Chapter 2

Gupta House:

The second Khushi had agreed to get married, Garima had bombarded her with a stack of pictures of prospective grooms, much to Khushi's horror. Aman had to come to her rescue and the two siblings sat on the couch, rejecting grooms left, right, and center.

"His nose is too small"

"His teeth aren't straight"

"I am not getting my sister married to some boring history professor."

"A gym trainer?? No thank you. I don't need to work out an get fit."

"Receding hairline"

"His face is too......baby-ish"

"What the hell? does this guy want a wife or a freakin' maid?"

These were just some of the excuses that were thrown around while a chuckling Shashi and a scowling Garima looked on.

"I swear...these two are only stalling the matter." Garima muttered to Shashi.

"Garima...You know Aman will find someone perfect for his sister...and until he agrees, even the most perfect man will seem like nothing to Khushi. And she has agreed to get married...give her a break. I know this is sudden for her and I can't express how proud I feel...knowing that she has agreed to take such a big step for me..." Shashi looked fondly at his princess, who was laughing with Aman over something funny in one of the man's bio-data.

*

"Oye! Mr. Groom-to-be--"

"Stop calling me that, Aman!" Arnav snapped.

"But it's fun..." Aman chuckled and took the seat across from Arnav in the empty cafeteria. "Listen...do you mind if I take the rounds of the Onc ward with Dr. Ghosh tomorrow?"

Arnav squinted at him. "In exchange for which rounds?"

"Neuro...with Shah." Aman shrugged.

Arnav raised his eyebrows. "You're willingly giving neurology rounds to me in exchange for oncology??" Arnav put the back of his palm against Aman's forehead. "are you feeling alright, Dr. G?"

"Stop calling me that." Aman pushed his hand off and frowned. "It makes sound old..."

Arnav chuckled and observed Aman closely as he pulled out his phone, smiled at something on the screen, and started typing a reply. After a few minutes of letting Aman enjoy his texting session, Arnav cleared his throat. "Girlfriend?"

"What?!" Aman looked up at Arnav to see him pointing towards the phone in his hand. "Oh...no...my sister."

"I thought she was in New York."

"She came back last week...she's telling me about some accountant she had to meet over lunch and all he talked about was how life is like a balance sheet." Aman laughed. "I swear...I've come across such odd men in this search for a prospective groom for her."

Arnav winced. "Ah...yeah...my mother would agree with you. Not about the men...the girls. I never knew my mother could be so picky..."

"I wish my mother was picky...at least we could see some decent proposals." Aman sighed.

Arnav went back to reading the blood test results of one of his patients. He nearly fell out of his seat when Aman slapped his hand on the table loudly a minute later.

"What the--!" Arnav exclaimed, closing the file and placing it on the table.

"No...its perfect! You! You're perfect!" Aman was practically jumping in his seat.

Arnav raised his eyebrows bemusedly. "Thank you for the compliment, Aman...but I'm sorry...I'm straight."

"Shut up! I was talking about my sister. Why the hell didn't I think of this?" Aman stood up and started pacing back and forth, muttering to himself.

"For shit's sake Aman, can you tell me what the hell you're muttering about?"

"Yes, it's perfect." Aman rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Look...your parents are looking for a prospective bride for you, my family is looking for a prospective groom for my sister...so I'm thinking why not think of you two getting together? You know...Arnav and Khushi. Khushi's Arnav. A Sea of Happiness! its perfect! Even your names think so!"

Arnav stared at Aman with a surprised expression which he replaced with composure quickly. "Forget the oncology ward, Aman. You should take yourself to mental health. Stat." Arnav sat back and crossed his arms.

"Oh shut up...you kids don't know anything. I'll talk to my parents...they can talk to your parents..." Aman seemed to be talking to himself more than Arnav.

"Dr. Aman Gupta, Please report to operating room one. Dr. Aman Gupta, report to operating room one."

"Oh shit...I gotta run...don't worry...I'll talk to my parents" Aman called out as he fled from the cafeteria.

"You better be joking Aman!" Arnav called out but doubted that Aman heard any of it.

*

"I'm glad she's feeling better. Shashi and I will come and visit soon." Garima smiled.

"Don't worry Garima...even Mr. Gupta isnt feeling well...Let him rest." Asha smiled back.

"He's been loads better ever since Khushi has returned, though." Garima gave her husband an affectionate smile.

"When do we get to meet her? After all, she's the one taking over your company in a few years, right?" Arvind chuckled.

"She went out for some book signing by a favourite author of hers..." Shashi answered with a tone full of love for his daughter.

Garima clicked her tongue impatiently. "That's just an excuse to escape from me..."

"You can't blame her, Garima...you've been going overboard with this issue." Shashi shook his head.

"women tend to do that Shashi...." Arvind chuckled but stopped when his wife threw him a dirty look. "But its true Asha...look at how fussy you've been about Arnav's marriage proposals."

"Bhai Sahab, you wouldn't say that if you see Aman being fussy about Khushi's marriage proposals...he's been incorrigible." Garima shook her head.

"You're getting your daughter married?" The wheels in Asha's head started working right away.

"Yeah...given my health, you never know what happens to me and when...before I go, I want to see my Khushi happily married."

Garima also started putting the discussions of the afternoon tea together. The two women shared a look and broke out into wide grins.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Asha chirped merrily.

"I think so...I mean...it seems perfect...even Aman won't have any issues..."

"what are you two on about?" Arvind raised his eyebrows.

"Arvind...we're looking for a girl for Arnav and Mr. and Mrs. Gupta are looking for a nice man for their daughter...kyun na unke rishte ki baat chalaye??" Asha explained excitedly. She could already hear the wedding bells ringing in her head.

Arvind and Shashi exchanged a smile and a knowing expression.

"Maa! Papa!!" Aman's voice carried in before he had stepped into the house. "Maa!"

"I'm right here...stop yelling!" Garima reprimanded lightly.

"Oh...Arvind uncle! Asha aunty! Oh this is perfect!" Aman punched the air as he plopped down on an empty seat.

"You look happy...what's the matter?" Shashi looked at his son suspiciously.

"I found a guy for Khushi..." Aman declared. he looked at the four adults in the room and began. "I was talking to Arnav today and then it hit me...why not try and see if Arnav and Khushi agree for this alliance? I don't know why I didn't think of this before but.....what? why are you all smiling at me like that?"

"You mother and Mrs. Raizada beat you to this son...just moments ago, we were talking about it..." Shashi answered.

And it was a result of the discussions of that afternoon tea of the Raizada's and the Gupta's that had led to Arnav sitting in the living room of the Gupta House for dinner.

So the asshole hadn't been joking. Arnav sulked to himself and cursed Aman who sat, looking stupidly joyful, across from him. Shashi and Garima kept looking at him with these smiles on their face that made Arnav shift in his seat. They had asked him a few questions, about his hobbies and interests, of his hobbies, and of his future plans. Whether his answers were right or not, he had no idea but if their smiles were anything to go by, then Arnav had impressed them.

Oh, he definitely had.

"Now, I guess we'll just wait for him to meet Khushi...if she has no objections then neither do we." Shashi announced.

"She won't have any objections." Aman grinned.

Garima and Arnav shot him a glare. "Phir bhi...let them meet at least once..."

"Oh my God, Payal...I swear...I didn't do it on purpose, okay? Its just been really busy here...I was going to call you!" Her voice drifted into the living room on cue and Arnav stiffened in his seat, his eyes fixated on the coffee table.

Asha took one look at Khushi and an approving smile appeared on her face. She turned to look at her husband and found him smiling too.

"Khushi? Come here beta." Garima called out with an extra sweet tone.

Khushi looked at the company they had and hastily hung up the call with her friend. With a smile on her face, she approached the gathering. She took a seat next to her father and smiled widely at the other elderly couple sitting there.

"Khushi...meet Mr. Raizada and Mrs. Raizaida...our company has been in alliance with their fashion house...and now they've become good family friends..." Shashi gestured to the respective people.

Ignoring the familiarity of the last name Khushi stood up and following the traditions rooted within her, touched their feet and folded her hands in a greeting. "Namaste Uncle, Namaste Aunty..."

Hmm...Have I seen them before?  They look familiar...Khushi thought to herself.  Maybe in a picture Aman must've sent.

"Jeeti raho.."

"Khush raho.."

The greetings were spoken simultaneously with increased affection from Asha and Arvind. An educated girl with a modern outlook on life with a dash of cultural and traditional sense, and of course, truly beautiful. The perfect girl for her beloved Arnav, in Asha's books.

"And he is their son and Aman's friend....Arnav." Garima added gleefully.

Khushi turned to the man in question and held out her hand. "Hi..."

Not wanting to seem rude, Arnav took her hand in a greeting and finally looked up at her. Instantly he lost himself in the striking emerald green eyes that twinkled down at him. Wait a minute...were they green or blue? Quickly, he decided on Green-Blue and his eager eyes studied the rest of her face. Milky skin which was a telltale sign of little time spent in the sun, a natural hint of pink against her smooth cheeks, and a set of plump rosy lips perched above a perfectly shaped chin.

**Picture of Khushi's eyes, as I imagined them, is at the end of the chapter**

Khushi, herself, was observing him like she had observed no other. His hazel eyes, just like his mother's, were windows to a warm and kind heart. His expression was set into one of amusement, despite the slight hint of nervousness. Her mind briefly wondered how he'd gotten that faint scar above his eyes. The scar, surprisingly, contributed to the handsomeness of his face. His strong jaw and well defined planes of face gave him a masculine look.

Both of them jumped slightly and pulled their hands out of each other's grip when Aman cleared his throat.

"well...seems like it won't be a problem after all." Aman chuckled.

Khushi's eyebrows knit together in confusion. Before she could question him, her mother stood up and walked towards Khushi. Holding her daughter by her shoulders, Garima sat Khushi down next to Arnav while Asha shifted to get a look at them.

"Look at them, Arvind!" She squealed. "Don't they just look perfect together?"

Khushi stilled. So this is what's going on?? Khushi's wide-eyed face turned to look at Arnav for quick second. Arnav, who was already observing her for her reaction, gave her a small smile. Khushi blinked and turned to face her brother.

Aman simply nodded to the obvious question displayed on her face. "His parents were looking for a girl for him and we were looking for someone for you...I thought it would be perfect...the parents are happy about it too...all we need now is for you two to agree."

"If you two want, you can talk to each other alone...ask any questions or anything else you may want to speak about..." Arvind smiled at the two nervous youngsters.

"If both of you are fine with this then we'd like to get you two engaged by this weekend and then fix the wedding date for as soon as possible." Garima said seriously.

Khushi's eyes rounded even more, if that was possible. Agreeing to meet prospective grooms she had agreed to...being engaged by the end of the week was no where in the picture! Until now.

"Excuse me." She muttered hastily and fled the room, ignoring the multiple pairs of eyes on her back, including his.

When she entered her room, she found her heartbeat erratic and her breathing laboured. She placed a hand over her heart, listening to the dhak-dhak in her head. What was she to make of this reaction?? Was she excited? Was it just nervousness? Was it frustration?

Khushi’s thoughts focused again on the first memory of him. Warm hazel eyes studying her with utmost concentration, the same eyes which had looked at her questioningly when she’s reacted to the plans their parents seemed to have set in place, put on hold for a response from her. Were her parents expecting a ‘yes’ from her for this proposal? They had never planned ahead for any other guy before. Even Aman seemed perfectly okay with this! Hell, he seemed happy about this.

If she was being honest with herself, she knew that she was hoping to buy more time when she had put forth her condition about Aman approving the guy. She knew Aman was uber protective of her and was bound to take his time. She hadn’t expected him to be perfectly happy with a match within a week. Khushi felt betrayed.

“Khushi?” Aman peeped into her room. She looked at him slightly startled having missed the faint knock.

“By this weekend?! Bhai, that’s too soon!” Khushi complained.

Aman raised an eyebrow and suppressed a smile. “By this weekend only if you say yes...or are you already considering saying yes?”

Khushi threw him a dirty look. “When did they even come up with this? When did they talk to you about it?”

“Just today...actually...I had the same idea in my mind when I left the hospital today. I don’t know how I missed it before but you and Arnav are perfect for each other.”

There is was again. The dhak-dhak at the mention of him. Khushi closed her eyes tightly and tried to regain control. Suddenly, something clicked in her mind and her eyes flew open again.

“You proposed this??” Khushi gasped.

“Somewhat. They were already talking about it by the time I came to tell them my idea...” Aman put up his hand to stop her when Khushi opened her mouth to argue. “Hear me out...come...”

Aman wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her to the bed. Once they took a seat, he turned to look at her.

“I’ve known Arnav for a couple years now, Khushi. You may think I’m biased in my opinion of him but he truly is a very nice guy. He’s really kind hearted and protective. He’s one of the best doctors we have. His family is also very nice...Asha aunty is a sweetheart...Arvind uncle is a fun guy and his family is pretty modern too...you’ll have all the freedom that you want in that house. Our families are already related by friendship and business so even Papa and Maa would feel more comfortable with you married into their family rather than a stranger’s.”

“He seems like he’s not that modern minded...I mean...who gets an arranged marriage done these days?” Khushi muttered crossly.

“A lot of people do.” Aman chuckled and shook his head at his stubborn sister. “And as far as him getting an arranged marriage done...he’s doing it for the same reasons you are.”

Khushi finally turned to look at her brother. This piece of information had intrigued her. Aman nodded at her sister before continuing.

“His Dadi has suffered two heart attacks already...she wishes to see Arnav married off. Arnav is the kind of guy who will do anything in his power to keep his family happy...and that’s why I am perfectly happy with the thought of you two being together. I don’t think I’d feel any more comfortable if you were to marry someone else...with anyone else, I’d hope that they keep you happy but with him...I know he’ll keep you very happy.”

Khushi frowned in concentration as she thought about her brother’s words. Aman was good at judging people. His instincts were strong and usually picked out good people from the bad. For him to be openly praising Arnav and sounding so confident that Khushi would be happy with him was a deal sealer in its own.

She had to admit that this was safer than marrying a complete stranger. Here, the families knew each other well and that would make things more comfortable for her. She would be in the same city as her parents and if she truly got the freedom that his brother was assuring her of, then she could visit them whenever she wanted. Besides, he had to be a good guy at heart if he was willing to marry someone he wasn’t in love with just for the sake of fulfilling his Dadi’s wish, right?

“Khushi...” Garima walked in and looked meaningfully at her children. “Look, I know that for the past week, you and Aman have been finding the most ridiculous reasons to reject proposals...and that’s fine. I know we flung this on you all too suddenly and you need time to wrap your head around this but...the Raizada’s a nice people...even Aman approves of Arnav...I don’t want a silly reason for a rejection this time.”

“Maa...” Aman started but stopped when Garima held up her hand and frowned at him.

“No Aman...she needs to think about her Papa..”

“I am thinking about Papa...I’ve agreed to get married, haven’t I?” Khushi said hotly. Seeing the expression on her mother’s face, Khushi took a calming breath and began. “Bhai told me that he’s a nice guy and everything and I know you want me to think about Papa....but mom...will he be happy if I’m unhappy with my married life?”

“She’s right mom...even though I personally think that this proposal is the best for her, I won’t put any pressure on her...” Aman deadpanned.

Garima sighed, looking defeated. This is all Shashiji’s fault. If only he’d been stricter with the kids...they wouldn’t dare refuse anything their parents asked of them.

Khushi took her mother’s hand in her and kissed it. “Maa...Let me talk to him before I decide anything, okay?”

Aman looked at Khushi, somewhat surprised. “You...want to talk to him? Right now?”

“Is there an issue?” Khushi raised her eyebrows.

“No...not at all...” Aman relaxed visibly. “its all I was asking for.”

Garima smiled down at Khushi and left hastily to inform the others of her decision.

“What if he says no?” Khushi questioned.

Aman let out a small laugh. “Khushi...did you see the way he was looking at you downstairs?” Aman shook his head sideways. “As far as I can tell and as much as I know him...I think my friend is a goner.”

Khushi rolled her eyes at her brother and the two made their way downstairs. Khushi felt the worried glance of her father, and questioning gazes of Asha and Arvind on her. She noticed that Arnav and Garima weren’t in the room anymore. Khushi gave Shashi a reassuring smile as she stood next to him. She turned to face the Raizada’s next.

“I’m sorry about my reaction earlier...I didn’t mean to be rude...I...I was just caught off guard.” Khushi smiled shyly.

Khushi didn’t know what she was expecting them to say, but she hadn’t expected Asha to giggle almost as if she approved of the behaviour.

“That’s okay beta. Even I ran away when Arvind came to see me...” Asha winked.

Khushi’s eyes went slightly round. Did her may-be-future-mother-in-law just wink at her?

“In her defence, I did look particularly scary with a beard...” Arvind stroked his chin as if caressing his now-absent beard.

Khushi couldn’t help but grin at that. She heard her father chuckle next to her and suddenly she felt less nervous.

“but don’t worry...when you go speak to him...He’ll probably be the more shy one.” Asha added with a chuckle.

“Khushi...He’s waiting for you in the backyard.” Garima smiled.

Khushi gave a started look to Aman who nodded back reassuringly. With a deep breath, Khushi stood a little taller, squared her shoulders, and prepared herself for an expectantly awkward conversation.

“Don’t be rude with him.” Garima whispered just for Khushi’s ear.

Hmph! Khushi scowled at no one in particular as she made her way towards the backyard. Why does she always think that I’m the rude one? I’m the nicest person ever! I only swear at people who say stupid things and I only beat people who deserve it...okay fine...maybe I beat Bhai for no reason but I’m the younger sibling..I’m allowed! Its my birth right! Dont be rude with him...hmph! As if!

She reached the doors that would lead out into the yard and paused when she saw him sitting on the porch swing with his back to her. His stance was tensed. His shoulders and back stiff, his head bowed and he kept shifting his feet slightly. Maybe he was just as nervous as she was. This couldn’t possibly be any less awkward for him, right? Khushi could feel the multiple pairs of eyes burning multiple holes in her back as they stared at her.

Come on Khushi. go into the yard. They’re probably wondering why you’re standing here like a statue. Maa is probably already having a panic attack. Just go talk to him...if he tries anything, put your Karate skills to use. Khushi ended the self pep talk with a let’s do this!

And then she stepped out into the yard and closed the door behind her.

Khushi's Eyes:

*Credit for images: Google*

Chapter 2 Playlist
*The songs I listened to while writing this part*

Kabhi Nahi – Adnan Sami feat. Amitabh Bachchan

Tera Chehra Jab Nazar Aaye – Adnan Sami

She doesn’t mind – Sean Paul

Deva Shree Ganesha – Agneepath

Hangover – Taio Cruz

Senorita – Zindagi naa Milegi Dobara

Break your heaert – Taio Cruz

Badtameez Dil – Yeh jawani Hai deewani

Balam Pichkaari – Yeh jawani hai deewani

Do you remember – Jay Sean

Dilliwali Girlfriend – Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani

If We ever Meet again – Katy Perry

Radha – Student of the Year

Replay – Iyaz

The Disco Song – Student of the year

In my head – Jason Derulo