The Way We Were

Chapter 29

(London: 1991)

Arnav was trying to hide, but Khushi was his neighbour after all. He discovered it late night when they saw each other across open doors due to their roommates.

He got up to close the door to his flat, but Khushi had reached him in a flash. He turned around, leaving her standing.

Khushi stepped in behind him. "Turn to me, Arnav Singh Raizada."

Turn to me, Khushi. He regretted every single time he had lashed out at her last year.

"You hate it don't you, when you're talking and I turn to leave? The same applies for you."

He couldn't help himself. "What?"

"What were you telling me on stage? That you never meant the insults you threw? That you never meant to hurt me? That love isn't right or wrong? The only meaningful thing is that you... You will always... Always what?"

Arnav breathed. It had been months ago at school when he thought he would never see her ever again in life. It was when he thought it was his last chance to be in the same space as her. Now, he regretted that too. "I didn't say that. Ranjha did."

"No. That was Arnav Singh Raizada."

Why was she so stubborn? Why was she acting innocent? He turned around and gritted. "Stop believing everything you see. Akshay stepped down so I had to step up. I only did it for the audience. It was acting. Got it?"

Khushi blanched at his stance. "Got it. Now vanish, like you always do."

Arnav receded into his room.

Khushi promised herself that if he was hell bent on avoiding her, she would let him. She told Lavanya to share her schedule with Aman.

(Awake)

The sun was setting fast across the sky of Delhi, as a man stepped out of an auto, ready to board a train to Lucknow. He carried a set of papers which was imperative to be handed personally.

As he received a call, his heart picked up. Professionally, he could but report. Personally, he sent out a quick prayer. Upon reaching Lucknow the very next morning, he called his client.

"This is Asad."

"Sir, the patient is responding."

"What? Since when?"

"Last night. I was so tired, it was almost midnight. I should have called earlier."

"That's alright. Any news since then?"

"No, but I will check in with Mam again."

"Not required. She's reaching the palace in an hour. You're welcome to join us this evening."

"Sir, about the case." He stressed. "I have what we need."

"Do it."

(The Acceptance)

Munda kamaal haaye
Munda kamaal haaye
Munda kamaal haaye munda
Oye munda!

Khushi Kumari Gupta was feeling like a child again. It was as if all her fears, her apprehensions, her doubts were secondary to the man in front of her.

Munda kamaal haaye
Munda kamaal haaye
Munda kamaal haaye munda

Khushi got up and raced to the stage delighted. To see Arnav being like this, she had but to join to see his face blossom into the biggest smile.