The Wait - Chapter 20

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CHAPTER 20


ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA


The breakfast was a mixture of surprises and tension, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of it all. Dhruv's sudden decision to join me at the office and his attempt to impress Khushi with his attire was just another reminder of his foolishness. He clearly didn't understand that Khushi is my wife now, and no amount of imitation could change that.

As I observed Dhruv interacting with Khushi, a part of me felt a pang of jealousy, but I quickly dismissed it. Khushi is strong-willed and devoted to our relationship. She would never entertain any advances from Dhruv anymore.

However, my own decision to announce our honeymoon without Khushi's input was driven by a need to assert myself and gain an upper hand over my twin brother. I wanted to show Dhruv that Khushi and I were moving forward in our relationship, leaving the past firmly behind us. But I knew deep down that this decision may not have pleased Khushi, and it was essential for me to address her concerns once I returned home.

I am aware that Khushi has numerous questions swirling in her mind, regarding the honeymoon plan, and it is my responsibility to provide her with the answers she seeks. Our relationship is built on trust and open communication, and I am determined to ensure that Khushi understands the reasoning behind my decisions.

 
As I drive to the office, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation and apprehension. Dhruv had insisted to drive along with me but Akash suggested he drives with him instead and not wanting to argue and create a suspicion amongst the family members, he reluctantly agreed. Dhruv's sudden interest in taking up his work responsibilities surprises me. I hope he finally has realized the importance of being committed to his role.

Walking alongside Dhruv, I strategically position Akash and Maama to brief him for the day. I know Dhruv wants to have a private conversation with me regarding the honeymoon announcement, but I have no such plans to answer him. Assigning Akash to provide Dhruv with an introduction to the work at AR Group is a deliberate move on my part.

Dhruv questions my decision, wondering why I don't personally take the time to brief him.

“Arnav, why are you assigning Akash to give me an introduction? Shouldn't you be the one guiding me?”

“Dhruv, I have a series of important meetings lined up this morning.” I reply.

“Then reschedule them.”

“Rescheduling them would jeopardize the reputation of AR Group. Mixing personal and professional matters is not something I believe in.” I respond calmly.

“But I'm your twin brother! Don't you think I deserve some special attention?” He suggests being frustrated.

I shake my head.

“This isn't about favoritism, Dhruv. And what’s wrong with learning from Aksh and Maama?”

Dhruv grits his teeth. He is being a child now, throwing unnecessary tantrums.

“Look. It's all about your own growth and learning. Embrace this opportunity to gain insights from everyone. Including the various staff members, regardless of their designations. You'll understand the dynamics of the workplace better that way.”

I want him to grasp the essence of work life, something he seems to be unfamiliar with.

“Whatever” he groans, clenching his jaw.

I know he is unhappy. Yet, I assign Uncle and Akash the task of guiding Dhruv throughout the day, introducing him to staff and various aspects of the work.

“Good luck.”

With a confident grin, I leave, knowing that Dhruv is unlikely to enjoy the work as much as he or the rest of us anticipates. I am well aware of his tendencies and predict he will become bored in no time.

As I proceed with my day, a sense of contentment washes over me. I have effectively managed the situation and ensured that our professional lives remain separate from our personal ones. Whatever equation Dhruv and I now share, I don’t want to get them here at office. Dhruv will have to navigate the challenges of the office on his own, just like any other employee. He’ll always have me to support him and I’ll do that keeping our personal equations aside.

*****************

The entire day passes with me attending some back-to-back meetings. Tomorrow having a surprise welcome party for Dhruv at home, I have to manage everything today. From Akash, I have heard that Dhruv is already bored on his first day at work. He has been nagging for his own cabin which obviously we are looking into. With Dhruv joining permanently the AR Group, he’ll need his own office to take his administrative decisions from. But apart from that, I also got to know from Maama that Dhruv spoke rudely to one of our staff which was so uncalled for. I will speak to him over it.

It’s around 6:30 pm when I am still in my cabin when Dhruv barges inside. He looks utterly pissed.

“You didn’t knock,” I remind him with a polite smile though.

His jaw ticks.

“Yeah well.! You have decided to treat me as a normal employee then? Not as your co -partner?”

“Co-partner?” I repeat getting up from the chair. “Don’t you think that’s too early?”

Dhruv laughs with sarcasm.

“We both had only 5 minutes difference in taking birth, Arnav. I don’t see why being co-partners at work, is a problem? As is, this company belongs to me as much as it does to you.”

“Hold on,” I interrupt him. “The company belongs to Dad, and you being his son have equal rights in the board. But…” I pause coming ahead and standing before Dhruv. “you will have to earn the rights of co-partnering me at work. Only having a cabin to work from or shouting at the staff unnecessarily doesn’t mean that you can run a company. There are too many things involved. A lot to understand and learn before you think of ruling over this place. Do you understand?”

Dhruv rolls his eyes.

“I know you don’t like me here.” he mutters. “In fact you don’t like me coming back at all in your lives.”

“I wasn’t the one who forced you to leave before,” I argue. “And you are wrong. I am happy that my twin brother is very much alive and back to the family. What I am not happy about is that he has lied to everyone that he had met with an accident in Greece which was the reason why he was missing in our lives the last eight months. I am unhappy that he is playing with the feelings of everyone.”

Dhruv claps, stepping behind.

“Wow.. Wow man. You have started giving lectures too now? These eight months have changed you too, Arnav.”

I inhale deeply, ignoring his ranting.

“You know which changed trait of yours I am shocked of at the present?” he continues.

I don’t reply because I know even if I deny to know, he would still tell me.

“Your trait to impose your decisions on weak women. Coward.”

“Shut the f*ck up,” I scowl. “You are unnecessarily accusing me and I’ll not tolerate it Dhruv.”

“Unnecessarily?” He chuckles. “Then what was that? You suddenly announcing your honeymoon today morning? You very well know Khushi doesn’t want to come with you anywhere.”

“And who told you that?” I retort.

“No one has to tell me. I could see it. She was shocked. Upset too. I could clearly see you were forcing her for this. And I know why? Because now I am here. I am back and you are scared that she will leave you and come back to me.”

I grit my teeth. But Dhruv continues.

“She might have faked being okay with your announcement, Arnav but I know her. I could read her expressions. I can read her enough to tell you that she is least interested in you.”

My fingers clench into a fist.

“I am aware of all her reactions. I know when she wants something, when she doesn’t. I can even tell you what melts her body, what kind of touch makes her give in..”

That’s it. I punch his face hard.

Dhruv stumbles and falls on the floor. The moment he falls, the door of my cabin opens and Khushi steps inside. She is horrified to see Dhruv on the floor, probably she even realized that I just hit him.

“Khushi?” I whisper… completely surprised by her arrival. Dhruv gets on his feet, turning to Khushi and dusting his suit. He then gives me an annoyed glance before walking out of my cabin.

I thank God silently that he left but I can see the queries in Khushi’s head and I know she wouldn’t hesitate to shoot them one by one.

"Hey," I say, my voice filled with surprise as Khushi steps into my cabin.

“Umm, am I intruding? Sorry, I didn’t even knock the door.”

I reach out and hold her hand, offering her reassurance.

"You're an exception to the knocking rule for my cabin. Come." I guide her inside and lead her to my chair. She hesitates, considering it my chair.

“That’s yours to sit and command,” she says.

"It's yours too because you're my wife,” I assure her.

Rolling her eyes playfully, she takes a seat.

“What was happening here?"

I decide to provide a half-truth, not wanting to complicate matters further.

"I was teaching Dhruv. It's his first day at work, after all."

Khushi raises an eyebrow, clearly not fully convinced.

"Wasn't it a bit too hard on him for the first day? Punching him like that?"

I take a deep breath, realizing I need to be more sensitive about Dhruv's situation.

"The punch had nothing to do with work. It was more about his unnecessary poking."

“Oh” she sighs. “Arnav, you shouldn’t forget about Dhruv's panic attacks and the doctor's advice to minimize his stress.”

I swallow hard, acknowledging her point.

“Don’t worry, I do remember that. Anway, what brings you here?" I inquire, genuinely surprised.

“Well,” she smiles. “Since the dinner date that her husband (Arnav) had planned was flopped the other day, she thought of taking him for dinner today. So she came here.”

I’m pleasantly surprised with her plans. That will give us some ‘we’ time, without the family’s intervention, especially Dhruv’s prying eyes.

"But you were busy with Dhruv’s welcome party preparations, weren’t you?”

Khushi smiles, her eyes sparkling. "I finished my part of the party arrangements and managed to make some time for dinner with you. If you're not too busy, that is."

My grin widens as I appreciate the effort she's made. I lean closer to her chair, and her gaze automatically shifts to my lips. In a husky tone, I respond, "I'll never be too busy for you, Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada."

“Besides,” Khushi continues seeing me so close to her. “There's a lot we need to talk about. Especially after your morning's announcement.”

As Khushi mentions the need for a serious conversation, my mind immediately focuses about the honeymoon. I release her hand and nod in understanding, pulling away from the chair.

"So, this dinner date is more like an interrogation, huh?" I tease, trying to lighten the mood.

Khushi stands up from the chair.

"If you think so. Shall we leave now?"

I agree with a smile, realizing that this dinner is not just about enjoying a meal together, but also about addressing the concerns and questions we both have.

As I lead her out, I can't help but admire Khushi's appearance as she walks before me, dressed in a beautiful pink Anarkali dress. The vibrant color accentuates her radiant beauty, and the sight of her wearing the symbols of our marriage, the sindoor and mangalsutra, fills me with pride. I am grateful that this stunning woman is now my wife.

As we step out of the office, we are greeted by Akash in the lobby. His surprise at seeing Khushi here is evident, but I quickly inform him about our dinner plans, bringing a smile to his face. He wishes us the best time. I catch a glimpse of Dhruv observing us from a distance, but for now, I choose to ignore his presence and lead Khushi out, eager to spend some quality time alone with her.

*****************

As Khushi leads me to one of my favorite restaurants, I can't help but be surprised that she knows about it.

“Who told you I love coming here?” I ask, as we get down the car.

"It's strange but I came to know about your favorite restaurant from Dhruv when we were together. He shared so much about you. And this, I specifically remembered," Khushi says, breaking the silence. I feel a slight discomfort, realizing that Dhruv and Khushi used to discuss me during their time together.

"So, I was the main topic of discussion between you two?" I ask, trying to grasp the situation.

She exhales and denies, her words laced with uncertainty.

"I don't know what to call this. When I was with Dhruv, we talked a lot about you. You were in our discussions, mostly in some way or another. And now, when I am married to you, we are talking about him. It's strange, isn’t it?"

I can sense the conflict in her voice, the confusion that lingers between us. I pause for a moment, contemplating my response. Then, I pull her closer to me, our bodies almost touching, and meet her eyes with an intense gaze.

"Unless you think that you married the wrong brother," I say firmly, "I don't have a problem with anything."

Khushi continues to stare at me. However, our moment is interrupted as the manager approaches us to take us to our reserved table. I reluctantly let go of Khushi and follow the manager.

*****************

As we relish the delicious food before us, Khushi wastes no time in bringing up the main topic of discussion.

"You better have a good excuse to cancel our honeymoon before the family," she asserts, her eyes fixed on me.

I slow down my eating, surprised by her assumption.

"Who said we are canceling it?" I ask, trying to understand her perspective.

Khushi's expression reveals her confusion, and she explains her reasoning.

“I know that you announced the honeymoon just because you saw Dhruv imitating you today morning with the suit and trying to win me back. But that doesn't mean we have to go through with it.”

She guessed it right.

"Why can't we go?" I inquire, leaning closer across the table. Her confusion deepens, and her cheeks flush.

“How we can go on a honeymoon when we are not even ready for what couples usually do during that time,” she replies softly. “It’s a waste of time and money.”

I maintain my calm composure

"Who said I'm not ready?" I respond, my voice laced with a hint of teasing. "I'm always ready, Khushi. It's you who needs time."

Her mortification becomes evident, so I try to comfort her instead.

“We can go on the trip as friends, return as besties at least, if a romantic relationship is not yet in our comfort zone. What do you think?”

She continues to think.

“Besides,” I add, “if I hadn't suggested the honeymoon, someone else would have surely brought it up at home, considering we are newly married. So, now or later, we will have to complete this formality.”

Khushi finally agrees, and I can see a glimmer of relief in her eyes.

Curious about her preferences, I ask if there's any specific place she would like to go. Without hesitation, she immediately replies, "Scotland."

A smile tugs at my lips, knowing that all these years I've been running AR Group from Scotland and that we own a chalet there. It seems that Khushi has always wanted to visit Scotland and I'm elated by her choice and readily agree.

Scotland it is!!


To be Continued.

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