Khushi paced nervously in the corridor outside the staging room. She emptied the dressing room, for Mike as he needed it now that she was done. The girls had changed their clothes and left them with Khushi, before they went back home, as their work was done and they didn't see the point in crowding the area for the next two hours and making Khushi more nervous, thus left saying they would come back after four to hear who got the job. It was nearly four now, Mike was in there giving his presentation and then it would be done; then Mihraj would call them all. The butterflies were attacking her abdominal area now. It had been easier before going on stage, for the thought of standing up against Arnav Singh Raizada had fuelled her. However, now that very thought made her queasy, as it was he who would decide whether she got selected or not. Ugh...she hated the wait. How much longer now?
A hand squeezed her shoulder causing her to jump up, she highly doubted Ishiqa or one of the girls in her herd, who were measuring the length of the corridor with her, were suddenly feeling cordial towards her. She was right, it was Rubina. She didn't say anything, only gave her a warm smile conveying to her that she was with her and not to worry as everything would work out. Khushi managed to nod back. They stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity, until, one of the men from the camera crew opened the door, did a double take seeing all nine contestants plus Rubina in the hall and then motioned for them to come in as they were ready for them.
'Ok all here. Good.' Checked Mihraj. 'Now without further ado I will call NK to tell us which two LaANK has decided to select.' Khushi could hear the excitement in his voice, as well as the tension in all of their breaths.
'Ok, nervous you lot,' NK said in his sweet Australian accent, 'well don't blame you. Now before I reveal who we have decided to go with I just want to thank you all for participating and for exhibiting such extravagant designs for us this afternoon, really they were all remarkable and unique in their own way, however, we can't take you all as much as we want sooo...from the four designers who displayed male wardrobe we have chosen, Mike...congratulations Mike, excellent mix of East and West in your line, you already have me as your fan and I'm sure once it hits the ramps and then our outlets it will be a huge success too.' Commended NK cheerfully, 'and I'd like to thank Sooraj, Anupriya and Mishti for the other three male wardrobes you showed, they were splendid too but sorry had to chose one.
'Ok now coming to the six that designed a collection for our female market, what vibrant colours and designs you all showcased, it was a pleasure to look at, really,' NK beamed on all of them, and Khushi felt her heart getting stuck in her throat, who were they going to choose, 'it was a hard decision, but one we had to make and I would like to congratulate Khushi on charming our hats' off with her designs, outstanding exhibition put on by you Ms Gupta, simply spectacular!!' NK bounced towards her, happiness dripping from his face, but Khushi was frozen she couldn't believe it that she had been selected, the most inexperienced out of the lot and she was going to sign the deal. 'Uh...Khushi?' NK's cautious voice finally unhinged her.
'Hunh...yes?' her voice was hoarse from the surprise.
'Congratulations...'NK repeated, still with a hint of caution.
'You seriously mean me?' She asked not believing.
'Uh...yeah.' NK replied amusement and concern playing on his face.
'EEE!!!' she yelped and ignoring the outstretched hand of NK, she leapt into his arms, unable to contain her happiness. After the initial shock of finding her petite frame in his embrace, he laughed and hugged her back. When NK's hand's spread over her bare back, as the blouse of her sari was backless (she had not changed out of it yet), the contact made her redden with embarrassment at what she had done. Awkwardly she maneuvered herself out of his embrace and mumbled a mortified apology, but NK as always, lightened the moment with one of his remarks.
'I see you are a hugger too Khushi, so am I. I hug people all the time, morning, day and night.' He smiled. 'Just ask my friend Nannav here...' he said gesturing towards Arnav who had quietly made his way to the stage at some point when Khushi had been enveloped in NK's arms. He didn't look too pleased about the hug and Khushi went pink, realizing how he had witnessed her discretion, for some reason it mattered that he had.
'Welcome to LaANK Ms Gupta.' He said coldly. Then without another word or her response, he turned and stalked off, leaving her to make what she could about his behavior. She didn't understand the cold behaviour and wanted to question it, but seeing as the only one who could answer had walked away so curtly she didn't see the point in asking. Besides had she not already learned today to not expect anything but rudeness from that man; she had learned the hard way to trust men like him, for they only knew how to give pain nothing else and pain was one thing she had in abundance in her life, she did not need to go asking for more. Better they did not try to let bygones be bygones and become friends just because they would be colleagues now. Coming to this conclusion she excused herself from NK and made her way to Rubina and her daughters to celebrate their success.
'Khushi you did it!! Yay!' Squealed Mehreen as soon as Khushi reached them and before she could say anything in response, all five of the daughters and Rubina had engulfed her in a bear hug.
'Ok Jalebi's on the house...come on girls let's take it into the cafeteria and celebrate it in Lucknow style!!' chirped Rubina as she broke out from the hug and led them all to the dining area to celebrate Khushi's win properly. Mike, Abaan and NK joined them there too, to rejoice in the festivities as did many of the other LaANK employees, all introducing themselves to the new designers. Some of the girls from the programme looked as though they wished to join, but refrained themselves, seeing the look on Ishiqa's face regarding Khushi and Mike with distaste and hidden jealousy. For some reason being in her good books still mattered and so they left after they had packed away their things. Abaan soon left too and after him the party started breaking up leaving Khushi and Rubina to tidy up an hour and a half later.
'It's ok Khushi, leave it, I will do it, you have your sketches and mock-ups to put away too and need to change out of the dress, as gorgeous as you look in it I doubt LaANK would be happy if you walked away with their favourite design.' She laughed.
'Favourite? You really think so?' Khushi asked, as she admired the replica of her mother's sari.
'Think? Oh I know sweetie. When you walked out on that platform I saw the look on all of the judges' faces, being behind the curtain, it was a clear view, and they were blown away, you could tell by the awestruck expressions. But that was nothing, the other judges showed admiration with all your designs, what told me that this one was the one that blew their minds was the fact that ASR himself showed expression when he saw it. I mean his jaw actually dropped and no, I'm not kidding, I saw it drop, along with his phone that was in his hand.' She recounted proudly.
'Really?' Khushi echoed in astonishment. Arnav Singh Raizada himself had been unable to disguise his thoughts, now that was truly something. She wished she could have seen his reaction too, but the camera lights were in her face thereby putting anything or anyone behind it in the dark for her. She had only managed to see him when she had turned to head back. She had seen something in his eyes then, but having been caught off guard had been scared by the very sight of him to decipher what it was. Had that been appreciation in his eyes?
'Khushi...Khushi? What are you doing, the coke is going to spill all over the place, beta.' Rubina's cry jerked her out of her thoughts.
'Hunh...what? Oh, sorry, just got lost in my thoughts. Here let me help clear this.' She said, as she moved to stack the plates.
'No it's ok, I have got them, you go too now. You have a lot to do before you leave. It's ok Khushi this is my daily work, I will complete it don't worry about it, go, change and set your desk and work for tomorrow.' She said as she nudged her towards the staging room to go and change her clothes.
By the time she got done with changing and packing away her things it was past six-thirty. She made her way through the office and it felt like a ghost-town, as everybody left at six. Even though it wasn't late it still felt like it was and so she picked up her pace and went out into the parking lot. As soon as she opened the entrance door her heart gave a jump, it was raining. Crap. She loved the rain, but right now was not the time or place she had wanted to get stuck in the rain. If she was back home in Lucknow she would have been on the terrace dancing in it but as she was in the heart of Delhi, outside her work place at seven o'clock in the evening and pregnant she didn't think it a suitable thing to do. She walked out on the porch and stayed at the edge of it, to keep herself sheltered from the rain. She took out her phone and called Payal.
'Jiji...is Jeeja ji home?'
'Yes Khushi, where are you? I was just about to call. You should have been home by now.' Came Payal's worried voice.
'Yeah I know Jiji, I got kept back at work, just got out and saw that it was raining, if it's not a problem do you think Jeeja ji would be willing to pick me up. I don't want to stand in the rain and wait for a taxi...'
'Of course not, keep out of it Khushi, it's not good for you right now. And stay put I will send him straight away.' With that Khushi heard her call for Aakash as she cut the line.
'Ok Khushi Kumari Gupta, transport issue is solved but what will you do for the next twenty minutes until Jeeja ji gets here...hmmm should I go back inside...No...it's too eeri in there...' she thought aloud. Thinking of what to do her eyes landed on the bag next to her knee, 'Maheen's sandals...I know while I wait for Jeej, I can drop these at her place and can probably wait there while Jeeja ji gets here, out of the rain.' New goal in mind she picked up the bag with the sandals and jumped down from the porch into the rain. As the rain drops hit her, she couldn't help but stop and take a few twirls in the first rain of the season. Old habits died hard...she thought as a joyous smile lightened up her face. She loved the rain...when she had her baby she would play with him or her in the rain too...baby...oh crap, Khushi get out of the rain!!! Picking up her satchel to place it over her head as a cover and holding the sandal bag in her other hand she began to stride across the lot towards the road to cross it.
She had just taken a step on to the road to cross it, when bright lights blinded her and a horn filled her ears. A car was rushing towards her and she was frozen to the spot, as if all the water that had soaked her had suddenly turned to ice, causing her to become an ice-sculpture in the middle of the road. She was transported back to the Autumn night in Lucknow, her destination in viewing sight yet she was unable to reach it. She heard an ear splitting shout of 'KHUSHI!!!' that blocked all other sounds out. Her mothers'. Milliseconds later an iron fist gripped her upper arm and yanked her out of the oncoming car's way.
She was in her mothers' safe cocoon. The warmth of her chest filled her. Her heartbeat, elevated, right next to Khushi's ear, soothed her. Eyes shut, she clenched the folds of her mother's clothes and let the safety fill inside of her. She did not let go until terror did not leave her. Neither did her mother, instead she wrapped her closer into her chest making sure she was safe and sound. Finally, when she opened her eyes and moved an inch away from the bodice that was still shielding her she saw that her hands were not wrapped around the folds of her mother's red sari, rather clasped a hand full of a dark brown suit. She perked her face up to find herself staring right into the rage filled eyes of her boss. Arnav Singh Raizada.
'ARE YOU INSANE KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA?!!!! DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH OR SOMETHING?!!! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR?!!!' He yelled in anger at her, while still gripping her shoulders, afraid that if he let them go she would somehow come under that car.
'It was my mother...she saved me...' was the response Khushi related, the near accident had opened up a portal into that night and she finally got an answer to her question of how she had survived. The black had lifted and she now saw how her mother, after screaming her name had pulled her into her embrace and cushioned her from the crash.
'WHAT?!!! KHUSHII!!' He shook her violently. Why was she being so incoherent, what was wrong with her? Had she gotten hurt? He looked her over, no sign of any wounds or anything. But then why... 'Khushi, are you hurt anywhere...does anything hurt?' he stared intently at her face. Slowly she looked up at him.
'Everything hurts.' She whispered, as a tear escaped her caramel eyes. If he hadn't been studying her face, he would have thought it was a rain drop. It tugged at his heart, what was wrong, why was she crying? May be she was beginning to reel from the shock of the near accident.
'Heyy...sshh its' ok...your ok Khushi. Your safe.' He tried to soothe her, awkwardly. She looked up at him, as his soft words entered her and brought her back to the reality of today, of this moment. He was being nice to her. Great. She must look a real spectacle that he was being nice. She moved out of his embrace and hugged herself, feeling very lonely all of a sudden and wanting her mum, she wanted to cry, but she couldn't do that in front of this man, thus she recoiled from his new warmth and shuddered in her own embrace. 'I...uh...I...I didn't see the car and then panicked when it was right in front of me...thanks...' she was looking at the floor the whole time she spoke, but he let it go as she was clearly shaken up. He didn't know what to say or do; he wasn't used to being in these situations, playing the hero, that wasn't him.
He looked at her quivering frame and decided to offer her his blazer. He shook it off and held it out, but she didn't notice. Was he supposed to put it on her...No way...he recoiled from that thought instantly, may be if he sort of just waved it up and down she would catch sight of it and take it, for she needed it. Yeah that seemed the way to go...oh crap! In trying to shake it in front of her he had ended up launching it right at her. She started up as it hit her face. Then yanked it off, looked at it and then him.
'Thank you, but it's wet, so it won't warm me up...' she said stretching her hand with it out towards him.
'I didn't give it so that it would warm you up, I gave it to you because you need it.' He said, his voice defensive.
'No I don't!' she retorted, defiantly.
'You're clothes beg to differ.' He stated, as he folded his arms pretentiously. She followed his gaze and instantly retracted her arms to cover her body behind his dark coat. Her white clothes had completely soaked through and one could see her bare skin underneath it. Ugh...stupid, imposing clothes, they just had to betray her at this moment didn't they. Why did she always end up looking the fool in front of him?
Peep. Peep.
She jumped at the horn sound and found herself instantly next to him. Great now even her body was betraying her, jumping to him, when she was scared. Her whole being was treacherous to her at this moment. Peeking from behind him, she found herself staring at a black Optris, wheeling in to the lot, her brother-in-law's car. Yay, Jeeja ji to the rescue. Her heart leapt at the sight of his car, leave it to Jeej to come and provide her with an escape when she desperately needed one. She came out from behind Arnav, handed him his coat and made her way towards the car, but not before he had pulled her back.
'Where do you think you are going?' He asked, anger in his eyes again. She yanked her arm back, massaging it, replied, 'in the car, where else?'
'Khushi, you don't even know the person and will sit in their car and that too like this?' He stepped forward and grasped her hand again, as he gestured towards her soaked body. She jerked her hand back again and stared at him, annoyance creeping up her spine now, why was he being so bossy?
'Uh... I do know him. He's my Jeeja ji.' She snapped at him and then turning on her heel walked away before he could stop her again.
'Everything ok Khushi?' Aakash asked once she was in the passenger seat.
'Hunh? Yeah Jeeja ji. Just all wet, can we get going, I'm completely soaked.'
'Yup. Seat-belt on.' He reminded her, as he pulled out of the lot.
A hand squeezed her shoulder causing her to jump up, she highly doubted Ishiqa or one of the girls in her herd, who were measuring the length of the corridor with her, were suddenly feeling cordial towards her. She was right, it was Rubina. She didn't say anything, only gave her a warm smile conveying to her that she was with her and not to worry as everything would work out. Khushi managed to nod back. They stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity, until, one of the men from the camera crew opened the door, did a double take seeing all nine contestants plus Rubina in the hall and then motioned for them to come in as they were ready for them.
'Ok all here. Good.' Checked Mihraj. 'Now without further ado I will call NK to tell us which two LaANK has decided to select.' Khushi could hear the excitement in his voice, as well as the tension in all of their breaths.
'Ok, nervous you lot,' NK said in his sweet Australian accent, 'well don't blame you. Now before I reveal who we have decided to go with I just want to thank you all for participating and for exhibiting such extravagant designs for us this afternoon, really they were all remarkable and unique in their own way, however, we can't take you all as much as we want sooo...from the four designers who displayed male wardrobe we have chosen, Mike...congratulations Mike, excellent mix of East and West in your line, you already have me as your fan and I'm sure once it hits the ramps and then our outlets it will be a huge success too.' Commended NK cheerfully, 'and I'd like to thank Sooraj, Anupriya and Mishti for the other three male wardrobes you showed, they were splendid too but sorry had to chose one.
'Ok now coming to the six that designed a collection for our female market, what vibrant colours and designs you all showcased, it was a pleasure to look at, really,' NK beamed on all of them, and Khushi felt her heart getting stuck in her throat, who were they going to choose, 'it was a hard decision, but one we had to make and I would like to congratulate Khushi on charming our hats' off with her designs, outstanding exhibition put on by you Ms Gupta, simply spectacular!!' NK bounced towards her, happiness dripping from his face, but Khushi was frozen she couldn't believe it that she had been selected, the most inexperienced out of the lot and she was going to sign the deal. 'Uh...Khushi?' NK's cautious voice finally unhinged her.
'Hunh...yes?' her voice was hoarse from the surprise.
'Congratulations...'NK repeated, still with a hint of caution.
'You seriously mean me?' She asked not believing.
'Uh...yeah.' NK replied amusement and concern playing on his face.
'EEE!!!' she yelped and ignoring the outstretched hand of NK, she leapt into his arms, unable to contain her happiness. After the initial shock of finding her petite frame in his embrace, he laughed and hugged her back. When NK's hand's spread over her bare back, as the blouse of her sari was backless (she had not changed out of it yet), the contact made her redden with embarrassment at what she had done. Awkwardly she maneuvered herself out of his embrace and mumbled a mortified apology, but NK as always, lightened the moment with one of his remarks.
'I see you are a hugger too Khushi, so am I. I hug people all the time, morning, day and night.' He smiled. 'Just ask my friend Nannav here...' he said gesturing towards Arnav who had quietly made his way to the stage at some point when Khushi had been enveloped in NK's arms. He didn't look too pleased about the hug and Khushi went pink, realizing how he had witnessed her discretion, for some reason it mattered that he had.
'Welcome to LaANK Ms Gupta.' He said coldly. Then without another word or her response, he turned and stalked off, leaving her to make what she could about his behavior. She didn't understand the cold behaviour and wanted to question it, but seeing as the only one who could answer had walked away so curtly she didn't see the point in asking. Besides had she not already learned today to not expect anything but rudeness from that man; she had learned the hard way to trust men like him, for they only knew how to give pain nothing else and pain was one thing she had in abundance in her life, she did not need to go asking for more. Better they did not try to let bygones be bygones and become friends just because they would be colleagues now. Coming to this conclusion she excused herself from NK and made her way to Rubina and her daughters to celebrate their success.
'Khushi you did it!! Yay!' Squealed Mehreen as soon as Khushi reached them and before she could say anything in response, all five of the daughters and Rubina had engulfed her in a bear hug.
'Ok Jalebi's on the house...come on girls let's take it into the cafeteria and celebrate it in Lucknow style!!' chirped Rubina as she broke out from the hug and led them all to the dining area to celebrate Khushi's win properly. Mike, Abaan and NK joined them there too, to rejoice in the festivities as did many of the other LaANK employees, all introducing themselves to the new designers. Some of the girls from the programme looked as though they wished to join, but refrained themselves, seeing the look on Ishiqa's face regarding Khushi and Mike with distaste and hidden jealousy. For some reason being in her good books still mattered and so they left after they had packed away their things. Abaan soon left too and after him the party started breaking up leaving Khushi and Rubina to tidy up an hour and a half later.
'It's ok Khushi, leave it, I will do it, you have your sketches and mock-ups to put away too and need to change out of the dress, as gorgeous as you look in it I doubt LaANK would be happy if you walked away with their favourite design.' She laughed.
'Favourite? You really think so?' Khushi asked, as she admired the replica of her mother's sari.
'Think? Oh I know sweetie. When you walked out on that platform I saw the look on all of the judges' faces, being behind the curtain, it was a clear view, and they were blown away, you could tell by the awestruck expressions. But that was nothing, the other judges showed admiration with all your designs, what told me that this one was the one that blew their minds was the fact that ASR himself showed expression when he saw it. I mean his jaw actually dropped and no, I'm not kidding, I saw it drop, along with his phone that was in his hand.' She recounted proudly.
'Really?' Khushi echoed in astonishment. Arnav Singh Raizada himself had been unable to disguise his thoughts, now that was truly something. She wished she could have seen his reaction too, but the camera lights were in her face thereby putting anything or anyone behind it in the dark for her. She had only managed to see him when she had turned to head back. She had seen something in his eyes then, but having been caught off guard had been scared by the very sight of him to decipher what it was. Had that been appreciation in his eyes?
'Khushi...Khushi? What are you doing, the coke is going to spill all over the place, beta.' Rubina's cry jerked her out of her thoughts.
'Hunh...what? Oh, sorry, just got lost in my thoughts. Here let me help clear this.' She said, as she moved to stack the plates.
'No it's ok, I have got them, you go too now. You have a lot to do before you leave. It's ok Khushi this is my daily work, I will complete it don't worry about it, go, change and set your desk and work for tomorrow.' She said as she nudged her towards the staging room to go and change her clothes.
By the time she got done with changing and packing away her things it was past six-thirty. She made her way through the office and it felt like a ghost-town, as everybody left at six. Even though it wasn't late it still felt like it was and so she picked up her pace and went out into the parking lot. As soon as she opened the entrance door her heart gave a jump, it was raining. Crap. She loved the rain, but right now was not the time or place she had wanted to get stuck in the rain. If she was back home in Lucknow she would have been on the terrace dancing in it but as she was in the heart of Delhi, outside her work place at seven o'clock in the evening and pregnant she didn't think it a suitable thing to do. She walked out on the porch and stayed at the edge of it, to keep herself sheltered from the rain. She took out her phone and called Payal.
'Jiji...is Jeeja ji home?'
'Yes Khushi, where are you? I was just about to call. You should have been home by now.' Came Payal's worried voice.
'Yeah I know Jiji, I got kept back at work, just got out and saw that it was raining, if it's not a problem do you think Jeeja ji would be willing to pick me up. I don't want to stand in the rain and wait for a taxi...'
'Of course not, keep out of it Khushi, it's not good for you right now. And stay put I will send him straight away.' With that Khushi heard her call for Aakash as she cut the line.
'Ok Khushi Kumari Gupta, transport issue is solved but what will you do for the next twenty minutes until Jeeja ji gets here...hmmm should I go back inside...No...it's too eeri in there...' she thought aloud. Thinking of what to do her eyes landed on the bag next to her knee, 'Maheen's sandals...I know while I wait for Jeej, I can drop these at her place and can probably wait there while Jeeja ji gets here, out of the rain.' New goal in mind she picked up the bag with the sandals and jumped down from the porch into the rain. As the rain drops hit her, she couldn't help but stop and take a few twirls in the first rain of the season. Old habits died hard...she thought as a joyous smile lightened up her face. She loved the rain...when she had her baby she would play with him or her in the rain too...baby...oh crap, Khushi get out of the rain!!! Picking up her satchel to place it over her head as a cover and holding the sandal bag in her other hand she began to stride across the lot towards the road to cross it.
She had just taken a step on to the road to cross it, when bright lights blinded her and a horn filled her ears. A car was rushing towards her and she was frozen to the spot, as if all the water that had soaked her had suddenly turned to ice, causing her to become an ice-sculpture in the middle of the road. She was transported back to the Autumn night in Lucknow, her destination in viewing sight yet she was unable to reach it. She heard an ear splitting shout of 'KHUSHI!!!' that blocked all other sounds out. Her mothers'. Milliseconds later an iron fist gripped her upper arm and yanked her out of the oncoming car's way.
She was in her mothers' safe cocoon. The warmth of her chest filled her. Her heartbeat, elevated, right next to Khushi's ear, soothed her. Eyes shut, she clenched the folds of her mother's clothes and let the safety fill inside of her. She did not let go until terror did not leave her. Neither did her mother, instead she wrapped her closer into her chest making sure she was safe and sound. Finally, when she opened her eyes and moved an inch away from the bodice that was still shielding her she saw that her hands were not wrapped around the folds of her mother's red sari, rather clasped a hand full of a dark brown suit. She perked her face up to find herself staring right into the rage filled eyes of her boss. Arnav Singh Raizada.
'ARE YOU INSANE KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA?!!!! DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH OR SOMETHING?!!! WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR?!!!' He yelled in anger at her, while still gripping her shoulders, afraid that if he let them go she would somehow come under that car.
'It was my mother...she saved me...' was the response Khushi related, the near accident had opened up a portal into that night and she finally got an answer to her question of how she had survived. The black had lifted and she now saw how her mother, after screaming her name had pulled her into her embrace and cushioned her from the crash.
'WHAT?!!! KHUSHII!!' He shook her violently. Why was she being so incoherent, what was wrong with her? Had she gotten hurt? He looked her over, no sign of any wounds or anything. But then why... 'Khushi, are you hurt anywhere...does anything hurt?' he stared intently at her face. Slowly she looked up at him.
'Everything hurts.' She whispered, as a tear escaped her caramel eyes. If he hadn't been studying her face, he would have thought it was a rain drop. It tugged at his heart, what was wrong, why was she crying? May be she was beginning to reel from the shock of the near accident.
'Heyy...sshh its' ok...your ok Khushi. Your safe.' He tried to soothe her, awkwardly. She looked up at him, as his soft words entered her and brought her back to the reality of today, of this moment. He was being nice to her. Great. She must look a real spectacle that he was being nice. She moved out of his embrace and hugged herself, feeling very lonely all of a sudden and wanting her mum, she wanted to cry, but she couldn't do that in front of this man, thus she recoiled from his new warmth and shuddered in her own embrace. 'I...uh...I...I didn't see the car and then panicked when it was right in front of me...thanks...' she was looking at the floor the whole time she spoke, but he let it go as she was clearly shaken up. He didn't know what to say or do; he wasn't used to being in these situations, playing the hero, that wasn't him.
He looked at her quivering frame and decided to offer her his blazer. He shook it off and held it out, but she didn't notice. Was he supposed to put it on her...No way...he recoiled from that thought instantly, may be if he sort of just waved it up and down she would catch sight of it and take it, for she needed it. Yeah that seemed the way to go...oh crap! In trying to shake it in front of her he had ended up launching it right at her. She started up as it hit her face. Then yanked it off, looked at it and then him.
'Thank you, but it's wet, so it won't warm me up...' she said stretching her hand with it out towards him.
'I didn't give it so that it would warm you up, I gave it to you because you need it.' He said, his voice defensive.
'No I don't!' she retorted, defiantly.
'You're clothes beg to differ.' He stated, as he folded his arms pretentiously. She followed his gaze and instantly retracted her arms to cover her body behind his dark coat. Her white clothes had completely soaked through and one could see her bare skin underneath it. Ugh...stupid, imposing clothes, they just had to betray her at this moment didn't they. Why did she always end up looking the fool in front of him?
Peep. Peep.
She jumped at the horn sound and found herself instantly next to him. Great now even her body was betraying her, jumping to him, when she was scared. Her whole being was treacherous to her at this moment. Peeking from behind him, she found herself staring at a black Optris, wheeling in to the lot, her brother-in-law's car. Yay, Jeeja ji to the rescue. Her heart leapt at the sight of his car, leave it to Jeej to come and provide her with an escape when she desperately needed one. She came out from behind Arnav, handed him his coat and made her way towards the car, but not before he had pulled her back.
'Where do you think you are going?' He asked, anger in his eyes again. She yanked her arm back, massaging it, replied, 'in the car, where else?'
'Khushi, you don't even know the person and will sit in their car and that too like this?' He stepped forward and grasped her hand again, as he gestured towards her soaked body. She jerked her hand back again and stared at him, annoyance creeping up her spine now, why was he being so bossy?
'Uh... I do know him. He's my Jeeja ji.' She snapped at him and then turning on her heel walked away before he could stop her again.
'Everything ok Khushi?' Aakash asked once she was in the passenger seat.
'Hunh? Yeah Jeeja ji. Just all wet, can we get going, I'm completely soaked.'
'Yup. Seat-belt on.' He reminded her, as he pulled out of the lot.
*****
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