Opposite Poles..Part 120

Part 120

They drove out of Raizada House.  He was speeding up.  Khushi was unusually quiet.  She gazed at the setting sun.  The twilight always made her vulnerable, disconsolate.  She gazed ahead praying her Devi Mayya.  He glanced at her.  The sunset always made him emotional.  He always used to avoid looking at the setting sun.  Khushi looked ahead at the setting sun unblinkingly.  He kept glancing at her.

“Yeh.. bol  Kyun  Nahi  Rahi  Hain? What happened? Why is she so quiet.. !” he wondered but didn’t want to stir her mood.  The secluded road sped up his car.  She winced coming out of her trance.  He glanced and sped up further.  She closed her eyes in fright.  He smirked. 

 “So she gets scared of speed!” he concluded speeding up further.  The headlights of the oncoming traffic made her shut her eyes closed tightly.  “Huh..” a faint sob left her, he couldn’t stop looking at her.  The oncoming truck honked frantically flashing high beam and he turned in time..he escaped narrowly gazing back to the road ahead.  She pressed her hands on her ears and screamed.

“Stop it!” he yelled getting irritated.  She looked at him with tearful eyes.  

“What? Nothing has happened..!” he said looking at her face.  She looked away.  He didn’t slow down.  “Oh! Shit!” they both saw a dead dog run over by a vehicle.  Khushi took her legs up, wrapping her hands around her knees and putting her head down.

“Unhay  Bhi  Aisay  Hi  Kuchalaa  Hoga! They must be knocked over .. li..like th..this?” she blurted sobbing.  “Who?” he asked slowing down considerably, looking at her shocked. 

“M.. my....!” her grip around her knees tightened.  “Khushi...!” he stopped the car turning to face her.  His hand moved to touch her shoulder but she released her knees from the grip and wiping her eyes said..

“No! I am ok! S..Sorry!” she looked at him.  He went back to his seat and gazed at her.  “Khushi..?” he had a question ...

“No... Th .. This nightfall makes be vulnerable..! “ she confessed.  He looked at her.  “Tum Thik ho?” He asked huskily.  She nodded.  

“Koi baath nahi..! Abhi Taray  Timtimaanay lagengay!  Stars will twinkle soon in the sky!” she said consoling herself.  He looked ahead igniting his engine...!

Her phone rang.  “Hello?” she answered and listened, then cupping her mouth said..

“No! Not today! Tomorrow...night! on the eve of Dhan Teras...!” she was talking  in a low tone.  He glanced at her.  “No, Lavanya ji..!I am not coming tomorrow..!” she said disconnecting the phone stealing a glance at him sheepishly.  He flared up his nose.

“What were you hiding in my room?” he asked angrily.  “Nothing!” she said with a smirk.

“Stop the Drama, Khushi, you were hiding something..!” he asked feeling better that she was back to her self.

“What do you think? Hiding a bomb in your room?” she asked angrily.

“You are capable of that, Khushi Kumari Gupta!” he retorted.

“What is this? Am I a terrorist?” she asked angrily.

“No! You are an errorist..! goofing up ...!” he said disdainfully.  Her phone rang again and he looked away frustrated speeding up again...

“Hello jiji.. Yes.. Coming home! Haan? Ok.  You don’t do it.  I will come and make it...!” she said hurriedly and disconnected again looking at him sheepishly.  He stopped with screeching brakes and she bumped on the windshield.

“What?” she asked angrily.  “Ghar aa gaya!” he pointed at her house. 

“Haan..!” she smiled sheepishly.  “Would you like to come in?” she asked formally.  He ignored her and drove away.

“Goo .. Good Nig...!” her voice trailed looking at the tail lamps of his car.  She frowned and came in.    

“Khushi why are you so late?” asked Payal.  “Jiji... my scooter broke down... Woh Rak.. I mean.. Arnav ji dropped me ..!” she said going into her room to change.  She sensed the tension.

“What happened, Jiji?” she asked going into the kitchen to help her Jiji.  “Same... topic! Sham ji had come.. He looked upset..!” Payal told her.  “Khushi, careful...Buwaji is not at all in a good mood ... She will bash you, if you poke her!” Payal warned her. 

“Yeah Jiji, and I don’t have the energy to argue with her today..!” said Khushi going into her babuji’s room.

“Babuji... She rested her head on his feeble shoulder.  “Couldn’t even see you, the whole day..Sorry babuji!” she said taking the bowl from her Amma and helping her babuji to sit up in the bed. 

“I will do it Amma!” she said wrapping the napkin around his neck like a bib and feeding him with spoon.

***********   **********   **********

“Lavanya ji..!” Look under the foreposter... I hid them there..!” Khushi was on the phone. 

“No chamakili...!” Lavanya was panic.  

“Are you looking for these?” came a voice and Khushi shuddered at the other end. 

“Mar gaye..! Thank god, i am not here, That rakshas would have killed me!” she thought but next moment was worried about Lavanya!

“Lavanya ji..Bhaag jaiye!” she yelled over the phone.

“Shut up!” came a rude voice and Khushi shuddered.  “No one will lighting the lamp in my room!” he declared and disconnected the phone.  She frowned.  “This darkzada... even on dewali, wants to be in darkness..!” she muttered furiously.  Then smiled and said... “But there surely will be a lamp in your room, Mr. Raizada..! Khushi kumari gupta has accepted the challenge!” she raised her fist in the air.

“Hello, Ram Prakash ji?” Khushi dialled his number.  “Yaad hain? Humnay aap ko ..!” She started off.

“Yes Khushi didi, I know you have given me that silver color...!” he said excitedly.

“Yeah... you know what to do!” she said and “Yes didi! I will do it.! Nobody will know!” He said and she grinned.

“I have a remote control of the bomb.. Mr. Raizada..!” she jerked her head back and puffed her cheeks smugly.

“What the...!” he came into the room and saw a lit lamp on his table covered by a silvery lamp shade protecting the flame.  He looked at the netted design on the lamp shade.   The dancing flame made the shadows  on the wall dance.  He gaped at his own room which looked different and beautiful modifying his memory and he forgot to yell!  He kept gazing at the lamp and the lampshade for a long time.  “Touch me not!” he removed the lampshade and moved his finger near the flame.. smiling ..!  

***********   ***********

“Khushi... look at you!” her jiji gazed at Khushi grinning happily.  “You look so pretty...! Khushi..!” Payal hugged her tightly.  Khushi smiled.  “And what about you? You look prettier..!” she complemented her elder sister.

“Khushi look at your saree... Look at the peacocks on the border, Khushi! This must be a very costly saree..! Look at the feathers embroidered on your pallu, Khushi.. I mean.. Even I can’t get the finishing of such an intricate work.  Look at the peacock feather eyes...  simply awesome! And the stone work..? Khushi... this is just pretty like you...!” Payal was still holding Khushi’s pallu, looking at the intricate work.  “You look..!” she again started..

“Oh! Stop it Jiji.. I know..!” Khushi put her finger on Payal’s lips and said, “Come on for the pooja!” she dragged her jiji out of their room.  Amma had brought babuji out on a wheel chair.  Buwaji came and applied black kajal spot below the earlobe of both the girls to remove the effect of evil eye on them..! “Hi Ray  NandKishore..! look at the girls...!” she hugged the girls smiling broadly.  

“Chalo  Buwaji,  Pooja Karenge..!” Khushi was eager.  “Aray.. wait.. let us  wait for Sham Babua!” said Buwaji and Khushi rolled her eyes.

“NandKishore! Sham Babua won’t come.  He must have run away again..! Buwaji... let us start the pooja.. It’s Laxmi pooja... we should not keep our laxmiji waiting..!” Khushi giggled.  

“You know? Sometimes i feel he is a fugitive,  Always on the run..! Someone came in from the front door... he is vanished from the back door... sometimes even jumping through the window...! And always getting an urgent call..!” she winked at Payal and Buwaji came on to her angrily.  

*****  *********  *******

“Umm.. Raani Saheba.. Umm I need to go out for some time..!” Sham was all set to go out for some urgent work.

“Aray.. Do the pooja first and then go!” Anjali ordered and Sham looked away  frustrated.  He knew the pooja in gupta house will be over by the time he reached there.  He desperately wanted to go there for Laxmi pooja.  He wanted to see Khushi wearing the saree he had selected for her which Raizadas gifted her.  He wanted to see her first.. before anyone could! 

“Raani Saheba... Please, let me go! I will come back soon!” he said.

“No!” she said sulkily holding his hand.  “Ok!” he gave up.  He was also waiting for the surprise gift the brothers had planned for him.  He stroked his chin.   “Its better be something expensive, saale saab..!” he smirked.  “Raani Sahebaa!” he hugged her from behind kissing her cheek.  Anjali blushed.. “Hatiye!” she said turning in his arms and resting her head on his chest.  His grip tightened. 

“Diwali is so Romantic..!” he cuddled her in his arms and lifted her off the ground.

“Aray.. aray.. !” she wrapped her arms around his neck holding on to him.  He grinned.  “You know what? This saree and the ornaments and this festive season turns me on...!” he carried her to the bed and she said..

“Sham ji.. Pooja bhi toh Karani hain!” he pulled himself away sulkily.  She tidied up her peacock green saree and pushed him away.  “Raani Sahebaa! You look beautiful..!” he hugged her again resting his head on her shoulder, smirking wickedly.  

“Humm...” Khushi’s beautiful face flashed before him.  He licked his lips.  “I will be with you soon, Khushi! I will be the first one to see you this Diwali, in that Lemon yellow saree!” he sighed dreamily.  “You are a challenge! The more you run away, more is my urge to have you...!” his grip around his wife tightened.

“Sham ji..!” Anjali pushed him a bit and freed herself.  “Come on! Let us go!” she said going out of the room.  “Yeah! We have to hurry up.  I have an urgent work!” he said smirking. 

“Hello... where are you?” Nani was asking Khushi.

“Hello Nani ji.. I am leaving now...! Will reach there in half an hour!” Khushi had hailed an auto.

“I want her for laxmi pooja...!” Nani blurted and came out.  Everyone was ready for the pooja. 

“Lavanya?” Anjali looked around and found only Arnav waiting restlessly.  She went to Lavanya’s room to call her.

“Yeah, Di! Coming..!” she said awkwardly.  Anjali pushed the door.  Lavanya was standing there with saree not knowing how to drape it.  “Umm.. Khushi had said she will come in time!” she said sheepishly.  

“You all go ahead with the pooja, i will come..!” she said dialling Khushi’s number. “Wait, I will help you with the saree..!” Anjali helped her drape the saree and finally she was ready for the pooja. 

 “Let us start the pooja..!” Sham was in a hurry.   

“Hello hi bye bye! Why are you in a hurry? Do you want to meet someone?” Mami asked suspiciously.  “Yeah.. Mami, he has some urgent work!” Anjali said sulking.   “Raani Sahebaa! What to do? Its my work!” he said putting his hand around her.  She smiled.  

“Umm  .. Where is saale saab?” he looked around.  Arnav had vanished.  “Chote?” she called out.  “Call me when you are ready..!” he yelled from his room working on his laptop.

“Let us start the Pooja..!” he was desperate.  “Ok baba!” Anjali gave up.  “Chote..!” she called out and Nani lighted the lamp in the thal.  They started off praying and invoking godess Laxmi to shower her blessings on the people and on this house.  Nani kept looking at the main door.   The doorbell rang.  Nani’s face brightened up.

“Raani Sahebaa.. Pooja is over.. I won’t stay for Aarti.. I should be going..!” Sham grabbed the opportunity but Anjali  held his hand.  “Wait..!” she said pulling him closer.  

Ram Prakash pulled open the door.  There was a courier for Anjali Zaa! Nani was disappointed.  The courier delivered two tickets to Mauritius and a holiday package for a week in Hilton resort..! Anjali jumped in excitement.  “For us?” she asked her brother.

“For who else Di?” Aakash grinned at his brother.  Arnav nodded in acceptance.  Anjali gave the packet to her husband.  “How sweet...!” She thanked her brothers.  

“This is the surprise?” asked Sham.  “Yes!” said Aakash.  “Haan Anjali bitiya... just elope with your husband for some days and enjoy..! He is very busy now a days.. You hardly get time together..!” Nani said looking at Sham.  Sham frowned.  “Holiday with Raani Saheba? I wanted to take HER with me!” he thought curling up his lip.  

“But Raani Saheba.. next week? I have some urgent work, next week!” he said in a small voice.

“Your urgent work can wait, Damaad ji..! You two are going!” Nani put her foot down.  Sham knew when to stop stretching.  He nodded in acceptance.   Anjali smiled happily.  

“Ab Aarti Karain?” She asked her husband.  “Umm.. I have to go.  I have to make arrangements and postpone my appointments for the holidays..!” he winked at his wife and she blushed allowing him to go.  He vanished in no time.

Khushi got down from the auto; Haggled with him for charging more during festival time.  Then paying money, said, “Happy Diwali, bhaiyya ji.. Ghar may Sub Ko Bhi! Happy Diwali to you and your family..!” she smiled and the autowala reciprocated.  She pulled her plaits for her saree little up for ease of walking and ran towards to main door.  

Door bell rang, and this time Arnav pulled open the door.  Khushi stood looking up at him with open mouth.  He was gazing at her mesmerized.  She felt nervous and dropped the plaits from her hand. He stood there unmoved.  He was the first one to see her! 

“Ha...Ha..Happy...Di..Diwali...!” she stammered nervously.  “Chote..?” someone had to break his trance to let Khushi in.  

“Aray, wah.. Khushi..! Come in!” Anjali held Khushi’s hand pulling her in.  Arnav followed still fixing his gaze on Khushi.  She blushed.  Nani looked relieved.  

“Aao bitiya.. Aarti Shuru  Honay wali hain..!” She said pleasantly.  Khushi came in touched her feet.

“You look beautiful.. Like a princess!” she said fondly and Khushi involuntarily glanced at Arnav.  

“Chamkili.. why are you late? It was so difficult to drape this saree... Di helped me!” Lavanya held her hand.  She smiled sheepishly.  “Woh... auto milanay main der  ho gai! I couldn’t get the auto in time..!” she said guiltily.  Arnav stood behind her.  She sensed his presence and fidgeted nervously.  Nani took the Aarti and Khushi moved ahead towards Nani.  Lavanya and ASR followed.  His gaze was making her nervous, his closeness send waves of shiver through her spine.  She slowly moved backward and went behind Lavanya.  He glared at  her angrily.  

“Khushi bitiya... Prashad do!” Nani ordered and Khushi took the plate of Prashad.  She gave it to everyone under his watchful gaze and held one for him.  He ignored her.  “Prashad.. “ she whispered still holding it out for him.  He turned his back on her, knowing her reaction.  She followed him.

“Please?” she pleaded and he took it from her.  Their fingers brushed and Khushi blushed with her cheeks growing red.  He smirked and Khushi turned her back on him hoping no one noticed.  He turned to go back to his room.

“Aray wah.. pretty saree... !” Anjali complemented Khushi.  Khushi looked at her confused.  “Your gift..!” she said looking at herself in the saree.

“What? This one?” Anjali was now confused.  “Yeah..! That day you gave me the diwali gift.  Jiji altered the blouse for me..!” Khushi said revolving around herself.

“Haiyen? This? Hello hi bye bye..! Your sister changed the color of the saree?” Spat Mami and Khushi turned thoroughly confused.

“You didn’t gift me this?” she asked Anjali and she shook her head.

“But you gave me that bag with my name on it.  This was in that bag...!” Khushi looked lost. 

“Lemon yellow ka Red Hui gawa..! Hello hi bye bye..!” Mami declared.  Anjali looked confused.  “Its ok Khushi..!” she said still looking lost.  Khushi didn’t understand anything.  This was the gift given by Raizadas and she wore it.  She looked at Lavanya.

“Actually, Chamakili.. Di had bought.. I mean Jijaji had bought a lemon yellow saree for you and we had gifted you that..!” Lavanya clarified.  “Bu.. but this is not lemon yellow.. this is red..!” Khushi again looked at herself stupidly.

“whose saree is this then?” she asked loudly looking at everyone.  Anjali shrugged.  

“How did it change color? Sorcery?” Khushi winced in fright.  Anjali grinned.  “Khushi.. this is a different saree.  The design is also different.  It had pearls on the border.. this one had miniature peacocks on the border... Everything is different.  This is different saree..!” Anjali said looking at her.

“And I am wearing someone else’s saree..!” she asked bewildered.  “Yes!” Anjali said nodding. 

“And you all do not know from where it came?” she asked again.  “No..! we do not know!” Anjali again nodded.

“And you had not bought this for me?” Khushi questioned.  “No!” Anjali said now grinning looking at Khushi’s ghostly face.  

“And this is red saree?” Khushi looked at herself touching her saree and feeling the color.

“Yes” Anjali again nodded.

“And that was lemon yellow..?” Khushi’s questions never stopped.

“Yes!” now Anjali said giggling.  Khushi’s mouth fell open.  Her questions exhausted, she sat on the nearby chair still looking lost.

“Where is that lemon yellow saree?” she asked.  “I gave it to you!” came the answer from Anjali.  Khushi’s mouth fell open again.  “Hey  Bhagawaaan! Oh God!” Khushi clutched her head stopping it from spinning uncontrollably.  Anjali giggled.

“Its ok, Khushi! Forget it! This is prettier... you look so beautiful in this... Its a better choice..!” Anjali consoled her.  

“You mean.. it got exchanged? With whom?” Khushi still was not ready to accept.

“I don’t know Khushi.  We had bought a different saree.. everybody has seen it.  I packed it.. put it in the bag with your name tag... that bag i gave it to you..! I don’t know .. but it got changed magically!” Anjali giggled.  Khushi looked with gaping mouth.  

“And the jewellery?” she asked touching her necklace and earrings.  “No.. this is not the one we bought..!  Forget it, Khushi and enjoy..!You have a better gift!!” Anjali pulled her.  Someone was watching the drama from the top of the stairs.  He turned, “Huf.. Lemon yellow!” blurting disdainfully and going into his room smugly.

Opposite Poles..Part 119

Part 119

“Sir, are you not comfortable with the AR group collaboration? Let’s drop it!” Shondeep sensed the worry on Balwindar Singh’s face.  He shook his head.

“Shondeep, look at the exponential growth of this Group in a short span of time..! There are two possibilities.  One, either this Arnav Singh Raizada, has a tremendous business acumen Or number two is he has achieved this through illegal, illicit, corrupt means..!”  Balwindar Singh said gravely.  Shondeep looked at him.

“I took ten years to achieve the mark of turnover of 100 crores.  And this AR group is 250 crores in six years.  I am surprised, Shondeep! I want to meet this Arnav Singh Raizada... but only after knowing his secret of success! I should probe deeper!” said Balwindar Singh.

“In first case, I don’t want to lose  the opportunity of working with such a business prudent person.  And in second case, I don’t want to have any business relation with him, if he has done it in corrupt way..!” he clarified further.

“That’s why I had sent Tushar.  He is a better judge of persons and the finances...!” Balwindar Singh looked at Shondeep piercingly.  “Shondeep, you should learn to see beyond the mask a person is wearing...! You should be able to see his true face.  Then only you will know his true value!” Balwindar Singh said.  Shondeep nodded.  “I am better where i am, Sir! I can’t do that.  I judge everything by its face value!” said Shondeep smiling.  Balwindar Singh got up.

“But I have seen you through and know your true value, Shondeep!” he said going out of the conference room.  Shondeep smiled and got up too!

***********  *********  **********

“jiji,  Dekho Naa! Kitana Sundar Hain!” Khushi showed the beautifully wrapped Diwali gift Anjali had given her.  She was showing it to her Jiji for the third time since yesterday, without opening the wrapper.  She had fallen in love with the wrap itself. 

“Aray, first open the wrapper! Let me see your gift!” Payal slapped lightly on Khushi’s head. 

“Jiji, It’s wrapped so beautifully, it must be good!” Khushi defended her stupidity.  “Anjali ji said.. I should wear it on Diwali day..!” Khushi said dreamily running her fingers on the wrapped packed. 

“Give that to me.  I will open it neatly not disturbing your beautiful satin flowers on the wrapper!” Payal took the packet and neatly opened it.  She  took out the saree and jewellery box.  They both looked at it mesmerized. 

“Kitana Sundar Hai! How beautiful!!” Khushi hugged her Jiji.  “Khushi, I will make alterations if required.. wear it and let me see..!” Payal took out the blouse to see its fitting!” 

“Khushi ji!” Sham was at the door.  Khushi stuffed the gifts in the bad and kept it aside hurriedly.  She picked up the broom and duster lying at the corner to clean her room.

“What is it Shamji? Where were you all these days? I was waiting for you! Where did you disappear when Naniji had come, the other day? I am sure some urgent work must have cropped up! ” Khushi got up winking at Payal and Payal went out grinning.  Sham didn’t come in.  Khushi smirked.  

“Acchaa  tell me Sham ji! What are your Diwali plans?  You know what? I am invited to Riazada house on Diwali..!” she said loudly, so that Buwaji can hear her.  Sham clenched his fists.

“I won’t like you going there!” he said little sternly.

“Why? Do you know these Raizadas?” Khushi asked thrusting her hands on her hips.

“No! But the way they throw insults and the way they humiliate you, I don’t want you to go there ever again!” He almost ordered.

“How do you know? Who told you Shamji?” Khushi narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“No.. I mean.. every time you look upset when you come home from Raizada house!” Sham came forward to hold her hand.  She raised the broom in her hand and then grinning “Sorry!” said sheepishly continuing dusting her room.  Sham stood at the door gazing at Khushi.

“Hatiye, Shamji..! Out of my way, Sham ji... else I will broom you out... !” Khushi giggled.  Sham took a step back.

“Shut up, Khushi!” Buwaji said sternly.  “He is going to be your husband...!” Buwaji pulled her ear.  She screamed.. “Buwaji, it hurts..!” 

“So does it for me, Khushi!” Sham thought clenching his fists.  “Buwaji, did you go to Pandit ji?” Sham asked.  And Buwaji straightened herself up remembering Pandit ji’s words! She looked at Khushi gravely and turned her face.  

“Khushi, I want to talk to you!” she said going out of Khushi’s room.  “You are talking to me, Buwaji!” Khushi giggled.   Sham followed Buwaji.  Buwaji was wise enough not to open the topic in his presence.

“I should tell her the truth that she should go away from our lives ...!” She thought resolutely.  Khushi went into the kitchen to fill the containers with Mithai orders.  Within fifteen minutes she was ready to deliver the containers and was running out of the house.  

“Bye Jiji.. I am going...!” her voice trailed as she kick started her scooter.  Sham stood at the main door watching her ride away and came back to Buwaji.  They had a long chat about further plans after Diwali.

“I will take you to my new flat in the evening..!” Sham said slyly and Buwaji nodded happily.  “I wish to stay there after marriage.. I am furnishing it!” said Sham proudly.  

***********   ********   ******

“Aray, Wah! Kitna Sundar...!! You already have started decorating the house?” Khushi exclaimed and the passing by Ram Prakash smiled broadly.

“Haan... Abhi Kuch Din Hain... Ab  Toh  Shuruaat  Hui  Hain..!” he said walking with her.  She looked around.  “Kitanaa Sundar  Lag  Rahaa Hain, Yeh  Sub..!” She looked around at the changed house.  The mural on the wall had changed... the Lapm shades were replaced with newer ones, Carpets were changed... the cushions were new... The entire house looked so different and beautiful.  She gaped dreamily.  She touched the fairly lights handing and suddenly remembering something.. ran out of the house.  She picked  up a big box from the foot rest of her scooter.  “I forgot... I had told Anjali ji that I will be bringing them...Silly me! Left it on the scooter...  ! She had bent down with the weight of the box...!

“Khushi... !” came a call and she dropped the box in fright losing her balance.

“Careful!” he screamed.  “Chillana  Jaruri  Tha  Kya! This is all because of your yelling..!” she accused looking up at him angrily.

“Ram Prakash..!” he called out.  Ram Prakash came running.  “Take this in.. and ask her where to keep!” he waved at her and went away.  

“This man gets sadistic pleasure in frightening me!” she muttered furiously and went inside.

“Anjali ji... dekhiye naa? Humnay  Diye  Banaye.. see, We have decorated the lamps..!” She opened the box and everybody gathered to see the lamps.  

“Jiji did coloring and I decorated them..!” Khushi said proudly and Nani smiled.

“Hello hi bye bye... have you closed the other methai business??” Mami asked contemptuously.

“No Mami ji... this is seasonal business.. side business!” Khushi said smiling and Nani smiled too.

“Yes Khushi Bitiya.. they are beautiful.  Anjali Bitiya.. I thing we should decorate these at Pool Side!” Suggested Nani glancing at Arnav’s room.  

“Yeah.. Nani.. they would look beautiful..!” Anjali said excitedly.  The lamps were so beautiful.. even Mami couldn’t resist.

“Phati sadi... These four... keep them in my room! Hello hi bye bye..!” Mami said and went away.  Nani grinned.  “This is the biggest appreciation, Khushi bitiya.. Mami liked them..!” Nani said loudly.  Khushi smiled shyly.

“Which ones should i keep in his room?” she thought looking up at his room.  “Hum... I know he wouldn’t light the lamps in his room... Andher  Nagari  Ka  Raaja! King of Darkdom!” she grinned to herself.  “You will see, Mr. Darkzada.... I have something for you!” she thought putting her hand on her bag.  

“Di.. I am going out!” came a grim voice and Khushi turned around to look at him.  “All black..!” she flared up her nose thinking.  “He doesn’t know, there are other colours in this world..!” she thought turning her face.  

“Aray, Chote... look at the lamps... Payal and Khushi made them...!” Anjali called him back.

“Aray wah.. so beautiful...!” before he could say anything, Aakash had picked up one and was praising.  ASR raised his eyebrows.  Khushi looked away smiling.  Aakash had picked up some and said  “I will take these to my room!” 

“I will get the new ones for you Aakash...sir! Jiji has selected some new designs of diyas..!” she said stealing a glance at ASR’s reaction.  He turned to leave without a comment.  Khushi frowned.

“Aray.. we get beautiful designs in the market... I was thinking of buying some for us!” Lavanya poked her nose.  Nani looked at her disdainfully.  “Khushi bitiya... these are beautiful... !” she said and “Yeah Nani! They are really beautiful..!” Lavanya agreed.  Khushi smiled.

“Chaliye.. Lavanya ji.. I will tell you the stories behind Diwali festival and then we will start Diwali preparations.  They both went away.  

***********   *********

“What are you doing in my room?” he asked and Khushi jumped in fright.  She turned around to look at his angry face.

“Why did you come early?” she retorted and he grabbed her.  “You are an intruder.. this is my room..!” he gripped her shoulders

“No.. I mean... pool ..si..de..!” her voice trailed as he took steps forward pushing her to the wall.  She hid something behind and he blew his head off in anger.

“What were you trying to do?” he pinned her to the wall.  “No...!” she tried to justify.  He tried to pull her hand but she hid it behind with all her might.

“What is it?” he asked gritting his teeth.  “L...Lamps..” she stuttered.

“I don’t light lamps in my room!” he said leaving her.  “No.. Pool Side!” she said and he turned to look at the pool side.  The fairy lights were illuminated and the reflection in the water was magnificently highlighted by the floating lamps in the water.   He looked lost.  Khushi was already out of his room. 

“Lavanya ji... I have hidden them in his room.  You light them in the night, ok?” she said in a whisper.  Lavanya nodded.  Khushi had kept the lamps in his room and asked Lavanya to light them in the night and impress ASR.  

“Nani ji.. I should be going now!” she said looking at the time.  She hurriedly went out of the house. 

“Hey Devi Mayya.. what is this? How do I go home now?” she asked her devi mayya, sulkily wiping off the sweat from her forehead.  Her scooter had refused to start.  She  was completely exhausted kicking it for last fifteen minutes. 

“I better hire an auto and go.  Its getting late.”  She kept the scooter aside on stand.  “I better tell Nani and go.  Otherwise this Monster will throw it out!” she thought entering the house.

“Why did you come again?” he asked her and she retorted “Aap Say Matlab? Its none of your business..!” she tried to walk around him to reach nani’s room.  He clenched his fists. 

“Nani ji.. woh.. It broke down.  I will bring Happy ji tomorrow and take it.  Is it ok, if I  keep the scooter here?” she glanced at him for approval. 

“Aray, No problem Khushi bitiya... but don’t go alone.  Chote, drop her home!” ordered Nani and Khushi winced in fright.

“No!” she said and he looked at her angrily.  “Yes Nani!” he said looking at her threateningly.  She walked behind him praying her Devi Mayya.  

Opposite Poles..Part 118

Part 118

“See! Nani... All the shopping done for Diwali..!” Anjali was excited.  “You know? He spent two days with me shopping for the festival..!” Anjali rested her head on Sham’s shoulder.  He patted on her head.  “We do this every year, Raani Sahebaa!” he said sweetly.  Everyone nodded.

“Hello hi bye bye.. let me see what you you have bought ...!” Mami started opening the shopping bags.  “Wait Mami.. we will have to put the labels ...!” Anjali came to her help and they got engrossed in showing the purchases. 

“Lavanya, this is for you! The daughter in law of this House!” Anjali pulled out an expensive saree with matching jewellery. 

“Really? This is so pretty! ASR, look!” she took the packets to ASR.  He nodded with a line of smile.  Mami had got jewellery of her choice.  Aakash and Nani were happy with whatever was bought for them. 

“Umm... Di.. can I exchange this for a diamond ring?” asked Lavanya looking at the ruby ring in the set of neckless, bangles and earrings..!  Arnav looked up.  

“Umm.. yes Lavanya ji.. but why exchange? Chote will gift you..! Isn’t it Chote?” Anjali teased her little brother.

“Yeah! ASR, we will go and buy the ring, i had seen it in the Mall!” Lavanya said dreaminly.

“You go and buy it, Lavanya! I will pay for it!” he said sipping his tea.  

“You know? Its all his choice.  I mean he selected all the items so meticulously for everyone remembering everyone’s liking.  She admired and adored her husband of being the best husband in the world.

“And what did he buy for himself?” asked Nani fondly.  “Nothing..!” he said smiling.  “I have the best family in this world.. why would I  need anything else?” he said overwhelmed with the love of Raizadas.

“That’s not fair! Jijaji, you have to buy something for you..!” Aakash said looking at his big brother.

“No... wait! We will buy something for  you! It will be a surprise!” Aakash said again looking at Arnav for his approval.  He nodded.

“What is this?” Mami picked up the last bag.  “Yeh? This is for Khushi!” Anjali said loudly and Arnav glanced at the packet.

“Khushi? Why? Hello hi bye bye? Anjali why did you buy for her?” Mami asked disgusted. 

“Aray Mami... She has done so much for us! I just felt like giving her something in return” she opened the packet.  It was a lamon yello saree with pearl work and red and yellow stone studded matching jewellery.  

“You know, he selected!” she raised the packet and looked at her husband fondly.  He smiled slyly. 

“Haain? He selected? When did he meet her? Hello hi bye bye? Kahi bahar milay ho kaa   Damaadji?” Mami was bang on.  Sham looked nervous.  But Anjali said smiling..

“I was there naa Mami! I told him a lot about Khushi and he said, this would suit her!” she said looking at everyone for approval.  Arnav paid no attention to the discussion. 

“I have to start the new project after Diwali.  I must be prepared this time to keep the cost under control!” he thought seriously getting up to go.

“Wait, Chote! This is for you!” she picked up another packet kept aside.  “Ok!” he said not bothering to open it. 

“Don’t you want to see?” she asked sulkily.

“No! If its not of my choice, I won’t wear it!” he said curtly.  “What? Chote..!” Anjali puffed out her cheeks morose with her little brother.  Arnav had moved away.

“Atleast have a look at it!” she opened a box of gold bracelet and cufflinks! He glanced at it.  “I don’t wear that thing! But cufflinks ... ok!” he approved cufflinks and went away.

“Yeh chote  bhi  naa...!” Anjali shook her head hopelessly.  “I am going out, Di! Will be back in couple of hours!” he said and went out picking up his car keys.

*********    *********    ********

Khushi came home completely exhausted with the day’s work.  She had more orders for Diwali and Payal too was busy with the work.  The tuitions were doubled as the unit tests were nearing.  Khushi and Payal were working round the clock.  

“Hi ray NandKishore..! Yeh  Sanaka Devi.. can’t keep the things tidy!” Buwaji yelled picking up her bag.  “I will, Buwaji!” let me finish my tea first!” Khushi yelled back.  

“Don’t know! Whom to believe..!” Buwaji banged her forehead with her fist and sat on the chair completely lost.  She had been to Panditji  for horoscope matching and the facts revealed by Panditji were exactly matching with Khushi’s past.  Then he had revealed Khushi’s future.

“Her destiny shows a lot of endurance for this girl.   Bharay  Puray  Ghar Main Iski  Shadi  Mat  Kijiye! Don’t wed her in a joint family... she is a bad omen...!” Panditji had said.  Buwaji came back lost in thoughts.  

“He is right.  She is a bad omen.  Shashi Babua is ill because of her..! All our property is gone because of her.  She is the reason for her parents’ death” Buwaji had confirmation of the fortune telling by Panditji.  “I should send her as soon as possible from this house... She should marry Sham Babua!” she concluded and was ready to do anything to put her plan into action.

“Let this Diwali be over.  I will see to it that she gets married to Sham... by hook or crook! Sham Babua will take her away... Our bad days will be over..!” she thought resolutely.

**********   ********   ***********

“Anjali bitiya.. what happened? Did you ask him?” Nani said seriously.  Arnav had gone out without even having his breakfast.  

“Umm  Nani.. actually, Sham ji made a passing remark about umm... Sheeshmahal..last night!” Anjali revealed. 

“What? Why?” Nani asked shocked.  “He knows... Chote gets upset whenever we talk about these things.. then why did Damaadji speak about Sheeshmahal..?” Nani was upset too.

“Umm Nani, there is a rumour that they will be converting it to a five star hotel!” Anjali said gravely.  Nani shook her head hopelessly.  

“He is upset, Anjali bitiya... he has hurt himself physically... have you seen his room?” Nani asked Anjali.  Anjali nodded.

“I have asked Ram Prakash to clean it!” she said with tears in her eyes. 

“I don’t know, when he is going to come out of his past..! He should stop this...! He should stop hurting himself...” Nani was in tears too.

“There should be someone in his life who would take away his anguish..!” she said gravely.  Anjali nodded.

“Lavanya ji is there now.  I am sure Nani, he will soon come out of it!” Anjali said with optimism.

“Humm.. Lavanya... She didn’t even notice that he was upset and has hurt his wrist..! She was busy with her party plans asking him come along with her!” Nani said disdainfully.  Anjali had no explanation.  She too had noticed that Lavanya was oblivious to Arnav’s anguish.

“Is she looking at him, as a source of income?” Nani asked narrowing her eyes.  “No Nani.. She... I think she needs time to understand him...! She doesn’t know what he has gone through!” Anjali defended her Chote’s choice.

“Humm...!” Nani sighed getting up.  “Does she really love him?” she asked going to her room and Anjali sat there lost in her Chote’s thoughts.  

“What if I had not opened his room in time? What was he up to? Killing himself.. No! .. He was frustrated... frustrated that he couldn’t do anything at that time.. when our house.. our sheeshmahal was snatched away from us... when Mamma .. shot...!” she sobbed.  

“No.. I have left all these behind.  I don’t want to remember anything... I am happy in this life... I should help him come out of the past... I will! I will bring him out of this..!” she got up resolutely.

***********   ********  **********

“Anjali ji.. Amma has sent these for you!” Khushi kept the packets on the table.  Anjali smiled faintly. 
“Thank you!” she said.  Khushi looked around.  She saw Nani ji coming down.  She got up.

“Aray Nani ji..!” she smiled broadly.  Nani reciprocated.  “Chamakili...come I will show you my shopping list!” Lavanya called her out.  Khushi looked at Anjali and Nani’s face and said

“Yeah Lavanya ji.. I will come..! Let me make tea for us..!” she went into the kitchen.  “Both of them look upset! Why?” she had no answer.

“The reason may be anything... I should bring smile on their faces!” she said smiling herself. 

“Di..!” she turned around with a jerk to find him at the kitchen door.

“Where is Di?” he asked. 

“Sh... she was at the table..!” Khushi answered looking at his face.  He turned and went out.

“What happened? He is upset too! And why there is a bandage on his wrist?” She was puzzled.

“Arnav ji, what happened?” she wanted to ask holding his injured hand.  “Humm..!” she sighed. “If I do that, he will break my wrist..!” she winced and came out with the tray and tea cosy.  She saw only Nani sitting there.  “Where is everybody?” she asked bewildered.

“Manorama has gone for shopping with her husband..! Anjali and Chote...!” she pointed at Anjali’s room.  “Should I..?” she asked Nani and she nodded.

“Anjali ji?” Khushi called out knocking the door.  “Yes Khushi, coming!” she said coming out holding her brother’s hand.  She looked at both of them and turning her back on them came down.  He started walking towards his room.  

“Chote..! Atleast have tea with us! Please?” Anjali pleaded with moist eyes.  He turned and came back. 

Khushi went to Lavanya’s room.   “Lavanya ji? Tea” she called out.  “Chamakili I am getting ready.  Send a glass of juice for me!” she ordered from her room and Khushi came back. She placed the snacks plates on the table and started pouring the tea in the cups.  The silence was killing.  

“You know Nani ji? We have started making stuff for new borns’ also! Amma makes fabulous quilts... !” she said brightly looking around at the grim faces.  Nani nodded smiling. 

“Anjali bitiya..now its hi time, you  start seriously thinking about starting  a family..!” Nani said and Anjali blushed.  Arnav looked at his sister’s blushed face.  That hint was enough for Khushi.  She sat by her side, away from Nani and Arnav!

“Yeah, Anjali ji.. You should... but you know... there is a small thing you should take care of!” she said loudly.  Both Anjali and Nani raised their eyebrows.  “And what is that?” Asked Anjali...

“Ummm... wait a minute...!” she rummaged in her bag and took out a guava.  “Umm I need munching while thinking..!” she said seriously and Anjali giggled.  Arnav looked away hopelessly.

“Pagal!” he blurted.  She chomped to his irritation.  He gazed at her guava and she clutched her bag.  He could see few more in her bulging bag.  He looked away. 

“You know what? You have to be careful from some influences..!” she whispered in her ears.

“Why?” she asked.  “What is going on?” Nani asked rolling her eyes.  “Secret talk, Naniji.. no one should know!” she glanced at Arnav.  “Now what is she up to?” he thought flashing an angry look. 

“If you get a baby boy... and if he picks up his uncle’s traits... Imagine what will happen?” Khushi clutched her head as if stopping it from spinning.  Anjali giggled.  Nani got up from the place and sat next to Anjali to join the fun.

“Shut up!” he yelled angrily.  “Wait chote! Let me hear..!” Nani said equally loudly.  “Have some more tea!” she poured another cup of tea for him.  He sat there frustrated trying to hear what the fun was with an expressionless face.  

“You know what,  When the baby will be born.. he will not cry... he will say ‘what the..!” Khushi said giggling.  “Who brought me out? I was in a conference with myself inside, Damn it!’  she completed and Anjali and Nani burst out in laughter.

“Yeah.. and then he will say.. send my milk to my room! I am busy!” mimicked Anjali puffing her cheeks.  Arnav looked at the trio angrily.  

“Yeah and you will have another wardrobe full of black color..!” Khushi added to the giggles.  “Yeah and a white here and there for a change!” Khushi looked at his all black attire. 

“And then when a nanny like me will come to play with him... !” Khushi stopped abruptly looking at his furious face.  He had got up clenching his fists.

“Stop it!” he yelled and Khushi winced in fright.  “Haan I forgot! He will say Stop it! I don’t play with girls..! Where is my laptop?” she added and he looked away hiding his smile. He turned to move.

“Sit down Chote.. there is lot more to come! Have something...!” Nani pulled his legs, pulling his hand, making him sit on the chair again! 

“Umm  This? Amarood?” Khushi took out a guava from her bag and held it out for him! He glared at her turning his face.  She placed it on the table looking at him..

“What rubbish!” he gritted his teeth.  “Haan.. this one! Another one..What rubbish!” Anjali giggled.

“What if she delivers a baby girl?” asked Nani and Arnav looked at Khushi.  

“Oh! That will be great! She will be like Anjali ji! Sweet, Kind, beautiful, like a Barbie dall! Hamari  Gudia  Raani!” Khushi said dreamily staring unfocused imagining a baby on Anjali’s laps.  Arnav gaped at her.  “Pagal!” his lip curled up in a smile and Nani wiped her eyes looking at her grandson’s face.  Anjali too was dreamy imagining a baby.  Arnav walked away picking up the guava from the table, with a smile, the anguish was replaced with a dream of his Di having a baby!! “If Di is happy, that’s all for me!” he thought digging his teeth in ripe Amarood! 

The bad omen named Khushi was spreading Khushi- joy and happiness everywhere!!

“I am not wrong! She is the only one for you! Chote, when will you realize?” Nani turned her face to hide her tears.