Chapter 10.5: Interlude

I've tried something new with the interlude.  Its not a normal 'story' style of writing.  I've tried my best to describe the 3 years gap of the leap with suitable quotes, song lyrics, and most importantly, a few of the e-mails exchanged between Khushi and the others.  Its just to give a general idea of what went on in the 3 years...the particulars will be explored with my usual updates.

I hope you guys like what I've tried with this...kind of nervous since its the first time I'm trying my hand at an 'Interlude'.  So..here goes...

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"Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence.  A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny.  And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over."  - Octavia Butler

*

Khushi

(Yaariyan Reprise.  Film: Cocktail)

Alvida Yaara Alvida, Ho Rahe Tumse Hum Judaa,

Le chale Saare Gham tere, Khush Rahe yaara Tu Sadaa.

Tumse Bhi Zyaada Hongi, Ab Yaadein Pyaariyan,

Hum Dono Ki Hai Apni Apni Lachaariyan.

Ab Hanste Hanste Tum Pe Le Khushiyan Vaariyan,

Marz Bhi Hai Deti, Chain Bhi Hai Deti,

Dard Bhi Hai Deti, Jaan Bhi Hai Leti Yaariyan.

* 

Arnav

(Words I couldn't Say.  By: Rascal Flatts)

There it was at the tip of my fingers,

There it was on the tip of my tongue.

There you were and I had never been that far,

There it was the whole world wrapped inside my arms.

And I let it all slip away.

What do I do now that you're gone,

No backup plan, no second chance,

And no one else to blame.

All I can hear in the silence that remains

Are the words I couldn't say

*

Dear Khushi,

I called you about five minutes ago but you didn't pick up.  I'm guessing you're in class.  Give me a call back as soon as possible.  If you can't get through to me, shoot me an e-mail.  It's important.  For now, I'll just tell you that Shanaya isn't pregnant.  Never was.  She lied.  Arnav and Ro have gone to deal with the situation.  Arnav is furious beyond belief.

Give me call as soon as possible.

Love you and miss you, as always.

Anjali.

p.s: I think you must've lost your diary during your travelling.  It's not here.  I'm sorry.

*

Hey you!

Look, I know you're angry with me for leaving.  I know I should have been there with you as a best friend but I was so hurt by your lies.  I had to make it here in time for my move-in date as well.  At least respond to my e-mails.  You don't even talk to me on the phone.  I thought our friendship was better than that, Arnav.  Just reply once okay?

I want my best friend back! :(

Khush

*

Khush,

I know I have hurt you a lot and I honestly can't tell you how much I hate myself for it.  I didn't find out in time that you were leaving otherwise I would have come to see you off, at least.  You know that, don't you?  You don't think I didn't show up on purpose, do you?

A lot has happened in the last month and I've just recently sorted everything out.  Serves me right, doesn't it?  Having those flings came back to bite me in the a**.

Anyway, I'm really happy for you and really proud of you too.  The only thing I don't like about this news is that you're so far from me.  I'm just hoping that Di gets married soon or that these four years pass quickly.

I probably shouldn't be hopeful for a reply from you but I am.  I'll be waiting to hear back from you, Khush.

yours,

Arnav.

*

Khushi

(Stand.  By: Rascal Flatts)

You feel like a candle in a hurricane,

Just like a picture with a broken frame.

Alone and helpless, like you've lost your fight,

But you'll be alright, you'll be alright.

Cause when push comes to shove

You taste what you're made of

You might bend till you break

Cause it's all you can take

On your knees you look up,

Decide you've had enough.

You get mad, you get strong,

Wipe your hands, shake it off,

Then you stand, yeah, then you stand.

*

Arnav

(Aadat.  Film: Kalyug)

Saath Mere Hai Tu Har Pal,

Shab ke Andhere mein

Paas mere hai tu har dum

Ujale sawere mein

Dil se dhadkan bhukla dena asaan nahi hai

Ab to aadat si hai mujhko aise jeene mein

Juda hoke bhi, tu mujh mein kahin baaki hai

Palkon mein ban ke aansoo, tu chali aati hai

*

Khushi,

I need to talk to you as soon as possible.  I have some questions for you and I need to know the answers desperately.  Please reply back to this one e-mail and if you want, I wont talk to you again after this.  But please...It's really important.

Arnav

*

Hey,

I saw your interview on TV today.  I can't tell you how proud I am.  I always knew you'll succeed in whatever you do.  Arnav Singh Raizada, one of the most eligible bachelors in the country- That's pretty huge, isn't it?

So I know that you're not mad at me for leaving...you wore the tie that I gifted to you for your birthday.  I just don't understand why you still don't respond to my e-mails or talk to me anymore.  I don't even know why I keep writing these e-mails when I know you won't reply.  Maybe I'm still hopeful that I'll have my best friend back.  That title still belongs to you...despite the fact that you're a stupid jerk!

Khush.

*

Hey Khushi!

So guess what happened?   I managed to pop the question at last and...She said YES!  As of two hours ago, Anjie and I are engaged.  Finally, nearly six years of being together and she finally said yes!  

Wish you were here with us for the celebration!  Its okay, I guess, as long as you attend all of our wedding rituals...starting from the cocktail party Arnav is throwing for us.  Anjali will e-mail you the details once we have them. 

I owe this happiness to you...you were the one who got Anjali and me together.  Thank you for everything!

Rohan

P.s:  Arnav is the same as he's been in the past three years.  You should see how his employees cower around him.  They look like lambs locked in a cage with an untamed lion! Perhaps we'll see a change for the better once you two meet again.

*

I'M ENGAGED!!!  But I know you know already!  I can't tell you how happy I am!  It's everything I could have ever asked for!  Now I know you're a busy doctor-in-the-making but I really hope that you're able to make it to India for the summer.  I know with time, the e-mails and phone calls are becoming less frequent but that doesn't mean that we're no longer friends, right?  You're still my best friend, Khushi.  I really would love it if you could make it to my wedding and the related ceremonies.

I've attached the invitation to the cocktail party.  I'll see you there!

I love you!  xoxo

Anjali

*

Dear Anjali and Ro,

Congratulations to both of you on your engagement.  You two are a match made in heaven and I was just Devi Maiyaa's messenger who had to bring you two closer. 

Yes Anjali, we're still as good friends as we ever were.  Life gets busy and communication fades a little but the love doesn't.

I really want to be there for your wedding and the related celebrations but I won't be able to make it.  Next year is my internship and there is a lot that needs to be done over the summer before that starts.  I feel horrible for breaking my promise to you, but I'll be there in spirit.  Always.

My best wishes are with you two.  I will try to visit Mr. Rohan Oberoi and Mrs. Anjali Rohan Oberoi as soon as possible!

I love you guys. <3

Khushi.

p.s:  Please tell Arnav that my absence in your wedding has nothing to do with him.

Pps:  I am truly sorry that I won't be able to make it. :(

*

Hey Khush,

I'm sure that by now you would have found out about Ro and Di's engagement.  I know that things between us have changed.  You haven't responded to any of my e-mails but that's okay.  I deserve that for how much I've hurt you.  But please, don't let that get in the way of your friendship with Di.

I have attached an invitation to a cocktail party that I'm throwing for her and Ro and I'm really hoping that you'll be there.  

ASR.

*

Arnav

(Meri Kismat Mein Tu Nahi Shayad, Film: Prem Rog)- Thank you Swati, for the suggestion!

Meri kismat mein tu nahi shayad,

Kyun tera Intezaar karta hoon?

Mein tujhe kal bhi pyaar karta tha,

Mein tujhe abb bhi pyaar karta hoon.

*

Khushi

(I Will Survive, By: Gloria Gaynor)

As Long As I Know How To Love,

I Know I'll Stay Alive.

I've got all my life to live,

I've got all my love to give.

And I will survive.

*

"In true Love, the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distances can be bridged." - Hans Nouwens.