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phati-sari · 7 years ago

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Arshi FF: Charade - Chapter 27

Interlude 3 // Read on FFnet // Read on Wattpad

Chapter 27: Catering

Khushi

Khushi smoothed her hands over the pink salwaar suit she wore, adjusted her dupatta, and then stepped out into the corridor. Arnav-ji had gone out for a jog, and she was on her way to the morning puja.

"Good morning, Khushi-ji," Di greeted her brightly, "Can you please help with this?"

Skipping to Di's side with a smile, she helped with the puja preparations as the rest of the family filtered into the temple area. But she was distracted from her prayers by the return of her husband and watched as he murmured something to Om Prakash-ji before making his way towards the stairs. He slowed as he neared the temple and inclined his head in her direction in a silent greeting. His damp hair fell into his eyes. Her tummy swooped low as her cheeks and neck heated with a blush.

Hai Devi Maiyya, he's so handsome.

Khushi tried to concentrate on her prayers after shaking that errant thought out of her head, but it felt as though every fibre of her being was waiting for him to return. She was setting the table when he did, and her pulse stuttered when she saw that he was showered and dressed for work in blue and black.

They'd made progress last night. Or ... if not progress ... then they'd set their feet on a new path. Together. They had come to an understanding and were finally on the same page, a realization that inspired the nervous-excited flutter inside her.

"He told me you never wanted me. That all of it — the kiss, the dance, the earring — it was all a lie. A deception."

And here — finally — was a problem she could fix.

She couldn't beg him to trust, couldn't conjure up evidence to prove her innocence, couldn't force Shyam-ji into revealing himself. But she could show Arnav-ji that she wanted him. That she'd always wanted him, even when she hadn't known it herself.

Rounding the table, Khushi stood at her husband's side and began buttering toast for him. When he reached for the orange juice, looking amused by this change her routine, she hurriedly dropped the toast on his plate before grabbing the jug.

"What the—!"

"I'll do it," she smiled while pouring it into his glass, "You eat."

He grabbed her wrist and forced her into the chair beside him, "Sit. Eat."

A ripple of laughter travelled around the table as Di leaned forward, "Chhote, you're very concerned about your wife this morning."

Arnav-ji glowered at his sister and bit into his toast without comment. But a few minutes later, when everyone else was distracted by something Mami-ji said, he flashed a smile in her direction. After breakfast, Khushi followed her husband upstairs to help get his things together for work.

"I hope your day goes well," she handed him his phone after unplugging it from where he'd left it to charge.

He pocketed it distractedly, "Thanks, take care of yourself."

Khushi, be brave.

Arnav-ji looked up as she took a step forward, finally giving her all of his attention when they were close enough to touch. She didn't stop. He seemed to freeze as she wound her arms around his torso and rested her head against his shoulder.

Their embrace wasn't long. Khushi stepped away, trying to hide her blush behind her hair.

And her husband broke their not-quite-awkward silence, "Come to the door with me?"

#####

Khushi sighed as she watched Di knit something for her Rajkumari. He hadn't kissed her at the front door, but he'd smiled and squeezed her hand in farewell before leaving.

It's a start.

"What should we have for lunch today?" Anjali-ji didn't look up as she spoke.

"I can make something," Jiji's hands stilled over the sari she was embroidering, "I have to make something for Aakash anyway."

"I'll help!" Khushi popped up, eager for the distraction, "Jiji and I will make something special for everyone!"

"The servants can make something," Di shook her head, "You two should relax. It's only your first week in the house."

"No, Di, I need the ... I might go crazy if I sit around and do nothing today."

Hurrying to the kitchen, Khushi busied herself with the task gladly and chattered with her Jiji as they worked together. Di joined them as they were finishing up.

"Khushi-ji, Payal-ji, you've made so much food!"

"It should be enough for all of us, even Jija-ji and Arnav-ji," she smiled at her sister-in-law.

"It's enough for everyone who works at AR," Di picked up a salad platter, "This looks like it came from a five-star hotel!"

"That's very kind of you, Di, but I made that without paying attention."

"If this is what you can make without paying attention, imagine what you can do when you put your mind to it!"

Not knowing how to reply, Khushi ducked her head as they watched Di poke around in one of the pots.

"You know," Di said slowly, "I would suggest that you take this to AR but I'm sure Chhote has ordered pizza by now. The AR canteen is closed today."

"How do you know that?" Jiji echoed Khushi's surprise.

Di clapped her hands together with a mischievous smile, "My spies are everywhere!"

Khushi's heart leapt at the prospect of seeing Arnav-ji during the day.

"I can take this to the offices," she couldn't stop her grin, "Who would want to eat pizza when they could have this instead?"

It was quickly decided that Lalit-ji would drive both her and Jiji to the headquarters. Ecstatic, Khushi decided to make some jalebi to accompany the food and grinned when her sister joined her to help. She couldn't stop her hands from mixing up a batch without sugar.

Later, the food was packed into containers and laden into a white car, while she and Jiji bundled themselves into the back seat. Khushi noted that Jiji had found the time to change into a dark green sari and put her hair up into a complicated knot. She looked down at her pink salwaar, wondering if she should have changed as well.

But she put aside her doubts as the car slowed to a stop outside the offices. Lalit-ji helped them carry the things to the front entrance, where they were stopped by the security guards.

"You can't go inside," one of them said.

"Of course I can," Khushi grinned, "I have food for everyone."

"You still can't go inside."

"Do you know who I am?" she narrowed her eyes at the man, lowering her burdens to the floor.

A shrug from the second guard, "Khushi. You used to work here."

She pulled out her mangalsutra from behind her dupatta, "Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Don't you read the newspapers?"

The men faltered, their eyes seeming to widen with surprise as they stammered.

"Shall we call Arnav-ji?" Jiji spoke from behind her, "or may we go inside?"

The guards stepped aside with an apologetic smile.

"I'm ... I'm sorry ... Khushi-ji," one said, "Let me carry this for you."

"It's okay, I've got it," she gathered up her things, "Make sure you come inside to eat."

One of the guards held the door open for them while the other ran inside to speak with the lady at the reception desk. They marched inside without any more interruptions, and Khushi headed straight for the canteen to set everything up. The employees gathered around curiously.

"That's not the pizza we ordered," a man in cream coloured shirt said.

"You won't want pizza when you've tasted this," Khushi declared as the unpacked the food, "trust me."

"But Sir ..."

"It's okay, have some."

"Payal? Khushi-ji? What are you doing here?"

Aakash-ji frowned as he approached the counter they stood behind.

"We brought lunch," Jiji handed over the tiffin she'd lovingly prepared, "Khushi made enough for everyone."

Jiji and Jija-ji took their food to his office for privacy. Aakash-ji's arrival — and obvious approval — made some employees brave enough to draw near the counter. Khushi prepared plates for them, watching as the rest slowly formed a line. Her eyes anxiously darted to the door, hoping for a glimpse of her husband.

He arrived as she was finishing up.

"What the—!"

"Arnav-ji!"

"What are you doing here? And what's all this?"

Khushi faltered — he didn't seem as happy as she'd hoped. "I uhh ... I brought food for everyone b-because the canteen is cl-closed today."

Arnav-ji closed his eyes and took a deep breath, almost as if he were struggling for calm.

"In my cabin," his voice was a low and tinged with danger, "Now."

Khushi grabbed the special tiffin she'd packed for him before following, hurrying up the stairs and into his office as trepidation flooded her.

Please protect me, Devi Maiyya.

"Are you angry?" she asked once the door was shut behind her.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I told you ... I made food."

"What! For whom?!"

"Everyone. We ... Jiji and I made too much at home, and your ... your canteen was closed so we thought ... so I thought ..."

"Khushi!"

She smiled tentatively, forcing herself to ignore the anger in his eyes and step forward.

"It's okay, Arnav-ji. They liked it. And some people even requested food for tomorrow."

"No!"

"What?"

"Go home," his tone was all cold, quiet fury, sharp-edged and brittle.

"But—"

"—Get your things and go home, Khushi," he bit out.

His anger sparked her own, "No!"

"I'm telling you to—"

"—No, Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. I have as much right to be here as you do," she showed him her mangalsutra, "I'm your wife."

He froze, and so did she. Memories sprang to life between them.

"You understand that this is not real?"

"Yes."

"Papers to say that you will not ask for any part of the estate or company in the case of a divorce."

The anger seemed to seep out of the room, leaving only the bitter reminder of they'd come to be here. Dread pooled her in her tummy as she watched Arnav-ji close his eyes and suck in a deep breath.

"Khushi," he spoke softly, almost imploringly, "please go home. We'll talk later."

She spoke to her shoes, "I'll go once I've collected my things and Jiji is ready to leave."

Turning on her heels, she all but ran from the cabin as her throat closed around a sob.

The tiffin remained on his desk.

#####

Jiji, giddy with happiness from her private lunch, didn't seem to notice her melancholy mood on the way home.

"Daydreaming about your husband," she teased when Khushi had been inattentive for the third time, "Did you enjoy your lunch?"

"Arnav-ji was too busy to eat," Khushi forced a smile, "He'll eat when he can."

Jiji nodded, "It's okay. You know how hard he works."

Though she wanted to remind her sister that she'd been acquainted with the family first, and had known her husband for far longer, Khushi turned to the window without a word. At home, she let Jiji do most of the talking and busied herself by sweeping the poolside at the first opportunity.

Then she cleaned the temple area, tidied the storeroom, and fussed over the laundry the dhobi had returned.

"I'll go crazy sitting around all day," she waved the serving staff away when they tried to help.

She passed the hours this way until the chime of the doorbell announced the return of her husband. Then she retreated upstairs to fold and put away their clothes, dreading the confrontation she knew was coming.

Her husband entered the room in silence, standing next to the bed and placing a tiffin on the bedside table before turning to regard her. She studied his shoes.

You're not supposed to be angry. Not at me. Not anymore.

When Arnav-ji left the bedroom on a sigh, she slid their clothes into the wardrobe and sat on the edge of the bed to reply to a message from her mother. The door clicked open, signalling his return. She looked up when she heard something scrape against the carpet.

"The entire family knows we're not talking," he mentioned casually.

He dragged the sofa next to the bed and then did the same with the small white table. A large silver tray sat covered on the table.

"They asked if you wanted dinner," he elaborated as he worked, "and I said I'd take a tray. Di worried you were unwell after all the work you did today. So I had to tell her."

Oh.

She looked at the tray. He spoke again before she could give voice to the urge to apologise for worrying Di.

"Khushi ..." he dropped onto the sofa with a sigh, "You're going to drive me mad."

She watched curiously as he uncovered a meal. Chaat. Potatoes. Vegetarian biryani.

All her favourite things, things she'd told him about the other night.

Oh.

"Eat with me," Arnav-ji pushed the tray towards her.

When she didn't move towards the food, he broke off some roti and picked up the potato before holding it to her lips.

"Eat."

He ran a knuckle over her cheek after she accepted. Khushi shivered, closing her eyes as heat spread through her.

"Are you angry?" she asked hesitantly.

"No."

Noticing that he didn't seem interested in feeding himself, she put her phone aside and reached for the tray.

"Then?" she broke off a piece of roti and wrapped it around the sabzi.

He didn't answer. Khushi fed him, trying her best to keep her fingers clear of his lips.

"Some people asked for food for tomorrow as well," her voice wavered into their short silence, "They ordered things they want to eat."

"No," he prepared another morsel.

"But Arnav-ji—" her protest was cut off as he fed her again.

"No, Khushi. Once is enough."

"Why!?" she asked as soon as she was finished.

"Those are my employees. It looks ... odd ... if my wife is cooking for them."

"They're offering to pay me," she fed him.

"Hmmmpf," he swallowed quickly, "That's worse! You can't work for my employees. That would be very strange for me!"

"It's not strange!"

"Khushi, if you need money then—"

"—Look, I know you keep track of all your money, and that you lent me money for the clothes and then again on Holi, and I just want to make enough to repay you."

His hand froze between them, on its way to feed her again, "What?"

"I'll pay you back. I promise. I should have written it down and signed it, I know, but I promise I will. Is that for me?"

Arnav-ji fed her absently, seeming suddenly deep in thought.

"So you'll cook the food at here and take it to the office every day? Feed everyone?"

Khushi frowned as she fed him, "That doesn't sound right, does it?"

"There are kitchens there."

"So I go there in the morning, cook and feed everyone, and then leave with you in the afternoon? Like Madhu-Aunty used to? Well, without the leaving-with-you part."

"Yeah," his smile was small, "and as her replacement does now."

They mapped out a plan as they fed each other. It seemed reasonable, but doubt crawled into Khushi's mind.

"You mentioned that someone runs the canteen now. Will they mind?"

"I don't know. He seems ... unreliable."

She considered her options as she tidied up the tray.

"I ate everything but the jalebi," Arnav-ji titled the tiffin he'd placed on the bedside table towards her.

"And?" she reached for the sugar-free treats he offered.

"It was delicious."

Happiness soaked into her in a rush as he settled back on the sofa and bit into a jalebi.

He spoke again, "It will get you out of the house."

Away from Shyam-ji.

"Y-yes."

"Khushi, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Absolutely," she smiled at her husband.

Arnav-ji stood with the tray, "Okay then."

She stood as well, stopping him with a hand to his elbow.

"I'll take it down, you freshen up."

Nodding, he transferred the tray into her hands and walked to the wardrobe. Khushi carried the remains of their dinner — and his lunch — downstairs, where she was met with glad exclamations from the ladies in her family. She sat with them, enjoying the company after an afternoon spent alone, and was surprised when her husband appeared in the corridor leading to the stairs. He inclined his head towards the bedroom and left before anyone else noticed him.

Claiming tiredness, she rose to her feet to head upstairs. Arnav-ji was typing rapidly on his laptop as he lay back on the sofa — still next to the bed — and barely looked up as she entered. Unsure what she'd been expecting, Khushi crossed to the bathroom to change into a white night-suit and brush her teeth and hair.

The laptop was gone when she returned to the bedroom. Instead, Arnav-ji stared at the ceiling, one hand bent behind his head and the other draped across his middle. His hair fell into his eyes. Heat coursed through her as she noticed that his shirt had hitched up, revealing a strip of golden skin.

Why did you make him so handsome? she pouted mentally at her best friend.

Clearing her head with a cough, Khushi settled on the bed.

"What?"

He frowned, using that uncanny ability of his to read her discomfort.

"N-nothing."

But there was something. Before she could second-guess herself, she stretched to press a swift kiss to his cheek. He seemed to stop breathing altogether.

She leaned back, cheeks heating with a blush, "Thank you."

Arnav-ji hummed in response, tapping his fingers against his torso, and then suddenly reached out to capture her hand in his.

"What are you going to call it?"

"Gupta Raizada Lunch Service."

He snorted softly, "Why not Raizada Gupta?"

"Well ... I guess ... uhh ..."

"Forget it."

"Wait," Khushi twisted, sliding her feet under the covers as she faced him, "What about KKGSR Dabba Service?"

"Better," he ran his thumb over her knuckles.

Lost in his touch, she spoke without thinking, "Tell me something."

Arnav-ji twisted so he could meet her eyes, "What?"

"An-anything," she ventured, suddenly nervous, "Like ... like that other night when I told you ..."

He considered her, not unkindly, for a long moment. Then, turning, he spoke to the ceiling.

"I don't like karela, but everyone assumes I do. Because ... diabetes."

Khushi tried to stifle her giggle but he heard anyway.

"Shut-up, Khushi," he smiled.

"Sorry. But ... who would believe that Arnav Singh Raizada is forced to eat karela?"

"I like kheer, as you know," he ignored her, tightening his grip on her hand, "I like gardening."

He fell silent.

And then, as her eyelids became heavy, "I went to Laxmi Nagar after you said you were returning to Lucknow. I saw your house. There were locks on your door."

Air left her lungs all at once.

"Di wanted to go to the temple," he said by way of explanation.

Another short silence, in which she fiddled with her pillow with her free hand.

"I went looking for you on Janmashtami. You weren't where I left you. I thought ..." he trailed off, and only spoke again after three quick breaths, "I looked for you but you'd already returned home. I didn't come home until I knew you were okay."

In the silence, Khushi remembered the chaos of that night. Tricking him to the puja. His anger. Their argument. Him leaving in a squeal of a rage, spattering her with mud. The long walk home. That brief, inexplicable feeling of his nearness as she'd tried to make her Jiji smile.

He was really there.

"Those bangles ... I wanted you to wear something I'd gotten for you. Not NK. Me."

And while she was still recovering from the very earth tilting on its axis, Arnav-ji turned to her.

"That's enough for one night, hmm? Shall we sleep?"

She nodded, smiling a small smile as she processed everything he'd said.

Her hand was still in his, bridging the space between the bed and the sofa when sleep finally overtook her.

Chapter 28

#ipkknd #iss pyaar ko kya naam doon #arshi #ipkknd ff #arshi ff #iwrotethis #mine #ff: charade

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mhmadtkalash · 8 years ago

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‏"ديفد جلاشن" 70 عام، خسر ثروته بالأسهم عام 1987. ‏وفي عام 1993 قرر العيش مع حبيبته بجزيرة معزولة قرب استراليا، لكنها هجرته وبقي لوحده حتى اليوم. ‏عام 2015 أقلعت طائرة من لندن إلى دبي فدخل راكب الحمام وعندما خرج انتشرت رائحة نتنة جداً لم يتحملها احد لدرجة ان الطيار عاد بالطائرة الى لندن. في كوريا الجنوبية، يتم تعديل مسارات خطوط الطيران حتى لا تتسبب في إزعاج الطلاب أثناء أدائهم امتحانات القبول بالجامعة المصيري. أيضًا يتم تأخير مواعيد بدء العمل حتى لا يتسبب الموظفون الذاهبون لأشغالهم في زحمة سير تؤخر الطلاب عن الامتحان. لا يعطس الإنسان خلال نومه، ويرجع السبب في هذا أن الإنسان عندما يدخل مرحلة النوم التي تعرف باسم نوم حركة العين السريعة (REM) تتوقف النواقل العصبية المسؤولة عن إرسال أوامر العطاس من الدماغ. فإذا وجدت شخصًا يعطس أثناء نومه فتأكد أنه يتظاهر أنه نائم. امريكي اشترى هذا الصحن المستعمل بـ 3$ عام 2007. وفي 2013 اكتشف انه مصنوع بالصين خلال حكم سلالة سونغ قبل1000 سنة. فباعه في مزاد سوذبي بـ 2.2 مليون. الإسباني خوان خوسيه فرنانديز هو المثال الحي لمعنى الإصرار. تعرض خوان لحادث سيارة منذ حوالي 20 سنة، جعله في عداد الموتى، لكن بفضل الله وبفضل مجهودات الاطباء في إنقاذه بالاستعانة ب48 لتر دم، و توصيل قلبه صناعيا في عملية استغرقت أكثر من ساعتين، استطاع أن ينجو بأعجوبة بعد أن فقد ذراعه وساقه اليسرى.. لكن رغم ذلك، ومنذ ذلك الوقت وإلى آخر دورة ألعاب باراليمبية، دائما ما يحرز خوان مركزاً من المراكز الثلاثة الأولى. من منكم شاهد فيلم "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"؟ في هذا الفيلم، قدم الفنان "Brad Pitt" شخصية تخيلية كانت عن حالة عجيبة لرجل ولد عجوزاً من حيث الشكل فكان يعاني من أمراض الشيخوخة، لكن مع مرور السنين بدأ يصغر في السن لحد إلى أن مات وهو رضيع عكس حياة كل البشر! حالة شبيهة بالفيلم من حيث الشكل حصلت في الهند لطفلين: * الطفلة Anjali Kumari عمرها سبع سنوات وأخوها Keshav Kumar الذي يبلغ من العمر سنة و نصف. * الطفلان يعانيان من مرض جلدي نادر جدا يجعلهما يظهران بعمر الشيخوخة! هذا المرض يسبب ترهل الجلد وتجاعيد للوجه والجسم مثل التي تحصل لكبار السن. إسم المرض العلمي هو: "Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome" أو "متلازمة شياخ هاتشينسون جيلفورد".. وهو نادر جدا ��ذ يحصل لمولود واحد بين كل أربعة ملايين من المواليد حول العالم! ينتج هذا المرض عن خطأ واحد في جين معين يجعل البروتين غير طبيعي، وعندما تستعمل الخلايا و هذا البروتين تتكسر بكل سهولة. طبياً، لا يوجد طفل مصاب بهذا المرض وباستطاعتخ العيش أكثر من 13 سنة! ولم يستطع الأطباء لحد الآن إيجاد علاج لهذه الحالة. في عام ١٩٧٣ عند قيام الحرب ضد العدو الصهيوني ، اتحد العرب واتفقوا على عدم تصدير النفط للغرب بسبب دعمهم للصهاينة، وكانت النتيجة أن لجئت معظم الدول الغربية لركوب الأحصنة والدرجات بدلاً من السيارات لعدم توافر النفط فأعدناهم ١٠٠ سنة إلى الوراء بإتحادنا. سادة عندما نتحد .. عبيد عندما نتفرق .! درجات ألوان السماء الناتجة عن شروق الشمس بين مبنيين، في مدينة تورونتو الكندية. للمصور جابرييل بويانا. لو امتلك الانسان رؤية جيدة كرؤية النسر، لكنا قادرين على رؤية النملة من على سطح مبنى بارتفاع عشر طوابق! لامتلكنا رؤية رائعة للألوان، رؤية الأشعة فوق البنفسجية، إضافة لزاوية رؤية تبلغ 360 درجة تقريباً. حتى ستينيات القرن الماضي، كان اختبار الحمل الوحيد الموثوق به هو حقن بول المرأة في أنثى ضفدع القيطم الافريقي. إذا كانت المرأة حاملاً فستبيض أنثى القيطم خلال 24 ساعة والسبب هو أن الهرمونات التي يفرزها جسم المرأة الحامل سيحفز الإباضة لدى الضفدع. في مدينة "بيتسبرج" الأمريكية، قاموا ببناء قنطرة صغيرة فوق الطريق السريع لصد الحطام الذي بدأ يتساقط من الجسر العلوي، خوفاً على الناس المارة بالسيارات إلى أن يتم ترميم��. تمويه "فراشة الرأس البرتقالي" على جذع شجرة لخداع المفترسين. سبحان الخالق المصور. إحداهن متعتها في الحياة أن تجلس وتصنع الدُمى، تذهب إلى صديقاتها، تطلب منهن صور شخصية لوجوههن أو صور لشخصيات مفضلة لديهن، ثم تبدأ بتكوين ملامح وجوههن لتعيدها إليهن هدية على شكل دمية! الأفيال من أكثر المجتمعات المترابطة بين الكائنات الحية ولا يفرق العائلة إلا الموت أو الصيد والأسر. الأفيال تدفن أمواتها، وتزور أماكن الدفن لأجيال. الأفيال لوحظ أنها تدفن جثث البشر أيضًا إذا وجدت في طريقها لدرجة أنها حاولت دفن بشر نائمين. الأفيال تتميز بسلوكيات فريدة في عالم الحيوان؛ كالحزن، الفجع عند موت رفيق، الشفقة والتعاون وحسب دراسة حديثة ربما تمتلك الأفيال إدراك لمفهوم (الذات).

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jalebi-weds-bluetooth · 4 years ago

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Arnav, Khushi: Choti Si Duniya

#3 Old Habits

On most days Arnav and Khushi were happily married, with ample amount of laughter, space, sex, healthy banter, mild arguments, partnership and friendship filling their days.

On some days they just took the breath away from the other by simply existing, thrumming in the evergreen Rabba Ve. And on other days they were quiet, with one of their past demons returning to haunt them while the other supported the best they could.

And on the rarest days their arguments would take an ugly turn. It wasn’t a difference of thought, but rather crossing an invisible line of trust. Old habits, which despite maturity and therapy, flared up.

Unfortunately, Arnav crossed it far more than Khushi did.

“You’re forgetting she’s my sister Khushi Kumari Gupta! How could you not tell me she’s dating my manager.”

“She is also my sister Arnav, and Di told me not to tell you-”

“I don’t fucking care-”

“-that’s exactly why she told me not to tell you. And Aman ji is a good man for Di.”

“I don’t care, you still don't know Aman.”

“I’ve known him for six years! And for your kind information, I am a good judge of character Arnav-”

“-no you're not. If you were a good judge then things would've been different.”

“What do you mean by that.”

“Forget it.”

“Don’t forget that with this judgement I chose to marry you.”

“Oh really? With this judgement you brought fucking Shyam back to the house. I told you it was a big mistake but no - you thought he had changed.”

Khushi stormed into their bedroom, packing her clothes for a week. How dare he accuse her for not understanding Shyam! Yes, she had made a colossal mistake regarding him, but bringing it up after five years?

Just because he couldn't handle Di having a boyfriend?

Khushi breathed hard, fought her tears and zipped up her suitcase.

“Khushi, I’m sorry.” Arnav panted, having run up the stairs. His panic grew at the suitcase.

“Then why did you bring that up.”

“I was angry, I didn’t... you know how I am regarding Di.”

“I do Arnav, but that does not excuse you bringing up that up. I would've never brought him to the house if I knew he killed Di’s child.”

“Of course, I know that. It’s just... I shouldn't know about Aman and Di after they’ve started dating.”

Khushi sighed. She understood his overprotectiveness, especially after the Shyam fiasco they were all at edge towards Anjali. Frankly if it had not been for Aman, Khushi would’ve confided in Arnav.

“I get it, but I’m leaving for Bua ji’s for a week... if I didn’t know you, I would've never forgiven you for what you said.”

“Khushi you know I didn’t mean it.”

“And you know that anything related to that man is... has never been my fault.”

“I know Khushi but don’t go.” He held her hand.

“Arnav, I’m not in the state to forgive you for what you said. I want to calm down, take a little break and talk to you about this. So first, go and talk to your sister and please let me go.”

Arnav’s temper ticked. He hated Khushi leaving home. Leaving him.

“Running away from things don’t fix anything.”

“I’m not running away Arnav, I need space.”

“I said I’m sorry.” He yelled.

“And that is not enough!” She matched his pitch, grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door. Except he shut the door on her face and pulled her away.

“You can’t leave,” He warned. Khushi snatched her hand away from his.

“Or else?” She challenged.

“You know what I’m capable of,” His mouth hardened into its cruel, familiar straight line. And Khushi’s heart broke, again.

“Every single fucking time,” Khushi swore and threw her bag to the floor, angry tears rolled down her cheeks. Arnav faltered, his grip on the door loosening.

“Khushi main-” Khushi stopped him and stepped away.

“Enough Arnav. Main kya? You didn’t mean what you said? Didn’t mean to hold my hand hard enough to hurt? Didn’t mean to bring up the past? Didn’t mean to break my heart?” Khushi folded her arms, analyzing his face.

“But it still hurts. And you do nothing to fix it. I wonder, where does this come from?”

“I don’t want you to leave me.” He said.

“I didn’t leave you when things were worse, when you couldn't stand being in the same room as me-” And despite the years, the memories filled Arnav with guilt and Khushi with pain. He looked away, unable to meet her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” His voice had lost its strength, “I wish I could change-”

“Hume uss baat se koi farak nahi padta. I have never asked you for an explanation or your regret. I’ve left these behind. But you haven't. Your habits haven't.” Khushi wiped her tears, struggling to keep her composure.

“You know, let’s talk about this. Because I’ve heard all of this before and we never really addressed how you broke my heart. And the fact that you can say all this despite all the therapy we've been to...”

Arnav sank into the green chaise, head in his hands. Khushi, always having the bigger heart, kneeled by him and grabbed his face. He was crying. Her heart truly broke.

“Talk to me Arnav. Why do you say these things? It’s been so long, and trust me when you shut the door and grab me I still get scared, it still breaks my heart despite everything. It will never be okay-”

Arnav held her hand, whispering his sorries to her.

“And what do you mean by ‘my sister’. Don’t you know how long it took me to make this family my own. Arnav, my world changed overnight. You know this. Tumhara, mera... you make me feel like this is not mine. That this house, this-”

“No Khushi, everything is yours. Yeh ghar, Di, main-” He choked.

“Then why do you work so hard to push me away? I know you're concerned for Di, even I was first worried when I learned she liked Aman ji. But she's happy with him.” Khushi said.

“I can’t... Di was happy with Shyam. I can't see her go through pain again, when I know that I could've prevented it.” Arnav confessed.

“Arnav, things would've hurt irrespective of everything we did. Or maybe because of it. The problem was not that we couldn't protect her, it’s that we took away her choice. Our decision to tell her the truth depended on it our convenience to lie about him.” Arnav agreed.

“And Aman ji is different. You know him for twelve years and if he turns out terrible despite that, then we’ll support Di the best we can and murder him.” Khushi cracked a smile and Arnav chuckled.

“I’m sorry Khushi,” He said, wiping her tear away.

“You should be. I mean, yes, I should've known better about trusting a man who didn't hesitate to kidnap you-” Arnav tsked at her.

“You were barely in your twenties. I shouldn't have brought that up.” He huffed.

“But you did.” She smiled sadly. Arnav stopped himself from saying 'I didn't mean to'. If he didn't, he shouldn't have. So he attempted at pouring his heart, saying things he meant.

He often resorted to pulling people’s mistakes when they made a decision without his input to prove they can't always make the right choice.

“Because I believe I’m the only one who can take the right decisions for everyone...” Arnav scoffed at the irony of his sentence. There were times when he had succeeded but despite his best efforts he did hurt Khushi where it hurt most.

"I always think it’s right to use any means to stop you from leaving me, especially after a fight. Cause I think I’ll fix everything later, as long as you're in front of me.” He confessed.

“Except it fixes nothing. It just... Arnav I feel like I have to cut a part of myself to be with you after such things because I love you, I love you so much that I can’t bear to not love you. Aur aise harkatein ke baad... it gets difficult to love you.” Khushi began to cry.

“It kills me to not be able to love you.” Arnav kissed her forehead, holding her tight in his arms. Her sobs racked against his chest, breaking his heart to two.

“Khushi please don’t... how can I fix this? I feel like any sorry isn't enough.”

“Let’s talk. Like this, always.” Khushi sniffled. Arnav nodded, pressing another kiss to the top of her head.

“And... if I want to leave,” Arnav’s grip tightened, “know that I’m always coming back. Except I just need space to process things.” Khushi broke the hug, and caressed his cheek.

“Ok, I’ll tell Mohan to drive you to Bua ji’s. I won't- can’t, you know I won't be able to leave you there.” Arnav smiled, holding her hand against his cheek.

“I’ll talk to Di about everything and we’ll work on this.” He pointed to themselves. Everything was worth a shot.

“And I will never keep anything from you.” She promised, acknowledging her own mistake.

“Ab jao, otherwise I won’t let you go.” Arnav turned away, dismissing her. Khushi pressed the most loving, forgiving kiss against his cheek and left for Bua ji’s.

---

Aman and Anjali watched Khushi leave for Bua ji’s. She had and bid everyone goodbye - Aarav choosing to stay home, afraid of the cheek pulling at Lakshminagar. But promised to FaceTime his mum at every single minute.

Arnav, had not come down to see her off. Anjali was worried sick. Aman tried to placate her.

“Aman, you have no idea the problems Chote and Khushi faced because of my first marriage. I did not... I always ruin everything. My blind faith nearly destroyed my brother’s happiness and yet again-” Aman placed his finger against Anjali’s lips, shushing her effectively.

“No Anjali. You are not responsible for ASR and Khushi bhabhi’s lives. Your faith in your husband was admirable. If the narrative was different, you would've been lauded for your trust in him. Unfortunately that wasn't the case.” Anjali didn’t agree. Aman grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close.

“Anjali, look at me. Take deep breaths. Ab, listen. Yes, you affect ASR’s life - why wouldn't you, he's your brother, your support, your heart. But whatever happens in his life is a result of his actions. Same applies for Khushi bhabhi. Yes, they might have fought regarding us, but not because of it.”

“But Aman-”

“No buts, if we were to break up - because, of course, ASR affects your life too - would you hate ASR?” This time Anjali grabbed Aman’s shoulders in response to his questions.

“I would never hate my brother Aman Mathur. And no matter how much I love him, I would speak to him but not give up on you like that.” If they were not in Shantivan, Aman would’ve kissed her senseless on the spot.

“It’s taken me a lot to fall in love, and I’m not going to change that-”

“Then that resolves everything Di.” Aman and Anjali jumped apart on finding Arnav leaning against a wall, a soft smile playing on his lips. These few minutes said a lot about Aman and Anjali’s relationship that he wouldn’t have been able to have assessed without a calm mind.

“Chote.” Anjali nearly ran into her brother’s arms. Arnav hugged her tight, happy and relieved at the same time.

“It’s ok Di. First of all, as Aman said, you’re not responsible for anything. Everything will be fine between Khushi and me. And next time, you can tell your brother everything, I wouldn’t sack Aman for being your boyfriend... even if I’m tempted to.” Anjali pushed him against his shoulder and the siblings grinned.

“Thank you Chote. This means the world to me.” Aman smiled affectionately at the duo.

“There’s nothing to thank me. It is your life. But if Aman hurts you-”

“-then feel free to do anything with him.” Anjali quipped.

“Precisely. Even Khushi is on board with murder.”

“Do you both realize I am here.” Aman cleared his throat.

“Yeah, that saves me the time to separately give the shovel talk. You are truly efficient Aman.” Anjali laughed and headed towards Aman, who was more than happy to receive the threats.

He was officially welcomed to the Raizada's.

---

Madhumati and Garima had long learned what interference could cost in both, Khushi and Payal’s lives. With Shashi’s recovery they realized that if they had let both the daughters take decisions they saw fit, a lot of misunderstandings would've been avoided.

So when Khushi arrived with her bag and a call came from Payal apprising the Guptas of the situation at home, the Guptas needed no answers from Khushi nor were in a hurry to send her to Shantivan.

For this home would always remain as Khushi’s.

Madhumati didn’t prod about the untouched jalebis (although she did have a good mind to use her belan on her beloved damaad), Garima busied herself with her hour long chats with her grandson on the phone and Shashi gave Khushi the space to talk.

Time definitely allowed healing and perspective.

---

It was one of those days when Arnav was restless. Neither tending his plants nor working gave him relief. Perhaps it was because there were three more days for Khushi to come home?

He paced across every square inch of his mansion - the Prakashes and Raizada's knowing well to steer clear from Pacing Singh Raizada.

“Wassup Nannav? Missing Khushi bhabhi? You want me to send her a message? I’m heading there to grab some samosas.” NK grinned, as if he hadn't seen his cousin pining for Khushi in the past four days.

“Nothing.” Arnav gritted. He knew therapy was working. If not, NK would’ve been six feet under. And maybe Lavanya would’ve murdered him for it, but that was a small price to pay.

“Everything’s alright Chote?” Anjali stepped in, slapping NK behind his head.

“Yes Di, I ju-” Arnav stopped. The air sweetened, goosebumps broke and a sudden wind hit him. Oh, it was one of those days.

“Chote-”

“Nannav,”

Arnav ignored them and walked towards the door, nearly running by the end of it.

There was Khushi, in a red salwar kameez, house keys in hand.

They looked at each other as a strong breeze washed over them. A few strands of her hair flew and she softly smiled, before her chin wobbled and a sheen of tears betrayed her joy of coming home.

Oh, the one to cry at the drop of a hat!

Khushi ran up the few steps and nearly jumped into his arms as he engulfed her in his embrace. They remained in the intimate hug, sharing a few discreet kisses and whispered promises, oblivious to the audience.

“Di, how does Nannav always know when Khushi ji’s home?” NK asked.

“Old habits NK bhai, puraani aadatein.” Anjali smiled.

---

A/N: This was the longest CSD one shot! Here's your slice of angst but happily ever after - just let's say I was in one of those moods.

Choti Si Duniya is going to be a series of one shots of Arnav & Khushi’s life post the end of the show. These are going to be snippets inspired by certain gifs. I hope you liked it - do share your views!

#ipkknd #iss pyaar ko kya naam doon #ipkknd ff #fanfiction #arnav #khushi #choti si duniya #angst #hona hi tha

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jalebi-weds-bluetooth · 5 years ago

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10 Times Arnav Singh Raizada Was Absolutely Right

We see so much of his legendary aggression and silence that we miss out on the fact that Arnav has actually been pretty right. This is an appreciation post as well as a deep look at what his being right meant.

Coincidences Are Never Just Coincidences

Not Introducing Lavanya to His Family

Reprimanding Khushi for Spilling the Beans About Lavanya

Not Getting Married Because He’s Not Ready

Fury on Lavanya’s Push to Getting Married

Knowing Mami Won’t Believe in the “Akash-Payal Made Forever”

Never Trusting Shyam, Again

Rebutting With Dadi

Bringing Sheetal in the House Would Spell Disaster

Khushi Would Not Fit into the Fashion World

#1 Coincidences Are Never Just Coincidences

Yes, it’s destiny and he and Khushi are star crossed lovers. But you have to hand it to Arnav Singh Raizada on believing less in fate and more in motives.

Khushi happens to be the most magical part of his life - naturally it leaves him confused, bothered and curious. She is everything he does not believe in. But her existence counters his belief.

But if we remove Khushi from the equation - Arnav’s disbelief in coincidence makes him an astute observer of his surroundings. He tracks people’s behavior, becomes aware of what people mean when they say something and knows when someone has other motivations.

If Arnav was in Khushi’s shoes, he would have never stopped thinking that Shyam is around a lot. And Shyam’s slip ups that only made sense to Khushi at the end would’ve been unavoidable in Arnav’s eyes from the very start.

Scene Example: On the night of their wedding, it does not take Arnav even a minute to understand that personal surveillance, purchase of cameras, and Shyam’s sudden quietness and agreement to their remarriage isn’t a coincidence. He immediately connects it to Shyam while Khushi is, still, surprised.

I think Arnav is judged very harshly for not believing in fate, but we all know that Shyam was able to dupe Khushi and her family only because they were not as pragmatic as Arnav. Arnav’s only blind spot was Anjali - otherwise he wouldn’t have missed Shyam’s activities.

An opposite character: Khushi Kumari Gupta. Everything is fated and she is appalled at the thought that anyone could even deviously plan to fake goodness. A reason why she might be so - I feel it’s a coping mechanism for her to justify her parents’ death. It was fated and in God’s will and there was no way Khushi could have prevented it. Arnav, on the other hand, saw his parents’ commit suicide, so of course there was no God’s will and the very next day his uncle kicks them out of their house. Not so surprising that they form different opinions on fate, right?

A character who understands: Shashi Gupta is a good balance of believing in fate but also not believing in coincidences. Which makes me think that the two of them share the most tender bond as Shashi is an astute businessman and Arnav has never had a great paternal figure.

#2 Not Introducing Lavanya to His Family

Great idea. This is for everyone - if you’re not ready to make a relationship serious then you’re not ready! You’re not a villain for that, rather you are being mature. If there’s anything I appreciate about Arnav Singh Raizada is the fact that he knows where his relationships are heading.

Barring Khushi, she’s a perfect anomaly in his life. Arnav probably hated how she fit right into his house and heart as a family member.

Arnav and Lavanya’s relationship in the beginning, is around 5 (?) months old. So they’ve really just started dating and considering the family that Arnav has, introducing Lavanya to them means that the very next day he needs to pronounce his vows to her. Now we might feel the relationship is very serious because Lavanya treats it seriously, she continues to test the boundaries of their relationship and tries to celebrate anniversaries (even when it’s not been a year).

Of course people marry much quicker than that. But this is Arnav, who doesn’t have the best relationship with the ideology of marriage and stuff. So he’s not the guy to marry someone after five months.

Scene Example: Arnav, carefully, lets Lavanya know that he does consider her his girlfriend - and let’s note that he’s outside his office - and lets her celebrate the ‘anniversary’. He’s humoring her, not celebrating it himself. And I think it’s the same day / or the next, when he clearly let’s her know she’s his girlfriend outside the doors of his office and she shouldn’t try blurring those lines.

Also, Nani is legit intolerable and creepy by pushing a woman of her choice on Arnav at this point. No wonder Arnav didn’t bring Lavanya home.

An opposite character: Akash Singh Raizada. He looks at his lady love and immediately knows he must learn to speak up in order to incorporate her into his life forever. In a way he’s already planning a wedding and he doesn’t know Payal’s name yet!

A character who understands: Anjali Raizada. She knows before Arnav can accept that Arnav does not hesitate marrying, he just doesn’t think Lavanya is the woman in the first place that he wants to bring home (not, he’s not having internal fantasies of a woman like Khushi either at this point) - and by that Anjali knows that their relationship is not serious. But she also knows no one would get that. She is the only one who does not question the length of Arnav’s relationship. So why does she pressurise Arnav to tell Nani about Lavanya? Well it’s to stop Nani from bringing one family after another.

#3 Reprimanding Khushi for Spilling the Beans About Lavanya

Ok, Arnav going to her class and status has always been a bitter blow - so for that, two imaginary swats on his head.

But everything else he yells at Khushi for? Perfectly fine reasoning. With Arnav Singh Raizada we also learn that people have boundaries and spaces in life. Unlike the ideology that if you live with your family you share everything with them, Arnav teaches us that everyone has privacy.

And Khushi was heck judgemental in assuming Arnav shouldn’t be too upset with Nani getting to know the truth because if he has nothing to ‘hide’ then there’s no concern. It’s the upbringing given to most that no secrets should be kept because elders make the best decisions?

*Cough* Bua ji *Cough* Forcing her niece to marry a man she technically has no idea about.

She does not know Nani, the interpersonal relationship of Arnav-Nani-Lavanya, nor Arnav Singh Raizada himself.

Arnav only shares everything with the people who understand him the most - Anjali and Akash. They are the only ones who know about Lavanya.

He only starts hiding from them when it gets about Khushi… perhaps for the fear that they will realise something he does not want to confront.

Arnav yelling to Khushi that there’s a line between his office and personal life struck a chord with me. People should know and respect somebody else’s lines. It’s not just decency, but you never know how and when people want to say something. Now it’s a different thing that Khushi really didn’t know that Nani didn’t know and Arnav should’ve tried to understand that it was a case of misunderstanding and miscommunication.

Scene Example: Anjali is only worried and immediately informs Arnav that Nani knows about Lavanya. Her guilt in this episode, in failing to protect the secret her brother entrusted her with motivates her to do anything to make her brother’s relationship work. Under no circumstances will she allow Nani to manipulate him into a marriage with a woman he does not want.

An opposite character: Devyani Raizada. Her failure to protect her daughter makes her obsessive over Arnav (who probably shows a lot more traits of his father). She is traditional, does not respect privacy - given by the way she controls Manohar & Manorama’s marriage - and does not see that her grandson is different but not disrespectful.

Characters who understand: Anjali & Akash. Akash is as silent as a grave, does not question Arnav. For him it doesn't matter who Arnav dates as long as Arnav is happy (we see that Akash is the only one who gets positively upset at the upheaval that happens and is always on Arnav’s side - asking if his brother is alright). Anjali always supports Arnav but more than often acts as his conscience. In several instances we see Arnav relaying his days to Anjali and depending on her feedback to know if he has done something right or not.

#4 Not Getting Married Because He’s Not Ready

SOMEBODY GET ME A LOUDSPEAKER. Whoever you are - don’t get married unless you want to. Really, even if we remove Khushi from this scenario we can see how disastrous it became because Arnav, clearly, was not ready to marry.

Lavanya’s proposal infuriated him - distancing him away from her and diminishing all his affection he had for her. His engagement came out of spite and a response to society as opposed to his own decision. He was bullied into making Lavanya a wife and post that there’s little to no romantic interaction between Arnav and Lavanya.

This needs to be heard, relationships are like a butterfly. If you crack open a cocoon for a butterfly, the butterfly never flies. The cocoon needs to crack at it’s own time and pace. Relationships need time. Forcing a relationship ahead can break it, not make it.

Arnav was so right when he said he was not ready for marriage. He wasn’t being ‘immoral’, he was being honest.

Scene example: The scene after Lavanya’s proposal. First of all it was infuriating that the proposal reeked of Khushi Kumari Gupta because Arnav was already in two minds as to where his own heart was headed, and secondly Lavanya did this in public without discussing with him if he wanted to get married.

Live in does not equal marriage, not unless both the partners think so. Lavanya’s affection supersedes Arnav by a huge extent. We are made to see that scene as if Arnav is a villain but remember Khushi’s reaction when Shyam “proposes” her (basically getting Bua ji to do the proposal)? Khushi said no, and we all agreed with it because Shyam is not Arnav, and also Khushi tells them she is not ready. Similarly, Arnav too tells Lavanya the same!

An opposite character: Anjali Raizada. Upon being left at the altar, I think it’s understandable why Anjali feels that marriage, that restored her honor in society’s eyes, is a sign of permanence and the end goal of any relationship. Anjali is constantly praised or belittled by the people around her based on the situation of her marriage.

Marriage means everything to Anjali. So of course, she cannot understand why Arnav can’t marry if he can bring Lavanya to the same house. Because then what’ll happen to Lavanya’s honor? (she clearly associates marriage with honor).

A character who understands: Payal Gupta. Post being left at the altar she does not see marriage as an ultimate, unlike Anjali who shared a similar fate. She has seen the evil side of the ‘fairytale’. It’s no longer about prince charming on horses, it’s about ugly reality. She really does not want to marry Akash, a man she loves, until he can reassure her of everything.

She craves permanence from character and strength of the relationship as opposed to just being married - something I believe Arnav also feels. Unlike Khushi, she does not immediately demonize Arnav for his broken engagement. Rather she’s just confused and only wonders why things happened the way it did.

#5 Fury on Lavanya’s Push to Getting Married

Arnav is so right… he is so right. Arnav and Lavanya are really suffering from a bad phase in their relationship because Lavanya, slowly and gradually, is becoming a woman he had never imagined.

To put everything in context - let’s imagine Kabir from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (if you haven’t watched the film then please do). He loved his free spirited/independent/ambitious girlfriend Natasha. Later, she becomes obsessed with marriage and turns into a woman who’s a far cry from the woman he loved in the first place. So much so that he’s unable to marry her - even though he began seriously dating her in the idea that perhaps one day they would.

The same thing happens to Arnav. He tries to explain to Khushi that he understands that she has a different upbringing. An upbringing that reinforces marriage as ideal. Khushi also points out, accurately, that a part of him chooses to stay away from marriage because he’s afraid and that it’s his weakness. But it’s not the right time to tell him so, especially if she’s saying so to defend her actions. This is one of the few times that he does not regret getting upset on Khushi.

Even I was upset with Khushi and the whole “let’s force Lavanya to be a bride”.

Arnav is completely right to lash out (NOT the pitch or with that aggression) on Lavanya. For me this scene has me feeling sad for Arnav because really it’s just communicating that two people, in a relationship, have really different expectations from each other.

Scene example: Arnav retaliates to Lavanya’s accusation of not ‘loving’ her enough by stating that he brought her to his house, even though it was too early. And he’s surprised by Lavanya because this was the same woman who would understand that he apologised by sending a bag. Somewhere between then and now Arnav & Lavanya drifted from understanding each other to becoming strangers.

An opposite character: Lavanya Kashyap. If one day Arnav was in her courtyard, suddenly, on a horse and in a sherwani asking her to marry her out of bluemoon - Lavanya would say yes, irrespective of the length of their relationship. It’s not evident in the beginning but Lavanya’s sudden eagerness to marry shows that she hoped for that - only didn’t know when, where and how to go about it. It’s also why she turns a blind eye to Arnav’s problematic behavior during the brief time when they were about to be engaged.

A similar character: Payal Gupta. She gets furious at Akash, twice, for proposing her. Just because Akash is someone she likes and presents himself as a suitor does not mean that she will marry him then and there. Alright, her reasonings are different from Arnav’s, but Payal - unlike Akash, Lavanya and like Arnav - does not immediately dream of marrying Akash the minute she sees him. Akash did literally just say “Will you marry me” out of blue-moon!

#6 Knowing Mami Won’t Believe in the “Akash-Payal Made Forever”

One of the best things about Arnav Singh Raizada is that he knows individuals differ. What applies to one does NOT apply to another. Not a surprise considering how he’s built a fashion empire for himself by the age of 26.

Of course his logic and pragmatism escapes him when it comes to Khushi. She’s the only person he puts massive generalizations on! Apart from his uncle and the pricey dude he slaps in the beginning few episodes. He really never generalises anyone else. But Khushi does. She even thinks the “rab ne banadi jodi” will work on Arnav’s aunt.

This is Arnav’s aunt. The woman who has the weirdest but most solid friendship with Arnav. The woman who is obsessed about her own son but will sell her entire, precious jewelry for her orphaned nephew.

If anyone will get her, it will be Arnav. It might be portrayed that Arnav was crass with his own aunt, but really nothing would have stopped Manorama until and unless she saw that she had to be made indispensable to Akash’s marriage with Payal. Hence getting power and dominance in her son’s marriage - a thing she was, anyways, aiming at.

Khushi’s dialogue was hilarious and Arnav really didn’t need to gloat his victory in her face but once again, if anyone understands Manorama Mami the best then it’s her Arnav bitwa and let’s keep it to that.

He’s right when he says his aunt won’t understand.

Scene example: Arnav telling “what crap” to Khushi’s plan to convince Mami. Really, it’s his aunt and he knows the best. Always has and always will. It’s a nice change to see that sometimes Arnav’s brains work over Khushi’s heart.

An opposite character: Khushi Kumari Gupta. Really, she thinks Manorama Mami cares about couples made in heaven theory? Now just because you believe so, does not mean everyone else does.

A character who understands: Manohar Singh Raizada. That man truly understands his wife and although he never brings up the past, this time he does. He realises Manorama’s fury does not just arise with Akash’s love for a middle classed person, it’s that Devyani is entirely accepting of it. And this infuriates Manohar because in a way Manorama can’t accuse Devyani of being mean if she’s following her footsteps. And Manohar yells at his wife because her shortsightedness has put their son’s happiness at stake.

#7 Never Trusting Shyam, Again

YES! I literally blew air kisses to Arnav when he said he can’t trust Shyam again. Like literally Shyam was first Khushi’s enemy. But to project Arnav as a ‘hero’ who fights the ‘villain’, I am forever pissed that they make the whole house against Arnav, even Khushi (mind you women are not forgiving of their molesters but Khushi is [?!?!?]).

His intuition is correct and his mistrust in Shyam is validated because we get Shyam’s epic Dhoom 3 makeovers and Crime Master Gogo level plans of ruining Raizadas’ lives.

Arnav Singh Raizada had never been more right. You don’t trust a man who cheated his wife, planned to murder you and molested a woman.

You never trust them.

Scene example: Arnav punching Shyam the minute he opens his mouth in the hospital - yeah, give him those punches and I’m so glad you don’t trust his tears!!!

An opposite character: Snake Manohar Jha himself! *Daiya Ho!* This man actually thinks he can regain the trust of everyone. What he doesn’t get is that even though Khushi brought him in… everybody hates him, Khushi included. He thinks he has succeeded because he managed to bring a rift between Arnav & Khushi! Literally apart from Dadi, Anjali and even Garima - everyone hates him on a unified front. *Loved his EPIC MOUSTACHE! WHATTA DISGUISE GUYZ*

A character who understands: NK & Shashi Gupta. Okay, none of the Raizadas are happy that Shyam is back but they pretend for Anjali’s happiness. Except NK & Shashi, they both call out the bullshit the minute they see it. The stink eye both of them give to Shyam on Haldi is one of my most favorite scenes. No dialogue, just one stare! NK & Shashi are fiercely protective of Khushi and it was nice to see someone remembering what atrocities Shyam committed against Khushi. A friend and a father - two people who would never forget.

#8. Rebutting With Dadi

Elders get respect because they’re old. No. Respect begets respect. Arnav’s love and childlike attachment to Dadi dies a quick death the minute he realizes that he never misinterpreted the older woman’s actions. She was as conniving, traditional, conservative, orhtodox and tenacious as he had remembered.

Really this needs to be spread out, don’t respect and obey people because of their age - respect them because of their deeds. While everyone in the house was running around like headless chickens in a way to appease Dadi, Arnav was as cool as a cucumber as he preserved his manners but delivered a scathing word or two.

Automatically giving people of age/authority some power, irrespective of whether or not they are capable of handling it, enables them to abuse further.

Arnav was incredibly right to be impervious of his grandmother’s wishes.

Scene example: Arnav telling off his grandmother during his wedding. In his calm demeanour he explains the truth of his father because he sees through her manipulation. He realises he has seen the ‘truth’ through her narration of events. And his marriage would happen, irrespective of the absence of an elder like her in his family. For Arnav, only the people that matter are his family.

An opposite character: Anjali Raizada. She immediately falls into Dadi’s arms and shares all her griefs in the hope that as an elder, Dadi can soothe her pain and wake her up from her nightmare. Her reassurance of Dadi actually pushes her to continue believing in Shyam because an elder has reassured her.

Until that moment Anjali was in two minds, not knowing if she was doing the right thing by meeting Shyam behind everyone’s back. She does not question Dadi again for her disappearance because elders always know what they’re doing.

A character who understands: NK. One can say it’s because he’s brought up abroad, another can say he shares his cousin’s intellect - I say both. Sometimes when you’re raised abroad you see a larger understanding of the world and you get the opportunity to see people the way according to your culture/tradition (by your parents) but also according to the country you’re raised in.

It’s advantageous because you have a wider horizon. So while NK understands that Dadi should be respected, he also knows that nothing gives the authority to Dadi to insult Khushi the way she does. He dislikes Dadi from the day he meets her and is happy when she’s gone.

#9 Bringing Sheetal in the House Would Be Disastrous

At this point probably the CVs had given up because Khushi is beyond my recognition and I feel the age gap between Arnav & Khushi increased! Khushi has to be sixteen to have the reasoning that she has, definitely not twenty three/four/five.

He was right. To have his ex-girlfriend live in the same house was hell awkward and a terrible experience. I feel there would have been a protest against Arnav if he manipulated the situation to get Khushi’s ex to live in their house so as to know if Khushi’s ex and Khushi slept together.

My only problem with Arnav here is that Arnav is not bothered by how much Aarav, his ex’s son, copies him.

When Arnav genuinely and actively deals with this situation, things and conversations are immediately mature, understanding and serious.

Scene example: I won’t recommend anyone to watch any episode of this track (barring a few), but Arnav literally has to spell out he was jealous of NK to make Khushi realise how awkward it was for Arnav to be in the same house, years later, with someone he dated. And Khushi still does not get it until a roof falls on her head.

An opposite character: I don’t even want to analyse because everyone was off character.

A character who understands: Arnav is left alone in the woods of logic and pragmatism. They are all attached to Aarav as if he is Simba who returned home. Aarav, individually, had potential but the rest I give up. I really wish Shashi Gupta was around to knock some sense - he was the most sensible character of all.

#10 Khushi Would Not Fit into the Fashion World

Yes Khushi, you don’t fit. Saying bhaiya, exercising in georgette/chiffon salwar suits when your husband could buy out athleisure companies, using mimicry for the ‘talent’ round, not realising rivalry in one of the most politically charged and competitive industries, and not really pulling off any makeup/clothing out of your comfort zone (barring a wonderful blue gown) only shows that Arnav Singh Raizada pulled strings.

Enough strings to build a freaking saree.

Her not speaking English was really not a problem, her lack of passion for fashion is. Models work really hard. From intensive exercise, makeup/fashion routines, educating themselves about the world they’re in and a true dedication to the modeling world.

It’s a pity that there’s zero respect for the fashion world in this track. Check out the reality show MTV Supermodel of the Year with Malaika Arora, Milind Soman, Masaba Gupta, Ujjwala Raut and Anusha Dandekar - even though it’s a reality show it at least gives us a glimpse of how models are!

Arnav could easily be sitting on the panel - his character has been built so. Khushi, she could’ve designed clothes because of her passion for chikankari, gota, Lucknowi karigari - that was established!

I don’t know where this track went because fashion is Arnav’s forte. There’s no way Khushi could succeed without his backing because that just undermines the fact that he’s right about the industry he mastered!

To succeed Khushi required passion, that Arnav has for business. She’s really like a five year old going ‘ha, I’m gonna beat him in his own stuff’. Imagine Arnav fighting with Khushi and then teaching her how to make jalebis, opening a sweet store and doing better despite not following anything Khushi advises!!! Sounds crazy, right?

When it’s about business and fashion, Arnav Singh Raizada is always right. He has been, otherwise no one can easily build an empire, afford the living expenses of his entire joint family, buy back their palatial childhood mansion and buy a massive house in Delhi’s most expensive location.

At the age of 26.

Not going to talk about the scene, or the opposite character.

But a character who understands: Payal Gupta. She knows, from the first day, who Arnav Singh Raizada is. So much so that when Khushi is swept in the emotions of the office challenge Payal reminds Khushi that the job and office is his to begin with. The only time she’s furious with Arnav is when he crosses his boundaries of being ‘right’ but apart from that she probably would also advise Khushi against going into fashion like Arnav. Not because Khushi can’t do it, it’s just not her world. It’s not what Khushi is passionate about!

---

The end, thank you to anyone who stuck around and read it!

#ipkknd #thought #iss pyaar ko kya naam doon #arnav singh raizada #khushi kumari gupta #analysis

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phati-sari · 8 years ago

Text

Arshi FF: Charade - Chapter 5

Chapter 4 // Read on FFnet // Read on Wattpad

Chapter 5: Chaos

“You understand that this is not real?”

Khushi stared up at the brilliant white structure in front of them, “Yes.”

A loveless marriage. Devi Maiyya, please give me strength.

“Do you really?” he pressed, “You asked to live in Shantivan as my wife. It will be legally binding. But there is no future, and after the baby is born …”

The tiny flame of hope still alive inside her spluttered, and then died.

There is no future.

“I understand,” her voice was small and frail.

He opened his door and rounded the car to help with hers. When he offered his hand, she slid her palm against his with trepidation, and then they climbed the temple stairs together like that. Hand in hand.

Two men met them at the top, both clad in suits and one carrying a slim briefcase.

“Sir,” the younger one stepped forward, “I have the papers.”

Arnav-ji signed the proffered documents after reading them carefully, and it wasn’t long before the man stood in front of her.

“Aman Mathur,” he introduced himself.

“Kh-Khushi … Khushi Kumari G-Gupta.”

Aman-ji nodded as he handed her a document and pen, and cleared his throat when she hesitated.

“Papers,” he explained softly, “to say that you will not ask for any part of the estate or company in the case of a divorce.”

Khushi blinked, some part of her turning to ash as she realised what was happening.

The other man stepped up, “It’s a standard agreement. The law says that you would be entitled to alimony in the case of a divorce. By signing these papers you forfeit that right.”

She guessed that this was the lawyer. Khushi looked up to find that Arnav-ji was staring unseeing into the holy fire.

He doesn’t even care.

This proof of the depth of his mistrust broke something inside her. She signed the papers, hardly able to bring them into focus because of the tears that blurred her vision.

In the end, the ceremony was a grim parody of the one they’d just witnessed. He placed a simple necklace about her neck without fanfare, though she closed her eyes as she felt her entire future change. She sobbed, the reality of the moment finally slamming into her when he pinched sindoor between his fingers. He leaned forward to place it into the part of her hair, and then it was done.

Feeling weak, Khushi swayed with her face buried in her hands, trying in vain to stem her tears.

“Aman,” Arnav-ji called.

She looked up as the other man approached, noting that he seemed unfazed by what he’d seen. But then she saw the apology in his eyes when their eyes met.

“Ma’am,” he spoke gently, “the marriage papers.”

These were signed with quick efficiency, first by herself and Arnav-ji, and then their witnesses.

“Find an officiator,” Arnav-ji gave brisk instructions, “Back-date whatever needs to be backdated. Pay whatever you need to, but I want it handled by the end of this week. And remember, it must be legally sound. No one should be able to cast doubts on its validity.”

The two men left them standing yards apart inside the temple.

“What now?” she asked, feeling utterly drained.

He slipped a floral wreath about his neck before handing her a matching one.

“We go home.”

The silence inside his car rang so loudly that Khushi’s ears throbbed. She trembled, thinking of what awaited them, and jumped when the low beep of his phone sliced the air.

Arnav-ji glanced at the screen, “Di is looking for us.”

Then they stood at his front door, her fingers clenched into the soft fabric of her dupatta. She startled when he reached across to take her hand in his, a gesture she might have interpreted as reassurance if she didn’t know better, and panic settled in when he opened the door. It was thick in her veins even though the plan and decision had both been hers. She covered his hand with her own, trying to stop him, but he seemed immune to her struggles as he pulled her into the main room.

The guests had left. Jiji and Jija-ji sat surrounded by immediate family, playing the games expected of newlyweds on their wedding night.

Anjali-ji was the first to notice their silent arrival, the light leaving her eyes and her mouth falling open as she tracked their progress. Nanhe-ji pointed his video camera in their direction and then lowered it with a gasp. Bua-ji glanced up, at first not registering what she saw, and then stood with a cry of outrage.

Khushi shook.

It was worse than she’d imagined. Their families asked questions they couldn’t answer, not with the health of Anjali-ji and her unborn child at stake. But Khushi wondered if this was any better, whether seeing the brother she loved betray her and her ideals had achieved what they’d tried to avoid in any case.

Seeing all her worries come to fruition, Bua-ji shook her, demanding explanations and becoming ever more frustrated with her silence.

There was chaos, and questions, and tears.

She was already drained when Amma stepped up, already too tired and too overwrought to do anything but stand next to her newly minted husband and weep, and so was caught completely by surprise by the slap. Khushi stumbled into Arnav-ji, cheek stinging and ears ringing, and felt him angle himself to catch her. When she looked up, a part of her hating that he’d seen this, his rage-filled gaze was locked on Amma.

And again, her naive heart dared to hope.

Arnav-ji’s facade of calm indifference only cracked when Anjali-ji began asking questions. Khushi watched him play the role of villain, her heart twisting with pain and regret.

“Chhote, how could you do this? To me? To us?”

“Di, we’re married. It’s done.”

It was then, as Anjali-ji wept and Aakash-ji gazed at them in confusion, as Nani-ji raged her disappointment and Jiji sobbed into her dupatta, that Arnav-ji took her hand. His fingers brushed hers almost questioningly before gripping tightly. Khushi jumped in shock, her eyes finding his face almost instantly, and saw that he wasn’t looking at her at all.

He was staring at Shyam-ji, who seemed to shake with rage at the sight.

“And if you marry someone else?”

“He’ll see that I don’t want … That I ch-chose someone e-else.”

“That you chose me?”

Taking a shuddering breath, Khushi curled her fingers with his, her mouth set in grim determination as she stared defiantly at Shyam-ji.

This man was her choice, and always would be, whether he wanted her or not.

Chapter 6

#ipkknd #iss pyaar ko kya naam doon #arshi #ipkknd ff #arshi ff #iwrotethis #mine #ff: charade

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