PART-59

Arnav Singh Raizada sat in on the recliner,gazing at the pale reflection of moon in the calm waters of the pool.His insides were churning in a violent vortex.His regret was awfully powerful and he sought penance for hurting his love.He had made her cry,was the reason of tears in those beautiful doe-eyes that had never failed to mesmerize him!

“Chote?”His sister’s soft voice broke through his abstraction.

“Di!You didn’t sleep ?Its so late!So you want something?”ASR asked,with a worried frown.Anjali sighed at his brother possessiveness and anxiety.

“I’m absolutely fine chote.Please relax!Why do you8 get so worked up every time I come to your room to see you?Can’t I come here just like that?”Anjali’s voice held softest twinge of reproach. ASR flushed.

“Of course you can come di!I was merely asking.”

“Chote I came here to talk something really important!.....Akash just told me about everything that happened today at the office and I must say I’m really disappointed in you chote!Without trying to get to the bottom of the entire matter,you lashed out so badly at khushiji,that too when she was already so upset!Literally chote,sometimes its so difficult to understand you!You love her so much....yes I know that you do,so there’s no point in putting up a colourful pretence for hiding the apparent truth or playing a real grouch!”Anjali added sharply as she saw her brother open his eyes to refute her,even though she could distinctly see his reddened cheeks in the pale moonlight filtering through the huge bay windows.

“Why do you do it?Hurt her and then hurt yourself?Why don’t you let go of every trace of bitterness, reckless temper chote which in turn becomes the cause of your anguish and those who love you? Khushij loves you a lot and you too reciprocate her feelings with equal vigour.You two are made for each other and I’ve known that for ages,ever since khushihi brought you to the hospital,putting her life at stake!You are so lucky to find a girl like her who loves you so unconditionally and selflessly! Please don’t so anything foolish that may become the cause you to lose her forever!”Anajli pleaded, taking her brother’s hands.

“Di,you are right!I know shouldn’t have yelled at khushi like that,but di at the time I didn’t know the reason and more so,it was due to the fact that I was enraged at her,or rather jealous to be precise,that she had trusted others over me,that she had gone out with them by lying to me! My ego just couldn’t bear that!But,I know I was mistaken and I want to correct that....though,there’s a tiny glitch.I’m truly unable to figure out how to mollify khushi!She must be damn angry with me!I can’t even give it a try with her favourite food,I already did it last time!”ASR bit his lips,thinking deeply.

“Aha,so this has been going on behind my back!Dates!Since when did my angry-young man-cum brother became so romantic?”Anjali teased.

“Di,please!”ASR muttered irritated.

“Ok!I won’t tease you and of course you don’t have to worry about thawing khusiji out when I’m here!Just be ready tomorrow morning my little bro!”Anjali affectionately ruffled Arnav’s hair before going out.

ASR slept peacefully that night,all his worries chased away owing to his sister’s assurance.She would surely find a way to help him get on terms with khushi!

The sun rose dispelling the gloom and marking a new beginning of hopes and dreams.ASR hurried down the stairs with his sister at his tow.

“Are Anjali bitiya,Chote,where are you going ?”Nani asked as she saw the brother and sister duo walking towards the door,making them stop in their track.

“Wo,nani actually I’m going to the temple and chote has agreed to come with me so...”Anjali was interrupted by the sound of loud thuds as several cups of tea fell on the floor,staining the carpet and scalding legs.

“OUCH!”Everyone exclaimed as hot tea fell on their legs,but it wasn’t enough to distract them for long from the shock they just received!

“Hello Hi Bye Bye,miracle in mornigwa.I’ll hab to check in which dimension did the Sun God rije today!” Mamiji was the first to break the silence,followed by an exasperated Akash  who jumped to correct her English.

“Maa,its direction,not dimension!”He rolled his eyes.

“Oh stop being so melo- dramatic everyone!I’m just going to drop di,that’s all!”ASR joined in on Anjali’s lie.

“Umm,Chote,we’re getting late.You’ve to go to your office too.Let’s go!”Anjali said,whisking her brother out.

They drove to the nearest mall,with Anjali directing the way.

“Di really,Khushi is not that type of girl who could be mellowed with expensive gifts and all that stuff.”ASR said dubiously.

“Oho chote!I know that she is not that shallow,but don’t you think you should give her something memorable,to mark your love?Besides,if you want me to help you,then better give me free rein!”Anjali said,leading him in.

“Whatever!”

They ransacked every floor of the mall,but nothing really pleased ASR as  worthy enough to give his beautiful girlfriend.He was so choosy and so irksome that he even drove his di,Anjali,who herself was a voracious shopper to the edge.

“Chote,just buy something for her and get it done with!Its not  as if you’ll get something outlandish for her if you go hankering around,pillaging every shop!You’ll have to buy whatever is available.”Anjali,suggested,trying to hide her fatigue at going up and down the entire mall,for how  much time,she didn’t know,but her brother didn’t reply.

“Chote?”She  called him,but his eyes was fixed on couture gown that was put on display. 

It was red in colour and generously  embellished with Swarovski crystals and tulle.The flower appliqués,of the gown were adorned in chiffon and dupion silk.The subtle silvery tinge of crystals and the elegance with which it was embroidered gave it a regal appearance,long and flowing.

ASR stared at it and knew that his hours of labour of searching the perfect dress for his khushi had paid off.It was just the one for her.So,without much further ado and delays,he bought the dress and got it beautifully wrapped.Anjali was still astounded at her brothre’s perspicacity and aesthetic sesnse.

“Chote,I didn’t your choice is so beautiful!But then again,khushiji’s company has got a rub on you for good!”She gasped.

“Uh,thanks di!”He muttered,not knowing quite what to say.

“Ok now,go to the office and wrap up your work.Then take khushiji to our farmhouse on the outskirts.Here is the key,take it!Just make any excuse ok?I’ve arranged everything for your date. Just take it easy .Now,the floor is yours!”Anjali instructed him before alighting out of the SUV at RM.

ASR took a deep breath and gunned the car.Now,he had to face his little lioness!