Love Happens: Chapter 4

Shantivan, Delhi.

Everyone was doing last minute packing as they had to leave for Mumbai. Devyani and Subhadra were instructing the staff about things to do in their absence, Shyam was talking on the phone, Manorama was watching TV, Anjali was constantly adding something or the other in her luggage and Manohar, NK, Arnav and Akash were doing last minute work.

“Anjali we are going for a week and not for a year that you are talking so much luggage with you” said Devyani.

“It’s so less luggage nani. Anyway I am just making sure that I don’t leave anything here that I might need in Mumbai” explained Anjali.

“But it’s not like if you forget something, you won’t get that thing in Mumbai” said Subhadra.

“I know but I want to be on safe side” declared Anjali.

“You are so smart Nannav” said NK listening to Anjali.

“What the!!!” Arnav stared at NK.

“I mean it’s good that you decided to take the private jet. Even if we would have flown in first class, we could only take di’s luggage with us” teased NK.

“Tease all you want NK but I am taking so much luggage to maintain my image” explained Anjali.

All were looking at her confused.

“Hello Hi Bye Bye, what are you taking about Anjali?" Manorama asked.

“I have read about Manyata auntie’s granddaughter and her two friends. Apparently all the three girls are extremely beautiful and attractive. So to maintain my image in front of them I am taking extra stuff so that I can look as beautiful as them” explained Anjali proudly.

“You are already beautiful Anju. You don’t need these extra things to make you look beautiful” said Shyam seriously.


“Yes but taking extra effort does not hurt. Besides, I am a Raizada and I have an image to maintain in the society” said Anjali arrogantly.


“Technically you are now a Jha, di” said Akash.


Anjali just glared at Akash and went away dismissing them. Seeing this Shyam shook his head.


“Don’t mind Anjali, daamadji. Sometimes the royalty gets to her head and she does not think rationally” explained Manohar.

Agreeing he went after Anjali. Arnav, Akash and NK also went to the study.

“Di was right about one thing. These girls are really beautiful” said NK.

“I hope you don’t start flirting with them NK and land us in trouble” said Akash.


“I never land you in trouble” defended NK.

“Bhai do you remember last year we went to New York for a meeting and someone was flirting with a girl who turned out to be the daughter of our client and the wife of his business partner. When they saw this someone, they threatened to cancel the deal but you saved the deal by convincing them” said Akash mischievously.

“Fine, I get it. But trust me she did not look like the daughter of that man and she had no wedding ring. So technically it wasn’t my fault. And I promise I won’t flirt with all three of them, I’ll choose one and you both can take the rest” said NK

“We are not eating a cake that you take one piece and we both take the remaining pieces” said Arnav looking angry “at least show some respect towards them”

“Jeez, I did not mean it that way. Relax Nannav, I too respect women” explained NK.

Seeing that Arnav was getting angry, Akash reminded them that it was time to go to the airport.

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Singhania house, Mumbai.

Everyone was waiting eagerly for the Raizada’s to arrive. Khushi was out for some work and wasn’t going to come for a few hours.


“Devyani messaged me that they have boarded the jet and will reach Mumbai in 2 hours. The cars are sent to the airport right?” asked Manyata

“Don’t worry dadi. I talked to the drivers; they will reach the airport in half an hour. And I also explained them everything else” said Payal.

“I want them to arrive without any problem. And gudiya also had to go out at this time. She won’t even be here when they come” said Manyata.


“You have started taking too much tension now-a-days bhabhi-sa” said Sarita.


“You are right. I guess I am a little nervous about tomorrow” explained Manyata.

“This is breaking news: Manyata Singhania is nervous” joked Lavanya.

“You are becoming naughtier day by day. It’s just that I want the opening and the party to happen without any trouble” said Manyata.

“Don’t worry dadi everything will go smoothly” assured Payal.

Just then Lavanya got a call. When she came back attending the call, she looked worried.

“Why do you look worried beta?” asked Sarita.

“Actually the event planner called and said that there are some minor problems in the arrangements for the party and she asked to come urgently” explained Lavanya


“See, I was worried about something like this only” said Manyata.

“Don’t worry dadi, I’ll go and solve the matter quickly” said Lavanya.

“I’ll go with her and make sure we are back by dinner” said Payal calmly.

Both rushed to their rooms and were on their way to the venue in 10 minutes.

“I hope it’s nothing major” said Manyata.

“Don’t worry bhabhi-sa; it must be some minor glitch. Anyway lets go to our room and take rest till the Raizada’s come” saying this Sarita led Manyata to her room.

After two hours the Raizada’s finally arrived at the Singhania house. They were welcomed by Manyata and Sarita. They all proceeded to the living room.

“Oh Devyani it is so good to see you. I must say you are finally looking old” said Manyata hugging Devyani.


“It is good to see you too, but you still look the same. You have to tell me your secret” Devyani joked.


“There is no secret. All the three girls keep me on my toe, that’s all” said Manyata.


“So where are these girls, especially gudiya, I am dying to meet her” said Devyani.

“Gudiya has gone to a meeting and there were some minor glitches at the party hall so Lavanya and Payal have gone there. But all three must be coming in some time” explained Manyata.


“It’s OK. I understand. After all I live with Chotey who is a workaholic” said Devyani. “I absolutely forgot. Come here Chotey. I want to introduced you to Manyata”


“Who doesn’t know ASR? But I’d love to get to know Devyani’s Chotey” said Manyata.


Arnav came forward smiling politely and touched Manyata’s feet.

“Finally I am meeting you. Devyani speaks so much about you that I feel that I already know you” said Manyata.

“Well it is good to meet you personally” said Arnav.

“Please have a seat. The staff is bringing refreshments” said Sarita.

“At least some one remembers their manners” taunted Subhadra.

“Don’t mind her. She is Ratna’s mother in law Subhadra” said Devyani.

Just then someone screamed “AUNTIE” and everyone saw a girl rush towards Devyani and hug her tightly.


“How are you auntie? I missed you so much and finally you are here” said Khushi breaking the hug.

“I cannot believe that it’s you gudiya” said Devyani cupping Khushi’s face.

All the Raizada’s were confused seeing a girl hug Devyani.

Seeing their confused faces Manyata said “this is my granddaughter Khushi and my other granddaughters Lavanya and Payal”

Khushi turned towards everyone and the first person she saw was Arnav. Manyata and Devyani introduced the family.


The first thought that came to her mind was that he looked like a freaking model. She had seen him on TV and papers but he looked more handsome in person. And she had never seen such intense grey eyes, they spoke volumes. He had an aura around himself that one couldn’t help but notice.


On the other hand as soon as Arnav saw Khushi he thought that he never knew Manyata auntie granddaughter was so beautiful. She looked just like an angel in white, so pure and innocent. And such beautiful eyes, he could watch those green eyes all his life. 

Their thoughts broke when the staff bought refreshments. 

Khushi went and held her hand for towards Arnav “hi, I am Khushi Singhania. I have heard a lot about you Arnav and I am glad to finally meet you” 

Arnav shook her hand and thought when the last time anyone had called him by his name was. But it felt good to hear it from her. Her voice was so sweet; it felt like all his stress just vanished into thin air. And then he noticed her wrist. Was that a tattoo? He couldn’t make out what was written. And then he noticed another tattoo on her ankle. It was tattoo of an arrow. He wondered how many more tattoos she had. Then he realized that he was thinking about this girl and her tattoos. He shook his head to clear his mind and said “Like wise. It’s nice to meet you too”


All the elders started talking about hotel opening.

Hearing them talk Khushi said “you know what, let the elders talk about tomorrow’s arrangement and stuff. Why don’t us girls show you people the house” she looked towards Arnav, NK and Akash and then looked towards Lavanya and Payal.


“Sure, till then we all will catch up” said Manyata smiling.

Khushi told Sarita to send someone to inform them when the dinner is served. Khushi, Lavanya and Payal led Arnav, Akash, NK, Anjali and Shyam towards the stairs.

“Thank god you took us out of that room. I was in no mood to hear any more about the arrangements for tomorrow. Now I just want to get it over with” said Lavanya frustratingly.


“I understand your feelings lav. Anyways I hope you all had no problem coming here” asked Payal the Raizada’s


“No, we had no problem at all. Thank you for asking” said Akash.


“So I know that Lavanya is the PR head for Singhania hotels but what do Payal and you do?” Anjali asked to Khushi.

“You all don’t know what I do?” confirmed Khushi

All five of them shook their head while Lavanya, Khushi and Payal looked at them with surprise. Seeing this Khushi indicated the other two to not say anything and Lavanya and Payal immediately understood that something was surely cooking in her mind.

“Not much, Payal is the editor for ‘V’ magazine and I am artist. I paint” informed Khushi looking as innocent as possible.


“The editor of ‘V’ magazine, really? That’s great, we never knew” said Akash. He was really surprised that this shy looking girl is the editor of such a prestigious magazine

“What kind of painting do you make?” asked Arnav looking very interested.


“Oh, it depends on my mood really. I am not limited to just one type of painting” answered Khushi looking surprised at Arnav’s question.

“Why would anyone want to become a painter, it must pay so less” Anjali clearly showed her dislike.


Everyone was looking at her. Realizing what she said she quickly corrected herself “I mean you could have become anything you wanted, not just a painter”


“I am not just a painter as you put it. Actually I am an artist who paints on a canvas. There is a difference. And I don’t think I should feel any less about myself. No job is big or small” Khushi looked irritated while Arnav looked impressed with her. Seeing as the atmosphere was getting tensed NK decided to change the topic.

“By the way, I have heard K is going to be attending tomorrow’s party as well. Do you all know her?” asked NK.

“Of course K is going to attend tomorrow’s party, without her the party cannot start” informed Lavanya.


“And we all know her very well. In fact we all are best of friends” said Payal.


All this while, Khushi was trying very hard to control her laughter. A staff member came and informed them that the dinner was served.


“I think we should all go have dinner. I am sure you all must be hungry. You all proceed, we’ll come in a while” Khushi said pointing towards Lavanya and Payal. Everybody else proceeded toward the dining room. Seeing that they were out of ear shot Payal said “what was the need to lie about your profession Khush?”

“First of all I did not lie, I do paint. I just thought of having some fun. That’s all” said Khushi.


“I can’t wait to see their faces when they come to know that the K they want to know about is non-other that Khushi” Lavanya and Khushi were looking excited while Payal looked worried.


“Chill Payal and just have fun” said Khushi.


“Tomorrow during the party, I am going to stick with you so that I don’t miss any fun” said Lavanya looking at Khushi.

“I just hope you don’t get in trouble. Now let’s go eat dinner” Payal walked ahead and Lavanya and Khushi were still discussing about having fun in tomorrow’s party.

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Dining room

Everyone was sitting on the dining table. The staff was serving dinner.


“Where is disa?” asked Khushi and was informed that she was in the kitchen managing the staff. “What is she still doing in the kitchen? Let me go get her”


Khushi went and came with a rather reluctant Sarita. Khushi made Sarita sit next to her.


“I didn’t know that servants ate with the family members in your house” Subhadra asked arrogantly.


“Excuse me, what did you just say?” before Khushi could continue Manyata gestured her to be quite.


“Subhadra, stop it” said Devyani. She hoped Subhadra wouldn’t say anything more.


“Sarita is a member of this family, Subhadraji” said Manyata calmly.


“As you say” Subhadra dismissed Manyata’s words.


Everyone could see that Khushi was angry and was not really eating anything.


“If you will not eat properly right know then you will get hungry in middle of the night. Let me tell you that I am not going to wake up and make something for you. I want to look fresh for tomorrow. So I suggest that you too eat now and sleep peaceful. Otherwise you will develop dark circles” whispered Sarita in Khushi’s ears.


Hearing this Khushi smiled a little and stared eating. Others also relaxed. All this while, Arnav was observing Khushi. It’s good that she did not look angry now. He did not understand how dadi could speak something like this. He thought of apologizing to her later. Then he realized that he was thinking of apologizing. ASR did not apologize. But it was his dadi’s mistake and it was only right to apologize.


“Did you call Yuvraj?” Manyata asked Khushi in an attempt to change her mood.


“Yes dadi, I called him. That idiot is still in Hyderabad doing god knows what. Auntie and uncle will reach Mumbai around midnight today but he won’t be able to come before tomorrow evening. So he is only going to attend the party” Khushi said in anger


“Now that monkey is gone. Khush won’t leave him” Lavanya high-fived with Payal.


“You bet, just let him come tomorrow” Khushi showed with her hands that she is gonna strangle him.


“Don’t trouble him too much. That poor boy must anyways be tensed thinking what will happen to him tomorrow” said Sarita.


“Don’t worry disa I won’t trouble your poor boy” Khushi waited till Manyata and Sarita resumed eating and mouthed ‘much’ to Lavanya and Payal.


Hearing Khushi speak about this Yuvraj was making Arnav angry. He thought who the hell was Yuvraj? And why was Khushi upset because he couldn’t attend the opening. He did not understand why he was feeling like stopping them from talking about this Yuvraj guy.

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Khushi’s bedroom

Khushi had just changed into her night clothes and was going to sleep when someone knocked on her door. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Arnav there

“Hey, is something wrong? Do you need something?” asked Khushi

“Err, May I come in first?” asked Arnav

“Sure, please come in” Khushi was confused because Arnav looked uncomfortable.

Arnav causally observed the bedroom. He could see that the room had mostly black, white and blue colors. There was a hanging chair on one corner of the room and next to it were pictures that were hung in the shape on a heart on the wall. Next to the bed was a cat bed in which he could see a cat sleeping.

Her bedroom was modern yet simple. He heard her clear her throat behind him and realized that Khushi was waiting for him to speak while he was looking at her bedroom. He turned around and noticed for the first time what she was wearing. And the only thing he could say was ‘DOLL’


“Excuse me, did you say something?” Khushi was looking at him with an amused smile.


“You have a cat?” Khushi looked at him surprised. Arnav himself was surprised at his question.


“Yes, her name is Bella. She is a Persian cat” Khushi smiled looking at the sleeping cat. “Did you need something or did you want to ask about my cat?” Khushi asked him.


“Actually I came here to apologize for dadi’s behavior while having dinner. She was out of line and should not have spoken those things” Arnav said in a breath.


Khushi smiled and said calmly “I appreciate that you felt the need to apologize for your dadi’s behavior. But tell me one thing; is your dadi not capable of thinking herself?”

“What kind of question is that? Of course she is capable of thinking herself” said Arnav losing his patience.


“What I meant was; you yourself said that she is capable of thinking. So you should not apologize for her mistakes. In fact never apologize for someone else’s mistake when you know that the person made that mistake consciously” Khushi smiled when Arnav looked at her surprised


“Anyone who listened to her could tell that she said that purposely. But it’s OK. I am over it. Disa did not take those words to her heart. But I cannot guarantee that I will let go the next time. You see I am very protective of my family” said Khushi.


“I understand” Arnav said and turned to go to his room.


“By the way, you’re going to be very surprised tomorrow night” Khushi winked at him


“How?” asked Arnav.


Khushi just smiled and said “have patience Arnav and goodnight”


Smiling at her, Arnav wished her goodnight and went to his room shaking his head.


Khushi felt that tomorrow was going to be exciting. It would be so much fun to see their faces when they come to know that the k they want to meet is non-other than her. And it was thoughtful of Arnav to apologize on behalf of his dadi. She didn’t like his dadi much. But tomorrow was a big day so she went to sleep.


While going to his room Arnav was thinking what the surprise could be? He was more surprised by the fact that he apologized to Khushi so easily, when he doesn’t apologize to his family. He found that it was easy to talk to her. He felt like she wouldn’t judge him. He wasn’t even angry on her for saying that dadi said those things on purpose. He realized that she was affecting him like no other girl ever had. He decided to stay away from her. Somehow he felt that the week was going to be fun.

***Picture credit- Google