Seeing the Light

Lifting of the Veil

Anjali descended down the stairs, intending to go to the kitchen, but did a double take when she saw Akash seated in the hall, staring into nothingness, with a melancholy look on his face. "Akash" she called out to him just as she was getting closer, but there was no sign of recognition from him. She tapped him on the shoulder, and he jerked out of his thoughts, he turned to her "Di? Kya hua?" (Di? What happened?) Anjali gave him a small smile "yeh tho hum aapse puchna chahiye.. Kya hua? Aise khoye hue kyun baite the aap?" (I should ask you that.. what happened? Why were you sitting so lost?)

Akash bent his head down and stayed silent, Anjali took a seat next to him "Hume bataiye.. Hua kya hai?" (Tell me.. what has happened?) Akash took a deep breath "Mai aaj Payalji se mila tha" (I met with Payalji today) Anjali quenched her urge to squeal and tease him, because the look on his face definitely meant it wasn't the good news she was expecting. So she just nodded her head, encouraging him to continue "Maine unse apni dil ki baat kehdi.. Aur unse shadi ke liye bhi pucha" (I expressed my feelings to her and also asked her for marriage) Anjali's eyes widened she was surprised at the fact that he went that far, "Shadi ke liye?" (For marriage?) Akash nodded his head "aur??" (and?) Anjali urged him on

Akash shook his head "usne hume na mai jawab diya Di" (She said no Di) His voice trembled, Anjali placed her hand on his back and rubbed it, in an effort to calm him down. After a few seconds of silence, Anjali spoke up again "Kya usne koi kaaran bataya?? Kya woh aapko pasand nahi karti?" (Did she give you any reason? Does she not like you?) Akash shook his head slowly "Aisa kuch nahi hai Di.. Mujhe pata hai ke Payalji bhi mujhe chahti hai.. unki aakhon mei saaf saaf dikhti hai.. isiliye maine bina kisi hichkichahat  ke shadi ke liye pucha tha.. Mujhe ab tak unki na ki wajah samaj nahi aara hai" (Nothing like that Di.. I know that Payalji also likes me.. I can see it very clearly in her eyes.. which is why I asked her for marriage without any hesitation.. I still cannot understand the reason for her rejection) Akash sighed and Anjali nodded her head thoughtfully, then asked Akash if he wanted her to help him in anyway and he declined her offer saying he will handle it by himself. Anjali patted him on the back "All the best Akash.. agar Payalji bhi aapko chahti hai ho unhe kabhi jaane mat dijiye" (If Payalji also likes you, then never let her go) Akash gave a determined nod.

"Waise Akash Chote kahan hai? aap dono saath mai hi gaye the na?" (By the way Akash, where is Chote? You both had gone out together right?) Akash nodded "Bhai kisi zaroori kaam se bahar gaya tha Di.. aapko inform karne ko kaha tha.. mai bhool gaya.." (Bhai has gone out for some important work Di.. he told me to inform you, I forgot) He adjusted his spectacles and looked at his watch "But.. its been a while now Di.. Almost 2 hours.."

"Acha? Aajkal usse ghar par rehna acha nahi lagta" (Really? These days he doesn't like staying at home) Anjali sighed shaking her head. Just then Akash's phone rings, "Bhai ka hi phone hai" (It is Bhai's call) Anjali held her hand out to Akash, asking for the phone, Chote she said as soon as she answered

Di? Arnav was confused, he was sure he dialled Akash's number

Tum kaha ho Chote? Akash bohot pehle hi ghar aagaya tha aur tum abhi tak nahi laute (Where are you Chote? Akash had come back home long back, you still haven't come home yet)

Di Arnav took a deep breath, he didn't have the mental strength to come up with lies, so he decided to speak the truth I am at Khushi's place

Anjali smiled widely ooohhhhhhhh she teased tho WOH tha tumhara ZAROORI kaam? kyun gaye the tum wahan? (So THAT was your IMPORTANT work? why did you go there?) she giggled