Chapter 8: Laal Rang

"Khushi!" NK exclaimed but she didn't have time to turn around completely because she had already bumped into something.

"Oh My God! I'm ..I'm so..sorry," she said looking at the mess she had made on a white shirt, her hand print visible with the red paint. She looked up to see who it was and her eyes made contact with other familiar ones, Arnavs.

Khushi stepped back from him, looked at him. but he wasn’t looking at her. She followed his eyes and saw her red handprints on his white shirt. Arnav looked up when he heard her gasp then saw her eyes widen, as a natural instinct Khushi went to cover her mouth, but Arnav grabbed her hand before she could noticing that the paint would also get on her.

“Khushi look what you did to this man,” NK said coming up behind her.

“I didn’t see him coming,” Khushi replied looking back at the red print, “I’m really sorry,” she told Arnav again.

“I apologize on her behalf also,” NK said to him.

“It’s no problem,” Arnav replied.

“We didn’t even introduce ourselves, I’m NK by the way, and you are?” he said extending his hand forward

“I’m Arnav,” Arnav said shaking hands with him and earned a shocked expression from NK.

“You're Arnav?! Arnav Singh Raizada?!” he asked surprised and taking his hand back.

“Yeah,” he said nodding.

“But what are you doing here Mr. Raizada?” NK asked.

“Arnav, just call me Arnav,” he said. Khushi remembered just a few days back when he had told her the same thing and suppressed a smile thinking about it.

“NK this is Arnav,” Khushi decided to intervene.

“Yeah I know that Khushi, he just told me the same thing,” NK said.

“Nk this is Arnav, m soon-to-be-fiance,” Khushi added.

“He’s your fiance?” NK asked looking between the both of them. NK had heard a lot about him and he had a very reputable name; owning one of the biggest fashion house in the country, a business tycoon’s, almost every girl in the girl was crazy after him.

“Well congratulations to the both of you,” he said.

At the end of class all the students were leaving and Khushi went up to Arnav who had decided to stay for the remainder ten minutes. Arnav had called her home and asked Payal about where the art gallery so he could take her out tonight.

“Is the class finished?” he asked.

“Yeah, we can leave,” Khushi said.

After saying bye to NK, they both went to the car. Khushi suggested that they go home first so that Arnav could change his shirt before they go eat.

“It’s getting dark out,” Arnav replied, “And it will take a longer time to get home so I have a better plan.”

“Better plan?” she asked.

“Yeah, I have an apartment near here and I have some clothes there. And since it is getting late, we could just order food there,” he said, “If you don’t mind.”

“No it’s fine, we can do that,” she told him. She was actually glad that they weren’t eating out, she wasn’t a very public person and it just made her feel very insecure sometimes when everyone would always watch her.

Arnav drove the car to the apartment and parked it in the lot. He went over to Khushi’s side and opened the door, they then took the elevator to the 4th floor, which is where his room was located. Standing in front of the door, he patted his hands on his pockets to find the keys. After finding them in his inside coat pocket, he unlocked the door then stepped aside, letting her get inside first.

Khushi stepped into the room, and heard the door behind her closing.

“This is the living room area,” she heard his husky voice behind her, he was referring to the room that they were just now standing in.

“And there’s a bedroom over there,” Arnav told her motioning to door that was on the left, “And there’s a kitchen this way.” He walked around the corner to the right. The kitchen had a wooden floor, just like the rest of the apartment. There was a counter slab in the middle of it, with stools around instead of a separate table for eating. A white refrigerator stood in the corner, a stove and oven were against the far wall.

"I'll make dinner," Khushi said looking around.

"You don't have to, I’ll just order something" he said turning back to her.

"No, it's fine. Also I like to cook, so I won't mind," she replied. Khushi went over to the cupboards and opened them up trying to find something that she could make.

“Is there anything that I could make?” she asked after not finding anything that would make a meal.

“There is some pasta,” he said opening a door, inside were just foods that one of the servants came and usually stocked monthly.

“Here you go,” he handed her a box, “And there are probably some vegetables in the refrigerator.”

Khushi went and took them out.

 

“I’m going to go take a shower and change,” he said and left.

Arnav walked into the room and took off his tie, throwing it on the bed. He went over to the cupboard where his clothes were hanged and pulled out a sweat shirt with track pants. Grabbing his towel that was lying on the bed, he headed into the bathroom to take a shower. After about 10 minutes he walked out and the aroma of pasta was all he smelled. The looked around for the laundry basket. but couldn’t find it. So he just stuck the white shirt that had the paint on it in the bottom of his dresser

Khushi had just finished making the pasta and was mixing in the tomato sauce when she saw Arnav approaching.

“Where are the plates?” she asked looking up at him.

“I’ll get them,” he offered instead of telling her. Arnav gof out two plates and then gave them to her. Khushi put the pasta in them and covered the pot so that the remaining amount wouldn’t get cold.

Arnav took the plates and placed them on the coffee table in the living room. Since it was Saturday, there was probably a movie playing, he said that they could eat in there.

“How was your day?” Khushi asked picking up the plate of pasta from the table and putting it on her lap.

“It was busy. I’m just working on making sure everything is set and done that I need to do here before we leave,” Arnav replied.

“Hmm,” was all Khushi replied then looked back up at the television to see what was on.

Then Arnav’s phone rang, so he fished it out of his pocket to answer it.

“Hello,” he answered and someone from the other line responded.

“I’ll ask,” he said, “Ok bye.”

“Are you busy tomorrow?” he asked putting the phone away.

“In the morning we’re going to Gurudwara, but after that I’m free for the rest of the day,” she replied, “Why are you asking?”

“So is there anything in wrong for me to ask my fiancee if she’s busy or not?” he asked smirking.

“No no, I was just wondering,” she replied a bit flustered.

“Di just called and wanted to know if you’re available because we have to pick out engagement rings and do some shopping,” he said, “So is it fine with you if we go tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” she replied and took another bite out of her pasta.

Chapter 7B: Encounters

 

They got to her house and Arnav parked the car outside. He got out then went over to her side to open the door for her. Khushi went to the door and took out her keys to open it; her Dad was at the sweet shop and didn't come till later, and Payal and her Mom had gone out. She opened the door then switched on lights, Arnav followed her in.

"Do you want something to drink? Coffee, water?" she asked him walking into the kitchen.

"I'll just have some water," he replied.

Khushi took out a glass from the cupboard and poured some water in it. Arnav was looking around and stood by the window that led to their backyard. Khushi came next to him and handed him the glass of water.

"Thanks," he said taking the glass from her and drank some water out of it.

"What are you guys growing?" he asked pointing out to the backyard where they had some vegetables growing.

"Dad usually likes to grow tomatoes, corn and eggplants," she said.

"And the flowers?" he questioned motioning to a few sunflowers that had blossomed on the other side, with smaller roses next to them.

"Those ones Payal and I grow, she like sunflowers but I like roses, so we grow both of them," Khushi replied.

"They're blooming quite nicely," he said. He placed the finish glass of water in the sink and Khushi led him to a where they had most of their important documents. Walking into the room, sunlight peered inside from the big window that was on one of the walls; there was chair in the corner, a table next to it and a shelf that was filled with paperwork. Khushi asked him what he needed and he told her, she went over the table and started looking through the files.

Arnav looked around the room and noticed some canvases sitting along the walls on a table, with some paints lying near them. He moved towards them trying to get a better look; two of the canvases were already painted on, a scenery on one and an abstract piece of art on another one, but one had a painting that was in process. He could make visible a half of a face and a forest in the background. Extending his hand forward he attempted to touch it but a voice interrupted him.

"Don't touch that yet!" Khushi said from behind, and he turned around towards her.

"Woh actually I applied a texture to it this morning, and it's still not dried yet," she said and he nodded.

"Is it supposed to someone?" he asked.

"Not specifically, it's just a child," she said.

He looked back at the painting, and was truly amazed by it. The cautious face of the child was painted realistically, the lines of worry being visible. He would be lying if he told himself that his to-be-wife wasn't talented, but why was she working in a bank? And not selling her art to others, she could make great money from it, that not being the main reason; but others would be able to see her talent of art.

"What are you going to do once you're done with it?" he asked her.

"Do with it? What do you mean?" she replied confused.

"Yeah, once you're done are you going to give it away and sell it or something?" he said.

"I've never sold any of my paintings or art work before, I usually just keep them, and repaint over them to do another one," she said.

"But why don't you find someone so you can get your artwork in a show or something?" Arnav told her, "Didn't you say you volunteer at an art gallery?"

"Yeah I do, but that ones for more renowned artists who have fame and artwork that people want to see," she said.

Arnav was about to reply something return but his phone rang and he picked it up, "Hello?"

It was Aman reminding him of some papers that he needed to be signed before tonight since the company needed them soon as possible.

"I'll be there soon," he said and then turned the phone ff. He turned back towards her and said, "I have to leave now, need to go sign some papers."

"Oh okay," she replied, "And here are the papers you needed," she said handing him a file filled with documents.

"Thanks," he took the papers from her.  

**************************

It was Saturday, and Khushi walked into the art gallery. She had gotten stuck in traffic due to a major accident that had occurred, therefore arriving very late. NK had already started the art classes with the kids and they were painting on the canvases. The class was of about 15 students, who came every weekend.

"Hey Khushi!" NK said seeing her enter and walked up to her, leaving the kids to work on there own. NK was the owner of the art gallery and had started it a few years back. Khushi had met his girlfriend, Lavanya, at an art show and they had become great friends. Lavanya had introduced them and over time, they had also become great friends. Khushi began volunteering at the art gallery only a few months back due to her passion for art and she had nothing else to really do on the weekends.

"Hi NK," she replied putting her purse on one of the counters.

"So I heard you're getting married?" he said.

"How do you know?" she asked.

"Lavanya tells me everything," he replied smiling.

Khushi then remembered her phone call with Lavanya two days ago. She had asked her what was new in life and Khushi had told her that she was getting married in the next two months. Lavanya had been so happy for her and screamed into the phone, but before she could even ask to whom Khushi was getting married to, she had to leave.

"Well nothing stays in her stomach does it?" Khushi asked jokingly and NK also laughed.

"But you both better come to my wedding and all the other rituals," she said.

"We definitely will, and Lavanya is already very excited for it," he replied.

"Any plans of you two getting married soon," Khushi said nudging him.

"No no no, not yet," he said.

One of the kids had their hands raised, "I'll go see what it is," Khushi said.

Khushi went over to the girl and asked her what she needed, and she had run out of red paint.

"NK do we have anymore red paint?" she asked from across the room.

"Yeah, a lot of it, I'll get it," he replied and then went to the back storage to room to get it. He came back a few seconds later with a big gallon sized bottle filled with paint.

"Here I'll do it," Khushi said taking the bottle from him. She took off the cap and seal off of it, then pursed some into the girls palette, "There you go."

"Thanks," the girl replied.

Khushi put the cap back on the bottle of paint, getting it all over her hands in the process. She placed it on the counter that was nearest before she got it anywhere else on her.

"You better wash your hands," NK said looking at the mess.

"Yeah, I'll go wash them," she said turning around not paying attention to where she was going.

"Khushi!" NK exclaimed but she didn't have time to turn around completely because she had already bumped into something.

"Oh My God! I'm ..I'm so..sorry," she said looking at the mess she had made on a white shirt, her hand print visible with the red paint. She looked up to see who it was and her eyes made contact with other familiar ones, Arnavs.

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Chapter 7A: Drop the "JI"

Arnav had just gotten home when he received a phone call, "Hello," he said picking it up.

"Sir the job is done," the voice from the other side said, “I’ve asked emailed you all the information.”

“Thank you Aman,” he replied back.

“No problem Sir,” Aman said and then hung up the phone.

Arnav walked into the house and saw that everyone else was already away in their respective rooms, so he also went to his. He changed into his nightwear then grabbed his laptop from the recliner and sat on the bed with it. He opened up his email account and opened up the email from Aman. After yesterday, he had asked Aman to to get a search on Khushi, to find out more about her needs, likes, past and just other things that would help him get to know her better.

He skimmed through the email and found out many things about her. Of course he could’ve just asked her personally for all of these things but he thought it would've been easier this way. The email listed things about her childhood, her birth parents, education and medical records, etc,. Arnav went down to the medical records section; he would need to all this so that if they needed to make any adjustments to their house he could get them done beforehand. It talked about how she could get up stairs absolutely fine if there are railings; it was hard or her to walk long distances all together at times; when she was younger she used to wear a brace in her foot but that wasn’t needed anymore and other small things.

Arnav was still reading through the information when he heard a knock on the door. Anjali peered through the door and walked in.

“What is it Di?”  he asked closing the laptop.

“Nothing I was checking to see if you’d gotten home,” she replied.

“Yeah, I just came like half an hour ago,” he said.

“So what did she say about moving,” Anjali asked.

“She said that she has no problem with it and will move with me after marriage,” he replied running his hand through his hair.

“You know Chotte this going to be a very big step for her?” she said.

“Yeah Di I know,” he said.

“Make sure to ask her about what she wants and is comfortable with, it’s very important to keep that balance in a relationship,” she told him.

“I will Di,” he replied.

*************************

Khushi walked out of her office and looked around to find Payal’s car because she was supposed to come and pick her, but not seeing it anywhere in sight she got out her phone to call her.

“Hello?” Payal answered from the other side.

“Payal where are you?” she asked.

“Oh! I totally forgot to tell you that Arnavji would be coming to pick you up,” Payal said all in one rush.

“Arnavji?” Khushi said.

“Yeah Khushi he should be there. I have to go to the Gurudwara now with Amma so I’ll talk to you later,” Payal replied and quickly hung up.

Khushi hanged up the phone with a confused look and then heard a familiar voice behind her.

“Hey,” he said. Khushi turned around to face him.

“Hi,” she replied, “Arnavji you here?”

“Woh actually I had called your house because I needed some things to get your visa applied for and stuff so Payal had told me that you were at work, and I told her that I could pick you up,” he said as he walked towards his car. They got in the car and he drove out of the parking lot, then to her house.

“You don’t have to add any informality into my name,” he said.

“Ji? (What?),” she said confused.

"I'm not having my woman calling my 'ji'," he told her with a slight smirk on his face.

"Ji?" she said.

"Call me by my name," he replied.

"That's what I am doing," she told him, "Arnavji."

"Drop the 'ji'," he said, "Just Arnav." Then looked at her.

"Arnav...ji," she replied.

"Arnav," he said.

"...Ji," she added.

 

"Arnavji," Arnav said.

"Arnav," she replied.

“That sounds good,” he said while she looked out the window, a small tint of pink creeping up on her cheeks.

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