A Second Chance at Happiness : Chapter 8
Khushi adjusted the dupatta over her shoulder as she stepped out of the elevator onto the top floor of AR Designs.
Classes had ended early that day, and since it was Saturday evening, she and Arnav had planned to leave together for the Gupta house.
A small smile touched Khushi's lips.
Life had become peaceful lately.
For the first time in months, she felt as though she and Arnav were finally finding their way back to each other.
She walked toward Arnav's cabin.
Just as she was about to knock, she heard laughter from inside the adjoining conference room.
The door was slightly open.
Khushi wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but a familiar voice made her pause.
Lisa.
"I still don't understand you, ASR."
Khushi glanced inside.
Lisa was sitting casually on the edge of the conference table while Arnav stood across from her reviewing some documents.
Without looking up, Arnav replied, "Good thing I don't need you to understand me."
Lisa rolled her eyes.
"You haven't changed."
"I wasn't planning to."
Arnav signed a file and handed it over.
"Done?"
"Done."
He turned and walked back into his cabin, leaving Lisa behind.
Khushi smiled slightly.
That was typical Arnav.
Unfortunately, Lisa noticed her standing outside.
"Oh, Khushi."
Khushi stepped inside politely.
"Hello."
Lisa's eyes traveled over Khushi's simple cotton salwar suit.
The smile on her face looked friendly.
Too friendly.
"Waiting for ASR?"
Khushi nodded.
Lisa crossed her arms.
"You know, I always wondered what exactly ASR saw in you."
Khushi blinked.
The comment caught her off guard.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, don't misunderstand."
Lisa laughed lightly.
"I mean you're sweet and all."
Her gaze deliberately swept over Khushi's clothes again.
"But let's be honest..."
She lowered her voice conspiratorially.
"You and ASR belong to completely different worlds."
Khushi's smile faded.
Lisa continued.
"ASR lives among CEOs, investors, luxury brands, dating one woman not more than 3 months and all."
She leaned closer.
"And you're..."
A pause.
"Middle class and those sati savitri type."
The word landed like a stone.
Khushi stiffened. Lisa smiled sympathetically.
"I know it sounds harsh."
"Lisa.."
"I'm just being realistic."
She shrugged.
"People like us notice these things."
Khushi remained silent.
Lisa took her silence as encouragement.
"You've changed a lot since marrying him."
"New clothes, New confidence. But society remembers where people come from."
Khushi's fingers tightened around her purse.
"Arnav doesn't think like that." She said it to convince herself than replaying to Lisa.
Lisa chuckled.
"Maybe not now."
The words were soft.
Dangerously soft.
"But men like ASR eventually realize they need someone who truly fits their world. And knowing his history he is going to be bored with you very soon."
Khushi's heart skipped.
Lisa continued smoothly.
"I've seen these marriages fail before."
"Different backgrounds, Different expectations, Different social circles."
She tilted her head.
"Just don't lose yourself trying to become someone you're not."
Before Khushi could respond, Arnav's cabin door opened.
"Khushi?"
Both women turned.
Arnav frowned.
"When did you get here?"
"Just now."
Khushi forced a smile.
"I was waiting."
Arnav immediately picked up on something unusual.
But before he could ask, Lisa stood up.
"Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone."
She picked up her handbag.
As she walked past Khushi, she murmured quietly enough that only Khushi could hear.
"Just think about what I said."
Then she left.
"Everything okay?"
Khushi smiled instantly.
"Yes."
A little too quickly.
Arnav narrowed his eyes.
"You sure?"
"Of course."
He studied her face.
Normally she would be chattering about college or passing any comments about him working on weekends.
Today she seemed distracted.
But eventually he nodded.
"If you're sure."
Khushi forced another smile.
"I'm sure."
The drive to the Gupta house was unusually quiet.
Arnav glanced at her several times.
Khushi kept looking out the window.
Lisa's words kept replaying in my mind.
She hated herself for letting those words affect her. After whatever they have gone through...
She trusted Arnav. Didn't she?
Then why couldn't she stop thinking about what Lisa said?
She thought about the circumstances in which they got married.
What if Arnav did not suspect her to be involved with Shyam?
He would have continued dating one woman after another without committing to anyone?
He thought she was a threat to his sister's married life and blackmailed her to marry him.
Let alone getting married to a middle class girl like her, he would have never considered her worthy enough to date.
He was feeling guilty of misunderstanding her, so what if he misunderstood his guilt as love for her?
He is a good man by heart that she knows for sure, so maybe he is trying to make up for the wrong things he did.
She snapped out of her train of thoughts once they reached Gupta House.
Payal and Akash were already there.
The moment they entered, Garima, buaji and babuji welcomed them warmly.
The familiar atmosphere usually comforted Khushi.
Today it didn't.
Everyone gathered in the living room.
Tea and snacks appeared.
The conversation flowed naturally.
Then Arnav finally addressed the reason he wanted everyone together.
His expression turned serious.
"There is something important everyone should know."
The room immediately quietened.
Payal exchanged a worried look with Akash.
"Di has decided to proceed with the divorce."
After a moment of Silence Arnav continued.
"The lawyer has started preparing everything, Shyam will receive the legal notice soon. I have a request, If the court need the testimony to support our claims of misrepresenting identity and fraud I was hoping if you all can give your statement against him"
"Aree why are you being formal beta ? We all will come and give our statements along with few of our neighbors. We will do whatever we can."
Garima responded and others agreed.
Khushi nodded automatically.
"Yes."
But her voice sounded distant.
Arnav noticed.
The discussion continued around them.
About Anjali's future, About her job and about moving forward.
Yet Khushi barely heard any of it.
Because another voice kept echoing inside her mind. Anjali's marriage and her life was connected.
"You and ASR belong to completely different worlds."
Across the room, Arnav was answering Akash's questions about the court procedures.
Confident and Commanding.
Exactly the man Lisa had described.
For the first time in a long while, Khushi found herself wondering something she never wanted to question again.
What if one day Arnav gets bored of her and realizes he deserves someone better suited to his world?
That hurts. As far as hers and Arnav's and her life is considered they did not chose each other out of love. It was a deal for him. Everything about their marriage was wrong to begin with.
And when she looked up, she found Arnav already watching her.
Concern visible in his eyes.
As though he knew something was troubling her.
As though he was waiting for her to trust him enough to tell him.
Khushi immediately looked away.
But Arnav's frown deepened.
Because whatever had happened before she arrived at AR Designs today, he was now certain of one thing.
Maybe the past resurfaced because of the divorce proceedings they discussed caused her pain. He was not sure.
Akash and Payal were planning to go for a late night movie, they insisted Arnav and Khushi to join them but they politely refused saying they are tired and would like to go back home and sleep.
The drive back to Shantivan was unusually quiet.
The streets of Delhi glowed beneath the yellow streetlights while soft music played in the background.
Normally Khushi would be telling him stories about college or something.
Tonight she sat silently beside him.
Looking out of the window.
Lost somewhere far away.
Arnav tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
Enough was enough.
He pulled the car to the side of the road.
Khushi blinked in surprise.
"Arnavji , What happened?"
She looked confused.
"What do you mean?" He gestured toward her.
"You've been quiet since we left the office."
"I'm fine."
"No."
His voice was calm but firm.
"You're not."
Khushi looked away.
Arnav sighed.
For a moment neither spoke.
Then he surprised her.
"Is this about Lisa?"
Khushi's head snapped toward him.
Arnav immediately understood.
"So it is."
Khushi lowered her eyes.
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to."
Arnav leaned back in his seat.
"I was wondering why she suddenly disappeared after seeing you."
Khushi remained silent.
After a few moments Arnav spoke again.
"There is something I should have told you earlier."
Now Khushi looked at him.
Arnav's expression hardened with annoyance.
"Lisa has been trying to get close to me for the last few weeks."
Khushi froze.
"What?"
"I thought it would stop on its own."
He shook his head.
"Apparently I was wrong."
Khushi stared at him.
Arnav continued.
"She started finding excuses to stay late, Inviting me for dinners, Suggesting business trips."
His lips twisted in irritation.
"And generally making it obvious she was interested."
Khushi's heart sank.
Even though she had expected something like that, hearing it aloud hurt.
Arnav reached for her hand.
The moment their fingers touched, he noticed how cold hers were.
"I rejected her."
Khushi looked up immediately without hesitation.
"As many times as necessary."
His eyes held hers.
"I told her very clearly that I love my wife."
Khushi felt her throat tighten.
"I wanted to tell you earlier."
Arnav squeezed her hand gently.
"But you've been busy with college, I was busy with other things and Di's situation has been taking everyone's attention, I didn't think Lisa was important enough to waste our time discussing."
A small bitter laugh escaped him.
"Clearly I underestimated her."
Khushi remembered every word Lisa had said.
Every poisonous implication.
Every carefully placed doubt.
Arnav studied her face.
"What exactly did she tell you?"
Khushi hesitated.
Then slowly she repeated the conversation.
The more she spoke, the darker Arnav's expression became.
By the end he looked furious.
For several moments there was complete silence inside the car.
"That's what this is about?"
Khushi looked at him.
Arnav looked genuinely offended.
"As if I care whether your family is rich or poor?"
"Arnavji, I know—"
"No, Khushi."
His voice softened.
"You don't."
The anger disappeared.
Only hurt remained.
"You still don't understand why I love you."
Khushi's eyes filled with tears.
Arnav gently cupped her face.
"When my world was falling apart, you stood beside me."
"When I didn't deserve forgiveness, you forgave me."
"When everyone saw ASR, you saw Arnav."
His thumb brushed away a tear.
"Do you really think bank balance matters more than that?"
Khushi wanted to believe him.
She truly did.
Yet Lisa's words had left scars.
Small ugly doubts.
"What if..."
Her voice trembled.
"What if one day you realize she's right?"
Arnav's expression softened further.
"Khushi."
"What if one day you get tired of explaining me to people?, What if your business friends think I'm not good enough?, What if you feel bored with me and decided to divorce and then.. "
"What if I tell you to stop listening to idiots?"
Despite herself, a tiny smile appeared.
Arnav leaned forward.
Resting his forehead against hers.
"I am not married to my business world. I am married to you. I know my own past behavior made you doubt my love. I am not proud of the way I was before but I wanted to be a better person who is worthy of your love Khushi.. I love you.. Your Arnavji loves you only.. Nothing can change that.."
Khushi closed her eyes.
His words were exactly what she needed.
And yet...
A tiny part of her remained unconvinced.
Because insecurities were rarely logical.
They didn't disappear simply because someone reassured you.
Especially when those insecurities had once been real.
Arnav sensed it immediately.
He knew her too well.
"You still don't believe me completely. Khushi all I want you to do is to give me a chance to be a better person and to be worthy of a person like you , you won't regret it. I promise. "
Khushi opened her eyes guiltily and nodded.
Arnav sighed and kissed her forehead gently.
As Arnav started the car again and resumed the drive toward Shantivan, Khushi rested her head against the window.
She trusted Arnav.
Yet Lisa's words lingered stubbornly in a forgotten corner of her heart.
And sometimes the most dangerous doubts were not the ones we believed.
They were the ones we desperately wanted to stop believing but couldn't quite let go.
Beside her, Arnav glanced over briefly.
His jaw tightened.
And at that moment he silently promised himself one thing.
Whoever had made Khushi question her place in his life would regret it very soon.
When Anjali got the details of her 10 day training program in UAE, she was not sure, not because of the training. She was thinking what if she meets Anuj there.
Then she dismissed that thought. She is a professional. She met him after the felicitation in few meetings with her team. He was very insightful, knowledgeable and very kind to his employees.
He never gave her any special treatment. He just shook hands with her and interacted with her like any other employee. She will also do the same if she meets him again during the training.
But whenever she met him her heart is again hoping for something else from that man who is her first love. It was getting difficult to control her heart.
It was like this during collage. It was so easy to fall in love with him, anyone could fall in love with him. He is the perfect one. But she is... No..
Her personal feelings cannot come in between her office responsibilities.
She was slowly building her life back.. She cannot mess it up. When she got her first personal bank account which is not linked to AR or her brother she was thrilled.
It is not like she doesn't value her brother's support so far. But she wanted this independence for herself. Without being accounted by anyone else. She wants herself to be responsible of her life.
She left for the training with her team.
It was not like she expected, they were all divided into different groups and she met her team only during lunch breaks and dinners.
The schedule was hectic but she enjoyed every session. To be honest she was disappointed that she never met Anuj any of these days.
The last eight days had been filled with presentations, networking events, and workshops. For the first time in years, she had spent days focusing entirely on herself and her career.
The training is officially over and next two days they have given for the team to relax and enjoy. The company has arranged visit to some major attractions within UAE, most of her colleagues left for the visit and few went to visit their relatives/family who is staying in UAE.
Riya insisted her to join her brother and family who was staying in Abu Dhabi, but she refused.
Practically it was just her today.
Tonight she felt strangely lonely. Maybe because Arnav informed that Shyam has responded to the divorce notice and he had denied the grounds as false claims and allegations made by the wife. She knew it was not going to be easy to get rid of him.
She assured her brother that she was ok and will fight him in the court.
It was dinner time, First she thought will order room service but then decided against it.
She got ready in a dress she purchased with her first salary.
She never wore these type of dresses before but she always wanted to wear one.
After seeing herself in the mirror once she is ready instantly lifted her mood.
Music played by the live band in the background while laughter echoed through the restaurant. She simply sat there observing people around.
She went through the menu and ordered a cocktail.
After everything she had endured over the past year, she felt she deserved one carefree evening.
She noticed a few tables away, another corporate group was having dinner.
Anjali wasn't paying attention until a familiar voice reached her ears.
She froze.
Slowly turning around, she found herself staring at the man who occupied most of her thoughts these days.
Anuj.
The noise of the restaurant seemed to disappear.
Across the room she could feel his gaze finding her more than once.
And every time it happened, she looked away.
she ordered starters and also one more cocktail in the 30 minutes passed.
She noticed others left the restaurant and he slowly walked towards her.
"Anjali?"
Her heart skipped.
"Anuj. I mean Sir.."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Oh Come on.. Don't call me sir please.. It feels very awkward when it is coming from you.."
Neither knew what to say next.
"I was here with the few board members."
"Oh ok, thought so. You were here all these days during our training?"
"No.. I came today for this meeting. I will be leaving tomorrow."
He noticed it was like she was dressed up for a dinner date. It made him uneasy.
"Are you waiting for someone to join you?" He asked finally.
"No No.. I was just bored sitting alone in the room so I thought of coming down to have a nice dinner... Would you like to join me? I mean if you don't mind... "
Her response made him relax and happy at the same time.
"I would love to Anjali.. And also with them dinner was a formality, I never eat much during these dinner meetings." His voice was unusually soft.
She smiled and asked him to sit.
After few minutes the awkwardness went away and both of them settled down comfortably.
They ordered drinks and food which Anjali wanted to try. She felt so happy after a long time.
Anuj was not sure whether to join her or not. But when she invited him herself he decided to be with her. What if it was a sign of the universe. He reminded himself not to be more hopeful. It was a casual dinner between two friends.
Anjali leaned back against the chair.
"You know Anuj..."
"What?"
"I used to think all company owners were scary like my brother."
Anuj looked at her seriously.
"I am scary."
"No."
"I am."
"No."
"I am very scary."
Anjali studied him carefully.
"I have seen you thanking the security guard for opening door every time."
Anuj sighed.
"That was confidential information."
She laughed.
"You also apologize to chairs after bumping into them. You are not scary. You are very sweet Anuj."
Her being 3 glasses down explained her carefree chat.
"Because it wasn't the chair's fault."
Anjali laughed hard.
The conversation drifted aimlessly.
"Can I tell you a secret?" Anjali asked.
"Only if I can tell one too."
"Deal."
She leaned closer.
"Sometimes I eat dessert before dinner."
Anuj placed a hand dramatically over his heart.
"Anjali."
"What?"
"I thought you were a respectable woman."
She giggled.
"My turn."
He leaned forward.
"Sometimes when meetings get boring, I stop listening and start imagining what everyone would look like as cartoon characters."
Anjali laughed so loudly that several guests turned to look at them.
"You know," Anjali said softly, "I haven't laughed this much in years."
Anjali looked at him.
Neither seemed quite as drunk anymore.
"I haven't either," He admitted.
Suddenly, the live band inside changed tunes.
A slow romantic melody filled the air.
Neither paid much attention at first.
Until Anuj noticed several couples moving toward the dance floor.
He glanced at Anjali.
She was absentmindedly tapping her fingers to the music.
"Do you dance?" he asked.
Anjali looked at him suspiciously.
"Is that a trick question?"
"No."
"Because if this is some corporate team-building exercise, I'm leaving."
Anuj laughed.
"No presentations. No meetings. Just dancing."
Anjali shook her head immediately.
"I'm not dancing."
"Fine."
Anuj stood.
Anjali smiled victoriously.
Then he extended his hand toward her.
"Would you do me the honor of proving how terrible you are at dancing?"
Anjali stared at his hand.
Then at his face.
Then back at his hand.
A small smile escaped her.
"You are impossible."
"I've been told."
A few moments later they found themselves on the edge of the dance floor.
The music was soft and slow.
Anjali immediately looked nervous.
"I should warn you."
"About what?"
"I may step on your feet."
Anuj nodded seriously.
"I own the restaurant tonight."
"You don't."
"I don't?"
"No."
"Then we're both in danger."
Anjali laughed.
As the song continued, she placed her one hand over his shoulder and with her permission Anuj gently placed one hand at her waist while holding her other hand.
For a second, Anjali became very aware of how close they were standing.
The laughter slowly faded.
The world around them seemed quieter.
The lights blurred.
The crowd disappeared.
Only the music remained.
Anuj noticed her hesitation.
"You okay?"
Anjali nodded softly.
"Yes."
His grip remained gentle, giving her space to pull away if she wanted.
She didn't.
Instead, she took a small step closer.
They moved slowly to the rhythm.
Neither was particularly focused on dancing.
They were focused on each other.
Anjali looked down.
"See? I told you I'd step on your feet."
"You've only done it twice."
"Three times."
Anuj smiled.
"I was trying to protect your confidence."
She rolled her eyes.
"You are terrible at lying."
"I know."
The song reached its softer chorus.
For the first time that evening, neither was laughing.
Anjali found herself looking directly into his eyes.
There was something comforting there.
Safe, Warm and Familiar.
A feeling she hadn't expected.
Anuj felt it too.
For years he had carried memories of a girl he once admired from afar.
Now she was standing in his arms.
And completely unaware of how important this moment felt to him.
As the song ended, neither moved immediately.
The applause around them finally pulled them back to reality.
Anjali blinked.
"We should probably stop standing here."
"Probably."
Once they stepped away from each other both realized something warmer settled between them.
In another 20 minutes they finished the dinner and they walked out of the restaurant.
As they reached the door of Anjali's hotel room, both of them slowed down, neither quite ready for the evening to end.
The corridor was quiet, illuminated by the soft golden lights fixed along the walls. For a few moments, they simply stood there, looking at each other.
"Thank you for tonight," Anjali said softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I haven't laughed this much in a very long time."
Anuj's smile widened. "That's because you finally met someone who can match your level of madness."
Anjali rolled her eyes. "Please. You were the one dancing with a flower vase and calling it your dance partner."
"I was a very graceful dance partner."
Both burst into laughter again.
The laughter slowly faded, leaving behind a comfortable silence. Anjali felt strangely reluctant to say goodbye. The evening had been unexpected, carefree, and far more special than she wanted to admit.
"Good night, Anuj."
"Good night, Anjali."
Almost instinctively, they stepped forward and embraced.
It was meant to be a simple friendly hug, but somehow it lingered a few seconds longer than either had intended.
Anjali felt the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek while Anuj closed his eyes briefly, enjoying the warmth of her presence.
Then, realizing the moment was becoming something more, they gently pulled apart.
For a second, their eyes met.
A strange flutter passed through both of them.
Anjali quickly looked away.
"I should go in."
"Yeah," Anuj replied, unable to stop smiling.
She unlocked the door and stepped inside. Before closing it, she turned back once.
"Good night. For real this time."
Anuj chuckled.
"For real this time."
The door closed softly.
Anuj remained standing there for a moment, staring at the closed door with an expression he couldn't hide even if he tried.
Then he shook his head and laughed to himself.
"What is happening to me?"
Still smiling, he slipped his hands into his pockets and walked toward his own room down the corridor.
The memory of her laughter, the sparkle in her eyes, and the warmth of their hug replayed in his mind again and again.
For the first time in years, the usually composed and practical Anuj Kapadia felt ridiculously happy for no reason at all.
As he entered his room, a smile remained on his face.
Love,
ST
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