Dark Night Dawning

Chapter 8

It was a few days since Lavanya's arrival at Shantivan and the entire Raizada family were seated at the breakfast table as usual.

'What is your plan for today Lavanya?' asked NK munching on his toast.

Arnav was relieved to see that NK's attention had shifted to from Khushi to Lavanya.

'I plan to go to the Surajkund Craft Mela.'

'Mela!' exclaimed Khushi, 'I love melas!' she turned to Payal, 'Remember jiji, how much fun we used to have when we used to go the one in Lucknow?'

When Payal smiled her assent, Lavanya had an idea, 'Why don't you and Payal come along with me Khushi?'

'Isn't this the same one that is put up every year in Faridabad?' asked Akash, 'someone from AR fashions usually goes there every year to see if we can use some of the handicrafts and handloom designs in our collection.'

'You are right Akash. That is exactly why I am going there as well. In fact, you and ASR should come along. It is always nice be hands on with some of these things, don't you think?'

Akash looked at Arnav making it obvious that he would like to spend the day with Payal. Arnav groaned inwardly, 'You go ahead Akash. But I have lots of work at the office.'

'Oh come on ASR, this is work too you know?' Lavanya's tone was sharp with disbelief. 'All work and no play makes ASR a dull boy.'

'Cool!' said NK turning to Khushi, 'I have never seen a mela before. Khushiji, you will have to tell me what a mela is all about on our way there.'

'What about you Di?' Lavanya asked Anjali.

'I don't think I will be able to manage all that walking. You all enjoy yourself'

'On second thought, you may be right Lavanya' interjected Arnav when he saw NK's puppy dog face, 'It is important to be hands on with this sort of thing. I think I will come along to check out the handicrafts.'

Arnav took the wheel and the three couples set off toward Surajkund in Faridabad district which was 8 kms from South Delhi. On the way Lavanya told them that the Surajkund crafts mela was an annual event that highlighted the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of India. The mela's objective was to educate patrons form both abroad and urban centres about the fascinating technique and skills involved in craft creation and to introduce the crafts and craftspersons to the buyer directly. The mela also celebrates the rhythms of folk theatre and had a theme state which was Assam this year.

As the group reached the venue, Arnav and Lavanya decided that to attend the Exporters and Buyers meet held at Surajkund design galleries area. Arnav decided to let Akash off the hook so that he could spend some quality time with Payal.

'Would you be interested to come with us NK?' asked Arnav hoping to pry him away from Khushi, 'It would be a good experience for you.'

'I don't believe in mixing business with pleasure Nannav,' he said smoothly, 'Moreover I promised Khushiji that I will watch Hasi Khushi Something with her.'

'Its Hasya Kavi Sammelan Nanheji' corrected Khushi and turned toward Lavanya, 'Do you really have to go to this meet Lavanyaji? There are so many fun things we can do here.'

'This won't take more than an hour Khushi,' placated Lavanya, 'Don't worry I will bring back ASR safe and sound to you.'

Khushi felt warmth creep up her cheeks and she hoped nobody had observed her reluctance in seeing Arnav going to the meet with Lavanya.

After the group split up, Khushi along with NK, Payal and Akash went to the Hasya Kavi Sammelan, where Khushi spent most of her time translating for NK.