Chapter Two

Arnav was at the office next door, going over some final work, before heading out to a rally. The cars arrived and Arnav went outside. He was about to go into his car when he saw Khushi. She was at the garden, watering all the plants. He thought back to the days he used to have the time to do that. He used water the plants and do gardening with his mother when he was younger. But once he got into politics, personal time was out of the question.

Khushi looked beautiful in her anarkali. It was of a bronze color, and Khushi had her hair flowing out. It was crimped, since Khushi had put her hair in a braid.

"Sir," his secretary called.

Arnav snapped out of it and looked down and then back at Khushi. He put his aviators on and got in the car and Mamaji went in as well, and the cars pulled off. Khushi watched as they left and she clutched her heart. Arnav might've thought that she didn't know that he was looking at her, but she did. Her heart had begun beating at that moment and she felt her skin burn from his stares.

Khushi put the watering can down and headed back in the house. She helped Anannya out with the cooking and cleaning throughout the day. The two took a break and turned on the TV and they saw Arnav. His rally was being aired live.

Khushi watched her husband as he addressed to his people. They showed the many poor people, as well as middle class people who were there at the rally. They were all chanting "Arnav Singh Raizada! Zindabad!" repeatedly.

"My boy has grown so big," Anannya said.

Khushi looked at her mother in-law.

"I remember how he used to bother his father, even my father," she said, her eyes swelling up with tears.

"He always wanted to be a politician?"

She nodded. "He wanted to follow his Nana's and his father's footsteps. It was always his dream, to change this country and get rid of all the bad."

Khushi looked back at the screen and looked at her husband, standing there strong and proud, looking out at the people as they continued their chant.

"I knew he would become a strong person someday. Even a good leader, that is, if he's elected."

"Don't say it like that Ma. He will win."

To hear that come out of Khushi's mouth made Anannya's heart lighten. Khushi herself couldn't believe how much faith she had for the man, but she didn't think so much on it.

"He will win, Ma. Just you watch."

"But what about Dhruv?"

"Who's Dhruv?"

"His cousin and his opponent."

Dhruv Raizada is the child of Arbaz's own brother. Dhruv was determined to beat Arnav at any cost. He wanted to become Chief Minister as well, and become famous. He wanted to be remembered in history, but Arnav always came in his way. This year, he was determined to win.

"Don't worry Ma. Dhruv will NOT win." She looked back at the screen. "He won't win," she said, looking at Arnav.

---------------------

That night, after dinner, Khushi had gone up, once she had cleaned everything up. When she got to her's and Arnav's room, she saw Arnav had dozed off. He had a file in his hands and another file opened on the table in front of him.

Khushi went over to him and he was breathing at a steady pace. Khushi looked around and found her shawl and placed on Arnav. His head lowered a bit and Khushi knew if he remained that way, then tomorrow his head would lean on the right all day. She carefully moved his head and he leaned against her hand.

Khushi bent down and tried to move her hand away, holding the other side of his face. She tried to get her hand out and looked at Arnav. She got stuck on his face and gazed away at him. He looked absolutely adorable and she gazed away at him. She felt his grizzles on her hands, but didn't feel bothered by it.

She caressed his face and within seconds, Arnav got up. His eyes slowly opened and he looked at Khushi. Khushi froze and she looked at Arnav even more, unable to look away, scared. Arnav looked back at her, unable to look away from her beautiful face.

The moment ended, as Arnav's phone rang. Arnav moved, releasing Khushi's hand, and she moved away.

Arnav took the call. "Hello? … hey Di. What's up? … how's Shyam? … alright. I'll give it to her."

Arnav got up and went to Khushi. "… Khushi?"

Khushi looked at him and froze. It was the first time he had said her name.

"It's Di."

Khushi took the phone, touching his hand in the process, and spoke into it. "Hello?"

"Hey Khushi. How are you?"

"I'm fine, yaar! How about you? And Jiju?"

"I'm fine, Shyam also. Tell me, how's the married life?"

Khushi paused. She looked at Arnav, who had grabbed his pillow and went to the sofa.

"Fine," Khushi said, nearly a whisper.

"Still not together-together?"

"No."

"Don't worry. My brother may be a politician, but he's sweet. He'll keep you happy."

"Okay."

"Anju," Khushi heard a voice in the background. It was Shyam.

"Oh? You better go "Anju". Jiju is calling you," Khushi joked.

Before Anjali could say anything, Khushi heard him say "Anju hurry! The bed feels lonely without you!"

Khushi gaped. "Oh my gosh Anjali!"

"I can't believe you heard that," Anjali cried out.

"Anju," Shyam yelled. "Let me warm you up! And please warm me up! I'm cold!"

"I'll just let you two get back to what you were doing," and Khushi hung up, laughing.

She turned to Arnav to give the phone to him and saw him covering his ears.

"What's wrong," Khushi asked.

"I can't believe I heard him say that," Arnav replied.

Shyam had yelled so loud, Arnav had heard him.

"I mean dude, she's my sister!"

It was the first time Khushi had heard him say something like that. A politician, saying "dude?" Not normal.

Khushi gave back the phone and eventually, both fell asleep.