Harvest Moon

Chapter 12

KHUSHI sat in the study room, free of the bandage on her feet. In the last ten days of her disability, her life seemed to be going on in a bizarrely normal pattern. During the day, Hariprakash's wife Lakshmi attended to her, catering to all her needs. She had discovered that the office chair had wheels that could help her zip around the ground floor with ease. But at night she wasn't allowed to do that as her husband insisted on carrying her around.

She had achieved quiet a lot in terms of work as she had resumed communication with her school regarding the annual day function. The principal was still hoping she would be back to conduct the annual day programme, but she didn't have the heart to tell her otherwise, for she had no idea where her life was going currently.

The small guest bedroom had become too cozy and intimate. Each morning she woke inhaling the smell of Arnav's cologne on the pillows and sheets, finding herself in the centre of the bed which told her that she must have been sliding up to Arnav's side in her sleep. However, she also found herself all alone for Arnav was long gone for his daily trip to the fields.

She stared dismally at the new Macbook that Arnav had gifted her and she got the feeling the machine was laughing back at her. She just loved her new laptop and pangs of guilt assailed her. Now that her ankle was healed, she could to be back to her old bedroom — before she got too comfortable in this room.

Later that night, Manav and Anjali had joined them for dinner.

"How's your ankle Khushi?" Manav enquired.

"The bandage is off finally." Khushi replied with a smile.

"Good!" Anjali exclaimed, "Thank you for coming up with the fantastic idea for the college cultural programme Khushi." Anjali said as she chewed on a piece of roti. Since the kids were older, she had suggested that each class come up with one hour of programme including dance, drama, skit, songs etc. that would enable them to showcase their talent. "This will allow the kids to be more creative."

"I thought so too." Khushi agreed.

"What happened at the school today Khushi bitiya?" Naniji enquired, "Khushi went to Hariprakash's childrens' school to talk to the principal." She informed the others.

Khushi looked up to see Arnav's surprised face. She hadn't told him anything about it but then there wasn't really anything much to tell. In the last two weeks Lakshmi had constantly complained about how they didn't teach much in her children's school. She had decided to go the school to enquire on Lakshmi's behalf and found that the principal Mr. Bedi was struggling to run the school due to lack of funds. She had felt sorry for the old man for whom the school was his passion and when he had requested her to help she couldn't refuse. "The principal doesn't have enough funds to run the school the way he wants. Since I have a little experience in school administration — I thought I could help him out a little."

"That's wonderful Khushi!" Manav exclaimed, "Dalbir uncle must have been so happy you are helping him out. He is my father's friend."

Khushi was aware of Arnav's eyes watching her although he remained silent.

"I hope you don't go rushing off to this new job right away Khushi," Anjali said affably, "Navneet's sister's wedding is a week away and I have told her you will help choreograph dances for the Sangeet."

Navneet was little Rinki's mom and Anjali's best friend and it was her younger sister Jasmeet's wedding. The Ahujas had come to the house a few days ago with the invitation to their younger daughter's wedding.

"No worries Di, I will be glad to help." Khushi said.

"Are you sure?" Arnav said suddenly, "Your bandage came off just a day ago."