Desert Rose

Chapter 15

You will marry me.

Khushi replayed the words Arnav had said to her, over and over again, as she stood making jalebis later that evening. He had just said it with as much emotion as announcing a merger.

Her thoughts went back to the night in the desert. Things had gone downhill after their lovemaking, when he had found out she was not the sophisticated older woman, who knew what she was getting into when she had asked to go out with him.

Later, the situation had worsened when he had found out about her deception. His intense anger had been palpable when he had not minced words in letting her know exactly what he thought of her and then he had just up and left for Delhi for one whole week.

Why was he asking her to marry him, now?

What had happened between them was mutual, and did not put him under any obligation to marry her, especially, in the world he came from. His conscience wasn't bothering him all of a sudden, was it?

Suddenly, hearing a loud crash coming from the direction of Payal's room, Khushi rushed toward her bedroom, panic seizing her heart. But before she could touch the door, already slightly ajar, she heard Akash's voice. 'Payal, please calm down,' he implored, 'God, I wish I hadn't told you anything. I finally told mother about our baby and that I will walk out of the house if she didn't allow me to marry you, alright?' He paused.

'All I am saying is that life will be very tough if I walk out, especially with the baby coming. If only bhai relents and helps us, everything will be fine.' He sighed.

Then Khushi heard Akash talking on the phone that had been ringing for a while now.'Oh no!'He exclaimed loudly, 'Di just called...... mom took something ... she is unconscious. Manav is on the way. I have to go home Payal.' He stepped out of the room, his face an anguished mask, as he rushed out the house.

Khushi opened the door to Payal's room and walked up to her, 'Payal.....' she whispered.

'Everything is over Khushi....... Akash ....and I will never be able to marry now.' Payal said between sobs.

'Shh.....jiji everything will be ok...... I promise,' said Khushi soothingly, as she took her sister in her arms, rocking her until she calmed down. After a few minutes, she tucked her under the covers, switched off the light and stepped out of the room.

Later that night, Khushi paced about the bedroom, feeling restless. She went to the french doors, looking in the direction of the green house. She dialled Arnav's number.

A few minutes later, Khushi heard a rap on the french doors of her bedroom and was shocked to see Arnav standing there. 'How did you get here so soon?' she asked him,as she opened the French doors, her dhak-dhak starting as she tried not to stare at how handsome he looked in the white t-shirt and jeans.

'I was in green house when you called,' he said, leading her toward the edger of the terrace, 'I came on my bike,' he added pointing to the Royal Enfield that stood on the ground below.

'How is mamiji?' she asked him, her brows creased with worry.

'Don't tell me you called me all the way here just to enquire about mami's health?' he asked mockingly.

'Arnavji!' Khushi admonished,'Please! I saw how disturbed Akashji was when he left here few hours ago. I put my sister down to sleep with great difficulty,' she paused before asking in a low voice,'Did she try to .....to kill herself?'

'She took ......something,' he said carefully,'But Manav came and took care of it. She is fine now.'

'Arnavji,' Khushi clutched Arnav's hand urgently,'I am really sorry for what happened.Please.....you have to help.'