Forbidden Territory

Prologue

Arnav Singh Raizada saw the name flash on the screen of his phone and smiled a rare smile.

“Di” he answered excitedly. “How are you?”

“As if you care Chote...” Anjali replied in mock anger.

“Di... you’re all I care for. You know that.” He answered a bit offended.

“If you cared, you would have listened to me and met Mrs. Sharma’s daughter.” She accused.

“Di, you start match-making the first chance you get, don’t you?” He asked annoyed. “Why don’t you start a side business --- Anjali Jha Matrimonial.”

Anjali giggled. “Anjali Jha Matrimonial is exclusively for my Chote. Not for others.”

“Whatever...” He rolled his eyes. “I’m not meeting any daughters now. Whether they be Sharma’s or Khanna’s.”

“But Chote, you promised me that you’ll get married.” She whined.

“Yeah I did. But only when I meet the right girl. Don’t make me go through this torture of seeing girls.” He complained.

“Ya alright.” Anjali gave in and Arnav could almost see her pout.

“So Di when are you coming over. I’ll get your room ready.” Arnav said once again excited.

“Yeah that’s why I called actually. Your Jijaji leaves for his Europe tour on Friday so I’ll be leaving the same day too.” She said happily. “Can’t wait to be back in India. UK makes me feel lonely.”

“I’ll be there to pick you up at the airport.” Arnav answered.

“Oh yes Chote... Before I forget. While you are getting my room ready, ask Hariprakash to get the big guest room ready too.” She said.

“The big guest room? Why?” He asked puzzled.

“Oh didn’t I say? Khushi will be coming with me.” She said casually.

“Khushi? Who’s Khushi?” He wondered.

“She’s your Jijaji’s cousin. You may remember her. She was there at my wedding.” She answered.

“Oh, if you’re referring to one of Jijaji’s Lucknow cousins, then I’ve done a good job of blocking those memories.” Arnav shuddered.

“Chote... Anyways. She lives here in UK for the past 3 years. She a nice girl. I like her a lot.” Anjali replied.

“Wait a minute.” Arnav said suddenly. “What’s cooking in that mind of yours Di? Are you bringing her here to get me to marry her or something?”

“Shut up Chote. It’s not that.” Anjali shot back. “Shyam wants her to be with me because I’m pregnant. There should be a female with me in such a situation and she’s coming with me to take care of me. Besides she too wants a break from UK and wanted to spend some time in India.”

“Oh Okay.” Arnav said relieved.

“In fact Chote, I don’t WANT you to think about her THAT way.” She said a bit sternly.

“Really Di? And why is that?” He asked a bit surprised by his Di’s tone.

“It’s not right Chote...” She said as if it was obvious. “Firstly she’s already engaged and then she’s your Jijaji’s little sister. She’s forbidden territory.”

“What the...!?” Arnav said taken aback. “As if I care. Forbidden Territory. Whatever...”