Chapter 35- Frozen hearts..will they melt by Deepti
Chapter 35
Kushi’s friends couldn’t stop complimenting her when their eyes fell on the pendant she was wearing. And when they came to know that it was from her Dhadhi, they wished they had a Dhadhi like her’s. The girls were totally engrossed in their talks which were mainly about the pendant, when something caught Preeti’s attention.
As she stared in that direction, her eyes widened and she said ,” Here comes the prince charming!! The one who I have seen only in my dreams , is now walking towards me! Tell me it’s not a dream”, dreamily, diverting the attention of the other three girls away from the pendant. As the girls followed her gaze they were awestruck looking at Arnav who was dressed in a milky white Sherwani. His attire was a perfect fit on his tall frame, making him look stunning. And his gelled hair, which was neatly combed onto one side, gave him a new look. As he came down the stairs, taking a call on his phone, the girls just gaped at him forgetting about the surroundings.
“Isn’t he gorgeous!!”, said Preeti dreamily.
“And super hot too”, added Pragya.
“Oh my God! How can someone be this handsome!!”, said Nisha staring at Arnav.
“My heart rate is taking a hike looking at him. It’s like, I’m soon going to have a heart attack “, said Preeti, checking her pulse.
As those words broke her trance, Kushi gave an incredulous look to Preeti.
” She too!!”, muttered Kushi, who was experiencing the same effect. As her eyes moved back to Arnav, she sensed the raise in her heart rate. Looking away from him, she muttered, ” Don’t look at him Kushi, DON’T!!”, trying to get a hold on herself.
“Oh my God….look at his smile….oh my God! He is killing me” said Preeti, keeping her hand on her heart, hearing which, Kushi slapped on Preeti’s shoulder saying, ” Stop drooling! Haven’t you seen a man earlier. Don’t behave like you are seeing one for the first time on this planet”.
“Of course, it’s my first time. I thought he was handsome when I saw him for the the first time . I was wrong. He is much more than that. Haven’t come across anyone like him. Just look at him Kushi!! His height, his physic , his chiseled face and those chocolate brown eyes!! Ummm…. I wish I could drown in them”, said Preeti dreamily.
As Kushi’s eyes looked at his, she felt how true Preeti’s words were. “Have I gone insane? What am I even thinking??”, thought Kushi, who shook her head to straighten her thoughts.
“And his nose….just look at its sharpness”, said Preeti, continuing her analysis about Arnav’s features.
“What will you do with its sharpness?? Will you use it for chopping vegetables??”, taunted Kushi, who was thoroughly done with Preeti’s nonsense.
“Don’t play with my feelings, Kushi. My heart can’t take it”, said Preeti, dramatically.
“Oh my drama queen! Now if you are done drooling over him, will you help me in carrying these things outside”, said Kushi, picking up a decorated plate which was filled with sweets. With a gentle shrug, Preeti too picked up a plate and with the help of her friends Kushi soon moved the engagement related stuff to the lawn where the event would be commencing.
The lawn was beautifully decorated with a circular stage in the center which was designed exclusively for the event. Chairs were arranged orderly all around the stage so that the guests could get a good view of the ceremony from anywhere in that lawn.
Kushi was on one side of the stage arranging the plates and gifts in an order when she felt a pair of eyes on her. As she lifted her head she found Arnav staring at her. As their eyes met, his gaze moved from her eyes to her neck and rested on her pendent. As she involuntarily touched the pendant with her left hand he gave her a loop sided smile and left from there while Kushi just stared at his disappearing back wondering, ” Did he just smile!!”
Soon Karan’s family arrived with Abhay’s and when Kushi went to receive them, ” Where is HE?”, asked Abhay after he greeted Kushi.
Understanding who he was referring to, Kushi looked around and spotted Arnav at a distance. Though he seemed to be in a conversation with a waiter, his gaze was fixed on her. And when Kushi’s eye met with his, she instantly felt the hike in her heartbeat.
Becoming aware of Abhay’s presence next to her, Kushi pointed her hand towards Arnav saying, ” There”. And after Abhay thanked her and walked away from there towards Arnav, Kushi turned all the way around and placed her hand on her heart mumbling, “What’s wrong with him today! Now why is he watching me like a hawk? And what’s wrong with this heart of mine? Why does it beat so vigorously when he is in sight? I told you Kushi…. I told you. Don’t look at him. Even if he does.. you don’t”.
Once she was done with her self counseling, she took a deep breath and walked towards the center stage where both the families got assembled.
As the ceremony started, Karan and Anjali exchanged the rings, seeing which Kushi clapped her hands in excitement along with the many others who were cheering for the couple. Kushi was still clapping her hands looking at the couple who were looking so good with each other when Preeti, who was standing right next to her said, “Oh my God! Oh my God! Look at him. He is looking here!!!!”.
As Kushi followed Preeti’s gaze, she found Arnav looking in their direction.
“Now who is he looking at? Me or Preeti?”, wondered Kushi ,looking at her friend who was super excited on finding him looking in their direction.
“Kushi, introduce”, said Preeti nudging Kushi.
“Ouch! What! Introduce whom?”, asked Kushi as she rubbed the side of her waist, where Preeti just poked.
“Introduce US to HIM”, said Preeti showing Arnav to Kushi.
“What HIM??? Have you gone insane???”,asked Kushi.
“Ya HIM. And no I’m not insane?”, replied Preeti.
” I won’t do that”, said Kushi.
“Please, Kushi. Last time too we didn’t get a chance. Don’t want to miss it now. Introduce him, Kushi”, asked Nisha looking at Arnav.
Kushi looked at her incredulously and turned towards Pragya and asked, “Why are YOU not asking?? Don’t you wish to get introduced to that great personality”, moving her hands animatedly in the air.
“When you introduce these two, I know that you won’t leave me behind. So…”, replied Pragya, sheepishly.
Kushi gaped at her and controlled her urge to scream at her friends.
“This Preeti is always like this. I can understand her insanity. But, what’s wrong with you both? Why are you taking her footsteps. Have you lost it?”, asked Kushi addressing Pragya and Nisha.
“They didn’t lose anything. And all we want is a proper introduction. Now, just give it”, said Preeti as she tagged Kushi with her and literally dragged her to where Arnav was standing, and the other two girls followed them.
Though Kushi kept trying to free her hand, Preeti was in no mood to let her go until they reached Arnav.On the other hand, Arnav who had been observing the whole drama from the corner of his eye doubted that the girls’ discussion was somehow related to him. But seeing them coming towards him, all his doubts got cleared.
“Just listen to me, girls.First of all, his eyes are always on top of his head….along with his those big big horns.Now if I take you all to him and introduce to him…God only knows what he will make out of it. He will give too much credit to himself and laugh at me. Why do you all want to give him such a pleasure?”, whispered Kushi as Preeti came to a halt.
“Nothing is going to happen to your prestige if you introduce us to him. And even if something happens, I guess, you can take it for the sake of your best buddies. Can’t you?”, said Preeti loosening her grip on Kushi’s hand.
Rubbing her hand Kushi lifted her head in the other direction and realized that she was standing close to Arnav.
As her eyes met with his, she forgot about the mission, to accomplish which she was brought near him and stood like a statue, staring at him. The girls who were waiting for Kushi to say something were looking hopefully at her while Arnav waited patiently for her to open her mouth.
Looking at Kushi who was staring blankly at Arnav, Pragya poked her from behind.
“Ouch! These are my friends!”, blurted Kushi coming to her senses.
He gave a glance to the three girls while Kushi said, “Preeti, Nisha, Pragya”, introducing the trio to him.
“Hi!”, said Arnav with a smile, just for the sake of courtesy, looking at which the trio forgot their manners and stared at him with admiration.
Feeling uncomfortable under their constant stare, Arnav repeated his greeting. But when he got nothing in response, except for their stare, he raised his eyebrows and said, ” Okay!! I got to go! See you around”, and escaped from there.
“Do people feel this uncomfortable when someone stares at them??? GOD!!!! Unbelievable”, mumbled Arnav as he walked towards the dining area ,though he could still feel their gaze piercing his back.
Kushi who was thoroughly embarrassed with her friends’ behavior was totally mad at them. Giving a shot on each of their backs, she brought them out of their trance.
“Aaaa!!”, screamed the trio one after the other.
” Are you all happy now!! You were successful in embarrassing me. Why were you standing like statues when he greeted you all?”, asked Kushi.
“Just for the same reason for which you stood like a statue when you saw him”, said Pragya putting Kushi in a fix.
“I… I.. when did I…”, said Kushi searching for words.
“Don’t deny it. We have seen it. The way you stared at him openly, standing right in front of him”, said Preeti.
“That… that was nothing. I didn’t know what to say at that moment. So… so, I was kind of speechless”, said Kushi who had no answer for her friends’ question.
“Is that the sole reason or is there something interesting cooking between you both”, asked Nishi putting her arm around Kushi.
“Ya, why do I have a strong feeling that all his stares were only for you? What’s going on Kushi? Are we missing something?”, said Preeti winking her eye at Kushi.
“God!! Did she notice?? Now she will not stop teasing me. “, thought Kushi.
“Why was he staring at you Kushi?”, asked Pragya arching her eyebrow.
“What will I tell you when I’m myself clueless about it”, thought Kushi.
Realizing that she needs to escape the interrogation somehow or the other she said, ” I have no idea about what you girls are talking”.
As the girls looked at her, suspiciously, ” Why don’t you go and ask him if you have any questions”, added Kushi, as if she didn’t care.
“Can we!!”, asked Preeti excitedly.
Kushi gave a threatening look to her and said, “Enough of embarrassing me for the day!! There is nothing going on and if there is something, you girls will definitely come to know about it. Now if you done with the interrogation, can we have dinner?”, asked Kushi trying to end the topic.
“Sure! Why not! We are done with the feast for our eyes. Now, it’s the tummy’s turn”, said Nisha.
“Good! Then let’s go”, said Kushi taking the lead towards the dining area.
“Between, Kushi, Your lover does have a charming smile”, said Preeti following Kushi.
As Kushi stopped in her tracks and looked back at her, ” Sorry! I meant your Mr.G”, said Preeti surrendering.
Kushi’s friends couldn’t stop complimenting her when their eyes fell on the pendant she was wearing. And when they came to know that it was from her Dhadhi, they wished they had a Dhadhi like her’s. The girls were totally engrossed in their talks which were mainly about the pendant, when something caught Preeti’s attention.
As she stared in that direction, her eyes widened and she said ,” Here comes the prince charming!! The one who I have seen only in my dreams , is now walking towards me! Tell me it’s not a dream”, dreamily, diverting the attention of the other three girls away from the pendant. As the girls followed her gaze they were awestruck looking at Arnav who was dressed in a milky white Sherwani. His attire was a perfect fit on his tall frame, making him look stunning. And his gelled hair, which was neatly combed onto one side, gave him a new look. As he came down the stairs, taking a call on his phone, the girls just gaped at him forgetting about the surroundings.
“Isn’t he gorgeous!!”, said Preeti dreamily.
“And super hot too”, added Pragya.
“Oh my God! How can someone be this handsome!!”, said Nisha staring at Arnav.
“My heart rate is taking a hike looking at him. It’s like, I’m soon going to have a heart attack “, said Preeti, checking her pulse.
As those words broke her trance, Kushi gave an incredulous look to Preeti.
” She too!!”, muttered Kushi, who was experiencing the same effect. As her eyes moved back to Arnav, she sensed the raise in her heart rate. Looking away from him, she muttered, ” Don’t look at him Kushi, DON’T!!”, trying to get a hold on herself.
“Oh my God….look at his smile….oh my God! He is killing me” said Preeti, keeping her hand on her heart, hearing which, Kushi slapped on Preeti’s shoulder saying, ” Stop drooling! Haven’t you seen a man earlier. Don’t behave like you are seeing one for the first time on this planet”.
“Of course, it’s my first time. I thought he was handsome when I saw him for the the first time . I was wrong. He is much more than that. Haven’t come across anyone like him. Just look at him Kushi!! His height, his physic , his chiseled face and those chocolate brown eyes!! Ummm…. I wish I could drown in them”, said Preeti dreamily.
As Kushi’s eyes looked at his, she felt how true Preeti’s words were. “Have I gone insane? What am I even thinking??”, thought Kushi, who shook her head to straighten her thoughts.
“And his nose….just look at its sharpness”, said Preeti, continuing her analysis about Arnav’s features.
“What will you do with its sharpness?? Will you use it for chopping vegetables??”, taunted Kushi, who was thoroughly done with Preeti’s nonsense.
“Don’t play with my feelings, Kushi. My heart can’t take it”, said Preeti, dramatically.
“Oh my drama queen! Now if you are done drooling over him, will you help me in carrying these things outside”, said Kushi, picking up a decorated plate which was filled with sweets. With a gentle shrug, Preeti too picked up a plate and with the help of her friends Kushi soon moved the engagement related stuff to the lawn where the event would be commencing.
The lawn was beautifully decorated with a circular stage in the center which was designed exclusively for the event. Chairs were arranged orderly all around the stage so that the guests could get a good view of the ceremony from anywhere in that lawn.
Kushi was on one side of the stage arranging the plates and gifts in an order when she felt a pair of eyes on her. As she lifted her head she found Arnav staring at her. As their eyes met, his gaze moved from her eyes to her neck and rested on her pendent. As she involuntarily touched the pendant with her left hand he gave her a loop sided smile and left from there while Kushi just stared at his disappearing back wondering, ” Did he just smile!!”
Soon Karan’s family arrived with Abhay’s and when Kushi went to receive them, ” Where is HE?”, asked Abhay after he greeted Kushi.
Understanding who he was referring to, Kushi looked around and spotted Arnav at a distance. Though he seemed to be in a conversation with a waiter, his gaze was fixed on her. And when Kushi’s eye met with his, she instantly felt the hike in her heartbeat.
Becoming aware of Abhay’s presence next to her, Kushi pointed her hand towards Arnav saying, ” There”. And after Abhay thanked her and walked away from there towards Arnav, Kushi turned all the way around and placed her hand on her heart mumbling, “What’s wrong with him today! Now why is he watching me like a hawk? And what’s wrong with this heart of mine? Why does it beat so vigorously when he is in sight? I told you Kushi…. I told you. Don’t look at him. Even if he does.. you don’t”.
Once she was done with her self counseling, she took a deep breath and walked towards the center stage where both the families got assembled.
As the ceremony started, Karan and Anjali exchanged the rings, seeing which Kushi clapped her hands in excitement along with the many others who were cheering for the couple. Kushi was still clapping her hands looking at the couple who were looking so good with each other when Preeti, who was standing right next to her said, “Oh my God! Oh my God! Look at him. He is looking here!!!!”.
As Kushi followed Preeti’s gaze, she found Arnav looking in their direction.
“Now who is he looking at? Me or Preeti?”, wondered Kushi ,looking at her friend who was super excited on finding him looking in their direction.
“Kushi, introduce”, said Preeti nudging Kushi.
“Ouch! What! Introduce whom?”, asked Kushi as she rubbed the side of her waist, where Preeti just poked.
“Introduce US to HIM”, said Preeti showing Arnav to Kushi.
“What HIM??? Have you gone insane???”,asked Kushi.
“Ya HIM. And no I’m not insane?”, replied Preeti.
” I won’t do that”, said Kushi.
“Please, Kushi. Last time too we didn’t get a chance. Don’t want to miss it now. Introduce him, Kushi”, asked Nisha looking at Arnav.
Kushi looked at her incredulously and turned towards Pragya and asked, “Why are YOU not asking?? Don’t you wish to get introduced to that great personality”, moving her hands animatedly in the air.
“When you introduce these two, I know that you won’t leave me behind. So…”, replied Pragya, sheepishly.
Kushi gaped at her and controlled her urge to scream at her friends.
“This Preeti is always like this. I can understand her insanity. But, what’s wrong with you both? Why are you taking her footsteps. Have you lost it?”, asked Kushi addressing Pragya and Nisha.
“They didn’t lose anything. And all we want is a proper introduction. Now, just give it”, said Preeti as she tagged Kushi with her and literally dragged her to where Arnav was standing, and the other two girls followed them.
Though Kushi kept trying to free her hand, Preeti was in no mood to let her go until they reached Arnav.On the other hand, Arnav who had been observing the whole drama from the corner of his eye doubted that the girls’ discussion was somehow related to him. But seeing them coming towards him, all his doubts got cleared.
“Just listen to me, girls.First of all, his eyes are always on top of his head….along with his those big big horns.Now if I take you all to him and introduce to him…God only knows what he will make out of it. He will give too much credit to himself and laugh at me. Why do you all want to give him such a pleasure?”, whispered Kushi as Preeti came to a halt.
“Nothing is going to happen to your prestige if you introduce us to him. And even if something happens, I guess, you can take it for the sake of your best buddies. Can’t you?”, said Preeti loosening her grip on Kushi’s hand.
Rubbing her hand Kushi lifted her head in the other direction and realized that she was standing close to Arnav.
As her eyes met with his, she forgot about the mission, to accomplish which she was brought near him and stood like a statue, staring at him. The girls who were waiting for Kushi to say something were looking hopefully at her while Arnav waited patiently for her to open her mouth.
Looking at Kushi who was staring blankly at Arnav, Pragya poked her from behind.
“Ouch! These are my friends!”, blurted Kushi coming to her senses.
He gave a glance to the three girls while Kushi said, “Preeti, Nisha, Pragya”, introducing the trio to him.
“Hi!”, said Arnav with a smile, just for the sake of courtesy, looking at which the trio forgot their manners and stared at him with admiration.
Feeling uncomfortable under their constant stare, Arnav repeated his greeting. But when he got nothing in response, except for their stare, he raised his eyebrows and said, ” Okay!! I got to go! See you around”, and escaped from there.
“Do people feel this uncomfortable when someone stares at them??? GOD!!!! Unbelievable”, mumbled Arnav as he walked towards the dining area ,though he could still feel their gaze piercing his back.
Kushi who was thoroughly embarrassed with her friends’ behavior was totally mad at them. Giving a shot on each of their backs, she brought them out of their trance.
“Aaaa!!”, screamed the trio one after the other.
” Are you all happy now!! You were successful in embarrassing me. Why were you standing like statues when he greeted you all?”, asked Kushi.
“Just for the same reason for which you stood like a statue when you saw him”, said Pragya putting Kushi in a fix.
“I… I.. when did I…”, said Kushi searching for words.
“Don’t deny it. We have seen it. The way you stared at him openly, standing right in front of him”, said Preeti.
“That… that was nothing. I didn’t know what to say at that moment. So… so, I was kind of speechless”, said Kushi who had no answer for her friends’ question.
“Is that the sole reason or is there something interesting cooking between you both”, asked Nishi putting her arm around Kushi.
“Ya, why do I have a strong feeling that all his stares were only for you? What’s going on Kushi? Are we missing something?”, said Preeti winking her eye at Kushi.
“God!! Did she notice?? Now she will not stop teasing me. “, thought Kushi.
“Why was he staring at you Kushi?”, asked Pragya arching her eyebrow.
“What will I tell you when I’m myself clueless about it”, thought Kushi.
Realizing that she needs to escape the interrogation somehow or the other she said, ” I have no idea about what you girls are talking”.
As the girls looked at her, suspiciously, ” Why don’t you go and ask him if you have any questions”, added Kushi, as if she didn’t care.
“Can we!!”, asked Preeti excitedly.
Kushi gave a threatening look to her and said, “Enough of embarrassing me for the day!! There is nothing going on and if there is something, you girls will definitely come to know about it. Now if you done with the interrogation, can we have dinner?”, asked Kushi trying to end the topic.
“Sure! Why not! We are done with the feast for our eyes. Now, it’s the tummy’s turn”, said Nisha.
“Good! Then let’s go”, said Kushi taking the lead towards the dining area.
“Between, Kushi, Your lover does have a charming smile”, said Preeti following Kushi.
As Kushi stopped in her tracks and looked back at her, ” Sorry! I meant your Mr.G”, said Preeti surrendering.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure dear :)
DeleteBeautiful story... hope we get to read it completely
ReplyDelete