Tug, turn, thud.. a lovestory

Disgusted

I ran upstairs to my room, took off my coat violently, grabbed something from my wardrobe and drove to her house.

***

I parked in front of her house in this filthy neighborhood and knocked loudly at the old fashioned rickety door. Once the door opened I let myself in. All members of the Gupta clan are gathered in the small living room, looking at me shocked. I notice two additional members standing at a distance, the man looking somewhat fragile.

The old lady comes forward with the most laughable statement, "Hai re nand kissore... tum bhi maafi maangne chale aaye? [have you come to apologise too]".

Before any such ridiculous notions bubble up in her mind, I burst it out, "Arnav Singh Raizada kabhi kissise mafi nahin mangta... [ASR never asks for forgiveness from anyone]".

"Main yahan sirf ise wapas bulane ke liye aaya hoon...Di k liye [I have come to call her back for di]" ..gulping back the bile that threatened to rise.

I fix my gaze at Khushi and without taking my eyes off, I throw a bundle of notes in front of her. She widens her orbs puckering her brows, as if offended..

The corner of my mouth lifts in half-a-smile, unbelieving her facade, scoffing at her in disgust.

After a beat, I throw another bundle in front of her and her fat-old-aunt starts to say something like.. "What is this NandKishore. Your sister had come to apologize for a brother like you. How frequently embarrassed she must be getting. I pity her.."

Her words stung, what does she even know of our relationship. I can do anything for my Di. Even get this chit of a girl working for her if that's what my Di wants..even if I hate her guts...whatever the price..

Without breaking a sweat, I slap another wad of notes down..A little money is all it takes to shut low-class uncouth people like her. She opens her mouth..and gapes wide when another one joins the pile. That shut the old lady up. Khushi just stands on the side dumbfounded..contemplating..

"Kaafi hai? Ya aur rakh doon? [Enough? Or should I throw more?]"

One more wad. I make the choice easier for her.

"Pehle se double hai.[ It's doubled now.]"

The old lady feigns anger and tries to throw away the money at me, "Have you taken us for beggars, take you money and leave from here..". I ignore her and concentrate at Khushi. She is now clenching her dupatta in her fist.

Looks like my scorching insults are finally getting to her.. I want to hear what she has to say.

Her elder sister now joins in the facade, "No, Khushi will never work for someone like you. Right Khushi? Tell him, you won't!..."

With determined steps she trudges towards me, "Nahi Jeeji..".

And declares, "Hum ye naukri karenge..[I'll do this job]".

I'm taken aback. I knew she can dip even lower for money but still it came as unexpected. Why am I disappointed?

My mouth contour in disgust.

Her family pretended so well to act angry at her and shocked at her decision. I left them the grace by not calling it out.

I spitted out, "See you tomorrow at 9..."

A lone tear escaped her eyes.

I gulped back any misgivings. Her tears mean nothing. She has shown her true colors. I threw her another disgusted look and turned on my heels.

I can hear raised voices faintly as the door was shut on my back. She is taking some brunt from her family for her decision, but I doubt they are serious. The whole family must be delighted to come across such a large sum without doing anything.

***

It's 6pm. I'm back from office at Raizada Mansion. "Hari Prakash, send tea in my room".

I look around but I don't see her. I see Di sitting in the living room and I ask her to confirm, "Di, kya Khushi aaj kaam pe aayi thi"? [Di, did Khushi join work from today?]

"Yes Arnav, she did", she called me Arnav? Why is Di angry with me?

Di continues, "But why did you humiliate her like that? Yes, she had told me she doesn't want to work for you, but can you really blame her...after what you put her through?

Why did you interfere at all, it was between me and her. She had told me that her father is not doing well and she wants to spend time with him. She wants to take care of his health and help him get back to work, that's why she didn't accept my offer even after I persisted. But you really crossed a line..

She has told me she will not take any salary and would come here when you have left for office and leave before you come back from work. I think it's for the best," she concluded.

I fist my hands and stomp to my room. HOW DARE SHE.. She comes to MY home, accepts MY money and dares to put such a condition to not see me?

WHO THE HELL SHE THINKS SHE IS...!

***