Learning Curve

Chapter 9

Chapter 9 – Romantic Arnav

Karan walked in and gave Arnav a file. Khushi was shocked is an understatement.

“Sir, the correspondence classes’ schedule, fees and courses details are in the file. Khushi already filled the forms yesterday and but she forgot her credit card so I am yet to file her application.”

“Sir? Call me ASR”, Arnav promptly corrected Karan.

Akash looked keenly at Payal and nudged her trying to tell her something. Payal realized what he wanted her to do.

“Karan, here you go. You can charge Khushi’s fees on my credit card” Payal handed him her credit card. Smiled looking at Akash and thanked him by her eyes. Khushi and all were shocked to know Payal has a credit card.

“Yes I applied and got Payal credit card. She will need it now that she will be going out every day to college. Plus Baoji is getting treatment and has additional Dr. visits so credit card can be handy.” Akash mentioned casually.

Akash had realized long ago that Khushi was like his younger sister and his brother’s wife also. How can he forget she risked her life to save Bhai? This was the least he could do for Khushi. He was equally guilty for his judgmental attitude towards Khushi. But he was all set to take right decisions and actions in life! There was no turning back or just keep regretting but fix things was his new motto.

And taking care of Payal’s family also was his responsibility now including Khushi. Any opportunity to make Payal happy, Akash was ready to jump and grab!!

Arnav smiled inwardly understanding his brother was always two steps ahead of him in love department!! He was glad to see Akash stepping up and taking responsibilities on Payal’s behalf.

He made a mental note to get Khushi her credit cards plus surprise her with her new laptop.

For Sheetal, all this was getting suffocating. She needed to divert Arnav’s attention back towards her. She rushed out the door with that thought.

Khushi felt embarrassed and yet happy that her jiji could pay her fees now.

Arnav left for his room making an excuse of a call. He was again guilty that all his family members had credit cards and bill was auto paid from his family account. Yet it never occurred to him to get credit card for his Khushi. In fact he had no idea how she was managing her small expenses every month? She had so much self-respect that even for Holi, she asked him Rs. 300 loan and she had asked him to count money when she had touched his wallet.

It was high time he looked after her well, knowing she will never ask him or anyone for anything herself!!

Around 3.00 pm an envelope and 3 boxes were delivered by speed courier services. Khushi was as usual busy in the kitchen and Arnav literally dragged her to their room. Arnav asked Khushi to open the boxes.

Khushi opened the smallest box and could see a brand new iPhone. Second big box had all her books and supplies. The envelope had Khushi’s new credit cards. The biggest surprise was in the last box. It had a laptop that Khushi could use for her studies. Arnav sat beside Khushi, enabled her credit cards, put her iPhone on charge. He explained her configuration of her new laptop and software packages loaded with it that she could use. Khushi was pleasantly surprised and hugged him tight.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you so much Arnavji” Khushi hugged him again. Arnav felt content after a long time. He felt like teasing her.

“Come on Khushi, you could have told me what you need but never mind!! I have my ways to find out and get things for you” Khushi could easily guess Arnav got details from Karan to order her stuff.

“Khushi, going forward you will always tell me and share with me anything. I could be busy but always there for you. And I definitely don’t mind listening to your girly gossip from college, what say!”

“Arnavji” Khushi was all shy now.

“Arnav, its Arnav. It’s high time you start calling me Arnav” Arnav held Khushi’s hands whispered in her ears. “In fact I want two things in return” Arnav said pulling he closer.

“Aww” Khushi’s mouth opened a big O, her trademark. “This is cheating Arnavji, I never asked any of these things” Khushi complained.

“Are you forgetting I am hard core business man and best at it?” smirked Arnav.

“OK, what are the two things but I cannot promise it?” Khushi pushed her luck again.

“First you have to start calling me Arnav and second you have to kiss me now!!” Arnav moved even more close to Khushi now.

She was flabbergasted by his sudden demand. She had always been too shy and fell short to even try or initiate any intimacy in the past but today she wanted to fulfil his wish. She was hesitant but put her hands on Arnav’s cheeks. Arnav was thrilled by her shy actions but just then Sheetal barged in.

“What the?” Arnav was more than angry at Sheetal for spoiling their moment. Khushi stepped back and her face fell looking at Sheetal and Aarav.

“What is this Sheetal? Do you have any manners?” Arnav screamed ignoring Aarav.

“Sorry Arnav, it was urgent. I needed the file for 6.00 pm meeting today and then wanted to remind you that we have to attend the party after meeting” Sheetal explained.

Khushi walked out not wanting to hear further.

“Sheetal, today Aman is attending the meeting with you, he has the file and I will join the party with Khushi later. By the way nani, mami and Di are going for overnight Pooja to Shiv temple outskirts of Delhi and Akash, Payal are busy too. So you will have to manage Aarav if you want to join the party” Arnav clarified Sheetal.

“I was thinking I could join you for the party since I am working with you on the project while Aarav can stay back with Khushi.

Arnav was taken aback at Sheetal’s audacity.

“Aman will be there Sheetal. No need for you to come in that case. There will be hardly any business discussions since Aman will join after finishing the meeting plus Aman can handle it easily” with that Arnav left the room.

“No way I will let you go alone with Khushi and enjoy the party, I will be there to spoil it for her” Sheetal promised herself and called Sheena, her friend to arrange for Aarav’s sleep over.

Sheetal had played vital role in the project and it was project specific party. So Sheetal was looking forward to rock the party and letting Khushi down would be icing on the cake for her!! 

By Swatideep
HTA, MeD