IAL Chapter 37: Midnight Chats

Chapter 37: Midnight Chats

 

When Anjili had come home she was showered with a million questions. She had reassured her family that her health was fine and there was nothing to worry about.

 

Later that night Arnav phoned Khushi. Even though they worked at the same place they hardly got to see each other.

 

Khushi had picked up on the first ring. “Hello.”

 

“Hello Khushi.”

 

“Arnavji, how are you? How is everyone?”

 

“I’m fine. Everyone is in shock.”

 

“I bet they blame me for everything.” Said a crestfallen Khushi.

 

“No! No one blame you.”

 

“What about Mamiji?”

 

“…..Well you know Mamiji um she um um.” He decided to change the subject. “You’ll never guess what Di said this morning or what she was wearing.”

 

“What?”

 

“She said that she went to see Shyam yesterday with the help of NK.”

 

Khushi gasped and began to panic slightly. “What happened?”

 

“Well I wanted to kill NK-”

 

“No I mean with Anjiliji and Shyamji.”

 

“Oh well apparently, she saw him for who he truly is. God, Khushi she has changed so much. She’s wearing western cloths. She got rid off most of her sarees, she’s only kept a few for special occasions. She got rid of anything and everything related to Shyam. She doesn’t want help with anything. What ever Shyam said to her must have affected her in a big way.”

 

“Has she changed for the better?”

 

“I don’t know.” He answered honestly.

 

“Does she think I was involved?”

 

“She isn’t really speaking to anyone. Khushi, I’m worried.”

 

“I’m worried too Arnavji. But she seems to be handling everything very well considering.”

 

“Yes but that’s only on the outside. On the inside I know she’s broken.”

 

“Arnavji have you ever thought that you might be babying her too much.” Khushi said softly.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I mean, you guys never let her feet touch the ground. I understand that you love her but I think you guys need to give her some space to figure this out by herself. This isn’t something that you can help her with. And I know it’s killing you because you feel so helpless but trust me, when she needs you, she’ll come find you.”

 

“This is why I love you Khushi, you always say the right things.”

 

“I know.” Answered Khushi in a cocky tone.

 

“Oh really? Well if you know so much, tell me what I’m thinking right now?” asked Arnav seductively.

 

“Besharam!”

 

They continued their playful and loving banter until the first lights splashed across the sky.