Exchange of Messages

AFTERNOON

Khushi finished her routine with Anjali and returned to her room. She thought a lot, confused about whether to reply to the mysterious message. After multiple attempts, she finally decided to respond.

"Hello... Who are you? How can I believe you're the same person I've been searching for?"

She pressed send and waited. A few minutes later, she received a reply.

"At least you accept that you're finding someone... I just got to know that you're searching for me desperately, hence thought of checking with you once. But I don't have time to play this message-message game with you and waste time. You can continue your search... Goodbye, Khushi."

Khushi's face turned white as she read the message. He knows her name? She immediately replied.

"Listen, please... Tell me how you got to know that I am searching for you... It's important for me to know this... I am all alone in this search, and I want to be sure... How do you know my name? Please answer me."

Khushi sent the message but was met with silence. She waited eagerly, but as the evening drew to a close, there was still no reply. Khushi felt a sense of desperation wash over her. She was mad at herself for letting go of what might have been her last chance to communicate with him.

But a voice in her mind reminded her that her questions were important and necessary to ensure she was talking to the right person. Taking a deep breath, Khushi continued with her routine, caring for Anjali with dedication and professionalism. She couldn't let her personal struggles interfere with her commitments.

EVENING

NK searched for Khushi, shouting as he passed by Arnav's room.

NK - Khushi ji... Khushi ji... where are you? Nannav, my bro, did you see Khushi ji?

Arnav pretended to look in his pant pockets.

Arnav - She was here in my pocket till now, don't know where she went... sorry, NK.

NK - Hey, Nannav, such jokes won't suit you. Be serious. I want to talk about marriage tips with Khushi ji. I'm going to see the girl tomorrow... Nannav...

Arnav - She became a marriage counsellor now? I'm not paying any extra money.

NK - You're just useless and wasting my time.

Arnav - What did you say?

Arnav chased NK to the terrace, where Khushi was collecting her dry clothes. Arnav had no idea Khushi was there; he was searching for NK. Khushi heard footsteps and thought it was NK.

Khushi - Tell me, NK ji, tell me, why were you calling me? Anjali ji was telling me you came here to get married. Marriage is the most important and sacred relationship of life. You just try and give your best to the relation that you get into.

Khushi pulled the cloth with a smile, but her smile vanished when she saw Arnav staring at her. Khushi looked down and gulped.

Khushi - I'm sorry... I thought it was NK ji.

Khushi tried to walk away, but Arnav blocked her path. Khushi looked up.

Arnav - It seems you know a lot about marriage... not bad... where is your husband? Why don't you call him here once? I would like to meet him.

Arnav noticed Khushi's facial expression change when he asked about her husband. She stammered.

Khushi - Ji... He isn't here.

Arnav - Where is he? (Khushi looked around, unsure of how to respond and what to respond.)

Khushi - Ji, he is out of town. When he is back, I'll inform him that you wanted to meet him... I've to go... (Arnav brought up the topic of the message.)

Arnav - Did you reply to the message?

Khushi - Yes.

Arnav - Did you get to know who it was?

Khushi - I can never get to know. I replied something to confirm if I wasn't getting trapped. Maybe he got angry. He stopped messaging.

Khushi replied a sad tone and wiped away her tears. Arnav wanted to console her, but NK arrived.

NK - Nannav, what are you doing here? I have to speak to her... move back.

NK pushed Arnav sideways. Arnav held NK's collar.

Arnav - Never dare to come between us. It won't be good for your health... and you (he turned to Khushi) You are here to take care of Di, not for anyone's wedding planning. Did you read the documents and sign? Do you have any doubts?

Khushi - I already signed them. (Arnav nodded. Khushi rushed out in fear, and NK followed her.)

NK - Khushi ji, wait. Take me along with you.

ARNAV's ROOM

Anjali walked in, excitement radiating from her.

Anjali - Chote, we're going to see a girl for NK tomorrow... I still can't believe NK is getting married.

Anjali noticed Arnav's distant expression and touched his hand to bring him back.

Anjali - Chote, what's wrong? Where have you lost yourself?

Arnav - Nothing, Di... what were you saying?

Anjali - I was saying NK is looking for girls to marry... Mami is looking for girls for Akash... they're younger than you... But what about you?

Arnav - What about me? There's nothing to discuss about this issue.

Anjali - Chote, please think about it. If you don't want to marry again, that's okay... but bring her here... she deserves a chance, Chote. She's not at fault... we don't even know how she's doing.

Arnav closed his eyes, his bad mood intensifying with Anjali's words.

Arnav - I hate this topic, and you know it very well. I don't want to talk about it. Please stop asking me the same thing in different ways. You won't get anything from me.

Anjali silently walked away.

NIGHT

Arnav read Khushi's message, remembering how she cried, thinking she'd lost her chance to find him. He wanted to know the reason and replied to her message.

"I understand it's hard to believe any random person, but you've got to trust me... I was the one who married your sister a year and a half ago, 23rd March 2023... I have no intention of continuing that relation... I hope you got my point."

Khushi read the message and concluded it was the right person. She replied back.

"I don't even know your name, but please don't decide this way. You meet me once... listen to my side of the story, and then take the decision."

Arnav read the message, his thoughts conflicted still made the decision.

Arnav - No, Khushi... you won't get anything more from me.

He didn't reply, but his mind wasn't satisfied. He was confused.

MORNING – ARNAV's ROOM

Arnav was getting ready for the office when he heard a knock at the poolside door. He was surprised to see Khushi.

Khushi – Sorry, I know you don't like anyone using your poolside, but I don't want anyone to know about this conversation.

Arnav opened the door, and Khushi handed him the signed papers.

Khushi – I signed the papers.

Arnav nodded. Khushi seemed restless, and as she turned to leave, she stopped.

Khushi – The clause where it mentioned I cannot leave this job till Anjali ji's delivery... what if something happens to me before that?

Arnav was taken aback by her words.

Khushi – Life is uncertain, Arnav Ji.

Arnav – What's the matter, Khushi? I know you didn't come here just to give me these papers.

Khushi – I don't know what I want. I'm so confused. I wanted to ask you something, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Khushi rushed off, leaving Arnav confused.