He walked down the corridor and had a look at the suspiciously empty hall. It was past breakfast time and none of the members were around. It seemed so kooky. Everytime he encounters an empty house, a strange tenderness and longing for the family evolves inside him. How much ever bizzare and crazy they might be, he wouldn't want to trade his family with anyone in the world. He's used to them. Besides he feels normal between them.

Stepping further down the stairs he recognized the form sitting in the home temple. There she was, just the person he's been looking for. And now he was glad that nobody was around. He disliked displaying his vulnerable side to anyone, except of his sister who already knows him more than he'd prefer anyone to.

Arnav - Di

She turned her head slightly to see her brother take off his shoes and enter the holy place of worship. He knelt in front of her. She finished preparing the plate of colors to be devoted to Devi Maiyya on the occasion of Holi.

Arnav - Are you talking to me?

He sounded more like an unsure five years old than a ripe man. And she faced him now sternly, still sitting there with her shoulder hung loosely.

Anjali - Shouldn't I be?

She blinked at him in anticipation. He misinterpreted it as a request for clarification.

Arnav - Di, whatever I did and said I-

She leant closer and pressed his hand.

Anjali - I don't need an explanation. There were better and less humiliating ways to put your point forward.

He bowed his head in shame, shame for letting her down and bringing her in a difficult position.

Anjali - I was in a state I didn't ever think I would be. I had to choose between my brother and my husband. Chote, if anytime again I'll have to choose between you and Shyamji, it'll always be you. You are my little brother...but it's difficult to side you if I know you are wrong.

Arnav - Would you have really left me?

And there he was, out of his cocoon. His wobbly voice betrayed him. He could be much of a ruthless, emotionless and stone hearted person in front of the world but when it came down to his sister he was just a mere child with the angst of once again losing his mother.

She cupped his fallen face and shook her head in denial. It was a difficult situation for her. She had without any objection agreed to leave with Shyam because she knew, this was the only way Arnav would apologize. In return she was certain Shyam will forgive him. He wasn't vindictive. She smiled at him assuringly.

Anjali - Neither did I want to leave you, nor will I be able to, I think. Not until you're married happily with a girl who loves you way more than anyone ever will. A girl who'll know you inside out, who'll be able to embrace your flaws and whom Mumma would have wanted to be your wife. A girl I know will always take care of my little papad ka tukda.

Arnav - No Di, not even then.

He acted stubborn as he watched her in anticipation. And how could she refuse him? It was her little brother, her papad ka tukda. She nodded and took him in a hug, caressing his back in a soothing manner. And when they withdrew she grinned wide. He frowned at that.

Anjali - I'm thinking about your kids. If they should call me Bua or Dadi.

And that had the desired effect on him. He responded with a hearty chuckle to her pun. She pinched a bit of the red color from the prepared pooja thaal (plate) and put a light dot on his forehead.

Anjali - Happy Holi, Chote.

She pressed his nose teasingly as she passed her sweetest smile to him. He also took a little amount of color from the plate and applied on her cheek.

Arnav - Happy Holi Di.

After the death of their parents he didn't have any interest and enjoyment with the festivals. It was only for his Di he'd do the minimum. Even though he never plays Holi and she is fully aware of it, she makes sure to at least apply a little dot of color onto him as an omen. These little things stayed their rituals as siblings. And she wasn't allowed to brag about her rights as his sister.

*

Laughter echoed in the four walls of Gupta's living room. It was the first time Payal was visiting her family after the pag phera. Traditionally, the newly wedded bride is supposed to celebrate the first Holi post marriage at her Maayka. But Raizadas insisted they all celebrate the festival at Shantivan. So in order to do justice to both the tradition and their wish to be together Nani suggested the newly wedded couple pay a visit at Laxmi Nagar first. This way they will keep the tradition intact and also pick up the Gupta family.

So here they sat now and laughed as Buaji narrated the tales of their very own Sanka Devi and her craze. Each and every stupidity she did recently that was missed by her elder sister.

Buaji - Yesterday only she wanted to make Jalebis again. But instead of sugar she poured salt into the water and wondered why it won't make a syrup.

And while everyone laughed at her stunt she thought about the reason behind. After Payal informed her about the happenings at Raizada House she had been anticipating a call. She expected him to call her and talk about it. But he didn't. There was no call. So she had been upset. And as she spent her time awaiting a phone call, she decided to make Jalebis. But she wasn't entirely present mentally and failed to differentiate between sugar and salt. She was more into Arnav as she thought she'd ever be.

She kept waiting till midnight. As much she wished to speak to him, make sure he's fine, she couldn't bring herself to phone him on her own. Maybe he needed time for himself or maybe he was sorting things with his family or Shyam. There were numerous possibilities. Yet somewhere deep in her heart she had been wishing all the time that he would call her, talk to her and just share his problems. But today morning as she woke up and saw no missed call at all, she reminded herself it's ASR. She better not forget that and keep her expectations low. He would never talk about his issues. And she had no other choice than accept it for now. She had to accept that he was a closed man and doesn't open up easily. There wasn't much she could do in that matter, not yet.

Payal - Khushi, go and get ready. We should leave now.

Payal had no idea what was going on in her sister's mind. She least knew that the reason why Khushi literally ran into her room was solely her brother-in-law whom Khushi was looking forward to see finally.

And now as Khushi stood in front of her cupboard trying to choose what to wear, she spent a minute staring the yellow Sari kept in there. She thought of how much Arnav liked her in Saris. And that was the reason she took it out to get changed into it.

Garima - Khusi, are you going to wear a Sari?

Her mother just then entered the room. Khushi turned to her and nodded hesitantly. She knew what was coming now.

Garima - You know how you play Holi and how much you run around?

Even though Garima only stated it and didn't forbid her of wearing the Sari, Khushi put on a saddened face at her. As if she was forcing her to wear something she didn't want to.

Garima - Pagal. Wear whatever you want but make it fast.

With that she left and Khushi let out a sigh of frustration because she knew her mother is right. So instead of the Sari, at last she chose to wear her simple yellow Chudidaar. But she was still happy for she was comfortable in her dress and she had left her hair open. Just as he liked.

*

When the Guptas arrived in the afternoon, the Raizada family had been present in the hall to welcome them in their heartwarming manner. Then happened a session of greetings and Holi wishes followed by formal health questions. And in that moment Anjali caught Khushi looking around the hall as in searching for someone.

Anjali - Whom are you looking for?

Khushi turned her head to Anjali in an abrupt movement and nervously shook her head. She meant to say something but was too baffled. Anjali giggled in understanding. This was her assurance that Khushi was still into Arnav.

Anjali - Happy Holi Khushi ji.

Khushi - Happy Holi Anjali ji.

They shared a quick hug and Khushi handed her the box of homemade Jalebis.

Khushi - These are Jalebis I made for everyone.

Anjali - Thank you. Come, let's go in.

Anjali had HP take the box in kitchen before both the families moved to the living area. The servants were asked to prepare tea and snacks while the two families sat there and engaged in a casual chatting.

Khushi was seated amongst them. Her eyes were wandering around in search of the only Raizada absent from the screen who happened to be her boyfriend currently, even though she hated the terms. They clashed with her beliefs and traditions. But there wasn't anything else she could refer him as. They were neither engaged nor married. But they were in love and a secret couple.

Speaking of that, the man she loves finally bothered to make an appearance. He just greeted everyone with a nod from a distance and had his view fixated on her then. She twisted her mouth seeing him in his casual clothes. Even on the day of Holi he was wearing a grey coloured trouser and a purple sweater. And here she was, wanted to wear a Sari for him. Such a waste!

He frowned for he couldn't decode the meaning of her expression. She sighed once and turned back to the family although her pupils stayed at the corner of her eyes.

He went up to the TV lounge and phoned her. She excused herself and walked out of the living area for auditory privacy.

Arnav - Come up, to my room.

She raised her head up to meet his chocolate brown eyes who had been looking down upon her hazel ones. She denied.

Khushi - What? No! Everyone is here. They'll see.

Arnav - Once they go out to the venue. You come up.

She hesitated to agree and stared him blankly 'cause she was somewhere also scared to refuse. But it wasn't only fear, she herself too wanted to see him finally, talk to him in private. But she couldn't give up so easily and neither could she afford to reveal herself.

Khushi - But I want to go out and play Holi.

He rolled his eyes disinterestedly at her childish nature.

Arnav - Just do as said.

He didn't give her any chance to refuse and disconnected right away. She opened her mouth in disbelief, amazed at his audacity. But then one look at him and she was reminded of his arrogant personality.

Hmpf. Laad Governor.

*

She knocked once at the open door before setting a foot into his bedroom to find it completely empty. She assumed the door was left open for her but where is he?

Called me up and is missing himself.

So just as she opened her mouth to call him, he entered through the French door. And she gathered all of her courage to ask a rhetoric question she'd been practicing on the way upstairs.

Khushi - Why can't you ever be more romantic and less of a boss?

No, the tone wasn't right. Now he won't take it serious.

She sighed in exasperation. He walked past her and closed the door.

Arnav - Why can't you ever listen to me the first time already?

She looked at him grumpily and crossed her arms under her bosoms. She subconsciously expressed her distance regarding their emotions and understanding with that gesture.

Khushi - Fine. I'm here. What do you want?

He couldn't help but smile at her passive aggressive behaviour. It should make him feel bad but it wasn't. She was acting indifferent. He found it kind of adorable actually.

Arnav - With this attitude?

He came back to stand in front of her before he allowed himself to have a bit fun with her.

Khushi - Yes. I can't offer anything nicer right now. You don't deserve my kindness.

She exclaimed childishly with a pout. And now as he countered he couldn't cease the smirk on his face.

Arnav - What do I deserve?

As expected she didn't comprehend the double meaning in his question. Of course she was too innocent for that.

Khushi - Forget it. I'm going. I want to play Holi and you're just wasting my time.

And this time she wasn't lying. She was excited and looking forward to all the fun they'll be having outside.

Arnav - So that's more important to you than being with me?

His question may seem serious to her but of course it was an attempt of emotional blackmail which went completely wrong. She had other plans for him than he himself. And they contradicted.

Khushi - Why? Aren't you coming out?

He denied with a simple shake of his head. She narrowed her eyes in response. She was agitated. She's aware he's not a religious person but honestly many people in India who celebrate Holi don't even know it's meaning. It's all colors, dance and Bhaang. And he's not interested in any of that. It's a holiday yet he'll stay in his room and work. No way she was accepting it. So she proclaimed stubbornly.

Khushi - You have to!

Arnav - I'm not interested in this childish festival.

He brushed her off with a mock. But it was Khushi Kumari Gupta in front of him. This girl may not brag about it verbally but she makes all the efforts possible to get things in her hands. And she wasn't letting loose here too.

Khushi - And I'm not interested in your excuses. If you love me, then you'll change and come out.

He cocked an eyebrow at her. There it was, the ultimatum. Until now only his Di used to use it to get her way with him and now Khushi too.

Fuck.

Arnav - What if I deny?

Khushi - Then I'll know you don't love me. And I'll play Holi with random people. There will be many men too.

Oh she acted so innocent as she jerked her shoulder in a quick move and thinned her lips. It was not the love ultimatum which made him give up. It was the latter threatening. It was the jealousy that worked.

Arnav - Fine.

She looked at him with a victorious grin adorning her face. He just rolled his eyes.

Khushi - Good. Now go and change quickly. Wear a white kurta pyjama.

Arnav - Ya sure.

No, he wasn't going to wear traditionals. It was sarcasm. And she recognized it.

Khushi - Arnavji! You can't go out in these boring clothes. It's essential to wear something white, something light coloured like me.

He scanned her from head to toe now. It was a reflex. He had already acknowledged her yellow dress and her open hair. She always had her hair tied in a plait whenever she wore her simple dresses. But he liked this new combination. He's always preferred her with open hair.

Nevertheless he couldn't agree to her. He wasn't going to wear any Kurta Pyjama of anything colourful. But he can't deny it directly. She may again use her love ultimatum.

Arnav - I don't have anything light coloured or colourful or whatever.

She frowned at him. She believed him partially. He doesn't have anything colourful for sure but she's seen him in white shirts.

Khushi - What if I find something in your wardrobe?

He just signalled her to go ahead thinking she won't find anything there. But just as she slid the cupboard door open he remembered all the Kurta Pyjamas his Di has been giving him. But then he was again reminded that he keeps them in the upper shelf on the left. She can't reach that.

So he stayed calm and waited for to finish her search. And as he observed her, the whole scenario seemed so domestic. And that made him content. He could get used to this.

He had been convinced she'll withdraw empty handed but he was proved wrong as she kept a white shirt and a jeans on his bed.

Khushi - Here you go. Wear these and come-

She turned to face him but couldn't complete the sentence. The words were stuck in her mouth. She was enchanted amd recognized the look. It was the same expressions, the same desires in his eyes as on the Diwali night. And suddenly the already silent room stilled more. She gripped her kurti and struggled to breathe as he stepped forward. In response to his movement she stepped back.

Khushi - Wha...what, are - you doing?

Those words fumbled out of her mouth as her back collided with the cupboard. He was just a few inches away from her.

Arnav - I'm being romantic.

She closed her eyes for a second and inhaled thinking she might be dreaming. But as soon she felt his touch on her forehead, her eyes shot open. He was so close, his eyes piercing right through hers. And for a moment it was as if he could see through her eyes and access her soul.

A strange vibration went through her body as his fingers brushed the little strands off her face. Her chest went up and down due to her heavy heaving. Unknowingly but she shifted to his advantage as he moved closer towards her lips.

And then finally she closed her eyes in anticipation.

.

.

.

I told you in the last chapter that the upcoming updates are going to be arshilicious. This Holi is going to be very special for this couple. And this is just the beginning!

And this update was loooooong. Hope you guys enjoyed. Do lemme know.

Love,

Pari aka Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada xoxo