The afternoon sun was beaming down upon the ground in all its splendour. Coach Bakshi was in one of his “moods”, which meant that Arnav and Aman had to run ten laps.
Arnav cursed under his breath.
“I still think NK got the better deal”
“You are kidding?” Aman panted , “You should see the storeroom! It probably hasn’t been cleaned since my dad was here”
“Whatever” Arnav mumbled, “At least there is a roof above his head”
With a laugh, Aman shook his head.
“Bakshi won’t spare us till we win against Green”
Spotting the eagle eyed man, standing upright training a bunch of juniors, they hurried along.
“Can’t understand why Woodsmith gets these ex-army men as sports teachers. He is killing us”
“Stop being dramatic Mathur”, Arnav squinted against the harsh rays of sun, “If we win against Iyer, Bakshi is gonna be the one behind it”
Aman stilled in his tracks, hand on his hips.
“Win against Iyer? This isn’t about Dhruv, you know that right?”
He shrugged, “Anything for Cyrus”
Aman laughed as he picked up pace again, “Cyrus? Sure?”
“What are you being so smug about?”, he frowned.
“Your grudge against Dhruv isn’t for Cyrus, it’s for Khushi, Raizada”
Arnav looked away. Perhaps to evade Aman’s all knowing eyes. Perhaps to avoid giving away what he felt for her.
“You couldn’t be more obvious you know”
Aman sat down on a patch of grass under their favourite oak tree, tucked in a corner, away from Bakshi’s field of vision .
Arnav let out a breathless gasp, “What?”
“In the picnic? All those rides where Khushi sat with Dhruv? If eyes could kill”, he chuckled.
“It was…” he struggled to finish.
“Jealousy! Happens when the girl you love spends time with another boy”, Aman supplied helpfully.
Arnav sat down with a sigh.
“Guess there is no point in denying it then”
“When?”, Aman asked with a fond smile.
“Honestly? I don’t even know” , he bit his lip.
“She has just…just... And I knew I wanted more. I have always wanted more. But the possibility of her feeling nothing-“
“You are crazy! Everyone except the two of you knew what you felt for each other”
Arnav frowned, “Mathur, what the-?”
“Remember when you got hurt on the football ground in class seven? She actually cried ! And then when you forgot your speech midway in assembly? She all but almost shouted it out to you. And that time you got your tonsils out? She celebrated her birthday in the freaking hospital!”
“Okay”, he smiled softly, “I am an idiot then, I should have said something sooner”
“Sooner?”, the smile wiped out from Aman’s face in a comical moment.
“You guys are dating?!” He slapped Arnav roughly on the back, who did nothing but grin.
“Well…we haven’t spoken about it…but yeah, I should hope so…”
Aman burst out laughing.
“What?” Arnav asked amused.
“How different are you from your siblings ha? Akash bhai and Payal Di didn’t spare a moment to flaunt their love to the world. But you two? I wouldn’t have been surprised if there was just a wedding invitation in my mail years later!”
—————-
Kicking off the dirt from his studs, Arnav sighed. He grabbed hold of his bag, stuffing the shoes in a plastic cover, which was almost in shreds. Making a mental note to change it, he turned around, only to still in his tracks.
Khushi stood across the road from the ground. Her pink sling bag ,standing out amidst the environment of grey and green.
He drew in a deep breath. And yet couldn’t stop the smile from blooming across his lips. He swung his bag across his shoulder and jogged over to her.
“Khushi”, he said, kicking himself for a less than interesting greeting.
“I…I..had dance practice. It got over early, so decided to come here”
She wouldn’t keep her eyes on him, flitting around, like the butterfly he always thought she was. And it drove him crazy.
Grabbing her hand in his, he spoke “You got to see me play?”
She wrinkled her nose, a soft smile in place.
“No, I think I just missed the last few minutes”
His heart picked up pace at the playful disappointment in her voice.
“Well, next time I’ll give Bakshi ,the dance group’s schedule. That will make sure you won’t miss it!”, he winked.
“Wow! Make sure I am there when you do that!”, she chuckled.
He looked at her, and beamed with delight as she flushed under his gaze.
“What?” She asked in a whisper.
Clearing his throat, giving his head a little shake, Arnav smiled.
“The basketball court might be empty by now?”
He answered Khushi’s puzzled “So?” , with a tug at her hand as he led them to the nearest shortcut.
——————
He bent over to grab one of the balls left behind. Twirling it over his index finger, he turned around, desperately wishing Khushi found it cool that he could do this.
“We got lucky Gupta!”, he grinned nervously.
He was rewarded with her gasp.
“You can do that?!”
“Ya!” , he said nonchalantly, while rubbing an awkward hand over the back of his neck.
Khushi smiled as she walked up to him.
“I wish I could do something besides swim and dance”
“Hey! You play tennis!”, he frowned.
“Arnav!”, she laughed, “I play them with you in your backyard! That doesn’t count “
“Hmm”, he pretended to think over her words, before shooting the basketball beside her ear.
“Hey!”, she cried out, “You almost got me!”
“Did I?” ,he teased.
“How about I teach you some basics today Khush? We can graduate steadily to actually making you a decent player”
“I thought football was your forte’”, she smiled, her hands resting on her hip.
“As soon as you learn this, we’ll move over to football”, he smiled.
Dribbling the ball expertly, he moved behind her. Sliding his hands down her arms, he ignored the catch in her breath, even as his own nerves made their presence known.
He rested his hands beneath hers, which now held the ball.
“Lesson one. Dribble”, he whispered into her ear.
He showed her the movements, her hands imitating them in a daze.
The sun had slipped away. The crescent moon was upon them. The streetlights were flickering on. And yet, for them it was as if time itself had settled in stillness.
Arnav stopped as he realised Khushi was no longer moving her hands along his.
Straightening up, he asked softly, “Khu-“
She turned around and flung her arms around his neck, letting her name rest half spoken in the air.
Gathering her up in his arms, he held her closer. He wondered if he had done something wrong. Did something happen? He hadn’t even asked her how she was. Maybe something was wrong. Had someone said something?
She lifted her head up from his chest, derailing his train of thoughts.
He looked down, waiting for her to speak. Her eyes fluttered between his lips and his own eyes.
Arnav knew then.
Bending his head in a flash, he kissed her, muffling the whimper which escaped her.
He kissed her. Thoroughly. With all his heart. With all that he felt for her.
He couldn’t think about anything but how she felt in his arms. How right it felt to be like this.
She broke apart, heaving as she attempted to catch her breath. Resting his forehead against hers, he couldn’t help smiling.
Guess he’ll soon have to learn all the silent signs and codes, he thought impishly.
“I guess that’s enough basketball for today?” Khushi laughed, her cheeks blazing red.
“Nope”, he whispered,”Not enough at all”
He cradled her head, before pulling her in again.
————
He was still smiling, as he walked along the pathway to his dorm. He had dropped Khushi off minutes ago. But it still didn’t feel enough.
After that distraction, they had walked over to her dorm. Laughing, joking along the way. Just like they always did.
He whistled in relief. Unbeknownst to him, a bewildering fear had been beneath his heart. The worry that they wouldn’t be able to go back to the equation they always had between them. Friendship brings ease. But love? The crazy emotion clawing at your heart? That snatches away all sense of easy. He knew that much.
“Raizada”
Arnav turned around.
Dhruv stood before him, in all his glory. Dressed in his green jersey, he was the formidable opponent Arnav had to face soon.
“You know there is a match next Saturday?”
He hated the artificial smile this guy sported. As if his tactics were invisible to everyone.
“Why? Are you going around reminding everyone?”
“Don’t push it Arnav”
He rolled his eyes, “Push what? You were the one who called me?”
“Just saying. Loitering around will do you no good”, he said, his eyes glinting at something more.
“I would say the same for you Iyer. If you want to prove something, do it on the grounds”
“I will”, Dhruv grinned, “In front of everyone. How nice will it be to crush you,with so many witnesses! Headmistress, teachers, your Bakshi , beloved Cyrus……Khushi”
Arnav’s eyes flared, echoing the fury ignited in his heart.
“What?”
“Watch out, Raizada. I don’t play fair”, his face was set in a mask.
Arnav felt no dread. He knew that now no one was going to stop him from going all out this Saturday. But God help him, if this bastard brings his Khushi into this mix.
Tapping her foot impatiently, Khushi leaned against the pillar. The line did not seem to be moving any faster. She had the strongest urge to scream her frustration. But mornings made her groggy, so she decided to just tap her foot a mile a minute.
“Morning Gupta”
She turned around, squinting as she saw Dhruv all fresh and ready to start the day. A bright smile rivalling the sun was plastered across his face. But today, Khushi couldn’t bring herself to be her usual polite self.
“Morning Iyer”, she grumbled.
He let out an amused chuckle.
“Why so charming today?”
“You would understand , had you been waiting in line for thirty minutes”
She ran her hand through her hair,in an exaggerated expression of exhaustion.
“Is that so?” He caught her by her elbow.
“What are you doing?”
He shrugged, “Showing you the perks of being a sub captain”
Khushi gasped, as Dhruv marched up to the front of the line with her in tow.
She felt all her morning blues disappear as she flushed under the gaze of at least twenty other students.
“Good morning, Clara ma’am”
“Good morning, Dhruv”, the matronly lady smiled fondly.
“Me and my friend are in a bit of a hurry today, so I was hoping you could cut us some slack”, with a tilt of his head, he gestured towards the ever increasing line.
“Of course!”
And with that Khushi found herself sitting with Dhruv eating her toast and eggs on the best table in the Green house mess.
“I am impressed”, she smiled as she took a sip of her milk.
“How little it takes to impress you” Dhruv said with a sardonic smile.
She felt stumped for a moment. Shaking her head, she pressed on.
“I have been a subject of many cool glares this morning”
“Oh please”, he waved a careless hand.
“With the amount of work I put into being elected, it would be a crime to not let my friends enjoy the perks”
She smiled her thanks, and went right back into attacking her toast.
“I’ll be throwing an after party on Saturday. I have already invited your friends.”
“After party?”, she frowned.
“The match? Green vs Red? I am hurt that you forgot”
Dhruv leaned back on his chair, his eyes seemingly scrutinising her every move.
“Oh. That’s nice”
“You clearly have something more to say Khushi. Go on”, he urged.
“It’s a little…..a little premature to declare an after party before winning, isn’t it?”
To her surprise, Dhruv burst out laughing.
Shaking his head, “Oh, Khushi! Such little faith in your own team. Or is it that you have too much faith in the other team?”
“I was just…”
“All I want from you is to wear something green and cheer us on. We know how to win”
Khushi pressed her lips together in a thin line.
“I wasn’t doubting our team, Dhruv. I am just used to the after party being planned after the win”
“There’s no need to do that in this match. They are not in form. Hell, their best player can’t match up to our substitutes!”
She froze, tension bunching up in her shoulders.
“You know that don’t you? Raizada, the so-called ‘Flash’ is no match to us. Let’s see if he is able to lose with dignity”
Khushi clutched her fork so tight, her fingers had paled. She felt pure fury at the way Dhruv spoke about Arnav. The confidence she had so admired in him, had morphed into the worst arrogance overnight.
“-and don’t get me started on Mathur! My ten year old cousin can beat him to a goal!”
“They are my friends Dhruv”, her voice rigid with disappointment.
“You are not really being the sportsman you have always been”
“Khushi”, he shook his head with a smile, “Being a sportsman is one thing, but understanding how weak your opponent is, is just as-“
“I care for my house, that’s why I am telling you this”, she cut him off.
“You shouldn’t underestimate your opponents, neither should you insult them”
She picked up her bag and stood up, “I’ll see you on Saturday”
—————
“Shut up!” Mona stood akimbo.
They sat under the banyan tree, tucked away in a cosy corner of their campus. Khushi had dragged them here as soon as the bell for recess rang, ignoring all their annoyance. She had to get it out of her chest today, and so she did!
“I am so happy for you Khushi!” Preeto hugged her tight for a moment before dropping her back on the rock.
“I can’t believe he kissed you after you fought! And that too on the terrace!”
She blushed, looking around helplessly.
“It happened, okay? We didn’t plan it”
Mona scoffed, “Knowing Raizada, I know you didn’t plan it. But I can’t believe you were jealous of Lavanya just a few days ago”
“Hey! Yes, I was jealous. But who wouldn’t be?”
Preeto smiled, “I have no complaints about your jealousy! After all, that’s what gave you the courage to lash out at him”
“And gave him an excuse to kiss you”, Mona said with a smirk.
“Can you stop focusing on the goddamn kiss?”
“Uh-uh! Give us details. Come on, rate Raizada on scale of ten”
Preeto giggled, “ If you don’t stop right now, I think she will combust in flames! Anyway, Khush…we are really happy for you two. Childhood sweethearts….I can already imagine the bridesmaid speech I’ll give”
“Jane Austen was right! A lady’s imagination is very rapid;it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment”, Khushi rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know this Austen lady, but I agree. Get out of your dreamland Preeto! These idiots are only fifteen”
“You are such a cynic, Mona. I spy a wedding in ten years!”
“I spy you not getting invited to the said wedding!”, Khushi teased and was rewarded with a hit on her head.
———
Loud footsteps flooded their ears, before the door swung open.
“You are back early”, Mona commented, not bothering to look up from her books.
“Why are you so breathless Preets?” Khushi asked, a concerned frown blooming between her brows.
“I got kissed! And Arnav is planning to scale the walls tonight!”
“WHAT?!”
“NK finally came to his senses!” Mona jumped.
“No no no! Okay, I am positively out of breath now”
“Sit down”, Khushi handed her a glass of water, exchanging a quick look of shock with Mona.
“I was in the stables, with the horses. I was actually cleaning the saddles. And Farhan arrived. Out of nowhere!”
Khushi sat down, her mouth agape.
“We talked. He talked about the game. Then he said he felt he scored the last goal because he saw me in the audience. He said something about me being a lucky charm. Then he… he pulled me towards him and he…he…”
“Stuck a tongue down your throat?” Mona supplied helpfully.
Preeto sat wide eyed, not commenting on Mona’s atrocious choice of words. That’s when the two knew their friend was a goner.
“Do you like him, Preeto?”
“I think I do? I mean I have known NK since forever, so I didn’t even look at anyone. But Farhan is..he is.. so nice. Yes. Yes,I like him”
Mona smiled, clutching her hands.
“Then what are you thinking about? Farhan is a great guy! Whatever one side crush you had on NK was over long before. You just had to meet the right guy”
“He asked me to be his girlfriend! I am so confused”
Preeto paced around. The fan and evening breeze doing nothing to cool her nerves.
“How was the kiss?” Khushi asked cheekily.
Preetika bit her lip, “I guess I’ll be his girlfriend then”
Mona whooshed out a heart “Yes!”, as Khushi hugged her friend.
“Wait, what were you saying about Arnav scaling the wall tonight?!”
“Oh ya! He wants to talk to you. So he is going to come in through the balcony facing the gardens. The wardens never go there-“
“What?! Why can’t he ask me to meet normally like a normal person?”
“I guess that’s because he is not normal, Juliet”, Mona laughed.
“How typical of Arnav! Is he going to bring a guitar to serenade you? Ooh! Or is he going to ask you to let down your hair just like Rapunzel?”
“This isn’t funny, Mona”, she rolled her eyes, “What if he gets caught?”
“Live a little Khush” Preeto said, her eyes faraway with a dreamy look in them.
“Oh god! How will I live with two love struck heroines?” Mona said, before dodging the twin pillows launched at her.
————
The clock struck twelve, as Khushi tiptoed out of the dorm and into the balcony. It was quite an old, rusty place. Maybe that’s why ,left unsupervised. She didn’t even know how Arnav knew about it!
A whistle!
She peered down to see him,dressed in a white tee shirt and black jeans. Her heart thudded violently, as she saw him grasp at bricks and climb up. She felt cold all over, as he finally grasped the balcony railing and leaped up.
Letting out a breath, he whispered, “Easier that it looks!”
Grabbing his collar, in a move which surprised not just him, she angrily whispered,
“How dare you put yourself at risk for this Arnav? How dare you? Why couldn’t we meet at the stairs or anywhere else!”
“Khush”, his hands settled over her own, his eyes widening as he realised she was in shivers.
“I am sorry. I am really sorry, Khushi. But Bakshi declared that till Saturday, we were going to be only on the football ground, I knew I had to come tonight. We even got a special permission to miss classes”
“Two days!”, she hit him lightly on his shoulder, “You couldn’t wait two days before meeting me?”
He scoffed, “No! I couldn’t!”
She stood, her arms crossed staring at him. God was being really unfair! How could she resist him, when he stood there under the full moon.
Taking the two steps to reach him, Khushi stepped into his arms.
Sighing as he engulfed her further into him, she mumbled, “Mona was right. We are idiots”
“That we are”, he said with a hint of a smile in his voice.
Pulling back,Arnav pushed her hair away from her face.
“I have big day on Saturday”
“I know” she whispered back, her eyes feasting on his lips.
“Khush…” he moaned before tilting her head back.
She was set ablaze, the cold air nipping at her skin, even as Arnav took her lips in a hard kiss.
He closed his eyes, almost painfully.
“I want to ask something of you”
“Go on” she smiled, ready to give him the moon.
“Support me. On Saturday”
She stilled, her hands crumbling his shirt beneath them.
“Arnav, it’s my house. I can’t just”
“Please…I know you can’t….but can you do something..something “
“Arnav”, her heart broke at the desperation in his eyes, “What is this about? You have played so many matches before. Why-“
“It’s important for me to win this time, Khush. And if you..you show me you are with me”, he sighed.
“Sorry”, he looked away, “ I am mad right now. I just wanted to…”
“Arnav”, she pulled him back to her.
He still wouldn’t meet her eyes.
“It’s late, Khushi. I have kept you out long enough. Go back to sleep”
With a kiss on her forehead, he left, fading away in the darkness.
She stood in two minds. She couldn’t betray her house and yet she couldn’t not give Arnav what he had asked of her. Her dilemma didn’t seem to settle even as dawn broke into Nainital.
Strands of wet hair brushed against her neck, as she sat in front of the dressing table. Amidst the hustle bustle of poster making and selecting the best green outfits that their dorm was engulfed in, Khushi found her solace after an entire night of worrying.
Whatever Arnav had asked of her, was deeper than he let on. She couldn’t disappoint him. She couldn’t. Even as she stared at her apple green sweater, she knew that much.
With a new found resolve, Khushi reached out to the wooden box beside her desk.
———
“This is so thrilling!”, Mona shouted over the crowd’s chatter.
All around them was a crowd rivalling what they saw on a usual match day. Khushi couldn’t help wondering if she was the only one out of the loop. Seas of red and green intermingled, with a few jabs echoing from both sides.
“Apparently, the reds have also won every match against the other houses this year. They lost against us twice though” Preeto whispered into her ear.
Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “But aren’t there two more months for the finals?”
Preeto’s dumbfounded expression was enough to embarrass her. Shaking her head, she explained with exaggerated patience, “This is the finals, Khushi! Your performance throughout the year decides if you are in for the trophy race. And neither blue nor yellow have enough wins to be here.”
Khushi gasped, her frown giving away her shock.
“Honestly Khushi! You need to pay more attention”, Mona rolled her eyes.
A loud announcement brought her attention back to the vast green ground. Rows of boys filed in dressed in their jerseys. The tension simmered in the air, even as the sun dimmed into the clouds. She could see Arnav set in a rigid stance, his eyes blazing with focus. Pride filled her heart,even as the twinge of worry persisted.
And at once he turned his head, clashing his eyes against hers. In one breathtaking moment, Khushi felt stricken at the emotion behind those eyes. She held his stare, tugging at the chain wrapped around her neck, and pulled the locket out. She blushed as his eyes widened, and he smiled in that devastating way of his.
For he saw, despite the distance, the pink soda cap hanging from the silver chain. The referee blew the whistle and two hearts raced in unison at that moment. One in the utmost joy, and one beneath the engraved ‘A+K’.
———-
With her heart stuck in her mouth, Khushi watched as the match began. Everyone could tell something was different this time from the get go. Dhruv and Aman, both famous for their calm demeanours had taken the crowd by storm with the aggression they displayed. Arnav was living beyond his nickname, as he not only beat his opponents in speed, but power as well. NK had uncharacteristically taken the calm approach , while Farhan had backed down, letting Dhruv take the lead. Nothing was predictable anymore.
Dhruv screamed as he aced his first goal, sending her side of the crowd in raptures. Khushi clapped along with everyone else, even as her eyes gave her away as the imposter. She sat back down, at the edge of her seat, as the game resumed.
It hadn’t even been five minutes, when a flicker of red raced across the ground. And there you go! Arnav had scored their first goal.
Khushi sat, clenching her fists, as regretful comments and whines surrounded her.
“Khushi!”, Preeto’s urgent whisper caught her ear.
Looking up, she saw Arnav walk towards their side, his teammates not leaving his side, laughter still etched on their faces. He smiled wryly, a palm crossed over his heart. He kissed it next and pointed a finger towards her.
She froze.
He had dedicated his goal to her.
Not caring about the rivalry. Not caring about anything. He might as well have shouted it out loud from the rooftop.
“Khushi”
She could hear her friend’s concern. She could feel the dirty looks she faced from people sitting around her. She could sense the snide whispers.
And yet he didn’t let her look away.
“This is bad Khushi! Arnav shouldn’t have made this public now!”
She looked at them, the reality finally settling in.
“I-I don’t know why he did that”
“Who cares?”Mona chided, “It’s time Woodsmith lets go of this unhealthy competition between the houses!”
Khushi shook her head as this loud declaration was met with several outraged gasps.
It was not like people hadn’t dated outside their houses before. But there was no public display of affection. Especially not at important matches like these.
What was she going to do with this guy?
———
Thankfully, the match resumed and went on uneventfully , allowing Khushi to believe that people had forgotten all about her brief moment in the spotlight. They all watched with bated breath as the teams scored alternatively, like a well built balance.
“Oh god!”
She turned towards where Preeto was pointing towards. Dhruv was red, his frustration etched in the way he moved. It was a calamity waiting to happen. And the next thing they knew, he had tackled NK who had the ball onto the ground.
She winced as NK’s piercing cry cut through the crowd’s noise.
It was chaos as the nurse ran over along with the coaches. The umpire had raised a flag. Penalty, the word whispered as a hush through the audience.
NK stood up, even as his knees trembled. She breathed a sigh of relief, even as a dark bruise appeared on his leg.
“He’s going to shoot with this leg?”
“The nurse has pronounced him fit!”
Khushi watched as Arnav hugged NK, whispering something into his ear. The others patted his shoulder, hiding their own fear bravely.
Clearing the goal post, he stood seemingly oblivious to the cheers and the booing.
He flicked his neck towards Dhruv, and in a booming voice with the spite for all to hear, “This is for you, Iyer”
Smack!
She heard the tingle in her ears, as the crowd dulled down any other sounds.
Tiny sniffles filled the car as the Guptas drove in the valleys of Uttarakhand.
“Khushi “ Garima began gently,” It’s going to be okay! Nani had her schooling here, and so did I . Payal is here with you too”
From the corner of her eyes, she saw her sister roll her eyes.
“She’s just being dramatic, mom. I didn’t shed a tear when I was 11”
“That’s because you were happy to get away from me!” Khushi screeched.
“Khushi “ Shashi admonished.
“You’ll be fine beta. They will all be your age. All in the same boat. And oh! The memories you’ll make!”
She blew her nose noisily in her pristine white handkerchief, and grumpily looked out of the window.
The imposing building came into view.
Woodsmith School
The bane of her existence. Her family’s tradition. How will she ever survive?
—————
She looked around at the other children.
I am wearing the same thing, yet they look so smart, she whined in her head.
“Cheer up cry baby, this is not the end of the world” Payal said with a sharp nudge.
“In fact, this is the beginning!”
Khushi looked up to see a tall bespectacled boy walking towards them.
“Oh hi Akash!”
She narrowed her eyes at her sister’s sudden change of voice.
“Hi Payal. God, I missed you!”
Khushi gasped as the boy kissed her sister’s cheek.
Payal stiffened as she became conscious of Khushi.
“Well Akash , meet my baby sister Khushi. She is beginning today,”
“Hello,” she said in a small voice.
Akash bent down to meet her eye, his eyes crinkling with kindness.
“Hi Khushi! Welcome to woodsmith! You’ll have a great time here, even though now it will seem a bit daunting.”
Khushi nodded.
“Here, my brother is in your year too. Arnav, say hi !”
Khushi looked up at the young boy she hadn’t noticed till now.
Caramel chocolate, she thought as his eyes met hers.
He looked so much at ease, Khushi couldn’t imagine it being his first day too.
“Hi, Khushi “
“Hi” she swallowed nervously.
“Khushi” Payal said impatiently, “We need to go right now, Akash is the school captain! I’ll see you at recess okay?”
“Don’t be a cry baby” she hurriedly whispered into her ear.
Khushi looked on as her sister sauntered off with her boyfriend.
“I don’t think you are a cry baby”
She looked back at Arnav, who seemed so much wiser than her, she almost felt jealous.
“You don’t?” She asked, her eyes wide, seeking reassurance.
“Nope! Now, come on, let's go. They have a morning assembly every day.”
He said, his hands resting in his pockets.
Khushi hurried behind him, suddenly the thought of boarding school was not so scary anymore.
———
She sidled up beside Arnav, as scary adults lined them up. Their cruel eyes scrutinised them from head to toe. Their hands looked rough, probably from the beatings they gave to children like her.
This is nothing like Hogwarts, she thought.
“Silence”
Akash’s booming voice echoed across the hall. He looked far from the kind person she had met a few minutes ago. She watched as he stepped away from the mic, and a stout woman took his place.
“Good morning, young boys and girls. I am pleased to welcome the sixth class students to Woodsmith school. Established in 1915, it is an institution renowned across India for its discipline and excellence in all fields. You all will be divided into four houses. And those houses will be there with you till you leave this school. But the friends you make and the lessons you learn will last you life long! I welcome back all other senior students for another year of learning.”
Khushi crossed her fingers discreetly, wishing to be in the same house as Arnav.
Waiting patiently, she heard the names being called out with their houses.
“Khushi Gupta….Green house!”
She sighed. After all, Payal di was in yellow.
She looked at Arnav to see his eyes set on the stage, listening intently.
“Arnav Raizada….Red house!”
All her hopes came crashing down. The one person she could be friends with, would be away from her forever, she thought stewing in her own misery.
She startled as she felt a rough crumble of paper being stuffed in her hand.
“What?” She whispered into Arnav’s ears.
“Read it after the assembly “ he said sternly, before flinging his bag over his shoulder and heading towards the red house master.
Heart thumping, she looked around for her own house master.
She walked towards an older girl, waving a green flag, her hands still clutching the note.
————
Meet me at the secret stairs
Scrawled with pencil below this command were directions leading to the said staircase.
Khushi knew she should head towards her dorm room, but she just couldn’t let a friend down.
Arnav was her friend wasn’t he?
Stumbling and fumbling across hallways and grounds, she finally found the rustic dome Arnav had scribbled in his map.
She walked inside, noticing the brick walls and brick staircase.
“Boo!”
“Aah!”
“Shush Khushi! It’s me!” Arnav chuckled.
“You gave me a heart attack!” She slapped his arm.
He raised an eyebrow.
“Eleven year olds don’t get heart attacks silly!”
“Whatever” she muttered.
“Now come", he grabbed her hand leading her up the stairs.
There was his bag, beside two soda bottles.
“There was only one flavour” he said sheepishly.
“How do you know of this place?”
She felt at peace. Far away from the tall teachers and snobby children.
“Well, my parents brought me and my brother here this summer. You know, just to let me check out where I’ll be going. And I just explored the place.”
Then a streak of seriousness entered his eyes.
“No one should get to know about this place Khushi, I am serious. This is sacred. Do you get it?”
She nodded solemnly.
“Promise” She entwined her pinky finger with his, flashing him a toothy grin.
They sipped their strawberry flavoured soda quietly, sharing a few moments of silence before the mayhem takes over.
“We are in different houses,” she said sadly.
“But we are in the same class,” he clinked his bottle with hers.
Khushi didn’t budge.
“I’ll tell you what!” He opened his bag, held out a sharp compass.
He took his soda bottle cap and with an artist’s precision, began scraping at it.
There on the pink cap, over the bold letters spelling out soda, was the scratch
A+K
“A memorabilia for our friendship! It will last forever Khushi Gupta !” He winked.
“Okay” she smiled softly.
The brick walls stood still, as a tale of love began.
Oneshot inspired by this prompt (courtesy @arshifiesta )
He pulls his bow tie into place, glancing over at Aman who was setting his hair.
“I didn’t know you were into such formal events”
“Come on Arnav, it’s our college’s tradition “ he said, his eyes still on the mirror.
“Bullshit” he shook his head, “Women?”
“Free alcohol” Aman winked.
“Okay gentlemen “ Akash walked in “We need to leave in 5”
Arnav looked bored at Akash’s antics.
“Why are you dragging us to this place?”
“Don’t tell me you haven’t heard of the legend! This is the night you meet your soulmate, if they are here. That’s why the masquerade!” Akash said, looking mildly offended.
“Really?” Aman laughed.
“Yes, I have already found Payal, but what kind of a friend would I be if I didn’t help you two out?”
Arnav narrowed his eyes.
“So this is Payal’s doing. You have started talking like her. Soulmate is a crap idea, sold by miserable optimists.”
“Arn-“
“And I don’t need your help with women, thanks” he shrugged.
Aman chuckled, “Why would you when there are Lavanya and Sheetal worshipping the ground you walk on!”
Arnav shook his head, grabbed his simple black mask and donned it.
“Okay guys, now we are actually late”, Akash said as he half pushed them out of the dorm.
——————
The scent of a hundred perfumes danced in the air, as the dark hall, brightened only by candles and chandeliers, shimmered.
Arnav looked around bored.
Feathers and masks fluttered around like confetti, and he cursed Akash again.
“You guys came! “ Payal shouted.
“Well, well Payal. That’s a stunning mask” Aman smiled.
“Thanks” Payal smiled as the feathery mask on her face ruffled.
“You look like a very beautiful duster, Payal,“ Arnav smirked.
She punched his arm playfully, “At least I am creative, Raizada “
Her eyes caught someone behind him, and she looked back at him with an unholy grin.
“Looks like your soulmate is here”
Before he could turn around, his arm was grasped in a vice grip.
“Hello Arnav “ Lavanya smiled, “Hello everyone “
Payal smiled at Arnav’s discomfort.
“Well Akash and I are hitting the dance floor! Come on Aman , my friend has been pestering me to get you to meet her”
“My pleasure “ Aman winked at Arnav, and walked into the sea of dancing couples.
With a sigh, he shrugged his arm out of Lavanya’s grip.
“You have been ignoring my calls Arnav “
“No, I haven't, “ he spoke grimly.
“Really? I can show you my call log”
“I am not ignoring you Lavanya. I am just standing by my words. This relationship isn’t working out for me, and I want you to move on as well”
Her cat like eyes pinned him with a deadly gaze, “Any man would die to be in your place. To be wanted by Lavanya Kashyap is a dream for some”
“Then go find them” he dismissed her coldly, walking off towards the bar.
——————
“A martini” he called out to the bartender.
He tapped the marble counter impatiently, as the earlier irritation bubbled inside him.
He had no patience for people who didn’t respect his words or themselves.
He was suddenly harshly pushed against the counter as a body crashed into him.
He turned around, set to kill whichever unfortunate soul it was that bumped into him.
“Sorry! I am so sorry Mr black mask! These heels are the culprit” the girl continued her diatribe, dressed in a beautiful gold dress, her mask the same shade of glitter.
She then looked up at him, and Arnav took a sharp breath in.
Almond eyes, in the most stunning shade of brown.
“It’s fine” he found himself answering, hoarsely.
She smiled.
“Thank you for forgiving me!”
“Did you need a drink?”
“Yes! ‘Sex on the beach’ would be nice”
His lips twitched.
“Don’t laugh, okay! Cocktails are the best!”
“Of course “ Arnav coughed, hiding a laugh.
He placed the order and turned back to her.
“Who are you?” he peered intently at her face, hidden from him by the mask.
She giggled, “We can’t reveal ourselves before the clock strikes twelve! Didn’t you know that?”
He shook his head, mesmerised.
“Very Cinderella-ish I feel” She whispered, almost conspiratorially.
“Well, then I have to keep you occupied with me till twelve “
She laughed. And somehow, the feathers and glitters didn’t seem so grating to him anymore.
——————
Arnav couldn’t for the life of him recall what his drink tasted like. He felt an unbearable craving for the pink cocktail, the golden girl was sipping so enchantingly. He was sorely tempted to taste it from her lips.
“So Mr black mask, aren’t you going to dance with me?” , she tilted her head adorably.
“As soon as you are done with that drink, golden girl” he breathed out.
“Golden girl? I like that name” she smiled.
She slipped her cold fingers into his warm ones, making his head swoon with desire.
She led him to the floor, the disco ball reflecting along the length of her dress, clinging beautifully to her.
Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars.
Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars.
Frank Sinatra sang in their ears, as he spun her around. Her surprised smile filled him with enough elation to let go of his inhibitions.
“Where did you learn to dance like that Mr Black?” She asked as a slow tune pulled them closer.
“When I was eight my mother felt she should raise an old school gentleman in the 21st century “
She laughed, “Well, she did you a big favour “
“She will be pleased to hear that”
He twirled her around, and pulled her back into his arms. He heard her breath hitch.
He lifted her hand, placing a tender kiss on it.
She whispered , “Why not just kiss me?”
“Baisemain my golden girl, is far more intimate in this day and age”
“I see” she conceded with a smile”
“So, how’s the campus treating you so far?”
“Well, the classes are good. And I have joined the theatre club”
“One for the dramatics?”
“You would be surprised, “ she grinned.
And just like that, he felt the need to know her more.
“So do I get a date after twelve?”
She leaned forward, whispering into his ears,
“ Golden girl accepts Mr Black’s invitation “
He stared at her in daze, blushing a faint red.
—————
“Ladies and gentlemen! The 86th annual masquerade ball is coming to its conclusion. You might have made friends, foes or lovers by now. So I hope you reveal yourselves, and meet each other’s expectations!”
The voice boomed from the speakers as Arnav’s heart quickened. He was intoxicated and he was damn sure the martini had nothing to do with it.
He looked down at her, to see her staring up at him. A mischievous glint stole up her eyes.
A blast of trumpet distracted him, as the crowd hooted and cheered.
The clock had struck twelve.
He turned back , just to find himself alone.
In a frenzy, he looked around. For a glimpse of gold, for a glimpse of an alluring smile.
He caught a flash of gold at the entrance and made a mad dash towards her.
He reached the empty hallway leading to a staircase.
Arnav Singh Raizada. Chasing someone. Oh, how the mighty have fallen!
He walked briskly towards the staircase, stumbling upon a black heel.
Bending down he picked it up, amusement stealing up his eyes.
He ran towards the steps, and looked up.
There she was, in all her golden glory.
Her lips were pursed, and he knew she was a moment away from bursting out into laughter.
“Oh fair maiden, I have searched the lands of my kingdom for a lady who left me just this shoe. Will you please do me the honour of trying it on?” He inflicted as much passion into his voice as possible.
She cleared her throat, breaking into a smile.
“Why not, my dear prince?”
She lifted her dress up a few inches, and he swallowed, exerting an iron grasp on his desire.
He climbed up, bent down and took her foot in his hand. She couldn’t hide her tremble, as she placed a dainty hand on his shoulder.
He placed the heel perfectly, caressing her skin as he did so.
“How did I do?” He stood up.
“Brilliant!” She giggled.
“ You have earned a spot in our club, Mr. Black.”
He pulled her close with an arm around her waist.
“I can’t wait anymore “
With trembling hands he removes the golden mask framing her face.
He gasps in awe, as he sees her. Her cheeks lifted up with her smile, her nose was slightly tinged pink and her eyes even more beautiful unadorned.
He felt her hands cup his face, before loosening the ribbon tying up his mask together. He felt as if he was just learning to breathe.
“Arnav Singh Raizada “ she muttered, her eyes widened in shock.
He didn’t know what he expected. But being the prime trustee’s grandson had always brought him unwanted fame.
Inexplicably, he found himself uncaring about that now, all he knew was that he wanted her.
“And you are?” He asked, clouding her space, not letting an inch rest between them.
“Khushi Gupta”
He laughed, “You are Payal’s cousin?”
She nodded, seemingly still shy from the revelation.
“Small world”
He lifted her chin, making her eyes meet his.
“This Cinderella is not going home tonight “
She smiled. Her lips twisted in a teasing pout.
“Isn’t she?”
He lifts her hand. Bending down, he kisses it.
Her eyes darken, her lips part.
He never breaks away the stare, as he moves down. Kissing every inch of her arm.
And just when she gasps out breathlessly,he whispers “Never”.
Stray dogs lazed around, with the sun’s rays kissing them gently. A lone car drove by.
Hari Prakash yawned discreetly.
Khushi knew he had a barrage of questions for her. After all, she had woken him up to drive her an hour before the actual timing!
But she couldn’t tell him what even she didn’t know yet….
Even now, she knew it was a gamble to assume Arnav would be there just because Aman mentioned once that he always liked to be in the office before his employees.
What an odd man!
——————
Her cold hands knocked on his cabin door.
“Come in, Aman “
Hesitating at that, Khushi took another moment before going in.
He sat hunched over a piece of paper, while a bunch of files lay haphazardly around him.
A strand of hair marred his forehead, his eyes scrunched with focus.
He finally looked up, dropping his pen as he stood up.
“Khushi?”
“I wanted to ask you about yesterday “
He bit his lip and she resisted the urge to blush at the action.
“So Miss Gupta. You are here an hour early because you wanted to ask me about….?”
“Yesterday “ she repeated innocently.
“What about it?” He pushed the files aside.
“You left me without saying a word-“
“I did say a word”
“ ‘No’ doesn't count!” She almost scolded before seeing the smirk on his face.
Realising he was wearing her thin, he put up his hands in surrender.
“Okay, I admit I was not expecting the news”
“And what about dinner?”
“Your father got the deal, didn’t he tell you?” He stepped around his table and walked up to her.
“So you and your dad came to dinner to celebrate the deal?” She frowned.
“Smart girl, “ he whispered.
“How dare y-?”
He cut her off with an arm around her waist as she was pulled up against him.
“What are you doing?”she gasped.
“What I have been wanting to do since you sat there sipping whisky, dancing and wearing that dress which made me want to rip it right off you”
His husky whisper made her shiver.
“Arnav” she moaned as he pulled her closer.
“Khushi” he whispered as his nose nudged hers.
Their eyes caught each other for a moment . A moment before he kissed her.
She clutched his shirt as he kissed her softly. Tenderly. Her knees trembled. Her hands shook with desire. She parted her lips, and he thrust in letting his tongue twirl around hers.
Too much. This was too much.
Sensing her need to breathe , he let her lips go. But there was no respite as he kissed hotly down her throat. She felt feverish with lust when his hand wrapped around her breast.
“God” she called out.
“Arnav “ he corrected cheekily.
He claimed her lips again. Another swift kiss later, they held each other as their breathing calmed.
“Breakfast?”he grinned.
——————
The majestic view of Lucknow glittered, as Khushi sat on the beautiful terrace of an English breakfast place. They seemed to be the only customers this early in the morning.
She wondered vaguely about Arnav vanishing as soon as he drove them here.
What’s taking him so long?
She looked around again, smiling when she caught sight of him.
“Where have you been?”
“Oh, Aman called for something “
The waiter set down the pancakes and bowls of banana yoghurt.
Arnav grabbed the teapot and started pouring it into her cup, his hands trembling slightly.
“Arnav?”
His eyes melted something in her. She was used to the devilish glint in them. This new vulnerability he was unravelling for her to see, made her heart flutter.
“Khushi I….” He looked around nervously.
He shuffled his pocket before he set something on the table.
A flask of whiskey. Her flask of whisky.
She looked at him in disbelief, as he smiled helplessly.
“I stole for the first time in my life because of you Khushi Gupta “
He gently took her hands in his own.
“ I meant what I said….You had me smitten the moment I saw you”
Khushi didn’t know what to say. He was saying what she had wished deep in her heart for him to feel. The desire for him had grown even without her realising.
“I had confided in my father to ask the Guptas for your hand in marriage”
“What?!” She felt a strange joy in the pit of her stomach.
“Yes Khushi. But he wanted me to wait because he felt your family would feel pressured. You know because of the new venture?......I had to convince myself to wait, and yet when you came that day all, looking all guilty…”
“You took the hotel projects away from the Khandelwals?”
“It was never theirs” he flashed her a sardonic smile.
“My brother-in-law, Shyam leaked the false news to the media. He knew dad hates to be known as someone unsure of his decision. So he thought if it was announced that Rocky had the contract, we would be forced to give him the contract!”
“Your sister knew?”
“Of course she did” bitterness clouding his voice.
“She values that crook of her husband more than dad”
“I am sorry Arnav “
“It’s fine Khushi. If Di wants to be with him, I am no one to interfere. She is an adult after all,”
“I guess” she sighed.
“Now there’s no reason to wait”
“To wait?”
Arnav stood up, his face set in tense lines.
He kneeled down, his hands holding a velvet box.
Khushi gasped.
He opened the box to reveal the most beautiful diamond encrusted in a gleaming gold band.
Her eyes filled with tears, as she raised a trembling hand to her lips.
“Khushi Gupta, wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you!”
She giggled, “Elvis Presley! Really?”
He smiled.
“You are an orphic mystique, Khushi. The moment I saw you, I felt…something beyond me. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you please do the honour of marrying me?”
The birds chirped along as they fluttered from branch to branch. But the day greeted the Gupta mansion with much less peace that morning.
Khushi bit into her toast, as Sumi poured juice into her glass.
“Shashi! I am getting nervous. Will Mr Raizada say something now?”
Her papa shook his head, his forehead scrunched in a frown.
“Rajiv has hinted at nothing. Even Shyam has not come up in our talks. I don’t know what to expect, Garima.”
“It would have been a milestone for us” she sighed, “ But what can we do except wait”
“Khushi, have some fruits,” Shashi said as he passed her a bowl.
————
Her thoughts were clouded with worry for her parents as she walked into Venus Designs.
She had never seen them so unsure, so worried. And she had never felt as helpless as she had today.
“Morning Leela”, she smiled at the receptionist.
“Khushi, some big client has come here asking for you!” Leela whispered.
“Me?!” She gasped.
“Yes! They are with Madhumati ma’am right now. You better go in. She told me to usher you into her office as soon as you came!”
And so Khushi found herself half-pushed inside her aunt’s magnanimous office.
“Good morning Khushi!”
She couldn’t believe her eyes. Madhumati bua was laughing! Her usually stern eyes were now soft as she looked fondly at the two men.
She looked at the well suited gentlemen, and wondered which of her previous works could have impressed them.
The men stood up.
She found herself stunned as the smirking visage of Arnav Singh Raizada greeted her.
“Meet Arnav and Aman! They are from the Raizada group of companies. Arnav wants his new office to be designed by you.” Her aunt continued jovially.
But her eyes couldn’t leave the devil’s, who had come to extract his pound of flesh!
“ But I-I have never designed professional spaces before.”
“I did mention that to Arnav, but he said he wanted his office to have a bit of domestic touch. Now, now go on. You have to work from the site.”
Rummaging through her mind to look for an excuse , Khushi looked at her aunt trying to signal her to refuse on her behalf.
“I’ll take Khushi with me Mrs. Madhumati. After all, I need the job done by next week.”
She watched as he put on the best buttering act with her aunt. All sweet smiles and flattery.
“Hi, I’m Aman Mathur, ASR’s right hand man.”
The young man ,she hadn’t paid much attention to , shook her hand, offering her a glimmer of hope.
At least, someone is kind here.
“I think you’ll have a great time working with Arnav. He’s as clear and concise in his demands as it gets.”
“Yeah” she grumbled “Hitler pales in front of him”
Aman raised his eyebrows in amusement .
“ He is demanding, but not a dictator”
“Aman.”Arnav had already reached the door.
“Let’s get going, shall we?”
————
And that’s how Khushi Gupta found herself in a Bentley, heading towards the heart of the city.
“Why are you doing this?”
She couldn’t keep quiet anymore.
“I wanted to spend time with you “
Blushing pink, Khushi marvelled at this man’s shamelessness.
“I forgave you already-“
“That’s not enough for me”
Exasperated, she ignored him for the rest of the ride.
—————
Slouching over the desk Aman had provided her, Khushi scribbled into her notebook.
Designs, light source ideas, decor pieces and vendors all in one place.
With that out of the way,she began sketching.
Her pencil flew across the page, as she thought of the space where he would work.
The desk where his coffee machine would stay. The few photographs he took, that he wanted on the wall. The antique telephone he had bought from Paris.
“I have never seen a better portrait of me”
She jumped and twisted her neck, as Arnav grabbed her book from her in a split second.
Grinning, he squinted, pretending to judge her sketch of him.
“I must say Miss Gupta, you have observed me quite closely”
“Shut up! I was just sketching the office “
“And got distracted? Well since I am to be blamed for the distraction , it will only be fair of me to buy you lunch!”
He bent down and grabbed her purse, meeting her petulant face with a wink.
“Shall we?”
—————-
“And there he was, telling me to run for the damn election!”
She giggled as Arnav finished his story. She hadn’t expected to have a fun time with him. So far she had only experienced mad rage and mad lust for the man. And that had to say something!
“You left the states to come back here?”
“I wasn’t really sure about where I wanted to live. And dad really wanted to come back. After mom’s death-” he blinked.
“Are you okay?” Her hand found his.
“Yeah” he held her hand tighter “He took years to move on. The last time we were here was for Di’s wedding”
Khushi swallowed as she realised the topic was now down to his brother-in-law, Shyam. Can she ask him about the deal her parents were after?
“My papa really likes your father. Um…he invited him to brunch…”
“I know Khushi, I was there” he smiled in amusement at her sudden fluster.
“Yes, well they were wondering if Mr.Raizada had made up his mind about the deal.”
Gasping inwardly, she hated herself at that moment for blurting it out.
She wanted to seal her big mouth forever.
Understanding that anything she said now will only push her further down the hole she had dug, Khushi held her silence.
To her dismay, even Arnav stayed quiet. No jokes, no witty remarks to erase her folly.
“Well, Khushi I can’t say much about that”
She nodded meekly.
“Let’s head back, shall we?”
And that’s how Aman found them in the office that afternoon. One deep in thought, and one mortified.
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