Desert Rose

Chapter 24

THE day of the fashion event had finally arrived and Khushi stood in the green room looking on as the models tried on their clothes for the fashion event. She had been working non-stop since morning making sure everything was in place from AR's side. She knew AR's competitors were also going to be part of this fashion event and that there could be no mistakes. She wondered how she had let Akash coerce into doing this fashion event with him.

Two days after she had moved back into her house in Delhi, Akash had landed on her doorstep, Payal in tow. She had just managed to bring the house to a decent state after two whole days of cleaning and scrubbing.

She had succinctly explained to them that things hadn't worked out between Arnav and herself and that she was looking forward to an independent life in Delhi. Thankfully, they had not pushed her further with questions. Soon after Akash had left for work, Payal had come up to her.

'Khushi, what happened?'

'You know the circumstances under which our marriage took place jiji. There was no way it could have continued.' Khushi had explained to her that she had come to Raisar only to make sure she settled down with Akash. And that was what mattered at the end of the day.

'But you and Arnavji seemed to have sorted out your differences,' Payal said holding Khushi's hand. 'The way he rushed up to the attic that day you were stuck there, I could have sworn he-----'

'Enough about me jiji,' said Khushi changing the subject. 'I am very proud of you...' she said, '.....your unwavering faith in Akashji and love helped you achieve all you wanted in life.'

Khushi thought back to that day three months ago when she had stood with Payal in the same kitchen talking about their uncertain future.

I am going to marry Akash. It may not be the life I had planned, but it's the life I want ---the only one, now and forever

'No Khushi,' said Payal holding Khushi's cheek, 'I know that all this would not have been possible if it wasn't for you.

'I know it was you who convinced Arnavji to help Akash – be it with his mother, or with giving him responsibility at work.

'Thank you Khushi -- for always supporting me ever since amma and babuji left us.'

'Don't ever say that jiji,' said Khushi taking her in her arms, 'What would I have done without you? We supported each other.'

Thinking about the uncertainty they had faced, not knowing how their lives would turn out, Khushi thought things had gone pretty good --- at least for Payal. She had been re-united with her true love. Unlike her.

Contrary to what she had believed at the time, she had been destined to find true love -- just like her parents. Unfortunately, she thought sadly it had turned out to be of the unrequited variety.

Though she was craving for news about Arnav she didn't want to ask about him. The next day, she found out when Akash had come home asking her for a favour.

'Khushi, you will have to come and help me with the fashion event,' he said. 'Bhai has left for the States, giving me the responsibility for the entire event.'

'But what can I do Jeeju?' Khushi said in a low voice. So Arnav had decided to go America after all. And why not? That was where his heart lay – with Jenny.

'You are the one who designed the entire collection.' Akash said. 'If you can come to the office and make sure the clothes have turned out right, then that will be one less work for me.'

When she had started the job, one thing had led to another and she had ended up co-ordinating the AR event with Akash. And she was enjoying every minute. But she knew that this was a temporary set up. Once the event was over, she would start looking for a job. She wondered if she would be able to get her old job back with Mrs Malhotra.