ARSHI: MY LIPSTICK GIRL

PART - 16

Kushi: Maa, once again consider me maa? We can have this proposal some other day.
Kushi asked her mother once again.

Garima: Kushi, then tell me why did everyone rejected you?

Kushi: Maa, I don't know

Garima: Kushi, I know you won't say anything and I know that you knew it. This boy really loves you.
Kushi was shocked.

Kushi: How is that possible?

Garima: You could ask that by yourself.
After so much thinking, Kushi (mind): Anyhow, after hearing my reason he too will reject me!

***
Ratna: How dare you Arnav? Did I give you permission to ask for Kushi's hand?

Arnav: But you didn't say anything when papa said okay for this.

Ratna: You are doing wrong. Why did you ask Garima for Kushi's hand? If she came to know that my sons have hurt her then she would definitely reject you.

Arnav: Maa, please. I will try to say that to Garima aunty before marriage but please I love her. How can I hurt her?

Ratna: You already did once, chote.

Arnav: That was a mistake. I swear I regret.

Ratna: Okay but do you think Kushi has moved on? After your marriage, Kushi has to face Aakash every day.

Arnav: Maa, she will forget him soon.

Ratna: Arnav, but I can't believe that you love her. You were not like that before.

Arnav: Maa, I am too human. I too have heart.

Ratna: Enough of your speech. Then tell me where was this heart when you blamed Kushi?

Arnav: Why are you making a bug scene out of this? Even Kushi would have forgotten.

Ratna: That's because I am ashamed that my both sons have hurt an innocent girl. How can I face them when Garima came to know that truth? Did you notice her face when she asked us the amount and also not to tell anything to Aakash? I know Arnav how she would have felt.

Arnav understood that his mother was afraid that he would hurt Kushi and also that she is afraid of Garima aunty's reaction on hearing the truth.
Arnav: Maa, I promise to clear everything about me to Garima aunty and also, I will marry Kushi and make her feel secure in my love.
***

Garima was on the way to temple and she saw that Arnav was waiting for her in the temple.

Garima: Arnav beta, how are you?

Arnav: Aunty, am fine hope you are good.

Garima: Why did you call me?

Arnav: Aunty, I wanted to clear one thing.
Arnav said everything whatever happened between Kushi and him on the first encounter and also, how he named her. Garima was shocked and was teary-eyed.

Garima: How can yo...

Arnav: Aunty, one min. listen to me fully. This all happened before I know her as mostly girls would approach me for money. But I can assure you that now I am totally in love with her. I would never ever hurt her, it's my promise.

Garima didn't know what to say. She was happy that Kushi would be surrounded by good in-laws but after hearing this, she was hesitating to go forward for the proposal with Arnav.

Arnav: Please, don't say to no the proposal. My mom didn't allow me to ask for the proposal fearing that I would hurt her but then I promised that I would let you know everything that had happened before marriage. But aunty, didn't Kushi say anything about me?