'Are you sure?' asked Khushi once again.
'Yes Ma'am I'm sorry but we just cannot at the moment.' replied the doctor.
'But, this is the best place for him, will you just please consider it.'
'Ma'am, as I have told you we are fully booked at the moment may be next month.'
'But-
'Khushi,' Aakash cut in, 'thank you for your time Doctor. If a space opens up please do let us know.' With that he shook the doctor's hand, turned Khushi around and walked her out of the treatement centre to stop Khushi from pestering the doctor so much so that he didn't consider their case at all.
'Urgh. That was pointless. Stupid doctor! Why did he become one if he only wished to turn his patients away?!' she grumbled as they got in the car.
Aakash smiled at her annoyed face. Sometimes he forgot how young she was. All the things she had faced in her life had matured her quite a bit but in moments like these and not to mention when she would be falling all over herself one would be reminded that she was still in her early twenties. Still very much a child.
'Khushi, he's just being fair to his patients. If he admits Bauji then he won't be able to care for him the way we want him too. So isn't it better that he doesn't take him.' He reasoned.
'Hmpf. Whatever! Well I guess we'll just have to look for another centre.'
'Did you find any others last night?' He asked as he began reversing.
'Well there is NHC - Nanvati Heart Care, which is actually the best in Delhi.'
'Yeah I've heard of it. But it must be really expensive.'
'Yeah. Well I was looking into it, they do have a project going that provides free treatment, but its' for really complicated cases, which thankfully is not the the case with Bauji, but then that means if we want to get him in there then we'll have to pay. So...hmmm I dunno. Will check other places and even call them too may be they may help us.'
'Yeah, no harm in trying. So am I dropping you off to work or at home.'
'Umm...' she checked her watch, 'Hunh!! Nine O'clock, Arnav ji will have my head on a platter!!'
'Then work it is.' He smiled, as he headed in the direction of LaANK. Khushi looked up at him, it still puzzled her, the ease with which he was conversing with her. His cold demeanor was gone. And he was her old Jeeju again. She didn't know when or how it had happened but from the way he was tagging along with her, cracking the occasional joke it almost seemed like he had forgiven her. If that was so, then that meant Anjali had been right, that with time he had accepted what she had done and was no longer angry at her as he saw that she was still the same Khushi she had always been, only a bit wiser now. If this was the case then would it mean that her Amma, Bua ji and Bauji would forgive her too? She hoped so.
Equipped with these happy thoughts and a plan to search more heart centres she walked into LaANK in such a haze that NK had to stand in front of her and shout out her name for her to realize he was talking to her.
'Khushi...wooohooo' he waved his arms in front of her to catch her attention. She snapped out of her thoughts.
'Oh sorry Nanhe ji, didn't see you. I was just...umm lost in some thought.' She smiled. 'How are you?'
'I'm awesome as always. But how are you Khushi? You didn't look so good when you left, but judging by your face right now I think it's safe to say that whatever was bothering you is now solved.'
'Hah...no, but I'm working on it.' She laughed. Aakash's forgiveness had enfused many bright rays of hope inside of her, elevating her mood and spirits.
'Well that's the spirit, Khushi, no point in mourning over a problem, best to solve it.'
'Exactly my motto!' Khushi chirped.
'Alright. Well if I may ask, what was your problem? You don't have to share if you don't want to, but I just thought we're friends so may be I could be of some help...' NK asked with a little hesitation as he desperately wanted to know but wasn't sure if Khushi was ready to tell yet.
'Oh, didn't I tell you. My bad. I was so scared when I left I don't even know who I told what. The thing was my Bauji had a heart attack, that's why I left so suddenly.'
'Oh dear. Well how is he now?'
'He's much better thank you. He's been discharged, but we need to get him into a rehabilitation centre to monitor his heart and make it healthy again. So I'm busy searching for good heart centres at the moment.'
'Heart centres? For whom?' Rubina's voiced, who had just caught the conversation between NK and Khushi as they walked passed the cafeteria.
'Oh, my Bauii. He had an attack.'
'Oh no. Is that why you went?'
'Yes.'
'Oh, my dear. How is he now? And how are you coping, you must be so distressed.' She said with great concern.
'I'm ok. Thank you. Just busy looking for rehab centres, once we find a good one for him then I'll relax.'
'Of course. Of course. So I suppose your looking for one in Lucknow right, my nephew is a doctor there I'll ask him of any good ones.'
'Actually-
'Lucknow!!' NK nearly spilled his tea as he sat up, upon hearing Lucknow, afraid that it may mean Khushi may leave again and this time for who knew how long. 'You should look for one here. Delhi has great centers. And you and you're sister are here too. It would be inconvenient for you to go every month for treatments.'
'No, no I wouldn't be going every month, because I-
'Your going to move back?!!' he said in alarm. Khushi stared at him, not at all understanding why he was getting so worked up.
'No. No.' she calmed him. 'I'm not going to Lucknow, me and my Jeeja ji are trying to find a good center here so we can move him here. But yes if we don't find one then I will most likely go back.' She said as an afterthought, as it now occurred to her that that may be a possibility.
'Well I hope that doesn't happen, I'm sure you'll find a great one here. I'll help you if you like.' He volunteered a little too enthusiastically.
'Umm...thanks. If I need some help I will let you know.'
'This is an office not a coffee house, where you come to socialize.' Arnav's booming voice made them all jump. 'Planning on doing any work today or just wish to involve yourselves' in mindless chatter.' The three of them looked at each other, silently asking one another if they had seen when he had walked in on them. But none of them knew as they all had been too involved in their conversation.
'Chillax, Nannav. We know this is a work place. Don't worry our talks isn't stopping us from any productivity.' NK interjected, trying to take the heat off the other two. 'Khushi just came back today so we were just catching up you know...'
'Well she should be the first to get to work considering she has been off, instead of talking about what she has been doing.'
'Oho, Nannav, calm down, she was just asking about anything she should know that occurred in her absence. And so Rubina and I were telling her just that. Weren't we?' he looked at Rubina, who nodded.
'Really NK? When did LaANK begin a search for heart centres in Delhi? Is this a new project we're branching into?'
'Oh...ok fine we were talking about heart centers and not work. But just because it wasn't work doesn't mean it wasn't important. Khushi is looking-
'She should be looking over her designs and perfecting them in office hours nothing else. And I'm sure you two have something or the other to do too!!'
'Yeah, yeah. We're going...buzz-kill' he murmured out of Arnav's earshot, making Khushi laugh. They both went off towards the D-Squats, while Arnav stared after them; irritation once again surging inside of him at the cool comraderie that existed between the two.
'Uh...Sir? Sir, did you want something?' Rubina's question brought him out of his thoughts.
'Uh...yeah. My coffee, in my cabin.' With that he turned and went up to his office. Once inside he rang Aman for Nanavati Heart Center's number. He too, was not pleased by the idea of Khushi leaving if she did not find a centre here in Delhi.
'Yes Ma'am I'm sorry but we just cannot at the moment.' replied the doctor.
'But, this is the best place for him, will you just please consider it.'
'Ma'am, as I have told you we are fully booked at the moment may be next month.'
'But-
'Khushi,' Aakash cut in, 'thank you for your time Doctor. If a space opens up please do let us know.' With that he shook the doctor's hand, turned Khushi around and walked her out of the treatement centre to stop Khushi from pestering the doctor so much so that he didn't consider their case at all.
'Urgh. That was pointless. Stupid doctor! Why did he become one if he only wished to turn his patients away?!' she grumbled as they got in the car.
Aakash smiled at her annoyed face. Sometimes he forgot how young she was. All the things she had faced in her life had matured her quite a bit but in moments like these and not to mention when she would be falling all over herself one would be reminded that she was still in her early twenties. Still very much a child.
'Khushi, he's just being fair to his patients. If he admits Bauji then he won't be able to care for him the way we want him too. So isn't it better that he doesn't take him.' He reasoned.
'Hmpf. Whatever! Well I guess we'll just have to look for another centre.'
'Did you find any others last night?' He asked as he began reversing.
'Well there is NHC - Nanvati Heart Care, which is actually the best in Delhi.'
'Yeah I've heard of it. But it must be really expensive.'
'Yeah. Well I was looking into it, they do have a project going that provides free treatment, but its' for really complicated cases, which thankfully is not the the case with Bauji, but then that means if we want to get him in there then we'll have to pay. So...hmmm I dunno. Will check other places and even call them too may be they may help us.'
'Yeah, no harm in trying. So am I dropping you off to work or at home.'
'Umm...' she checked her watch, 'Hunh!! Nine O'clock, Arnav ji will have my head on a platter!!'
'Then work it is.' He smiled, as he headed in the direction of LaANK. Khushi looked up at him, it still puzzled her, the ease with which he was conversing with her. His cold demeanor was gone. And he was her old Jeeju again. She didn't know when or how it had happened but from the way he was tagging along with her, cracking the occasional joke it almost seemed like he had forgiven her. If that was so, then that meant Anjali had been right, that with time he had accepted what she had done and was no longer angry at her as he saw that she was still the same Khushi she had always been, only a bit wiser now. If this was the case then would it mean that her Amma, Bua ji and Bauji would forgive her too? She hoped so.
Equipped with these happy thoughts and a plan to search more heart centres she walked into LaANK in such a haze that NK had to stand in front of her and shout out her name for her to realize he was talking to her.
'Khushi...wooohooo' he waved his arms in front of her to catch her attention. She snapped out of her thoughts.
'Oh sorry Nanhe ji, didn't see you. I was just...umm lost in some thought.' She smiled. 'How are you?'
'I'm awesome as always. But how are you Khushi? You didn't look so good when you left, but judging by your face right now I think it's safe to say that whatever was bothering you is now solved.'
'Hah...no, but I'm working on it.' She laughed. Aakash's forgiveness had enfused many bright rays of hope inside of her, elevating her mood and spirits.
'Well that's the spirit, Khushi, no point in mourning over a problem, best to solve it.'
'Exactly my motto!' Khushi chirped.
'Alright. Well if I may ask, what was your problem? You don't have to share if you don't want to, but I just thought we're friends so may be I could be of some help...' NK asked with a little hesitation as he desperately wanted to know but wasn't sure if Khushi was ready to tell yet.
'Oh, didn't I tell you. My bad. I was so scared when I left I don't even know who I told what. The thing was my Bauji had a heart attack, that's why I left so suddenly.'
'Oh dear. Well how is he now?'
'He's much better thank you. He's been discharged, but we need to get him into a rehabilitation centre to monitor his heart and make it healthy again. So I'm busy searching for good heart centres at the moment.'
'Heart centres? For whom?' Rubina's voiced, who had just caught the conversation between NK and Khushi as they walked passed the cafeteria.
'Oh, my Bauii. He had an attack.'
'Oh no. Is that why you went?'
'Yes.'
'Oh, my dear. How is he now? And how are you coping, you must be so distressed.' She said with great concern.
'I'm ok. Thank you. Just busy looking for rehab centres, once we find a good one for him then I'll relax.'
'Of course. Of course. So I suppose your looking for one in Lucknow right, my nephew is a doctor there I'll ask him of any good ones.'
'Actually-
'Lucknow!!' NK nearly spilled his tea as he sat up, upon hearing Lucknow, afraid that it may mean Khushi may leave again and this time for who knew how long. 'You should look for one here. Delhi has great centers. And you and you're sister are here too. It would be inconvenient for you to go every month for treatments.'
'No, no I wouldn't be going every month, because I-
'Your going to move back?!!' he said in alarm. Khushi stared at him, not at all understanding why he was getting so worked up.
'No. No.' she calmed him. 'I'm not going to Lucknow, me and my Jeeja ji are trying to find a good center here so we can move him here. But yes if we don't find one then I will most likely go back.' She said as an afterthought, as it now occurred to her that that may be a possibility.
'Well I hope that doesn't happen, I'm sure you'll find a great one here. I'll help you if you like.' He volunteered a little too enthusiastically.
'Umm...thanks. If I need some help I will let you know.'
'This is an office not a coffee house, where you come to socialize.' Arnav's booming voice made them all jump. 'Planning on doing any work today or just wish to involve yourselves' in mindless chatter.' The three of them looked at each other, silently asking one another if they had seen when he had walked in on them. But none of them knew as they all had been too involved in their conversation.
'Chillax, Nannav. We know this is a work place. Don't worry our talks isn't stopping us from any productivity.' NK interjected, trying to take the heat off the other two. 'Khushi just came back today so we were just catching up you know...'
'Well she should be the first to get to work considering she has been off, instead of talking about what she has been doing.'
'Oho, Nannav, calm down, she was just asking about anything she should know that occurred in her absence. And so Rubina and I were telling her just that. Weren't we?' he looked at Rubina, who nodded.
'Really NK? When did LaANK begin a search for heart centres in Delhi? Is this a new project we're branching into?'
'Oh...ok fine we were talking about heart centers and not work. But just because it wasn't work doesn't mean it wasn't important. Khushi is looking-
'She should be looking over her designs and perfecting them in office hours nothing else. And I'm sure you two have something or the other to do too!!'
'Yeah, yeah. We're going...buzz-kill' he murmured out of Arnav's earshot, making Khushi laugh. They both went off towards the D-Squats, while Arnav stared after them; irritation once again surging inside of him at the cool comraderie that existed between the two.
'Uh...Sir? Sir, did you want something?' Rubina's question brought him out of his thoughts.
'Uh...yeah. My coffee, in my cabin.' With that he turned and went up to his office. Once inside he rang Aman for Nanavati Heart Center's number. He too, was not pleased by the idea of Khushi leaving if she did not find a centre here in Delhi.
'So no luck so far Khushi bitya?' Devyani asked, seeing Khushi's put-out face.
'No Nani. I spent half the day trying to convince different centres but they're all being obstinate!' Khushi huffed; as she munched on her third samosa. She was having her evening tea with Nani, Anjali and NK (who had driven her home) whilst discussing her failure to get her Bauji admitted in any of the heart centres.
'Well if you would like bitya I could talk to a couple of my friends, in fact I believe Sumitra's grandson works in a hospital.'
'Yes, Khushi, Chotay too has many contacts, you could ask-
'No!' She said a little too harshly, 'I mean thank you. But no, Jeeja ji and I will arrange it. I don't want to bother you.'
'Bother? Oh what are you talking about, it will be our pleasure to be able to help you bitya...' Nani said who didn't quite understand Khushi's reluctance.
'That's exactly what I said Nani ji. But she doesn't want to listen to or take my help. I mean how silly is that...ek friend hi friend ka mazaq kartha hai na...'
'Mazaq? Oh haha...mazaq nahi madad Nanhe ji. And thank you, but really its' ok. You offered, that is more than enough, I'm sure Jeeja ji and I will manage. If we don't then I know I can turn to you.' she said as she took a sip of her tea, fully intending to do nothing of the sort. It wasn't that she did not appreciate the help but this was something she wished to do on her own. This was her family and she wanted to arrange it on her own terms rather than have to ask for their help. She knew if she said they could get it arranged with just a phone call, but they would arrange it in a place she would never be able to afford and so wished to spare them and herself the awkwardness that would arise in that situation. Although she knew them well enough to know that Nani, NK and Anjali would happily pay for the expenses but that would be something she would never allow. She would finance her Bauji's treatment, no one else.
'So Khushi bitya, which centres are you going to go to tomorrow?'
'Umm...Well there is- but she didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as at that point her phone started to ring, 'Who's this?' she wondered aloud as she answered the phone. 'Hello? Uh... yes, this is she...who? Oh yes, yes. Uhunh...mmhmmm...Really?!! But I thought only in extreme cases...my Bauji isn't...oh...Oh Really...well that's excellent news. Thank you doctor. Thank you so much. I will just inform my family and then come complete the paperwork tomorrow. Thank you so much. EEE!!!!!! DIII!!! NANI!!! HE GOT IN. NANAVATI HEART CENTRE HAS DECIDED TO ADMIT BAUJI!!! OH DI THIS EXCELLENT!!!' she yelled ecstatically as she jumped up and down and then began dancing around the table as she didn't know how else to express her excitement. She pulled Anjali and Nani up too to shake a leg with her. They all laughed and rejoiced. NK joined in the party too.
'What the-?! This is a house not a zoo!!' Arnav brought an end to the dancing. Until moments ago he had been a silent observer, whom no one had seen, as he had wanted it that way. Seeing Khushi prance about and share her happiness with his family had given him immense pleasure but as soon as NK had decided to join in the festivity, it had made his blood boil. 'Can't a man come home to some peace and quiet? Is it really too much to ask?!!' He fretted. All the while keeping his gaze on NK and Khushi, who were standing too close to each other for his liking.
'Oh sorry Chotay. But we couldn't help. Khushi just gave us such great news, you know how her Bauji had an angina, well NHC just called and accepted him. Isn't it just wonderful?' Anjali explained happily.
Arnav just grunted in response. He was too peeved to say anything else. Didn't NK have his own house? Why was he always here?
'Chotay...'Anjali, who had come to stand next to Arnav now, whispered in his ear, 'Be more civil. This is amazing news for Khushi, show her a little enthusiasm.'
'What...oh right...fine.' He didn't see why he should, considering she had shared it with the person she wanted to share it with!! 'Uh...umm...so when will they admit him?'
'Chotay...' she stressed his name under her breath.
'What?!!' he rounded on her.
'A congrats was what I had in mind...uff never mind...' Anjali shook her head.
'Oh umm, they said sometime next week. I'm going to go into complete the paperwork tomorrow.'
'Right. Ok. Well I guess then you can take tomorrow off, to take care of the arrangements.' Arnav added off-handedly. Khushi and the rest of them stared at him in shock; he had willingly given her a day off from work.
'What? These things require attention. Besides, I know if I don't give her an off then she will be distracted all day thinking about it which would prove worse for the office. On a normal day Khushi causes enough accidents I shudder to think what she is capable of doing when completely distracted.' He covered up.
Khushi's mouth fell open at his snark. How dare he?! She wasn't that big a clutz. Or fine maybe she was but still!!!
'Aww come on Nannav, she isn't that bad.' NK jumped to her defence.
'Well of course you would think so, you are just as bad.' Retorted Arnav.
'Nannav, -
'Its' ok Nanhe ji. And thank you Arnav ji, but its' quite alright I'll come to work. The paperwork should take about an hour tops so I'll come into work after that, I don't need the whole day off.'
'Suit yourself.' Arnav shrugged as he turned and began walking towards his room, to change and freshen up.
'So isn't this wonderful Khushi. I mean such a fine institute has admitted him, now your Bauji will recover in no time.'
'I know Di. I mean I can't believe it. I would have never thought NHC would take his case. I mean I really hoped they would but never thought they would actually take him into their "Heart-care without fare" project, I mean they have that for really extreme cases. But they decided to take him. For a second I thought that meant that Bauji had taken a turn towards the serious end, but they said no, rather they are now expanding this project to those who are not as dire but still require the treatment. It's all to do with how big celebrities and companies have taken interest into their project which means more funds in health-care for those who need it. Isn't it great?!! I mean I can't believe it.' Khushi smiled happily, as she bounced around while telling them about the programme. Her happiness knew no bounds.
'HUUUH!! I haven't told Jeeja ji yet. I should call him he will be so happy. And Jiji, Buaji, Amma too- her smile faltered as she mentioned her name, for her last meeting with them flashed before her eyes, 'actually, it might be better if Jeeja ji tells them.' She said somberly. Anjali squeezed her shoulder to give her some comfort, knowing too well what thoughts her mind was dwelling on. She placed her hand upon her's and squeezed back. 'I'm ok. I'll go call Jeeja ji. Him I can inform, right?!' she smiled as she turned and began walking towards her room, wanting a bit of privacy while she informed her brother-in-law.
'Argh!!'
'AAH-
'Khushi Kumari Gupta, do you ever use your eyes?!!!' Arnav reproached, as he found himself steadying Khushi yet again, for she had turned, walked a few steps and found herself colliding into his chest.
'Me?!! Well I can ask you the same thing. If I walked into you, than you walked into me too!!' she argued, from the depths of his chest.Mmm he smelt of the ocean...ugh focus Khushi!! 'Let go of me, AAAHHH- she had tried to come out of his embrace when something tugged hard at her ear. Her earring had gotten stuck in his cashmere sweater.
'Stop!' he commanded, for she was fidgeting about trying to free her earring. He clasped her hand and moved it away from her lobe before she caused any serious harm to it. Then slowly, with trained hands he manoeuvred the hook of the jewel out her lobe, allowing her to stand up without injuring her ear. Then cautiously he plucked the earring out of his shirt so that it didn't pull at the fabric and handed it to her, while she stared at him dumb-foundedly. She couldn't believe he was capable of such gentleness.
'Uh...Khushi? Do you plan on taking your earring?' he asked confused, for he had been holding it out to her yet she was staring at him like she was seeing him for the first time. His words jostled her; she grabbed at it and placed it back into her lobe a little too harshly, causing her to flinch.
'You ok?'
Her eyes widened at the question. Why was he being so nice? First leaving her a tray of food. Then giving her leave to arrange for her father's transfer, before she had even asked, then pulling the earring out so tenderly and now asking whether she had been hurt...what was he upto?
'Khushi?' he asked, concern in his voice now.
'Hunh? Oh umm...yeah...fine.' She mumbled as she nodded. Before he could do or say anything else that would baffle her she began walking away, only something tugged hard at her duppatta causing her to stop yet again. She turned to find the damned thing stuck in his watch. What in the world?!! Why were all her accessories betraying her and attaching themselves to this man?!!!
She stared at him as he stared at her, both in disbelief at how first the earring and now her duppatta had gotten stuck on him. What was going on? He began to detach it but as it was stuck on his wrist he was having difficulty loosening it with one hand. She walked back and disengaged the treacherous dupatta from his watch. They both exchanged a look of confusion and then she turned to walk away, only to stop and turn back. This time not because of any other attachment but as she realized there was something that she needed to say to him and figured that was why DM kept on attaching her adornments on him.
'Umm...Arnav ji. I uh...I wanted to apologise and thank you.'
He stared at her, now completely confused.
'No, no. I'm not crazy. Well not completely.' She grinned, 'I wanted to apologise for the way I behaved last night, I mean you brought me dinner and I shouted at you...and I wanted to thank you for bringing me the dinner.' She smiled. Her resolve to not forgive him now dissolved. She was too happy to hate even him. She was not happy at the fact that he had misjudged her to being such a low, characterless person. But the way she saw it, if she held onto a grudge against him, than she would be just like him: holding onto one action and judging a person on only that. And he was the last person she wanted to be like. Besides at this moment she was too happy to hold a grudge. Aakash had forgiven her, NHC was going to admit Shashi, when such amazing things were happening she didn't want to hold onto any negativity. She wanted only positive energy to surround her as that would help her in earning her Mother, Father and Aunt's forgiveness. Thus she decided to let Arnav's discrepancy go, besides she really didn't expect a verbal apology from him, he was incapable of that, she knew, thus she might as well accept the one he offered the night before.
'Oh...that...umm...Di told me to...so I did.' He said awkwardly. He had never intended for her to find out that it was him who brought her dinner, hence he had crept in silently, only she had walked out of her room at that precise moment. And now she was thanking him, he hadn't done it for her gratitude, but rather to apologise for being abnoxious to her on her homecoming, when clearly she had been so stressed, plus he knew that she was one person who couldn't go to bed hungry.
She smiled. She knew Anjali had asked him to do no such thing, but as it gave him comfort in hiding his apology and good deed behind his Di, she didn't not press the matter. 'Oh...well you still brought it over so thanks.' He just gave a shrug in response. Clearly uncomfortable at being caught doing something nice for her. She gave him another smile and then walked away to her room to call Aakash. While he stared after her, soaking in the warmth of her smile: the smile that had been just for him.
'No Nani. I spent half the day trying to convince different centres but they're all being obstinate!' Khushi huffed; as she munched on her third samosa. She was having her evening tea with Nani, Anjali and NK (who had driven her home) whilst discussing her failure to get her Bauji admitted in any of the heart centres.
'Well if you would like bitya I could talk to a couple of my friends, in fact I believe Sumitra's grandson works in a hospital.'
'Yes, Khushi, Chotay too has many contacts, you could ask-
'No!' She said a little too harshly, 'I mean thank you. But no, Jeeja ji and I will arrange it. I don't want to bother you.'
'Bother? Oh what are you talking about, it will be our pleasure to be able to help you bitya...' Nani said who didn't quite understand Khushi's reluctance.
'That's exactly what I said Nani ji. But she doesn't want to listen to or take my help. I mean how silly is that...ek friend hi friend ka mazaq kartha hai na...'
'Mazaq? Oh haha...mazaq nahi madad Nanhe ji. And thank you, but really its' ok. You offered, that is more than enough, I'm sure Jeeja ji and I will manage. If we don't then I know I can turn to you.' she said as she took a sip of her tea, fully intending to do nothing of the sort. It wasn't that she did not appreciate the help but this was something she wished to do on her own. This was her family and she wanted to arrange it on her own terms rather than have to ask for their help. She knew if she said they could get it arranged with just a phone call, but they would arrange it in a place she would never be able to afford and so wished to spare them and herself the awkwardness that would arise in that situation. Although she knew them well enough to know that Nani, NK and Anjali would happily pay for the expenses but that would be something she would never allow. She would finance her Bauji's treatment, no one else.
'So Khushi bitya, which centres are you going to go to tomorrow?'
'Umm...Well there is- but she didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as at that point her phone started to ring, 'Who's this?' she wondered aloud as she answered the phone. 'Hello? Uh... yes, this is she...who? Oh yes, yes. Uhunh...mmhmmm...Really?!! But I thought only in extreme cases...my Bauji isn't...oh...Oh Really...well that's excellent news. Thank you doctor. Thank you so much. I will just inform my family and then come complete the paperwork tomorrow. Thank you so much. EEE!!!!!! DIII!!! NANI!!! HE GOT IN. NANAVATI HEART CENTRE HAS DECIDED TO ADMIT BAUJI!!! OH DI THIS EXCELLENT!!!' she yelled ecstatically as she jumped up and down and then began dancing around the table as she didn't know how else to express her excitement. She pulled Anjali and Nani up too to shake a leg with her. They all laughed and rejoiced. NK joined in the party too.
'What the-?! This is a house not a zoo!!' Arnav brought an end to the dancing. Until moments ago he had been a silent observer, whom no one had seen, as he had wanted it that way. Seeing Khushi prance about and share her happiness with his family had given him immense pleasure but as soon as NK had decided to join in the festivity, it had made his blood boil. 'Can't a man come home to some peace and quiet? Is it really too much to ask?!!' He fretted. All the while keeping his gaze on NK and Khushi, who were standing too close to each other for his liking.
'Oh sorry Chotay. But we couldn't help. Khushi just gave us such great news, you know how her Bauji had an angina, well NHC just called and accepted him. Isn't it just wonderful?' Anjali explained happily.
Arnav just grunted in response. He was too peeved to say anything else. Didn't NK have his own house? Why was he always here?
'Chotay...'Anjali, who had come to stand next to Arnav now, whispered in his ear, 'Be more civil. This is amazing news for Khushi, show her a little enthusiasm.'
'What...oh right...fine.' He didn't see why he should, considering she had shared it with the person she wanted to share it with!! 'Uh...umm...so when will they admit him?'
'Chotay...' she stressed his name under her breath.
'What?!!' he rounded on her.
'A congrats was what I had in mind...uff never mind...' Anjali shook her head.
'Oh umm, they said sometime next week. I'm going to go into complete the paperwork tomorrow.'
'Right. Ok. Well I guess then you can take tomorrow off, to take care of the arrangements.' Arnav added off-handedly. Khushi and the rest of them stared at him in shock; he had willingly given her a day off from work.
'What? These things require attention. Besides, I know if I don't give her an off then she will be distracted all day thinking about it which would prove worse for the office. On a normal day Khushi causes enough accidents I shudder to think what she is capable of doing when completely distracted.' He covered up.
Khushi's mouth fell open at his snark. How dare he?! She wasn't that big a clutz. Or fine maybe she was but still!!!
'Aww come on Nannav, she isn't that bad.' NK jumped to her defence.
'Well of course you would think so, you are just as bad.' Retorted Arnav.
'Nannav, -
'Its' ok Nanhe ji. And thank you Arnav ji, but its' quite alright I'll come to work. The paperwork should take about an hour tops so I'll come into work after that, I don't need the whole day off.'
'Suit yourself.' Arnav shrugged as he turned and began walking towards his room, to change and freshen up.
'So isn't this wonderful Khushi. I mean such a fine institute has admitted him, now your Bauji will recover in no time.'
'I know Di. I mean I can't believe it. I would have never thought NHC would take his case. I mean I really hoped they would but never thought they would actually take him into their "Heart-care without fare" project, I mean they have that for really extreme cases. But they decided to take him. For a second I thought that meant that Bauji had taken a turn towards the serious end, but they said no, rather they are now expanding this project to those who are not as dire but still require the treatment. It's all to do with how big celebrities and companies have taken interest into their project which means more funds in health-care for those who need it. Isn't it great?!! I mean I can't believe it.' Khushi smiled happily, as she bounced around while telling them about the programme. Her happiness knew no bounds.
'HUUUH!! I haven't told Jeeja ji yet. I should call him he will be so happy. And Jiji, Buaji, Amma too- her smile faltered as she mentioned her name, for her last meeting with them flashed before her eyes, 'actually, it might be better if Jeeja ji tells them.' She said somberly. Anjali squeezed her shoulder to give her some comfort, knowing too well what thoughts her mind was dwelling on. She placed her hand upon her's and squeezed back. 'I'm ok. I'll go call Jeeja ji. Him I can inform, right?!' she smiled as she turned and began walking towards her room, wanting a bit of privacy while she informed her brother-in-law.
'Argh!!'
'AAH-
'Khushi Kumari Gupta, do you ever use your eyes?!!!' Arnav reproached, as he found himself steadying Khushi yet again, for she had turned, walked a few steps and found herself colliding into his chest.
'Me?!! Well I can ask you the same thing. If I walked into you, than you walked into me too!!' she argued, from the depths of his chest.Mmm he smelt of the ocean...ugh focus Khushi!! 'Let go of me, AAAHHH- she had tried to come out of his embrace when something tugged hard at her ear. Her earring had gotten stuck in his cashmere sweater.
'Stop!' he commanded, for she was fidgeting about trying to free her earring. He clasped her hand and moved it away from her lobe before she caused any serious harm to it. Then slowly, with trained hands he manoeuvred the hook of the jewel out her lobe, allowing her to stand up without injuring her ear. Then cautiously he plucked the earring out of his shirt so that it didn't pull at the fabric and handed it to her, while she stared at him dumb-foundedly. She couldn't believe he was capable of such gentleness.
'Uh...Khushi? Do you plan on taking your earring?' he asked confused, for he had been holding it out to her yet she was staring at him like she was seeing him for the first time. His words jostled her; she grabbed at it and placed it back into her lobe a little too harshly, causing her to flinch.
'You ok?'
Her eyes widened at the question. Why was he being so nice? First leaving her a tray of food. Then giving her leave to arrange for her father's transfer, before she had even asked, then pulling the earring out so tenderly and now asking whether she had been hurt...what was he upto?
'Khushi?' he asked, concern in his voice now.
'Hunh? Oh umm...yeah...fine.' She mumbled as she nodded. Before he could do or say anything else that would baffle her she began walking away, only something tugged hard at her duppatta causing her to stop yet again. She turned to find the damned thing stuck in his watch. What in the world?!! Why were all her accessories betraying her and attaching themselves to this man?!!!
She stared at him as he stared at her, both in disbelief at how first the earring and now her duppatta had gotten stuck on him. What was going on? He began to detach it but as it was stuck on his wrist he was having difficulty loosening it with one hand. She walked back and disengaged the treacherous dupatta from his watch. They both exchanged a look of confusion and then she turned to walk away, only to stop and turn back. This time not because of any other attachment but as she realized there was something that she needed to say to him and figured that was why DM kept on attaching her adornments on him.
'Umm...Arnav ji. I uh...I wanted to apologise and thank you.'
He stared at her, now completely confused.
'No, no. I'm not crazy. Well not completely.' She grinned, 'I wanted to apologise for the way I behaved last night, I mean you brought me dinner and I shouted at you...and I wanted to thank you for bringing me the dinner.' She smiled. Her resolve to not forgive him now dissolved. She was too happy to hate even him. She was not happy at the fact that he had misjudged her to being such a low, characterless person. But the way she saw it, if she held onto a grudge against him, than she would be just like him: holding onto one action and judging a person on only that. And he was the last person she wanted to be like. Besides at this moment she was too happy to hold a grudge. Aakash had forgiven her, NHC was going to admit Shashi, when such amazing things were happening she didn't want to hold onto any negativity. She wanted only positive energy to surround her as that would help her in earning her Mother, Father and Aunt's forgiveness. Thus she decided to let Arnav's discrepancy go, besides she really didn't expect a verbal apology from him, he was incapable of that, she knew, thus she might as well accept the one he offered the night before.
'Oh...that...umm...Di told me to...so I did.' He said awkwardly. He had never intended for her to find out that it was him who brought her dinner, hence he had crept in silently, only she had walked out of her room at that precise moment. And now she was thanking him, he hadn't done it for her gratitude, but rather to apologise for being abnoxious to her on her homecoming, when clearly she had been so stressed, plus he knew that she was one person who couldn't go to bed hungry.
She smiled. She knew Anjali had asked him to do no such thing, but as it gave him comfort in hiding his apology and good deed behind his Di, she didn't not press the matter. 'Oh...well you still brought it over so thanks.' He just gave a shrug in response. Clearly uncomfortable at being caught doing something nice for her. She gave him another smile and then walked away to her room to call Aakash. While he stared after her, soaking in the warmth of her smile: the smile that had been just for him.
*****