ARSHI: MY LIPSTICK GIRL

PART - 21

Kushi and Arnav got married. It was unusual to all Raizada and even Garima that Aakash was silent. No one knows what’s going on in his mind but Kushi knew. Kushi’s uncle Ram was a suspect in the eyes of Arnav. Don’t know why but he felt a bad vibe seeing him. Ratna made Kushi sit in the bed and blessed her saying sweet things to her. After she went, Kushi ran to the restroom and changed into comfortable dress.
Kushi: Oh my Devi Maiya. Please send him late. I don’t want to see him.
Kushi took a comforter and slept on the couch hiding herself within the quilt. That’s when, she heard a click sound. Arnav came in and Kushi could hear him saying, “Don’t tease me, La. Get going”
Kushi knew he won’t show his rights but she was not strong enough to see him.
Arnav: Kushi slept so soon?
He tried to see her face but then thought it would disturb her.
Arnav: Kushi, are you asleep? Seems she slept. Arnav, what a man are you? You should sleep on couch and she should be on bed.
He went away scolding himself. Kushi blushed hearing this.
***
Ram: But I can’t ask her anymore. I already gave you six lakhs.
Ram Gupta, brother of Shashi Gupta owns a small-scale industry. His market was on textile. When Shashi was alive, he used to give him money but when he died, he couldn’t find any other sources. And at the same time, Shashi’s business too went down. But he knew about Kushi’s friendship with the Raizadas. Shashi has shared everything with him, even about Kushi’s feelings towards her father, Aakash’s broken friendship and Arnav’s approach to Shashi. He dreamt of having his own house, only own house. But his desires kept on increasing when his wishes were being fulfilled by Shashi and now, he is facing loss. He invested a huge amount to start this new textile business but unfortunately, his dream turned upside down. He had no children and his only wife died but too he himself didn’t know why he wants property. Greed! He came up with a plan and melted Kushi by emotionally attacking her with her father’s name and her mother’s sickness. Somehow, he managed to get few amounts from Kushi but how is he going to settle the remaining amount. Will he sell his leftout properties? Though Shashi fulfilled his wishes, he spent all his money senselessly. H2 needs Kushi’s help now but how?
Mr. Dev: Ram, I can’t give you more time. It’s been a year.
Ram: Understand my stance. And just now I gave you six lakhs. Give me some time.
Mr. Dev: Ram, you said you will settle the whole amount and where is my remaining 14 lakhs?
Ram: I have no one to help. You know even my brother is not there to help.
Mr. Dev: I want my money back soon or else you will face the consequences.
***
The next morning, Arnav woke up and his eyes were searching for Kushi. Just then he caught her digging her face into something.
Arnav: Kushi, what are you doing?
Kushi was stunned as she thought to leave the room before he wakes.
Kushi: I am arranging.
Arnav: Do you need help?
Kushi: No, stay there.
Arnav was surprised at her raising voice.
Kushi took handful of lipstick and placed in on the dressing table which was at the side of the bed. Arnav chuckled at her.
Kushi: Why are you laughing?
Arnav: So many of them and only for you?
Kushi: If you want, don’t hesitate I will give you my sweetheart.
Kushi chuckled all by herself.
Arnav: I don’t mind applying on my lips but not from lifeless sweethearts but from lively sweetheart.
Kushi stopped chuckling and turned here and there and resumed her work. Arnav admired her. The way she pinned her hair into a messy bun with that some kind of a pencil, her crazy expressions at each thing she was handling and that too, he was seeing her for the first time in the night dress. He expected something like seeing her in wet hairs with a coffee in her hands and in a beautiful red saree and their morning romance but here, in a simple yet beautiful white night dress. Yesterday she covered herself with quilt which was why he didn’t see her. Always it was formal but today, he felt homely. He was clean bowled. Kushi knew he was gazing her but she tried to ignore him.
Arnav: Don’t try hard. Just be casual and you won’t fall for me.
He winked and slept for another five minutes. Kushi ran to get a hot shower. It was that hot but she didn’t feel anything as she was shivering from Arnav’s gaze.
Kushi quickly got ready and went down but before that, she shut the door loudly to wake him up. She had no guts to wake him up personally.
Arnav got up and went to take bath not finding Kushi there.
Kushi went down with a smile. She was thinking of his morning words. Just then she stopped.
Kushi (mind): Oh Devi Maiyya! I told you, please don’t make fall for him.
After her pooja, she was in her kitchen. She dashed with La.
La: Can’t you open your eyes and walk?
Kushi: I have special powers. My eyes will only see the angels and not devils.
La: Not so funny. By the way, where is your husband?
Kushi: Why?
La: Why should I waste my time asking you?
Kushi: Don’t disturb him, he is taking bath.
La: I will see him in his room.
Kushi: Our room.
Arnav: La, you should not come into a couple’s room without permission.
Kushi closed her eyes getting caught.
La: Soo mean, Arru. Let’s wait and watch.
Arnav: I don’t care. Kushi, can you come to OUR room.
Kushi: Any help?
Arnav: Come.
La: Stupids
Arnav and Kushi: You too.
Kushi and Arnav had a small eye lock.
***
La: Hey, what happened to you?
Aakash: See this
La: One lakh, whose amount?
Aakash: Kushi.
La: But why?
Aakash (teary-eyed): I broke her trust and friendship and she broke all ties with me. She returned the amount for all I bought for her.
La: Don’t worry but it’s your mistake too. I know we are enemies but I support Kushi in this.
Arnav: Kushi, you can take rest today and then after one week you can join.
Kushi: Actually, I wanted to say something. I want to quit.
Arnav: Why Kushi?
Kushi: I know I have to pay you the amount but at the same time, I can’t leave my father’s company aloof. I will pay you somehow but I need time.
Arnav: You have lifetime Kushi but too, think I don’t need that amount. Just think you got it from your husband.
Kushi: But we were not married when you gave me the amount. But anyways, I quit and I will take over my father’s company and I ne…ed your he…lp too.
Arnav: I will there for you always.
Ram doesn’t know that Kushi has taken a drastic step. Kushi still wants to achieve her dream to work in ARC though she was working in ARD but now, her father is important.
*SMASH THE VOTE BUTTON*





To be continued…

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Dated: 04-01-2020

Yours,

Lily