Reawakening

Part 27 - Engagement

When Akash entered all tensed up after talking to Payal, he heard his brother , "Where on earth has she gone ? This girl can never look after herself and she will leave me worried... "

Though Akash had had doubts that Di and Dadi may have been mistaken about his brothers amorous intentions towards Khushi, things were starting to fall in place now. He saw the same concern in his Bhai which he would have shown for a family member. Now he was showing similar concerns towards Khushi. When did this happen? How is it none of us saw it before? Was it always there? Is that why Bhai was showing such strong emotions towards her? And Khushi? Does she like him? He swallow hard, too many thoughts running amok. "Whatever it is, I just can't understand you Bhai.." he strode to his room shaking his head, while making plans to call Payal to check if they heard anything from Khushi.

As was earlier decided, Khushi had left the gang to run errands to complete next few days catering tasks. She could not put that on hold. She had managed to get extra help for the next few days from students who were ready to do work for extra pocket money. Tired after the days slogging, she decided to talk to her Devi maiyya. There was some talking to do. Why was she putting her through this.

"What does he want Devi maiyya? I have once lost my control Devi maiyya and you know what happened on Diwali night. Yet I fell for him . But again you gave me enough courage to move on in life and now he is back? What does he want from me? And what did he mean by 'meant everything to me?' Devi maiyya, you have to show me answers please"

When the temple pandit asked her help for next days special pooja, Khushi did not hesitate. Even though it turned dark, Khushi sat inside with the pandits wife, preparing laddoos. She felt it was like a therapy rolling the laddoos. The temple being only walking distance to her house, she felt safe, hence did not bother to look at the time nor the phone. With so many things happening, she just didn't have a second to think of anything. And to top all this, there was Arnav who just wouldn't leave her alone. Now she wanted to be away from everything and everybody who would constantly remind her of Him again.

And on the other side of the town, in his anxiety, Aranv had taken to the wheel. He drove aimlessly, while constantly trying her number. After about 20min of driving, when he was near her house, what a relief he felt when it was answered. Finally he let out the breath he never knew he as holding. He was angry, but at the same time he was reassured when he heard "hello.... Arnav ji?"

"Khushi..." he snarled.. "How dare you" ? How dare you do this to me Khushi?"

Obviously confused since she had not bothered to see the missed calls, she asked rather angrily, "Arnav ji, it looks like you have got the wrong number. I don't want to talk to you. I will keep the phone..". However, before she could disconnect,

"Khushi, khushi, don't.." his voice was almost pleading.

"What do you want?" she snapped,

Now he did not want to strike the wrong chords, so very politely he spoke, " Khushi do you have any idea what we are going through? It is now 9.30 pm, nearly 5 hrs since you left. All are worried about you. Where are you? "

Still speaking in the same tone, she replied, "Arnav ji why are you making a big deal of this. My family knows that I will be busy with work and they are fine, there's been so many times when this happens. Anyway I've just finished the work and I was returning, its just 5 minutes away. "

"Couldn't you answer the calls? All are damn worried." Again his voice started to rise, but Khushi did not give him a chance. "Arnav ji, I think I am old enough to look after myself. Nobody needs to worry about me." And she disconnected.