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Goldenhaze Fiction<br />
The MIRAGE 1
The MIRAGE 2<br />
PROLOGUE<br />
Life is an enigma…<br />
For those who understand it, it is an intermission between two births!<br />
For those who try to, it’s an illusion!<br />
For those who fight it …it’s an eluding loop;<br />
For those who question it, it’s a riddle,<br />
But for those who live it,<br />
Its either pure hell or sweet heaven!<br />
For some it’s an open book;<br />
…Yet for many, its a MIRAGE!<br />
Khushi stood staring into oblivion, her eyes showing nothingness in them! Life has never<br />
been easy for her. Not in the past, not then, but it never went the way it was destined to<br />
till then.<br />
A different situation, a different turn, and an absolutely different dimension in her life!<br />
As she stood on the terrace of her ancestral house-her home-the legendary SHEESH<br />
MAHAL, with all its secrets and stories from times unknown, she imagined the first time<br />
her cries echoed in the huge corridors of a house that is actually an old fortress. …After<br />
all, her ancestors were from a royal lineage. Although fallen from wealth, for centuries,<br />
they still preserved their pride and the family honour came to be of paramount<br />
importance.<br />
Now the legend she has grown up listening to, was again going to come true and in a<br />
different way of course, and she would walk towards her own destruction for her family<br />
and its honour.<br />
“Baby saa, amma bulaavath hai.”<br />
(Baby, mother has sent for you)<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 3<br />
DISCLAIMER<br />
All the work on these novels is a work of fiction.<br />
These are novels that are penned by the author Goldenhaze. All the names,<br />
characters, locales, businesses & professions, events and incidents are the<br />
product of the author's imagination.<br />
The religious or cultural rituals or any situations or any scientific or sociological,<br />
legal and super natural assumptions made are to be understood as concocted as<br />
part of the fiction and not otherwise.<br />
Some facts may have been used for authenticity, but it may be understood that<br />
these are used for purely fictional purposes and not for any other reason,<br />
whatsoever.<br />
ABOUT GOLDENHAZE<br />
Goldenhaze is the pen name of the author AnuRam who is a doctorate in<br />
Business management and writes fiction for hobby. Her first novel The Mirage,<br />
was set in the back drop of Rajasthan and highlighted the theme of women<br />
empowerment, woven into romance and intrigue. The sequel of the Miirage, The<br />
Pursuit was again a romantic thriller which was much appreciated. Goldenhaze<br />
has also written several novels including The Masquerade, An Evening with U,<br />
and The WhisperValley and Vaishali.<br />
Known for the variety in her story settings, and the usage of local flavors &<br />
languages Goldenhaze is also known for her blog goldenhazefiction.blogspot.in<br />
which has many ongoing works of her like A Dialogue in the Dark, The<br />
Inexplicable Attraction and the Contrivance.<br />
Currently Goldenhaze is working on the launch of a new stream of intense<br />
romance, under the name Destiny series, with Deepthimaan- a character she<br />
created in Mirage as the lead, who also happens to be the pivotal character in<br />
her much acclaimed novel Destiny U&ME.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 4<br />
13. At the Party<br />
As Arnav wove his way through the guests who have been invited for the<br />
conference, he called Aman.<br />
"Sir, we are at the main reception," Aman informed him.<br />
"Aman, don't! Just come by the rear entrance, and take passes issued by<br />
the hotel security and come to passage 4…" he instructed as he made he<br />
turned towards the entrance of the passage 4.<br />
It was a crucial day. He will have to play his cards right. Khushi, if she just kept<br />
quiet, it was more than enough! He should have spoken to her, and<br />
instructed her but he was so busy, as well as so jumbled up from inside<br />
that he could not muster enough mood to speak to her.<br />
As he reached the base of the staircase that led to passage 4, a hand fell<br />
on his shoulder, and he turned back to see who it was!<br />
"Arnav, my friend a little surprise for the newly wedded couple from my<br />
side! You go first on to the dais with me now, and then I shall call upon<br />
Mrs. Raizada! See, it’s for both of you, but she is the guest of honour<br />
today! Let’s give her a spectacular entry!" Mirchandani said, as Arnav<br />
rolled his eyes up in exasperation at the theatrics of the man, who was<br />
known to be very flashy.<br />
Arnav felt like punching him on his pug face, as he was counting on<br />
briefing Khushi. But there was no time as the Mini starlet hired as the<br />
anchor cum DJ for the party already announced their names.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 5<br />
He walked in through the entrance and turned back once to see if Khushi<br />
reached, and proceeded on to the dais as the anchor announced, "Ladies<br />
and gentlemen, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada!"<br />
Khushi turned the other corner and stepped into the passage exactly<br />
when Arnav left the passage, and did not find her husband waiting for her.<br />
Aman saw her face and said," Sir will join you soon," for which she smiled,<br />
even he had a heart! But not her hubby!<br />
They both walked into the passage and Aman supplied, checking his<br />
mobile, "Ma'am, he says walk right on to the dais. He is there, and your<br />
name is going to be…" they reached the entrance to the dais by then, and<br />
heard, "And presenting," there was a pause... Mr. Madhav Mirchandani<br />
took the mike and was saying, "Good Evening ladies and gentlemen!"<br />
Khushi tried to adjust her eyes to the dazzling lights.<br />
"Today we are here as an extension of the celebrations at the Raizada<br />
House." Arnav raised an eyebrow at the extent to which Mirchandani was<br />
going to please him and make himself appear as a Raizada well-wisher<br />
and family member.<br />
"The new addition to the Raizada family and my friend Arnav's wonderful<br />
bride," Mirchandani paused and covered the mike and asked Arnav, "I've<br />
heard she is from a royal family should I call her princess or Her<br />
Highness?"<br />
Arnav who was irritated said, "Just call her ‘Khushi’! That'll be fine!"<br />
"Mrs. Khushi Raizada..." Mirchandani continued. "I request her to grace<br />
the dais. "<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 6<br />
There was applause and Arnav looked to his right as everyone was looking<br />
that way, and stood still as the applause broke to loud cheers and even<br />
hoots and then again followed by a big applause.<br />
He Saw…<br />
A lady who walked confidently up the stairs wished the DJ by giving her a<br />
half hug and peck, and then said, “Namasthey and thank you Mr.<br />
Mirchandani!”<br />
She then turned and waved to the press, invitees and the world.<br />
She came and stood by him, and held on to his arm very casually. Arnav<br />
could not make out anything in the beginning, as he had lights glaring into<br />
his eyes, and could see only her silhouette. But when she came and<br />
walked past him to stand by his side, he saw her and just stood without<br />
blinking an eye, as she turned acknowledging him shyly and smiled at him.<br />
His breath hitched in his chest.<br />
She looked gorgeous and very chic. No extra jewellery. Minimum make up!<br />
The clips she wore and whatever she did to her hair made her look young,<br />
fresh and absolutely adorable. But her gait, her jewellery, and her outfit<br />
made her look, …look like a queen! He concluded.<br />
When she turned, the sun shoulder band, which was two layered, and<br />
spread across her shoulders running from one on to the other on her<br />
chest, shone and made her look like a Goddess! As she bent her head<br />
slightly holding on to his left arm, her hair showed highlights suiting her<br />
golden sun theme, and her sun clips with the diamonds in them flared<br />
once on, once off, and gave her the look of a mythical beauty.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 7<br />
Arnav found he was staring at her, and noticed that the rest of the people<br />
on the dais were already smiling at his reaction. His mouth was open<br />
dammit!<br />
Arnav Singh Raizada drooling over a girl like a crazy college kid! But he had<br />
to give it to her. She had a fantastic dress sense. None would select a dark<br />
colour for an evening like that! She chose brown instead of black, which<br />
was the most preferred colour usually, would not have been appropriate<br />
for an after wedding party! And she chose golden theme with the sun! It<br />
was a clever move as in the lights, the tiny mirrors embedded here and<br />
there in her long skirt rippled like the water in a lake reflecting the setting<br />
sun. From a distance, she was all flashes of golden light here and there!<br />
WOW! He thought and couldn't help but feel proud of his wife!<br />
Cameras flashed everywhere, as all the press and media people started<br />
pestering the couple to come forward. Arnav got out of the trance and<br />
they were asking questions:<br />
"Mr. Raizada, Mr. Raizada!"<br />
"When did you plan to get married?"<br />
"Why was the marriage kept a secret?"<br />
"Mr. Raizada, we heard that your wife is from a royal lineage! Can you fill<br />
us in on it?"<br />
"Mr. Raizada, is it a love marriage?"<br />
"Will she work with you?"<br />
"Where did the two of you meet?"<br />
"Now we have a press meet shortly in the conference hall ..." Mirchandani<br />
warded the press off, as Arnav whispered something into his ear.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 8<br />
"... And only ASR will answer all your questions! This would be for a halfhour<br />
and the party shall resume!"<br />
"What about… What about Mrs. Raizada?" Several voices asked, for which<br />
they did not get any reply, only a 'thank you' from Mirchandani.<br />
Mirchandani met Khushi and introduced her to several of his family<br />
members, including his daughter who had aspired to be Mrs. Raizada.<br />
Khushi greeted them politely, and Arnav excused himself for a few<br />
minutes and turned to Khushi. Aman stood at a respectable distance.<br />
"Good! You have good taste or is it Aman's choice?" He waved his hand at<br />
Aman.<br />
"Shukriya!" (Thank you!) Khushi said, but Aman could not let her just be,<br />
without taking any credit. He had begun to like her. He said, "Sir, its<br />
Ma'am's own creation!"<br />
"What?" Arnav was surprised.<br />
Khushi smiled in reply.<br />
"It’s fabulous!" He said, and as he tried to tell her he appreciated her<br />
coming over at such short notice, he was pulled back into a long<br />
introduction with the invitees, who were people from all over the business<br />
world. He casually draped an arm around Khushi's waist, and spoke to all<br />
of them introducing her.<br />
Khushi looked at her husband. He looked very handsome in the western<br />
outfit. He spoke well, and people were in awe of him. But, most<br />
importantly the warmth of his arm around her was very palpable. His<br />
palm was almost on her tummy as his hand circled her tiny waist to rest<br />
on her waistband. She was surprised at her awareness to his touch! He<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 9<br />
was oblivious of her inner feelings and was chatting away with his friends<br />
and associates.<br />
Hey Devi Mayya! bahut mushkil hai!<br />
(This is going to be very difficult, God!)<br />
She closed her eyes.<br />
"Khushi, you ok?" He enquired.<br />
"Hum theek hain!" ( Yeah) She replied.<br />
Arnav draped his arm around her, as he could not resist doing it and why<br />
not! She was the best-dressed and most beautiful lady at the party. His<br />
wife! Others just faded before her! But he had a new problem on hand!<br />
None of his family members were present, and he had to go to the<br />
conference hall for the press meet. How could she be left alone? He did<br />
not want her to be exposed to the press! That’s what he told Mirchandani<br />
in his ear that he would never allow his wife to face the sharks.<br />
He needed Aman, as the meet would also be addressed by Mirchandani<br />
group, and their new project so ... well! Arnav turned to Khushi and said,<br />
"Khushi, will you be ok? I need to address a press meet." He closed his<br />
eyes.<br />
Dammit! She did not know anyone!<br />
How would she survive in a sea of strangers!<br />
Mr. Mirchandani came, and he provided Khushi with an escort- his wife<br />
Mrs. Mrin Mirchandani much to the relief of Arnav.<br />
Arnav left Khushi reluctantly, and faded into the crowd.<br />
"My husband likes your husband very much! In fact we wanted our Winny<br />
to get married to him" Mrin told Khushi!"<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 10<br />
Khushi smiled and said... "Who would not want such a man for their<br />
daughter?"<br />
Mrin was caustic with Khushi, but the moment she heard Khushi, she<br />
realized that Khushi was very simple and liked her instantly. The rest of<br />
the evening, they got along like a house on fire.<br />
Mrin introduced her to so many people that Khushi started feeling dizzy!<br />
After a while, making sure that Khushi was comfortable in a chair by the<br />
pool where the party had spread with a mocktail in her hand, Mrin went to<br />
check over the dinner preparations.<br />
Khushi missed home! The pool reminded her of Taaravar, and Amma,<br />
Babuji and her room with its mirrored walls, and the ceiling with intricate<br />
paintings, and the jharoka that looked out on to the river Reva.<br />
"Hey Devi Mayya! Humey yeh kahan ley aayi aap! Jaane kya hai humaare<br />
bhagya mein."<br />
(Mother divine! Where have you brought me to! I don’t know what’s in<br />
store for me.)<br />
She sighed inwardly.<br />
"So you are the princess of nowhere who ASR dragged out from the mud!"<br />
A raspy voice croaked. Khushi looked at a pair of long bare and very<br />
brown legs, when she turned towards the voice.<br />
-----THE MIRAGE-----<br />
"What does Mrs. Raizada do Mr. Raizada, that is, apart from taming you?"<br />
A lady reporter asked him on a lighter note! There was laughter<br />
everywhere.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 11<br />
"She will not be so free to pursue anything else other than pursuing me at<br />
the moment! Next?" He winked, and he turned on his charm a thousand<br />
volts more and gave the reporter his smirk. All the others drooled while<br />
the rest laughed.<br />
Question evaded! He thought. But the truth was he did not know! What the<br />
@#$%! He had the Mirchandani history by heart before he even called<br />
them for talks, and he married a lady without knowing what she does!<br />
"Any plans for honeymoon?"<br />
Someone else asked.<br />
"Will send a press release before and after,” he paused deliberately and<br />
said, “I board the flight, complete with pictures! Next?" He smirked again.<br />
The lady reporters blushed, and the men cheered him.<br />
Good another question evaded!<br />
"Would you like her to join you at work?" A senior reporter asked.<br />
-----THE MIRAGE-----<br />
"Ji?" Khushi said.<br />
"Get up!" Ms. Long Bare legs said.<br />
"KYA?" (What?) Khushi gave her a one over.<br />
Whoever she was! She was very rude!<br />
"Just get up? Who are you and what did you do to trap ASR like this?" The<br />
lady asked.<br />
"Aap kaun!" (Who are you?) Khushi enquired but she already could guess<br />
who she was.<br />
"Shut up! I ask, uuu answer..." She swooned forward.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 12<br />
Khushi realised that the lady she was talking to was drunk so early in the<br />
evening!<br />
"Oh! Stop playing the innocent! I know your types very well!" Ms. Long<br />
Bare legs spat at her.<br />
Khushi ignored her and kept sipping her drink.<br />
"La! La! When did you land?" A male voice greeted her, followed by the<br />
man who was very stylishly dressed and was visibly happy to see La.<br />
La! So she guessed it right! She happens to be her husband's girlfriend!<br />
Khushi thought.<br />
"Yes waheee! Bburp!" La hiccupped.<br />
"Oh you are done already my dear!" He said eying Khushi.<br />
"Not yet! Wahid! Not before I scratch her eyes out of their sockets!" La<br />
replied, spewing venom.<br />
"Tch Tch Tch! What a pity! She has lovely eyes! ...and sockets too!" He<br />
complimented Khushi sarcastically that made La laugh and giggle<br />
wickedly.<br />
Khushi got up and turned to them, as everyone nearby was staring at<br />
them and it began to grow embarrassing.<br />
-----THE MIRAGE-----<br />
"Well! The decision is for her to take - If she wishes to, then why not?<br />
Next!" ASR successfully answered the query.<br />
"Why did you marry in haste ASR?" A very young lady reporter asked.<br />
Arnav was expecting this question but not put in this way. He gave the<br />
lady a very boyishly wicked stare and said, "So that I can repent in leisure.”<br />
Everyone laughed but the lady persisted, "Sir please we want to know!"<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 13<br />
Pat came the reply from Arnav...<br />
-----THE MIRAGE-----<br />
Khushi thought the better of it and walked past them, but La caught her<br />
left arm and whirled her around.<br />
"Chodiye humey!"<br />
(Leave me alone)<br />
Khushi insisted.<br />
"Awwwe! Not possible sweetie, you see I have a score to settle!" La<br />
said viciously.<br />
"Dekhiye hum aapko jaanthey bhi nahi! Sab yahan humey dekhrahein hain."<br />
(Listen! I don't even know you and everyone is staring at us!)<br />
Khushi tried to hush her, while the others were enjoying the show.<br />
"I don't care! You are a bitch! What did you do to my poor baby? He didn't<br />
even know you two days prior to the wedding. Did you get married or is it<br />
a deal by the deal Master?" Lavanya was so drunk that she did not know<br />
what she was doing or saying!<br />
"Excuse me!" Khushi tried to leave. Lavanya did not let her go.<br />
"You are a princess? Of which kingdom? Where is your crown?" She tried<br />
to pull at Khushi's hair.<br />
Khushi realised how drunk she was, and just moved back and La fell<br />
forward on to the couch. She got infuriated and she spread her hand to<br />
catch hold of Khushi.<br />
Aman stood in between Khushi and La saying, "La, back off before the<br />
boss comes and throws you out!"<br />
"Let him! I don't care for that arrogant son of a #$%^&! Tell that…"<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 14<br />
"Enough!" ASRs voice boomed making everyone but Khushi turn.<br />
"Hi! Welcome!" Lavanya giggled.<br />
ASR found everyone enjoying the entire drama! He coolly looked at Aman,<br />
and Aman moved back.<br />
Then he looked at Khushi. But she was not looking at him. She just stood<br />
gazing nowhere.<br />
Somehow it pricked him that just she stood there unaffected. She should<br />
feel something! Anger at least! How can she just act as if she is not affected at<br />
all!<br />
Although he didn't listen to the entire conversation, he listened to most of<br />
it, as he walked down the huge hall as La was quite audible. He just rushed<br />
out having got Aman's timely text message.<br />
He found Khushi to be surprisingly a better handler of the situation.<br />
Women! Otherwise he was expecting a catfight! At least he knew La very<br />
well.<br />
"Khushi?" He called.<br />
Khushi was very embarrassed! The way she was brought up was entirely<br />
different, and she really felt sad to be in such a fix on her first ever public<br />
appearance.<br />
"Khushi, you ok?"<br />
She looked at him then.<br />
ASR was again taken by the expressions conveyed by her eyes. They were<br />
red at the corners. He knew now. It meant anger and they gleamed. That<br />
meant absolute control over self, and they shone…that indicated tears<br />
that wouldn't be shed.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 15<br />
"ASR How can you leave me for this...$%^!" La lamented.<br />
“Mind your language La!” He raised his hand, and said in a low menacing<br />
voice.<br />
"Ye hosh mein nai hain! Aap inse baath kijiye aur samjhayiye!<br />
(She is drunk! Handle her with care!)<br />
And saying, "Excuse me," Khushi left the place to Mrin who was helplessly<br />
staring at them.<br />
Aman beamed at his favourite lady! What a lady, he thought. She just<br />
brushed the boss off and gave him a tip too saying, La was drunk so he<br />
should be softer on her! How generous and classy!<br />
ASR was shocked, and he noticed how royal Khushi's behaviour was! No<br />
tantrums! No clinging! No name-calling! No complaints! She left the scene<br />
created by La ... what they call… Royally! Head high, back stiff as if she has<br />
admonished two squabbling subjects of her court for an out of court<br />
settlement. This lady is ...Different!<br />
He turned to la and told her, "You didn't take any of my calls! We were<br />
finished long back and I told you so. Still I texted you! You did not<br />
respond."<br />
He paused and gave a glare to Wahid. Wahid backed off!<br />
"Anyway, your contract ends with the AR group! I have recommended you<br />
to the Mirchandani project, so all the best for that!" He said.<br />
"And remember once and for all, the lady you spoke rubbish to, is my wife!<br />
Next time you even try to look at her, just remember that I will wipe you<br />
and your pups off the face of this planet." He said very sternly.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 16<br />
"I accept we did not have a proper formal goodbye. So, here it is from me!<br />
Good Bye La!" He said with a sense of finality.<br />
He turned and his eyes searched for Khushi, who was being made to drink<br />
a glass of water by Mrin. Darling Mrin! He should send her a gift the next<br />
day for all the help!<br />
Mirchandani prevailed and said, “Let’s start dinner!”<br />
Arnav walked and was joined by Mrin and Khushi! He tried to talk, but<br />
guests surrounded Khushi, and she refused to acknowledge him. He<br />
seethed! ASR did that to others! Not others to ASR!<br />
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Mirchandani announced, "Lets congratulate this<br />
wonderful couple and I request all of you to proceed with dinner and then<br />
dance!" He said amidst applause and cheers.<br />
"Let me toast for the couple!" He called Arnav and Khushi and Mrin on to<br />
the embankment.<br />
"Let the bride do that this time!" Wahid cheered, and Lavanya snidely<br />
smiled at ASR. Now what will you do? She raised her eyebrows at him.<br />
People clapped and chanted, "Kooshi! Khooshi! Khooshi!"<br />
ASR was infuriated and he was also feeling extremely embarrassed before<br />
Khushi. She must be thinking the worst of him. Hell! La! You will pay for this!<br />
He thought.<br />
Mr. Mirchandani looked at Khushi expectantly, and as ASR tried to ward<br />
him off, Khushi stepped forward and took the mike.<br />
There was pin drop silence suddenly…<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 17<br />
"Not here on the dais Ma'am, lighting problem. Please Ma'am, please!" The<br />
reporters pestered... And ASR realised now things have gone out of hand.<br />
He would screw Mirchandani! Idiot should have planned properly!<br />
Khushi did not even look at Arnav. She walked down the embankment,<br />
and went up to the dais. The dais was an elevated plank that was erected<br />
in the center of the dinner tables set for four guests at a time, and was<br />
well lit from the sides by special lights as well as a huge chandelier that<br />
hung from the ceiling.<br />
Khushi walked up and stood and turned to face Mr. & Mrs. Mirchandani<br />
and Arnav.<br />
She held a flute with a mocktail in one hand and said in perfect English,<br />
"Good Evening everybody! I bear gifts of love, harmony and a promise of<br />
absolute trust from my land and its people, to the beautiful friends of this<br />
great city! Mr. and Mrs. Mirchandani, I thank you for presenting me to this<br />
wonderful world. I come from the land of sun, and hope my life would be<br />
as dazzling here!"<br />
Then she raised her flute and looked at Arnav, who was stunned with his<br />
mouth open for the second time that evening, square into his eyes and<br />
said, "I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart's affections, and<br />
the truth of the imagination!"<br />
She quoted Keats and said, "I would like to propose a toast to my<br />
husband, Arnavji!"<br />
"Arnavji, we married in haste, but we shall cherish each other in leisure!<br />
May I tell you that!"<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 18<br />
Then she quoted the famous words from the Breaking Dawn, "No<br />
measure of time with you would be long enough, but we'll start with<br />
forever!"<br />
Silence!<br />
One min!<br />
Two!<br />
Three!<br />
Khushi turned to the reporters and then the applause began, and it went<br />
on and on... and people cheered genuinely...<br />
…In awe!<br />
…In wonder!<br />
…In adoration and...<br />
…In admiration!<br />
Arnav just could not believe his eyes, or his ears. She was perfection<br />
personified! And he felt as if he was slapped! What did he say? ...Repent in<br />
leisure and she...? Cherish!<br />
And he looked at her waving! And noticed something odd! Good God! The<br />
chandelier was falling!<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
The MIRAGE 19<br />
He started running towards the dais already!<br />
And then it happened. CCCRRRAAASHHH!<br />
The chandelier atop Khushi's head fell with a crash, and just before it hit<br />
her a pair of strong hands seized her and whirled her from under it!<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
Goldenhaze Fiction<br />
The MIRAGE 20