PART 36

Night wrapped the city in its giant,swarthy wings.A magic canopy of stars adorned the inky velvetness of the sky.

Khushi sat on the terrace of her house,curled up into0 a ball.Her chin rested on her knees as she stared into space,reminiscing the day that had a cornucopia of surprises,a smile touching her lips.

The morning encounter with Shyam had already faded in front of the memories that were more vibrant.Khushi could still fell ASR's warm breath,his strong hold around her petite waist and blood rushed to her cheek of its own accord.

Her feelings were mutually shared by ASR who was pounded by a deep contentment.He sat in his bed,resting his back against the headboard as he stared in sleety depths of the pool.

Khushi had trusted him,confided him with skeltons of her past.She had unquestionably put faith in him.

Satisfied,ASR lay back on his bed.The day's events had proved to be a turning point .He eagerly anticipated the next morning,the next few days and the next few years.

Even as the two lovers eyes outshone the dazzle of stars in the glory of first love, an azure horizon and a terrible tempest awaited to strike!

Raizadas were huddled together in Anjali's room.

''Anjali bitiya,what is it?Why did you call us so late in night?''Naniji asked curiously.

Anjali opened her mouth to speak but was cut short by a muffled noise and moments later a bulky woman clad in a red negligee.Her face was covered in thick face pack and her hair was held in curlers.

Armaan who was standing near the door,jumped back in surprise at this sudden and strange appearance and landed on lakshmi,who ran for her life bleating loudly,leaving the latter sprawled on floor.

''Armaanji!''He was immediately helped to his feet by Anjali and Akash.

''Hello,hi bye bye,Damadji,I'm bhery sorry!''Mamiji said abashedly.

''Mano,when will you stop scaring day lights out of people with your fad for mke up?Isn't it good enough that you chicken me out everyday?''Mamaji asked,rolling his eyes.

''Hello hi bye bye,how can you say this?I do this to look bootiful,not that you'll understand it.You've grown old!''Mamiji argued even as everyone stifled their guffaws.

Even after 26 years of their marriage and having a 24 years old son,the couple hadn't changed even in slightest.

They continued to bicker until Anjali intervened,stopping their row.

''Mamiji,Mamaji,please this is very imporatant.Please listen to me!''She pleaded.

When she was sure that they had stopped and settled down she began.

''Its about Chote.He had changed a lot in last few days.The masquerade  of ruthless ASR is fading away slowly,leaving Arnav who is warm and caring and its all due to khushiji.I know my chote is in love with her,but knowing chote,it won't be till at least ten years that he confesses to her aand obviously khushiji won't wait that long!I think we should do something to throw them together.I want your ideas.''Anjali peered around expectantly.

''That all is fine Anji,but don't you think we should also try to know about khushiji's feelings before doing anything?''Armaan queried.

''Don't worry about that.From what I've learned from Akash,I'm sure she too loves our chote,though just like him she wouldn't acknowledge it.We just have to tweak them a bit!''Anjali's eyes twinkled.

''This Saturday is Akash's birthday.Why don't we throw a birthday bash and invite khushiji in it?''Armaan suggested.

''That's perfect!''Anjali chirped and everyone nodded.

''By the way,we can invite Payalji too.It will make some..I mean everyone happy, won't it?''Armaan asked winking at Anjali.

''Sure sure!''Anjali chortled grinning wickedly at Akash,who excused himself from the room immediately.

Far away from the happy soiree,sat Shyam draining glasses of Vodka.The searing in his throat was nothing compared to that in his head and heart.

''I made a mistake,but I won't repeat it.Khushiji you are mine and I won't let that rascal ASR touch you!''He growled,a conflagration in his blood shot eyes.

The eclipse was going to dawn!