SS: The Synchronizing Forces (Chp 9)

Chapter 9         

          Sitting in the drawing room, which was a bit cozy, there was uncomfortable silence. Varsha could feel the nervousness between them both. She was reminded of Khushi’s words when they entered her home.

~~

          “Is he really staying here tonight?”

          “Yes. Do you have a problem with that, Khush?”

          “No, I’m perfectly fine, Varsha!”

~~

          Varsha observed that both were earning to talk but were not able to because of a starting trouble. Varsha decided to initiate a small talk.

          “Arnav, how long are you going to sit simply with your laptop without working? Since the past 15 minutes it’s been on screen-saver mode. I think you must energise it before it goes on sleep.”

          “What? I’m not simply sitting. I’m kind of working out a strategy for our meeting tomorrow.”

          “Um…I’m sorry… I think I’m being a disturbance for you both to work. I’m going to your room, Varsha. It’s in the second right, right?” asked an uncomfortable Khushi.

          “I’m sorry. I totally forgot that you two are on a sleep over. I’ll go to the guest room, Varsha. I’ll call you if I want any help. Okay?”

          “No ways, Arnav!” ‘Oh gosh…Things are getting out of hand, Varsha! Think of an idea’ “Khushi stay here. I’ll be right back in a giffy. No one’s going anywhere. Got that?”

          Varsha made her way to the balcony and dialled Anjali’s number.

          “Di, I have no idea how to make them talk. They’re being too formal. Tell me something, na!”

          “I don’t know Varsha. But one thing. Don’t send Chotey back here. Okay? You’ve got to keep them together, no matter what. I’ve got to go. I’m kind of busy at the moment, Varsh! Bye!” Anjali hung up abruptly.

          ‘What could keep di busy at THIS time? Something’s cooking. You’ve got a job to do, Varsha!’ Varsha said herself.

*~*

After Varsha had excused herself Arnav and Khushi were alone. Khushi kept twisting her fingers. Arnav decided to act as if he was ignorant to her presence and started typing letters that made no sense in his laptop.

“Excuse me.” Khushi said formally and went to the dining table to help herself with some water.

The dining table was behind the sofa Arnav was sitting. Khushi kept stealing glances from behind. All she could hear was one thing. ‘Dhak Dhak’ her heart beats were abnormally loud.

Arnav decided to amuse his eyes with the sight of the angelic beauty that was along with him in the room. His mind was totally having a ‘what the’ moment as he himself could believe that he was actually attracted by her. He couldn’t, at the same time, see her directly as she would find out that he actually liked her. So he thought for a way to steal a glance at her. ‘Think Arnav, Think’ His brain bulb glowed! He switched on the web cam companion on his laptop and that gave him a clear view of the room behind. He adjusted his screen so that he could see her. And he SAW her.

Khushi didn’t want to go back to her place. She was having a hard time controlling herself. ‘Seeing his back is better than being nervous seeing his face. You would look like a fool in front of him. You’ve already given a bad impression by screwing up in the performance Khushi!’ she thought. ‘Hey Devi Maiyyah! What have you done to me?’ Saying it in her brain she kept her palm on her forehead. She was making faces. “Laad Governor!” she mumbled. She took the water jug and poured water. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. ‘His back view’s as hot as his front’ chirped her naughty heart. ‘Khushi, what’s wrong with you? Get a hold on yourself, Khushi!’ yelled her mind.

Arnav loved the very sight of her. The way she bit her lips when she was thinking seriously, the way her eyebrows met when she was in deep thought… He also observed that she was seeing him all the time. ‘What could she be thinking?’ he mused. Her hands caught his attention when they reached for the water jug. She started pouring water in the glass. He, for an instant, felt a bit thirsty just to drink the water she poured. ‘This is a bit exaggerating, Arnav. Mind it!’ said his mind. He wanted to hold her hand and feel the warmth. His eyes again went to the jug and the glass. He was watching the water flow gracefully into the glass. It filled half way… three-forth was now full… water reached the brim… it started over-flowing… water was now dripping off the table… ‘Wait a minute! Shouldn’t she stop pouring water? Why isn’t she stopping?’  He again saw her face. She was dreamily looking at him and totally was not aware of the water flowing. He decided to intervene. He turned back and cried “Khushi! Watch it girl! The glass is full… What are you doing? Stop pouring!”

“Hare Devi Maiyyah! What have I done?” Khushi exclaimed and searched for a towel to dry the mess she had created.

“Why does this happen to me? All because of Laad Governor!” she muttered under her breath. Arnav was trying to understand what she was muttering. But it was too low pitched to be audible. Looking at her searching for something he understood that she must be looking for a towel.

“Khushi, look at the cupboard, you’ll find a towel there.” said Arnav.

“Oh…Where? Here?” asked Khushi who wasn’t familiar with her surroundings. Arnav pointed her the place but knew she wouldn’t be able to spot it. He decided to behave like a gentleman and give her the towel himself. He rose up from the sofa and went to the cupboard to take some towels from it.

Khushi’s heartbeats started thudding faster and she feared he would hear it too. In an attempt to calm down her fluttering heart, she placed her palm on it. ‘Deep breaths, Khush! Deep breaths! Calm down…’ she said herself.

Arnav had butterflies in his stomach at the close proximity of her. He wanted to be close to her but at the same time wanted to go away from her. It was a battle between his mind and heart. His heart yearned to be with her, and his brain wanted to be away from her. Putting his inner war aside, he opened the cupboard and picked two towels from it and locked it. He turned back to face her. He again set his eyes on her eyes. Those beautiful hazel eyes, he thought. He couldn’t do anything else than to look at her. She too was seeing him. She was breathing heavily. Shaking himself out of his trance he handed one towel to her. She took it hesitantly from his hand and took two steps away from him. She started drying the place with the towel. He turned away from her and he too bent for helping her dry the place. Arnav Singh Raizada, for the first time in his life, was actually doing something of that kind. His brain gave up fighting. ‘You’re hopeless, ASR!’ said his mind. ‘This is what love struck boys do… Help the girl!’ said his heart dreamily. He was now having a ‘what the’ at his own changed version.

*~*

Varsha had no idea what to do. Suddenly she got an idea. She made her way to the living room again. Before she could be seen she decided to sneak a peek at them both. And she got the shock of her life.

Arnav Singh Raizada was cleaning the floor! Or that’s what it looked like he was doing…

SS: The Synchronizing Forces (Chp 8)

Chapter 8

Arnav was upset at himself for saying things which he didn’t mean. Firstly, talking about her didn’t make him upset. It gave a new feeling. And secondly, the ASR in him didn’t like the fact that he selected Khushi. But he was a bit happy as he would see her now more frequently. ‘What the…’ yelled his mind. Images of her dancing made it impossible for him to drive. His drive to his home, which is 15 minutes long on a ‘normal’ day, seemed to take ages. For the first time, he didn’t want to go home. Not without her. ‘What the…’ yelled his mind again. He stopped his car at a dead end and closed his eyes to clear his mind. But that made things worse. All he could see was her. Leaning back on his seat, he didn’t know how long he sat there like that. He was so unaware of his surroundings too. He had no idea where he was. ‘May be I took the wrong turn’ he thought to himself. Just then a loud horn from behind shook him to reality. It seemed never ending.

“What the…”

*~*

“Khushi! Khushi! Mehul has accepted! You are coming with me tonight! Yay! Yay! Yay!” Varsha was shouting and jumping just like a kid jumps on seeing a chocolate.

Khushi was having a hard time trying to recognize what Varsha was saying. “How can a man make a woman go crazy?”

“WHAT?” asked Varsha, who was…. Blank.

Realizing what she had just said Khushi was trying to make up. “Oh. What were you saying, Varsh? I’m sorry I was blabbering. I didn’t get what you were saying!”

“Would you bother to explain why you just said what you said now?” Varsha was getting naughtier at the moment.

“Oh.. That’s just…um..er…what to say… I watch this show called ‘Iss pyaar..’ on TV… You must too watch it… It’s actually a fantastic romantic drama. You know the chemistry they have is just mind-blowing. I was just wondering how the hero could make the heroine feel the way she feels… Nothing much”

“Oh, really? Were you thinking just of that or something like an example in real?”

“What? I’m just thinking of that you know… I’m kinda addicted to it.”

Varsha was enjoying every moment. She was no way buying her lame explanation.

“Anyways… It’s getting late. Come’ on. Let’s make a move.” Urged Varsha.

“Yes. I’ll just tell Mehul and come.”

“Khush, she has left already. She asked me to inform you. Sorry, I forgot to tell you before.”

“Really? Well, she never leaves me like this…” said a confused Khushi.

“Khushi, I need to talk with you…”

“What’s it?”

“Not in here, Khush. Let’s talk in the car.”

“Okay. Is it anything serious?”

“Well… It’s about-”

“Ting tong: Announcement: We request the owner of Vehicle number DL 07 BA…” came the announcement on the speaker.

“Oops, Khush! I forgot that I didn’t park the vehicle ‘properly’ as I was late. I need to rush. Come soon, Khush!” saying this Varsha ran towards the exit.

Khushi was in deep thought. ‘What was she saying? What did she want to talk?’ she mused. Her eyes darted to the stage. In an instant it went to the first seat. ‘He was sitting there’ Her brain was flooded with thoughts of him. His gaze…

“KHUSHI!!!!!!” Varsha was shouting from the entrance. “Make it fast! What are you doing there? Come soon!”

Shaking herself out of the thoughts, she ran towards the car.

*~*

Driving the car, Varsha wanted to start a conversation. But she was sure anout one thing. Khushi was absolutely thinking of Arnav.

“Uffo…It has become really late. I thought of introducing you to Anjali Di today. I think we can’t see her today.” said Varsha.

“Anjali Di is….?”

“Oh. I didn’t say about her right? She’s Arnav’s sister. She’s such a sweet person with a golden heart. I don’t think anybody could be more polite than her.”

“You said she’s Arnav’s sister, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then how could she be polite.”

Varsha burst out into laughter. “Arnav’s different, di is different! Come ‘on Khush! Don’t be silly!”

“Oh… You were saying we needed to talk about something”

“Oh yeah…. Actually I wanted to know about Mehul… How is she… I mean... what kind of person is she?”

“Mehul’s a nice person. She’s really friendly. She’s straight forward and frank. Never hides a thing.”

“Oh.. Does she have a grudge against someone? Or kind of prejudiced towards people?”

“Nope… She isn’t like that… Why are you suddenly asking about her? Is anything wrong?”

“No it isn’t like that. I just wanted to know… You know… Get to know more about her.”

“Oh. Okay…”

Varsha knew Khushi was not interested in talking about her. She decided to have some fun.

“You know, Khushi, Arnav-” Varsha was cut off by Khushi’s reaction.

“What? What did you say Varsha? Can you come back again? Sorry I wasn’t listening, I…”

“Hey hey hey, slow down there… I was just… Forget it!”

Varsha got the answer. ‘Khush likes Arnie!!!! Yeah bring it on! Three cheers for Varsha for this awesome fantabulous Idea’ her mind war relishing the moment. “Yay!” yelled Varsha out of excitement.

“What?” asked Khushi who did not like getting disturbed when she was thinking hard about him.

“Nothing. I’m sorry for disturbing your thinking process…I’m sure you’re thinking about Arnav now.” Varsha was confident that Khushi wouldn’t even be listening as she was totally into deep thought.

“It’s okay.” said an uninterested Khushi. It took two minutes for her to realize what Varsha meant. She was about to explain Varsha but immediately gave up the idea as she knew it was pointless discussing a statement which was already proven.

The car came to a halt. “Have we reached your home?” asked a curious Khushi.

“Almost there… But I don’t know whose car it is…” said Varsha pointing to the front.

Just then Varsha’s eyes set to the number plate.

“What’s he doing here at this time?” exclaimed a shocked Varsha. Having her palm on the horn she pressed it continuously.

All they both could here was a mute “What the…” coming from the other car.

“Who is it Varsha?” asked Khushi.

“It’s Arnav.” said Varsha taking her mobile from her bag.

“What are you doing here at this time, Arnav?” she asked Arnav on the phone.

“Where am I? I...Oh My God…What am I doing here?” exclaimed Arnav.

“What do you mean by ‘What am I doing here?’? Didn’t you see where you were driving? Thank god you didn’t get yourself killed! Gosh!”

“I was thinking about Khu-… I mean… I was talking on the phone and I didn’t concentrate on driving… You know it happens with me all the time.”

“Hmmm… You’re excused…Now would you please bother to move your car?” Suddenly Varsha got an idea. “Why don’t you stay at my place for the night? I’ll talk with di.”

“What? No… I’m going… I’ve got to do a lot of work. I’ll stay another day?”

“No way, I’m not going to leave you this time. I’m sure you do all your work in your laptop and you are never without that second wife of yours. And if you stay today, maybe I can assist you with the work.”

“No…. I need to spend some time alone.”

“Okay fine. I’m sure we both will miss you today. Bye, Arnav!”

“Hey wait! Don’t cut the phone. What do you mean by ‘both’?”

“I and Khushi decided to stay together tonight! Thought we’d all have some fun! But as you’re too busy tonight I’m excusing you! Buh bye, now. And please move that stupid SUV of yours.”

“Don’t call it stupid. You know I love my car and…” ‘Arnav, stop chattering and accept her offer. You’re no way letting go of the golden chance’ yelled his mind. “Leave that. I was thinking your idea is great, you know. It would really make the work a lot easier if you assist me tonight. So, how about I stay here tonight?” questioned Arnav.

“Okay, that’s alright. Now please please move your car out of my way!” exclaimed Varsha who was so proud of herself for doing a great job. ‘Di, I’m sure you’ll hug me for my plan!’

*~*

A note: Stay tuned.... Rabba Ves on the way! 

SS: The Synchronizing Forces (Chp 7)

Anjali couldn’t wait any longer. Too curious, she entered Varsha’s number and pressed the dial button.

          “Di, I’ve got the greatest news!” shouted Varsha from the other end of the phone.

          “What is it?” asked Anjali, who felt as if her head, would burst any moment.

          “Di, I met my long lost friend today! I’m sooooo happy!!!” said Varsha, who decided to make Anjali to wait a li’l longer to know the happier news.

          “That’s it? Only that? Oh I thought you were going to say something else…” Anjali’s voice faded away.

          “What did you think, di?” asked Varsha who was getting naughtier.

          “Never mind. I’ll talk with you later. My mood’s off” told Anjali who was about to cut the phone and continue her constant chattering with god.

          “Di, don’t! I have one more thing to say!!!” rushed Varsha.

          “What’s it?” asked an uninterested Anjali who had lost all her hope by now.

          “Di, our plan has worked this time!” said Varsha, jumping with joy.

*~*

Khushi couldn’t stand in the room. Muttering curses under her breath, she gave one last murderouslook into his eyes, flicked her hair and walked away to pick her clothes for changing. Arnav didn’t want to get caught admiring her. So he decided for one last to focus on his mobile and not her. He was going through his schedule and Varsha came back into the room.

“Phew! It has been a long day! I’m so happy that I saw Khushi again. Thank you so much Arnav, you know, for selecting her.”  chirped Varsha excitedly.

“All just for you Varsha. Anyways I don’t want to get myself upset by speaking more about her. I gotta go. It’s getting late!” said Arnav with a tinge of frustration in his voice.

“Excuse me? You’re getting upset because of me-” Khushi was cut off by Varsha “Guys, I’m really not in a mood to hear you both bicker here.” ordered Varsha.

“Whatever. I’m leaving. See you at the office tomorrow. Bye. I’ll give you a call after I reach home.” Arnav said Varsha while walking away.

“So Varsh, isn’t it getting late for you too? You must start now, right? We’ll catch up tomorrow. Now it’s time you go.” said Khushi in a concerned voice.

“What? I’m no way leaving without you!” yelled Varsha.

“What are you saying? I can’t just come with you… Mehul’s waiting for me, Varsh… and what about my clothes, belongings, etc… I’m no way coming with you now!” told Khushi who was surprised by Varsha’s reaction.

“Well, Mehul can take care of herself. YOU ARE COMING WITH ME NOW AND THAT’S FINAL. Don’t worry about the dresses. I too have some good dresses for you to wear. Adjust for one night in my clothes. Tomorrow we’ll go shopping and get new dresses for you if you’re uncomfortable!”

“But…”

“No buts and that’s. You’re coming with me. Period. Go change and come on soon. I’ll go and talk with Mehul and tell her our plan. Make it fast. I’m not THAT good driver in the dark. If you had been soon, we could have gone with ASR. He’d have dropped us!” Varsha went on taking to herself making her way out of the room.

Khushi had stopped listening to Varsha as soon as she had said ASR. His very name created unrest in her. In a dreamy state she picked up her clothes and walked in to change. She was cursing herself at the same time for thinking about him. “Laad Governor!” she muttered to herself.

*~*

Varsha was walking searching Mehul. She had seen her just once and not too clearly. But she could identify her voice. She was searching her all over and found her speaking on the phone. “I don’t know. I tried making her understand that it was important. I really don’t think he’s impressed. And when I was about to see her in her room I saw another girl talking with her and he too entered the room I have no idea whether the girl’s going to be a helping hand or a problem.”

And THAT alerted Varsha. Before she could hide herself to hear the conversation Mehul saw her. Mehul abruptly cut the call and smiled tentatively.

“Um… Mehul?” hesitantly asked Varsha creating and image as if she wasn’t sure if that wasn’t Mehul and also as if she was not aware of the conversation on her phone.

“Yes. I think I haven’t introduced myself to you properly. I’m Mehul, Khushi’s instructor. And you are…?” Mehul left the sentence hanging.

“I-er-um... I’m Varsha. I’m Khushi’s friend.” said Varsha acting innocently.

“So, what brings you here dear? And how come you knew of her performance today?” asked Mehul, curious to find out who exactly was Varsha.

‘It’s okay if I hide some details’ thought Varsha to herself and went on “I..um…actually my father had the tickets…He couldn’t make it, so I decided to come here and to my surprise I found Khushi.” She didn’t want to reveal that she was Arnav’s friend because she was a bit suspicious of Mehul after the conversation on her phone.

“Oh. Good to hear that. So what do you want?” asked Mehul a little too sweetly.

Sleep Over!!!! Varsha, Khushi and Anjali!!!

“Actually, as I’m meeting Khushi after a long time I decided to take her on a sleep over. Would you allow us? Please, Mehul! I really want to be with her!” pleaded Varsha, noticing the change of expressions in Mehul’s face.

“Uh…huh…Can you excuse me for just a second?” Mehul asked Varsha and dialed a number in her phone and mumbled something into the phone. She nodded a little and cut the call. “Um… Dear I thought for a while and it’s perfectly alright. So are you going to come with us now for picking her things?” asked Mehul. It was clear to Varsha that Mehul was acting.

“No. We’re going straight away. You know, she’s okay with sharing my clothes.” Varsha didn’t fail to notice a frustrated expression flash through Mehul’s face.

“Okay. Then see you tomorrow. I’ve got to go soon. Can you tell Khushi that I left?”

Varsha nodded a simple yes and turned back to make her way back to the room. She caught Mehul’s face twitching at her through the mirror on the wall.

‘Something’s NOT right’ She thought to herself.