Part 5
"Chote, how long and you going to do this for?" Arnav shifted in his seat and rolled his eyes.
"Do what, Di? I'm not doing anything."
"Exactly! You're just sat here, wallowing in self-pity! You haven't been to work in a week. Snap out of this, Chote."
Arnav groaned. "Why should I?"
"Because... What would Khushiji think?"
The mention of her name sent a stabbing pain through Arnav's chest. He laughed humourlessly and looked down.
"Look around, Di. She's not here; she's never coming back."
Anjali shook her head and sat down next to Arnav. She took his face in her hands and made him face her directly.
"You mark my words: Khushiji will be back."
"But, Di I-"
"Look Chote, I've never seen two people better suited for each other than the two of you. You know what they say - jodiyan aasmaan mein likhe hue hain (relationships are written in the stars). Destiny brings people together. These fights, no matter how big they seem right now, are nothing compared to the love you have for one another. Both of us have seen a lot of hardship in life, Chote, and I've got my happy ending. My beautiful baby on the way, my wonderful husband," at this Arnav looked at her, concern evident in his eyes. "and now it's your chance to be happy. The Arnav Singh Raizada I know doesn't accept defeat this easily."
"So what do I do?"
"You fight for her."
"But she won't speak to me, she won't answer my calls..."
"Are those the only forms of communication you can think of? What about a lovely, heartfelt letter?"
"Di, this isn't a cheesy movie. This is real life."
"If you know Khushi half as well as you say you do, you'd know how much a gesture like that would mean to her. The fact that you actually took time out to write your feelings down rather than just buying her some flowers."
"I don't know Di, I really messed up." Anjali stood up.
"You'll never know if you don't try, Chote. Now, I want you to change into your best suit and go to work. And whilst your doing that, you can think of ways to get your rajkumari(princess) back, filmi-style." Arnav smiled faintly as Anjali left, thinking of how crazy his Khushi could be.
"...and there you have it; all the great attractions of Delhi!" Arjun smiled at this vibrant Khushi.
"Wow, you know this place pretty well don't you?"
"Well, I have been living here for a year now, so I'd say my knowledge is pretty good. But I still miss Lucknow, that's where my true home is."
"Why did you come here then?" Khushi looked down, memories of that fateful night at Sheesh Mahal haunting her.
"Just... circumstances." Arjun looked at her, confused.
"What is it? Do I have something on my face?!" He shook his head.
"No... you just seem different, that's all. Wise beyond your years." He smiled.
"Gosh, are you my friend or my grandad? Wise beyond my years, hmph!" Arjun laughed at Khushi's serious expression and she couldn't help but start laughing too.
Arnav was just leaving for work when Nani approached him.
"Chote, I need you to do something for me."
"Nani, I'm late for work-"
"Look, it's a quick job. All you need to do is go to the mandir and drop something off for me." After some hesitation, Arnav agreed and set off in his car to the temple.
Khushi gasped as they ascended the steps to the entrance of the Gupta household.
"Oh, Arjun, I forgot the most important stop on my tour!"
"Where?"
"The one place I always feel at home at. There's still time, let's go!"
Arnav pulled up outside the temple, and got out of his car. She's here, he thought. He knew that she was somewhere close by. His heart started beating rapidly at the mere thought of her smile. He looked around, and he found her. His Khushi, dressed in a red salwar kameez with her trademark pompoms. She was laughing - he hadn't seen her laugh in months. It felt so good to see her.
Until he caught sight of the man she was laughing with.
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