Heart wrenching adoration!Part-2

''Hi khushi!How are you doing?''I asked as I caught her strolling on the school grounds.

It was evening and I was hanging around with my friends playing football.The ground was swathed in the gold and burgundy of the setting Sun and the dewdrop strewn grass swayed in gently in the breeze.There could not be amore beautiful sight than than dusk in Dehreadun.

''Hello,I'm fine Arnav!''She replied with her breath taking smile.

''So,how do you like the school?''I asked conversationally,just for getting an innocent reason to hear her melliflous voice.

''Oh,its perfect!It has a certain charm.''Khushi answered,perking a bit.It was evident that she had developed a liking for the school.S far so good!

''So which class did you get?''I asked,hoping against hope that perhaps by some chunk of good luck,she would be placed in mine,though she looked way too young to be in XIth.

''I got IX 'G'.''She prattled.

Though I tried not to look disappointed,I knew my face floundered.

''I was just...''Khushi began but a high-pitched,girlish voice interrupted  her.

''ASR there you are!I was searching for you in the entire place!What are you doing here and who is she?''Lavanya queried,somehow injecting a leer in her last word.

Jealousy was written all over her face and she shot a look so disdainful at khushi that it made me clench my fist.

''She is khushi,Payal's sister.''I introduced,my voice wrapping around khushi name,almost caressing it,which didn't go unnoticed by Lavanya who immediately resorted to a different tactic.

''Hey ASR,come and play along!''Lavanya purred,leaning on me entirely as if clinging on to dear life.

Usually this flirting would have invoked some cheeky and corny response from me,but suddenly I was electrically aware of khushi's presence.To hide my chagrin I yelled at Lavanya.

''What the bloody hell do you think you are doing?''

Out of the corner of my eyes,I saw khushi blanch and cussed me fate.Why did Lavanya had to follow me around like a flea pestered dog?

''Excuse me guys!''Khushi said and rushed off hastily.

''Why can't you leave me alone for some moments Lavanya?What's with you thrashing around with me like an ugly seal?''I spat.

''Why are you behaving so rudely ASR?Its because of that bitch khushi,isn't it?'' She asked tearfully and my temper rose.How dare she slander my pure,innocent khushi?

''Enough!''I snarled so loudly that everyone turned to look at me.

''I don't want to hear a word from you!Get lost!''I screamed,disentangling myself from her clutches and looking around for khushi.

I marched out from the football ground,not even glancing towards a sniffling Lavanya.I finally found her engaged in conversation with a junior whom I knew just be his face.I edged closer and what I heard literally made my ear stand!

''Wow!You're in my class!That's great.I'll help you out if you'll need anything.''I heard the guy speak.

''Thanks Nk!I really do appreciate that.''Khushi said so enthusiastically that it made Nk euphoric and me just the stark opposite.

''We all are there to help her out if she needs anything!Thanks for your help.''I growled dismissively,making the duo jump.

 

Heart wrencing adoration,Part-1

I woke up with a start from some wild,colorful dream.Someone was shaking me..I rubbed sleep away from my eyes,blinking and my younger brother Akash's tall profile came in my view.

''What is it Akash?''I asked visibly annoyed on having woken up so early in the morning that too on a Sunday!

''Bhai,let's go jogging!''Akash said sheepishly and I groaned.

I knew that line too well on having heard it since past six years.

''Why don't you drop pretenses and just say that Payal is coming today and so in order to not look like a love sick pup in front of her parents,you're taking me along?''I snapped sarcastically,groping in the darkness for my shoes.

''Uh bhai please!''Akash plaeded and I could almost see him blushing.

''You owe me for this.I'm going to get it milked for its worth someday kid!''I vowed and followed him out of the dormitory.

Corridors of the hostel were deserted and I presumed that everyone were asleep, snuggled in their cozy beds and here I was walking down the drafty hallway like an idiot!

We emerged out of the door to sprawling green grounds of our school,St.Marcus's Boarding School and cool wind swept my hair across my eyes.

Involuntarily,I glanced towards the girl's hostel which looked deserted and wondered ideally how much awed murmurings and giggling I was going to invoke that day.

Girls truly panted after me!Whether sophomores or seniors,it was considered to be their common dream to be my girlfriend,though I never brooded on that fact. Reason was just too simple-commitment was not a word in my dictionary and certainly not when all those chicks were mad behind me!Why to get tied up with one and miss on the pleasure of life?

Frankly,I had never found a girl who could impress me or make me look back, however fleetingly and I was sure no one will ever be capable of doing that!

I gazed at my brother who had his eyes nearly glued to the gates and rolled my eyes.Akash proclaimed his feelings for Payal as true love but I thought of it as madness,a perfect testimony of the fact that my brother was nuts!

The far away gates opened and a sleek, silver car came in.I glanced at my brother who was bright-eyed and rolled my eyes.Apparently Payal Gupta had arrived!

The car pulled to a stop in front of the Girls' hostel and we walked up to the group that alighted from it at a leisurely pace.

''Hi Payal!''Akash chirped.

''Hi Akash,Arnav!''Payal replied,smiling broadly.

We exchanged pleasantries with Mr. and Mrs.Gupta,a kind-hearted,loving couple whom I've come to regard as my parents,that's when I saw her!

She stepped down with grace and I felt myself drawn towards a girl for the first time in my life.Her skin was white,almost translucent and she had beautiful hazel nut for eyes.Her nose was sharp and subtle crimson of her cheeks resembles that of a fresh rose.Her lips were softest shade of pink and were pulled up in a slight smile which was the most mesmerizing sight I had ever seen!Her brown hair danced in the air and I felt a sudden urge to tuck them behind her ears.

''This is khushi,my cousin.She used to live in New York and has recently moved down here.She'll study here with us!''I heard Payal speak and her voice sounded distant.

But,I registered what she had said about the girl-khushi,she had a nice name and the fact that she was going to stay here made my heart soar.

''Khushi these are my friends Arnav and Akash.''Payal introduced us.

''Hello Akash,Arnav!''Khushi greeted us in a sweet voice.

I flt a thrill go through me as she said my name.It sounded so nice in her tinkling voice.

''Hi khushi!''I smiled at her,utterly besotted.

I felt my brother's curious eyes on my face but I couldn't have cared less.I seemed to have lost my capability of blinking eyes.She smiled at me and my heart skipped several beats,going a ragged rythem.

I hadn't noticed in my preoccupation,how populated the grounds had become and suddenly I noticed some of the seniors eyeing khushi with interest.They were literally ogling at her innocent beauty and I was surprised with the flare of resentment that ensued in me.

I wanted nothing more than to block their view of khushi and with a jolt I realized that I was being possessive for any girl for the first time in my life!

 

CHAPTER 2 RENDEZVOUS

I took a deep breath and entered the Principal's room,even as my jiji thumped me on the back and mouthed all the best!

The Prinacipal's room was sprawling and beautiful,befitting for the head of one of the top notch schools of India.The wall-sized glass french window looked down upon the  spacious lawns of the school.

The west walls were entirely dedicated to a huge bookshelf which housed several autobiographies of great men and women and finest of literature.Plush carpet covered the floor and heavy fabric hung from the wall which also had several beautiful,antique-looking paintings!A light colored, leather sofa occupied the right side along with several tables whence proudly kept were gleaming shields and trophies.A sweet musky smell hung in the air that had nothing to do with air fresheners.

I stared around at the impressive decor until my father's polite voice made me focus on the woman that sat behind the massive claw-legged table and in the process I found the source of the smell that made the air redolent.

''Good morning ma'am.''

''Good morning Sir,ma'am.Please have a seat.''The women greeted.

I looked at my new Principal and immediately got the impression that she wasn't someone to be trifled with.Mrs. Evelyn Williams,as the name on her denomination plate,kept on her table read, was clad in a simple peach,chiffon saree with her hair tied in a tight bun.Spectacles were placed on her sharp nose and she wore the sternest expression that I had ever seen on anyone's face.

Her desk was covered with wads of paper,all pretty neatly arranged and there was no scope for purfunctoriness.A beautiful crystal vase contained a grouping of multi-hued local blooms which was the reason of the cloyish smell.

''Ma'am this is my daughter Khushi kumari Gupta.''My dad introduced me and I gulped to greet her.

''Good morning ma'am.''I chocked out nervously,feeling all fluttery.

The Principal's sharp eyes seemed to give me a queer feeling,as if she saw through me,sort of like in X-ray.

''Good morning dear.I welcome you to St.Marcus' Boarding School.We're glad to have you as our student.I went through your educational record and I must say they are quite impressive.You seem like a brainy child!''She complemented approvingly and I flushed.

I could see my dad's chest swelling several inch.

''Thank you ma'am.''I muttered shyly.

''You're welcome.Now,since you're joining our school,so being the Principal its my responsibility to get you acquainted with the rules and regulations of this school.Ours is one of the best school in India and hence at no  pint we can possibly let our hair down.There's no scope for frivolous tomfoolery and rule-breaking id dealt in strictest manner possible.Of course we'll  lean you our full support and cooperation and ergo we accept the same from you.I hope I've made myself clear my dear?''Mrs.Williams queried and I simply nodded,too stupified.

She seemed like a ringmaster to me,mechanical and absolutely staid.

''Good,then you may go and get yourself settled in the hostel.'' She said and after the necessary courtesy,we  came out.

''What do you think?''Dad asked.

''Well,she seems like and autocratic sort of woman.''I complained,raising my eye-brow.

''No,she's the woman of finest disposition.But,your doubts about her will clear with time.''My dad assured while my mum patted me encouragingly.

We found my jiji engaged in conversation with a guy and as soon as we drew level with them,he greeted my parents.

''Good morning Uncle,Aunty!''

''Good morning dear.''My mum replied and my dad shook hands with him.

He was tall and fairly handsome.His wheaty complexion and deep set brown eyes had me lost and I gazed at him like an utter moron.His jet-black hair was neatly kept and he was already dressed in the school uniform with the exception of blue blazer.I frowned.As far as I remembered,the school had green blazer.

''Why are you wearing this blue blazer?''I blurted and then blushed.

You really don't ask questions to a stranger that straight-forward!

He looked at me and I realized how deep his eyes were,as if storing unfathomable mysteries in their great depths.

''Uh,I forgot to introduce you.Khushi,this is Arnav Singh Raizada,one off my friends and Arnaz,this is my little sister khushi.''My jiji acquainted us.

''Hi!''I chirped,smiling at him.

''Hello!''He said quitely,smiling a lop-sided smile and I noticed how husky his voice was.So desirable!

''And he's wearing that blazer because that's Scholar blazer that is awarded to the prodigious students by this school.''My dad informed me.

''Oh wow congrats!You must feel so good and proud and so must your parents.''I jumped excitedly.I was awed,but to my immense surprise his face got warped in ,what was unmistakably pain.

''I should go.I've an appointment with Principal ma'am.''Arnav tried to pull up a smile,but the anguish in his eyes was unconcealed.

My jij stomped hard on my foot,lightly smacking my head.

''What did I say?''I asked bewildered by the looks my family was suddenly giving me,as if I had committed a felony.

''He's an orphan.He lives with his maternal relatives.''My dad explained.

''Poor child.As if he needed to be reminded of that hideous incident at the beginning of the session.Khushi you're really mad!''My mum chided me.

But that was nothing to what I felt.His grief stirred the chords of my heart and I couldn't recall any other time I had felt so crappy and so,so terrible.I seriously wanted to give myself a good,well-deserved kick.

''Let's go and get you two in the hostel.''My dad sighed.

''Dad,do you mind if I stay here for a while?I need to...you know um..apologize.''I pleaded my dad.

''Ok,but come back soon.Just follow the pavement down the front and come to the rear of the building.We'll wait for you!'' My dad ruffled my hair slightly and went out with mum and jiji.

I waited for Arnav to come out,feeling terribly sorry for him and at last he came.

''Excuse me.''I called as he made his way to the staircase without so much as glancing at me.

He stopped with his back towards me and I hurried over to him.

''What do you want?''He demanded,a bit rudely and I knew I more than deserved it.

Though he kept a poker face,I could see the intense hurt smouldering  in his deep brown eyes.My tear ducts started to work seeing his agony.

''I'm so sorry.I didn't know that you..that you...''I chocked, holding my ears.Tears spilled over my cheek.

''No,please don't cry.You aren't at fault,you didn't know!That's ok!''Arnav assured,looking appalled.

He smiled at me and before I could so much as open my mouth,he turned on his heel and walked away.

CHAPTER-1 ARRIVAL

I stared out the windows at the scenes flashing by,trying to hide my breathlessness at the pristine beauty with a scowl,but failing miserably.I gazed at the verdant picturesque with awe that verged on near reverence.

The vast stretches of lush green land,labyrinthine of primordial trees swaying gently to the rythem of  breeze,the subtle shade of lovely crimson at the horizon and flight of rooks silently flying by.It was inexplicably simple yet beautiful!

It was this stretching serenity that had altered my belligerence. Thought there was no way I was going to admit that!

My sister Payal snorted and rolled over,having zonked out with her mouth open like a golden fish.Usually I would've teased her to hell for this,but I wasn't in quite a playful mood,to put it mildly and though,the I was quite awestruck for the moment owing to the vignettes of piousness off nature passed by,I knew that my tear glands were quite literally on the verge of starting their function!

We were en route to St.Marcus's Boarding School,one of the most prestigious ones in Dehradun,the one where my elder sister Payal had spent better part of her schooling years and which was soon going to have a new student...me.This was the cause of my distress and my not being my usual verbose self.I simply couldn't stay away from my parents!

Yet here I was going to that wretched place!I had spent a major chunk of my Summer holidays over past few years in trying to conjure up plans so that I could avoid getting admission here and my family had resignedly accepted my tenacity every time.But this year my dad had finally put his foot down.

I had put up a very colourful pretense of a spoilt brat-which admittedly I was owing to all the pampering that I got from my family-but that hadn't deterred my dad who was adamant of getting me entered here,reason being that I had to carry my family's legacy of completing Higher Studies from this School! Family orthodoxy tends to be quite ludicrous and foolish at times!

''See,its so beautiful here.You were needlessly fretting!''My mum's soft,complacent voice broke my abstraction and I hastily maneuvered  to put on an unconvincing pout.

I could feel my dad's appraising gaze on my face through rear view mirror and I obstinately chose to avoid that.I couldn't bear his smug expressions.

My dad had always given in to all my demands whether rational or otherwise,quite gracefully,yet this time it was him who had imposed his decision on me with the firm tenacity of an army officer that he was.I had never seen my doting dad metamorphose into Lt.General Shashi Gupta and it was quite frightening for I had always been his golden girl!

I had stopped goofing about and had spent all my left over days in Lucknow sulking.The prospect of having to live without my parents was quite horrific and so were the stories enshrouding boarding schools,despite constant pacification by my jiji!

All too soon the subject of my dismay stood majestically in front of me as we entered the sprawling premises of St.Brutus's Boarding School.

I gaped about,stunned at the grand impresarios of the ancient school.The building rose in the middle of a lush green lawn and was painted in a soft shade of peach.A massive porch was wrapped around the ground floor in front of which was an ornately carved out fountian!

The scene looked straight out of the old holywood movies.You could almost expect ingenues of silent movie era came walking down!

As I gazed around with apparent,undisguised admiration,my dad opened the door for me and helped me out.

''What do you think khushi?''He queried.

''Its so...so beauitfull!'' My voice came in a whisper.

Though I knew fully well that by saying so I was shooting myself in the foot,yet that couldn't deter me from admiring my surroundings.It was so timeless and graceful.....

''I told you so!Everyone falls in love with this place and you're no exceptional my dear sister!''Jiji teased me,gently closing my open mouth.

My dad guided us through into a tastefully decorated entrance hall.If the outsides had been grand,it was equally opulent.The walls of the posh reception area were panelled in rich mahogany.The floor was covered with thick oriental carpets and heavy looking draperies hung in the room.A large bay window occupied most of the right side of the reception and large,multi-hued paintings hung on the walls.Black,leather couches were arranged in a cozy grouping near which stood a high polished counter.

''Welcome Sir.How may I help you?''The tall,fair-skinned receptionist asked in a gentle cadence.

She was impeccably dressed in a business suit and looked absolutely professional.

''I've an appointament with the Prinacipal ma'am.My younger daughter khushi is going to join the school.''My dad replied.

''Ah,so khushi gupta is here.Well,we've been anticipating your arrival.Your sister Payal has pretty much blown the news!'' The receptionist said smiling.

I glared at my jiji who looked away sheepishly.The lady talked on intercom.

''Well,this way sir.Ma'am is waiting for you.''She said politely, waving us in.

I took a deep breath as my dad brusquely knocked the huge oak door and pushed it open.