Head over Heels

Chapter 1 - Arnav

🎶Wajah Tum Ho - Hate Story 3

Teej, a celebration of everything holy between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the ultimate commemoration to the goddess's unwavering dedication to her husband.

Arnav began to see the fascination from his sister's perspective, much to his annoyance. Her devotion almost rivaled that of the gods.

He had kept a close watch on his sister throughout the car ride to the temple, her eyes had looked tired, she had constantly fumbled with her words - it had taken all of his self-control not to whisk the thaal away and replace her hands with some food.

It agonized him to witness her swoon at regular intervals, his faith in her lord trickling away by the minute - not that the pool was full to begin with. He was fiercely glad that his entire family was participating in this venture, between worrying for Di and his constant thoughts of Khushi, he was driven nearly insane.

At every waking hour, Khushi's rage surrounded him like wildfire. Her resignation letter had been torn to pieces, his carefully tended plants had met the same fate, and yet - nothing sated this maddening urge to confront her.

The nights were a lot harder, he had tossed and turned, falling asleep to his wild strategies at accosting her to his much grimmer fantasies. He was not blind to her feminine traits, since the very first time he had laid eyes on her. The attraction was almost instantaneous but he had fought it, tooth and nail.

"Yes, I was also looking forward to seeing Lavanya-ji," said Di, breaking his reverie.

Arnav tuned into the conversation in the car, berating himself for letting his mind wander where Khushi was involved. Lavanya's name sent a prickle of regret in his insides. His temper had soared at the arduous plan of having his girlfriend join in the festivities to appease Nani-ji, to which he had vehemently refused.

He shifted the gear violently, like it had somehow insulted him, Akash looked up with concern. Arnav took a deep breath and tried to control the inferno, it wouldn't do his Di any good to fret over him. They were almost reaching their destination, this was a new temple they hadn't visited before - almost a two hour ride from New Delhi.

The temple was now visible up a hill through the boulevard of banyan trees. The mountain was engulfed in a thick forest, they all collectively admired the beauty of the green peaks. A break ahead would get them to the foot of the hillock. Arnav's misgivings increased - on top of her weakness, Di would have to battle stairs?

Arnav growled his displeasure out loud, Di pacified him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Where there's a will, there's a way!" she chirped cheerfully while Mami-ji chuckled, in complete contrast to his blackest of moods.

Upon reaching their destination, they collectively shuffled out of the car. Arnav had been wrong, it was barely two flights of stairs to the temple, and the incline was not too steep. He voiced his observation to renewed giggles from Di and Mami. 

"What," said Arnav grumpily. Di shook her head and took his waiting forearm. They steadily made their way up to the garbhagriha. Despite himself, Arnav began to revel in the magnificence surrounding them. The rainforest added to the serenity, the lush greenery still wet from the recent drizzles.

They had reached the portico, the temple interiors surprisingly small for such a high structure. Arnav's quizzical look reflected in his brother's face.

"Is this it," asked Akash, glancing around him as few people scurried around the temple. In response, Di guided both her brothers to look past the structure.

A narrow path wove through a break in the forest up the hill. Their eyes followed the given route to reveal a partially hidden gopura high upon the mountain top. Understanding came to Arnav, soon followed by his temper. He rounded on his sister, furious. She cringed away with a smile.