Ankahee - The Unsaid

Prologue 

"Sorry Di, 

But you know, no one can stop me from acheiving my mission. So I had to flee. But I promise to call you once I reach India.. Doubling my passion, paving my way, here I go far away.. Love you Di. Take care

Your's 
Chotte (who's now grown up..)"

Anjali crumpled the paper feeling restless. Shyam came in the room looking for her.

Anjali: He's gone Shyam. I told you he wont stop.
Shyam:  I am not shocked Rani Saheba. I knew he would . You cannot bind him forever. He is not a kid now. He is 24 and like every young blood he too has his own dreams. Let him see life how he wants to see it.



Anjali: You think I was holding him up? But India? You know he is not supposed to step there.. Thats why we have  never allowed him to even visit that country anytime. What if something goes wrong and..
Shyam: SShhh.. Nothing will go wrong. He is a smart boy.
Anjali: I will go to India Shyam. I cannot let him alone there.
Shyam: Okay. But What about your Son ? He has his mid term exams going On. We cant leave him alone, neither  can we make him skip his exams. Come on Anjali, dont take decisions in haste. I promise you, we will go to India after 4 weeks. Happy?

Anjali was not sure if she can wait for 4 weeks. Though they stayed in London from past 20 years, she still had some orthodox fears in her mind. The fears which had haunted their past and now  since Arnav had left for India already, she just hoped the past doesnt connect to their present.

She prayed to Devi Maiyaa that their UNSAID PAST remains hidden, because that was the only way her Chotte could be Safe. !!

________________________________________________________________________

Part 1

Arnav Singh Raizada stretched his arms, dropping the bags on ground, taking a deep yawn..The flight journey had sucked his energy down. But not to mention, he enjoyed his flight because of Suzzane, the flight attendant who was more than pleased to assist him whenever needed. He was attention freak. He liked seeking recognition from almost everyone, especially girls, and the best thing was that he never had to initiate anything . His good looks, adorable hairstyle, perfect personality, husky voice and deep brown eyes did it all for him. His Di told he had got these features from his father. He was a very handsome man like his Dad for which he always respected him.

He never visited India before. He might have, but he would be a child then. So this country really seemed to be attractive. Because this was his Homeland. Delhi Airport was crowdy and mostly everywhere he saw beauty and just beauty. Indian girls really had a different charm to fall for. But he had no patience to reach the Hotel and sleep. Jet lag was driving off his senses. But hold on. He was not alone here. Where the hell was Akash?

Akash was his best buddy. Someone he can die for. Akash was his friend since the time they were hardly 3. Anjali Di says Akash and he were born to be friends. They had similar likes, dislikes. They went to school together, even college, got almost similar ranks, loved biking,  racing, expedition and had the same motto in life. LIVE LONG .. LOVE LONG.. But  where the hell was Aki? Yes. He called him AKi. Short and sweet name. Isnt it? He turned around and saw Akash talking to Suzzane, the same flight attendant . He was exchanging numbers. Arnav waved his hand and Suzzane pointed Akash that Arnav was calling him. After a quick farewell, Akash rushed with the bags to Arnav and both gave each other a Hi5.

Arnav: Pata liya?
Akash: No way yaar. She is too cheesy. And she is more interested in you than me. Grr.
Arnav laughed heartily.

Arnav: She is not my type Aki. Lets find some cab at the moment. I am very sleepy.
Akash: So am I.

They hired  a Cab and reached the Hotel in around half an hour, checked in their room and without even caring to do anything else, drifted to sleep on the same bed. That sleepy they both were.

************

10 hours later

Arnav was multitasker. He was brushing his teeth and talking to his Anjali Di on phone simultaneously.

Arnav: Umm.. Hotel Park Blue. .. Room no 1190. Now Stop worrying for me Di. I am fine here. And India is beautiful. Its more than beautiful. Anyone will fall in love with it. Give my love to Jeeju and Aarav (Anjali's son). I am going out now for some sight seeing. Will call you later. Bye..

He cut the call.

Arnav: Thank God she cannot come here following us. Aarav has exams.
Akash (Chuckled): Perfect time chuna tune Arnav. To come here. (You have chose a perfect timing to come to India Arnav.. )Well whats the plan then? Have you talked to that Agent? Mathur right? He was supposed to show us some old plots here for the Hotel. Is he informed we have reached?
Arnav: Of course he knows. He is coming to meet us here. Lets get ready. He can be here anytime soon.

Thats when the door bell of the room rang. Akash opened the door. A young man , almost their age , was standing before him , giving a 100% bright smile andextending his hand.

"Hi, myself Aman Mathur, I am the agent you called for the land deal" , he introduced himself.

Akash: Ahh.. You will live long Mathur. Get in. We were just talking about you.

He shut the door and took Aman inside. Arnav welcomed him too and then the three sat on the couch..

Arnav: Mathur by your voice I took you as 40+ by age. But you are young yaar.
Aman: Now I see why you gave me so much respect on the phone conversations. But please call me Aman. Mathur seems so long and formal.
Akash: Alright Aman. Show us the best deals then. You have no idea how long we have come from to start something here. Something which we can claim to be OURs..
Aman: I didnt get your point Akash.
Arnav: Let me explain. We both are best friends and definitely belonging from rich class families. But we believe in doing something from our efforts rather than continuing from where our father's left. We are interested in Hotel Industry. Thats  why we are here in India. Our homeland , to benefit our country. It will be a shared business.

Aman: Good. Its hard to find such good buddies.
Arnav: Kaam ki  baat karein? ( SHould we discuss work now?)
Aman : Sure.

He removed some sketches and pictures of Lands / Old buildings and started explaining their location and pricing details. Arnav was keenly observing all the sketches . After almost an hour of discussion, Arnav leaned back.

Arnav: Aman.. The Prices are way too high. We can afford it but for that we have to use our ancesteoral money which me and Akash are strictly against. We have told you what our price range is . Wont we find anything in that range here?
Aman: I understand. But the prices here in the city are quite high. May be we can try in outskirts or some other city, if not Delhi..
Akash: Anything would do. Do you have some properties elsewhere?

Aman thought for some seconds and then quickly removed the last sketch from his bag. He opened it and displayed it on the table. It was a huge Palace, looked like it was very old one , unfurbished and isolated from the main city.. The moment Arnav saw it, he was lost in its beauty.. Though the  sketch was pure black and white, he was still so much attracted to it. Akash just peeped in for the details and pricing which Aman was talking about but seemed like Arnav was lost in a different world. Akash had to shook him ..

Akash: hey.. Where you lost buddy?
Arnav: No where Aki.. But just look at this property.. Its enthral.. Very captivating..
Akash: Hmm. And in our budget.. But I dont understand one thing. Why is the owner ready to sell it for such a low price? I mean this looks like a palce. If he renovates it , he can earn in crores later.
Aman: Good question. I too had the same doubt when I was been asked to find a perfect buyer to this property. But the reason was simple. The current owner is very old and has no one in his family who could look after this place after him. He is almost 85 years now and you know he doesnt believe he will live longer than a year or so. Thats why he wants to sell it and whatever amount he gets, he will be donating it to the NGO's.

Arnav: Good cause.!! So when are we seeing this place? Where is it?
Aman: (Sighed): Uhh..Not  today of course. Because this is not in Delhi.. Its in Lucknow. Almost at the outskirts of Lucknow city. So we have to drive there whenever you wish to see it and complete the deal.

Akash: Lucknow? Tehjeeb ka shahar..!! ( City of Mannerisms)
Arnav: Lets not waste time Aman. Tomorrow morning we are driving here.  I dont want to miss this deal. Its perfect for our Hotel.
Aman folded the sketch..

Aman: Okay.. If thats what you want, we can make it tomorrow.
Arnav (Shook hands with Aman): Perfect. Looking forward for this meet.. Thanks.
Aman was going to leave but Akash stopped him.

Akash: Aman.. A quick question .. Where can I find a good Pyjamas's store here? I forgot my night suits yaar.
Aman ( chuckled): Its just at the parallel lane of this Hotel.
Akash: Thanks ..
Aman: Cheers.. Bye.

************
Next Day

The drive wasnt long enough but little tiring for sure. Akash was busy clicking photos at every possible spot which he thought was scenic on the way.

Arnav ( peeping outside the car window): Aki yaar.. Have you planned to change your profession?
Akash clicked the photo of the bridge where their car had halted..
Akash: (Screaming so that Arnav could hear): Photography isnt bad Arnav..!! I will think about it.

Arnav chuckled. He wore his glasses and got down the Car. Aman was on call with someone and hence already little away from them. Arnav streteched his arms in the air. Travelling always had been fun for him but not when the sun is so bright in the sky. London was so cool when compared here. He walked at the edge of the bridge and looked down. There was a river flowing below the bridge, some ladies washing their clothes at the banks of the river. Water Pollution!!

Arnav: Aman.. how far is Lucknow from here?
Aman (cutting the call): An hour more Arnav. We are almost there.

Arnav suddenly felt a push from behind. As if there was someone who was trying to make him fall down the bridge. He caught hold of the side railing of the bridge , supporting himself. He scanned around. Aman and Akash were too far from him. It cannot be their prank. The driver was in the car. So no point he can do it. Then who was it ? May be no one actually pushed him, he just felt dizzy because of this journey, nothing else. He left back to his car asking Akash and Aman to get  inside. He had no patience until he reaches this place and see's it.

***********

They were just 2  kms away from the Palace when their car broke down..!!

"Damm!! Wasnt the car serviced properly?", Arnav asked the Driver.

Driver: Sir we had done it just 2 days back. This never happened before. I dont know why it broke down.

Akash placed his hand on the Driver's shoulder.

Akash: Bhaiyaa. If you dont know then find it out. We cannot walk for 2 kms in this Hot sun..
Driver: Jee Sir. Just give me few minutes..

The Driver opened the car bonnet and started checking. Akash wore a Hat..

Akash: I dont want the owner to faint seeing my tanned face.
Arnav: ( Laughed): You are going there to ask for the Deal Aki.. Not his grand daughter for marriage .
Akash: One and the same Arnav.. He must have showered equal love on this palace like he would on his grand children.. (PAused).. I mean if he had one.. Aman said he is alone.. Right?
Aman noded and started talking to the Driver to check what the fault was.

Driver: (To Arnav): Sir.. There is no problem at all in the engine. Have no idea why its not starting though.
Arnav: Man!! I hate such nuisances! What are we supposed to do now?
Akash:  Best idea.. Take a Lift..
Aman: He is right. Its hardly 2 kms.. Anyone can give us a lift. And meanwhile the Driver can get the car serviced.

Akash : Hey.. Looks like fate is favouring us. An SUV is coming this way.. Wave hands boys.. We need a lift..

Akash and Aman both started waving their hands for lift. Arnav was too conscious for doing this. The car halted at some distance.. Aman rushed towards the car and came back in 2 minutes ..

Aman: She agreed..!! She is going the same way. She will drop us.!!
Akash (Happily): SHE? Wow.. God always surprises us .. Right Arnav?
Arnav: She is giving us a Lift Aki.. Usse toh chod yaar.. (Leave her at least)

They picked their bags from the Car and headed towards this SUV alongwith Aman..!!

To be Continued..


Part 2

Akash : Hey.. Looks like fate is favouring us. An SUV is coming this way.. Wave hands boys.. We need a lift..

Akash and Aman both started waving their hands for lift. Arnav was too conscious for doing this. The car halted at some distance.. Aman rushed towards the car and came back in 2 minutes ..

Aman: She agreed..!! She is going the same way. She will drop us.!!
Akash (Happily): SHE? Wow.. God always surprises us .. Beautiful hai? ( he questioned Aman)
Arnav: She is giving us a Lift Aki.. Usse toh chod yaar.. (Leave her at least)

They picked their bags from the Car and headed towards this SUV alongwith Aman..!! The driver of that car opened the doors for them. The lady was sitting at the front seat , beside the Driver. Arnav , AKash and Aman took the back seats. She was beautiful , and as Akash had predicted , she was young and quite cultured girl by the way she had dressed herself. Her hair were thick long, eyes expressing her simplicity. Akash by now had given his heart in the first meet itself to this beautiful girl . Without hesitation, he extended his hand for a handshake.

Akash: Hello .. I am Akash.

She joined her palms replying back a "Namaste". Akash was unhappy but he repeated her gesture.

Akash (joining palms): Namaste..

"I am Payal. Nice meeting you.." she said smiling at them.

The name created ripples in Akash's heart which didnt go unnoticed by Arnav who was trying to control Aki. Arnav stamped Akash's foot and signaled him to shut his mouth.

Arnav: Uhh.. Thanks for the lift Payal. Our Car broke down and you see this heat is quite untolerable.
Payal: Mention not. You all dont seem to be from this place. Tourists?
Akash: (Interrupting):  Yes. Business tourists.. You can call us that..Ek buddhe se uske Palace ka sauda karne aaye hai.. (We have come here to make some deal with some an old man )

Arnav pinched Akash for using such words..

Akash (To Arnav) : What wrong did I say? I cannot lie. Aman said that man is 85 years old.
Arnav: (Trying to change the topic): Uhh.. You are from here? This same place?
Payal: Yes. I stay here with my grand father. He is the only one I have .
Akash: Grandfather? Wow.. I guess this place has many such old grand fathers then..Quite an "Oldy" place. . Hai naa Arnav?

Payal chuckled and concentrated back on the road. Aman gave Payal the address where they wished to go. She was little shocked to read it..

Payal: Are you sure this is the right address.
Aman: Yes. I have noted it correctly.
Akash (little suspicious): Why? Is it not safe ? That landlord stays there. I hope he is not cruel enough with us..
Payal : No. .He is not. He is kind and very soft hearted.
Akash: Really? You seem to know a lot about him.. How?

The Car stopped at the gates of a big Bunglow.

Payal: Because he is my Grandfather.!! (She replied positively.. Akash jumped on his seat.. He called her grandfather "Buddha" before her? Ohh No.. Such a bad impression this will be.. )

Arnav was holding his laugh. This ought to happen..Infact this always happens with Akash..

Payal: We have reached. Please get down..

They all got down the car.. Payal headed first inside and these 3 followed. Akash's face was dull..

Arnav (Whispering to Akash): Chill Aki.. Usse baad mein manaa lena.. (Make it up with her later,,)
Akash( nodding his head): I hope she doesnt hit me .
Arnav: Thats why I say, think before you speak.. Anyways.. Lets get inside and talk about the deal..
Akash: You still think we will get this Palace? We have lost our first impression before his grand daughter.
Arnav ( Smirking at Akash): Not WE Akash.. YOU have lost it. Just forget it now. You know how smart I am in handling such sensitive issues, dont you?
Akash: Yea I do. But sirf Daadaji ko patana.. the grand daughter ko main pataunga.. Deal ?
Arnav: Uff!! DEAL Dammit. I am not even interested in your so called Payal. Now Shut up..

Payal got them seated and rushed inside to call her grandfather..

Aman: Why did he lie to me? He said he is alone . Thats why selling off this property. If he has a granddaughter he can give the money to her. Why to an NGO?
Arnav: I was thinking the same. Only he can answer that now..
Akash: Right.. He cannot lie to us like that.

They were discussing the same when they saw Payal coming out, holding her Grand father's hand. He was really very old. He couldnt even walk properly. There was a servant too who assisted Payal in making this old man walk. Arnav, Aman and Akash got up from the couch.

Arnav: Hello Mr Das, nice meeting you.

The Old man shook his head whereas Payal made him sit on the sofa and then sat beside him. The men took their seats again.

Arnav: (To Payal): If he had so much difficulty in walking, we would have met him in his room. Why did you bring him all the way down for us?
Payal: Daadaji meets all his guest in the living room only and dont worry he loves walking. Makes him feel refreshed.
Akash: So do you take him out here? For walk? I mean any nearby garden or so?

He started flirting again. Arnav knew on what context Akash was asking this. May be he wanted to know where she takes her grandfather for walk so that from tomorrow Mr Akash can be ready there to meet her again.

Payal (Smiled): He doesnt go out much. I handle all his work, his business and stuff ,everything I manage.
Arnav: Mr Das sorry but we were been told you dont have a family and hence you wish to sell that palace and give the money to the NGO.. It's only coming here we understood you do have a grand daughter.

Arnav was waiting for Mr  Das to reply but he didnt get any acknowledgement from him. Again Payal responded on her grandfather's behalf.

Payal: He didnt convey he doesnt have a family. He just wanted to state that there is no one here to take care of the Palace which is why he is selling it off. I already have his business to look after and that is enough to give me and him some financial stability. And it was Dadaji's old wish never to use the money earned from the Palace. He wished to donate it.

The answer was not satisfactory but Arnav and Akash didnt had any questions either except one.

Arnav: Sorry Payal, but why isnt Mr Das giving us these replies? Its always you answering.
Payal: (Sighed in disappointment): Thats because he is dumb. He cannot speak.

Another Shock for the three men..

Arnav: Ohh .. Sorry..
Akash: Uhh.. Is he dumb from his childhood? I mean from birth?
Payal: Has that anything to do with his Deal?
Akash: No.. But..
Payal: Akash, Dadaji needs to rest so can we please make the formalities soon? If you dont mind. !!
Akash: Uhh.. yea.. I mean.. Sure..
Arnav: Before we make this deal, I wish to see the property..
Payal: Ohh Sure. I will pass the keys. My Servant will take you three there. Please make sure you dont displace anything .

The servant got the keys and Arnav, Akash and Aman followed the servant..

Aman: I dont know why but the reasons Payal gave for not using the money after selling this property didnt convince me much.
Arnav: Same here Aman.. But I would say its everyone's perspective and choice. We cannot do much. We just have to buy it if we like and its upon them how they wish to use that money.. Either for themselves or donate it to some NGO..
Akash: I agree with you Arnav. Lets hope the property is worth it.

They reached the gates of the Palace. It was hardly 1Km away from Payal's bunglow. This Palace looked very neat and was well maintained even though not to his perfection but enough for a family to stay. The garden before the palace doors wasnt cleaned properly .There were dry leaves all over it.. But he could not understand why the leaves dried from the trees and kept falling.? It wasnt winter. !! Then why?

Akash: Now I understand why Payal asked us not to displace anything.. Everything is already displaced.. haaahhaha!!

The servant opened the door and let the men in. The house was completely opposite to the lifeless garden. It was a well maintained house.

Arnav: (To the servant): Are there any special servants who maintain this palace?

The servant was quiet. He kept bowing his head down not responding anything.

Akash: Is he dumb too?
Arnav: Or may be they speak only whats been taught to them. Anyways.. lets move ahead and see this place.
Akash: I will go in that direction.. Looks little interesting and non scary.. ( he chuckled and left with Aman)

Arnav took the stairs.. He kept surveying this palace. It needed a lot of  renovation. Breaking down a palace like this and constructing a Hotel at its place was not easy. Suddenly he stopped by a door. He saw something glittering inside this room. The wind blew the curtains of the room apart, as if making a space for him to enter inside. The sounds of the dry leaves which he stamped in order to cross this distance between himself and the lighted room increased enough curiousity as to know why was only this room uncleaned, unattended? There were big cob all around him, some sticking to this T Shirt and some been cut off by his hands as he moved ahead. The room was filled with the fragrance of fresh Jasmine flowers. But this was impossible that a room like this can have such a tantalizing fragrance. He was just few feets away from the huge wall but enough to see the picture hung on it clearly. She looked like a Princess, adorned by the finest jewellery, innocence hiting her face, and a smile to die for. She was an epitome of beauty. He had never seen a girl as beautiful as she was. Wish he was a Prince of her generation. He would have definately proposed her. His senses became dull admiring her eyes, trying to see through them and knowing what must this lady be thinking while the portrait was been made. She seemed to be blushing. She was definately in love. Was that man standing before her or was he the one to make this potrait? Damm!! He so wished to solve the mystery. An urge to touch the picture lured in his mind. He extended his right hand to touch it but the moment his finger touched the photo frame, he hissed in pain as the mole supporting the potrait, pricked his thumb and sprinkled few drops of his blood exactly on the forehead of the lady in the picture, almost like a Sindoor. He sucked the blood off his thumb looking carefully at the picture. What kind of incident was that? Does this make any sense? What the hell was he even thinking? He never believed in such things. He was anti -orthodox unlike his Di who would have removed some baseless meaning out of this scene if she had witnessed it.

But there was something in this portrait which attracted him the most. He thought of displacing it from the wall and holding it but thats when he heard the tinkling of anklets. He turned around to see but there was no one in the room.

Arnav: Koi hai? (Is someone there?)

He screamed at the top of his voice but no one answered.. He thought of checking outside the room. He went out and scanned the lobby but no one was there. He came back in the same room and to his surprise, the portrait on the wall was MISSING!!

To be Continued..

Part 3

Arnav: Dammit!! How can the Picture be missing? It was just here..!!

He scanned the room properly. The portrait was nowhere. He brushed his fingers in his hair in frustration. This was insane. He was just out for some seconds and the picture went missing? How was that possible ? Unless.. unless there was someone in this house who took it. He could feel the presence of someone.. He had even heard the tinkling of the anklets few minutes ago. THat must be the person who took this picture. But why? Who was this person? Why wasnt she coming before him?

Someone suddenly placed hand on his shoulder and he turned around in anxiety..It was Akash..

Akash: Bro?? All okay?
Arnav noded a  yes though he desperately wanted to share this incident with Aki.

Akash: What kind of room is this? It looks like a khandar (old deserted place) .. Guess the servants didnt clean this room from years. But why? Its not so big that they cant afford to do it...
Arnav: You saw the other area ?
Akash: Yes. Its pretty cool.
Arnav: Lets go then..

He practically dragged Aki out of this room towards the main door. Enough of seeing the house. He had to talk to Payal and get things cleared..

************

Payal: What happened to your finger ?
Arnav : Who else stays in that house?

That was a direct question without even a pause. Payal was startled with it but she didnt mind answering it back immediately.

Payal: If there was someone already staying there why would we want to sell it Arnav?
Arnav: I dont know. All I know is that I heard some footsteps around me in Akash's and Aman's absence, some kind of tinkling sound too in that uncleaned room .. And then there was a portrait on the wall of a beautiful girl which suddenly went missing. What is all this suppose to mean Miss Payal?

The moment Payal heard him asking about that uncleaned room she angrily gazed at the Servant who bowed his head down gesturing a sorry.

Payal (looking back at Arnav): So.. You had been to that room?
Arnav: Why wouldnt I ? I am buying that house, I need to know each and every place within it, each and every story related to that house which according to me you are trying to hide.

Aman and Akash were very confused on these series of questions and statements Arnav was making. They remained quiet allowing him to interrogate Payal further. Afterall they had a right to know.

Payal: (Folding her arms): Look Arnav.. We want to sell that property and we are not hiding anything from you. I too want to be very clear about everything related to that palace. Till date we never had the keys of that uncleaned room. If you might have noticed, then its not a normal lock which secures that room. Its a  lock which belongs to the generation when a  King ruled this place. We tried getting it unlocked many a times but it was never possible and hence we could never clean it. But now that it has opened, then we will clean it for you before selling it. But we have no idea what belongs inside that room. We have never seen it.. At least me..

Arnav was staring in Payal's eyes. He could feel she was still not telling the 100% truth.

Payal: So? Are we clear on the terms or you still have doubts on it? I wont mind if you take some more time to decide about this property Mr Raizada. We can wait.
Akash seemed this was the best way. At least reaching back to the Hotel, he and Arnav will get a chance to re-think incase Arnav had so many questions regarding this matter. But to his surprise, Arnav replied back something very strange.

Arnav: No thats fine Payal. We are signing the papers NOW.
Akash was shocked.
Akash: Arnav.. You sure about this?
Arnav: Yeah!! ( he confidently replied and picked the pen to sign the documents..)

Aman was not satisfied too with Arnav's hasty decision but he forwarded the papers and Arnav quickly signed them passing it on to Akash then for the signatures. Akash signed them and so did Payal on behalf of her grandfather.

Arnav: KEYS!!! (He extended his palm for getting the keys of the palace from Payal, he was that desperate)
Payal: Uhh!! You should be more concerned about your finger Arnav.
Arnav: I am okay!!
Akash: What okay? You are not okay Arnav. Just get it bandaged at least.
Payal (Gestured towards the right): The washroom is there.. !!

Akash: Thanks.. Come Arnav..

He took Arnav towards that corner. Payal kept watching them and then gave some instructions to her servant who acknowledged it and left outside.

*************

Night

The room was cleaned and it looked quite fresh and appealing than before. Arnav was all the time waiting at the door of this room when the servants cleaned it. He could find nothing except dry leaves and cobwebs been removed. But that Jasmine fragrance was still around, it seemed to be the highlight of this room though he had no idea where it came from.. !! Akash came there again.

Akash: Huh!! So? Why are you so much engrossed with this specific room ? Are you planning to make it your cabin after we renovate this Palace it to a Hotel? ( he was trying to create some fun)

Arnav didnt respond.
Akash (sighed ): Arnav..Whats the matter with you ?Since the time you have come here, you are acting strange.. As if that portrait has hipnotized you man..Come on.. Dont scare me!! I have a very weak heart..!!

Arnav smiled at Akash's concern and humourous talks.

Akash : Thats my Bro!! Chalo.. Lets get back from here. Aman has arranged our stay in the hotel. Not very far from this place. So we can come back tomorrow morning .
Arnav: No Aki.. You go.. I .. I will stay here tonight..
Akash: What? Stay here ?
Arnav: Hmm.. Just like that .. I havnt seen the whole house yet..
Akash: But whats the hurry? We have signed the papers, this property belongs to us. We can see the house anytime..
Arnav: Yea we can.. But I am really not very sleepy today. So let me be here. .
Akash: Gosh!! So now that missing portrait has taken off your sleep too? I am sure whoever was in that portrait must be very beautiful.. But in this case, I am better than you. Know why?  I gave my heart to a living person.. i mean Payal. And you? You are losing your heart to a mere photo? Isnt that a bit odd? What will we tell Di? That her Chotte is in love with a woman who existed decades back? Wow! She will be doing n number of puja's to get this issue solved..

Arnav: Abey!! Tujhe kya problem hai? Main kisi ko bhi like karu.. Tu jaa aur jaake so.. OKay?
Akash: Okay.. I am leaving.. But dont be awake for long. Good night..

Akash hugged Arnav and left downstairs.. The servant had heard all of their conversation which happened just before him while he cleaned the room. He came out ..

Servant: Aur kuch chahiye sahab?
Arnav: Nahi.. Tum jaao..

The Servant bowed his head and left the house. Arnav was finally alone here.. The night was long and his decision of staying back had to be fulfilled tonight only. He was very eager to search the entire house to look if he finds the portrait anywhere, or may be some other portrait of that same woman!!

*************
01:10

Arnav was lying on the bed in one of the room of that palace. He could find nothing related to the portrait in the entire house so he gave up the idea and drifted into sleep . Suddenly he heard the tinkling of the anklets again. He opened his eyes. The room was dark but there was light coming from the gallery door which was open. The moonlight was enough for him to understand someone was standing there. Infact she was the same woman from that portrait. Her hair was blowing with the wind and she was gazing the moon like she wanted to be there. Arnav didnt fear because somewhere he was assured she would not harm him. He took baby steps towards her and stood right a feet behind her. She became alarmed and turned around as slowly as possible. He saw her face glittering like a star. She was smiling at him..

Arnav: Kaun ho tum? ( Who are you ?)

He desperately wanted to know this, to hear her voice and more importantly to prove himself that he was not hallucinating.. She raised her palm and touched his cheek gently.

"Hum.. hum wohi hai jisse aap dekhna chahte the" (I am the  same woman you wished to see )

What kind of reply was that? She emmitted a white light from within her which disturbed his eyes, shutting them for some seconds and when he opened them again she was GONE!!
Arnav woke up from the bed with a jerk, sweat beads on his forehead.. That was a DREAM? Damm!!!
 He looked around.. The gallery door was closed and there was no moonlight in the room.. That proved he was just seeing a dream .. A mysterious dream.. He tried to turn the lights on but none of the switches worked.. The power was down.. !! This place had so many things which needed his attention. He got up from the bed and opened the small drawer beside it. There was a candle which the servant had kept along with a match stick box for emergency purpose . He was been made aware that at this place the current is down most of the times and he will have to pay special care in getting this sorted before he starts with demolishing the palace for building the Hotel. He lighted the candle. The flame was enough for him to get a sight of  few meters around him. Suddenly he heard the tinkling of the anklets again. He was baffled. Now he was not asleep .. So this cant be a dream anymore. There was someone in this house .. He rushed outside the room holding the burning candle in his hand. He followed the tinkling sound of the anklets and finally saw a dark shadow in the living room trying to escape..Thats it.. He will not let this person go like this, without letting him know what was she doing in his property? He screamed out to stop her from running.

Arnav: Ruk jao.. Maine kahan ruk jao warna.. ( Stop .. Stop now or else.. )

He would have warned something horrible but she stopped before he could complete his sentence. She didnt turn back. She looked like some village girl to him wearing a red black lehnga choli . She had covered her head and face with the dupatta and she had wore some traditional heavy jewellery on her which was the attire of the village people here. He scanned her once from top to bottom in that candle light. She curled her toe fingers in fear .. he noticed it.. He stepped forward and hearing that she stepped one step away from him again. He knew she would run off if he closes that distance between them which he cannot afford at the moment because he wanted to know who she was. Why was she here?

Arnav: Kaun ho tum? Aur.. Yahan kya karne aayi ho? Aur... yeh chehra kyon dhaka hai? Uthao isse aur dekho meri taraf.. Abhii..( Who are you? And what are you doing in this house? Why have you covered your face? Just take it off and look at me.. Now )

His voice might have been harsh but he did it only to get replies from her. Slowly steadily she turned around.She  raised her ghoonghat finding no other way to escape this situation. The wind blew high outside and the lightening striked hard as Arnav saw her face in the glowing light of the burning candle in his hand. Was she real or was he hallucinating? Her eyes spoke volumes and so did his heart..She was the same girl from the portrait. But .. but how was this possible? Didnt she look like a Princess who existed decades ago? She cant be real.. He took steps towards her and this time she didnt move. Her eyes glued to his feet and then his face.. Her eyes changed expressions thousands of time in these 5 steps he took towards her. He would never touch a girl without her permission like this but this matter was different. This was to prove himself he wasnt in any kind of dreamy land. He gently touched her arm pressing it softly. Her eyes opened wide. She freed herself from his grip and ran outside the main door. He didnt move an inch. For him , her existence itself was worth enough to let her go because if she exists.. then he will find her again..

To be Continued..

Part 4

Arnav had never got any peaceful sleep after meeting his uninvited guest last night who was none other than the same girl from the portrait. But even though their faces match, there was a huge difference between them. In the portrait she looked like some royal princess wearing those heavy jewellery but the one he met yesterday was a very simple village girl who didnt need any artificial things to enhance her beauty. She was just perfect. But beyond all this perfection and attraction what amazed Arnav was how can someone enter Sheesh Mahal without his notice and for what reason. Was she a thief? Had she come here to steal something precious? But she didnt look like one. She was innocent. These self thoughts and assumptions were making him more crazier second by second and he could not wait for the night to pass so that he can take some necessary action in the morning.

Morning

Payal was watering the plants in the garden when she saw Arnav Singh Raizada taking a walk in the vicinity of Sheesh Mahal. Both the palaces had hardly 1 Km distance seperating them and Payal could easily keep an eye on what Arnav Singh Raizada was trying to do. He was inspecting all the doors and windows of the Palace from outside to check if he can open them without much effort. She was amused with his actions. Who does that in the morning and why? She stopped watering the plants and called her Servant. She mentioned something to him and the servant was off towards Arnav.

Servant: Good Morning Sir.
Arnav (Turned back): Morning..
Servant: Sir, Payal Madam wants to know if you need anything.

Arnav looked at Payal who was standing far and watching them.

Arnav: Your Madam cant find or believe what I am looking for. Ask her to mind her own business.

"You are being rude Arnie", Akash commaded from behind him. The servant left back and Akash walked in.

Arnav: Aki? What are you doing here early morning? I thought you wont show me your face till afternoon. Isnt this quite odd timing for you to wake up?
Akash: I have an agenda now.. Dont wish to skip this beautiful morning here ( he stretched his arms admiring Payal who was again watering the plants and trying to avoid her gaze from these two friends.)
Arnav (patting Akash's back): Lover boy.. Lets get ready. We have better work than this today.

Akash: Hmm. But what are you doing here? Jogging? I dont think so .. Dont tell me you too are liking her. Let me clear one thing Arnav.. She is mine, treat her as your bhabhi.. OKay?
Arnav (Sighed in frustration): Mujhe woh chahiye bhi nahi Yaar.. She is not my type.. Come.. ( I dont even want her Friend.. Come.. )

Arnav dragged Akash with him inside the house. They had many things to talk..

*************

Village

Akash wiped off the sweat from his forehead while walking with Arnav on these small roads of the village which were full of mud.

Akash: Arnav.. What are we doing here Man? From past one hour you are just making me walk in this hot sun. I am tired. At least tell me what are we looking for?

Arnav was scanning every nook of this place to see if he can find HER. Yes.. He was looking for that same girl who had entered Sheesh Mahal last night. Looking at her dress, it was clear she hails from a village and this was the only village nearby to that palace.

Arnav: Keep walking Aki.. I will let you know soon.
Akash: Soon? How soon? I wont walk more. ( he stopped ).. Just tell me first and only then I will accompany you..
Arnav: Dont you trust me Aki?
Akash ( sighed): I do buddy.. But dont you think I must know something what we doing here? May be I can help you more.

He had a point. But will he understand ? Giving up that judgement for the moment Arnav told him everything what had happened last night and why they are here. Akash was thrilled but equal ly suspicious on the whole matter.

Akash: You mean that same girl had come in Sheesh Mahal last night. You caught her and then she fled?
Arnav twitched his eyebrow nodding a  yes.
Akash: Gosh!! You are crazy Arnav.. How can a  girl from that portrait just come out like that? And by the way, I am not sure even if that portrait existed. I mean I never saw it. Just you did . Moreover even that is missing according to you. And now this girl ? I mean .. all this is freaking insane. Are you on pills Arnav?
Arnav :( Frustrated): What The !! Pills ? What pills Aki? Dimaag kharab hogaya hai kya?
Akash: Not mine.. Your mind is thinking something which doesnt exist.. You need rest buddy.. Come.. Lets go back. (he held Arnav's hand to take him back to Sheesh Mahal)
Arnav (Shoving his hands off): I am not leaving Aki.. Not until I find some clue about that girl or the palace. There is something wrong with it and I can sense it . If you dont believe me, then you are free to leave. I will not stop you.

Akash: (giving up): Fine.. Lets go ahead with your idea then.. Keep looking for that girl till we drain out all our energy. (Arnav looked seriously at him because right now he was in no mood of pranks. Akash realised that).. Okay.. Sorry.. Lets have some tea if you dont mind? At that stall? (he pointed to a small tea stall at the corner of the road.

Arnav agreed. Both went there to have a cup of tea. The stall keeper was an old man who was staring at them from top to bottom for some time while passing them the tea.

Stall keeper: Sahabji.. you both dont look from this place. Are you a tourist?
Arnav (Sipping the tea): Haan. We have come here for business.
Stall Keeper: Business? At this village?
Akash: Arre bhaiyaa. Not here in the village.. You know that big Palace ? Sheesh Mahal? We are here to demolish it and make a five star hotel. Its a hotel business.

The moment this stall keeper heard the name of the Palace, he dropped the saucer from his hand and his fingers shivered. Arnav and Akash both became tensed at his sudden reactions.

Arnav: Whats wrong Man? Are you okay?
Stall keeper: Babuji.. You .. you should go back.. Just go back..
Arnav and Akash looked at each other confused.

Arnav: Go back? Where? What is wrong ?
Stall keeper: Its not safe Babuji.. You both should leave back to wherever you belong. This palace is cursed. It has always snatched people's happiness. It will not let you live peacefully. You should go back. Please..

The Stall keeper pleaded at them joining his palms.

Akash gulped the remaining tea quickly and paid the Stall keeper.

Akash: Arnav.. Lets go.. This man and his talks are giving goosebumps to me.
Arnav : No wait. He knows something.. Thats why he is asking me to leave. ( he placed his hand on the stall keeper's shoulder to calm him down).. What curse? What is wrong with that palace?
Stall keeper scanned his surroundings to see if anyone is watching them.

Arnav:Dont fear.. Just tell me clearly what do you know about that place ?
Stall keeper: Sahab.. Why do you want my life to be ruined. I cant tell you anything. Please go away from here.
Arnav: Nothing will happen to you. Just take this ( he offered some money to him).. Now tell me what do you know?
Stall keeper took the money ..

Stall keeper: I dont know the exact history but my father once told me the palace is cursed from years. No one has ever been able to stay in that palace after that. Whoever does, dies within a month. !! Uss Mahal pe kisi chudail ka saaya hai Sahabji (That palace has some shadow of a witch)

Akash stepped back in fear and wiped off the sweat from his face.Arnav was blank..
Arnav: What else do you know?
Stall keeper: Thats it Sahab.. I dont know anything further.. Just go away now. Please..

The Stall keeper ran away. It was too late for Akash or Arnav to catch hold of him again.

Akash : Arnie... This is a freaking place Buddy.. Lets just go.. Come on.

Akash dragged Arnav out of this village back to their car. Arnav took the driving seat and drove straight to Payal's house. He needed answers and some clear clarifications of what was happening.

*************

Payal Das became a bit conscious seeing Arnav and Akash there because somewhere she feared Arnav Singh Raizada would come up again with some questions which she will have no answers to. Arnav was not a man who would revolve his questions and twist them unnecessarily. He came straight to the point and asked Payal about the incident which happened previous night.

Payal: Village girl? In Sheesh Mahal? How is that possible? What are you talking about?
Arnav: You dont know? Thats Strange. This place is yours.. that house belonged to you.. and you dont know about this uninvited visitor who visited at night? Strange!! Isnt it?

Payal (with little anger): Akash.. Please make your friend understand. Does he think I am hiding someone in that house?  Is he insane ? He is hallucinating some girl and blaming me for it. ?

Arnav ( frustrated): Hallucinating? You think I can hallucinate the same girl whom I saw in the portrait yesterday which went missing? I am not crazy Miss Das if you think so.
Akash (interrupted): Okay guys. Relax.. Arnav.. Calm down..
Arnav: Aki stop explaining me. You heard clearly what that Stall keeper said, didnt you ?
Payal: Stall keeper? You had been to the village?
Arnav: Why? We shouldnt have?

Payal became quiet seeing the rage in Arnav's eyes..

Payal: Talk low Mr Raizada. My Grandfather is resting in his room.
Arnav: (Calmed his frustration down): I will talk low provided you tell us clearly what is happening? Since the time I have visited this place I can feel many things being hidden from us. We have a right to know Miss Das. We have bought that damm Palace ..
Payal: Enough!! Dont use such harsh words for that palace. We have feelings linked to that place.
Arnav:Just feelings? Or some past too which you dont wish to share? Speak up Miss Das before I use other ways to find what the truth is.

Payal breathed hard once and then looked at her servant. The servant left them alone..

Payal: Fine.. You want the truth then here it is Mr Arnav Raizada. People say this palace is cursed. Only because whoever wished to buy it met with some kind of accident and lost his life. Now I dont understand what this is all about. I dont consider it true either. It might be their fates which led that accidents. But I cannot change the minds of the village people here. They have their own stories. They have made it and extended it to a level which is beyond my control. If you wish to believe them and leave this place then I leave it up to you. I am ready to return back the amount you signed in.

Akash felt bad for Payal and her state. She seemed to be really upset with all this. Arnav was still trying to understand this situation..

Arnav: Give us a day more. We will share our decision tomorrow Miss Das. Chalo Aki.

Akash followed Arnav and they left back for Sheesh Mahal.

Akash: Arnav?? You going back at that palace? Didnt you hear what Payal said? This is cursed. We should not be here and spoil our lives like that. I thought you will make some decision right at the spot. Why did you asked her one more day? Look.. I know I have started liking Payal but that is  a different case and this business partnership is different. I completely trust you and your decision making capacity. We dont have to take such a risk Arnav. Lets find some other better place. I will call Aman..

Arnav (Stopped Akash from calling Aman): No Aki.. Dont be in a haste. Lets wait.. One more night.. I dont want to believe the villagers and neither Payal in this matter. I want to take decision based on what I feel is right and good for us. Okay?
Akash: (Sighed): As you say Bro.. But I wont let you stay alone here tonight.
Arnav (Smiled): I am not staying alone. You and Aman are joining me here tonight..
Akash( in fear): WHAT? No way..
Arnav: Yes Aki.. Lets have a party.. Who knows we might take a farewell tomorrow from this palace. So lets have some fun tonight.
Akash: But ..
Arnav dragged Akash from there..

Arnav: Lets make the preperations..

To be continued..

Part 5

Akash scanned the living room sarcastically before turning every lights on. It was evening and staying here in Sheesh Mahal was like risking lives on the cost of judging the truth. Arnav and Aman were busy engrossed in arranging the sofa's for a comfortable sitting.

Aman: I dont understand one thing Arnav. How did you decide to stay here one more night? After knowing so much from the villagers, I would have packed off everything and left.
Akash came there and helped them too.

Akash: Aman. Whatever happens.. You are safe.. We are the owners of this Palace so we are on that list ..!!
Arnav: Shut up Aki.. Which list you talking about?
Akash: Dead list!! ( he replied strongly)
Arnav: What the!! There is nothing called Dead list.. Its either you die or you dont..!!! No one has ever seen or believed such a list eists. So stop believing in such foolish talks and enjoy this night.

Akash: (Looking at Aman): Aman... If anything happens to us.. You are going to let Payal Das know I liked her. Okay?
Aman chuckled because their serious talks were turning out lighter.

Akash: Actually we should have invited Payal too.
Arnav: Never!! She is good where she is. We are happy threesome. Now go and check where the Pizza boy reached? I am hungry..
Aman: Let me get some Cold drink cans from inside. That will make the meal complete.

Both Aman and Akash left for performing their responsibilities and the electricity went off.

Arnav: What the!! ( he scanned at the dark room ).. This place is really horrible..

The good thing was that he was aware of the week electricity here and hence had kept the candles handy..

Akash (from inside): Arnav? U there?
Arnav: Aki.. Dont be scared.. I am around.. Just make the call and come back..

Arnav picked the candle and started striking the match stick. The stick lighted and he slowly lighted the candle too.. The moment he finished, he saw a shadow of a woman running hurridly towards the garrage. Arnav was amazed. Was he dreaming or did he really saw someone? He had to find out.. He took the candle along and rushed towards the garrage. He saw the door of the garrage open and shaking which gave him an idea that someone had just went inside it. He stepped in. He moved the candle to scan through this place once. It was a garrage just for namesake. This place was huge and filled with dry hay. How come he never came here and checked this place before? He remembered that day when he and Akash were inside Sheesh Mahal, this garrage was locked. And later both of them forgot to enquire about it. Who unlocked this door then? Who had the keys of this Garrage ? And who was inside ?

He could hear someone breathing hard and that sound came from a small gap which was at the right side corner from where he stood.

Arnav: Kaun hai wahan ? (Whose there? )

No one answered but the breathing sound was stopped as if this girl was controlling it.

Arnav: Okay.. Enough of this cat and mouse chase. I am going to count to three.. If you dont come out.. I will come there myself.. I know where you hiding..!!

He knew this was the only way to get this girl out and make her speak who she is, what was she doing here and what connection does she have with this house? He started counting..

Arnav: Ek.. (One)

She didnt move.  The candle kept glowing high..

Arnav: Doh.. (Two)

There was still no movement from her side..

Arnav: Teen..! (Three)

He was about to step towards her when suddenly he saw her getting up and pushing the window pane .. The air gushed inside from the backside lawn and the flame etinguished. She was pretty smart.. She wanted to hide and thats why she tricked him but not this time. He saw her running back to the garrage  door which was their only way of entry and eit.. He caught her arm before she could distance herself from him. She was cold and shiverring. Once again only the moon light witnessed their presence. They could hardly see each other clearly but he was familiar with her eyes.. She was the same girl whom he had seen the other night in Sheesh Mahal, the one from the portrait..!! His grip tightened when she struggled to set free and in the process he realised the bangle she wore on her wrist broke into pieces, few of which fell down and the last one pricked her wrist making it bleed.The moment he felt the fluid on his fingers, he left her hand and she took this opportunity to run outside the garrage but not without safeguarding herself. She locked the door of the garage so that he doesnt follow her.. He banged the door asking her to open but probably she wasnt there anymore to open it. She had fled..

After almost 15 minutes more of banging the door, Aman and Akash opened it and Arnav came out.. The electricity was back..

Akash: Arnav? What were you doing here? And you alright?
Arnav was scanning the place as if looking for someone..
Aman: How did you get locked in here? Whats this place?
Arnav: (Sighed in disappointment): Its a garrage.. And she locked me..
Akash and Aman both looked at each other with surprise and then back at Arnav..

Akash: SHE?
Arnav: That same girl who I keep seeing around in this Palace .. She was so close to me Aki.. I had held her hand.. She's smart.. Witty .. She so easily fooled me and .. locked me so that I dont catch her..
Aman: Hold a second Arnav.. Just calm down.. We should get inside the house first..
Akash: Inside? No way guys.. You think even after all this its safe to be here? Someone just keeps coming here and puts our life in danger and you both still think we should keep sitting inside and waiting for that person to take our lives?
Arnav: She wont kill us Aki..
Akash: You guarantee that? Did she tell you specifically what she intends to do if not kill us? why does she keep coming here? Is she alone? Does she have any other people helping her? What does she want? Has she answered any one of these questions that you believe she wont harm us?

Arnav had no reply..

Aman: Akash is right Arnav.. We dont know anything about this. I am already repenting selling this place to you two and I dont wish to repent any further. We should leave .. I will talk to Miss Das for the refund of the money. I am sure it will not take long for her to return the full amount..
Arnav: No Aman.. I am not going to leave this place until I know every bit about that girl..
Akash ( getting frustrated): Arnav you have lost your mind..  If you cant think about me at least think about Di.. You know how much she restricted us coming to India and she doesnt even know we are in Lucknow. She still thinks we are in Delhi..

Aman: So? How does it matter? Delhi ho yeah Lucknow.. Its the same..
Akash: Aman.. Its not the same.. Di had strictly told us not to enter Lucknow. She is little orthodo and she feels this place is unlucky for us..
Aman: How can a place be unlucky when you both have never come here before? This is the first time you both are in Lucknow, infact in India too. Am I correct? Or am I missing anything?
Arnav (placing his hand on Aman's shoulder): Aman.. Its a long story man.. Lets not discuss it now.. Lets get back in and continue our party. Until I have proofs about that girl intruding our privacy here, I dont want Miss Das to get involved in it. She wont believe it anyway.. So why break heads in making her understand? Come..

It was not easy for Arnav to convince Akash to stay for one more night but he finally managed to do that and all the three men then entered the Sheesh Mahal again..

***************

The night passed without any disturbances but Arnav could not sleep well because there was this one question pricking his mind. Why was this girl here? And what did she want from that garrage? This mystery will never let him concentrate on anything until he sorts it. The next morning he didnt waste time to come back in the garrage and find some clue about all this. He was walking on that dry hay looking everywhere when suddenly he felt something sharp below his feet . He quickly stepped back and looked down. There was Silver anklet shinning in the sunlight coming from the windows. He kneeled down and picked it.. Did this belong to that girl? May be while running away her anklet fell loose and came off from her feet. He heard Akash's voice and seemed like Akash was searching him. He kept the anklet in his pocket and turned around..

Akash: What are you doing here bro? Fir se lock hone ka iraada hai kya?
Arnav: How are you up so early morning?
Akash: Ohh What can I say.. Your mystery girl kept me awake all night. Didnt get proper sleep at all. And you?
Arnav sighed walking out..

Arnav: Me too. She better pays off for troubling us so much..
Akash: Haa..!! Hope while making her pay we dont lose our innocent lives. Waise yeah.. I forgot to tell you. Di had called. Since you didnt answer your phone, she called on my number. Talk to her.
Arnav: Sure..
Akash: I will check if Aman's awake. Need a coffee badly.. Will make for you too?
Arnav: I wont deny..!! (he winked at Akash and then removed his phone from pockets to make a call to his Sister. )

Akash left.. Immediately after one ring, Anjali answered the call. She sounded very nervous.

Anjali: Chotte? Tum theek toh ho naa? Where are you? And when are you coming back? Why didnt you call me yesterday?
Arnav: Di.. Di calm down.. I am alright.. Nothing has happened to me.. Why are you sounding so tensed? Is all okay there ?
Anjali: We are fine Chotte. I am worried for you.. Yesterday I had been to the Panditji here.. With your Kundali.. You know what he said? He said you are in some kind of danger there. Some life threatening event is going to occur and..
Arnav (Interrupting): Panditji? Di how could you? I told you not to believe in all this. They just know to earn money by scaring us..
Anjali: You dont wish to believe then dont Chotte but I cannot leave all this so easily. You know whatever he said until now has become true.
Arnav: Not always. He said you will get a baby girl. But you have a Son..
Anjali : So ? he never said my first baby will be a girl. It might mean my second baby too..
Arnav stopped talking for a second to realise what she just said..

Arnav: Di ? Are.. are you expecting a second baby?

Anjali: What? Another baby? No.. No Chotte.. I am not thinking of a second baby at the moment..
Arnav ( sighed in disappointment): See.. You arent even thinking and you believe that Panditji still? Why is he practising there in London? Ask him to come to India if he is so much interested in flourishing his knowledge..
Anjali: Chotte please stop accusing him. But.. seriously tell me you are fine..
Arnav: I am Di.. Ask Akash if you dont believe me..
Anjali: I asked him already ..
Arnav: See..! Now will you at least believe him if not me?
Anjali was quiet..

Arnav: Di I am not a kid anymore. I know to take care of myself.  I wont disappoint you in that matter.
Anjali: Okay. I take your words.. But remember Aarav's exams are getting over next week and then no one can stop me from coming to Delhi..

Arnav was suddenly alarmed. Delhi? What will his sister do if she comes to know he is not in Delhi but in Lucknow? He winded up the call quickly because every minute he wasted here will cost him too much later. He had to finish this mystery soon and leave this place . Otherwise he will have to face a tough time ahead in convincing his sister.

*************

Arnav came to Payal's house to know about the garrage and ask her to send some servants who can get it cleaned. Especially the dry hay from that place. He saw a Panditji sitting and talking to Payal. Ohh!! She too believes in them like his sister? He waited till their talks finished and the Panditji got up to leave . Payal asked Arnav to get in but the moment the Panditji saw Arnav, he stopped him.. Arnav was curious to know why he was been scanned from top to bottom like this by the Priest..

Arnav: Uhh!! Anything wrong Panditji?

Panditji seemed to be scared but he didnt hide his thoughts..

Panditji: Beta.. There are some dark forces trying to capture your soul.. You need to fight them before they get you.

Arnav was little taken back by the Priest's words.. He never wanted to believe in all this but can it be a conincidence that his sister's Priest also advised him something like this ?

Arnav: Thanks for advising me but I dont believe it much. Excuse me!!

He walked towards Payal ignoring further conversation with the Priest. Payal herself felt strange when she heard all this.

To be Continued..

Part 6

Panditji: Beta.. There are some dark forces trying to capture your soul.. You need to fight them before they get you.

Arnav was little taken back by the Priest's words.. He never wanted to believe in all this but can it be a conincidence that his sister's Priest also advised him something like this ?

Arnav: Thanks for advising me but I dont believe it much. Excuse me!!

He walked towards Payal ignoring further conversation with the Priest. Payal herself felt strange when she heard all this. The Priest left the place praying for this man who really would need help soon.

Arnav: The garrage!! I need its keys and send someone to clean it.
Payal: Garrage? Ohh Yes! I forgot to give those keys to you.. One minute..

She quickly made her way to the drawer and then passed him the Keys. Arnav was simply watching her.

Arnav: You keep these keys so handy? I mean in the drawer of your living room?
Payal: Yea.. Why? Do you fear someone might just take and misuse it ? Its just a garrage Mr Raizada. What can someone find there?
Arnav smirked at her collecting the keys. Either she was really innocent or purposely coaxing him to believe whatever was happening with him was false. !
Arnav: I am changing all the locks of Sheesh Mahal. I dont find it secure with these keys.
Payal: (Smiled): Its your house now, so your decision matters. Thanks for informing me though.

Arnav hadnt expected much from her. He had to take this step of changing the locks to prevent that unknown mysterious girl from hacking into this place everytime.

***************

It was late afternoon and Arnav was off to the close by markets alone to get some good locks for the house. He had hired a car today for their daily up down in the market until his booked Audi car is delivered to him. He didnt take a driver. By now he was confident of knowing the close by roads and places. He shopped the necessary stuff and was returning back to Sheesh Mahal. The return road was along the sides of moutain peek. The view was breath taking . He was always attracted to such scenic and adventurous spots. Giving a break to his car, he stopped at the top cliff to capture the sunset. He was walking from the corner of the cliff admiring the place unaware of the small stone which was right before his next step. The moment he placed his foot on it, the stone shook and Arnav slipped off the cliff in no time. The world came to an end, that was his condition. He never thought he would survive observing the sliding speed but luckily he could hold the edge of a hard rock at the edge of this sliding slope of the mountain and cheat death. His body was aching, he had scars on his arms and feet. He screamed aloud for help, once , twice, thrice and few more times but whom was he fooling? This place was so far that he cannot expect anyone to come for his help.

Arnav was losing his grip over the hard rock. The deep valley was ready to engulf him. His eyes were shutting slowly as his energy drained in the hot sun waiting for someone to help him. His fingers were bruised and blood still oozing from his forehead. Suddenly he saw a rope being thrown for him from the top. He quickly held the rope which seemed to be supported by something really strong. He felt his body being pulled up with force. Slowly and steadily he managed to climb back the steep moutain peak and save his life. He untied the rope from his hand and lay flat on the ground taking deep breathes. After few seconds he turned his head in the direction of the car which had  the other end of the rope tied to it. The car door opened, taking his breathe away as he saw the same girl whom he was searching madly, getting down the car in a western outfit and coming towards him. How can this be possible? He stood up trying to balance his body. She stood right before him and removed her stylish sunglasses.

"Khudkhushi ka itna hi shauq tha toh uss saamne waali pahadi se karte, woh aur bhi unchi aur gehri hai. Kuch hi second mein saansein ruk jaati. !! " ( If you were so much interested in suiciding then you should have chosen the other hill at the front. Its more heighted and steep. It would take just few seconds for your breathes to stop)

Arnav was speechless. She can speak? Till date he had always seen her eyes, touched her hand but never heard her talking.

"You okay?", she showed a little concern.

"Can you speak or you are still in shock? You are saved Mr..!! Are you able to hear me? (she paused..).. Whatever!!"

She gave up asking questions to him but the blood oozing out from his forehead freaked her out.

"You have any first aid kit in your car or even that you are expecting from me?", she queried but he kept watching her blankly..

"Dumb!!" She muttered angrily and turned around but thats when she heard him talking.

Arnav: We know each other
She stopped and faced him again.

"Are you asking me this or confirming?"

He didnt respond.

She sighed in frustration and stepped forward towards him.

"Either you are acting too smart or too dumb for a woman like me. But I know men like you. Flirty jerks!! The first time you meet a beautiful girl, you try such illogical questions and make her fall for you. But Mr.. I am not the one. So dont even try!! "

She seemed pretty serious.!! The way she behaved was so different and opposite compared to that mysterious girl whom he had met until now.

"Be here", she ordered and hurried towards her car. She opened the door and fetched the First Aid kit. She opened the kit and took the needful cotton and bandages and came back to Arnav.

She passed him the cotton to self help but he was so much lost in her that she realised he would not do anything beyond oogling at her. She angrily wiped off the blood from his forehead and then stuck the bandage. He didnt even flinch once in pain, he was that much lost.
She expected at least a simple "Thank You" from him but the way he stared at her freaked her out again.

"Drive Safe Mr.. And Dont stoppover again at such dangerous places. I saved you once, might not get a second chance to do this honour. Understood?"

She didnt wait for his reply. She knew it would never come. She got inside her car and drove away. Arnav was still standing like mad there and watching her car leave. When the car was out of his sight, he came back to his senses and started running behind it. But the car was too far from his reach.. He raked his fingers in hair for missing such a good opportunity to follow this girl and sat inside his car to get back to Sheesh Mahal.. Whoever she was, she might be the same girl or might not be !! This mystery will kill him one day, he thought.

**************

Sheesh Mahal

Akash: Ohh God Arnav.. Even after this accident you think nothing is wrong with this place?? Know what? I know who is doing all this. Its that mysterious girl. She is the chudail ( witch) here. I have read in books, these witches are very cunning, sharp and witty. They can fool people easily. This mysterious girl is fooling you coming in two different getup. I am sure she is not that "bechari" types. She is more than we can think about.
Arnav: Sshh Aki.. Relax.. Just calm down.. Please..

Aman was also between them and treating Arnav's wounds..

Arnav: Nothing has happened to me. I am fine. It was just an accident!!
Akash: JUST an accident? Dont be so cool buddy..!! I had met Payal Das today and she told him how some Priest warned you about an upcoming danger. Even Di had told you the same yesterday, didnt she? Cant you see, this warning turned out to be true!!
Arnav: Its a coincidence Aki.. Which generation you are living in? Coinicidence  can happen.
Akash: (giving up this argument): Theek hai. What do you want? Another coincidental accident? Or this time straight death!!

Aman: Sorry to interrupt you both but even I think Arnav is taking too much of risk here. Whoever that girl is, we dont need to take a chance.

Arnav sighed getting up from the couch.

Arnav: Fine. You both leave. I will come back later.
Akash (angrily): I am not going to leave you alone in this death zone!!
Arnav: Then stay with me until I find what this is about!! Will you?
Akash and Aman looked at each other in disbelief. Akash knew Arnav will never agree to leave before solving the mystery here.

Akash: Fine!! Do what you want, I am here!!

He left outside in anger. Aman rushed behind him to calm him down. Arnav didnt feel good disturbing Akash so much but he really wanted to know what was wrong here. Today whatever happened might have been a coincidence but he cannot risk Akash's life too. He promised himself to leave this place if in a day or two he doesnt find that girl again.

**************

2nd Day

Arnav had made up his mind to leave. There was officially no sign of finding that girl .She had not even visited Sheesh Mahal in her villager avatar too. He lost hopes. Not that he would return  this property back to Payal Das. He had other plans for it. He just thought of going back to Delhi for some days. Who knows, may be they can find a  better deal there and then Arnav can return Sheesh Mahal back to the Das and if Payal then denies to own it back, he will find another buyer through Aman. Arnav was in the market buying some gifts for his nephew Aarav and thats when something shinning striked on his face. He looked back in the direction and realised it was a finger ring which tinkled in the sunlight. He slowly scanned the girl from her hand to her face. His eyes glittered with joy seeing the same girl. She was the same girl!! Damm!! He cannot miss her today. He ran towards her, making way in that crowded place.

She was going to move away picking the basket of fruits but he blocked her way. She was shocked to see him here. He breathed hard because he really had ran fast to catch hold of her.

Arnav: Hi..

She scanned his face once , especially giving more time to his forehead. The scar was there though it was dried up now.

"Bye", she stated and kept moving from the side. He followed her.

Arnav: You seem to be in a hurry?

She didnt reply but kept walking..
Arnav: Uhh .. I wanted to thank you for that day.. Thanks

She kept walking..
Arnav: Say something.. Uss din toh bahut bol rahi thi..

She stopped by a car.

"I dont talk to strangers. I helped you the other day, you thanked me today. Meet over. We are strangers again. Dont think I am going to extend it."

She opened the car door and drove the car out of the market..He lost her again. She was so rude!! Arnav Singh Raizada was talking to her and she didnt even acknowledge him properly..
He saw the fruit store keeper running behind her car too. He stopped him..

Arnav: Why are you running after her?

Store keeper: She forgot her wallet in our shop. Do you know her?

Arnav saw the wallet
 and an idea popped in his mind.

Arnav: Yep.. She is my friend. I will give it to her. Give..

The store keeper was little confused but he still handed the wallet to him because he had seen her and this man talking. May be they were friends. The store keeper handed the wallet and left back to his store.

Opening a girl's purse like this was wrong but he had to do it because he was dying to know her identity. .He found her driving license which had her photo on it along with the name.

"Khushi Kumari Gupta"
Arnav closed the wallet again and kept looking at her photo..

Arnav: So your name is KHUSHI!! Interesting!!

To be Continued..

Part 7

" Khushi Kumari Gupta", this name ringed in his mind continuously as he drove the car speedily to reach the address, her address!! He didnt find difficulty in tracing her house. The Gupta's seemed to be a very reputed family here. He kept driving until he finally reached the gates of that house. The guards stopped him.

Arnav: Uhh..Khushi Gupta.!! She stays here right?

Guards: Do you have an appointment?
Arnav ( raising his eyebrow): Appointment? Just to meet her and return something she lost?
The Guards got confused..
Arnav: Well. .just ring her up and tell her I have her Purse. She misplaced it today in the market. And its with me. I am here to return it.
Guards: Okay.

The other guard rushed to dial Khushi whereas Arnav kept waiting in the car with the second guard securing his entry inside. She seemed to be a VIP probably!! Who the hell was she? He had not informed Aman or Akash anything about this visit. He knew by this time Akash might be packing his stuff to leave for Delhi again because that is what they had planned for. He just hoped he doesnt have to return from here in disappointment.. The guard came back.

Guard: Maam is busy.. You can give her Purse to us. We will hand it over to her.
Arnav had not expected it.
Arnav: No.. I wont!! Tell her is she wants it back, then allow me to meet her otherwise forget this forever!!
The guards gave him a warning look.
Arnav: Come on.. I am not a thief or a Pyscho killer who will harm her. And she knows me.. She has met me before...
Guard: Your name?
Arnav: Arnav Singh Raizada!!

The guard made a quick call again and finally got a green signal from his madam. They opened the gate for him and Arnav parked his car. He got down to find his way inside. A servant rushed out to help him in the right direction. The houses of Lucknow were not less than Palaces.. The Das's house , then Sheesh Mahal and now this Gupta Mansion..

Servant: Maam will be here shortly.. Please be seated.
Arnav: Uhh .. Can I get some water please?
Servant: Sure..!!

The servant made his way to the kitchen. Arnav scanned the area. There were few CCTV camera's around.. Camera's inside the house? Why? He kept thinking over it until he saw her getting downstairs. She was in the same dress he had seen her in market today. She didnt seem happy to see him though.

Arnav: Hi...
Khushi: You stole my purse and followed me here?
Arnav: What The!! You have a very wrong notion about people Miss Gupta..!! Not everyone who has your purse is a thief!!
Khushi: And not everyone who wants to return it back, threatens to keep it to himself until he gets a chance to deliver it to the right person himself!!

Arnav ( smiled weakly): You dont seem to like visitors!! But you help unknown people when they need you.?
Khushi: (extended her hand): My purse!!

Arnav unknowingly looked at her hand and registered a bruise .. He quickly remembered the day when this mysterious girl was caught by him in the garrage and in the process of holding her , the bangle broke and bruised her wrist. This looked like a similar wound..

Arnav: Whats this?
He tried to touch her wrist but she moved her arm back.

Khushi: It has no connection with my lost purse!! Give me back and just leave.
Arnav was not happy with the way she behaved and ignored his questions.. He twisted her arm at her back and pulled her close.

Arnav: Dont neglect answering me Miss Khushi Gupta. This scar on your arm has a lot to do with the incidents happening in my life.. Soyou better speak up..

Khushi's eyes grew wide in anger and shock. She screamed aloud for her security who came there in no time and pulled Arnav back, setting Khushi free from his clutches.. Arnav struggled..

Khushi: How dare you touch me like that?
Arnav: And how dare you enter my premises without my permission?
Khushi: Premises? Your premises ?
Arnav: Sheesh Mahal!! I am talking about that Palace!! Now do you remember or you want me to detail more that too before your guards?

The moment she heard the name "Sheesh Mahal" she almost skipped a breathe and then gestured her guards to leave him. Arnav shrugged his jacket dusting it  once. Khushi asked her guards to leave.

Khushi: What connection do you have with Sheesh Mahal?
Arnav: I bloody own it now !!

Khushi gulped down her feelings. She seemed to be little scared  now.

Khushi: Now I see why you met with that accident the other day.. !! Dont you know that house has a curse on it.?
Arnav: Dont repeat those illogical thoughts which almost everyone around here shares .. I am not concerned about all that. I just want to know Why do you keep wandering there?
Khushi: Excuse me? Wandering where? In Sheesh Mahal? Are you sick Mr Raizada?
Arnav caught her arm again and gestured towards the scar.

Arnav: Then what is this? As far as I remember, its because your bangle pierced you that night when I held your arm not allowing you to escape!!
Khushi was stuck.
Khushi: Escape? What are you talking about ? You mean I came to Sheesh Mahal? Wouldnt I know if I reached there?
Arnav: Do you have sleepwalking  problem?
Khushi: What? No.. Never! I dont know why am I even answering all these foolish questions..
Arnav: Because they are not foolish .. They are real.. I am already going through these dreaded situations in my life from the time I have bought that house.
Khushi: Its the house effect Mr Raizada. I told you its not safe to be in there. It attracts you first, make you see unimaginable things and then.. then it kills you.!! (she had tears in her eyes)

Arnav had no idea why her eyes were moist? Why did he feel like she was somehow feeling the same tension within her which he did from past few days?

Khushi: Well!! I hope you got your answers. Now please give me my purse and leave!

He passed the purse to her which she gently took and then turned to leave.

Arnav: I am taking your words Miss Gupta that you never stepped in there. But the day I cannot believe it was that house which made me see and encounter with an unknown face .!! I am not going to stop this search until I know the real truth.

She didnt wait though she heard his warning.. She kept walking towards her bedroom and then finally he left the house.

***************

Sheesh Mahal

Arnav was back and he told Akash and Aman everything what happened today in the market and then his meet with Khushi Kumari Gupta..Aman hearing the name became alert.

Aman: What name did you say? Khushi?
Arnav: Khushi Kumari Gupta.
Aman: Why do I feel I have heard this name before?
Akash: Ohh come on Aman.. Now you dont tell us all that. We are already frustrated with these situations.
Arnav: Where have you heard it Aman? Just try to remember that.It might be useful for us.
Aman ( trying to remember): Uhh.. yea.. I think I remember. You know I have a habbit of doing a pre check of the owners list of every property which I have in my kit for sale. So just like that, I had tried to get info on the people who have tried to buy SHeesh Mahal till date. And there was this person named. Uhh.. Garima Gupta.. She had planned to buy it from the Das. This was happening 15 years back. Almost half of the proceedings were completed .. Seems she wanted to gift this Palace to her daughter Khushi. So thats where I heard it.. Garima Gupta.. And her daughter Khushi Gupta..!!

Akash was blank but
Arnav again had questions.

Arnav: So what happened after that?
Aman: Uhh.. I dont know. I just understood that she lost interest in buying it and the deal was broken..
Arnav: There must be a reason why she broke that deal..
Akash: May be Payal knows..
Aman: I doubt.. Considering her age almost to be around 21-23, she would be 8 -10 years old when all this happened..
Arnav: Mr Das, her grandfather.. He must be the one dealing with that deal with Garima Gupta.
Akash: But he is dumb.. He cannot speak.
Aman: God!! This is so complicated..

Arnav: Do you guys still think we should leave ?

Aman and Akash looked at each others faces and then both were firm with their decision. "NO" they replied instantly..

Akash: We might be too close to answers. This Khushi Kumari Gupta's mystery will be out only if we combinedly sort it.
Aman: Agreed. Lets see whats instore for us in the coming days..
Arnav: Or rather.. in the Coming NIGHTS!!

He winked at Akash and Aman who were smiling seeing his confidence!! They stayed back..

***************

Night

Akash: So whats the plan guys?

Aman opened the huge cardsheet which looked like some sketch of a Palace..

Arnav: Whats this?
Aman: Gupta Mansion's map! I mean the design!!
Arnav: Design? How do you have that?
Aman: Ohh .. I got it from the one who build that house. I will have to return it back though but  I have taken some print of it.
Akash: Dont tell me we intend to enter that house.
Arnav: (Smiled): We do!!
Akash: What? But why? What will we do there?
Arnav: Not WE Akash.. Just ME.. I am going in.. You guys stay out and keep an eye on the guards..
Akash: Damm!! You going in? Alone? For what Arnie? I mean what if we get caught?
Aman: Thats why I have got this sketch Akash. It shows us the safest entry points in that house.
Arnav: And this one here seems the best.. ( he pointed at the backside gate which directly had an entrance towards the backdoor of the Gupta Mansion.

Aman: Yea.. less security and no camera's.. There is one here. (he pointed).. but its easy to damage it by just aiming a stone at it.
Arnav: Perfect.. So thats where I am entering from..
Akash: And do what?
Arnav: Watch Miss Gupta!! ( he wickedly replied)
Aman: Dont fall for her trap Arnav.
Arnav leaned back on the sofa losing himself in some thoughts..

Akash : Huhh.. he already has fell for her I think!!

Arnav was too busy thinking and thats why he didnt concentrate on why Aman and Akash were laughing about.. He was confident he might find some proof there in Gupta Mansion about that mysterious girl who was none other than Khushi Gupta according to him.

***************

Gupta Mansion - Same night

Aman , akash and Arnav were all set to start their plan of entering the house. Though Arnav was the only one to get inside, Akash and Aman were still worried for him.

Akash: All the best. Hope you find some clue there.
Aman: And dont forget to ring us if you find anything suspicious..
Arnav was cool.

Arnav: I am not going inside a haunted house guys. Relax and keep a watch here. I will be back soon...
Akash hugged Arnav tight..
Arnav: Aki.. Enough!!

Akash: (pulling back from the hug): Yea.. I know.. We never did this before. So little stressed..
Arnav: Dont be.. I will be back soon.. Bye..

Aman threw a stone on the Camera which broke and got disconnected. The gate was free of any security. Arnav climbed it and got inside the premises.. He ran towards the backside door.

To be Continued..

Part 8

Aman and Akash were restless outside the Gupta Mansion. It had just been 10 minutes that Arnav had entered inside but they both seemed to be worried for him. Arnav had reached the living room and it was dark. There were no signs of even the maids around which gave him a clear path to get upstairs. He didnt know if he would really find something at this place or not but he wanted to give a try.That scar on Khushi Gupta's wrist was just one proof which had lead him in this direction that there might be some chances that he find his remaining answers here. He reached the lobby of the first floor. There were many rooms around. Which one was hers? He closed his eyes and then tried to guess which room he should start with. He had to ensure he misses getting captured in the security camera's around. Taking a random guess, he tried to turn the knob of some door open and he was successful. He entered inside slowly. The room was dark but the balcony door was open which lead enough moonlight to pass in the room, brightening it as required. Khushi Gupta was sleeping like a princess peacefully on her king size bed, cuddling to the pillows. She looked angelic. But this angel faced girl was the reason of his sleepless nights.. He moved forward scanning the room properly. It was a cozy well maintained room with Pink and white interiors. Typical girlishhh!!! Her bed had net curtains cascading from the top and flowing in the direction of the wind.

Suddenly his eyes fixed on her feet and he realised she was wearing anklet in only one leg. His doubts started getting clearer. It was obvious she had only one anklet with her because the other one of that pair was with him.. The day when she was hiding from him in the Garrage of Sheesh Mahal, the anklet had slipped from her feet..So he got one more proof with him that she was the same girl who was dressed up as a Village girl and had been a visitor in his newly bought Mahal. He started scanning the room to find anything else which can give his search a proper shape when suddenly he noticed the same photo frame which he had seen on his first visit in Sheesh Mahal and got attracted too.. but later it got stolen.

What the Hell!! What was this frame doing here? That means she was the one who stole it? So all these days she kept visiting Sheesh Mahal in that Village girl get up confusing him by her acts, saved him from falling off the cliff and then even declined knowing him or seeing him before? Why was she lieing to him ? What was it that she was hiding ? He took the same photo frame which was hung on the wall in his hands..Thats when her mobile phone started ringing.. Arnav hide himself behind the curtains of the balcony door. Khushi twirled in her sleep to reach the edge of her bed and answer the call. She spoke in a sleepy voice.

Khushi: (Eyes closed ): Hello..

Hearing the caller's voice she got alarmed and quickly rubbed her eyes to wake up from sleep.

Khushi: Yes Dr.. Is everything okay?

Arnav was just doing his best not to grab her attention somehow because that would mess up everything. But along with this, he also was curious to know which Dr she was talking to at this hour of night?

Khushi: Ohh. Thats a very good news Dr. When can I speak to her then? (Pause)... After a month? Thats.. still far.. But .. Thanks Dr. Thanks for keeping me informed. Bye.

She cut the call wiping off her moist eyes. But she was happy with this news.. She was still trying to believe what she heard from the Dr over the phone when suddenly she saw a shadow in the moonlight at the balcony door. There seemed to be someone hiding behind the curtains. She was scared. She turned the lights on and started taking steps slowly towards the curtains. Arnav knew she was coming towards him. He had no choice. Drops of sweat formed on her forehead as she advanced towards him .. With one swift move she slid the curtain aside and he had to press her hand on her mouth to stop her from screaming aloud and alarming the guards.

Her eyes widened seeing Arnav in her room as she kept struggling to be set free.

Arnav: Dont scream.. I am not going to harm you..
She struggled again in anger.
Arnav: Stop dancing Miss Gupta and until you ensure not to alarm your guards, I am not going to take my hand off your mouth.

She took a deep breathe and stayed calm. He slowly took his arm from her mouth. The moment he did this, she pushed him back in anger.

Khushi: You are not supposed to be here at this hour Mr. What do you think of yourself? How can you enter my premises without my knowledge and permission? Do you know the consequences? Do you even know who I am? I can send you to jail and ensure you dont come out for at least 5 years.. (She said all this without even giving a break )

Arnav: Okay.. Do it ( he commanded)
She was confused..
Arnav: Go ahead.. Just call up the Police and tell them I disturbed your honourable sleep and privacy.. But remember one thing, I too have proofs of how you are the reason of my sleepless nights Miss Gupta..

Sleepless nights? Thats disgusting..!! What does he mean by that?

Khushi: Watch your language Mr. How can I be responsible for your sleepless nights? I hardly know you..
Arnav: You know me or you dont, doesnt matter. What matters is what you have to do with Sheesh Mahal?

The name of the Palace itself gave her goosebumps.

Khushi: I told you, I dont want to speak about that place. Now get out of here before I call my guards..

She turned around to leave but Arnav was very much pissed off with her behaviour. He caught her arm and made her come back to the place where she stood..

Arnav: Lets stop playing this Hide and Seek Miss Gupta..You have to give me something I want .. I know you are connected to that place.. You know a lot about it so you better speak up or else I will have to ask this to your mother..

She looked at him with surprise in her eyes..

Arnav: Call your mother.. Where is she? I dont mind disturbing her sleep as well because today I am not going to leave this place without getting my answers.
Khushi: (Angrily): My mother cant meet you..
Arnav: Why? Why cant she meet me? If you dont have any answers, she would.. Where is she?
Khushi: (Shoving his arm ): I said.. She is not here.. She cannot be here and that damm Sheesh Mahal is responsible for it...

Arnav could feel the rage in her words. She seemed to be very much angry and frustrated.

Arnav: She is not here?And what do you mean Sheesh Mahal responsible for it?

Khushi was trying to calm down. She had never felt so much irritated like she was today.

Khushi: What do you want to know about Sheesh Mahal ?
Arnav: Everything. Why does your wrist have a scar?  What is this photo frame  doing with you? Why is your other Anklet missing? Why did you visit Sheesh Mahal almost thrice last week? Why??

Khushi: Your questions are nowhere related to Sheesh Mahal Mr. But I will still answer them for you.. This scar on my wrist is because my bangle broke the other night and pricked me while I was sleeping. This frame here belongs to me because my mother sketched it. And I lost my Anklet somewhere which is the reason why you find only one in my feet. Now coming to visiting your Sheesh Mahal. Never even in my dreams would I like to be there. I have suffered enough due to that place and I will not purposely choose more pain for myself. Hope you got all your answers now..

Arnav was not much happy with her replies.

Arnav: You are lieing.
Khushi: I dont lie Mr. Whatever I told is the truth..
Arnav: Really? One minute..!!

He removed the other pair of the Anklet from his pocket and showed it to her.

Arnav: What is this doing with me then?
Khushi was surprised. Her Anklet? She immediately snatched it from his hand.
Khushi: I should be asking you that.. What is my Anklet doing with you? Where did you find it?
Arnav: In Sheesh Mahal Garrage when you were hiding from me..
Khushi was dumbfound.

Khushi: Me? In Sheesh Mahal? What nonsense is this? I have never been there..
Arnav: Then does your Anklet fly? Because I have found it right there Maam!! ( he mocked at her)
Khushi flared her nose in anger while staring at him.

Arnav: Such a terrible liar you are Miss Gupta.. How neatly you tried to erase the truth.. This scar on your wrist is not because the bangle pricked you while sleeping. It's because when I caught you in the garrage, you struggled to set free and my hold was so firm that your bangle broke into peices, one of which pricked you. And the biggest lie among all. This Photo frame.. I believe that this sketch is yours though I have no idea who sketched it.. But this frame was stolen right away in my presence from Sheesh Mahal.

Stolen??? What does he mean by that? She was hell frustrated with this nonsense.

Khushi: Gosh!! You need help Mr Arnav..I dont know which world you are living in. Have you tried consulting some psychatrist? Your state of mind is scaring me. All these "so called facts" which you told me have no base at all. I know what the truth is. That Sheesh Mahal is messing with your mind and if you dont vaccate that place immediately, your state of mind might get worse. So take my advice. Just flee from there.

She picked her phone which was lying on the bed.

Khushi: Dont make me call my guards. They are going to get pissed off seeing you here. Get out before I change my mind.

She was very rude.. Arnav stepped towards her and snatched her phone. She struggled to get it back but he threw it on bed. She looked at him with anger.

Arnav: Yeh dhamki kissi aur ko dena.. I was being very patient in getting the answers from you but your behaviour is making me change my mind. Next time we meet Miss Khushi Gupta.. Its not going to be that simple!!
Khushi: OUT!!  (she screamed)

He fisted his fingers holding the anger within him and walked out of her room and then the house, in the same way he had entered in.

**************

Aman pour the oil in the firewood. The weather outside was cold. Arnav was not in a mood to talk to anyone but he could not ignore his Di's call which was ringing on his phone. He answered it immediately.

Arnav: Haan di..
Anjali: Chotte.. What is keeping you so busy that you didn't call me from past 2 days.
Arnav: Di main..
Anjali: No Chotte don't give me any more excuses. I am not going to accept any.

Though Anjali was not really angry on Arnav, she still pretended to be. But Arnav was too much stressed to understand her prank. He spatted back.

Arnav: What wrong have I done that every woman in my life is hell bent on blaming me??
Anjali was confused.
Anjali: Every woman? As far as I know I am the only woman in your life Chotte. Or is there someone else too whom I am not aware of? ( she started drawing her own conclusions ).. Ek minute.. Chotte did you eloped with Akash or some girl?

Before Arnav could respond back and clear her confusion, Akash snatched the phone from him.

Akash: Di.. Very rightly guessed. There is a girl who is the reason of your brothers' sleepless nights.

Arnav took his phone back

Arnav: Shut up Aki..
Anjali: ( happily): Arre wash Chotte, I think this is the first time I am happy that you are away from me. At least you could concentrate on finding a partner for yourself. So tell me about her. Kaisi hai??

Arnav: Di.. Aisa Kuch nahi hai.. Aki is just dragging it for no reason. There is nothing between me and her. Infact she is not my type.. She is rude and very arrogant. You know me Di. I don't like such girls..
Anjali: Yea.. I know you like girls swooning over you but don't forget you always have maintained distance from such woman too because you don't trust they can be a good life partner.  Who knows this girl who you think is rude and self centred might be the right one??

Arnav was lost in Khushi Gupta's thoughts for few seconds.  He remembered how she had saved his life on the cliff but alone with that he also got flashes of that village girl who resembled her and whom he believed to be Khushi Gupta only based on all the proofs he had got.

Anjali: Hello Chotte?? Where have you lost??
Arnav came back to the reality..

Arnav: Nothing Di.. You take care.. Give my love to Aarav.. I will call you tomorrow.
Anjali: Tomorrow?? Uhh okay.. But we are travelling to   Shyam's uncle's place and there might be chances that our phones dont connect. But dont worry we will call you once we reach. Okay?

Arnav didn't question.

Arnav: Okay di.. Bye..

To be Continued..

Ankahee Part 9

Sheesh Mahal

Akash and Aman were unable to believe what Arnav had planned. After a long conversation and argument they finally agreed to his wishes as usual.

Arnav: If ever this Mahal had a history and some curse upon it which the people believe in, then it can be wiped off only when this palace is demolished. And this is what we always planned to do right? We want to build a hotel here. Enough of spending so much time in deciding what past this palace carries. Lets get the engineers and masons ready for reconstructing this place into a Grand Hotel.
Akash: Yea. We dont have much time to waste here either, enough of shifting our concentration from the actual goal.Lets kick start the hotel plan.

Aman: Before every good start we should conduct a small puja which ensures a holy start of the process Arnav. I don't know how much you both believe in it but it wont harm if we follow. And based on whatever we have faced and heard all these days, this idea wont be wrong.

Akash: I agree.
Arnav: Its just going to consume more time and efforts but if you both insist, I am ready for it.
Aman: Okay then. I will make the arrangements as you both are new to these rituals. But does anyone know a good Pandit here by any chance.?
Akash:  Uhh. Payal does. She might help.
Aman: Good. I will talk to her then.
Akash: ( chuckles): Aman.. I have a suggestion.. Drop this broker profession and join us. Since the time we three have met, I don't find you doing anything apart from our work.

Arnav chuckled agreeing to what Akash just said. Aman too looked convinced.

Aman: Good proposal Akash.. I will give it a thought. Now excuse me.. Make the guest list ready and meanwhile I will check  if Payal's pandit is available for doing this puja.
Akash: Guest list?? We don't have anyone here.. Except.. Miss Payal Das. ( he almost blushed mentioning her name again)
Arnav: And Miss Khushi Gupta .. ( he quickly stated)

Arnav was lost in her thoughts ..how can he forget her? She was still a mystery for him and looking at their current meets, he had full hopes their paths will keep crossing each others ..

******************
Gupta Mansion

Khushi was sitting and reading some business file but she was hardly able to concentrate. She was thinking about that night when Arnav had come to her house secretly and interrogated her about Sheesh Mahal. She looked at the scar on her wrist once and touched it gently. She was lost in some thoughts when suddenly her servant came there and handed some envelope.

Khushi: What is this?
Servant: An invitation Maam. Mr Aman Mathur was here with the envelope.

She took it from the servant who left immediately. She opened it and started reading the contents. Puja?? In Sheesh Mahal? And she was invited?? Huhh.. How can they even expect her to be in that palace? Dont they know she hates that place? She was about to throw the envelope aside when suddenly her phone started ringing.. It displayed an unknown number. She answered.

Khushi: Khushi Gupta speaking.. Whose this?
Arnav: The new owner of Sheesh Mahal.. Pehchana?

Khushi recognized his voice and sighed in disbelief getting up from the couch and walking slowly.

Khushi: After so much of insult which you had to undergo that night in my house, I never thought you would call me again?
Arnav: Kya karein majboori hai.. Aap ke bagair Sheesh Mahal ki koi bhi baat puri nahi hoti..
Khushi( angrily): Be clear Mr Arnav.. I don't have time to think what your words mean.
Arnav: Invitation card mila hi hoga.. I was just confirming your presence on that day.
Khushi: I don't have time for such Puja. And especially if its related to Sheesh Mahal..
Arnav: Why? You afraid??
Khushi: Ohh shut up. I am not afraid.
Arnav: Then prove it.. I will wait for you. Bye.

He disconnected the call. She angrily looked at her phone and murmured.

Khushi: Who the hell does he think he is? I am not going and that's final..

*****************

Sheesh Mahal- Evening - Puja day

No outsiders were invited except the Das grandfather and Payal and ofcourse Khushi. The three men, Aman, Akash and Arnav welcomed Payal who came inside all alone for attending the Puja. The Panditji was already there and assembling all the puja related stuff.

Arnav: Mr Das wont come?
Payal: Sorry but you know about his health. He is resting at home. I am the only one who could make it.
Akash: Never mind Payal.. Please come..

Payal scanned the living room where the Puja was going to held carefully. It seemed like she was a bit scared. Arnav noticed that.

Arnav: Any problem Payal??
Payal: Umm. No.. Nothing. I am good. Uhh. Where are the other guests??
Akash: We don't know many people here so its just you and...( suddenly Arnav interrupted)..
Arnav: There she comes.. ( he said smiling)

Everyone gazed at the door to see who the guest was. The girl wore a pretty orange saree, looking very traditional, entered the main door of Sheesh Mahal. She was Khushi Gupta and it was very clear from her face that she was curious to attend this function here. She scanned the surroundings as if she was coming here for the first time. Was she faking this expression purposely to show Arnav that she indeed had never come here before. ?? If she was thinking so, then she was a fool, Arnav thought in his mind and like a good host he welcomed her inside.

Arnav: I am glad you made it.. Miss Gupta..

He extended his hand for a formal handshake but she joined her palms and gestured a "Namaste" to the other two men who were watching her with their chin dropped.. Arnav felt little insulted but he ignored it.

Arnav: He is Akash my friend cum business partner and he is Aman our friend..
Khushi: Aman..uhh Aman Mathur? You are the broker. Am I correct?
Aman: Yes. But how do you know??
Khushi: My friend told me.. He knows you not directly though. He was looking for some properties and for that he tried getting in touch with you.. But guess you were busy elsewhere and hence he found some other broker.

Akash quickly whispered in Arnav's ears.

Akash: Friend? Or boyfriend? What do you think??

Arnav widened his eyes asking Akash to stop discussing unwanted topics. Akash agreed..

Aman: Wow.. Am I that famous?? I didn't know..

Khushi smiled weakly and then looked at Arnav who was simply gazing at her face..

Khushi: Uhh.. If you are done admiring me Mr Arnav, shall we move in??

Akash and Aman gigled and walked inside. She was going to follow them but Arnav caught her arm and pulled her back.Anyone watching them would be awwed looking at the intensity in his action.

Khushi ( looked at the other people staring at them and then back to Arnav): You cant hold me like that.. Before everyone..
Arnav: And you cant point me like that before my friends. ( he said leaving her hand)
Khushi: Isn't it true you were admiring me?
Arnav: I was just seeing your eyes.
Khushi: So closely?? Kitni ladkiyon ki aankhen itni nazdeek se dekhi hai aapne Mr Arnav?

Arnav smiled not responding to that but Akash did it on his behalf.

Akash: None Khushiji.. My Arnie is a saint.. He looks flirtish but he never has allowed any girl to reach his heart yet.. But.. I think his heart walls have started thinning since he has come to Lucknow.. Kyon Arnie?

Akash pushed Arnav from his shoulder.. Arnav punched Akash's chest once.

Arnav: Shut up Aki... Lets start the Puja... This way Khushi..( he gestured)

Khushi walked ahead and Arnav and Akash followed her.

Akash( Whispered to Arnav): Waise bhabhi acchi hai..
Arnav: Aki stop it. Get serious..

Khushi stopped at Payal and then both smiled at each other..

Payal:  Hello.. I am Payal Das..

Khushi's smile faded after this introduction.

Khushi: Sheesh Mahal's actual owner??
Akash: Exactly.. We bought this Mahal from her..
Payal: It belonged to my grandfather. I was just a caretaker until Arnav and Akash bought it..

Khushi didn't respond anything after this. The panditji told them all he was ready for the Puja. All 5 of them assembled towards the holy fire and seated on the mattress. Coincidentally Arnav and Khushi sat beside each other at the front. Akash Aman and Payal were little behind. The Panditji started reciting the hyms. Arnav glanced at her once and then closed his eyes to concentrate on the Puja. Khushi too closed her eyes for few minutes..

Almost 15 minutes passed and then suddenly she started shivering with her eyes still closed. She clutched Arnav's arm in fear . He instantly opened his eyes and looked at her. Tears rolled from her eyes as if she was seeing something frightful behind those closed eyes. He shook her with concern.

Arnav: Khushi?? Khushi tum theek ho??

Aman, Akash and Payal got conscious too and the Panditji stopped chanting the mantras. The moment the Panditji stopped, khushi fainted.  Arnav placed her head on his shoulder and patted her cheeks. She didn't respond. Everyone were scared with this sudden incident. Arnav picked her in arms and carried her all the way upstairs..

Arnav( shouted at Akash): Aki.. Call the Dr..

The panditji kept sitting down thinking what might have happened to this girl. Arnav entered his room and placed her on the bed carefully. Payal passed him the water jug. He sprinkled some water on Khushi's face but she didn't open her eyes. Her skin was burning. Something was definitely wrong with her. But what?? He just sat next to her wiping the water off her face and thats when she jerked and sat on the bed with fear. She pushed Arnav away from her.

Arnav: Hey.. relax.. Its me.. Arnav.. Arnav Singh Raizada?

Khushi touched her neck as if she was looking for something and then she touched her forehead partition. Sweat beads were formed on her face.. She looked very scared.

Arnav: Khushi? Are.. are you okay?
Khushi didnt speak anything. She just kept moving back as if she didnt knew these people here. Akash and Aman rushed in the room.

Akash: The Dr is onway..
Khushi: Dr? I .. I am fine. I .. should go home..
Arnav stopped her from getting down the bed.
Arnav: You dont look good to me. Wait till the Dr comes and checks you.

She shoved off his arm.

Khushi: (Angrily): I said I am fine. Just leave me.
Arnav too got angry in no time. He caught her arm again and didnt allow her to get down from the bed until she listens to him.

Arnav: You are not fine Khushi. And if you still wish to leave, then I am going to drop you. Its my responsibility.. Understood?

She was blank for few seconds and then she noded in agreement.. He left her hand and both got out of the bed.

Aman: Uhh. But Arnav, its not good to leave the Puja half way.
Arnav: Akash will continue it.. Dont wait for me. I will drop Khushi and be right back. Okay?
Akash and Aman agreed. Payal was confused just like the others were on what suddenly happened to Khushi..

***************

Arnav drove the car while she kept recollecting the scenes she saw with her eyes closed before the holy fire. Arnav kept glancing at her again and again to ensure she looked fine but he knew she was still very much scared and nervous too. She was holding her ring tight which she wore on her finger. He saw that and felt pity for her. He parked the car at the doorstep of Gupta Mansion. She knew they were back. She got down, and so did he. He came towards her.

Khushi ( apologetically): I ruined your Puja. I am sorry.
Arnav: Dont worry about that. I am just hoping whatever you saw with your closed eyes doesnt haunt you anymore. And neither will I ask you to share it with me. If its that horrible, just forget it. Sleep with your mother tonight.

Khushi: Mother?
Arnav: Yea. Why?
Khushi: She is not here. She is in US, getting treated for her mental condition from past 15 years.

Arnav was shocked.

Arnav: Uhh. I am sorry. I didnt know.So you .. stay all alone here?

She didnt answer.

Khushi: Good night Arnav. And thanks for everything.

She hurridly left inside the house not even turning back once. He kept watching her till she entered and then drove his car back to Sheesh Mahal.

To be Continued

Part 10

Gupta Mansion - Same Night

Khushi entered her house quietly. She was still disturbed with what she saw. This was not the first time that she saw some horrible things behind her close eyes. This had happened earlier too but the intensity of those images was much higher today. She remembered what her mother warned her almost everytime she went to meet her in the Hospital.

"Woh tumhe barbaad kar dega.. Dur rehna uss se.. Dur.. Bahut dur.. " (He will destroy you.. Stay away from him.. Stay away.. )

Till now she had not realised whom her mother wanted to protect her from and why? She always thought her mother said these things because of her mental illness. But today when she was in Sheesh Mahal, sitting beside Arnav for the Puja, she saw something similar to what her mother had warned her about. She saw someone holding her hands and dragging her.. This man dragged her until the temple.. some temple... which ? where? she had no idea.. and then he married her forcefully.. She could not see who this man was .. She only saw herself.. And she looked like a typical village girl... a dupatta covering her head..And she also saw many people around them when this man married her.. But none of them came for her help.. What was all that? Why did she saw something like this? She can never imagine something so cruel happening to anyone.. Marriage is such a sacred ritual.. How can a man disrespect that?

Khushi came out of her thoughts. She knew finding answers to these questions was not possible.. Not until her mother becomes fine again and tells her why all this was happening.

**************

Sheesh Mahal

Arnav was back in Sheesh Mahal, recollecting everything that happened in the Puja today and after that. What happened to Khushi all of a sudden? What did she see behind her closed eyes? Was it anything horrible? She really looked scared.

He tossed on the bed to get some sleep but again flashes of Khushi kept troubling his mind.

She said her mother was in US from past many years getting treated on her mental condition? Was this true? Of course, no one can lie about their mother to this extent. So Khushi stayed all alone? Doesnt she have anybody else in her family? Poor girl. Its right on her part to stay away from Strangers like him. May be thats why she is so adamant at times. Arnav's heart was alread growing soft corner for Khushi. May be he should call her and check if she was alright. What if she is sleeping? And What if she is not? He got up and sat on the bed holding his phone and making his mind to dial Khushi Gupta and check her state. He dialed her number. After almost many rings, she finally answered. Her voice confirmed she was sleeping.

Khushi: ( in sleepy voice): You better have a good reason for breaking my sleep Arnav.
Arnav: ( Holding his pillow on lap): And what if I dont?
Khushi opened her eyes slowly trying to concentrate on his talks.

Khushi: People have some reason when they dial others number. You too should have.
Arnav: I just wanted to check on you.
Khushi: Excuse me? Are you my body guard ?
Arnav: Do you give this honour only to your guards Khushi?
Khushi ( sighed in frustration ): Come to the point. Why did you call me? Its 11:30 pm Arnav. I was sleeping.
Arnav: My fault!! I thought you too might be thinking over what happened today. Just like I am at the moment.

Khushi was silent for few seconds and then she replied again.

Khushi: I am a strong girl Arnav. I have my weakness, but I dont let them control me. I am fine. Are you satisfied with my reply ? If Yes, then can I sleep?
Arnav: ( smiled at her answer): Okay. Good night.
Khushi: Good night.

She didnt wait long to disconnect the phone. Arnav kept looking at his mobile for few seconds and smiling. Khushi Gupta was really different. Thodi pagal hai.. Par cute hai!! He laid back on his bed and closed his eyes drifting to a peaceful sleep finally.

****************

Next Morning

Arnav yawned stretching his hands in air, he was already very lazy to start this new day. But he wasnt holidaying. He had a mission to accomplish. The mission of building a hotel here in Lucknow. Today he had to meet some Civil Engineers and Contractors who can take up this task. The door knocked and Akash entered inside.

Arnav: Morning Aki.. Got up early?
Akash: Hmm. Didnt get sleep at all last night.
Arnav ( smiled): Ms Dass se chatting ho rahi thi kya?
Akash ( blushed): Haan.. How can you catch me so easily Arnie? Yaar you are really my best buddy man ..

Akash came straight to him and hugged Arnav tight.. Arnav hugged him back.

Arnav: Dont butter me so much. Kya chahiye?
Akash: Chahiye? No. I dont want anything..
Arnav: Dont lie. I can read your face, mind , heart everything. Jaldi bol. I am going for Shower now..

Akash: (Smiled): Actually Payal is planning to show me Lucknow. So I wont be there today with you when the Engineers come.
Arnav ( scrouching his eyebrow): Lucknow tour !! Not bad Akash. I think I should join you two.
Akash: NO.. ( he quickly replied ).. I mean. .Arnie come on yaar. .Do I interfere when you go out with that Khushi?
Arnav: I went to drop her Aki,. Not to spend time with her.
Akash: Whatever.. ( he seemed little unhappy now)
Arnav ( patting Akash's shoulder): Dont worry. I was just joking. I am not going to disturb you and Ms Das. Ab theek hai? Now smile.

Akash was more than happy. He almost hugged Arnav again and this time very very tight..

Akash: Okay.. So bye.. I will see you in the evening..

Akash hurried to his room again

Arnav: Nautanki.. !! ( he chuckled and left for his shower)

*****************

Afternoon

Arnav was sitting and discussing about the Renovation of this Palace into a Hotel with the Enginners and designers whom Aman Mathur had contacted and brought here. He was unhappy to know they didnt seem much interested about this task.

Engineer: We know Aman Mathur from years. We are almost like friends ASR. And thats why we came here for this project but you should be knowing doing this might affect.
Arnav ( sighed interrupting): Affect? Whom?

The men became quiet.

Arnav( in  frustration): I dont believe this.. Infact I am not understanding what is wrong ? When I bought this Palace, I was warned and now again when I want to reconstruct it my way for our Hotel Business, I am been warned again.
Aman : Calm down Arnav.. Lets listen what they have to say at least?
Arnav tried to calm down unwillingly.

Engineer: Mr Raizada.. Like you, we know other people who tried to demolish this Palace but none were able to do so. The people who worked here met with some or other kind of accident.. Masons are afraid to work here because of the pevious mishaps which happened. They say this palace claims life, its feeds on the life of humans .. Its cursed for that.. So we cant take the risk of demolishing it.

Arnav was highly raged.

Arnav: People here are superstitious.. These people need to come out of their curse theory.. I dont know who framed all these stories and why?
Aman: Wait ASR.. Dont lose hope. If they fear to demolish this Palace.. Fine.. Then lets think of the other way..
Arnav: What do you mean?
Aman: Lets renovate it.. I mean we wont be the first one to renovate a Palace into a Hotel. Many have tried that before and even successful. It will earn good business too if we do a proper marketing.

The idea which Aman suggested wasnt bad. But can this happen?

Engineer: I think Aman is right. This is possible Mr Raizada. In that way, the Palace will remain and so your Hotel Business too. I can convince the masons and workers for that. I am sure we might get a few of them to start with.
Arnav: Hmm. I will give it a thought.. I need to talk to Akash too on this.
Engineer: No problem. We will speak later then. Thank you..

The Engineers left and Arnav looked at Aman..

Arnav: I hope this works Aman.. Me and Akash have put a lot of money on this. I dont want any failures now..
Aman: Believe in God Arnav.. He will always do the best for you..
Arnav: Yea.. Ab toh bhagwaan ka hi sahara hai ( Now our only hope is God)

****************

Next Day

Akash and Arnav had mutually decided on renovating the Hotel if not re-constructing. That would cost them low .. This was the only option they could opt for at the moment. But even after this decision, Arnav seemed to be little pale.

Akash: Arnie.. Ab kya hua? What are you thinking about ?
Arnav: I am thinking about Di.. Dont you think Akash, she should know I am not in Delhi but in Lucknow? Because some day or the other she will know we are here. And that day, she will not just be unhappy but also very angry on both of us for hiding this fact..
Akash: You are right Arnie.. I know she will be hurt if we keep hiding this fact further. But you know how Di is..What if he doesnt allow you to build this Hotel here? What will we do then?
Arnav: I have to make her understand somehow. She and her insecurities are not far different from what the people of this village have..
Akash: But Arnav.. Why does she fear to get you settle down in India so much? There must be a reason behind it..
Arnav: Some astrologist had predicted my future when I was hardly 2 or 3 years old. My life wont be long enough if I stay here. Thats why my family took me away from my birth place. They never allowed me to return here. Can you believe it Akash? How can they believe all this?

Akash gulped down and came to Arnav..

Akash: Dont you think part of this prediction became true?  I mean you had face death few days ago..
Arnav (Sighed in frustration): Faced it Aki.. But I didnt die!!
Akash: So that means until you die, you wont believe it ?

Arnav looked at him sarcastically to which Akash chuckled making fun of it.

Akash: Whats the use of repenting after death ?

"Whose dying?" came a question from the other end. The voice was familiar and Arnav didnt take time to recognise Khushi Gupta was here. She was here? In Sheesh Mahal? Akash was surprised seeing her just like Arnav was..

Khushi: Why do you both look so shocked? I shouldnt have  come here?
Arnav ( coming out of his stance): No.. I mean.. Please come..
Khushi entered inside smiling softly at Arnav.. Whenever she looked so intensely in Arnav's eyes, he did feel something deep in his heart.. She was charming.. Very charming..

Arnav: Tum theek ho? (You alright? )

She looked stunned when he asked her that with so much of gentleness and concern in his voice. Akash kept moving his eyeballs from Arnav to Khushi and Khushi to Arnav continuosly.

Khushi: (stopping at Arnav): Hum theek hai.. ( there was total silence between them for some seconds)..

Khushi had almost forgot why she was here. Akash came there and clicked his fingers to get their attention.

Akash: (looking at Arnav): Mujhe kabhi nahi poocha tumne ki main theek hoon yea nahi?
Arnav punched Akash slowly and pushed him away. Khushi tried to hide her smile.

Arnav: ( to Khushi):  Sorry for that.. Aki really makes fun of everything.. Uhh.. What made you come here?
Khushi removed some dress from her bag and showed it to him.

Khushi: I found this dress at the backside of my House.. Half burnt..

Arnav was shocked to see this dress. It was the same village type dress which that Mystery girl wore when she kept coming to Sheesh Mahal, and he had caught her.

Arnav: This dress? Its the same dress you wore when you came here..
Khushi ( in anger): For God's sake Arnav, stop blaming me for something I never did. I dont know whom you saw here but it was not me. And this dress is definately not mine. If it was me, I would have never come here with this half burnt dress here.

She had a point..

Arnav: But how did you know this is related to that girl and it might be of interest to me?
Khushi: You had told me about her when you came hiding in my room the other night and the way you described her, I could connect it easily when I found this dress at my lawn. Thats why I came here.

Arnav was confused just like Akash was..

Khushi: So I think..Someone is framing us.. !!

To be Continued..

Ankahee Part 11

Arnav: But how did you know this is related to that girl and it might be of interest to me?
Khushi: You had told me about her when you came hiding in my room the other night and the way you described her, I could connect it easily when I found this dress at my lawn. Thats why I came here.

Arnav was confused just like Akash was..

Khushi: So I think..Someone is framing us.. !!

She had a confident look on her face which even Arnav couldnt apprehend. This was really getting messed up now. He initially had doubts on Khushi Gupta for playing that two timing thing with him..But now when she herself had put a step forward in sorting out this mystery, he didnt understand if he was ever right about her.

Arnav: Why would anyone frame us? I mean I dont know about you.. but I dont have anyone who knows me here. I have never visited India before and I never had any acquaintances with wrong people. This aint possible Khushi.
Khushi: You wish to say I have made a lot of enemies in my life Mr Arnav Singh Raizada?
Arnav ( sighed and held her hand before she could start getting angry on him): I didnt mean that way.

Khushi felt good when he showed her concern. They kept staring in each others eyes for few seconds until Akash clicked fingers to get them out of their stance.

Akash: Guys, an intense eye lock mixed with silence from both the parties is fatal for Strangers. That might lead them being a couple if it continues.. ( he laughed after completing that sentence)

Khushi immediately left Arnav's arm whereas Arnav gave an angry stare to Akash for messing this moment between them.

Khushi: Well. Uhh. I should be leaving now.
She was about to turn and leave but he stopped her again by his next question.

Arnav: Who else stays in that house?
Khushi: Why? Does it matter?
Arnav: I am just trying to solve this game. If this dress is found half burnt at your house premises, I am sure there cant be any outsider to enter your highly secured perimter of Gupta Mansion and try to destroy it. There must be someone from inside who can do this. So give me options Khushi. Who else stays in that house with you?
Khushi: Buaji.

She could decipher from his expressions he was spying on her Buaji now.

Khushi: She is huge, and this dress here cant fit her at all..
Arnav: Might be. How is she to you ?
Khushi: What sort of question is this? She is my family Arnav. She can never harm me. She is the one who raised me in my mother's absence. She loves me very much. She knows me in and out .

Arnav still didnt had his doubt cleared but he knew how to let that happen.

Arnav: Would you mind calling me for a Dinner tonight? At your home ..?

Akash was impressed the way this was going on .. What a bold move was that from Arnie to ask.. no.. command a girl to invite him for dinner..

Khushi: You serious?
Arnav: Dont worry. I am going to eat less. ( he mocked)
Khushi laughed heartily when he said something like that. She looked more beautiful when she smiled .. He kept admiring her . When she realised Arnav was staring at her, she controlled her laugh and replied back .

Khushi: Sharp at 09:00. Akash too can ..
Akash ( quickly interrupted): No Thanks. I am good here. Arnie will come all alone. Waise bhi .. I never disturb Arnie on his date.
Arnav answered back to Akash's teases by punching him on his chest gently and then guided Khushi towards the door so that he can drop her till the car.

***************

Night

Arnav was almost ready to leave for the Dinner at Gupta Residence. He picked up his night suit to keep it in the closet again. While doing this, the burnt dress which was still lying in his room fell slipped from his hand. He had to dispose this dress now, it was of no use to him. He tried to think enough on who might being playing this game with them but never could make any firm conclusions. He picked the dress and was about to throw it when suddenly he saw a small tag attached to that dress which had "M&S" written over it. Looked like it was some kind of brand name. But was it of any importance? Should he just check it once ? May be it might give him some clue.

He quickly sat on the recliner and switched on his Laptop. He googled the word "M&S" for Lucknow city and out of all the search options one thing looked familiar. M&S was a Cloth store in the city and a very famous one for such authentic and traditional wear. He must be visiting this place. But it was already night and the stores here get close by 08:00. So he fixed his agenda of visiting this store the next day. Tonight he will enjoy the dinner at Gupta Mansion meanwhile.

***************


Gupta Mansion - Night

Arnav Singh Raizada was asked to get seated by the servants but he was more interested to know where his Host Khushi Gupta was. The servant directed him towards the kitchen and he could not stay back knowing she was busy cooking for him tonight. He made his way to the kitchen and stood at the door. Khushi was wearing a simple chudidar and a light pink apron over it. She had two other maids who assisted her , passing the things she required. Arnav stepped in. He didnt know what attracted him the most? Her beauty or the truth that she was putting so much efforts in cooking for him. The maids were gestured to leave and Arnav stood behind Khushi holding the spatula which Khushi might just require to stir the kheer .

Khushi: Kamla, pass me the spatula ( she asked without turning around)

Arnav didnt respond. Khushi was irritated..

Khushi : Mehmaan aate hi honge Kamla.. Jaldi doh.. ( The guest would be coming anytime Kamla. Make it soon)

Arnav passed the spatula to her slowly ensuring his identity is not revealed. Khushi took the spatula and kept stirring the kheer.

Khushi: ( thinking it was Kamla behind her): And no need to tell the guests who cooked the food tonight. I dont want him to know it was me. Samjhi?

Now that innocent lines brought a broad smile on Arnav's face. She really didnt want the credit? A sudden thought crossed his mind and he quickly left back to the Living room before she could notice he was here. He asked the maids not to let Khushi know about his presence in the kitchen earlier and just inform her that the guest had arrived. The maid smiled in confusion thinking what was going on between them but readily agreed to be a part of this game.

Once Arnav was seated again on Couch, the maid came inside and told Khushi he was here. Khushi had finished the cooking meanwhile She neatened her dress, took the apron off and came out to greet him. He posed himself as if reading the magazine.

Khushi: Hello.

Arnav kept the magazine down and stood up to greet her too.
Arnav: Hi.

Khushi sat opposite to him and he took his seat again.

Arnav: You look stressed. Cook kar rahi thi?
Khushi: Cook? And me? No.. I was just ordering the maids . And.. checking if everything is done.
Arnav raised his eyebrow smirking.. She will have to pay for this lie later.

Arnav: ( coming to the main point): Well.. So where is your Buaji?
Khushi: Ohh haann..She is upstairs. I will call her down.

She was about to get up when she saw her Buaji coming down staring them from far.

Khushi: Ohh. There she is ..

Arnav turned his head to see in that direction. Buaji was a lady in her late 50's. She looked confident and little reserved too.

Khushi: I told Buaji about you coming, dont worry she is alright with such informal meets.
Arnav: Doesnt look like from her expressions ( he murmured to her)

Buaji came down and stood next to Khushi looking at Arnav. He immediately joined his palms.

Arnav: Namaste Aunty.
Buaji: Namaste.
Khushi: Buaji.. he is Arnav.. We met accidently some days back.. And since then we are in talking terms.
Arnav: Actually Aunty, your Neice saved my life.. If she hadnt been there that day, I would have been dead by now. She is a very brave girl..

Khushi felt butterflies in her stomach hearing praises from him.

Buaji: Lets have food?

It was little odd when Buaji didnt speak anything beyond this. She didnt even ask him about his family or his occupation which usually everyone does when they receive some guests for the first time in their house. Arnav and Khushi followed Buaji towards the table. The maids placed all the bowls there and stood at the corner in case if they were required. Khushi started serving him and he was just stealing glances of her which she knew too. Buaji served the food for herself and kept noticing Arnav and Khushi's reactions in each others presence.

They finally started eating.. Arnav chewed the first morsel and he loved the taste. Khushi was a good cook. So now came the start of his play..

Arnav: Lovely food Khushi. You have great maids. You know if I get to eat such delicious food daily, I can be the most luckiest man on earth..

Arnav looked at the maids who were standing aside and thanked them purposely. Khushi almost fumed in anger.. She didnt feel good when he appreciated the maids like that. It was clearly written on her face that she was jealous.

Khushi: Arnav Kheer? (She tried to divert his attention)

Arnav took the kheer bowl from her and then tasted it.

Arnav : Umm.. This kheer deserves a standing ovation .. Which one among those maids made it?
Khushi clenched her jaw when he started looking at the maids again who was holding their gigles at the corner.
Arnav: Was it Kamla? ( he paused looking at Khushi's face once).. Must be...

The moment Khushi felt Arnav was going to call Kamla and praise her , she held his hand on the table stopping him and blurted out..

Khushi: I made it.. And not just the kheer.. I cooked this entire dinner tonight!! Stop praising my maids for no reasons.. Samjhe?

Buaji was shocked to know this.. She was a very experienced lady to know what these little gestures which Khushi and Arnav were showing towards each other mean.. She finished her food quickly and excused .. She wanted to keep an eye on them but from far. Arnav and Khushi were lost in each other's eyes... As if a  Rabba Ve was playing in the background.. Khushi was still holding his hand .. When she realised he was smirking at her , she quickly tried to leave him but he placed his hand on her ..

Arnav: Maine dekha tha .. Tumhe .. Khaana banaate hue.. ( I had seen you.. While cooking)
Khushi: Kya? ( she was surprised): That means.. you purposely did all this?
Arnav: Kyon chupaya?  ( Why did you hide it?)

Khushi gulped noticing the seriousness in his eyes. What was happening to them?

Khushi( getting free from his arm): I dont like to hear my praises Mr Arnav Singh Raizada.. And by the way you came here for some other purpose.. Concentrate on it rather than praising me for cooking.

Arnav was almost clean bowled by her.. This had never happened before. Khushi had that charm which attracted him towards her. Was it normal? Was he falling for her ? Was it too early for him? Why did he feel as if he had no control over his heart and mind when he sees her? This cant be the effect of few days. This had to be bubbling between them from years.. decades.. or may be births..!! Khushi clicked fingers to get his attention.. He smiled and then followed her to wash his hands..

Buaji was watching them from the living room. She just feared this relation between them should not be taking a different curve.. There were things about Khushi which were still hidden .. Until everything sorts out, Khushi should not get close to any man.. Never..

To be Continued..

Ankahee Part 12

Arnav: Toh main chalu? (So should I leave? )

He asked with a smile looking at Khushi who seemed unprepared for this. Buaji could read their expressions.. They looked so much attracted towards each other.

Buaji: (To Arnav): You didnt tell me where your family lives .Are they here ? In Lucknow?
Arnav ( coming out of his stance): uhh.. I lost my parents at a very young age. But I have an elder sister. She is married and has a 5 year old son. She stays in London. We all stay together.
Buaji: Then what are you doing here in Lucknow?
Arnav: Me and my friend Akash are building a Hotel here.. I mean we are renovating The Sheesh Mahal..

Buaji was astonished to hear that palace's name from him. She seemed to be lost in thoughts. Arnav was observing her. He realised she knew something about this palace.

Arnav: Whats wrong Buaji? You look worried after hearing about Sheesh Mahal. Any problem?
Buaji: Nahi.. Kuch nahi..I remembered some work. Excuse me..

She huridly left back to the stairs to go in her room. That was quite surprising for both Arnav and Khushi. She definately was hiding something . Khushi came towards Arnav.

Khushi: So? How did you find my Buaji? Suspicious about her?
Arnav : Its too early to define that. Anyways.. I should be leaving now.. Akash and Aman might be waiting.
Khushi smiled and agreed to his request. Both kept walking towards the door. Arnav scanned the security who guarded this house..

Arnav: Why so many guards ?
Khushi: Buaji has appointed them.. For my safety..
Arnav: Safety? Who will harm you ?
Khushi: If I had known that Arnav, these guards would have shot that person long ago.. ( she chuckled).. But I dont think Buaji has kept them for this task. ( she became serious )
Arnav: What do you mean?
Khushi: ( sighed): They are appointed to keep an eye on me everytime. What I do, whom I meet, all that..
Arnav: What? Thats crazy.. You are an adult now, you dont need to be watched like that.
Khushi ( kept walking with him ahead): I know.. But for Buaji I will always be a kid. You know Arnav, when mumma was admitted in the hospital, I was very small, hardly 5 or 6 years old. And since then it was only Buaji who nurtured me, looked after every need of mine , every little demand. She even took care of our family business till I was well able to handle it myself.. She is my caretaker and she always will be.

Arnav smiled weakly at her.

Arnav: Thats nice to hear. But so much of attention from a person is not always good. Dont you feel captured ? She should let you free sometimes.
Khushi was quiet..She didnt respond to his statements. Arnav realised she might not agree to that so soon.
Arnav: Huhh.. Anyways.. time to go. You better get back in before these guards complain your Buaji that I am trying to misuse your time ..
Khushi ( smiling): Stop it Arnav..  (she gently pushed his arm)

Before she could react more, he caught the same arm and looked at her intensely. She became serious too.

Khushi: What?
Arnav:  I came here for ONE purpose .. but I am returning back with TWO..

Her heart started beating aloud .. She desperately wanted to know what the second purpose would be..

Arnav: ( gripping her arm tight): One.. to keep an eye on your Buaji's motives.. And Second... ( he took a pause .)
Khushi: Second? ( she murmured)

He kept being silent.. trying to decipher her eagerness in knowing his next words.. After a few seconds.. he smiled leaving her hand. She was confused..

Arnav: Good night..

He turned around to leave..She was stuck in his web now.. Her desperation in knowing what that second purpose would be grew higher and higher. A smile crept her lips as she realised he purposely didnt complete that sentence .. He liked keeping it a secret.. May be he wanted her to feel that first and confess it before him. This little attraction between them was immensely cute.. She blushed hard looking at him driving his vehicle out of Gupta Mansion and then hurried inside the house remincing all these memories he gave her in the past few hours.

***************

Next Day

Arnav picked the piece of cloth ( same half burnt dress which Khushi found in her Mansion's vicinity yesterday .. ) and rushed into the "M&S" store. It was fully crowded.. People are so shopoholic, he felt and kept finding some attendant who can resolve his query. A lady in a blue saree came there..

Attendant: Hello Sir.. How can I help you ?
Arnav: Hi.. Uhh. I just wanted to know if this cloth, was sold from your store? ( he showed that cloth to the attendant.)

The lady checked the cloth thoroughly and saw the "M&S" brand name on it.

Lady: Yes Sir.. This was sold from our store only. This dress was specially made in our store on the Customer's advice..
Arnav: Okay.. Can I have the details to whom this cloth was sold?
Lady: Uhh..
Arnav: Please... One of my friend wants to buy such a dress and as its specially made, we just thought of checking with that Customer of yours to know what specifications they ordered in terms of the fabric and so..
Lady: Hmm. Please be seated Sir. I will check with my Manager.

Arnav sat on the Couch while the lady left to the counter where her manager was attending some other customers. The moment the manager saw the cloth he looked at the direction where Arnav was seated. The attendant kept telling him about Arnav's requirement. The Manager took the cloth peice and came to Arnav. The attendant didnt accompany him ..

Arnav: Hi.. This is Arnav Singh Raizada..
Manager: Hello Sir. I am sorry but we cannot disclose these details. Its strictly confidential.
Arnav: As I said.. Its really important for me to know. And I am not going to share these details with anyone else.
Manager: I understand Sir. But Sorry..

He handed the peice of cloth again to Arnav and was about to leave when suddenly Arnav removed some cash from his pocket and waved it before the manager.

Arnav: Not even now ?
The manager seemed eager to accept this deal now .He smiled..
Manager: Fine.. Please be seated here. I will get the information for you.
Arnav was happy. He took his seat again. The Manager walked in his cabin and immediately dialed a number.

Manager ( on call): Some Arnav Singh Raizada is here .. trying to get the details of that special dress which you had ordered. What should I say Maam?

Almost after 10 minutes, the Manager was out again and he stood before Arnav.

Manager: My money?
Arnav paid him the cash and then waited for that name ..
Manager: Payal Das Gupta.. ( he instantly replied)

Arnav was shocked. Payal ? It was her dress? Or did she just ordered and gifted to someone? Why someone ? He saw KHUSHI wearing this dress in Sheesh Mahal that night.. But Khushi always denied to have met him before that accident on hill top.. And Why would Payal Das gift it to Khushi? They never knew each other until the other night when he had aranged a Havan in Sheesh Mahal.. Damm.. This was so confusing.. Payal bought a dress.. Khushi wears that same dress. What does this imply? They both knew each other? And were hiding it from him? Why?

He didnt wait for long in the store after knowing the name of this person. He took the cloth and drove the  car back to Sheesh Mahal.. To be more specific.. he went to the Das house.. To meet Payal and confront to her.

**************

Das House

Payal served tea to Akash who had come to see her. These days Payal and Akash were getting close in terms of their bonding. If this continued, they were sure to enter a relationship.. a long term relationship.. But Arnav was not sure if payal is right for his best friend Aki.. He felt she is hiding something from them. Something related to Sheesh Mahal.. Arnav interrupted their conversation. He kept the cloth on the table where the tea kettle was placed. Both Akash and Payal came out of their stance..

Akash: Arnie..? You here?

Arnav was just staring at Payal in anger.

Akash ( shook Arnav little): Arnie.. Sab theek hai?
Arnav: Did you buy this dress from "M&S" store of Lucknow?
Payal was confused. She still took the half burnt cloth and scanned it properly.

Payal: No. Why?
Arnav: (Clenching her jaw): Dont lie Ms Das. Just stop this hide and seek game at least now.. Will you ?
Payal: This is ridiculous.. Why do you always find me wrong ? Why will I lie and that too about a dress? I really have no idea whose it is and why are you thinking its mine?
Akash ( stopping Arnav from extending this conversation): Arnie.. please.. Why are you blaming Payal? We know this is Khushi's dress. She had wore it according to you that night.
Arnav: She wore it.. But then its bought by Payal Das.. Now I have no idea how this reached Khushi unless Payal was the one to give it to her.
Payal: What? Why will I buy it for Khushi? I hardly know her.
Arnav ( angrily ): You are lieing.
Payal: Enough Arnav.. I dont know what problem you have with me. I am not going to tolerate it from now on. Next time you misbehave with me, you will get the same back from my end.

She didnt wait. She left Akash and Arnav alone to sort this out.

Akash: Arnie.. Come on.. You shouldnt have done this..
Arnav: You are telling me that Akash? You? Dont you trust me ?
Akash : I do .. I trusted you all the time Arnie.. I still do. But its not good to keep blaming Payal for no reason.
Arnav: I have a reason. I had been to the M&S store and that manager told me it was Payal who bought this special designed traditional dress .. What does it symbolize?
Akash: Did you see their database? May be the Dr is lieing. Did you see their database?

Arnav was stuck.

Akash: Some person gave you Payal's name and you came here to ask her. Why didnt you go to Khushi and confront her ? She was disguised in this outfit, she will have the right answers Arnie.. Not Payal.. Only because Khushi told you , somebody is framing you both , only because she herself came to you with this half burnt cloth, doesnt make her innocent. What if she is hiding the truth from you ?What if she is the real culprit? If you wish to sort this case, you cant be partial. You have to check both sides of the coin in order to confirm its fake or not.. Are you understanding my point ?

Akash placed his arm on Arnav's shoulder. He just wanted Arnav to think in the right direction. This little advice from Akash had really made Arnav think in the right direction. Everytime he doubted someone, they came out clean , winding him into another web of confusion. He was so much getting pulled in the web that he could not see the difference between the truth and the fake situations induced into his mind. Enough of all this mess. It was time he confronts to Khushi directly and this time with Proofs..   

To be Continued.



Part 13

Khushi dressed herself in a simple chudidaar and was admiring herself in the mirror. She seemed very much lost in some thoughts. She was smiling, then blushing, then giving herself a flying kiss , then pushing the mirror as if it wasnt a mirror but a boy before her. Buaji was noticing all of it from the door. She came inside to confront with her Neice.

Buaji: What is going on Khushi?
Khushi jerked hearing her voice and turned around.
Khushi: Buaji?? Uhh.. I .. I am just .. Umm.. Nothing.. Why?
Buaji: Dont lie to me Khushi. I am seeing everything very clearly.
Khushi ( picked her dupatta and wrapped it around her neck): Seeing? What?
Buaji: Your closeness to that boy.. You have started dreaming about him.. didnt you?

Khushi gulped down her nervousness but she decided not to hide anything now.

Khushi: That boy.. has a name Buaji.. (she spoke with confidence)
Buaji looked frustrated.
Buaji: I dont wish to take his name.. And so shouldnt you..
Khushi: But why Buaji? Whats wrong in that? He is a nice man.. dont you like him?
Buaji: He might be good but you are too naive to understand these relationships at this age..
Khushi ( in anger): I am not a teenage girl now Buaji.. I am grown up.. Very soon I will be even handling our business. Dont you think I am matured enough to understand what is right and what is wrong for me?

Buaji: No you are not..!! ( she angrily muttered)
Khushi was hell angry with her Buaji's behaviour.. She would have responded back but thats when her mobile started ringing.. It was Arnav's call and both of them saw it. Khushi purposely answered the call before her Buaji and kept it on speaker mode so that even her Buaji could listen.

Khushi: Yes Arnav..
Arnav: Meet me at Sheesh Mahal.. Now..

In any other situation, Khushi would have asked him questions like why, how and for what? But she wanted to show her Buaji that she was not afraid of her.

Khushi: Okay. I am coming there.

She could feel his voice was not normal. He seemed to be in stress but she didnt wanted to draw any conclusions until she meet him. The call was disconnected. Khushi looked in Buaji's eyes and without fear started leaving.. Buaji caught her arm.

Buaji: You are not going anywhere..
Khushi: You cant stop me.. Not this time..

She shoved off Buaji's arm and hurried downstairs.. Buaji was fuming in anger. She stepped out of the room and called the security guards.

Buaji: Get her back. I dont care what you have to do for that.
The guards noded and followed Khushi's car..

**************

Sheesh Mahal

Khushi stepped out of her car. She had no idea her guards were following her and would reach here anytime. She was about to step inside the house but her guards reached there and caught her.

Khushi: What you doing here?
Guards: Sorry Maam.. But we have been asked to get you back home.
Khushi ( in anger): I am not going there. Not until I finish my work here.. Samjhe? Now get lost..

She stepped again towards the door of Sheesh Mahal but the guards didnt let her to. They tried dragging her.  Her one arm swinging in air while the other held by the guard who was taking her back to the car. She started struggling to set free but she was too weak to do so. Thats when the guards felt a pull from the other end. Dragging Khushi seemed difficult. They turned around and saw Arnav Singh Raizada holding Khushi's other arm. Khushi herself was surprised to see the level of anger on Arnav's face..

Arnav: ( looking at the guards): Leave her..
Guards: You leave her man.. Otherwise..

Arnav didnt let the guard speak another word .. He dragged Khushi forcefully towards him and punched the guard on his face. Khushi was shocked. The guards started hiting him back and he defended himself. Khushi screamed at them to leave Arnav but they didnt hear a word. The two guards kept hiting Arnav who hit them too with the same intensity.. Another guard came and hit his head from behind, Arnav kneeled down on the floor losing all his strength. Khushi screamed and rushed towards him to help but the guards didnt give her a chance to even reach him.They picked her up , dumped her in the car and drove off back to Gupta Mansion.She kept screaming and crying for being the reason of Arnav's pain today.. She had no idea that within a fraction of second her life will change so drastically. She never imagined her buaji can go to this extent to keep her glued at home ..

**************

Gupta Mansion

Khushi was so much hurt with what happened today that she locked herself in her room and kept trying Arnav's number. He didnt answer.. How can he answer the phone..He might be unconscious in the garden of Sheesh Mahal..She was sweating in the fear.. The way her guards beat Arnav was cruel.. She immediately realised that she can call up the Ambulance and make them reach Sheesh Mahal and help Arnav.. She immediately dialed the number. She was successful in at least getting Arnav to the hospital. But how is she supposed to meet him? Ask his forgiveness for what happened between them? She kept sobbing in her room alone for hours.. Buaji kept knocking her door but when she didnt open it from inside, Buaji asked the guards to break the door. Khushi was sitting at the corner of the bed. She looked disheartened..

Buaji: Khushi?
Khushi: ( in anger): You have no heart.. You have no mercy for others.. You can hurt an innocent man? What was Arnav's fault? How can you order the guards to hit him? You proved today Buaji.. Why God didnt give you any kids. !!
Buaji was hurt. Her eyes became moist but she didnt let tears flow down.

Buaji: The guards misundertood my commands. I never asked them to hurt Arnav.. I just told them to get you back anyhow. May be you wont believe me now.. But thats the truth Khushi.. And one more thing.. If I didnt have a heart, I would not have cared for you so much.. God didnt give me kids not because I have no mercy for them, its because, I can concentrate only on you whom I consider no less than my own child.
Khushi felt bad for saying so harsh words to Buaji. .She quickly came off the bed and hugged her.

Khushi: I am sorry Buaji.. But what was I supposed to do? I have seen Arnav been beaten from my own eyes.. I didnt like to see him so..
Buaji: I know.. The guards were really harsh on him.. I thought these guards will stop you before you reach Sheesh Mahal.. But.. Anyways... I know whats going on in your heart.. You are worried for Arnav.. But believe me, I have already talked to the Doctors and asked them to treat him well. He will be fine in a day or two..
Khushi: I want to see him Buaji.. Please..

Buaji mellowed down seeing Khushi's tears..

Buaji: Dont complicate this Khushi.. I assure he will be fine soon. You dont have to meet him..
Khushi: But why Buaji? He is in the hospital because of me..
Buaji: The best doctors are going to treat him.. You have my word.. I will inform you once he is fine.
Khushi: Buaji please.. ( she pleaded)
Buaji patted her cheeks slowly..

Buaji: Get some rest..

She turned to leave but stopped and looked at Khushi again.

Buaji: And please dont make plans to elope and meet him, otherwise I will have to snatch your phone too.  I am giving you the liberty to talk to him once when he becomes fine.. Dont cross that limit Khushi.

Warning khushi, Buaji left for her room.. Khushi sat on the bed depressed and still in tears..

***************

Hospital

Akash was disheartened seeing his best friend unconscious still on the hospital bed. Aman and Payal Das were supporting him.. He was already in tears.

Akash: I can never imagine Arnie in this state. I am not going to leave that person who did this with him.. I swear..
Payal: Relax Akash.. Take it easy for now..

The doctor came out.

Dr: He has got some bad wounds.. But he will be alright in few days. You can meet him in some time. He is still unconsious..
Aman: Thanks Dr.
The Dr left.
Payal: I think we should inform Arnav's family about it.
Akash: I dont think so.. Di will be shattered. And she doesnt know we are in Lucknow.. According to her we should be in Delhi.. By no chance, we can let her know all this.
Aman: I understand Akash..  ( Aman patted Akash's shoulder once to give him some solace )

****************

Arnav felt a sharp pain on his forehead as if someone was pricking him there. He opened his eyes slowly. His vision was blur at the beginning but slowly slowly he could see her clearly.. He tried to talk to her.

Arnav: Khushi?

She passed him a wicked smile and then dug her nails more deep into the scar on his forehead. He hissed in pain.

Khushi: Are you feeling the pain ??

Why was she hurting him like this? He tried to talk to her but his health was not allowing him to do so.

Khushi: Its worse.. Isnt it? But I am enjoying this .. Very much ..

She grinned and then started laughing loud.. He opened his eyes wide and came out of this horrible dream. !! DREAM? This was a Dream? What kind of dream was that? He pressed the bell at the tip of his finger which alarmed the nurses that he was awake. She quickly checked him and then went out to call the Dr. Meanwhile Akash entered inside.

Akash: Arnie.. How are you feeling now?
Arnav scanned around once. He was still low.
Arnav: Kh.. uu..shi?
Akash: Khushi? Uhh.. she is not here..
Arnav: Khu..usshi.. ( he stressed again and closed his eyes)

Akash was unsure what to do. Does Arnav want to see Khushi? Now? In this state? The doctor came in and checked Arnav thoroughly. Akash stood beside.

Dr: He is fine. Do not worry and please dont give him any stress. Okay?
Akash: Yes Dr..
Dr: And who is this Khushi? His wife? Girlfriend?
Akash was shocked when the Dr raised that question.
Dr: When we were stiching his wounds, he was just taking her name. So its better if you call her here. May be he will heal quickly.

Saying that the Dr left but Akash was in a dilemma.. But he didnt give a second thought. He had Arnav's phone, using which he dialed Khushi immediately..

Khushi : Arnav? You alright? Arnav?
Akash: Khushi.. its me.. Akash..

Khushi was tensed but she still didnt mind asking Akash about Arnav's health.. Akash was confused how Khushi came to know about it.. And when asked, Khushi told him everything.. Akash was very much frustrated. He didnt mind scolding Khushi for being responsible to Arnav's state today, though she was not directly responsible for all this, but he Buaji was..

Akash: Anyways. He .. he wants to see you probably.. If you can, then do come and visit him.. Bye..

Akash cut the call. Khushi had expected this kind of behaviour from him. Afterall he was Arnav's best buddy. Any friend would have reacted the same way...SO now the most important question was.. how can she go and meet Arnav? Buaji and the guards will have an eye on her for sure.. But that doesnt mean she stays here and wait restlessly to know about Arnav's condition. Whatever happens, she will go and see him, no matter what action Buaji takes after this.

To be Continued..

Part 14

Night - Gupta Mansion

Khushi was pacing slowly in the garden alone , looking at the sky, fiddling with her dupatta sometimes. Buaji was noticing her from the window. It was necessary for her to keep an eye on Khushi so that she doesnt run away. Khushi looked stressed. Buaji saw the moon which was sinking in its size.. The nights here had always been complicated. She worried when all this was going to get over. At this age, Khushi was bound to get attracted to some man. How long is she planning to hide Khushi's secrets from everyone. Some day she will have to make Khushi aware of it and so to the man whom she will share her future with. But will that man understand? Is Arnav that man? No.. He belongs to Sheesh Mahal.. She cannot afford to let Khushi get close to him. But if he is the one.. then does he really need to know Khushi's truth? Will he understand? This matter was extending and becoming complex day by day. It wont be long enough when Arnav will realise the truth himself if untold before. What will happen after that?

Madhumati was completely lost in her thoughts and she didnt even realise that Khushi was no more in the garden. Almost after 20 more minutes when she looked down from the window, Khushi was not seen. One of the guard came rushing to her.

Guard: Khushi Madam has tricked the watchmen and left in her car.
Buaji was highly frustrated but she knew this had to happen.
Guard: Should we follow her and get her back?
Buaji ( Instantly denied): Nahi.. You are already responsible for hurting an innocent man. I dont want you people to ruin anything further.
Guard: But what about Khushi Maam?
Buaji: I will see what I have to do with her.

Giving a sarcastic look at the guard she asked him to leave her alone .

*************

Hospital

Khushi had reached the hospital where Arnav was admitted but she was not allowed to visit him.

Nurse: Sorry Maam.. But this is against the rules of the Hospital. Visiting hours starts from morning 10:00 to 12:00. Please come tomorrow.
Khushi: You dont understand Nurse. I have to meet him now. Please..

The nurse and Khushi argued for some more time and finally Akash heard them. He came there to sort the problem.

Akash: Nurse.. Its fine.. She is .. she is part of the family.
Nurse (sighed): Okay. But just 10 minutes, not more than that.

Khushi thanked Akash for helping her and then rushed towards Arnav's room. Akash didnt understand how he should react to this.. Khushi Gupta's Buaji hurts Arnav and her neice comes to check his health that too at such an odd timing. He went to the coffee machine for grabbing another cup of coffee.

Khushi stepped inside Arnav's room and saw him sitting on the bed and looking somewhere.  All those saline bottles and machines connected to keep a check on his hearbeat was scaring her. Khushi's eyes became moist as she stood at the door and looked at his face. It was all her mistake that she disobeyed her Buaji. If she hadnt done that, Arnav would never get hurt. She took baby steps towards him. He was so much lost in thoughts that he didnt even realised her presence. It was only when she stood next to his bed, he looked at her.
There was a moment of silence, as if he was trying to believe she was here.

Arnav ( in a low voice): Are you real or my dream?

Khushi kept quiet. She didnt know what to speak. But seemed like he had numerous questions to get cleared from her.

Arnav: Who are you ?
That question surprised her.
Arnav: Are you Khushi, a rich modern girl from the Gupta family? Or are you that cunning village girl who always sneaks in Sheesh Mahal? Who are you Khushi?

Khushi was stunned with his questions.

Arnav: Are you really that innocent or are you hiding things from me on purpose?
Khushi ( interrupted): Hiding ? What are you talking about Arnav?
Arnav: You know very well what I am talking about..

Khushi became very serious.

Khushi: I am not that girl who is disturbing you in Sheesh Mahal. Please believe me.
Arnav: But she has your face.!!
Khushi: Thats not my fault..
Arnav: Then whose fault is it? Whenever I have met you, I have always got a feeling it was you..
Khushi: Ohh.,.. So all that time you spent with me was only to find out who am I? (She paused gulping down her feelings). There was nothing beyond that Arnav?

Arnav became silent but he was still starring at her face.

Arnav: If you tell me the truth, I wont hesitate sharing my feelings for you..
Khushi's eyes were moist..
Khushi: Feelings come with trust Arnav. And if you dont trust I am innocent, there is no point in sharing those feelings with me. Buaji was right. I shouldnt have expected so much from you. I deeply regret for what happened to you Mr Arnav Singh Raizada.. I will pray for your good health. Good bye.

Without even looking back at him again, she opened the door and left. Arnav realised she was upset but was he wrong to question her?

****************

Gupta Mansion

Buaji had seen Khushi coming back home late night. She also had witnessed Khushi wiping her tears while entering the house. She tried to talk to Khushi who resisted meeting anyone at that moment and locked herself  in the room. Buaji was convinced the reason behind Khushi's tears was Arnav.. That meant at least Khushi will not run behind him anymore..

***************

Almost 2 days passed.. Arnav was discharged from the hospital.. There hadnt been a single moment that he had not thought about Khushi.. Their last meet was so dramatic and emotional. He really had been harsh in his talks. If he wanted to get the truth out of her, he could have used some other way. Why hurt her so much? Or may be she was really innocent.. He wanted to believe she was innocent.. But how can he forget that face of hers in the Village girl avatar which almost haunts him everytime?

He was still in the same thoughts at the balcony of his room in sheesh Mahal, looking at the masons working at the backyard, digging the soil and thats when suddenly he saw the masons stepping back in fear.. He didnt understand what happened to them suddenly.. The masons were constantly looking at the pit they had just created by digging the soil. He had to know what their concern was. Why they didnt continue working? He stepped out of his room slowly and came at the backyard.

Arnav: What is happening here? Why have you stopped working?

The masons shiverred pointing at the pit. Arnav stepped forward and peeped down. He saw plenty of big glass pieces covered with mud.

Arnav: Glass?

He was about to touch one piece and take it out when one of the masons stopped him.

Mason: Nahi Sahabji.. Dont touch it.
Arnav: Kyon? Now dont tell me you all think this is a bad sign..
Mason: Yes Sahabji.. In the ancient times, the souls of chudail ( witch) were captured in the mirrors and buried in the ground deep so that they dont come out again to trouble the human world.
Arnav : Another story!!

He denied listening to them and was about to pick the mirror glass when Akash held his hand and stopped him from doing so.

Akash ( looking at Arnav): Lets not take any risk Arnie.. Please..
Arnav: Akash what is wrong with you now?
Akash: Arnie.. I dont want to know what is worng and what is right.. All I am aware is you are still recovering and you have faced many such small accidents at this place. Why take another risk? You dont have to touch that glass pieces, the masons will do it..

Arnav sighed in disappointment and got up..

Arnav: (Looking at the masons): I dont care what you all do.. I want this construction continued. Take extra money to decompose all your old beliefs if  you want but finish this work. Understood?

The masons noded looking down as if accepting his commands. Arnav and Akash left inside Sheesh Mahal again.

Arnav: This is getting ridiculous day by day..
Akash: Dont you worry on that Arnav.. Just rest for few days. I will manage all this by then.
Arnav didnt speak anything.
Akash :And by the way.. What happened to Khushi? I didnt see her coming to meet you since the time you came back home.
Arnav: Pata nahi Akash.. The more I try to forget what happened here in Sheesh Mahal, the more its messing in my head. Sometimes I feel all this is just a phase which will pass one day.. But the very next moment I feel as if I lived in this confusion from decades..

Arnav pressed his forehead trying to ease the pain.

Akash: You are doubting Khushi?
Arnav: I dont have an option Aki..
Akash ( sighed): Theek hai. But I just hope by the time you realise she is innocent, its not too late..

Arnav was silent as if he was trying to realise what Akash just said.

Akash ( putting a hand on Arnav's shouldeR): I have seen Khushi worrying for you.. I have seen her tears that day when you were in the hospital.. If you ask me to judge her, even I am in a dilemma what she is.
Arnav: Main kya karoon Akash? I am so damm confused.. !!

He fisted his fingers and punched the sofa beside them.

Akash: Listen to your heart Arnie.. I am sure you will figure this out..

Patting Arnav's arms once Akash left back in the garden to check on the masons if they had begun the work again or not. And Arnav.. he was still pondering on Akash's advice.

***************
Gupta Mansion

Khushi was sitting on the chair at the dinning table and eating her food slowly. She was lost in deep thoughts.. She was remembering the day when Arnav had come for dinner here. How happy she was that day, how sweetly he kept teasing her.. But just like other times, fate didnt let that happiness live for long with her.

Buaji was simply starr
ing at her for some minutes and then she got up. She sat next to Khushi and held her hand. Khushi jerked..

Buaji: What is this Khushi?
Khushi : What? What buaji?
Buaji: I am observing you from past 2 -3  days, you are lost in your own world. I know you are upset because of Arnav.
Khushi: Lets not talk about it Buaji..

She wiped her face with a towel and then was going to get up but Buaji forced her to sit down again.

Buaji: I have to tell you something.. The answers which you might be looking for.
Khushi: Answers?
Buaji: Haan Khushi.. I should have told you all this long back. But never felt the need of doing so. But since the time Arnav has come in your life.. I realise he too is getting involved in all this which is why its necesary for me to let you know some of your secrets!!

Khushi was stunned..

Khushi: Secrets? My secrets? Kya Buaji?
Buaji: Wait for few minutes, I will tell you..

Khushi was about to question her why she had to wait? Why cant Buaji tell everything right now? But thats when the maid Vimla came there and informed about Arnav Singh RAizada's arrival here.

Buaji : Chalo Khushi..
Khushi: You called him? Here?
Buaji: Yes.. I did.  I cannot let anyone point at you for no reasons.. Come..

Khushi was perplexed..Something was scaring her from within. .She desperately wanted to know what secrets Buaji wanted to tell her but she also feared if those secrets are going to affect Arnav too anytime.

To be Continued..

Part 15

Gupta Mansion

Khushi and Buaji came downstairs where Arnav was sitting. Both Khushi and Arnav glanced at each other once.

Arnav: ( looking at Buaji): Why have you called me now? Or should I say you wanted to see if I have fully recovered or still suffering ?
Madhumati: Calm down Arnav. I apolozise for my mistake. I never meant to harm you. My intention was not allowing Khushi to meet you. I am already guilty for what my guards did with you.
Arnav: As Khushi's guardian I understand your concern for her. But this is not the way to keep things in your control Mrs Madhumati.
Buaji: Khushi's case is different and thats why my ways of controlling every problem arising to her is different too. You might understand this when I tell you about it. Thats why I have called you here. I wanted to  clarify few things about Khushi to you and her. Something which you both need to know..

Khushi's heart was beating faster and the way Buaji kept this mystery hidden in her talks yet was creating a havoc within Khushi. Arnav was getting curious too .

Buaji: My brother Shashi and me were born and raised in Delhi. Shashi joined my father's textile business and opened his new factory here in Lucknow. Thats when he met Garima.. Both fell in love with each other and taking the blessings of our family, even got married. After 2 years Khushi was born .. on Amavasya..!! ( No moon day).. At an abnormal time.. in an abnormal way.. at an Abnormal place!!

There was a fear in Buaji's voice which both Khushi and Arnav noticed..

Buaji: It was those times when people were more orthodox compared to what they are now.. When our relatives started forcing us, we took that one month old Khushi to a Priest. He was well known to predict the future.. People believed him and so did we. He looked at Khushi and we could see it from his expressions that he was unhappy .. Something was bothering him. He didnt tell us anything though. He just performed a lot many Puja's  and rituals.. We did everything that was possible. This kept continuing for a year.. Until Shashi died in a car accident.

Madhumati's eyes filled with tears remembering that day..

Buaji: We felt dejected.. Me and Garima both took months to live that fact of not having Shashi in between us. We somewhere lost that continuity of performing the rituals on Khushi again to ensure there is nothing wrong in her future.! Years passed .. Khushi was 8 years old.. There was everything normal in her. She was lively and very innocent .Me and Garima both believed that everything was right now. We need not had to worry. But suddenly one day.. we got a call from Khushi's school. She had created a problem there. When we met the Principal of her school, they told us she slapped a boy from her class and when asked by the teachers on why she did so, she kept screaming at them saying that boy was dragging her to the temple and marrying her forcefully. We had never heard something like that from Khushi before.. We knew she was lying.. Because there was no temple around the school vicinity.. Those days we had only few temples around and that too far from the city. It was a strange incident. .We took her to a Doctor .. A Psychatrist who performed many tests on her, and told us that her report was completely clear. There was no problem within her. Not scientifically at least!!

Both Arnav and Khushi were lost in the past which Buaji was telling them..

Buaji: Garima didnt wish to take a chance.. She didnt wanted anything bad to happen with Khushi. Thats why she took Khushi abroad in US with her. I had to handle the business of my brother which is why I didnt chose to leave. I stayed here. A year passed and I got another surprising call from US. About Garima's mental condition serious. I took the next flight to US and reached there. Garima was admitted in a hospital. And Khushi was all alone there crying and worrying for her mother. I talked to the Doctors who said Garima is suffering from mental sickness and she will need to be in complete observation until they understand the root cause of it and treat her to get her life back to normal. I was helpless. I got Khushi back with me to Lucknow.. Garima is still in the hospital in US getting treated.. Every year Khushi meets her once and is still praying for her mother to cure someday and come back to us. !!

Tears rolled down Khushi's cheeks.. She always became weak when she remembered her mother. Arnav was upset to see Khushi like this. He tried to wipe her tears but she shoved his hand off. She doesnt need his sympathy. He has blamed her enough!!

Buaji: Everything looked normal to me again when I got Khushi back. Until one night, an Amavasya night.. I found Khushi opening the gates of our house and walking outside the vicinity. I was shocked. I followed her, I tried to call her name but she didnt stop. She reached the same place where she was born and kept staring at it for a while. As if reading something.. trying to remember something.. I reached her and shook her hard. She fainted. I got her back home and made her sleep with me. The next day when she woke up, she behaved normal again. I tried to ask her about last night but she had no idea what I was asking. I was afraid if this was only a one time problem or is it going to keep occuring. I appointed few guards here in the Gupta Mansion vicinity to ensure Khushi is safe. I tried not to let Khushi know anything about her sickness of sleep walking because I didn wanted to scare her. I thought this problem will get fixed some day. But I was wrong.. Though that kind of situation didnt happen again in the next few years, but it took place again on Khushi's 21st birthday..

Khushi was perplexed.. Something happened on her 21st birthday? Which means the birthday which took place a year back? Why doesnt she remember then ?

Buaji: Remember Khushi..We had a theme that day.. ? You and all your friends who came here to celeberate were asked to wear typical Village like clothes?

Yea.. That she remembered.. Khushi noded approving it.

Buaji: Khushi had wore such a dress too. She didnt even wear any make up. She was looking no less than a typical village girl in that Lehnga choli.. She was enjoying that day.. The birthday party went well. She enjoyed with her friends till late night and finally when they all slept together in her room, she woke up again in sleep and started walking towards that same place where she took her birth. But this time she just didnt stop there.. She tried crossing the barriers of that place. Luckily our guards followed her and stopped her. When they tried to drag her back home, she started screaming the same lines which she did during her school time.

"Stop him.. Somebody Stop him..I cant marry him.. Somebody please stop him.."

She fainted but as usual she didnt remember anything the next morning. I marked the day.. It was an Amavasya again.!!

Khushi sat on the couch feeling nervous about this entire truth that her Buaji was telling today. So much kept happening in her life which she was unaware of? Arnav on the other hand had more questions rising in his brains but he allowed Buaji to first complete her part of truth.

Buaji: ( Turning to Arnav): Again in the past few months after her 21st Birthday, nothing wrong happened. But then just few days back Khushi introuduced me to you.. She also told me about your encounter not once but almost twice, with a Village like girl who looked like Khushi. I didnt take long to realise that she was Khushi only.. !!

Khushi was shocked.. That means all this time she was the one who had met Arnav in Sheesh Mahal and she still kept denying? Arnav sighed.. Finally his confusion was resolved.. He had come to know what the truth is..

Buaji: I didnt wanted anybody to know Khushi's truth which is why I tried to burn that village dress in which you had seen Khushi at your place. But Khushi unknowingly found it at the backyard and she brought it to you. And then you found that "M&S" tag on it as I had predicted already. So I called up the M&S store and asked them to let me know if you come to ask about that dress anytime. When the next day you had been there and you met the Manager, he called me and I asked him to give you a fake name and to ensure that you dont come back to Khushi blaming her again, I used the name of Payal Das. I had an idea you knew her. So this name was the best one to confuse you with. (She sighed in disapppointment).. But destiny has its own way to settle down things. You doubted Khushi again and called her to meet you. I never wanted Khushi to think about all this and get involved in finding the truth about herself.. So I asked the guards to get her back at any cost. Thats why they hit you and rest .. you know everything.. !!

Both Arnav and khushi were silent.. Khushi was still trying to believe she had sleeping sickness problem. And that too such a horrible one that she crosses all boundaries and walks off anywhere.Arnav on the other hand had few questions to ask which he finally raised now.

Arnav: You said Khushi's birth took place in a very abnormal place.. And thats where she always keeps going in her sleep walk. Which place is that?
Buaji ( turning back to him): You still didnt understand? Its Sheesh Mahal Arnav..!! Khushi was born there.!!

Now this was something unexpected .. Khushi was herself so much confused knowing these little secrets of her life.

Arnav: Sheesh Mahal ? Khushi was born there ? How's that possible? You didnt own that place, did you?
Buaji: No we didnt.. But this again has a story behind it..
Khushi: What Story Buaji?

Buaji knew it was not good enough to hide anything from them now. So she continued..

Buaji: The truth is .. I dont it too.. Only Garima knows.. !!
Khushi: Mumma?
Buaji : Yes.. Only she knows why she went there in Sheesh Mahal at midnight and that too when this place was abandoned by the Village people here. She was in her 9th month but the delivery date was still far. It was obvuious she started feeling the pain there and got you delivered that same mid Amavasya night.
Arnav: Didnt you or Khushi's father ask her later what made her go there?
Buaji: We did but whenever we asked her, she would say she doesnt want to talk about it. Something was scaring her.. Even the thought of that night got goosebumps on her. So we decided never to talk about it again.
Arnav: She was alone there? That night?
Buaji (gulped): Someone helped her deliver the child.
Khushi: WHO?
Buaji : I dont know.. She said some lady helped her. But she never saw her again. The lady just sent us a message through some little boy that Garima was in Sheesh Mahal and she had bore a baby girl. We all rushed there at once.. That time Garima was unconscious and Khushi was lying beside her. There was no one else.. We then immediately took her and Khushi to the hospital and got her admitted. The Dr's then took a charge and recovered their health!!

This was again a Dead end !! That lady who helped Garima bore the child.. Who was she? Why didnt she come before the Gupta family again?

Buaji: The villagers believe that Sheesh Mahal is cursed by some Witch.!! No one even dared to go there.. And definately not in mid night. So it was impossible for any woman to be there.. So .. If you ask me who she was.. I would say.. That Witch!! It was that witch who helped Garima give birth to Khushi..

Khushi was startled. She almost stumbled..

Arnav: What rubbish!! There is nothing like Witches in this world!! And even if they exists, arent Witches  known to do bad ? How can a witch help a human then? This is all bulshit!!
Buaji: I want to believe what you say Arnav.. But this is not going to change the fact that Khushi is having sleeping sickness problem..
Arnav: I know that.. And we should be looking to help her cure that rather than making up such stories and scaring her more..!! I wonder how come you didnt consult a better Doctor and get her treated ? Anyways.. Whatever happened.. Lets not dwell in it. Tomorrow morning I am going to take Khushi with me to a better Doctor ..

Khushi was surprised when he made such a quick decision for her betterment. She liked his concern but will everything will be alright so easily?

To be Continued..

Ankahee Part 16

The whole night Khushi chose to sleep with Buaji in her room as she was very scared of the entire past which she was introduced to. She couldnt get proper sleep, she kept on thinking what was the secret of that night when she was born, why was she always seen in Sheesh Mahal, and what was that which she did in her school? She said some boy was forcing her to get married to him? That was so similar to what she saw when she was sitting before the holy fire with Arnav at Sheesh Mahal during the havan? Did it have any significance? And what is it with her sleeping sickness? Did she suffer it only on specific nights ? Why? And most importantly when? Did it have any particular schedule?

It was not even 10:00 in the morning, Buaji was feeding her the breakfast forcibly though Khushi was pleading her that she was not hungry. That is when they both heard Arnav's voice. He looked at Khushi but she tried avoiding his gaze.

Arnav: I have taken an appointment with a Dr here. Its after an hour.
Khushi got up wiping her face and then came to him. She joined her palms.
Khushi: I always thought it was not me who troubled you in Sheesh Mahal.. But now that we all know the truth, I want to apolozise for what I did. Though it was unknowingly, I am absolutely regretting for not trusting you. Please forgive me if possible..
Arnav was touched by her words.
Arnav: Khushi you dont have to be sorry..  ( he seperated her palms)
Khushi: Its your goodness that you are still showing so much of concern for me. But I cannot take it anymore Arnav. Thanks for everything what you did for me. But from here on, I will take care of myself. Please cancel the appointment of the Dr, I will manage to get this treatement started when I am prepared for it.

She tried leaving but Arnav caught her arms and made her stay where she was..

Arnav: I know what I am doing Khushi. Whatever happened its not your fault. Situations made me doubt you and though my guess was correct, we all know it was not you willingly who did this. You were not even in your senses when you entered the Sheesh Mahal premises.. So you dont have to be guilty for that. Lets just forget everything and start freshly from now. I want to get you treated. I want to ease your problems..
Khushi ( stepping back ): But I dont want to create extra problems in your life from here on. Who knows if I will ever get cured by this sleeping sickness problem or not? I cant trouble you more Arnav. Please leave me to my fate.
Arnav (clutching her again): I AM YOUR FATE KHUSHI!! And no damm situation on this earth can ever snatch you from me.. You get that?

Khushi had tears in her eyes. She didnt know how to react.

Arnav ( looking at Buaji): I am taking Khushi to the Doctor Buaji. Will drop her back after some time.
Buaji didnt disagree. She could see a concern in Arnav's eyes for the betterment of Khushi.
Khushi: Arnav but.. I .
Arnav: Save some talks for later.. Come..
He held her hand and took her along with him. Buaji had a smile on her face. Earlier when Arnav and Khushi got close to each other she was afraid this secret of Khushi doesnt harm her but now, seeing Arnav understanding Khushi so much and dealing with her problems as his, she was relieved now.

**************

The Dr examined Khushi and then asked her a few questions about her childhood.

Dr: What do you remember the first about your childhood Khushi?

Arnav was just next to her and was closely observing her expressions. She seemed to be thinking deeply on the Dr's question.

Khushi: I was 5 years old probably and I was drawing something.. ( she closed her eyes trying to remember clearly).. Suddenly Mumma snatched the sheet from the table and shouted at me..
She opened her eyes again.
Dr: What did you draw?
Khushi took some seconds to remember what it was.
Khushi: I dont remember it clearly..
Dr: Still there must be something why your mother shouted at you. What was it?

Khushi again tried to put some stress on her mind and then finally replied doubtfully.

Khushi: I drew a house..probably..
Dr: House? what kind of house? Was it your house? The place where you stayed ?
Khushi : NO.. It was big.. Very big..
Arnav: Was it Sheesh Mahal? ( he immediately asked)

The Dr didnt ask Arnav why was he intruding in their conversation because the moment Arnav asked this question, Khushi noded in approval.

Khushi: Haan.. I think it was Sheesh Mahal only..

There was fear in her eyes and expressions which the Dr registered quickly and decided to stop this question-answer round.

Dr: Okay. Thats it for today. We will take these sessions slowly. Alright? Please wait outside until I will write your tablets..

The Dr probably wanted to speak to Arnav alone, thus she left outside the cabin.

Dr: As you already detailed me Arnav, I have tried to analysed the entire past of Khushi once again. It looks little complicated to me but not something which we cannot find a cure for.
Arnav: Will Khushi be alright Dr?
Dr: Yes. She will be if she takes the medicines on time and does everything which I ask her to do..
Arnav: I will take special care she takes this treatment seriously!!
Dr: Good. Please take these medicines. She just needs to take it one at night. That will give her a calm sleep. Which is why she will not walk while she sleeps.
Arnav: Any side effects of these medicines Dr?
Dr (chuckled): Well.. If continued on a long term, it might create frustration within her, severe case , she might be over sensitive to simple topics. So we need to ensure that we get her out of this problem within few months only and not delay it.

Arnav noded and thanking the Dr he came out from the cabin. Khushi was sitting depressed at a bench and wondering about this entire stuff. He sat next to her.

Arnav: Dont think much, the Dr has told you will be alright soon.
Khushi: I remembered that temple Arnav.. ( she replied in a sharp tone)
Arnav: Temple? Which Temple ?
Khushi ( looking at Arnav): That same temple where that man dragged me and married.
Arnav was stunned. Man?
Arnav: But you were 8 years when you witnessed this in your school.. And he wasnt a man.. he was a boy of hardly 8 or 9 I guess..
Khushi: I am not talking about my school days.. I .. I never told you this.. Remember I was been called for Havan in Sheesh Mahal and I was sitting next to you. .Suddenly I started reacting wierd and fainted.. And you dropped me back home?
Arnav noded remembering what she said.

Khushi: That day, when I had closed my eyes before the holy fire, I saw the  same sequence.. I saw him dragging me towards the temple, there were many people around but none came for help .. And then he applied me Sindoor and married me..
Arnav: He?
Khushi: I dont remember his face.. In fact I have never seen his face. But now.. I think I know which temple was that..
Arnav: Where is that temple?
Khushi: Its on a cliff.
Arnav: Cliff?
Khushi: Haan Arnav.. I think I have seen a temple somewhere here like that.. But when? ( she started thinking again)

Suddenly she realised where she saw it.

Khushi: Yaad aaya... Remember that day when I saved you from falling off the cliff? I .. I saw that temple there.. Yes.. It is somewhere there.. Arnav.. we should go there and check.. May be I remember something else.. I ..
Arnav clutched her arms tight trying to get her out of these things..

Arnav: Sshh.. Khushi.. Relax..Take it easy. Please.. Look.. You have sleeping sickness problem.. Thats all. Whatever you see and whatever you have felt, its all an illusion.
Khushi: No Arnav.. There has to be a reason behind it.. If you dont believe me.. Nobody will..!!!

Her eyes were moist.. She was really expecting Arnav's help now in resolving this matter.

Arnav: Okay.. Stop crying.. You think all this is true.. Then fine.. I will take you there.. But not today..

Khushi felt lighter to hear this from him.

Arnav: Let me drop you home now.. And also take permission from your Buaji..
Khushi: Permission? For what?
Arnav: I am taking you out for Dinner!! Tonight.. !! Chalogi mere saath ? ( Will you come with me?)

Khushi's lips curved with a smile..

Arnav: Dinner toh bus ek bahaana hai.. Mujhe apni adhuri baat bhi puri karni hai..( he smirked stating this proudly)
Khushi: Adhuri baat?
Arnav: Yaad hai uss din jab mein tumhaare ghar par Dinner ke liye aaya tha.. ? (Remember that night when I had come to your home for Dinner? )
Khushi and Arnav's mind went in the flashback of that night.

"Khushi: What?
Arnav:  I came here for ONE purpose .. but I am returning back with TWO..

Her heart started beating aloud .. She desperately wanted to know what the second purpose would be..

Arnav: ( gripping her arm tight): One.. to keep an eye on your Buaji's motives.. And Second... ( he took a pause .)
Khushi: Second? ( she murmured)

He kept being silent.. trying to decipher her eagerness in knowing his next words.. After a few seconds.. he smiled leaving her hand. She was confused..

Arnav: Good night..

He turned around to leave.."

Both Khushi and Arnav came out of that flashback.

Khushi: Ohh.. So you wanted to complete that statement?
Arnav smirked .. Both of them kind of knew what was going in their hearts. It just had to be formalised in talks though!!

****************

Gupta Mansion

Khushi wore a black dress which she supposed was looking best on her. She didnt know what else to wear? Jewellery? No.. Might be more.. What about sandals? Black one of course.. which one but? She was looking for the best sandal that will match her dress when Buaji entered her bedroom. Khushi noticed her and eased down her excitement.

Buaji: Arnav has come down.. He is waiting for you..
Khushi: (Smiled): Buaji.. Are you happy? I mean.. I know you didnt like Arnav much and now I..
Buaji: No need to say anything.. I was wrong.. Arnav is really a nice guy for you.. And I can already read his heart.. He loves you very much.. Just like you love him..
Khushi blushed hard and hugged Buaji tight..

Khushi: Thank you Buaji..
Buaji: Mention not.. And Yes.. I forgot to mention.. The Dr from US had called today. Seems Garima's treatment is getting over soon. They will soon allow us to talk to her on phone and then we can go and get her here.
Khushi was over happy knowing this.
Khushi: Sach Buaji?
Buaji: Hmm.. I think finally we are going to witness some happy moments in our family!! We are just getting happy news from everywhere!!
Khushi: Right Buaji.. And I hope this will stay forever!!
Buaji: It will.. Now go before Arnav's hunger starts cooling off. Go..

She pushed Khushi outside the room..

Arnav was fiddling with some show piece kept on the side table at the couch, tired of waiting for Khushi.. Why do girls take such long time to get ready?? He heard her Anklets sound from the stairs and that drew his attention towards her. Khushi was coming down, slowly, looking at him and passing a broad smile.. When she reached him, he had to snap her fingers to get him out of his stance.

Khushi: Ab der nahi ho rahi hai?( Now arent we getting late? )

Arnav was still busy admiring her.

Khushi: Kya soch rahe ho? (What are you thinking?)
Arnav : Soch raha hoon tumhaari Taareef yahan karu yeah Hotel mein? ( he teasingly replied) ( I am thinking if I should praise your beauty here or in the Hotel?)

Khushi bit her lower lip in amusement and dragged him out of that place without responding to his question.

To be Continued..




Part 17

Blue Moon Hotel

Khushi: ( in excitement): How did you know this is my favourite place for hangout?
Arnav : I didnt know ( he accepted without much remorse)
Khushi chuckled taking her seat.
Khushi: My mistake, how would you know about it. We have hardly met and we never discussed each other's likes or dislikes yet.
Arnav: Thats the main reason I have got you here. To talk!! ( he cleared what he had in his mind)

The waiter came by passing them the Menu card.

Arnav: Uhh. Two Orange Juices for now.
The waiter left and Arnav concentrated back on Khushi.
Arnav: To be honest, this place was Aman's idea. He knows a lot about Lucknow compared to me and Aki.
Khushi: Aman? Is he from Lucknow?
Arnav:  No. He is from Delhi. Did I tell you he is a Property dealer?
Khushi: You never told me that ( she sipped the water)
Arnav: Never mind.. Why should we discuss about anyone else at our first date? Lets talk something else.
Khushi: No wait.!! Did Aman got the proposal for Sheesh Mahal for your Hotel Project?
Arnav: Hmm. Why?
Khushi : Nothing.. I was just wondering how did he end up having this place in his list ? And look at the destiny, it made you buy it because of which we met here in Lucknow..
Arnav: You believe in Destiny?
Khushi: You dont?
Arnav ( making face): Not much. I believe every individual creates his/her own destiny. Like I created mine.

Khushi was getting interest in his topic now.

Khushi: And how's that?
Arnav: Okay.. Its a long history.. Not that long too. Umm.. Okay.. ( he finally decided to tell her)..You know I have an elder sister.. So she always have been protective towards me. Especially after my parents death in a car accident. I was hardly 8 then. Di was I guess 12. So she always made sure I dont end up in any kind of troubles. Even when she got married, she never considered me as an additional responsibility. Her Son Aarav and me are equal for her.
Khushi: Wow.. Thats sweet.
Arnav: Not really that much sweet.. You know she always kept me away from my birth place.. My country.. Is that fair? She thinks my life is in danger if I start staying here in India..Isnt that bullshit? Actually its not her fault.. She is very superstitious and orthodox too. She keeps consulting Priests and does all that Puja's for our peace. These people keep feeding her brain. Seems some very renowned Priest had told my Parents when I was born here that my life is danger.

Khushi  was surprised to know all this from him. She had started recollecting how Arnav's life had been in danger since the time he had come to Lucknow.

Arnav: I always aspired to start a business of my own. And with Aki beside we just realised the best we would want to do was a Hotel Business. So I came here with Aki..
Khushi: But how did your Sister allow you to come here?
Arnav: I fled ( he winked at her)
Khushi's jaw dropped.
Khushi: What? You fled? Just like that?
Arnav: No .. I kept a note behind. And as expected Jeejaji handled it all. He made Di understand my need of coming here.
Khushi: You are notorious Arnav. Who does that ? I pity your sister. She was holding you there for your good Arnav.
Arnav smiled seeing her concern and held her hand.

Arnav: My Good lies here.!!

Whatever Khushi had in her mind to advise him about just wiped off that easily hearing such soothing words from him.The waiter came there and placed the juice glasses on the table interrupting their moment.

Khushi sipped the juice once.

Khushi: I dont feel this is good Arnav. ( She tried making a point)
Arnav: The juice? Its Mindblowing ( he purposely tried to misinterpret her words)
Khushi: Arnav I am not talking about the Juice..
Before she could explain further, Arnav stopped her.

Arnav: Whatever happened, was not your fault.
Khushi: You cannot ignore my sleep walking sickness Arnav..And my birth incidents look horrible too.
Arnav: Nothing is horrible. Wipe that off your head before it consumes you Khushi.

Though all this was not as easy as he said but she still tried to change her mood.
Khushi: Hmm.. So how is the rennovation of Sheesh Mahal going?
Arnav: Great. Akash is taking care of that in my absence.
Khushi: Poor Akash.. He has to work hard while his best buddy is out with me..!!
Arnav: Dont worry.. he is having good time there. You know Payal Das.. She and Aki are going around I guess.
Khushi: Really ? When did it happen?
Arnav: Not too long. Aki seems pretty serious about her. I have known Akash from years. He never was so much interested in a girl to this extent. Payal is lucky. Though I truly dont understand her still. She sounds fishy to me.
Khushi: You spy on everyone.. You have big trust issues Mr Arnav Raizada.
Arnav: No I am serious Khushi.
Khushi: Whatever. We arent here to talk about Payal or Akash or Sheesh Mahal, are we?

Arnav smirked at her question and took a lead further.

Arnav: So you already know what I want to say?
Khushi blushed hard but didnt wanted this topic to end because of her silly blushes. Arnav held her hand gently.
Arnav: Khushi.. I am not going to complicate this conversation. Since the time we have met, there have been many complex situations which we kept sorting out in order to see the real truth. Amidst all this, I showed distrust upon you. I even believed you were purposely trying to hide your frequent suspicious visit in Sheesh Mahal, hardly did I knew that it was you.. but not in your fully conscious state. We argued, we tried maintaining distance between each other but that hardly changed anything what we felt for each other..

Khushi had 100% same views of what he felt .

Arnav: I want to keep things simple between us now. I want to make your visits in Sheesh Mahal quite often and this time with full authority..

Her heart was racing fast as he kept her glued to his expressions.

Arnav: I want to accept your strength and your flaws together. Will you marry me Khushi?

She was stunned. .Not that she didnt expect him to ask her this. It was really very kind of him to ignore her problems or may be consider it as his own. But was she so much selfish to gift him all her troubles in return of the love that he would shower upon her ?Arnav was kind of reading her mind. He knew what she was thinking.

Arnav: What are you thinking so much? Dont even think of rejecting my proposal or else I wont mind marrying your forcibly!! ( he winked at her but she became quite serious about this )

The waiter came and placed their next order on the table, Arnav sighed in frustration that their little moment was getting disturbed so many times.

Waiter: Anything else Sir?
Arnav: A little Privacy!!  ( he proudly commanded)

The waiter smiled and left from there may be promising himself not to disturb them anymore until they wanted him to intervene. Arnav happily looked back at Khushi who was lost in some thoughts.. He shook her.

Arnav: Kya hua?
Khushi: Never say that again ( she angrily replied)
Arnav ( confused): Say what?
Khushi: No one has right to marry a woman forcibly Arnav.. I feel suffocated even remembering those scenes in the back of my head where a man mercilessly drags me in a temple and..
Arnav ( stopping her) : SSshhh..

Tears formed in her eyes, it was that much of pain she felt thinking who that man must be and why she was seeing all this again and again..

Arnav: I was trying to bring a smile on your face Khushi.. Thats why I said it. I really forgot what it means to you .. Believe me..

She wiped her tears and then noded in agreement.

Arnav: I take my words back.. We are going to have a blissful marriage.. Without any muddle. Just a peaceful happy beginning. I promise!!

Those words definately got a smile back on her face.

Khushi: I didnt give my answer yet.. You are thinking too far Arnav.
Arnav: ( chuckled): I have thought beyond that too.
Khushi gently hit his arm asking him to slow down his tone. There were people around. Anyone might hear them.
Arnav: What? I am serious Khushi. And I dont care if people hear us .
Khushi: I must complain your sister, you are becoming shameless Arnav Singh Raizada.
Arnav remembered something..

Arnav: Damm!! In all this, I forgot about Di.. You know I didnt even tell her yet that I am in Lucknow. She thinks I am in Delhi.
Khushi: Why didnt you tell her?
Arnav: Forget it.. Lets eat.. I will give her a call tonight and explain her everything.. I am sure when she will come to know about you, she is going to forgive me for not letting her know where I am..

They started eating the Dinner. It was obvious they had a wonderful time here, just the two.. But there was something hard waiting for them at the other side of their life which was soon going to get revealed.. !!

****************

After dropping Khushi back home, Arnav had reached Sheesh Mahal, in his room , dialing his sister and talking to her. The Masons were still working at the backyard. They were paid extra today to dig the garden and level it. There would be a swimming pool here which is must these days for any five star hotel property to work. Akash was present down to witness this. Arnav meanwhile told Anjali about Khushi.

Anjali: SO her name is Khushi?
Arnav: Yes. And she is cute. Thodi paagal hai. .But cute hai.
Anjali: So she is the reason why my brother has no time to call me these days?

Arnav was silent, just holding his smile so that his Di doesnt think he was blushing..

Anjali: I have to come to Delhi and meet her then. Aarav's vacation is going to start in 2 days. I will ask Shyam to book our Delhi flight. Its been so long seeing you.. Not sure about you, but we all three miss you very much Chotte..
Arnav: I miss you too Di.. But..
Anjali: But ?
Arnav: But will you scold me if I tell you another truth?
Anjali was confused. Another truth? What did he mean?
Arnav: Di.. I am not in Delhi..
Anjali: Not in Delhi? Then where are you?
Arnav: In Lucknow..

Anjali was shocked. He was in Lucknow all these days?

Arnav: DI please.. Dont be upset.. I am absoluetly fine here and.. and we have even started renovating the property for our Hotel business. Its a beautiful place. Good people around and most importantly I found Khushi here..

Anjali's heart beated faster. So things were going out of control for her now. The facts that she always kept hidden from Arnav might come out now because he was in Lucknow..The place where he was born.

Arnav: Di? Are you listening?
Anjali ( gulped her anger): You should not have gone there Chotte .
Arnav: I know Di.. But this property I couldnt get better one in Delhi.
Anjali: There are some things which  one shouldnt think of doing after been warned. But I guess you are not even that much matured to understand the meaning behind my words.
Arnav: Di what are you saying? I know you are unhappy but.
Anjali: Now listen carefully Arnav.. Do not take any more decisions by yourself till I reach there. You understand me ?
Arnav: But why Di?
Anjali: Just do as I say. Promise me you will not be part of anything that you think is happening strange!!

Arnav had no idea what his Di was trying to warn him and why?

Arnav: Okay DI. Come soon.. I will text the address.. Good night.

He disconnected the call and suddenly saw the mason running away from the portion of the land they dug. Even Akash looked frightened.. Something was wrong there. He must see.

To be Continued.

Part 18

When Arnav came out at the backyard, he saw the Masons shivering while Akash was at the pit, looking inside it.

Arnav ( to the mason): Why is the work stopped?
The masons didnt reply anything infact they still shivered and looked frightened. Arnav stopped wasting his time talking to them and came straight to the pit where Akash was standing. He looked inside and saw some pieces of mirror in it with stains of Sindoor and ash pasted all over it. Definately it looked horrible to Arnav but he didnt react much. He did shit in his pants.

Akash: Arnie.. whats this?
Arnav was quiet and still observing the pit.
Akash: Looks like someone has put it here long back. See the way the mud, ash and Sindoor is pasted on the mirror pieces.. Not done recently for sure.
Arnav: Hmmm.. But shouldnt be our concern.  ( he turned around and looked at the masons again).. Clean this up and continue the work..

One of the Mason came forward but definately not with the intention of cleaning it up.

Mason: Saahab.. We cannot touch it.. Its a bad Omen..
Arnav: They are just pieces of a mirror..
Mason: Nahi Sahab.. You have no idea what it is..
Akash: ( coming forward): So you know what it is? Then tell us..
Mason: ( gulped his fear): Woh.. yeh.. woh..
Arnav ( in anger): Say it Dammit!!
Mason: Woh.. Many years back.. that chudail was.. she was burned here.. And after she was burned.. her soul was captured in these mirrors which were washed with her ashes and then burried here at the backyard.. They say that her soul still haunts this place Sahab.

That definately gave some more shivers to the others listening it but Arnav and Akash were blank.. These villagers were so damm orthodox..

Akash:  (whispered to Arnav): Do they mean to say we have bought a haunted palace?
Arnav : THese guys are too much to handle.
Arnav: ( to the masons): Have heard enough about this chudail from you all. You guys are been paid to work here, not for story telling. Just take this off and continue working.
Mason: But Sahab its..
Arnav: ENOUGH!! ( he screamed.)

Sometimes these talks really frustrated him a lot. Akash immediately placed his arm on Arnav's shoulder patting him gently.

Akash: Dont stress Arnie.. I will handle this..
Arnav: Thats fine Aki.. You have already put enough efforts in my absence here.  You rest.. I will be here and watch them..
Akash: No Arnie.. I am fine..
Arnav: So am I.. Go and ring your Payal, she must be cursing me for keeping you so busy..
Akash blushed hard..
Arnav: Where is Aman by the way?
Akash: He's gone to order the material for the pool construction. Should have been back by now, not sure what delayed him.
Arnav: Okay. And yes.. Uhh.. I told Di everything..
Akash ( confuseD): Everything? What ?
Arnav: That we are here in Lucknow. .about Khushi.. and all that.. ( he carelessly replied)
Akash's heart beat faster in worry.

Akash: Gosh Arnie.. You told her? What was her reaction? She definately must not be happy..
Arnav ( nodding his head): Yea.. But I handled it all. I am sure she will understand it Aki.. She just needs time. She , Jeejaji and Aarav will be coming here soon ..
Akash: Here? In Sheesh Mahal? I dont think thats a good idea Arnie.. Her mood will worsen if she comes to know what is happening here.. You know what the people around here think about this place..
Arnav: Yea I know. But she will understand, I HOPE!!
Akash ( sighed): I hope that too. Chalo.. You carry on here and let me ring Payal by then..

Akash left the site and Arnav ensured the masons remove all the mirror pieces from the pit and throw it out, continuing their digging work.

****************

2 Days Later

Arnav was busy at Sheesh Mahal which had started its renovation from inside too. He was very busy these days and obviously had no much time to meet Khushi. He was still inspecting and ordering the workers on what should be placed where when suddenly he felt a pair of arms closing his eyes. He definately didnt had to think much on who she was. He caught her arms and then made her come forward and stand before him,

Arnav: I didnt expect you here early morning..
Khushi: ( pouted): Should I go back then?
Arnav smirked holding her arm tight not letting her do that.
Khushi: I cant believe you men! Just 2 days back you almost proposed me and then got so much busy in work that you didnt even had time to meet me. ??
Arnav: ALMOST Proposed? Whats that supposed to mean?
Khushi: ( sighed in disapppointment): Ab yeh bhi mujhe hi bataana padega? (Now even this I will have to tell you? )
Arnav: ( Trying to remember): Did I miss anything?
Khushi: ( sighed):  Forget it.. When you remember what you missed Arnav Singh Raizada, dont forget to call me..

She started walking away from him..

Arnav: Khushi? Dont leave like this..
Khushi : I am not leaving.. Have got breakfast for you guys.. Where should I serve?

She cooked for him again, aww.. that was so sweet of her. He really appreciated that.
Arnav: Outside? At the front garden.. I will be there in a moment..
Khushi: (smiling) : I am Waiting..!!

****************

Garden

Akash, Aman and Arnav were enjoying the parathas with pickle and curd. This was surely a heavy breakfast for them but a lovely one. Akash licked his finger.

Akash: Ummm.. Thanks Khushi.. Felt like we are at home..
Aman: Truly delicious..

Khushi was already on cloud 9 but she was waiting for Arnav's praises which never came. He was only concentrating on eating.. He may have been very hungry. She kept admiring him eat while Akash and Aman realised, it was high time they leave them alone..
Aman: Uhh.. I will check the workers inside..
Akash: Let me join you..

Both the men got up winking at Arnav who only smirked at them and continued eating.. Once they left, Arnav was about to take one more piece of Paratha but she stopped him.

Arnav: What the!!
Khushi: You didnt utter a single word about how you liked it..
Arnav: Anxious , are  you?
Khushi: Of course.. I took so much efforts... I woke up one hour early than usual just to make this..
Arnav: I appreciate that..
Khushi: Oyyee!! This is not a business deal that you appreciate .. You are a lover boy now.. Say something better than this..
Arnav: Okay.. How about.. Umm.. ( he thought for few seconds and then slowly held her arms keeping the plate aside). .Thank you Khushi.. for these lovely paratha's.. They are awesome..

She had a broad smile on her face.. Not that she really wanted her boy friend to use such sugary coated words for her.. But praises from Arnav were really special and out of the world for her. They kept looking in each others eyes when suddenly they heard someone clearing throat to get their attention.. Khushi immediately shrugged her arms and moved aside and they both turned around.. Akash was standing there smiling..

Akash: Sorry..I didnt mean to disturb you guys.. but.. Arnie.. I need the keys of that old garage.. Where is it?
Arnav: Those are with Payal I guess.. Remember we asked her to get some workers and clean it?
Akash: Ohh yes. I forgot. I will get it..
Arnav: Never mind.. We will get it from her. You have been running a lot these days.. You and Aman handle here, we will be back in a moment..
Akash: Okay. Thanks.

He left and so did Arnav and Khushi towards "Das house". They walked holding hands..

Khushi ( while walking): Arnav..
Arnav: Hmmm..
Khushi: Is that the garage? ( she pointed)
Arnav: Yeah..
Khushi was quiet again  and then she spoke in few seconds..
Khushi: I feel as if I have seen it before.
Arnav ( smiling): Thats because you have seen it before..
Khushi: I did? When?
Arnav: In your sleep walk.. You wont remember but .. I do..
Khushi: Sleep walk.. ? ( she was upset ).. What had happened?
Arnav: Well. I saw a figure running towards the garage some night when there was no power in Sheesh Mahal, I followed.. You hide behind the hay.. I asked you to come out.. You didnt, and then you tried running, I caught you. Uhh.. ( he tried remembering)..Ahh yes.. You pushed me, locked me here and fled..
Khushi was unhappy.. Her face became dull.
Arnav: Its fine khushi.. Though I was angry at that moment, now I know it was not done by you on purpose.. So its okay..Dont think so much..

Khushi ( in a low voice): Will I ever get my sleeping walking sickness cured Arnav?
Arnav: You take your medicines on time?
Khushi noded in agreement.
Arnav: Then you will get cured soon..
Khushi: What if I dont? (there was a kind of tension in her tone)
Arnav stopped at the gates of Das House and cupped Khushi's cheeks.

Arnav: Then whenever you walk in sleep, I am going to follow you everywhere and get you back home. I promise..

Now that was a best assurance she got from him which really mattered a lot to her. He held her hand again and took her inside. When they stepped in, Arnav asked the servant for Payal.

Servant: Madam is out with her grandfather for a walk.

Ohh yes.!! How could he forget.. Akash had told him Payal takes her grandfather for walk every morning , whenever he is good to walk. .But before he could decide to leave and come later, Payal and Mr Das came inside slowly finishing their walk. The moment Mr Das saw Khushi and Arnav, he started shivering in fear as if he saw something horrible..

Payal ( holding her grandfather): Daadu? What happened?

He kept shiverring in fear and it looked from his expressions as if he was trying tp say something or point something at.. Arnav quickly rushed to them because it was not possible for Payal to alone handle her grandfather now.. Arnav caught him from the other end.

Arnav:What happened to him?
Payal: I dont know.. He was better until we reached here.

The grandfather kept trembling in fright. This was not good. Khushi was equally surprised as to what happened to him.

Arnav ( screamed) : Khushi get water..

Khushi quickly noded and rushed to them with a glass of water. But the moment she reached them, Payal's grandfather with all his strength pushed the glass away from him, still looking at Khushi with fear..That scene had surely created a confusion to Arnav and Payal.. The servants by now came there for help.

Grandfather: Gunnn..nnnjan..!! ( he screamed pointing at Khushi)

That word from him was again a total shock for everyone standing there. He had never spoke in his lifetime.. and today, he just didnt fear so terribly looking at someone, he even uttered a word in that scary state..This was a kind of miracle but not a good one for sure ..In next few seconds, grandfather fainted.. The servants and Payal quickly took him back to his room and called for a Doctor. Khushi was in a state of shock while Arnav was still trying to understand why did Mr Das react this way meeting Khushi? This was the first time he saw her .. And most importantly, why did he call Khushi as "Gunjan".. Who was Gunjan?

To be Continued..



Part 19

Das House

"Gunjan"!! Who was Gunjan? Khushi was still numb thinking what just happened in the Das's house.. Why did Payal's Grandfather react that way? She jerked when Arnav placed his arm on her shoulder.

Arnav: Chalo yahan se.. ( come lets go from here)
He was about to drag her gently but she stopped him.
Khushi: But Mr Das?
Arnav: He will be alright.. They have called for the doctors.. We should leave now and come back later if required.. Come..

She started walking out with him.. Something was definately not right. When they were much away from Das's house, Arnav stopped and turned to her. She looked tensed and still in fear. He clutched her arms tight.

Arnav: Khushi... Its okay.. Bhool jao..
Khushi: Bhool jau? Kaise Arnav? Why did he call me Gunjan? Why he got so scared seeing me?
Arnav: Sshhh!!(he tried consoling her but she shoved his arms)
Khushi: (screaming ): Arnav please.. Tell me what just happened there? I .. I am feeling so wrong.. I .. I shouldnt have gone there.. I.. ( she sat on the bench shedding tears.. )

Arnav sat next to her and made her forcibly meet his eyes.

Arnav: Chup.. Ek dum chup Khushi.. What is wrong with you ? On every suspicious things you think might be related to you and start weeping ? What good will it do?
Khushi:  I am so lost ... I feel there is connection to everything happening with me.. I was already trying my best to accept the fact of my sleep walking and today this .. this incident.. it discouraged me all the more. .
Arnav: Discouraged ? What so big happened for you to get discouraged Khushi?
Khushi: Mr Das called me by a name which is not mine..He was shivering as if he saw some ghost Arnav.. And most importantly he never spoke from so many years.. How did he open his mouth to speak today then?

Arnav sighed because whatever Khushi said were his questions too..

Arnav: We will sort this out.. Together.. I Promise.. Now  stop worrying and go back home.. I will see you in the evening..
Khushi: (composing herself): Evening? At my home?
Arnav: Yea.. We might need to go out and shop some stuff. Di, Jeejaji and Aarav are coming here.. Tomorrow night..
Khushi was surprised..
Khushi: What? When did this happen? I mean why didnt you tell me.. Ohh my God. I.. I seriously am not prepared to meet them.. ( her mood suddenly changed.. it was better to see her like this than the previous expressions.. ).. I .. I am running home then.. Call me later.. Bye..

She rushed out to get in her car.. Arnav kept smiling at her sudden change in attitude but his smile didnt last for long as he glanced again at Das house .. Though he had completely denied accepting the fact before Khushi that whatever happened today with Payal's grandfather was somewhere related to her, he believed there was more to it.. But how was he supposed to find it? Why on the whole  damm earth, he found a place like Sheesh Mahal to start his hotel business?

*****************

Evening

Shopping Mall

Arnav and Khushi were out for shopping some basic stuff which his Di and her family might need during their stay here in Lucknow.. To be more specific.. during their stay in that Sheesh Mahal.!! He just hoped no strange things happen here in their presence otherwise his Di will never allow him stay here even for a second. And no matter what but he will have to hide the fact of Khushi's sleep walking sickness from Di. He cannot afford to lose anyone.. Neither Khushi nor his Di. He saw
Khushi picking some random groceries in the trolley which she was dragging at almost every counter scanning around what might be required..

Arnav : By the way.. What were you saying today morning?  ( he placed the pickle bottle in the trolley which she pushed slowly ahead)...
Khushi: I said a lot many things today morning Arnav.. Be specific.!! ( she was not serious of his talks .. she was that busy)
Arnav: (stopping her from pushing the trolley ahead): ALMOST PROPOSE waali baat!! Ab yaad aaya? ( Now did you remember?)

Khushi had a
smile on her face..

Khushi: I never thought you will remember it so quickly.. And by the way its on you to think why I said something like that.. Socho socho .. Till then let me finish my shopping.

She continued buying the stuff and placing in the trolley.. She moved to the other end when suddenly she felt him holding her hand. She quickly turned her head to see what did he intend to do.. Arnav Singh Raizada was looking intensely in her eyes.. She had never seen him like this. He slowly reached her ..

Arnav: Come with me.. ( he dragged her to the other side of the store, gesturing Akash and Aman who were also shopping there, to take care of the trolley.. )
Khushi: Arnav ? Where are you taking me?
Arnav: First floor..

The mall was big, she had no idea why he was taking her on the first floor. They reached at the woman's apparalles section .. Arnav was probably looking for something special for her.

Khushi: What are you looking for ? Tell me I might help!!
Arnav finally found it and he turned back extending that dress towards her.
Arnav: I want you to wear this ..

Khushi looked at the dress.. It was a very traditional Lehnga choli almost like a village girl would wear.. But the fabric was not as cheap as that..It was a good one..

Khushi: Yeh ? But why this dress?
 Arnav: You ask too many questions. Go..

He pushed her towards one of the changing rooms.. She had no clue what was going in his head. .She locked herself inside the changing room to wear this attire.He kept waiting for her outside.. She took almost 20 minutes to get into it and finally opened the door. He was clean bowled seeing her in the village girl avatar.. She looked so innocent.. so beautiful..

Khushi: Arnav.. I am feeling ackward.. I..
Arnav clutched her arm and made her stand before the mirror, while he stood behind her looking at her face in it.

Arnav: The first time I saw you in Sheesh Mahal, you were wearing similar clothes Khushi.. Honestly I had given my heart to you that same night.. In these clothes you look different.. you look more pure!! If you hadnt fled that night on our first meet, I might have proposed you that same time.. You had made that  level of impression on me!! Dont think I forgot saying those 3 magical words to you on our last date, I avoided it then, so that I could say it at such an occassion.. When you will be exactly in that same look which I fell for.!! He slowly covered her head with the Duppatta..

Khushi's heart was beating rapidly.. His way of Proposing was out of the world for her..

Arnav ( whispered in her ears): I love you..

She was so much shy at that moment that her lips zipped , her throat ached to utter something but she couldnt.. She was cold as ice .. But their eyes were still locked. This moment was so special. This feeling that they both felt within was so sweet and unexplainable!! Suddenly they heard voice from behind them...

"We love you too", Aman and Akash screamed aloud gigling after witnessing this cute session between Arnav and Khushi. .Khushi was very embarassed.. Especially that dress was making her all the more uncomfortable. She pushed Arnav away and rushed in the changing room. Arnav angrily looked at Akash and Aman..

Arnav: Dont you have better work to do? You guys spoiled our moments dammit!!
Akash: Ohh really? ( he placed his hand on Arnav's shoulder).. Find a better place Arnie.. This is a public property.. Anyone has right to be anywhere.. Samjhe?
Arnav:  I will wait for the day when you are going to propose Payal.. Swear I wont make it easy for you.. ( he teased back Aki..)
Aman: (chuckled): We dont have the whole evening to spend here, do we?
Arnav (sighed): You guys make the payment. I will get Khushi..
Akash: Dont be late. And please enhance your choice Arnie.. I mean common.. a Villager dress? Ewww!  ( he teased)

Arnav was about to hit him but Akash was successful in running away with Aman..

Arnav: Idiots!! ( he smirked and banged Khushi's door asking her to make it fast.. )

****************

Arnav went to drop Khushi back home.. He didnt get inside the house though as it was already late..

Arnav: You take care. .And dont forget to take the medicines..
Khushi noded.
Khushi: So whats your schedule for tomorrow? Are you going to pick them up?
Arnav: Yea.. Me and Akash.. Both.. Tomorrow morning we are driving to Delhi International Airport.. By the time we get back here with them, it will be late night..
Khushi:  I will wait for your call.. No matter how much late you reach, dont forget to call.
Arnav: ( smiling): I wont.. Love you..
Khushi : I love you too..

She was so much shy for confessing her love, that he rushed inside without meeting his eyes .. And the moment she reached the door, she turned back . He was smirking at her. He passed her a flying kiss and got in the car to drive away.. Love was in the air for them .. But along with this love their was something in the background which waited to get unrevealed..

******************

Next Day - Delhi International Airport..

Akash was munching the chips feeling hungry..

Akash: You sure their flight has landed?
Arnav: I saw it on the Schedule board Aki.. They will be coming out anytime..

Suddenly they heard Aarav's voice loudly calling their names.. They looked around and soon enough they saw the Jha couple and Aarav walking towards them with the bags.. Anjali seemed happy seeing them though she was very depressed with Arnav's lies. The moment they reached Arnav and Akash, Shyam hugged them both .. Akash picked Aarav in his arms ..

Shyam: Saale Sahab.. You are looking great .. We had expected you will lose your weight missing your Di's food..
Akash ( teasing): Jeejaji.. Your Saale Sahab's girl friend stuffs his stomach with delicious food items.. He wasnt missing you and Di at all..
Arnav: Stop it Aki.. ( he was just holding his blush)

Anjali spoke to Akash but she avoided glancing at Arnav. He was very much aware of why she did so. She was angry on him. He slowly cuaght her and hugged her tight. .

Arnav: Sorry Di..
She struggled to set free without uttering a word ..
Arnav ( not letting her go): Sorry for fleeing from the house .. Sorry for not telling you where we are residing in India.. Sorry for everything..
Anjali pulled back from the hug..
Arnav: You know I can hurt you.. If this hadnt been my passion.. I would never leave like that..
Anjali: I hope your passion doesnt cost anything more from us..
Arnav: Di please..
Shyam: Come on Rani Saheba.. Forgive him now..
Akash: Yes Di.. Please do that soon.. I am very hungry..
Anjali : ( pinching Akash's ears): Who said I am angry only on him? I am also angry on you. .Why did you join him in all this?
Akash (screamed aloud faking pain) : Aahh .. Di.. Sorry.. I am sorry..

She finally left his ears and hugged Arnav and Akash together.. She had tears in her eyes..

Anjali: You both are not my brothers but my kids.. Never do that again.. Am I clear?
Arnav: We promise..
Akash: Yea.. We promise Di..
Anjali: Hmm.. ( she scanned around.)
Arnav: Whom are you looking for?
Anjali: She didnt come to receive us?
Arnav: She? Ohh.. You mean Khushi? No.. She didnt.. I didnt ask her to come.. I thought it would be little odd you hold my ears before her..

Everyone chuckled at his thought and finally got into the car. They had still a long way to go.. Almost few hours journey from Delhi to Lucknow..

Anjali ( sitting in car): Drive slow Arnav..
Shyam: Rani Saheba.. You started again?
Anjali: Shyam its Amavasya ( no moon day) today.. And I am not been orthodox.. There will be less natural light out.. SO I asked him to drive slow.. Thats all..
Shyam: Whatever.. Get in .

Arnav sat on the front seat to drive.. It was Amavasya? He just hoped nothing "Ill" Happens there in his absence in Lucknow with Khushi..

To be Continued..

   Part 20

Arnav was driving whereas Aarav fast asleep in between his mother and father at the backseat.

Shyam: So Saale Sahab.. Tell us something about Khushi. Is she more beautiful than your Di? ( he teasingly asked)
Anjali's jaw dropped. She hit Shyam slowly on his arm. Arnav looked at front mirror to see his Di and Jeejaji's cute fights.
Anjali: Shyam you are too much.
Akash: Di.. Jeejaji still carries the aura to flirt around..
Shyam happily gave a Hi5 to Akash.. Anjali frowned at them and sat back looking outside the car window which Arnav noticed.

Arnav: Khushi is the second beautiful girl I have ever seen.. !! First is my Di.
Shyam: You sure first is Anjali Saale Sahab?
Akash, Arnav and Shyam laughed heartily seeing Anjali's reactions.
Anjali : (Angrily): When you three come together, I am always the target.. Let me meet Khushi and Payal, I will keep them so much busy with me that they will not get time to spend with you.
Akash: Aww.. Di.. Come on.. We all love you so much. You know how much we love teasing you. .

He turned around to hold Anjali Di's hand. She patted him smiling and then looked at Arnav.

Anjali: So..!! Come on now, one by one tell me about your girl friends.. Akash start first...
Akash (blushing): I havnt even proposed Payal yet. I am waiting for the right time. So technically I dont have a girl friend yet.. But Arnie has.. Ask him first..
Arnav scrouched his eyebrow at Akash for the brilliant answer he gave to Di.
Anjali: Chotte. Come on.. Tell..
Arnav ( smiling ): Di what should I tell? I mean.. You will know how is she when you meet her tomorrow.
Anjali: I want to know about her from your heart.. Kuch toh batao ( Say something)
Arnav sighed. He knew his Di wont stop asking this..

Arnav: Umm. Okay.. Khushi Thodi paagal hai.. Par cute hai.. Uski aankhen.. Uske baal.. Uski hasi.... She is beauuuuuuutiful.. ( Khushi is little mad.. But cute. Her eyes.. her hair.. her smile.. She is beauuuuuuuuutiful... )
Anjali, Shyam and Akash were just staring at Arnav while he described Khushi..
Arnav ( glancing at them once): Common..!! Dont stare at me like that.
Anjali: She is really lucky to have a partner like you. Itni tareef toh Shyam ne bhi kabhi nahi ki meri.   (Even Shyam didnt praise me so much anytime even though I am his wife)
Shyam: Thats because tareef girl friend ki karte hai .. Biwi ki nahi.. ( Thats because only girl friend is supposed to be praised.. Not wife.. )

The three men once again laughed heartily. Anjali also chuckled with them because no matter how much they teased her when together, she liked to see them like this. .Smiling ..!!

***************
**

Gupta Mansion

Khushi was lying on the bed thinking about Arnav's three magical words for her yesterday in the shopping mall. She cuddled into the pillow blushing hard. She had never realised her life will be so beautiful .. She closed her eyes to sleep when suddenly her door was knocked. She quickly got up and opened the door.

Khushi: Buaji? Aap? Iss waqt?
Buaji: Did I disturb you ?
Khushi: No . I was just going to sleep .
Buaji: That means I came at the right time.

She entered the room moving Khushi aside. Khushi locked the door .

Khushi: What happened Buaji?
Buaji: Khushi.. I am going to sleep in this room tonight. With you. .
Khushi: With me ? Why? ( She asked in confusion)
Buaji: Just like that. ( she tried ignoring her question)
Khushi: Buaji. Dont lie.. Whats wrong? Why do you suddenly want to sleep with me in my room?
Buaji sighed in frustration..

Buaji: You always want to know everything, dont you ? Then listen.. Its Amavasya night today ( no moon night).. Whenever you have been noticed sleep walking, its mostly on Amavasya nights only. So tonight I am going to sleep here with you and keep an eye so that you dont leave the premises here. Got it?

Khushi was tensed for some time but then she smiled calmly.

Khushi ( hugging Buaji gently): Ohh Buaji.. You are simply worrying .. The Dr has given me medicines which I am taking every day. I will recover from this soon. Arnav believes in it and I believe in his belief.. Nothing will happen.
Buaji: No Khushi. I dont want to take a chance. Do you have a problem if I sleep here for one night?
Khushi : Never. .Even if you sleep with me every night here, I can never have any problem. Come..

She moved the quilt aside from the bed allowing Buaji to get some space and then both the women lied down.

Khushi ( hugging her Buaji again): I am so lucky naa Buaji.. I have so many people to take care of me..
Buaji ( caressing her): Hmmm.. Now sleep..
Khushi smiled and closed her eyes finally to get a good sleep..

******************

It was 01:00 am when Khushi's phone started ringing at the bedside. Almost 5 rings passed but Khushi didnt answer it. Buaji's sleep was getting disturbed .

Buaji( her eyes still closed): Khushi.. your phone.. pick up.. its ringing ( she murmured )

Even then the phone kept ringing .Buaji opened her eyes in frustration . She scanned the bed but Khushi's side was vacant. She immediately looked around. The door was open . She had no idea where Khushi went. She disconnected Arnav's call and then started looking for Khushi in the house. Arnav who had now almost reaching Sheesh Mahal was surprised why Khushi didnt answer his call. Did she cut it unknowingly in her sleep? He thought not to disturb her again and drove into the city of Lucknow from where Sheesh Mahal was hardly 10 kms away.

Not finding Khushi anywhere in the house, Buaji had no option but to call up Arnav and inform him about the same. She dialed Arnav from Khushi's number. He had by now just parked   his vehicle in Sheesh Mahal compound.



Arnav : Hello Khushi? Were you sleeping?

Buaji ( replied in a rush): Arnav..
Arnav was startled to hear Buaji's voice .
Arnav: Buaji.. What happened? Why are you sounding so tensed ?
Buaji: Arnav woh Khushi is not here at home. I was sleeping next to her and suddenly I dont find. I am worried.

Arnav was shocked.

Arnav: Buaji calm down first.. Did you looked for her in the entire house?
Buaji: Yes I did. She is nowhere. I have asked the guards to keep looking for her. But. I think I know where she can go.. She must have been to Sheesh Mahal.. Thats where she always goes in such state.. You have reached Lucknow, havnt you ?
Arnav (scanning his surrounding): Yes.. I have.. I will look for her. And if she is here, I will get her back. Dont worry.
Buaji: Okay Beta. Keep me informed please.

Arnav disconnected the call and rushed towards Akash who was little away from him. His Di and Jeejaji were still unloading the bags from the car.

Arnav: Aki..
Akash: Hey. .You okay?
Arnav: Khushi might be here..
Akash: What  ? Here ?Now? SO much eager to meet Di and Jeejaji? ( he teasingly asked)
Arnav: Akash she might be here in her sleep walking.

Akash got alert..

Akash: Ohh God.
Arnav: Take everyone inside and I will find her. Dont let Di or anyone know about this.
Akash: Ofcourse not. You go. I will handle them.

Arnav noded and hurried towards the backyard. Akash came back to the car.

Anjali: Where is Arnav?
Akash: Uhh.. Di he is coming. He is just checking the electricity box at the backside. There is shortage of power here sometimes. He just wants to ensure your stay is not affected.

Shyam scanned the Sheesh Mahal building from outside..

Shyam: Impressive place Akash. This is the first palace ever I will be staying at.
Akash: Yea.. And I bet your stay wont be less than thrilling.. ( he mocked )
Shyam chuckled at his comment and both the men started getting the bags inside , Aarav was still sleeping and Anjali was carrying him in arms. She ddint really feel good about this place like her husband.  Watching this huge Palace in the dark night almost gave her goosebumps. She ignored the idea of waiting behind for Arnav to return and followed Shyam inside.

Arnav could not even scream Khushi's name to find her thats because his Di or Jeejaji might hear that and follow him to check why was he doing so . He had to fulfil this task of searching Khushi secretly. He was still checking the backyard properly to see if he can find her . Suddenly he thought he saw something... He rushed ahead towards the same pit which was dug two days back for the Swimming pool area. And there he saw a lean figure, sitting and scrapping something on the soil . As he neared her he realised it was Khushi. She was in her night dress. He quickly reached her and stopped behind to see what she was doing. She was scrapping a name on the soil. And that name was "Gunjan"

He was horrified to see her writing this name that too with the same glass piece which the masons working here the other day had found in the pit. He could not allow her do this nonsense anymore. He called out her name

Arnav: Khushi.??

She immediately became alert and stood up. She turned around and the moment she saw him, she gave him an unknown look. As if they never knew each other. He tried to step towards her.

Arnav: Khushi what are you doing here ?

She immediately moved behind holding the mirror piece towards her wrist and warning him.

Khushi: Paas mat aana.. Warna hum apne aap ko maar denge..

That was a totally wierd statement she made till date. But he was equally worried if she really hurts herself by that glass piece.

Arnav : Relax Khushi.. Its me.. Arnav.. You have to throw that glass piece down okay ? Khushi.. Are you listening me?

He could see her eyes closing as if she was going to faint now .The glass peice fell down from her hand and he quickly held her not to let her fall.

Khushi:   ( looking in his eyes which were closing): Hum.. hum Gunjan hai..(I ..I am Gunjan)

And making that statement to him, she finally fainted in his arms.. He was amazed what she said. Why did she call herself Gunjan? Where did this come from? Or was that incident which happened the other day in Das House affected her so much that it remained somewhere in her subconscious mind and whatever she uttered was just a part of that disturbance which her mind was undergoing ?Once again all he was left with was Questions.. and Questions..!!!

To be Continued..


Part 21

Gupta Mansion

It was a very high time for Arnav Singh Raizada to understand what was wrong with Khushi? Why did she call herself as "Gunjan"? And most importantly how was he going to find the answers to all this? It was good that his Di didnt meet Khushi in this state or else she would have been terribly shocked to know he loved such a girl who had this sleep walking sickness problem. He placed Khushi on the bed. Buaji could finally take a sigh of relief that her Neice was found.. Khushi's fingers still clutched Arnav's shirt which he slowly removed off and pulled the duvet on her.

Buaji: Thank God you found her ..I knew she will go to Sheesh Mahal only.. That place will never let her live happily. But Arnav..What exactly happened there ?

Arnav told her exactly what he saw.. Buaji was thrilled to know.

Buaji: You found Khushi at the backyard? Near a Pit? Which Pit?
Arnav: Buaji.. As a part of renovation of Sheesh Mahal, the masons had dug the backyard for making the Swimming pool. Thats where I found Khushi..
Buaji: Backyard? ( she asked in fear)..
Arnav: Haan.. Now dont tell me you too have a strange belief about that place just like the masons?
Buaji: Did anything unusual happened while this was taking place?
Arnav: There is everything unusual about Sheesh Mahal for me now.. And yes.. something happened just 2 days back there.. The masons found some glass peices, infact even ashes and all that.. They said ..
Buaji ( continued ): They must have said the witch of Sheesh Mahal was burnt there and her soul was captured in those mirrors so that she doesnt haunt the people around anymore. ?
Arnav: You know that story too? Wow!!

His disbelief in all this was not helping Buaji out in safeguarding him from the evil of Sheesh Mahal.

Buaji: This is true Arnav.. I have myself witnessed that ceremony when she was burned. The whole village was present. .It was a very big day for everyone out here. .
Arnav: What? ( he asked in surprise).. You mean people actually burned some woman thinking she was a witch? How can people be orthodox Buaji ? This is cruel!!
Buaji: But the people had all reasons to believe this was true.. She practiced Black Magic.. Her curses would never go empty.. She had that power in her.

Arnav was getting mad knowing all this but he was equally interested in understanding what the history of Sheesh Mahal was..

Arnav: You knew all this ? And even then you didnt tell me first hand when I asked you days back .? Why Buaji? And who was this woman whom the people considered witch? Tell me everything what you know.!! Its high time I get to know the truth Buaji..

Buaji with a heavy heart noded and sat next to Arnav in the same room where Khushi was sleeping.

Buaji: Sheesh Mahal was not that worse as its been called now.. Once it used to belong to a famous and Rich man "Pratap Singh Das", the second son of Payal Das's grandfather Suyash Singh Das. Suyash (Payal's grandfather) had divided the two Palaces between his two sons much earlier than required. Suyash didnt wanted his  Sons later to fight with each other for the property he had. Pratap and his elder brother Arvind ( Payal's father) had not even married by then. After the distribution of the properties, Pratap went out of the City for few days on some Merchantise work. And when he returned back, people came to know he got married.. This was a shocking news to everyone.. It was heard that Suyash Singh Das didnt acknowledge that marriage and Pratap started staying in Sheesh Mahal with his newly wed wife breaking all ties from his father and brother Arvind ( Payal's father).. And since then everything changed. No outsiders had actually seen her except maids of Sheesh Mahal. And they said she was very beautiful. Pratap Singh Das was smitten by his wife so much that he started ignoring his other responsibilities. Day by day his ignorance towards work and their family business was increasing which bothered Suyash Singh Das. Which is why once he went to Sheesh Mahal to meet his Son Pratap. He had no idea Pratap was not at home, only his wife was.. Something happened there, when he met Pratap's wife and since then he lost his voice.

Arnav: Wait a minute.. Payal's grandfather had his voice till then? But Payal told us he was dumb right from his birth..
Buaji: She is saying what she is been told by her family earlier.
Arnav: You mean she also know the history of this palace? Whatever you told me now?
Buaji: Yes. She has to know Arnav.. And thats the reason she is so much bound to sell it.

Buaji had a point. It was obvious Payal Das wanted to get rid of that house..

Buaji: After that incident, Suyash kept falling sick.. Arvind got married.. Talks started spreading in the town that Pratap had married a woman with bad omen.. That she was cursed. Because since the time she stepped in Sheesh Mahal, nothing flourished in their family. Pratap met a car accident on that cliff while returning back from some merchandize deal. And since then his  health started detoriating. Some people even said that she was feeding on her husband's soul. She wasnt a normal human being. She was a semi devil in the body of a beautiful woman.. Pratap died.. And after that there were hardly any visitors in Sheesh Mahal.. Even the servants of that palace started falling sick, some even met accidents.. No one later was ready to work there.. They made different stories about Pratap's wife saying she had started praticing some black magic in the house.. She was trying to control people's souls and play with their life. She was becoming a threat to the villagers and the growth of this village. So.. The Panchayat's took a decision..

Arnav: What decision?
Buaji: A decision to kill her..
Arnav: What the hell!! How can they decide something like that Buaji? Its cruel!!
Buaji: It is.. But the people only thought that they were doing it for the benefit of humanity. She was never seen outside the Palace. People always saw her roaming in the backyard of the Sheesh Mahal talking to herself, sometimes looking in the sky and laughing loudly.  People had started fearing her. They had to end her practices. It was those days when Garima was pregnant and her delivery date was nearby..

Arnav was just trying to link the connection between Khushi's birth and that woman  when suddenly Buaji cleared his doubts..

Buaji: She was killed the same night when Khushi was born Arnav.!! That same Amavasya night!!

Arnav was speechless..

Buaji: Remember I had told you and Khushi about how Garima was found unknowingly in Sheesh Mahal? That same night when we came to know Garima gave birth to a baby girl, we rushed in Sheesh Mahal to find her and get her admitted in the Hospital.. That is the same night when this ritual of burning that Witch was taking place in the backyard of Sheesh Mahal. Some highly recommended priests of those times were performing that ritual there which probably Garima witnessed and her labour pains started.. When we reached for Garima, she already had given birth to Khushi and also the witch of Sheesh Mahal was erradicated from this place forever.. She was dead and her soul was captured in some mirrors which were then wiped with her burnt ashes and Sindoor and burried deep down in the backyard where she was last seen.

For the people she was dead.. They started enjoying the fact that there is no one around there who will now harass them, curse them.. But they were wrong. .Even though she wasnt physically present anymore.. that palace still haunts the people who buy it.

Arnav was totally lost in his own thoughts, He was trying to relate everything possible in order to frame a picture of what connection Khushi had with Sheesh Mahal and that witch!!

Buaji: Whatever happened had affected our family too Arnav. We lost Shashi.. Then Khushi got these sleep walking sickness  and later Garima.. even she started behaving abnormally and was hospitlised in a mental asylum.. ( Buaji's eyes became moist)
Arnav: Buaji please.. Its okay to think so that your family had some connection with that incident.. But its not necessary to be true.. Whatever happened with Shashi Uncle, Garima Aunty or khushi can be conincidence too.
Buaji: No Arnav.. I havnt told you this before, but I believe something. I feel .. Khushi has her Soul!!
That was a very strong statement to be made.. But Arnav chose not to think this was true. But he still had one last question to ask.

Arnav: Do you know what her name was? I mean Pratap's wife's name?

Buaji started thinking as if  trying to remember and finally Arnav got his answers.

Buaji: Haan.. Yaad aaya. Uska naam "GUNJAN" tha.!!  ( Yes.. I remembered.. Her name was "Gunjan")

Now Arnav's heart almost stopped beating .. GUNJAN? Payal's grandfather the other day called Khushi by this name, and tonight even when he found Khushi at the backyard, she also addressed herself with the same name "GUNJAN". What is this supposed to mean? Is Khushi really having the soul of that Woman? Is that even possible? Is that the reason why Khushi is always found walking to Sheesh Mahal Palace in her sleep? Is that because Gunjan belonged there? Can there be chances that when the Priests performed the riuals of capturing the soul of Gunjan after she was burnt, her soul went in the body of Khushi, whom Garima aunty gave birth to, that same moment in  Sheesh Mahal..? Was Khushi really Gunjan?

His phone started ringing. It was his Akash's call. He immediately answered.

Arnav: Haan Akash..
Akash: Arnie.. Where are you? And did you find Khushi?
Arnav: Haan .. She is fine.. I have got her to Gupta Mansion. And I am still here.. What about Di ? Did she know I am not at home?
Akash: No.. She was tired,  I told her you are on call with Khushi .. So she and Jeejaji went to sleep in their room.
Arnav: Good, I am coming back in sometime.. Meanwhile you go to sleep too. Dont wait for me..
Akash: Okay. Bye .!!

Arnav disconnected the call and then got up to leave.

Buaji: Thanks Arnav for helping find Khushi..
Arnav: I should be leaving. .And please dont let Khushi know what happened tonight. Let her think she was sleeping peacefully. I dont want her to take tension.
Buaji: Theek hai..
Arnav: Also, my Di and Jeejaji are here.. Di might be interested to meet Khushi.. So.. Just dont tell her anything about Khushi's problem. I will tell Di when the right time comes.
Buaji noded with a smile feeling proud of Arnav.. His love for Khushi was really commendable!!

To be Continued..

Part 22

Next Day

The next day morning, Arnav was sleeping till 08:00 am. Even Akash didnt go to wake him up. He knew Arnav had returned home late after dropping Khushi to Gupta Mansion. Anjali entered the kitchen scanning it carefully. Akash who was just back from his morning walk, thought of scaring Anjali, he slowly reached Anjali and screamed at her ears. She jerked and jumped away from him.. Akash laughed heartily.

Akash: Di. Its me.. Akash.. Sorry ( he laughed again)
Anjali pinched his cheeks.
Anjali: Akash! You have become so naughty.. Is this the way to scare ?
Akash : Aww.. Di.. There is no specific way to scare.. But .. what made you scream like that? Do you think you are living in a ghost house?
Anjaki ( sighed in frustration): This place gives me goosebumps Akash...Is this the only place you and Arnav got for your Hotel Business?
Akash ( chuckled): You must meet Aman and ask this,.. He's the broker afterall.

Aman came there at the right time to hear it. .

Aman: Just me to be blamed? I showed you guys other properties too.. It was Arnav who liked this one..
Akash: Point to be noted.. Arnie was like hypnotized to this place right from the time he saw its sketch.. Hai naa Aman?

Anjali was worried to know it.

Akash: Anyways. Di.. He is Aman.. Me , Arnie and Aman are now like best buddies..
Aman : Hello Di .. I hope you dont mind me calling that ?
Anjali (smiling): Not at all. My brother's list is expanding day by day..And I love it. ( all the three chuckled)..Where is Chotte? Didnt he wake up yet?
Akash: No Di.. Khushi ke sapno mein khoya hoga..! (He must be lost in Khushi's dreams)
Aman: You told Di how he proposed her in the mall?
Akash: No.. Not yet..
Anjali: (confused): You both actually witnessed their proposal?
Akash: It was Aman's idea.
Aman: Liar. You were the one interested..
Anjali: Okay .. Okay.. now dont start arguing on this. Let me make some breakfast for all of us..
Akash: But Di.. Its your first day here, how can we allow you to cook?
Aman: Haan Di.. He is right.. You relax. We will do it.. As it is we have been managing it from weeks here.
Anjali: Exactly, and thats why I dont want you men to suffer more. Now that  I am here, it will be my pleasure to cook for my brothers. Meanwhile you guys have your shower and be back. Only after the Puja is done, breakfast will be served.
Akash: Ohh Di.. No way..Puja? Again?
Anjali: Akash, this is a new place, I dont think you might have even done a Puja before staying here?
Aman: We did.. I mean sort of.. (he replied scratching his head)
Akash: Yea Di... We did..
Anjali: What does SORT OF mean ?
Akash: Woh.. That day, Khushi suddenly fainted during the Puja and which is why we had to stop the ceremony for few minutes . Then Arnie went to drop her home and we continued without him..

Anjali was confused.. Khushi fainted?

Anjali: Whatever that is, lets not debate over it. You go now and come back after shower.. Go..

She pushed them both and then finally entered the Kitchen to make breakfast.

****************

Arnav's phone started ringing.. He checked the call .. It was Khushi. He answered it without delay.

Arnav: Hello .. ( his eyes still closed)
Khushi: Lazy boy.. You are still on bed? It's 9:00 Arnav.. Wake up..
Arnav felt better hearing her voice..After what happened last night, he was dying to hear her normal talks.
Khushi: And I am very angry on you. You were supposed to call me at night once you had returned from Delhi.. Now that your Di is here, you forgot me.. You dont love me . Hai naa?

Khushi was not serious while she said all this and Arnav too knew that. But she had really no idea how much he LOVED her, did she? Last night happenings, whatever he heard from Buaji, even without considering all the worse aspects, he was ready to risk his whole life with Khushi. Isnt that an enough proof of how much he loved her? But the point is, she doesnt know about it. So how on earth is she supposed to understand? He had asked Buaji last night to delete the phone calls made to his number from Khushi's number so that she doesnt come to know she had again sleep walked.. It was better for her own safety, for her healthy mind , to keep this incident and the history connected to it, as low as possible.

Khushi :Hello.. Arnav? Say something..
Arnav: 5:00 pm.. (he replied smirking..)
Khushi: ( confused): Whats at 5:00 pm?
Arnav:  Di is going to meet you today at this time.. Officially to ask your hand in marriage with her Chotte!! So.. Be ready..

Khushi blushed profusely thinking on his statement..

Arnav: Kya ab bhi yehi kahogi ki I dont love you? (Will you still say I dont love you? ) Men love their freedom and here I am dying to get in the bars of marriage..Isnt that an enough Proof?

Khushi had no words to express. She cuddled to the pillow beside her but suddenly.
Khushi: You have no idea I have started dreaming our future already..
Arnav: (becoming interested in knowing further): You are on the right track baby.. Kya dekha ? Sapne mein? ( What did you see in your dreams?)

Suddenly Khushi became nervous.
Khushi: Arnav.. ? Apart from happy dreams, I felt as if I saw something bad too last night..

Arnav's eyes shot open when she confessed that.
Arnav: Bad Dream? What dream?
Khushi: I dont know .. I saw Sheesh Mahal.. And I saw myself too. .  It was dark. I felt like it was me.. but it wasnt me either .As if it was my body.. but the soul wasnt mine. .
Arnav: (interrupted): Khushi it was just a dream.. Dont think much about it.
Khushi: (sighed): I hope so Arnav.. But I feel scared sometimes.. I feel as if I dont know myself.. As if .. I am not Khushi Gupta..
Arnav: Right.. Who said you are Khushi Gupta ( she was startled again at his comment.).. You are would be Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada.. ( he clarified)

He was successful in getting a smile on her face again.

Arnav: So Future Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada start preparing to welcome us in the evening.
Khushi: Aap bhi aa rahe hai? ( You too are coming?)
Arnav (in his husky tone): Humaare bagair baat puri kaisi hogi ?(Without me how would the marriage talks complete?)
Khushi: (Bit her lip feeling shy): Bye..

She disconnected the phone becoming speechless and at the same time very much anxious about meeting Arnav's family. She had so much to prepare for and to start with , she opened her closet to think what should she wear in the evening?

**************

Evening

When Arnav came down in the Living room, he saw his Di arranging some gifts and Akash and Aman assisting her in keeping it in the car.

Arnav: May I know yeh itne saare gifts kis ke liye hai? (May I know whose gifts are all these? )
Anjali ( smiling ): As if you dont know.!! Its for Khushi and her family.. We cannot go empty hand to meet them..
Arnav ( holding his Di): Di its just Khushi and her Buaji..
Anjali: And her parents?
Arnav: Uhh!! Her father died few years ago.. And her mother is hospitalised.

Anjali's face became pale but Arnav thought of letting her know Khushi's family background before she could meet them..

Arnav: Her mother is in US, facing some psycological problems.

It was clear from Anjali's expressions that she wasnt happy knowing about it.

Anjali: You mean mental imbalance ?
Arnav: Kind of. But that shouldnt matter.. She is recovering and very soon we are getting her back to India.
Shyam ( coming there): This is a good news Saale Sahab that she is recovering. Because until she returns, I dont think the marriage date can be finalised..
Arnav smiled and so did Shyam but Anjali was worried. Arnav realised his Di was probably calculating the pros and cons of this relationship.

Arnav: Di come on.. We are getting late.. Chale?
Anjali noded smiling weakly at them. She just doesnt want to think anything at this point without meeting Khushi.

***************

Gupta Mansion

Buaji was very happy and excited meeting Anjali, Shyam and Aarav. Aman and Akash were busy teasing Arnav because afterall it was his day.

Buaji: Arnav is just like a family to us now. Initially I have hated him a lot for running behind Khushi, but later I realised how much he loves Khushi and since then I take him as my Son.
Anjali: Thats sweet of you Buaji. Chotte has always been impressive to everyone.. ( she proudly stated)
Akash: Haan Buaji. Girls in London swoon over him..
Arnav: What the ( he looked at Akash with frustration)
Akash: ( chuckled): I mean.. He never looked back at them.. So what if they did.. ?
Buaji laughed heartily seeing Arnav's expressions and the way Akash was busy pulling his leg at such an important day of his life.
Anjali: Akash? You have become very naughty.. Kyon sata rahe ho humaare Chotte ko? (Why are you troubling my Chotte?)
Akash: Di aap ka Chotte ab Chotte nahi raha.. Bade bade kaam kar chuka hai yeh! ( he hit Arnav with his shoulder ) ( Di.. Your Chotte is no more a Chotte now.. He has done a many bigger things these days)
Arnav: Buaji.. Khushi kahan hai?
Buaji: Arre haan.  In all these I forgot that she too is waiting to come outside and meet you all. I will get her ..( she was about to get up when Arnav stopped her )

Arnav( standing up): Aap rehne doh.. I will get her out..!!

Everyone's eyebrows raised high seeing his willingness and desperation to meet Khushi. He excused them and left towards Khushi's room to get her down. None of them stopped him.

****************

Khushi's bedroom

When Arnav entered Khushi's room, he saw her sitting before the mirror. It was strange to see her sitting still, no movement at all. He even called out her name but she didnt utter a word, nor moved an inch. He took steps towards her, the moment he started nearing, he could see Khushi's face in the mirror. She was wearing the Dupatta over her head, covering it and a big red Bindi on her forehead which probably he never saw her wearing before. Her eyes were still, as if she was been caught in her own web, while admiring herself in the mirror. Not to mention, she had the same looks today like "Gunjan's" who Arnav presumed her to act like when she is sleep walking. He didnt wanted her to entangle in this web for long. He immediately placed his hand on her shoulder. That made her jerk and come out of her own gaze. She blinked her eyes and got up.

Arnav: Khushi? What were you doing here?
Khushi (confused but still smiled): What was I doing? Of course getting ready..
Arnav: Getting ready? Like this ? ( he said pointing at her face)

Khushi didnt understand what he meant. He made her turn towards the mirror again and thats when she realised she was wearing the Dupatta over her head.. And this Bindi? Why she wore a big bindi on her forehead? She immediately removed the Duppata and took it properly over her neck. Arnav helped her remove the Bindi too.

Khushi: When did I wear this?
Arnav:  Its okay.. Come.. Di is waiting for you..

Without allowing her to think further about all this, he took her down.

To be Continued..


Part 23

Arnav and Khushi came down slowly, while Di, Jeejaji, Akash, Aman, Buaji admired their couple with an Awww on their face. When they reached the living room, it was Arnav who introduced her to his family.

Arnav: Khushi, she is my Di and Jeejaji..

Khushi immediately leaned to take their blessings.. They didnt allow her to touch their feets.. Anjali took Khushi in her embrace..

Anjali: Our blessings are always with you.. Mujhe nahi pata tha mere Chotte ki pasand itni acchi hai.. ( I didnt knew my Chotte's choice will be so good)
Shyam: RaniSaheba.. Aap ke Chotte ab bade jo hogaye hai.. (RaniSaheba.. Thats because your chotte is no longer small, he is grown up)

Aarav pulled his father's hand asking to get him introduced too. Arnav realised that and he immediately took Aarav forward.

Arnav: And he is the smallest member of our family.. Aarav Jha.. !!
Khushi leaned cupped Aarav's cheeks..
Khushi: Hello Aarav..
Aarav was shy. He immediately hide behind his father blushing hard seeing Khushi..

Akash: Oyyee.. Maami hai teri.. Itna kyon blush kar raha hai? ( Oyee.. She is your Uncle's would be wife. Why are you blushing so hard?)

Everyone chuckled at that comment. Anjali made Khushi sit beside her on the Couch. Arnav was sitting opposite to them. .

Anjali: So Khushi.. Tell me honestly.. Does chotte trouble you much? I really wanted to ask you this first because he troubles me a lot at home. ALways makes me do this things. He even bullies me.
Arnav smirked at Khushi who quickly gave him a glance.
Anjali: Dont feel scared of him. Just say it.. I will take care of him once we go back home today.
Khushi: Uh.. Yea.. He troubles me sometimes..
Arnav: What the..! Liar..
Khushi controlled her smile. Everyone knew she was pulling his leg. Anjali laughed.
Buaji: No No Anjali.. She is just making fun of Arnav, its the other way round actually. Its Khushi who keeps troubling him at times. And poor Arnav, he is always there to support her.
Arnav: Haan Di.. Buaji is absolutely right..
Anjali: Accha baba.. I agree to both of you. Happy? Now lets start the important talks that we are here for.

Arnav and Khushi's heart already started beating fast..

Anjali: Buaji.. we are not here in India for long. Shyam has his Cases to handle and Aarav's school will also begin in 3 weeks. So it would be good if we plan the wedding as soon as possible.
Buaji was very happy.
Buaji: I dont have any problem Anjali but Khushi's mother is yet to come here. And Khushi wants her mother to be there in her wedding. It would be any girl's wish to have her mother by her side. And Khushi's case has always been different. She hardly got her mother's love from Childhood.
Anjali: Yes. Arnav told me about her. But when has the Doctor's agreed to discharge her?
Khushi: Next week. But till she reaches her and takes her responsibilties it will take few more days. Apart from that I also want to spend some time with her Di..

Anjali sighed. Not that she was not understanding the seriousness of Khushi and Buaji's requirement.

Shyam: I have a better solution to this problem. What if we get Arnav and Khushi engaged before we leave again. And then in next 2 - 3 months we can come back and get them married. Afterall Arnav also has to concentrate on the Sheesh Mahal renovation. So in these 3 months he can even complete that. Hotel Inaguration and Marriage can take place at the same time.

Anjali and others really liked the idea.

Akash: Cool.. But Jeejaji.. First ask the love birds if they can hold their feelings for each other so long?
Aman chuckled and so did Shyam.
Arnav: Aki.. Tu aaj soyega nahi..!! (Aki.. I wont let you sleep tonight)
Akash: Waise bhi toh mujhe kahan sone deta hai raat bhar? You keep hugging me all the night taking Khushi's name..

Khushi was absolutely shy at that comment. Buaji hide her blush and so did Anjali.

Arnav: What the..!! No .. Di.. I.. I mean.. We dont sleep together. .He is lying.. Aki.. Tujhe toh main..

Arnav punched Akash gently on his chest..

Anjali: Chotte? Akash? Stop fighting.. Have some manners.. We are not at home..
Akash: Di.. He punched.
Arnav: Di you saw how he is continuously teasing me from morning..
Anjali: Saw Buaji.. These brothers of mine are smaller than Aarav.. They keep fighting like this.. And now Aman has joined too in their fight..
Aman: Di.. What did I do? I am sitting quietly..
Akash: Accha bacchu? Subah kya bol raha tha? Arnav-Khushi ko sabke saamne tease karenge.. (Ohh boy.. What were you telling me today? We shall tease Arnav-Khushi before the family.. It will be fun.. )

Aman: Abey.. Maine kab bola.. Tu bola.. ( Hey.. When did I say that.. It was you.. )
Khushi was enjoying this so called funny argument between the three guys.. Really their bonding with each other was so cool to watch..

Shyam: Men!! Show some decency.. Come on!!


Arnav, Akash, Aman became quiet..

Anjali: So its decided then Buaji.. We shall do the engagement when Khushi's mother returns and then in 3 months we can plan the wedding .

Buaji readily agreed. Anjali then got up and hugged Buaji. She later made Khushi take the Dupatta over her head so that Anjali can give her Sweets, gifts, Sarees as a Shagun in her lap as a tradition. Khushi happily took it from her and then once again took Anjali's blessings.. Aman, Akash both hugged Arnav tight at the same time. Their "Dostana" was out of the world.. Akash even picked Arnav slightly off the ground. It was a memorable  moment for everyone.

*********************

It was not much time that Arnav and Khushi got together after their engagement talks made in Gupta Mansion. Buaji took Anjali and Shyam to show them the entire house whereas Khushi was left with Aarav who talked a bit to her and rest of the time he was simply blushing. He was a very shy kid, unlike his Maamu Arnav and Akash. Aman and Akash were still busy discussing with Arnav on how to plan for the engagement and the teasing part was still on. After almost half and hour Arnav saw Khushi talking to Aarav alone, he came to them and sat beside her taking Aarav in between his lap.

Arnav: Aarav.. Maami pasand aayi? ( Aarav... You liked Maami? )
Aarav noded a Yes.
Arnav: Good.. Toh ab jao aur dekhake aao ki mummy paapa kahan hai.. Go.. ( Good.. So now go and find out where your Mummy Daddy is .. Go)

Aarav ran away. Khushi admired Arnav bluntly..

Khushi: What a superb way to talk to me alone.. !!
Arnav: I put so much efforts on our relationship .. but you... you keep complaining about me to everyone that I trouble you.. Yehi hai tumhara pyar? ( Is this your love??)

He held her hands in his . They were so much lost in each other that none of them realised Anjali, Shyam and Buaji were back here..

Buaji: Dekho kaise ek dusre mein khoye hue hai yeh dono.. (See how much lost they are in each other)
Anjali: Sach kahan Buaji..Kissi ki nazar naa lage!! (Rightly said Buaji.. Let no one put bad eye on their love)

Akash cleared his throat to get their attention again. Arnav and Khushi felt ackward.. They immediately got up from the Sofa.

Akash: Di.. Its better we get them married soon.. I cant see them like this for long.
Arnav: (smirked and whispered to Akash): This one statement has made me forgive all the mischiefs you have done today.
Akash: Thanks Bro!! But I really meant it okay. Till you get married and tell me what the benefits of a married man is over a Bachelor, I wont propose Payal Das.!!  I have decided..
Arnav: Nice thought ( he complimented).
Akash: Thank you!!
Shyam: Akash.. Arnav.. What are you guys discussing. Speak aloud.!  Let we hear it too.
Akash: uhh.. nothing Jeejaji.. Arnav was making plans when to meet Khushi next..!! I was just supporting him.

Arnav again looked at Akash with surprise.. He was still teasing him? Dammm!

Anjali ( turning to Buaji): Buaji...You give me Khushi's horoscope. I will get the Panditji match hers and Arnav's Horoscope. I am very particular about these things.

Buaji's expressions became low.

Shyam: RaniSaheba you are scaring Buaji.. Actually Buaji.. my wife just wants  to check by how many points their horoscope matches. Even if its less, do not worry, she will surely find a way discussing with the Panditji on how to make it right. She is expert in Pooja Path..

Buaji was little reluctant to give the Horoscope of Khushi but it was not something she can ignore at this point of time. She went inside and got it.Anjali took it safely with her and finally the family took adieu from the Gupta House.

*******************

Next Day

Anjali didnt knew anyone here but she had heard about a famous Priest who dwelled in the Temple at the top of the Cliff from past many years. Since Aman, Akash and Arnav were all busy in the Renovation work of Sheesh Mahal, she came with Shyam only in that temple. The Priest was old and very renowned in Lucknow. She and Shyam sat on the mat before the priest and touched his feet.

Anjali: Panditji.. My brother is getting married.. I have got his and the would be bride's horoscopes to you.

She immediately handed the horoscopes to the Priest and joined her palms.

Anjali: Please check these and let us know how many points they match with and how bright their married life would be.. If you find any "dosh" ( wrong) in the Horoscopes then can even take the measures to tackle it soon.

The Priest kept both the Horoscopes before him and started reading it, matching it.. Within seconds his eyes turned red in anger. He almost pushed Khushi's horoscope away. Anjali and Shyam was shocked seeing the Priest giving that kind of reaction.

Priest : Yeh kya mazak hai beti.. Tum ek mruth kanya ki kundali kaise apne bhai ki kundali ke saath milwa sakti ho? ( What kind of prank is this? How  can you link your Brother's Horoscope with the horoscope of a woman who is already dead!! )

Both  Anjali and Shyam were speechless..

Anjali: What are you saying Panditji..There is definately some misunderstanding.. I have got the horoscope myself from that girl's family. Her name is Khushi.. I have met her yesterday.
Priest: Woh kanya koi saadharan Kanya nahi hai.. Woh shaapit hai!! Maine iss kanya ki kundali pehle bhi padhi hai!! Jab woh janmi thi.. Bahut saare upaay kiye the uske pariwaar ne woh dosh uske sar se nikaalne ke liye. .Par kuch nahi hua.. Agar woh kanya tumhaare bhai ki Zindagi mein aayegi , toh sarvanaash hoga .. Sarvanaash!!Woh tumhare bhai ke sapne ka anth kaegi.. Anth..  ( She is not some normal girl.. She is cursed. I have myself read her Horoscope when she was born. Her family had tried all the ways to remove that curse from her head, but nothing was successful. If She enters the life of your brother, then only evil will happen.. She will destroy him..She will destroy all his dreams..)

The priest didnt leave any chance to warn Anjali about what can happen if Arnav gets married to Khushi.. This was not such a easy thing to digest but whatever just happened, Anjali was unable to believe it.. She always knew staying in India would mean getting Arnav harmed in some way or the other. The same had been told to her by her mother when she and Arnav were young. Thats the reason her family had shifted to some other country, to give a better future to Arnav but it was just fate that had got him back here to challenge his well-being , his life again!!

To be Continued


Part 24

Anjali was so much disturbed by the Pandit's words that she could feel everything going dark before her eyes. The moment she and Shyam reached their car again, she fainted. Shyam was tensed. He immediately sprinkled water on her face to get her back to consciousness. She slowly opened her eyes. He made her sit in the car..

Shyam: Rani Saheba.. Sambhaliye apne aap ko..
Anjali ( moist eyes): Kaise Shyam.. ? How am I supposed to compose myself when my Brother is in danger? You know how much I love Chotte. I have always treated him like my own Son Shyam. How can I see his life getting over?
Shyam: ( cupping her cheeks ): Nothing will happen to Arnav. We are there with him.
Anjali: You heard what that Pandit said right? And even then you are telling me nothing will happen Shyam? I dont believe you.
Shyam: The Pandit's prediction can be wrong. He is not God. How can he say that Khushi is not alive or she is been cursed ? This is insane. We cant believe all this so easily. Not until we verify the same with someone better than him.

Anjali: I dont think that is going to work Shyam. I dont think consulting another Priest is going to change any of this.
She started weeping again. Shyam caressed her. He knew how much his wife believes in all of this.
Shyam: We should talk to Arnav about it.
Anjali ( immediately replied): Nahi.. We will not tell him anything.
Shyam: What? We wont? Why? He ought to know this. How will we sort this matter if he doesnt know about it?
Anjali : I will find some way.
Shyam: What are you thinking Anjali.. Let me know.. Please.. ( he pleaded)
Anjali: Take me to Khushi.. Now..
Shyam: Khushi? At this time? Do you intend to tell her all this?

Anjali: Only Khushi might have answers to my questions now.. Only she can get Chotte out of it. Please take me to her Shyam.
Shyam ( holding her hands): Rani Saheba ek minute.. You know how much Arnav and khushi love each other. If you intend to let this matter out then say it to both of them, not just Khushi. They both have rights to know.
Anjali: (crying): Arnav will break down Shyam. I cant tell him.. I cant tell him he cant marry Khushi because she is cursed..
Shyam: You wont allow their marriage to happen? Rani Saheba.. Please dont do this.. They will not be able to bear it.

Even though Shyam tried his best to explain Anjali and asked her to take some time in deciding about this matter, she showed no willingness in it. She forced Shyam to take her to Gupta Mansion where she planned to meet Khushi and talk to her about this fiasco.

****************

Gupta Mansion

Buaji and Khushi were both getting ready to go out for shopping. The engagement was near. And hence they had no much time to do all the preparations. When they saw Anjali and Shyam in their house, they both were surprised..

Buaji: Arre.. I didnt knew you were coming here. We were just going out to shop Khushi's Engagement dress.
Anjali was serious and so was Shyam..
Anjali: Uski koi zaroorat nahi hai ab.. ( there is no need for that now)

Buaji and Khushi looked at each other's faces bewildered.

Khushi: Di? What happened? WHy are you saying like this? We have the engagement in 2 days.
Anjali: ( interrupted): No Khushi.. No engagement is happening..
Khushi and Buaji were shocked.

Khushi: DI please.. This is not fun.. I am sure this is Arnav, Akash and Aman's idea to scare me for no reason. I am sure they are here hiding around and watching my expressions.. Please ask them to come out. Its such a pathetic idea ..
Khushi was not ready to digest the fact that Anjali was saying this in true sense.. She thought they were just playing with her.
Anjali: They are not here Khushi and neither they know that I am here to Cancel this alliance between you and my CHotte..
Khushi was stunned..
Buaji: Anjali .. What are you talking? What is wrong? Till yesterday everything was fine. What happened to you and your decision suddenly?

Anjali gave the horoscope of Khushi back to Buaji.

Anjali: This is the reason Buaji..

Buaji looked at the Horoscope papers and somewhere she too had realised what might have happened.

Anjali: I had been to the Priest to show Arnav and Khushi's horoscopes and he told me some wierd things about Khushi and her future if she comes in Chotte's life as his wife.

Slowly Anjali started opening up all the matter and letting Buaji and Khushi know the real reason for her denial. Khushi was shocked. She almost froze to the spot where she was standing .She was cursed? The Priest almost considers her to be dead ? How is all this possible? Buaji was in tears.. She held Khushi's arm to give her some strength. Anjali knew it was hard for them ..

Anjali ( weeping): I am sorry Khushi. .You know how much I want my Chotte's happiness.. My God knows I love him very much .But I cant risk his life.. I want him alive.. I pray for his secured future.. I cant let anything happen to him.. I am sure even you wont like anything wrong happening to Chotte.. When Chotte was a small child, we were been told if he stays in India, his life will be in danger, his dreams will be shattered if he stays here Khushi. Thats why we settled abroad and even after so many years passed, I didnt allow him to come here. But he eloped from there and destiny made him meet you. We do not have any control on what the destiny plans. I was still ready to accept him chose a life partner and settle down in India. But not anymore. Whatever happened today have opened my eyes. Nowthat I know you are a danger to my Chotte's life, this marriage is a threat for his future, I will never let him do it. I know its hard for you and him to follow my decision but I know you will convince him. If you love him truly Khushi, you will have to convince him not to marry you. I will take him back with me to London. I will safeguard his life hereafter. Please Khushi. Please promise me you will do this for him.. Please..

She almost begged to Khushi joining her palms and weeping continuously. Khushi was in a huge dilemma. She felt pity on Anjali's condition but she was equally hurt thinking about all this. She loved Arnav and letting him away from her was not an easy task. But if there was any truth in what the priest said, then she will have to strengthen her heart and do what Anjali wanted her to do. If marrying Arnav will destroy him, then she will never even get near him. Never. Khushi held Anjali's shiverring hands in hers.

Khushi: Di.. I ..

Suddenly before she could complete her statement, they all heard Arnav's voice.

Arnav: Ek minute Khushi..

Anjali, Shyam and Buaji were totally shocked to see Arnav here. And it looked from his expressions that he already had heard everything. He came there and stood next to Khushi looking at her.

Arnav: What were you doing?

She gulped down her tears unable to understand what she had to reply back.

Arnav ( angrily clutched her arms): You were going to promise Di not to marry me ? Werent you?

She felt extremely painful to accept what he just said. She remained quiet but Anjali spoke in middle.

Anjali: Chotte. I asked her to..
Arnav ( interrupted in frustration): Di I am talking to Khushi.. Please dont interfere in this.

Anjali was hurt by his sentences. Arnav once again turned to Khushi and shook her with force.

Arnav: Tell me dammit. . What were you going to tell Di?
Khushi angrily shrugged off his arms.
Khushi: I wont marry you Arnav.. Thats what I was promising her.. Suna tumne.. Yeh shaadi nahi hogi..

Her denial had pricked his heart but he was not going to let this matter end so easily. He kept barking at her.

Arnav: Kyon? Kyon nahi hogi? Who is that priest to decide what we should do and what not?
Khushi: Arnav please.. I had always told you how insecured I am about my own problems.. Today whatever happened have just created more panic within me.. (She touched his cheeks with affection and tears in her eyes).. I cant play with your life Arnav..
Arnav ( gulped the lump of tears which he felt inside him too): You are playing with my life Khushi.. You know how much I love you.. You know I cant stay without you.. I dont bother what my future is if I marry you. If marrying my love is going to destroy me, I would be honoured to let that happen.

Everyone else watching them felt bad..

Khushi: You are not understanding Arnav..
Arnav : NO.. You have to understand Khushi.. We are made for each other.. And no good or bad force in this world can ever seperate us..
Khushi: Arnav please.. ( she cried)
Arnav ( holding her firm): Mujhe majboor mat karo Khushi ki main kuch aisa karoon joh yahan kisi ko bhi pasand naa aaye. ( Dont provoke me to do anything which the people around us would not like )
Khushi: (Angry at his threat): You will not do anything Arnav..
Arnav : And you can do anything? How fair is that?
Khushi had to compose herself and gain courage to speak her heart out finally.

Khushi: I am not marrying you Arnav.. Not in this birth atleast. Is that clear to you? Do what your Di is asking you. Just leave everything here and get back to London. You dont belong here.. And I dont belong to you anymore. Just go..

She was so much hurt while uttering each and every word of these sentences. But she had no choice. She had to do this for Arnav's well-being. She ran upstairs to the room unable to face him and others. Buaji broke down and sat on the Couch thinking what will happen next. Anjali was also feeling bad but she was ready to face anything except risking her Chotte's life. She gently touched Arnav's arm to get his attention. As expected he shrugged her off and left the house in anger. She knew Arnav was upset with her for what she did but she really had a choice. She was only safeguarding her Brother like every other sister would.

***************

Almost 2 more days passed. Today was the day when the engagement was planned. Arnav even though had tried all attempts to meet Khushi again and talk to her, she always ignored him. She had made her mindset so strong this time that she didnt even see his face, or allow him enter her room to talk. Everytime he went to Gupta Mansion and banged her room door, she never opened and warned him to leave the house at once as she would not change her decision of not marrying him. Arnav was tolerating all her tantrums unwillingly and somewhere he had realised she was not going to listen to him so easily. He also came to know from Buaji that Khushi was planning to visit US and get her mother back to India. She was flying in the weekend and today she had planned to collect her passport  from the Visa Stamping office. Arnav knew what he had to do. He left Sheesh Mahal a little early today. Anjali was curious to know where he went and why. She asked the same to Akash and Aman who didnt give her a proper reply even though they knew he had been to see Khushi. Both of them were strictly warned not to inform Di anything about this or else she will panic and try to stop him. Though Akash and Aman were also been told by Arnav what he was planning to do at the end, if he is still unable to convince Khushi, they were little reluctant if he was doing right. Being his friends, they warned him not to take such big steps but he did not hear their advises at all. He just wanted to put an end to all this and even though initially it will be hard for everyone, he knew as time passes, his family, will understand.

Khushi was driving to the Visa office when suddenly she saw Arnav standing in the middle of the road blocking her way by his car parked. She stopped the car and came out. She was still at a safer distance from him. She felt weak seeing Arnav but she cannot let her strength fall.

Khushi( screamed): Get out of my way Arnav..

He had heard it but he didnt follow it by any chance, infact he took hurried steps towards her. She was confused what he intended to do. Within seconds, he had caught her arm in his grip and he dragged her towards his car. She struggled.

Khushi : Arnav? leave me.. What are you doing?

He made her sit inside the car and then locked the doors so that she doesnt get out. He drove the car speedily towards the same cliff where once she had saved his life.

To be Continued.

Part 25

Arnav stopped the car excactly at the Cliff top where there was no one except them. This place had always been a center of interest for him. He was attracted to this place somehow. He got down the car and dragged her out too. She hissed in pain as he was really being rough with her. When he heard that Hiss from her, he loosened his grip, and brushed his fingers in hair being frustrated on himself for giving so much pain to her..

Khushi: Why have you got me here? Didnt I tell you not to meet me?
Arnav ( angrily stepped towards her): Who gave you the right to decide this? Khushi what is wrong with you? ( he clutched her arms).. Dont you love me Dammit? .
Khushi: (  shrugged his arms off and screamed in anger): Yes I love you Arnav.. I love you .. But please dont make me go through all this.. Just leave me alone Arnav.. Everything will be alright. Please..
Arnav: You LOVE me and you want to LEAVE me? How does these two fit in together Khushi?

She had no reply hence she turned around to leave..This gesture of hers irritated him more. Suddenly she felt him picking her off from the grounds. She was terrified, because she had never seen him behaving like this.. She swayed her legs in air struggling to get free.
Khushi: Arnav? Leave me .. What are you doing?

He didnt pay attention to any of her pleads. He walked towards the old temple which was just at the corner of the Cliff. She kept looking at his face with moist eyes. He climbed the steps, breeze started flowing haphazardly all of a sudden. He stamped the dry leaves which had scattered here and there on the temple stairs. Tension brewing inside her mind as she kept swallowing her tears. He stood right before the Devi Maiyaa Idol and then looked at Khushi who was still in his arms. She had stopped struggling by now.

Arnav: When I stepped out of Sheesh Mahal today, I promised myself to step back again in that house only after I make you my wife Khushi.

She was shocked hearing that confession from him. But she kept looking at his face.

Arnav: But I wont do anything like that Khushi. No matter how much I want to marry you, irrespective of all the insecurities you have, I am still not going to take this step of marrying you forcibly. Thats because I know you are totally against it. The mere dreams of a forced marriage with someone has horrified you so much, then I can  very well understand what trauma you will undergo if it happens in real with you. I have loved you Khushi, and I cannot hurt you to this extent even in my dreams.

She felt pride in her heart for loving this man who cared so much for her. She continued looking at him, her tears had almost dried off.

Arnav: But that doesnt mean , I will quietly accept what your decision about the marriage is. I can never let you go away from me. What did you say the other day before everyone? That you will not marry me in this birth atleast?

She lowered her eyes feeling wrong. Yes she remembers having told this sentence to him. But if she said it, she never meant it by heart. She took this decision for his well-being.

Arnav: Toh theek hai.. I appreciate your decision Khushi. I am ready to die hundreds of time and take rebirths to change that decision of yours.

Saying that he placed her down. She was confused what he meant to do. He took hurried steps towards the Idol where a knife was placed at the Idol's feet. He picked it and pressed in between his palms. Blood oozed out and started flowing down his hands. She screamed his name aloud and rushed to him. She tried to take the knife off but he stopped her by the other hand.

Arnav: Its Okay Khushi. Let me do this.. I am not feeling even a tinge of pain .. I am happily sacrificing myself respecting your decision.

Tears rolled down her eyes as she kept struggling to get the knife away.
Khushi: Arnav.. please stop this madness.. Please..
Arnav: This is the right moment and right place to give up my life before the one who gave me birth on this earth ( Devi Maiyaa) and the one whom I love more than my own life( Khushi).
Khushi: Stop it Arnav.. ( she screamed aloud and started pulling the knife from his palms)

In that tug of war, some of his blood spilled on her forehead, almost filling her partition in place of Sindoor. She didnt care, infact she wasnt even aware of it. She finally became successful in snatching the knife and threw it away from them.

Khushi (shouted at him): What were you doing Arnav? How could you hurt yourself to this extent? You know our hearts, our feelings are inter-linked. You were hurting yourself but I was feeling that pain Dammit..

She immediately tore a piece of cloth from her Dupatta and started bandaging his wounds on the palm. Tears kept rolling down her eyes as she scanned his injury and realised how much painful it might have been. He pulled her chin up and met her eyes. He had a smirk on his face which made her feel more angry.

Khushi: You are smiling? You feel nice to see me like this? So much devastated ? Bolo Arnav..

She shook his arms in anger. He quietly removed his mobile phone and took a picture of hers. She angrily pushed his hand and mobile away

Khushi: What the hell!! Arnav enough is enough. I am serious.
Arnav luckily was able to capture the picture and he didnt waste time in showing her what exactly he was smiling for. He showed the photo on his mobile to her which amused her to the core. She immediately touched her forehead which was filled by his blood stains at the exact spot.

Arnav: Devi Maiyaa is against your decision Khushi.. She showed you where your right place is.. Atleast now stop being adamant.. will you?

Khushi didnt understand what meaning to derive out of this entire situation. At one end she wanted to accept the fact that Devi Maiyaa's blessings is there upon her and Arnav as a couple and on the other hand she was also threatened by the incidents that might follow their life if they get married. He lovingly cupped her face meeting her teary eyes again.

Arnav: Kuch mat socho Khushi.. Just leave it to your heart.. Have faith on our love.. I wont let anything happen to you or myself.. Trust me.!

It was very soothing to hear all that from him but should she really give up all her insecurities and go with the flow? She knew Buaji will still be happy if she agrees to marry Arnav.. But what about his family?

Khushi: Par Di? Woh humaari Shaadi ke liye kabhi nahi maanegi Arnav.. ( What about Di? She will never agree for our marriage to happen)
Arnav: Maanegi.. Jab woh tumhaare maang mein yeh Sindoor dekhegi .. Toh woh zaroor maanjayegi Khushi..(She will agree.. The moment she sees this Sindoor of my name on your forehead, she will definately agree)
Khushi: Main samjhi nahi Arnav.. ( I didnt get you Arnav..)

He composed himself and took a deep breathe..

Arnav: Lets get married .. Abhi... Yahan.. Devi Maiyaa ke saamne..!! ( Lets get married.. Now.. Here.. Before Devi Maiyaa..)

Khushi's jaw dropped.. Her eyes widened in surprise..
Khushi (stepping back): Shaadi? Par..
Arnav: SSshh.. Par? Kyon? Kaise..? Yeh sab baad mein sochenge.. ( Sshhh.. But..? Why? How? We will think on all this later)
Khushi gulped her feelings unable to understand anything .. Should she really do this? Will this marriage in secret make everything alright? She had no idea..

Arnav: I know every girl dreams of this day and like them even you expect it to happen in a different way, with all the proper rituals and stuff.. We will go through all that Khushi.. But at that time when we have your mother back here, and when my family comes out of this superstition .. But for now, just think we are the only two people left on this earth who wants to spend their entire life, how much ever left, with love.

His words were melting her heart.

Arnav: Bolo Khushi.. Mujhse Shaadi karogi? Abhi? ( Tell Khushi.. Will you marry me? Now?)

She didnt let her mind cloud her heart and its feelings for Arnav. She gave her hand in his, noding her head gently, agreeing for whatever Arnav was asking from her. He was so much pleased that he could convince her with his love and didnt had to use any forced method to make Khushi agree for the wedding. Her mobile started ringing and it was Buaji's call. She looked at Arnav once who didnt advise her what to do. He knew she was wise enough in taking this decision. She answered the phone call.

Khushi: Haan Buaji..
Buaji: Khushi? Where are you? Its been so long that you went from home.. Did you get the passport? When are you returning back?

Khushi could hear Anjali's whispers from background. She knew why her Buaji was so much stressed suddenly. May be Anjali Di had raised her worry about she and Arnav being together and made Buaji dial and check with her.

Khushi: Buaji I am fine.. Will be back in one hour. You take care. Bye

She disconnected the call. She had gained some kind of strength within her to fight against all odd and maintain the promise which she gave to Arnav now of marrying him. Arnav smiled at her for being so sensible enough in not letting Buaji know anything what was happening here. They held each other's hand and walked to the Idol of Devi Maiyaa. They didnt know what sequence they had to follow inorder to get this marriage done. They didnt care what traditions they had to keep in mind based on our culture. All they cared was their seriousness in tieing a knot with each other for lifetime. She covered her head with the Dupatta and then they bowed their heads before the Idol and prayed for sometime. Arnav then removed a Mangalsutra from his pocket, yea, he was well prepared with that. She looked in his eyes as he tied it across her neck. There was so much joy in their hearts for doing this. He applied the Sindoor which was placed in some plate before the Devi Maiyaa idol, on Khushi's forehead, marking her as his wife forever. They then took the seven Phera's and with each they also took the promises related to it. None of them had ever thought they would get married this way but somewhere in their hearts they had that satisfaction that from now on, no one else is going to think of seperating them from each other.

After completing all the rituals, they finally stepped down the temple towards the car.

Khushi: My passport? I have to collect it back..
Arnav: We will go tomorrow to get it. For now, lets go to Gupta Mansion where your Buaji and my Di is waiting for you to come back.
Khushi (gulped): I am little scared ..
Arnav: Dont be.. Main hoon naa.. ( I am there with you)

She smiled unwillingly and got inside the car. She still held his one arm as he drove the car towards Gupta Mansion. On the way, he also messaged Akash and Aman to meet them at Khushi's house. He had no patience in letting everyone know that he and Khushi got married kicking off all the obstacles.. Little did he knew that the actual hurdles were just round the corner and going to enter their lives very soon.

To be Continued.


Part 26

Arnav and Khushi's entry in the Gupta Mansion created havoc in the hearts of the Raizada family and Madhumati seeing them married. They demanded a reply from the couple. Khushi was already nervous but she still stood strong, as Arnav had entwined his fingers with hers. He was her only strength now.

Anjali's rage was uncontrollable.

Anjali: How could you take this step Chotte? Do you realise what you have done?
Arnav: Di you left no choice before us. We love each other and we wouldnt have took this step if you hadnt tried convincing Khushi not to marry me.
Anjali: Bus Chotte.. Do you think I was happy not letting you and Khushi marry?  I was equally hurt. But I did all this just to keep you safe..
Arnav: Di I am safe. I dont believe in those stupid horoscopes.
Anjali: But I do..( she replied instantly)

Tears started flowing from her eyes. She was very much hurt. She came to Khushi and clutched her arms.

Anjali: I thought you will show some mercy on me Khushi. You love Arnav.. How can you play with his life.

Khushi gulped down her pain. She was not in a state to clear their minds.

Arnav: Di Khushi did what I asked her to do. Dont blame her for anything.
Anjali: Then whom should I blame? Khushi is not a kid whom you can make to act however you want. We consider her equally responsible in what you did today. Kyon kiya tumne aisa Chotte? ( Why did you do this Chotte?)

Shyam tried to console Anjali. Buaji was silently watching all this. She was never against Arnav and Khushi's marriage but this is not the way she had wanted the marriage to happen.

Anjali: Tumne sirf parampara hi nahi..Balki humaare pariwaar ka apmaan kiya hai.Tumhe pata bhi nahi hai ki tumne humaare dil ko kitni chot pohuchayi hai. (You have just not broke our traditions.. but you have disrespected your family. You have broke our hearts and you dont even realise how much hurt we are with your sudden marriage)
Arnav (Angrily): Enough Di..Mujhe iss baarein mein aur baat nahi karni hai..Agar aap sab log iss rishtey ko accept nahi kar sakte toh main.. (Enough Di.. I dont want to talk about it. If you cant accept mine and Khushi's relationship then I.. )

Anjali ( interrupted in frustration) : TOH MAIN KYA CHOTTE? ( I WHAT CHOTTE? )

Arnav was losing his patience now. Khushi was totally scared if he speaks anything against the family, it is not going to be good for anyone, he will be hurting them more. She immediately gripped his arm gesturing him not to utter a word after this. Akash and Aman came there to control the situation.
Akash: Di please.. Lets not fight over what has happened. Please..
Shyam: Akash is.. We should be strong enough and accept whatever situation we have today. This was written in their fate Anjali. We couldnt have stopped it anyhow. Lets go to Sheesh Mahal taking Arnav and Khushi with us. We will think about every other problem later with clear minds.

Anjali was still disturbed. She walked out of Gupta Mansion without waiting for others. Shyam followed her. Arnav felt immensely hurt putting his Di in this state but he knew some day she will realise her orthodox thoughts will never turn to be true. He and Khushi both came to Buaji.. Madhumati hugged Khushi tight and then wiped her tears.

Buaji: Khush raho dono.. (Stay happy both of you)
Arnav: Sorry Buaji.. But this was the only option I had to make Khushi mine forever. Di would never have allowed this wedding to happen.
Buaji: I know Arnav. But now take care of yourself and Khushi. I dont want to judge Anjali's beliefs. But I wish it proves wrong and you both live happily ever and ever.

Saying that she kissed Khushi on her forehead and asked Aman and Akash to take them to Sheesh Mahal now. Afterall that is the palace they truly belong to..

*******************

Sheesh Mahal

Anjali though was upset with what Arnav and Khushi did, she didnt miss the opportunity to welcome the newly wed bride and groom at the door. She quietly fulfilled all the rituals and allowed them to get inside. But once they  came in, she went to her room to rest. She really wanted to be alone for sometime. Shyam chose to stay with her but his wishes were always there with Arnav and Khushi. Aarav was luckily sleeping when they reached home which is why he never came to know his Maamu got married now. Infact he was too small to even realise what marriage means.

Only Aman, Akash , Arnav and Khushi were left downstairs.

Aman: So? Whats the plan?
Arnav: What plan? ( he removed the flower garland from his neck)
Akash ( keeping his arm on Arnav's shoulder): Arnie.. Dont be so innocent. do you think we are going to  leave you and Khushi alone ?
Aman: I am with you AKash.. ( he gave Akash a Hi5)

Khushi blushed looking away from them. These boys were too much sometimes.

Arnav (smirking ): Shut up Guys..
Akash: No Arnie.. You married without our presence .. Now you have to get a punishment for it. You should be lucky we are still supporting you and Khushi.
Arnav: Khushi bhabhi..!! ( he pointed)
Akash: (chuckled): Ohhhh.. Yes.. She is my Khushi Bhabhi now..
Aman: Aur meri bhi.. Bhabhi ek selfie hojaaye? (And mine too. Bhabhi.. how about a Selfie?)
Akash: Good idea.. Get your camera..

Aman and Akash both stood around Khushi and posed for a Selfie picture. Arnav finally got a smile on his face after such a tiring day. he hadnt smiled from past few days since the time his Di had denied his marriage with Khushi.

Arnav: Guys? Main bhi hoon yaar.!! ( Guys.. I am there too )
Akash chuckled and pulled Arnav close to them. They all posed for the photo while Khushi kept blushing all the while seeing their antics. These men were really crazy.!!

*********************

It was one hetic day for the couple. They had never imagined to get married this way and so early.. But just like people say, whatever happens, happens for good. So they were taking things positively. Arnav had sent Khushi in his bedroom for some rest while he was still being troubled by Aman and Akash who were not so willing to set him free that easily. Suddenly after few minutes they heard Anjali sreaming aloud from her room. Within seconds all the three men rushed upstairs to check what happened to her. When they reached Shyam was trying to wake Anjali up who was unconsious and lying on her floor.

Arnav: Di? Jeejaji what happened to Di?
Shyam: I dont know Saale Sahab.. I had been to the bathroom when she screamed aloud.

They together helped Shyam to put Anjali on the bed. Akash and Aman were equally worried on what happened suddenly. Arnav sprinkled some water on Anjali's face trying to get her back to Conscious.. Arnav was patting Anjali's cheeks to wake her up. She opened her eyes slowly and the moment she was fully awake, she immediately moved back in fear.

Arnav: Di .. Its okay.. Main hoon..Aap ka Chotte..
Anjali (looking scared): Chotte??
Arnav: (caressing her face):  Haan Di..
Anjali immediately hugged him. She looked so much scared. Arnav was just surprised like the other men there.
Anjali: Chotte.. Khushi..

Arnav was immediately alarmed when he heard Khushi's name from Di.

Arnav: Khushi kya?
Anjali: Chotte.. Khushi is not right for you ( she managed to say that recollecting all the thoughts that were running in her brain despite of being in this state)
Arnav: Di.. You are just getting tensed for no reason.. You need to rest.
Anjali: No Chotte.. Believe me..
Shyam: Anjali.. Please get some rest.. You are scaring everyone.. Think about Aarav..If he wakes up, he will not be happy seeing you like this. Come..

Shyam helped Anjali to lie down again. She was still holding Arnav's arm tight.

Anjali: She will hurt you chotte.. I saw her. I..
Arnav ( interrupted): You saw her? You mean Khushi? You saw her  so what Di? She is a normal human being just like you and me.
Anjali: (angrily screamed): No..She is not normal.. I felt that today..She will hurt you. .Please dont go ..

Everyone tried calming Anjali down. Finally after much assuarances she closed her eyes and slept. Shyam asked Arnav not to think about all this. Anjali was stressed with the sudden marriage and may be thats why she might have seen some odd dream. Arnav finally left back to his room to check if Khushi was fine. Akash and Aman dispersed for their rooms too.

When Arnav came inside his room, he saw Khushi sleeping on the bed already. This wasnt a surpise to him. She was tired, he knew that. And may be thats why she didnt hear his Di's screams which almost everyone else in the house did. He changed into his night clothes and lied down beside Khushi. Today was their marriage night and no wonder the way he was getting surprises from his family, that too such scary ones, he ought to get some rest too just like his newly wed wife. He shut the lights off and tried sleeping. The moment the lights were shut, Khushi opened her eyes. She looked at Arnav once.. And then closed her eyes, finally to sleep for real.

********************

The early morning sunrise woke Arnav up from his deep sleep. Last night he too didnt get good sleep. His sister's pleads of not staying  with Khushi had captured his subconscious mind which is why he only dreamt the similar things last night. But he was a practical man, wont believe in such horrible dreams at all. He looked beside him but Khushi wasnt there. She woke up? He got down the bed and started looking for her. She wasnt in their room. Where was she? He wore his slippers and rushed down. He just hoped she was fine. After looking for her in the entire house, he finally came at the backyard of Sheesh Mahal and found her standing beside that same pit which was dug days ago by the masons, the same place which according to the villagers, the witch was burnt alive, the same place where once he had seen Khushi trying to dig something in her sleep walking sickness. He came to her and screamed a loud good morning, almost making her jerk. She suddenly looked in his eyes with a very angry expressions.

Khushi: Yeh kya mazaak hai? ( what nonsense is this?)

Arnav: Nonsense? ( he snaked his arm around her and pulled her to him).. We have got married yesterday dammit.. Dont scream at your husband like that. Looks odd.

Khushi took some seconds to feel what he meant. The expressions on her face started mellowing down. She gave him a weak smile.

Arnav: Thats better. ( he tapped on her nose)
Khushi: What are we doing here? Its cold.
Arnav: You bought me here. ( he replied without haste)
Khushi : I? When ?(she seemed surprised)

Arnav could realise she herself didnt remember why she was here. He didnt make an issue of it. He started walking with her back inside the house.

Arnav: Forget all that. I have a major thing to discuss with you ..
Khushi: regarding ?
Arnav: Uhh.. Our marriage..
Khushi: Kya?
Arnav: I want to take you out baby.. Just you and me.. Its hard to get some time for ourselves amidst so many people around.. Thats why.. Samjhi?
Khushi blushed hard and then pushed him away.
Khushi: Jee nahi.. We are not going out anywhere.. And dont forget I have to get my mother back from US. She is getting discharged from the Hospital in 2 days.
Arnav: I will take care of that.
Khushi: Really? How?
Arnav: Leave it on me. I have a lot many contacts..

Saying that he dragged her again to him and took her back to the room upstairs.

To be Continued.


Part 27

When Arnav got Khushi inside Sheesh Mahal from the backyard where she was standing alone sometime ago, they saw Shyam coming down from the room. Arnav immediately went to Shyam and asked him about Anjali's health.

Arnav: Ab Di kaisi hai? (Now how is Di? )
Shyam: (Sighed in disappointment): She was awake for a long time last night. Finally after 03:00 am she slept..
Khushi: Why? What happened to Di? Is it because of our marriage? ( she started worrying)

Arnav and Shyam told her how suddenly Anjali screamed last night and fell unconscious on the floor and after coming back to her senses, how she started advising Arnav about this marriage being wrong and that Khushi is not a right woman for him.

Khushi: Kya? So much happened last night and I didnt even know? No one told me? Not even you Arnav?
Arnav: (caressing her arm): You were sleeping probably when she screamed which is why you didnt hear it. But thats fine. I am sure Di must have seen some bad dream which made her react that way. She will take some time to accept our marriage. Lets not force her to do that. I am sure as time passes, she will understand you are the only one made for me.

Khushi kept quiet.

Shyam: I will go and check Aarav. He is sleeping with Akash in his room.
Arnav noded. Once Shyam left, Arnav saw Khushi. She still seemed to be lost in some deep thoughts.

Arnav: (shook her): Now what are you thinking?
Khushi: Arnav.. Di was fine till she welcomed us in the house.. Then what happened to her all of a sudden? And I dont think she will advise you about staying away from me, just like that. There must be a strong reason behind it.. We should talk to Di.. I am sure its not that simple as we think.

Khushi's eagerness in resolving this matter made Arnav worry again for her. He clutched her arm.

Arnav: Khushi.. Relax.. Dont get so emotional.
Khushi: You are not understood Arnav.. I ..
Arnav: ( interrupted): Okay..I understood. I will talk to her. Happy?
She smiled weakly after his response.
Arnav: This is not how my Khushi smiled. ( he complained)

She finally smiled as if everything is fine to make him satisfied. He was about to hold her but she stepped back.

Khushi: Ehh! I have work to do.. Its my first day in this house as a bahu. And Di is already not well. I will make some good breakfast for everyone.
Arnav caught her arm and pulled her before she could escape.
Arnav: Sab ki itni fikar.. Aur meri? ( You worry for everyone .. What about me?)

Khushi was speechless. The way he stared in her eyes made her shiver.She lowered her eyes not meeting his. He pulled her chin up.

Arnav: You slept yesterday before I even came in the room.. How fair is that?
Khushi gulped her uneasiness.
Khushi: I .. I was tired .. I didnt realise when I dozed off. I. .
Arnav chuckled.
Arnav: I was just teasing..
She punched his chest gently and rushed to the Kitchen to start her first day in this house.

********************

Few Minutes Later

Akash and Aman were very curious to tease Arnav asking him again and again where was he planning to take Khushi today evening?

Arnav: Guys will you just stop bothering me for sometime. I am busy arranging someone to get Khushi's mother back from US.
Akash: Arnie yaar. We just want you to enjoy your wedding. It didnt go as per the actual traditions . We had so many dreams and plans for it.
Arnav: Really AKi? ( he sarcastically asked).. Dont worry.  In Yours and Payal Das's wedding will have those rituals  and traditions completed.
Aman: Let him propose her first. He is scared..( Arnav and Aman both chuckled whereas Akash became defensive but in a funny way)
Akash: I am not  scared.. I just dont know if she is going to say a Yes so easily.
Arnav ( placing his hand on Akash's shoulder): I understand. She has responsibilities here.. Including her Grandfather. And the little business which she manages here. I wonder how are you both going to handle that? I mean winding it up and leaving for London again is going to be difficult. Get that stuff sorted with her first.
Akash ( sighed): To be honest Arnie.. I am no longer interested to settle in London. And besides we will have our Hotel business started here soon, do you think we can ever plan to migrate in London again ? Thats not what we planned?

That was a valid point but for Akash it was easy to think of settling here in Lucknow, not for Arnav.

Arnav: Looking at Di's worry, I dont think after the Hotel Business is established here, I will stay back in Lucknow.
Akash: I know.. But so what ? I will handle things here and you handle it from London. Ofcourse we arent going to sit quiet by opening only one Hotel. We will have a Chain of Hotels Arnie..!! ( he proudly stated)

Arnav agreed and allowed Akash to Hug him tight.

Aman: Wait a minute.. What's my role in it? Where will I fit?
Akash broke the hug.
Akash: You are going to have a very important role Aman.. You will be the General Manager controlling the functions of our chain of Hotels.

Aman's eyes glittered knowing his position..
Arnav: Yes Aman.. You have done a lot for us. SO you deserve this position. And apart from that your Qualifications are already suitable for this role. So Dont think we are doing any kind of favour on you.

Aman happily noded. Suddenly they saw Anjali coming down. She looked a little scared. Arnav immediately rushed to her and held her hand, helping to get down.

Arnav: Di. how are you feeling now?
Anjali was scanning the surroundings as if trying to look for someone. She  didnt even reply to what Arnav asked her.
Anjali: Woh.. woh kahan hai?
Arnav: Woh? Kaun Woh Di?
Anjali: Gunj..( she was about to take Gunjan's name but she realised speaking about it to Arnav might not be good ..).. Khushi.. Khushi kahan hai?

Arnav had realised his Di corrected the name. She was supposed to take some other name but then asked for Khushi.. Was she uttering "GUNJAN"?

Arnav: Di she is making breakfast for all of us.. Come..

He got her down and made her sit on the chair at the Dining table.

Akash: Morning Di..
Anjali smiled weakly.
Aman left in the Kitchen to help Khushi BHABHI arrange the breakfast on table..Anjali was not in a mood to sit with the family and enjoy the breakfast. After what she witnessed last night, She wanted to fetch some solution, some kind of help to free Arnav from the chains of this woman. She somehow didnt feel he is safe around her.

Khushi came out with Aman carrying the bowls. Anjali gulped meeting her eyes. But Khushi was as normal as she could be. She behaved as if she was absolutely fine.

Khushi ( keeping the bowls on table): Di.. ? You feeling good now?

Anjali was surprised how could she ask her that? Doesnt she remembers what she did last night? And that warning she gave to her about harming Arnav? Did she even forgot that ? How's that possible? Which form of Khushi was true? The one she was last night or the one she was showing to everyone now?

Arnav: Di.. ? Khushi is asking you something..
Anjali weakly noded.
Anjali: Hum theek hai..
Shyam and Aarav came there too and joined everyone for breakfast. Aarav was surprised to see Khushi here.

Aarav: Arree. What is Khushi Jiji doing here? Did you come to play with me Jiji? ( he innocently asked)

Arnav chucked whereas Khushi came to Aarav and kneeled before him.

Khushi: I have come here forever Aarav. So we going to spend a lot of time together from now on.. Okay?
Aarav was excited and happy. They both hugged each other.
Anjali: ( in a loud voice): Aarav? Come here..

Anjali didnt wanted her son to get close to Khushi. She immediately pulled Aarav and made him sit next to her. Khushi passed a sarcastic expression to Anjali and then looked at Arnav who was also not happy to see what his Di just did. He blinked his eyes as if gesturing Khushi not to take it to her heart. Khushi smiled and then continued serving everyone. One thing Arnav kept noticing all this time was the way his Di feared when Khushi was around. Why was she getting so insecured suddenly?

*********************

Evening

Arnav had taken Khushi out as promised and this was the best time Anjali could find to go out of the house and meet the Priest to find some solution to their problem. Without letting anyone know, she left to the Temple where she earlier had shown the Horoscope of Khushi and Arnav to the Priest. She knew he will be able to give her some solution.

She entered the premises of the temple and started looking out for him. She asked one disciple who was passing by and came to know where the priest. Without any delay she rushed inside to meet the Priest.

Anjali: (restlessly putting forward her problem before the Priest): Panditji. I know whats happening. She is not Khushi. She is possessed. She is possessed by Gunjan Das. I.. I am so worried for my brother. Despite of we all denying him to marry her, he still didnt listen. They got married yesterday. Please do something Panditji. Or else, I will lose my brother. Please do something.

She almost begged to the Priest while uttering all this. There was so much going in her heart right now which she could not share with anyone else but him.

Priest: Beti. Calm down. Tell me what exactly happened last night.

Anjali feared but she had to disclose it otherwise how is the Priest going to sort her problem. She started telling him.

Flashback of Last night

Anjali was in her room with her husband. Shyam left in the bathroom and she thought of asking Arnav and Khushi to get ready early next morning as she wanted them to perform a small puja for their successful marriage ahead. She reached his room. Khushi was standing in dark at the balcony looking at the sky. Anjali felt Khushi whispering something looking at the sky as if Khushi was having conversation to someone. But Khushi was alone, then who was she talking to?She walked to Khushi slowly. The moment Anjali reached her and placed her hand on Khushi's shoulder, she turned around. Her eyes.. her eyes were wide open in rage.. She was angrily looking at Anjali who got scared instantly.

Anjali ( stepping behind): Khushi? What .. what happened? Why are you seeing me like that? Your eyes..
Khushi (interrupting): I had told you, didnt I ? To take him away ? I had warned you Anju..

The moment she heard the word "Anju" she immediately remembered that ONLY person who used to call her by that name.

Khushi: My spell has conquered him once again Anju. And this time, no one can save him from me. Not even you.  ( she started laughing loud and heartily)

Anjali stepped back again shivering.

Anjali: Tum? Tum Khushi nahi ho.. Tum .. Tum woh ho..

Khushi stopped laughing and very softly noded her head.

Khushi: Gunjan hoon main.. Yeh ghar mera hai.. Mera..!! ( I am Gunjan.. THis house is mine.. Mine!!)

Anjali almost stumbled on the floor and immediately ran to her room screaming aloud in fear. The moment she reached her room door she collapsed on the floor.

Flashback Ends

Anjali ( to the Priest): I am afraid Panditji. She is again going to harm my CHotte. .That spell.. she was talking about .. will become true? Please do something.. Please..
Priest closed his eyes and tried to think something. After few seconds he looked at her.

Priest: You are right Beti. The day you got their horoscopes to me, I had realised it. Gunjan had possessed the body of Khushi right from the time Khushi took birth in Sheesh Mahal. Gunjan's magic powers had always been strong and forceful. Slowly slowly Khushi's identity will start fading and the Gunjan within her will become dominant. This marriage that happened between Khushi and Arnav had to be avoided in order to stop Khushi from transforming into Gunjan completely. But no one could control it. So now, no one can also control the changes which you all are going to notice in Khushi in few days. The next Amavasya ( No moon night).. which is after 8 days, she will completely superceed Khushi and that night Gunjan and her powers will unleash once again in Sheesh Mahal, destroying everyone close to her. Especially Arnav..

Anjali was shocked.. Whatever she heard was not that simple to grasp, neither that easy to handle ..

To be Continued


Part 28

" Gunjan had possessed the body of Khushi right from the time Khushi took birth in Sheesh Mahal. Gunjan's magic powers had always been strong and forceful. Slowly slowly Khushi's identity will start fading and the Gunjan within her will become dominant. This marriage that happened between Khushi and Arnav had to be avoided in order to stop Khushi from transforming into Gunjan completely. But no one could control it. So now, no one can also control the changes which you all are going to notice in Khushi in few days. The next Amavasya ( No moon night).. which is after 8 days, she will completely superceed Khushi and that night Gunjan and her powers will unleash once again in Sheesh Mahal, destroying everyone close to her. Especially Arnav.. "

These words from Panditji were still playing in Anjali's ears. She just wanted Arnav to be safe. She cannot let any harm to him. She shivered while removing the phone from her bag. She knew Arnav had taken Khushi out. She just wanted to know if he was fine. She dialed his number, he didnt answer. It scared her. She kept dialing him again and again. After almost 5 calls, he finally picked the phone.

Anjali: Hello.. Chotte?
Arnav: Haan Di..
Anjali( angrily): What is wrong with you? Why were you not answering my calls? Do you know how scared I was? Where are you?

Arnav was little confused with the way his Di questioned him.

Arnav: Di.. I am out with Khushi. I had told you that, remember? And why are you so stressed ? Is everything alright there? ( he casually asked)
Anjali then realised she had to take things normally as Arnav and others were still not aware of Khushi's truth.
Anjali ( calming down): Uh.. Haan.. All is well here. When are you coming back?
Arnav: Will take some time Di. But dont worry, we are fine. Khushi is also with me and I will get her safely back if thats what you are worrying for.

Anjali's eyes became moist. How on earth can she explain Arnav that she was more afraid of him being in danger and that too because of no one else but Khushi.
Anjali: Chotte.. Come back soon.. Please... ( she pleaded)
Arnav: Haan Di. We will try our best. Dont worry. Bye.

He disconnected the call and looked at Khushi who was stirring the soup unnecessarily. She looked composed yet her expressions were little unusual.

Khushi: What did she say? ( she asked in a strong tone)
Arnav ( smiling at her): Nothing.. Just to come back soon. I dont know why she is so much scared these days.
Khushi smirked.
Khushi: She is scared if I might harm you. ( she again replied with that same strong tone)
Arnav was taking it all lightly.
Arnav: ( chuckled): I would love to get harmed by you if thats what your plan is.. ( he entwined his fingers in hers. Thats when she met his eyes. She had no soft expressions on her face. She looked at him angrily)
Arnav: (still not realising she was transforming): So? When's your plan to HARM me baby? ( he mockingly asked)

Khushi took few seconds and then smirked at him again.

Khushi: 8 days .. Wait for 8 more days..
Arnav twitched his eyebrows high in sarcasm.
Arnav: 8 days? Whats so special after 8 days?
Khushi: Amavasya..!! ( No moon night) I am going to harm you that night.. ( she announced without any remorse)

Arnav became serious all of a sudden and then bursted out laughing aloud. He was still being innocent of the fact that whatever Khushi was stating was not a joke. She really meant it.

Arnav: Damm!! I didnt know you can act so well. For some seconds I really thought its not Khushi.. but someone else.. ( he laughed again and gestured the waiter to serve them the food items.. )

Khushi kept looking at his face with the same serious expression.

***************

Sheesh Mahal

Arnav and Khushi were back home. The moment they entered Anjali stopped them. She still looked stressed and no wonder she had not spoken about the Priest thing to anyone else yet. She wanted to tell this to Arnav first, to make him aware of what transformation Khushi was going through within herself.

Anjali: Chotte.. I need to speak to you.
She caught his arm and was about to drag him away from Khushi. Suddenly Khushi held her hand stopping her from doing so.
Khushi: Di.. What is this? You look so tired. You need rest. Did you eat nicely? Or not?
Anjali was amazed. She didnt know if Khushi was really normal or pretending to be.
Anjali: ( sternly): I am fine. I just need to speak to my Brother.
Arnav: Di we can talk later. You need to rest. Come.. Let me drop you to the room.
Khushi: Arnav.. I will drop Di.
Anjali felt scared. She could see how Khushi was avoiding her from talking to Arnav.
Arnav: Sure?
Khushi: Ofcourse. You go. I will join you in sometime.

Arnav smiled lovingly at his wife and then wishing his Di a good night he left for his room.

Khushi: Chale Di.. ?

Anjali was still scared. She didnt know how to behave with Khushi?They started walking slowly towards Anjali's room. Anjali kept on glancing Khushi every few seconds and all the time she just saw Khushi smiling at her normally. There was no change in her. It felt like she was really alright. There was no Gunjan inside her. As if whatever she heard from the Priest was all wrong.

Khushi:  I know Di.. You are not able to accept this marriage. Anyone in your place would have felt the same. But you know how much your brother loves me..

Anjali (stopped and faced Khushi): And you? Dont you love him?

Khushi zipped her lips but she was still meeting Anjali's eyes.

Anjali: Bolo Khushi.. You love him, dont you ? You can never hurt him.. Promise me that you will never hurt him.

She shook Khushi once trying to get some response from her to her questions.

Khushi: (smirking wide): You are right Anju.. Khushi loves him.. Not I ... ( she laughed heartily as if she was enjoying the pain Anjali was going through)

Anjali stepped back in fear.. She literally felt the change in Khushi once again. She wasnt appearing normal anymore. Khushi walked away from that place. Anjali kept on calling her back, but she never returned. Anjali almost collapsed on the floor thinking about the deepest problems that very soon this family was going to encounter. She had to do something to stop Gunjan from superceeding Khushi. If this happens, if Gunjan's powers unleashes on the Amavasya night, Sheesh Mahal and the family here will be ruined forever.

*****************

Khushi took off the earrings and kept them before the mirror. She was standing still, looking at herself in the mirror, having no expressions on her face, no smile, no thoughts, nothing. Arnav observed her , the moment he came out of the bathroom. He smiled seeing her lost. He came slowly to her and caught her from behind.

Arnav: Thinking about me?

Khushi was still numb and cold unable to react anything. He shook her.
Arnav: Oyyee.. Say something. What is bothering you?
She turned around and met his eyes. He was waiting for her to speak. She pushed him away and started walking to the bed.
Arnav: What the!!  Where are you going?
Khushi lied down on the bed.
Arnav: You sleeping? Just like that?

She turned the lights off which made him really think what was wrong with her. He came to Khushi and sat next to her on bed.

Arnav: Hey.. ( he moved the strand of her hair and tucked it behind her ear)
Khushi shoved off his arm.
Khushi: I dont like all this. Did you hear?  ( she angrily replied)
Arnav ( confused): Dont like all this? Why? We just got married Khushi..
Khushi closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Arnav was highly confused why she said something like this. He again patted her cheek.

Arnav: Khushi please tell me what is going in your head. Look I know the marriage was not a usual one, but we both were willing to start this relationship, didnt we? I did not force you for it.
Khushi angrily opened her eyes.
Khushi: You forced me into it.. You heard that ?? You are a Monster. I wont let you be happy.. I will ruin you and your family.. Just 8 more days and I  will show you your right place in my life.

Arnav was stunned. What the hell was she talking?

Arnav: 8 days? Khushi come on.. You are kidding me right? Please stop it because I am really not feeling good about continuing this prank.
Khushi: NEITHER AM I ( she warned him and closed her eyes once again pulling the quilt over her face)

Arnav was so much surprised by her behaviour. What happened suddenly that she changed so much? He doesnt remember he doing anything wrong with her. What was it? Or was she doing this because his Di might have said something to her? No.. His Di cannot brainwash Khushi, not when she knows how much he loves her. Then what else is the reason for Khushi's changed behaviour? And why did she say he is a Monster? That he forced her for the marriage?

He had so many questions running in his mind at the present. WHy did he feel different around this woman all of a sudden? Why it felt as if even though she was Khushi, she still was some unknown woman for him? Was she stressed? He hoped this was no major change in her and that by next morning she becomes alright again. He should ask her tomorrow why she said something like this. Only then he will understand the matter.

******************

Morning

Arnav heard the sound of someone eating sitting right next to him. He opened his eyes only to find Khushi eating a Roti and some jaggery along with it.  She was eating it as if she was hungry from past few days.

Arnav: Khushi? Hungry??

She didnt reply.. She kept eating.

Arnav: Why eating so much sweet in the morning? Have something healthy. Give me that.. ( he tried to snatch the plate but she pushed his arm away giving him a sarcastic look)

Day by day her expressions towards him were changing.

Khushi: Stay away. ( she warned him again)
Arnav ( angrily): Okay now enough of it Khushi. You are frustrating me by this play now. I know you are just teasing me probably.. Whose idea is this? Aman's ? Or Akash?

Khushi didnt reply..She kept eating. Arnav finally snatched the plate from her and hide it behind him. She started struggling to get it back.

Khushi: My food.. My food.. Give it back to me.. I am starving from 2 days.. Cant you see I am hungry? You cant do this to me.. Just give me my food back.

The way she said all this just made Arnav feel pity on her. She wasnt starving from 2 days for sure, he knew that. Yesterday night itself they had such a healthy dinner outside. One thing was sure, Khushi cannot act for so long. May be she herself is unaware what she was doing right now. And as far as he knew, Khushi can never eat sweet in the morning. SHe likes it only during her dinner as a dessert, not otherwise. What was happening to her? Why was she changing so much for no reason? Was she alright? May be he should consult some Doctor. Only then he will be able to decide.

To be Continued

Part 29

Sheesh Mahal

"I know what is happening to her", Payal Das replied in a nervous tone..

Arnav: Payal? ( he and Akash looked at Payal who was standing at the door )

Payal looked at Khushi who was sleeping on the bed in the middle afternoon. She had come here to meet Akash and she overheard Arnav talking to Akash about Khushi's unusual behaviour.

Akash: Payal? When did you come? And wait, did you overhear our talks? Thats not good Payal.
Payal: I am sorry Akash, I really didnt mean to do that but I didnt do it on purpose.
Arnav:  Payal.. What do you know Whats happening to Khushi?  Be clear..
Payal gulped and came close to them.

Payal: ( seeing Arnav): You said Khushi was eating Roti and Jaggery in the morning? And when you tried snatching it from her she started screaming about being starving from 2 days?
Arnav: Haan.. Toh?
Payal: I know someone who loved to eat Roti and Jaggery.. And she was made to starve too for 2 days in this Palace only because she had tried to escape.

Arnav was stunned..
Arnav: In this Palace? As far as I know, you never had any tenants staying here.  Me and Akash are the first owners of this house, arent we?
Payal: I am not talking about the tenants Arnav.. I am talking about the real owners of this Palace..

Arnav and Akash looked at each other and back to Payal.

Arnav: We are still note getting your point. How are they related to this behaviour of Khushi's? How is Khushi related to them ?

The question was answered not by Payal, but by Anjali who came in at the same time.

Anjali: Khushi is not related to them Chotte.. We are!!!

Now Anjali's entry and her sudden response made Arnav a little more tensed.

Arnav: Di? What do you mean we are related to the owners of Sheesh Mahal ?Only by buying this property doesnt make us one of them..
Anjali: I wanted to tell you this since the time I stepped in Sheesh Mahal for the first time Chotte.. I had almost forgot how this place looked like, what was it called and who stayed here. But when I reached this Palace I started remembering our childhood slowly. It's not something which you can remember though as you were hardly 3 years old.

Akash: One minute.. DI you mean you and Arnav are related to the Ancestors of this property.? But then this house belonged to Payal Das's Family, does that mean Payal also is related to you people?

Anjali then looked at Payal who herself was very much confused.

Anjali: May be Yes !!!
Arnav ( gritting his teeth): Di stop predicting things.. If you know something just speak out. What is the past of this place? Whats happening to Khushi that she is behaving so odd with me?
Anjali: As Payal might have told you earlier, this Palace was owned by her Grandfather and was later occupied by his Eldest Son Pratap Singh Das.
Arnav: Yea we know that already. He married some woman while he had been for a merchandise work.. Woman named Gunjan..!! They started living here and all.. And that she practised Black magic.. Thats what people of this place started talking about her. We know all that Di..
Anjali: Then what you dont know is that Gunjan was Pratap's Second wife. He was already married before he married to Gunjan.

Now this was a total blow for Akash, Arnav and Payal.

Anjali: His first wife was Arundhati, our Aunt!!
Arnav was confused.. AUNT? His Aunt?
Arnav: We had an Aunt? I thought Dad was the only son to his parents. You knew this Di?
Anjali: I did.. But I was told not to talk about her or the family she got married to, as mumma and daddy believed her death was not normal. Dad just wanted to protect us from Aunty's family so that we be safe. Thats why all these years even though I had glimpses of Aunt's memories in my mind, I never shared it with anyone.

There was total silence spread across the room. Everyone were trying to grasp what Anjali confessed.

Arnav: So thats how we are connected to this Palace. Our Aunt was the first wife of the Owner of this Palace. ? But what happened to her ?How did she die?

Anjali: Her death was sudden. I still remember that day.. I was hardly 6 years old and you were 3. Daddy was plunged in grief hearing about his sister Arundhati's death. We all flew to Lucknow to attend the funeral. Most of the villagers believed Pratap's second wife Gunjan was the reason behind her death. And her absence in the funeral just proved that. I was told to look after you because Mum and dad were busy in the funeral rituals. Suddenly you got lost.. I started looking for you everywhere and finally I saw you going to the garage of Sheesh Mahal which is at the backyard.. I chased you and when I reached the garage, I saw Gunjan . !! She .. she was doing something.. a .. a type of ritual.. but it wasnt holy ritual... I saw all skeleton skulls, scary stones, glass pieces, black powder all around the place where she was sitting. I feared.. You started crying witnessing that scene which caught her attention. She stopped and looked at us.. She was mad that somebody had caught her doing .. Black Magic .. I suppose.. She suddenly did something again with the black powder and you fainted in my arms. I was hell scared. Gunjan stood up looking at you and me.. The way she saw us still scares me Chotte.. She walked to me..  She was a mind reader.. She could see how much I loved you..She asked me not to reveal this to anyone otherwise she would hurt you. I was scared. Suddenly I heard Mumma's voice looking for us. Gunjan was alarmed. She ran away winding up her things from garage and I took you out of there towards Mumma. I never told about this scene to anyone. But the immediate next day you fell ill. Almost 3 days you were burning with fever. Mumma and Daddy got scared. They had tried the best doctors but when nothing worked, someone suggested us to visit a Priest. Dad and mumma took you to that Priest. He touched your head closing his eyes. And very soon he realised the problem. He told that someone has laid bad eyes on you which is why you were sick. And if we continued staying in India for long, it might even cost your life. He advised us to leave the country and never to allow you return here. We followed it and since then even after mumma and Paapa's death I never allowed you to visit India.

Whatever Anjali was telling had just started joining the dots, filling those gaps which Akash and Arnav had failed to understand until now.

Akash: But Di.. where does Khushi fit in this picture ? I mean her abnormal behaviour?
Anjali looked very scared. She didnt know how to inform this to Arnav as he wont believe it that easily.
Arnav: Di speak up.. ( his demanded though his voice was very low. )
Anjali: Gunjan now.. resides in Khushi .. !!

The moment she said this, there was again a silence accross the room. Arnav's expressions changed and he yelled in anger.

Arnav: Enough Di.. I can believe everything what you told me but not this.. You mean to say Khushi is possessed? This is insane. THis can only happen in fictions not in real life.
Anjali :Arnav.. I am not giving you any false predictions. I have confirmed this from the Priest as well. The same Priest whom I had shown yours and Khushi's horoscope earlier. That day he had screamed at me for trying to match your horoscope with a woman's who is dead.. What did it mean? Why did he call Khushi dead when she is alive ? THats why I denied this marriage from happening.. But you both still didnt listen to me. You got married and came to Sheesh Mahal.. I had realised our problems would start increasing from then and the same happened. Your first night of marriage,  I could see Gunjan taking precedence in Khushi's body. She came to my room and warned me that she will not let you or this family in peace. That she will hurt you. I got scared. . That night the scream you heard from me was for the same reason. I fell unconscious because of her. I tried you warn you even that night but you didnt pay attention. The next day I went to the Priest again and told him about this. Thats when he confirmed that its not Khushi but Gunjan who is trying to take revenge of what happened to her in this Palace. She is using Khushi to hurt the owner of this Palace which is now YOU.. The priest even declared that the next Amavasya night means after 7 days she will even try to kill you. Do you understand what that means Chotte?

Anjali started weeping. Payal and Akash quickly tried to console her. But Arnav.. He was stunned..He remembered how last night Khushi told him to wait for only 7 days and after that she will hurt him. .He had not taken all those words seriously thinking she was just joking around. But how did the Priest state the same which Khushi told? Does that mean his prediction is true? Does that mean Gunjan really resides in Khushi now? This name "Gunjan" had already been uttered for Khushi by Payal's grandfather the other day when he had first seen Khushi. .Grandfather had got so much panicked seeing Khushi.. And that same man who never spoke, called her "Gunjan"? Why? Did he too see the real person who is hiding inside Khushi just like his DI did? Can this even happen that a bad soul can just possess a good human body just like that to fulfil her desires?

Arnav knew Buaji had told him that Khushi's birth happened in Sheesh Mahal and that too very abnormally.. Khushi's mother was helped by Gunjan to get Khushi delivered that night. Does it mean she used some of her powers that night to get transformed into Khushi and stay within her forever? But as per the Villagers Gunjan was burnt alive after performing some rituals by the best Priests who lived those days in Lucknow.. Then how can her soul possess khushi's body? What is the truth? He had so many questions in his mind.

Suddenly he saw Khushi moving in her sleep, getting disturbed and finally opening her eyes.. Everyone standing there got alarmed that she was waking up. She saw them and slowly tried to get up from the bed.

Khushi: Arnav??? ( she called him out in a feable voice)

WIthout any second thought Arnav rushed to her and sat beside her.
Khushi: Arnav.. It's just evening? And. I.. I was sleeping? Why? And why is everyone in our room?
Arnav gulped his emotions and gently tucked her hair locks.

Arnav: You arent well Khushi.. Thats why you slept.. Its fine..
Khushi: ( feeling bad): No.. I .. I am the bahu of this house now.. I should have been more careful.. I am sorry..

Her eyes became moist which Arnav couldnt bear.. He caressed her cheeks to make her feel better.

Khushi: What day is today? I .. I dont remember that even..
Arnav: Its Friday..
Khushi: Friday? That means today Mumma is getting discharged Arnav.. I should have been there.. I .. ( she tried to get up but Arnav stopped her)
Arnav: Relax... I have already sent someone to get her here. She will reach tomorrow..
Khushi's eyes sparkled with happiness.
Khushi: Really? Mumma will come here tomorrow?
Arnav: Yes..
Khushi: Thank you .. Thank you so much Arnav..

She leaned her head on his shoulders wrapping her arms around him.. Arnav caressed her..

Khushi: I love you..
Arnav ( gulped ): I love you too baby. ..

The others dispersed from the room letting the couple stay alone for sometime. But after the discussion which happened between them before khushi woke up, none of them would ever come out of it. They will have to find some permanent solution somehow and get Khushi and Arnav out of this problem.

To be Continued..



Part 30

Arnav had informed Buaji about Garima's return from US. He had sent some of his known and loyal person to pick Garima from US and get her here in Lucknow. After landing to Delhi she was then driven to Lucknow with that same man who would drop her to Gupta Mansion. Arnav was in constant touch with this man to know about Garima's status, if she was fine and if she had questioned anything about why her daughter didn't come to receive her. Luckily she didn't raise any doubts neither she talked much in all her journey. She was quiet and in an observing mode. As if trying to analyse each and everything she saw and felt. It was obvious for her to be quiet. She had just recovered from a major mental illness after years. Arnav got ready and left Khushi at Sheesh Mahal with his family, to meet Garima in Gupta house. He purposely didn't inform Khushi where he was going. He gave an excuse to Khushi about having some work outside and promised to return soon. He knew Khushi's state of mind was not very good enough. She can change any moment. And he didnt wanted her mother to be worried of her daughter when she herself had just recovered. Not that he would not let Khushi meet her mother. He knew how much she wanted to see her mother. But first he had to ensure that her mother is good enough to see and understand her daughter's condition. Akash and Aman agreed to take care of Khushi in Arnav's absence as even Anjali  was not at home in case Khushi required anything. The clock was ticking. Only 5 more days were left for the Amavasya when they were warned to be safe from Khushi who might try to harm Arnav. Anjali had hence gone out to meet the Priest and find some solution. Shyam had accompanied his wife.

Arnav reached Gupta Mansion before Garima. He spoke to Buaji about Khushi's unusual behaviour and threats that she kept giving to him reforming slowly into Gunjan. Buaji was equally worried. But their first concern now was to meet Garima and only after seeing her condition, to think of letting her know about what Khushi was going through.

The car halted and Garima got down along with that man Arnav had sent to pick her. She kept looking suspiciously everywhere as if trying to recognize where she was. Buaji went out and hugged Garima. That's when Garima felt a bit homely and she hugged Madhumati back.

Madhumati: Garima.. How are you?? We were waiting for you to come home.. Its been years seeing you back in this house. . Aao.

She took Garima inside where Arnav was waiting for them. Garima tried to memorise her daughter and then started looking for her.
Garima: Where is .. Where is Khushi??
Buaji: She is not at home. But very soon you will meet her.
Garima: She must have grown up now.. Hai naa? Why isnt she home? Didnt she know I was coming back?She didnt even come to pick me from Hospital.
Buaji: No Garima.. She is so much concerned for you..But there are few things you should know before meeting her. Anyways.. meet Arnav..

She made Garima turn towards Arnav who stepped closer to them. Garima kept on looking at him with a confusion in her eyes..He came forward and leaned to take her blessings.. She had no idea why an unknown man was at her home during her arrival here and why was he taking her blessings. She still placed her palm on his head blessing him.

Garima: Khush raho..!!( Be happy)..

Arnav stood straight smiling at her.

Garima: I didnt recognise you..
Madhumati: Uhh.. Garima.. Woh yeh.. Khushi ke pati hai.. ( Garima.. he is Khushi's husband)

Garima was absolutely shocked..

Garima: Khushi's husband? Khushi  got married? When? Why wasnt I made aware of it before? How can she marry.. without her mother's presence ??  (she became restless)
Arnav: Aunty... Sorry.. But the situations were so worse that we both had no choice.. We love each other..
Garima: Love? ( she angrily asked).. What do you know about Khushi huhh? You dont know anything about her..
Arnav: I do. .!! ( he claimed ).. I know what Khushi is.. What problems she is undergoing.. I know everything Aunty.. And despite of that I married her because I really love your daughter..

Garima felt uneasy..

Garima: I want to meet her.. Where is she? Call my daughter.. I want to see her right now.. ( she almost started scolding him )
Buaji: GArima.. Calm down.. We will call her here.. But first you get some rest.. Please..
Garima ( shoving off Buaji's arms): No Jeeji.. You have betrayed me.. You got my daughter married without even letting me know.. I left my daughter in your custody and this is what you have done? You know what the truth is, dont you?
Buaji: I know Garima.. And Arnav knows it too. He is a nice boy from a good family.. Khushi and Arnav loved each other.. and..
Garima (interrupting): That Love is not going to survive for long Jeeji.. ( she interrupted).

Arnav and Buaji were both stunned by Garima's reply.

Garima: I came here in the hope to find a solution to my daughter's problems and you people.. you people have landed her in more trouble.. ( she again angrily replied)
Arnav clutched Garima's arms tight making an eye contact with her.

Arnav: Your daughter's every problem is now my problem too Aunty... I am her husband.. I didnt get her along with me today because she is not keeping quite well. Her state of mind is oscillating.. She is changing her behaviour every few hours with me.. I knew her sleep walking sickness issue but since we got married, she is undergoing a different problem now.. Its a kind of split personality.. For some time she is like herself.. like Khushi.. And the very next moment she takes herself as someone else.. She behaves like someone else.. She calls herself .. Gunjan..!!

The moment Garima heard this name, she shiverred.. Her eyes turned moist..

Arnav: I know how it feels to you knowing all this about your daughter. But believe me Aunty, I am not feeling anything different here. I want to cure her. And this can happen only when you help us.. You get that? ( he firmly asked)

Garima slowly noded in affirmation..

Arnav: Good.!! You look tired.. Get some rest. I will get Khushi here in sometime when she is feeling better..
Garima: I want to meet her now ( she pleaded)
Arnav: ( gulped seeing her worries): Aunty please.. I need you to have some patience.. I know you want to meet her as soon as possible but its necessary for you to calm down first and get some rest. Buaji will tell you the rest thats been happening with Khushi. I need you to clearly think about everything you know respective to the past which Khushi or Gunjan is related to. We dont have much time..
Garima (nervously): We dont have much time? What do you mean?
Arnav: 5 days later your daughter in the form of Gunjan is going to try hurting me. Thats the problem..

Garima was shocked.. But now that Arnav had stated such a huge fact she had one more question to ask him.

Garima: Does that mean Khushi is in Sheesh Mahal?
Arnav: Yes. She is in Sheesh Mahal because thats where I stay.. I have bought that palace.

This one news was yet another major shock for Garima.

Garima: Then you have really landed into a big trouble Arnav.. Sheesh Mahal is HER Palace.. SHE's been lived there..SHE's been linked to that palace in all terms.. ( she seemed horrified)
Arnav ( took a deep sigh): I suppose that SHE is .. Gunjan?
Garima: Haan.. Gunjan...A woman whose life turned hell out there in that Palace.. ( tears rolled down her eyes while she stated this)
Arnav: ( little confused): You are the only one woman I heard speaking in her favour . Rest everyone I met here in Lucknow thinks she was a Witch.
Garima: ( angrily): No she wasnt a Witch..!! Atleast not in her early days.. She was a common girl.. With dreams.. With energy to make her life beautiful.. But her life became tragedy after she was forced to marriage.
Arnav: And how do you know all this?
Garima: Because I knew her since childhood.. !!

Now this was a blow to Arnav and Buaji..

Buaji: Garima? What are you saying? You knew her? You never told us..
Garima: Thats because I feared it might affect my relationship with this family.. I thought if anyone comes to know me and Gunjan were friends since childhood, people will think I am also like her.  I didnt wanted people to point a finger on my indentity only because I knew her well.. But see the fate.. My own daughter.. has got her looks.. It's strange I know. It's a kind of miracle. A Black miracle which Gunjan left on my child when she was born.. And why not.. Afterall she was the woman who helped me deliver Khushi in Sheesh Mahal..

The talks had started getting deeper.. Garima was slowly opening up the secrets..

Garima: I still remember that day when Pratap Das had come to visit our Village for his merchandise work.. His eyes were full of admiration for Gunjan.. She was so much lively those days. Anyone would fall for her.. Without thinking of his first marriage, Pratap put forward the proposal of marrying Gunjan, to her father.. And when he denied, Pratap tortured his father by making his business undergo heavy losses. Gunjan was innocent yet she fought back to him.. He offered her only one chance of giving her father his status and money back and that was at the cost of she marrying him.. She kept denying.. until one day when her father passed away due to tensions after falling sick for 3 weeks. She had not even come out of her father's grief that Pratap dragged her in the temple and married her forcefully. She became numb .. lifeless.. I saw her sitting in the temple for hours looking at the Devi Maiyaa idol .. As if she was trying to find answers why this cruelity happened to her.. And then.. I saw her getting down the temple.. Her eyes spoke volumes that night.. As if she had lost all the faith she had in God .. As if she was now going to go against the morals and values and walk in the path of Atheist.. That was the last time I saw her in our village.. Pratap took her along with him to Lucknow..

Arnav felt mercy on Gunjan..Anyone would.. What kind of hell she must have seen in her young days..

Garima: After few months I got married to shashi and came to Lucknow.. Everything was going well. I never thought I would meet Gunjan again in my life.. and that too in such a condition.. Shashi those days had come in contact with the Das family and he was been called for a Dinner there wherein both Pratap and Shashi could discuss some bussiness. I was invited too along with Shashi. I didnt realise it was Pratap's house we had been until I met Pratap. He too never knew that Gunjan and I were friends.. The dinner was served.. I kept searching for Gunjan but never found her coming out. It was only Pratap's first wife Arundhati who was introduced to us. I could not hold myself for long and hence I asked them where his second wife was. I found the couple very disturbed when I asked about her. And they told me she had been out. I took that reply from them to be true.. Hours passed and I was left all alone in the Living room as Shashi and Pratap were in the drawing room of Sheesh Mahal discussing work. I wanted water and hence I tried looking where the kitchen is.. Thats when I heard her screams.. It was Gunjan's screams.. Asking for water.. and food.. I went in the direction of that scream and finally what I saw took my breath away. Gunjan was locked in a room, the window was open though from where she was trying to call for help.. I rushed in there.. We saw each other.. I felt pity for her.. She looked hungry from days. I ran into the kitchen and got some water and Roti and jaggery which she loved to eat in her childhood days.. She ate it within few minutes.. I asked her who tortured her ? But she didnt take his name.. All she did was smiled at me .. I still remember what she told me..

"Good days are to come Garima.. Dont worry for me. I will give them back what they gave me.. Go.. Go before they see you here Garima.. Go.. "

Arnav was shocked..

Arnav: Gunjan was tortured? How can a family be so cruel and merciless to torture an innocent soul? What was her fault?
Garima: Her fault was that she was Pratap's second wife. Though he had married her forcefully, his first wife Arundhati never accepted Gunjan. She treated her bad..Thats what I realised..

Arnav felt shame on hearing this.. His aunt Arundhati could stoop so low?

Arnav: But Pratap? He loved her, didnt he?
Garima: He did. But Gunjan tried to escape from Sheesh Mahal.. Why is why she was caught and locked in the room devoid of food and water..

Now Arnav understood why Khushi suddenly acted so wierdly the other morning.. Now he realised why Khushi ate Roti and Jaggery that morning and also told him that she didnt eat from past 2 days. It wasnt her.. It was Gunjan which according to the Priest stays inside her.. But is this even possible?

To be Continued..

Part 31

Gupta Mansion

Arnav had heard a lot from Garima about Gunjan and now he was trying to connect all the dots which could lead him solve Khushi's mystery.

Arnav: So you mean to say Gunjan left a spell on Khushi when she was born?

Garima's head started spinning remembering the most frightful moments of her Delivery. Buaji held her and made GArima sit on the Couch.

Buaji: Arnav.. I request you not to ask Garima about the past at this moment. She has just arrived and needs some rest.
Arnav had to accept that. He cant bother a woman who was still not very good at health.
Buaji: I will get her in Sheesh Mahal today evening to meet Khushi. Will that be okay?
Arnav: Yes Buaji. I will take your leave then. Khushi will be waiting for me.

He took blessings from Buaji and Garima again and was about to leave when Garima suddenly stopped him.

Garima: Beta.. Keep one thing in your mind.. Gunjan never got the love of her husband in the righteous way. She had always seen the negative side of her marriage. If that spell she casted on Khushi is true then Khushi can be cured only by showering her with all the love which Gunjan never got in her life.

Arnav was understanding the depth of these lines. He caught Garima's hands in between his palms.

Arnav: I have enough Love to shower on my wife Aunty.. If thats one of the way to get my Khushi back from the clutches of Gunjan, I will not leave any stone unturn.

Garima felt relieved. Arnav left her hands and then finally left the place. He knew whatever he said, putting that in action was not going to be easy. But he will try his best to give Khushi what she really deserves so that she realises one thing.. That she is KHUSHI SINGH RAIZADA.. Not GUNJAN PRATAP DAS..

*****************

Sheesh Mahal

Khushi: Where has he gone? Why didnt he tell me where is he going?  ( she raised her doubts at Aman who wasnt much sure what to reply)

Thats when Akash entered the room with some cut fruits in a plate.

Akash: What is this Khushi? Since the time you have got married, you dont even treat us like friends now..
Khushi was surprised why he said so.
Khushi: What did I do? ( she asked in a pale voice)
Akash ( sitting next to her): You have stopped smiling.. You know thats the basic rule of friendship.. SMILE when your friends are around.. ( he added)
Khushi quickly placed a smile on her lips.

Aman: Now thats like our Khushi.. By the way have this.. Special fruits for you..
Khushi moved the plate aside not wanting to eat anything at the moment.
Khushi: I want Arnav.. Why isnt he home yet? Is he ignoring me? ( she weakly asked and her eyes instantly turned moist)

Aman and Akash were about to respond that when suddenly they all heard Arnav's voice from the door.

Arnav: Your Arnav is too much smitten by your love to ignore you Khushi..

The moment she saw him, her smile became deep and getting up from the bed she rushed to him.

Khushi: Why so much delay? You know I was worried for you? Kahan the tum? Yeh Aman aur Akash ne mujhe bore kar diya tha.. ( this Aman and Akash bored me so much in your absence)
Akash: Waahh!! We bored you ? Liar!!
Khushi gigled at that instant comment. Arnav kept looking at his wife lovingly as she started teasing Aman and Akash again happily..

Khushi: Then what? Is this the occassion to have fruits? You guys forgot I am married to my Arnav now.. Instead of throwing some party, you all are busy wasting time.. No grand welcome for me in this family kya?
Aman: Khushi Madam wants a GRAND Welcome? We never thought in those terms..
Akash: Then lets think now Aman.. Let the couple be kept away from our planning.. It should be a surprise for them.. Arnie.. Khushi.. You continue with your love talks.. We shall leave and get some plan for the Party.

Akash and Aman left the room and then Khushi turned to see Arnav who was still admiring her.. just her..

Khushi: Why are you seeing me like that ?
Arnav: Feels like I havnt seen you for long..  ( he replied cupping her cheeks)
Khushi immediately shut her eyes trying to take in the warmth of his love..
Arnav: Khushi,..
Khushi: Hmm.
Arnav: Your mother has reached Lucknow..
Khushi's eyes opened wide.
Khushi: What? She reached? When ? Where is she now? Why didnt you tell me before?
Arnav: SHe is at your home with Buaji. I had been to meet her only in the morning.
Khushi (angry): Why didnt you tell me Arnav? I am noticing that these days you have started hiding things from me. Why?
Arnav (clutching her arms though she struggled to move away): Its for your own good.

She pushed him away from her and blurted in anger.

Khushi: No.. You all men are the same .. You just know to hide your secrets and make innocent people your pray.

Arnav realised it wasnt Khushi who had these thoughts, it was Gunjan within her who shared her grief. He could easily capture the differences in Khushi's expressions as she said this. So much anger she had.. HE knew what to do. He took slow steps towards her and then took her in his arms.

Arnav: Sshh.. Relax.. Calm down.. Not every man is same. Atleast I am not among the ones who disrespect Women. Neither I am using you as a Pray to acheive something. All I want from you is Love Khushi.

His soothing words calmed her down. She blinked her eyes and took a deep breathe holding his arms.

Khushi: What did I say? Did I scream at you Arnav?

Arnav was blank. THis state of Khushi was so vulnerable. SHe changed her personalities in a second. Does she even realise that ?

KHushi: Bolo naa Arnav.. What did I just  say? Anything hurtful?
Arnav sighed deeply and noded a quick "NO".
Arnav: You should lie down for some time. Come..
She denied going to the bed.
Khushi: Why am I resting so much? What is wrong with me? Tell me Arnav.. I am noticing this since the time we have married. I dont remember things that just happened few minutes ago.. I am not weak, neither I am sick. Then why is everyone showing mercy on me?

She was raising some valid questions to him but he feared to answer them..

Khushi: Has it anything to do with my sleep walking sickness? Tell me Arnav.. You have my promise.

The moment she gave him her promise, Arnav couldnt hide it longer.

Arnav: First you promise me you will not lose your calm after knowing whats wrong with you.
Khushi: I wont. Tell me .(She firmly declared)

Arnav slowly started telling her all the incidents that took place from past few days after they married . Right from the marriage night till the suspense which Garima revealed today to him about Gunjan being innocent and the situations had forced her to do Black magic. He even told Khushi that she had Gunjan's Spell on her since the time she took birth as it was Gunjan who had touched her first and helped Garima in delivery.

Khushi was startled.. She was about to collapse but she held the side table and balanced herself. Arnav made her sit on the bed and he himself kneeled before her.

Arnav: We will make it fine.. You dont think about it now.
Khushi ( started crying): I cant believe this.. I gave so much harm to you.. How could I even think of killing you ? SO much hatred? Why?? WHat does she want Arnav? Why is she doing this? Why is she hurting me and you? What have we done to her that she is using us and hurting so much? What does she want to acheive by doing this?

Whatever questions Khushi raised were all his concern too.

Arnav: We both will find the answers to all of this. I just want you to have control on yourself. Tell me one thing Khushi.. Is there any moment where you feel you are responding something which is not what you wanted to ? Any moment wherein you think you are doing something which you dont intend to do? Like someone else is making you do it?

Khushi pressed her head to remember but couldnt..

Khushi: I dont remember.. I dont remember anything of that sort Arnav..

Arnav was disappointed. He truly needed some hint to stop this all. But how would he get it?

Khushi: Lets just get out of this Palace Arnav.. It's the reason for all our problems. Lets just leave this place.. I remember your Di told us that your life will be in danger if you stay in India.. Thats why she took you out. Lets just do that.. Lets not stay here.

Anjali came inside and replied back. SHe had heard this conversation of the couple.

Anjali: Its of no use now Khushi.
Arnav and Khushi both looked at her.
Arnav: DI?
Anjali: Haan Chotte. I had been to the Priest to ask him the best measures we can take to avoid this problem. I even suggested him the same what Khushi just told . But he denied. The problem which was once only confined to this Palace is now within Khushi. So wherever she goes with you, she will harm you..
Khushi's face became dull all of sudden.

Anjali: And I know you will never leave Khushi.

Arnav looked down.

Anjali: Your marriage has evoked the soul of Gunjan within her which was resting from a long period within Khushi. Gunjan was always there within Khushi.. right from the time she was born.. But that state of hers was inactive..dormant .. The key to get this state of hers to life was "MARRIAGE"..

Arnav: What? Marriage? How is our marriage connected to Gunjan?

Anjali: Arnav.. Every Black power magic has a process.. This was her's. She wanted a body to keep her soul intact.. She could have used any other adult's body for this purpose but she wanted a pure soul. And only a newly born child is pure in everyone's eyes. So She used Khushi's body to hide. But that had a demerit too. She could not take her revenge easily hiding in that small baby's body. She had to grow.. Atleast till her adulthood. But again, what would be the trigger for her soul to return all the powers which she can use to destroy her target? And that Trigger she chose was "Marriage". Whatever happened between you and Khushi was everything what she intended to do.. Your first meet, your sudden attraction towards that portrait of hers, which you saw in Sheesh Mahal was all a part of it.. She wanted you to fall for her. She wanted you to love Khushi .. to marry her.. and get her to Sheesh Mahal.. So that she can then become active all again..

Khushi was only listening..

Arnav: Why is she behind me but? What harm did I do to her?
Anjali: That is what we have to find out Arnav. Until we know that, all this is never going to end.
Arnav: Did the Priest suggest something to know about it?
Anjali denied. Arnav sighed in frustration for again being in loop and not finding the way to come out of it. Suddenly Khushi spoke.

Khushi: I know how to find this out.
Arnav and Anjali were confused what she meant by that.
Khushi: Gunjan used me to return back in this world.. Now I will use her to know the secrets which she has kept hidden from all.

Arnav and Anjali still didnt understand.

Arnav: What are you going to do?
Khushi looked at the candle flame at the side table.
Khushi: BURN MYSELF!!

That phrase gave shivers to both Arnav and Anjali . He immediately reached Khushi and turned her around.

Arnav: HAve you gone mad? You want to burn yourself? I wont let that happen.
Khushi: Arnav.. Please.. Try to understand.. Thats the only way to know, to dig those secrets..
Arnav: Bulshit. We are not implementing that.
Khushi: Nothing will happen to me.. I promise..

Arnav was really not understanding what Khushi intended to do and how?

To be Continued


Part 32

Arnav didnt let Khushi speak further about her plan.

Arnav: Dont even think of it Khushi. I wont let you experiment on yourself. After all getting burnt is not a joke.
Khushi: I am not going to hurt myself Arnav. I am just going to pretend.

Arnav and Anjali were confused on what she said.

Khushi: Gunjan was burnt alive in this village thats what we all know. And now if she is inside me she will not let anything happen to my body.  She will not let me burn myself. She might have captured my soul but not my will. We have to threaten her. I  have to show her that she cannot use me however she wants. That I still have the upper hand.
Anjali: But Khushi how will you do this? And do you really think threatening her will make her unravel the past from her end so easily? What if she even after this attempt we dont come to know the past?
Khushi: She cant fail me Di. If she had transformed herself into my body when I was born, she had done it on some purpose. She unlike the other spirits may not want to be heard but she definately has a motto to fulfil and a reason behind that motto. Until that happens she wont let me or Arnav live in peace. Its more 6 days for the AMavasya night when she plans to harm Arnav through me. We have very less time. We cannot delay. We have to take this risk.

Arnav was still not satisfied. He clutched her arm gently to make her understand but even before he could speak, Khushi gave him her promise. He got bound by her promise now. Unwantedly he had to give his wife permission to experiment such risky act.

Arnav: Where do we start this then? ( he asked in a low voice)

Khushi: As far as I remember I behave unusual .. I mean I behave like Gunjan mostly at night time and some of its effects are seen in me at the morning too. Hai naa?

Arnav noded. He too had observed this .The Gunjan effect in her is more dominant in the night times.

Khushi: So we have to implement this plan tonight. Just before I feel so much sleepy that I cannot control my sleep any longer.

Arnav gulped down the fear which had slowly raised in his mind. What if he loses his Khushi in this attempt? Khushi read his mind. She knew his worry was genuine.

Khushi: Humme kuch nahi hoga Arnav.. Humme yakeen hai Gunjan humme kuch nahi hone degi.. ( nothing will ever happen to me Arnav.. I believe Gunjan will not let me happen anything)

Anjali: I will keep praying to God at that time when you perform this. God will give you enough strength Khushi.
Arnav: But I am not going anywhere when you performing this Khushi. I will be around you.
Khushi: Nahi Arnav.. Its too risky.
Arnav: I dont care.. ( he replied gritting his teeth).. You are already going against me and doing all this. I wont let you out of my sight even for a second while you PRETEND burning yourself.. ( he purposely stressed on the Pretend word)
Khushi ( sighed): theek hai.. But before all this I want to see my mother. But dont tell her anything about this plan. She wont let me perform it otherwise.

Arnav and Anjali agreed. They were still not very sure how best this was going to work for them.


*******************

Buaji got GArima at evening in Sheesh MAhal as she had promised. It had been years that Garima had not seen her daughter. She didnt even clearly remembered Khushi;s face but she knew that her daughter resembles Gunjan. She had got the same face.. And why not? Afterall the very first time when Gunjan had held the newly born Khushi in her arms she had told Garima. That her child will always remind her of her friend. Garima was still in these thoughts while scanning the living room of Sheesh Mahal and getting introduced to Arnav's family members when suddenly she heard her daughter calling out "mumma" from the top corridor. Khushi came down rushing and without any delay she hugged Garima tight. Garima also opened her arms and took Khushi in her embrace.

Khushi: I was waiting for this moment from so many years Mumma. Finally I got my mother back.

Garima pulled back from the hug and then caressed Khushi;s face. She was so intensely looking at her daughter to feel her. Sge was very silent till now and hadnt uttered a single word to anyone but now she finally spoke.

Garima: Wohi chehra.. Wohi aankhein. . Sab kuch wohi hai.. ( Same face,, same eyes.. everything is the same).. I had sensed you would look like Gunjan when you started getting her features when you were just 9 years old.

This sudden name of Gunjan from Garima was unexpected.. Also at this stage Garima remembered something important and became restless..

Garima: WHere is that painting which I made? ( she curiously asked)

She was talking about that same painting which Arnav had seen first in Sheesh Mahal and got attracted to that face.. Khushi's face..

Garima: Where is it ? I had kept it  in this house.. Where is it Khushi ( she remembered the significance of that painting and became worried)
Khushi: That painting was here but I took it back with me Mumma.. ( she turned to Arnav).. Arnav.. remember when you had visited Sheesh Mahal for the first time in the intention to buy it with Akash and AMan? It was that same day when you that painting here.. On that wall ( she pointed)

Anrav noded.. He remembered how suddenly that painting had got away from his sight in no time that day..

Khushi: I never knew Mumma made such a painting until that night before you visited Sheesh Mahal. I saw that painting in my dreams and I could see my own picture so clearly painted by my mother. I could literally see where the painting was hung here though I was in Gupta house that time. The moment I woke up from that dream the next day I rushed here to get that painting back as it belonged to me and not this palace. I felt a strong pull towards that painting. A sudden need to get it back to me.. Why would I keep my mother's made painting in some other house? I didnt had the keys so I entered from the backside window which was open. I heard your voices.. Akash and you were talking something. I hide myself and reached this room. But that time you already had reached here and were admiring the same painting. I had to hide myself behind that pillar until you left the room. The moment you left I took the painting and rushed out from that same window.

Arnav: And then when I came inside the room to show that painting to Akash it wasnt there on the walll. But why didnt you tell me this earlier Khushi? I had confronted to you about it . Didnt I?

Khushi: BEcause you were the owner of Sheesh Mahal by then and I couldnt trust you.. Later when we became friends I forgot to share this incident.. Its just now that I remembered again because Mumma asked about it.

Garima was speechless.. SO much happened?

Garima: You took that painting away from here? What have you done Khushi?
Khushi ( confused): Haan Mumma.. But why?  Wasnt it supposed to be with me?

Garima: Nooo  ( she screamed in anger).. That painting is Manhoos. Its not a normal painting.. It was Gunjan's face I painted.. Not yours.. It symbolized something kHushi.. I did it all these years back to save you.. There were some rituals performed on that painting so as to keep Gunjan's soul intact and calm.. Thats why I had placed it in Sheesh Mahal only because thats where she belongs.. But she is very cunning.. She purposely made you see that dream and made you remember that painting.. It was obvious for you to think about it and feel attracted because you both look alike.. She wanted you to come here and get it out of this place.

Arnav: I dont know if it means anything but when I tried to touch that painting that day, its glass hurt my finger and it bleed.

Anjali was tensed.. Arnav was telling all this now?

Anjali: Chotte.. its like your blood got connected to that painting.. Is this the reason why she is after you now? The people call her witch and witche has tasted your blood on her portrait. Hence she wants to hurt you may be..

Khushi: No Di.. That cant be the only reason. .

Garima: That blood on her portrait symbolized the attraction Arnav would feel for that same face and in turn for Khushi.. She made Arnav and Khushi meet on purpose.. She wanted to serve some motive by getting them toegther.. Otherwise why even after all the troubles Khushi and Arnav faced here, they didnt turn away from each other? It was Gunjan's force, her will which got them together so that she can easily harm him.
Anjali: But why only Chotte? What does she want from him? As I promised her in childhood when Arnav saw her doing some black magic .. We even took him away from her shadow, out of this country ..Then why is she still so much bend in harming him? ( She painfully asked)

Khushi: Thats what we have to find out Di.. TOnight.

Garima became confused on what she was planning to get the truth from Gunjan.. She asked Khushi who told her not to worry much and lied that they had not devised any plan yet.. Garima was asked to sit, relax and have dinner with them but she denied..

Garima: I will first have to secure that painting Khushi. It should be brought back to this palace and hung it over there. Or else we might face more problems.. I will leave now and tomorrow we will get that painting here.. Okay?

Khushi didnt stop her mother from leaving.. As it is she had to perform a major task tonight. She cant let her mother witness all that. She hugged Garima and bid her good bye..

********************

It was sharp 11:00 pm .. Khushi and Arnav were sitting in the bedroom.. Khushi felt sleepy and she knew the moment she cant control it and might doze off the next instant , will be the right time to try her idea which they planned. If she sleeps even for few minutes at this time, the Gunjan within her will wake up and then as usual she will start to sleep walk and unneccessarily scare the people of this family. So tonight she will welcome Gunjan in her way. She looked at Arnav and gestured him that the right time had come. Arnav gulped his uneasiness hoping the plan will work. Khushi got up from the bed and walked out of the room slowly giving Arnav one calm look. She didnt wanted him to worry for her. Even if in this attempt, anything happens to her she will never like him blaming himself for not being able to save her. She was doing this for their better life ahead.. She cannot turn back now. Sleep was trying to overpower her but she controlled. Arnav followed her from a little distance.. Anjali was sitting in the living room constantly praying to God to ensure that whatever Khushi was doing today gets successful. Khushi left the main door and reached the backyward of Sheesh Mahal. That same place where a pit was dug , the same place where Gunjan was known to be burnt and her ashes burried. Arnav was about to walk closer to her but Akash and Aman stopped him. This could disturb the whole plan. Khushi needed to be alone to perform this.

She stopped at the pit and sprinkled the oil from the can placed there already as per their plan. Arnav got goosebumps seeing her doing that..

Khushi ( looking in the pit): I know you are listening this Gunjan.. This is the first time I am actually believing your existence in me. I dont know what your motive is behind using my body all these years. I owe to know that truth from you. . Tonight if you dont let me realise that motive I will not let you live in my body either. I will end myself.. I will end your existance..  Its your time to decide what you want?

She felt no unsualness within her.. As if she was just speaking to someone who doesnt even exist.. She didnt get any response..

Khushi: theek hai.. If you dont want to tell me .. then this is it.. This is the end of you within me Gunjan..

She lighted the match stick .. Arnav's heart was racing.. The glowing match stick was so close to Khushi's body which already had oil sprinkled all over.. What if she really gets burnt? Finding still no response Khushi was about to get the match stick still close when suddenly the wind started blowing and the match stick fire was off. Khushi finally got the hint.. Gunjan was not letting her win.. She then took the Lighter which she had hidden in her fist before coming here. She knew Gunjan will try some of her antics to set the fire off. She just wanted to be one step ahead of her. She turned the lighter on and was about to get it close to her body when she suddenly felt a push within her.. As if someone was fighting with her to throw the lighter away. She fell down on the ground.. Arnav was about to rush to her but Aman held him tight not letting him go. Khushi could feel a  big blow within her. Her head started aching.. She lied down on the ground holding her head. A series of flashes started revolving in her mind.. It was like she was watching some movie in her sleep.. She saw many things.. many events of Gunjan's life and finally she screamed aloud falling unconscious..

Thats when Arnav couldnt control.. He rushed to her pushing Aman and Akash away, He took Khushi's head on his lap patting her cheeks so that she wakes up.. She painfully opened her eyes..

Khushi: Bahut galat hua .. Gunjan ke saath bahut galat hua Arnav.. woh.. Jab usse jala diya gaya.. tab.. tab woh Pregnant thi.. ( Very bad happened with Gunjan Arnav. When she was burnt.. that time she was Pregnant)

To be Continued..


Part 33

Khushi was laid on the bed by Arnav as she didnt seem to have much strength after the experiment which she did of faking to burn herself. Though their plan was successful, and Gunjan did flash some scenes in Khushi's mind on why exactly she was doing all this, the Raizada family were very shocked to know from Khushi that Gunjan was pregnant at the time she was burnt alive.

Arnav clutched Khushi's hand and sat next to her on the bed while Anjali, Akash, Aman and Shyam surrounded them.

Khushi: I saw many things.. I .. I dont know how to relate them . .I could see the village people planning in a group to burn Gunjan.. But there was a man who leaded them in taking this decision.. I saw his face.. but.. I dont know who he is .. I saw that same man talking to Gunjan in Sheesh Mahal again.. I .. ( she pressed her head which started aching now)

Arnav stopped her from speaking further.

Arnav: You need rest.. It's enough for today..
Khushi: But Arnav..
Arnav: Khushi.. You can tell us what you saw as and when you remember.. Dont stress yourself too much..
Anjali: He is right Khushi.. You should rest for sometime.. I will inform your mother and Buaji that you are fine.

Saying that the family started dispersing back to their rooms. Arnav was the only one beside Khushi now.

Khushi: Arnav.. Who can that man be? How can he be so cruel to plan such a thing?  It's a cold blooded murder..
Arnav: Gunjan was a witch for them.. They wanted to protect themseleves from her.
Khushi: But what about he baby inside her ? What was it's fault?
Arnav was quiet. She was right. Whatever insecurity the villagers had was pertaining to Gunjan. The child should not have been harmed.


Arnav: Let's not think about all this now.. Get some sleep..
Khushi: I am afraid. ( she pressed his arm)
Arnav: I am here Khushi.. I wont leave you alone.. Dont worry..

Saying that he pulled the quilt on her and allowed her to sleep. He sat next to her all the time, caressing her hair and face until he was sure she was fully asleep. He just didnt know what to do. All these issues were just dragging and he was tired of it. He wanted to have a peaceful life with Khushi. He just hoped they will get their share of this happiness very soon. He went to the Recliner and sat there reading some book. He wasnt sleepy at the moment.

****************

Arnav had no idea when he dozed off on that Recliner. It might have been 2:00 am now when suddenly the book he was reading, which was still in his hand when he dozed off, fell on the ground.. That sound broke his sleep. He opened his eyes ,  picked that book and kept it on table. To his surprise, Khushi was not on the bed. He immediately stood up and started looking for her in the room, She was nowhere. He was afraid.. He just hoped she wasnt in any kind of danger. He opened the door of their room and came out.. He turned the lights on and started looking for her. He had no idea where this sleep walking sickness will take her today.. As far as he knew, it wont be out of this Palace at least. She has to be here only somewhere. He came downstairs in search of her and found the door of the Store room open though there was no lights inside. Was she here? He entered inside. It was getting difficult to find Khushi in this dark. He was about to call out her name  but suddenly he heard her voice from behind.

"Humme dhoond rahe hai?" (Looking for me?)

He immediately turned around. Khushi was standing at a corner, grinning at him.

Arnav: Khushi ? What are you doing here?

She didnt respond. She just stepped towards him slowly.. The way she walked, he could clearly say she wasnt in Khushi's mode at all. This was Gunjan within her who was active. He stood there and kept looking at her. She stopped close to him, that grin on her face never changed, she never broke their eye lock.

Arnav: ( in a harsh tone ): I am asking you something Khushi.. What are you doing in this room?

He purposely used a harsh tone.

She lingered her finger on his cheek.

Khushi: Nothing really changed.. I can see that same anger ... same frustration .. same hatred on your face .. when you see me..

Arnav stopped the movement of her finger and shoved off her arm from his face.

Arnav: I dont hate you..
Khushi: You dont.. But the man whose blood runs in your veins did..
Arnav was stunned.. His father? Was she talking about his father?
Arnav: Tum hosh mein nahi ho Khushi.. ( You are not in your senses Khushi)

He tried to hold her and drag her back outside but she didnt allow him do so.. Slowly that grin on her face was turning into rage..

Khushi: Badi Taqleef hui thi mujhe uss raat.. Aur ab wohi taqleef tumhe bhi milegi.. ( I was in very much pain that night.. That same pain you will also suffer with soon)

Arnav was disheartened seeing his wife threatening him, though he knew it was not exactly Khushi who said all this. He still clutched her arms and pinned her to the wall behind.

Arnav: Leave my wife!! You hear that? Just leave her.. I dont know why you want to hurt me.. I neither want to know .. You want to hurt me right? Then do it.. But stop punishing Khushi for that.. You lost your child, you were burnt brutally , but Khushi has nothing to do with it. She is naive... SHe is a pure soul who deserves happiness. And if you think through her you can hurt me, then thats never going to happen.. I dont know what kind of relationship you shared in your previous birth with your husband.. But me and Khushi love each other. We can never think of hurting each other. My love is enough for KHushi to fight against you and protect me. I believe my wife more than your existence in her. So stop whatever you doing with her and get out from our lives..

The moment he said this, she started laughing aloud. Arnav was confused..

Khushi : You think I am going to hurt you because I didnt get love from my husband in the previous birth? So Khushi also doesnt deserve it because I am a part of her?

She laughed again..

Khushi ( suddenly stopping her laugh and looking at Arnav angrily): My revenge on you has a much stronger reason .. And dont worry.. I will let you know this very soon. Atleast before you die in front of me.. ( she laughed again and this time with so much happiness that within next few seconds she fainted in his arms)

Arnav was totally confused.. For sure when Khushi would wake up the next morning she wouldnt remember all this. But how is he suppsoed to find it out then?

Arnav laid Khushi on the bed again, he was just about to shut the lamps off when suddenly he saw something in Khushi's fist. He immediately opened her fist which had a crumpled photo. He neatened it again to see whose photo it was and was very shocked to see the picture of his father and a lady next to him. Supposedly the lady was Pratap Singh's first wife, who is none other than his own Aunt. But why was Khushi carrying this photo? Where did she get it? In that store room? As far as Khushi's mother informed them, Arnav's family used to visit Sheesh Mahal when he was a kid, to meet his Aunt here. This photo might have been clicked those days only. But what was Khushi doing with it? Was this some kind of clue to find the reason why Gunjan is so keen behind killing him? He kept the photo in the side drawer and then finally shut he lamps to get some sleep. He had a lot to do the next day. He had to find out the replies to all his doubts from someone who had witnessed the history of this Palace...

****************

Next Morning

Payal Das was surprised to see Arnav Singh Raizada at her home so early morning. She was making breakfast for her grandfather who was still sick and bed ridden.

Payal: Arnav?
Arnav: I am here to meet your Grandfather..
Payal: Nanu? WHy ?
Arnav: I want to talk to him.
Payal: But he is still not very good to talk clearly..
Arnav: I know. But he might have some answers to solve the past mystery.
Payal: I dont think so.. He is ill Arnav.. And it's unfair to give him any kind of tensions. He is already afraid of coming out of his room.
Arnav ( little frustrated): Payal.. Please.. Just once..

Payal stopped arguing.

Payal: Fine.. come..

She took Arnav to her grandfather's room. He was resting on the bed but the moment he saw Arnav with Payal he started shiverring a bit loking beyond them in fear just to find out if Arnav's wife Khushi also had accompanied him..

Payal: Nanaji.. Its just Arnav who has come to meet you.

That statement made him relax. Arnav sat next to him and held his hand.

Arnav: Nanaji.. I know its not the right time to trouble you like this.. But I need to find my replies somehow.. The other day you screamed seeing my wife Khushi and called her "Gunjan".. I didnt understand why you took that name for her. But today I am aware.. I know Gunjan lies within Khushi somewhere. SHe is showing all the signs of her existence .. She .. She wants to kill me.. I have no idea why.. !! I just know that I am also somewhere related to sheesh mahal from my childhood. Your SOn Pratap's first wife was my Aunt.. My father's blood sister. I dont know if that gives some connection for Gunjan to hate me and want to kill me. She is going to harm me on the Amavasya night which is just 4 days ahead from now. I have much less time to find out the past and try saying my Khushi from doing this wrong. I need your help..

Payal's grandfather could realise the seriousness of this matter. He tried to speak but failed.. Payal could see his efforts and was worried if that would stress her grandfather.. Arnav also noticed that and understood how hard it is for a man who couldnt speak from years to suddenly tell him the past, if he knew much about it. When Nanaji failed, Arnav gave up the idea to disturb him more.

Arnav: It's fine.. I should have known its not possible for you to speak more..

He was very disappointed and was about to get up and leave when suddenly Payal's grandfather pointed at the closet..

Payal: Arnav wait.. he is gesturing us something..

She quickly rushed to the closet and turned back to her grandfather..

Payal: Do you want me to open it Nanaji?

He noded. .Payal opened the closet and as gestured by him she removed one old box which belonged to Nanaji. She didnt knew what the box contained but it might be something very important which is why he had saved that box and kept it away from people even after so many years..

Payal got the box to her Nanaji who slowly opened it and handed one more photo to Arnav.. The photo had many village people. It looked like it had been clicked during a Village Panchayat session wherein the head of the village called the Mukhiya conducts a discussion to discuss the issues and problems of the villagers. But what had this picture to do with Arnav's questions? Nanaji pointed at the Mukhiya and tried speaking something.. Arnav was confused but Payal analysed it.

Payal: Do you want Arnav to meet him Nanaji? To fetch his answers ?

Her grandfather immediately noded ackowledging what she said. Arnav took a sigh of relief..

Arnav: ( turning to Payal): Where can I meet him?
Payal: He still stays in this village.. I know his house.. I can take you there.
Arnav was thankful to her.
Payal: He is also old but not like Grandpa.. And the best part is he can speak too. He must be knowing a lot about Gunjan as he once served as the head of this place.
Arnav: Take me to him.. Now..

Payal agreed.

To be Continued.

Part 34

The Sarpanch ( head of the Village) was almost a 78 year old man. He was very weak just like Payal's grandfather but he could still manage to speak compared to him. Initially when Arnav introduced himself to him, the Sarpanch did not understand what help he needed and why was he here but later Payal told the reason how Arnav had bought Sheesh Mahal and since then how Khushi, his wife had been behaving abnormally. Arnav then narrated all the incidents which kept happening in Sheesh Mahal and thats how the Sarpanch finally concluded the same thing which the RAizada and Gupta family had realised by now that Khushi was been possessed by Gunjan's spirit.

Arnav: Sarpanchji. What I dont understand is what She wants from me?

The Sarpanch thought for a while and then asked him back.

Sarpanch: What is your full name you said?
Arnav: Arnav Singh Raizada..
Sarpanch: ( thinking): Raizada.. I have heard this name before..
Arnav: May be .. Because Gunjan's husband Pratap Singh's First wife was my Aunt.. I mean my father's blood sister.

The moment Sarpanch heard this, he got afraid. He somehow had started recollecting the past and he found an answer to Arnav's question.

Sarpanch: Yes.. I remember him.. Your father..  He loved his sister Arundhati very much. They had a very sacred bond.. He would do anything for her. Initially when Pratap hadnt married Gunjan, your father and mother used to visit Sheesh Mahal frequently. Then Pratap got Gunjan in that Palace.. Arundhati's insecurities started increasing. She could see how Pratap was falling deliberately for his new wife. But we all knew Gunjan was forced for this marriage. She was not happy. She even tried to run away from that house and everytime got caught. She was punished. She was treated as a Slave there.

Arnav ( feeling bad): When you people knew all this.. Why didnt anyone help her?
Sarpanch ( sighed): The Das family were powerful, no one could go against them in the village. I knew Payal's grandfather Suyash Singh Das personally as a friend, hence I tried to make him aware of all this, but he never interfered in Pratap's life. He had kind of seperated him from his family after Pratap got married to Gunjan. So there was no one who could hear her voice.. Who could become her saviour..

Arnav's heart ached. So much pain that woman must have undergone.

Sarpanch: Arundhati's insecurity started increasing as Pratap concentrated more on Gunjan, ensuring she doesnt run away from that house again. Your father Arun Raizada could see his sister's turmoil . He insisted her on leaving Pratap and this city but she never agreed. She did not wanted to lose her place in Pratap's life. Gunjan was better than her in all sense. Gunjan was more beautiful than her and most importantly Gunjan could give that Palace a heir which Arundhati could never as confirmed by the Doctor's of those time. Arundhati would share this grief with your father who once ended up quarelling with Pratap .. Things changed bitter between them. Gunjan who had slowly started practicing Black magic to teach Pratap a lesson, utilized this bitterness between Pratap and Arun to her favour.

Arnav gulped. As the Sarpanch kept narrating the past, he could feel a chill in his spine.

Arnav: Did she hurt my father?
Sarpanch: No.. She had no reasons to hurt your father that time, but she had all reasons to hurt his sister Arundhati. One sudden morning when Pratap woke up and started looking for Arundhati, he found her dead at the backyard of Sheesh Mahal. She was poisoned.

Arnav was shocked.

Arnav: Poisoned? Gunjan poisoned her food?
Sarpanch: Thats what we all believe. But none of us had any proofs for that. And Pratap was not much affected by his loss. He still had one more wife with him whom he never allowed to get caught, even if she was guilty. The sudden death of Arundhati broke Arun Raizada's patience. He attended the funeral and also the other rituals which took place after her death in Sheesh Mahal, but he started hating Gunjan more. He wanted to avenge his sister's death. But fate had other plans. You were 3 years old I suppose when all of this happened and you suddenly fell sick.

Arnav knew this part.Anjali Di had told him how he was taken to some Priest who suggested his parents to take him out of this country forever

Arnav: We left the Country after that and never returned.
Sarpanch: It's false. Arun Raizada returned back here 2 months later. He came here alone.

Arnav was again surprised. His father came back here ?Why?

Sarpanch: He wanted to punish Gunjan. As it is, by that time Gunjan's cruelty had increased. People had stopped seeing Pratap those days. A news spread in the village that Pratap was so much controlled by Gunjan's black magic that he had started hurting himself, locking himself in a room, devoid of food and sleep. Few of our Village people tried to free him from there in Gunjan's absence but we were late. Pratap had ended his life .

Once again that truth shattered Arnav. So much happened during those days? This family had such a worst history.

Sarpanch: By the time your father reached here again, Pratap's last rituals were already performed. Only Gunjan stayed in Sheesh Mahal all alone and people had started fearing to go there. The maids had left to work there weeks ago. That house had almost become haunted even though one person was still alive and staying there, hiding from the world.. Gunjan..

Arnav: So you guys decided to end her too? ( he gulped while asking that ) ..
Sarpanch: We had to. We had no other choice. For the mass benefit we all villagers took this decision which was lead by your father that time. Infact he was the one who coaxed us to do this, we could see the betterment of our village by this act. We called the Priests, took their advise.. The Priests told us that her powers are supernatural. Even though they burn her alive, her soul will never rest in peace. Hence we had to perform some more rituals to capture her soul in the mirrors which we later burried in the backyard of Sheesh Mahal.

This was so cruel to hear. Arnav never would have believed in all this process they carried out to destroy Gunjan if he hadnt witnessed her existence in Khushi. He felt pity for Gunjan but at the same time he cannot even support her acts as she did some grave crime by killing Arundhati and also Pratap... Her black magic practises were disturbing the Society , this fact too cannot be ignored. But he still had one question in mind. What was his fault in all of this? Only because his father leaded the act of burning her alive? Why isnt she behind the other villagers? He tried to link things, but failed. Even Sarpanch was unable to give this answer to him. But today he had got to know in depth of his father's relation in Gunjan's death at least. But all this still didnt give any hint on how they can now stop Gunjan from hurting him on the Amavasya night and most importantly how to free Khushi from her clutches?

******************

Sheesh Mahal

When Arnav returned back home and narrated all this story to Khushi and others, everyone were blank just like he was. Even after reaching the truth, they were unable to reconnect it.

Khushi ( frustrated): We have reached the same point where we started all this. I am tired of this game now. I dont know why she wants to do this but I cant let her hurt you Arnav.. We have only one more day left.. Tomorrow is Amavsya and.. I .. I am scared for you..

She touched his cheek, her eyes slowly became moist. Arnav realised her pain.
Arnav: We will find a way out Khushi. Dont lose hope.
Khushi: Arnav.. We have one solution..

Everyone looked at her. They wanted to know what she got in her head.

Khushi ( gulping her tears): You .. leave back for London..

The moment she said this a lone tears rolled down her eye.

Arnav: Shut up Khushi..
Khushi ( angrily): No Arnav.. I am serious.. This is about your life .. I cant see you getting hurt . You still have time. Take the family and leave back to London.
Arnav: ( clutching her arms): YOU are my family Khushi..  I wont go anywhere without you.
Khushi: Dont act like a kid Arnav.. I cant come.. I am your problem.. I am the one you should be running away from. I can hurt you. Dont make me blame myself for the entire life.. Please.. Just go..  ( she insisted)
Arnav: ( gritting his teeth): Thats never going to happen..

Khushi angrily pushed him away and went to Anjali who was standing at the other corner.

Khushi: Di.. You make him understand. I am asking him to do this for his benefit only..
Anjali : Khushi.. Chotte wont leave you. .WHen he married you facing all the odds of life, why would he run away now when he is the only person you need beside at this crucial time?
Khushi was disappointed. She knew they wont listen to her so easily. She will have to think something else.

******************

That same night, Khushi was at the balcony of her bedroom, unable to sleep. She was afraid what the next day had instore for them. Suddenly she felt a pair of arms wrapping about her from behind. It was Arnav.

Arnav: Not sleepy?
Khushi ( holding his arms ): I dont want to sleep.
Arnav ( smiled): Why? Getting afraid that Gunjan will get activated and ..
Khushi (interrupted): I dont want to talk about her..

Arnav sighed and then made Khushi turn around .

Arnav: Why not ? Infact Khushi.. You look more cute when you act like Gunjan.. ( he tried making her smile but she didnt like it)
Khushi: Stop fooling me Arnav..

She was about to leave but he caught her again.

Arnav: I am serious.. Imagine how lucky I am.. I have two women to flirt with.. My wife.. and the Ghost within her.
Khushi punched his chest.
Khushi: You are still taking this lightly Arnav? Tomorrow..
Arnav ( placing a finger on her lips): Lets not think what happens tomorrow.. Lets live today..

Khushi was lost in him..

Arnav: Who knows whats instore for us after this night? I might be alive or not.. I dont give a damm.. But tonight.. I want to live with my wife.. My Khushi.. Spend the best moments our lives in these few hours.. ( he huskily stated not breaking their eye lock ).. Lets forget all the problems for this one night Khushi.. Lets not talk, think or feel anything else apart from each other.. Can we ?

Khushi gulped. She could see the flames of love in her husband's eyes which she never wanted to ignore either. She closed her eyes giving into the moment..

To be Continued..

Part 35

Arnav woke up with the Sunrise, as the first beam of Sun fell on his face, disturbing his peaceful sleep. It wasnt very later that he realised how he and Khushi had consummated their marriage. There was so much happiness in him today and he knew Khushi would also feel the same, irrespective of all the Gunjan's revenge which is going to happen today as it's an Amavasya night, the same night which Gunjan within Khushi had planned to hurt him. He didnt wanted to think all that. He knew some or the other way he will find a way to sort all of this. He soon noticed that Khushi was not on bed, neither anywhere inside the room. It was just 06:00am. Where can she go? Was it anything to do with the ill happenings planned for today? Hope not. He removed the Duvet from his body and wearing his slippers, he hurried outside the bedroom to look  for her. He looked for her in the entire Sheesh MAhal, but failed to find her. Where the hell can she go? He had not woke up his family yet. He did not want them to be disturbed. Where can Khushi go? He came out in the garden area and scanned the place. He saw the Garage door open. It was locked till last night, who opened it then? The keys of such unused places in Sheesh MAhal lies either with him or Akash. Was Khushi there ? He did not think twice before walking inside the garage. Surprisingly she wasnt even there. But then he saw one secret door at the corner of the floor. He never knew there was secret door like this in the garage. This part of the floor always used to be covered with Dry Hay. He had heard it from Payal Das that the garage was used to be a Horse Stable during the time of Pratap and Gunjan's existence here. Was Khushi beneath this area? He gulped even thinking about this. What lies beneath was not that important for him to know. What concerned him was Khushi's safety. Whatever happens, he will find Khushi and get her back outside this place safely. That was his only motto.

Without a second thought, he pulled this small door open. There were stairs inside which could lead him to a dark pathway later on. It looked like a basement. A Secret Basement. He climbed down the stairs slowly with the help of the Torch light on his mobile. He reached down. It was a dark room filled with old monuments and furnitures. The Cob webs had almost managed to hang from every corner of this room. It was hard to find Khushi even if he was sure she was present here. He slowly made his way deep inside the room. Lot many old trunks were lying around. He opened one of them. It had some old clothes.. Which looked almost similar to what Gunjan wore. So these were her belongings? He kept looking inside the trunk and found an old diary. This was totally unexpected. He opened it and the very first page had the name "GUNJAN" written in Hindi. So this diary belonged to her? He wanted to read the contents of it. He started flipping the pages. It seemed like Gunjan had this hobby of writing some specific moments of her life in this book. She had started it when she was 18, at least thats what Arnav understood after seeing the first date mentioned in one of the pages.

Reading it on Torch light was difficult but Arnav had no patience. He kept flipping the pages.

_____________________________

"Aaj hum Kunwar Sa se mile.. Kaafi dilchasb aadmi hai.Woh Shikar ke liye aaye the. Hum ne unki jaan bachaayi. Kuch ajeeb si baat hai un mein. Ek kheechav.. Ek paagalpan. " ( Today I met Kunwar Sa. He is a very interesting man. He had come for Hunting. And I saved his life. There is something different in him. Some kind of pull.. Some sort of madness. )

_____________________________

Arnav stopped reading. "Kunwar Sa"?? Who was he ? Was she talking about Pratap Singh Das? He had to read more.

_____________________________

"Aaj woh hume phir mile. Hum ne ghanto baat ki. Kuch unke baarein mein. Aur kuch apne. Hum kisi ko itne jaldi pasand karenge kabhi socha na tha. Shayad yehi pyar hai." ( Today I met him again. We talked for hours. About him.. About me.. I will so easily start liking someone..  I never even dreamt of. .May be this is what LOVE is.. )

_____________________________

Now Arnav was confirmed this "Kunwar Sa" was not Pratap SIngh Das for sure. He knew Gunjan hated him right from their first meet. He continued reading the next pages

_____________________________

"Hum dono khush hai. Par kab tak? Unka byaah hai kuch dino mein. Hum unhe nahi bhool sakte. Hum unse pyar karte hai. Woh hume dhoka nahi de sakte. Hum unse baat karenge. WOh yeh shaadi rok de. Aur hum se byaah kare. Hum banenge unki patni" (We both are happy. But till when? It's his marriage in few days. I cant forget him. I love him. He cannot ditch me. I will talk to him.  I will ask him to Cancel his wedding and marry me. I should be his wife. )

_____________________________

Now this was totally new for Arnav. WHo was this man whom Gunjan loved before marrying Pratap Singh Das? He flipped the pages

_____________________________

"Woh chale gaye. Humme chod ke. Woh yeh Shaadi nahi rok sakte. Humme unhe bhoolna hoga. Humesha ke liye. Par kya woh humme bhool payenge?" ( He left . Leaving me alone here. He cannot stop his marriage. I will have to forget him. FOrever. But will he ever be able to forget me?)

_____________________________

Arnav felt pity for Gunjan. This woman loved someone and he couldnt marry her.

_____________________________

"Baba se koi milne aaye the. Unki nazar hum pe thi. Humme woh ek aankh nahi bhaate. Kehte hai Lucknow ke rehne waale hai. Koi Pratap Singh Das. Batameez hai. Hum dua karenge woh dobara humme kabhi naa mile"( Today someone came to meet my father. His eyes were on me though. I cannot stand that man at all. Seems he is from Lucknow. His name is Pratap SIngh Das. He is spoilt and misbehaves. I wish he never meets me again)

_____________________________

Now comes the next man in Gunjan's life, Arnav thought and kept reading

_____________________________

"Baba aisa kaise kar sakte hai? Woh Humaari Shaadi Pratap ke saath? Nahi. Hum aisa nahi karenge. Hum mar jaayenge par uss Pratap se shaadi nahi karenge" (How can my father do this? How can he ask me to marry Pratap? No. I can never do this. I will die but not marry Pratap)

_____________________________

Arnav could feel the pain Gunjan was going through that time. She was been forced to marry Pratap SIngh Das. He continued reading.
_____________________________

"Pratap nirdayi hai. Woh sirf humme paana chahte the. Unhe apna ansh chahiye. Iss Pariwar ka waaris chahiye. Woh kisi se pyaar nahi karte. Naa humse . Naa unki pehli biwi se. Hum toot chuke hai. Hum jeena nahi chahte." ( Pratap is cold hearted. He just wants to get me, He wants a child for continuing his family which Arundhati can never give. He doesnt love anyone. Neither me nor Arundhati. I am shattered. I dont wish to live)

______________________________

Arnav gulped the tears formed in his throat for this woman. Fate was really cruel on her.

______________________________

"Yeh kaise ho sakta hai? Hum aaj Kunwar Sa se mile. Humme yakeen nahi ho raha hai. Woh yahan mehmaan hai. Issi Ghar mein. Apni biwi aur baccho ke saath." (How can this be possible? Today I again met Kunwar Sa. I cant believe he is here as a Guest. In this house. with his wife and children)

______________________________

Now this statement stunned Arnav. That "Kunwar Sa" was back in her life? That too in this house ? hOw's that possible? He was about to read further when suddenly he heard Khushi's voice from the other corner. The diary dropped from his hand. He was shocked to see Khushi wearing one of Gunjan's Lehnga Choli. She had covered her head with the Dupatta just like Gunjan wore in her time. She gave him totally wierd expressions and he didnt take time to realise that it was Gunjan who had been overpowered Khushi at this instance.

Khushi: Meri Zindagi ke panne padh rahe ho? ( Reading about my life?)

Arnav didnt utter a word. She started nearing him slowly.

Khushi: Accha hai.. Sach jaan lo. Dusra mauka nahi milega yeh jaanane ka ki hum tumhe kyon maar daalna chahte hai.? ( Good. You should know the truth. You wont get another chance to know why I want to kill you )
Arnav: Khushi ko taqleef dena chod do Gunjan. ( Stop bothering Khushi Gunjan)

Khushi started laughing heartily.

Khushi: Chod dungi.. Tumhari maut ke baad. ( I will leave her.. But after your death )

She laughed again. Arnav pulled her towards him and pinned her to the wall behind .But this time Khushi had enough strength to release herself from his clutches. She pushed him away. He almost stumbled and fell down on the wooden floor.

Khushi: Bahut pyaar hai naa tumhe? Apni khushi se? Uske iss chehre se? Zaahir si baat hai. Yeh chehra naa hi tum bhula paaoge naa woh bhula paaye. (You love her right? Your Khushi.. Her face? Its obvious. This face neither you forget nor HE)

Arnav: Woh kaun? ( Who else?)
Khushi slowly walked towards him. He was still half sitting on the floor. She leaned to his ears for whispering.
Khushi: Kunwar Arjun Singh Raizada .. Tumhaare pita ( Your father)

Arnav was shocked to hell. That means the Kunwar Sa she wrote about was none other his father? How is that possible? That means His father loved Gunjan before she was married to Pratap? Now he realised why Gunjan had written that Kunwar sa was back in her life? He had been told by others that Arundhati , pratap's first wife was his Aunt. So it was obvious that his father had come here in Sheesh Mahal to meet her. Within the next instance, Khushi touched Arnav's hand, holding it firm. Arnav's eyes shut unwillingly. He felt as if his body was getting colder after that touch from Khushi. He felt immense pain in his forehead and images started flashing in his mind. He felt like he was been forced by Gunjan to watch something dreadful. He saw his father in Sheesh Mahal holding Gunjan forcefully in his arms and warning her.

Flashback

"Tum ne mujhse badla lene ke liye Pratap se shaadi ki. Tum ne Pratap ko fasaya hai. Tum jaanti thi Pratap ki biwi meri behen hai. Main tumhe iss ghar mein toh kya.. iss duniya mein rehne nahi dunga. Meri behen ki jagah koi nahi le sakta. Ek baar bhi yeh khayal nahi aaya ki jis shaadi shuda insaan ko tum fasa rahi ho woh mere Behen ka pati hai? Tum jaise giri hui aurat maine kabhi nahi dekhi Gunjan. Aaj se.. Balki abhi se tum apni ulti ginti ginana shuru kardo. Main tumhe barbaad kar dunga. " (You married Pratap to revenge me? You have cheated Pratap. You knew he was married. I wont let you live in this house or even on this earth. No one can take the place of my sister here. Just for once you didnt realsie that the woman whose house your breaking is my sister? I have never seen a characterless woman like you in my life. Start counting your end days .I will destroy you )

Gunjan wasnt allowed to speak in her defense. This conversation between her and Kunwar Arjun Singh Raizada was overheard by Arundhati too. The scene suddenly shifted to night .. on the terrace of Sheesh Mahal.. Arundhati was fighting with Gunjan almost abusing her for spoiling her life. There was no one else there except these two women. Arundhati started pushing her in anger and Gunjan had to retaliate. Suddenly Arundhati lost the balance and she fell down from the Sheesh Mahal Terrace ending her life. Gunjan stood shocked.

The scene then shifted to the day when Arjun Singh Raizada promised to take revenge from PRatap and Gunjan for the death of his sister and poisoned their food. Luckily Gunjan was late but Pratap had consumed the entire food .The poison worked and he fell down on the floor cold and dead.

The next scene Arnav saw was the one when Arjun started blaming Gunjan and her black magic powers for being the reason of Pratap's sudden death. He coaxed the servants to leave Sheesh Mahal. He even started brainwashing the villagers. Everyone were getting convinced that Gunjan was harmful.

The scene then shifted to Sheesh Mahal again where Gunjan was pleading to Kunwar Arjun Singh Raizada asking him not to plan murdering her as she was pregnant. She was carrying Pratap's child. And even if she might not have done fully right, her unborn child is innocent and should be saved.. But Arjun was so much blind in revenge that he didnt hear any of her pleas.

The next scene Gunjan was in the backyard of Sheesh Mahal on Amavasya night helping her friend GArima who had come here to help her from fleeing from this palace to save herself. But before Garima could flee her she started getting labour pains and Gunjan had to help her delivering the baby.. which was Khushi. The moment Khushi was delivered, they heard the villagers coming to that direction. Garima was unconscious,  Gunjan knew her end was near so she used her black magic powers to ensure that even if she was killed today, her soul will be alive in the pure body of a child who was just born.

The next scene was the last one Arnav saw where Gunjan was sitting on the ground, shouting and screaming while the villagers lighted the fire around her. She was considered to be witch and hence was brutally burnt alive.

To be Continued





Part 36

Arnav opened his eyes feeling totally frightened of the scenes he just saw. His father was the culprit? His father had done such a huge sin ? He had always known his father to be a kind one. All that trust and respect he had got for his father until now, faded away. He looked at Khushi who was still possessed by Gunjan. She was smiling at him for being able to show him his fathers deeds.

Khushi: Saw? Saw how he ruined my life? He killed my unborn child. I will hurt his Son. I will burn you alive. Kunwarsa Arjun's soul will tear apart seeing his son's flesh burning in fire. ( she laughed heartily)

Arnav didnt fail to read the satisfaction in her eyes for almost being ready to accomplish her mission. He clutched her arms tight so that she doesnt flee.

Arnav: It's injustice what you went through. My father ruined your life. He should have spared your child. By killing me you can bring justice to what happened with you, but what about the soul of your baby which left your body? Will your child's pure soul ever like you his mother taking a revenge from an innocent man who doesnt even connect with all this past except that he is the son of the same man who killed you? Your love failed. You never got the love and dignity of a wife which you deserved. You chose Khushi's body to take your revenge, you made me fall for Khushi hoping it would be easier for you to kill me. But you are not even close enough to the consequences of it. Being inside her, have you never felt the love which she has for me? Last night, we consummated our marriage, that itself proves no matter you kill me or not, our love still wins. You might kill me today and fulfil your revenge, you might also leave Khushi's body forever after this as your soul will finally rest in peace. But have you thought about Khushi? You are her mother's friend. You are not just betraying your friendship with Garima Gupta but you are also going to give a hell of life for your friend's daughter in future. Khushi will have to go through the same curse, the same fate which you went through. People outside this palace is not going to believe Gunjan killed me , they will blame Khushi for my death. They will punish her, just like they punished you years ago without your much fault. Will you want that to happen? Who knows if Khushi in few months might have carrying my child? You couldnt do justice to your unborn child and you will give the same fate to Khushi and my unborn child too if this happens. Will you like that? Will your revenge ever be successful if all this happens ? Will your soul ever rest in peace Gunjan? ( he shook her to get a response.. ) Jawab do Gunjan. Answer me.. !!

Khushi had started shivering in his arms. There was anger written all over her face. Gunjan within her was not happy with what Arnav was trying to explain her. She pushed him away with a brutal force. Arnav hit hard on the woods at the corner of this basement .. He had bruised his arm and leg..

Arnav ( pressing his feet which was injured but looking at her): You never got true love from the two men in your life. But Khushi is not as unlucky as you. She has me.. I love her and no matter how much you hurt me through her, I can never stop loving her.

Gunjan inside Khushi was getting provoked by his comments.. SHe took a huge log of wood in her hand and threw it towards him with force. She hated this man.. He was Kunwar Arjun's son. He had to be killed. She cannot come in his words.. She cannot spare him. Luckily Arnav was able to roll over before the log of wood could hurt him.

Arnav: (trying to get up): Have you never felt the love which Khushi feels for me? You were right inside her all these years.. This revenge is not anymore for the wrongs that happened to you because of my father. THis has took a different turn.. You are jealous of Khushi.. You cannot see some woman getting everything which you dreamt of once.

That statement irritated her.

Khushi ( yelling out): no. .I am not jealous..
Arnav got up finally and with the help of some support of the bricks aside, he managed to reach her again.
Arnav: Yes you are.. You are jealous of Khushi. I thought you were cruel only for the people who hurt you when you were alive. But I was wrong.. You are now hurting innocent people Gunjan.. By doing this act you will hurt your best friend Garima.. you will hurt her daughter Khushi whose body you used all these years to keep you secured from the outside world. You will hurt everyone out here in Sheesh Mahal who are a part of this family. THey never harmed you.. I never harmed you.. We didnt even know you existed.. Then why are we troubled ? This is a wasteful revenge.. Something which you can succeed but never get peace from..

Khushi took a brick in her hand and smashed it on Arnav's head. She was unable to hear all this from him.. Arnav's forhead started bleeding. He still continued.

Arnav: (trying to stop the blood oozing out): You are just satisfying your Ego Gunjan.. Nothing will change after this. You wont get anything from hurting this family.. People have always seen your black side.. This is the time to make things rights.. ALl these years you have lived inside Khushi, has given you a chance to clear your picture from the hearts of the people here.. You cannot ruin this chance and prove yourself more worst by killing me. You can come out clean.. Spare Khushi.. Leave her .. At once..!! ( he screamed aloud in rage)

The moment he screamed at her, she threw the burning lamp which had lighted the basement over the dry hay on which Arnav was standing.. Least did she realise she herself was not much away from that hay. The grass caught fire immediately. Both Arnav and Khushi were surrounded by that fire. Khushi started screaming aloud .. Gunjan was always scared of Fire.. Afterall Fire was the reason for her death.  She couldnt bare the flames around.. Arnav was not worried for himself. He was more worried for Khushi.. She should not be hurt. He had to save her.. The fire started blazing high everywhere.. There was no place to escape.. Arnav saw the top roof of the basement area becoming loose. It would fall anytime on her.

Arnav: Khushi..............( he screamed aloud running towards her irrespective of the pain in his injured feet)

He caught hold of her and dragged her to a little safer place .. at the corner where the hay was less and there was no much fire there. He cupped her face..

Arnav: Tum theek ho? Dont worry.. I .. I will get you out from here..

He started making efforts in finding an opening from where he can send Khushi outside.. where she can be saved.. He knew Gunjan had not left Khushi's body but he still wanted to save her. For what? She was just destroying his life.. he was so badly hurt that even if he would want to escape he might not recover from those injuries.. This fire was so high that he will never come out of it safe.. But he still wanted to save her. .?? She was quiet. .She was just observing his attempts., Tears rolled down from her eyes. Arnav came back to her again.,

Arnav: There is a creek ther.e. ( he pointed).. You are slim enough to escape.. Go..

He pushed her to the small creek at the basement door whose wooden wall had almost burnt making little place for her to go out of this burning room.. She looked at him with utmost affection..

Arnav: I said Go.. !! ( he pushed her again but she didnt move an inch... )

She came back to him and met his eyes.. Arnav could see  Gunjan becoming passive..

Khushi: You want to save that woman who has made this attempt to kill you?
Arnav: I am saving a Woman.. Not because she is my wife.. She also has an identity far beyond that. I was too small to save you from my father's wrath, years ago. But this time, I wont step back. Even if it means the end of me.. Both You and my Wife should be safe.

His words opened her eyes. Who was she? A Ghost? Then why these tears in her eyes that too for this man whom she hated because of his father's deeds? This was supposed to be a revenge, but it looked like a suicide for her. She might be stronger but the body within whom she rested was not ready to leave this place.. She could feel Khushi's love for Arnav which wasnt allowing her to leave her husband in distress and fleeing to save her own life.. That LOVE.. THat's what even she had within her for a man who failed to return it back to her with that same intensity. And today when she has got the opportunity to punish Arnav for his father's deeds, she was feeling totally helpless after feeling the strength of love this couple had for each other.

Arnav saw the fire rising high again.. He was about to push Khushi again towards that creek but was shocked to see her holding the Diary which belonged to Gunjan.. What was she doing, he thought? She looked straight in his eyes standing few feets away from him.

Khushi: You win..!!

Saying that she throws the diary in the blazing fire flames.. The moment the pages of this dairy start getting burnt, Arnav realises Khushi closing her eyes and fainting.. It symbolized the end of Gunjan.. Khushi falls down on the hay.. Without much delay Arnav reaches her and picks her in arms.. At the same time, he sees the basement wall being sprayed by water from the outside.. Someone was here to help them.. He rushed towards that area, with Khushi in his arms. The wall is torn apart and he could see Akash, Aman, and his family standing there and trying their best to save them... He quickly passes Khushi to the family and before coming out, he sees behind one last time to the diary which by now had been burnt brutally.. He can feel it.. He can feel Gunjan's existence has vanished from their lives..

Akash pulls him out with a force .. The moment he sees Khushi been treated outside by the medical team, he closes his eyes and faints.

To be Continued.

Part 37

Arnav was hospitalised as his wounds were major compared to Khushi's. He was unconscious and suffered from a leg injury too. When he opened his eyes, he looked around only to find Di and Akash standing next to his bed. Anjali rushed towards him after realising he was trying to extend his arm..

Anjali: Chotte? How are you feeling now?
Arnav was breathing hard and he had to put much effort in speaking.

Arnav: Khushi kaisi hai? (How is Khushi?)
Anjali stiffened.
Anjali: Nothing happened to her. She is fine.
Arnav: Kahan hai? ( Where is she?)

Akash intervened.

Akash: Arnie yaar. .Tu apne baarein mein soch.. After almost 24 hours you are opening your eyes. All these hours none of us could rest. We were waiting for you to be fine again..

Arnav: ( gulped ): Khushi kahan hai Akash? (Where is Khushi Akash? )
Akash and Anjali looked at each other once. Arnav wasnt really understanding why they arent letting him know about Khushi?
Arnav: Fine.. I wil find her myself.

He tried getting up from the bed but Anjali and Akash stopped him from doing so..

Anjali: Khushi is back to Gupta house Arnav.. ( she finally blurted out)
Arnav was shocked.. She went back? What does that mean?
Arnav: Mujhe uss se milna hai. ( I want to meet her)

He tried getting up again but he had no enough strength to do so.

Akash: First you get well.  Your leg has been plastered Arnav.. You have to recover in few days and only then you can get the discharge from here. Not otherwise.
Arnav: Phone. ( he demanded)
Anjali ( little pissed off): Arnav bus karo.. You are not in a position to even sit.. Rest for some time. Please..
Arnav: Di .. Khushi..
Anjali: Woh aa jaayegi.. (She will come )
Arnav: Kab? ( he asked like a small kid.)
Anjali's eyes became moist.. She didnt know what reply to give him. She caressed his face once..

Anjali: Get well soon Chotte.. We all need you back.. Please rest now.. Please..

Arnav's eyes closed again. He wanted to get well soon and meet his Khushi again.

******************

Gupta House

Khushi was sitting at the corner of her bed, hiding her face in between her knees. So much happened in their lives. So much trouble she gave to Arnav and his family unknowingly. How will she repay their kindness ever? How will she face them again and start a new life with Arnav? She loved Arnav and knew he would love her too even after facing all this with her, but what was the guarantee that nothing of this sort will happen again in future? Was Gunjan really gone? Was she really freed from those sleep walking at nights and split personality type conditions? She had got very few stitches from that fire accident which happened in the basement of the garage at Sheesh Mahal. SHe was told by everyone how Arnav had saved her life and put himself at risk.. She was ashamed that being a wife, she landed her husband in such a major risk. Even though she got the medical treatment in Sheesh Mahal after the fire accident, she wasnt conscious to know when Arnav was taken to the hospital ? When she woke up it was already last evening. She had demanded to see Arnav but Anjali stopped her from doing so. Infact Anjali even blamed Khushi for her brother's condition. Anjali wasnt wrong. She really had seen how her brother tried his best to make things work and get her freed from Gunjan's evil clutches. So it was obvious after that conversation she had with Anjali, Khushi couldnt stay in Sheesh Mahal any longer and witness her own people looking at her with horror and pain. She returned back to her home, to her buaji and mother. But she cannot hold herself from meeting Arnav once.. She desperately wanted to know his condition. Akash was in touch with her. Though not directly on call, he still messaged her and kept answering her questions about Arnav's health. Aman also did the same. These two men really fulfilled their duty of friendship in every walks of their lives. She was so thankful to them for being so supportive all the time.

Her room door was opened and Garima entered inside with some food for Khushi. She sat next to her on bed and caressed her hair.

Garima: Eat something Khushi. You havnt eaten anything since yesterday..

Khushi raised her head from her knees. She looked at her mother with tearful eyes and then hugged her tight.

Khushi: I want to see him Maa.. I cant eat anything until that..
GArima gulped the pain she felt for her own daughter. She pulled back Khushi from the hug.
Garima: Then go and see him. No one will stop you. You are his wife Khushi and Arnav loves you. He will be expecting you to be right beside him at this stage. He always have been there for you in your hard times. Now its your turn.. Go..

Khushi felt strength within her rising again..

Khushi: But Di?
Garima: Her anger is in her place but your duties should not get overshadowed due to that. She will understand.. Go and meet Arnav..

Khushi felt relieved hearing that from her mother. She kissed her mother's cheek and then rushed to get ready. She cannot wait even for a single minute to see Arnav.

******************

Hospital

It was afternoon when Arnav felt fingers brushing the stitches on his forehead. He opened his eyes slowly.. A smile appeared on his lips as he realised it was khushi sitting next to him .. He had waited to see her so desperately.. The moment their eyes met, tears rolled down her cheeks.

Arnav tried to hold her hand which she immediately placed in his .

Arnav: Kahan chali gayi thi mujhe chodkar? ( Where had you been leaving me alone? )
Khushi (gulping her tears): Kahi nahi.. ( Nowhere)
Arnav: Main dar gaya tha. ( I was scared)
Khushi noded
Khushi: I know.
Arnav: Never leave me again Khushi.. I might not survive..

This statement made her shed some more tears. She always failed to read the love this man carried for her.

Khushi: I have hurt you enough Arnav.. I dont remember anything that happened in the Basement.. But looking at your condition, I can say it was worst..
Arnav smiled weakly, trying his best to keep his eyes open.
Arnav: At the end.. Love always wins.

That brought a smile on her lips too.

Khushi: She is gone forever from our lives.. I can feel that.
Arnav: Hmm.. You missing her ? ( he teased)
Khushi chuckled sarsactically.
Khushi: No.. I am glad she got peace finally.

Saying that she leaned her head on Arnav's shoulders.Both closed their eyes. Arnav had all the reasons to finally take rest , now that his wife is beside him..

****************


The next day Arnav felt a bit more relaxed and fresh. He could sit on the bed now, though his leg was still plastered. Khushi was all the time in the Hospital beside him. Even though Akash, Anjali and Aman did their turns to spend some time here with Arnav, Khushi hardly went home.

Akash and Aman were here to meet Arnav today morning ,with his breakfast which Di had cooked. Khushi served it in a bowl and then started feeding Arnav with spoon.

Akash: Biwi ho toh aisi.. So much love.. Waahh .. I am impressed.

Arnav and Khushi both shared a glance at each other and she continued feeding him.
Aman: Yea Aki.. Arnav do you know Khushi has almost got settled in this hospital as her second home? She only goes once to Gupta house to get her shower probably. Otherwise the whole day, the whole night she is just beside you.
Arnav stopped Khushi from feeding him.
Arnav: Thats why you are looking so pale these days.
Khushi: I am fine ( she muttered and started feeding him again)
Arnav: Get some rest Khushi. I will manage here with others today. I am serious..
Khushi: You first get well soon enough for the discharge from this Hospital. We will take rest together then..

Akash and Aman gigled..

Aman: Guys.. You both better stop thinking about rest now. We have so much to do after Arnav is discharged from the hospital..
Arnav: ( confused): Like?
Akash: Firstly we need to decide our future Hotel plans seriously Arnav.
Arnav knew what he meant.

Arnav: Yea . I was already thinking about that Akash.. I dont think we should be serious in demolishing the Sheesh Mahal and constructing a Hotel here. This place might have been safe from Gunjan and her spirit but people around will keep talking about it for ages. It's not a good business for our Hotel then.. We might not get Customers if this happens.
Akash ( sighed in disappointment): I know what you mean.. But.. We have invested in this Arnav.. A lot!! ( he reminded)
Arnav: You wont have to bear that Loss. I will repay you the share..

Khushi and others were startled..

Akash: What do you mean repay me my share? Arent you anymore interested in our Partnership of Hotel Business?
Arnav ( chuckled): I didnt mean that.. We shall look for better city and land for our First Hotel in India. But whatever you paid for Sheesh Mahal, I will repay you back and own this Palace all to myself.
Aman: You still wish to own it Arnav? What about selling it off? You both wont be at loss.
Arnav: I dont want  to sell it. Not in the few years at least..
Akash: Why? Even after living those horrible moments here you still wish to keep it?
Arnav: Yes. I dont know how best I can utilize it in future, but I want to keep it with me. Not because it is related to my father. I dont even wish to remember it that way. Whatever my father did with Gunjan here is unforgivable. I want to keep this Palace because this is where Khushi took birth.. This is where it all started.. This is where she got her freedom back from Gunjan's spirit. I am sure we both will come out with some better plans for this Palace rather than demolishing it completely.

Akash and Aman were understanding the attraction Arnav had for Sheesh Mahal.

Akash: Alright.. If thats what you want..

After spending few more minutes with them, Akash and Aman left. Khushi sat next to Arnav again, holding his hand.

Khushi : You dont need to do this Arnav.. I mean the Palace.
Arnav: I know what I am doing. Dont be afraid.. We are no longer to stay there either..
Khushi: Means?
Arnav: Lets get back to London for some time. With Di, Jeejaji and Aarav. I want us to forget all of this and start a new life Khushi..

He entwined his fingers with hers making her feel wanted,.

Khushi: What about your Hotel Business?
Arnav: I will look at that seperately. We still have some time to get engrossed in it full time. Until then I want my wife all to myself ..Let us feel being married first..

There was a deep blush on Khushi's face. She remembered they already had consummated their wedding.. But truly, that wasnt enough..She leaned herself on him, hiding her face in his broad shoulders, letting him know she was fully prepared for it.

To be Continued






Part 38

Hospital

After almost 2 more days the Doctor finally gave the approval for Arnav's discharge. Arnav was able to walk without support. The Dr checked him one last time in the VIP room.

Dr: These bandages on your forehead will still need dressing every day until they dry. I will send some nurse every morning to get this done.

Khushi (interrupted): Dr thats not required. I will do the dressing.
 Arnav smirked seeing his wife taking this initiative.
 Dr: Okay Mrs Raizada . And dont worry, your husband is fine now.
 Khushi smiled weakly. Akash and Aman knocked the door and entered inside. They looked very excited to take ARnav back home. The doctor left the room.

Akash: Aman.. Lets start packing Arnie's bag.
 Aman: Yea..
 Khushi: I have already packed the bags. ( she stated)
 Aman: Wow.. How could we forget Aki.. More than us, she is eager to get Arnie home.
 Akash: Hmm.. We shouldnt have come here Aman.. Instead we should have been at home and decorated Arnie's bedroom. After all those bitter moments, this couple is finally going to spend some quality time with each other ...

Khushi's cheeks turned pink with that statement. She was unable to meet their eyes ..Arnav chuckled softly...

Arnav: Stop troubling my wife Aki... And mind you both, dont do any drama of decorating the room. We dont need it.
 Aman: Waah bhai.. Lagta hai Janaab ke kuch aur plans hai..!! ( Wow.. Looks like he has some other better plans)

Arnav turned to see Khushi who was at the corner of the room, fiddling with his bags, pretending to pack it again.

Akash: (sitting next to Arnav on the hospital bed): Arnie.. whats the plan?? You wont tell us??
 Aman: ( sitting on the bed too):  You really dont need our help?  We can get things from the market if you need any..

Arnav was finding it difficult to hold his blush. He pushed both the men away from him.

Arnav: I will manage everything.. Now get out .. Pay the bills and get the car ready. Me and Khushi will come down in sometime.

Akash and Aman laughed at the couples state.

Aman: Aki.. Aag dono taraf barabar lagi hai.. ( Aki.. The fire is burning equally from both the ends)
 Akash: I can feel that too. ( he said looking at Arnav who was staring at them to leave)... If we dont leave this room right now, we both might burn alive..

Arnav had beared enough of this torture. He took the pillow and threw it towards AMan and Akash who ran away instantly saving themselves.. Khushi gigled..

The moment they were gone, Arnav tried to get down from the bed. Though he was capable to get down on his own , Khushi still came to assist. He clutched her arms holding her firm, not letting her go away from him.

Arnav: Ghar chale Khushi ? ( Lets go home Khushi?)

Khushi didnt reply.. She was just looking down, not meeting his eyes . Arnav could sense she was upset.. He pulled her chin up forcing her to meet his eyes.

Arnav: Whats wrong Khushi? Why are you upset now when everything is finally falling in place?
 Khushi: Everything is still not in place Arnav..
 Arnav: Kya matlab??
 Khushi: Di.. ( she gulped ).. Woh mujhe kabhi maaf nahi karengi.. ( She will never forgive me )

Arnav then realised why she was saying so..

Arnav: You dont need to be guilty for anything that happened.. It was not your fault. And regarding Di, I will talk to her. She already knows how much we love each other. So She will understand.

Khushi immediately wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head on his chest.. She wanted to feel solace and she received that the very next moment when he closed the hug taking her tight in between his arms..

****************

Sheesh Mahal

Arnav and Khushi stood before Anjali and the rest of the family, at the entrance of Sheesh Mahal, as Anjali slowly circled the Puja Thali before them.. Khushi was still unsure if Anjali was accepting her or not. Arnav also could sense that fear Khushi was facing at the moment. To suppress that he gently held her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. He had already decided to talk to his Di once they settle down today.

When Anjali finished circling the Thali, she passed it to Akash and then folded her palms for apology.

Anjali: I am sorry Khushi.. I over reacted that day..I was scared seeing Arnav injured and unconscious.. I have always tried to protect him and seeing him so much hurt made me go mad on you .. Please forgive me .. I shouldnt I have asked you to leave this house.. This place belongs to you.. This family here belongs to you.. My Chotte belongs to you..

Khushi's eyes teared. She instantly hugged Anjali and both the women expressed their emotions . Arnav was relieved that he didnt have the need to make his Di understand.

Arnav ( tapping his Di's shoulder): Hug for Khushi only?? Not me ??

Everyone laughed at that comment. Anjali pulled Arnav for a hug too and caressed his hair.

Shyam: Rani Saheba...How long will you make them stand here outside ??
 Anjali then realised her husband was right. She pulled back from the hug and then smiled at them.

Anjali: Chotte.. Should we again follow the Raizada ritual today??

Arnav took few seconds to register which ritual his Di was talking about.. Aman and Akash also forced Arnav .. Khushi then understood they wanted Arnav to pick her in arms and carry her inside.

Khushi: No.. Not needed.. Arnav has just got discharged.. He is still weak..

Without listening to that, Arnav took her in his arms before everyone..

Arnav ( meeting her eyes ): Itna bhi weak nahi ki apni wife ko utha nahi sakta..!! ( Not so much weak that I cant pick my wife)

Khushi blushed hard as Arnav carried her inside the house while the others kept cheering for them.

*****************

After almost an hour of chit chat and snacks, Arnav and Khushi finally got the chance to get inside their room. The moment they reached , Arnav pulled Khushi's arm so that she lands on his chest again. She held his shoulders for support .. He gently moved her hair strand aside and tucked it behind her ear. Khushi felt shivers in her body.. This is the same kind of feeling when they had consummated their marriage.

Khushi: Arnav.. ( she was hardly audible)
 Arnav placed a finger on her lips and carried her in his arms again.. Khushi was stunned. Though she didnt resist, she couldnt stop advising..

Khushi: Arnav.. We cant..You need rest..
 Arnav placed her on the bed and the next moment she wasnt allowed to speak for hours...

****************

Next Morning

There was a knock at the door which woke Khushi from her sleep. She opened her eyes gently only to find her Arnav sleeping next to her.  There was a deep blush again on her face. He looked so peaceful... There was so much they had gone through recently. ANd now that it all ended, she was relieved that her husband can finally get some happy moments from her.There was another knock and she murmured something under her breathe for getting this moment ruined.. She tied the robe and then hurried to the door. She opened the door only to find Akash and Aman trying to peep inside..

Akash and Aman: Morning ... ( they greeted teasingly)
 Khushi: Morning but what are you both doing here at 06:30?
 Aman: Nothing.. we were just passing by ....and thought of wishing you both..
 Akash: ( trying to peep inside again): Of course.. what else we will come here for..

Khushi understood they were lieing..

Khushi : Tell me honestly guys.. This excuse wont work..
 Akash: ( pushing the door open): Okay.. now that you have come to know already , we wont pretend.

He rushed to the bed where Arnav was still sleeping shirtless and slept next to him, behind, wrapping his one arm on Arnav's waist .. Khushi was about to speak when Aman stopped her. They just wanted to tease Arnav..The moment Arnav felt one arm on his waist , he murmured Khushi's name and tried to pull closer. But in few seconds he realised the hand was not hers. He woke up.. Akash and Aman started laughing hard...

Arnav: What the . !! What are you both doing here?
Akash: Arnie.. whats this? (he pointed at Arnav's neck.) Looks like something.. bite you..

Arnav was about to touch his neck but he saw Akash and AMan laughing again and realised they were still teasing him.

Aman: Aki.. yaar.. enough.. we shouldnt disturb the love birds early morning.. THey are still sleepy.. Let them rest..
Arnav and Khushi glanced at each other..
Akash: This is unfair Aman.. I mean these two will now have a seperate life.. they wont need us?
Khushi: WHo said we dont need you both? We do Akash..
Akash: Prove it..
Arnav raised his eyebrows high.. He knew AKash from childhood. His pranks and naughtiness had no end..

Khushi: Prove? KAise?
Akash jumped out of the bed and came to her.
Akash: (holding Khushi's hands in his): Talk to Di and others about Payal .. please.. We both want to stay together too just like you and Arnav.

Khushi gigled.

Aman: Heights of unfriendliness. No one is thinking about me.. ( he came to Khushi.. shrugged her hands from Akash's and held it himself. ).. Find a suitable girl for me too. My age is running out..
Khushi (sighed): Oh God.. You both are so desperate for marrying..
Akash: You both werent? COme on Khushi.. Please..

Arnav got down from the bed.

Khushi: Alright.. Let me see what I can do..
Aman: No.. We need a firm response..
Khushi: OKay. I will talk to Payal and Di for your marriage Akash.. and for Aman I will talk to some marriage bureau and find suitable proposals .. Happy ?

Akash and Aman seemed pleased.. Arnav reached there and started pushing them both out..

Arnav: Got your answers. Now off this room. Come on..

They tried to talk still but Arnav locked the room after they were out and turned back to Khushi.. She didnt speak anything.. SHe waited there until he reached her and took her off to bed again .

*****************

THat same day, Khushi did talk to Anjali and Payal about Akash's proposal for marriage. Payal was fully ready and Anjali was also more than happy to make preparations for her Second brother's marriage.. Everything looked so simple around.. There was no more the fear around. Arnav wanted the marriage to happen sooner so that he and Khushi can then leave for London.. Spend some time there and then return back to India to settle their new Hotel business. Until then Aman took the responsiblity of finding some decent city and location where the new Hotel could be raised. Life for them was again falling back in place.

To be Continued.


Part 39 (LAST PART)

Anjali was fully ready to leave for Das House taking Akash's marriage proposal for Payal. She and Shyam had taken this lead after talking to Akash's parents who were now preparing their arrival from London to India to attend their Son's wedding. Anjali came down looking for Aarav who was sitting in the kitchen with Khushi.

Anjali: Khushi? You arent ready yet? Come on we should be leaving to Das house now. Payal must be waiting.
Khushi: Uhh.. Di .. I dont think I am coming there.
Anjali (surprised): Not coming? Why? Are you not feeling well?
Khushi: No. I am totally fine.
Anjali: Then?

Khushi: (sighed in disappointment): Last time I had been there with Arnav, Payal's grandfather got a minor stroke seeing me. My face resembles Gunjan's.. And he doesnt have good memories about her. I dont want him to suffer more after seeing me again today. Besides you people are going for a good talk, lets not spoil anyone's mood.

Anjali understood her but she wasnt much happy. Akash and Arnav who heard this conversation walked in.

Arnav: Di.. I think Khushi is right. She should stay back.
Akash: No.. She is my best friend's wife. She is a family now. She has to come. And we can convince Payal's grandfather.
Arnav: No Aki.. He is not too well these days. Lets not take any chance. I will stay back with Khushi.. You guys carry on.
Akash: What? Now you too arent coming? Fine.. I am not going anywhere.. I am not in a hurry for marriage..
Khushi: Aki ?? Now you dont act stupid. Arnav is coming with you.
Arnav: Khushi but.. You are alone here.
Khushi: So? No one is going to eat me up. You guys go and come back soon only after fixing the wedding date.
Anjali: Should I stay back Khushi?
Khushi: No Di.. It's not required. I am fine here.. Now you all go. We are already late..

She pushed Akash and Anjali who finally walked out with Aarav.. Arnav was still in the Kitchen when Khushi turned back.

Khushi:  Go Arnav..
He came to her and pulled Khushi close to him.
Khushi ( wrapping her arms around him..): Kya?
Arnav: (whispering slowly looking in her eyes): Dont feel like leaving you alone here..
Khushi: Its just a matter of one or two hours.. I will be fine..
Arnav: I would have believed that had it been some other house.. It's Sheesh Mahal Khushi..( he expressed his fear)
Khushi took a deep breathe and cupped his face between her palms.
Khushi: She is gone Arnav..
Arnav : She is. But.. I dont feel safe to leave you here.. It's been how many days? HArdly 3 weeks after that Fire accident.
Khushi: Right.. And no incident happened after it. We didnt find any trace of her presence again in our lives which means I am out of danger. Samjhe? Now dont spoil others mood. Akash will feel bad if you dont go.. He is your best buddy.

Arnav noded.

Arnav: Theek hai.. Call me if you feel scared..
Khushi ( chuckled): Gosh.!! I am not a kid Arnav.. Now Go..

She dragged him out of the Kitchen and then bid the family Bye.. Das house was just a kilometer away from Sheesh Mahal. She can manage for some time without them.

****************

Not even 30 minutes passed that the door bell rang. Khushi was sitting on the couch and reading some book. She opened the door only to be surprised to see her mother.

Khushi: Maa?
She hugged Garima and welcomed her inside.
Khushi: Surprise.. You know I was just thinking of meeting you today or tomorrow. I missed you so much..
Garima: (smiled): But your husband misses me more than you do.
Khushi: (confused): Matlab?
GArima: Baby.. He called me some minutes ago and told me you are alone home so if I can join you. I can never deny spending time with my daughter. So I came here.

Khushi was startled.

Khushi: This Arnav naa. He worries too much for me. Anyways. Come in..

She made her mother sit on the couch..Thats when she saw the bag her mother was carrying..

Khushi: Maa.. What's in this?

Garima removed the photo frame of Gunjan which once Khushi has stolen from Sheesh Mahal. The same picture which Garima had sketched.. Khushi was taken aback seeing that Picture.

Garima: Uhh.. I dont know if Arnav have told you about this.. He asked me to get this picture back here..
Khushi: He asked you? Why? I mean.. He didnt tell me anything about it..
Garima: I also didnt want you to see this again .. Whats past should be dumped now . But I could not deny Arnav.
Khushi (sighed): Never mind. I will speak to him.. What will you eat?
Garima: Uhh.. tea and pakoras.. I didnt eat anything since morning. ( she admitted)

Khushi willingly got up to cook for her mother. Garima joined her to assist.

*****************

The family was back from Das house and they had decided the marriage date of 2 weeks later. So this meant, they would have to start preparing right from today. Akash's parents were informed and they had booked their flight for next week already. It was night now, Arnav was fully busy in handling the marriage chores with his Di and others. He finally got some time for his wife now who was in the bedroom, waiting for him to come. When he entered, he saw Khushi sitting on bed, admiring the photo frame.. It didnt take long for Arnav to realise whose photo she was seeing so intensely. He came there and sat next to her.

Arnav: I thought this belongs here.. So asked your mother to get it.
Khushi: Hmm.. ( she still didnt move her eyes off that photo)
Arnav ( changing the topic): You know Payal's grandfather was already made aware of the entire fiasco that happened with us here in Sheesh Mahal. So he had no qualms even if you came before him in future. That was very kind of him to understand that Gunjan and Khushi are two different souls.
Khushi: Hmm..

She wasnt really concentrating on his words which made him worry now. He snatched the photo frame from her hands.

Khushi: Arnav? ?What are you doing?
Arnav: What were you doing? Dont get yourself involved so much again into this image.. Please..
Khushi: I wasnt getting involved..
Arnav: Accha? Then what were you doing? Face reading? ( he teased sarcastically)

She sighed and got up.

Khushi: Yes.. I mean. .Kind of .. I .. I mean see this..

She took the photo back from him and tried to show him what she meant..

Khushi: Look at the satisfaction in Gunjan's smile.. She looks so calm now.. Earlier when I had stolen this photo, I didnt feel that same positiveness in her smile, in her expressions..

Arnav: You are overthinking..
Khushi: Might be.. But its positive, isnt it?

Arnav had no idea what she meant and what she tried to implicate.. She kept the photo aside and fiddled with his shirt buttons.
Arnav knew when she did that, it meant she wanted something from him.. He wrapped his arms around her. .

Arnav: Kya chahiye?
Khushi: How did you know I want something ?
Arnav: I know each of your antics and I can read every little gesture on your face when you change your expressions.. So speak out.. What do you want?
Khushi: Can we do a small puja at Sheesh Mahal, just for the peace of Gunjan's soul.? Just for my satisfaction that its over now..?
Please.. ( she pleaded)

Arnav though never believed in all this, he still had to agree that there was a lot he had witnessed in the past few months which any normal human being will fail to believe if havnt experienced..

Arnav: Fine.. We shall keep the Puja.. But after that.. You and me and off from this place..
Khushi: Off? Where?
Arnav pulled her close enough for her cheeks to turn red..
Arnav: London.. Lets get out from here for a long vacation.. Just you and me.. !! ( he tapped his finger on her nose)
Khushi: I can never deny such a superb offer.. ( she replied feeling shy)

The next moment when they would have got lost in their own little world of love, there was a knock at their door. Arnav groaned in anger but opened the door just to be pushed by Aman and Akash who entered inside and went straight to Khushi..

Arnav: What the!!
Akash: Khushi.. I need help.. I was thinking.. What does it feel like sharing the same room with your partner.. ?
Khushi: What.? What kind of question is that Aki?
Aman: ( chuckled): Let me explain .. Akash is overconcerned of his Snoars. He fears if Payal will ever manage to sleep next to him amidst those loud snoars.
Khushi gigled..
Khushi: So what if you snoar? Even Arnav does.. !!
Arnav : What the!! DOnt lie. I dont snoar for your information..
Khushi: You do. Its just that you dont realise it because that time you are in deep sleep..
Arnav: Rubbish.. I am never in deep sleep..Your kicks at night never allow me to sleep peacefully.

Khushi's jaw dropped..

Khushi: Haww. Dont lie .. I will never kick my husband.. Not even in my dreams..
Arnav: How do you know that? I am the one who bear it every night..
Khushi (angrily): Alright.. Then sleep on the Couch..

Akash and Aman's head were just oscillating from Arnav to Khushi and Khushi to Arnav..

Arnav: Why change the sleeping place? I have many better ways not to get kicked.. ( he smirked)
Khushi: Like? ( she curiously asked not realising he was back in the teasing mode)
Arnav (smirking): Should I say that before these two men here? ( he asked in a husky tone )

Once again it didnt take long for Khushi to feel nervous and timid before the three men.. She pushed Arnav away and rushed to the closet to take out her night dress.. Arnav kept watching her and then after a few seconds concentrated back on the other two.. Both Aman and Akash were waiting for his attention with a deep smile on their faces..

Arnav: What?
Aman: We want to know..
Akash: The better ways of not being kicked by your wife..
Arnav: ( felt shy): SHut up and get out..
Aman: We wont.. We need to get these ideas too .. Specially Akash who is getting married in 2 weeks..
Akash: Right. .Bol naa Arnie.. Dont feel shy come on..

They tried to tickle Arnav who pushed them out of his room so that he can spend time with his lovely wife..

********************

As decided Akash's marriage was performed followed by a grand reception party. And just 2 days later when Akash and Payal were off for their Honeymoon, Khushi and Anjali together arranged a Puja at Sheesh Mahal for peace to Gunjan's soul. The rituals were performed in the guidance of almost 7 priest who chanted very lengthy mantras and purified the whole Palace which was once haunted by Gunjan's soul. Every Palace has its own story and there was one here in Sheesh Mahal too.

Finally the day came when the family were leaving back to London. Sheesh Mahal was locked down. It was a very hard time for Arnav and Khushi to distance from this Palace. Something about this place will always remain in their hearts. Though the memories were bitter, they still were part of their life and hard to forget..

Khushi closed the diary in which she had started writing her experience with Gunjan's soul and the ill happenings which took place in Sheesh Mahal. This way she could share her point of view about the entire fiasco, including how her heart goes for Gunjan who faced so much wrong in this place. She kept the diary in her purse and then finally left the house. Anjali, Aarav and Shyam had already left from a different car whereas Arnav and Khushi were going to be dropped by another vehicle which had been loaded now by their bags.. Khushi gave one last look to the house. Her eyes were moist. Garima and Buaji were also joining them till the Airport. She finally took a turn and was about to get in the car which was at the Gates of Sheesh Mahal when her purse dropped from her shoulder. She kneeled down to pick up the contents of the purse which had scattered on the road. The dairy was the last one she was about to pick when suddenly she saw a pair of small arms picking it for her.. Khushi got up and so did the small girl of almost 8 years of age who was holding the Diary, extending it towards Khushi smiling.

Khushi took the diary from the girl and touched her cheeks.

Khushi: Thank you .. Whats your name?

The girl smiled happily at her and then started running away.. Khushi was startled.. May be the girl was shy.. But the moment she ran just few meters away from the car, the girl screamed her name "Gunjan"..

Khushi didnt understand what she meant.. She kept looking astonishingly at that girl.

"My name.. is Gunjan"

Saying that the girl ran in the woods leaving Khushi shocked.. "Gunjan"? Was this some kind of coincidence or ..

Arnav suddenly kept his arms on her waist..

Arnav: chale?
Khushi: Ahh?
Arnav: What? What happened? Why do you have sweat beads on your forehead?

Khushi didnt know what to reply.. Should she tell what happened with her just now to Arnav as well? May be not.. May be she was overthinking.. She smiled at him noding a No and sat inside the car..

Khushi: Arnav??
Arnav: Hmm..( he sat ahead beside the driver)
Khushi: Did you see that 8 year old girl ?
Arnav: Girl? Where? When?

Khushi gulped.. Was she dreaming all this? Was this a hallucination?

Khushi: Nothing..
She closed the car door after Buaji and Garima entered and then concentrated on the road.. This had to be the last chapter related to Gunjan in her life.. With that she smiled to herself and paid attention to her Mother whom she would be missing very much for this short period in London..

The End