Chapter 10

The night of the Sangeet:

The guests start arriving on time. Everyone had to show their invitation cards at the door as well as pass through the metal detector test and security check before they were allowed to go in.

Arnav, Aakash and NK come downstairs where Anjali, Nani, Mamiji and Mamaji were waiting for them.

Anjali praises them: Look Nani, aren't my brothers looking so handsome today?

Arnav asks: Di, where is Khushi?

Anjali smiles: She will come. Have some patience Chotey...

They look up the stairs and see that Garima and Buaji were coming down and two servents were carrying Shashi's wheelchair.

Right behind them, Payal was coming down in a lovely red and yellow lehenga.

But Khushi was still not there.

As they come downstairs, an impatient Arnav asks: Payal, where's Khushi?

He hears a soft voice saying: Here...

Arnav turns and sees Khushi standing at the top of the stairs looking like a goddess in a baby pink lehenga with silver and pearl work on it. She was wearing platinum and diamond jewellery, this time with emeralds.

Arnav walks up to Khushi and holds his hand up. Khushi places his hand on his with a beautiful smile and comes down where the family members were standing.

Then they move to greet the guests.

Sangeet starts.

First Naniji performs and sets the stage on fire with her dynamic moves.

Then Manorama mamiji and Buaji performs.

Then NK performs.

Suddenly the lights go off.

Arnav jumps off his seat and frantically calls out Khushi's name.

Then he hears Khushi's voice: This one is for Jiju who is a big Sridevi fan...

The lights go on the stage and Khushi performs Hawa Hawai...

Then Khushi announces: This one is for Jiji who loves Madhuri Dixit...

Khushi performs Ek Do Teen...

Khushi announces: And this is for my Jiji's brother-in-law...

She performs Didi tere jethji deewane reminding Arnav his laughter in another Sangeet...

This time was no exception, laughter again sparkles in his eyes and spills through his heart...

Then Khushi announces: And this is for my Laad Governor...

Khushi performs Bahara (Movie: I hate love story)...

Song

Arnav watches Khushi absolutely mesmerized.

After the performance, every guest stands up on their feet and applauds.

Khushi turns to leave but someone grabs her hand. She turns to see that Arnav was standing on the stage.

He whispers: And this is for us...

They dance together on Teri Meri to the surprise and pleasure of the family members...

As the music comes to an end, they keep looking at each other mesmerized...

One by one guests get up and start clapping...

Khushi blushes and moves away from Arnav, but he holds her waist and does not let go of his love...

The party continues. After a lavish banquet, desserts were being served...

To the surprise and delight of Khushi, there was jalebies... Her favourite...

She looks at Arnav excitedly: You had Jalebies on the menu?

Arnav replies with a smile: It's your favourite dessert. How could I not?

Khushi melts at the thoughtful gesture.

Arnav smiles again: Aren't you going to have any? They are not as good as you make them, but they are the second best in Delhi...

Khushi smiles: I will definitely have them.

She runs to the dessert counter and picks a box of jalebies. She opens the box and one by one starts eating jalebies.

Arnav stands by her side and looks at her amused...

One box down, Khushi picks up another box. As soon she opens the box, she feels a sting.

Khushi flinches at the pain: Ouch...

Arnav goes suddenly alert: What is it Khushi?

He watches in horror as the box of jalebies fall on the ground from Khushi's suddenly limp hand and a black scorpion crawls out of the box.

Arnav grabs Khushi and stomps on the scorpion killing it. Then he looks at Khushi.

Khushi's eyes slowly closes and she becomes unconscious.

Arnav remembers another time when he lost Khushi. He starts sweating and his ears starts buzzing.

Ignoring his pounding heart, he picks up Khushi in his trembling arms and runs out of the door to his car...

He does not hear his family's cry asking him what happened and what's going on...

Right now, his love is in danger... He is in no mood to explain or listen to anyone...

As he zooms through the streets of Delhi, he wipes the sweats dripping over his eyes and tears dripping from them making his vision blurry and vows: I won't lose you so soon, Khushi... I will see how anything or anyone can take you away from me... I will see...