That crooked smile of yours

Chapter 4

A/N: Hey guys, I made some changes in this story. As I went on writing, I really couldn't portray Shyam Jha as Anjali's husband. Mainly because I really can't see him acting the devoted husband. I can't get into his character. I cringed as I wrote him. So I introduced Raghudev Sharma, a new character. I will be providing his background as the story goes on. I have plans for Shyam later on. If I made any mistakes in previous chapters i am sorry. I did went through it but only in this chapter did I mention Anjali's husband. So here goes.. 

ENJOY,  thank you!

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The doorbell chime cut through the chatter of the room that usually accompanied the Raizada sitting room. The two new guests was led into the room by Hari Prakash. Anjali stood up and welcomed the firm and robust woman accompanied by a man. 

"Namaste Madhumala Ji, you finally came. How are you?"

"Namaste Anjali Ji. I have been kept busy with work but i couldn't let up this chance to be a part of the marriage of the Raizada family."
"I am so glad you could spare your time to come here Madhumala Ji," Nani greeted her.
"No need to thank me Nani Ji. Now, let me see the the bride, hhmm?," Madhu replied.

Introductions were being made and everyone settle down to discuss the Sangeet.  

The choreographer, Madhumala had a great air of self importance attached to her every gestures but an intuition to know chemistry and artistic values of dancing made her a name in her field. But she was a difficult person, at times obnoxious and demanded that people follow her instructions to the point. She refused to be consulted on her dance steps, gets annoyed easily when people suggested so, which made her quite unpopular among her clients. She examined the Gupta sisters and declared them suitable, praised the groom and the bride on the pairing. She started commenting on the theme of Sangeet, how it would proceed and the performances and finally the pairing. 

"Now the most anticipated pairing of the Groom's brother and the Bride's sister." Madhu said with a glint in her eyes looking at Khushi who was sitting next to Nk. She looked startled at the suggestion of a dance between her and groom's brother. Laad Governor and me? she thought incredulously. 

Just then Arnav came down from the stairs, his usual three piece suit gone and replaced by a casual khaki pants with a black Merino wool v-neck sweater with an oxford white shirt underneath. He turned to look at them and glanced at Khushi sitting next to Nk. His earlier irritation returned. He walked towards his Di and noticed the choreographer had arrived, he nodded at her and she nodded back. Mutual respect masked the dislikes on both sides. 

"Di? You called for me?" asked Arnav.

 But before Arnav could get a reply, Madhu interrupted, "Mr. Raizada, just the man i wanted to see. We were discussing the dance between the Groom's brother and the Bride's sister. I am assuming you are going to join the Sangeet since it is your brother's marriage?" 

Arnav raised an eyebrow at her, "Bride's sister?" He looked at Khushi. He folded his arms and said, "I am not going to dance with her. Err... I mean I am not going to dance at all." 

 Khushi gaped at him and stood up. "Who said i wanted to dance with you, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada!"

Everyone looked on between the two knowing a storm is on the horizon. 

Arnav unfolded his arms and put his hands on the back of his sister's seat, leaned forward and stared right back at her. "Whatever. But since a brother of the groom is going to dance with you. It might as well be Nk."