'Jiji...I think it's time for me to move out.' Khushi said quietly.
Payals dropped the dishes in the sink with a clatter as she turned to face her younger sister. 'What?!! Khushi are you insane?! You are not moving out!' she hollered at her sister.
'Jiji, just here me out. I know you love me and protect me, but seriously I cannot live here forever now can I. This is your house, not mine.' Khushi stated.
'Really Khushi, I didn't think you would be one of those people who would follow the age old tradition of not staying in a daughter's house.' Payal huffed as annoyance built inside of her.
'Of course I'm not. There is nothing wrong with a girl's family member staying at her house, for a while Jiji...but after a while it does get awkward. But this is not about that Jiji, this is about how I am affecting your and Jeeja ji's life. My presence here is making it weird for you guys...no, don't deny it because it is...or what were you completely comfortable with my walking in on you two having a private moment in the lounge this morning...because I wasn't.' Payal went pink at the reminder of the kiss Khushi had witnessed earlier, before Aakash had left to his weekend tennis match. 'See, you weren't. Jiji, when Jeeja ji brought me here I'm sure he didn't think I was planning on staying here, I mean he brought me here for a change of scene and I came here thinking that it would provide us with time on coming up with the best way of breaking the news of my pregnancy to Amma, Bau ji and Bua ji, none of us thought that I would actually start working here, but now that I am it changes things. Now that I am staying in Delhi I cannot stay here any longer its' not right. And no, it's not just about the in-law thing, it's about what's right and wrong and in my opinion this I wrong, you are too sweet to think it and Jeeja ji to say it, but it doesn't change the fact that I should leave now Jiji.
'Look, I know you love me and want me in front of your eyes to make sure I'm ok, but Jiji that cannot happen, you have responsibilities and no, I'm not one of them Jiji, not any more. I stopped being one a long time ago only you chose to continue taking care of me and I let you. But we both have to stop this, your responsibility is to your husband before me. And I too have a responsibility as a sister to you, to not ruin your marriage, which I will if I stay here. Not just because of my pregnancy but also because my presence will eventually start irking you both. Jiji this is your first year, the year you are supposed to be getting to know each other and adjust with each other, not adjusting to having me with you. That's not fair on either of you, you need to have time together, alone time without me and that won't happen until I don't leave that is why I say I should move out...and I know you agree with me, I can see it, only you won't admit it because you love me too much.' Khushi smiled as she went over to Payal and took her hands into her own.
'Look just because I move away doesn't mean you won't see me, of course you will, I will be in the same city and will get a place nearby so you can drop by whenever you want. I actually saw an add of a family wanting a PG, that is not too far from hear and is also close to work. We can check it out today, if you like I can move there, or if you don't like it we can find another place. Jiji, this is the right thing to do, it is the healthy thing for all our relationships, mine, yours and Jeej's...tell me you agree with me Jiji, please.'
Payal was quiet for a while, making Khushi all nervous. She wouldn't be able to move if Payal didn't agree she didn't have it in her heart to disobey her Jiji. She looked at her anxiously hoping for her to look up and say yes. When she finally did look up, her face was unreadable. 'Khushi...if you want me to agree to this than there is something you will need to agree to too...'
'Anything Jiji...' Khushi chirped, happy that Payal was considering it.
'You will have to come with me to the gynecologist and get checked up, no, no more excuses. It's nearly a month now since you got here, which makes it two months now of your pregnancy and you still haven't gotten examined, that is not right. If you agree to go to the gynecologist with me then I will agree to go look at this place you have sought out for yourself. That's the deal, take it or leave it.'
'Its' been two months already?!!!' She looked down at her belly, 'but I haven't even bloated yet and most of my clothes still fit me, do you think there may be something wrong Jiji?' she looked up worried now.
Payal too, mirrored her look, 'I don't know Khushi, but why do you think I have been pestering you to go to the doctor's but do you listen, no, always I have this to do this Jiji, I have to do, once I get the interview, after the internship...and now look a whole two months...no more wasting time we are booking the first appointment we can get...'
'Yes Jiji. I didn't realize it that it had been two months. I mean I know I won't start showing until the end of next month but it should have swollen up a little right, I get that I can still fit in my clothes but there should be some swelling...hmm maybe because I have been working that's why...although my feet have swelled up every now and then and I am exhausted so hopefully it's nothing...all is fine...I's stressing for now reason...yeah?' she tried to assure herself. Payal wasn't convinced and neither was she, however, both chose to say nothing, as their doubts wouldn't help the situation.
When Aakash came home, Payal talked to him about Khushi's decision, telling Khushi that she thought it better if she broke it to him rather than her, as then he may not be able to say what he really felt. After a long discussion in their room, Aakash came out and knocked on the door across the hall, her room.
'So I hear my saali has a place picked out for us to look at today?' he said cheerfully.
'Yup.' She brought over a cut clipping of the newspaper over.
'An out-house hunh?' He looked through the advert, 'sounds good. Let's go and see if it is any good, shall we?' He smiled.
'Sure. Umm Jeeja ji...you aren't upset with me are you, I mean with me moving out?' She asked, not meeting his eyes.
'No Khushi. Come here,' he led her over to her bed and sat down next to her, 'Payal told me what you feared and gave me your reasons, so I understand. As much as I would like for you to stay and for none of what you said to be true, I can't deny what you said may happen and I too would hate for things to sour in any of our relationships. So if a little a distance is required to make sure our relationship stays strong then I'm willing to agree to it, but you have to promise me one thing Khushi, that no matter what time it is, if you need anything, anything at all you will not hesitate to call me or Payal. Promise me, if anything is wrong you will call us and not try and deal with it on your own just because you are going to be living alone. Will you promise me that?'
'Yes.' She nodded as numbness filled her eyes; he cared so much for her.
An hour later, after Payal, out of ear-shot from Aakash had made a phone call to the hospital and booked the first appointment with the gyneacologist, which to both sister's dismay was for the following Friday, they parked outside the boundary wall of a big bungalow. The sign on the wall read, Shantivan. Excitement bubbling inside her, she buzzed the intercom and waited for a response.
'Yes?' after a minute, came a man's voice.
'Um hi, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta, I saw your ad in the paper, you are letting your pool-house out I believe?' Khushi spoke into the speaker.
'Oh yes, come on in.' with that the gate buzzed open revealing a lush lawn and a path cut across it one that led to the door of the main house and the other that went around the corner and out of sight (later she would find it went over to the pool area). As the three of them walked on the path that lead to door, it opened and a man in a salwar suit stood in the door way waiting for them.
'Hello, I'm- he began, but someone from behind called out.
'Hari Prakash who is it?' he turned at the voice.
'Prospective tenant, Di.'
'Oh, bring them in.' She responded.
When Khushi, Payal and Aakash walked into the house, they were astounded by its magnificance. A huge foyer led off into two lounges on either side of it. On the right hand side to the back they saw an in house mandir and on the left hand side to the back, a stair case. One flight led up to another sitting area. While a second flight of stairs led to the upper story of the house. A door on the right of the lounge on the first storey led to a terrace; while through the windows on the right hand side of the right side lounge Khushi could see the pool and beyond it her near future residence,hopefully. It looked really nice from the outside, a small cosy house detached from the main house. She stared at it, inching towards it, when a voice towards her left caught her attention. She looked around to see a beautiful woman in a pink sari coming towards them from the mandir area, a thali in one hand while the other clutched her sari to help her walk towards them. She seemed to have some sort of injury in her right leg as she was limping towards them.
'Hari Prakash ji tells me you're here regarding our pool house.' She said with a welcoming smile. 'I'm Anjali, I put the ad in the paper. You are?'
'I'm Khushi. Khushi Kumari Gupta and this is my Jiji and Jeeja ji.' Khushi said signaling towards Payal and Aakash.
'Oh how very nice to meet you all...Oh...but are all of you looking to rent the house, because it only has one room. I thought I put that in the ad, oh dear did I not?' Worry crossed her face at the thought of her misinforming her potential PG.
'Oh no, no...you did. We are here to just look with Khushi, it's Khushi who wishes to move in...' Payal clarified.
'Oh ok then. I thought...well nevermind. Shall we go over to see the house? Hari Prakash ji will you bring the keys and also inform Nani, I'm sure she would like to meet you too.' She beamed at them. 'And while Hari Prakash ji brings the keys, here have some blessing from DM and then tell me about yourself.' She gave them each some Prasad and then motioned them towards the sofas on the right, near the windows that looked out to the pool.
'So Khushi tell me about yourself, where are you from, your accent doesn't sound of Delhi.'enquired Anjali.
'That's right, I'm from Lucknow, we all are.' Khushi replied with a smile.
'Lucknow? Really...then Nani will love you. We are from Lucknow too. We moved here a long time ago but miss it sooo much.' Anjali related cheerfully, as memories of Lucknow filled her heart.
'Miss what Anjali bitya?' questioned a new voice. They all turned to find an old but very well maintained woman in a cream sari. Her hair was graying and face had a few wrinkles, however, her stance and eyes were very sharp. She had warmth about her yet also the look of authority one didn't wish to cross.
'Lucknow Nani.' Anjali said with a nostalgic smile.
'Aah yes, that we do. No place is like Lucknow and no people like the people there.' Nani said with knowing smile that lit up her face.
'Absolutely right, Nani ji,' Khushi chided, before she could stop herself, Nani looked at her and then at Anjali questioningly.
'This is Khushi, she is here regarding our ad Nani. She is from Lucknow too, that's why...' Anjali trailed off.
'Sorry you were talking about Lucknow so I couldn't stop myself, I miss it everyday myself.' Khushi said apologetically.
Nani smiled, 'I don't blame you bitya, who wouldn't, that city is a remarkable place, it leaves it's print on anyone who spends even the smallest of times there and we have spent our childhoods there have we not?' she winked at Khushi, putting her at ease again.
'So you have come to live in my late husband's escape house, hunh, you will like it, he has decorated it with the art of Lucknow...come.' She led them, with Anjali to the pool house. There were two main ways to it one where one didn't have to enter the house for, they could walk around it, the other, the one they took now, was through the house, a side door, that was between the mandir and dinning area; there was also a third which Anjali told her, from her brother's room, which was opposite the pool house. He was not home at the moment. Khushi sneeked a peek towards his room as they crossed the swimming pool area but couldn't see anything as the curtains were drawn across the windows; windows which made that whole wall facing the pool. She was reminded of the windows in Arnav's cabin at work that made the wall of his office, but she shook the thought away. He had been featuring in her thoughts quite a bit lately and she didn't like it. Thankfully their had not been much contact with him after the parking lot incident, but that was more due to the fact that he hadn't come in on three of the days in the last week as he had been in his other office. But the two days he had been there, had been torture for her, not that he did anything but the fact that he was there was tourturous enough.
Click. Nani opened the lock of the door and dragged Khushi out of her treacherous thoughts that somehoe always found Arnav Sing Raizada. They walked in and Khushi fell in love. This was the perfect place for her. It was extremely colourful and vibrant. The furniture was from Lucknow as was the art that decorated the walls. To the right was the sitting area and to the left a dinning area. Behind the sitting area was a small, open kitchen and towards the left, behind the dining area a door that led to the, bathroom Nani told her; and a door opposite to the main door led off into a small comfortable bedroom.
'It's small, but good for one person, that's why I was a little flummoxed when I saw three...'Anjali laughed.
'So what do you think Khushi?' Payal asked, testily.
'I love it Jiji, it's perfect for me, what do you think?' She asked back, excitedly.
'That's what I think too.' She said happily. It's not too far from our place, what we got here in half an hour Aakash?' Aakash nodded. 'And it's close to your work too. What do you think Aakash ok for your Saali. We are close by and Anjali ji and Nani ji are here too if anything happens...'
'Yes, yes, Payal ji, don't worry about your sister with us here, she will be like family, she will be well taken care of. Not to worry.' Anjali beamed.
'Then I say let's take it before someone else does.' Exclaimed Aakash.
'Perfect, when will you move in Khushi ji?'
'As soon as you will have me Anjali ji.' Khushi said.
'Great. Then bring your things over right now, it's the weekend you can move in straight away, it will be good for me and Nani to have your company, with Chotay at work everyday of the week.' Anjali stated. 'Which reminds me, just one thing you will have to keep in mind Khushi ji not to be too noisy, my brother hates noisy people and as you will be his neighbour more than mine or Nani's, our rooms are on the otherside of the house, so just no loud music and stuff. Is that ok?' Anjali asked nervously.
'I totally understand and yes that is fine. But Anjali ji, there is one thing...' Khushi began.
'Yes Khushi ji?' Anjali looked at her in concern.
'That. Please just call me Khushi, no formalities.' Khushi smiled, as she mentally made a note of how she would have to leave this place and Anjali and Nani after six months, as the brother and them too, would probably not prefer to have a wailing baby as their neighbour.
'Oh. Sure...but then you have to call me Di, no Anjali ji...deal?' Anjali laughed as she jokingly stretched out her hand towards Khushi.
'Deal.' Khushi laughed back as she shook her hand.
'Ok then Khushi you can pack your things today and you can move in tomorrow. Yeah Payal?' Stated Aakash, as he turned to see if Payal agreed. Payal gave a curt nod and the went out. 'Uh-oh, Khushi I think your Jiji, has gotten a little emotional.' Aakash cautioned.
'It's ok I will go talk to her.' Khushi started towards the door, but stopped when Anjali called out.
'Actually Khushi if you don't mind may I. I'm an older sister too, so I know how hard it is when our younger siblings start growing up and leave us behind...' She explained overcome with emotion herself. Khushi nodded and let her go instead.
'Payal ji, it's ok you don't have to hide your tears, I totally understand. She is your kid sister right? Actually we older sister's are like that aren't we, while we want our younger siblings to grow-up and do great things in their lives, we fear for them too. We don't want them to get hurt or discover the cruelties that exist in this world. Thus when they leave our shelter our heart cries dearly for their safety.'
Payal nodded in agreement then went on to add, 'I fear very much for Khushi Anjali ji, she has been hurt too many times already. So I can't help but be scared how she may get hurt again. She is a brave girl but is also very nave...I don't want to hold her back but I get scared every time she ventures out, afraid that what if she gets hurt again, I wasn't there last time either to protect her, what if my absence again leads to another disaster for her?' Payal shared her fear.
'It won't. I won't let it happen. You may not be here, but I will be and I promise you Khushi will be protected under my watch. Like I said I'm a big sister, I share the same fears, I will not let anything happen to our little sister. Promise.' She said encouragingly.
'Thank you. Thank you, I really needed to hear that.' Payal said as she hugged Anjali.
'Hey I want part of the hug too...' Khushi called out from the door way and they both stepped back to open their arms for her, which she came into.
After they left Nani conveyed to Anjali how happy she was with the PG they had found, 'she is a lovely girl. I like her very much.'
'You like her because she is from Lucknow Nani.' Anjali laughed.
'No, I like her because she is a good -natured girl, who has a good upbringing, you can tell with the way she carries herself and the way she is respectful to her elders.' Nani defended her statement.
'And because she is from Lucknow.' Anjali teased.
'No because she is compassionate and caring. Didn't you see how she cared for her sister?'
'Yes she is a loving person, you are right there.'
'You know why that is don't you, because she is Lucknowi, we from Lucknow have big hearts and are very loving people. It's the truth, mock me all you want, but that is the reason why you are so sweet and caring too my dear.' Anjali just laughed as she handed her Nani a cup of tea and her evening medicine
'But Nani, it doesn't matter how great a person Khushi ji is, or how much we like her, it's Chotay we have to get to like her. How are we going to explain this to him?' Anjali said as creases came on her forehead with the thought of Arnav and his reaction.
'Oh we will deal with it. Besides he was the one who said it was up to us what we decided to do with the outhouse, after Lavanya's death. He wanted to have nothing to do with it. So this is what we decided to do.' Nani bolstered.
'Yes, but you know he will get mad. He won't like the idea of a PG.'
'He doesn't have to like it, all he has to do is accept it.' Stated Nani defiantly. While Anjali looked uncertain, she knew her brother's temper, he didn't like having strangers in his home and he especially wouldn't like to have them in what would have been Lavanya's studio. Lavanya had wanted to change the outhouse into her studio, her little workplace after she got married. She wanted to balance both work and home together, so together they had decided that she could use that as her work space therefore would be home for all the household things she would have to look after as the only daughter-in-law of the house and would also be able to work; and when she was needed she would head into the office. But after she had passed away Arnav had given the keys back to Nani and told her to do whatever she chose to do with the outhouse and Nani had recently decided to put it up for rent, not because they needed the money but because it was something to do. Anjali was demolating her and Chetan's house to make an institution for needy children, Arnav was looking after his business as well as Lavanya's, so she wanted to do be doing something new too. Thus she had somehow gotten the idea of renting out the outhouse, she said it would be her way of helping someone in need, although Anjali secretly thought it had to do with the fact that her friend recently had built a flat and let it out to rent and so in order to one-up her, as they had always had a competition between themselves which neither ever admitted too, Anjali suspected she had decided to get a PG, to show how she would give someone a home too. She found it cute how Nani although an epitome of wisdom and maturity still had a bit of a child in her. Well it was that quality of her she loved the most, that even though she had seen so much in life she was still so young at heart and always ready to try new things rather than reject them as many elder people did.
However, the point wasn't that Nani always tried to compete with her friends or kept upto date with changes that took place around, it was that her grand-son unlike her had grown up to fast over the last three months and he was more cynical than the grandmother. He didn't like changes and he would definitely hate this one. When he came to find out about it he would go ballistic and the very thought of that moment scared her to her very core.
Payals dropped the dishes in the sink with a clatter as she turned to face her younger sister. 'What?!! Khushi are you insane?! You are not moving out!' she hollered at her sister.
'Jiji, just here me out. I know you love me and protect me, but seriously I cannot live here forever now can I. This is your house, not mine.' Khushi stated.
'Really Khushi, I didn't think you would be one of those people who would follow the age old tradition of not staying in a daughter's house.' Payal huffed as annoyance built inside of her.
'Of course I'm not. There is nothing wrong with a girl's family member staying at her house, for a while Jiji...but after a while it does get awkward. But this is not about that Jiji, this is about how I am affecting your and Jeeja ji's life. My presence here is making it weird for you guys...no, don't deny it because it is...or what were you completely comfortable with my walking in on you two having a private moment in the lounge this morning...because I wasn't.' Payal went pink at the reminder of the kiss Khushi had witnessed earlier, before Aakash had left to his weekend tennis match. 'See, you weren't. Jiji, when Jeeja ji brought me here I'm sure he didn't think I was planning on staying here, I mean he brought me here for a change of scene and I came here thinking that it would provide us with time on coming up with the best way of breaking the news of my pregnancy to Amma, Bau ji and Bua ji, none of us thought that I would actually start working here, but now that I am it changes things. Now that I am staying in Delhi I cannot stay here any longer its' not right. And no, it's not just about the in-law thing, it's about what's right and wrong and in my opinion this I wrong, you are too sweet to think it and Jeeja ji to say it, but it doesn't change the fact that I should leave now Jiji.
'Look, I know you love me and want me in front of your eyes to make sure I'm ok, but Jiji that cannot happen, you have responsibilities and no, I'm not one of them Jiji, not any more. I stopped being one a long time ago only you chose to continue taking care of me and I let you. But we both have to stop this, your responsibility is to your husband before me. And I too have a responsibility as a sister to you, to not ruin your marriage, which I will if I stay here. Not just because of my pregnancy but also because my presence will eventually start irking you both. Jiji this is your first year, the year you are supposed to be getting to know each other and adjust with each other, not adjusting to having me with you. That's not fair on either of you, you need to have time together, alone time without me and that won't happen until I don't leave that is why I say I should move out...and I know you agree with me, I can see it, only you won't admit it because you love me too much.' Khushi smiled as she went over to Payal and took her hands into her own.
'Look just because I move away doesn't mean you won't see me, of course you will, I will be in the same city and will get a place nearby so you can drop by whenever you want. I actually saw an add of a family wanting a PG, that is not too far from hear and is also close to work. We can check it out today, if you like I can move there, or if you don't like it we can find another place. Jiji, this is the right thing to do, it is the healthy thing for all our relationships, mine, yours and Jeej's...tell me you agree with me Jiji, please.'
Payal was quiet for a while, making Khushi all nervous. She wouldn't be able to move if Payal didn't agree she didn't have it in her heart to disobey her Jiji. She looked at her anxiously hoping for her to look up and say yes. When she finally did look up, her face was unreadable. 'Khushi...if you want me to agree to this than there is something you will need to agree to too...'
'Anything Jiji...' Khushi chirped, happy that Payal was considering it.
'You will have to come with me to the gynecologist and get checked up, no, no more excuses. It's nearly a month now since you got here, which makes it two months now of your pregnancy and you still haven't gotten examined, that is not right. If you agree to go to the gynecologist with me then I will agree to go look at this place you have sought out for yourself. That's the deal, take it or leave it.'
'Its' been two months already?!!!' She looked down at her belly, 'but I haven't even bloated yet and most of my clothes still fit me, do you think there may be something wrong Jiji?' she looked up worried now.
Payal too, mirrored her look, 'I don't know Khushi, but why do you think I have been pestering you to go to the doctor's but do you listen, no, always I have this to do this Jiji, I have to do, once I get the interview, after the internship...and now look a whole two months...no more wasting time we are booking the first appointment we can get...'
'Yes Jiji. I didn't realize it that it had been two months. I mean I know I won't start showing until the end of next month but it should have swollen up a little right, I get that I can still fit in my clothes but there should be some swelling...hmm maybe because I have been working that's why...although my feet have swelled up every now and then and I am exhausted so hopefully it's nothing...all is fine...I's stressing for now reason...yeah?' she tried to assure herself. Payal wasn't convinced and neither was she, however, both chose to say nothing, as their doubts wouldn't help the situation.
When Aakash came home, Payal talked to him about Khushi's decision, telling Khushi that she thought it better if she broke it to him rather than her, as then he may not be able to say what he really felt. After a long discussion in their room, Aakash came out and knocked on the door across the hall, her room.
'So I hear my saali has a place picked out for us to look at today?' he said cheerfully.
'Yup.' She brought over a cut clipping of the newspaper over.
'An out-house hunh?' He looked through the advert, 'sounds good. Let's go and see if it is any good, shall we?' He smiled.
'Sure. Umm Jeeja ji...you aren't upset with me are you, I mean with me moving out?' She asked, not meeting his eyes.
'No Khushi. Come here,' he led her over to her bed and sat down next to her, 'Payal told me what you feared and gave me your reasons, so I understand. As much as I would like for you to stay and for none of what you said to be true, I can't deny what you said may happen and I too would hate for things to sour in any of our relationships. So if a little a distance is required to make sure our relationship stays strong then I'm willing to agree to it, but you have to promise me one thing Khushi, that no matter what time it is, if you need anything, anything at all you will not hesitate to call me or Payal. Promise me, if anything is wrong you will call us and not try and deal with it on your own just because you are going to be living alone. Will you promise me that?'
'Yes.' She nodded as numbness filled her eyes; he cared so much for her.
An hour later, after Payal, out of ear-shot from Aakash had made a phone call to the hospital and booked the first appointment with the gyneacologist, which to both sister's dismay was for the following Friday, they parked outside the boundary wall of a big bungalow. The sign on the wall read, Shantivan. Excitement bubbling inside her, she buzzed the intercom and waited for a response.
'Yes?' after a minute, came a man's voice.
'Um hi, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta, I saw your ad in the paper, you are letting your pool-house out I believe?' Khushi spoke into the speaker.
'Oh yes, come on in.' with that the gate buzzed open revealing a lush lawn and a path cut across it one that led to the door of the main house and the other that went around the corner and out of sight (later she would find it went over to the pool area). As the three of them walked on the path that lead to door, it opened and a man in a salwar suit stood in the door way waiting for them.
'Hello, I'm- he began, but someone from behind called out.
'Hari Prakash who is it?' he turned at the voice.
'Prospective tenant, Di.'
'Oh, bring them in.' She responded.
When Khushi, Payal and Aakash walked into the house, they were astounded by its magnificance. A huge foyer led off into two lounges on either side of it. On the right hand side to the back they saw an in house mandir and on the left hand side to the back, a stair case. One flight led up to another sitting area. While a second flight of stairs led to the upper story of the house. A door on the right of the lounge on the first storey led to a terrace; while through the windows on the right hand side of the right side lounge Khushi could see the pool and beyond it her near future residence,hopefully. It looked really nice from the outside, a small cosy house detached from the main house. She stared at it, inching towards it, when a voice towards her left caught her attention. She looked around to see a beautiful woman in a pink sari coming towards them from the mandir area, a thali in one hand while the other clutched her sari to help her walk towards them. She seemed to have some sort of injury in her right leg as she was limping towards them.
'Hari Prakash ji tells me you're here regarding our pool house.' She said with a welcoming smile. 'I'm Anjali, I put the ad in the paper. You are?'
'I'm Khushi. Khushi Kumari Gupta and this is my Jiji and Jeeja ji.' Khushi said signaling towards Payal and Aakash.
'Oh how very nice to meet you all...Oh...but are all of you looking to rent the house, because it only has one room. I thought I put that in the ad, oh dear did I not?' Worry crossed her face at the thought of her misinforming her potential PG.
'Oh no, no...you did. We are here to just look with Khushi, it's Khushi who wishes to move in...' Payal clarified.
'Oh ok then. I thought...well nevermind. Shall we go over to see the house? Hari Prakash ji will you bring the keys and also inform Nani, I'm sure she would like to meet you too.' She beamed at them. 'And while Hari Prakash ji brings the keys, here have some blessing from DM and then tell me about yourself.' She gave them each some Prasad and then motioned them towards the sofas on the right, near the windows that looked out to the pool.
'So Khushi tell me about yourself, where are you from, your accent doesn't sound of Delhi.'enquired Anjali.
'That's right, I'm from Lucknow, we all are.' Khushi replied with a smile.
'Lucknow? Really...then Nani will love you. We are from Lucknow too. We moved here a long time ago but miss it sooo much.' Anjali related cheerfully, as memories of Lucknow filled her heart.
'Miss what Anjali bitya?' questioned a new voice. They all turned to find an old but very well maintained woman in a cream sari. Her hair was graying and face had a few wrinkles, however, her stance and eyes were very sharp. She had warmth about her yet also the look of authority one didn't wish to cross.
'Lucknow Nani.' Anjali said with a nostalgic smile.
'Aah yes, that we do. No place is like Lucknow and no people like the people there.' Nani said with knowing smile that lit up her face.
'Absolutely right, Nani ji,' Khushi chided, before she could stop herself, Nani looked at her and then at Anjali questioningly.
'This is Khushi, she is here regarding our ad Nani. She is from Lucknow too, that's why...' Anjali trailed off.
'Sorry you were talking about Lucknow so I couldn't stop myself, I miss it everyday myself.' Khushi said apologetically.
Nani smiled, 'I don't blame you bitya, who wouldn't, that city is a remarkable place, it leaves it's print on anyone who spends even the smallest of times there and we have spent our childhoods there have we not?' she winked at Khushi, putting her at ease again.
'So you have come to live in my late husband's escape house, hunh, you will like it, he has decorated it with the art of Lucknow...come.' She led them, with Anjali to the pool house. There were two main ways to it one where one didn't have to enter the house for, they could walk around it, the other, the one they took now, was through the house, a side door, that was between the mandir and dinning area; there was also a third which Anjali told her, from her brother's room, which was opposite the pool house. He was not home at the moment. Khushi sneeked a peek towards his room as they crossed the swimming pool area but couldn't see anything as the curtains were drawn across the windows; windows which made that whole wall facing the pool. She was reminded of the windows in Arnav's cabin at work that made the wall of his office, but she shook the thought away. He had been featuring in her thoughts quite a bit lately and she didn't like it. Thankfully their had not been much contact with him after the parking lot incident, but that was more due to the fact that he hadn't come in on three of the days in the last week as he had been in his other office. But the two days he had been there, had been torture for her, not that he did anything but the fact that he was there was tourturous enough.
Click. Nani opened the lock of the door and dragged Khushi out of her treacherous thoughts that somehoe always found Arnav Sing Raizada. They walked in and Khushi fell in love. This was the perfect place for her. It was extremely colourful and vibrant. The furniture was from Lucknow as was the art that decorated the walls. To the right was the sitting area and to the left a dinning area. Behind the sitting area was a small, open kitchen and towards the left, behind the dining area a door that led to the, bathroom Nani told her; and a door opposite to the main door led off into a small comfortable bedroom.
'It's small, but good for one person, that's why I was a little flummoxed when I saw three...'Anjali laughed.
'So what do you think Khushi?' Payal asked, testily.
'I love it Jiji, it's perfect for me, what do you think?' She asked back, excitedly.
'That's what I think too.' She said happily. It's not too far from our place, what we got here in half an hour Aakash?' Aakash nodded. 'And it's close to your work too. What do you think Aakash ok for your Saali. We are close by and Anjali ji and Nani ji are here too if anything happens...'
'Yes, yes, Payal ji, don't worry about your sister with us here, she will be like family, she will be well taken care of. Not to worry.' Anjali beamed.
'Then I say let's take it before someone else does.' Exclaimed Aakash.
'Perfect, when will you move in Khushi ji?'
'As soon as you will have me Anjali ji.' Khushi said.
'Great. Then bring your things over right now, it's the weekend you can move in straight away, it will be good for me and Nani to have your company, with Chotay at work everyday of the week.' Anjali stated. 'Which reminds me, just one thing you will have to keep in mind Khushi ji not to be too noisy, my brother hates noisy people and as you will be his neighbour more than mine or Nani's, our rooms are on the otherside of the house, so just no loud music and stuff. Is that ok?' Anjali asked nervously.
'I totally understand and yes that is fine. But Anjali ji, there is one thing...' Khushi began.
'Yes Khushi ji?' Anjali looked at her in concern.
'That. Please just call me Khushi, no formalities.' Khushi smiled, as she mentally made a note of how she would have to leave this place and Anjali and Nani after six months, as the brother and them too, would probably not prefer to have a wailing baby as their neighbour.
'Oh. Sure...but then you have to call me Di, no Anjali ji...deal?' Anjali laughed as she jokingly stretched out her hand towards Khushi.
'Deal.' Khushi laughed back as she shook her hand.
'Ok then Khushi you can pack your things today and you can move in tomorrow. Yeah Payal?' Stated Aakash, as he turned to see if Payal agreed. Payal gave a curt nod and the went out. 'Uh-oh, Khushi I think your Jiji, has gotten a little emotional.' Aakash cautioned.
'It's ok I will go talk to her.' Khushi started towards the door, but stopped when Anjali called out.
'Actually Khushi if you don't mind may I. I'm an older sister too, so I know how hard it is when our younger siblings start growing up and leave us behind...' She explained overcome with emotion herself. Khushi nodded and let her go instead.
'Payal ji, it's ok you don't have to hide your tears, I totally understand. She is your kid sister right? Actually we older sister's are like that aren't we, while we want our younger siblings to grow-up and do great things in their lives, we fear for them too. We don't want them to get hurt or discover the cruelties that exist in this world. Thus when they leave our shelter our heart cries dearly for their safety.'
Payal nodded in agreement then went on to add, 'I fear very much for Khushi Anjali ji, she has been hurt too many times already. So I can't help but be scared how she may get hurt again. She is a brave girl but is also very nave...I don't want to hold her back but I get scared every time she ventures out, afraid that what if she gets hurt again, I wasn't there last time either to protect her, what if my absence again leads to another disaster for her?' Payal shared her fear.
'It won't. I won't let it happen. You may not be here, but I will be and I promise you Khushi will be protected under my watch. Like I said I'm a big sister, I share the same fears, I will not let anything happen to our little sister. Promise.' She said encouragingly.
'Thank you. Thank you, I really needed to hear that.' Payal said as she hugged Anjali.
'Hey I want part of the hug too...' Khushi called out from the door way and they both stepped back to open their arms for her, which she came into.
After they left Nani conveyed to Anjali how happy she was with the PG they had found, 'she is a lovely girl. I like her very much.'
'You like her because she is from Lucknow Nani.' Anjali laughed.
'No, I like her because she is a good -natured girl, who has a good upbringing, you can tell with the way she carries herself and the way she is respectful to her elders.' Nani defended her statement.
'And because she is from Lucknow.' Anjali teased.
'No because she is compassionate and caring. Didn't you see how she cared for her sister?'
'Yes she is a loving person, you are right there.'
'You know why that is don't you, because she is Lucknowi, we from Lucknow have big hearts and are very loving people. It's the truth, mock me all you want, but that is the reason why you are so sweet and caring too my dear.' Anjali just laughed as she handed her Nani a cup of tea and her evening medicine
'But Nani, it doesn't matter how great a person Khushi ji is, or how much we like her, it's Chotay we have to get to like her. How are we going to explain this to him?' Anjali said as creases came on her forehead with the thought of Arnav and his reaction.
'Oh we will deal with it. Besides he was the one who said it was up to us what we decided to do with the outhouse, after Lavanya's death. He wanted to have nothing to do with it. So this is what we decided to do.' Nani bolstered.
'Yes, but you know he will get mad. He won't like the idea of a PG.'
'He doesn't have to like it, all he has to do is accept it.' Stated Nani defiantly. While Anjali looked uncertain, she knew her brother's temper, he didn't like having strangers in his home and he especially wouldn't like to have them in what would have been Lavanya's studio. Lavanya had wanted to change the outhouse into her studio, her little workplace after she got married. She wanted to balance both work and home together, so together they had decided that she could use that as her work space therefore would be home for all the household things she would have to look after as the only daughter-in-law of the house and would also be able to work; and when she was needed she would head into the office. But after she had passed away Arnav had given the keys back to Nani and told her to do whatever she chose to do with the outhouse and Nani had recently decided to put it up for rent, not because they needed the money but because it was something to do. Anjali was demolating her and Chetan's house to make an institution for needy children, Arnav was looking after his business as well as Lavanya's, so she wanted to do be doing something new too. Thus she had somehow gotten the idea of renting out the outhouse, she said it would be her way of helping someone in need, although Anjali secretly thought it had to do with the fact that her friend recently had built a flat and let it out to rent and so in order to one-up her, as they had always had a competition between themselves which neither ever admitted too, Anjali suspected she had decided to get a PG, to show how she would give someone a home too. She found it cute how Nani although an epitome of wisdom and maturity still had a bit of a child in her. Well it was that quality of her she loved the most, that even though she had seen so much in life she was still so young at heart and always ready to try new things rather than reject them as many elder people did.
However, the point wasn't that Nani always tried to compete with her friends or kept upto date with changes that took place around, it was that her grand-son unlike her had grown up to fast over the last three months and he was more cynical than the grandmother. He didn't like changes and he would definitely hate this one. When he came to find out about it he would go ballistic and the very thought of that moment scared her to her very core.
*****
RSS Feed
