi hoon, humare aanewale mehmaan ki liye." Anjali said and Arnav rolled his eyes.
"Isme kaun se badi baat hai, hum kohi naam nahin rakhenge jise hum dono ko pasaand nahin. Sochne dijiye, lekin decision humara hoga." Arnav said with confidence.
"MIL GAYA!" Khushi shouted aloud, she frightened Pari who started to cry. "Sorry Pari, sorry." Khushi said and she lifted her up to sit on her laps and she gently swayed her until she felt safe again. Arnav watched in awe, Khushi was a natural with kids, Pari clinged to Khushi as though Khushi were her mother. A smile played on his lips as he looked onto a sight which he hoped soon enough would become reality, but instead of Khushi cradling Aman's daughter it would be their daughter.
"So." Arnav said looking at Khushi and she looked bemused for a minute and then remembered.
"Arre ha! Woh, "Saajan" film thi na usme Salman ne ek khirdar kiya uska naam tah Akash...A-akash....oh." Khushi said as she realised there was already an Akash Raizada. Arnav grinned and took Pari from her arms as she looked ready to explode.
"Ha, toh kya hua, hum aur naam sochte hain." She said, Arnav at first was awkward with the child, he tried to sit her on his lap but she fidgeted and climbed up, she stood balancing her legs on his and grabbed his face for support. Arnav had his arms precariously around her in case she lost her balance, she just smiled at him and squeezed his cheeks. Normally Arnav would have found such an act irritating but today he found it endearing. The sheer joy in that child's eyes, it made him ignore the fact that it hurt a little when she pinched her cheeks and whatever annoyance he could have had melted away. Khushi clapped her hands.
"Ab milgaya!" Khushi said as she wiggled her eyebrows. Arnav looked up with doubtful eyes. "Okay, iss film mein Salman ne chota sa role kiya ta lekin uchi film thi, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" khi "Aman"!" Khushi exclaimed and Arnav looked at her blankly.
"Khushi there is no way I'm naming our child after an employee." He said.
"Toh, I'm not saying we name the baby after that Aman, I'm saying we name the baby after Salmanji." She said but Arnav shook his head.
"No Khushi and that's final. Besides what if we have a girl?" He said and Khushi groaned.
"Dekho Di! Isilye hum kohi naam chun nahi sakte." Khushi said as she pointed at Arnav with an angry expression. Pari saw this and stuck her tongue out at Khushi, she liked Arnav he let her clamber all over and she didn't like the way Khushi was talking to him. Arnav begin to laugh as Khushi gawped.
"Pari! Apne itne jaldi party badal bhi gaye. Tik hai, hum tum dono se baat nahin karti." Khushi got up slowly and then waddled upstairs angrily, she could hear Arnav's laugh even in their bedroom.
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"Khushi." Anjali said and Khushi raised her head towards Anjali with a smile. "Hum sochre teh, ki maine toh meri bacha ki liye naam sochke rakha hai, apne yah Chotte ne kohi naam...?" Anjali asked and Khushi rolled her eyes and put her arms on her hips.
"Yeh loh, apko patta hai Di, apke Bhai duniya ki sabse ziddhi mard hai. Any name I suggest, "No Khushi that's too common, too boring, no Raizada would have a name like Happy, Lucky or Pinky." Maine galaat hi kya kaha hai? Mera naam Khushi hai, english mein Khushi ka kya matlam hai, Happy, na?" Khushi asked and Anjali nodded and Khushi nodded also. "See common sense ki baat hai, lekin nahin, usse lagta hai ki yeh saare naam bekaar aur stupid hai. Phir humne socha ki aggar ladka hua to kya naam rakenge. Aur Di joh naam maine kaha tah, tum sunke khush hojayengi aur woh gusse se laal." Khushi said as she indicated her head upwards to where Arnav was working. Anjali exchanged a look with Nani and Payal and they braced themselves.
"Dheko ab maine toh pehle Prem kaha, ucha naam hai, na?" Khushi asked and they all nodded. "Arnav asked why Prem and I told him, mera favourite hero Salman Khan, "Maine Pyar Kiya", "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" aur "Hum Saath-Saath Hain" main uska naam Prem tah. Usne toh what the- what the- kehke na bhola. Phir humne Raj aur Rahul naam kehe aur usne kaha ki uggar main humare bache koh Shar Rukh Khan pe naam rakhenge toh phir woh humare bache koh boarding school ko pechenga." Khushi said as she sulked, the women attempted to hold their composure, Khushi was so pagal but loveable and Chotte just seemed to fuel her pagalpaan without meaning to.
Arnav eventually came down when he heard the eruption of laughter, he looked to see Khushi looking confused as Nani, Di and Payal laughed.
"Aap sab haas kyun re hoon? Mere naam uche nahin teh kya?" Khushi asked. Nani was the first to compose herself.
"Nahin Khushi betiyaan aisa nahin hai, bhaas mujhe patta hai ki zuroor Chotte tumhare bache koh kohi "A" wala naam rakhdonga, jaise ki "Anjali" aur "Arnav". Isiliye yeh "Happy" "Prem" "Rahul" "Pinky" chalega nahin." Nani said and Arnav realised Khushi had told the family about her bizarre choice of names. If she could get her head out of the clouds for one minute Arnav genuinely would be in wonderment. Khushi raised her eyebrows and nodded with realisation, she looked at Pari.
"Ucha Pari, toh yeh baat hai. Chalo sochte hai, kya Salman Khan ne kohi "A" naam se role kiya tah..." Khushi said as she began to stare into the distance with concentration. Arnav shook his head and took a seat on the floor with Khushi and Pari.
"Khushi." He said gently but she shushed him and shook her hands in his face, she wanted to concentrate. Anjali smiled.
"Chote Bhabi naam sochrahi hoon, humare aanewale mehmaan ki liye." Anjali said and Arnav rolled his eyes.
"Isme kaun se badi baat hai, hum kohi naam nahin rakhenge jise hum dono ko pasaand nahin. Sochne dijiye, lekin decision humara hoga." Arnav said with confidence.
"MIL GAYA!" Khushi shouted aloud, she frightened Pari who started to cry. "Sorry Pari, sorry." Khushi said and she lifted her up to sit on her laps and she gently swayed her until she felt safe again. Arnav watched in awe, Khushi was a natural with kids, Pari clinged to Khushi as though Khushi were her mother. A smile played on his lips as he looked onto a sight which he hoped soon enough would become reality, but instead of Khushi cradling Aman's daughter it would be their daughter.
"So." Arnav said looking at Khushi and she looked bemused for a minute and then remembered.
"Arre ha! Woh, "Saajan" film thi na usme Salman ne ek khirdar kiya uska naam tah Akash...A-akash....oh." Khushi said as she realised there was already an Akash Raizada. Arnav grinned and took Pari from her arms as she looked ready to explode.
"Ha, toh kya hua, hum aur naam sochte hain." She said, Arnav at first was awkward with the child, he tried to sit her on his lap but she fidgeted and climbed up, she stood balancing her legs on his and grabbed his face for support. Arnav had his arms precariously around her in case she lost her balance, she just smiled at him and squeezed his cheeks. Normally Arnav would have found such an act irritating but today he found it endearing. The sheer joy in that child's eyes, it made him ignore the fact that it hurt a little when she pinched her cheeks and whatever annoyance he could have had melted away. Khushi clapped her hands.
"Ab milgaya!" Khushi said as she wiggled her eyebrows. Arnav looked up with doubtful eyes. "Okay, iss film mein Salman ne chota sa role kiya ta lekin uchi film thi, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" khi "Aman"!" Khushi exclaimed and Arnav looked at her blankly.
"Khushi there is no way I'm naming our child after an employee." He said.
"Toh, I'm not saying we name the baby after that Aman, I'm saying we name the baby after Salmanji." She said but Arnav shook his head.
"No Khushi and that's final. Besides what if we have a girl?" He said and Khushi groaned.
"Dekho Di! Isilye hum kohi naam chun nahi sakte." Khushi said as she pointed at Arnav with an angry expression. Pari saw this and stuck her tongue out at Khushi, she liked Arnav he let her clamber all over and she didn't like the way Khushi was talking to him. Arnav begin to laugh as Khushi gawped.
"Pari! Apne itne jaldi party badal bhi gaye. Tik hai, hum tum dono se baat nahin karti." Khushi got up slowly and then waddled upstairs angrily, she could hear Arnav's laugh even in their bedroom.
Read more of this here
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