An hour later Arnav was working furiously in the rose garden of the summer house his mother used to take him too. Khushi was the other woman. She was a homewrecker. How could she? Looking at her he would have never judged her to be that person, who would seduce married men and destroy their marriages, but she was. How could someone with such an innocent face be so evil? But then hadn't life taught him the pretty ones were always evil. And now when the man had seen sense and gone back to his wife she was angry at him. What was wrong with her?!! Did she not see how wrong she was for lusting after someone who was not hers'? What was wrong with this world, where it was ok for someone to step out of a marriage and for others to make them?! They just cared about the pleasures and cheap thrills of a new love, not even bothering to look at the misery they left in their so-called love's wake. Disgusting!
She spoke of integrity and values yet had none. It was all to get her way. She was a moraless, characterless person and he had actually felt sorry for her. Well he did now, not for what she was going through, but for who she was; along with the hate for her inside of him, he pitied her, pitied her for being so callous. So irresponsible. So lost in her ways that she didn't understand the difference between right and wrong. Dispecible.
He furiously planted the seeds and filled the wholes, trying to decipher why Khushi's character irritated him so much. Why it affected him so much. Yes he hated such women and she was one of them, so, all he had to do was keep her out of his life, make as much distance as possible in between them. That was all, she hadn't done anything in partcular to him, other than make the mess at the fashion show which he had delt with and taken his revenge upon her for it. So in her crimes against him they were equal. Then why did it bother him that she was a misguided person? A reckless person. He told himself it was because she was part of his company, but if that was the case then it shouldn't be an issue, for his employee's personal lives were not the company's problems, so whatever they did, she did, after hours was their choice. Yet she had made some sort of impact on him, it affected him that this was her choice, to chase married men. He didn't like it. He hated her for it. Well that was understandable at least, he hated her because she was a homewrecker, granted she had not done anything to him, but she was one of them and that is what mattered. Yes that was why, because for the first time in his life he had actually met a homewrecker. He had never gotten a chance to know who had seduced his dad or Chetan, thus could not hate them. But now he knew someone who had threatened to ruin another's life,their marriage. That person may not be anyone of Arnav's but he understood their pain, he understood it better than anyone else, for he had gone through it twice, first as a fifiteen year old teenager and recently when Anjali's marriage broke; hence he hated her more, for he lived with that irreparable wound day and night. A wound she had caused, granted on others, but had caused nonetheless and so he hated her. Yes that is why it bothered him, because she was a reminder of that offense, of that insult, of that crude affront.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
His phone vibrated yet again. Finally, he took it out of his pocket, after hastily wiping his hands on his garden pants. The caller ID flased Di. She must be worried about him, especially after the way he left the hospital. He should talk to her. But he couldn't, not right now. One because he was covered in dirt and two because he just wasn't collected enough to talk to anyone yet, especially not Anjali. She would pick up his distress even before he had finished saying hello and then would be at his heels trying to find out what was bothering him and he was in no mood to tell her about Khushi's extra-curricular activities, for it would only cause her old wounds to flare up, wounds that had finaly healed. Plus she liked Khushi and as much as he hated her, he didn't wish to taint her image in front of her, not for Khushi's benefit but for Anjali's as she would be hurt to find out someone she had thought was a friend, who she had thought was so nice was actually cruel and heartless at the core. But he couldn't avoid Anjali forever and the longer he continued to miss her calls the more agitated she was bound to get. The best thing for him was to clean up, change back into his clothes and head home to tell Anjali he was fine. Thus he put down his gear, got up and headed into the summer house to shower, change and make his way home.
She spoke of integrity and values yet had none. It was all to get her way. She was a moraless, characterless person and he had actually felt sorry for her. Well he did now, not for what she was going through, but for who she was; along with the hate for her inside of him, he pitied her, pitied her for being so callous. So irresponsible. So lost in her ways that she didn't understand the difference between right and wrong. Dispecible.
He furiously planted the seeds and filled the wholes, trying to decipher why Khushi's character irritated him so much. Why it affected him so much. Yes he hated such women and she was one of them, so, all he had to do was keep her out of his life, make as much distance as possible in between them. That was all, she hadn't done anything in partcular to him, other than make the mess at the fashion show which he had delt with and taken his revenge upon her for it. So in her crimes against him they were equal. Then why did it bother him that she was a misguided person? A reckless person. He told himself it was because she was part of his company, but if that was the case then it shouldn't be an issue, for his employee's personal lives were not the company's problems, so whatever they did, she did, after hours was their choice. Yet she had made some sort of impact on him, it affected him that this was her choice, to chase married men. He didn't like it. He hated her for it. Well that was understandable at least, he hated her because she was a homewrecker, granted she had not done anything to him, but she was one of them and that is what mattered. Yes that was why, because for the first time in his life he had actually met a homewrecker. He had never gotten a chance to know who had seduced his dad or Chetan, thus could not hate them. But now he knew someone who had threatened to ruin another's life,their marriage. That person may not be anyone of Arnav's but he understood their pain, he understood it better than anyone else, for he had gone through it twice, first as a fifiteen year old teenager and recently when Anjali's marriage broke; hence he hated her more, for he lived with that irreparable wound day and night. A wound she had caused, granted on others, but had caused nonetheless and so he hated her. Yes that is why it bothered him, because she was a reminder of that offense, of that insult, of that crude affront.
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
His phone vibrated yet again. Finally, he took it out of his pocket, after hastily wiping his hands on his garden pants. The caller ID flased Di. She must be worried about him, especially after the way he left the hospital. He should talk to her. But he couldn't, not right now. One because he was covered in dirt and two because he just wasn't collected enough to talk to anyone yet, especially not Anjali. She would pick up his distress even before he had finished saying hello and then would be at his heels trying to find out what was bothering him and he was in no mood to tell her about Khushi's extra-curricular activities, for it would only cause her old wounds to flare up, wounds that had finaly healed. Plus she liked Khushi and as much as he hated her, he didn't wish to taint her image in front of her, not for Khushi's benefit but for Anjali's as she would be hurt to find out someone she had thought was a friend, who she had thought was so nice was actually cruel and heartless at the core. But he couldn't avoid Anjali forever and the longer he continued to miss her calls the more agitated she was bound to get. The best thing for him was to clean up, change back into his clothes and head home to tell Anjali he was fine. Thus he put down his gear, got up and headed into the summer house to shower, change and make his way home.
'Here, let me help you Di.' Offered NK as he came to the passenger side door.
'Oh, no it's ok. No really thanks NK. I will come out myself, just help Khushi will you.' Anjali declined as she managed herelf out of NK's sports car.
'Sorry again, I should have brought my jeep, but it is at the garage, the engine keeps heating up so I left it there just this morning.' NK apologized again as he held a firm hand on Khushi, to keep her balanced as she wasn't used to her crutches yet.
'It's ok, no need to apologise. You came that is what counts, unlike my brother.' Anjali sighed as she finaly made it out of the back seat. She had insisted Khushi sit in the front for she had the cast on and so it would be harder for her to get inside and out.
'Aaawh, Di, no biggie. Bhenga apki kismet main always haazir hai, Di.' NK said cheerfully.
'Bhenga?!!' Anjali asked and then burst out laughing as she realized what he had been trying to say, 'Banda and Khidmat NK, not bhenga, that would mean you're cross-eyes and kismet - fate.' Anjali iterated through her laugh at NK's poor hindi.
'Oh right...' NK coloured a little and then seeing Khushi laugh at his expense added, 'well at least my poor attempt at hindi brought a smile on Khushi's face.' NK pointed out as he too smiled at his mistake but moreso for having made Khushi forget her pain for a bit and enjoy herself. Ever since he had arrived at the hospital all he had seen was a ghostly Khushi, which saddened him greatly, as he had never seen this side of her and never wished her to be in such pain. He had always seen her with a smile and worried a few times, but never broken, like she had been at the hospital. That sight of her still sent a shiver down his spine.
'Thank you Nanhe ji,' Khushi sobered up, 'Thank you for making me laugh and for picking me up, you didn't need to come or bring me here, but you...' Khushi started, but NK stopped her.
'Please, no need for formalities. Come on we are not just colleagues but friends too right, and there is no thank you or sorry between friends right?'
'Right.' Khushi gave a weak smile. She still had friends; it was good to know that. How she was ever to repay them she didn't know, but she would never stop trying.
'I wonder where Chotay is...he seemed quite upset when he left the hospital...' Anjali voiced aloud as she tried Arnav's number for the tenth time.
'Oh you know him Di, he will come around. It was the same way after Lavanya's accident. Remember how he had disappeared for hours after we found her in the morgue...' NK said to try and assuage Anjali, but it didn't help, for she was remembering that day too. She knew her brother well; when he believed himself to be the cause of someone else's suffering it didn't go down well with him. He would retreat to the darkness inside of him from where it would take days for her and Nani to bring him out again. He had only just begun coming around from Lavanya's death and now another accident had happened and this time even she couldn't deny it, that it was his fault.
'Don't worry about Nannav Di, he will show up, let's get Khushi inside shall we and then I will go look for him, ok?' Anjali nodded.
NK began helping Khushi up the drive, one hand around her waist, which Khushi wasn't too comfortable with but did not object as she needed his support, as it helped her balance on her crutches. When she had finaly managed the crutches and no longer needed NK's support, they reached the front steps, where Khushi stopped,how was she going to climb the steps, with these crutches that she was still testing out.
'Not to worry Khushi, let me help you over the steps' and before Khushi could say anything the crutches were gone and instead NK's firm hands were now under her arm that very easily picked her up and carried her over the four steps and onto the porch, however, instead of putting her down, he decided to carry her into the house as it would save time. 'HP, will you fetch Khushi's crutches from the porch please, thanks.' He called to Hari Prakash who stood with the door open for them to enter.
'Uh...no it's ok, Nanhe ji, I will manage. Just set me down.' Said Khushi who finally found her voice, which had been muted in the shock at finding herself in NK's arms.
'Oh don't be silly I'll carry you in.' NK said cheerily.
Oh no, no, no...he was her friend yes, but that didn't mean she wanted to be in his arms, 'No seriously Nanhe ji, put me down, you don't need to carry me in. I'm heavy, you shouldn't strain your back like that.' Khushi tried again, yet he still didn't put her down.
'You, heavy? Pushaw...what do you think these muscles are just for show? I pick up heavier weights than you in the gym, I can take you.' Oh great she was being compared to dumbells now. Really, way to buck up her confidence, to tell her she weighs less than dumbells.
'Ok, you have great muscles but that doesn't mean you have to carry me in, I should really do it on my own.' Khushi went on, not at all comfortable with the proximity.
'Really on the crutches, Khushi? You haven't even got the hang of them yet. Look we're nearly in the house anyway and then a little further to the living room, it's really no biggie. Trust my thai kilo ka haath Khushi, it won't drop you.' NK winkned an inch away from her face.
She stared at him in confusion, what did a Thai person's hand have to do with him holding her...and then it clicked, and she laughed, 'Dhai Nanhe ji, not thai. And that is why I'm saying let me walk to the living room, to get the hang of my crutches, if you carry me in then how will I get used to them.'
'Aww I love that laugh of your's Khushi. You know just for that I will grant you your wish you can walk from the here to the sitting room.' He said as he set her down in the foyer and helped her with the crutches. Thankful to finally have both feet on the ground, well one foot and one huge plastered cast on the ground, Khushi began to grip her clutches more tightly and limp with them, determined to show she was balanced on them afraid that one stumble may cause NK to take her in to his arms again.
Arnav's jeep zoomed into the drive just as NK carried Khushi onto the porch and into the house. What the -?!! What was NK doing here?!! And why was he carrying Khushi into the house?!! He slammed the brakes just before the Prado hit NK's bright red sports car. He swerved and parked so that it would block NK's car when he left, which was still in the driveway rather than the parking lot. As the engine stopped roaring he jumped out of the car and headed towards the house, fury in his heart. Why was he carrying her in?!! What was the need of Mr Nand-Kishore to drop her home? Anjali could have easily brought her home or her sister and brother-in-law. Why did he have to be here? And why, why did he have to carry her, she had crutches for crying out loud! Let her walk on her crutches or get her brother-in-law to take her inside, not NK?!! Where was he?! He had come to her rescue a week ago, so were was he now and wait why was she here and that too with NK?!! Was he her new target now?!! Well at least he wasn't married, so she wouldn't ruin any homes with her lewd behavior this time! But still! It didn't explain why she was here!! And that too with NK!! Wait, why did it bother him so much that she was with NK?!! This was her thing was it not, lure men out, that's what she was doing. But why NK? Well who cares, let her target NK, it was not like he cared. But only he did. Why?!!
She wasn't the sort of woman he should be troubling his mind over then why did her actions affect him so much. Let her be with NK, only he didn't, why was that? Ah yes... NK was Lavanya's friend and while he wasn't NK's greatest fan he couldn't let him be alone with her. She wasn't right for him. She wasn't the kind of woman he should associate himself with. Yes that was it, he cared about this undignified match because NK was Lavanya's friend and also because NK treated him like a friend thus he owed it to him to warn him about her. Besides as much as he may hate to admit it, NK had become somewhat of a friend to him too, they had shared the same loss, Lavanya and so in her death she had done what she had not managed in life, made a bond between them and it was for that bonds' sake he was concerned about an alliance forming between Khushi and NK, nothing else. Yes, it was cause of Lavanya he was concerned and felt the need to quench this union before it transformed into something permanent. Yeah, that was it, that is why he didn't like the sight of the two together...
'Ouch. Chotay?!' he bumped into Anjali outside the door.
'Di?' Arnav jumped back with alarm, he had been so furious with the sight of Khushi in NK's arms that he hadn't even noticed Anjali walking in behind them.
'Where were you?'
'What is he doing here with her?!' they both asked, their questions at the same time.
'She had no place else to go that's why she is here, where were you Chotay I have been sick to my stomach worrying about you, why did you leave like that from the hospital?' Anjali asked again, not letting him off the hook.
'No place! She has a sister! She can go there! Where is she and her brother-in-law, why aren't they here? Why is NK here?!'
'Yes, she has a sister, but we are responsible for her so I asked NK to pick us up and bring us home as you were no where to be found! Where were you Chotay?' she asked again.
Oh perfect, his own stupidity of ignoring Anjali's calls had led to NK bringing her home and carrying her in! 'Di I had some work to do, Khushi wasn't in a serious condition and besides her family was there, so I didn't see why I should have stayed.' Replied Arnav annoyed at himself.
'Don't lie to me Chotay, I know you did not go for work, I called Aman, he said you told him you wouldn't be coming in and I saw the look on your face, Chotay, before you left, where did you go Chotay? What happened, why were you so shaken up? Was it...did you remember that night again?' Anjali penetrated cautiously now, as she referenced Lavanya's accident, a topic she avoided consciously in front of him generally.
'What? No Di. I just had some work to do ok. Aman is my PA, not my handler, he doesn't know about all of my projects, only the ones I tell him about.' Retorted Arnav irritated at how Aman had blown his cover and for Anjali not letting it go, but worst of all linking up his agitation to the night of Lavanya's accident. His reaction to Khushi's accident had nothing to do with that night, even if it had taken him to the same place it had done that night. 'Now if you are passed interrogating me, can you tell me how the hell is Khushi our responsibility?!! She is our tenant not our family!! Which beckons me to ask again, why is she not with her own family?!' Arnav asked again, his voice rising at the thought of Khushi, that sinful creature, in his house and Anjali actually likening her to Lavanya.
'Chotay, I will not be spoken to in that tone, Khushi may not be your family but I am, so a little respect please.' Spoke Anjali in a terse tone, offended with her brother's manner and his unwillingness to share what was troubling him, but she decided to let the latter go, for now, as she knew that not until he got his answers he would not reply to hers'; also he would only reply to hers' when he was ready and no amount of her pushing for it would draw it out until he was. She had known him his whole life, if he didn't answer straight away, then it was something that had really affected him and only when he was ready would he let the family know, which would rarely happen as he wasn't one to share his dilemma's with anyone, he would take on all the family's problems and issues but never let anyone know about what troubled him, that he delt with on his own, much to her and Nani's dismay.
'Sorry Di. But why is she here? Why didn't she go with her sister?' Arnav asked, now in a controlled calmness.
'Because, something seemed amiss between them.' Anjali began to explain, now that Arnav had calmed. 'I'm not exactly sure of what occurred but when I got back with the discharge papers, Aakash ji was looking sullen and Payal a little angry as she and Khushi talked together. He didn't seem to be angry at Khushi for he met her cordially enough when they left, the anger I think was more at Payal.' Arnav thought he understood, he had seen Aakash's reaction on finding out about Khushi's pregnancy, he hadn't been too happy about being left in the dark. While he had seen concern in his eyes for Khushi, he had also seen disapproval in accordance to her, at that point he had not understood, but now he did as he realized what Aakash then saw, that his sister-in-law had had an affair. However, even then his anger seemed more towards his wife rather than Khushi, probably because she had hid it from him, Khushi hiding something he could probably accept as he did not possess the right to be privy to her secrets, however, his wife hiding something from him that didn't seem to settle too well with him and Arnav understood that, he too would be angry in his place.
'Thus,' Anjali continued to explain as Arnav mulled over his thoughts, 'Khushi was telling her she wouldn't go home with her as she didn't want to create the rift into something bigger by her presence for they needed to sort it out together alone, to which Payal was arguing with her about where else would she go, as she needed someone to take care of her. That's when I came in, when I heard about the issue of where she should go I offered our place, because one, this is technically her place too, she is a PG here, but more importantly she is our responsibility, your's more than ours'. Let me finish.' She put her hand up as Arnav opened his mouth to rebuke her declaration of how Khushi was his responsibility.
'Like I explained to Khushi, who also wasn't prepared to come here, due to you. What did you say to her last night?! Never mind,' she asked again, but seeing his impassive face, chose to ignore it; 'well, whatever you said, led to her to not wanting to come back here at all. She said she would find a new place, but she is in no position to find a place at the moment and the way I see it the problem is between you two not the rest of us, so me and Nani have no issues with her staying here. Hence she is to stay here. Until her leg is fully healed. After that she can decide whether she would like to continue to stay or leave.' Ended Anjali, with the full Raizada authority in her voice that ended any further dispute. However, Arnav, was a Raizada too and if something took place against his will he would not stop to dispute it.
'All that is fine, but I still don't see how she is my responsibility. Just because I employ her does not mean I have to nurse her at home. The company pays for her medical and that's where her medical benefit ends. My personal treatment is not part of hers' or any other employee's contract!' He elucidated sardonically.
'I know that thank you very much. And I never said that she is your responsibility because she is your employee, she is your responsibility because you are responsible for her current predicament, Chotay, or would you like to deny your hand in dropping her so ruthlessly off at Khawab-Mahal last night? No, no, go ahead, dispute it, I would love to see how you turn this around and say you are not responsible for her injuries.' Said Anjali defiantly as she folded her arms across her chest waiting for her brother to deny it, but knowing full well he wouldn't be able to.
Arnav was stumped after this. How could he deny his responsibility for her injuries? She hadn't just warped over to Khawab-Mahal all by herself. He had left her there,he put her in harms way, he was responsible for her broken leg and fractured rib. Thus Anjali was right she was his responsibility. If she didn't have any place to go, which it seemed was the case, then morally it was his duty to take her in and nurse her. Great, the less he wanted to do with her, the more he ended up coming in contact with.
'What? No arguments? No trying to weasel your way out of this one Chotay?' Anjali chided, knowing too well that he had thrown in the towel, for even he knew she was right, but being his elder sister how could she not tease him a little, it wasn't everyday one managed to win an argument against Arnav.
'You know I don't Di.' Arnav said with gritted teeth, although he couldn't help but smile at his sister's smug face. He could tell how much she was enjoying winning an argument against him for a change, well at least he managed to bring his Di some happiness, so what if was at the expense of his peace, for his Di, that was nothing, he would happily give a lot more.
'Good. She wil be staying in the room opposite the study, I- she stated as she began walking inside.
'Fine whateve- wait WHAT?!!! Why does she have to be inside the house, she is renting the outhouse why can't she stay there?!' asked Arnav in outrage, as he halted in the doorway, making Anjali stop with him.
'Ugh, Chotay, you're blocking the way, and lower your voice Khushi and NK are in the living room I don't want them to hear you being abnoxious.' But Arnav didn't move, he wanted his answer as to why Khushi would have to stay in the house and that too opposite the study. 'Uff, ok,' Anjali began replying seeing his obstinance, 'because my dear Chotay, who will take care of her in the outhouse, it is on the other side of the house, if Khushi needs our assistance how will me or Nani know and seeing how you are so "friendly" with her I don't see you running for her help even if you spy she requires it from your window, besides even if by some miracle you decide to get over yourself and help her she wouldn't appreciate it, it would be awkward for her considering you are a man. That's why she will be staying in the room opposite the study.'
'I doubt it will be awkward for her to have a man touch her, she didn't seem to mind NK's touch earlier...' muttered Arnav under his breath.
'What?' Anjali asked not catching his retort.
'Nothing, I was saying fine she has to stay in the house, so why in the room opposite the study, why not in the room next to yours?'
'Because, my room is upstairs Chotay and she cannot climb the stairs, hence we have to give her a room downstairs and the only room downstairs is the room opposite your study. Well that or your room, unless you are feeling very benevolent and decide to give her your room, she will stay in that room. Capice?! Now, can I go in?!' She motioned with her eyes to go inside and grudgingly Arnav moved, having nothing left to argue about, but he had only managed two steps in after her, when she turned around and backed him towards the door. 'Oh, one more thing,' she said in a low whisper, 'I have not told Nani anything about your immature and reckless behavior last night, didn't see the point in upsetting her, all she knows is that Khushi met with an accident on the way to work this morning, so just stick to that story, ok? I don't want you and Nani to have another fight, there are more then enough of those between you two, we don't need a cause for another one. Ok?' she waited until he nodded to show her he comprehended.
'Well I won't say anything, but what about your dear Khushi, won't she spill the beans. She would be too happy to get me in to trouble, I bet.' Especially after last night he thought.
'Actually, for your information it was her decision to not tell Nani, to which I agreed. When she found out she didn't know, she said it would be best to not tell her how exactly it happened as she didn't want to get you in trouble. That's Khushi for you, Chotay, considerate and mature, always thinking about others.'
More like herself, he figured, but he kept this resolve to himself, knowing Anjali would not agree or approve of it. But it made perfect sense to him; she didn't want to tell Nani because she wanted to stay on his goodside, for she knew if she angered him she would be out of the house. What a manipulative person. Well he shouldn't be surprised lying and finding her own benefit in every situation was second nature to women like her.
'Oh, no it's ok. No really thanks NK. I will come out myself, just help Khushi will you.' Anjali declined as she managed herelf out of NK's sports car.
'Sorry again, I should have brought my jeep, but it is at the garage, the engine keeps heating up so I left it there just this morning.' NK apologized again as he held a firm hand on Khushi, to keep her balanced as she wasn't used to her crutches yet.
'It's ok, no need to apologise. You came that is what counts, unlike my brother.' Anjali sighed as she finaly made it out of the back seat. She had insisted Khushi sit in the front for she had the cast on and so it would be harder for her to get inside and out.
'Aaawh, Di, no biggie. Bhenga apki kismet main always haazir hai, Di.' NK said cheerfully.
'Bhenga?!!' Anjali asked and then burst out laughing as she realized what he had been trying to say, 'Banda and Khidmat NK, not bhenga, that would mean you're cross-eyes and kismet - fate.' Anjali iterated through her laugh at NK's poor hindi.
'Oh right...' NK coloured a little and then seeing Khushi laugh at his expense added, 'well at least my poor attempt at hindi brought a smile on Khushi's face.' NK pointed out as he too smiled at his mistake but moreso for having made Khushi forget her pain for a bit and enjoy herself. Ever since he had arrived at the hospital all he had seen was a ghostly Khushi, which saddened him greatly, as he had never seen this side of her and never wished her to be in such pain. He had always seen her with a smile and worried a few times, but never broken, like she had been at the hospital. That sight of her still sent a shiver down his spine.
'Thank you Nanhe ji,' Khushi sobered up, 'Thank you for making me laugh and for picking me up, you didn't need to come or bring me here, but you...' Khushi started, but NK stopped her.
'Please, no need for formalities. Come on we are not just colleagues but friends too right, and there is no thank you or sorry between friends right?'
'Right.' Khushi gave a weak smile. She still had friends; it was good to know that. How she was ever to repay them she didn't know, but she would never stop trying.
'I wonder where Chotay is...he seemed quite upset when he left the hospital...' Anjali voiced aloud as she tried Arnav's number for the tenth time.
'Oh you know him Di, he will come around. It was the same way after Lavanya's accident. Remember how he had disappeared for hours after we found her in the morgue...' NK said to try and assuage Anjali, but it didn't help, for she was remembering that day too. She knew her brother well; when he believed himself to be the cause of someone else's suffering it didn't go down well with him. He would retreat to the darkness inside of him from where it would take days for her and Nani to bring him out again. He had only just begun coming around from Lavanya's death and now another accident had happened and this time even she couldn't deny it, that it was his fault.
'Don't worry about Nannav Di, he will show up, let's get Khushi inside shall we and then I will go look for him, ok?' Anjali nodded.
NK began helping Khushi up the drive, one hand around her waist, which Khushi wasn't too comfortable with but did not object as she needed his support, as it helped her balance on her crutches. When she had finaly managed the crutches and no longer needed NK's support, they reached the front steps, where Khushi stopped,how was she going to climb the steps, with these crutches that she was still testing out.
'Not to worry Khushi, let me help you over the steps' and before Khushi could say anything the crutches were gone and instead NK's firm hands were now under her arm that very easily picked her up and carried her over the four steps and onto the porch, however, instead of putting her down, he decided to carry her into the house as it would save time. 'HP, will you fetch Khushi's crutches from the porch please, thanks.' He called to Hari Prakash who stood with the door open for them to enter.
'Uh...no it's ok, Nanhe ji, I will manage. Just set me down.' Said Khushi who finally found her voice, which had been muted in the shock at finding herself in NK's arms.
'Oh don't be silly I'll carry you in.' NK said cheerily.
Oh no, no, no...he was her friend yes, but that didn't mean she wanted to be in his arms, 'No seriously Nanhe ji, put me down, you don't need to carry me in. I'm heavy, you shouldn't strain your back like that.' Khushi tried again, yet he still didn't put her down.
'You, heavy? Pushaw...what do you think these muscles are just for show? I pick up heavier weights than you in the gym, I can take you.' Oh great she was being compared to dumbells now. Really, way to buck up her confidence, to tell her she weighs less than dumbells.
'Ok, you have great muscles but that doesn't mean you have to carry me in, I should really do it on my own.' Khushi went on, not at all comfortable with the proximity.
'Really on the crutches, Khushi? You haven't even got the hang of them yet. Look we're nearly in the house anyway and then a little further to the living room, it's really no biggie. Trust my thai kilo ka haath Khushi, it won't drop you.' NK winkned an inch away from her face.
She stared at him in confusion, what did a Thai person's hand have to do with him holding her...and then it clicked, and she laughed, 'Dhai Nanhe ji, not thai. And that is why I'm saying let me walk to the living room, to get the hang of my crutches, if you carry me in then how will I get used to them.'
'Aww I love that laugh of your's Khushi. You know just for that I will grant you your wish you can walk from the here to the sitting room.' He said as he set her down in the foyer and helped her with the crutches. Thankful to finally have both feet on the ground, well one foot and one huge plastered cast on the ground, Khushi began to grip her clutches more tightly and limp with them, determined to show she was balanced on them afraid that one stumble may cause NK to take her in to his arms again.
Arnav's jeep zoomed into the drive just as NK carried Khushi onto the porch and into the house. What the -?!! What was NK doing here?!! And why was he carrying Khushi into the house?!! He slammed the brakes just before the Prado hit NK's bright red sports car. He swerved and parked so that it would block NK's car when he left, which was still in the driveway rather than the parking lot. As the engine stopped roaring he jumped out of the car and headed towards the house, fury in his heart. Why was he carrying her in?!! What was the need of Mr Nand-Kishore to drop her home? Anjali could have easily brought her home or her sister and brother-in-law. Why did he have to be here? And why, why did he have to carry her, she had crutches for crying out loud! Let her walk on her crutches or get her brother-in-law to take her inside, not NK?!! Where was he?! He had come to her rescue a week ago, so were was he now and wait why was she here and that too with NK?!! Was he her new target now?!! Well at least he wasn't married, so she wouldn't ruin any homes with her lewd behavior this time! But still! It didn't explain why she was here!! And that too with NK!! Wait, why did it bother him so much that she was with NK?!! This was her thing was it not, lure men out, that's what she was doing. But why NK? Well who cares, let her target NK, it was not like he cared. But only he did. Why?!!
She wasn't the sort of woman he should be troubling his mind over then why did her actions affect him so much. Let her be with NK, only he didn't, why was that? Ah yes... NK was Lavanya's friend and while he wasn't NK's greatest fan he couldn't let him be alone with her. She wasn't right for him. She wasn't the kind of woman he should associate himself with. Yes that was it, he cared about this undignified match because NK was Lavanya's friend and also because NK treated him like a friend thus he owed it to him to warn him about her. Besides as much as he may hate to admit it, NK had become somewhat of a friend to him too, they had shared the same loss, Lavanya and so in her death she had done what she had not managed in life, made a bond between them and it was for that bonds' sake he was concerned about an alliance forming between Khushi and NK, nothing else. Yes, it was cause of Lavanya he was concerned and felt the need to quench this union before it transformed into something permanent. Yeah, that was it, that is why he didn't like the sight of the two together...
'Ouch. Chotay?!' he bumped into Anjali outside the door.
'Di?' Arnav jumped back with alarm, he had been so furious with the sight of Khushi in NK's arms that he hadn't even noticed Anjali walking in behind them.
'Where were you?'
'What is he doing here with her?!' they both asked, their questions at the same time.
'She had no place else to go that's why she is here, where were you Chotay I have been sick to my stomach worrying about you, why did you leave like that from the hospital?' Anjali asked again, not letting him off the hook.
'No place! She has a sister! She can go there! Where is she and her brother-in-law, why aren't they here? Why is NK here?!'
'Yes, she has a sister, but we are responsible for her so I asked NK to pick us up and bring us home as you were no where to be found! Where were you Chotay?' she asked again.
Oh perfect, his own stupidity of ignoring Anjali's calls had led to NK bringing her home and carrying her in! 'Di I had some work to do, Khushi wasn't in a serious condition and besides her family was there, so I didn't see why I should have stayed.' Replied Arnav annoyed at himself.
'Don't lie to me Chotay, I know you did not go for work, I called Aman, he said you told him you wouldn't be coming in and I saw the look on your face, Chotay, before you left, where did you go Chotay? What happened, why were you so shaken up? Was it...did you remember that night again?' Anjali penetrated cautiously now, as she referenced Lavanya's accident, a topic she avoided consciously in front of him generally.
'What? No Di. I just had some work to do ok. Aman is my PA, not my handler, he doesn't know about all of my projects, only the ones I tell him about.' Retorted Arnav irritated at how Aman had blown his cover and for Anjali not letting it go, but worst of all linking up his agitation to the night of Lavanya's accident. His reaction to Khushi's accident had nothing to do with that night, even if it had taken him to the same place it had done that night. 'Now if you are passed interrogating me, can you tell me how the hell is Khushi our responsibility?!! She is our tenant not our family!! Which beckons me to ask again, why is she not with her own family?!' Arnav asked again, his voice rising at the thought of Khushi, that sinful creature, in his house and Anjali actually likening her to Lavanya.
'Chotay, I will not be spoken to in that tone, Khushi may not be your family but I am, so a little respect please.' Spoke Anjali in a terse tone, offended with her brother's manner and his unwillingness to share what was troubling him, but she decided to let the latter go, for now, as she knew that not until he got his answers he would not reply to hers'; also he would only reply to hers' when he was ready and no amount of her pushing for it would draw it out until he was. She had known him his whole life, if he didn't answer straight away, then it was something that had really affected him and only when he was ready would he let the family know, which would rarely happen as he wasn't one to share his dilemma's with anyone, he would take on all the family's problems and issues but never let anyone know about what troubled him, that he delt with on his own, much to her and Nani's dismay.
'Sorry Di. But why is she here? Why didn't she go with her sister?' Arnav asked, now in a controlled calmness.
'Because, something seemed amiss between them.' Anjali began to explain, now that Arnav had calmed. 'I'm not exactly sure of what occurred but when I got back with the discharge papers, Aakash ji was looking sullen and Payal a little angry as she and Khushi talked together. He didn't seem to be angry at Khushi for he met her cordially enough when they left, the anger I think was more at Payal.' Arnav thought he understood, he had seen Aakash's reaction on finding out about Khushi's pregnancy, he hadn't been too happy about being left in the dark. While he had seen concern in his eyes for Khushi, he had also seen disapproval in accordance to her, at that point he had not understood, but now he did as he realized what Aakash then saw, that his sister-in-law had had an affair. However, even then his anger seemed more towards his wife rather than Khushi, probably because she had hid it from him, Khushi hiding something he could probably accept as he did not possess the right to be privy to her secrets, however, his wife hiding something from him that didn't seem to settle too well with him and Arnav understood that, he too would be angry in his place.
'Thus,' Anjali continued to explain as Arnav mulled over his thoughts, 'Khushi was telling her she wouldn't go home with her as she didn't want to create the rift into something bigger by her presence for they needed to sort it out together alone, to which Payal was arguing with her about where else would she go, as she needed someone to take care of her. That's when I came in, when I heard about the issue of where she should go I offered our place, because one, this is technically her place too, she is a PG here, but more importantly she is our responsibility, your's more than ours'. Let me finish.' She put her hand up as Arnav opened his mouth to rebuke her declaration of how Khushi was his responsibility.
'Like I explained to Khushi, who also wasn't prepared to come here, due to you. What did you say to her last night?! Never mind,' she asked again, but seeing his impassive face, chose to ignore it; 'well, whatever you said, led to her to not wanting to come back here at all. She said she would find a new place, but she is in no position to find a place at the moment and the way I see it the problem is between you two not the rest of us, so me and Nani have no issues with her staying here. Hence she is to stay here. Until her leg is fully healed. After that she can decide whether she would like to continue to stay or leave.' Ended Anjali, with the full Raizada authority in her voice that ended any further dispute. However, Arnav, was a Raizada too and if something took place against his will he would not stop to dispute it.
'All that is fine, but I still don't see how she is my responsibility. Just because I employ her does not mean I have to nurse her at home. The company pays for her medical and that's where her medical benefit ends. My personal treatment is not part of hers' or any other employee's contract!' He elucidated sardonically.
'I know that thank you very much. And I never said that she is your responsibility because she is your employee, she is your responsibility because you are responsible for her current predicament, Chotay, or would you like to deny your hand in dropping her so ruthlessly off at Khawab-Mahal last night? No, no, go ahead, dispute it, I would love to see how you turn this around and say you are not responsible for her injuries.' Said Anjali defiantly as she folded her arms across her chest waiting for her brother to deny it, but knowing full well he wouldn't be able to.
Arnav was stumped after this. How could he deny his responsibility for her injuries? She hadn't just warped over to Khawab-Mahal all by herself. He had left her there,he put her in harms way, he was responsible for her broken leg and fractured rib. Thus Anjali was right she was his responsibility. If she didn't have any place to go, which it seemed was the case, then morally it was his duty to take her in and nurse her. Great, the less he wanted to do with her, the more he ended up coming in contact with.
'What? No arguments? No trying to weasel your way out of this one Chotay?' Anjali chided, knowing too well that he had thrown in the towel, for even he knew she was right, but being his elder sister how could she not tease him a little, it wasn't everyday one managed to win an argument against Arnav.
'You know I don't Di.' Arnav said with gritted teeth, although he couldn't help but smile at his sister's smug face. He could tell how much she was enjoying winning an argument against him for a change, well at least he managed to bring his Di some happiness, so what if was at the expense of his peace, for his Di, that was nothing, he would happily give a lot more.
'Good. She wil be staying in the room opposite the study, I- she stated as she began walking inside.
'Fine whateve- wait WHAT?!!! Why does she have to be inside the house, she is renting the outhouse why can't she stay there?!' asked Arnav in outrage, as he halted in the doorway, making Anjali stop with him.
'Ugh, Chotay, you're blocking the way, and lower your voice Khushi and NK are in the living room I don't want them to hear you being abnoxious.' But Arnav didn't move, he wanted his answer as to why Khushi would have to stay in the house and that too opposite the study. 'Uff, ok,' Anjali began replying seeing his obstinance, 'because my dear Chotay, who will take care of her in the outhouse, it is on the other side of the house, if Khushi needs our assistance how will me or Nani know and seeing how you are so "friendly" with her I don't see you running for her help even if you spy she requires it from your window, besides even if by some miracle you decide to get over yourself and help her she wouldn't appreciate it, it would be awkward for her considering you are a man. That's why she will be staying in the room opposite the study.'
'I doubt it will be awkward for her to have a man touch her, she didn't seem to mind NK's touch earlier...' muttered Arnav under his breath.
'What?' Anjali asked not catching his retort.
'Nothing, I was saying fine she has to stay in the house, so why in the room opposite the study, why not in the room next to yours?'
'Because, my room is upstairs Chotay and she cannot climb the stairs, hence we have to give her a room downstairs and the only room downstairs is the room opposite your study. Well that or your room, unless you are feeling very benevolent and decide to give her your room, she will stay in that room. Capice?! Now, can I go in?!' She motioned with her eyes to go inside and grudgingly Arnav moved, having nothing left to argue about, but he had only managed two steps in after her, when she turned around and backed him towards the door. 'Oh, one more thing,' she said in a low whisper, 'I have not told Nani anything about your immature and reckless behavior last night, didn't see the point in upsetting her, all she knows is that Khushi met with an accident on the way to work this morning, so just stick to that story, ok? I don't want you and Nani to have another fight, there are more then enough of those between you two, we don't need a cause for another one. Ok?' she waited until he nodded to show her he comprehended.
'Well I won't say anything, but what about your dear Khushi, won't she spill the beans. She would be too happy to get me in to trouble, I bet.' Especially after last night he thought.
'Actually, for your information it was her decision to not tell Nani, to which I agreed. When she found out she didn't know, she said it would be best to not tell her how exactly it happened as she didn't want to get you in trouble. That's Khushi for you, Chotay, considerate and mature, always thinking about others.'
More like herself, he figured, but he kept this resolve to himself, knowing Anjali would not agree or approve of it. But it made perfect sense to him; she didn't want to tell Nani because she wanted to stay on his goodside, for she knew if she angered him she would be out of the house. What a manipulative person. Well he shouldn't be surprised lying and finding her own benefit in every situation was second nature to women like her.
*****
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