Head over Heels ☑️

Chapter 14 - Khushi

🎶 Sadqay - Aasir Wajahat, Nayel & Nehaal Naseem (Single)

"Manorama-ji," barked Lata-ji. "I have demonstrated a hundred times already - please pay attention, you are lagging behind!"

Mami-ji's chin wobbled, even Nani-ji spared a pitying glance in her daughter-in-law's direction. Mama-ji hobbled on one foot, twirling his hands in the most ludicrous manner, entirely off beat. Sweat poured down his forehead as he put his all into the endeavor.

Khushi's ribs were in constant danger as she stifled her laughter. So far she was the only one who wasn't chided by the strict master-ni. Her concentration had previously wavered when Arnav-ji had settled on the sofa, smirking covertly at her from behind his newspaper. But the moment he was asked to participate, he escaped as if he were being chased by something monstrous.

"Mountains might leap and rivers could swirl, but getting Arnav-babua to dance? Not a chance-wa!"

Khushi had nearly jumped at the chance to challenge him, the thrill almost consuming her—until Lata-ji called for a couples' dance. She wasn't sure she could hold her own in front of the entire Raizada parivar, especially with his ensnaring arms wrapped around her.

And so it was decided: Mami-ji and Mama-ji would be one pair, the bride and groom another, Nani-ji with Anjali-ji, and finally, Khushi with Nanhe-ji.

Khushi smiled weakly, this was still a better alternative to the captivating tease shut up in his bedroom upstairs. Though her stubbed toes whined in protest at the very thought of dancing with Nanhe-ji.

They soon divided into pairs, and the song 'Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam' began to ring across the hall. Nanhe-ji especially was excited with the remixed version; he placed a hand to his ear, while the other pretended to spin an imaginary disk like a DJ. He stopped when Lata-ji reached them with an infuriated stare.

The familiar beat and lyrics put them in a state of relaxed high, they twirled around to the rhythm, laughter echoing from all around. Even Lata-ji looked defeated as Nani-ji raised her arms in the air and shimmied.

Khushi was surprised when Nanhe-ji hesitantly placed a hand on the small of her back upon Lata-ji's instructions. Khushi cleared her throat and awkwardly held his shoulders as the music changed to a slower number.

Everything felt off to her. Although she adored Nanhe-ji to bits, a different pair of arms beckoned to her. She found herself envisioning Arnav-ji and she on the dance floor, rehearsing the couple's dance for their Sangeet. Yet, guilt washed over her as she berated herself for her greed—wasn't it her decision to wait?

Khushi hastily stepped away from Nanhe-ji when the song ended. She felt a tingling sensation at the nape of her neck, her gaze took in the living room and the stairs, but the person she sought was nowhere in sight. She shook her head as Hari Prakashi-ji approached them.

"Anjali-babhi, the electrician is here asking for the sample we picked for the outdoor lighting."

"Oh yes, it's up on the roof!" said Anjali-ji, turning toward the stairs.

"I can get it!" said Khushi brightly, eager for a break. "I know which one we had selected."

"Thanks, Khushi-ji!" Anjali-ji said, lowering herself onto the couch with a sigh. Khushi caught Lata-ji mentioning her intention to leave, so she waited to bid her goodbye before bounding up the stairs.

Khushi finally knew the alternate route to the roof, she didn't have the nerve to enter his bedroom after what transpired in the kitchen. She blushed, Arnav-ji had perennially ruined her perception of dry fruits.