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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 ei<strong>the</strong>r 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 <strong>the</strong>m! Life has never<br />
been easy for her. Not in <strong>the</strong> past, not <strong>the</strong>n, but it never went <strong>the</strong> way it was destined to<br />
till <strong>the</strong>n.<br />
A different situation, a different turn, and an absolutely different dimension in her life!<br />
As she stood on <strong>the</strong> terrace of her ancestral house-her home-<strong>the</strong> legendary SHEESH<br />
MAHAL, with all its secrets and stories from times unknown, she imagined <strong>the</strong> first time<br />
her cries echoed in <strong>the</strong> 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 />
<strong>the</strong>y still preserved <strong>the</strong>ir pride and <strong>the</strong> family honour came to be of paramount<br />
importance.<br />
Now <strong>the</strong> 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, mo<strong>the</strong>r has sent for you)<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
THE MIRAGE 3<br />
DISCLAIMER<br />
All <strong>the</strong> work on <strong>the</strong>se novels is a work of fiction.<br />
These are novels that are penned by <strong>the</strong> author Goldenhaze. All <strong>the</strong> names,<br />
characters, locales, businesses & professions, events and incidents are <strong>the</strong><br />
product of <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> fiction and not o<strong>the</strong>rwise.<br />
Some facts may have been used for au<strong>the</strong>nticity, but it may be understood that<br />
<strong>the</strong>se are used for purely fictional purposes and not for any o<strong>the</strong>r reason,<br />
whatsoever.<br />
ABOUT GOLDENHAZE<br />
Goldenhaze is <strong>the</strong> pen name of <strong>the</strong> author AnuRam who is a doctorate in<br />
Business management and writes fiction for hobby. Her first novel The Mirage,<br />
was set in <strong>the</strong> back drop of Rajasthan and highlighted <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me of women<br />
empowerment, woven into romance and intrigue. The sequel of <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> variety in her story settings, and <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> Dark, The<br />
Inexplicable Attraction and <strong>the</strong> Contrivance.<br />
Currently Goldenhaze is working on <strong>the</strong> launch of a new stream of intense<br />
romance, under <strong>the</strong> name Destiny series, with Deepthimaan- a character she<br />
created in Mirage as <strong>the</strong> lead, who also happens to be <strong>the</strong> pivotal character in<br />
her much acclaimed novel Destiny U&ME.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
THE MIRAGE 4<br />
13. At <strong>the</strong> Party<br />
As Arnav wove his way through <strong>the</strong> guests who have been invited for <strong>the</strong><br />
conference, he called Aman.<br />
"Sir, we are at <strong>the</strong> main reception," Aman informed him.<br />
"Aman, don't! Just come by <strong>the</strong> rear entrance, and take passes issued by<br />
<strong>the</strong> hotel security and come to passage 4…" he instructed as he made he<br />
turned towards <strong>the</strong> entrance of <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> base of <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> newly wedded couple from my<br />
side! You go first on to <strong>the</strong> dais with me now, and <strong>the</strong>n I shall call upon<br />
Mrs. Raizada! See, it’s for both of you, but she is <strong>the</strong> guest of honour<br />
today! Let’s give her a spectacular entry!" Mirchandani said, as Arnav<br />
rolled his eyes up in exasperation at <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>atrics of <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong>re was no time as <strong>the</strong> Mini starlet hired as <strong>the</strong><br />
anchor cum DJ for <strong>the</strong> party already announced <strong>the</strong>ir names.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
THE MIRAGE 5<br />
He walked in through <strong>the</strong> entrance and turned back once to see if Khushi<br />
reached, and proceeded on to <strong>the</strong> dais as <strong>the</strong> anchor announced, "Ladies<br />
and gentlemen, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada!"<br />
Khushi turned <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r corner and stepped into <strong>the</strong> passage exactly<br />
when Arnav left <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> passage and Aman supplied, checking his<br />
mobile, "Ma'am, he says walk right on to <strong>the</strong> dais. He is <strong>the</strong>re, and your<br />
name is going to be…" <strong>the</strong>y reached <strong>the</strong> entrance to <strong>the</strong> dais by <strong>the</strong>n, and<br />
heard, "And presenting," <strong>the</strong>re was a pause... Mr. Madhav Mirchandani<br />
took <strong>the</strong> mike and was saying, "Good Evening ladies and gentlemen!"<br />
Khushi tried to adjust her eyes to <strong>the</strong> dazzling lights.<br />
"Today we are here as an extension of <strong>the</strong> celebrations at <strong>the</strong> Raizada<br />
House." Arnav raised an eyebrow at <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> Raizada family and my friend Arnav's wonderful<br />
bride," Mirchandani paused and covered <strong>the</strong> 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 />
<strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> applause broke to loud cheers and even<br />
hoots and <strong>the</strong>n again followed by a big applause.<br />
He Saw…<br />
A lady who walked confidently up <strong>the</strong> stairs wished <strong>the</strong> DJ by giving her a<br />
half hug and peck, and <strong>the</strong>n said, “Namas<strong>the</strong>y and thank you Mr.<br />
Mirchandani!”<br />
She <strong>the</strong>n turned and waved to <strong>the</strong> press, invitees and <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
She came and stood by him, and held on to his arm very casually. Arnav<br />
could not make out anything in <strong>the</strong> 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, <strong>the</strong> sun shoulder band, which was two layered, and<br />
spread across her shoulders running from one on to <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r 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 <strong>the</strong>me, and her sun clips with <strong>the</strong> diamonds in <strong>the</strong>m flared<br />
once on, once off, and gave her <strong>the</strong> look of a mythical beauty.<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
THE MIRAGE 7<br />
Arnav found he was staring at her, and noticed that <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> people<br />
on <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> most preferred colour usually, would not have been appropriate<br />
for an after wedding party! And she chose golden <strong>the</strong>me with <strong>the</strong> sun! It<br />
was a clever move as in <strong>the</strong> lights, <strong>the</strong> tiny mirrors embedded here and<br />
<strong>the</strong>re in her long skirt rippled like <strong>the</strong> water in a lake reflecting <strong>the</strong> setting<br />
sun. From a distance, she was all flashes of golden light here and <strong>the</strong>re!<br />
WOW! He thought and couldn't help but feel proud of his wife!<br />
Cameras flashed everywhere, as all <strong>the</strong> press and media people started<br />
pestering <strong>the</strong> couple to come forward. Arnav got out of <strong>the</strong> trance and<br />
<strong>the</strong>y were asking questions:<br />
"Mr. Raizada, Mr. Raizada!"<br />
"When did you plan to get married?"<br />
"Why was <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> two of you meet?"<br />
"Now we have a press meet shortly in <strong>the</strong> conference hall ..." Mirchandani<br />
warded <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> party shall resume!"<br />
"What about… What about Mrs. Raizada?" Several voices asked, for which<br />
<strong>the</strong>y 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 <strong>the</strong>m 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 <strong>the</strong> invitees, who were people from all over <strong>the</strong> business<br />
world. He casually draped an arm around Khushi's waist, and spoke to all<br />
of <strong>the</strong>m introducing her.<br />
Khushi looked at her husband. He looked very handsome in <strong>the</strong> western<br />
outfit. He spoke well, and people were in awe of him. But, most<br />
importantly <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong>ek hain!" ( Yeah) She replied.<br />
Arnav draped his arm around her, as he could not resist doing it and why<br />
not! She was <strong>the</strong> best-dressed and most beautiful lady at <strong>the</strong> party. His<br />
wife! O<strong>the</strong>rs 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 <strong>the</strong><br />
conference hall for <strong>the</strong> press meet. How could she be left alone? He did<br />
not want her to be exposed to <strong>the</strong> press! That’s what he told Mirchandani<br />
in his ear that he would never allow his wife to face <strong>the</strong> sharks.<br />
He needed Aman, as <strong>the</strong> meet would also be addressed by Mirchandani<br />
group, and <strong>the</strong>ir 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 <strong>the</strong> relief of Arnav.<br />
Arnav left Khushi reluctantly, and faded into <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
daughter?"<br />
Mrin was caustic with Khushi, but <strong>the</strong> moment she heard Khushi, she<br />
realized that Khushi was very simple and liked her instantly. The rest of<br />
<strong>the</strong> evening, <strong>the</strong>y 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 <strong>the</strong><br />
pool where <strong>the</strong> party had spread with a mocktail in her hand, Mrin went to<br />
check over <strong>the</strong> dinner preparations.<br />
Khushi missed home! The pool reminded her of Taaravar, and Amma,<br />
Babuji and her room with its mirrored walls, and <strong>the</strong> ceiling with intricate<br />
paintings, and <strong>the</strong> jharoka that looked out on to <strong>the</strong> river Reva.<br />
"Hey Devi Mayya! Humey yeh kahan ley aayi aap! Jaane kya hai humaare<br />
bhagya mein."<br />
(Mo<strong>the</strong>r 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 <strong>the</strong> princess of nowhere who ASR dragged out from <strong>the</strong> mud!"<br />
A raspy voice croaked. Khushi looked at a pair of long bare and very<br />
brown legs, when she turned towards <strong>the</strong> 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 o<strong>the</strong>r than pursuing me at<br />
<strong>the</strong> moment! Next?" He winked, and he turned on his charm a thousand<br />
volts more and gave <strong>the</strong> reporter his smirk. All <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs drooled while<br />
<strong>the</strong> rest laughed.<br />
Question evaded! He thought. But <strong>the</strong> truth was he did not know! What <strong>the</strong><br />
@#$%! He had <strong>the</strong> Mirchandani history by heart before he even called<br />
<strong>the</strong>m 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 <strong>the</strong> flight, complete with pictures! Next?" He smirked again.<br />
The lady reporters blushed, and <strong>the</strong> men cheered him.<br />
Good ano<strong>the</strong>r 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 <strong>the</strong> lady she was talking to was drunk so early in <strong>the</strong><br />
evening!<br />
"Oh! Stop playing <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong><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 <strong>the</strong>ir 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 <strong>the</strong>m, as everyone nearby was staring at<br />
<strong>the</strong>m and it began to grow embarrassing.<br />
-----THE MIRAGE-----<br />
"Well! The decision is for her to take - If she wishes to, <strong>the</strong>n why not?<br />
Next!" ASR successfully answered <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong><br />
lady a very boyishly wicked stare and said, "So that I can repent in leisure.”<br />
Everyone laughed but <strong>the</strong> lady persisted, "Sir please we want to know!"<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
THE MIRAGE 13<br />
Pat came <strong>the</strong> reply from Arnav...<br />
-----THE MIRAGE-----<br />
Khushi thought <strong>the</strong> better of it and walked past <strong>the</strong>m, 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 jaan<strong>the</strong>y 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 <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs were enjoying <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> wedding. Did you get married or is it<br />
a deal by <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong><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 <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong>re 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 <strong>the</strong> entire conversation, he listened to most of<br />
it, as he walked down <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> situation.<br />
Women! O<strong>the</strong>rwise 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 <strong>the</strong>n.<br />
ASR was again taken by <strong>the</strong> expressions conveyed by her eyes. They were<br />
red at <strong>the</strong> corners. He knew now. It meant anger and <strong>the</strong>y gleamed. That<br />
meant absolute control over self, and <strong>the</strong>y 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 <strong>the</strong> place to Mrin who was helplessly<br />
staring at <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Aman beamed at his favourite lady! What a lady, he thought. She just<br />
brushed <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> scene<br />
created by La ... what <strong>the</strong>y 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 <strong>the</strong> AR group! I have recommended you<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Mirchandani project, so all <strong>the</strong> best for that!" He said.<br />
"And remember once and for all, <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> next<br />
day for all <strong>the</strong> 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 />
see<strong>the</strong>d! ASR did that to o<strong>the</strong>rs! Not o<strong>the</strong>rs 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 <strong>the</strong>n<br />
dance!" He said amidst applause and cheers.<br />
"Let me toast for <strong>the</strong> couple!" He called Arnav and Khushi and Mrin on to<br />
<strong>the</strong> embankment.<br />
"Let <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> mike.<br />
There was pin drop silence suddenly…<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
THE MIRAGE 17<br />
"Not here on <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> embankment,<br />
and went up to <strong>the</strong> dais. The dais was an elevated plank that was erected<br />
in <strong>the</strong> center of <strong>the</strong> dinner tables set for four guests at a time, and was<br />
well lit from <strong>the</strong> sides by special lights as well as a huge chandelier that<br />
hung from <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> second time that evening, square into his eyes and<br />
said, "I am certain of nothing but <strong>the</strong> holiness of <strong>the</strong> heart's affections, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> truth of <strong>the</strong> 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 o<strong>the</strong>r in leisure!<br />
May I tell you that!"<br />
Goldenhaze Fiction
THE MIRAGE 18<br />
Then she quoted <strong>the</strong> famous words from <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> reporters and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> 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 <strong>the</strong> dais already!<br />
And <strong>the</strong>n 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