Foundation of Marriage

Part 23 - Holi

The morning of Holi was filled with an infectious energy that had taken over the entire Raizada mansion. Khushi had woken up with a smile on her face, her spirits were high after the success of her sample snacks and sweets. For the past two days, she had been floating on cloud nine, her excitement only intensified now that one of her favourite festivals was here, Holi. 

From the moment she woke up, Khushi had been bubbling with anticipation, preparing for the festivities alongside Anjali, Naani and Payal. The four of them had gathered in the drawing room, their hands were busy mixing vibrant colours into bowls and filling water balloons, while Khushi chattered away excitedly.

Khushi: "Aur Arnavji ke liye laal," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "It's his favourite."

("And for Arnavji, red")

She paused abruptly, her eyes darting towards Naani and Payal when she heard their teasing giggles. Naani with her warm face, shook her head and said,

Naani: "Bitiya, I hope you could do it, but Chote doesn't play Holi. He hasn't touched colours in years."

Khushi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Naani sighed softly, her smile dimmed a bit. She told her that after his mother's passing, he stopped playing altogether. It had been many years since he even touched a colour. Khushi's face fell for a moment, her heart sank at the thought of Arnav denying himself such joy. But then, the determined glint returned to her eyes. Laad Governor, was too serious for his own good, she thought, shaking her head. If anyone could make him loosen up and bring some happiness back into his life, it would have to be her. Khushi wasn't the one to give up easily, especially not when it came to Arnav.

Khushi: "No worries, Naani! Iss saal, Arnavji ko holi khelne se koi nahi rok sakta! Hum unhe rang lagake rahenge!"

("No worries, Naani! This year, no one can stop Arnavji from playing Holi! I'll make sure to apply colour to him!")

Naani smiled at Khushi's enthusiasm, while Payal chuckled softly. The day wore on, and soon enough, the Holi festivities kicked off with great fanfare. The garden was filled with splashes of colour, bursts of laughter, and the sounds of water balloons being thrown in every direction. The entire place had transformed into a whirlwind of colours, laughter, and music. Everyone had joined in the fun Devyaani, Payal, Akash, Mamiji, Maamaji, Shyam and even Anjali, with bright colours on their faces, dancing to the festive tunes while indulging in the delicious sweets and bhaang. Everyone seemed to be involved in the revelry everyone except Arnav, who was predictably sitting inside, engrossed in work, away from the merriment outside. Khushi, as always, was the life of the party. She had colours smeared all over her cheeks, her hair was flying loose, and a glass of bhaang was in her hand that she had been sipping on a little too generously. She laughed with Payal while her head already felt light from the effects of the festive drink. Khushi was spinning, dancing, and splashing colour everywhere she went. Khushi's steps became more unsteady. The bhaang had hit her harder than she realized, and soon, her drunken thoughts wandered to the one and only person, her Arnavji.

Khushi tiptoed towards his study room, her heart was pounding with excitement as she pushed open the door slightly. Arnav was sitting there, his attention was fixed on his laptop, completely oblivious to the chaos of Holi outside. Khushi took a deep breath and walked in quietly, standing right behind him. She waited for the perfect moment and then, with a swift move, she pressed a handful of red powder onto his cheek and neck. "Happy Holi, Arnavji!" she exclaimed gleefully. Arnav jerked back in surprise, his expression shifted from shock to irritation, and then something else entirely as he looked into Khushi's sparkling eyes. His hand moved to his cheek, touching the red powder that now coloured his skin. "Khushi! What the.." he started to scold her, but Khushi's laughter was too infectious. His eyes widened when he saw Khushi standing there, swaying slightly, her cheeks were flushed from both the colours and the bhaang. "Khushi!" he called out, standing up immediately in alarm. "You... you.. are you drunk?" Khushi giggled in response, taking an unsteady step towards him. "Arnavji!" she exclaimed loudly, drawing out his name as she threw her arms wide open. Arnav's expression softened as he walked over to her. He could see that she was completely drunk, her movements were exaggerated, and her words slurred. He reached out and caught her by the shoulders before she could trip over her own feet.