Meera in Delhi

Part 10: Meera in Delhi

Lucknow

Everyone was ready to leave Lucknow. Arjun had arranged a small house for Meera’s mother and aunt in Indira Nagar, Delhi, as they didn’t want anything too extravagant.

While everyone was busy packing their belongings, Meera was lost in thought. She urgently needed to resolve something immediately, so she rushed to Nani’s room. Nani noticed her standing hesitantly at the doorstep.

“Meera beta, come inside,” Granny said warmly.

“Naniji, I have some questions I'd like to ask you,” Meera replied.

“Sure, go ahead.”

“How will Spicyji get to Delhi?” Meera asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Nani smiled reassuringly. “Ram will take her to Delhi in a van.”

“If you don’t mind, can I go with Spicyji?” Meera asked eagerly.

Nani was taken aback by the suggestion. "Ms. Arjun and traveling by van? Oh my!" she thought, swallowing hard. Thank goodness her grandson didn’t hear that. To her surprise, Arjun spoke up.

“You can’t handle Spicy,” he said.

Nani looked at Arjun, who was standing just behind Meera. Meera noticed him turning away slightly.

“Spicy needs a break during the trip. Ram will manage her, but I’m not sure you can because he won’t stay calm in an open environment. What if he runs away from you?” Arjun explained.

“Will he really do that?” Meera asked, her worry evident.

“Yes, because we always keep him confined to the house. When he gets the chance, he enjoys his freedom. You can play with him at home, okay?”

Meera nodded sadly while Nani admired her grandson. She marvelled at how patiently he handled Meera. Initially, she had been worried when Sanjana convinced him to agree to the marriage, thinking he had done it solely for Sanjana. But now she understood one thing: Arjun genuinely liked Meera.

“Are you ready, Nani?” Arjun asked.

Nani smiled and nodded in response. Just then, they saw Sanjana approaching to call Nani.

“Meeraji, haven’t you gotten ready yet?”

“Yes, Sanjanaji…” Meera replied as she hurried away to collect her bags.

“Nani, let’s go,” Sanjana urged.

“Di, I want to tell you something,” Arjun said.

“Yes, Chintu?”

“I arranged a house for Meera’s mom and aunt in Indira Nagar for them to stay in until Meera’s Buaji’s tenant vacates their house.”

Sanjana looked surprised. “When did this happen?” she asked.

I decided after observing Meera for a while. She seems so childish, and for that reason, she needs people close to her. What if she starts crying for her mother?”

“My grandson thinks a great deal about his wife,” Granny chuckled.

“You truly amazed me, Chintu. I didn’t expect you to take this matter so seriously,” Sanjana said.

“Arjun won’t agree to just anything quickly; if he does agree, he makes sure to follow through," he replied.

Sanjana nodded in understanding, and Nani felt a swell of pride for her grandsons.

Zurich, Switzerland

Chandni paced in her room, her phone in hand, filled with anger. She was trying to reach her father, Rishab. When he answered, he already knew what she wanted to discuss.

“What the hell is happening in India, Dad?” she demanded.

“Relax, Chandni,” he said helplessly.

“How could you let this happen? You told me you would arrange my marriage with Arjun! Social media is buzzing with this news, and you didn’t even inform me.”

“I didn’t say anything because we could do nothing.”

“You said you would talk to his family.”

“I did. I spoke to Sanjana and Dev.”

“What did they say?”

They told me they would discuss it with me after returning from Lucknow, as they were in a hurry to attend a relative’s wedding. But a few days later, Arjun’s marriage got fixed.”

“Didn’t you ask Sanjana anything about it?”

“They left for Lucknow for Arjun’s marriage before I fully understood what was happening.”

“Arjun should have considered this marriage for the sake of his family.”

“I don’t think Arjun is like that. He won’t do something he doesn’t want to.”

“I can’t believe this. I trusted you, Dad. I came to Switzerland to enjoy my month-long holiday, and everything changed quickly. Didn’t you talk to Arjun?”

“As if he was ready to talk! Do you know how I found out about his marriage? He sent me the invitation through post. That’s how much I mean to him. I’m just a dealer in his life—nothing more. He didn’t even care to invite anyone in person.” (pause) “But I did learn one thing.”

“What is it?”

“His taste. Despite being a business tycoon, he wants a simple girl who isn’t you. So, you must change your mindset and focus on your career.”

“No! I can’t tolerate this.”

“Listen to me, Chandni. It’s all over. Don’t do anything foolish. You’re a psychology student; I shouldn’t have to teach you how to handle this situation. Arjun is difficult to deal with. He won’t care about the person if anyone gets in his way. I warn you, I won’t stay silent if your actions disturb our business.”

He disconnected the call, leaving Chandni fuming with anger. Though Rishab offered advice, Chandni was not ready to give up. She had a plan to disrupt Arjun’s life—after all, she was a psychology student and knew precisely where to strike.

Delhi

Meera arrived in Delhi with Arjun and was speechless at seeing a vast, palace-like house. She stood at the entrance, her eyes wide.

“How big is this house? What if I get lost?” she murmured, feeling anxious.

Arjun, coming up behind her, chuckled. “You won’t get lost—you’ll get used to this house in a day or two; you're a brilliant girl.”

Meera nodded confidently.

“Let’s go to our room.”

He led her to their room, opened the door, and gestured for her to enter. As she stepped inside, she hopped in joy, delighted to see the swimming pool.

“Wow! A swimming pool!”

She rushed to it excitedly, sat on the edge of the pool and tapped the water. Arjun stood by, his arms crossed and a smile on his face as he admired her happiness.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Of course! I’ve only seen swimming pools in movies.”

“Ohh…”

“Yes, this is the first time I’ve seen one in person.”

“You can play after lunch. Come and freshen up; you must be tired.”

Meera nodded and went to the washroom. When she emerged, refreshed, she spotted him resting on a recliner.

“Don’t you want to get cleaned up?” she asked.

“I’m going to take a bath.”

“Whaaat?!”

“Why are you shocked?”

“I’m… I’m going…” She dashed out of the room, leaving Arjun looking puzzled.

“What happened to this girl all of a sudden?”

He shook his head in response and went to take a bath after grabbing his clothes from the closet. He took his time in the shower, as his room had always been his favourite place. Now, with Meera there, it felt even more enjoyable. He emerged from the washroom, towel-drying his hair, and saw Meera peeking into the pool area behind the French door. She quickly straightened up when she noticed him coming out.

“What are you looking for?” he asked.

“You just came from the washroom…” she replied, confused.

“Yeah, didn’t I say I was going to take a bath?” he responded.

“Why don’t you swim in the pool instead?” she asked, shrugging her shoulders.

“I only swim when tense or want to relax,” he explained.

“Oh, I thought you’d want to bathe in the pool every day,” Meera said.

Arjun chuckled. “Is that why you hurried out of the room?”

Meera nodded in agreement.

“What if I decided to bathe in the pool?” he asked mischievously.

She opened her mouth to protest, thinking, “I don’t want to see you without clothes,” but quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide in surprise. However, Arjun understood her unspoken words.

“Why not, Meera?” he pressed.

“Nothing…” she grinned, trying to play it off.

“But you just said that’s why you ran away, didn’t you?” he reminded her, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Meera paused, biting her nail in thought. “Yes, I said that by mistake… yes… it was a mistake,” she blurted out, flustered.

“Oh, so you won’t mind if I take a bath in the pool tomorrow?” he asked playfully.

“Oh God, why won’t you help me?” she exclaimed dramatically.

“What did you say?” he inquired, pretending not to hear.

“Pool water isn’t good for you, you know?” she replied defensively.

“Why is that?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

“It probably contains chlorine,” she answered confidently.

Arjun nodded thoughtfully, considering her point.

“See? I’m right. I learned about this.”

“So what if it has chlorine?” he pressed.

“It can cause hair fall,” she explained.

“Oh?" He crossed his arms, looking sceptical.

“Yes! Trust me, you wouldn’t look good bald,” she said thoughtfully.

Arjun's expression shifted to horror at the thought of losing his hair. He instinctively touched his head and gave a sarcastic smile.

“Hmmmm?” he replied, feigning disbelief.

“Yes, swimming is best only when you're tense or want to relax,” she suggested.

“Are you sure about that?” he questioned.

“Yes…” she replied, determined.

“Okay, how can I argue with such a brilliant explanation?” he said, raising his hands in surrender.

Meera sighed in relief while Arjun laughed inwardly, admiring his sweet, crazy wife.

To be continued…