Foundation of Marriage

Part 13 - Truth

Anjali's mind was anything but still. She had noticed Arnav looking unusually flustered as he came inside from the poolside, and it wasn't hard to guess what, or rather who had caused that reaction. Her sharp eyes had also caught the glint of new bangles on Khushi's wrists, ones that she knew could only have come from her brother. She smiled to herself. Things were moving along between them, she thought, but not fast enough. Deciding it was time to speed things up, Anjali joined Naani in the living room, whispering her plan. Naani, ever the conspirator when it came to matters of the heart, was more than happy to join in. Together, they positioned themselves near Arnav, making sure he could hear them, and began their act.

Anjali: "So, Naani, I was thinking.. we should talk to Buaji soon about Khushi's marriage."

Arnav, who had been pretending to look at his phone nearby, stiffened slightly but kept his eyes on the screen. However, his ears were now fully focused on their conversation.

Naani: "Yes, yes. It's time we start considering some good alliances for her. After all, she's such a lovely girl. She deserves someone wonderful, how about if we get her into our family only. Are we stupid that we should let such a nice girl go from her hands!"

Arnav's eyes widened, and he couldn't stop himself anymore. He marched over to them, his expression was a mixture of confusion and shock.

Arnav: "What... what are you talking about?"

Anjali and Naani exchanged a quick glance, trying hard not to laugh.

Naani: "We were just discussing Khushi's marriage, Chote. What do you think of her?"

Arnav: "For what?"

Naani: "For marriage, obviously"

Arnav's heart thudded in his chest. "Naani! Main.. aur Khushi..?" He sputtered, struggling to form a complete sentence. Before he could say anything more, Anjali jumped in, waving her hands dismissively.

Anjali: "Oh no, Chote, don't get angry! We weren't talking about you. We know you don't believe in marriages."

Naani: "Yes, Anjali bitiya was suggesting that we talk to Garima and Shashi about Khushi and Rahul. Don't you think they'll make a lovely pair?"

Anjali: "Rahul seems like a good match. He and Khushi would look so nice together. I heard even his mother is interested in the proposal."

Naani: "We were thinking it would be good if she was also married within our family, after all such a nice girl she is."

Arnav froze, his entire body stiffened. The thought of Khushi.. and Rahul? Together? What was wrong with his family members he thought, always trying to pair up Khushi with someone.

Arnav (shouted): "What? Khushi and Rahul? That's ridiculous! There's no way.."

Anjali and Naani stared at him, a little taken aback by the sudden anger in his tone. They had expected him to be flustered, maybe even jealous, but this level of fury was something else entirely.

Anajli: "Chote, We were only..."

But Arnav wasn't listening. The thought of another guy being anywhere near Khushi, let alone marrying her, was enough to send him into a tailspin. Without another word, he stormed out of the area, his face was dark with emotion. Anjali and Naani exchanged shocked glances, their teasing smiles fading as they realised the depth of his reaction. "Oh dear," Naani murmured, shaking her head. "I didn't expect that." Anjali, was still processing what had just happened. "Neither did I, Naani. I knew he cared about her... but I didn't realise how much."

Arnav stormed up to his room, his mind was still reeling from the conversation. He slammed the door behind him and sat on the edge of his bed, running a hand through his hair. The thought of another guy being with Khushi felt unbearable, and the realisation hit him like a ton of bricks. He cared for her. More than he ever wanted to admit. He was so in love with her. Yes he was in love with a certain Khushi Kumari Gupta. For the first time, Arnav felt completely out of control, and it terrified him.