Bride of Sheesh Mahal Season 2

Prologue



Nani: Maakhan... Did Mohan call to know when is Chotte reaching Sheesh Mahal?

Maakhan: Yes Hukum.. Chotte Malik is already on way back..

Anjali: Nani.. You shouldnt be getting so much excited.. From past 2 days you are just doing everything to welcome him.

Nani: Why not Anjali.. He is coming back to India..To Sheesh Mahal after 3 long years.. Isnt that enough for me to give him a Grand welcome.. ?



Maakhan came running inside .." Chotte Malik aa gaye.. Chotte Malik aa Gaye.. "







The family rushed outside to welcome their only Heir of this Palace.. Arnav Singh Raizada.. They stopped at the Sheesh Mahal door to welcome him.. He got down from his Car in a Black Suit and removed his Sunglasses to see Sheesh Mahal which was decorated like a Bride today only because he was coming.. Anjali's eyes were already in tears seeing her Chotte before her after 3 long years .. She was holding a Thali to circle Arnav before he could enter the house..



Arnav stopped at the other side of the Car looking at his Family..



Nani: Chotte.. Why are you standing there?? Come here..

Arnav: Nani.. I have a surprise for everyone here..

Maami: Surprise? Do you mean you have shopped for everyone? Thats unsual Arnav Bitwa.. I think thats the best surprise you can give your Maami at least.. (She chuckled)



Anjali: Maami.. It must be something else.. Chotte wont prefer shopping.. (She then turned back to see Arnav and replied..)..Chotte what is that surprise.. ?? We all are eager to see ..!!



Arnav opened the Car door again and everyone looked there with happy eyes to know what it was.. A lady dressed in a Red Saree got down from the Car... She was wearing Dozens of Red Bangles in both her hands which already had Mehndi drawn on them. She was wearing a Mangal Sutra on her neck and Sindoor on her forehead.. She was thin, fair and freaking gorgeous..She had straight long hair which she had curled at the end and left them loose..



She joined her hands to say a "Namaste" to everyone present there and seeing her with Arnav, the family could only give shocked looks to each other.. Arnav held the girls hand in his and then looked back to his family..



Arnav: My Wife.. Khushi Singh Raizada.. (He introduced her to everyone only making them drop their jaws, widen their eyes and increase their heartbeat at an infinite rate)




Part 1



Sheesh Mahal



Maakhan (a loyal servant of The Sheesh Mahal from years) walked with a Tray to the third floor of the Palace.. A floor where only one family member stayed.. All the rest of the family stayed on the first and second floor but the third floor was occupied by the most important member of this family, Mrs Mohini Malik. She was called as BADI MAA by all the kids of this family. She was a lady in her late 50's . A Strong built personality wearing no other signs of a married women except a Sindoor on her forehead ..She was the only one whom every memeber of this family was little scared of. Her sharp observation and her powerful opinions always made the other family members quiet when she spoke.. Maakhan himself was very much scared of this lady and she was been termed as "Hukkum" by him .. He knocked the door of her room and then waited for her to open the door.. She did open it .. Her one look was enough for anyone standing before her to bend down their heads and speak in a soft shiverring tone..



Maakhan: Hukkum.. Khaana..!!(Hukkum.. Food)

She saw the tray in his hands and then opened the door for him to enter and place the food on the table.. Maakhan came in still looking down..

Badi Maa: Sheesh Mahal ke saare Khidki darwaaje bund kardo Maakhan.. Aaj koi bahut bada toofhan aane waala hai.. (She said looking at the Sky from the window) (Close all the doors and windows of Sheesh mahal. I can sense a big Storm on its way..)

Maakhan: Jee Hukkum..



Saying that he left the room and hurridly walked down to the Living room.. She closed the Room door and then looked herself in the Big Mirror of her room..



Badi Maa : Aisa kyon lag raha hai ki kuch galat hone waala hai? Yeah phir Galat Ho chuka hai?? (Why am I feeling something wrong is going to happen today?? Or has already happened??)



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



Nani: Maakhan... Did Mohan call to know when is Chotte reaching Sheesh Mahal?

Maakhan: Yes Hukum.. Chotte Malik is already on way back..

Anjali: Nani.. You shouldnt be getting so much excited.. From past 2 days you are just doing everything to welcome him.

Nani: Why not Anjali.. He is coming back to India.. To Sheesh Mahal after 3 long years.. Isnt that enough for me to give him a Grand welcome.. ?



Maakhan came running inside .." Chotte Malik aa gaye.. Chotte Malik aa Gaye.. "



The family rushed outside to welcome their only Heir of this Palace.. Arnav Singh Raizada.. They stopped at the Sheesh Mahal door to welcome him.. He got down from his Car in a Black Suit and removed his Sunglasses to see Sheesh Mahal which was decorated like a Bride today only because he was coming.. Anjali's eyes were already in tears seeing her Chotte before her after 3 long years .. She was holding a Thali to circle Arnav before he could enter the house..



Arnav stopped at the other side of the Car looking at his Family..



Nani: Chotte.. Why are you standing there?? Come here..

Arnav: Nani.. I have a surprise for everyone here.. (He replied confidently)

Maami: Surprise? Do you mean you have shopped for everyone? Thats unsual Arnav Bitwa.. I think thats the best surprise you can give your Maami atleast.. (She chuckled)



Anjali: Maami.. It must be something else.. Chotte wont prefer shopping.. (She then turned back to see Arnav and replied..).. Chotte what is that surprise.. ?? We all are eager to see ..!!



Arnav opened the Car door again and everyone looked there with happy eyes to know what it was.. A lady dressed in a Red Saree got down from the Car... She was wearing Dozens of Red Bangles in both her hands which already had Mehndi drawn on them. She was wearing a Mangal Sutra on her neck and Sindoor on her forehead.. She was thin, fair and freaking gorgeous.. She had straight long hair which she had curled at the end and left them loose ..



She joined her hands to say a "Namaste" to everyone present there and seeing her with Arnav, the family could only give shocked looks to each other.. Arnav held the girls hand in his and then looked back to his family..



Arnav: My Wife.. Khushi Singh Raizada.. (He introduced her to everyone only making them drop their jaws, widen their eyes and increase their heartbeat at an infinite rate)

Anjali dropped the Thali from her hand in shock.. Maami moved a Step back holding her heart , Nani was almost in a state to cry.. She couldnt believe her Chotte could marry someone like this and surprise them.. They were seeing him before their eyes after 3 long years and they never felt he would forget all the culture they had given to him since childhood this way..



Khushi was surely expecting this to happen.. She turned and looked at Arnav who wasnt looking at her at the moment.. He was busy in noting down his family's reactions.. She gulped down her nervousness but he held her hand assuring her that everything would be fine.. She just blinked her eyes and he started walking ahead with her, still holding her hand..



Anjali's tears were rolling down continuously and she really wished this was all a Dream.. He and Khushi came before the family and stopped ..

Arnav: The Bride of Sheesh Mahal should be welcomed with Smiles and Hugs not with such tears..



Payal, wife of Akash Singh Raizada assured her Mother in Law Manorma to welcome the bride and she agreed..

Manorama: (To Nani): Sasuma.. Lets talk everything inside.. Its not good to make the New Bride wait like this..



Anjali also wiped her tears and then Payal got the New Puja Thali for circling it before the Couple.. She handed it to Anjali who unwillingly took it in her hands.. Khushi took the Palu on her head and that surely showed the Family members that their Bride of Sheesh Mahal was indeed little Traditional..  Anjali moved her finger in the Thali and taking a pinch of Sindoor she applied a small dot on Khushi's forhead and then on Arnav too.. She then circled the Thali before them and  then looked at Khushi again.. No doubt Arnav's choice had to be praised.. His wife was really very beautiful. Even if Anjali herself had got the chance of searching a wife for her Chotte, she would never have been able to search such a beautiful wife..She moved aside and Payal came forward to wash Khushi's feet with Water..



Khushi(Stopping her): Yeh kya kar rahi hai Aap..? Aap humare pair kaise choo sakte hai.. Aap humse badi hai.. (What are you doing?? How can you touch my feet? You are elder to me)..

Payal: This is one of our tradition while getting the new Bride inside the House.. And for us Every Bride is considered to be Godess of Fortune.. And you are no different..



Saying that she bend down and washed Khushi's feet and then wiped it with the Towel.. Khushi and Arnav did share some short glances and she was really looking very uncomfortable now.. Nani and Anjali were still silent.. They were just watching the couple.. Nothing else they had left to say..



Payal then placed the Rice Kalash at the door of Sheesh Mahal and asked Khushi to push it a bit and enter the house.. She did as advised and then both Khushi and Arnav placed their right leg forward to enter the house..Khushi was then asked to dip her feet in water containing ‘red kumkum’ (vermillion powder)



This way the Bride of Sheesh Mahal left her footprints across the house as she walked inside, signifying that the Goddess of Wealth has entered the Palace to bring success and prosperity to the groom and his family..



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



Chandra Mahal



The Maid named Lalita of Chandra Mahal  rushed inside after peeping through the common wall,  the Griha Pravesh of the New Bride in Sheesh Mahal..



Lalita: Buaji... Buaji.. Where are you??



Madhumati Mishra was the Only daughter of the Gupta Family and was a Widower.. She was hardly 18 when she got married and in few years her husband died in a Road Accident.. She was religious and at times very much fun loving too..



Buaji: Sshhh!! Lalita.. How much you scream?? I am not deaf. !! Talk Slow .. My Nandakishore is sleeping..!!!

Lalita: (Getting Confused): Which Nandakishore?? Your Nephew Nandakishore or your God Nandakishore??

Buaji (Hiting her head by her palm) : Haaye re Nandakishore.. Give some sense to this Lalita.. She will make me Mad some day.. Pagli.. I am talking about my Nephew Nandakishore.. Now tell me why are you screaming like this as if you saw some Ghost outside??

Lalita (Remembering again why she was here): Not a Ghost Buaji.. A Bride..!!

Buaji: Hainn?? Bride? Kahan?? Kiske Ghar mein?? (Bride? Where? In whose House?)

Lalita : SHEESH MAHAL MEIN..



Buaji's expressions surely changed.. She instantly got up from the Couch and then held Lalita's forearms shaking her..



Buaji: Kya?? Sheesh Mahal mein?? Pagla gayi hai kya?? Sheesh Mahal mein Dulhan??

Lalita: Haan Buaji.. I just saw now.. Arnav Bhaiyaa Got married ..

Buaji couldnt believe this.. She instantly rushed to the Garden to see if this was true or not.. But by that time the couple and the family had already left inside..



Buaji: (To herself): Ab Khair nahi Sheesh Mahal ki.. Yeh Dulhan ke kadam kitne shubh hai, yeh toh waqt hi bataayega.. (Sheesh Mahal wont be spared now.. How auspicious this New bride's footsteps are would be known in few days)

Lalita: Buaji.. Hum baaki saari baatein Hari Prakashji se Pooch ke aate hai abhi.. (Buaji.. Rest all things I will ask HP and be back soon)

Buaji: Nahi.. I dont wish to know anything.. Just get in and do the work.. Go..!! (She commanded and Lalita frowned and rushed inside the Chandra Mahal cursing herself for not being able to gather more information on the Bride of Sheesh Mahal)



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



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav: If all is done, I will take my wife upstairs..

Nani: Enough Chotte... How can you behave like this? You married without even letting us know.. To a girl whom we dont even know .. And instead of answering us, you are eager to take your bride with you??



Khushi was once again little upset seeing the family scolding Arnav.. She thought of explaining the things ..



Khushi: Nani woh hum..!! (She was about to continue when Nani stopped her..)

Nani: Hum Aapse baat nahi kar rahe.. Aur jab tak hum aapse naa pooche.. Tab tak aap aapan mooh bund hi rakhiye.. (I am not talking to you.. And till I dont ask you anything better keep your mouth Shut..)..



That was surely very harsh for Khushi to take it for her.. She was almost in tears seeing someone talking to her in this tone and Arnav was more than angry ..



Arnav: Nani.. One more word against my Wife and I will leave this place right now.. I didnt get her to hear everybody's scoldings.. Meri biwi ki koi beizzati kare main wahan ek pal ke liye bhi nahi rukhunga.. (If someone insults my wife, I wont stay at that place even for a second..)



Nani and every other member of that family was SHOCKED>. Yes they were really SHOCKED seeing this side of Arnav.. How can he favour a Girl so much.. He never did that in all these years for anyone.. Not even for his Di.. What has happened to him?? As if he was talking all this under the influence of some Spell..





To be Continued.







Part 2



Arnav: Nani.. One more word against my Wife and I will leave this place right now.. I didnt get her to hear everybody's scoldings.. Meri biwi ki koi beizzati kare main wahan ek pal ke liye bhi nahi rukhunga.. (If someone insults my wife, I wont stay at that place even for a second..)



Nani and every other member of that family was SHOCKED. Yes they were really SHOCKED seeing this side of Arnav.. How can he favour a Girl so much.. He never did that in all these years for anyone.. Not even for his Di.. What has happened to him?? As if he was talking all this under the influence of some Spell..

Anjali (Angrily): Chotte Bus.. Its really hard for us to believe you have chanaged so much.. We cant digest the fact that you married someone and that too without even letting us know .. Upon that you are hurting us by your behaviour now..



Arnav calmed down.. He knew things would be like this once he and Khushi enters the house..



Nani: Its Okay Anjali bitiya.. Dont tell him anything.. Or else he will again think of leaving the house ..Which I never wish to happen.. He doesnt want to tell us anything right?? Fine.. Lets not ask him then..

Manorama: But Sasuma.. We wont ask anything.. What about Mohini??



That name was enough for Payal to gulp down.. She feared this Badi Maa a lot.. She remembered how during her Wedding this Badi Maa had scolded her before the entire family for drooling over her newly married husband for some seconds..



Nani: (Looking at Arnav): He doesnt wish to answer us right? May be he will answer Mohini then.. Maakhan.. Maakhan.. (She called Maakhan who came there instantly bowing his head)... Call Mohini down..Tell him her Chotte has got his Bride here..

Maakhan noded and left upstairs while Khushi surprisingly looked at Arnav..She had no idea who this Mohini is.. Infact she had never told about her anything..



Arnav knew he wouldnt be able to Skip the questions of his Badi Maa.. But then he was prepared for that.. In next 5 minutes, she was walking down the Stairs, her eyes eager to see Arnav, her heart beating fast knowing the fact that he has married someone.. She couldnt believe Arnav could marry someone so suddenly.. How could he?? She was getting all the wrong intuitions since today morning and it really turned right today. She finally came down the stairs and saw Arnav who was standing with a Girl in Red Saree.. So she was the girl.. Before she saw Arnav clearly, she walked straight to Khushi and that surprised everyone.. Khushi herself was so scared seeing this women coming towards her.. She moved a Step back only to hit her back to her Husband who was standing right behind her and was about to lose her balance when he Held, saving her from falling down.. They both did share an eye lock for some seconds and that surely irked Badi Maa. Her eyes were only on her Chotte, his wife and their gestures.. The next moment Khushi realised first that she was still been balanced by Arnav and hence she came off his grip and then stood straight looking down..



Arnav: Badi Maa..

The moment he said this Mohini gestured him to STOP uttering anything.. And he was quiet.. She again walked to Khushi and then from her fingers pulled her chin up , making Khushi see in her eyes..She kept staring in Khushi's scared eyes for some seconds and then she scanned her face.. She left her chin and then moved back seeing her from top to bottom.. Khushi was really uncomfortable with the way she was scanning her.. She then almost circled Khushi once to check her from top to bottom and then she stood before Arnav..



Badi Maa: (To Arnav): Yeh Ladki iss Ghar ki Bahu nahi ban sakti.. ( This girl cannot be the Bahu of this house)

Arnav: (Losing his temper) : Badi Maa.. I have married her.. I dont understand what wrong I did ? I just  liked a girl and I married her..

Badi Maa: (Seeing Khushi): What is your name???

Khushi : Khushi.(She said in a Shiverring Tone)



Badi Maa: (Little angrily): Khushi Kya?? Har insaan ke naam ke saath ek upnaam hota hai.. (Khushi what? Every person has a Surname attached to his or her name..)

Arnav: Khushi Singh Raizada.. Thats what she is now.. And I dont care what surname she had before.. I guess thats enough for today..



Saying that he pulled Khushi's hand to take her upstairs but Khsuhi stopped him..



Arnav:(Seeing her in confusion): Khushi walk..!! You dont need to wait here and embarass yourself anymore..

Khushi: No Arnav.. Your family is right.. We already have done enough to face their anger.. They dont deserve our Frustration now..

Arnav was little scared of what this girl had planned to do next.. She left his hand and walked to Nani (Not Badi Maa as she was really scared of her).. She then joined her hands and then replied back..



Khushi: Humme maaf kijiye Nani.. Humne aisa karne se pehle aap sab se izzazat leni chahiye thi.. Hum aapse waada karte hai, jab tak aap aur ghar ke baaki sab log , humaari iss Shaadi ko nahi apnaate, hum Arnav ke saath unki patni bankar nahi rahenge.. Hum unke kamre mein apne kadam bhi nahi rakhenge.. Yeh humaara Vaada hai. (Forgive us Nani.. Before doing all this, we should have taken the family's permission.. But I promise you now, till the day the whole family accepts our marriage wholeheartedly, I wont be staying as Arnav's wife in this house.. I wont be step myself in his room.. I promise you this..)



Arnav was hell Angry when she made this Unwanted Promise.. Who does she think she is..???

Arnav: What The !! (he roared in anger and the entire family looked at him.. ).. (Seeing Khushi): Dimaag kharab hogaya hia tumhara?? Yeh kaisa Vaada hai Khushi?? Mujhe faraq nahi padta agar meri family humaari iss Shaadi ko accept kare yeah naa kare.. !! Aur meri BIWI hone ke naate, tumhe bhi faraq nahi padna chahiye.. (Are you out of your mind? What kind of Promise is this? I dont find a difference if my family doesnt accept our marriage.. And being my WIFE, even you shouldnt be bothered.. )



Saying that he came back to her and ordered her..

Arnav: Chalo mere saath.. (Come with me)

Khushi noded a NO and moved a Step back which only pissed him more..

Arnav: Khushi.. Main tumse aakhri baar pooch raha hoon.. Chalo mere saath.. (Khushi.. I am asking you for the last time.. Come with me.. )



Khushi still noded a NO and thats when he thought of picking his girl and taking her upstairs but then his Phone started ringing at the same instance and he pointed a finger at her..



Arnav(Pointing his finger): I will see you later..!!



Saying that he picked the call and then walked outside..Khushi just looked down and Nani left for her room.. Manorama followed her ... Badi Maa gave her Angry Signature grin and left for her room too .. It was only Payal and Anjali who stayed there and somewhere they really appreciated Khushi's decision. This girl had little courtesy atleast to get the blessings of their family before starting a new life with her husband.. They had so many questions in their mind still but they both knew this wasnt the right time to ask.. Anjali gestured Payal to take Khushi upstairs and she agreed.. Anjali left for her room and then Payal came to Khushi..



Payal: Come.. I will show you the room..

Khushi noded and left with Payal towards the Stairs.. The moment she stepped the Stairs she felt someone pushing her back to make her fall and she immediately held the Side Railing of the Stairs balancing her..



Payal: What happened??

Khsuhi: I felt as if someone pushed me ..

Payal: What?? (She asked surprisingly ).. May be you didnt eat anything on way.. And hence you are feeling tired.. I will ask someone to get food for you..

Khushi: Nahi.. I wont eat anything today..

Payal: Why?? (She said climbing the stairs)

Khushi: I am fasting..

Payal: Fasting? For whom??

Khushi: For the most important person in my life..  (She said getting all lost in her thoughts)



Payal sighed and then continued walking with her while Badi Maa who was standing at the Corridor and watching the Bride of Sheesh Mahal from a distance was little surprised to hear that one line from her.. "I felt as if someone pushed me ..".. DId she really feel this? Or was it only because she was tired??  Whatever it was, Badi Maa had to find out more about this marriage of Her Chotte.. At any cost..



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



Chandra Mahal



Lalita was fanning Buaji who was sitting on the Couch , though the AC was On, she was still feeling Hot.. The reason was simple.. She was little shocked to know that Arnav has married..



Lalita: Buaji.. My hands are aching..

Buaji (Looking at her angrily): When does your hands dont ache? I dont understand Who made you a Maid..??

Lalita: Your Nandakishore..!! (She said smiling )

Buaji: Whatt??

Lalita: Haan Buaji.. Before I came to ask for a Job here, I had been to the temple to pray.. And I did get a needed Job.. So it is all the Nandakishore's Blessings that I am earning.. !!



Buaji then understood which Nandakishore she was talking about.. She just noded and there the Driver came inside..



Driver: Buaji.. I have got NK baba's Jeep.. Its been serviced..!!

Buaji: Keep the keys here.. Is he planning to go for Hunting again??

Driver: Dont know Buaji.. He just asked me to Service his Jeep..

Buaji: Hmm.. I will ask him later..



The Driver kept the keys and left the House..



Sheetal Gupta, Nandakishore's Wife, came there holding a Glass of Almond Milk in her hand .. She was the Bahu of Chandra Mahal.. The one and only Bahu of the present generation..



Sheetal: Buaji Milk..

Buaji: (Taking the Glass from her): Did your husband get up?

Sheetal noded a No and looked down..

Buaji: What is wrong with this Boy? He is really behaving Odd these days.. He is married now.. He should be getting little responsible and spend some time with his wife.. But no.. He is busy enough in his own world of Bussiness and his own Friends..



Sheetal just remained quiet..She never spoke before any elders in this house regarding her opinions or her wish.. She was daughter of Shashi Gupta's (Nandakishore's Father) best friend who had died in a very young age leaving his daughter in the Chandra Mahal.. So since Sheetal was 15, she stayed here with this family. Shashi's wife Raagini Gupta treated her as their own daughter and always dreamt that one day their Son NK will marry her..



NK was in studying in Oxford University those days.. When he returned back to Lucknow, India, a year back, his Father fixed his marriage with Sheetal. But She wasnt his choice.. He couldnt deny his family, he agreed to marry her.. But he never treated her as his wife.. She was still a stranger for him and he didnt wish to get any change in their relationship.. NK did help in growing up his Father's bussiness.. Everything was as per his will and power. These days all the important business decisions was been taken only by him..



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



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi had just entered her room which was a Guest Room on the first floor.. As per the promise she gave down some minutes back, she was been alloted this room to stay..



Payal: If you need anything just call me..

Khushi: Thanks.. But how should I call you? I mean which is your room?

Payal: The next one.. Me and my husband stay in the room adjacent to yours..



Khushi smiled and thanked her.. Payal left the room and Khushi took a deep sigh of relief.. She scanned the whole room .. It was really very beautiful. If this was the Room which the family offered for the Guests then how would be the rooms of the family members?? She saw a Window and then thought of breathing some fresh air.. She opened the window and there she got a View of the Big Garden which was at the backside of the Sheesh Mahal , inside the Fence ofcourse.. There were many Mango and Coconut trees planted in the garden at the corners and along the boundary of the Fence.. She really was liking this place very much. So calm and so peaceful.. One thing she noticed was that being a Garden, yet there was no Flower Plants in it.. Why?? Or was it in the Front View of Sheesh Mahal and not the backside? Well she didnt remember if she had seen any flowers inside the Gates of Sheesh mahal. But who cared? That wasnt a question to be bothered of.. What mattered at the moment was how would she convince Arnav Singh Raizada about the Promise that she just gave to his Family.. !!!



To be Continued..





Part 3



Khushi was still checking the Guest room .. She did take her Shower and also changed to some other Saree.. She was truely tired after the hectic journey she had to do with Arnav for coming to Sheesh Mahal today.. The moment she came out of the bathroom, she felt someone's presence in her room.. She felt she was been watched.. She scanned the entire room but no one was inside.. Even the door was locked.. Then why did she feel there was someone in?? She gulped down such negative thoughts and continued brushing her hair.. She knew anytime the family may call her down again and may shoot questions at her and Arnav.. Though she was prepared for it, she was still scared of this.. She didnt knew why but she felt little uncomfortable after coming to this place.. Firstly the way they welcomed her in this house and then the family's cross questions and lastly the Note from Badi Maa that she can never be accepted as the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. All these thoughts were flashing in Khushi's mind one after the other.. She wished to talk to the most important person in her life.. But she knew it wasnt possible at this moment.. She touched her MangalSutra once looking herself in the mirror and thats when the door knocked.. She was initially hesitant to open the door feeling it could be HIM.. She knew he was all Mad at her down.. And if he was here, then surely she had to face his wrath all again.. She heard the knock again and this time very loud enough for her to not ignore.. She hurridly walked towards the door and opened it.. Luckily it was Payal.



Payal : Are you done ??

Khushi noded a Yes and Payal smiled..

Payal: Nani is calling you down..

Khushi gulped back feeling what else was left now.. But Payal assured her..

Payal: Dont worry.. She just needs to talk to you.. Thats it.. Come..



Khushi clutched the sides of her Sareee.. She already wasnt willing to meet anyone of this house alone only because she knew Arnav had all the required answers to his family than she had.. But she couldnt deny..She agreed and walked with Payal to Nani's room..



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



Arnav's Room...



He was still On his Bluetooth talking to Aman Mathur who was his Manager cum friend and was still in a very bad mood...He took his coat off and threw it on bed..



Arnav: She has no right to take decisions on my behalf Aman.. How could she?

Aman: ASR.. Just breathe in and Breathe out Okay?



Arnav wished to cut the call hearing this same advise from Aman from past half an hour.. But then his sister's voice made him turn back and then cool down his nerves..



Arnav: Aman... Let me call you back.. (Saying that he cut the call and then looked at Anjali who was standing at the door seeing him..)

Anjali: So your anger level is still the same..!! Infact its been increased now.. !!

Arnav: Come to the point DI.. What are you here for?

Anjali: Nani is calling you down..

Arnav: I am coming.. !! Where is my Wife? Why isnt she here?

Anjali: If you arent forgetting then just some time back she herself wished to stay in seperate room Chotte.. I think being her husband you should respect her wishes..

Arnav: (Remembering it and turning back to the Closet searching for his Towel): Dont come in her words.. She melts down easily for my decisions.. It wont take her long to forget her promise and join me here..



Anjali could feel her brother is dominating these days.. He wasnt like this before..Atleast not to this extent.. The three years he spent in some other country, changed him completely..



Anjali: Come in Nani's room.. She is waiting for you there..

Saying that she left and Arnav walked to the washroom to freshen up..



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



Chandra Mahal



After a Short Nap, Nandakishore Gupta (NK) did get up from the bed and came down.. He was enjoying his day off today.. He had no much work at Office and hence he chose some better plan for himself.. Rest for sometime and then leave for a Night out in the Forests with his Friends.. He had a long list of friends here in Lucknow. He came down stretching his arms and yawning.. He saw his Buaji Sitting on the Couch and was fanned by Lalitha..



NK: Lalita.. Get some Tea for me..!!!

Lalitha was going to put the Fan down but the one look from Buaji made her continue.. Buaji looked at NK..

Buaji: Ask your wife to get it for you..

NK sighed and picked the Newspaper to read and Buaji continued seeing his cold attitude..

Buaji: Nandakishore? What is wrong with you?? Cant you spend some time with Sheetal??

NK: (Ignoring ).. Did the Driver got my Jeep Serviced?

Buaji: Do not change the topic ..

NK:  (He continued ignoring the topic): Buaji.. I wont be coming back early tonight.. Going for a small Night Out with my friends..

Buaji: What? Again?

NK: Buaji.. From next week my New Clients are coming here.. I dont have time for myself after that. So dont ruin my plan now..



Sheetal came there with the Tea cup in her hand for NK.. She did see her husband and he still wasnt watching her..



Buaji: Okay then take Sheetal also with you.. 

Sheetal who had forwarded the Tea cup towards NK was almost stunned knowing Buaji's decision..

NK: NO I cant Take her.. !! (He moved aside not even having the Tea which his wife made and walked back upstairs)



Sheetal and Buaji looked at each other and sighed ..

Sheetal: Its Okay Buaji.. If he is not willing to take me, just dont force..

Buaji: But why Sheetal? Till when will he ignore you? I can never understand what this Boy expects from this marriage of yours.. If this is how he had to behave with you, then he better had not got married .. WHy spoiled your life??



Sheetal sat beside Buaji and tried to console her..

Sheetal: Its not like that Buaji.. He cares for me.. I know.. That Care will turn to Love one day.. He just needs some time.. And I dont mind him giving that..

Buaji: If you say So, I will wait.. But then I hope it wont take him long to understand what Love he is missing in his life..

Sheetal (Nodding and trying to change the topic): Buaji.. Lalita told me .. The Sheesh Mahal has welcomed a New Bahu today.. !!!

Buaji's face was pale again.. She noded a Yes and Lalita continued..

Lalita: Haan Bibiji.. And she is very pretty..

Sheetal smiled and looked at Buaji who was already fuming hearing this..

Buaji: Bus Bus Lalita... Go and do your Work now.. No need to praise The Bride of Sheesh Mahal..



Sheetal couldnt register what problem Buaji had with the Bride of Sheesh Mahal but she gestured Lalita to continue her work in Kitchen while she sat beside Buaji..



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



Sheesh Mahal  - Nani's Room



Khushi was the first one to enter in this room with Payal.. She saw Nani sitting on the Couch and Payal left her there and walked out.. Hearing the tinkling of her Anklets Nani turned her face to see her coming inside.. She was asked to sit before Nani on the Couch and there She was totally blank why she was been called..



Nani: Look Khushi.. Its really hard for us to accept the present situations.. And even if we wish to, Mohini, Chotte's Badi Maa will never let us.. So I dont think it will happen anytime soon..



Khushi noded and then looked down..

Nani: In all this mess, I dont want the New Bride of this house to be uncomfortable around the family..

Khushi: Its very sweet of you Nani to even think about this..I promise everything will be fine soon.. (Her tears were did melt Nani for sure )



Thats when they heard Arnav replying back.. He was standing at the door looking at his wife..



Arnav: Another Promise? Khushi what has happened to you? How many such promises have you planned to give my Family?

Khushi instantly got up from the Couch hearing his sharp tone.. Nani saw that and she replied back to Arnav ..

Nani: You better hold your words Chotte.. She is your wife .. Have some respect to her atleast..

Khushi: Nani.. Its not like that..He is just upset that I made a promise to stay away from him till the family accepts me.. Nothing else..



Arnav put his hands in his pockets watching her assuring his Nani and that made him quiet at the moment..

Nani: Whatever it is.. I had to tell you both some things.. And hence I called you here.



Arnav wasnt interested but he couldnt let Khushi be alone with Nani at the moment.. So he and Khushi took their seats before Nani and she started questioning them..



Nani (To Khushi): So you also stayed in London where Chotte was?

Arnav: Nani you said you have to tell us something? And now you are asking us.. Not telling..

Nani: (Angrily): So have you thought of never telling us how you both decided to got married ??

Arnav : Nani.. Its not like that.. We...



Arnav was about to continue when Anjali came inside with a Rich Lehnga in her hand .. He turned to see Khushi and both did show a "Whats That" look now to each other..

Nani: Come bitiya.. I was waiting for you..

Anjali gave the Lehnga to Nani and then sat beside her..

Nani : Khushi.. Wear this and come down..

Khushi looked at Arnav who just gestured her to take it.. She did do as said and then without questioning anything, she left for her room again..



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



After almost an hour, Khushi did come down wearing the Lehnga .. The whole family was waiting for her down.. She really didnt know why she was asked to wear it.. But she couldnt question anyone.. She just walked down the stairs and her eyes surely looked for Arnav, but he wasnt there.. She walked down the stairs and there Payal and Anjali came to her to hold her.. She wished to know what was happening but no one was telling her anything.. She was just waiting for Arnav and expecting him to question on her behalf .. But he too wasnt here..



Khushi: (Whispered to Payal): Where is Arnav?

Payal: He is already left for Temple with Akash..

Khushi: Temple??

Payal: Yes.. Our Family Goddess Temple..  As you are the new Bahu of Sheesh Mahal, we have to go there to get the blessings for you and Arnav..



Khushi smiled and then continued walking with them ..It was night and the Temple that the Family were taking her was just in between the Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal.. The moment they reached there she saw Arnav and Akash standing inside at the Temple waiting for the Family to come and there his eyes fell on her.. It was so obvious that he couldnt take his eyes off her. The reason was simple.. She was looking breathtakingly beautiful. Infact he had never complimented her beauty anytime even in his mind.. But today he couldnt avoid her charm.. She was really something.. Beauty personified..!! He thought in his mind..



Khushi for the first time saw him admiring her like this and she couldnt stop herself from feeling nervous.. He never saw her the way he did today.. What was wrong with him? The family stopped at the Mandir and so did Khushi..



Nani: Chotte , you and Khushi just go ahead and take the blessings of Devi Maiyaa..

Arnav came back to his sense after hearing this. He looked at Khushi once who was looking down waiting for him to start walking with her.. The moment they both were going to walk towards the Idol, Anjali interrupted..

Anjali: One minute.. Khushi.. You forgot to apply the Sindoor?

Khushi instantly touched her partition and she rememberd that she really forgot to apply it..

Nani: Its not a good thing to forget that Khushi.. You are  a married women.. And Sindoor is the Sign of that new bond..

Anjali: Its okay Nani.. It happens.. Let me get the Sindoor for Khushi..



Saying that Anjali moved to the Devi Maiyaa Idol and picked little Sindoor in her hand and got it before Khushi again.. She was about to take a pinch of it and apply herself when Nani stopped her.



Nani: Wait..!!!

Anjali: What happened Nani?

Nani: If we are already in such a auspicious place.. Our Family Temple.. I think Chotte applying the Sindoor on Khushi's paritition would be better than she doing it herself.. Chotte.. Apply this Sindoor on Khushi..



The moment Nani said this Khushi was stunned.. Her legs were trembling at the thought of Arnav applying the Sindoor on her forehead.. !!! She looked at Arnav who did walk to Anjali and took a pinch of Sindoor ..Before Khushi could even react to anything, her Partition was already filled By the Red Sindoor by Arnav who didnt even care that he didnt had the right to do this.. Tears rolled down Khushi's eyes which Arnav saw and there he froze thinking what made her cry like this.. For seconds, they kept looking at each other in astonishment and in shock.. The lightening started all of a sudden and the entire family were surprised seeing the sudden breeze flowing around them, making them even difficult to keep their eyes open and see each other.. The Temple Bells started ringing because of the breeze and the flower petals placed on the side table in the temple scattered everywhere around Arnav and Khsuhi as if some Unknown Energy was blessing this couple for eternity..



To be Continued..





Part 4



Before Khushi could even react to anything, her Partition was already filled By the Red Sindoor by Arnav who didnt even care that he didnt had the right to do this.. Tears rolled down Khushi's eyes which Arnav saw and there he froze thinking what made her cry like this.. For seconds, they kept looking at each other in astonishment and in shock.. The lightening started all of a sudden and the entire family were surprised seeing the sudden breeze flowing around them, making them even difficult to keep their eyes open and see each other.. The Temple Bells started ringing because of the breeze and the flower petals placed on the side table in the temple scattered everywhere around Arnav and Khsuhi as if some Unknown Energy was blessing this couple for eternity..



Nani: Arre.. What is wrong with the weather now?

Anjali : Looks like the Storm has already started.. Waise Nani wont Badi Maa come here ??

Nani: I asked her. She denied. Its Okay Bitiya.. Lets get the blessings for Chotte and his wife and then get back to Sheesh Mahal before it strats raining..



Anjali noded and turned back only to find Arnav and Khushi seeing each other standing still.. Their expressions clearly stating they both are lost in some deep thoughts. She clicked her fingers to get her CHotte out of this stance and there even Khsuhi looked down nervously..



Anjali: Chotte..  Go and take the blessings..

She held Khushi's shoulders and made her walk to the Devi Maiyaa Idol and Arnav followed them.. Khsuhi was so much lost in all this.. She didnt knew how she needed to react to things that just happened? She closed her eyes before the Idol and joined her palms asking Devi Maiyaa to give her enough strength to bear all this Fake relationship.. She knew this was wrong.. She had already entered into a Family betryaing them , making them believe she is their Grandson's Bride .. The Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. But she had her own reasons to do so.. While Arnav just closed his eyes trying to analyse what made him fill Khushi's Parition with the Sindoor? The moment they started praying before the Idol, the Strong wind blowing did calm down a bit..



After taking the blessings the family did start to walk down the temple including Arnav but then she stopped them..



Khushi: Arnav.. Can we please be here for some more time? I need to talk to you.. !! Only if the family doesnt mind..! (She said looking at Nani)

Nani , Anjali and Payal just noded and left not without asking them to make it fast before it actually starts to rain heavily.. Arnav agreed .. Once the family had gone far away from their sight Arnav looked at Khushi once and walked a step towards her..

Arnav: Look I didnt.. (Before he could complete the sentence he was pushed a step back by her only to rise the anger inside him )

Khushi: How dare you Arnavji?? How dare you Apply Sindoor on my head? Couldnt you think for one second what would be the result of this??

Arnav (Gritting his teeth): Did you think before promising my Family about we staying seperate till they accept us??

Khushi: That was necessary.. We cannot stay in one room as it is..!!

Arnav: Do not forget Khushi we had decided all this before.. No one of us can step back now..

Khushi: So? That doesnt give you the right to full my Maang with Sindoor .. !! (She angrily replied back)

Arnav : Ssshh!! (he said putting finger on her lips) Stop screaming like that.. I dont wish these talks to reach anyone's ears and here in Sheesh Mahal, we cant risk even the walls to hear our conversation.. !! Wipe these tears and lets get back .



He extended his hand to hold her and she moved back.



Khushi: I wish to stay here for some more time.. You leave.. (She said looking at the other side..)

Arnav: Dont be mad Khushi.. Its going to rain in few minutes.. Cant you see how bad the weather is???

Khushi: Why do you care? Just leave me alone..!!

Arnav (Clenching his fists): No I wont..!! You are my Bride Dammit..!!! And even if you wish to step back, I cant let you do that until the purpose of this act is met..!!



Saying that he dragged Khushi with him towards the Sheesh mahal.. Someone was watching them from Far.. Specially the little fight between the couple in the Mandir after the family left.. She was Buaji.. From Chandra Mahal. Though she couldnt hear a word, she still could feel things wrong between this new Bride and her husband Arnav.. What was it?? She had no idea.. Even she couldnt see the Bride properly.. But yeah whoever the Bride was she looked little familiar .. As if she was someone whom she knew from long.. Who was she? What was her name??



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



Chandra Mahal



Shashi: Madhumati.. Since past half an Hour you are just talking about the Sheesh Mahal's bride.. Stop now.. !!!

Buaji: What do you expect Shashi?? To be quiet?? Do you even realise what will happen if by any chance she steps here in Chandra Mahal.??

Shashi: (Stopped eating his Dinner and looked at her): You believe in this??

Buaji: Yes I do Shashi.. And if you remember then even your wife did.. She too believed in this.. The entry of the Bride of Sheesh Mahal would only complicate things .. Not just there.. But even here..

Shashi: Well.. I dont have words to convince you.. But just dont scare Nandakishore and Sheetal.. They would only be horrified hearing all this nonsense..



Buaji: Nonsense?? You think all this is just having no sense in it??

Shashi got up finishing his food and wiped his lips..

Shashi: You need rest Madhumati. Just sleep now.. Good night.. Where is sheetal ??

Buaji: She is sleeping in her room.. And her husband is out with his friends again..

Shashi: I know.. He had messaged me.. Dont worry.. I know what I have to talk to him. Its really high time he starts acting like a good husband to Sheetal.. I cant see her so sad all the time..



Saying that Shashi left for his room while Buaji asked Lalita to take the plates and she herself walked to her room for resting..



**********



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi was in the Guest room only and she had already changed the heavy lehnga.. She was in her simple Night Salwar sitting on the Couch alone and thinking something deep.. She thought something for a while and did rush to her purse to take her Mobile phone out.. She switched On the phone and then dialed Aman whom she considered not less than her brother.. After some 4 rings he did answer..



Aman: Khushi?

Khushi: Aman..!! How is She?? What did the Dr's Say??

Aman: Relax Khushi.. She is fine.. When I am here, you think I wont take care of her?

Khushi: I know.. But still.. !! I was worried.. You know I fasted for her today..

Aman: Again? Khushi Yaar Stop fasting like this.. !! I think you fast once almost every weak for some reason or the other.. Its not good for your health.. And ASR had called me sometime back.. He told me about that Promise which you made to his family? Why Khushi?? Why did you piss him off? You know how arrogant and dominant he is sometimes , dont you?? Then why??

Khushi: What do you mean why Aman? You expect me to share a room with him? No way..!!

Aman: But Khushi..(SHe interrupted him again)

Khushi: And you know what he did.. ?? He applied Sindoor on my forhead..!! He practically married me Aman..!! What the hell is wrong with him? Just tell him I wont bare all this henceforth.. Please..



Aman: What?? Sindoor? He..??? Damm !! Where is he now?

Khushi: I dont know.. After he dragged me back here from Mandir I didnt see him again. I am in my room..

Aman: Is the family nice?

Khushi: Yeah.. They are sweet.. Except one lady.. Everyone calls her Badi Maa here.. She is scary Aman.. !!

Aman smiled and then replied back to assure her..



Aman: Dont worry Khushi.. Just few more days and then things will be Okay .. Just stay calm..!!

Khushi: Yeah..!! You take care of yourself and her.. Make sure you keep updating me about her..

Aman: I will.. Bye.. Good night..



She cut the call and then picked the Photo frame out from her bag.. She had tears in her eyes..She hugged her photo and then closed her eyes to sleep on the Couch itself..



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



When she opened her eyes she found herself sleeping on the Couch of the Living room of Sheesh Mahal.. The lights were turned off only making her feel more scared.. She suddenly got up from the Couch only to be hit by the Table before her and she fell down.. She had hurt her knee badly.. She wasnt understanding what was she doing in the Living room ? What she remembered last was she was in her Guest room sleeping on the Couch holding a Photo Frame in her hand which was not with her at the present.. She was hell scared of darkness and specially darkness of such Palaces.. She tried to take a step ahead but the pain in her Knee didnt let her walk at all. She sat again on the Couch pressing her knee and rubbing it, trying to soothe it down when suddenly she saw someone walking at the Corner .. It was surely a Lady and that too her hair open and bouncing with the breeze that just came from all the Open Windows of this Sheesh Mahal.. Sweat Beads started forming on her forehead and she started shouting



Khushi: Kaun hai wahan pe?? (Who is it there??)



No one responded and that made her more scared.. The lady whom whose reflection she saw walking there, seemed to stop hearing her voice and now the reflection started coming towards her . Now this made her scare to death .. The moment she felt she will be engulfed in that reflection she screamed loudly closing her eyes only for the Family members to wake up and rush down.. The lights were turned On and the the first person to reach here was Anjali and Payal who were followed by others including Arnav..Anjali was shocked to see Khushi here in the Living room and that too sweating .. She instantly rushed and hugged her to calm her down..



Anjali: SSshh!! Khushi?? Whats wrong?? Why did you scream??

Payal: Maakhan.. Maakhan.. Get the water her.. Quick..



Arnav who followed them came and kneeled before Khushi who hugged Anjali tight to overcome that fear..

Arnav: Khushi?? What are you doing here?? And why you sweating dammit???  (His anger reflected his worry for her.. Yes he did worry for this girl a bit right from the time he met her.. He had reasons for that..)

Khsuhi pulled back from the hug and looked at Arnav.. She was literally crying..

Khushi: Arnav.. Wohh!! I .. I saw someone there..



Everyone looked in the direction where she pointed and the Maids and servants immediately rushed there to check if someone was really inside the house..



Arnav:Ssshhh!! Calm down.. Just calm down.. I am sure you dreamt something.. It wasnt real. But Khushi what are you doing in this room??

Khushi : I dont know.. When I closed my eyes , I was in the Guest room and when I opened them, I was here..



Everybody just looked at each others faces and Arnav just raised his eyebrow not believing this..



Maakhan (Coming back): There is no one inside.. We checked thoroughly..!!



Khushi couldnt believe this..She had seen a Lady..



Manorama: I think Khushi was searching Arnav bitwa's room in the night and she reached here.. (She almost gigled and seeing her husband looking angrily at her she became quiet)

Anjali made Khushi drink the water and then she looked back at Arnav..



Anjali: I guess she is already terrified.. Let me sleep with her tonight.. !

Arnav just noded his head.. Khushi tried to get up to leave but since she had hurt her knee she couldnt..

Arnav : Let me drop you to your room..



He picked her in his arms and then he , Khushi and Anjali left for the Guest room.. Everybody else dispersed to their respective rooms including Badi Maa who came here at the end.. When everyone were already present and calming Khushi down..She gave a suspicious look to the Living room and then walked back to her Floor..



TO be Continued.



Part 5



Arnav placed Khushi in her room and then turned back to see his sister Anjali coming inside.. He actually wanted to ask Khushi somethings regarding this incident but then Anjali being here made it impossible for him.. Khushi was still scared .. She couldnt believe that she saw something like this here on her first night in Sheesh Mahal. That reflection was so scary.. She was still getting goosebumps on her skin remembering all this..



Arnav: (TO Khushi): I had told you we will stay together..  But no.. You have your own ways of making the family happy.. So.. What did you get now by doing this??

Khushi took the pillow on her lap, looking down and a lone tear did drop from her eyes.. She was already so much scared and upon that Arnav was shouting at her..

Anjali: Chotte enough.. She is already worried and you are not helping her in any way..

Arnav: DI please.. If you all would have accepted her, this wouldnt have happened.. So the entire family is at fault.. If my Wife is hurt today its because of the family..

Anjali was really shocked to see her Chotte blaming his family for his wife..



Khushi: Arnav please.. Do not say a word against them.. Its all my fault.. I know I should have agreed to be with you.. I am Sorry..!!

Arnav had nothing to say after this.. He walked to the Closet and then got the first aid kit out which had the Ointment for her Knee pain.. He walked to the bed and then sat beside her..



Arnav: Show me where you are hurt?

Khsuhi immediately pulled her legs aside..

Khushi: I will apply it myself..

Arnav gritted his teeth seeing her doing all this drama before his sister..Anjali was pretending to be taking the Quilt out from Closet but her ears were surely on them..

Arnav: (Whispering lightly): Even I have no excitement in treating you Khushi.. I just wanted to show some concern to my Wife before my Di.. Thats it.. Apply it and sleep.. Good Night..!!!



He got up from the bed and then turned back to his sister..

Arnav: Good night Di..

Anjali : Good night..!! (She smiled at Arnav and he left the room )



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



That night Khushi and Anjali slept together.. Anjali wanted to talk to Khushi but not tonight as she was already scared.. The whole night after that Khushi placed her hand on Anjali in sleep to make sure she has someone with her in this new place. Badi Maa who was back to her room wasnt understanding what just happened down there.. Whom did Khushi saw in the Living room? And why  did she said she doesnt know how she came to the Living room?? She was so much lost in all these thoughts.. She knew what she had to do. The next day itself she would keep a Puja at home calling all Priests making sure the Sheesh Mahal is blessed again along with this new girl ..



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



Next Morning..



When Khushi woke up, it was already 07:00am and she was afraid if she was late to go down. She rushed inside the Washroom for SHower and when she came out , she was confused on what she needed to wear?? Saree again? Hope not.. It was so uncomfortable sometimes . She was in her bathrobe thinking on what she would be comfortable in and would look decent too for the family when the door knocked again and she opened the door slightly to check who the person was.. It was Anjali standing out with a Saree in her hand again..



Khushi (In her mind): Not again Devi Maiyaa...!! Please..!!!

Anjali : Can I come in??

Khushi noded a Yes and then gave her space to come inside.. She closed the door once Anjali was in but forgot to lock it.. Anjali saw her in the Bathrobe and then smiled seeing an Uncomfortable Khushi fiddling with her fingers..



Anjali: Badi Maa has kept a Small Puja at home .. And she has invited some 11 Priests at Sheesh Mahal to bless this house , family and the New Bride..

Khushi: Priests?? (She was shocked hearing that even the Priests were called)

Anjali: Yes.. Why?? You have a problem?

Khushi: No.. I mean.. Thats too traditional .. But why 11 Priests?

Anjali: Thats always been a tradition of Sheesh Mahal to invite 11 Priests on every auspicious occassion in this Palace and serve them food.. So.. I know all this will be over your head right now.. But dont worry as time passes you will come to know everything.. For the time being wear this Saree and come down..



She placed the Saree on the bed and Khsuhi had no choice but to agree for this.. Thats when The door opened and Arnav came inside..



Arnav: Khsuhi.. I..

He was stunned to see her in Bathrobe and even his Sister inside the room made him more conscious now..ON the other hand Khushi was shocked at his sudden appearance..

Khushi : Arnav? Couldnt you knock??



This question once again pissed him offf? Why does she forget they are a couple ??



Arnav: Husbands dont knock their Wife's room door Dammit..!! (His tone was enough for Khushi to remember again that she should use her brains before she warns him for something.. )

Anjali was surprised.. She could see that even after these two were married, there was some kind of Gap between them which was making them fight like this..

Khushi: Haa Haan.. I know.. I just meant that I am not alone in this room. There could be anyone with me.. So you better knock ..If possible..

Arnav: And you better Lock the door as I dont think I would ever remember knocking my Wife's door.. (he teased her back but still in anger)

Anjali: Excuse me..!!



Saying that she left the room for this couple to talk and Arnav pushed the door closed..

Khushi: (After Anjali left ): Now before you scream at me for anything, let me tell you it was a slip of tongue.. I cant start practising to be someone's wife in a day or two. I need time to adjust to this fact..

Arnav: You better learn it soon Khushi or else there would be a day when you will be out of this house with your packed bags..



Khushi's eyes almost popped out her sockets in shock hearing it..

Khushi: Aap humme Dhamki de rahe hai?? (Are you Threatning me..)

Arnav: Think what you want.. And what was Di doing here? Did she ask you anything about us again? I mean about our marriage??



Khushi noded a No and he was relieved..

Arnav: Okay fine.. Nani told me some Priests are coming here.. So better keep your mouth and brain shut for sometime.. Atleast before them.. Understood??

Khushi: Unless you dont prick me to use them..!! (She replied back firmly only to see him taking a step angrily towards her).. I.. I mean.. You be good to me. .. I will be good to you.. And Vice versa..



He stopped hearing that and then without waiting there for any more time, he just left out.. SHe sighed in relief and then locked the door ..



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



Chandra Mahal - Kitchen



Lalitha : Bibiji let me tell  you.. I find things fishy in Sheesh Mahal..

Sheetal who was preparing Tea for her Father in law and Husband looked at Lalitha in Surprise..

Sheetal: Fishy? Why?

Lalitha: Today morning when I was plucking flowers from the garden I saw Badi Maa of Sheesh Mahal sprinkling Gangajal (Holy water) around the Palace. As if she was trying to remove out all Evil from the House .. Now you tell me when the Bride of the Palace has entered a day back, why would anyone sprinkle Holy water like the next day? Isnt the bride considered to be getting in all the Holyness inside with her footstep? This Badi Maa was doing it as if she has welcomed some Devil in the house and not a Bride..



Lalitha would have continued but then the voice of Buaji made her stop and even shiver feeling the harshness of her tone..



Buaji: Lalitha.. Enough of your gossiping.. Go and start serving the breakfast...

Lalitha noded her head looking down and left the Kitchen.. Sheetal continued making the tea not before asking Buaji once..

Sheetal: Buaji.. Do you really think the entry of Bride of Sheesh Mahal is not a good sign for them?

Buaji: Its better if you dont think all this Sheetal.. This Lalitha has no work.. She can only gossip.. She doesnt know anything else than this..

Sheetal: But she wasnt gossiping.. She told me what she saw.. Thats it..

Buaji: Forget all that.. Nandakishore came back at what time last night???



Sheetal's expressions suddenly changed.. She replied back in a low tone..

Sheetal: He came early morning today and he is having his shower now.. He would be going to Office he said..

Buaji: Hmm.. Shashi wanted to talk to him regarding you..

Sheetal: No Buaji.. Please ask Dad not to speak anything about me to him. That would only rise his anger..

Buaji: So be it.. We dont care now.. !!



Saying that Buaji left the Kitchen and Sheetal could only pray that her husband really understands her worth one day..



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



Sheesh Mahal



After an Hour



Khushi had finally managed to wear that Heavy Pink Saree which Anjali had given her.. Now she was before the mirror checking herself holding the Pallu on her head and smiling..



Khushi: Not bad Khushi.. You really look beautiful sometimes.. (She gigled feeling shy and then her thoughts suddenly diverted somewhere else and her expressions changed.. ).. Let me call Aman and check how she is..



She walked to the bed and sat on it dialing Aman on his mobile.. His number was busy and hence she cut the call and placed her phone aside..

Khushi: He Must be busy .. Afterall Arnavji must have given him loads of work before coming to India.. How can he take air of relief there?? Upon that my problems too.. How will this poor guy manage all .?? Hey Devi Maiyaa bless Aman .. He really needs your blessing..



She talked to her Devi Maiyaa and then finally got up from the bed to leave down. She had no idea what kind of Puja that Badi Maa had planned here but she just hoped all would be well and she wont let Arnavji conditions down..



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



Nani and Manorama were sitting on the Couch in the Living room talking when they saw Arnav rushing down the stairs all set to leave out.. They stopped him at once..



Nani: Chotte.. Where are you going ??

Arnav: Office Nani.. I know there is a Puja at home but I really cant miss work for that.. Khushi is here..She will handle it all. Okay?

Nani: What ? THis Puja  Mohini (Badi Maa) Kept for you both.. Not just Khushi.. So you cannot leave now..

Arnav: Nani.. Please.. You know I dont believe in all this..

Nani: But Chotte???



Thats when everyone heard Badi Maa's voice..



Badi Maa: A Person who didnt believe in Love and marriages, got married secretly.. So why cant the same person start believing in these little after rituals of his marriage then??



Arnav stopped and turned behind only to see his Badi Maa coming down..

Nani: Well Said Mohini.. Only you can stop him from going against our traditions.. We have lost hope otherwise.

Badi Maa: (Seeing Arnav): Where is your bride??

Arnav: Must be getting ready.. !!

Badi Maa: Ask her to come down .. The Priests would be here any instant..

Arnav: Badi Maa.. I really got to go.. I..

Badi Maa: Maakhan.. Maaakhan.. (She screamed in anger before Arnav could complete the sentence )..



Maakhan came there bowing his head down..



Maakhan: Ji Hukkum..

Badi Maa: Your Chotte Malik has no time to take his wife out.. So ask the Driver to be ready..

Maakhan noded and left and Arnav surprisingly asked Badi Maa..



Arnav: Where is my Wife going???

Badi Maa: To Ratna Bagh (Jewel Garden ).. Its been a tradition of our family to make the new Bride plant a Tree there after her marriage.. That is considered to be auspicious for the growth of the family ..

Arnav (Remembered something and then looked back at Badi Maa): I will take her there??

Badi Maa: Make sure she doesnt pluck any flowers there.. !!

Arnav: And why is that??

Badi Maa: Just do as I say Chotte.. Dont question me such things..



Saying that she left back upstairs and Nani sighed seeing her Chotte's confusion..



Nani: There are some old beliefs Chotte and we follow it in this family..

Arnav: This family and their Beliefs..I Hope my Wife doesnt lose her mind staying here..



TO be Continued..











Part 6



Sheesh Mahal



The Bride of Sheesh Mahal walked down the stairs holding the Pallu that covered her head.. That sight was a must watch for Arnav Singh Raizada who was standing in the Living room waiting for her to come down.. His eyes glued to this figure walking down.. He totally lost the control on his mind and heart seeing her in that Dark Pink Saree with the pallu on her head.. Damm!! If this is how she behaved for being his Fake Wife then how would she react if he had really married her? Her eyes were looking down on the Stairs making sure she sees carefully as the fear of she feeling pushed by someone the last day was still within her.. Seeing Arnav so lost even Badi Maa and Nani turned back and no doubt they were stunned to see this girl. The way she had draped the Saree and taken the pallu on her head just made them feel so traditional. As if no one but her always owed this place and status in Sheesh Mahal.



The moment she came down, she saw Arnav , and the family seeing her, infact admiring her and specially her husband Arnav.. She didnt knew why they were seeing her like that? Wasnt she dressed properly? Were they feeling she was overdoing this act?? Ohh She had so many questions but not letting them cloud her mind she walked to them and then bent down to take the Family's blessing.. Nani smiled and blessed her but Badi Maa didnt move her hand an inch. Khushi herself stood straight again and looked at Arnav who still was lost in her.. She cleared her throat as she wished Arnav to start some coversation before the family asks her again something..



Badi Maa: (Seeing the lost Arnav): Chotte..Are you ready to leave??

Arnav was back to his sense.. He noded and then looked back at his wife..

Arnav (To Khushi): We have to go out.. I am taking the Car out.. Come soon..

She noded and then looked at Nani..

Khsuhi: But Nani.. The Priests are supposed to come now..

Nani: Yes.. But before that you have to fulfil a small tradition .. Arnav will take you there and also tell you whats to be done.. Go..!!

Khushi smiled and then giving a short glance to Badi Maa, she stepped out of the house..



Badi Maa (Seeing Khushi leaving ): She is not what she looks like..

Nani: What do you mean Mohini?

Badi Maa just noded a No and then walked inside the house..



***********



CAR



Arnav was really finding it hard to concentrate on the road when his beautiful wife was all busy settling her Saree pallu sometimes and sometimes the pleats.. The tinkling of her bangles and her Payals was only disturbing him..



Arnav: Would you stop moving and sit calm?? (he asked angrily and she looked at him in astonishment)

Khushi: What is your problem? I am not moving you right.. I am here at my place and you are there.. Almost 1 feet away from me.. How does it bother you?

Arnav: (Parking his Car at the side road and looking angrily towards her): First of all do not backanswer me.. (He said pointing a finger at her which she stared for some seconds in fear leaning her head back) .. And lastly, I am not prone to hear all these tinkling sounds often.. So for your Devi Maiyaa's sake stop moving..



Khushi (Innocently): But Devi Maiya has no problem with me moving.. You have.. Then why should I stop moving for her sake??



Arnav had no answer.. He just took a deep breathe remembering Aman's frequent advise to him "Breathe In and Breathe Out..".. Giving her a cold Look again , he started his Car towards the Ratna Bagh (Jewel Garden)..



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



Chandra Mahal



Shashi: Nandakishore.. She is your wife..

NK continued packing his Laptop bag nodding a Yes..

NK: Ofcourse I remember Dad.. Chill..

Shashi : Chill?? Just knowing she is your wife and making her feel you are her husband are two different things Nandakishore..

NK: Dad Please.. I am already late for Office.. Dont start all this now.. I know what you mean.. Accepting Sheetal and living  a happy married life with her.. Right? I will.. But everything has its own time..

Shashi: Can I ask you  something NK.. And I need a Proper Answer..

NK noded and finally picked his Lappy Bag all set to leave the house for work..



Shashi: Do you have any other girl in your life?? Be honest..

NK Was stunned to hear this question from his Dad.. So his father was thinking he has a girl in his life which makes him ignore Sheetal??

NK: Stop it Dad. Not everyone is like you.. !!



Saying that he walked out angrily leaving a Surprised..  He never expected his Son to say something like this to him..



***********



Ratan Bagh



The Garden was beautiful with all varities of flowers and fruits plants.. Khushi was very happy seeing such a blissful sight where all the different types of flowers are grown together in seperate lanes.. The moment they got down , two men who were the head of this Garden greeted them and welcomed them inside.. Arnav wore his Sunglass as the heat was very pricky but Khushi poked him in between..



Khushi: Such sights should be enjoyed with bare eyes .. Why blurring your view with those glasses?

Arnav: Its my problem.. I am least interested in Sight seeing.. Go ahead and fulfil the ritual .. I will wait here..

Khushi: But what do I need to do??

Arnav: You just need to plant some random tree and come back.. Thats it..

Khushi: Woww..!! I will plant it from my own hands?? (She asked excitdely)

Arnav: Nope.. You have to plant it from the Gardners hands.. Come on Khushi.. Dont waste time.. I am here..



Khushi frowned at him for not giving her a proper reply to her straight questions.. The manger of the Garden did take Khushi with him.. Arnav made sure he had an eye on her.. Though he himseld didnt go, he still couldnt leave his eyes stop admiring her..



***********



Gardner : This way Bahuji..

Khushi: Bahuji?? Chacha you can call me Khushi.. !!

Gardner: No No.. You are the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. How can I call you by your name??

Khushi: (Smiling): Why Chacha? Are the brides of this Palace considered to be very much Gracious??

Gardner: Yes Bahuji.. The Brides of Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal are very much respected in Lucknow.. You may not know it now.. But later on , you will see how much dignity the people living here will give you..

Khushi was confused when she heard the name "Chandra Mahal"..



Khushi: Chandra Mahal?? Is it also a Palace owned by some family here??

Gardner: Yes.. Dont you know?? They are your neighbours.. I mean Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal are beside each other..

Khushi had no idea about this.. How would she know? Afterall just a day had passed that she came here.. SHe walked with the Gardener to the location and then he stopped..



Gardener: Which Tree you want to plant Bahuji??

Khushi: Uhh!! A Rose Plant..!!

The Gardener was shocked to hear this.. The moment Khushi was about to pick a Rose plant , he stopped her..

Gardener: No Bahuji.. You cannot plant a Rose bush here.. Never..

Khushi (Surprisingly): But Why? Arnav told me I can plant anything..

Gardener: He has stayed outdoor for so many years .. So its possible that even he doesnt know.. You can plant anything except a Flower Bush..

Khushi: But why??

Gardener: Its inauspicious for a bride of Sheesh mahal .. Thats all I know..



Khushi was definately confused.. But not arguing much, she was ready to plant a Mango tree in the Garden and then the Gardener helped her to sow the seeds and water it.. She was happy.. For the first time she was participating in this "Go Green" policy she thought.. She promised she would plant trees every year like this..



Arnav meanwhile got a call from Aman and as there was no proper network coverage, he walked aside to talk to him .. Khsuhi finished planting and there she saw a Rose bed ..How she wished to pluck one rose and take it with her.. She loves roses.. But what if the Gardener warns her saying its inauspicious for the Bride of Sheesh Mahal?? Well... She ignored the thought and when the Gardener was busy in something, she did pluck a Rose and hide it in her Pallu.. She then walked with the Gardener towards Arnav who finished talking to Aman and came back.. Seeing a contented smile on her face for planting something he couldnt stop asking her this when she came before him..



Arnav: I think you were a Female Gardener in your last birth.. Never seen anyone so contended for just planting a Tree..!!

Khushi: Ohh Yes.. Didnt I tell you that before? (She teased him back accepting his comment blankly without creating a fuss and he opened the Car door for her to get in..)

She thanked the Gardener and then seated herself in, taking the Rose out of her Pallu and admiring it.. When Arnav sat inside to drive, he was surprised to see this flower in her hand..



Arnav: Where did you get that from??

Khushi: I plucked it from the Garden..!! (She smiled and admired the rose again only to find him screaming at her..)

Arnav: What The..!! Why Khushi? How can you pluck a flower like that?

Khushi: Stop the Car I will show you how I plucked.. !!

Arnav : Shut up.. (He angrily replied back).. I was informed not to let you pluck anything from there.. !!

Khushi: Really?? Then why didnt you tell me before?

Arnav: I forgot Dammit.!!

Khushi: Not my fault then.. You better start taking tablets to remember such things.. You already forgot a lot to inform me about ..



Arnav continued driving and told her not to tell anyone she plucked something from that garden or else there would be another round of Conflict in his family.. She agreed..



***********



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav and Khushi were back  home and all the Priests had gathered in the Living room and were attended by Badi Maa and Nani.. Khushi was asked to make a Sweet for all the Priests which they would taste first and only then the family was allowed to eat after that..Khushi was still holding the Pallu on her head.. She walked inside the kitchen to find Anjali already inside making things ready for Khushi to start making something..



Anjali saw Khushi at the Kitchen door and she smiled at her asking her to come inside and take the charge..



Anjali: Khushi.. You dont need to hold that pallu on your head. You can take it off..

Khsuhi: No No Di. I am fine..

Anjali: Did Chotte ask you to be like this??

Khushi noded a No and Anjali held her hand..

Anjali: Look Khushi.. You dont need to be scared of anyone here. This is your family now.. It will surely take time for us to accept you but we wont eat you up if you dont follow these traditions.. Its Okay.. I can understand how difficult it is for a girl who stayed in some other country to dress up like this.. And none of the Bahu or daughter of this house ever takes Pallu on her head.. So you too dont need to do it..



Khushi: But Arnav had told me once.. That his mother, his grandmother, everyone used to follow this .. So I thought of doing it too..

Anjali was emotional hearing this.. This girl was so sensitive towards the traditions of this Palace..

Anjali: Fine.. You can continue it.. But put an end whenever you feel its a burden.. Okay??



Khushi noded in agreement and Anjali was leaving the Kitchen when Khushi held her hand and stopped her..She turned back to see what Khushi wanted to tell now..



Khushi : Arnav is very lucky to have a sister like you..

Anjali smiled and cupped Khushi's cheeks..

Anjali: And he is also lucky to have a wife like you..



She kissed Khushi's forehead almost showering her blessings and then left the Kitchen.. Khushi felt a tug in her heart when she heard this..



Khushi (To herself): But I am not his wife Di.. I am not his Wife..!! (Tears rolled down her cheeks thinking how can she ditch such a good family ... This is not what she ever wished.. Only if she wasnt tied by the strings of helplessnes, she would never have done that..)



TO be Continued..





Part 7



Sheesh Mahal



The Priests were sitting down on the special mats waiting for the Bride of Sheesh Mahal to come and serve them the Kheer.. Anjali, Payal were waiting too and they wished they should go and check if Khsuhi has made it or not but the presence of Badi Maa wasnt allowing them to do that.. Thats when Nani saw Khushi coming our with a Tray of Kheer bowls.. She was still holding the Pallu on her head which she pinned not to let fall down. The Priests looked at each other in astonishment.. Specially the one who was the eldest among them.. He was Priest Narendra Nath and he was the head of the rest 10 Priests here.. He couldnt believe this could happen..



Khushi walked to the Priests and Maakhan held the Tray of Kheer Bowls in his hand while Khushi touched the feet of every Priests to take the blessing first and then took a Kheer bowl from the tray and placed it before them..



Badi Maa leaned towards Nani seeing this to ask her something..



Badi Maa: Did you tell her she needs to serve the priests but take the blessings first of every one ??

Nani: No.. I thought you told her that?? (She looked back at Khushi ).. Its so strange .. This girl knows the traditions of our family so well. Covering head with the Pallu is another tradition which every Malik Bahu followed..

Badi Maa: May be Chotte told her all this?

Nani: As if chotte knows what the traditions of this family are? He himself is not much aware..!!



Badi Maa and Nani continued looking at Khushi serving and then sighed thinking she must have known somehow..



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



Arnav came down and saw Khushi standing with Anjali , waiting for the Priests to finish.. He saw she was holding the Mobile Phone in her hand.. So instead of walking to her, he waited at the Stairs and then messaged her.. She had kept her phone in a Silent vibration mode.. She instantly checked the message ..



" Come upstairs.. I need to talk.."



She ignored the message and then tried searching him standing there.. She saw him at the Stairs and she simply noded a NO to him gesturing him that she cannot come until all this is done.. Badi Maa saw her gesturing Arnav for something.. She called Arnav there and he had no choice but to come to his Badi Maa..



Badi Maa: Chotte.. Your wife is busy .. Dont disturb her for your needs..

Arnav: Badi Maa.. I need to talk to her.. Thats it?? Dont I deserve a fair chance to talk to my wife for some minutes ? (He angrily asked and Badi maa looked at him )

Badi Maa: The Priests have finished .. Just take the blessings first and then do what you want..!



Arnav sighed in frustration and looked at Khushi who was readily waiting for taking the blessings.. They both together took the blessings from the Priest and there they finally came to the head of them "Narendra Nath".. He blessed them ..



Priest: May God shower the Love and Prosperity on you both.. Face the Evil and mend things that come your way.. (He then looked specifically at Khushi).. And never back off..



Khushi was confused when the Priest said all this.. What did he mean by Never Back Off?? Back Off from what? This Marriage? She had no idea.. Arnav moved aside giving the Priests some space to leave.. Every family member walked till the door to leave the Priests and when Khushi too wished to join them , he stopped her.. Holding her hand , he took her upstairs making sure the family doesnt see them..



Khushi: Arnavji.. What are you doing? Stop..

Arnav was about to take her inside his room but she stopped at the door ...

Arnav: Khushi get in.. I need to talk.

Khushi:  I have promised not to step your room.. I cant break that ..!!



Arnav was really angry.. He just walked with her to the Guest room where she stayed and then locked the door pushing her inside..



Khushi: Yeh Kya Batameezi hai?? (She said holding her Pallu on her  head.. ) (What kind of Misbehaviour is this? )

Arnav: Batameezi main nahi tum kar rahi ho .. (Not me but you are misbehaving .. ).. Didnt you agree to follow my words everytime ?? Then whats so wrong with you after coming here? You are really behaving a typical Wife.. A typical Bahu of this family..  (He roared in anger taking a step towards her).. Dont you dare think a girl like you can be the Bride of this House Khushi.. Be in your limits and do things only which I ask you to do... Never cross that thin line between us.. Understood?



Khushi had tears in her eyes.. What wrong she did here that he was so much pissed with her??



Khushi: Humne aisa kya kar diya ki aap itne naraaz hai humse?? (What did I do that you are so much angry with me?? )

Arnav: Why are you calling Aman frequently? (He asked gritting his teeth)

Khsuhi: Because I need to know her status.. I need to know about her progress Arnavji..

Arnav: But are you forgetting you are in Sheesh mahal Khsuhi.. And I dont wish anyone to know you have someone in London who is related to you.. Because I have told them you are Orphan..!!

Khushi: What?? You told your family I am an Orphan? How could you??

Arnav: Because I didnt wish them to meet her .. You very well she is not in a position to meet them.. One truth will lead to the next and I dont want them to even predict we are not married.. You get that??? So next time before thinking of talking to anyone from London, make sure you are away from my family  not even letting them a chance to know that you have someone out there who is your family.. !!



Khushi : You cannot speak to me in this tone Arnavji.. If you are paying me for getting her treated , then I am also doing something for you here.. Its not easy for me to act someone's wife.. Do you even realise in the pretext of faking things here, you even filled my Maang with Sindoor.. Practically making me your wife for no reason.. It really needs patience for me too for being someone's wife.. And specially when that Someone is Arnav Singh Raizada, the rudest man ever on earth..



Arnav (Taking a step in anger towards her): How dare you Khushi??



Khushi moved a step back in fear only to be saved by a door knock from her husband's wrath..She wiped her tears and then stood there waiting to know who the person is.. Arnav opened the door to find Maakhan there..



Maakhan: Chotte Malik.. Badi Maa is calling you and Bahuji down..

Arnav: We are coming..

Maakhan noded and left and Arnav turned to see her.. She held the Pallu firm on her head to cover and then without even looking at him , she tried to walk outside the room and Arnav just held her hand at the door stopping her..



Arnav: Humaari Baat abhi khatam nahi hui.. (Our talk is still not finished..)

Khushi: Humme yaad rahega.. Ab chaliye.. Iss se pehle ki ek aur bulaawa aajaye...(I will remember.. Now come.. Before they send someone again to call us..)



Saying that she walked ahead and he followed her..



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



Chandra Mahal



It was evening and Nandakishore came back from Office.. He saw Buaji sitting with Sheetal and talking.. He came to them and for the first time, he himself called Sheetal asking her to get tea for him.. She was overwhelmed. She happily rushed to the Kitchen to make tea for her husband..



Buaji: Nandakishore .. I really felt nice to see you like this..

NK: I just asked her to make Tea so that I can talk to you privately Buaji.. Dont take it in any other way..

Buaji: What?? Talk to me Privately?? What do you wish to talk?

NK: I think Dad should find her and get her back in this house..

Buaji: Her??

NK: His daughter..

Buaji was surprised to hear this from NK..Her anger was reflected on her face and she just replied back in a harsh tone..



Buaji: Never Nandakishore.. Until I am alive, that girl can never be a part of our family..

NK: Thats wrong Buaji.. She is the daughter of this house.. She has all rights to get the love and name of our family.. Why cant she???

Buaji: Because .. (She was about to continue when she saw Sheetal coming out of the Kitchen happily with the tea..)..



Nandakishore too realised his wife was here.. He got up, took the tea cup and left for his room.. Sheetal was smiling seeing him.. She was so happy.. He never asked her himself to make anything for him.. Today was the first time.. She just blushed thinking her good days are coming back and then sat beside Buaji again..



Buaji: (To herself): What made Nandakishore think about her??

Sheetal: Buaji.. What did he say?? Did he talk anything about me?

Buaji: (Coming back to sense): No Bitiya.. He was just telling about his Office.



Sheetal was depressed.. But she knew after some days he will even start talking to her normally.



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



Sheesh Mahal



It was night and Khushi was once again alone in her room sleeping on bed.. She didnt know why but she was little scared remembering the last night.. She tried to close her eyes and invite some sleep but it didnt look like she got any.. That same moment she heard some Glass breaking sound .. She instantly got up in fear.. There was an unknown silence again in her room.. She switched the Lights On and scanned her room once but there was no one here.. She infact had heard the sound from outside her room.. She opened the door and then put a step out.. The light switch was far away.. For that she had to get down the stairs in darkness.. But will she be able to do that?? She gulped down her fear and took a big rod in her hand to lash any unknown person who comes in her way.. She took steps slowly towards the Main Hall making sure she doesnt fear much.. She was afraid if she would once again see the same reflection which she saw last night at this place.. Why are nights so scary in Sheesh Mahal she thought??



The moment she got down the Stairs, she could see some Glass pieces on the floor near the centre table.. She rushed to see it and there she could see some Blood too.. She was shocked.. She screamed aloud only to gather the family once again last night in the Living Room.. This time it was Arnav who heard her first.. He switched the lights On and saw Khushi standing with a Broom and looking at the floor suspiciously.. He rushed to her and then pulled her towards him..



Arnav: Khushi What happened?

Khushi: Arnav.. Look there.. Blood..

The whole family came down now and were worried again to see a horrified Khushi.. Arnav looked at the floor and saw the glass pieces ..

Arnav: Its not blood Khushi. Its something else..



He asked Maakhan and the other maids to check what that was and there Maakhan replied back..



Maakhan: Chotte Malik this is tomato sauce.. I guess this Bowl of Sauce was kept here and it feel down..

Arnav (Gritting his teeth): This is how the Servants work in this house? Keep a thing and then forget to take it off?? Is this a normal house or a Scary Palace? Since past 2 nights My wife is not getting proper rest here and no one is bothered for that ..



Anjali walked to him and held his hand..

Anjali: Chotte relax.. Dont spoil your mood at this hour..

Arnav: Its already spoiled di.. I dont know how can you all take these things so lightly.. Yesterday My Wife saw someone in the Living room and today she is again facing such nonsense problems..



Anjali was quiet.. But Badi Maa couldnt remain so..She too raised her voice..

Badi Maa: We are staying in this house from years CHotte.. We never felt anything what your 2 days wife is facing.. Why only after she came here, such things are happening?

Khushi was tensed.. She just looked down and wiped her tears..

Arnav: I hope there isnt anyone here doing things purposely to scare my Wife..

Khushi was shocked.. Why did he say this? Infact the whole family was shocked.. How can Arnav think they are troubling Khushi purposely??



Before Arnav could utter anything more Khushi held him and noded a NO..

Khushi: Arnav.. I should be sorry for waking up the family like that.. You dont have to scream at them..

Arnav (Turning back to her ): I dont care who is right and who is wrong here Khushi.. But thats enough now.. You are staying with me in my room. And let me see who the hell stops me now.. !!



He held Khushi's hand and pulled her with him towards his room while the whole Family just kept looking at them surprised..



TO be COntinued..





Part 8



Khushi: Arnav.. I should be sorry for waking up the family like that.. You dont have to scream at them..

Arnav (Turning back to her ): I dont care who is right and who is wrong here Khushi.. But thats enough now.. You are staying with me in my room. And let me see who the hell stops me now.. !!



He held Khushi's hand and pulled her with him towards his room while the whole Family just kept looking at them surprised.. The family was really confused with all this.. What was happening in Sheesh Mahal. ?? They disperesed back to their respective rooms except Badi Maa who called Maakhan to her..



Badi Maa: Maakhan all this should not happen again.. Understood??

Maakhan: Jee Hukkum..

Badi Maa scanned the entire Living room once again. She was really suspicious of things happening here since the time the Bride of Sheesh Mahal had come .. She ignored that thought and then dispersed back to her room..



The moment Arnav dragged Khushi inside his room, she stopped at the door once again not willing to enter inside..



Arnav: Khushi walk in..!! (He commanded in a rude tone and she just kept looking down..).. Did you hear what I said??

Khushi : Arnavji.. PLease understand I cannot stay with you in your room.. Its not right..

Arnav (Gritting his teeth in anger): Why? Am I going to eat you up?? Khsuhi just stop making your own assumptions and get in..

Khushi: Par? (She was about to continue but he had no time and patience for that.. He picked her up in his arms and walked inside shocking her , surprising her and then placed her on the couch.. )

Arnav: Now shut your mouth and go to sleep.



He walked back to the door locking it and she was just hesitant to sleep in his room.. She saw him walking back to his bed and switching the lights off.. He pulled an extra quilt and threw it on the couch at her legs asking her to use it on her..



Khushi: What?? You mean I will sleep on this Couch??

Arnav: I wont fit there.. So dont even think of asking me to shift..!! (He adjusted his pillow and closed his eyes to get his peaceful sleep back and Khushi couldnt stop murmuring looking at him..



Khushi (To herself): Maa was right.. He is really dominant.. Doesnt even care how uncomfortable a girl can get in his presence..

Arnav did hear it and without even moving an inch he did reply back to her..

Arnav: Khushi one more word and I will make you sleep in that Living room down..

Khushi: Hum aapse baat nahi kar rahe.. Ab kya hum apne aap se bhi baat nahi kar sakte?? (I am not talking to you.. Now cant I talk to myself ??

Arnav: Not when you are with me..!!

Khushi: Aur aap humme Living room ki dhamki mat dijiye.. Hum nahi darte .. Yeh toh aap hume zabardasti yahan le aaye.. Warna hum apne kamre bhi so sakte the.. (And dont scare me about the Living room..  I dont fear anymore.. You got me forcibly in your room otherwise I would have slept in my room ..)



She didnt get any reply from him and she could realise he already slept.. SLEPT?? That means she is now the only one who is awake?? She was totally scared again.. She leaned on the Couch taking the quilt over her body , hiding even her face from that darkness and then closed her eyes taking Devi Maiya's name continuously in her mind..)



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



Next Day - Sheesh Mahal



The phone ring was so loud enough that Arnav actually startled and sat on the bed only to find Khushi still sleeping peacefully on the Couch and her Phone was constantly ringing yet that harsh sound didnt disturb her.. He sighed and walked to the Couch answering her phone as it was Aman's...



Arnav: Yeah Aman.. (he almost yawned and Aman there was surely surprised to hear him)

Aman: ASR?? What is her phone doing with you at this hour??

Arnav: Thats not important Aman.. Tell me how is Garima Gupta's health now?

Aman: I have a good news..  The Dr said she showed some improvement and probably in few days she will be back to consciousness..

Arnav: Great.. Make sure she is given utmost attention by the Dr's there..

Aman: Yeah ASR.. I am with her most of the times.. But then have you thought what will happen when she comes back to consciousness??The first thing she will ask me is about her daughter..

Arnav: (Looking at Sleeping Khushi)..: So what?? Just ring Khushi and make them talk.. Whats so big deal in that??

Aman: ASR.. She is her mother.. Wouldnt she ask why Khushi isnt with her in the Hospital?? Wouldnt she want to know what her daughter is doing with her Boss?? Come on ASR.. Mrs Gupta worked for you from past 3 years, she knows what kind of person you are.. And I dont think she will be satisfied that her daughter is safe with you..



Arnav: Are you tarnishing my image Aman??

Aman: Never ASR.. You know I can never do that.. I just mean to say it will be difficult to make Mrs Gupta understand your and Khushi's conditions..

Arnav: We will see that later.. Tell me when are you coming to India??

Aman: When you want me there...??

Arnav: Next week..!! I am starting our New Plant here.. So I need you to handle it..

Aman: And what about Mrs Gupta??

Arnav: Assign a best person to be with her all the time..

Aman: Okay.. I will.. Can I now talk to Khushi if she is nearby..??



Arnav'e eyes did scanned his Fake wife once again who still was in deep peaceful sleep..

Arnav: She is sleeping.. I mean she slept late last night.. So..

Aman: Hmm.. No worries.. Just say my Hi to her.. And you take care... Bye..

Arnav: Bye..



Arnav cut the call and placed the mobile beside her again. It was hardly 06:30am and he walked back to his bed to rest..



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



Khushi was all ready to leave down .. Even today she didnt forget to wear a nice traditional Saree and the Pallu was covering her head as usual. Arnav's did open his eyes from sleep at the same time and saw her smiling seeing the mirror.. No doubt she was beautiful in anything she wore.. Be it with the jewellery or without it.. Be it a Salwar Kameez or a Saree.. She always looked prettier .. He saw her seeing herself in the mirror holding the MangalSutra .. She was looking lost.. He cleared his throat only to get her back to sense.. She instantly wiped her tears and then started clearing the Dressing table..



Arnav: You Okay?

Khushi: Yes.. I am fine.. I saw a Call from Aman on my Phone.. He had called today morning?

Arnav: Yes.. He said the Dr's are positive about your mothers recovery.. Soon she would be out of Coma and getting back to Consciousness..

Khushi was overjoyed hearing this..SHe rushed to him ..



Khushi: What? Really? She will be fine soon ??

Arnav: (Getting up from bed and nodding a Yes): Yes.. She will be.. !!

Khsuhi: Wow..!! I cant believe.. Almost after 2 months I would be hearing her voice.. (tears rolled down her cheeks remembering how much she missed her mother these days).. I.. Will I be meeting her soon?

Arnav: Not till you finish everything here.. After that you are free to go back anytime to her..



He left for the washroom and Khushi waited there thinking still she really had a lot many days to spend with this Man here until she sees her mother again..



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



Chandra Mahal



Sheetal: NK please.. I am not spying on you.. But I need to know who the hell Muskaan is..

NK: I dont know Sheetal.. Just leave me alone please..

Sheetal: No I cant..!! I never asked you this before.. But now its too much.. I have seen you taking this name many a times when I wake you up.. What should it mean ??

NK: I said I dont know who Muskaan is.. Its just that sometimes I keep taking this name subconsciously in my sleep or something.. If you wish, you can believe me.. !!



He started checking the morning newspaper while Sheetal furiously snatched it from him..



Sheetal: Its too difficult for me to believe you on this matter Nk..

NK: What is wrong with you Sheetal?? Why are you sitting on my head today?? Just give me some peace of mind you understand? Get out.. (He angrily roared at her and Sheetal couldnt stop her tears..)..



Sheetal: If you had some other girl in your life NK, you shouldnt have spoiled my life by marrying..

She was leaving the room when he stopped her ..

NK: Only because I am not ready to accept you as my wife, you do not need to link me with someone I dont even know.. I have no idea why I take this name frequently.. I hope you accept this truth before its too late..



They both looked in each others eyes.. Sheetal could see he wasnt lieing.. But then if he was telling the truth, then there had to be some connection with this girl named Muskaan and him.. But what is it? Who is this girl?



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



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi was busy in the Kitchen cooking with Payal and Manorama Maami.. Khushi wasnt much bonded to Manorama Mami yet.. But all she knew about her was she was a fun loving person who cracked good jokes..



Payal: Saasuma.. I am planning to go to Market today.. You have anything then make a list.. I will get it all.

Manorma: Neki Aur Pooch Pooch (A good deed needs no permission.).. Ofcourse I have a long list Bahuriya.. I will give it to you..

Khushi: Payal. Even I wished to get some things.. Should I join you?

Payal: Uhh!! I am no one to give you the permission.. But yes you can ask Badi Maa.



The thought of asking Badi Maa was really scary at the moment she thought.. She continued cutting the vegetables still thinking how she would be taking permission from Badi Maa .. What if she scolds her? Cant she ask Nani and go with Payal?? Nani is more elder to Badi Maa then why cant she give her the permission??



Payal suddenly turned towards Khushi and was totally shocked to see Khushi's Pallu had caught fire on it..



Payal: Khushi.. Aaag.. Aag..!!



Khushi came back to her sense and then suddenly saw the end of her Pallu had caught fire which was enough to extend and burn her.. Manorama also screamed getting scared.. Arnav who was in the Living room with Anjali heard it and they rushed to the Kitchen.. Arnav was stunned.. Fire ?? He couldnt think anything at the moment. He rushed to her and started tearing her Pallu trying to seperate the fire from extending.. And Anjali and Payal rushed to throw some water on her Saree for ceasing it.. After much efforts the fire was off and Khushi who was completely scared of this incident rushed in Arnav's arms feeling extremely senseless..



Arnav: Sshh!!! You are fine now Khushi.. Dont cry..!!



She wasnt able to speak anything after seeing this.. Anjali and other carressed her and tried to calm her down.. They took her outside to the Couch and Arnav made her drink some water.. She gulped it little and then looked at Arnav..



Khushi: I think this House doesnt like me Arnav.. This house doesnt expect me here..

Arnav: WHAT??

Everyone were just seeing her in a surprised look..

Arnav: Khushi come on.. You should be careful enough in handling things.. And why the hell do you wear these Heavy Sarees? Its obvious no one can work in them.. Look at Payal .. She too is a Bahu of this house but she rarely wears Sarees.. So stop thinking if this house likes you or not.. Just start wearing dresses you are comfortable in.. You get it??



Anjali: Chotte is right Khushi.. You should be wearing Dresses.. Enough of these Sarees now.. And dont worry about Badi Maa and Nani.. I will talk to them..

Arnav: Where are they Di?

Anjali: They have gone to our Priest.. I dont know why..

Arnav: What other work they have..!! Anyways..Take some rest Khushi and before that change this Saree.. Go..!!



Khushi noded and Payal took her in Arnav's room..



Manorama: (In a scared tone): Waise.. What she said isnt wrong Arnav Bitwa..

Arnav: What do you mean maami?

Manorama: It is possible that this Sheesh Mahal doesnt like their Bride much.. Hence things happening wierd with her right from the time she has come in this house.. I guess we should tell Mohini (Badi Maa ) about this incident.. She will do something for the betterment of this family and Khushi..



Arnav: Whatever.! I dont believe in all this.. But if you think so then I wont stop you from letting Badi Maa know all this.. Excuse me..!!



He walked towards the other room while Anjali and Manorama only exchanged looks..



To be Continued..





Part 9



After the fire incident, Khushi didnt get a chance to meet Arnav again. She was very much busy in taking permission from Nani downstairs..



Nani: Khushi Bitiya. You just faced a big accident in the Kitchen some time back.. I dont think you should go out with Payal..

Khushi: But Nani.. I am allright now.. You dont have to worry..

Nani: Why are you asking me?? You can ask your husband and go.. Afterall he is having more rights on you than us.. I dont want him later to think we are restricting his wife from doing things..



Khushi felt bad. She could see the family was actually upset with the way Arnavji was showing his possessiveness towards her before them. She kneeled at the chair where Nani sat ..

Khushi: Nani.. Dont say so.. He is just worried for me because the family needs time in accepting me as a Bahu.. Otherwise he would never have been that harsh with anyone here.. He loves you all very much.. !!

Nani: (Little delighted ): Bus Bus...!! Dont praise him now.. Go with Payal and come back soon..



Khushi: And Badi Maa? Shouldnt I ask her too?

Nani: I will tell her ..You go..

Khushi was very happy.. She could always feel herself comfortable with Nani. She instantly Kissed Nani's cheeks saying a Thank You and for surely surprising Nani to the core and then rushed outside the room..

Nani (To herself): I just hope Khushi is safe from whatever is happening with her.. What the priest told us today is only making me think what will happen on the Full moon night which is after 3 days from today.. ?? I have to make sure Khushi doesnt go outside Sheesh Mahl that Day. Not at any cost..



**********

Khushi had already took Nani's permission and now her next job was asking her husband.. She came inside his room only to find him barking at someone on call..



Arnav (On call): Get the Hell out of him I.. I dont care.. But once he signs a deal with Arnav Singh Raizada, backing off is impossoble.. He has to pay for this cheat.. You understand.??



The moment he spoke this, he saw her reflection and turned back to find her looking at him scared at the door..

Arnav (On call): Let me call you back.. Bye.. (He cut the call and saw her).. What happened?

Khushi: I hope you arent doing anything wrong with that person who cheated you..!!

Arnav: What the..!! Who are you to ask me that?

Khushi: The Bride of Sheesh mahal (She replied proudly and he could only smirk seeing her face.. She truely made herself so much acquainted with this fact)..



His anger was all gone out of the room and she came inside..



Khushi: I have to go to Market..

Arnav (Sitting back on the Recliner Opening his Laptop): I dont have time..

Khushi: I know.. And I am not even asking you to take me.. I am going along with Payal..

Arnav: Then why are you telling me this?

Khushi: Because you are my Husband.. Though a (She was about to say FAKE when he Sshhed her and she zipped her lips)..

Arnav: Never use that word again.. Atleast not in Sheesh Mahal..



Khushi noded her head and then walked to the Closet to get her Purse.. He saw her and then realised something.. He took his wallet out and removed some cash and Cards..



Arnav: Take these.. You will need it for shopping..

Khushi: No.. I dont need your money..

Arnav: Really?? You never said this when I paid the Hospital Bills in London..

Khushi (Tongue Tied): I mean.. Leaving that help which you did for me, I dont need other favours.. Thats enough..

Arnav: Keep it Khushi.. Because for others you are Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada and I dont wish them to know her husband is so stingy that he doesnt fill his wife's pockets for her needs..



Saying that he handed the Cash and Cards to her and she had no option but to take it..



Khushi: I will repay it back whatever I use from this..

Arnav: With Interest..30% Per month.. Fine?? Now leave..

Khushi had a perfect "O"Shaped on her lips hearing this.. She continued..



Khushi: 30 percent?? Isnt it much?? I mean even in banks here if I apply for a Loan they will charge 14 to 15 percent..

Arnav (Seeing her again stopping his work): Right.. Arnav Singh Raizada is not a BANK Khushi.. And if you think 30% is more then I will reduce it for you.. May be 29.99%??



Khushi was again tongue tied.. What was he doing?? He reduced only 0.01 percent?? How sick..She had nothing to speak after this .. Making the calculations in her mind of how much she needs to pay him back she walked outside the room making Arnav smirk back seeing her..



Arnav: She is one hell of a Crazy Women..!! God knows How Mrs Gupta handled her..!!



**********



After an Hour



Arnav was in his room working on his Laptop when suddenly he felt someone sneaking inside his room from the door..



Arnav: Whose there?? (He called seeing the Door )

No one replied and Arnav was little surprised.. He got up and walked to the Door only to find a small Kid running from the stairs to go down..

Arnav: Hey.. Stop..!!

He followed the kid but in instance the Kid was no more visible.. Arnav came down but then he couldnt find the kid anywhere.. He stopped Maakhan..



Arnav: Maakhan.. What is a kid doing in this house?

Maakhan: Kid?? No Chotte Malik.. We didnt see any Kid in this house..

Arnav: You mean I am hallucinating ?? I just saw a 5 year old kid running down these stairs and in few seconds he was out of my sight..



Badi Maa was walking towards her room when she heard Arnav's conversation.. She rushed there..

Badi Maa: Chotte?? What are you saying??

Arnav: Badi maa.. I saw a Small kid in this house..And now he is no more visible..

Badi Maa: Kid?? But what will a Kid do here? None of our Servants get their childrens here when they come to work..

Arnav: No.. He wasnt a Servants Child.. He was dressed in rich clothes.. Just check the whole house now.. May be the neighbours Kid..



Hearing the word Neighbours, Badi Maa's expressions surely changed..



Badi Maa: There is no kid in that House too.. And other than Chandra Mahal, we do not have any neighbours.. I am sure it was just a hallucination of yours.. Dont worry.. Just relax and continue your work.. And Yes send your wife in my room. I need to talk to her..

Arnav: She is not at home..

Badi Maa: (Angrily): What? Not at home? Where the hell is she? Where did she go without my permission??

Arnav: Badi Maa just chill your nerves.. At this age you shouldnt be so aggressive..

Badi Maa: If I am this aggressive its because of you and your wife CHotte.. How could she leave without asking me?

Arnav: She is my Wife.. I married her.. So my Permission is more important than anyone else's.. !! But if you still feel its important to ask you too then I will ask her to let you know the next time.. But just "ASK".. Because Giving the Permission to her is my Responsibilty.. !!!



Badi Maa wasnt surprised.. She could see how possessive he was for this girl Khushi.. She angrily walked back to her room and Arnav too dispered getting frustrated..



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



Lucknow Market



Khushi had bought some basic things she needed and she made sure she spent the money wisely.. Payal and Khushi finally reached a place where they could buy some cosmetics.. Khsuhi wasnt much interested in them..



Payal: Khushi.. Dont you need anything here?

Khushi: No Payal.. I hardly apply.. I am good without them..

Payal smiled..

Payal: So Arnav likes you without makeup??

That sentence surely made Khushi feel some butterflies in her stomach.. LIKES?



Payal: Dont blush so much..

Khushi: I didnt blush.. (She replied instantly)

Payal: Dont lie Khushi.. See.. Your cheeks are all RED

Khushi (Touching her cheeks): Accha?? May be involuntarily I blushed.. But I didnt mean to Okay??

Payal (Chuckled): Okay baba.. And whats harm in blushing? Every husband likes his wife.. Some like them with make up and some without it.. So whats a big deal in it??



Saying that Payal continued shopping the cosmetics and Khushi heard a Temple Bell ringing.. She turned in the direction of that temple..



Khushi: Devi Maiyaa Temple..?? Payal.. Finish soon.. We will go in that Temple too ..

Payal (Turning back to her): No Khushi.. We cannot..

Khushi: Cannot? Why??

Payal: Because we will be late.. See the time.. Nani had told us to come home before 06:00pm and now its already 05:30.. We will need 20 minutes to reach back home..

Khushi: But so what? We can visit the temple in few minutes and will ensure we wont be late too..

Payal: You sure?



Khushi noded a Yes and Payal quickly made the payment and rushed with Khushi to the Devi Maiyaa Temple..



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



Temple



Khushi prayed for her Mother's health and then she prayed something else too unknowingly..



"Devi Maiyaa.. Please keep the Raizada Family happy.. Nani,  Maami, Di, Payal , everyone are so nice and kind people.  Badi Maa is little strict but then she is good by heart.. I can feel that.. And Arnavji.. Huhh!! What should I say.. For minutes I feel he cares for me.. But then I know its only this Husband Wife drama which makes him do all this.. Still .. Bless him too.. "



She opened the eyes and then she turned back to leave only to hit herself to someone.. She rubbed her forehead feeling pain and she tried to see whom she bumped into.. He was Nandakishore Gupta from Chandra Mahal but she didnt knew that.. The moment NK saw Khushi, he felt as if he knows her..



Khushi: I am sorry..

NK: Mention not..!!

Payal saw Khushi bumped into NK and she rushed to him..

Payal: Khushi? Are you Okay??

Khushi noded a Yes.. Payal then once saw NK and then dragged Khuhsi with her outside..

Khushi: Payal what are you doing?

Payal: What are you doing Khushi?? You cannot talk to him Okay??

Khushi: But Why??



Payal: Because he is the SON of CHANDRA Mahal .. Now dont ask me more questions.. We are already late.. Lets get in the Car..



Saying that Payal made Khushi sit in the Car and the Driver drove them from there to Sheesh Mahal.. There NK came to know seeing Payal with this girl.. So she must be the New Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. Her name was Khushi.. He guessed she didnt knew about their policies or she didnt knew who he was.. Thats the reason she talked so normall y to him..



All the while Khushi did ask Payal whats wrong with talking to him and Payal didnt answer.. Payal told her not to tell about this to the family otherwise they would be creating a big issue out of it..



TO be Continued







Part 10



Khushi was at home from the Shopping and she was busy calculating money that left with her.. Sitting on the bed with the Pillow on her lap, she was busy noting down her each and every expense in a diary.. She was very much good at these things.. Arnav entered the room and seeing her calculating something in her mind and then noting it down , he was surely surprised.. He didnt disturb her though.. He just walked inside and started checking something in the Closet.. She saw him and then finally closed the book..



Khushi: I need to pay you Rs 6500..

Arnav instantly turned back to see what she meant..

Khushi (Getting up from the bed and walking towards him): I spent Rs 5000 in the market today.. And I dont wish you to give me a 0.01% discount.. I am ready for 30% interest.. So I calculated the total Sum I need to pay.. Rs 6500..

Arnav: (Sighed) If you are done with your calculations, then get ready.. We have to go out..

Khushi: Out?? Where?

Arnav: A Friends Party..

Khushi: Party?? Umm.. Everyone is going?

Arnav: Khushi its my Friends's Birthday today and no one else but me and you are invited.. So dont question more.. Just get ready ..



Arnav left for the Washroom and Khushi frustratingly just moved to the Closet to fetch some nice Saree again.. She knew she wouldnt be able to wear anything else than this..



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



Arnav was waiting down for his Wife to come and Akash was busy talking to him about some work. Khushi was alone in the room and was wearing her Bangles , sitting before the mirror when she felt someone whispering in her ears.. "MUSKAAN.." She instantly turned back breathing hard but couldnt find anyone inside the room.. If there wasnt anyone here, then who whispered that name "Muskaan"?? She got up and scanned the entire room. She couldnt understand what was wrong with her ?? Why did she feel like she is either been watched by someone, pushed by someone on the stairs and now she had started feeling some lady whispering in her ear and that too not her name but  "Muskaan".. She gulped down her thoughts and then hurridly walked down not delaying much.. She came downstairs only to find her husband busy talking to Akash.. She walked carefully on the Stairs making sure she doesnt fall and thats when even Arnav saw her.. No doubt he couldnt stop admiring her.. She came to him and he extended his hand for her to hold.. She was surprised but thinking they needed to act before everyone, she held his hand and saying a Bye to everyone, they left outside for their Car..



The moment she came out, she left his hand and walked ahead.. Arnav knew why she did that.. He didnt bother to ask her.. They walked to the Car and then he drove towards his Friends Birthday Party.. In the Car Arnav did manage to tell her what she needed to answer if anyone questions her about her sudden marriage with Arnav.. She listened everything carefully and then they finally got down.



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



Chandra Mahal..



NK walked hurridly towards his room and then took out his Sketch which he had drawn some days back .. And no doubt he was shocked to see that face which he drew using his own imagination some days back was the same whom he met today in the Temple .. The Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. He had drawn her Sketch ?? That too at the time when he didnt even know her? How was that possible?? He had no idea.. He just closed his eyes and then tried to find some answers but he couldnt.. The door knocked and he didnt wish anyone to see this Sketch of his.. He hid it inside the Closet and turned back to find his Wife Sheetal..



Sheetal felt he just hid something inside but she didnt show it before him..



Sheetal: Buaji is calling you down for Dinner..

NK: Yeah.. I am coming..

Sheetal walked down again and then her mind was constantly hinting that NK was hiding something from her.. He had kept something in closet and she will surely find what it is..



**********



Party



Arnav introduced Khushi as his wife to every friend and Bussiness Partners he met in the Party .. She wasnt understanding how to react.. She excused herself from him when he was busy with his Friends and did walk outside at the garden.. The Venue was very much crowded and there Khushi just felt all new at such places.. For her Birthday party meant going to Temple, taking Devi Maiyaa's blessings , make Jalebi's at home, feed it to all the neighbours and then take blessings from her Mother and a special gift from her too.. She had never attended such parties before.. And not even she wished this kind of life.. How beautiful her world was before her mother's accident.. She still remembered how she had to arrange for the Flight Tickets and then leave to London after coming to know that her mother had faced a major accident and was been treated in a Hospital there.. Her flight journey was so tensed .. She couldnt stop thinking about her Mother even for a second.. She was crying, praying and doing everything she could to make sure her mother would be safe.. She remembered how she managed to get into the Hospital. The ambience, the atmosphere, everything was so new to her.. And there she met him.. A person whom she could easily rely now .. Aman Mathur..



FLASHBACK STARTS



Dr: Mrs Gupta is in Coma since 2 days.. Please calm yourself Maam..And Please wait outside.. You are not allowed to wait here in this ICU..

Khushi was very much disturbed.. She couldnt see her mother like this.. She wished her mother to get up and talk to her, see her, take her in her arms.. She so missed her mother's love.. The Dr kept on asking her to sit outside but she simply couldnt follow the orders.. Thats when she heard someone calling her name "KHUSHI'..



She turned to see this person. He was unknown to her.. But he was an Indian.. He was Aman Mathur, an employee of the same company where her mother worked..

Aman: Khushi, lets wait outside.. If we dont follow the Orders here you wont be able to enter this ICU again.. Please..

Khushi noded and walked out with this man.. He made her sit on the Chair outside and then also gave her some water to drink.. She was already freezing due to cold. She had no time to halt at any place and wear some woollen clothes before coming here.. She had directly taken a Cab from Airport to the Hospital .. Aman removed his jacket and then extended it towards her..



Aman: Just wear this Khushi.. You are freezing..

Khushi noded  a No and turned her face aside not meeting this unknown persons eyes and he just sat beside her..

Aman: Mrs Gupta is no less than a Mother to me.. Which means you are like my sister..Wont you let your brother help you?

That sentence got tears in her eyes again and she took the Jacket from him and wore it..

Aman: Thats better.. Anyways.. I am Aman Mathur.. Your Mother and I both worked together in the same position..

Khushi gulped down her depression and managed to ask him..

Khushi: How did this happen?

Aman: Me and Mrs Gupta had a conference arranged in Stratford.. We both had plans to travel together but then at the last moment, she changed her mind..She said she had some other work, not being able to attend the conference and asked me to go ahead.. When I was onway, I got this news from the Police. And I couldnt go anywhere after that and reached this Hospital to check if she was fine. She was been treated for one whole day and finally the Dr's said she went in Comma..



Khushi couldnt hold her tears anymore.. She started weeping again and Aman tried to calm her down..



Aman: Sshh!! Its Okay Khushi.. Please dont cry.. Look I am sure she will be alright soon..

He did manage to calm her down when the Dr's came there and wished to talk to Aman.. He excused and walked aside with the Dr..



Dr: Mr Aman.. Its been 3 days that Mrs Gupta has been admitted here.. Your Company did pay us the Admission charges but now please note that the condition of Mrs Gupta is really critical. She is in Comma and we cannot assure when she would come back to her consciousness..It could be in few days or may be even weeks.. So We just had to remind you about the payment .. Her daughter will need to deposit some amount here with us ..



Aman: Uhh !! Yeah.. I will inform you on that..

Dr noded and left but when Aman turned he saw Khushi hearing everything from the corner.. He did tell her everything about the AR Company Policies according to which an employee if meets with such an accident on their travel to work purpose , the entire treatment is the Company's responsibilty.. But here Mrs Gupta wasnt travelling for her Company purpose.. She had denied that conference and was travelling somewhere for personal reasons which doesnt let her incur this policy for the  treatment..



Khushi: But then where will I get the money from.. I do  have some savings but nothing here.. Its in my Local bank in India and upon that I dont even think I have the full cost of her treatment..

Aman: I understand.. Dont worry.. We will make sure whatever profits Mrs Gupta had earned in AR till now, we will release it here for paying the bills.. But I guess for some 2 - 3 weeks that payment was enough.. Hope she gets well before that.. !



Khsuhi agreed.. She got a Support in Aman's words.. And it did happen as he said.. Whatever her mother had earned and saved  there was all used for the expense in the coming 3 weeks but she wasnt still in consciouness.. And now Khushi was still short of money for her mother's treatment.. She tried doing everything possible, right from contacting her relatives and friends to arrange for this Sum but she couldnt get help from anyone..



Aman: I have another option..

Khushi: My Boss ASR.. May be I can talk to him and ask him to pay from his pocket, if not by Company's..

Khushi: What??? Your Boss?? But why will he agree?? For him my Mother is just an employee of his..

Aman: Agreed.. But I can try alteast..

Khushi thought for  some time and then finally told Aman that she would herself meet him and ask help.. Making Aman ask wouldnt be good..

Aman: Never..!! You dont know him.. He doesnt meet anyone without appointment..

Khushi: So what?? Its an urgency.. You dont worry about me.. I will meet him.. If not inside the Office then I am ready to wait the whole day outside and when he comes out I will talk to him..

Aman (Felt bad): No way.. I cant let you sit outside.. Wait.. Let me check if he is free for sometime..



Aman dialed the Office and confirmed that he was in his Cabin at the moment.. He told the Receptionist that he is sending Mrs Gupta's daughter to Arnav and asked her to allow this girl to meet ASR..She agreed..



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



AR Office - London



Arnav: I need to meet that girl before I sign the deal with her..(PAUSE)... Today?? Okay.. I am at desk.. So no issues..Let her come.. Does she know what she need to do? (PAUSE).. Great..!! I will call you later Aman .. Bye..



He cut the call and heard a knock at the door.. He asked the person to come in . She entered inside wearing a Pink Anarkali dress, her hands almost shiverring in fear.. She still managed to gather some courage and look at him.. He had a typical Bossy Look.. His 3 piece suit and his gelled Hair did make him look formal enough . He had not seen her yet and was busy typing mail on his Laptop when she cleared her throat and his eyes rolled towards the door only to stop blinking for a while..A typical Indian girl fit to be taken to the family to let them know she is his wife.. Aman had a good choice he thought..Seeing him lost in her face, she looked down and cleared her throat only to get back his attention..



Arnav: Come inside.. I didnt expect you to come so soon..

Khushi( Thinking ) : He knew I was going to come? May be AMan told him ..



Khushi: Aman..

Arnav: Yeah.. He had told me you were onway..

Khushi: Ohh..!! SO he must have told you why I am here for?

Arnav: (Confused): Ofcourse he did.. I mean who else than him knows it better?? And dont worry of the payment.. I will ask Aman to transfer the funds right by evening..

Khushi: (Smiled): Thanks .. I mean I dont know how should I even Thank you.. You are a saviour..

Arnav: You dont need to tell me that..!! We have to leave to India this month end.. I mean you have some 3 more weeks with you.. Ensure you are fully prepared for this ..

Khushi (Totally confused): Prepared? For??

Arnav: (Angrily ): Being my Wife Dammit..!! What else?? You are behaving as if you dont know what I am paying you for..!!





That sentence was an Utter Shock for her.. Wife? Paying her for becoming his Wife? She felt little cheap to take this favour from him now.. What was he expecting her to do? Take money for her mother's treatment and in return marry him? How sick of him to even think soo..



Khushi (Angrily looking at him): Marry you?? How could you think I will ever be ready to marry you for some money? I know I am in need of this Amount.. But that doesnt mean I will marry someone whom I know only from past few minutes..



Arnav was really out of his mind now.. What the hell was this girl doing in his Cabin if she wasnt interested in marrying him?? He walked to her angrily and then replied back to her in his frustrated tone..

Arnav: Dont you act Smart here.. If you think I am paying you for doing nothing for me then this is your biggest misconception. I havnt opened a charity Office here to keep giving my hard earned money to girls like you.. And who the hell told you we have to marry in real? Arnav Singh Raizada does not believe in marriages.. This marriage would be a Fake one.. You just need to act like my wife before my Family in India.. Thats it.. After my work is done, you are free to get out from my Life.. I am not going to Stop you.. Is that Clear??



Khushi was confused at the moment and feeling disgusted too.. She couldnt reply anything to him and that same time the door knocked once again.. He asked the person to come in and there another girl of Khushi's age did enter ..



Girl: ASR.. ??? Pooja here.. Aman sent me  for the India Deal.. !!



Arnav was stunned.. If Aman had sent this girl Pooja for his India Fake Wife Deal then who the hell was he convincing and fighting since past 15 minutes??



Khushi: (To Arnav): I guess you misunderstood me for being her.. Not your fault.. People like you always see every person below you with the same low dignity.. I was here for my Mother Mrs Garima Gupta who is your employee.. But I guess its waste talking to you now after knowing you have no intentions of any charity.. And even if you think of helping me, your ways of asking that person to pay back is impossible for me to do.. Now since the right candidate is here, I guess I should leave.. Sorry to use your Valuable time..



Saying that she left the Cabin wiping her tears and Arnav just couldnt stop thinking and realising what she just told him..



FLASHBACK TO BE CONTINUED>.



TO be Continued..









Part 11



FLASHBACK CONTINUED



Arnav : Shut up Aman. How could you even think I will be so generous enough to lend some financial help to someone..

AMan: Because that someone is none other than Mrs Garima Gupta.. You know her from past years ASR..

Arnav: Yeah So? I know many others from past many years, that doesnt mean I will take care of everyone's needs..

Aman: (Sighing in disappointment) : Right..!! I guess we overexpected from you..



Saying that Aman turned back to leave Arnav's Cabin when he stopped and asked.

Aman: Well.. What about Pooja? Did she sign the deal?

Arnav: I have asked her to go thoroughly through the contract papers.. But does she even know to act?? I mean she sounded little high class girl to me..

Aman: She is a high class girl but then she was still interested in doing this as she is looking for some Career in acting soon. So this was a best start she thought..Moreover, who wont like to stay with Arnav Singh Raizada in his house??

Arnav: What The..!! What does that mean? Look Aman.. Make it clear to her.. She doesnt need to over react to things.. Just ask her to be in limits..

Aman: Sure.. But then What else do you expect from such girls? She isnt like Mrs Gupta's daughter who is real Naive and innocent and who understands the values of a True Indian wives.. Anyways.. I will inform Pooja .. Excuse me..



Saying that Aman left the Cabin whereas Arnav was thinking over Aman's last sentence.. Yes.. The first time he had seen Mrs Garima Gupta's daughter, he could feel she was the girl he was looking for to make his Fake Wife.. But then the way she reacted to him was really over his head.. If she had that much of audacity to talk to her mtother's Boss in such a Tone then how can she be a good Fake Wife??



His mind Snapped from those thoughts when his Phone rang and it was a call from Pooja..



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



Hospital - London



Staff: Miss Gupta.. By today evening if the money isnt deposited , we wouldnt be able to continue the Patient's treatement..

Khushi: But.. This isnt fair.. I need some time.. Its not that I am not making arrangements..

Staff: I am sorry Miss Gupta, but the Management cannot wait anymore..We still give you another 12 hours.. After which you would have to shift Mrs Gupta from this Hospital..



Khushi was totally shattered hearing this. She turned behind in distress only to find Arnav Singh Raizada standing there and looking at her.. For seconds she couldnt realise why was he here? To see her mother?? Why does he care? Arnav on the other hand felt something seeing those tears rolling down her cheeks.. Was he the reason for this? Was it because he didnt give the money to her, she had to face this moment where she was left with only 12 more hours to arrange for the required sum?? She wiped her tears and tried to walk past him without even noticing him but she heard his voice behind her..



Arnav: I am ready to get your mom treated till she is fit and fine..



Khushi was totally shocked to hear this. She stopped and turned behind, thinking what made him change his decision? Before she could ask him anything , he himself cleared her thoughts..

Arnav: We both need each other Miss Gupta.. I will pay all your bills and make sure your mother is fine soon.. The best Doctors, the best treatment would be given to her from my end.. And in return you have to be my contracted Wife and stay with me in India with my family for 3 months..



Khushi couldnt believe he was offering her this .. He walked towards her without breaking the eye lock and stood a feet away from her..

Arnav: The Clock is ticking Miss Gupta.. You just have 12 hours to decide..So take a decision which is good for us both.. !!



FLASHBACK ENDS



Khushi herself didnt knew where she was walking thinking all this.. She was already a long distance away from the Party Venue.. The Horn of a Car made her come out of the flashbacks and she was already scared to see herself walking on a lonely road that too at night.. She turned back to find some known place or route where she can go back , but she didnt knew this place at all.. She checked her phone but there wasnt any network on it for her to ring Arnav and inform him where she was..



Khushi (To herself): Hey Devi Maiya.. Where did I come? How can I get so much lost in my thoughts that I didnt even realise when I started walking out of the Party Venue? Now please help me guiding my route..



She looked around and was really scared feeling herself alone at that point of time there..Some distance away she did find a Black Car stopped aside.. The Head Lights were On and Khushi wasnt sure if she needed to ask any help from that Car.. But she stopped herself from doing that remembering what her mother had told to her once.. Taking lift from Strangers is always a Bad idea.. She thought of walking alone ahead .. The moment she walked some steps , she could feel the Black Car also following her slowly and that scared her to death.. Why was the Car following her? Who was inside that Car?? She started walking hurridly not caring if the Car was still following her or not.. She was almost on the Verge of Falling down , hiting her leg on the Stone when someone held her arm , balancing her from falling.. She turned in fear to see this person and there she saw it was no one but Arnav..



Arnav (Angrily): Are you Deaf? From past 5 minutes I am playing my Car Horn .. Why are you running?? Are you trying to escape from me?? If you are then dont you dare do that again.. !! First you walk out from my Friend's party and now I am finding you even ignoring my Voice? Whats wrong Dammit?



He was totally Mad at her for behaving so and hence was taking out all his frustration .. But seeing her so much scared , he left her hand and did manage to ask..



Arnav: Are you Okay??

Khushi (Looking behind him trying to find that Black Car): Arnavji.. I.. Someone was.. Following me..

Arnav: WHAT?? Who?

Khushi: Someone.. A Black Car..

Arnav: Black Car? Where is it?? There is no Car here Khushi.. I didnt see any Car crossing my way since the time I am searching you..



Khsuhi pointed in the direction where she had seen that car but there wasnt anything at the  moment..



Khushi (Still scared): There.. It was there.. Just the headlights were On. I couldnt see who is sitting inside.. But.. It followed me for a while..

Arnav (Sighing): Which was the last Hindi Movie you saw Khushi??

Khushi(Confused): What? What do you mean??

Arnav held her hand and started taking her towards his Car which was parked aside..



Arnav: I mean Stop watching Thriller movies..They only make you hallucinate in the nights..



Khushi knew he wouldnt believe her so easily .. She just sat beside him in the Car while he drove back to Sheesh Mahal.. He passed her some tissues to wipe her sweat on forehead but she denied..

Arnav: How can someone be so Rude.. !! (He murmured)



He continued driving and Khushi just kept remembering what happened sometime back with her..



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



Chandra Mahal



Sheetal saw NK coming back home .. She stopped him at the Stairs not letting him cross her..



NK: Move Sheetal.. I am already tired..

Sheetal: Where had you been so late ??

NK: You dont need to know that.. (He moved her aside and walked past her only making her more angry on him.. She followed him towards their room)



Sheetal: I need to know.. I am your wife NK..

NK remained quiet.. He continued to take his Laptop and walk to some other place, away from his room and wife so that he can work but Sheetal wasnt letting him do that..

Sheetal snatched the Laptop from him and he just groaned in anger..



NK: What do you want Sheetal? Just let me work Okay?

Sheetal: After you let me know where you were so long..!!

NK: Drive.. I had been for a long drive .. ALONE.. Anything else you wish to ask me??

Sheetal kept looking at him and he took his Lappy back from her and left the room.. All this was noticed by Buaji from the door.. She was really feeling bad for Sheetal.. What would she do to get things right in her life? Whatever it was, she wouldnt let Sheetal suffer so much she thought...



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



Sheesh Mahal



Badi Maa finished doing her Night prayers in the Puja room and saw Khsuhi walking with a Water Jug .. May be she was going back to her room.. She thought of talking to her about the Full moon night which was 2 days later.. She walked hurridly behind her but Khushi was quick enough to reach her room.. She forgot to close the door and then rushed to the Couch , arranging her Pillow properly on it, she drank some water and there her husband Arnav Singh Raizada came out from the Washroom in his Night Clothes and giving her a short glance he was about to lay down on his bed when his eyes fell on the door and there he saw his Badi Maa was standing and watching them with confused eyes..



Arnav: Badi Maa?



Thats when even Khushi who was almost going to sleep on the Couch did turn to see her. Badi Maa walked inside and scanned their seperate sleeping arrangements once.. Her eyes were making it clear to both Arnav and Khushi that she had guessed they were sleeping seperaete.. Damm!! He thought..Khushi was the last one to enter their room.. Why didnt she lock it ?? What will he answer BAdi maa now?? Before Badi Maa could ask anything, Arnav spoke..



Arnav: Uhh!! Badi Maa..We..

Badi Maa did gesture him to Stop speaking and walked towards Khushi who did get up from the Couch and looked at her with confused eyes.. She was always scared of this lady , no doubt in that.



Badi Maa: (To Khushi): In 2 days we have Full moon .. Do not step outside the Sheesh Mahal doors that day.. Understood??

Khushi was not expecting Badi Maa to talk on some other topic when she already had seen them sleeping seperate.. She still noded a Yes, taking it blankly from her, without asking the reason for this.. Badi Maa then gave a short glance to Arnav and turned back to walk outside the room when Arnav stopped her again..



Arnav: Khushi and I..

Badi Maa: You dont need to tell me why you both sleeping seperate.. Let some things remain between the couple.



Saying that she left the room and Arnav just sighed thinking that Badi maa still didnt get much hint about what made them sleep seperate.. But that doesnt mean he was satisfied . He locked the door and angrily turned to face her..



Arnav: Such a Careless Women you are at times.. How could you leave that door open Dammit??

Khushi jerked at her place hearing this loud voice.. But he continued..

Arnav: Ek baat acchi tarah se samajh lena Khushi.. Agar kisi ko bhi yeh pata chala ki humaari shaadi ek jhoot hai, toh mujhe tumhe barbaad karne mein waqt nahi lagega..!!  (Remember one thing Khushi.. If anyone from my family comes to know about this fake wedding of ours, I wont take long to shatter your life.. )



Khushi was very much depressed  by his tone and choice of words.. She replied back.



Khushi: Humme aapse yehi umeed hai Arnavji.. Par yakeen kariye.. Hum yeh mauka aapko kabhi nahi denge.. Hum aage se khayal rakhenge.. (I expected the same from you Arnavji.. But trust me, I would never give you a chance to Shatter my life.. I will be careful from next time..)



Saying that in her calm voice with some tears in her eyes, she leaned on the Couch and pulled the Sheets on her to cover.. She closed her eyes and turned her face to the other side .. Arnav shut the lights and walked back to the bed.. He didnt had to say all that.. But what could he do.. Whenever the matter came of anyone coming to know about the Truth of their marriage, he would always lose his mind in anger..



To be Continued..

Part 12



Khushi was in the Kitchen assisting HP to cook the breakfast for everyone. She was trying to know about everyone's likes and taste in food..



HP: Anjali Didi likes Mutter Kachori's very much.. And Akash bhaiyaa can eat anything in Chinese.. Badi Maa doesnt eat anything Non veg, rest all she is Okay with..



He continued describing everyone's likes and she was busy in cutting the Tomatoes..



Khushi: And Arnavji??

Arnav: Omlettes with Bread Toast..!!



Her ears sharpened hearing his voice and she turned aside only to find him standing at the Kitchen door watching her.. He was all set to leave for work probably as he looked fully dressed up in his 3 piece suit..

Arnav : Instead of knowing what everyone likes here, its better if you speed up with my breakfast.. I am getting late for work..



She took that as a Taunt and hence concentrated back on her tomatoes.. HP was also back to his work .. She remembered how last night he had insulted her since Badi Maa saw them sleeping seperate.. She would never forget the way he scolded her.. She continued cutting the tomatoes in the same speed when she felt he was coming inside now.. SHe diverted her attention to the other things in the Kitchen making sure she doesnt need to entertain him here..



Khushi (Walking to HP): Hari Prakashji.. I will make the Paratha's ..

Arnav: Omlettes..!! (He said in a Stern voice..)

She saw him from the corner of her eyes and still ignored him..

Khushi: (To HP): Where are the Aloo's?



Thats it.. There wasnt much required to do for getting the anger out of Arnav SIngh Raizada.. He walked to her and holding her hand made her turn to face him.. She didnt expect him to do something like this and that too before Hari Prakash...



Arnav: Dont you get it once Khushi?? I am getting late for work .. Make My Omlettes first..

Khushi: Omlettes Murgi ke Ando se bante hai.. Aap se nahi.. !! (Omlettes are made from Hen's Eggs, not from yours..)



That surely cracked HP and he started laughing whereas Arnav's mind blew off hearing her jokes..



Arnav: Stop cracking jokes Khushi ..!!! And you.. (he looked at HP who shut his mouth seeing Arnav's anger).. Get out..!!



Khushi was blank and confused by this behaviour of Arnav's. HP rushed out and he turned back to Khushi in anger..



Arnav: What are you trying to Prove Khushi?? You are my wife here.. And a Wife doesnt behave the way you are doing.. !!

Khushi: Achha? Then does a husband behave the way you do with me? Does a Husband always insults his wife whenever he gets a chance? Does a husband scares his wife to make her life hell if she does any mistake?? (She replied in anger moving a step back and he now understood what he said last night to her, did hurt her.. But so what? She had done a mistake .. )



Arnav: I dont owe an explanation to you on what a husband does with his Wife.. !! But if you keep doing things which will prove the family there is something wrong between us, I wont mind you showing my worst side.. !!



Saying that he left the Kitchen angrily and tears rolled down her eyes.. Why was he like this? How can he make an innocent girl cry so much without her fault??



**********



Chandra Mahal



After much efforts Sheetal could fnally manage to get the Keys of NK's Private Closet.. NK was sleeping when she had managed to get the keys and now since he was out , she hurridly came inside their room and opened his closet. She started looking for something which NK hided from her that other night.. Some picture probably.. Some protrait.. But whose? She continued her search and there finally she found the Potrait. It was a Sketch of a Girl.. (Khushi) whom Sheetal didnt knew a bit.. She just kept looking at the Sketch... Who was she?She knew NK was good at drawing and this was his passtime too.. But why did  NK drew a Sketch of some girl? Did he knew her? What relation did this girl shared with NK? Being his wife, she already had many ill thoughts in her mind regarding him but she ignored all .. She wished to believe her husband but only if he tells her who this lady is..



Lalitha came inside the room for cleaning and getting scared thinking it was NK inside, Sheetal did drop the Sketch from her hand..



Lalitha: Bibiji.. Are you fine?

Sheetal sighed and noded a Yes.. Lalitha came forward and picked the Sketch and was giving it to Sheetal when she herself saw it..

Lalitha: Arre.. What is her Sketch doing here??

Sheetal: You know her? (She asked in confusion)

Lalitha: Yes.. She is The Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. The new bride who came there recently..!!



That was a shock for Sheetal.. Bride of Sheesh Mahal? How did NK know her? And what was all this? She was so much stunned at the moment.. She herself knew that the family of Chandra Mahal and Sheesh Mahal never had healthy relations with each other.. Then how can NK know the Bride of Sheesh mahal And even if he knew her, why did he drew her sketch??



Lalitha: Isnt she beautiful bibiji? I have seen her only once but trust me her beatuty has made a special place in my heart and mind..



Sheetal was furious.. Beauty..!! Yes this lady was beautiful but does that mean NK is all attracted to her? Is this the reason he drew her sketch?? She placed the sketch in its place again and then walked outside the room..



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



AR Office



Arnav (On call): Aman.. She is acting all wierd these days.. After the first two nights drama here, I have made her sleep in my room.. But even then she does something or the other which just makes me lose my mind..



Aman: She is new to that place ASR.. You should give her time..

Arnav (Signing the papers): Which I am.. Anyways.. Forget her and tell me how is Mrs Gupta?

Aman: She is recovering.. I come to see her everyday.. I guess after few days she will be out of this Coma...

Arnav: Hmm!! And when are you coming back to India?

Aman: Ohh Yes.. I am starting tomorrow evening.. Which means I will reach the next day afternoon..

Arnav: Great.. Once you here, things would be smoother...



Arnav and Aman did speak for some more time and then he cut the call ..



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



Sheesh Mahal



It was evening and Khushi was sitting with Anjali when suddenly she heard some noise .. Probably some one was fightinh or arguing outside..



Anjali: What is that noise?

Khushi: Dont know.. From the main door I guess..

Anjali: Come.. Lets check..



She took Khushi with her towards the main door to see what was wrong. The moment they reached there, they saw a Lady dressed in a Black Saree, her hair all messed up, she was very old and had a hunch back.. Khushi moved a step back seeing her.. She really was scary.. Anjali too was confused on who this lady was and what was she doing inside the gates of Sheesh Mahal..



Anjali: Watchman.. Who is she?

The lady's eyes moved on Khushi and she tried to extend her hand towards her..Saying something.. Khushi moved another step back in fear..

Lady: Bhaag Ja... Bhaag jaa yahan se.. Woh aa rahi hai.. Bhaag jaa.. Bhaag jaa.. ( Run Away.. Run away from this place.. She is coming.. Run Away..)



Khushi was totally scared by her words.. What did she mean by this ? Run away? Why?? From whom? Who is coming ?? She had no idea what was happening..

Anjali: Watchman.. What are you seeing? Just move her outside the gates.. Now..!



The Watchman held the lady's hands and then started taking her out.. The lady was still chanting only these lines seeing Khushi. Asking her to run away from this place as soon as she can.. Khushi was terrified and ANjali only tried to calm her down..

Khushi: Di.. What.. What was she saying?

Anjali: Relax Khushi.. She must be some Mad woman.. You dont bother about her.. Come..!!

Khushi wasnt ready to believe this. That woman is Mad? Really? But then why was she pointing and hinting the words only to her? WHy not to Anjali?



There had to be something strange and she wished to know it, but how??



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



Night



Arnav was back from Office and the first thing he did after entering the house was calling her name.. "KHUSHI". She was in the Kitchen with Payal when she heard him calling her.. She rushed out only to find him waiting for her at the Living room. Since the entire family was sitting there, she couldnt show them that they had fought today.. She faked a smile at him and then walked to take his Laptop bag.. But he held her hand and asked her to walk with him in their room.. She didnt deny.. They left for their room while all the others just stole glances of this couple seeing whats so important that Arnav couldnt even wait for some time to talk to the family and took his wife in so much of urgency..!!



The moment they entered the room, she shrugged his hand and moved in herself.. He shut the door behind him and then walked to her..



Arnav: I talked to Aman and your Mother's Doctors.. They said she showed some more signs of progress.

Khushi (Happily): Really? Thank you Devi Maiyaa.. (She just closed her eyes to pray joining her palms and he raised his eye brow once seeing her like this and continued).. Aman would be starting tomorrow from there to India but dont worry, I have some other best people taking care of Mrs Gupta there..



He walked to the Recliner and sitting on it starting taking his shoes off when he did hear her saying  "THANK YOU ARNAVJI"..



Arnav: Mention not ..!!

Khushi did kneel down to help him taking his shoes and he got up instantly..

Arnav: What The..!! Stop that Khushi.. I can take my shoes off.. I dont need help..

Khushi: I know you dont need help but I ..

Arnav: (Looking in her eyes ): Concentrate on things like this between us before the family, not when we are alone, that would surely help me.. Okay?  Now Move aside.. I need to freshen up..!!



She frowned and moved aside only to remember what she had to tell him about the lady who had come inside the Sheesh Mahal today.. She stopped him and narrated the whole incident..!!



Arnav: Bulshit..!! You will get many such people around bluffing anything for money..!! That doesnt mean you will believe each and every one Khushi..

Khushi: But Arnavji. What if she is really warning me??

Arnav (Angrily removed his tie and threw it on bed): What do you mean by warning Khushi? Who is coming after you? I dont get it Okay.!! Just stop thinking about such things ..!!



Khushi (Picking his tie from bed and walking to the closet): Right..!! Now for thinking also I should be taking your permission I guess..

Arnav (Taking a deeep breathe): Its good if you do, I wont mind advising you on what you need to think and what not , atleast till you are wit me in this house..



Saying that he left for the washroom and Khushi just ignore his words.. She knew Arnav Singh Raizada thinks practically. He cannot understand such things which she faced today ..!! SO if she had to do something about this, she cannot expect his help..



TO be Continued..







Part 13



Khushi: Nahi..

Arnav: Haan..

Khushi: Nahi Arnavji... (She continued denying..)

Arnav: Haan Khushi.. (He replied in anger this time)



Khushi: Par.. I cant do this.. Never.. (She said getting up from the bed and he pushed her back making her sit  again on it.. )

Arnav: Dont dare move..!!  (Saying that he sat next to her and she struggled to get up but he stopped her).. Cant you sit for one second at one place?

Khushi: I am scared Arnavji.. This isnt something I can do Okay.. Please.. Ask someone else..

Arnav (Angrily): Who is my Wife here? You or others?

Khushi : I am .. But..

Arnav: I havnt given you a choice Khushi.. Stop reacting and take this Thorn out of my thumb.. Its pricking me dammit..!!



Arnav showed his thumb again and Khushi unwillingly held it , sitting next to him and checked it once.. A small black thorn had pierced his skin there and it was very painful for Khushi to even look at it..

Khushi (Closing her eyes): Hey Devi Maiyaa.. Raksha Karna..!

Arnav: (Amazed seeing her ): What The..!! Do you plan to take it out with closed eyes? Dont even experiment on me Understand? Just take some Pin and take it off.

Khushi (Openeing her eyes again): Why cant you do it yourself?

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth): Because.. (He stopped and tried to calm down)..

Khushi (Looking at his Red Face): You are Scared? (She asked suspiciously and was 100% sure her suspicion is True)



Arnav didnt answer.. He just turned his head to see the other side and there was a deep smile on her face.. So the Great Arnav Singh Raizada was scared of taking out a Thorn from his own finger? Aww.. She felt as if she found some treasure today.. She could use this to tease him in future, she thought.. Without delaying much, she took a small pin and pierced it in his thumb gently seeing his fingers of the other hand fisting .. It must be painful for sure but then the THorn had to be removed.. He wasnt seeing at his Thumb at all. She took Devi Maiyaa's name once again and was finally able to remove the small thorn from his finger.. She placed it on her Palm and showed it to him..



Khushi : So.. What punishment does this Thorn owe now for hurting you??

Arnav (Sucking the blood drop from his Thumb seeing her once): Throw it out.. Thats it.!!



He got up and started getting ready for work. She threw the thorn out of the window and then turned back to him...



Khushi: Waise Arnavji.. How did this thorn prick your thumb??

Arnav: I was gardeneing at the Poolside..

Khushi: But there isnt a single plant with Thorns therE? I mean usually you find thorns on the Flower plants.. But there isnt any flower plant in this Sheesh Mahal.. Then from where did this Thorn come??



Arnav was blank. He too had no idea.. He continued wearing his Tie and she started making her own guesses..She suddenly remembered something and she walked to the Drawer and opened it to find a small Novel. She opened the Novel but didnt find the thing she had placed it inside this Novel..



Khushi: How is this possible?

Arnav: Where you are concerned.. Anything is possible (He said smirking at her from the mirror but she didnt argue)

Khushi: (Searching the drawer again): I had kept it inside this Novel.. Where can it go?

Arnav: What?? (He adjusted his Tie )

Khushi: That Rose.. Which I had plucked.. It was in this book.. And now it isnt there..

Arnav: What The..!! So whats so big deal? It must have fallen down somewhere..

Khushi: But where?

Arnav: I dont know.. But whatever it is dont make an issue. I am leaving .. And be ready by afternoon.. We are going somewhere..!!

Khushi: But today is Full Moon Day and I am not allowed to go out..

Arnav: Moon comes up at Night Khushi.. We will be back before that.. Just ignore all this and be ready.. I will pick you at afternoon..



Saying that he took his Suit and Lappy Bag and rushed outside the room leaving Khushi all Blank. Will she really ignore the family's demand of not going out today ?? She had no idea.. Firstly the Rose that she plucked was missing and now Arnav asking her to be ready for going out somewhere was only making her more confused..



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



Late Afternoon



Badi Maa was in her room alone, Praying.. She could do that everytime she is free.. SHe never liked anyone disturbing her while she prayed but today she herself felt disturbed in her mind. All ill thoughts of what would happen if the Bride of Sheesh Mahal steps out of the house today , kept lingering in her mind.. She opened her eyes and looked at the window.. She could see it was going to rain heavily today.. The dark clouds had already scattered in the Sky.. She just walked to the Window and looked out..



Badi Maa(To herself): What if her Shadow falls on Khushi? No..!! This cant happen.. Let me check if Khushi is abiding by her words or not..



Saying that she rushed downstairs to check where Khushi was.. She knocked Arnav's room but found the door open.. She came inside and checked but Khushi wasnt in.. She rushed down worrying where this girl would be.. She saw Maakhan cleaning the Couch at Living Room..



Badi maa: Maakhan.. Where is the new Bride?

Maakhan: Hukkum.. She and Chotte Malik have gone out.. Just some 15 minutes back..



That was an utter shock for Badi maa.. Gone?? She is gone out of the house? She cut off her advise?? How can she be so irresponsible?



Badi maa: Call Chotte right away.. I want them to come back home.. Now..

Maakhan could see how much anger Badi Maa was getting inside knowing the Bride was out.. He instantly dialed Arnav's number but it wasnt reachable.. He then dialed Khushi's number too but that too wasnt reachable.. Badi Maa's anger was hiting her brains for sure.. She angrily walked back to her room thinking the aftereffects..



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



CAR



Khushi : Thank God Badi maa didnt see me going out.. Or else.. She wouldnt have let me ..

Arnav: Who is she to deny? You are going out with your husband.. !!

Khushi: Where are we going by the way??

Arnav: Airport.. Aman's flight will land by 05:00pm .. We are on time to pick him up..

Khushi: To pick Aman ?? Thats it??

Arnav (Driving): Why?? What did you thought ? I am taking you out for Shopping?

Khushi: (Frowning ): Never..!! And I already owe rs 6500 to you.. Dont wish to increase that Sum anyways..

Arnav: I too dont waste my times on unwanted people and that without a reason. Picking Aman from Airport , we are going ahead..

Khushi: Ahead?

Arnav: Khushi will you Stop asking so many questions?



Khushi sat straight , shutting her mouth  and looked ahead thinking something..



Arnav(Seeing her): And Stop guessing too..!!

Khushi : Now thats too much Arnavji.. I cant speak, I cant question, I can guess.. What do you expect me to do then?

Arnav: Just sit calm..!! Thats it..!!1



He continued driving towards the Airport while Khushi was totally irritated by this Bossing nature of her Contracted Husband.. But she was happy with one thought.. That Aman was coming back and she would really feel nice to meet him again. He was more like a brother to her. And who wont be happy meeting her brother after such a long time?



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



Chandra Mahal



Sheetal was trying to ring NK from long but to no use.. He wasnt answering her call as usual. She was fed up with his behaviour.. Finally deciding what she needed to do, she called Lalitha in her room..



Lalitha: Jee bibiji??

Sheetal: I want to meet The Bride of Sheesh Mahal.

Lalitha was more than shocked hearing this..

Lalitha: Bride of Sheesh Mahal? But.. But Bibiji.. Buaji?? I mean she wont like it if you..

Sheetal: I wont tell anyone and so wont you.. I need you to arrange a meet between us. I know you have good contacts with the Maids in Sheesh Mahal.. So do not back off now..



Lalitha was actually scared.. She didnt know what to reply.. Sheetal's mood was very much angered at the moment and Lalitha didnt wish to worsen it more..



Lalitha: O..ooookay bibiji.. I .. I will try..

Sheetal: Not try Lalitha.. You have to arrange this or else I wont even think twice before firing you from this Job

Lalitha: No Bibiji.. No.. I will arrange a meet of hers with you.. I will..



Saying that Lalitha rushed downstairs and Sheetal sat on the bed angrily.. SHe just needed to know what was between NK and the Bride of Sheesh Mahal. Until she knows this she wont get any peace of mind ..!!



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



Aman's flight was delayed. It was sharp 06:00pm now.. It was dawn and Khushi was more tensed.. She knew if Badi Maa and Nani comes to know she was out today, they wouldnt let her live easily.. She had to answer them..



Khushi: Arnavji.. I am really worried.. What if Badi maa and Nani..

Arnav: Sshh!! There he is.. Now stop showing your worried face to him and smile..

She turned towards the Arrival door and there Aman Mathur came outside and found his Boss cum friend ASR standing with his Wife Khushi .. Surely that got a smile on Aman's face.. They both did look well together. He was seeing Khushi in this Married look for the first time.. He was surely very happy seeing her and ofcourse his Boss too.. He came out and did greet them..



Aman: Cant believe.. I am been welcomed by my Boss and his wife..!!

Khushi: Before his Wife, I am your Sister Aman..!! Never forget that.. (She chuckled and he smiled too..)

Arnav: How was the journey??

Aman: Good.. I just got a new friend in the flight.. She is an Air Hostess.. Trust me ASR, she is so damm kind..

Arnav: Get in the Car. We can discuss that later.. We have work to do before I take Khushi back to Sheesh Mahal...



Saying that he opened the Car doors and Khushi sat behind.. Arnav drove the Car while Aman sat beside him. All the while driving, Aman and Khushi continued sharing about Garima's health and how quickly she was recovering these days..



Khushi: All thanks to Arnavji for helping me..

Aman: True.. He did get the best Dr's from all over the world.. !!

Arnav continued driving while Khushi turned her eyes to see him.. All of a sudden a Black Car passed theirs and Stopped sideways not letting any space for them to move ahead and hence making Arnav to Stop his Car too.. It was NK's Car.. He got down the Car and rushed towards Arnav's Car screaming at them to get down immediately.. Aman and Arnav looked at each other and were really confused on what was happening.. NK ran towards their Car and opened Khushi's Side Car door , dragging her out..



NK: Just get down.. The Oil tank is leaking.. Its gonna Blow up..



Hearing that Aman and Arnav also got down and rushed towards a safe point some feets away..Khushi's hand was held by NK who did take her safe first and they all heard a loud sound of Arnav's Car burning behind them.. Khushi and all the others were Blank seeing this.. How did the Oil tank leak?? Khushi closed her ears to suppress the loud sound and NK saw that..



NK( With Concern in his eyes): Are you okay??

Khushi noded a Yes and thats when Arnav held her hand and moved her close to him, almost creating a huge distance between her and NK. Looking in NK's eyes he could ask only one thing..



Arnav: Were you following us? Or preciesly, were you following my WIFE??



To be Continued















Part 14



NK( With Concern in his eyes): Are you okay??

Khushi noded a Yes and thats when Arnav held her hand and moved her close to him, almost creating a huge distance between her and NK. Looking in NK's eyes he could ask only one thing..



Arnav: Were you following us? Or preciesly, were you following my WIFE??

Khushi was stunned to hear this.. Was he spying on some person for following his wife? NK was tongue tied too.. Before he could reply , Arnav held NK's collar in anger and looked in his eyes..



Arnav: I wont tolerate any damm person to even have an eye on my wife, forget following her..

Khushi (Holding Arnav's hand): Arnavji.. Stop.. What are you doing? He saved our life and you..

Aman: ASR.. Relax.. We can talk on this.. Leave him..



NK continued staring in Arnav's eyes without struggling at all and Khushi continued to get off Arnav's hands from NK's collar..



Khushi: Arnavji leave him.. He is the Son of Chandra Mahal.. Leave him I said..

Arnav was surprised to know how did Khushi know about him. He left NK and turned to Khushi angrily.

Arnav: How do you know him Dammit?

Khushi : (Gulping down the nervousness): Woh.. I .. I mean me and Payal had met him once in the Temple at the market.. Remember the day I went with Payal for shopping, we met him there.And Payal told me who he was..

Arnav: (Angrily): You didnt tell me this before..!!

Khushi: What was in it to tell Arnavji.. We see and meet hundreds of people around when we go out.. That doesnt mean I keep informing you about everyone.. And why should I?

Arnav (Gripping her arms angrily): Because you are my Wife Dammit.. I cant tolerate anyone to follow my wife or keep an eye on her.. You get that???



Aman and NK just blankly kept looking at the way Arnav spoke to Khushi and that to in anger..



NK: Is this the way to treat your wife? That too in public?

Arnav(Turning to NK): Who are you to tell me that? SHe is my wife and I know how to behave.. Next time I find you anywhere near my wife, I swear I wont mind raising my hand for showing you the right place..

Khushi : Arnavji enough.. Why are you getting so much hyper? Remember if he wouldnt have come on time, we would have been dead by now..



Arnav gritted his teeth and left Khushi breathing hard..



Aman: (To NK): Now would you tell us Mr... (He waited to know his name)

NK: Nandakishore.. Or NK which I prefer to be called as..

Aman: OKay NK.. So tell us how did you come to know our Car Tank was leaking?

NK: Because from past 5 Kms My car which was following yours could see the Oil leaking continuosuly on the road while you guys drove.. I wanted  to inform you people.. I horned too but you all were busy enough to even hear that..

Arnav: And why did you follow us?

NK (Seeing Khushi): I have my own reasons for that.. Which I dont think is needed to be disclosed here..

Arnav was truely angry . He was about to hold NK's neck again when Khushi stopped him..



Khushi: Arnavji please.. What is wrong with you? You are acting like a Possessed Husband..!!

Arnav: Yes I am.. (He replied instantly and angrily which Only made Khushi step back in fear seeing his eyes and expressions)

NK: See.. I dont want you guys to fight ... I dont have any bad motive for your wife.. I am myself married 2 years back and falling for some other girl who is already married to someone is not in my blood..



Arnav: Really? Then why did you follow us Dammit?

NK: (Sighing): Because, I wanted to know who your wife is.. What relation do I share with her which made me get her flashes in my dreams? In my imagination. You wont believe but I have drawn a sketch of your wife months back when I had not even met her.. Why? I know its hard to believe but thats what the truth is.. I wanted answers to my questions and hence I.. I followed her from past 2  days.. Once when you had taken her out for some party.. And then today again..



Khushi: Party? You mean that Black Car was yours??

NK noded in agreement and Khushi looked at Arnav..

Khushi: Dekha Arnavji.. I had told you some Car was following me that night.. You didnt  believe me..

Arnav: Thats not my concern at the moment Khushi.. But whatever story this man is building, I dont believe..

NK: I can show you the Sktech .. I am really not lieing Okay..?

Arnav: Damm You NK.. Just stay back from me and my Wife.. Stop following her.. Thats all I can say..



Saying that he dragged Khushi along with him to search for some other mode to reach back to SHeesh Mahal and NK and AMan just stood there looking at his possessivenes.. 



Aman (To NK): Look Buddy.. ASR is like that.. He wont believe unknown people that easily.. But since you saved our lives.. I thank you on his behalf too.. Bye..



NK didnt say anything.. Aman rushed towards Arnav who was taking Khushi along with him.. Khushi turned back once to see NK.. She didnt know why but she felt he wasnt lieing.. He drew her sketch? Months back? How? She knew speaking to Arnav at the moment wasnt right.. It was already night and she had something else to bother for too..It was full moon night and she was out of the house even after being restricted by the family.. What will happen if they come to know.. Aman did arrange for some vehicle for them and the 3 started back for Sheesh Mahal. Khushi didnt speak anything to Arnav or Aman after that. Aman was driving and he did manage to ask Arnav about his stay.. Arnav had arranged for Aman's stay in the Guest house which was beside Sheesh Mahal only.. He agreed..



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



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav, Aman and Khushi got down from the Car . Arnav asked Maakhan who was outside in the garden to show Aman the Guest house. Maakhan noded and took Aman with him.. Khushi and Arnav  were entering the main door when they heard Badi Maa asking them to STOP right there.. Khushi was scared to hear her voice. It was very clear from Badi Maa's tone and expressions that she was very much angry on her.. She involuntarily moved towards Arnav in fear and he held her hand remembering what made Badi Maa get so angry all of a sudden.. The whole family gathered there at the moment and everyone had the same question in their eyes for Khushi that why didnt she listen to the elders advise here of not stepping out..



Badi Maa (Taking steps towards them): This Girl is not allowed to step inside the house now.. (She screamed angrily on shocking Arnav and Khushi both)

Arnav: What The !! Only because she didnt listen to your advise doesnt mean she cannot step in her husband's house?

Badi Maa: You dont come between us Chotte.. I had told her she is not supposed to leave the house today and she ... (Arnav interrupted)



Arnav: She didnt listen to your advise because I forced her to come with me.. She did what her husband told her to. I dont think she did something so major that she is not allowed to enter this house.. (His anger was truely expressed in his tone and everyone felt that)

Nani: Chote.. Dont raise your voice.. Mohini is elder to you.. And she is just like your mother..

Arnav: I am raising my voice for my Wife's respect and dignity here..

Badi Maa: Your wife's dignity? What about the dignity of this family and the other members here? Dont they owe that same respect from your wife..? If she wanst allowed to go out for one day, she should have respected that..



Khushi (In tears): I am sorry Badi Maa.. Please..

Badi Maa(Gesturing her to stop speaking): You better dont repent now.. Its too late..

Arnav was totally pissed when this family treated them like this.. It was like he did some huge mistake taking his wife out..

Arnav: Enough of this drama.. I am taking her in.. And let me see who will stop me from doing this..



Saying that he was about to step inside when Anjali stopped him. She too had tears in her eyes and Arnav was surprised that his sister too was getting involved in all this..



Arnav: Di? Even you?

Anjali: Chotte this time.. It is really beyond my limits too.. Khushi really cannot come inside after what has happened..

Arnav(Angirly): But why Di? Why cant she come inside?

Anjali: If she does.. (Anjali's tears rolled down her cheeks).. Then..

Arnav: Then what?

Anjali: Then you wont be seeing the Next Full moon ..



What she said was above Arnav's head.. But Khushi really understood what she meant.. SHe left Arnav's hand and then turned to Anjali..



Khushi: Kya? Arnavji will.. (She held Anjali's hand).. Di what are you saying? What is all this?

Nani: Haan Khushi bitiya.. Me and Mohini had been to our family priests some days back and he had strictly warned us from not letting you go out of Sheesh Mahal on this Full Moon day.. And if you do, and step back into this house, you will be the reason for your husband's death before the Next full moon..



Khushi: But.. Why didnt you tell me this before Nani ? I really wouldnt have left this house today.. I..

Arnav: Khushi what is so wrong with you? You believe in all this?

Khushi: One incident we have already seen today Arnavji.. I cant let something like this to happen again..  I cant let you suffer because of my mistake.. (She said in low tone making sure the others dont hear this)



Arnav:(Angrily): Do you mean you wont step inside?

Khushi helplessly noded a Yes and his anger was once again to the top..



Arnav: Fine.. If you wont step in.. I too wont.. Lets leave this house and stay somewhere else.. Thats the only solution of this Bulshit Supersition..



Everyone were shocked to hear this from him but no doubt Nani had predicted him to say so. She had seen from the first day itself how much he supported Khushi for all the matters.. SO it was obvious he would never let her be alone even in todays situation..

Nani: Nobody is going anywhere Chotte.. What did you think? We will let Khushi walk out from this house forever? After coming to know Khushi has not obeyed our words, we already talked to the Priest and he has suggested something to us. We will perform it and after that Khushi can enter Sheesh Mahal again..



Arnav: Great.. So what is it? What does she needs to do to come back in? Just make it fast because I am really having no patience to get back to my room and rest..

Badi Maa: Not only Khushi Chotte.. You too have to paritcipate in this..



Arnav rolled his eyes in frustration. Why did he ever come to India back.? His family was so backward sometimes in terms of traditions and rituals..

Arnav : Fine.. What do we need to do?

Badi

 Maa: You and Khushi will have to get re-married in a day.. Only then the curse that has shadowed on Khushi since the time she has left the Sheesh Mahal today would vanish and she can enter the house back as the Bride..!!! I am sure this is not a major thing for you both.. !!



Khushi and Arnav surprisingly looked at each other .. MArriage? Before the family? Within a Day? Till now their marriage was all a set up but for getting the entry back in Sheesh Mahal, they would have to marry for real?





To be Continued..





Part 15



Badi

 Maa: You and Khushi will have to get re-married in a day.. Only then the curse that has shadowed on Khushi since the time she has left the Sheesh Mahal today would vanish and she can enter the house back as the Bride..!!! I am sure this is not a major thing for you both.. !!



Khushi and Arnav surprisingly looked at each other .. MArriage? Before the family? Within a Day? Till now their marriage was all a set up but for getting the entry back in Sheesh Mahal, they would have to marry for real?





Arnav (Turning back to the family): No.. This is impossible.. I dont believe in all this..

Anjali: Chotte.. Please.. We have not asked you much.. You just need to get married to Khushi again.. Thats it.. Its hardly a matter of one day..

Arnav: (Angrily): Di.. What I said is final. If Me and Khushi arent allowed to come inside again, thats fine.. I will start for Delhi today with her.. Once you all find some other way to get this sorted, just let us know..



Saying that he grabbed Khushi's hand and then turned to go to the side guest house where Aman was staying but Nani and Anjali blocked his way..



Nani: There is no other way to sort this matter Chotte.. Just try to understand.



Seeing Nani and his Di pleading before him almost, Arnav couldnt understand how he needed to sort this matter now .. And on the other hand Khushi was not even uttering anything.. He turned to see Khushi whose Tears were already rolling down her cheeks and she was looking down.. He had to decide something and that too really quick.. He turned back to the family ..



Arnav: I need some time with Khushi .. Only after that we will decide if we are ready for this or not..



Badi Maa: She is your wife.. I dont think she will ever deny to get re-married to you again and specially when she knows if she doesnt follow this, then she is risking your life.. Her husband's life.. !!!

Nani: I think we should allow them to talk for sometime..

Anjali: I too feel the same..  (She looked at Arnav).. Chotte.. Take Khushi to the guest house and talk on this.. We will wait for your reply..



Arnav noded and then holding Khushi's hand , he was about to take her to the side Guest house, when all of a sudden she stopped him.. She didnt walk with him ahead.. He turned to see her face . What was wrong with her? What did this mean??



Arnav: (Seeing her): Khushi?

Khushi: The family is right Arnav.. I am .. I am ready to get married to you . !!



That was an utter shock to Arnav.. She was ready to get married to him? Why?? The family members were very happy hearing Khushi's reply.. Even if Badi Maa wasnt much convinces with this, she still was happy to know that atleast this Bride of Sheesh Mahal was doing something to save Arnav's life.. Arnav was speechless.. Why was she doing this? How could she decide this alone? What is the reason behind this reply? He had no idea.. Getting totally mad at her and giving her one final cold look, he walked outside the house to Aman... Khushi knew he was angry. But what would she do? She had no other option.. Anjali came forward and took her to the Guest house only as she wasnt allowed to enter the house..



Arnav was taking out all his anger on Aman .. Though AMan was trying his best to make him understand, Arnav was still not convinced..



Aman : ASR , what she did is benefiting you.. Isnt it?

Arnav: Who asked her to decide this on her own? Couldnt she ask me once before accepting this marriage? You know What Aman. She is the same.. Its all about money.. She has become greedy now.. She is just like any other damm girl who wishes to spend a luxurious life being Arnav Singh Raizada's wife.. Thats it..

Aman: Why are you saying so ASR? She did this for saving your life..

Arnav: Why does she care for my life Dammit..!!

Aman : Because she is selfless ASR.. She is not like others.. If you think she is doing this all for money, then I must say , you didnt understand her even after staying with her for so many days.. She took your money for her mother's treatment in London. But for that, she is doing things which you wish her to .. Faking to be someone's wife is not so easy for any girl ASR.. Specially for a girl like Khushi.. She is so stuck to her morals.. Just think how much she loves her mother, that she was ready to do something like this.. You shouldnt be thinking that she is greedy for your money...(Arnav just sighed in frustration and turned the other side.. But Aman Continued..).. Tell me one thing ASR.. Did you have any other option to get out of this issue? If she wouldnt have agreed for this marriage, the family would have doubted you.. They never saw your marriage and they took days to accept this relation of yours.. And now your denial would only have made them confirmed.. You know what would have happened? They would have thrown Khushi out of Sheesh Mahal and then you wouldnt have been able to do anything.. Even that task for which you had to fake a marriage with Khushi.. Are you understanding what I am trying to tell you??



Arnav didnt reply anything to Aman's explanation. He just left the room.. The next day was his marriage with Khushi and this time it would be a real one.. It was so hard for him to digest this fact..



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



Thw Whole night Khushi couldnt sleep well in the Guest House.. She wished to meet Arnav once and tell him that she had her own reasons for agreeing to this marriage.. Firstly she feared that the family would come to know they are faking the marriage and hence they arent ready to get remarried again.. She didnt wish this thing to get affected in her mother's treatment in London.. According to Aman, her mother would recover very soon . So at this last moment, she cannot let any change in the current health condition of her mother.. And lastly , how can she take risk with Arnav's life?? What if her entering that Sheesh Mahal without getting married to him would cost his life? No.. She could never let that happen.. She was really thinking hard , hoping Arnav would understand why she did all this.. And on the other end she was also scared of the next day when she would officially and ritually , have to be his Wife forever.. She slept in the other room while Arnav was still out in his Car driving on the unknown road, to get some peace of mind..



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



Next Day



The rituals started and Arnav was sitting in the Mandap with his family standing around and waiting for the bride to come.. Anjali was already with Khushi in her room to make her ready.. Khushi was still in a dilemma of what would be Arnav's reaction after this marriage? He was sure to yell at her for deciding something without his concern.. She tried her best to talk to Aman and ask him if he managed to speak to Arnav or not on this matter, but everytime she did think of calling Aman, someone or the other came to her and kept her busy with the rituals.. And now finally the Mahurat was up and getting dressed in the Bridal Lehnga , she walked with Anjali downstairs for performing the wedding rituals.. This day wasnt easy for her.. She had no intentions of settling her life with Arnav Singh Raizada.. But fate played games with her and was getting her tied to this man.. She was made to sit beside Arnav who didnt even look at her once.. He was totally not in a mood.. Like every other pair, they fulfilled all the marriage rituals.. He applied the Sindoor on her partition and then tied the Mangal Sutra on her neck. He felt a tear drop on his hand when he tied the Mangal Sutra. He turned his head to see her once and it was clearly visible she was holding her tears.. He gulped down his anger and that unknown pain which he did get seeing her like this.. But brushing off these thoughts , they stood for the 7 pheras.. Anjali tied the Knot of Khushi's viel to the Shawl that Arnav was asked to take on his shoulder. They then started walking around the Holy fire to fulfil the last ritual of their wedding. When they did finish some 3 Pheras, Arnav felt the Knot getting loosened .. He instantly stopped and turned back to see.. Khushi also realised it the same time.. Both did hold the KNot before it could open fully, seperating the two and disrupting this ritual .. The entire family was shocked to see something happening like this.. How did the Knot loosened? Anjali was about to come and tie it again when she saw both Arnav and Khushi engrossed in tieing it and completing their remaining Pheras.. She was contended.. She just hoped this marriage would lead them to a happier and a prosperous path from now on without any problems..



***********



The marriage was over and now Khushi and Arnav were waiting at the Main Door for the Griha Pravesh.. Anjali circled the Thali and pushing the Rice Kalash, the Real Bride of Sheesh Mahal did walk inside.. Finally she was once again given the permission to enter this house.. Which was now her Sasuraal. She faked a smile on her face when the family started teasing her for getting this opportunity of marrying her husband twice like this.. Arnav on the other hand was also doing the same. Faking his smirks while Aman was walking behind them.. Aman's phone started ringing and he excused himself and moved aside.. He picked the call.. He was really looking surprised while he spoke to this person which Arnav could clearly understand.. While Khushi was busy welcomed by the family again, he walked to Aman to know whose call it was.. Aman dropped the call and turned back to him..



Aman: Dr Chopra from London.. He said Mrs Gupta is out of Comma.. She just.. She just opened her eyes and the first person she wished to see is Khushi..!!

Arnav: What The..!! Damm!!!

Aman: Let me give this news to Khushi.. She would be very happy to know...



Aman was about to leave towards Khushi when Arnav stopped him..



Arnav: No Aman.. Not now.. (Aman was surprised.. ).. I mean.. I will tell her later..

Aman: Later? But why ASR? She should know this.. Its her mother's news.. She is the first person who should be knowing..

Arnav: I know.. But... I dont want her to react before the family now.. A lot has already happened.. Let her be alone.. I will tell her then.. Is Mrs Gupta able to talk now? I mean what else did the Dr say?

Aman: The Dr said she is under observation.. But since the time she has come out of her Comma state, she is only wishing to see her daughter..

Arnav: Which is impossible at the moment.. I will make sure Khushi calls her and talks..

Aman: And what will she tell her mother? What will she say? She first faked a marriage with her Mother's boss and now she married him with full rituals? Mrs Gupta's state is still not good enough to handle such Shocks..

Arnav: We have to hide this fact from her then... I will ask Khushi to talk to her normally.. And will take her to meet her mother next week.. As soon as we sort things here..



Aman: As you say.. I hope Khushi agrees for this..

Arnav: (Looking at Khushi who was walking with Anjali to Arnav's room): She has to agree Aman.. Because now, she is truely my wife in all terms which means she has no right to deny my commands.. !!!



Aman(Smiling): I hope she does .. But what if she turns the tables back on you.. After knowing her mother is fine now, there wont be anything left for her to be scared of you..



Arnav gave him a What The look and assuring himself that this would never happen, he took followed his sister and Khushi to his room.



To be Continued..











Part 16



Arnav's Room



Anjali: Khushi.. Why are you sounding so nervous..?? Infact you should be happy that Chotte is agreeing to things that you wish for.. See he wasnt ready for this remarriage untill you said you are Okay.. This really is unusual in his case.. He never listens to anyone.. But see.. Now he atleast does it for you.. So why are you so tensed ?? Everything is just going perfect..

Khushi got up from the bed and started walking restlessly.. She was almost going to bump on Anjali now but she managed to move aside..



Khushi: No Di.. You dont know him.. He sometimes .. I mean.. He.. Bullies me..

Arnav: Really Khushi ?? (Came a reply from behind her and that voice itself was enough for Khushi to shut her mouth in fear)

Anjali: Lo.. There he is.. Chotte.. I dont know why she is so upset.. Anyways.. Have a good night both of you.. Bye..



Anjali was leaving but Khushi held her hand and Arnav did see that..

Anjali: What ?? Arre.. You are behaving as if he will eat you up..!!



Anjali cupped Khushi's cheeks and smiled at her..

Anjali: Just take some rest.. I am sure this sudden marriage rituals madeyou very tired today.. Good night.. !!



Saying that ANjali left the room and Arnav locked the door turning behind to see his TRUELY married wife who was fiddling with her Dupatta.. She was waiting for her share of anger which Arnav would be venting on her now because she took the marriage decision without consulting with him even once.. And within next two minutes it did happen.. He angrily walked towards her and started barking at her..



Arnav: Didnt I tell you last time?? Never take decisions on our behalf.. But you still managed to do the same.. How could you decide that Arnav Singh Raizada would marry a girl like you in real? (Khushi's eyes looked at him with astonishment.. Was he degrading her once again? But he continued).. And dont tell me you did this to save my Life.. Who were you to think about my life haan?? Were you my relative? Were you my Girl Friend?? On which rights you decided to get married to me ??



The moment he took some seconds off to breathe, she took the opportunity to reply back to him..



Khushi: My Morals.. ( She said confidently)

Arnav (Surprised ): What??

Khushi: MY Morals gave me the right to save your life by agreeing for this marriage.. The Values given by my mother from my birth gave me the courage to get married to a Stubborn person like you only because I cannot see anything happening to you because of my faults.. You saveed my mothers life.. You are using all your power and money to get her treated there.. Why do I need to think twice to decide if I should be doing something for your life or not??



Arnav was taken aback by her words.. He couldnt say anything after this but kept looking at her face..



Khushi (tear filled eyes): I know this marriage with a girl whom you dont like much isnt worth you.. So once your reasons for making me stay in this house is over, you can get me out of your life legally.. I wont stop you.. Because a person who has the right to save your life, has the right to see you happy too.. I dont wish to burden you with my responsibilty against your wish.. I know you had no option with you other than marrying me before the family for real.. But may be after your work is done, you will have many options to defame me before these same people and take me out.. I promise I wont come in your way then.,..



A tear drop rolled down her cheeks and before she could break down completely for uttering all this on her marriage night, she just turned and walked towards the Closet to get her night dress to change.. Arnav had no words left to say after this.. In one way he really felt he had done something worth marrying this girl.. She really was thoughtful enough not only for him but towards the entire family. Till date she never tried to cross her limits. May be Aman was right.. She wasnt a gold digger.. She was just tied up with some own problems of hers which made her do all this..Whatever it was, but it was too early for him to realise all this and think positive about the situation.



***********



Khushi was as usual sleeping on the Couch and Arnav on the bed .. It was late night and Khushi was dreaming.. Something really horrible.. SOmething which she never saw till date..



DREAM STARTS



Khushi was in her Bridal Lehnga standing at the Terrace of the Sheesh Mahal.. She was watching the Stars and almost thanking them for giving her such a good life partner..She heard some footsteps behind her and she instantly turned behind.. But there was no one.. She smiled realising it must be her husband .. She smiled feeling him around her and then turned back to face the Edge of the Terrace..



"Yeh koi waqt hai sataane kaa?? Dekhiye.. Humme pehle hi bahut thand lag rahi hai.. Upar se yeh itne bhaari gehne.. Hum aapko nahi dhoondenge.. Ab aap hi aayiye aur humme manaaiye.. Samjhe aap?? "  (Is this the time to trouble me?? I am already feeling very cold here and upon that these heavy jewellery I am wearing.. I cannot search you in this conditions.. So now you yourself come and pacify me.. Understood??)



She gigled hearing some footsteps nearing her but she didnt turn.. In few seconds, she could feel the person standing very much close to her and there she heard that person whispering in her ears.. "Muskaan"... It was some lady and definately not her husband... She was scared and she turned behind to see ..



"Aap??" (Her eyes clearly told her how much scared she was seeing the person before her.. )



Before she could realise anything further, she was been pushed from the Terrace and she fell down from this 4 floor Mahal..



DREAM ENDS..



Khushi screamed seeing herself falling like that from Sheesh Mahal Terrace and that surely woke Arnav up.. He switched the lights on and rushed to her.. She was breathing hard with sweat beads all over her face.. She was checking her hands to see if she is hurt..He walked to the couch where she was sitting and asked her if she was Okay..He could understand she must have dreamt something horrible and hence she screamed like that.. He got some water in a glass and made her drink.. He sat beside her and then looked at her face..



Khushi: Arnavji.. I.. I saw.. I am falling.. That Terrace.. She .. pushed me.. I.. am...

Arnav: Ssshh!! Khsuhi relax.. It was a dream.. You are fine .. Nothing has happened to you..

Khushi (Wiping the sweat beads from her forehead): Dream?? No.. It was real.. I was dressed as a Bride.. I..

Arnav: Khushi.. Calm down.. All is fine here.. Just try to get some sleep.. Okay??



Saying that he got up to leave back to his bed but he held his hand and he turned back to her..



Khushi: I .. I am scared Arnavji.. Dont leave me alone..!!!



That sentence was unexpected for Arnav.. He didnt understand how to react to this plead of hers.. But he could easily see how much fear had engulfed her mind and hence it wasnt good to let her sleep alone like this..



Arnav: You can sleep on the bed..!!

KHushi (Instantly noded a No ): I cant.. (She turned the other side and he sighed little in frustration..)

Arnav (In slight anger): I am giving you options here because you are scared ..

Khushi: (Innocently): But how can I see the owner of this room sleeping on the Couch?



Arnav was tongue tied.. He didnt mean he would sleep on couch and she on the bed alone.. His frustration level increased further more..



Arnav: I meant lets sleep on the bed at our respective sides Dammit.. Who the hell said I will sleep on this Couch??

Khushi eyes surely widened thinking how she misunderstood his words..

Khushi: But.. You.. I mean.. I have seen you taking a lot of space.. What if you push me down ?? I can bear the fact of getting pushed from a Terrace in dream but I cannot bear if you push me down the bed in reality..

Arnav(Gritting his teeth in anger): Then sleep here.. And next time you fall from that Terrace and Scream , I am not coming for help..!!



Saying that he walked to the bed and slept on his side,shutting the lights off in anger.. How can some girl be so innocent yet so stubborn, he thought..!!!



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



Next Morning



Arnav woke up at his usual time and stretched his arms taking a deep yawn and then rubbed his eyes .. The Couch was vacant.. He turned towards the other side of the bed and there he saw her sleeping peacefully. She had almost used 75% of the bed for herself and he could only frown seeing her like that..



Arnav (To himself): And she tells me that I use more space on the bed..!! Wish I could record this Sleeping Beauty's Space requirement and show her when she gets up..!! (He murmured all this to himself seeing her but that murmur was enough to wake her up)

She opened her eyes and saw Arnav sitting beside and watching her.. She instantly got up and sat next to him, not realising what made him see her like that early morning..



Arnav: So?? Why did you argue so much with me when you knew you would sleep on bed?

Khushi (Purposely pretending): Bed??  (She started checking to her left and right side and then showed her concern).. How did I sleep here? I was on the Couch..!!

Arnav: (Sighing): Really?? So now you dont even know how you reached the bed?

She noded a No and then tried to handle the situation in her way..



Khushi: Haann.. Now I understood.. May be I walked in sleep here..!! Like I did at my first night in Sheesh mahal some days back? (She tried to remind him how the family thought she walked in her sleep from the Guest room that night to the Living room )



Arnav: Khushi tum mujhse jhoot bol rahi ho?? Apne pati se? (Khushi.. You are lieing to me?? To your husband??)



Now that made Khushi give up her lies and then agree that she was scared and hence finding no option, she did walk herself here and slept beside him..



Khushi: Okay Fine.. Yes I came here myself.. Happy?? But there isnt anything wrong in it.. I have all the rights to sleep here in my portion.. Atleast till the time you dont get legally seperated from me.. And till I am alive, no one can steal this right of using this side of the bed from the Bride of Sheesh Mahal .. Samjhe aap?? (Syaing that she walked hurridly to the Bathroom leaving him astonished at her behaviour.)



Arnav(To himself): She is one hell of a Crazy woman.. See her Guts..!! She challenged me ?? Damm you Khushi Gupta..( PAUSE.. ).. Singh Raizada..!!! (There was a deep smile on his lips which was involuntary.. He himself didnt knew what was wrong with him but he liked this living style of his with this girl.. She was truely something..)



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



To be Continued..

Part 17



Chandra Mahal



NK screamed in his dream again with the name Muskaan on his lips.. He got up suddenly and sat on the bed with sweat beads all over his face..No doubt he had murmured this name many a times since the time he had returned back from Oxford.. But today for the first time he saw a face for that name and to his surprise that face belonged to the Bride of SHeesh Mahal , Khushi.. The same girl whose sketches he was drawing since months when he had not even see her.. What was wrong with him? What was happeneing to him? What was this mystery? Who was Muskaan? What relationship does she share with him that he takes her name in his dream always? His head was spinning badly and he needed a strong tea for sure.. Thats when the bedroom door opened and his wife Sheetal came inside to wake him up.. She was totally scared seeing him so much tensed and in stress.. She rushed to him and started wiping the sweat from his face



Sheetal: Nk.. Are you not feeling well? Why are you sweating like this?

NK: (Moving her hand aside): I saw a bad dream.. Nothing else..

Sheetal didnt like when he moved her hand aside but she remembered how her husband always treats her the same way.. She got up from the bed and started serving him the bed tea.. NK meanwhile got up and made some quick calls.. She was all the time just watching her husband's reactions and remembered how he does not even bothers to give her some attention.. She sighed and placed the Tea aside on the table and left the room..



She came down and saw Lalitha rushing inside the door seeing her as if she wished to tell her something important .. But before she could reach Sheetal, Buaji stopped Lalitha..



Buaji: Lalitha,.. Kahan bhaage jaa rahi ho.. Tanik Ruko.. (Lalitha .. Where are you running? Wait ..!!)

Lalitha stopped and Buaji handed some clothes to her..

Buaji: Inhe theek see jaake Shashi Babua ke kamre mein rakho.. (Go and keep these clothes in Shashi Babua's room)..



Lalitha noded and gestured Sheetal to follow her as she had to tell her something important.. Sheetal noded and as soon as Buaji left, Sheetal followed Lalitha to Shashi Gupta's room.. She came inside and saw Lalitha arranging the clothes in the closet..



Sheetal: Did you fix my meeting with her?

Lalitha: Have informed Hari Prakashji to get the Bride of Sheesh Mahal in the Mata's mandir today evening somehow. But he isnt sure if she will come..

Sheetal: I dont know anything Lalitha.. She has to come.. I have to meet her..

Lalitha: But why Bibiji.. What work do you have with her?



Sheetal: (Angrily): Why do you care? Mind your work and when you done just clean my room ..

Lalitha noded and in the process she hit her hand to the side rack and suddenly an Album fell down on the floor..

Sheetal: Lalitha.. Cant you do one work properly?? (Saying that she started collecting the scattered photos and placing them back in the Album.. )



Lalitha was going to help her but Sheetal denied.. She continued placing the Photos and thats when she came across an unknown picture.. Where her father in law had posed with some other lady .. It was a very old photo when her father in law was young enough.. The lady had MangalSutra in her neck and the way they were standing looked like they were a couple.. But how was this possible.? She wasnt NK's mother.. Sheetal had seen NKs mother's pic.. Then who was she?? She had no idea.. She took the photo with her , keeping the album back on the rack and left the room...



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



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav (On call): Yeah.. I havnt told her yet.. Give me some time AMan.. I mean last night we just fought and in all that I couldnt inform her this.. But then I will do that now.. Okay?? Yeah.. Bye..



He cut the call and turned around just to see Khsuhi coming inside in angry mood.. She came straight towards him and held his collar in anger .. Her tears rolling down continously from her eyes only surprising him..



Arnav: Khushi? (He tried holding her but she shoved his hands off griping that collar of his and asking him )

Khushi: How could you hide this Arnavji?? I trusted you for everything and you..?

Arnav: Leave me Dammit..!! You are misbehaving ..!! (He roared in anger taking her hands off his collar)

Khushi: (Angrily): I am misbehaving?? And what did you do? For your own benefits you hide the fact that my Mother was out of Comma? You knew this from yesterday and you didnt even think of letting me know it?



Arnav then realised why her mood was upset.. So that means she came to know everything.. He tried to calm her down but she moved back..



Khushi: Dont try to change my mood now.. I very well know why you did this.. Only because I fought with you last night and thinking I will leave you and this house after knowing my mother was fine, you hide this fact from me.. Haan yeah Naa Mr Raizada?

Arnav: Khushi listen to me.. Its not what you thinking.. (he said walking a step towards her and she pushed him back in anger)

Khushi: Then why didnt you tell me My mother was fine ?? That she is out of Coma?.



Arnav was hell angry seeing her raising her voice on him.. He had never seen her like this before..



Arnav: Aawaz neechi rakho Khushi.. I cannot tolerate it if you dont talk in limits..!! (His anger raised too and they both kept looking at each other like that for some seconds.. )... I wished to tell you that but that fight between us really made me forget.. And just now when Aman reminded me, I was going to inform you about it.. Now you believe it or not, I dont care.. If you wish to talk to your mom then please calm down first.. I am sure she would like to hear her daughter speaking to her, not my wife.. !! Hope you understand this..



Khushi's heavy breathes were now coming back to normal and she saw him dialing some number on his mobile.. He dialed and asked the Recieving end to connect to Mrs Garima Gupta and then handed the receiver to her..



Arnav: Talk to her..!!

Khsuhi instantly snatched the phone from him and waited for her mother to speak.. The moment she heard a weak "hello" from her mumma, she bursted into tears once again.. She sat on the bed and wasnt able to utter even a word after this.. Garima on the other end realised whose call it was..

Garima: Khushi? Khushi baby.. I..

Khushi: I know Mumma.. I know what happened there.. I am so thankful to Devi Maiyaa that you are fine now..

Garima: When I realised I was in Comma for more than a month, I was so tensed for you.. I asked the Dr here and he said you had come to see me some days back..

Khushi: Yes Mumma.. I did..

Garima: Then where are you now? When did you go back? And why? I mean why didnt you stayed here??



Garima kept on asking somethings to her which Khushi had no answer to.. She kept looking at Arnav blankly who guessed why she did that.. He took the call from Khushi and then managed to speak to Mrs Gupta..



Arnav: Hello Mrs Gupta.. How are you feeling now?? I hope Diana is around to look after you..??

Garima(Totally confused): ASR? What .. What are you doing with my daughter?? I mean where are you? Where is She??

Arnav: Uhh!! Mrs Gupta.. Your daughter is fine.. I mean she is just Great here in India.. And .. She .. I mean Me and She.. We..

Garima: Be Clear ASR.. You are scaring me.. Just tell me what is she doing with you??

Arnav: She works for me now.. (He replied instantly and Garima was confused)..

Garima: Works? What work? And where?

Arnav: Uhh!! I mean she works for me In my Lucknow Office.. Just like you did for me there in London..!! (He lied to her and Khushi was shocked..)

Garima: Ohh!! So typical ASR then..!! Thats why I can see how well I am treated here by your money.. I hope you dont make her work more like I did here.. She is very simple ASR. Not much good in Denying people.. I hope you dont misuse that quality in her..



Arnav (Seeing Khushi): Hmm.. Anyways.. I will get her there within a week.. You can see her then.. !!



Saying that he passed the phone to Khushi and left the room.. She continued talking to her mother..

Garima: Khushi.. I hope he is treating you good.. He is little short tempered..And... very arrogant.. Just dont mind if he screams at you for no reasons.. Its his trade mark..

Khushi (Smiling): Who better than I can know that.. (She replied immediately)

Garima: What do you mean by that?? How do you know him that better?

Khushi (Realising what she spoke):Uh!! No Mumma.. I meant.. After working for him, why wont I know his behaviour.. Dont worry.. He treats me good..



They both continued to talk for some more time and finally Khsuhi cut the call promising her mother to call her the next day.. She was very happy hearing her mumma's voice after years but at the same time she had a fear.. What will be her mother's reactions if she comes to know that her daughter had married that Boss !!



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



After some time..



Khushi: Arnavji.. Humme maaf kijiye.. Hum kuch jyaada hi bol gaye.. Lijiye hum apne kaan pakadte hai.. (Arnavji.. Please forgive me.., I spoke a lot to you.. See.. I am holding my ears now..)



Arnav looked at her once while seating himself comfortably on the Couch in the Living room making sure his eyes rolled around to see if someone was watching them or not.. Khushi was standing exactly opposite to him , some feets away and holding her ears..



Arnav: Khushi Stop acting so childish.. Nani and Di are coming.. !!(He said holding a newspaper in his hand pretending to read)

Khushi: Toh kya hua.. ?? Hum apne Pati se maafi maang rahe hai, unse thodi?? Please Arnavji.. (She continued holding her ears and Nani and Anjali who came there were surprised seeing Khushi asking forgivness from Arnav and that too like this..)



Anjali: Chotte.. What is wrong? Khushi is asking forgiveness ?? For what?

Arnav: Nothing Di... She is just.. (He looked at Khushi again and then back to his Di).. Forget it.. !! (He continued reading the paper but his wife was in full mood to get forgiveness from him)

Khushi: Arnavji.. Maaf kijiye naa.. Humaare haath dard kar rahe hai yu kaan pakadke.. (Arnavji please forgive me soon.. See.. Even my hands are aching now holding my ears..



Arnav: Did I ask you to hold them??



Anjali and Nani chuckled seeing this couple fight so openly while Manorama also reached there seeing Khushi like this asking forgiveness..



Manormaa: Hello Hi Bye Bye Arnav Bitwa.. Shaadi ke dusre hi din Maafi?? Aisa kya kiya Bahuriya ne?? ( Hello Hi Bye bye Arnav Bitwa.. Why is she asking forgiveness on the next day of your marriage?? What did she do to ask forgiveness like this?)

Arnav (Getting up): Khushi enough now.. Bus karo.. Get some tea for me upstairs..

Khsuhi: So that means you forgave me??

Arnav : Never!! Atleast not for Pulling my collar..!!!



Saying that in anger he left back for his room while Anjali, Nani and Manorama stood there tongue tied.. Collar?? What level of fight was that?? How could Khushi hold his Collar and fight with him?? That too with Arnav Singh Raizada?? Khushi pouted giving up the thought of expecting forgiveness from Arnav.. She knew she had crossed some lines between them.. She shouldnt have been that hyper.. But she was really upset that she wasnt told about her mother's health by him and she came to know it from the Hospital whom she called today just to enquire her mother's health.. She was turning back to the Kitchen to get some tea for him when Anjali interrupted..



Anjali: Khushi.. Dont forget you have to light the evening Diya in the Mata's mandir today.. I have told Hari Prakash.. He will accompany you there.. !! You want me to come?

Khushi: No Di.. I will manage to go..

Nani: And haan Bitiya... Just make sure you dont talk much to anyone who comes there..

Khushi: Matlab??

Nani: I mean , every evening even the bahu of Chandra Mahal comes there in the same Mandir to light their Diya.. But since these two Mahals dont share a good rapport, we have no communication between us at all. Hope you will follow that too..

Khushi: But why Nani?? I mean... If the families didnt share a good relationship before, doesnt mean we have to continue this.. Why cant we build good relations with them now??



Nani: (Walking to Khushi): Some things are better as they are Khushi.. A lot had happened in the past and spoiled everything.. Now we are just avoiding things to be worse again..!! Just do as I said. Okay??



Khushi had to agree.. Afterall the family here knew it better what was good and what was not..!! She could realise one thing for sure.. This family was very orthodox,.. But then she couldnt do much about it.. She agreed and walked back from there..



To be Continued..





Part 18



Mandir



The Wind was blowing very strong today. Luckily it wasnt raining here but Khushi was hardly able to manage the Puja thali in her hand..Still handling things she came inside the Temple.. There was nobody here, not even the Bahu of Chandra Mahal whom Nani suspected to meet Khushi here. Hari Prasad waited for Khushi to finish the Puja but she denied him to wait for her..



Khsuhi : Hari Prakashji..You leave.. I will finish and come back..

HP: But Bahuji how can I leave you alone?

Khushi: You saying as if someone may harm me here.. Dont worry.. I will come back soon..

HP noded and left the Mandir.. This temple was hardly at a distance of some 200 - 300 meters from the main Sheesh Mahal Entrance.. She saw HP leaving and then turned back towards the Devi Maiyaa's Idol.. Thats when she heard Anklets sound and she turned back in confusion to know who was coming here.. SHe saw a Lady dressed in a Orange Saree walking towards the Mandir with a Puja Thali in her hand .. The wind again was not letting her walk normally and she was about to stumble and fall down hiting her leg to a stone but Khushi caught her in time..



Khushi: Are you okay??



Sheetal looked at her angrily but noded a Yes and tried to walk ahead.. The ladies came inside the temple again and Khushi had no idea if this lady was the Bride of Chandra Mahal. Khushi was quite a friendly nature and hence she thought of talking to this new girl but then remembering Nani's words of not talking or building relations with this Chandra Mahal people, she ignored.. Sheetal very well knew what she had to speak to Khushi today and without getting her doubts cleared, she will never allow her to leave back.. Both finished lighting the Diya before the Devi Miayaa Idol and then Khushi held the Puja Thali back in her hand.. She was about to turn but she heard Sheetal asking her to stop.. She turned back to face Sheetal..



Sheetal: You cannot leave until you answer my questions..

Khushi (Surprised): Excuse me..!! Do I even know you? And why are you talking with so much of authority.. Who are you?

Sheetal: Dont be innocent Khushi.. You know me.. I mean though not personally but NK must have told you about me for sure..

Khushi (Thinking ): NK? You mean Nandakishore?? Of Chandra Mahal right?

Sheetal: How can someone act so innocent !!



Khushi was totally confused.. She didnt understand what was happening.. Thats when Sheetal showed NK's drawn Sketch to her..



Sheetal: Now dont tell me this is not you..!!



Khushi was surprised.. She took the Sketch in her hand and started seeing it carefully.. She remembered how NK once had saved her , Aman and Arnav's life.. How he had told her , he was following her since some days to know why he drew her sketches when he had not even seen her.. How can she forget all this?



Sheetal: So? Remembered something??

Khushi: (Nodding a Yes): Yea..I know him.. But who are you?

Sheetal: His wife.. Mrs (She replied rudely and in a bit of anger)

Khushi (Realising what was wrong ): Ohh !! So you are his wife.. Now I understand what made you talk to me that way.. Look.. I know NK drew all this.. But he and me , infact none of us have any idea why..!! So please dont misinterpret anything..



Sheetal: Wow..!! Whom are you fooling around Khushi??? I am his wife .. And I can very well understand why he doesnt accept me whole heartedly.. Its because you are between us..!!



"ENOUGH" came a reply from the other end and both the ladies shockingly turned to see who this person was.. Arnav Singh Raizada was standing at the Temple Entrance looking extremely angered towards Sheetal.. Khsuhi was surprised again.. What was he doing here? He walked forward towards them ..



Arnav: Not a single word against my wife now.!!



Sheetal now guessed who he was.. So he was Arnav Singh Raizada, Khushi's husband.. She continued her blabbering even after getting this warning from him..



Sheetal: Why?? I dont understand why dont you realise this real picture.. Your wife and my husband are linked somehow .. They are cheating us.. Instead of screaming at me why dont you ask your wife why is she hiding all this..

Arnav was totally pissed.. He fisted his fingers and gritting his teeth he replied back..



Arnav: You have spoken a lot now..I never raised my hand on a girl and I dont wish to break this law of mine.. So before making me do anything which will hurt you, just get lost from here.. NOW..!!



Sheetal could easily see the anger and frustration that he carried on his face at the present. Without making much fuss, she took her Puja Thali and left the Mandir.. The wind suddenly calmed down and it looked like the storm had finally moved away from them.. He turned back to Khushi who was watching him with a smile on her face..



Arnav: I dont think I was singing Songs here for you to smile like that..!!

Khushi : Fake or Real doesnt matter to you right?? You stood beside me when I was been ill spoken by your family even when I was your fake wife and even now ..!! Do you respect every wife like that in reality or Am I Special?? (She asked almost gigling and there a smirk crept on his face too)

Arnav: I have just One wife .. When I will have more than One, I will do that check and let you know.. Now lets get inside Sheesh Mahal..



He turned around to leave being sure that she would stop him after hearing his last words and the same happened.. She stopped him and made him turn to face her again .. She was looking little curious ..



Khushi: More than one wife? You plan to marry again??

Arnav: Yeah.. Why not? You have a problem with that??

Khushi's nose definately flared at this reply of his.. She noded a No and started walking before him towards the Sheesh Mahal.. He passed a smile again and continued following her..



Aman who was busy gardening in the evening saw this couple walking towards him.. Aman was watering the lawn before the Guest House beside Sheesh Mahal..



Arnav: Hey ..!! Did you change your Role? Why are you gardenening??

Aman: Extra Curicular Acitivity ASR.. !! I like doing this you know..(he said smiling and then passing the water pipe to Maakhan who was waiting aside..)



Aman came to them and saw Khushi's face totally lost as if she was thinking something big in her mind.. He shook her while Arnav too didnt miss a chance to smirk again knowing she must be thinking about his second marriage..



Aman: Hey Sis.. Whats going in that tiny brain?

Khushi : Tiny?? (She hit Aman's hand and he started laughing holding his ears later)..

Aman(Holding his ears): Sorry.. I meant.. Size wise Khushi,.. I know you think much better than us. !! Whats wrong? Where had you been with your lawful husband??

Khushi:To the Temple.. I didnt take him along..  He followed me.. (She replied proudly)

Arnav: Excuse me.!! I followed you? Are you mad? How will I come to know you are here? You messaged me to come to the Temple.. I did..!!

Khushi (With "O"Shaped on her lips) : Liar!! Why will I message you?? I never did .!! You followed me ..!



Aman realised how these two were going to extend this topic now so in order to maintain peace, he replied back calming Khushi down..

Aman: Okay Khushi.. Thats fine.. You messaged or not doesnt matter.. What is important here is he came to the Temple ..!! Isnt it? You know Arnav Singh Raizada doesnt believes in God and neither in all these small rituals and Puja's .. So he coming there for you is still a  matter of honour for you.. Chill.!!



Arnav: Aman.. You mean I am lieing.. I really got a message from her and so I went to the temple.. You want to check.. Then check this phone..



Saying that he took his mobile out and showed his Inbox to Aman who started checking for that message just to confirm and surprisingly he didnt find any message..

Aman: Where is it? There isnt any message here Arnav..!!

Arnav was shocked.. How is that possible ? He checked his phone INbox again and actually couldnt find anything..

Arnav: (Checking his Mobile): But.. I did read one..

Aman: Thats Okay.. May be it was just some kind of intuition that she was calling you.. Anyways.. Forget all that and tell me what time are we starting for work tomorrow? And you said you are taking Khushi to London to meet Mrs Gupta.. Should I confirm the flight tickets then??



Khushi (Happily): London..?? Arnavji.. You will take me to Mumma??

Arnav: (Nodded a Yes): Yes.. I guess we will start this weekend Aman.. Next week I have some other important work here.!

Aman: Okay.. I will book the flights and let you know..

Arnav agreed and left inside while Khushi still waited with Aman.. She was already in her own world after knowing she will see her mother..



Aman: So??.. Excited??

Khushi: Yes Aman.. You cant even measure that.. You know I am so eager to meet her, to see her and ofcourse to get her here..!! I ..



While saying all this, she suddenly remembered seeing her mother was possible but not getting her here to India.. !! She knew her mother hated this country.. She can never settle here again.. Never..!! She looked all lost again and Aman clicked his fingers to get her back to sense..



Aman: You know I doubt if ASR has done some magic on you.. You lose yourself in some thoughts so easily these days..!! What are you thinking now? Everything is sorted.. You got married to ASR.. Your Mother is out of Comma.. You will be seeing her.. What else is needed?

Khushi: Aman.. I am worried what will happen when she comes to know of this marriage? (She looked extremely tensed and Aman could understand what she was going through..)

Aman: Dont worry.. We all will make her understand.. I am sure she will realise why you married to him.. Its for her only right?? And forget all that.. Now you are legally married to ASR.. This is no more a Fake marriage.. All this is real..She wont have a problem.. I know her.. Just relax..



Khushi got some support from Aman by his words.. But she still wasnt sure if this will really work or not..!!



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



London - Hospital



Garima had her medicine dose which the Nurse gave her and then she asked the Nurse to open the curtains so that she can get some fresh air and light inside her Ward.. The Nurse did the same and then left the room .. Garima closed her eyes for some time feeling the freshness in her room when suddenly she heard the door open again and she turned to face the door.. She was totally surprised to find HIM standing before her ..



Garima (Smiling): Mohit?? What are you doing in London?? How did you know I am here?

Mohit: Do you even realise how much I searched you.. ?? Gosh!! You cant believe I almost tried all my sources just to know where you are and if you are fine.. And see.. Finally I found you here.. !!



Saying that he walked towards Garima and touched her feet for taking her blessings.. She smiled and extended her hand for him to hold..



Garima: I met with an accident Mohit.. The same day when I cancelled all my Work plans and started for your city, I met with this accident.. Luckily I was saved.. Just 2 days back I was out of Comma..

Mohit: Yeah.. The Drs told me all. Where is Khushi? They said she too came here..

Garima: She did.. But at the moment she is back to India.. But I spoke to her last night and she said she will be coming to meet me here.. In London..Next week probably.. Dont worry.. I will talk to her then..!!



Mohit chuckled and then hugged Garima tight..



Mohit: You have to Aunty.. I cant wait to get her in my life..!!



Garima blessed him and tears of joy rolled down her eyes knowing how happy days would be coming again in her and her daughter's life..



To be Continued





Part 19



Chandra Mahal



Buaji: You seem quite disturbed Sheetal.. What is it? Did Nandakishore say something??

Sheetal noded a No and continued working in the Kitchen.. Buaji wasnt satisfied.. She made her stop doing her work and turned to face her..

Buaji: Now you have started hiding things from your Buaji??

Sheetal: Buaji.. I dont think you will ever believe in what I have to say so its better I dont tell you anything.. (She politely replied)

Buaji: Believe? Sheetal if you remember I dont have any kids but it was you who never made me feel that.. Since the time you were here, I gave you all my love.. And you think I wont believe you? Is this all you think about me? (She asked angrily )

Sheetal: Buaji.. I am not saying that.. Its just that along with me, you have another person whom you love equally and you cannot hear anything wrong about him in this house..

Buaji: Are you talking about Nandakishore?

Sheetal noded a weak Yes and Buaji sighed holding Sheetal's hand and making her sit aside on the Chair..



Buaji: Whatever it is, whether I believe it or not, I need to know what you have to say..



Sheetal had no idea how will Buaji react on hearing this..But she still tried her level best to be calm and patient and ensure that Buaji understands her point of view..



Sheetal: Buaji.. I have a doubt NK .. He..

Buaji: He ?? (She asked getting curious)

Sheetal : He is having some other girl in his life ..!! (She closed her eyes saying this and her heartbeat did increase along with Buaji's who screamed back in surprise)

Buaji: Impossible.. Do you even know what you are saying?

Sheetal: (Getting up): I know Buaji.. But I am telling this without any head and tail. I have proofs.. I ..

Buaji: Proofs? What proofs? Look Sheetal.. If NK had any girl in his life, he would have told us about it before getting married to you.. Me and Shashi did ask him 100 times about this.. We too felt he must be having some liking for any girl as he had stayed abroad for years.. It was obvious that he would have some soft corner atleast.. But he clearly denied it..



Sheetal: He must have lied Buaji.. Because if he had no girl in his life and I am the only one he would ever wish to concentrate on as a Husband then why is he drawing Potraits of someone else?

Buaji: (Confused): POTRAITS??

Sheetal: You wont believe it until I show you that..Come with me..



Saying that Sheetal took Buaji with her in the room and opening the closet she showed Buaji the Sketch of Khushi which NK had drawn some time back.. Buaji was hell shocked to see this picture.. Who was this girl? Why did it look like she had seen this picture even before?

Buaji: Yeh.. Yeh Kaun hai?? (Who.. Who is she?)

Sheetal: You wont believe who she is Buaji..

Buaji looked at Sheetal with suspicious eyes and Sheetal continued..

Sheetal: She is the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. Khushi..!!



THe Photo dropped from Buaji's hand and she moved a step back in shock and hit her back to the Closet door.. She held her forehead and Sheetal was scared if Buaji was under some trauma after hearing this.. She held Buaji's hand and made her sit on the Bed..



Sheetal: Buaji.. Are you alright?? (She passed some water to Buaji who drank it in one go..)..



Sheetal carressed Buaji's back and in some minutes Buaji was finally feeling better..

Sheetal: I am sorry Buaji.. This is what I feared.. I never wished to let you know this.. But..

Buaji tore the sketch of Khsuhi into pieces in anger and then threw them aside in anger.. She stood up before Sheetal and angrily replied back..



Sheetal: I dont want to see this face again in this house.. Not even a word about her.. !!

Saying that Buaji started walking towards the door and Sheetal stood their all clueless about Buaji's reaction.. Thats when Buaji stopped again and turned back to her..

Buaji: Dont ask anything to Nandakishore.. I will handle this matter now..!!



Saying that she left the room only giving some assurances to Sheetal that someone is here to  resolve this matter now..



*********



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi was very happy in her room getting dressed and she didnt realise when she had started humming her self created song..



"Aaj Mausam hai Suhaana"

"Market Jaane ka hai Bahaana"

"La La La La La La.."



Someone cleared throat behind her only making her conscious that she wasnt alone anymore inside her room. She stopped humming and turned back only to see her husband coming back from his morning jog and holding an Empty Juice bottle in his hand.. He definately was surprised hearing such a self made Song by his wife..



Arnav: I hope this is the only version of this Song.. Cant bear to hear it again anytime.!!

Khushi (Frowning): You have never appreciated anything I do.. And this is one of it..!!



Saying that she took the Empty Juice bottle from him and placed it aside and once again started getting ready purposely humming the Song again..



"Kya Dhoop Nikali Suhaani"

"Lo Chali Sheesh Mahal ki Bahurani.."

"La La La La La La"



Arnav was surely pissed hearing the next version of her song.. He knew she liked to irritate her and this was the best way.. Sing Songs which had no start or end.. Which had no base .. Which had no perfect meaning and Specially the ones which she made herself..



Arnav : Okay Enough.. if you wish to go to London with me, stop singing this Song or else I am going alone..!!



Hearing this Khushi shut her mouth and turned back.. She saw him getting some tickets out of his pockets and waving it to her.. She happlily rushed towards him..

Khushi: We got the tickets? When are we leaving?? I will inform Mumma..

Saying that she just turned back to call Garima but Arnav stopped her..

Arnav: Dont inform her..Let this be a surprise.. !!

Khushi: Surprise..?? Okay.. But then when will we leave?

Arnav: In two days.. Start packing .!! I will inform the rest of the family later.

Khushi: (Holding his hand in happiness): Thanks Arnavji.. You are the best man on this earth.. No No... Best Man In this Universe infact..LOVE YOU..!!



Saying that she rushed downstairs not realising what she just said ..!! LOVE YOU? Was that a slip of tongue, he thought and then smiling at her innocence, he walked to the Bathroom to get his Shower..



***********



When he came down in sometime and informed the family about him and Khushi moving to London for some days, the family couldnt believe it that easily..



Anjali: But Chotte is it some special purpose you are taking her too??

Akash: Come on Di.. They are married and they surely need some time alone.. I am with Bhai in this.. Go ahead Bhai.. I will handle things here.. (He said chuckling with Aman who was beside him )

Nani: Anjali bitiya... Akash is right.. They may have plans for spending time aloof from this bunch of people here.. Let them go..

Badi Maa: Chotte these days just needs his wife.. Thats all..!! (She commented sarcastically and Arnav sighed in frustration)

Arnav: Do you all really think I am taking her for enjoying time there? Its official Badi Maa.. I have some work and I am planning to imvolve Khushi in it.. Thats the reason I am taking her along.. I dont understand why the whole family always makes a Fuss when the matter comes of me and my wife being together..



Anjali: Chotte we didnt mean that.. But everytime you decide something related to you both, its at the last moment that we come to know.. You must have planned this long back.. Couldnt you inform us then? But anyways.. We have no issues with you both leaving.. Just finish your work and come back soon. Hopefully even Shyam will be coming by then..!! (She replied smiling)

Arnav: Jeejaji? He is coming back? When ?? I mean did he finish his work in California?

Anjali (Nodding a Yes): He did.. He said he will come by next week .. Lets hope he does.. Its always that he changes his plan at the last minute..!! (She pouted and Nani and Badi Maa smiled seeing her)

Badi Maa: But Anjali.. Dont forget he is doing this all for you.. Who wouldnt like to stay with his Wife ..?? But he has bussiness commitments too..

Akash: But.. Jeejaji can take Di along with him.. Now see Bhai.. He never misses to be with Khushi Bhabhi anytime.. (Everyone except Badi Maa gigled hearing this teasing note from Akash while Arnav gave a WHAT THE look to him and scanned the room)



He had not seen her since morning .. Where was she he thought.. Thats when Anjali realised who her Chotte was searching.. She replied to him without waiting for him to question..



Anjali: She isnt at home.. She's gone with Payal to the market..

Arnav (Confused): But.. She didnt ask me for cards or cash..!

Anjali (Angrily): What?? She has to ask you for money everytime she leaves out?? This is heights Chotte.. She is your wife.. Why cant you give her some before hand?? Uhh!! How can you expect her she keeps asking you for it all the time?

Arnav noded and immediately dialed Khushi's number.. After almost 3 to 4 rings she picked and he moved aside to talk to her privately.. The entire family were just watching his expressions.. His CONCERNED expressions.. !!



Arnav: Where are you?

Khushi: Market..!! Payal had to get some stuffs..

Arnav: And you? I mean.. You didnt take anything from me..

Khushi: (Confused): Because I didnt had to buy anything Arnavji..

Arnav: Next time.. Never leave without cash ..!! Stick to Payal now and make sure you dont get lost in the Crowd..

Khushi : Okay.. I will.. Arnavji..

Arnav (Thinking something..): One minute.... I mean.. Do one thing.. Where are you now?

Khushi: Central Market..

Arnav: Okay be there.. I have some work nearby.. Will pick you and then may be we should shop something for Mrs Gupta..!!

Khushi (Surprised): Excuse me..!! Did you just say you will shop a gift for Mumma? I mean My Mumma??

Arnav: (Walking towards the door to leave ): Yes.. I did.. But dont fly in air now.!! Its only because she is an Employee of mine still and as a Good will I have all rights to gift her for getting well..

Khushi: Hmm.!! I assumed that.. You can only think professional.. Anyways. I am waiting..



He cut the call and then drove his car towards the Market.. He couldnt believe he was actually buying a gift for  someone.. And that too for his Wife's Mother..!!



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



Jewellery Store..



Khushi: A Diamond pendant?? You sure you wish to gift this to my mother? (She checked the pendant glittering in her fingers while seeing it)

Arnav: Yes.. Why ?? feeling jealous? (He teasingly asked)

Khushi (Keeping the pendant back on the table): Never.!! Why will  I be jealous of my own mother?

Arnav: Because your husband is gifting her and not you..!!

Khushi (Frowning): I dont need gifts from you.. !! You already have given me something which I can never repay back anytime.!! (She said thinking how he helped in her mother's treatement)

Arnav: Gifts arent given to be returned back by the way..



Saying that he turned to the Sales Girl and asked her to pack the pendant..

Sales Girl: Sorry Sir.. This one is already been sold to someone.

Arnav: Sold? Then why the hell is it still displayed here?

Sales girl: I am sorry for that.. Its by mistake probably..

Arnav: Okay.. Pack a similar one then..

Sales Girl: We just have one Single piece of that kind of pendant Sir.. Its been made by someone specially for his wife.!!!

Arnav: Ohh!!  WHose Lucky wife is she??



The Sales Girl pointed towards a man who was selecting something else at the other counter..



Sales Girl: There he is.. Mr Shashi Gupta..!!



Arnav and Khushi both stared at Shashi for a while and then looked at each other..

Arnav: Isnt he from the Chandra Mahal? I mean according to me, his wife is dead ..!!

Khushi: (Sighing): WHo knows !! May be he is having 2 wives ?? (She teased back and then the couple walked to the other counter to find something else for Garima..)



To be Continued..







Part 20



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi was once again humming the same song which was self created by her while she packed the little gift that she and Arnav bought for her Mother..



"Aaj Mausam hai Suhaana

Gift Pack Karne ka hai Bahana..

La La La La La La.."



Arnav: What The..!! (He got up from the recliner shutting his bluetooth).. I am on call Dammit..!! Stop singing..!!

Khushi Shushed herself and then gestured him to continue.. He sighed and walked towards the Poolside to continue his phone conversation and she continued her song in a low tone..



"Aaj Mausam nahi Suhaana

Arnavji ka Gussa wohi Puraana

What The What The What The.. "



She gigled liking her lyrics and thats when she heard Anjali inside her room who also chuckled at her..

Khushi: Di??

Anjali; (Smiling): Wow Khushi..I didnt know you write such beautiful songs.. (She teased her purposely and Khushi blushed hard).. And I liked that "What The What The What The.." How romantic it sounds .. Hai naa??



Khushi knew Anjali was purposely teasing her and she started laughing with her...

Khushi: DI Stop making fun of me.. I was randomly singing all that..

Anjali: (Making Khushi sit with her on bed): I know.. But I liked it.. Anyways.. Chotte told me about you and him going to London in 2 days?

Khushi: Ohh Haan Di.. He said he has some work.. And.. (She had no idea what reason Arnav gave to his family for their London visit)

Anjali: And..He wishes to involve you in that.. I know.. He said it to us today.. But we are fine with it.. Afterall I too think , whenever a husband has some work outdoor, his wife should always accompany him..

Khushi: (Smiled): Then why didnt you accompany Jeejaji?? I mean he too is in California since long. You must be missing him a lot.. Dont you?

Anjali (Pouting): Yeah.. I wished to go with him but he didnt let me.. Actually his work is really all burdened up .. And he knows if he takes me, he wont find good time for me.. So he denied.. But thats fine.. He is coming back next week and I am happy ..!!

Khushi: Ohh Thats great.. Me and Arnavji will be back by then..

Anjali: Yes.. He too is eager to meet the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. You know he once asked me to send a picture of yours and Chotte but I strictly denied.. I told him if he wishes to see you, he has to come back home.. (Shegigled)

Khushi: I am in demand then..!! (She proudly replied and Anjali noded a Yes smiling)



The two of them did continue their talks for some more time like that..



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



Chandra Mahal



Shashi Gupta was on call with someone on the Terrace and he was really talking very low making sure no one is able to hear him there..



Shashi: But why are you doing this to me now? One chance.. Thats all I want..!! (PAUSE..).. Okay fine.. Forget this.. Tell me how are you now?? (PAUSE)... I wish to see you .. Please dont deny I know you dont like to see me much these days.. But .. You cannot deny I am still your Husband ..!! I have rights on you and also on our daughter..



He suddenly heard some Flower Vase falling down and he cut the call and turned behind.. Sheetal was standing right before his eyes with a shocked expressions written all over her face.. She had no idea if she really needed to believe what she heard.. Her father - in - law was having another wife ?? And Daughter??



Shashi: (little worried):  Sheetal ?? What.. What are you doing here??

Sheetal: Thats not important Paapa.. But... What you just said.. Is it.. Is it true?

Shashi had nothing left to hide it from her.. He just noded a Yes and gave her another shock of life..



Shashi: I have another wife.. My Second wife..

Sheetal: What?? Wife? But.. But why did you hide it from us? I mean why doesnt she stay with us? Where is she?

Shashi: Its not that no one here knows Sheetal.. Everyone does.. Madhumati, NK, everyone knows about her.. Its just that we didnt wish you to know it at the moment..

Sheetal was getting shocks after shocks.. What was all this ? She angrily walked towards Shashi and held his hands..



Shashi: Paapa I am staying in this house as your daughter, and now as your Bahu from past so many years.. For once you didnt think me being a part of this family should know about all this? Why people here hide all the facts only from me?? If this is how you all wished to behave then why dont you people ask me to leave ??



Shashi saw Sheetal shedding her tears and he really felt bad for her.. He made her sit on the Chair aside and then took his seat beside her..



Shashi: I am sorry Beta.. But Madhumati didnt wish me to let anyone else know about my second marriage.. Infact she doesnt even wish to accept my Second wife in this family.. Not that my wife is eager to come and stay with me either..!! So I am just lost in between these two.. If I try to convince my wife and get her here , Madhumati will be out of this place..!! I .. I am just tired thinking will I ever be able to give my wife the place and dignity she always deserved?



Sheetal calmed herself down and then questioned her father in law..



Sheetal: But why is Buaji against her?

Shashi: (Sighing): You know how much Superstitious your Buaji is.. She got some negative feedbacks about my wife and my future with her which made her deny to accept our marriage..

Sheetal: But you were her husband Paapa.. You should have supported your wife rather than following what your Sister said..!!

Shashi: You think I didnt? Ofcourse I did.. Infact I told her we will settle in some other country and lead a normal life but her high morals and values didnt let me Leave this place and my sister..! She walked out of my life quietly .. But we were always in touch.. Infact we still are.. Its just that we see each other once a year.. She is residing in UK at the moment and I am planning to go and meet her there.. Ofcourse Madhumati isnt aware of this.. And I dont wish to tell her either.. Thats the reason I was talkign to her from the Terrace..



Sheetal was still trying to grasp each and every thing about Shashi's past which looked like a Story for her..



Sheetal: Thats so strange for me to realise I have a Mother in law too.. I hope you sort the things out with her and Buaji and get her here..

Shashi: Looks impossible now.. She has become a strong lady Sheetal.. She doesnt wish to come back to me after this long gap. She is happy alone in her life..

Sheetal: And your daughter? Doesnt she wish to be with her Dad?

Shashi had tears in her eyes when he heard that..He got up and walked to the Terrace end followed by Sheetal..

Shashi : My daughter doesnt even wish to see me Sheetal.. Forget getting her here..!! She has her own grudges on me for why I couldnt give a proper place to them in my family..!! And she is right..!! I should have fought to make things right then which I didnt..!! You wont believe , Garima did try to make her meet me once when she was in School. But she was so adamant that she didnt even see my face..Till date she has not even cared to know who her father is.. What is his name?? All she knows is she is a Gupta family's  daughter.. Thats all..



Sheetal placed her hand on her father in law's shoulders to calm him down..



Sheetal: But you.. You must have seen her Paapa.. !!

Shashi (Nodding a Yes): I did.. I have her photo.. Not  a recent one.. But yes one which was clicked a year back I guess.. Garima had emailed me that..!!

Sheetal: Garima??

Shashi: My Wife.. Her name is Garima Gupta..

Sheetal noted that name and then was about to ask him  what is the name of his daughter but then they both saw Madhumati coming there..



Buaji: Shashi.. Sheetal.. What are you both doing here? I searched the whole house for you..

Sheetal: Uhh!! Nothing Buaji.. Paapa wanted to feel some fresh air and I was here with his evening tea..

Buaji: Hmm.. Never mind.. Its getting windy now.. Get down.. Come..!!



Sheetal noded and left with Buaji downstairs.. She had come to know some new past of her father in law today and she promised herself to keep it till her only.. She will surely help her father in law to patch up things and get his wife back to this place and if for doing that  she anytime has to go against Buaji, she wouldnt mind.. Afterall Buaji had no rights to seperate a couple like that only believeing some superstitions.. But what was that negative feedbacks which Buaji had come to know of Garima which made her take this decision of not letting Garima enter Chandra Mahal?? She had so many questions running inside her brain but she gave a halt to all of them planning to find those answers later..



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



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi was folding some clothes and packing them in her bags. Just one more night and she will leave for London to see her mother.. She was really very much excited.. She continued packing her bags but suddenly she felt she was been watched and that too by someone who was standing just outside the room door.. She snapped that thoughts from her mind and continued packing but the next moment she again felt the same.. She didnt knew why but since the time she was here in Sheesh Mahal, she was feeling such things that someone has an eye on her.. As if there is someone in this house who always keeps a watch on her.. She suddenly turned back towards the door and to her surprise she found a small kid standing there and watching her smiling.. He was just a 5 year old Kid who was extrememly cute and smiling at her almost extending his hands.. She was surrpised seeing a kid in this house and that too in her room..



Khushi: Hey.. Who are you??



The kid didnt speak anything and that made her worry now.. She took a step towards the kid and he started running outside.. She followed him but the moment she reached the room door and looked out , she couldnt see the kid anymore.. That was strange.. She walked outside and started looking out for that baby but then she didnt find him anywhere.. In the Process, she did bump with her husband Arnav who was himself engrossed in checking some files while walking and hence missed his concentration and bumped on her..



Khushi: Aahh!! (She started rubbing her forehead while hearing a WHAT THE from him)

Arnav: What The.!! Whats wrong?? Cant you see while you walk?

Khushi (Rubbing her head still): I could..!! But my eyes were searching someone else..

Arnav: SOMEONE ELSE?

Khushi: (In a teasing mood now): Yes.. !! I mean he was peeping in my room and checking me since the time I was packing the clothes..

Arnav was totally frustrated hearing this.. Who the hell is that HE who was checking his WIFE??



Khushi (Continuing) : I wanted to know what was he doing at our room and hence I rushed out but I guess he was in a playful mood.. Now I am trying to find him but he is Lost.. (She said scanning the corridor to see if she can find him)



Arnav: Who the hell are you talking about?? (He asked gritting his teeth)

Khushi (Purposely): Hai Koi.. Aapko usse kya? (There is someone.. What difference does it make to you though??)



Saying that in a teasing tone she tried to move accross him but he held her hand and pinned her back in anger..



Arnav: Its good he isnt before me right now.. Otherwise I would have killed him for oogling at my Wife..Arnav Singh Raizada's wife..!!! (His eyes already were spitting fire on her and she was doubtful what made him so much angry??).. And Mind you Khushi.. Dont entertain any strangers in your life.. You are Mine!! Atleast till we finish this Contract of Ours ..!! Hope you didnt forget that..!!



The moment he said this, Khushi realised she had gone overboard to make him feel jealous.. But she didnt realise he will really feel so much possessive for her all of a sudden.. She remembered the time when that Nandakishore from Chandra Mahal had saved them from a Car Mishap.. How securedly he had moved her away from NK and how he had warn him not to follow his wife anymore.. Does this kind of behaviour mean anything?/ Or was she thinking too much.. She was out of her thoughts when she heard him howling again calling for the Servants..



Arnav: Maakhann!!.. Hari Prasad..!! Where the hell is everyone??



All the servants came to him in an instance and he started screaming at them...



Arnav: Some unknown man is coming inside my house and trying to enter my room.. How the hell do you secure this House??

Khushi : Arnav.. One minute.. You have got it all wrong..



She tried to convince him holding his hand but he shoved her off ..

Arnav: (Barking again at his Servants): Next time if I find anyone entering my House without my permission, I will shoot him and then you guys....!! Then and There!!



The servants looked down feeling bad and he walked off to his room with anger still overpowering him.. She followed him to tell him she was just teasing him .. She did see someone in their room but he wasnt a Man .. He was just a 5 year old kid.. She just hoped he will listen to her calmly than barking at her too which had more chances..



To be Continued..







Part 21



She closed the door behind her and walked towards him.. His mood was totally off by her teasing just some minutes back.. The way he barked at the servants and the security that if they allow any stranger inside the house without his permission he will shoot that person then and there .. And ofcourse not to forget his commands to her as well..



"Dont entertain any strangers in your life.. You are Mine!!"



She already got some serious goosebumps on her skin remembering that lines.. YOU ARE MINE!!  Was he serious?? She cleared her throat to gain his attention but he didnt turn back at all. He was still breathing hard trying to supress that anger within in but everything was in vain at the moment.. When she didnt find him turning back, she thought of explaining him standing behind him only.. That would atleast make her feel safe .



Khushi: I was just teasing you Arnavji.. There wasnt anyone outside this room.. I mean no one who would steal your wife from you..!!

Arnav (Turning back in anger): No one in this world has the courage to STEAL MY Wife.!! ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA's WIFE.. !! (He gritted his teeth in anger and she moved a step back trying to lighten his mood..)

Khushi (Chuckling while holding her scared expressions): Haan Haan. Your wife is Khushi afterall.. And I am not stealable without my permission.. (She gigled saying those lines which surely helped him calm down)



His mind and heart were slowly and gently gaining its normality and he passed a small smirk to her while she happily turned around to continue packing her bags still not leaving the topic..



Khsuhi: (Packing bags): I was packing my bags here when I felt someone peeping inside the room.. I turned back and saw a Small cute boy watching me from the door.. I asked him who is he but he ran away .. I followed him and thats how I bumped with you..

Arnav: Small Boy?? (He asked in confusion)

Khushi (Noded a Yes turning back to him): Jee Arnavji .. A Small boy..!! He almost came like a wind and disappeared.. I have no idea who he was..



Arnav was surprised for a moment.. He too some days back had seen a similar small kid in the same room trying to peep inside .. Like Khushi tried following him today, he too had tried doing it that day but to no luck.. Who was this boy? Was he a child of some servant working here?? But this boy looked rich by his clothes..!! He was still lost in these thoughts when he saw Khushi opening the closet and packing his clothes too.. She was still blabbering something to him about how she wishes the next day to come soon so that they both can fly to London and she can see her mother.. Thats when Arnav remembered what he had to tell her..



Arnav: So you are planning to hide our relationship from Mrs Gupta??

Khushi stopped her work and her expressions changed too.. She noded a Yes and looked at him..

Arnav: I dont have a problem with that but I think its not right to do so.. I know she recently has come out of Comma state and she shouldnt be given any mental stress but have you realised what she will go through when she will come to know all this?

Khushi: (Sitting on the bed looking worried): I dont know Arnavji.. But for sure if we tell her now, her condition will worsen.. I guess we will check her state first and then decide when to tell her everything..

Arnav noded a Yes and then started dumping his clothes in the bag while she continued thinking what will be the after effects of her mother coming to know on what condition she married to her mother's boss?



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



Next Day  - London - Hospital



Mohit helped Garima lean on the bed and then passed her the Juice glass to drink..



Garima: Thanks Mohit.. You really are doing much for me.. I appreciate your concern Beta but that doesnt mean you can leave all your work and spend time in taking care of me..

Mohit: Ohh Come on Aunty.. Why do you worry so much?? Bhai is handling everything and for your information he is doing it much better than me..

Garima (Smiled): Its not good to leave everything for him. You too have to share his responsibilities..

Mohit (Chuckling): Hahhaa.. Yeah.. He too says the same thing everytime.. And you know what I reply back ??

Garima noded a No and he continued..

MOhit: I ask him to get me married soon just like he is.. Only married men get responsibilities to work hard for their wife and family..



Garima started laughing with Mohit.. She gulped the juice and placed the glass aside..



Garima: He must be realising how much his brother has fallen for someone that he cant wait for his marriage to happen now.. !!

Mohit (Smiling): You know what happened once.. I was sleeping in my room and he came to wake me up.. And you know what he found??

Garima again noded a No and he continued..

Mohit: (Blushing): Khushi's picture.. !! I was just watching her picture that night and forgot to keep it back somewhere.. You wont realise how much he teased me the entire day for losing my mind and heart so badly over a girl..



Garima again chuckled and Mohit sighed seeing her..



Garima: If this is your case just after seeing my daughter's picture, what will you do when you meet her here.. Just a day more to go Mohit and she will be here..

Mohit: More than you I am waiting to see her.. I just hope things go well.. I will ensure she sees the whole of London with me..!! And few candle light dinners .. Some with you.. And some without you.. How is that?? (He asked in a teasing tone only for Garima to hit him lightly..)

Garima: No outings before the engagement..

Mohit: What? (Shocked).. Really?? Okay then lets do one thing.. As soon as she comes here, get me engaged to her..

Garima: Too eager.. Are you??!! No Mohit.. I need to talk to Khushi first.. I know she wont deny my selection.. But still.. And ofcourse.. There is someone else too whom I have to share all this about..

Mohit: Uncle?

Garima noded a Yes and replied back being serious..

Garima: Yes Mohit.. He wishes to see me here. I denied a lot but you know he is little stubborn at times.. So he too is coming here.. And I am just hoping Khushi agrees to meet him atleast once now.. She is his daughter.. And she should be atleast talking to him if not accepting things between us..

Mohit: Hmm.. Dont worry Aunty.. Once Khushi is all mine, I will ensure she accepts Uncle too..(He replied confidently and Garima smiled hearing this.. )



***********



Airport



Khushi was busy waiting for her husband to finish his call so that the two could then enter inside the Airport and collect their boarding passes.. She just checked the time in her watch and then back to the direction where she last saw her husband talking over the phone..



Khushi : Yeh Arnavji bhi naa, kamaal karte hai...!! Ab agar doh minute mein nahi aaye toh hum akele hi chale jayenge..(She was frustrated waiting there all alone while all the passesngers looking at her while entering inside with their families seeing them off.. Suddenly a man passed beside her and probably he was keeping his wallet back into his pocket but it fell down at Khushi's leg.. She picked the wallet and gave a voice to that man to know his wallet had been fallen down.. He turned hearing her voice and no doubt both of them stood surprised to see each other here.. Nandakishore had come to see off his Father who was going to London to meet his wife.. He never ever thought he would be seeing Khushi here.. She too felt ackward meeting NK here at this place. She had 2 reasons for this.. One was that she knew this same man drew her sketches unknowingly and one of which she even had seen with her own eyes.. And the second reason not to forget was that his wife Sheetal doubted on him for having some kind of extra marital relationship with her.. He walked to her and she just extended his wallet towards him making sure she doesnt look at his face..



Khushi: Your wallet fell down..!!

NK (Taking it back from her): Thanks .. Uhh!! What are you doing here?

Khushi: Thats none of your business..!! (She commanded and turned back to the direction where she knew her husband would come from..)

NK: Excuse me!! Are you avoiding talking to me??

Khushi: Think whatever you wish .. But please leave.. I dont want anyone to notice us together .. Specially your Wife..!!



NK was totally confused.. Wife? Sheetal? Why was she talking about Sheetal like this.. ??



NK:Look Khushi.. I really dont know whats so wrong but as per I remember our last meet wasnt that horrible that you cant even talk to me.. We are neighbours too.. !!

Khushi (Angrily): Look NK.. I am saying this not only to benefit me.. But also to you.. I dont want Sheetal to see us here and think I am again stealing her husband.. This is just a coincidence that we meet up like this.. But only we both can understand this.. Neither your wife or my possessive husband would ever care to believe its nothing else..! So please.. Just leave..



NK was now getting some hints from her words.. He continued waiting there and clarifying his next set of doubts..



NK: Did Sheetal blame you for something..?? When did you meet her? She never told me anything..!!



Khushi didnt care to reply anything.. She didnt knew Sheetal had hide this fact that they had met once in the family temple where she blamed Khushi for having relationship with NK.

NK: I am asking you something Khushi.. Speak up..!!

Khushi (Moving back ): NK please.. Just dont extend this conversation or else it will be a problem for both of us..I dont know what your wife told you and what not.. But if you wish to know anything then please ask her.. Not me.. Now would you leave this place or should I?? (Her eyes did convery she was least interested to even talk anymore to him and he being a gentleman respected it.. He walked the other side without any formal end of their talks and she took a sigh of relif and turned back only to find her husband coming towards her.. She didnt know if he had seen NK here .. What she knew was, not to spoil his mood at this instant.. )



Arnav: You are still here? I thought you left in and got the boarding passes..!!

Khushi (Relaxed that he didnt see NK with her): Uhh!! Its a husband's duty not wife's.. !!

Arnav: What The..!! (He wished to argue on this but since they were in Public , he didnt extend this further.. )



Snatching the tickets and the Passports from her, he walked inside with the Strolley of their bags to get their boarding passes while she silently followed him having a contended look on her face that in some hours she will meet her Mumma..



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



Flight



Khushi fastened the seat belt of her Bussiness Class seat silently and then looked outside the window.. Arnav was busy in switching his Phone off. This was the first time Khushi was sitting in a Bussiness class seat.. But the experience was really different this time .. She wasnt travelling all alone.. She had someone beside her who was her husband legally .. Though she herself didnt knew what the future of this relationship will be, she still respected it and the other person who was bind to be hers and continued clutching the seat handle tight to surpress the fear of the Flight Take off.. Arnav saw her expressions and then placed his hand on her to assure her she will be fine..



She blinked her eyes seeing him almost gesturing him a Thanks for his effort in taking her fear away.. The flight did take off and in a while Khushi felt much better than before.. Arnav pulled a Magazine out to read leaving her hand..



Arnav: How did you travel alone last time if you fear so much??

Khushi (Smiling): You wont believe I was alone in that 3 seats of economy class and luckily there wasnt anyone to see my fear..

Arnav: Hmm..!

Khushi:  Pata hai Arnavji.. Hume unchayi se bahut darr lagta hai.. Agar kisi ko humme maar dalna ho naa.. Toh bus kisi unchi imaarat ke chat par lakar humme khad kar dijiye.. Hum yuhi mar jaayenge..!! (She gigled commiting how scared she was of heights.. ) ( You know Arnavji.. I am very scared of heights.. If someone wishes to kill me. Only getting me to the terrace of a tall building will do it all.. I really will have a heart attack if I look down from top..)

Arnav: (Nodding his head): Thanks.. I will rememeber this..!!

Khushi: (Confused): Remember ?? For what??

Arnav: To get you off my life Khushi..!! (He replied teasingly and her lips formed a "O" realising what it meant)

Khushi: Jaaiye.. Hum aapse baat nahi karte.. !! (Go.. I wont talk to you.. ) (She replied turning the other side making sure she doesnt have to see him again)

Arnav (Leaning back on the Seat and closing his eyes ): Thank God I will be relieved for some hours atleast..!!



He purposely teased her and she hit his hands gently and then turned back towards the window to see the clouds.. Arnav Singh Raizada was never good at teasing until he met his Wife Khushi.. She was the only one who could get any quality out of him in seconds..!!



To be Continued..



Part 22



The flight landed in the London Heathrew Airport and the Raizada Couple completed their Immigeration check and started towards the Exit.. Khushi was very excited now.. She was desperate to see her mother and spend some time with her.. The moment they came out, she saw Arnav's Car waiting for them .. Arnav handed the luggage to the Driver and then opened the Car door for Khushi to get in.



Khushi: How much time will it take to reach the Hospital?? (She asked him in excitement)

Arnav (Moving inside the Car beside her): Depends how quickly you get ready..

Khushi: Ready?? But I am already ready Arnavji..!! (She replied back in confusion)



Arnav sighed seeing her innocence and looked back at her.

Arnav: Mrs Gupta wishes to meet her daughter Khushi.!! Not My Wife..!! (His eyes gestured her Mangalsutra and Sindoor which she was wearing at the moment and that surely made her understand everything.. )



She clutched her MangalSutra tight and replied back in dismay..



Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyaa.. I never thought of this.. How am I suppose to hide this?

Arnav:  (Chuckling): Why you need Devi Maiyaa to answer that? I have an option.. And the only one which you have at the moment..!!

Khushi looked at his face to know what that option was..

Arnav: Just take it off and keep it aside when you meet her.. Simple..

Khushi was totally stunned when he told her this.. She noded a No and replied back to him with authority..

Khushi: Never..!! This a sacred Chain for every married Hindu girl and I dont think I will ever take it off like that..!!

Arnav : (Little Angry): Khushi you dont have a Choice.. It is you who wish to hide this marriage from your mother.. So you have to do this..

Khushi: No Arnavji.. I wont do this.. You may call me silly for not chosing this option but I really have no intentions to disrespect the values of a MangalSutra.. I will Hide it somehow from others.. But never will I take it off me..

Arnav: Hide it?? How?

Khushi: Leave it on me.. !!



Saying that she looked outside the window while Arnav kept looking at her.. All these years he did hear from his Di and the family people how important it was to have a cultured life partner.. A life partner who has all the values and morals in her to understand and fulfil the traditions and give respect to the basic customs created by the human society. Never ever he had paid any attention to that but today he really was lucky for getting a girl like Khushi in his life who had that level of maturity and respect not just for his family but also for their marriage .. He knew this marriage was based on many compromises , many unwanted reasons and many  difficulties but seeing Khushi giving equal amount of Concern even to this contract based relation, the respect he had for her just raised up in his eyes..



***********



The Car parked before a Huge Bunglow which looked much classy and elegant from the outside .. She got down only for the securities to come and salute the couple.. The Servants started getting the bags off.. SHe was feeling very much conscious seeing so many people surrounding them seeing her for the first time..



Arnav : This is my House where I stayed for some past 3 years..!!

Khushi: (Scanning the Bunglow): Its beautiful. !! How could you stay alone here? I mean its so big .. Easily some 4 to 5 families can accomodate here..!

Arnav: (Smirking back): So you wish to give this house for rent when we leave for India??

Khushi (Looking at him in surprise): Come on Arnavji.. I didnt mean that.. Aur aapko rent ki kabse zarurat padne lagi..?? (And since when did  Arnav Singh Raizada start needing Money from Rent? )

Arnav: (Sighing): Do you know how much crazy you are at times?? You ask questions when you have the answers already with you..



Khushi gigled and then the two walked towards the main door to get inside..



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



Khushi had her shower and coming out of the washroom she  opened the closet to find any suitable dress for her to wear.. She couldnt wear her normal Chudidaars and Sarees here.. So her husband had told her sometime back to check the closet where already some dresses had been arranged for her.. But never had she thought her husband's choice is so modern.. She was just checking if there is any one particular dress that she can even think of wearing.. Either the dresses were short or their neck deep. She was still checking the clothes when Arnav entered the room all dressed in his Suit .. He saw her making faces placing the dresses on her before the mirror.. He waited for a minute or two there at the door and then finally cleared his throat to let her know his presence.. She turned behind and kept the dress aside on the bed..



Khushi: Arnavji?? Is this really your choice? I mean.. Look  at them.. How can you expect the Bride of Sheesh Mahal to wear such outfits??

Arnav: Because the bride is no more in Sheesh Mahal .. She is in London .. Where such dresses are common..!! (He walked towards her while she kept looking at him in pure shock. )



He picked a Grey Dress from the bed and then handed it to her..



Arnav : This one is still decent. May be you can wear it on a Black jeans?.

Khushi took the dress from him and then checked herself in the mirror..

Khushi: Hmm.. Not bad.. Atleast I have something of my level here..!! Thanks..!!

Arnav: Stop wasting time in thanking now.. We should leave in few minutes..!! Get ready.. I am waiting down..



She noded a Yes smiling back and he left the room. Sometimes he himself couldnt measure how much he changed for this girl. He had started thinking about her needs, her requirements and her comfort..Never ever in his life he had even choose anything for his Di or the other family members, but see here.. He not even ordered all such dresses for her but also made sure when she was confused in selecting a better one, he helped her with his choice.. Time was really changing his attitude towards her.. Why??



Not giving much thought over it, he waited for her to come down and there she rushed towards him from the stairs holding a Black Clutch, wearing that Grey Top over a Black jeans.. She had left her hair on her shoulders and that was probably to hide the Mangalsutra which she didnt wish to take off.. No doubt she wasnt wearing any Sindoor though.. She smiled at him standing some feets away and waiting for him to speak something atleast.. Specially about that dress.. Was it suiting her? Arnav was actually mesmerised seeing his wife in such a modern and cute outfit and no wonder he tongue had freezed unable to speak anything.. But when she cleared her throat and kept looking at him, gesturing the outfit she was wearing , he realised what she was waiting for..



Arnav: (Coming back to his senses): Dont expect a compliment from Arnav Singh Raizada.. I hardly like doing it..!!

Khushi (Sighing in frustration): Hum bhi kisse pooch rahe hai.. chaliye.. (Whom am I asking from ?? Come.. Lets start)



She walked before him while he followed her smirking at her spoiled mood. So she needed him to compliment her??



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



Hospital



Garima was just waiting desperately for her daughter to come and meet her.. She was sitting on the bed when she did get a call from Mohit on her number.. She answered the call instantly..



Mohit: Aunty.. Which Hotel you said Khushi is checkin in?

Garima: The Blue Moon..!! But Mohit why are you asking me this and Where are you?

Mohit: Just onway to the Hospital But I guess I will pick Khushi and get her there..

Garima: No.. You dont need to that.. ASR is picking her up and I guess they must be onway by now..

Mohit: ASR? Ohh!! Okay.. So she is coming with him? I thought he just accompanied her till London.. Thats it..

Garima: No.. I had got a call from ASR sometime back and he said he too will join Khushi.. Afterall he is my Boss and he too wishes to check how his Employee is doing..!! (She said smiling)

Mohit: Okay.. Long time even I didnt meet him.. No problem.. I will come directly to the Hospital then..

Garima: Okay Bye..

Mohit (Interrupting): Aunty.. One second.. Dont cut the call..

Garima: Okay.. What happened now?

Mohit: Uh!! In all this I forgot to ask you one important thing.. Which Color flowers should I buy for Khushi? (He asked blushing while Garima started laughing at the other end)



Garima: Red Roses.. She loves them.. Infact she loves all flowers.. But Roses are her favourite..!!

Mohit: Perfect.. Let me buy them and get there.. See you soon Aunty.. Bye..!



Saying that Mohit cut the call and Garima's room door.. She thought it would be Khushi who came inside but then she was surprised to see her husband Shashi standing before her with some yellow flowers in his hands, smiling at her and truely giving looks which made her realise he was very happy seeing his wife all well..



Shashi: Hi Garima..

Garima : Shashi? What are you doing here? You were supposed to come tomorrow.

Shashi walked to her and handed the flowers which she took from him and placed aside..

Shashi: I wished to surprise you Garima.. !!

Garima: Surprise?? This isnt a surprise but a Shock Shashi.. You know Khushi is going to be here anytime.. And I just dont want her to meet you..

Shashi: what? She is coming now?  You didnt tell me that.. Anyways.. Garima I guess its high time I meet her too.. She is my daughter and I have all rights to shower  my love on her..

Garima: Shashi.. Not now Please.. She is seeing me after months like this and I dont want her mood to spoil because of meeting you.. Please understand..

Shashi: Fine.. I will go.. But this time I wont go back without meeting her.. !!

Garima was very tensed.. She hadnt seen this much of compulsion in Shashi before to see his daughter.. But she couldnt deny him either.. She herself wished to make that happen long back. And now that she was planning to get her daughter married soon, she should be first letting her daughter accept her Father in her life who would then be taking part in every ritual of her marriage.. A right which every Father has over his daughter ..!!



She promised Shashi to make Khsuhi meet him soon and then asked him to leave at the moment.. He didnt deny..



Shashi: Fine.. I will leave then.. But not before I give you thiis.. (Saying that he forwarded a Box in her hand)

Garima: What is this?? (She said opening the box and Shashi waited to see some smile atleast from her end checking her gift)



It was the same bracelet which the other day Arnav wished to buy for Garima and had found out that Mr Shashi Gupta already had bought it for his wife..



Garima: Wow..!! Its so nice..

Shashi: And hence I bought it for my wife.. Wear it ..

Garima: No Shashi.. Its too costly.. And you know I dont like to have such gifts..

Shashi: Not even from me?? Come on Garima.. Dont act like we are newly married..

Garima: Shashi.. Dont force me.. (She argued )

Shashi: Okay then I am not leaving till you wear this..

Garima : What? Thats so childish.. I..

Shashi: Please..!! (He almost pouted and Garima had no choice left.. She knew her daughter would be here anytime so she had to sent Shashi from here.. She wore the bracelet and then asked him to leave atleast now.. Not giving his wife much stress after this, Shashi Gupta left the Place not forgetting to give a warm hug to his wife .. Garima then relaxed and leaned behind .. She was so afraid of Khushi entering the Private ward of hers the same time when her husband was here.. Thank God he left, she thought.. Now she was only waiting for her daughter to come. Thats it..



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



Arnav and Khushi reached the hospital and Khushi was almost rushing forward to meet her mother.. She couldnt wait any longer to see her.. Arnav knew she was desperate and he didnt mind her leaving him behind.. Khushi entered the ward while Arnav was just about to enter when he saw Shashi Gupta talking to some Hospital Staff and then going out.. What was Shashi Gupta doing here? It was strange to find him in the same country, same city and the same hospital today where he and Khushi had come to see Garima Gupta.. He shoved the thought thinking he must be here to meet someone and then entered the Ward to see his Mother in law..



TO be Continued..





Part 23



Hospital - London



The moment Khushi entered her mother's ward and saw her mother, she rushed in her arms to hug her.. Both the mother - daughter couldnt control shedding some tears on this meet of theirs.. Garima kissed her daughter's cheeks and cupped her face wiping the tears off her face.



Garima: I missed you baby.!! You have grown so thin..!!

Khushi: (Chuckling a bit): Mumma.. I should say this.. You look so much tired.. I hope the Dr's here are taking good care of you..!

Garima: Ahh!! They are always behind me.. Afterall who wouldnt take ASR's orders seriously.?  (She looked at Arnav who was standing some feets away watching them..)



Khushi then remembered she was here with her husband Arnavji who was also in the same room at the moment. She composed herself and then sat beside her mother properly..!!



Arnav: So Mrs Gupta, how are you feeling now?

Garima: Much better ASR.. Thanks for everything.. I am sure I wouldnt have got this VIP treatment without your advise to the authorities here..

Arnav: Uhh!! Thats not much Mrs Gupta.. Its hardly anything I could do for you..!

Garima: (Smiling): I can see a slight change in you..!I mean you were never this Soft spoken .. What happened behind me that made you change so much? I hope you didnt appoint another PA on my place.



Arnav and Khushi looked at each other suddenly and shared an eyelock for seconds.. It was so hard for Khushi especially to hide the fact from her mother that she had married to this same person month back.. !!

Garima : (Looking at Arnav who was staring at her daughter Khushi): ASR?

Arnav suddenly broke the eye lock and turned back to his mother in law.

Arnav: Mrs Gupta.. Let me confirm with the Dr when can they discharege you.. I am sure you must be waiting to go back home..!!

Garima (Smiling): Indeed.. But you dont need to do that.. I have already talked to them. Tomorrow is the day (She said happily)

Khushi: Wow Mumma.. Tomorrow?

Garima: Yes Khushi.. And you know what is the first thing I am going to do taking you home? (There was a sudden pause and a moment of silence again between Arnav and Khushi realising Garima wishing to stay with her daughter from the next day as she was getting discharged but Garima didnt notice this, she continued ).. I am going to go to the temple here and make my daughter donate some funds there.. Its only because of her Love that I am alive.. (She proudly proclaimed)



This was the truth no doubt.. It was only because of Khushi who agreed to be Arnav Singh Raizada's Contracted wife to save her mother's life for few Pounds of money.. If she wouldnt have done this, the treatment which Garima got here was just impossible.!! Before anyone could react to this, the door opened once again and Mohit entered inside with a Bouquet of Red Flowers..



Arnav was surprised to see Mohit here.. How the hell did he knew Mrs Gupta?



When Mohit entered in, surely Garima had a broad smile on her face but Mohit was totally lost in seeing someone else.. He had always seen Khsuhi in pics but never LIVE before him like today. Her eyes, her smile, everything was just to die for ..!! He couldnt walk a feet after seeing her nor could he speak anything.. He just stood their rooted only admiring her.. Garima realised this and she suddenly cleared her throat and called his name..



Garima: Mohit..?? Will you keep standing there or come inside too?

Mohit was back to his senses.. Arnav was still confused on what he was doing here..Khushi wasnt still sure who this new man was ..

Arnav: Mohit? What are you doing here? I .. I mean you know Mrs Gupta??

Mohit : Hey ASR.. Uhh.. Yeah I know her.. I mean since a long time..

Garima: ASR.. In my daughter's absence , he was the one to take care of me.. A regular visitor I must say..!! (She chuckled)

Arnav: REGULAR??

Mohit: Yeah I mean me and Mrs Gupta have a long term relation planned now..!!

Arnav: Long term? I didnt understand ...



Mohit just noded a Not to worry look and then walked ahead towards Garima and Khushi.. His eyes only were on Khushi as if he was still not believing the fact that Khushi was before him.. Arnav was looking at Mohit surprisingly when he saw Mohit not taking steps towards Mrs Gupta but towards Khushi..



Mohit (Handing the Flower Bouquet to Khushi): Hi Khushi..!! Its .. Its really a pleasure seeing you here..!!

Khushi felt ackward when he extended that Bouquet of flowers to her and not her mother. She didnt take it yet from him though..

Khushi: Umm. Mohit.. I am not the Patient.. Mumma is.. So these flowers belongs to her.. (She smilingly replied)

Mohit: I am not doing any mistake Khsuhi.. Your mumma has got enough of these in your absence.. So todays flowers belong to you.. JUST YOU.. (He almost blushed saying this to her and she instantly looked at Arnav who was standing before her watching this scene with his Angry eyes.. )



Garima: Khushi.. What are you looking at? Take the flowers. You know he specially asked me what your choice is and got them for you. (She laughed and having no choice Khushi took the flowers from him and thanked him)

Mohit: This THANKS wont work Khsuhi.. You have to do something else for me..

Khushi: (Placing the flowers aside): Something else? . What?

Mohit: I have told it to your Mumma.. She will explain you.. All you have to do, just dont deny to fulfil your Mumma's wish..!

Khushi (Confused): WISH?? What Wish? (She looked at Garima who just kept smiling seeing Mohit and Khushi together)



Arnav wasnt understanding where did this Mohit's chapter started in Mrs Gupta's life but whatever it was he wasnt liking that little flirting which this man was doing with HIS Wife.!!



Garima: Relax Khushi.. We will tell you all later..

Mohit: And smile please.. You look beautiful when you smile..!!

Arnav gritted his teeth when Mohit just uttered this.. If he hadnt been his relative, he would have punched Mohit at this instance for saying that..!! Khushi too was hesitant when Mohit said this but she calmed herself down not showing off any fear or disappointement..



Mohit (Turning back to Arnav): Ohh Well.. How can I forget this.. Congratulations ASR..On your marriage..!!

Khushi almost hiccupped and Garima's smile vanished..

Garima: Marriage?? Mohit .. Have you lost your mind seeing my daughter?

Mohit: (Smiling): Come on Aunty..Yeah I have lost my mind but that doesnt mean I am congratulating people for no reasons.. ASR did get married.. Very few people know it here.. But I am one of them.. (He turned back to Arnav who wasnt expecting this )



Garima: (Shocked): ASR.. You married ? I mean.. How? When? And .. Whom??

Khushi was breathing hard not wishing this secret to be out before her mother that the girl whom he married is no one else but herself.. Arnav on the other hand never thought the truth of his marriage will open up like this.. He never knew MOhit will be meeting him here and

that too like this... He knew he had to handle the situation here at the moment making sure nothing much comes out before Mrs Gupta..



Arnav: Yes Mrs Gupta.. Uhh.. I got married a month and half back..

He glanced at Khushi who had pressed her eyes tight feeling he was going to let the whole truth out now..



Garima : Really? So.. Where is she? I mean is your wife here ? IN London? On minute.. Is she Mr Shukla's Daughter Alisha??

Khsuhi suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Arnav to know who this Alisha was.. Why did her mother suddenly point this girls name?

Arnav: No.. Not Alisha.. And I am alone here in London.. My Wife . Didnt accompany me.. !!

Garima: Ohh!! Well.. Its really hard to believe you married ASR. I really wish I could have been there to attend that wedding..

Mohit: Wait a minute Aunty.. Dont be so excited.. ASR married secretly you know.. Even his own family didnt come to know of his marriage until he took his wife back to India.. !!



Garima was getting shocks after shocks while Khushi was just trying hard to know how does Mohit know so much about Arnav's life.



Arnav: Enough Mohit.. Stop talking about my marriage now.. Where is Jeejaji?

Mohit: Bhai is in California.. He is leaving for India soon.. Hopefully this week only.!!

Khsuhi: Jeejaji? (She asked getting a bit confused on what Arnav and Mohit were talking about.. )

Arnav : Shyam Jha.. My sister Anjali;s husband and Mohit's elder brother.!!



His reply was much straight enough for Khushi to understand what relationship he shared with Mohit and how did Mohit knew so much about Arnavji's life.. So Mohit was Anjali's husband's younger Brother? And he was so close to her mother? Will this anyhow affect in future?? She had no idea.. Almost another few minutes the conversation went on between Arnav , Mohit and Garima.. She enquired about Aman too and Arnav told her he was in India at the moment for some work.. The time passed quickly ..



Garima: ASR.. It was really nice of you to help my daughter Khushi come here and meet me.. I am sure she wouldnt have made it up like this alone..!! You left your priorities and came here to see me, means  a lot to me.

Arnav : You dont need to Thank me Mrs Gupta.. It was my duty..!! You just get well soon and let me know what your plans are.. I mean taking the work again in hand or if you wish for a retirment..!!

Garima: (Smiling): Retirement seems better..  May be I wont have that same energy to work as your PA now.. Who is managing the job at the moment?

Arnav: Aman is doing it.. He is really busy in both the roles.. His and yours..!!

Garima: Aww.. How sweet of him.. I thought you would have hired someone else..!!

Arnav: No one could actually fit well in it.. And the one who did.. (He turned to see Khushi again who looked at him totally surprised and eager to know what he would say further).. I married her..!!



Garima (Totally shocked): Whaaat?? You mean you married someone whom you thought would fill up my position in your work? Wow..!! Thats amazing ASR.. So a LOVE MARRIAGE THEN??

Mohit: It is Aunty..!! Bhai told me how he fought with his family to get his wife be a part of it..!!

Garima: You stunned me ASR.. Its so opposite of you to marry someone out of Love like that.. I mean you always had girls around you who could do anything on just a word of yours but see .. Even after all this, you finally got the right one.. I am happy..!!



Khushi was actually suffocating when her mother was giving her opinions about Arnav and his marriage.. She tried to change the topic at once..



Khushi: Mumma.. You are been talking since long time.. You should rest now..

Mohit: Very true.. Its time for rest Aunty. All these talks can be done tomorrow after the Discharge..

Garima: OKay Okay.. I will rest.. But I wish to spend some more time with my daughter.. I am seeing her after months.. Dont snatch her from me Mohit..!!

Mohit: Huhh!! I thought you would spare her for me Aunty.. I mean.. You know how much I wish to be with her.. (He said in a low tone so that Khushi couldnt hear it.. Khushi was busy checking the medicines of her mother at the corner table)



But Arnav definately heard it and his blood started boiling.. Surely he could guess something brewing up between Garima and Mohit related to Mohit.. It was so clear enough that Mohit was liking Khushi.. But was this a matter of concern? How he wished to confess the truth of his marriage with Khushi now only to Garima to avoid further mess.. If it wouldnt have been Khushi's denial, he would have cleared the air of their marriage long back to Mrs Gupta letting Mohit stop dreaming anything about Khushi .. !!



The moment he was thinking all this, his eyes suddenly fell on the shinning bracelet on Garima's wrist.. For seconds he tried realising where did he see that Bracelet before and finally remembered it.. It was the same one which he wished to buy for Mrs Gupta in Lucknow but came to know that Shashi Gupta got it.. For his wife..!! He was little taken aback seeing the same bracelet in Mrs Gupta's hand.. It was very expensive enough for Mrs Gupta to buy it herself anywhere here.. Also he remembered Shashi Gupta being present in the same hospital today.. Did all this relate somewhere? Did Shashi Gupta and Mrs Gupta know each other? Are they a COUPLE? Who was Khushi's father? Arnav never asked that to her till now because he never found the need of knowing it.. Never ever did he hear about Mrs Gupta's husband too.. Was there a link between Shashi - Garima and Khushi?



To be Continued..











Part 24



Hospital - London



Khushi made Garima sleep while Mohit and Arnav left the Ward and waited outside.. Mohit was looking very much happy and excited and Arnav was somewhat guessing the reasons and its intentions.. He was a very sweet guy by heart and ofcourse he was very much what every girl may see in her partner.. But that doesnt let him snatch someone else's wife, Arnav thought.. Before Khsuhi could come out and Mohit can take another chance to talk to her, Arnav sent him to the Dr to check the Discharge formalities of Garima's the next day and then he waited for Khushi desperately..!!



The moment she came out, he didnt even got time to speak anything as she was been dragged by him aside at a corner where no one can see them.. She struggled to get her hands off his and he left her when they were aloof..



Khushi: Arnavji.. What is wrong with you?

Arnav (Angrily): Nothing is wrong in me Khushi.. Enough of being here.. Lets get back home now..

Khushi (Shocked): Home? But.. Mumma??

Arnav: The meeting time is over.. The Hospital authorities wont allow us to stay more.. We have to come back tomorrow..

Khushi was upset.. She had forgot this that she cannot stay in the Hospital for long.. She had to agree..

Khushi: But.. Mohit??

Arnav was pissed hearing his name from her..

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth): Mohit will get back to his home..!! You dont need to think about him ..!

Khushi: Why not Arnavji?? He is your relative..!! He is ANjali Di's Devar.!! I should be bothered about him too..

Arnav (Taking a step towards her in anger): No you dont Khushi.. And dare you if you even speak a word about him..



Khushi feared seeing him in such a worse mood.. She had no idea what was wrong with him all of a sudden? She saw Mohit coming towards them and she gestured her husband by her eyes to be in limits and then whispered "Mohit" softly.. He turned back and saw Mohit almost nearing them.. He composed himself and saw Khushi moving a step back from him not to give any hints to Mohit about their relationship..



Mohit: Hey Guys.. What are you doing here? Did Aunty sleep Khushi?

Khushi : Haan.. Mumma is asleep..

Arnav: We are leaving now Mohit.. See you later..!!

Mohit : Leaving? Okay.. But you dont need to waste your time on Khushi.. I mean on dropping Khushi.. I will do that .. And as it is Hotel Blue Moon is onway to my house so I can drop her there..!!



Khushi was speechless and Arnav was furious seeing Mohit showing so much of interest in his wife..!!



Arnav: No.. No Need.. I have some work with her.. So She is coming along with me..!!

Mohit: Work?  What work?

Arnav: Thats none of your bussiness Mohit.!! (He rudely replied and Mohit felt bad ..)

Mohit: Uhh!! Okay.. No problem.. We will see each other tomorrow then..!!

Arnav: (In his mind): Hope not..!!

Mohit: What?? You said something ASR?

Arnav (Nodding a No): Nope.. Except this that we are getting late.. So please excuse us..!!



He eyed on Khushi gesturing her to follow him and then started walking ahead.. Khushi smiled at Mohit and then bid him a Bye..



Mohit: Bye.!! Uhh wait.. One minute.. Whats your number ? I mean Incase I need to call you ..

Arnav stopped hearing that and turned back to see if his wife would really do this mistake of giving her number to him.. And Yes, in no time she did give her UK number to him and Arnav's anger was taken to a new heights.. Mohit fed her number on his mobile and then finally she started walking towards Arnav.. He didnt reveal his anger at this point here.. He continued walking ahead till they reached the Car Parking.. He opened the door for her and then once she was in , she pushed the door with a loud bang.. She almost jerked seeing him at this state.!!



They reached home in a while and all Arnav did after that was throwing off his tie on the bed angrily and turning back to face her.. She seemed all happy to meet her Mumma and was still lost in the memories.. She suddenly remembered something that they all talked in the hospital and turned to see him..



Khushi: Who is Alisha??

Arnav stopped at the Closet for some seconds and then continued checking for his Robe ..

Arnav: She was my girl friend when I stayed here..!1

Khushi's jaw was dropped down hearing this from him.. Girl Friend? She didnt knew why but an unknown possessiveness stricked her heart and she questioned back to him..

Khsuhi: Why didnt you marry her then?? Why contracted someone else when she was there for you?



Arnav stopped looking for his Robe and turned back to reply..



Arnav: Because we never wished to marry..!! Now If you have finished clearing your doubts then search a Robe for me.. I need a Shower..!!

Khushi: Nahi.!! I didnt finish yet..

Arnav: What The..!!



He turned to see a mix of emotions on her face like she wasnt happy knowing about his past affair.. Before she could ask him anything else, her phone started ringing and it was none other but her Mumma.. She instantly answered the call and moved away from him and the room.. Arnav was blank.. She was really mysterious sometimes.. At times she was as innocent like a new born child and when the matter comes of some serious talks, she showed the utmost level of maturity.. He continued searching his clothes as it was of no use to expect her to do it.!!



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



That day Arnav and Khushi didnt talk much .. Both were already tired enough with their journey too and hence they were Off to sleep soon.. It was late night 02:00 when Khsuhi's phone beeped a message.. She was fast asleep to even realise it but Arnav opened his eyes. He checked her phone and then read the message.. It was from Mohit.. " Hey Sweety.. Sorry to disturb you at this hour but then I just saw you in my dream.. Its not strange for me.. I always do that these days.. If you not sleepy anymore after reading this message, I can call you"



Arnav's frustration wasnt in his control now. He wished to punch that Mohit right from this Mobile Phone.. He switched off her phone and kept it away from Khsuhi.. She turned back towards his side in sleep and he noticed her face.. Such a calm and peaceful sleep she was enjoying , giving him sleepless nights.. He sighed and then turning the table lamp off he too clsoed his eyes making an oath to himself that very soon he will let everyone know about his relationship with Khushi. No matter whose heart will break after knowing this.. But this truth will no longer be hidden..!!



***********



Next Day



When Arnav came out of his Shower all dressed in his 3 peice suit, he saw Khushi busy in packing bags.. He was surprised seeing her doing this.. And what surprised her more was that she was in  a PInk Saree , with her Mangalsutra all displayed for anyone to see and notice that she was married..!! How beautiful she looked in such Indian outfits.. And specially Saree.!! He saw she wasnt even trying to see him for once.. She knew he was out but then she was engrossed in packing her bags..



Arnav: We still have some more days here Khushi to go back to India.!!

Khsuhi: Who said I am packing for India? (She asked him sarcastically and continued packing her stuff only)

Arnav: What do you mean? Where are we going then?

Khushi (Stopped and looked at him): Not We Arnavji.. I am Going..!!  Now before you utter that "WHAT THE" let me remind you that today Mumma is getting discharged and she had called me sometime back to check out from Hotel Blue Moon and get my stuff along so that me and her can move to her Apartment here in London..!!



Arnav was stunned to remember this.. He hardly thought about this.. So until Mrs Gupta knows what relation Khushi shares with him, Khushi will have to stay with her mother?



Arnav: Dont you even think of this Khushi.. I cant let you stay with them..

Khushi: Arnavji please.. She is my mother and for your kind information, she doesnt know I am married.. What will I tell her why I am not staying with her in London in her house.. ???

Arnav: (Snatching the bag from Khushi): I dont care.. But I cant let you stay with that Mohit..

Khushi(In anger): Ohh .. So you dont trust me..

Arnav (Fisting his fingers): Mohit..!! I dont trust him.. And definately not when he is dreaming to marry my wife... Arnav Singh Raizada's wife..!!



Khushi: Kya? (She asked in complete Shock seeing him )

Arnav clutched her hands and then looked dangerously in her eyes..

Arnav: He is dreaming you Khushi.. And I cant tolerate that.. How dare he text a message to you last night saying he dreams about you every now and then.. I wished to smack his face for thinking so cheap about my wife..!!

Khushi: Message? He messaged me? I ..

Arnav: I read it.. You were sleeping selling your horses then.. Khushi do you even realise he was totally flirting with you in the hospital..!! And those flowers?? Damm!! How dare he.!! And the shocking thing was that you didnt even think twice before giving your mobile number to him.. How Sick..!!



She could feel the pain on her hands by his hold.. She struggled for him to leave but he didnt..!!



Khsuhi: Arnavji.. You are hurting me.. (She said gesturing her hand and he left her in anger )..



She had seen this side of his many a times but today he literally was manhandling her which he never did like today.. He moved her bags aside in anger and then brushed his fingers in his hair..

Khushi: (Composing herself): I .. I dont know what Mohit thinks about me .. But I am shocked to see you distrusting me Arnavji.. Me giving him my number doesnt mean I will entertain him beyond limits..

Arnav: (Turning back to her): You better dont Khushi.. Because I wont tolerate anything above a level..!!

Khushi: (Sighing saracastically): You amuse me Arnavji.. So much of possessiveness for a COntracted Wife? I really forget the difference between a True wife and a contracted one seeing this behaviour of yours..!! Even that day when in Sheesh Mahal I teased you for someone else oogling at me. I can never forget how mad you were at me and the servants there for letting some unknown person entering the house.. And then now again you are showing me the same state..!! What does all this means?



Arnav wasnt expecting her to ask this.. He himself didnt knew why he always behaved so possessive when the matter came of Khushi.. He shouldnt be forgetting he had a Reason for which he married her like that.. And all his aim to be to fulfil that one reason then getting into such complexity with this same girl..!!



Arnav: (Trying to calm down): All this means only one thing Khushi.. What is mine.. Stays mine.. And I dont like others to even Eye on my Possessions .. Mohit is my relative but he should be understanding his limits of nearing you.. If it wouldnt have been for Mrs Gupta, I would have told our relationship to him that same instance when he was flirting with you.. !! Now I dont care how you do this.. But I give you a day more Khushi Singh Raizada. I want you to tell the truth of our marriage to Mrs Gupta.. Because I am not letting you stay without me in this country and thats final..!!



To be Continued..





Part 25



It was so obvious that after the fight they had today where Arnav Singh Raizada gave Khushi 24 hours to tell her mother that she was married to him, she wasnt talking to him at all. Leaving packing her bags she had rushed downstairs in anger for not understanding her point of view and imposing such an order to her for no reason. If he had insecurity problems with Mohit, then he should be sorting it out himself.. Why was he hurting her in the process.. And why was he showing so much of concern for her. Wasnt she just his contracted wife? All these thoughts didnt let her get any peace..



In the evening when they both reached the hospital again, they still didnt speak a word to each other.. He was just waiting for her to fulfil his demands while Khushi was totally confused on how is she supposed to do this.. She came inside her mother's ward and saw Garima all set to get discharged.. She was already dressed up and Mohit was sitting beside her waiting for Khushi to come here.. For sure Garima hadnt expected to see Arnav Singh Raizada here today. He was a busy man and he for sure didnt had time for all this.. Specially for his employees..



She still welcomed Arnav inside and Khushi came and stood beside her mother... Mohit was  again all the time busy in admiring Khushi. He didnt know why but he could never take his eyes off her which made Arnav's eyes all stuck on Mohit's expressions in anger..!!



Garima: ASR.. I am happy to see you here leaving all your work.. Am I that special??

Arnav turned to see Khushi who was very uncomfortable at the moment ..

Arnav: What made me accompany  Khushi here , I guess we all will come to know in sometime.. Hai Naa Khushi?

Khushi gave him a cold look for being so adamant in his decision of letting their marriage truth come out before her mother today only.. Mohit wasnt listening anything. He just admired Khushi as much as he could..



Garima: Uhh!! You are scaring me now.. I hope you arent going to take me to the Office from here directly..!!  (She teased back while Arnav just smirked..)

Khushi: Mumma.. I will meet the Dr and confirm your medicine and diet..!!

Mohit: (Getting up): You dont need to worry much on that Khushi.. I have already done that..

Khushi: And the discharge papers??

Arnav: I have talked to the team here.. They will take care of it.. Once the Dr comes again and gives us a final go ahead, we can take Mrs Gupta from here..



Mohit: Great.. So Aunty.. Whats plan for today then? Dont tell me you will be resting .. You have done that enough here..

Garima: Yeah.. Even I am bored being in this one room doing nothing but eating and sleeping. So the first thing I will do reaching home will be talking to my daughter..!! I have missed so much about her.. I need to know everything that she did when I was here.. !!



Khushi gulped down her fear hearing her Mumma's plans.. She had no idea what her mother would do when she will come to know that her daughter had to marry her mother's Boss for arranging the money for treating her..!! Probably her mumma was thinking that Arnav paid for all this expense as a good will since she is an employee of AR. !! She excused herself on the pretext of calling the Dr while Garima started talking to Arnav.. Mohit took this chance to leave the ward in order to follow Khushi and talk to her..!! Arnav was very well aware but he couldnt stop Mohit..!!



Mohit saw Khushi walking in the corridor and he rushed to her.. She felt little more uncomfortable when he started talking to her..



Mohit: I guess you slept early last night.. (Khushi looked at him sarcastically to know what he meant by that ).. I mean..You.. didnt reply to my message..!!

Khsuhi then remembered which message he was talking about.. The same one which Arnav had read and hence they had a fight today morning.. She stopped walking and turned to him..

Khushi: Mohit..!! I guess you should realise what time it was before sending a message to me ..Me being awake or not is not a question.. I .. I dont feel comfortable when someone is over friendly to me in a short span..!



She had no hesitation in saying this to Mohit.. His deeds were affecting her life with Arnav. Though that life too wasnt permanent but she couldnt ignore the fact that she was still Arnav's wife .. Mohit on the other hand was surprised that Khushi wasnt taking him seriously..



Mohit: Khushi please dont take me wrong.. I mean.. I know we have hardly met.. But I know you since many months .. Through your mumma. And trust me I never felt like I was meeting you for the first time yesterday.. May be my timing was wrong to message you.. But please dont think I am just flirting with you for no reason..

Khsuhi (Confused): What do you mean ??



Before Mohit could tell her that her mother had chosen him for khushi's life partner, the Dr who was supposed to check Garima came there..



Dr: Miss Khushi.. All the formalities are done.. Mrs Gupta can be taken back home now..

Khushi: Ohh Thanks Dr.. I will ensure she has her medication on time.. And that her diet is also followed.. Anything else other than that which I should be bothered of?

Dr: Keep her happy and ensure she doesnt have any stress.. I mean anything that would shock her should be avoided for some days.. And I have already mentioned the next appointment for her Which is in  5 days.. That time we will have some more tests on her just to ensure she is recovering .. Thats it.. (She smiled at Khsuhi who looked completely tensed realising that her mother still should not be taking any stress as this may harm her..)



Dr: Dont worry Khushi.. Your mother is out of danger now.. She just needs good rest and Love..Which I am sure you will give her ..



Khushi noded a Yes and then the Dr left. The moment she left, Arnav came there and for sure noticing Mohit around Khushi again, he wasnt looking much happy about it..

Arnav: (To Khushi): What did the Dr say?

Khushi wasnt expecting him to talk to her first.. After their fight, she had felt he would not speak to her until she sorts this marriage matter.. But she was wrong.. Seeing her blank, Mohit responded to Arnav on her behalf..



Mohit: ASR.. The Dr said we can take Aunty back home.. She is fine.. Special care needs to be taken to ensure she doesnt get stress or shock.!! Thats it..

Arnav sighed and Khushi without replying anything walked back to her Mother's ward..



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



Arnav's Car was ready. He was driving it while Mohit sat next to him.. Garima and Khushi were at the backseat.. Garima was guiding her home route to Arnav while Khushi was still all blank..



Garima: So ASR.. I am expecting you also to join the little dinner tonight at my place..!!

Mohit: Ofcourse he will come Aunty.. Right ASR?

Arnav (Confused) : Dinner? (He looked at Khushi from the front mirror.. She herself looked surprised..)

Garima: Yeah.. I am planning to throw a small dinner party tonight and have invited some close colleagues and friends.. Just some 10 - 12 people total.. Aman was also in my list but you said he is in India.. So he wont make it.. But you have to come..

Arnav: Mrs Gupta, you arent returning back from some Onsite Job that you are throwing a Dinner party .. I mean you havnt even recovered..

Khushi: Yes Mumma.. He is right.. Whats the need of the party tonight? We can keep it some other day..

Garima: Khushi.. I am alright now.. You dont make me feel lazy.. Please.. And there is something special planned tonight.. Which I wont discuss now..

Khsuhi: Special?? What is it regarding?



Mohit smiled and ensured he doesnt let the surprise out..!! Garima held Khushi's hand and then asked her..



Garima: Do you trust your mumma?

Khushi: Ofcourse I do .. WHy are you asking me that?

Garima: Just to know if you will abide by my decision or not.. ! Now that you trust me, leave it all for the evening to come.. I will explain it to you ..!!



Khushi and Arnav had no idea what that surprise was..They just felt a bit uncomfortable with the sudden party plan from Garima. Hope she wasnt going to do anything which would shuffle their relationship with each other, they thought..!!



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



Garima's house was moderate in size .. A small apartment in the heart of the town on the 4th Floor. The house was very much well maintained and Garima wasnt sure how this was possible.. She opened the house and found it almost in the same well to do condition how she had left it with..



Garima: Gosh..!! Hows that possible.. Who cleaned it in my absence??

Arnav: Aman arranged the cleaning part here..

Garima (Again shocked): Really? But the keys?

Arnav: Mrs Gupta.. It doesnt take time in making duplicate keys..!!

Mohit started laughing..

Mohit: Tell me honestly ASR.. Did you by any chance make any duplicate keys of your Wife's house too? I mean before wedding? Just to surprise her like this? I am sure you did.. !! Thats how you could think of applying it here too.. Right?



Khushi turned the other side not to meet Arnav's eyes.. Only she knew how they had hurridly got married.. That too without the rituals here. Just some paper work. Thats it.. It was never a true marriage.. !! She closed her eyes not to remember those odd days and then made Garima sit on the Couch..



Garima: Khushi baby.. Just get comfortable here..Thats your house from now on..!!

Arnav fisted his fingers with the thought of letting his wife stay here with Mrs Gupta.. Khushi didnt miss that expression on his face for sure..

Khushi: I will get some water for everyone..

Mohit: And if possible some tea for me..!

Khushi: Yeah.. WHy not..!!



She rushed towards the other door finding the kitchen and Arnav was also asked to get seated by Garima.. But he was too much in a hurry to meet his wife and remind her what they had planned today.. He started following Khushi which Garima saw and she stopped him ..



Garima: ASR,.. What happened ? You needed something?

Arnav: No..  Uhh.. Some water.. I will get it on my own..

Garima: Sure?

Arnav noded and left in the kitchen while Garima's mobile started ringing.. It was Shashi's call for her.. She too excused Mohit and walked aside to talk to him.



***********



Khushi was pouring water for Arnav in the glass while he was only staring her face..

Arnav: I am hoping you will speak up Khushi..!! I dont want you to neglect my demands..

Khushi: I never have neglected Arnavji.. I have always done what you wanted me to do..!! And even if it would mean taking the worst from my mumma, I will tell her everything.. Just give me sometime..!!

Arnav: Before the Dinner.!!

Khushi: No.. After the Dinner..!! She is very excited for this get together Arnavji.. I cant hurt her before that. Let me enjoy it for sometime.. Please..!!



Arnav: Fine..!! (He gulped the water down his throat and kept the glass aside still staring at her confused and depressed face...)..

Khushi: Anything else you need?

Arnav: (Nodded a No formally ).. : Dont stress yourself cooking for so many people.. Lets just order the food from outside..

Khushi: No Thanks.. I can manage that alone..!!

Arnav: (Angrily): I know you can.. But I dont want you to.. And thats final.!! (He took his Mobile out to give a call to some restaurant for ordering the food)

Khushi: Par Arnavji.. Aap aisa nahi kar sakte..! (But Arnavji, you cannot do this.. )

Arnav (Stopping and looking at her): Kyon? Kyon nahi kar sakta Khushi? Biwi ho tum meri.. Main yehi nahi.. Aur bhi bahut kuch kar sakta hoon.. ( Why? Why cant I do this Khushi? You are my Wife.. Not just this, I have rights to do a lot for you..)..



That sentance was such a soothing yet electrifying for Khushi to hear from him. She had always liked the possessiveness he got in between when he termed her to be his WIFE..!!



Arnav: But still if you are so much eager to do something for me.. Then Make a cup of Coffee.. Without Sugar.!!



Demanding that he left outside to make a quick call for ordering the Dinner for tonight while she stood all numb and confused at his behaviour..!



To be Continued..



Part 26



Khushi was in the Kitchen arranging the parcel Boxes which were ordered by Arnav for the Dinner tonight. Though she was busy in this, her mind was still oscillating if she had to tell her mother about her marriage with Arnav or not.. She remembered how the Dr had advised to keep her mother away from Stress and telling her this matter would mean she would get the biggest shock of her life.. Just recently she had recovered and she was happy .. Now telling her the truth, Khushi didnt wish to play with her mother's health..



Khushi (To herself): Nahi.. I cant tell anything.. I cant tell anything Arnavji.. Please understand .. (She closed her eyes tight to supress the fear of letting her mumma know about their marriage when suddenly someone placed hand on her shoulder..



She jerked and turned behind to see that person and Unluckily she was none other than her Mother Garima..



Garima (Little worried): Khushi.. What you cannot tell me ?? And what you want Arnav to understand??

Khushi was very much afraid seeing her mother there.. And not just that she even had heard her talks ?? What will she answer now ?

Khushi: No.. ..Nothing.. Mumma.. I.. was.. Just.. Nothing.. (She tried to turn but Garima stopped her)

Garima: Why are you sweating then? Look at your face.. Its almost pale and one minute.. (She touched Khushi's neck ).. Baby you have fever too...

Khushi : Fever?? (She touched her neck and then tried to change the topic).. Ohh Yes.. I do have little fever.. And thats why I was talking senseless things.. Dont worry Mumma.. I will be fine..

Garima: (Dragging her out of the Kitchen): You will be fine if you take some rest.. Not when you work like this the whole day.. How sick of me.. I should have thought before celeberating this day.. You didnt allow me to help you and finally now you are sick..



Khushi: Mumma you dont be stressed.. I am really fine.. Its just a mild fever and it will go..

Garima (Stopping at the other room): I dont know anything.. Just get inside and take some rest..

Khushi: No.. Everyone will start coming in sometime..

Garima: And that sometime still has an hour to go.. So please. Listen to me.. Just get some rest Khushi.. Please..



Khushi couldnt deny her mum. She agreed and Garima kissed her forehead and walked back to her room.. Khushi moved to the bed and sat on it.. She was so much worried on how she will confess to her mother.. Even Arnavji wasnt here.. After dropping Garima and Khushi back home, he had left to return back in the evening for Dinner.. He had some work out and he didnt wish to waste time here.. As Mohit too had left for his office, he thought of utilising his time in doing his job too.. As he knew that Mohit wont be near Khushi till evening ..!



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



An hour passed and the first guest to come here was Mohit.. He was in his three piece suit, looking extremely handsome and holding a small gift in his hand while he entered..



Garima: My my.. Today someone is taking away my breathe..!! Looking stunning Mohit.

Mohit leaned and took her blessings and then hugged her .. He whispered in her ears ..

Mohit: Afterall its a special day for me Aunty..

Garima(Pulling back): Yea Yeah. Who other than me knows that??

Mohit: Looks like I am first to come..

Garima: Indeed.. Come in..



Mohit asked Garima where Khushi was and she told him about her fever..

Mohit (Little worried): fever? Did you call the Dr?

Garima: Its a mild one.. I am sure she will be fine now.. She is in her room resting..

Mohit: Ohh..!! Let me not disturb her then.. She needs some sleep for sure..

Garima: Yes.. But now that the guests would be coming, I think I will wake her up .. I also have to give her the dress that I want her to wear tonight..

Mohit: You mean the same dress I got for her?

Garima smiled and noded in agreement..

Mohit (Excited): Wow.. Okay then let me wait and welcome the next guests till you and Khushi finish all this..



Garima walked to Khushi's room and saw her daughter peacefully sleeping on the bed .. She moved the quilt aside and was about to move her hair which were fallen at her shoulders while she slept , and were covering the Mangalsutra which she wore on her neck , but the next door bell made her turn back and Khushi opened her eyes.. She saw her mother sitting on the bed beside her and she instantly covered her neck with her Dupatta and then got up ..

Garima: Ohh.. How are you feeling now baby? (She checked her temperature again and she still had fever..)

Khushi: Good Mumma..

Garima: But Khushi you still have fever.. I think we should call the Dr..

Khushi: No.. I will be alright soon.. Did the guests come?

Garima: Mohit came and I guests some one else too .. But let me check who it is. Till then you get ready..



Garima walked to the closet and took out a Blue Dress for Khushi.. She had no idea what Garima was trying to do by all this..

Garima: Wear this..!

Khushi: This? (She checked the dress once and for sure it wasnt as per her expectation)



It was a knee length Satin Frock.. She was surprised to see her mother giving her such an outfit to wear..

Khushi: When did you buy it Mumma? I mean you were in Hospital all these days..Then?

Garima (Smiling): I asked Mohit to get it.. Now wear this and come out..!!



She touched Khushi's cheeks and was about to get outside the room when Khushi asked her..

Khushi: Whats the surprise mumma?

Garima: Just few more minutes and you will know it.. But first get freshen up and wear this dress.. I guess by now you should have read my mind baby.. I am really surprised how you arent guessing this time..? Anyways.. Come soon..



Saying that Garima left outside the room and Khsuhi was getting the clue.. Mohit's Entry in her life, his closeness with her mother, he flirting with Khushi in the hospital, his over concern for her and now this dress.. Everything was pointing out to only one thing.. He liked her.. And probably he wished to Marry.



Khushi (To herself): No.. Thats.. Thats not possible.. How can he.. Hey Devi Maiyaa.. What.. What should I do? I hope Mumma is not planning to get me married to him.. How can I marry someone when I am already  Arnavji's wife?



She pushed the blue dress aside and sat on the bed, holding her forehead to think What she needed to do.. !!



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



Almost all the guests had come by now.. Even Arnav Singh Raizada.. They were hardly 15 of them who were called for the Dinner including Arnav and Mohit.. Mostly all of them were Garima's close friends and colleagues from AR Office.. And hence they all were very surprised to see their Boss Arnav too here.. They greeted him .. He was just looking for Khushi.. Where the hell was she? And seeing Garima's expressions surely it didnt look like she knew about the truth yet.. He fisted his fingers in anger specially seeing Garima introducing Mohit to her friends.. A sense of possessiveness ran in his blood.. Mrs Gupta was his Mother in law.. So in that terms, she should be much bothered about him and not that Damm Mohit... He was restless when he heard Garima telling her best friend that her daughter has fever and hence she is taking a bit late to come out.. FEVER? His Wife had Fever? And she didnt tell him??



He walked straight towards the other room where he thought Khushi would be but then he was stopped by some other Colleague of his.. He couldnt ignore people here.. He had to talk..!! Garima joined him too.. She told the colleagues how Arnav had helped her with all the hospital formalities and stuff here.. The lady appreciated her Boss efforts in taking Garima's health responsibilty and then she moved aside..



Arnav : (To Garima): Where is Khushi?

Garima (Little surprised): She is getting ready.. Why?

Arnav: Why is she taking such a long time to get ready? Did you check if she is Okay? She has fever right? Did she take medicines?



Garima wasnt sure what made Arnav know all this.. She always failed to see this much of concern in Arnav's eyes for her daughter.. But today she could see that clearly..

Garima : She is my daughter ASR.. And I know how to take care of her.. I appreciate your concern, but just stay away from her..!!

Arnav (Angrily): Excuse me!! What do you mean by that?

Garima (In a Low tone): I am noticing some extra care from your end towards her.. Be it accompanying her to London, getting her to the Hospital, and God knows what else.. Mohit said that you had some work with Khushi yesterday and you didnt let him drop her back to the Hotel?? What is all this ASR? Whats going on? I hope you know she is my daughter.. And I know you very well.. I dont care about how many affairs you had before, but my daughter is very clean and I dont wish her to even think about you..



Arnav was totally mad at Garima when she told him all that but he still tried to control himself as this was Garima's house and he was just a Guest according to her..



Garima: I thank you for everything you did to save me ASR.. But then if you think by doing this you will eye on my daughter too, then I am sorry.. I wont let you that. You are married.. You have a wife ASR.. Why are you showing so much of concern for Khushi then? I hope you realise this soon as I dont wish your wife to know about all this.. Was Khushi the reason that you didnt get your wife along in London??

Arnav: (Angrily): You are asking me too much Mrs Gupta.. And please.. You better dont point a finger on my decency when you yourself are wrong ..

Garima (Blank): Wrong? What do you mean? I never crossed my lines Arnav..

Arnav: Really? Then what the hell do you share with Mr Shashi Gupta?? Why the hell is he meeting you here in London and gifting you such expensive Bracelets??



Garima was stunned to hear this from him.. How come Arnav know all this? DId he see Shashi the other day in the Hospital?? Sweat beads formed on her forehead while Arnav kept on disclosing her secrets..



Arnav: Do you think you can hide this matter from others? You have a grown up daughter Mrs Gupta and you should be thinking atleast about her..

Garima: Shut up ASR.. (She replied angrily yet in a low tone for others not to hear)..

Arnav: No Mrs Gupta.. Now you Shut your mouth or else it wont take me long to tell this truth to your daughter..

Garima: What?? You will.. (She moved back in frustration).. Look ASR.. You dont need to teach me what I have to do.. And I myself will let the world know what relation I share with Shashi.. I am not afraid to do that as its pure and legal.. Unlike what you wish to do with my daughter..



Arnav (Fisting his fingers in Anger): One more word against me Mrs Gupta and I will forget what relation I share with you and your daughter..!!



GArima was shocked when he still continued to show that he had a special place in their family.. And mostly with Khushi.. She wished to argue on this but Mohit came in between..

MOhit: Hey.. Whats happeneing here ? Aunty everyone is Hungry..Where is Khushi? Should I call her?

Arnav looked the other side trying to control his frustration while Garima agreed for Mohit's request.. He happily rushed to Khushi's room and knocked the door..



He knocked the door almost twice but she didnt open it.. GArima was scared.. Why wasnt Khushi openeing the door.. Arnav was blank too.. They both rushed to the door and started banging it asking Khushi to open but they didnt get any reply.. Finally Arnav started pushing the door hard to break the lock.. Garima could see the restlessness in him again for Khushi.. What was it that she was missing to see and connect?? The door breaked and Arnav with Mohit and Garima rushed inside.. They saw Khushi lying on the floor unconscious.. Arnav was the first one to pick her up and put her on the bed.. Mohit and Garima just stood behind confused on Arnav's behaviour..



Arnav (Splashing some water on her ): Khsuhi.. Khushi.. (He patted her cheeks to ensure she wakes up.).. Dammit.. This is not funny Khushi.. Open your eyes,!!



When she didnt open her eyes even then, he screamed at Mohit asking him to call a Dr as soon as he can.. Mohit dialed the Dr while Garima started caressing her daughter.. She instantly pulled her daughter in her embrace , taking her away from Arnav.. The get together was cancelled and the ladies decided to meet Garima some other day.. They left from there and now only Mohit, Arnav and Garima were present with Khushi in that house.. The Dr came and started checking her..He then gave her some injection and turned back to the other three..



Dr: Nothing to worry..She had fever and probably she is under stress.. Thats the reason she must have fainted.. But she will be fine in few hours..

Garima: Stress?/ What Stress? Dr she was all fine till yesterday.. She was so excited to get me back home.. And then suddenly all this. Its.

Dr: Dont worry Mrs Gupta.. It happens sometimes.. May be your daughter has some other problems which she doesnt wish to share with you.. But thats alright.. She will be good soon..



The Dr left and Arnav then realised what was the reason for her sudden Ill health.. He rememebered how he pressurised her for telling the truth of their marriage to Garima.. So she must be thinking about this the whole day .. Thats the reason she got fever and now fainted too. His wife was really weak at times.. He sat beside her on the bed moving the hair lock aside which Garima saw and angrily roared at him..



Garima: This is heights ASR.. Just get out of my house .. Right now.. How dare you touch my daughter like that??

Arnav (Angrily): Biwi hai woh meri..!! My Legally Wedded Wife..!! And no one else but me have the right to touch her Mrs Gupta.. Get that in your head.!!



That one sentence made Garima blank.. Tears started flowing from her eyes and she was about to tremble when Mohit held her firm.. He too had heard everything what ASR said. KHUSHI was HIS WIFE?? He Married Her? When? Why? How? All these questions flashed in their mind and they wished to ask him all at once but they couldnt do it at the moment as they saw Khushi openeing her eyes slowly murmuring  " ARNAVJI.. Hum.. mumma Ko nahi bata Sakte... I am sorry.. "





To be Continued..





Part 27



Garima: This is heights ASR.. Just get out of my house .. Right now.. How dare you touch my daughter like that??

Arnav (Angrily): Biwi hai woh meri..!! My Legally Wedded Wife..!! And no one else but me have the right to touch her Mrs Gupta.. Get that in your head.!!



That one sentence made Garima blank.. Tears started flowing from her eyes and she was about to tremble when Mohit held her firm.. He too had heard everything what ASR said. KHUSHI was HIS WIFE?? He Married Her? When? Why? How? All these questions flashed in their mind and they wished to ask him all at once but they couldnt do it at the moment as they saw Khushi openeing her eyes slowly murmuring  " ARNAVJI.. Hum.. mumma Ko nahi bata Sakte... I am sorry.. "



She definately tried to open her eyes but as she was been injected by the Dr some time back, she dozed off in minutes. Garima was made to sit on the Couch outside by Mohit and she was crying for knowing this bitter truth. She had  no idea what made her daughter marry ASR.. But she was guessing it as of now.. Yes . Money for her health was the only reason she could see her daughter Khushi agreeing for marrying him. She knew Arnav wasnt a person who could marry easily.. Infact he never believed in marriages then what made him take this step? She had so many questions running in her mind and Mohit was still trying to convince her not to take it at heart..



Mohit: Aunty please dont stress yourself.. You are still weak and I dont want you to be sick again for this reason..

Garima: Then what you want me to do Mohit? Bless my daughter for marrying ASR? My Boss?

Mohit: (Feeling bad): Aunty.. Calm down.. !! We still need answers from Khsuhi and I know after that everything will be alright..

Garima: Answers? What answers will she give now? Everything her so called husband has already blurted out..!!

Mohit: But we dont know the reason behind this marriage Aunty..!! And that only Khushi can tell us..I know she broke your heart by taking such a drastic step but you know she is very matured enough in her decisions.. If she did this, there will be a reason behind it..



Garima (Sobbing): What will that reason benefit me anymore Mohit? I cannot change what she did..! I cannot do anything after knowing she married a man who wasnt written in her destiny..!!

Mohit was confused when she said that.. He knew this marriage truth had broken his heart, his dreams too but there was hardly anything he could do after this other than giving up Khushi's thoughts ..



Mohit: Aunty if Khushi married Arnav, means he was her destiny..!!

Garima (Nodding a Clear No): Impossible..  I dont know how much you believe in all this Mohit.. But I do.. She was written in your fate.. To be your wife.. Not his..! And though you may not believe me at this point of time, you will do one day.. !!

Mohit (Confused): What ? What does that mean Aunty..! I mean how can you be so sure..?

Garima: I have matched my daughter's and your horoscope. And that match was a unique one Mohit.. Hardly one in lacs of couple get such a match.. And the person who told me this, isnt a normal saint.. She is a well educated Astrologer who is famous for her predictions worldwide.!! Her predictions, her philosophy can never be wrong..!!



Garima was going on continuing her talks about this astrolger who had matched Mohit and Khushi's horoscope but Mohit stopped her..



Mohit: Aunty. Just relax yourself.. May be you are overthinking. I dont day such philosophies are wrong.. But no human in this earth has an mind to predict the future..!! I dont know what She told you, but the truth is before your eyes.. Your daughter married someone else.. She is a Wife now.. !! Please believe this truth  now..



Garima closed her eyes and leaned behind.. She had no idea what she had to do after this.. Mohit was really an understanding person who gave Garima his full support rather than leaving her at this point of time only because her daughter shattered his dreams.!!



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



Arnav was busy attending some calls from his family back in India who wanted to know how this couple was enjoying their days in London. They had no idea what was happening here.. Khushi was still sleeping and Arnav was sitting next to her, admiring her at times and talking with his Di simultaneously..



Anjali (On call): It had been 3 days Chotte and when none of you called to update us about your holidays there, I couldnt resist.. That shows how much you forget the family when you have your Loving Wife beside you..

Arnav (Sighing): Di Please.. We were really busy.. And.

Anjali: Achha? How should I believe you? What proof you have that you and Khushi Bhabhi were really busy that you both didnt get a minute to call us?? (She started teasing him and Arnav was getting frustrated)

Arnav: I hav'nt asked you to believe us Di.. Just leave it if you cant.. How is Nani and Badi Maa?  (He started changing the topic)

Anjali: They are good.. Infact Nani was the one who insisted me to check if you are both okay..

Arnav: Yeah.. Aman told me Badi Maa was asking him what work we had here for which I too Khushi along with me..!!! As her not to overthink. I have all rights to take my wife anywhere I need..!!



Anjali: That we all know Chotte.. And we arent new to your possessive side..We know how much you love your Wife..!! Badi Maa was tensed only because you didnt call back.. Dont worry.. Have loads of fun there and come back soon.. Now pass the phone to Khushi.. I will talk to her too..



Arnav: She is sleeping..

Anjali: Sleeping?  And what are you doing then?

Arnav: Come on Di.. Cant my wife sleep before me?

Anjali (Gigling): Okay Baba.. Why do you get frustrated.. I was just teasing.. Ask Khushi to take care too.. Good night and keep calling us..

Arnav: Yeah.. We will.. Bye..!!



He cut the call and then concentrated back to Khushi. He knew Khushi would be shocked to know that he confessed to her mother about their marriage.. She can be angry on him for doing that , but does he give a Damm to it? Ofcourse not.. He knew his wife.. It wasnt much hard to get her back to normal. Even if they fight, she would be back to her wifey acts very soon.. He was still thinking the same when the door was opened and Mohit entered the room.. He was little hesitant to talk to Arnav anything at the moment but he had no choice ..



Mohit: Your Driver just came ASR.. He asked me to inform you that the Car is parked down..



Arnav got up from the bed and turned back to see him. He knew Mohit was hurt with this truth but it was better now than later.

Arnav: Yeah.. I called him here.. I am taking Khushi back home.. !!



"No you are not" came a reply from behind Mohit and they saw Garima walking in angrily..

Garima: My daughter isnt going anywhere..

Arnav (Sighing in frustration): Who would stop me..? You?

Garima: Yes I would.!! Till I dont speak with my daughter, she cannot leave this house..

Arnav: She isnt well Mrs Gupta.. You can talk to her later..

GArima: Its already late ASR.. What you guys did and hide this from me, its already too late to confess.. Khushi may be your wife, but I am her mother and I wont allow her out of this house until I know the real reason why she married you..



Arnav: Thats ridiculous Mrs Gupta.. Didnt I say, I am not letting her stay here anymore? Its all because of you that she is so much stressed..  She is worried about you for reacting on this truth of ours and hence she fainted .. And now you expect me to leave her here so that you yell at her once again when she wakes up? Never..!! I am not doing that..



Mohit: (Interrupting): ASR.. Please understand.. Aunty also is in equal pain seeing Khushi like this and knowing what she did at her mother's back..

Arnav (Angrily gesturing him to stop): This is between us Mohit.. I dont like everyone interferring in my personal life.. (Mohit felt bad for hearing this.. He just left outside that room while Arnav turned back to Garima..).. And I am taking my wife from here.. You can talk to her when she is fine..!!



The moment he turned back to fulfil his commands, he saw Khsuhi already woke up and sitting on the bed with tears flowing down her eyes.. So she was back to consciousness and probably also aware that her mother was revealed with the Marriage truth by Arnav himself.. Garima also was happy seeing her daughter fine again but that pain she had in her heart towards this marriage , didnt let her accept defeat that easily..



Arnav (Rushing to her): Khushi? (He touched her cheeks).. You alright?

Khushi (Moving his hands aside): Just leave me alone with Mumma , Arnavji..!! I owe answers to her..

Arnav (Little surprised ): You are asking me to leave from here? Without you?

Khushi: Just for a night.. !! Please Arnavji.. You got what you wished.. But let me be with her for sometime.. I need to ask her forgiveness for all this..

Arnav: (Angrily): Forgiveness !! My Foot kHushi!!. We didnt do anything wrong which makes you beg for her pardon..

Khushi: It may not be wrong for you.. It is for me..!! PLease..!! (Her pleading eyes didnt let him deny her at this moment.. )



Getting up from the bed, he angrily walked to the door but then turned behind to see Khushi again..



Arnav: (Seeing Khushi): I am  coming to pick you back home tomorrow morning.. Finish this Mother - Daughter drama by then .. And hopefully Mrs Gupta wont go overboard knowing the real reason why you married me..!!



Garima was all quiet while he said all this. There wasnt any point talking to him. He left the house closing the door behind while Garima waited there , away from her daughter . Khushi could clearly see the pain in her mother's eyes which she wished to erase then and there.. She tried getting up from the bed but felt little dizzy and was losing her balance again..Garima realised this and she rushed to hold her daughter .. Making her lay on the bed comfortably, Garima was about to move aside but Khushi held her hand not letting her go..



Khushi: I am sorry Mummma..

Garima (Angrily) : Sorry? Thats all you have to tell me Khushi? Do you even know what have you done?

Khushi: (Sobbing): I.. I had no option to deny him Mumma.. He was the only one who .. (She stopped thinking if she really needed to tell this part of the truth.. Will she tell her mother that she first faked a marriage with him and then since they were forced by the family to marry again due to some superstition, they completed the marriage rituals for real later?  What if Mohit comes to know this? He was Arnav's relative.. What if he tells this truth to the family members? How will they react knowing she was staying with Arnav in Sheesh Mahal without a proper marriage? But hiding this from Garima also didnt looked appropriate at the moment. Should she take a chance ? Should she tell this to her mother and close this topic here?)



Khushi was still in a dilemma which Garima realised and she shook her purposely to get her back ..



Garima: Tell me Khushi.. What made you marry Arnav? You didnt even know him.. He was my Boss.. But you hardly had met him.. Then how did this happen? (She shook Khushi to get the truth out of her )

Khushi was crying bitterly seeing her mother in so much stress.. She couldnt hide it any longer..

Khushi: I needed money Mumma.. I needed money to keep you alive.. !! And only he could give it to me..!! He was the only option I had..!!



The moment Garima heard this, she slapped Khushi hard on her face , almost spreading silence in the whole room for next few seconds.. Garima's eyes were raging fire towards her daughter for her act.. This was somewhere expected out of her and she too had guessed this to be  a reason why her daughter married Arnav.. But she wasnt happy with it.. Khushi on the other hand held her cheek which was paining by the intensity of the Slap .. She was still crying and unable to meet her mother's eyes after this truth was out..



Garima (Furiously): I would have chose death than getting treated keeping my daughter's life and respect at stake..!! You married an unknown man only because he offered to save your mother?? Why didnt you let me die Khushi ? That death would have been 100 times better than the Disgraceful life I have to lead henceforth knowing this reality..!! I thought you are matured enough in taking decisions on your own.. But I was wrong.. By Marrying Arnav for some money to save me, you really have shown how insensible you are.. This isnt the morals I gave you Khushi.. This isnt my preachings.. You failed me today.. ! You failed me.!!



Speaking her heart out , Garima moved out of the room hurridly not able to shed the tears before her daughter.. She had all mixed feelings within her and she had no idea if she will ever be able to forgive herself for being the reason her daughter married like that so hastily.. Khushi leaned on the pillow and continued sobbing at her mother's words. She knew this would happen. Her mother would never accept her sacrifice .. !!





To be Continued



Part 28



London - Next Morning



The Door bell rang and Garima got up from the bed, adjusting her clothes to open the door. She assumed it to be the milk man.. He always came by this time.. She had slept very late last night as she was busy thinking what would be her daughter's future .. She rubbed her eyes and screamed "2 minutes" when she heard the Bell ringing again and again after every few seconds.. She had no idea what was wrong with the Newspaper boy . Why was he in so much hurry. The moment she opened the door, she was about to shout at him for pissing her mood early morning by those constant bell rings but then she was herself stunned to see who the person was.. Arnav Singh Raizada  entered the house like a storm in his night suit, not caring this lady at all. It looked like he was just waiting for the morning to come so that he could rush here in this house without even bathing.. Since when did he changed his habits of disturbing his Employee in the early morning rather than starting his day with heading to work. Before she could even ask him anything, he did..



Arnav : Where is Khushi??



Garima then realised what made him come here.. So his precious belonging was at this house which he wished to meet and take back with him.. She rememebred what relation she shared with this man other than just being his employee.. She wanted to stay calm and just see what he would do if she didnt give him a proper reply so she didnt answer him what he asked.. Infact remained numb to his repeated questions.. He was totally frustrated with this act of hers and without taking her permission, he barged inside the house straight to Khushi's room to check if she was fine.. Garima had never expected this behaviour.. But days had changed.. She had seen innumerous changes in almost every relation she had here.. The moment he entered Khushi's room, he saw her turning her back to him . It looked like she was ready to leave with him. She was wearing a cool pink Anarkali dress and wasnt ready to turn and face his eyes even though she knew he disliked her ignoring him..



Arnav: Khushi?? Look at me..!!

She didnt see him.. She was scared to face him and show him the slap mark on her right cheek.. She had sensed his anger and possesiveness for her many a times and hence she didnt wish him to scream at her mother for this..

Khushi (Not facing him still): I have to get ready.. You.. wait out and I.. (She was almost stammering while she uttered these lines in order to make him leave the room so that she could apply some make up and hide these marks but it was too late..)



Her husband was already sharp enough in knowing something was wrong with her.. He turned her quickly towards him and thats how his eyes fell on her cheeks.. Those red finger marks on her white skin surely got his blood to boil. He gritted his teeth and fisted his fingers seeing the little tears that welled up her eyes..



Arnav (Angrily): How dare she..!! (He was about to take a turn and fight for the self respect of his wife with his mother in law but Khushi stopped him holding his hand)

Khushi: Arnavji please.. You dont have to make this matter worst anymore.. She is my mother and she had a right on me..

Arnav: No She doesnt kHushi.. She has no rights on my Wife..!! How could she slap you for such a silly matter..? I swear I will.. (He wished to smash someone's face for this cruel act but Khushi was only defending her mother )

Khushi: Your wife is her daughter Arnavji.. I know what she is going through.. A mother can never see her child sacrificing for her well being.. She thinks I did a wrong to give her a new life.. Marrying a person whom I didnt even know only to get some money is a Sin in her eyes..

Arnav: SIN?? She thinks marrying me you have Sinned?? Wow.!! And what do you think Khushi?? Do you think the same?



That question was very straight forward and quite complicated for Khushi to answer .. SHe kept on looking in his eyes which were waiting for her reply..A reply which never came from her mouth .. !! There was a silence for some seconds and Khushi was just waiting for this moment to pass.. May be this reply of hers would only hurt him.. She did consider her marriage with him a Sin initially when they were only Contracted to stay together without any bond and legal relationship .. But this turned out to be the biggest truth of her life when they fulfilled all the marriage rituals before his family, even if those rituals hardly mattered to him, it did mattered to her ..But she could never tell me that.. May be this would only complicate things and situations between them.



A phone call interrupted their moment of silence and Khushi was the first one to move apart from him.. Arnav answered the call looking in Khushi's eyes still though she was trying her best to ignore him..



Arnav: Yeah Aman.. !! (PAUSE).. Tonight's flight.. (PAUSE).. I dont care how you manage to get me the tickets but its enough here.. We are coming back..!!



Khushi got another shock by this statement of his..So he was planning to return back to India.. So soon ? She didnt even get a chance to spend some time with her ill mother.. She had no idea if she can ever convince him to stay back a bit more long.. He cut the call and took a step towards her..She could speak nothing as of now..



Arnav: Now I get why didnt you receive my calls last night.. Look Khushi.. I dont care what Mrs Gupta feels about this relationship.. I dont give a damm to her .. What matters to me is getting you back to Sheesh Mahal. You know we have a contract.. And its time to get it fulfilled.. So pack your stuffs as we are moving back to India tonight..!!



The tears which she was holding until now started rolling hearing these few lines from him. So all that mattered to him was only that CONTRACT? Did he even think what would be their status after he gets what he wishes? After she fulfills his condition of their marriage?? He saw the tears dropping from her eyes and was about to wipe them but she moved back not letting him do so..



Khushi: No need Arnavji... Wiping my tears was never mentioned in that Contract..So please dont waste your time in making me feel any better.. !!

Arnav: (Confused): Excuse me?? I was just..

Khushi didnt wish to hear anything more from him.. She turned back towards the door to leave with him surprising him more..



Arnav : Damm!! She and her sarcastic talks.. !! Huhh!! (He sighed and followed her outside the room..)



Garima was standing in the Living room waiting for them to come out.. She had an idea that Arnav will never let Khushi stay back here after knowing she slapped her daughter last night for her deeds.. Khushi saw her mother standing at the Couch and she couldnt refrain herself from bending at her feet to take her blessings but Garima moved back.. She knew she was being too rude but she wasnt still convinced with Khushi's step for giving her life..



Khsuhi felt dejected seeing this behaviour from her mother and she left outside the house wiping her tears .. Garima folded her hands and stood still there waiting for Arnav to leave too but looked like he wouldnt leave till he gives his Anger dose to her.. Walking straight to Garima, he looked in her eyes and replied back..



Arnav: Khushi gave you a new life Mrs Gupta , giving up all her likes..!! If you cant appreciate that, atleast respect her decision.. I dont believe much in fate.. But I can still say, even if you werent a reason for her taking a decision to marry me, she would have still been MINE.. !! So shed this Ego off yourself and accept the reality..



She was totally blank at his comment.. What did he mean by that ?? He was about to leave but he stopped and looked at her once again and this time with full of anger written all over his face..



Arnav: And next time before you even think of raising your hand on her, remember, she is Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada and not Miss Gupta anymore..!! I give this right to no one to misbehave with my Wife..!! Not even her own mother..!!



Garima was facing a husband  in her Boss for the first time.. She could clearly see how mad he was knowing his wife been slapped and that somewhere was appreciated by Garima too.. She always wished a Son In Law who would stand for her daughter..And Arnav Singh Raizada was atleast perfect in this if nothing else.!!



He walked outside the house and there was once again a sudden silence spread there as if the Storm came, hit and left back with the same intensity to strike somewhere else.. She sat on the Couch leaning her head behind.. She had no idea if she did the right thing in not forgiving her daughter.. All she needed was a talk with her husband Shashi over this matter.. Only he could help her in solving this issue now.. She made a quick call on Shashi's number asking him to meet her at house.. She didnt reveal anything about this to Shashi yet on the call.. She knew it would only tense him more.. So once he would come to meet her, she would tell him everything, was her plan..



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



She strode inside her room ignoring everything that just happened in her house between her and Arnav.. How he only reminded her of the Contract. There was always this Contract thing going around in his head..Only she was the one who always thought more into their relationship but he never even attempted.. She walked inside their bedroom and started packing her stuffs.. Arnav followed her there and was only trying to read the anger on her face.. What was she angry on ? Her mother?? For slapping her? Or for not giving her the blessings while coming back? Or was she angry on him for asking Aman to book their flight back to India? He saw her taking the dresses out and dumping them in the bags without caring she was packing his Stuffs too..



Arnav : Khushi.. Thats my Shirt.. And I am wearing that after my bath..

Khushi Stopped and moved his shirt aside and then continued packing again.. He was little ascertain what she was going through.. He wished to mend the situation in his own way..

Arnav: We can stay for a day more if you wish.. !!



She was totally furious when she heard that from him..She threw a pillow on him angrily only to earn a "WHAT THE" from him standing little away from her..



Arnav: What kind of behaviour is this Khushi?? Never do that again with me.. Did you  get it??

Khushi: No I didnt get it Arnavji.. What will you do?

Arnav (Angrily): Shut up Khushi

Khushi: No you Shut up Arnavji.. !!



Thats it.. Arnav was totally mad at her for being so rude unnecessarily.. He too step towards her in anger while she moved back and losing control fell on the bed.. He was little worried for her and wished to help her getting up but the door knock by his Maid made them turn their attention towards her..



Maid: Sir.. Alisha Madam is down to see you,.!!

That name surely made Khushi's anger to raise to another level .. Possessiveness striked her too realising Alisha was Arnavji's Ex girlfriend.. Arnav was also little confused on how Alisha came to know he was here..

Arnav: Make her comfortable down.. I am coming..!!

Maid noded and left the room while he turned back to Khsuhi..

Arnav: We havnt finished this Khushi..!!

Khushi (Angrily): Exactly Arnavji.. Humaari baat abhi khatam nahi hui..!! (Exactly Arnavji.. Our talks are still unfinished)



Saying that she got up from the bed and walked straight towards the Bathroom while he sighed in frustration and came down to meet Alisha..



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



A thin girl wearing a Blue frock and holding a small gift in her hand was sitting on the Couch and checking some magazines placed on the table.. Arnav was little uncomfortable to meet her after so many months but he didnt show it on his face.. He got down the stairs immediately..



Arnav: Hi Alisha..!!

Alisha turned to him and with a broad smile she got up from the Couch and formally hugged him from side..

Arnav: Didnt expect to see you here.. (He said moving back from the hug and gesturing her to get seated.)



Khushi too came down the same time as she didnt wish to miss a moment of their scene.!

Alisha: I keep an eye on every move of yours ASR.. How could you I let you go back without meeting me this time..?

Khushi definately was jealous seeing such a beautiful and modern girl before her who shared Arnav's Girlfriend's title before.. But she maintained a smile on her face when she asked the Maid to get some Coffee and cookies for the guest.. Alisha scanned Khushi once and then Arnav got up to introduce Khushi..



Arnav: Alisha..She is my Wife Khushi Raizada and Khushi, she is Alisha.. I guess you know who she is..!!

Khushi (Walking to her husband and shaking hands with Alisha): Mr Shukla's daughter ... I know.. You told me about her..!! (She lied to him as he never had told her anything about this girl unless she was introduced by her mother's talks that day in the hospital)

Alisha: He told you about me? Wow.!! Thats strange..! But thats the only quality which makes Arnav Singh Raizada unique.. He never lies..

Arnav and Khushi sat beside each other opposite to Alisha..



Arnav: So how's life then??

Alisha: Boring..!! But I guess my next few days would lighten up with you guys..!! I hope to spend some good time with you both..

Khushi: (Smiling sarcastically): I doubt it would happen Alisha.. Because we are starting back tonight..!!

Alisha : Tongiht? Thats bad ASR.. I mean you cannot hurry back to India so soon.. Just change your schedules please..!!

Arnav (Smirking): Come on Alisha..!! You know my work dont you? I dont change Schedules for such silly reasons.. May be next time I am here, we can spend some time.. But its not possible today..

Alisha: You being rude ASR.. Come on.. A day more here wont harm..!! Khushi.. why dont you insist him? I am sure he will agree to you atleast..



Khushi (Sighed in frustration while pouring the coffee for them): I wish I could change his mind!!



Arnav looked at his wife once and then back to Alisha ..

Arnav: OKay fine.. We will extend our stay for another day.!!

Alisha was absolutely happy with this.. She thanked Khushi for being the reason for the change in Arnav's decision while Khushi was herself confused.. Did he change it for her? Or was it something else?



TO be Continued..







Part 29



Shashi Gupta was already present to meet his wife Garima in her Apartment.. She was looking very tensed and Shashi could feel she was worried about something.. He made her sit comfortably on the Couch first and then asked ..



Shashi: Why did you call me at this hour Garima?? And where is Khushi? Is she out with Mohit??



Hearing that sentence Garima's eyes filled with tears.. How her dreams of getting her daughter married to Mohit was shattered in just seconds.. She was on the verge of crying but Shashi made her look into his eyes..



Shashi: For God's sake Garima, just speak up.. Your silence is killing me.. What is so wrong?? Is Khushi allright?

Garima (Noded a weak yes ): Shashi.. Our daughter.. She.. took such a wrong step.. I ..

Shashi : Wrong step?? What does that mean? What did she do??

Garima: She.. She married .. !!



Now that was an utter shock for Shashi.. Married? Their daughter Khushi married? To whom?? When? Why? He had innumerous doubts in his mind and he wished all of them get cleared instantly or else he wouldnt be able to concentrate on anything further..



Shashi: She married? Without telling you?? How can she do that? Didnt you tell me , she would never do anything without taking your permission?? Then how can she take such a huge step in her life so easily? I am sure this isnt her brain..She must have been forced for this.. Who the hell is that man who forced my daughter?



His grip on Garima did increase in anger and she couldnt wait to tell his name to Shashi..



Garima: ARNAV.. SINGH ... RAIZADA... !!



Now that was another big shock for Shashi ..He had never in his life had thought his daughter would marry Arnav.. He leaned back in tension and closed his eyes.. So his daughter married someone from that Family whose ties with the Gupta family couldnt never be mended. His daughter was married to the Raizada family which meant she was the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. !! All the old flashbacks of the time the Bride of Sheesh Mahal had entered the house and Madhumati was taunting her for having an ill fate crossed his mind.. He remembered each and every word which Madhumati uttered to him about the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.. The entry of the Bride of Sheesh Mahal wasnt considered to be good for the Chandra Mahal as per Madhumati.. This was believed by her since ages..And what more ill could it be of having their own daughter to be that Bride..!! He was so much confused with these thoughts and what confused him more was that he had never told Garima that Arnav Singh Raizada belonged to the Sheesh Mahal. Since the time he had come to know his wife worked as a PA for ASR, he always wished he could tell her that Arnav belonged to the family which stayed in Sheesh Mahal but seeing his wife getting success touching her feet working with ASR and also being able to settle her financial needs properly, he preferred hiding this fact from her.. He knew Garima too believed that the family in Sheesh Mahal wasnt good for the Gupta's anytime..She was been advised to stay away from Sheesh Mahal as much as she could once by some priest there.. And this was one of the reasons, she had parted from her husband and settled in some other place.. He was still in a dilemma on whether he should still be hiding this truth from Garima or not..



Garima had already started telling him how Khushi confessed everything to her last night on why she married Arnav.. How she was been forced by him to marry and he would provide her money for her mOther's medical expense.. Everything was been told to Shashi now who was very much furious at the moment.. He had always known Arnav to be the most shrewd Bussiness man who was very much manipulative in chosing his clients .. Never ever did he know that this man would manipulate things in his marriage too.. What was it that he needed Khushi for.? What made him pay so much of huge amount to her ?? There had to be something which only they both can answer..!!



Garima: I am blank Shashi.. You should have seen what my condition was when Khushi told me all this.. I.. I slapped her.. I..Slapped my own daughter..!! (She started crying bitterly hiding her face and Shashi was emotional too )

Shashi: She is our daughter Garima.. She did something which she thought was right at that moment.. You shouldnt have raised your hand on her.. She did this for you..!! Though I know the consequences will be adverse now.. But still we will help her come out of this.. I promise..



Garima instantly looked at Shashi to know what he meant by this..



Garima: How could you say she will have to face worst.?? What consequences Shashi? What do you want to tell me?

Shashi knew it was high time he tells Garima who Arnav was..!!

Shashi: Promise me you wont stress yourself much after knowing the truth..

Garima(Little tensed): Truth? Which truth?? What is it Shashi??



She looked very much restless at the moment and Shashi wanted to calm her down but obviously he couldnt hide anything from her ..

Shashi (Looking in her eyes): Our Daughter by marrying Arnav Singh Raizada has become a part of that family Garima.. The same family whom you fear of even knowing..!! (Garima gulped down her uneasiness realising what Shashi meant to say).. Yes.. Arnav belongs to that same family of Lucknow.. Our daughter Khushi is now the Bride of Sheesh Mahal..



The moment he said this, Garima froze at her spot.. She couldnt believe this..She wished this wasnt true.. How could fate connect her daughter to that family?? This wasnt supposed to happen.. This wasnt written in her destiny..



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



Arnav came inside the room getting irritated of waiting down in the living room for his wife.. They had plans to go for Dinner with Alisha who had specially invited them and they had cancelled their trip back to Lucknow based on this.. Arnav had waited for almost an hour down to allow his wife dressup in the room and come down but when this didnt happen, he in frustration came back to their room barging inside with anger.. The moment he did, he saw Khushi dressed in a Designer Green Saree with her hair open and hanging loose on one end of her shoulder.. SHe was wearing her earings sitting before the mirror when she saw him coming in.. She didnt care.. She wasnt happy with anything at the moment. She didnt wish him to cancel the plan of going back to India because ALISHA wanted.. Not that she wished to go back, she also needed time here to make everything fine between her and her mother before she leaves, but still Arnav's no botheration about what she was going through made her all upset and gloomy.. She was still agreeing for this Dinner only because he wanted it..



For seconds, Arnavs eyes were fixed on her face from the mirror.. Though she wasnt even looking at him, he still was lost in her eyes which were sparkling in that dim light.. He scanned her face for a moment and then finally rememebered what he was here for..



Arnav (in a firm tone): Why are you taking so late to get ready Khushi? I like being punctual for everything.. We are running on time now..

Khushi (Getting up and picking her clutch ): Girls take time to get ready..!!

Arnav: Ohh Really? And when did that happen? Till yesterday you were the first person to get out of this house ..!! And today looks like till I drag you out, you wont wish to leave.!!

Khushi: (Angrily): Wrong thoughts Mr Raizada.. You dont need to drag me for taking me out.. Even if I dont wish to, I will still come with you wherever you want me to.. Because as per the Contract, I am liable to do that..!!



Saying that she just crossed him and walked outside the room leaving him blank for seconds.. Why did she say something like that? She was never this serious when she talked to him.. He gave up his doubts thinking it could be her mood swings and then followed her..



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



He pulled a chair for Khushi to sit and then took the next seat beside her.. Alisha was sitting opposite to them smiling seeing these little gestures of Arnav's towards Khushi..



Arnav: Shall we place the Order then?? (He asked looking at Alisha who noded a Yes and then turned to see Khushi)

Alisha: Khushi seems to be little depressed.. I hope you didnt mind me calling you both for Dinner..!!

Khushi (Faking a smile): Not at all Alisha.. Its just that my head is aching since morning today..

Arnav (Instantly turning to her): Aching? You didnt tell me..!!

Khushi: (Whispering gently): Would it matter to you??



That question surely pricked Arnav who kept on staring her face for some more seconds.. He knew something was wrong with her since morning. And he assumed Garima Gupta to be responsible for all of this.. But never did he know that she was not feeling well too.. Or else he would never had come up with this idea of Dinner.. She turned towards Alisha who was trying to give some options for Khushi's problem.. Arnav instantly called the Waiter and asked him to get some Lime water immediately . She continued talking to Alisha till then who was telling her about her current profession. The time did pass after that and Arnav made her drink the Lime water he had ordered which did help in reducing her headache.. They continued having their Dinner and indeed Alisha wasnt that bad for Khushi.. She was a cool girl who lived life to the fullest. She wasnt the one who lived in her past.. If Arnav and she did share a relationship, Alisha made sure she doesnt drag it at this point of their life where he was already married to someone else.. She was a great girl having these little morals in her which Khushi too guessed and realised having a happy feeling inside her rather than some kind of jealousy..!!



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



The Dinner was over and Alisha had drove back from her Car wishing Arnav and Khushi a happy and blissful married life ahead.. They were now walking back towards their Car when suddenly Khushi uttered..



Khushi: I forgot my Purse inside  (She looked aside when she said this only worrying Arnav again.)

Arnav: What? Okay be here.. I will find it..

Khushi: Arnavji.. Firstly stop showing your over concern for such silly reasons.. I can manage to fetch my things on my own..



Arnav took a sigh of relaxation and gestured her to get it then.... He told her he will wait at their Car till then.. She agreed and he left out.. The moment he came out and was about to open the car door, he could feel someone following him. He turned back instantly only to find Shashi Gupta standing right before him and holding his Collar in anger..



Shashi: How Dare you Arnav..!! How can you force Khushi for marrying you.. ? What are your intentions ?? Tell me everything right now before I do something to hurt you..!!

Arnav was hell angry seeing Shashi holding his collar and trying to scare him.. With one jerk, he made Shashi leave him and almost get a step back .. He didnt expect to see Shashi Gupta here.. And that too speaking to him with such anger..



Arnav: (In Frustration):  I dont like people misbehaving with me..!! And I dont answer to people whom I dont even relate to..

Shashi: You are related to me Arnav.. And though you hardly know that, you have to tell me what this is all about..?

Arnav: In your dreams Mr Gupta.. I can sense how close you and Mrs Gupta are which made her take your help to get the answers from me.. But dont you ever forget, this has nothing to do with you or your family.. So Stay away from me..!!



"Shashi"?? came a reply from the other side from Garima who was equally shocked to see Shashi misbehaving with Arnav. She had come out with Shashi for a Dinner so as to get some change in her mood but never ever did she expect Arnav to be at the same place.



Garima (Walking to Shashi): What are you doing Shashi? Lets just leave from this place.. Please..

Shashi: Not until I get my answers Garima..!!

Arnav: Which you would never get Mr Gupta.. I dont care what you share with this lady here.. Thats your personal matter.. Just like why I married Khushi, is my personal affair and I wont let others intrude in it..



"I am Khushi's Father ASR.. And I have all rights to know what you intend from my daughter" came a straight reply from Shashi Gupta.. There was suddenly a silence spread in that place when Arnav heard these sentences from Shashi .. Garima pressed her eyes tight not  believeing Shashi broke this truth out before Arnav.. They heard something falling down on the ground and all the three turned back to see what it was.. Khushi was standing there shocked with these revealtions with her clutch fallen on the ground as she had no strength in her to believe that the person whom she always ignored right from her childhood , her father, is standing right before her eyes.. She took small steps towards her husband with tears rolling down her cheeks.. Garima and Shashi hadnt expected Khushi to be here too with Arnav .. They were supposed to tell her about this but never in such a mood.. Everything was so messed up.. Shashi was seeing Khushi for the first time.. He had seen her alwasys in picture but never in real before him and today even if he did, he had no guts to take her in his arms...



Arnav was easily seeing the pain on Khushi's face.. He had never known much about her family background.. He always thought she had lost her father and had only her mother to look after.. But now that he came to know she was no one else but the daughter of Chandra Mahal, he too was astonished just like her.. She came to Arnav and very weakly she could manage to utter this..



Khushi: Take me back home Arnavji.. I dont wish to be here..! Please..!!



Garima felt absoultely nervous seeing her daughter like this. She needed support but she couldnt expect Arnav Singh Raizada to give it to her.. Arnav didn t wait any longer after that words from her.. He opened the Car door and she sat inside.. Without even looking at them, he drove the Car straight towards their house ignoring that the Gupta couple was still waiting there hopelessly to resolve this matter..!



To be Continued..







Part 30



The moment she entered their house, she collapsed on the floor and started weeping badly.. Arnav wasnt happy either seeing her like this. That charm on her face was gone.. That smile which he always adored on her had  vanished by some revelations here in London. He had never expected things to go wrong like this. But now that it did, he had to handle it in his way.. He leaned down towards her and held her



Arnav: Khsuhi get up.. Nothing would sort things here if you keep crying.



Khushi moved his hand aside and replied in a weak voice..

Khushi: Just leave me alone for sometime Arnavji.. Please..!!

Arnav: No.. I wont..!!

Khushi joined her palms looking in his eyes and pleaded again..

Khushi: I beg to you.. Just leave me alone here..!!



Arnav didnt wish to make her pain worse by not obeying to her. He left her and walked outside the room. He was totally furious on that Gupta couple for getting this day in their daughter's life.. What harm did she do to them that they were hurting her so much? She always had done things for the betterment of Garima and what did she get in return? Just rejection from that same mother? How sick.. What wrong did she do in marrying her mother's boss? He was the best person on earth who could keep her happy forever..!! Why the hell didnt they see this??



He in frustration opened up the Whiskey bottle and gulped it down to calm himself.. Her images of crying bitterly only haunted his present mind..Arnav Singh Raizada was never so much touched by anyone's tears like he was seeing hers today.. There had to be an end to this.. He picked his phone and dialed Garima's number.. After some constant rings, finally Shashi Gupta answered the call in a harsh tone..



Shashi: Its all because of you that my daughter is facing this day ..

Arnav: Shut up and listen to me..!! I dont wish to see her in this state either.. If you wish to settle things down, I am okay with making Khushi meet you both again.. But this time I wont let anyone speak a word against her decision. This would be a normal meet wherein you and your wife would forgive her.. She did this for money.. And any child would do the same to save their mother..



Shashi: How sick of you ASR.. I thought you would repent for what you made her do but you are forcing us to forgive her? We would do that one day but definately you wont be spared..

Arnav: I dont give a damm to that Mr Gupta.. As of now, I just want her to be back to normal which could happen only when you both meet her .. And tell that she is been forgiven..

Shashi looked at Garima. The phone was on speaker so that even she could hear the talks.. She noded a Yes to him and he did agree..



Shashi: Text me your address .. We are coming to see her..

Arnav: With pleasure..!!



Saying that he cut the call and texted the address of this house and smirked back seeing his Whiskey bottle.. Sometimes its just a drink that you need to get your mind and intentions cleared, he thought..



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



Almost an hour passed and Khushi was still in her room weeping .. But definately her amount of tears shed was now reduced considerably. She didnt knew what she needed to think now.. About her future, her parents, her husband, her marriage ?? She had no idea.. All she knew is she wished to get out of all this mess as soon as she can. She saw his shadow behind her but she didnt move..



Arnav: Are you fine now??

She didnt respond and continued looking at the floor..

Arnav (Losing his patience): Khushi.. Talk to me..!!

Khushi: You need not worry Arnavji.. I am fine.. (She didnt wish to respond anything else beyond this. Getting up from the floor and walked towards the closet to get her night suit.)



Arnav: Wait..!! (He ordered before she could start fetching her clothes).. Dont change.. I mean..Someone is coming here to meet you..

Khushi was surprised.. She didnt know who would come to meet her at this time..

Khushi: Its 11:00pm Arnavji. And I dont wish to meet anyone at this hour.. And specially not tonight..

Arnav : Soch lo Khushi.. May be you regret not meeting them..

Khushi: Them?? (She was getting some hint what Arnav was talking about..Probably he had asked her parents to come and see her here..)



Arnav: (Sighing): I wont disclose.. But by now you would have guessed it ..



The door bell rang and Khushi almost jerked hearing the sound. Arnav knew who it was. He only waited for Khushi to give her reaction to it. He saw her face which was  really confused and was waiting to know who he was pointing at. The maid came there knocking the door..



Maid: Sir, Mr and Mrs Gupta are here..

Arnav:Get them seated. We are coming..

Nodding  a Yes, the maid left downstairs while Khushi felt dizzy knowing who was here.. MR AND MRS GUPTA. ?? Her parents? What were they doing here? Did Arnav asked them to be here? Before she could ask anything to him, he walked a step towards her..



Arnav: Meet them. I am sure you will feel better..

Khushi's tears had no control. She had no idea why Arnavji always does these little gestures which make her think, he cares for her. He took a deep breathe and seeing she was blank at the moment, he himself held her hand and started taking her downstairs to meet her parents. The moment they reached downstairs, the Gupta's got up from the Couch. Shashi's eyes were already teary seeing his daughter's condition and Garima was feeling the same but was holding it still inside her. Khushi was seeing her father for the first time. Her mother had always made this attempt to introduce Shashi to her but she never wished to see him. A person who could never take his wife's stand would never get his daughter's love too was her belief.. Today every relation that she shared with him and his family there in Chandra Mahal was clear to her.. It was such a conicidence that she was married to a family who shared a wrong past with hers in Lucknow. She was got down by her husband who left her hand setting her free to meet her parents and clear these things rather than sitting alone in a room and crying over it.



Khushi took some baby steps towards her mother to hug her as she needed this the most. She was always the best person who resolve all her problems .. Right from the time she was young, she always shared each and everything with her mother. There was nothing that she hide from her. It was just this thing that she had to do without her advise and that too only to save her life. The moment she reached before Garima, looking at her with pleading eyes, Garima herself took the initiative to hug her daughter. She couldnt see Khushi in this state for long.. Khushi snuggled into her mother trying to feel her warmth, still uttering the same apology to her .. She was truely sorry for what she did. Garima caressed her hair asking her to stop crying. Shashi was happy seeing this re-union of the mother -daughter and so was Arnav. Garima kissed Khushi's forehead and wiped her tears.



Garima: Stop crying now .. All will be okay. I should be equally sorry Khushi.. It was all because of me that you took such a big decision. This proved how much you love your mumma.. You didnt even think twice before marrying someone like that. I should have understood you that day.. But I was angry Khushi.. And all I could see was that you ditched me..You broke my trust.. If it hadnt been Shashi then  I would have always lived with that misconception that I am doing right by keeping you away from my life.. Shashi made me realise what you did was right that time. Whatever may be the consequence now, I am with you.. I promise..



Khushi hugged Garima again and then finally Garima turned her towards Shashi. Khushi wasnt ready for this. She tried to move away but Garima held her hand and stopped her..



Garima: This is enough Khushi.. He is your father.. He is the one who is still looking after you and me..

Khushi (In anger): He might be my father Mumma, but I will never accept him .. A man who never gave a second thought on his decision of choosing his sister over his wife and family can never be my Father..

Garima: You are wrong Khushi. He always wished to come to us. I was the one who restricted him. But I realise it now how important he is still for us..



Khushi: He may be important for you.. But never for me.. Where was he when you were hospitalised? Did he even search for you when he didnt recieve your calls for days? If he would have come to London and found you in the hospital, I wouldnt had to take such a big decision of my life. I would never have married some unknown person to save your life because it was your husband's duty to save you, to look after you before me.. Just buying gifts for his wife or trying to meet her once a year doesnt make him a good husband.. Only trying once or twice to see his daughter and then giving up all his efforts of ever getting the love of his daughter, doesnt make him a good father.. Sorry Mumma.. YOu can still be with him, but I cant. He was still a stranger for me even when I stayed in Sheesh Mahal for weeks and he is still the same.. I have no relationship with him or his family back there in Lucknow.



She angrily rushed back to her room and Garima couldnt stop her . She looked nervously at Shashi who was repenting for all the things that he did in their past which didnt allow his own daughter to accept him now.. He walked back towards the door telling Garima that he will wait for her at the Car. He left and Garima took steps towards Arnav who was still waiting there..



Garima: I dont know if I should expect this from you but please take care of her ASR. She needs someone to be with her and make her happy. I have never seen her so broken like she is today..

Arnav (Sighing): This place has given her a lot many odd memories. SO I am taking her back to India tomorrow.

Garima: What ? Tommorrow? But.. How will I see her then?

Arnav: I dont think thats a matter to think about Mrs Gupta. You can see her there..

Garima suddenly realised what place she would have to go to meet her daughter ..



Garima: Never.. I wont come there.. That Place has made me suffer ASR. I can never step on that land..

Arnav: Thats your problem Mrs Gupta. But I think you have no other choice.. We are leaving tomorrow and you still can see her till the Airport.. Hopefully she would be fine till then..



Garima (Smiling sarcastically): Thats such an irony ASR.. I am leaving my daughter back to the same person who actually is the reason for all this to start.. Will you tell me why you married her? What made you pay her so much for my health that you didnt even care to do a background check of hers..??

Arnav: Excuse me ?? Background Check? (He chuckled) .. Why? Is she a criminal or something? Come on Mrs Gupta, for me, her only validation check was that she was your daughter.. I knew she would have some morals of yours. So thats all I needed her with.

Garima: For? For what did you need her ASR? What is it that you wish to do having her name linked to you? I hope this wont be too bad for anyone of us in future.

Arnav: I havnt disclosed it yet to Khushi so dont expect me to open my mouth before you.. Dont worry.. She wont be harmed in this process. !!

Garima: And after this is finished? Will you leave her back to us? Will she be free of your name ? Will she get her real identity back?



Arnav's brain started working faster after hearing these questions. Every part of his brain only replied a "YES" to each and everything she asked.. He too never believed in marriages and while he made this deal with Khsuhi, he had planned this day where he would free Khushi from his ties but his heart wasnt supporting his brain today and he had felt this from a long time.



To be Continued





Part 31



Sheesh Mahal



Anjali's happiness was not in his limits today after knowing her husband has returned back to her in Sheesh Mahal. Shyam Jha was the only Son in law of this house and he was given a lot of respect by each and every family member of this house. He was loved by everyone in this house but he was the favourite of Badi Maa specially. She was circling the Puja Thali before him while he stood proudly at the door of Sheesh Mahal and his wife Anjali was smiling continuously seeing him and blushing some times.



He entered inside taking the blessings of all and after some little talks with the family, he was asked to get upstairs and rest for some time. He denied doing that stating he wished to talk to the whole family for some time. They all seated at the Living room with Shyam at the COuch beside his wife Anjali. Nani and badi Maa asked him about his business in Canada and he interrupted them.



Shyam: That all can be talked later Badi Maa. But first tell me how did you accept the Bride of Sheesh Mahal so easily?

Badi Maa: Chotte left no choice Shyam. You know how stubborn he is all the time. He literally shocked us coming back to Sheesh Mahal marrying some orphan girl. How could he do that without letting us know.

Shyam: Wait.. What did you say? Orphan? Huhh..!! He said she is Orphan??



Anjali and others were confused on why Shyam was pointing that so much.



Nani: Haan Daamadji. But why are you hinting at that word?

Shyam: I cant believe this. Saale Sahab lied to everyone here and hided his wife's identity from everyone? How can he do that?

Badi Maa: Hide? What will chotte hide from us?

Shyam: The Bride of Sheesh Mahal, Khushi is not an Orphan. She has a full fledged family Badi Maa and I am not saying this without any proofs. I know about her. Infact very much..



That sentence was a shock for everyone. For seconds no one could speak anything as they were trying to realise if what they heard was true. Khushi was not an Orphan?



Badi Maa: What are you saying Shyam? She is not an Orphan? Then why did Chotte lie to us ? Where is her family then? Which family does she belong?

Shyam clearly knew the consequences of what would happen when everyone will come to know the truth and even after that he couldnt keep his mouth shut.

Shyam: Chandra Mahal. The Bride of Sheesh Mahal is the daughter of Chandra Mahal.



There a silence spread again in the whole of Sheesh Mahal. Looked like everyone's heart died hearing this. Chandra Mahal? She was the Gupta's daughter? Shyam Jha smirked devilishly seeing the reactions of this family on the reality. So this time when the Bride of Sheesh Mahal will enter the house again.



***********



Lucknow Airport



Aman had come to pick Arnav and Khushi from the airport to their way back home. He could realise Khushi was all silent and not ready to talk much unlike before. She was still lost in the thoughts of her parents and her meet with them in London. Arnav on the other hand was giving her some space to be in her thoughts as he knew once she will reach Sheesh Mahal, she will be engrossed in the family there .



Aman: So ASR what else happened there ? How is Mrs Gupta?

Arnav: She is good Aman.. Out of every danger now.

Aman: Thats nice.. Does she miss me? I am sure she does. She and me had a great rapport while we worked there in London.



Aman had no much idea what had made Khushi so nervous . Surely there was something which happened there which changed her mood. Arnav just noded a Yes to Aman checking something on his mobile while Khushi continued looking outside the window..

Arnav: How is everyone here? I couldnt call anyone at home and inform them about our arrival today. Was just so damm busy there that I couldnt do this. Have you told we are coming back today?

Aman: Not really. I mean I thought you must have done that. But thats okay I guess. Everyone will get a good surprise. And this time even your Jeejaji.



Arnav's mind suddenly remembered that his Jeejaji was supposed to be here in some days. But he didnt knew when. How could he forget that Mohit would have told his brother about Khushi. Mohit clearly knew Khsuhi is the Mrs Gupta's daughter and also the daughter of Chandra mahal. Damm!! He fisted his fingers angrily which was surely noticed by his wife who sat beside her.



Khushi: What happened Arnavji? Any problem??



Arnav turned to see her and then denied showing or letting her know what the real problem they had to face once they reach back to Sheesh Mahal. Why was it that everytime he took her there, they were not welcomed properly. Was it necessary that they both always had to face some serious problems for entering into their own house?



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



Sheesh Mahal



Aman went back to work dropping Arnav and Khushi to Sheesh Mahal. Khushi had to bring a smile on her face even if she didnt wish this from her heart as she knew the family would be questioning her why she was dull otherwise. She started walking inside with Arnav towards the Main door and stepped in as the door was already open. The surprising fact was that there wasnt anyone inside the Living room. They had no idea where they could be at this hour. May be the men had gone for work and the ladies were busy in their work. They were about to step the stairs when suddenly they heard some priests chanting some hyms from the other side. They turned to see where this voices came from but couldnt find anyone. Maakhan came running to them to greet them ..



Arnav: Maakhan? Where is everyone? And what is this sound? Is there any Puja going on here?

Maakhan was quiet for sometime and then noded  a yes.

Arnav: Speak Dammit. I am asking you something..



Khushi instantly held his hand gesturing him not to raise his voice like that on the Servants and Maakhan nervously replied back to them..



Maakhan: Hukkum.. There is a Havan going on at the backyard of Sheesh mahal. Everyone is present there ..

Arnav: Havan? For what??

Maakhan: Woh... Woh.. (He was stammering as he had no idea how he needed to say this..)

Khushi: Kya hua Maakhan kaka?? Why are you sounding so scared?

Arnav: Forget it.. He has lost his mind probably.. Let me see.



He started walking towards the backyard of Sheesh Mahal while Maakhan continued standing there before Khushi.. When Khushi turned to follow Arnav, Maakhan stopped her..



Maakhan: Aap mat jaaiye..(You dont go)

Khushi (Confused): Kyon??

Maakhan: Kyonki.. Woh... Aap.. (Because.. You..)



Maakhan's eyes were looking down not meeting hers while he spoke to her and he looked really very tensed at this moment. It looked like something was really very very wrong, But what?



The moment Arnav came at the backyard, he saw everyone was sitting facing the fire and some 2 - 3 priests were chanting the hyms putting the Ghee inside the Havan to increase the fire. He had no idea what havan this was. No one had ever told him about it. He saw every family member had closed their eyes and they were praying something deep in their minds. He was about to step inside further when suddenly saw Khushi's photo placed beside the Priests before the Havan fire. That shocked him very much. What was going on here? What was his wife's picture doing there? The Priest was about to put a garland of  withered flowers on her photo and Arnav instantly roared at the top of his voice asking the Priest to stop this.. Everyone opened their eyes and were stunned to see Arnav standing there with his eyes raging fire on the priests.. They all stood up from their seats..



Arnav: What the hell is wrong in this family? This damm Priest was going to put a garland on my Wife's photo who is alive still .. And you all were blankly sitting here as if he was doing the right thing? What is going on here in my absence? Would anyone mind to tell me??



Hearing his voice, Khushi too had rushed towards him ignoring Maakhan's pleads not to go there. She too was shocked when she heard what Arnav was asking to his family. Seeing her photo at the Havan side, she too was confused on what was happening. The Havan looked like they are mourning for someone's death in the house..



Badi Maa who got up from her seat now, thought of clearing the air here. None of them knew that the Havan would be interrupted like this by Arnav and Khushi's arrival.



Badi Maa: When did you come Chotte??

Arnav: At the right time Badi Maa.. But thats not important anymore. Tell me whats happening here? And why?

Badi Maa: What is happening here is what is right for this family. And its all because you lied to us and hide the identity of this girl.



She pointed out straightly towards Khushi who was blankly standing beside her husband and waiting to know what did all this mean? Arnav on the other hand was confirmed now that Mohit told Shyam everything about Khushi and thats the reason even the family was knowing about the real identity of his wife now. He had no particular reasons to give them and make them understand that he too came to know about this truth now in London . But he knew they wont believe him anymore..



Badi Maa: We know who she is.. Shyam told us everything. Though she didnt take birth in that House, she still is their Blood .. She belongs to Chandra Mahal and that is enough to destroy our family somehow. I being the head here wont allow it to happen. We are clearing off every ties we ever had with this girl here , we are wiping our Sins of accepting her as our Bahu and letting her stay amongst us in this house for so long. She is no more allowed to be a part of this family Chotte.. You have to break all the ties from her NOW..



Her words were very much scary and clear enough to let Arnav know that his one word against his Badi Maa now will end up his relationship he ever had with his family but he didnt care. He didnt believe in all this crap which the family thought to be real and believeing it from years.



Arnav: What if I dont?? What would you do? Ask me to get out of this House? The house which has always tied everyone here in chains of orthodox past?? The house where none of the family members is ever allowed to take decisions freely based on their will? A house which always believed in such Puja's Havan's , and fake Priests rather than trusting their family members? No Badi Maa.. I dont think its worth being here and a part of this family if this continues anymore. I have told it innumerous times.. Khushi is my wife. No matter where and which family she belongs to, I wont leave her. She is entitled to stay in this house with me till I want and no one here has a right to even touch her , forget throwing her out..!! Is that clear? And now.. Before I actually start destructing the havan here, I want the Priests to get out of this place. They have insulted my Wife by doing this Havan.. They have insulted Arnav SIngh Raizada's position in this house.. By no chance I will let them be here for even a single minute.. (He turned to see the Priests who were already looking scared and very realising that there was no more point in waiting here now..)



The Priests started walking out as Maakhan guided them their way but they stopped there beside Arnav once before they could leave..



Priest: You will realise one day what you did marrying her. She is the reason for your destruction Beta. Stay away from her as much as you can. This Palace has a history which hardly a few of you know. Everything was in its place till now. But SHE has awaken the dark past again. The Evil which was hidden in the stones of this Mahal have been unleashed back by her presence. If this continues, there would be a day when you will lose the most important person in your life. Think again..



Arnav (Gritting his teeth): This can never happen.. Becsause the most important person in my life at this moment is my WIFE and she cannot be the reason for her own death.. Now GET .. OUT.. (Every word he uttered to the Priests was provoking his own anger to an extent where he himself had no control. )



The priests left and Arnav angrily ordered Maakhan to clear things here.. He didnt wish to see anything at this place which relates to that Incomplete Havan.None of the family members had the courage to stop him today. He held Khushi's hand and dragged her along with him towards their room. She already had seen enough in London and today once again she had to go through a lot.



To be Continued..



Part 32



London



Shashi Gupta was packing his bags for leaving back to India whereas Garima was only thinking about Khushi and Arnav. How could she forget what Arnav told her when she met him 2 days back at his place.



FLASHBACK STARTS



Garima: And after this is finished? Will you leave her back to us? Will she be free of your name ? Will she get her real identity back?

Arnav: YES.. I will leave her that time. She will be free of my name, my family and every ties that I share with her now. You know I never believed in marriage and this bond between me and her will definately have an end soon.. Once everything she is hired for is done.



FLASHBACK ENDS



Garima got up from the couch with fear. She was feeling very scared for Khsuhi and her future. If what Arnav said is true then she will have to be there to support her daughter.

Shashi: What happened Garima? Why are you so scared?

Garima: Shashi she is alone there. She will be alone when he leaves her. She needs me.. She needs her mother.. I have to come with you..

Shashi (Holding Garima ): Garima calm down. I know what you are saying isnt wrong. You worry for her and I too do. I am more than happy for taking you with me to India but promise me one thing.

Garima: What??

Shashi: You will stay with me in Chandra Mahal.

Garima: No Shashi.. Madhumati wont like it and I ..

Shashi: You are my wife Garima and atleast now let me take your stand. I will handle Madhumati. Even Nandakishore wishes to see you..

Garima: Does he know about Khushi?

Shashi: Probably not.. SO we have much  to explain everyone there but trust me only this will help us to sort things for Khushi. If you stay close to her there she will have you atleast to share her pain which she is bearing all alone. And Chandra Mahal is the closest place to be around her. So please dont deny me this time Garima.



Garima realised what Shashi told isnt wrong. She had to think about her daughter and staying in Chandra Mahal was the only way out.



**********



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav: She is sleeping.. She was so horrified with this act in the house. How can everyone do her death rituals when she is Alive? Is that so easy for everyone to forget what relation she shares with us?  I cant believe it Di.. How could everyone turn so negative for her? Only because she is Chandra Mahal's daughter?



Anjali: Thats one part of the Truth Chotte but the other part is that she is considered to be ill for you..

Arnav: And who said that? Some priest who himself is not sure what he preaches to others ? How can you be so orthodox Di? Isnt he the same priest who predicted to Mumma that she will never have a Son. Then who am I? Didnt she gave birth to me? And now I am the Son of this house. So a Priest who couldnt predict right that time how can you all believe him now?

Anjali: Chotte those days were different.. There were many other things which the Priest have always kept on telling us and they were right.



Arnav: Forget it Di. But if this is going to continue, I am not staying here..

Anjali: Chotte why do you always say that? You think we are not bothered for you?

Arnav: I want you to think about my wife too Di.. Atleast till she is my Wife!!



Anjali was totally surprised when she heard that.



Anjali: Till she is your wife..?? What is that supposed to mean ?? She is your wife forever Chotte. For next 7 births..

Arnav then realised he shouldnt have told this sentence. That was purely a slip of tongue.

Arnav: I know. I meant she is my wife and she needs equal respect from everyone. I dont understand how could  Jeejaji do this? How could he fill everyone's ears against her.



Anjali : One minute Chotte. He didnt fill anyone's ears. He just told us what the truth is. And how could you lie so much to us? You knew she was the daughter of Chandra Mahal and you still married her secretly and not just that but also hide this fact from everyone of us here.. Why?

Arnav: I am done with this Di. I dont want to speak a word more about how my wife needs to be treated here. I hope everyone will understand this soon..



He got up and left back to his room while Nani and Badi Maa who were hearing all this from the other corner did see each other.



Nani: Chotte will never let this happen

Mohini. Khushi is his wife.

Mohini: And she will be his destroyer.. We all know that. Dont we?

Nani: But I dont want Chotte to regret his decision of staying in this house with us. We are a family and we are incomplete without any one of us. I should have stopped you from performing such an act. I should have realised what impact it would create in Khushi's life. What is her fault in this? She is just a kid. She hardly knows what the past is..

Mohini: Right. She is a Kid.. But we are matured enough.. We cannot handle it so lightly. She needs to leave this house and stay away from Chotte and I will make it happen. No matter how many hearts break because of it.



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



Her sleep was disturbed when she felt some tiny arms patting her back. She tried to ignore it thinking it was her dream but when she felt those same little hands patting her again, she couldnt stop herself from opening her eyes. She turned aside to check who it was and surprisingly found the same kid whom she had seen the other day. She suddenly got up from the bed and the kid rushed towards the door to leave.



Khushi: Hey .. Stop.. Who are you?



She got down the bed and started following him. She had to know what this kid was doing in Sheesh Mahal. Who was he? What was his name? How did he come in her room? She wanted answers. She rushed behind him only to find him climbing the stairs to the next floor. She didnt bother. She started following him all the time giving him a warning to Stop but he didnt stop. He was in a white Sherwani which looked very much traditional attire for kids of this generation to wear. The boy finally pushed the terrace door open and entered in. She followed him there too. Sheesh Mahal was almost a 5 storeyed Palace and she was at the top Floor now. She had hardly seen this place before..The terrace of this great palace looked abandoned from ages probably. Such a beautiful house with a terrace like that? Why? But that wasnt a question to think about. She rushed to find the boy who had entered this place. She searched him everywhere but couldnt find him there..



Khushi: (To herself): Where did he go? There isnt any other door from where he can leave this place.



She continued searching for him and finally felt someone calling her from behind her.. But not with her name. She heard the name "Muskaan" once again and this time from no one else but that same boy who was standing on the Edge of the Terrace with his hands extended for her to come and take him down.



Khushi (Screamed feeling scared): hey.. Neeche utaro.. Abhi.. Tum gir jaaoge..

The boy noded a No and did move one more step back on the edge. If he continued doing that , he would fall down from there and no one would be able to save him. She was horrified. She started screaming for help.



The boy seemed to be at his last step to fall down that edge and Khushi didnt wait for anyone else to save him now. She had to do this on her own. Without thinking anything, she just ran towards him and the boy took his last step. She held his hand before he could actually fall off from there but she was late. The boy already slipped from her hands and fell down with full speed and Khushi screamed for being unsuccessful in saving this child. The moment she screamed, she felt someone pushing her from that same place and she lost her balance too. Luckily her Dupatta stuck to the nail at the edge and she was hanging lose between the ground and the Sky holding the edge of the Sheesh Mahal Terrace and screaming for help. She had hurt her leg in the process. Hearing her scream, Akash and Shyam who were sitting down in the Open Garden outside the Sheesh mahal saw up and were shocked to find Khushi almost hanging there at the top.



Without a second they rushed to help her and in the process everyone else who were inside the house got alaramed that Khushi was in danger. Akash was the first person to reach the terrace and hold Khushi's hand and try taking her up again. Shyam helped him too. It was such an irony that Arnav was not here. He was with Aman at the Guest house but the Servants immediately informed him and Aman about this accident and he didnt wait for a second to rush at the place and save his wife.



Akash and Shyam helped Khushi be safe again and she started breathing heavily after reaching back on the Terrace. Anjali and Payal had rushed there and Khushi couldnt help hugging Anjali tight.



Anjali: You are safe Khushi.. Stop crying.. Please..



She carresed Khushi's hair knowing how much scared she was for facing an accident like that.

Shyam: What were you doing here Khushiji? No one comes here.. Then why did you think of this?

Khushi was too scared to answer anything to anyone. She remained silent and Anjali looked at her husband..

Anjali: Shyam please. She is already so nervous. Dont ask her anything. We should take her down. Come Khushi Bhabhi..



She and Payal started taking Khushi down followed by Shyam and Akash. Shyam gave a glance to the terrace as if he felt something odd here and then closed the door and continued walking down. Khushi's leg was hurt a bit and Anjali shouted for Maakhan asking him to get some medical kit at the Living room. Arnav and Aman reached inside and they saw Khushi trying hard to get down the stairs with Anjali and Payal helping her. Arnav ran towards her and held her firm making Anjali and Payal leave her as she was in secured arms now.. She didnt needed them anymore..



Arnav : Khushi? What happened? How did you get hurt ?

Khushi started crying bitterly in his arms while Shyam angrily turned the other side and walked off from there as he was unable to see Khushi with Arnav like this. He knew how shattered his own brother Mohit was after knowing the truth that Khushi is married to Arnav. How could he see these two happy when his own brother is living days of hell there in London only because of them?



Arnav was too much horrified to react to her situation. He gently picked her up and carried her down to the Couch not giving her more pain by making her walk. Aman and others followed them. Badi Maa, Nani and everyone else gathered at the place to know what had happened to her and why did she go there in the Terrace..



Arnav kneeled down and checked her foot. It had some minor cuts and scratches. Akash helped in getting the Cotton dipped in some Antiseptic liquid and passed it to Arnav to heel her wounds. He started cleaning her wounds while she continued weeping.



Arnav: Khsuhi stop crying like a kid. You are fine now.. You are saved.. !!  (he angrily commented to her as he wanted her to calm down)

Khushi: But Arnavji.. I .. I couldnt save him. I couldnt save him..



Everyone were stunned to know what she was talking about.? Whom did she wish to save and couldnt?



Arnav: Who couldnt you save??

Khushi: That .. That boy.. That same boy Arnavji.. Whom I have seen once before too.. He.. He was falling down and I couldnt save him.. Just go and see what is wrong with him.. Where is he? Tell Maakhan kaka to call an Ambulance.. He .. he must be injured badly..



She would have continued more on this topic if Arnav wouldnt have stopped her by Cupping her face firm and making her look in his eyes..



Arnav: Ssshh!! Relax .. Just Relax Khushi..No one is injured.There is no one there who you could save. You were alone.. !!



She moved his hands off her face in anger.. She couldnt believe this. Does it mean she was hallucinating all the time. ? How was that possible. ??



To be Continued..



Part 33



Khushi: That .. That boy.. That same boy Arnavji.. Whom I have seen once before too.. He.. He was falling down and I couldnt save him.. Just go and see what is wrong with him.. Where is he? Tell Maakhan kaka to call an Ambulance.. He .. he must be injured badly..



She would have continued more on this topic if Arnav wouldnt have stopped her by Cupping her face firm and making her look in his eyes..



Arnav: Ssshh!! Relax .. Just Relax Khushi..No one is injured.There is no one there who you could save. You were alone.. !!



She moved his hands off her face in anger.. She couldnt believe this. Does it mean she was hallucinating all the time. ? How was that possible. ??

Khushi (Got up): No way. I have seen him before my own eyes.. He fell down. You wont believe me naa? Come with me..

She held Arnav's hand and tried to take him towards the main door but as soon as she stepped ahead, she felt the pain in her leg and lost her balance. Arnav caught hold of her and then picked her in his arms..



Khushi: Arnavji??

Arnav: Sshh! Enough.. You need rest. (He turned to see his sister ).. Di send the first aid upstairs .

Anjali noded and everyone else  stood confused with what she was telling except Nani and Mohini who were sweating hearing her words. Anjali asked Maakhan to keep the first aid in Arnav's room while she told others to go back to their rooms. Since Chotte was with Khushi , there was hardly anything to worry.



Arnav placed her on the Recliner while she continued to prove her point.



Khushi: Arnavji, believe me. He fell down before my eyes. He is the same boy whom I have told you about some days back. Arnavji humaari baat ka vishwas kijiye.. Hum sach bol rahe hai.



Arnav closed her mouth with his palm to stop her from speaking further while she frozed with his reactions.

Arnav: Bus Khushi.. Bus..!! Ek aur labz nahi. Tumhe mujhpe yakeen hai yeah nahi? (Enough Khushi.. Enough.. Not one word now. Do you believe me or not?)



She just noded her head showing she believes him. Infact he was the only one person she could believe till now other than her mother.



Arnav: Toh phir meri baat sunno aur samjho. Wahan koi nahi tha Khushi. Terrace par koi baccha nahi tha. Tum shayad koi sapna dekh rahi thi. Khuli aankhon ka sapna. Theek hai? ( Then listen to what I have to say and understand. There was no one there. There was no kid at the Terrace. Probably you were seeing a dream. With open eyes. It happens.. Okay?)



Tears rolled down her eyes while he removed his palm gently from her mouth. Maakhan came inside and kept the First aid box at the Centre table near the Recliner and Arnav kneeled down to help her. He already had wiped her wound with the Antiseptic down now all he needed to do was bandage it. She kept on being in her own world of thoughts till he bandaged her wound properly.



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



Mohini: How can she see him? What is going on here ??

Nani: Mohini talk slow. Dont shout like this. The kids will get scared if anyone come to know what we are talking about..

Mohini: But she has seen him. How is that possible? You remember what had happened some weeks back? When she had entered this house for the first time? How she had screamed in fear in the Living room saying she saw someone ? We thought she might have seen a dream. And that she might have had the habit of walking in sleep. But .. But do you remember who else had his habit?



Nani started remembering what was told to her and noded a Yes.



Nani: How can I forget Mohini. Like you even I know exactly what had happened in this Sheesh Mahal years back. But you think all this is happening because Khushi is.. Khushi is..



Mohini: MUSKAAN. (She completed Nani's words).. Khushi is Muskaan's next birth.



Nani and Mohini looked at each other and were just thinking how to solve the new riddle of this palace now?



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



Anjali's Room



Shyam: I think she is mentally unstable.

Anjali: Shyam please. Why are you saying like this? Khushi bhabhi is fit and fine. Nothing ever happened like this before. This is the first time we are ever facing something like this from her.

Shyam: But Rani Saheba. How can she go in that Terrace without taking anyone's permission? Doesnt she know no one is allowed to get there?

Anjali: No Shyam. She doesnt know anything about all this. Its hardly been few weeks that she came here. And then she went to London with Chotte, how are we supposed to inform her everything?

Shyam: Whatever, I dont think she is really stable enough to handle the position of the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.

Anjali: Or may be she is acting strange after what rituals we did on her ?

Shyam: I dont know Rani Saheba. But even I am not happy performing that Havan ??? It was a very sick idea. I would never have done it if Badi Maa hadnt forced me to participate. How can she consider someone dead and perform rituals on her Photo? That was so wrong in her part?



Anjali: I know Shyam. I too didnt like it. Chotte is very much upset with this. I cant even imagine what Khushi Bhabhi must be going through seeing her In laws performing such a ritual against her. And now what all happened with her today is just clearing us that she is unable to take those things. May be she is too much engrossed in that Havan thoughts which made her see something like that.



Shyam: Hmm.. This could be a reason why she behaved so wierd today. But what was she talking about ?? A KID? Which Kid? Why will she see some Kid suiciding like that and she following him to help him? Thats so difficult to understand.

Anjali: Only time can tell us what beholds for the family in the coming future. I hope Khushi bhabhi comes out of her depression very soon.



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



Arnav: Aman I am just so tensed on this situation .. I dont know whats so wrong with everyone here? Khushi is behaving really Odd. Badi maa is hell bend in making me break ties with Khushi only because she is Chandra Mahal's daughter, I dont know what I have to do . Jeejaji is back here and I think he is upset with the fact that Mohit loves the same girl who is his Saale Sahab's Wife. I hope all this doesnt affect Di's married life.



Aman : ASR please dont stress so much. Just give some time for everyone here to accept the things and Khushi.

Arnav: How much time should I give them Aman? And for what? I really dont understand what evil I did getting married to the Chandra Mahal's daughter? What past enemity the family shared I dont give a damm to it. What matters to me now is that Khushi needs some break from all the people here and their thoughts.. Look at her condition, she is even afraid to sleep alone in our room. This is what her condition is now. I just made her understand I am not leaving her alone and came out to talk to you.



Aman: I can understand ASR. You want any help from me? Just let me know if you have something which I can do for you and her.



Arnav weakly noded and left back to his room to check if she is fine or not. The moment he came inside he saw her packing her bags sitting on the bed. She looked very much depressed still and was sobbing softly while keeping her clothes inside the bag.



Arnav: What are you doing?

Khushi didnt speak anything but continued packing her bags and wiped her tears.

Arnav (Angrily): Khushi look at me when I am talking to you. Why are you packing your bags Dammit??

Khushi: Hum jaa rahe hai.!!



Her reply was very confident enough for him to understand what was happening and why she took this decision. She zipped the bags and then got up from the bed to leave. She didnt even wait to hear what was his point of view on all this. All she could do was move across him to open the door and leave this house as soon as she can but his strong arm stopped her from taking the next step towards the door. For seconds they stood like that not facing each other yet he not leaving her hand either.



Khsuhi: Please Arnavji. Let me go.

Arnav turned her twisting her hand behind in one go to make her face him again.

Arnav: You dont have to do this Khushi.. Its wrong.

Khushi: Yehi sahi hai Arnavji. I dont belong to this place. I am not fit to be the Bride of Sheesh Mahal. Your family hates me because I am their enemies daughter. I cannot stay here taking their indifferences. I dont want them to hurt anyone more.



Arnav: You are not the reason for their enemity. What happened years ago between them, you were never responsible. And I dont want you to leave this house only because of their foolish reasons.

Khushi: Arnavji this house has always given me immense love since the time I have come here. Though we never shared a proper relationship that time, this family still showered their blessings and accepted me.It was only because of them that we even got married to each other properly. I have got everything from them which I could only dream throughout my life. But today I can no longer see that Love in their hearts for me. The truth of me being the Daughter of their enemy has made them hide and shut their feelings for the Bahu of this house. Even if it was no one's mistake, the truth will remain the same. They will never accept me as their Bahu. And I dont wish to force them either. Staying in between them and hurting them as well as myself will be impossible for a girl like me. So its better I leave this place for their benefit.



Arnav: Their benefit? And me? Wont you think about me before taking this decision?



She was quiet. There was absoluete silence in that room when she kept on staring at his face to know what he meant by that.

Arnav: Khushi you were got into this house by ME. By Arnav Singh Raizada. And I got you here for some motto. A demand which is yet to be fulfilled. You cannot leave this place until you finish this contract.!!



Her eyes daggered fire towards him for reminding her what he felt for her. So that CONTRACT was his only aim from her. Thats all he always wanted her to do and then GET away from him ..?? He snatched the bag from her hand and threw it back on bed.



Arnav: Dont look at me like that Khushi. I am serious about this. I dont like people cheating me drawing me halfway to my Mission. Be it any of my Clients or my Wife.. You were been hired to do my Work and till that is done, you arent leaving this house..!!



Her tears pooled before her eyes blurring her vision.

Khushi: Humme yakeen nahi hota ki aap wohi insaan hai jinse hum..(She gulped down her words not letting her any feeling out before him because he was simply not worth it.)



Arnav on the other hand was waiting for her to complete those lines. Not that he was happy reminding her about the contract but he knew this was the only way he could stop her. She was alone here.. Her mother was in London, She hated her father and his family which meant she had no other place to spend her days here in Lucknow other than Sheesh Mahal, a place where she did owe some right by marrying him with full rituals. She was already going through a lot and he didnt want her to leave the house. But was this the only reason? If yes then why did he always get affected by her tears and pain so much? Why did he always take her side, defended her before his whole family and ensured she is safe all the time? He himself had to find these answers before he could make her exit this place and to fetch the answers, he needed time which he could only get by making her stay in this house for his Contract's sake.



To be Continued..









Part 34



She had locked herself in the washroom after hearing those Contract things from Arnavji again isolating from him for some time. Whenever she felt she knows him better, he always turned her belief wrong. He can never change. He was soft and caring towards her but that never meant he will keep their marriage ties intact. All he bothered was only about the Damm Contract. She continued weeping for some minutes when he started knocking the door.



Arnav (Knocking): Khushi come out. What are you doing inside?



She didnt reply back anything. She was just controlling her soft cries from reaching his ears. But he didnt had to guess what she was doing inside. He knew she was more hurt by what he told her. After another knock from his end, she wiped her face and came outside trying to balance herself as her leg was hurt. The moment she opened the door he held her hand to help her walk but she moved it aside.



Khushi: I can manage to walk Arnavji. I dont need your support.

Arnav: What The?



She took some steps towards the bed holding the side table and sat on it.  He came to help her with the Duvet but she didnt let him touch it and put it on her. She did it herself and turned her side table lamp off. He knew she was angry. But never did his Inner self tell him what exactly he had to do to correct himself. He ignored her for a while and went outside the French door for a while. He wanted some fresh air after this little fight between him and his wife. He sat on the poolchair and leaning behind closed his eyes to come out of all this frustration.



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



He heard something falling down in his room which made him wake up suddenly. He realised he was still sleeping at the Poolside on the chair. He scanned his room from there and found the light still Off which means Khushi was sleeping . Then what was that sound? He entered in and turned the dim light On not to disturb Khushi's sleep and to his surprise the bed was vaccant. Where the hell did she go? He instantly turned the other light on and walked to the washroom knocking it once. But it was open and she wasnt inside. Then where did she go? He rushed outside his room and thought of screaming her voice so that she comes to know he was looking for her. But that would wake up others too so he didnt do that and kept on searching for her in the lobby. She wasnt seen anywhere. His heart was beating loudly thinking where she must have gone. He searched the whole living room and was really pissed for not finding her even there. Where the hell can she go? After a minute, his brain clicked to the right direction. THE TERRACE??



He rushed towards the Terrace as if he still feared she can harm herself as her mental state was still not recovered after today's incident. He pushed the Terrace door open and screamed her name aloud. She was standing at the same place where she had slipped today evening when Shyam and Akash. She had heard his voice but she didnt turn back. She continued looking down from that place. He took quick steps towards her and then angrily gripped her hand making her turn to face him.



Arnav (Gritting his teeth): What the hell are you doing here Khsuhi? Do you even realise how scared I was. I searched you almost everywhere downstairs .. Why did you come here again? What are you trying to prove dammit. ? What if you had slipped your leg again here and fall down? What if I had lost you Dammit? (He cupped her cheeks pulling her closer)



Khushi's eyes stared in his and then pushed him in anger.



Khushi: Haan toh? Mar Jaate hum. Aapko kya faraq padta ?

Arnav: Faraq padta hai Dammit.. (He said cupping her cheeks again and she pushed his hands aside)

Khushi: Kyon? Kyon Faraq padta hai aapko?

Arnav: (Angrily): Kyonki Main..(He couldnt complete that sentence as he himself didnt realise why he was so much bothered about her? )

Khushi (Sighing sarcastically): Nahi Bata sakte aap. Nahi bol sakte hai aap Arnavji ki aapko faraq kyon padta hai. ! (You can never complete why you are so bothered for me)..



Arnav (Controlling his anger): Khushi please.. What is so wrong with you these days? I am trying to control the situation here and you are only complicating things here..

Khushi: I came here to find the truth Arnavji. I never asked you to follow me. I am not complicating things, but you are. Every time you have complicated things for me. Right from the time you have met me, you have twisted my life in every way Arnavji.

Arnav: Khushi awaaz neeche karke baat karo. !!  (He clenched his jaw ordering her this)

Khsuhi: Nahi karenge!! Kya Karenge aap? (No I wont. What would you do?)

Arnav clutched her hand and started dragging her aside, atleast away from where she was initially standing.



Khushi: Arnavji chodiye humme. I wont come down till I know what the truth is..

Arnav: (Stopped and turned back to her): Truth ? What Truth Khushi?

Khushi: That there is something here who doesnt like me. I can feel it Arnavji..I can feel it beside me. All the time.

Arnav (Surprised): What? Khushi have you lost your mind? You mean to say Sheesh Mahal is haunted?

Khushi: I never said that.

Arnav: (Taking a Step towards her in anger): You did Khushi. You did mean that Khushi.

Khushi (Moving a step back): No I didnt. But if you rememeber then since the time I have come here only odd things are happening. The first day I was here and climbing the stairs, I felt someone pushing me, in the Guest room I felt as if someone is noticing me, the first night I was here I saw some lady in the Living room who wanted to kill me. I was sleeping in the Guest room then how did I reach the Living room Arnavji? Then came the flower incident. The same flower which I plucked from the Garden and kept it in the drawer is suddenly missing, my saree pallu caught fire when I was cooking in the kitchen, and then that Boy, that same boy who always keep peeping inside our room and when I try to catch hold of him, he is lost somewhere. And if even that doesnt mean anything to you then Arnavji if you remember an old lady from this Place had come to warn me that night saying someone is after me, SHE is after me. Whom did she mean? Who is behind me Arnavji? I keep hearing the name "Muskaan" again and again in my ears as if someone is calling me. Who is Muskaan?



Arnav: (Confused): MUSKAAN?

Khushi: Haan.. Muskaan. You rememeber that party you had taken me here? When you were busy talking to your Clients , I felt someone's presence beside me and I heard this same name again in my Ears.. And after that I have no idea what happened to me. You started looking for me and finally found me at the Road walking alone. How did I reach there Arnavji? How?



Arnav: I dont know Dammit.. I dont know what you are telling me even means something or not. It can be coincidence..

Khsuhi (Tears rolling down her eyes): Coincidence? So many? I dont believe it..

Arnav: Fine. Then what you want me to do? Believe you? Okay.. (He held her hand and looked in her eyes still faking that he was with her).. I believe you.. Now what?

Khushi : No you dont believe me Arnavji. Dont promise me something which you can never feel. You think my mind is unstable right? Just like everyone here does? (Tears continued pouring from her eyes).. I am not mad Arnavji.. I am not mad..



She started crying bitterly and Arnav couldnt see her like that. She was so much into these things .. She was not controlling her tears which wouldnt be good for her health.

Arnav: (Holding her): Khushi please.. Stop crying... I dont like to see you like this. So weak.. I dont know what you implying by all these things. But dont feel you are alone in this. I got you in this house and you are my responsibilty. I will help you to tackle things here and its a Promise.. I may not believe all this at the moment but I wont deny that I am with you all the time. Khushi Main hoon tumahre saath..



His touch was so gentle and consoling for her that she held his hand and placing her forehead on his palms she started crying feeling little better.. He carressed her hair and tried to make her feel good.



Arnav: We should get down Khushi. Its too late. And I dont want anyone to know we are here.. Please..

She couldnt ignore his words. She got up from the floor and he helped her in doing that. Holding her firmly he took her back to his room and made her sleep on the bed. He placed the Duvet on her and then shut the lights off. In all this she didnt leave his hand at all. He continued holding her hand in his and sat beside her on the bed and caressed her face a bit to ensure he puts her to sleep . He knew she was very much depressed and she needed him by her side. He continued patting her and sometimes tucking her hair strand behind her ear. She was asleep in sometime and so was he..



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



Next Morning



She was the first one to get up. She tried stretching her arms yawning but she felt her hand been held. She opened her eyes only to find Arnav sitting on the floor, his head resting on the bed beside her and holding her hand tight in his sleep. She was lost in his face seeing him like this. She remembered what had happened last night. How she had tried to get out every ill feeling that she had in her regarding this place and how he supported her saying he will stand with her in getting the things cleared. A smile crept her face while she touched his cheeks ensuring he is not disturbed.



Khushi: Aap aise kyon hai Arnavji? Pal mein Shaitaan pal, pal mein Rajkumar?  (Why are you like this Arnavji? Sometimes a Devil and the next instant a Prince Charming.)



She continued brushing his hair when suddenly he opened his eyes and looked at her. She moved her hand immediately behind which he saw.



Arnav: Morning.!!!

Khushi got up from the bed and sat straight with her back hiting the headboard but her other hand still in his. He too got up from the bed and sat on the bed beside her. She was ensuring she doesnt look at him.

Arnav: You were saying something?

Khushi: (Looking at him): Nahi..



Her eyes widened and her face was all red as he was only watching her continuosly..



Arnav: Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada. You cannot lie to your Husband. He knows to read your eyes.!!

He lazily moved his finger towards her hair strand again to tuck it behind her ear as it was disturbing his view . She tried getting off the bed before he could do that but he pulled her back not letting her down. She was surprised when he did something like that. Before anyone of them could react or speak anything, there was a knock at the door. He seemed to be disinterested in opening the door but Khushi was very much eager to change the mood..



Khushi: Arnavji.. Let me open the door.

Arnav: (Raising his eyebrow): Par ek baat yaad rahe Khushi..

Khushi: Kya?

Arnav: Ki Humari Baat abhi kabhi khatam nahi hui..



She gave a saracstic Blushing smile to him when he left her hand and got up  to open the door. She composed herself to meet this family person who was waiting at the door. It was Anjali who was waiting outside. She smiled seeing her Chotte and his sleepy eyes..



Arnav: Di?

Anjali: Good Morning Chotte. (She turned to Khushi and wished her too and in return she got a smile).. Did you both get proper sleep?

Arnav: Haan Di.. But why are you asking us this?

Anjali: Because look at your eyes.. They are still sleepy.. Guess you both slept late..

Arnav sighed remembering their last night . How much upset she was and then their talks on the Terrace..Khushi on the other hand tried showing unaffected of anything at the moment. Why wouldnt she? Afterall her Arnavji made her smile and blush today morning.



Anjali: Anyways, the whole family wishes to see you both down. Get freshen up and come soon..

Arnav: What more the family wants to tell us Di? Because I am in no mood of convincing people what Khushi means to me.

Anjali: I know CHotte. Infact we all know what she means to you..  Dont worry. Everything is good now. Just come down when you are done.



Saying that she walked out of the room while Arnav and Khushi stood confused on what was next from the Raizada family now for them?



To be Continued..



Part 35



Chandra Mahal



Madhumati's anger was at the peak of her nose seeing Garima back in this place. The moment she got down with Shashi from the Car, she was been stopped from entering the Chandra Mahal by Madhumati. Garima knew this would happen but did she have a choice to go against her Sister in law this time?



Madhumati: Shashi? You? You got her back? That means you never left the contact with her?

Shashi: Jiji, I will explain you everything. But let us move in first.

Madhumati; (Angrily): Move in? You think I will let her come inside?

Shashi: You have to. (He angrily moved a bit forward but Garima stopped him)

Garima: Shashi dont fight with Jiji. She is elder to us.

Shashi: And she needs to understand she should be loving her youngsters rather than insulting him and his wife.

Madhumati  walked towards Garima as she thought there was no point in explaining Shashi



Madhumati: Garima. You know I dont have much enemity with you. If I always made you stay from this place it was the benefit of this family. For Shashi and Nandakishore!! Then why are you intending to spoil everything now after so long years,

Garima  (Tears in her eyes) : Everything is already spoiled Jiji.

Madhumati: (In Confusion): What do you mean by that Garima?

Garima: My daughter, (she gulped her tears ).. the daughter of this house married the Son of Sheesh Mahal.



There was a silence spread around them for a moment letting Buaji grasp what Garima wanted to say. Her eyes widened and she almost felt shivers in her spine knowing what it meant.!!



Buaji: She is the Bride of Sheesh mahal?

Garima noded in agreement but there was nothing to be so proud about. The reason behind this was known to only them.



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



Sheesh Mahal



She had no courage to get down and meet the family again knowing how much they disliked the fact that she was the daughter of Chandra Mahal but her husband was only making her face them in every possible way. They were still in their room as he was busy in getting ready for his work, but definately without knowing why the family called them down, he wouldnt leave the place.



Arnav (Buttoning his shirt): Just stay calm and you dont have to answer anything. I will do it for you. If they talk anything against us today, I dont think they are good enough to have us between them. I will ask Aman to book our accomodation in some Hotel here.

Khushi: Hotel? (She asked getting worried)

Arnav (Turning back to her): Just in case!! Thats what I mean.!!



He took his suit and holding her hand, they walked outside the room towards the Living room where the family had already gathered.



Shyam: There they are.!!

Everyone looked at them and specially the hand hold which clearly showed Arnav was not going to let her go off.

Badi Maa's eyes scanned Khushi from top to bottom once and then she looked back at Nani who was already lost in some thoughts



Badi Maa(Whispering): You have to support my words or else we will never be able to save Arnav's future.!

Nani (Coming out of her thoughts): But I am not sure if he will agree.

Badi Maa: Let me see how he denies me this time.



Arnav and Khushi came forward and stood before the whole family.



Badi Maa: Before we tell what we have to, I want you to listen this completely Chotte, just dont start drawing conclusions knowing half of the truth.

Arnav: (Sighing): Until this is not harming my married life, I am okay to hear you completely..

Badi Maa: And what if I say its related to your married life with Khushi only ?

Arnav; Then I would like to ignore such talks Badi Maa. I already have heard enough and seen more than requried. I am no longer interested in discussing this.



badi Maa got up angrily from the couch



Badi maa: This is what I dont like in you Chotte. Why cant you understand this situation from our point of view ?

Arnav was about to reply harshly but Khushi's tightened hold on his arms made him realise that he was talking to his elders and he should be calmed down.



Arnav: Fine.!! Whats your point of view then Badi Maa. Let us know..



The family remained quiet waiting for Badi Maa to shed some light on why the Chandra Mahal's daughter was considered to be ill for their Son.



Badi Maa: Some 2 generations back, these two palaces were having a different Bond . It was so strong and serene that both the families participated in each other's joy and sorrows. But good days dont stay for long. A night came and destroyed everything.The relation between these 2 families turned ashes and thats where this enemity came. Both the families Vowed never even to see each others faces, forget tieing a bond with them. And everything worked fine till now until you married this girl and got her here.!! You have provoked the curse on this family which the people from Chandra mahal gave back into action. And all we want now is to end that curse somehow.



Thats all Badi Maa said and kept looking at Arnav and Khushi .. Everyone were silent..

Arnav: Curse? What kind of Curse?



He still didnt look satisfied with anything.



Badi Maa: The curse which the Chandra Mahal's daughter gave to Sheesh Mahal's Son. That he will lose the important person in his life if he ever tries to connect with anyone from that family.!!

Arnav's mind was osciallating between these little truths which Badi Maa defined today before everyone and the Reality..



Nani: Mohini is right Chotte. You very well knew what is happeneing with Khushi from the time she is here. We think this has got something to do with that curse.



Arnav had no idea what to believe. He turned to see Khushi who was already very feared knowing this past. Anjali, Shyam, Akash, Payal, Maami, Maama everyone sat in confusion on what this was all about. Anjali also questioned to Badi Maa on why this was hided from them for so long? Why was this been told before? But Badi Maa and Nani convinced her and the others that they didnt wish to scare the childrens here. Khushi was all silent and so was Arnav.



Arnav: Fine..!! Even if we agree to this that me marrying Khushi has unleased the curse again, then what? How do you expect me to supress it again?

Nani and Badi Maa looked at each other and then feared what Arnav's next reaction will be to their reply..



Arnav: Nani please. Its high time you both speak up. I cannot live like this with so many secrets between the family.

Nani: We wish to tell you that only Chotte. But promise me you will not deny

Arnav: What The!! Before knowing what the Option is, I cannot promise anything..

Badi Maa: Fine!! Then after knowing it, will you and your wife atleast give a thought to work upon it?



Arnav turned to see Khushi again and she noded a Yes weakly.



Arnav (seeing the family ): Okay. We will. Now tell us what is it?

Badi Maa: You both have to stay seperate for some days. Till the next full moon day when we will perform a ritual with the Chandra Mahal family for the betterment of you both. Only after that we will allow Khushi to be with you again.

Arnav: What The!!



He couldnt believe his Badi Maa was suggesting something like this. Khsuhi was upset too. But she had no idea whether Arnav will agree to this or not. The other family members got up too.



Anjali: But Badi Maa, they are a couple and how can we expect them to stay away like that? And where will Khushi stay?

Badi Maa: She has to stay in Chandra Mahal until the next full moon.

Arnav: (Angrily): Thats enough .!!  I am satisfied with this option. If you have anything else  then let me know because we are not following this ..



Nani: Chotte please. Its important you follow it. We just have 15 days for the next full moon..

Arnav: Nani you too? How can you think I will agree to this? have you seen Khushi's condition? Her family there in Chandra mahal wont accept her. And what if something wrong happens there? What if she needs me?

Shyam: If she needs you, then you can see her there . Whats so big deal in it? What Badi Maa is doing is only for your benefit..

Badi Maa: No Daamadji. Once she is out from Sheesh mahal to Chandra Mahal, they both cannot see each other too. They will see each other only on the next full moon not before that.



Arnav  (Angrily): Thats too much.!! How can you even come up with such ideas Badi Maa? I guess you just dont wish we should be together. All these are excuses to make me stay away from her. Isnt it?



Badi Maa was very angry on how Arnav can think so low about her.



Badi Maa: Fine. If this is what you think about me then the discussion is over Chotte. Do what you wish to do.



She walked back to her room with a sad face feeling how her Chotte whom she considered more like a Son had now changed after his marriage. Khushi too was upset with the solution that was suggested but she was also unhappy that Badi maa was trying to help them and Arnav was hurting her for no reason. Arnav left the house for his work whereas everyone else turned back to their rooms.. Anjali and Nani came to Khushi and tried talking to her about this.



Anjali: Khushi Bhabhi. You dont have to worry much. We all know Chotte is so attached to you. He will never let you stay away from him. If he is not happy with this solution, Nani and Badi Maa will find something else ..

Nani: Haan Bitiya , I will talk to Mohini..

Anjali : You go in your room and rest.



Giving a loving Smile to Khushi, Anjali left her with Nani.. Before Nani also could leave Khushi held her hand stopping her.



Nani: What happened bitiya?

Khushi: Is there something which you and Badi maa are still hiding from me Nani?



Nani had no answers to this question. She stood blank while Khushi continued..



Khushi: What ritual will you perform on the Next moon night? How will it change the curse Nani? I know there is something more to this Curse which you are hiding from us. Until I know the whole of this, I will not leave this house and Arnavji..



Her mind was clear and she could take this decision on behalf of her husband too. She wanted the benefit of this house just like everyone else did but not before knowing the whole truth which was explained to them in bits and parts.



TO be Continued



Part 36



Khushi: What ritual will you perform on the Next moon night? How will it change the curse Nani? I know there is something more to this Curse which you are hiding from us. Until I know the whole of this, I will not leave this house and Arnavji..



Her mind was clear and she could take this decision on behalf of her husband too. She wanted the benefit of this house just like everyone else did but not before knowing the whole truth which was explained to them in bits and parts.

Nani: No Bitiya, what we told is the only truth. We are not hiding anything.



Nani couldnt meet Khushi's eyes and Khushi noticed that. SHe touched Nani's chin and replied back.



Khushi: Then why cant you tell me this looking in my eyes Nani? Is someone trying to kill me ? Who was that boy whom I always saw here ? Whose Voice I always hear calling me "Muskaan"? Who is this Muskaan? You know it. Dont you.?

Nani was quiet. She wanted to tell her the truth but will Khushi believe it? And was this good to reveal the truth to her if she was the next birth of Muskaan? What if she lands up in more trouble?



Nani (Holding Khushi's hands): Please bitiya. Dont ask me anything more now. Everything will be fine after New Moon's day. But till then you will stay in Chandra Mahal not here.



Saying that she left and Khushi felt more depressed. What was the family getting in hiding such facts from her? But she wont remain quiet. She will find those answers herself!!



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



Arnav had called her almost thrice since morning to know if she was fine. It was so clear that he worried for her.



Arnav: (On Call): Never take any decision on your own Khushi. You dont know my family. They are just finding ways to take you out of Sheesh Mahal.

Khushi (On call): So What do you expect me to do Arnavji? No one is telling us the whole truth neither are they allowing me to stay here.

Arnav: I will handle it all. Just wait till I come back.

Khushi: Arnavji..



Her pleading voice made him aware what she was going through..

Arnav: hmm?? Bolo Khushi. (Yes? Tell me Khushi)

Khushi: Why is all this happening to me only? First Mumma's sudden accident, then your condition to help me, our fake marriage, Family's objection, Mumma's anger on my decision, I am just fed up of all of this. !!



She started sobbing softly on the Phone and that never let him concentrate on anything else now.



Arnav : Khsuhi stop crying .. You have to be strong. Infact you are strong. More than me!!

Khushi (Wiping her tears ): How do you know I am strong?

Arnav  : I had heard once. Your Devi Miayya always chooses Strong people for testing their faith in her. So she is just testing you. You belive in her . Dont you?



Khushi: More than myself.!!

Arnav; Then thats it. Have faith. Everything will be alright.

Khushi really felt better after this. She smiled..



Khushi: Thank you Arnavji. You always are on my side no matter what.!!

Arnav: Biwi ho tum meri. Haq hai mera !! (You are my Wife. You are my right Khushi.)



She blushed harder realising the change of tone in his voice and obviously his thoughts about their relation. She heard the door knocking..



Khushi: I guess someone is knocking the door. Let me call you later.

Arnav: Be careful!! What if its some Ghost of Sheesh Mahal which is behind you ?

Khushi : ARNAVJI.. (She screamed in anger for hearing him teasing her)

Arnav: Okay dont be scared. I was kidding. You want me to keep the phone On Hold?

Khushi: (Getting up from Bed): No. I am not weak. I am a Strong girl. Hum Sambhal lenge

Arnav (Smiled): Okay then Biwi . I will call you again in some time.

Khushi (Walking to the door): Kaam kijiye Kaam. Warna log aap ko Zoru ke Gulaam bulaayenge.. !! (Do your work Arnavji. Or else people will start calling you Wife's slave )



Arnav : Excuse me?

Khushi: Excused.. (She gigled).. Now Bye..

She cut the call and opened the door. And as usual she found no one there. She was scared again. She moved a step outside the room and gulped her nervousness..



Khushi: Kaun Hai?  (Who's it? )

There was no reply. She turned the other side and found Maakhan dusting the Antique show peices aside..

Khushi: Maakhan Kaka. Did you see anyone knocking my room door?

Maakhan: Knocking? No Bitiya. There was no one here. I am dusting this from past half an hour. I didnt see anyone.

Khsuhi; But I heard it myself.!! Someone knocked my door and ..

Maakhan kaka looked at her confused and she realised she should Stop this topic here..She didnt wanted others to worry about her.



She closed the door again and breathed deep. She had no idea what was happening here. All she knew was that she was not safe here until she knows the full truth.



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



She was in the Kitchen making some Tea for herself. She really needed one after what she felt about the door knock.



Khushi (Murmuring to herself): I dont understand if something is wrong with me or this house? Everytime I think I am better, I again get some or the other reasons of feeling sick. Pata nahi yeh Sheesh Mahal ka raaz humme kabhi samjhega bhi yeah nahi. (I dont know if the mystery of Sheesh Mahal will be known to anytime or not? )



"Samjhega Khushiji, zaroor samjhega. " (You will know it Khushi. )



She instantly turned back and saw Shyam coming inside the kitchen smiling at her.



Khushi: Kya?

Shyam: I said you will surely come to know the mystery of Sheesh Mahal one day. If not by the people of this house then from the family of Chandra Mahal? They are your family too right?

Khushi: Hum samjhe nahi (I didnt understand)

Shyam: I mean to say. The Mystery of Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal are linked to each other. So if Badi Maa and Naniji cannot tell you that, why dont you go to Chandra Mahal and ask Madhumatiji there? She is your Buaji if I am not wrong.!! She will definately tell you..



Khsuhi: Buaji?

Shyam: Haan. Your father's sister. She is widow from many years and she stays there with your father.



Khsuhi was blank. Shyam had a point. She was lost in some thoughts and Shyam gave a cunning smile seeing her taking his advise..



Shyam: Anyways, I am going to AR office for some work. Aap ko Saale Sahab ko kuch message dena hai toh bol dijiye. Hum de denge. (If you wish to give some message to Saale Sahab, I will pass it on to him)

Khushi (Smiling): Nahi. Shukriya. (No. Thanks)

Shyam: Okay.



He left the kitchen but Khushi's mind started ticking right and left. She knew what she had to do. Go to Chandra Mahal, meet her Buaji and try to get answers from her. Whatever she would do, it would be without letting the family know here or else they may not like it. Only after knowing the truth from Buaji, she will decide to stay there for 15 days. She had no idea what all this would lead into. All she knew was that she will get some piece of information from there and return back before anyone notices her.



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



AR Office - Store room



Aman: Look ASR. I absolutely understand what is happening there. But you have to be careful. Khushi needs your support. Whatever be the reasons you married her for, she is still your wife and this time not a Contract wife but your legally wedded wife.

Arnav: I know Aman. Things were different before. When I got her in Sheesh Mahal asking her to fake my wife, she still managed to do everything so perfectly. There was hardly anything that I needed to explain her. She always acted like my True wife. And now, when she is my wife legally, I dont understand what complications have been planned for us ahead.



Aman: Dont worry.!! Leave it on God.

Arnav: You think I believe in God?

AMan: (Chuckled): You may not.!! But she does.!! So for her. Just trust her when she needs you . Thats all.



Arnav sighed and inhaled deep but both of them heard a sudden noise of some boxes falling down from the corner. Aman rushed to see if there was anyone down here who heard their coversation but nope, he couldnt find anyone.



Arnav (Coming to Aman ): How did the boxes fell down?

Aman: I guess someone was hearing our talks here..

Arnav: What The!! But  who would come here?

Aman: I dont know. Its just a guess..!!



Arnav was little more worried now. The conversation that he was having with Aman was related to Khushi and their marriage, so obviosuly he never wanted any 4th person to know what was their past relationship status.



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



Chandra Mahal



Garima: No Jiji. I dont understand how will I get my daughter Safe.

Buaji: She is never safe there. And you know it very well.

Garima: Then? Should I .. Should I get her here?

Buaji : (Angrily): What? Are you mad? Her one step here will shatter this family too.. She is cursed.!!

Garima: (Sobbing): But she is safe here.. Nothing will happen to her if she is here.

Buaji: I dont think so. What if she gets the curse along with her?

Garima: Jiji PLease.. Please allow me to save my daughter somehow. She is my only daughter..



Shashi (coming there): What is happening here..? Garima why are you crying like this?

Garima wiped her tears trying to control herself..

Buaji: We are talking about your daughter Shashi..!! And there are somethings which you never belived from the beginning. SO I dont think you will understand our talks even now..

Shashi (Sitting beside Garima): Look Jiji. I am not superstitious. And I know only one thing. I will protect my Wife and daughter from anything and anyone no matter what.!!  I already wasted years by not fulfilling my responsibility. But not anymore.!!



He then turned towards Garima and looked at her..



Shashi: You dont have to worry Garima. Khushi is fine there!! I know she married hurridly to Arnav but dont you think he is right man for her? He always takes her side no matter who is  standing before him.

Garima: No Shashi. I know he is good in that terms. But he is not the matter of concern for us. There is something else there which is torturing my daughter and I wish to stop it somehow.

Shashi:  (In Anger): Now you too started believing all this Garima? Wake up!! Its not the old century when people used to believe in Spirits and Spells.. Trust me, everything is fine.!!



Garima and Buaji looked at each other and then towards NK who came inside after his two day Jungle Tour.!! He was surprised to see this new lady in their house who was sitting next to his father. For sure, he easily guessed who she was. His Step mother, Garima Gupta. He smiled at her while Shashi got up to introduce him to Garima..



NK leaned down to take her blessings. He had nothing to say, He never knew his father would get his second wife here in Chandra Mahal anytime. But he trusted his father's decision. This was her right to be here. Garima Hugged him blessing him and Madhumati only smiled softly.



Garima (Kissing NK's forehead): I had seen you when you were just 2.

NK: It took long for you to come here. But nevertheless. We are happy ro have you here ..



She smiled and looked at Shashi who was happy seeing NK being so good with Garima ..



To be Continued





Part 37



Chandra Mahal



This was the first time she was stepping inside this Palace. She was not stopped by anyone. Infact none of them even knew she was coming inside. This was her father's house. Logically speaking, she had to be raised in this house from her childhood but that never happened. Neither did she know her family here nor did she ever tried to communicate with anyone at this place. It was only for knowing the truth of the Sheesh Mahal that she had to step in here or else , a house , a family which her In laws had a grudge upon, she would never get in there. The moment she stepped inside the Main door, she heard a loud scream of the Maid Lalitha who was shocked to see her here..



Lalitha : Buaji.. Buaji.. Come out.. Look whose here?



She was so panicked that she didnt even wait to know why the Bride of Sheesh Mahal was in Chandra Mahal. She was just making the matter more worse by screaming like that. Khushi on the other hand was quite touched to see this place. She felt as if she was here before. She knew this house.. But how was it possible? She had never been here before? As she stepped inside again avoiding the screams of Lalitha, she heard a voice of her mother who was coming downstairs happily seeing Khushi here..!!



Khushi was shocked. What was her mother doing here? Garima came and hugged her tight, caressing her , kissing her daughter and hugging her again..



Khushi: Mumma? When did you come here ?And you didnt tell me ?

Garima: I was going to call you but you surprised me by coming here Khushi..



She cupped her face gently realising something and became serious..



Garima: Wait.!! Did he .. Did he throw you out of that house? DId that family hurt you Khushi?

Khushi: No.. I am fine Mumma. No one hurt me. And definately Arnavji can never do that..!!

Garima (Sighing in frustration): You believe a lot in him..!!

Khushi: Yes Mumma. He is my husband and I know him much better than anyone else does here..!!



Garima didnt argue. Shashi, Madhumati, NK, Sheetal everyone came there and were shocked to see Khushi here.. Madhumati as usual tried stopping her from coming in. For her , she was still a curse for this family but Shashi didnt let her speak anything. And hence she was quiet,. NK was happy seeing Khushi here.. Now he did realise why he had a special attraction towards this girl. Afterall she was his sister.. Though a Step one, she still was his baby sister.. And Sheetal was very much repenting on what she thought NK and Khushi are sharing between each other. She apolozised to Khushi who forgave her quickly saying such things happen. So finally Khsuhi settled down with them at the Couch and Lalitha who was still trying to grasp this fact that Khushi was none other than the Daughter of Chandra Mahal started serving her some Juice.



Khushi: No Thanks.

Lalitha: Bibiji, you are a daughter of this house and bahu of that house. So I am related to you in both ways.

Khushi (Confused) : Means?

Lalitha: Means Hari Prakash and me are getting married soon. (She blushed and everyone just smiled..!!)

Khushi :(Happily): Really? I never knew that. Infact Hariprakashji never told me about you..

Lalitha: Haan Bibiji, he didnt tell because no one from that family likes to talk about we people here.. And vice versa..



Buaji (Angrily):  Stop talking Lalitha and do your work inside.. Go..



Lalitha noded and left but Garima was still holding Khushi's hand..

Garima: What made you come here Khushi?

Khushi : Arre haan.. In all this I forgot the main reason of being here.. I need to talk to Buaji..

Buaji (Surprised): Talk to me ?What ?

Khushi : Uhh.. Woh.. About the mystery of these two Mahal's..!!



Buaji and Garima shared a glance and then Buaji replied with hesitation.



Buaji: No one here wishes to talk about it. And you should not force anyone. Why dont you ask your family there to tell you? Dont they know what they did ?

Khushi: They did? What did they do Buaji?

Buaji (Getting up): I dont know. And neither am I intersted in knowing. You better meet your family and leave this place before that family comes to know you are here.!!



Khushi was about to plead to Buaji to let her know what the matter was but that same time they all heard another voice from the door. They turned to see who this person was and were shocked to see Badi Maa standing there and staring at Khushi angrily. Khushi got up from the Couch shivering seeing her here..



Khushi: Badi Maa? I..

Badi Maa gestured her to Stop speaking .. And she was numb.!!

Badi Maa: Dont call me that.. You have lost the right to call me by this name ..

Khsuhi: Please Badi Maa. Dont say so.. I came here only because I wanted to know what the truth is and..

BAdi Maa: (Interrupting): You think I am angry on you only for this issue?



Khsuhi (Confused): I didnt get what you mean ..

BAdi  Maa: I came here to tell your family to keep you forever with them, We dont need a Characterless girl like you in my house anymore acting to be my Son's wife..!!



Garima was angered at that sentence.!!

Garima (In anger): Enough Mohini.. You cannot talk to my daughter like that. How dare did you call her Characterless.!!

Badi Maa: Dont be angered on me Garima. I have all proofs .. What kind of morals have you given to your daughter? Do you even know she was staying with my CHotte in our house as his Bride without even marrying him .



Everyone were shocked to know this. And Khsuhi's heart almost skipped a beat..



Madhumati: What are you saying Mohini? One more word and I will ask the servants to throw you out..

Badi Maa: I will leave Madhumati but after me, throw this girl out too if you have some morals left in you.. She came to our house, and fooled our family for being our Bride.. How could she do that?

Garima clutched Khushi's hand and dragged her towards Badi maa..



Khushi: Mumma?

She was made to stand before Badi maa and then Garima angrily asked her daughter..

Garima: Tell her Khushi.. Tell her all this is false.. You married Arnav with full rituals.. Didnt you?

Badi Maa: Yes .. She did that but only because we insisted them .. But before that real marriage, your daughter and Chotte stayed together as a husband and wife fooling the entire family. For what? What was her moto Garima? Was she making a ploy since then to capture the wealth of our family? Or was she intending to break our family slowly and revenge us for being your enemies?



Garima was totally shocked and khushi's silent tears were making it more worse.. She placed Khushi's hand on her head and made her look in her eyes..



Garima: You have my promise Khushi.. Just speak up.. Just tell us if this is true or this lady here is lying..!

Khushi had no choice now. She had to inform what the truth was. Her entire family was been blamed because of her and she couldnt be quiet..



Khushi: Mumma.. I..

Garima: Khushi  haan yeah Naa.. Is this true that when you came to Sheesh Mahal with Arnav, you had not married him legally.!!

Khushi was quiet as she was very scared to reply this..

Garima: Khushi reply.. (She roared in anger and Khushi broke her silence)

Khushi: HAAN. This is true.. We married later.. !! Not at the time when he got me in Sheesh Mahal. But Mumma.. we never crossed limits.. Dont you believe me?



Garima was shattered knowing the truth and badi Maa was finally satisfied of taking this girl out of their family.!!



Badi Maa: I have got the truth out today.. Now I leave it on you people to handle this girl because she is henceforth not allowed to step inside Sheesh Mahal



Khushi was blank. She kept looking at Badi Maa who left that house in no time after completing her purpose.. Garima clutched her arms and made Khsuhi look again at her..



Garima: How could you Khushi? You went so low to get me treated ?

Khushi (Crying): Mumma believe me I..



Garima angrily raised her hand on her and Khushi clsoed her eyes in fear but Shashi held Garima's hand on time not letting her slap Khushi.

Shashi : Garima stop it.. Enough is enough. Are you mad? How can you raise your hand on her? She is your daughter ..

Garima (Crying): So What Shashi? So what if she is my daughter. She has done things which my daughter would never do.!!



Khsuhi was sobbing continuously and so was GArima. NK gently held Khsuhi and asked her to be quiet whereas Shashi caressed Garima..



Shashi: We will talk all this later Garima. Please.. Calm down.

Garima (Wiping her tears): No. This matter has to end now itself.



She extended her right arm forward towards Khsushi and asked her..



Garima: Promise me Khushi, from now on  you will never step back in Sheesh mahal . Neither will you keep any relation with Arnav Singh Raizada.. Promise me now or else you will see my dead face!!



Khushi : Mumma.. Dont say so. I cant give this promise..

Garima: Why? Why cant you give it

Khsuhi: Because I have already been tied with the contract for which Arnav has married me.!! I cannot break that.. And Arnavji has really changed.. He always supported me.. How can I leave him? Even if my marriage initially was a fake marriage, but now I am still his wife legally and ritually too. I cannot take such a promise Mumma.. I cannot cheat Arnavji..

Garima :(Angrily): You cannot cheat him? But he can?

Khsuhi : What do you mean Mumma? Why will he cheat me?

Garima: Because for him all that matters is the Contract Khushi. He told me in London.. He told me he will leave you after this contract is over.. You will be free of his name, his family and every ties that he share with you now. He never believed in marriage Khushi and this bond between you  and him will definately have an end soon.. Once everything you are hired for is done. He himself told me this.. Where will you go then? You will have to come back to us..



Khushi was shattered. She couldnt believe Arnav said all this to her mother..



Khushi : No.. This cant happen. I know he keeps reminding me the contract thing but I have read his eyes Maa.. He cant say something like this. He Likes me!!

Garima: And I have seen his liking getting faded with time.. For every girl he ever had a relationship with in London. I know him more than you Khushi. I have worked for him 3 long years and I know him in and out.



Khushi sat down on the floor helpless remembering all those talks they always shared ..



"One more word against my Wife and I will leave this place right now.. I didnt get her to hear everybody's scoldings.. Meri biwi ki koi beizzati kare main wahan ek pal ke liye bhi nahi rukhunga.."



"You are my Bride Dammit..!!! And even if you wish to step back, I cant let you do that until the purpose of this act is met..!!"



"I wont tolerate any damm person to even have an eye on my wife, forget following her.. "



""Dont entertain any strangers in your life.. You are Mine!!"



"No one in this world has the courage to STEAL MY Wife.!! ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA's WIFE.. !! "



"He is dreaming you Khushi.. And I cant tolerate that.. How dare he text a message to you last night saying he dreams about you every now and then.. I wished to smack his face for thinking so cheap about my wife..!! "



"All this means only one thing Khushi.. What is mine.. Stays mine.. And I dont like others to even Eye on my Possessions .. "



"Biwi hai woh meri..!! My Legally Wedded Wife..!! And no one else but me have the right to touch her Mrs Gupta.. Get that in your head.!! "



"She has no rights on my Wife..!! How could she slap you for such a silly matter..? I swear I will.. "



"SIN?? She thinks marrying me you have Sinned?? Wow.!! And what do you think Khushi?? Do you think the same?"



" And next time before you even think of raising your hand on her, remember, she is Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada and not Miss Gupta anymore..!! I give this right to no one to misbehave with my Wife..!! Not even her own mother..!! "



"Khushi is my wife. No matter where and which family she belongs to, I wont leave her. She is entitled to stay in this house with me till I want and no one here has a right to even touch her , forget throwing her out..!! Is that clear? "



" The most important person in my life at this moment is my WIFE and she cannot be the reason for her own death.. Now GET .. OUT.."



"Dont look at me like that Khushi. I am serious about this. I dont like people cheating me drawing me halfway to my Mission. Be it any of my Clients or my Wife.. You were been hired to do my Work and till that is done, you arent leaving this house..!! "



"I got you in this house and you are my responsibilty. I will help you to tackle things here and its a Promise.. I may not believe all this at the moment but I wont deny that I am with you all the time. Khushi Main hoon tumahre saath.."



"Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada. You cannot lie to your Husband. He knows to read your eyes.!!"



"Biwi ho tum meri. Haq hai mera !!"



Khushi was confused.. All these sentences that he ever told about her seemed irreleavnt and fake at this moment if by any chance he said to her mother that after the contract is over, he will leave her..!! She lost the confidence in him which she always felt until now.. She lost he faith in her Arnavji..



To be Continued..







Part 38



Sheesh Mahal



The whole family was in gief knowing this truth of Arnav and Khushi's fake marriage. How could they lie to this extent? What was wrong with Arnav that he even acted like this? If it wouldnt have been Shyam who overheard the conversation between Arnav and Aman today at AR office, none of them would have known the truth and this would have continued. Anjali couldnt help herself from letting Arnav know what happened here today. How Khushi had gone to Chandra Mahal and then later how Badi Maa fought with that family there breaking all ties with Khsuhi too and asking her not to return back. Anjali was not happy either with the lie that Arnav and Khushi told them all these months but what shouldnt be forgot now was that Khushi and Arnav did marry with all rituals in this House which makes her still the Bride of Sheesh Mahal.



Shyam: I cant even think Saale Sahab will go to such an extent. He can lie to the family on his marriage?

Anjali: But Shyam why are we forgetting that lie turned to be a truth after this family made them marry ritually again?

Badi maa: So what Anjali ? Do you think this will allow that girl to come here and stay with us? A girl who can fake being someone's bride can never be a good Bahu, she can never handle relationships in her life. She is such a Characterless girl..



Badi Maa would have continued bad mouthing Khushi if she wouldnt have heard Arnav's Voice from behind. They all were not shocked to see him back home so soon. They knew it. He would be here to support his wife and once again go against the family's decision. His red eyes and angered look clearly revelaed he had known everything now..!! And once again a big fight was expected to start here..



Arnav: She is not Characterless Badi Maa. Watch your Words.. You are talking about my Wife!! Arnav Singh Raizada's wife!!!

Badi Maa: (Getting up): Yes Chotte. I am talking about that same girl who was your fake wife before .

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth in anger): She acted to be my wife because I told her to do so. It was not her choice but she did it to save her mother's life.. She did this to pay for her mother's health. She had no support from anyone that time and I was the only option. She did this for Her mother and never ever in all that drama did she ever crossed her limits.. I hope you arent forgetting Badi Maa, she opted not to stay with me in my room here. She promised you that until you all consider her to be the Bahu of Sheesh mahal she will never stay with me in the same room.



Badi Maa: But she did. She did stay in your room Chotte. When she was hallucinating something at her first night here, didnt you take her to your room?

Arnav: That was my deicison again. Not hers..!! She was forced by me to stay close to me because I didnt wanted anything or anyone to harm her. She was my responsibilty..!! But wait a minute. The next day didnt you overhear me and Khushi fighting about sleeping seperate ? You knew that night she slept on the recliner and me on Bed. Didnt you?



Badi Maa: That doesnt prove her innocence and purity CHotte.

Arnav: Then do hell with your innocence and Purity talks Badi Maa. Because as usual I am disinterested in it. I am going to get Khushi back. And if has any objection on it then I have better options of leaving this place with her rather than getting her insulted every minute in this house..



Anjali (Angrily): Enough Chotte. You are at fault , you cannot talk to us like that. And just for one girl you will leave this entire family? What kind of maturity is this?

Arnav: Di can you ever leave Jeejaji and stay with us forever?



Anjali was quiet.!!

Shyam (Angrily): Dont get us in between Saale Sahab.

Arnav : Why not? Didnt you come in between me and my wife? Didnt you feed this news to everyone here what once me and Khushi shared a fake relationship?

Shyam : Thats because everyone here needs to know what the truth is.

Arnav: No Jeejaji. You didnt do it for this family.. You did this for your own self and somewhere also for Mohit..

Shyam (Angrily): Dont get Mohit in between all this Arnav..!!

Arnav: I wouldnt have, if you would have remained quiet and understood what my wife means to me. Under no circumstances I will let anyone take the decision of my life..I am getting her back!! And thats final.



He turned to leave and Nani was going to stop him but Badi Maa didnt let her do that.



Nani :Mohini you are stopping me?

Badi Maa: Let him go there, but one thing is sure, after what happened in that house in my presence, none of the people there will allow Khushi to be back here.

Anjali felt bad to know this. Unlike the others though she was against this lie which Arnav and Khsuhi told them, she still wished Khushi to be back to her Chotte as it was very clear , without her, Arnav's life was incomplete..



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



Chandra Mahal



Without caring for the security guards and the servants who warned him not to enter the premises, he entered inside and screamed aloud his wife's name. All he wanted at the moment was to see her safe and take her back. She was lying in her room on the bed crying bitterly over what happened.. She knew this day had to come when the entire family will know they had faked a marriage but what shocked her more was Arnav's reply to her mother that after the contract is over, he will break every ties with her. So all this meant nothing to him? She suddenly heard him screaming her name and she stopped crying. He was here? Yes.. He was here.. To take her back. Without wasting a second, she got up from the bed and rushed outside to see him. Looked like ages had been passed that she saw him. She came out  and started running down the stairs to see him but before she could reach him, she saw her mother and the entire family coming there and stopping him from Screaming..



Garima: Why did you come here? Himmat kaisi hui tumhari yahan aane ki ?(Howcould you even dare to step at this place?)

Arnav (Gritting his teeth): I didnt expect you to be here Mrs Gupta. And watch your tone.. Thats not the way to speak to your Ex Boss and your Son in Law..!!

Garima (Angrily): I dont care what relationship we share ASR. Because now that my daughter is back here, I dont think she is anyhow related to you ..

Arnav (Fisting his fingers): Just making her stay with you foribly doesnt break the ties we both have..

Garima: Exactly. JUst making her your wife forcibly doesnt give her a reason to hold onto that relationship forever..

Arnav was damm angry with the way Garima was talking to him. He would have shown her what it means to mess with Arnav Singh Raizada but he didnt as his eyes fell on his wife who was standing at a corner aloof, watching everything. She looked very disturbed and it was clear from her expressions that she had to go through a lot here..



Arnav: Khushi?

She came back to her senses when she heard him calling her with all that affection and care that she always got from him.The family also looked at her..

Arnav: KHsuhi I am back okay. And now nothing will go wrong. I am here to take you back.. Come..!!



He extended his hand for her to come and hold it.. He wanted her to forget all this crap that the family was making them go through and come back to him. But seemed like she was not happy to take this decision now..



Arnav: Khushi didnt you hear me ? Come here and lets get back ..

Khsuhi: Where Arnavji? Where will you take me now?

Arnav (Confused): What do you mean by where? Khsuhi we are a couple. I dont care what the family thinks and believes. But I have made it clear to my family too. Enough of all this orthodox things, I am tired of it. I am taking you with me and thats final.!! You get that?

Khushi: Why? Why do you need to take me from here against your family wishes? Only for that contract right?



She started walking towards him and he could see her expressions changing. She was hurt, and in pain but she was trying to be strong before him.



Khushi: That contract is so important to you Arnavji that you will do anything to get it completed..!!

Arnav: Khushi enough .!!



He warned her not to misunderstand him but she wasnt in  a mood to stop this conversation. Today he had to clear what place she stands in his life..



Khushi:What after the contract Arnavji? What after that?



Tears pooled in her eyes but she controlled them. He was little shocked when she asked him this.

Khsuhi: You have no answer to that. Dont you? But I have.!! I have all answers to this question. I know what will happen once that Contract is over.. You will throw me out of your life Arnavji.. You will break off all the ties that we ever shared until now..



She stood a feet away from him and kept on staring at his face. He was stunned to see this side of hers..



Arnav: Khushi ? (He tried to hold her but she shoved his hands off from her in anger )

Khushi: Haan yeah Naa Arnavji? Just answer me that..

Arnav: (Clutching her arms and pulling her towards him): Stop this nonsense and come with me..

Khushi: No.. I wont come.!!!



She replied in an angered tone which was unexpected from her. He never thought she would deny for this.. Her family was still confused seeing her state and firm replies.!!



Arnav: Ek minute!! Kya kahan tumne? Tum nahi aaogi? (One minute.. What did you say? You wont come back?)



He left her and tears rolled down her eyes..



Khushi: Yes.. You heard it right Arnavji. I am not going to come back with you... But neither am I avoiding that contract. I still dont know what you wished me  to do in the name of a silly contract. I will fulfill it but not staying with you.. I am not coming back with you anytime Arnavji.. Just go from here.. !!



That was once again an utter shock for him. She was denying to come back? And still wishing to complete the contract staying here with her family?



Arnav: (Angrily): Khushi I am warning you.!! Dont do this.. !!

Khushi: Why Arnavji? Why cant I do this? If we have tied this relationship only for that contract then why are you so eager to make me stay with you when I am ready to fulfil that contract staying with my family here..?

Arnav: Contract? Thats all Khushi? You think I am doing this only for the contract? (There was a change in his tone too.. That Angry ASR was mellowing down in his words and actions while explaining his wife this..) Khushi yeh sab hone dogi tum? Humari Shaadi yuhi khatam hone dogi? ( Khushi you will let all this happen? You will let our marriage break? )



Khushi: Shaadi? Kaisi Shaadi? Humne jo kiya woh shaadi nahi Dhokha tha Arnavji..Ek Sauda tha. Humme sharte nibhaani thi joh humne ki. Ab kuch dino mein Sharte khatam, Sauda Khatam,aur baaki sab bhi.. (Marriage? which marriage Arnavji? What we did wasnt a marriage.. We ditched our own families.. We just signed a contract and agreed some conditions between us.. Now after some days, all this will be over.. Our Conditions, our Contract ,. Our marriage .. )

Arnav (Interrupting ): Khatam? (Over?)



They looked at each others face reading the pain they gave the other..



Arnav: Itna easy hai yeh tumhaare liye? (Is it all so easy for you ?)

Khushi (Gulping her pain): Ab humarra in sab baaton se koi matlab nahi hai. (Now I am no longer concerned with all these things)

Arnav (Confused): Koi matlab nahi hai? (You are no more concerned? )

Khushi: Nahi.. (No) (Tears continued flowing down her eyes but she wiped them on her own)..

Arnav: (Angrily): Theek hai Khushi.. Kuch discuss nahi karte. Sab kuch yuhi khatam hojaane dete hai. Tum yahan rehna chahti ho naa? Apne family ke paas? Toh raho ..!! Nahi aaunga tumhaare paas Khushi.!! Kabhi nahi.. Aur haan.. Tumhe contract ki phikar karne ki koi zarurat nahi hai..!! Usse pura karneki bhi koi zarrurat nahi hai.. Main samajh lunga ki tum uss contract ke liye kabhi layak hi nahi thi..!! ( Okay Khushi. Lets not discuss anything now.. Lets allow everything to get over here.. And Yes.. You dont need to continue this contract with me either now.. You stay with this family.. I will never come to take you back.. Never.. I will never ask you to complete that contract anymore.. I will make my myself understand that you were never fit for it..)



Khushi ( Little more disturbed): Aap aisa nahi kar sakte hai Arnavji. (You cannot do this Arnavji)

Arnav: Kyon? Kyon nahi kar sakta? Ab jab tumne itna kuch kahan hai Khushi.. Toh main yeh kar hi sakta hoon.. Raho yahan.. And be happy!! Galat tha main ki tumhe lene aagaya.!! I should have known this.. Now you dont need me .. You have this whole bunch of people here who are your family..! Toh ek Arnav Singh Raizada nahi raha toh kya faraq padega..!! (Why? Why cant I Khushi? Now that you have talked so much then why cant I? Stay here.. And be happy with the family.. I should have known this before.. You dont need me now as you have this bunch of people here to take care of you.. I was wrong to come here to take you back. Nothing will effect you if Arnav Singh Raizada is no longer a part of your life..)



He started taking steps behind to leave and she could feel her heartbeats stopped,..



Arnav: Main tumhe iss contract se azzad karta hoon Khushi..!! Ab tumhe mere yeh iss contract ke baarein mein sochne ki koi zazurat nahi hai..!! Koi Zarurat nahi..!! (I free you from this contract Khushi. Now you neither have to think about it or me.. )



He turned around forever promising himself not to turn back and see her. He didnt wish to lose his control again, The moment he left, she collapsed on the floor unconscious..



To be Continued..

Part 39



Chandra Mahal



Khushi was taken to the bed and the doctor was called by NK. Garima and Sashi was sitting beside her caressing her hair. In between they could hear her murmur in a very slight tone..



"Arnavji.. Arnavji.."



Garima was crying while she was hearing her murmurs. She got so much raged that she stood up and left the room . Shashi asked Sheetal to take care of Khushi and left behind Garima to console her.



Garima : Did you see that man's arrogance ? How dare he do that to my daughter? I cant blame her too. If I wouldnt have been injured my daughter's life wouldnt have been like this..I am cursing him Shashi.. He wont do good any time in life.. He will suffer for all that he did to my kid.



She sobbed her heart out while Sashi pacified her by controlling her anger and pain.



Sashi (consoling) :Garima... please its time to think about Khushi's future now.. Didnt you hear what he said.Now he has no interest in the contract and the ties with Khushi. We should take care of our daughter by giving her support and show him he is nothing to her. As such she has already done that part in making her understand.



Garima : What if he comes in her life again ?



Sashi : I am damn sure he wont return back.. His eyes were so cold Garima.. Its better we break their relationship and make our daughter's life happy with some good man.



Meanwhile doctor came in to check Khushi and gave her medicines. She was given sedative to sleep as she was so tired to get up. After some minutes the family came to the room where she was lying. Her murmurs had stopped and she was sleeping peacefully.



Madhumati : Sashi.. Enough of all the mess. Now its time to take decisions. As Garima took promise from Khushi she wont have any ties with that family or that boy. He himself proved it. Look out for new groom for our daughter.



NK :Buaji.. She is still his wife. How can that be possible.. ??



Sashi : NK  I am sure he will sign the divorce papers when we send it. We have to strike the iron when it is hot. Lets not delay it otherwise we would lose our Khushi's sanity. She has to get free from him and his family's chains forever.



BUaji : Yes.Garima. That family is cursed. I was very sad that Khushi was also cursed beacause of that.. But no.. We have the solution to this sin.. Lets free her from them and get rid of that curse affecting her.



Garima : But how Jiji?



Buaji : Remove her mangal sutra.. It is their family posession.. Till that is on her neck she will be chased by that curse.. Remove it and we shall think of the other procedures later.



ALl were shocked at it.



Sheetal : But Buaji isnt it inauspicious to remove mangalsutra when a husband is alive?



Buaji : What Husband wife ? Its all nonsense... He claims himself that he is not bothered about our Khushi then why this tag of husband.. Take it out Garima.. Let this bond between that boy and our daughter end here itself.



***********



Arnav was driving hard through isolated roads thinking about what all happened today. He wasnt in a mood to go back to the house who would taunt him with Khushi's name insulting her. On the other hand his wife whom he believed to be the one partner for his life didnt believe him. He understood that her mother had filled her ears but something which pricked him was she would understand him more than her mother which proved to be futile. Unknowingly a lone tear dropped from his eye which made him drive fast as he could. His mind was out of control with all the pain and hurt. Just then he got a call in his mobile and he answered in the blue tooth.



Aman : Whats happening ASR?  The family knew about the truth and you went to Chandra mahal?  Didnt KHushi come with you? What happened there?



Arnav : Uh.. Please dont ask me anything Aman.. I am losing trust in myself.. Nothing is in my hands now.   She is in the safe with her family and I dont want to disrupt her happiness now. She doesnt trust me. So for her its over.. Let it be Aman.



Aman : And For you? Is it over for you too?



Arnav : Aman .. If she doesnt trust me then how can I ?



Aman : Did you ever confess your feelings to her to get trusted?  Then how can you expect her to trust you?



Arnav remained silent and pondered on Aman's words.



Aman : I know how much you feel for her. But have you ever tried to say it in words to her?  How can she blindly trust you?



Arnav : Cant she see that in my actions ? How much I support her and how I want this relationship to exist forever?



Aman : Have you proved it?  NO.. Then why blame her only.. You both are wrong...



Arnav : Enough Aman I am already pissed off.. Dont try to infuriate me again..



Aman : Thats the problem. I am sure for once you both talk everything would be sorted.



Arnav :  I dont think so. What if she has no feelings for me then ?



Aman : Dont predict anything now.. Please come back.. We shall discuss later... I got a call from Landlord.. Did you ask him to cancel it ? Why?



Arnav : Yes. I cancelled it .. Now if she is not interested in continuing this relationship I dont want to fulfill that contract reason anymore. There is nothing left for me to gain after losing relationships.



Aman : Think about it ASR. I know you are hurt. But you should contemplate more on it.



Arnav sighed in frustration as he raised the accelerator. It was getting darker and Arnav couldnt concentrate much on the road. He closed his eyes and gulped the pain as Aman was advicing him on the other side. Soon as he opened his eyes he was terrified to find he was straight running into a truck that was coming faster in the opposite side. He screamed as he tried to turn the vehicle but lost his balance and it banged the big tree collapsing the vehicle.



Aman could only hear the vehicle crashing sound and he was scared to hell. He soon got out of his office in search of Arnav as he knew something fatal had happened to his car.



**********



Chandra Mahal



Khushi slowly opened her eyes and looked around to find herself inside the room. All she could memorise was Arnav's eyes that spoke volumes. She knew something was telling her about his eyes.. Some unknown message and his tone did say something magical. She was truly hurt with the last words on how he left her for good. How he himself moved away from her.. why she felt heart breaking when she knew he was leaving him. She felt like someone piercing her heart and dragging it away from her. Tears dropped from her eyes which made her clutch her pallu near the heart.. She was shocked to find that her mangalsutra was missing from her neck. She searched on her saree and near the bed to find it. She stood up in hurry as she was horrified that she couldnt find it.



Khushi : Hey Devimayya.. Where has it gone ?



She searched the entire room with worry when Garima and Sheetal entered with her dinner. They saw her  searching for something. Garima rushed to her asking what she was lookinf for as they were worried for her health in this situation.



Khushi : Maa.. I cant find my mangalsutra Maa..



Garima sighed in anger while Sheetal looked worried at Khushi who was unaware of what had happened.



Gariama  : No need to search for it Khushi.. I removed it from your neck.



Khushi was hell shocked to hear.



Khushi : Maa.. how can you remove it ? Where is it ? Give it to me..



Garima : For what?  The person who wore it on your neck doesnt want you then why do you need that thread?



Khushi : Maa.. please.. dont talk like that.. Give it to me back now!



Garima : I want you to be out of any danger Khushi.. Let that Arnav Singh Raizada Go to hell but I wont let my daughter's happiness at stake for that family and him.



Khushi ( roared ) : Maa... Stop it.. What rubbish are you talking?



Garima : I am talking rubbish? what was he doing then ? He was rubbish.. You had seen enough in your life Khushi.. Dont worry about the money..We can settle him tomorrow itself..



Khushi was trying to interrupt her to make her understand while Lalita came inside the room in a hurry..



Lalita : Bibiji. Bibiji woh Sheesh Mahal ke Arnav baba.. Woh..



Khushi : What happened to Arnavji ?



She shook Lalit who was panting to get her breath..



Lalit : Woh.. he met an accident and is admittied in the hospital. I heard he is serious too.



Khushi got the shock of her life as she felt like her heart stopped beating.. She was frozen at the spot and felt like fainting. Sheetal held her strongly while Garima tried to hold her too..



Khushi : See Maa.. What did you do ? You killed him by removing my mangal sutra.. How can you do  this Maa?



She tried to move out of their grip while Garima pulled her back and shook her hard.



Garima : Are you mad Khushi ?  Your mangalsutra has nothing to do with his accident.. He might have drunk and hence banged somewhere. Dont think stupid always..



Khsuhi : (Wiping her tears):  Fine..Let me go . I want to meet Arnavji now.



Garima : You wont go anywhere out of this room. You are done with him. You both dont share anything.. Do you understand.. Now stay here in this room. Dont you dare come out of here. Sheetal stay with her.



Garima blurted out in anger and left the room closing it from outside. Khushi was crying bitterly thinking of Arnav as she felt she was the reason behind the accident. All those ill thoughts came into her mind which happened in Sheesh Mahal . How she was scared by a lady .. how she was trying to jump from the balcony and every member of both the family hiding the curse.. She started to think if Arnav was hurt because of the curse. .She couldnt hold back her tears and went near Devimayya sitting before the idol praying to save his life. All she could do was pray for her Arnavji now.



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



Aman rushed into the hospital with greater pace as he was totally worried about Arnav. That crashing sound he heard almost took his breathe. While he was driving to search Arnav he did receive an unknown call from a woman telling him  about Arnav been admitted in this hosptital. He walked past the reception to ICU. A girl in her early 20s was standing outside whom he presumed to be the lady who called him.



Aman : Excuse me. Where is Arnav admitted?  I am Aman the one you called me.



Girl : Hi.. I am Mandira. I dont know his name but I got his mobile from his hand. He had severe injury and bruises left unconscious with the effect of the accident. I called the last dialled number and informed you.



Aman : Thank you for admitting him on time. Did the doctors say anything?



As she was about to reply the doctor came out of the ICU and saw Aman.



AMan : Doctor, how is he?



Doctor : DOnt worry he is out of danger. He has got some stitches on his forehead and legs. His right arm is also fractured. He needs complete rest for some days. He will gain consciousness in some minutes. You can go and meet him.



Anjali and Akash came running to the ICU with the rest of the family behind. The DOctor saluted the family as he knew they were from Sheesh Mahal. Aman explained them that he was fine but still of them were insisting to meet Arnav.



Nani : Hey Devimayya.. Thank God you saved our chotte.



Badi Maa : All this is because of that girl who entered his life.NOw his life is also cursed.



Nani :Mohini. Dont talk about her now..Our chotte was also at fault.



Anjali : Please dont talk about all these now. Already we have hurt him so much...



The nurse allowed one by one to get inside the ICU and they left for Sheesh Mahal after the assurance from Aman that he would take care of Arnav tonight. Mandira was watching the whole family from a side not wishing to get into the crowd. After they left, Aman came over to Mandira to thank her again. Mandira wished to see Arnav once again before leaving. She entered into the ICU and looked at his face. Somehow

his charm attracted her so much that she stared at his injured face for a long time. A sort of a pull towards him from the time she had taken him from the accident spot placing inside her car holding him she was feeling really strange. She smiled as he pouted in sleep when it pained.



Aman : Mandira, you are getting late na.. I will ask my driver to drop you.

Mandira : No thanks Aman, I have my car.



AMan : Thank you so much Mandira.. I really owe you for this.



Mandira : Not you Aman, your boss does really owe me for this.



He smiled at her for cheering him up. She got the details of Arnav and his family and left the place promising to meet them the next day.



To be Continued..





Part 40



Morning



Arnav was shifted to the ward late night and Aman was sitting on his chair besides Arnav talking to him.



Aman : ASR you need to sleep.. dont think about anything.



Arnav : No Aman.. I feel like  living a hopeless dream.  Everything is just going wrong. First Khushi left and then this sudden accident. I am sure now Badi Maa will curse Khushi for being a reason of my accident. Everything is messed up Aman. I dont know what I need to do next to sort everything here.



Aman : Come on ASR. Dont lose hope. I am sure we will find some way out.



Just then they heard someone opening the door. Khushi followed by Sheetal came running to Arnav making them startle as they never expected Khushi early in the morning to the hospital. Arnav was really shocked to see her puffy eyes reddened with tears. He felt bad that she had cried the whole night thinking about his words. Khushi came beside him touching his face and forehead which were bandaged and looked at him throughly to check if he was fine. He could read the pain in her eyes seeing him hurt.



Arnav:  See.. I had to be in this situation for you to come to me.



Khushi gently hit his cheeks for saying something like that. Aman was surprised to see Khushi here. Finally it was time for giving this couple some space so that they can sort their issues.



Aman : I shall wait outside ASR.



Aman and Sheetal left while Khushi cupped his cheeks and started crying.



Arnav : Sh.. Sh.. I am fine Khushi.. Dont cry. (He tried wiping her tears but she didnt allow him to do that)

KHushi : No.. you are not fine.. I am the sole reason for your accident.

Arnav: Ohh Please Khushi. Dont start this now.

Khushi: You believe it or not Arnav but this is true.



She explained how her mother took out the mangal sutra which is a bad omen while he kept on looking at her face.



Arnav : Stop it Khushi.. I dont believe in all this crap superstition.Waise bhi .. Tumhe kya faraq pada hain Khushi. You yourself wanted to get free from me. Didnt you?



That angered her now.



Khushi : Arnavji.. you are still trying to blame me ? Didnt you tell my mother that you would leave me after the contract? You broke my trust.. Tell me how could I raect then? Till now what assurance I have from you that this marriage of ours is permanent. ? I know you have always supported me but just support is not enough Arnavji.. I need an assuarance that we are together forever. And if this is not true then I think its good we stay apart from now on Arnavji. That will reduce the pain when we actually break every ties we have now.



Her tears were flowing continuously and he could feel her pain in them. He gently wiped them again and held her hand in his.



Arnav : So you believe in your mother's words and not my actions and feelings right?

Khushi: Actions? What actions? Tell me one action which proved you wanted me forever.

Arnav opened his mouth to list out every action which according to him should have convinced her that he wanted this marriage to work but then he didnt speak anything, He didnt believe in beating around the bush.



Arnav: Khushi I dont know what a girl like you expects from a man like me. May be I am not the right person in your life who can keep fulfilling all your dreams of a Prince Charming. But I promise you something Khushi, in this birth and the next and the next, infact in every births we take from now on, only you will have the right to be my Wife.



Her tears stopped by his statement and she continued staring at his face waiting for some more such words.



Arnav: Okay I dont know how to be that romantic enough while confessing such emotions. So let me be precise Khushi. Whatever the world talks about relationship, I dont care. What others think about us as a couple, I dont care. What I care for is that I love you Khushi and I just wish to spend my whole life with you even if it costs leaving my superstitious family forever.



She suddenly shut his mouth with her palms noding a No. He was not sure what she was denying for ?



Khushi: Our families are the reason we are here Arnavji, with each other, no matter how much they hate seeing us together, their presence still matters to us. I know situations have made us apart and created a lot of indifferences between us but I am sure with the Love we share for each other, we will create our own path one day and be together. Humesha.



Arnav smiled. He always had admired her values and today she once again proved that no one could beat her in this matter. They kept staring in each others eyes while holding their hands when the door knocked and their stance broke. Arnav didnt leave her hand though. He asked the person to come inside and Sheetal and Aman walked in. Mandira too was here to meet Arnav but she didnt enter the room because she saw these two ladies here and she stopped at the little window to know what the ladies did here in Arnav's room. She knew Sheetal very much but the other girl? Who was she? And that too sitting on Arnav's bed ?That too they both holding hands like that.?



Aman: Sorry ASR but Sheetal and Khushi should leave. They have come here on the pretext of going to Temple.

Khushi then remembered she cannot put Sheetal into risk because of her. She had to leave.. She tried to get off his hold but he clutched her more tight.

Arnav: Kal aaogi? (Will you come tomorrow?)

Somewhere hearing that Aman and Sheetal blushed realising everything sorted between them but Mandira was not liking this girl whoever she was. She just tried to hide that jealousy factor deep inside her.

Khushi noded a Yes and gestured him from her eyes that they were being watched and its high time he leaves her hand.



Sheetal: (Before Khsuhi could get up): One minute. In all this I forgot the main thing,

She quickly removed Khushi's mangalsutra from her purse and handed it to Arnav.

Sheetal: I stole it from Mummyji's (Garima's) closet. I knew Khushi and your relationship is incomplete until you tie this thread again on her neck.



Arnav happily took it from Sheetal's hand thanking her by his eyes whereas Khsuhi's joy was unmeasurable. He wrapped his arms around her neck and tied the Mangalsutra looking in Khushi's eyes.



Arnav (Tieing):  Khushi you are here in my heart and no one can make a difference by removing this string from your neck..I am your husband and you are my wife no matter who denies it.



Mandira now realised the relationship they shared and turned her eyes the other side unable to bear this scene before her. THis man whom she saved last night had created an effect in her heart since hours and she thought there might be some connection between them which made her think this relationship will be stronger as days pass but everything looked shattered today by the fact that he had a wife whom he loved very much.



He tied the thread and Khushi got up from his bed. Arnav blinked his eyes giving her a confirmation that she can leave now.. She thanked Aman and asked him to take care of Arnav and that she will see them the next day. Aman agreed.



She and Sheetal left the ward and now Arnav could finally take a sigh of relief. He was very happy that all those misunderstandings he had with Khushi were cleared and in doing that he also confessed his Love for her. Aman teased him a bit saying now he will be fine in a day or two as his wife was his only medicine for his cure which he finally got back today. Mandira didnt wait for long there. She wanted to ease her inner burning flames and she  left the hospital as soon as she could without meeting Arnav or Aman. Somehow she wanted to know what Sheetal was doing with this girl. Who was Mummyji that Sheetal was talking about and what connection Arnav shared with them?



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



Chandra Mahal



Sheetal and Khushi got down the Car and before entering inside Khsuhi hugged Sheetal tight.



Khushi: Thanks Sheetal Bhabhi.. I will never forget what you did for me today.

SHeetal: Ohh!! You dont have to thank me. I did this for your Love. I know how much you love him, But what I am happy to know is he too loves you equally Khushi. And thats really good to know. May Devi Maiyaa bless you always.

Khushi and Sheetal happily walked inside but were stopped by Garima and Buaji's voice. Khushi pulled her Dupatta properly to cover her Mangalsutra as it should not be visible to others. She again made a sad face so that her Family doesnt come to know she had met her husband and hence was feeling better.



Garima: Why so late Sheetal? And I heard you didnt take the Driver along?

Sheetal: Haan Mummyji woh I know to drive and I wanted to show that to Khushi too. SO we didnt take the Driver Kaka with us.

Khushi: And there was a lot of rush in the temple. So we were late..

Buaji: Kya Maanga wahan? Apne uss pati ki zindagi ? (What did you pray there? For saving the life of your husband? )

Khushi (Angrily): Yes I prayed the same. And I dont need to tell everyone how important he is to me.



SHe rushed upstairs not waiting to argue much with them.



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



An Hour later



She was busy blushing before the mirror remembering the confession of her husband in the hospital. She was so happy today . She knew he would never cheat her and that trust which she lost because of all that things which her mother told her was now back again. The door was knocked and she opened it putting a sad smile back on her face for the family.



Lalitha: Bibiji. Come down. Your Sister has come here ..

Khushi: Sister?

Lalita: Haan. Madhumati's daughter. She was in foreign country for some time and now she is back. Come .

Khushi had no idea how many such sibblings she had here in this family. She came out and so did Sheetal from her room. She asked Sheetal about his girl and thats when Sheetal said she is the daughter of Sheesh mahal and a very dominating personality just like her Mother Madhumati. they both came down and found the girl touching Madhiumati's feet and getting introduced to Garima too. Shashi was telling Garima on how Madhumati's daughter was always abroad for her studies and now she has returned back to them forever. Garima blessed her too and then Sheetal and Khushi came to them. Shashi was the one to introduce this girl to Khsuhi.



Shashi: She is Khushi, my Daughter and Khushi, she is Mandira, Buaji's one and only child.



Mandira's expressions changed seeing the same girl here. She could now realise the whole story that was behind this Khushi. She extended her hand but Khushi somehow didnt get any positive vibes from her. She did shake hands but could feel uneasiness meeting Mandira.



Mandira: Where is NK bhai?

Buaji: He is gone for work. Come and get freshen up. We have prepared your favourite food today. Come.



Mandira walked with her mother but not before glancing once again at Khushi and stopping. She came back to her and then whispered something in her ears.



Mandira: I know your secret Khushi. The Hospital Secret.!!



She pulled back and winked at Khushi and left the place. Khushi frozed there along with Sheetal on how this girl can know she had been to Hospital today and not the temple. Was her secret even safe with Mandira or not was her biggest doubt now..



To be Continued..



Part 41



Chandra Mahal



Sheetal: But how did she know? Thats impossible Khushi.

Khushi was walking restlessly in the bedroom fiddling with her Dupatta.

Khushi: Then why she said she knows my temple secret? Means she knows we didnt go to temple Bhabhi. I am really worried. What if she tells this to Maa and Buaji.



"I wont tell anything" came a reply from the door which was opened and Mandira was inside smiling at Khushi.



Sheetal gulped seeing Mandira here who had heard their talks probably. Khushi stopped walking and looked at her. There was something wrong with this Mandira for sure. Even her smile wasnt pure as she pretended it to be.

Mandira: I said I wont tell anything to Maa or your Maa Khushi that you had been to the City Hospital to see your husband Arnav Singh Raizada. Happy?



Khushi : How did you know that?

Mandira smiled and came forward to her.

Mandira: Mandira knows everything that she needs to know.

Khushi: You are just messing it more . Be clear Mandira. How did you know I had been to see my husband ? We have hardly met then how did you know so much about me?



Mandira: You will be surprised to know but I am the one who saved your husband's life Khushi. I am his saviour.



Sheetal and Khushi were shocked to know this. Mandira told them exactly how she saved Arnav last night and how she made him safely reach the hospital.

Sheetal: So that means you came last night here? Not today?

Mandira: Right Sheetal. But thats not to be discussed now when I returned back .. Whats important is that I have got a sister here for me who should be thankful on my deeds.!!

Khushi : (Faking a smile): Thanks Mandira. You saved my life by helping Arnav. I will never forget this .



Mandira smiled back nodding in agreement.



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



Next Morning



As promised Khushi once again left the house secrretly on the pretext of going to the market and buying some clothes for her as she didnt had much in this house. All her dresses were in Sheesh Mahal only. Garima wanted to accompany her but she denied saying she can manage it alone. Garima had a doubt on Khushi but she still gave her a chance to be alone as she knew Khushi needed some space to come back to herself after all this fiasco.



Khsuhi rushed inside the hospital and found Arnav's ward room slightly open. She could see Mandira here and she was helping Arnav to sit straight as she wasnt able to do that alone without some support. Khushi fisted her fingers seeing this before her eyes. Why was Mandira here and that too without informing that she is going to see Arnav early morning? And why the hell was she trying to be so close to him? Once again Khushi was irritated seeing Arnav being helped by some other girl. She walked inside and before Mandira could touch his shoulder and help him lean on the pillow behind, Khushi shrugged her hands off her husband . Mandira was shocked to see Khushi here while Arnav was happy that as promised his wife came to see him again today.



Khushi (To Mandira): Thanks Mandira but I can look after my husband's needs . So his Saali (sister in law) doesnt need to bother much.

Mandira angrily stepped back while Arnav was much confused on how Khushi knew this girl and why did she call Mandira his saali?

Arnav: Saali? (Sister in law)



Khushi helped Arnav sit properly and lean on the pillow behind and she herself sat beside him.

Khushi: Yes Arnavji. She is Buaji's daughter. I too met her just yesterday at home.

Arnav (Shocked): Ohh!! Thats really surprising Mandira. You never told me.

Mandira: I hardly get chance to speak to you Arnav. So today I thought of coming early morning specially to talk to you in everybody's absence. But see.. Even here Khushi came in between us.



She tried to make her sentence look teasing but Khushi was sensing it differently. Arnav smirked seeing a jealous Khushi before him. So she wasnt liking him being helped by some other girl? That wasnt new to him but he liked to see her so much jealous.

Mandira: Anyways but Khushi shouldnt forget that she was somewhere the reason of your almost death Arnav and I am the one who gave you a new life.!!



She mocked at Khsuhi who was very much frustrated by her twisted talks. Arnav too wasnt happy with what Mandira said.



Arnav: You are wrong Mandira. Khushi can never be the reason of my downfall. She always has been the light of my life. If I am alive today its only because of her love and prayers.



He quickly held Khsuhi's hand in his, looking in her eyes and she was really happy seeing Arnav defending her for Mandira's ill words. She smiled and pressed his hand in hers while Mandira fumed seeing them like this.



Khushi: (Happily to Arnav): I have got the breakfast for you.!! And guess what I made?

Arnav: (Thinking): Umm.. Aloo puri?

Khushi : Come on Arnavji. Why will I make my favourite?

Arnav (Smirked): Ohh.. Okay.. So.. Umm.. Something which I like?

Khushi nodded in agreement and waited for his reply.



Arnav : But I like everything that you make baby. (He pinched her nose lovingly and she blushed when he said that.)



He was such a true husband who loved everything that his wife cooked for him with love.

Khushi: Pancakes.!! I made Pancakes for you and this is my first time.

She happily opened the tiffin and served it in a plate and started feeding him, She was teasing him while feeding by getting the fork till his lips and then purposely moving back. He enjoyed her doing that. Holding her hand firm, he ate the first bite and it tasted yummy. He fed her too. Seeing their loving breakfast , Mandira walked out..



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



Khushi couldnt spend ample of time with her Arnavji as she had to get back to Chandra Mahal too. After feeding him her made Pancakes, she packed the tiffin again and kept it inside her purse.



Arnav: (Holding her hand): Mat Jao !! (Dont go)

Her eyes filled with tears seeing him pleading her not to leave. A small drop rolled down from her eyes which he gently wiped with his thumb.

Arnav: You have huge stock of tears Khushi. Be it any moment, happy or sad, why do you alyways have to shed them?

Khushi smiled and caressed his cheeks .

Khushi: You need to have a wife's heart to know this. Now leave my hand. Before Mumma calls me up to know where am I, I should be back home or else she wont allow me to step out from tomorrow.

Arnav (Angrily): Who the hell she thinks she is? How can she stop Arnav Singh Raizada from meeting his Khushi?

Khushi (Sighing): She doesnt believe her Son in law's intentions.



She flicked his nose teasingly and got up to leave.

Khushi: How is everyone is Sheesh Mahal ?

Arnav: They are good Khushi. But they do miss you in that house. Especially Di.

Khushi : I too miss everyone Arnavji. I hope we sort everything very soon.

Arnav : I promise. Just few more days and we will be together forever.



She smiled happily and then checked her watch again.

Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyaa its already late. Bye Arnavji.. See you tomorrow. Take care.. (She rushed towards the door to leave).. Dont forget to eat the medicines on time.

Arnav: Khushi.. (He stopped her by calling her.)



She turned to look what he wanted to tell next. He just passed a loving flying Kiss to her sitting on his bed with those injuries and it didnt take long for her cheeks to look apple red. She couldnt meet his eyes after this and ran outside the room without responding. Arnav smirked at her shyness. She was always like this, innocent and kanjoos (Stingy) in showering her love to him.



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

Hospital - Evening



Arnav: Tonight? So early Dr?

Dr: Yes Mr Raizada you seem to be better now. And Mohiniji insisted that she will take you back home where you will get more care and attention than here.



Arnav angrily looked at his Badi Maa who was smiling at him.

Badi Maa: Haan Chotte. You are disturbed here by the visitors. So I thought to continue the rest of your treatment in Sheesh Mahal only.

Arnav (Angrily): No Badi Maa. I am happy being here.



The Dr left and Badi Maa came to him.

Badi Maa: Why? You dont wish to come back home?

Arnav; Who do I have there Badi Maa? You snatched the most important person of my life from me. I dont wish to spend my days there missing her.

Badi Maa was also angry on hearing this.



Badi Maa: Dont we belong to your family Arnav ? We raised you from your birth till now only to see this day when you will abandon us only for that one girl?

Arnav: I didnt mean that.! (He looked aside but Badi Maa pulled his chin back to face her)

Badi Maa: This is final Chotte. We are taking a discharge now and leaving back to Sheesh Mahal. Is that clear?  I will make the discharge papers ready .



She left the ward and Arnav threw the Flower vase placed at the side table on the ground in anger. He hated such situations where his own family didnt allow him to meet his beloved wife.



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



Next Day



Khushi was sleeping peacefully with the thought of meeting her husband again today morning when she heard her door knocked. She rubbed her eyes and then sat on the bed asking the person to come in. She was surprised to see Nandakishore coming inside with her bed tea.



NK: Good Morning Khushi.

Khsuhi smiled and immediately moved her quilt aside to get up.

NK: Aah aah..Dont get up. Let me get the Tea there.

Khushi (Smiled): Thanks NK bhai. But when did you come back from work ?

NK: Late night yesterday. You know I cursed myself for leaving my sister alone like that at home and going outstation. We have hardly met and started building a relationship and instead of spending more time with you, I left like that. Being unhappy of myself I thought of doing special for you today and hence this bed tea. NK's special Bed Tea.



She happily took the cup from him and sipped the tea.

Khushi: Yummy Bhai. Thanks so much.

NK: You welcome Mus



He was about to say Muskaan again to her but then suddenly stopped himself. She too felt he was going to call her Muskaan and she couldnt help asking him why?

Khushi: NK bhai? Who is Muskaan? I know you take this name many a times in your sleep. Sheetal Bhabhi told me how she mistaked you once thinking Muskaan is some other girl in your life. Who is this Muskaan bhai? Because you wont believe, I too hear this name echoing in my ears many a times.

NK: I have no idea Khushi. May be this family shared something with this name Muskaan before in the past. But you know our elders, they will never let us know anything about it.



Khushi (Sighing in disappointment): But Until this mystery is resolved, I dont think me and Arnavji can be together again



Tears pooled in her eyes and NK was confused when she uttered that statement. It was clear enough that she was in love with her husband.



NK: You love him, dont you?

Khushi (Nodded a Yes): More than my own life. Believe me Bhai, he loves me too. He is really ver good and..

NK(Interrupting): Bus Khushi. Bus!! Relax. I know he is nice.!! If not anything else, I atleast trust he is very possessive about you. And who else than me would know this? Did you forget that accident which took place when you and Arnav had been to pick Aman from airport and I saved you people from the Car blast ?Remember how he fought  with me for following you all the time ? How insecured he was when I showed him the paintings of mine which I drew of yours without even seeing you?



Khushi (Smiled): Yes Bhai. I can never forget those initial days. That Khadoos Arnavji and his Khadoos ways of torturing me. But he is very loving now. He also learnt to give Flying kisses you know?



NK raised his eyebrow when Khushi disclosed that and Khushi immediately hide her face in her palms feeling shy for telling that. NK smiled and patted her head gently



NK: DId you return back his flying kiss ?? (He teasingly asked while she looked at him with shock)



Khsuhi (Pushing NK and getting up from bed): Chi Bhai.. You are such a tease..



She rushed inside the washroom as she couldnt meet her NK Bhai's again after this.



To be Continued..



Part 42



Sheesh Mahal



Anjali was trying to convince Arnav take the medicines but he was not ready to.



Anjali: Chotte you are acting like a small kid now. Yeh Kaisi Zid hai Chotte?

Arnav: Di please. I said I will take it later. Just keep it.

Anjali: But why later?

He didnt reply and continued staring at the French Windows sitting on the bed.



Anjali (Sighing): I know you are missing your wife Chotte. And you are angry on Badi Maa for getting you back from the hospital because you can no more meet Khushi Bhabhi. Hai naa?

Arnav: If you know then why are you asking me Di?

Anjali caressed his hair a bit but he moved back not allowing her to do so. Thats when he suddenly remembered one thing. How can Badi Maa know that Khushi came to meet him in Hospital?



Arnav: Who told Badi Maa about that Di? Because no one from this family knew she came to see me. Then how can Badi Maa know?

Anjali: Mandira told her. Even I was present with Badi Maa that time. Mandira was actually talking to Badi Maa when suddenly she said how quick you are recovering because of your Wife's love. Thats how Badi Maa got an idea what was happening and she clarified with Mandira if Khushi Bhabhi comes to see you. She told us.



Arnav was shocked. How can Mandira leak this sensitive information. Didnt she know why her sister Khushi is been staying in Chandra Mahal and how what issues she is facing with these two families? How can Mandira act so ignorant?



Anjali: But dont think Mandira purposely did this Chotte. She had no intentions like that. We are so thankful to her that she saved your life.

Arnav; (Angrily): She had to think once before opening her mouth Di. How can she do this with her own sister? Because of her now me and Khushi have to face this worst consequences..

Anjali (Confused): Sister?

Arnav (Sighing): Yea.. Mandira is also a daughter of Chandra Mahal Di. She is Khushi's Buaji's daughter and she stayed abroad for years. Just returned the same day I met with that accident. So she didnt knew me then. But now she knows everything then how can she still tell Badi maa about me and Khushi meeting?



Anjali was shocked. She didnt know Mandira was also from Chandra Mahal.



Anjali; I dont know what kind of relation we have with the Chandra Mahal family. One daugher almost made you go in the hands of death and the other saved you.

Arnav (Gritting his teeth): Di Enough. Dont blame Khsuhi for anything . I drived carelessly and I am the reason of that accident. Not my wife..

Anjali : Okay baba.. I agree.. Now dont be angry on me. Just take these medicines .. Please..

Arnav picked the tablets from Anjali's palms and then she gave him the water to drink. He gulped the water and she thanked her Chotte for this favour and left outside his room.



Arnav (To himself): Why Mandira? Why did you do this?



He quickly remembered his phone was tampered now and infact his Sim card was also no more functional. He had to contact Khushi and keep her informed that he was here in Sheesh Mahal and not in the hospital. He tried to get from the bed so that he uses someone's number to dial her. Aman was inside his room at the right time.



Aman: (Seeing Arnav trying to get up): ASR.. Wait.. Dont get up like that..

Arnav: Aman.. Pass me your phone..

Aman: Phone? Okay..

He passed his Phone to Arnav who quickly dialed Khushi's number. She answered it after some 2 rings..



Arnav : Khushi?

Khushi's face glowed hearing Arnav's voice.



Khushi (On call): Arnavji? Good Morning.. You Okay?

Arnav: Yeah I am. I am back home Khushi. In Sheesh Mahal. Badi Maa got me back..

Khushi's eyes teared knowing she wouldnt be able to meet Arnav today in the Hospital. He could feel and hear her little sobs on the call.



Arnav: Khushi its Okay . I told you will sort this out soon. And I will find a way for us to meet. We can meet out.. Should we see each other in the evening today?

Khushi (Wiping her tears): Nahi Arnavji. You still need ample of rest. You cant even walk properly then how can you come out and meet me? I will wait for you to be better.

Arnav (Sighing): You think I can stay till then? Without seeing you?



Aman's eyebrow's raised seeing his Boss getting so much romantic all over again with his wife. He cleared his throat to let Arnav realise he was hearing.



Aman: ASR, I am out Okay. Talk as much as you want. As it is AR Pvt Ltd will be paying my Bill.!! Let me arrnage a new number and Phone for you till then.



Arnav smirked while Aman left . Even Khushi gigled at Aman's words from the other end.

Khushi: But Arnavji, why did Badi Maa got you discharged from the hospital so soon??

Arnav didnt wait to let her know that Mandira was the reason behind it . She was the one who told Badi Maa that Khushi came to see her husband here in the hospital. Khushi was shocked. She could not believe Mandira did all this. She thought Mandira was supporting her. Why did she tell Badi Maa then?



Arnav: Forget it Khushi. Just dont ask her anything as of now. We will talk to her together later. She cannot understand our situation. Because to do that, she needs to fall in love first. Just like we have fallen. For each other..!!



Khushi's mood was surely good after hearing such cute talks from her husband. He was never so romantic like he was these days after he confessed how he wanted to be with her , his entire life. They talked for few more minutes and then Khushi was been called down for some work by her mother and hence she had to drop the call promising Arnav to call him later this evening and asking him to take good care of himself.



***********



Khushi came down after her lovely call with her husband and found her parents and Buaji sitting in the Living room and waiting for her. She had no idea what this was but looked like another drama was ought to happen here. Mandira was standing there too and now Khushi was in a dilemma if Mandira told her family that she goes to meet her husband in the hospital. She came forward and stood before them.



Buaji: Come Khushi. We all have to talk to you something important.

Khushi : Regarding?

Garima got up and handed  some papers in Khushi's hands.

Garima: You can read them once if you wish. We are not claiming any allimony from him. We dont need anything from that family. Just sign the papers and lets break this relation forever Khushi.



Khushi was not understanding what her mother meant by this.

Khushi: Allimony? From whom Maa?

Garima: Arnav Singh Raizada , Khushi. These are your Divorce Papers. I made them from our lawyer. Enough of handling a relationship which had no base, no love in it. Lets get rid of it.

Khushi dropped the papers down in shock. Divorce ? How can her family take such a big decision without her consent. NK and Sheetal came out too. They heard it all and wanted to help Khushi in this matter rather than standing opposite to her and being a part of this nuisance.



NK: Maa? Dad? What is wrong with you both? How can you make these papers without asking Khushi?

Shashi: Nandakishore please dont get into this now. We have taken this decision wisely.

Sheetal: Par Paapa. Look at Khushi's condition. She is so much in stress these days and trying to stable her life once again . We should be helping her rather than forcing her with such agreements.



Before they all could argue again on this topic, Khushi spoke the most shocking words to them.



Khushi: I need some time Mumma..

NK and Sheetal stared at each others face and then at Khushi. Shashi and Garima were confused how easily she agreed for this.

Buaji: Time?

Khushi: Haan Buaji.!! Just few days and I will do what is right for me.

Mandira was still silent. She didnt know why Khushi was deciding this so suddenly without making a fuss?



Garima: Fine. But remember Khushi, you have my promise , a mother's promise that you will not go against your words.!!

Khushi blankly nodded wiping her tears . The family dispersed one by one. NK and Sheetal blocked her from leaving



NK: Khushi? What is all this? How can you?

Khushi: Bhai please.. Dont ask me anything .. I want to be alone.

Sheetal pressed NK's hand asking him to be quiet as of now. They can talk to her later. He agreed and left for his work not before telling Khushi to calm down and think wisely..  Sheetal continued her work in the Kitchen and Khushi came to Mandira.



Mandira: I am Sorry Khushi. So much is happening with you here. I cant help.

Khushi: I dont need any help either Mandira but some answers from you..

Mandira: Answers? What answers?

Khushi: Did you tell Badi Maa that I came to meet Arnav in the hospital?



Mandira smiled. She knew Khushi will come to know this somehow. This meant even if now Khushi and Arnav cant meet they are still in touch via some mode of communication.



Mandira: Mandira wont lie!! Yes. I did. !!

Khushi (Angrily): Why?

Mandira: That was just a slip of tongue. And I exactly didnt know why you are here in Chandra Mahal and  not with your in laws there. I just came back from abroad and I have no idea of your issues with the Sheesh Mahal family. How am I suppose to know they hate you.

Khushi: They dont hate me. They are just misundertanding the whole concept of mine and Arnavji's relationship.

Mandira: Whatever!! What happened cannot be changed. I am sure you will find some way to come out of this. All the best..



Saying that she left too for her room and Khushi was already sensing  a kind of DANGER from this girl. She was not what she pretended to be.



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



Chandra Mahal - Same Night



She was waiting for her Arnavji's call. She wanted to tell him everything that happened here regarding their Divorce. She was restless to let him know. She was standing at the window of her room holding her mobile phone in her hand when suddenly it started ringing. Some new number and she thought it had to be her husband's call only. She could feel it. She answered the call..

Arnav (On Call): Tum soyi nahi ab tak?

Khushi (Smiled ): Aap bhi toh ab tak jage hue ho.

Arnav: Tum white colour mein bahut acchi lagti ho aur Khule baalo mein bhi.



Her eyes widened on this comment as he was praising her so romantically for the first time. Her cheeks reddened and she tried to hold on her smile ..





Khushi : Accha ?? Itni raat ko yeh bataane ke liye phone kiya? (She suddenly realised how does he know she is wearing a white night dress and has left her hair open?).. Ek minute.. Aap ko kaise pata chala ki humne kya pehna hai?

Arnav walked from behind her, inside her room and stood exactly behind her whispering in her ears.



Arnav: Main tumhaare baarein mein har khabar rakhta hoon.



She felt him standing behind him and surprisingly turned to see him. She lost her balance and was going to fall down when he suddenly he caught her at the right time. Their eyes met and they stood there still for some more seconds admiring each other. It was such a sweet surprise for her that her husband came to meet her in her Mayka.. !!! Thats when her brain started ticking and she stood straight on her own without his support.



Khushi: Aap? Aap yahan kya kar rahe hai?

Arnav: Khushi main tumse  yahan ek bahut serious baat karne aaya hoon.



She continued staring in his eyes and then his face.. Serious talks? What was it regarding?

Khushi: But Arnavji? You cannot walk properly and your health is also not good then why did you come here?

Arnav: Sshh!! Khushi.. Thats not important!!

Khushi (Angrily): Not important? It is important Arnavji.. I...



She would have gone still if Arnav had not stopped her from speaking by placing his finger on her lips.



Arnav: Come.!!



He dragged her towards the bed so that they could sit and talk silently .. He made her sit and she kept looking at his face. All she wanted to know is what was so important that he had to come here to see here? Arnav held her palm in his and looked in her eyes seriosuly..



Arnav: Khushi you remember when we met first time, I had mistook you to be the girl which Aman sent for the contract marriage ? And I insulted you?



She remembered those critical days she spent in London after knowing her mother met with an accident.But she had no idea why he was telling her all this now? She continued staring at him.



Arnav: And then

when we signed the contract and came here in Sheesh Mahal,

 though I did support you before my family, I still made your life miserable by not realising what marriage and relationships mean to you. I manhandled you at times and still you never failed to support me everytime I needed it from someone close to me.!!



Khushi (Interrupting): But Arnavji?



He gestured her to stop speaking and she zipped her lips again.



Arnav: I hide my past affairs from you because I never thought you need to know it. But you never asked me once about my past. My family tortured you by doing your last rituals when we returned back from London, you were shattered but you still never stopped respecting them.



Khushi: But Arnavji.. Why are you telling me these things now? Puraani baaton ko yaad karkne ki kya zaroorat hai?

Arnav: (Gulping his feelings): Zaroorat hai Khushi.. Kyon ki main tumse kuch kehna chahta hoon..



He held her hand firm in his and got up from the bed. She got up too. She had no idea where this conversation was leading them. She continued staring at his face and he kept looking in her eyes



Arnav: I am really Sorry Khushi. Mujhe shayad pata bhi nahi hai maine tumhe kitni baar hurt kiya but for every single time,  I am really Sorry.



She was very emotional at the moment with his confession yet again and this time not the one how much he loved her but how much he was sorry and repenting for hurting her. She cupped his face and then looked in his wet eyes



Khushi: Aap ko Sorry kehne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai Arnavji. Kyonki hum jaante hai ki aap humse bahut pyaar karte hai...!! Dammit..!!!



To be Continued..



Part 43



Arnav: I am really Sorry Khushi. Mujhe shayad pata bhi nahi hai maine tumhe kitni baar hurt kiya but for every single time,  I am really Sorry.



She was very emotional at the moment with his confession yet again and this time not the one how much he loved her but how much he was sorry and repenting for hurting her. She cupped his face and then looked in his wet eyes



Khushi: Aap ko Sorry kehne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai Arnavji. Kyonki hum jaante hai ki aap humse bahut pyaar karte hai...!! Dammit..!!

Arnav passed her a weak smile to her pressing her palms in his  as she kept looking in his eyes.

Arnav: Tum ne sacchi mein mujhe maaf kar diya? (You really forgave me that easily? )s

Khushi nodded in agreement but remembered something and couldnt help asking him this..



Khushi: Mumma told me some days back that when you were in London, Alisha was quite close to you..

Arnav's expressions changed.. He didnt know what Khushi wanted to know now but for sure he could read jealousy on her face.

Arnav: really? Mrs Gupta told you this?

Khushi: Haan (She said trying to fake she was still okay with what she heard)

Arnav: I am not surprised. Mrs Gupta didnt like Alisha much. And its obvious she had to tell you about her.

Khushi (Getting little anger): So What Mumma told me about her wasnt wrong?

Arnav: (Sighing):  Actually Khushi jab hum college mein the tab for some time .. We were seeing each other.. Hum.. relationship mein the.. Tumhe maine bataaya naa mein kaisa tha? .. Kuch time mein humne realise kar liya ki its not Love. So we broke up. But then Khsuhi jabse tum meri zindagi mein aayi. Everything changed. .. Arnav Singh Raizada changed and I promise ab sab kuch aisa hi rahega. !!



He wasnt lieing and she knew that . She could see he was a changed man.  But her mind was still poking her to ask some more things which she really needed to know being his wife now.. A wife whom he wished to commit forever..



Arnav: (Touching her cheek): Sorry Khushi ki maine tumhe pehle nahi bataaya.

Khushi (She moved away from his touch): Haa... Aapne humme pehle kyon nahi bataaya?

Arnav: Kyon ki Khushi iss mein kuch bataane waala tha hi nahi.. It meant nothing. Mere liye woh kuch tha hi nahi.

Khushi (Angrily): Theek hai ..Aap humme yeh bataaiye ki aap ki zindagi mein aur kitni ladkiyan thi? Aur kaun kaun thi?

Arnav: You sure?



He teasingly asked her which she took very seriously.



Khushi: Bilkul. (yes)

Arnav :Okay.. If you insist..(He turned to the other side and started thinking of names .. ).. There was Shreya to start with. Natily, Nita, Samanta, Cindy, Priya, (Khushi kept on gulping down hearing these many names)..Aaradhana, Akansha, Lata (he couldnt continue anymore because that laughter which he was holding inside him couldnt allow hom to do that..)



He bursted out laughing seeing Khushi's expressions. She had a perfect "O" shaped on her lips realising he was just teasing her.



Khsuhi: Aap? Aap mazaak kar rahe the?  Aap ne jhoot bola?



She started hiting him gently which he moved back to avoid it.

Khushi: Aap ko hassi aa rahi hai naa? (You are very much in a laughing mood right ?)

Arnav held both her hands not allowing her to hit him more and drew her close..



Arnav: Agar mazaak nahi karta toh pata kaise chalta that my wife is so possessive? (If I wouldnt have pranked how would I know my wife is so possessive ?).. Khushi what matters is tumse milne se pehle mujhe pata bhi nahi tha ki pyaar kya hota hai? You made me realise what love is.!!



That statement cheered her mood. She passed a happy smile on her face while he wiped the gentle tears from her eyes.



Arnav: Ab sab pooch liya yeah aur kuch poochna baaki hai? (Have you all asked or you still have some questions in mind?)

She blushed nodding a No and thats when she remembered she too had to tell him a lot .

Khushi: (In fear): Arnavji.. Please take me from here. I cannot stay here.. You know what happened today? Maa asked me to sign the Divorce papers.. Everyone is supporting her. I dont know what to do.. I asked some time from her and she was ready.. But till when will I keep ignoring all this? I..



Arnav cupped her cheeks asking her to calm down..



Arnav: Sshh!! Khushi just relax.. I know.. I know everything that is happening here.. NK told me..!!

Khushi (Confused): NK Bhai?

Arnav: Haan.. How do you think I came here? NK helped me!! Infact he had given a call on Aman's number and to talk to me. He told me about this Divorce stuff and I couldnt wait to see you, because I knew you will need me.!! So I asked him to do something and make me meet you.. !!

Khushi: (Smiling): NK bhai is really nice!!



The door knocked and Khushi feared it could be her mother.. But they heard NK's voice from outside asking them to open the door. Arnav opened it and NK and Sheetal came inside..



NK: Guys..!! Sorry to disturb you like this but I think Arnav should leave now.. Buaji is still not asleep. She is with Dad in the study room. It wont be good if she by any chance comes here and sees you.!!

Arnav (AGreeing): I think you are right.!! Thanks NK.!! You really have done a lot for me and kHushi..

Arnav hugged NK who inturn was very happy for this.



NK: I did this for my sister.!! Her happiness is all that I want now..!!

Sheetal: Exactly , she doesnt look nice when she is gloomy.. You know Arnav, the whole day she just keeps thinking about you. I have never seen so much of love in a girl for anyone. You are lucky to have her as your wife!!!



Arnav turned back to see his wife who was still blushing realising how her love for him was known to almost everybody in her family now.



Arnav: I promise you Khushi, I will make things fine now.. Whatever the family asks us to do, I dont care.. If they agree to see us together it would be well and good. But if not, then we both are leaving back to London and this time forever!! I am ready to sacrifice my whole family to stay with you!!

Khushi: But Arnavji.. This is not right..!!

Arnav: Sshh!! I have already decided this Khsuhi and now no one can change my decision. The more far we are from these Palaces, the more happy we would be!! Samjhi tum?



She didnt like his idea of settling abroad leaving the family behind but for time being she did acknowledge his thoughts.. NK and Arnav then left back from the room towards the back door so that Arnav could leave the house safely without anyone's notice!! Sheetal pinched Khushi's cheeks making her scream..



Khushi: Ouchch!!! Bhabhi.!!

Sheetal: Kya kahan? Tumhare Unhone? (What did he say? )

She asked teasingly only to earn a blush from Khushi.

Khushi: Kuch nahi!! Hum aapko kyon bataaye? Jaise aap humme sab bataati hai jo NK bhai aapse kehte hai.. (Nothing. Why should I tell you? As if you tell me everything what NK bhai talks to you )



Though Khushi told this teasinly , Sheetal took it by heart. This was so true. What will she tell Khushi about her and NK's relationship. It never started but they were still together, just for namesake . Khushi read some mysery on Sheetal's face and asked her if everything was okay between her and NK to which Sheetal only smiled and changed the topic.



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



Holding her right hand he made her walk towards the Altar but she was in a struggling mode. She didnt know why he had got her so far from the actual function. It was night and very much breezy as if it would start raining in some time. He stood in his Black Kurta turning towards her and explaining her what she meant to him. Though he had tried conveying this feeling to her many a times till today, she never took interest in it or rather she was ignoring him purposely. But not anymore. Today it was heights of his Wait. He never waited for any moment in his life which would reduce the distance between him and her but today what was told to him in Sheesh Mahal was only increasing the distance between him and the daughter of Chandra Mahal. He can never let this happen. He held her hand making her look firm at his face and not keep struggling to come off his grip. Tonight it was impossible for her to leave him unattended.



"Humaare haath chodiye. Kissi ne humme aise dekh liya toh pata nahi kya hojayega. Aap ko andar kissi aur ke saath hona chahiye. Humaare saath yahan mandir mein nahi. "( Leave my hand. If someone's sees us like this, it wont be good. You should be inside with someone else not with me here in this temple)



"Main sirf tumse Pyaar karta hoon Muskaan. Kisi aur ke liye mere zindagi mein koi jagah nahin hai" ( I only love you Muskaan. I have no place for anyone else in my life)



"Par main aapse pyaar nahi karti Swayam, naa karti thi. Has bol ke baat karna ek baat hai aur Pyaar karna ek baat" (But I dont love you Swayam. To laugh and talk with you and falling in love with you are two different things. )



"Main hasne bolne ki baat nahi kar raha Muskaan.!! Kya tumhe kabhi bhi yeh nahi laga ki main har waqt sirf tumhaari baatein karta hoon? Sirf tumhaare baarein mein sochta hoon? Main nahi jaanta humhare gharwale kya sochenge par main ab wohi karunga joh humesha se sahi tha. Sheesh Mahal ki bahu koi banegi toh woh sirf tum ho muskaan. Sirf tum" (I am not talking about the laughs and talks we share. Did you never realise that whenever we were together , I always talked about you, I always think about you. I dont care what the family will think but I will do now what is right. Only you have the right to be the Bride of Sheesh Mahal)



Taking the Sindoor from the feet of the Goddess Idol, he filled her Maang making her his wife for the next 7 births. It started lightening heavily and then destiny blessed this new couple showering the heavy rain.



He opened his eyes breathing hard and then sat on the bed scanning his room. It was dark and he realised all this was just a dream. He was inside his bedroom sleeping and this wierd dream suddenly popped in his mind from somewhere. He did see himself and Khushi in that dream but then why was he calling her as Muskaan and why did she call him as Swayam? Who are these people? And wait a minute.. Wasnt this name  "Muskaan" the same name which Khushi was hearing too when she stayed in Sheesh Mahal? What did all this mean? Who is Muskaan? What has she to do with him? He was so much tensed.. He could now realise what Khushi must have gone through when she had dreamt or felt such incidents related to Muskaan happening before her. He didnt believe her those days but now this dream confirmed one thing. There had to be a past mystery of these two palaces and if there is he will definately find out. He immediately checked his phone to know what time it is . Just 02:00 am early morning but he so wished to talk to his wife now.!! Will she even be awake? He immediately dialed her number thinking if she doesnt answer his calls in one or two ring he will cut the call thinking she will be asleep. But to his amusement she answered his call on the first ring itself.



Arnav: Khushi?

Khushi: Aap soye nahi?? Koi sapna dekha kya? (You didnt sleep? Did you see any bad dream?)

Arnav (Smiling): Sapna toh dekha.. Par not exactly a bad one Khsuhi. It was cute but with the streaks of possessive Arnav Singh Raizada in it..!!

Khushi: Accha? What did you see?

Arnav Come on the Terrace.

Khushi: Terrace? Now?

Arnav: Haan..!! Abhi..!!



She got up and coming out of her room she finally managed to reach the Terrace of Chandra Mahal. She could see the Terrace of Sheesh mahal some distance away. And Arnav was standing right at the same place  where she had slipped her feet seeing the kid falling down. Though Arnav was not clearly seen, she could still talk to him through Phone



Khushi: Arnavji, you should not have come there. Its not a good place.

Arnav: Khushi please..!! There is nothing more important for me to see you, talk to you at this moment.!! I dont care where I am.

Khushi's heartbeats raised as she suddenly felt someone else was standing right behind him and trying to push him from there. She immediately screamed his name aloud in fear.



Khushi: Arnavji.. Hatiyeee wahan se.. (Arnavji.. Move from there..)



He immediately moved aside and turned back to see what made Khushi scream like that but there was no one.. He looked back at Khsuhi who was still holding the phone in fear



Arnav: Khushi relax.. Koi nahi hai yahan!!

Khushi: But. But I saw someone there Arnavji.. I could see a Bride there..!!! And she was .. She was going to push you down!!

Arnav: Bride? (He asked in confusion)

Khushi: Haan!! And woh.. Humme aisa laga jaise woh dulhan koi aur nahi main hi thi..( Yes.. And.. And I felt as if that bride was no one else but ME)



Arnav's mind was blank. WHy will Khushi see herself in a bridal dress trying to push him from the Sheesh Mahal Terrace? Wasnt this scene similar to the one she had told him before? That She was in a bridal dress and someone pushed her from the terrace here? And wait a minute, he did see a dream some minutes back where she was dressed as a Bride..!!! Was there any connection to all this? He didnt know what to do.. He looked at Khsuhi again from far and asked her to chill down and get back to her room and sleep. She didnt wish to go leaving him alone like that. But on his insistance she walked back to her room all the time talking to him on phone and hearing his voice.. He too did the same. He came back to his room  and finally wishing Khushi to get some good sleep, he too sat back on his bed brushing his fingers in his hair. What was going on here?



To be Continued..



Part 44



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav was sitting on the bed working on his Laptop. He was trying to find some information on Sheesh Mahal on Internet. It was so strange that he had to find the details of his own family of 3  generations back on the Internet when he could have easily asked his elders and confirmed what happened. But he knew Badi Maa will never tell him anything. If they did had to tell then they would have done long time back. He entered Sheesh Mahal + Lucknow + Family in the Search engine and started checking if he could get any details. Those times every such Palace was ruled by Maharaja's (Kings) and they stayed here with their families. Arnav already knew that his past generations belonged to rich king class family but who were they? He quickly found some page which mentioned the history of Lucknow and there he could read two names, Pratap Singh Raizada and Ratan Gupta along with the names of their Palaces Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal. He continued reading, There was a lot of information but nothing really of use to him. He was going to shut the page down after doing this research of 2 hours when suddenly he read the name Swayam Singh Raizada and Muskaan Gupta. He was blank. Swayam?? Muskaan?  These were the same names. He read ahead and there he came to know the Prince of Sheesh Mahal Swayam married the Princess of Chandra Mahal Muskaan on a Full moon night in secret. This marriage was later legalised when both the families agreed to accept it and that same night the Bride of Sheesh Mahal Muskaan Swayam Raizada suicided from the Terrace of Sheesh Mahal as she was been forced for this marriage. He suddenly remembered the scenes where Khsuhi kept on telling him that she heard the name Muskaan always in her ears, then she had seen some 6 year old boy taking her to the terrace and he was falling too, and last night was more worst when Khushi felt that some bride which looked like her was pushing him from the Sheesh Mahal terrace. Was all this related? Who was it that actually committed suicide? Was it really a suicide or a Planned murder? And if planned then who was behind all this? He had many questions in his mind and only one thread that connected all. And that Thread was his wife KHUSHI. She was the first one who always felt something unusual in Sheesh Mahal, She was the one who heard name Muskaan again and again, She was the first one to see that small boy, she was the one who felt being pushed by the Terrace some days back , She was the one who last night saw some bride trying to push him from that same terrace. So whatever the mystery was, it was connected to her and he will surely get into depth of this mystery to ease their lives and free his Khushi from all these unwanted problems.



 Anjali knocked the door and came inside. He immediately shut his laptop and smiled at her. Seeing him smiling happily Anjali too was confused.



Anjali: Lagta hai my Chotte is in a good mood today. Anything special?

Arnav: No Di. I was just.. (He wanted to hide the reason why he was so happy. How could he tell that he had been to Chandra Mahal last night? ).. Uhh.. I ...

Anjali : Did you meet Khsuhi Bhabhi again?

Arnav didnt expect his sister to ask this. But he couldnt lie and hence he thought of telling her the truth.



Arnav: Haan Di.. I met my wife yesterday!! And she is the reason for this smile on my face. She is the only person who gave me a new life after that accident.

Anjali was shocked..

Anjali: Met her? How? Where Chotte? You didnt leave this house last night, did you?

Arnav (Getting up from the bed): I did .. I had been to her house to meet my wife!!

Anjali was very surprised and little scared too. She came forward and clutched his arms firm.



Anjali: What did you do Chotte? How could you go to Chandra Mahal? You know our family never step there. What if that family had hurted you?  Firstly that family people have done enough to give pain to us but not anymore. I will not allow you to step in that house again. Is that clear?

Arnav (Angrily): Kyon Di? Why cant I step there? Its just like a normal house for me where my wife is staying. I dont think there is any problem that the family will create even if they see me there. Not everyone there is like Badi maa here.!! And wait a minute, when Khushi went to Chandra Mahal, didnt Badi Maa also step in that house and warned her not to come back? If she can go there then why cant I?



Anjali: I dont know. I dont know anything what you asking me Chotte but we cannot lose you. We all Love you Chotte and..

Arnav: And I love Khushi.. (There was a sudden pause between them).. But I dont expect my family to love her. Infact they never loved her since the start. They all just pretended to love her and waited for a day when she commits some mistake so that they can throw her out.!!

Anjali had tears in her eyes hearing all this.

Anjali: I can see that one girl has created a lot of distance between you and your family Arnav. You have changed.!!

Arnav: She is not the reason for my change Di. You all are. If you would have accepted my Love, I would have never let anyone's expectation down here..



Anjali had no words to tell him and she left the room in silence..



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



Chandra Mahal



Khushi: Aaj mausam hai suhaana , Arnavji ko milne ja hai bahaana, what the what the what the.



She gigled as she realised how this song always irritated her husband when she sang in sheesh mahal before him. She continued ironing her clothes when NK came inside her room

NK: Khushi sing low. If Maa or Buaji hears that you are planning to meet Arnav, they will flop all your plans.

Khushi: BHai.!!Sorry.. I didnt realise it at all while singing..

NK: (Caressed her hair): Thats okay . Now tell me whats the plan by the way? Where are you meeting him? And how?

Khushi: How will I know? You should be making a plan for me Bhai!! Like you did yesterday.!!

NK (Chuckled): Ohh.!! So Madam is waiting for me to think something?

Khushi: Yes!!

NK (Thinking): Look I dont think going out and meeting him is possible because he is still not completely well. So I have a better solution. How about the Common Temple of both the Mahal's?



Khushi smiled remembering this temple. How this temple was the same one where Arnav had filled her Maang with Sindoor when they had come in Sheesh mahal from London. NK clicked his fingers to get her attention,



NK: Hey ? Where are you so lost? Hows my plan? Good?

Khushi: Perfect Bhai..!!

NK: Good so let me call up Arnav and ask him to come there by evening 05:00 pm .. You be ready too. Okay?

Khushi: But Bhai.. You dont forget to come at 05:00 home because Maa will not let me go alone..

NK: I doubt I can come early. I had an important meeting.!! But..



Sheetal who just entered immediately replied back to this..



Sheetal: No problem NK, I will take Khushi there. You continue with your meetings.

Khushi was very happy and infact NK too. He quickly wrapped his arms around his sister and then stood before Sheetal.



NK: So my sister is happy?

Khushi: Very happy Bhai..!! Let me call up Arnavji and tell him all this..

She ran towards the balcony whereas NK and Sheetal stood there watching her.

NK: Thanks Sheetal.

Sheetal: For?

NK: For helping Khushi ..

NK: She is just not your sister NK, she is also my good friend now and I cannot see some couple who love each other so much to stay apart like that. I will do everything to get them close!!

NK really respected her thoughts and was ashamed of himself on why he couldnt see her soft and kind nature in these 2 years? He never treated her as his wife even when he knew her right from the time when they were kids.. He was proud of her now. Very proud.



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



Evening



Khushi wore a plain Yellow saree and was ready to meet her Arnavji at the temple. She purposely covered her neck with a Veil so that her Mangalsutra is not noticed. She came down with Sheetal holding a Puja thali and tip toed towards the Main door but Buaji, Garima and Mandira stopped them.



Garima: Where are you both going at this time?

Sheetal and Khsuhi turned back.

Khushi: Uhh! Maa.. we are going to the temple!! The one which is in the vicinity of this palace..

Buaji: Dont you think Garima, these days your daughter is very much ineterested in going to Temples.!?

Sheetal (Helping Khushi): Buaji she really is going through a lot and at such times she gets some peace of mind visiting the temples! I think she should be allowed to do this much atleast!!



Garima: Then why are you going with her? Did you forget its time for NK to come home in some time. You make his evening snacks and I will take Khushi in the temple!!

Sheetal: No Maa.. Its Okay.  I will take her and we will come soon.

Garima: No need.. You get inside .. I will take my daughter.!!

Khushi was very tensed. She cannot take her mother to the temple but she had no option. Sheetal moved aside and before Garima could start , Mandira who was observing Khushi's expressions realised what was happening. She immediately stepped forward interrupting them.



Mandira: Aunty. You dont have to worry about Khushi. She is my sister. I will take her to the temple.

Garima: No Mandira. I will manage.

Mandira: Come on Aunty. Dont you trust me? I will take care of your daughter. Just leave her with me..  Come Khushi..



Garima couldnt deny Mandira. Sheetal just hoped that Mandira wont tell anyone back here that Khushi had gone to meet Arnavji there!!



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



Temple



For Arnav it was very easy to reach here telling his family that he wanted to get some fresh air and wished to roam outside in the garden. He had already reached before Khushi. He did see Khushi and Mandira coming towards the temple and he was surprised how Khushi got Mandira here?



Mandira (Seeing Arnav from far): Ohh!! So he is that God whom you wish to see and do some Puja of?

Khushi (Smiling): Haan Mandira. I am here to meet my husband and I dont think I am doing anything wrong.!! I hope you wont tell anyone home about this..

Mandira: What if I tell?



She cunningly asked and Khushi stopped looking at her face in shock. Mandira suddenly chuckled and continued walking with her.



Mandira: Dont worry!! I wont tell the family so easily.



Khsuhi didnt realise what she meant by that "EASILY". They came ahead and Arnav smiled at them . Mandira was the first to converse with him.

Mandira: What a Husband you have got Khushi? He takes so much of pain to see you , to be with you.!

Khsuhi smiled and walked to Arnav and stood beside him.

Khushi: True Mandira, I must have really done something good in my previous birth that Devi Miayya has given Arnavji as my husband in this birth.



Arnav cupped her face and gently wiped the tears from the corner of Khushi's eyes and Mandira was already fuming..



Khushi(Seeing Arnav): Hows your health Arnavji?

Arnav: I am recovering very fast Khushi and all thanks to your Love.!!

He suddenly noticed something and then immediately held her hand.



Arnav: Come here.!!



He took her inside the temple and Mandira also followed them.. Arnav took some pinch of Sindoor from the Devi Maiyaa Idol's feet and applied it on her partition..



Arnav: You forgot to apply this Khushi..

Khushi: I didnt forget Arnavji.. I couldnt apply it before my family. You know they dont like me doing all this now.. I have to hide this Mangalsutra also from them..



She unwrapped the Veil from her neck and showed him the mangalsutra that she still wore and he could only smile happily seeing his wife so devoteful in his love and their relationship.. Mandira had seen it enough. She just wished to get away from this place but leaving the couple alone here was not her intention. She just wished to interrupt their talks somehow. She cannot hear their cheesy talks anymore .. She had started hating it already!!



To be Continued..



Part 45



Temple



Arnav made Khushi sit on the stairs at the backside of the temple and Mandira followed them too which was a bit of uneasy for this couple. But Mandira ensured not to stand close to them as they shouldnt feel she was intruding in their private space. She continued doing something in her mobile while the couple talked.

Khushi told Arnav everything that happened today. Her mother was probably spying on her for meeting him and this was not good for them.



Arnav: Khushi I dont think from tomorrow we should be meeeting here.

Khushi (Sad): But how am I supposed to see you then Arnavji?

Arnav : Khushi I never said we arent meeting. Its just that we cant see each other outside because your mother and your family are spying on us.

Waise do you trust Mandira that she wont tell anyone back there about we meeting?  (He gently whispered in her ears so that Mandira doesnt listen)

Khushi: I dont know Arnavji. But I am doubtful on her. She is not what she seems to be.

Arnav (Staring at Mandira on the other corner): I too dont believe her much. Today's case was fine Khushi but next time we need to ensure she is not accompanying you.

Khushi: But Maa believes her and so does Buaji..

Arnav: I will come there to see you. Whenever I can , I will come to meet my wife. You dont need to take this trouble anymore.

Khushi: In Chandra Mahal? But What if someone sees us?

Arnav: Then thats good. We dont need to play this hide and seek for long> I will take you from there.. Thats all



She smiled at his cute talks and hit him gently on his arm while he held her hand in hia again, They kept on staring each others eyes when his Phone started ringing. He answered the call.



Arnav: Haan Aman.. No.. (PAUSE).. Just tell the Zamindar, I am no longer coming to see him and complete that deal. Its Over..!!  Bye..



He then looked back at his wife who seemed to be confused on what work Arnav had with a Zamindar here.

Khushi: Zamindar? Who is he?

Arnav: He is an Old Zamindar (Landlord) Khushi. I know him just by name. But forget it.. Nothing important now..

Khushi: No.. It is important. You hiding something from me. I can read your face .. Please tell me what the matter is Arnavji?

Arnav sighed giving up to her wishes ..



Arnav: Fine. If you insist, then let me tell you who he is. Khsuhi remember we signed a deal between us, a contract that I will give you money for your mother's hospitalisation and you will inturn help me in some work of mine?

Khushi: Haan..!!

Arnav: Right!! So this is the same man because of whom I had to marry you.. My mother was very rich Khushi. She had a lot of property in her name which she sold to this Zamindar to save Sheesh Mahal once.!! Dad met some business crises and due to which Maa had to sold this property but without letting anyone from the family know. No one has an idea about this property deal except me.!! I came to know it because Maa had a seperate will on my name wherein she mentioned that if her Son wishes then he could buy this property back from the Zamindar and in the memory of his mother can build a small Old age home on it as this was what she was inetrested in doing when she was alive. When my Lawyer read the will before me alone, I came to know that something like this even existed and I thought of working on my Maa's wish. I went to that Zamindar and asked him to sell back that land but he refused. He refused on the grounds that he wishes to use that property for the benefit of Lucknow people only and he will never agree to sell it off to me.  I was a bussiness man and what if someday I would use that land for a bussiness purpose. ? What if I convert it to an industrial property ? He wanted to make a small School there. I tried to make him understand that our intentions were same. The property would be used for the benefit of people and not for some business use but he stuck to his words. But then we couldnt change the term of the will where The property would be sold off only to my WIFE . So even if he accepted my  demand. of buying it, I couldnt get it still because I was unmarried. So I planned to get married to someone who can help me get that land being my Wife and afterwhich I can get rid of that contract and use that land to fulfil Maa's last wish..



Khushi's eyes teared as she heard the whole confession from his end on what made him ready for this contract marriage. He looked at her face and really felt sorry for hiding this truth from her.



Arnav; Khushi dont take me wrong . I know I had to tell you all this before but I didnt, because I never trusted you much those days. I didnt feel you will realise the importance of it just like I do. And..

Khushi (Gulped down her tears): And now you trust me more than before?

Arnav cupped her face realising the pain he was still giving her unknowingly..



Arnav: More than my Life Khushi.. I trust you.. I love you more than anyone and anything else in this world..



She was elated hearing these words but she didnt raect much to it as She could see Mandira staring at them from the corner.Arnav wiped her tears and then they both got up ..



Khushi: So you denied the Zamindar because you broke that contract with me. ?

Arnav (Sighing): Khushi its okay.. I dont want you to do anything related to that contract we signed for. I will find some other ways of geting that land. Okay?

Khushi: No.. Not okay Arnavji.. Am I not your wife? Am I not your mother's Bahu? Dont I have the rights to fulfil my Mother in law's dream?

Arnav : You do baby but,,

Khsuhi: No Arnavji.. I dont need to hear any more explanantions now from you . I am ready to come with you to the Zamindar and fulfil that Deal.



Arnav stood rooted for some seconds staring at his wife's face.



Arnav: Temple aane mein itne bahaane karne padte hai tumhe, aur tum mere saath Agra aaogi?  Really Khushi ?( For coming to the temple you have to make so many excuses Khushi and you are planning to come to Agra with me?)

Khushi: AGRA?



Her expressons were worth reading when She heard that this Zamindar stayed in Agra and  not lucknow..



Khushi: But you said the Zamindar wishes to do good use of the land for the people in Lucknow. Then why is he in Agra?

Arnav: He stays there. But the land is in Lucknow only. For paper work, we will have to go to his place and finish the formalities..!! Which I dont think is possible at this stage..!!

Khushi (Thinking something): We can go Arnavji.1! I will talk to NK bhai..

Arnav: And what can NK do here?

Khushi (Smiling): He will join us there. I mean we will make some excuse saying NK and I am going out for a day and no one will know we are coming with you to Agra.!!

Arnav (Smiled back happily): My Wife has brains!!!



He pinched her cheeks while she hissed in pain and moved his fingers back from her face.



Khushi: It hurts Arnavjii!!

Arnav: Sorry!!

Khsuhi: No Sorry!! Apno ke beech maafi nahi di jaati hai..  (There is no need for forgiveness between two known people)

Arnav: Toh phir  kya kiya jaata hai ?(Then what should they do?)

Khushi pinched his cheeks in a similar way and he screamed but in happiness..!!



Khushi: Unhe sazaa di jaati hai (They are punished )



They both chuckled while Mandira was fuming again seeing this couple. She checked the time and came to them faking a smile.



Mandira: I have some work at home Khsuhi. If you done, we should leave.

Khsuhi was nervous but Arnav gestured her to leave as it was really getting late now..

Khsuhi: Call me Arnavji.. I will wait for your call.

Arnav:I will!!



He assured her and Khushi finally left back with Mandira to Chandra mahal and Arnav kept on staring at her till she was not visible to his sight.



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



Chandra Mahal



NK: Agra?

Khushi: Haan Bhai.. Please .. I have to do this for Arnavji..

She was almost pleading which NK didnt like at all.

NK: Come on Khushi, dont be so much submissive to his wishes.. I know its important for you to finish this contract but then I really doubt what reason will be give to the family here.

Khsuhi: Anything Bhai.. Just think the best one.!!



NK and Khushi thought for a while and then Khushi came up with an idea..



Khushi: Business deal.. You tell them some new client wishes to see you there..

NK: Hmm.. Sounds good.. But why will they allow me to take you. ?

Khushi: Just tell Maa that you wish to take me to change my mood and I stay little aloof from  the Sheesh Mahal family too..

NK: Not bad idea.. I guess it will work.. Lets get down and inform them .. Come..



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



Garima: Its good thought Nandakishore but sending Khushi like that ? I mean you will be busy with the client and Khushi will be bored in the hotel then.

Khushi: She is right Bhai.. I dont wish to come. (She purposely faked that she doesnt wish to go with NK)

NK: Uhh..!! I will take Sheetal along with us too. The ladies will be happy in the hotel until I finish my work, And its hardly a day's matter maa..

Sheetal was blank. AGRA? Though she too knew what the plan was but he will take her along? He himself proposed to take her? That was strange.



Garima and Buaji looked at each other and finally gave a go ahead to them .. Thankfully Mandira was not at home or else she would have ruined their  plan.



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



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav was packing his clothes when Badi Maa came inside and asked him where was he leaving. He told her he had some work in Agra which was important. She suggested him to take Shyam or Akash along but he denied as usual and then asked the family not to force him to stay back. He would return in a day and that was not too long. She had to agree just like Garima and Buaji did in Chandra Mahal.



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



Arnav and Khushi were discussing the same on the call that night wherein she seemed to be very much excited of this trip.



Khushi: What should I wear? A Saree?

Arnav (Signing some papers ): Hmmm..

Khushi: Which one? Red,Blue, Pink, Black , Green?

Arnav: Hmm..



She realised he wasnt concentrating on her.

Khsuhi (Screaming angrily): Arnavji?? Are you even listening to what I asked?

Arnav (Stopped and concentrated back to her): Yeah.. I.. I am sorry Khushi.. I was just little stuck up signing some papers.. What did you ask?

Khsuhi (Sighing): Saree pehnu yeah Dress? (SHould I wear Saree or a Dress? )

Arnav: Anything Khushi.. What you feel you are comfortable in..!!

Khushi pressed her lips in anger as he was showing no interest but his next set of words dazzled her and proved her wrong.



Arnav: Wear anything in Red though. You know how much I like to see you in Red.. !!



She blushed profusely on his comment and suddenly dropped the call quickly asking him to continue his work and sleep early. She had so much to prepare for the next day..!!



To be Continued..









Part 46



After travelling a Distance of 5 Kms from their respective houses, they stopped their Cars at the decided place and Arnav got down from his Car seeing NK, Sheetal and his beautiful wife Khushi waiting for him at the other end of the road. As expected she had wore a Red Chudidar and was looking very pretty. The little Sindoor on her head which she might have applied in the Car after starting from Chandra Mahal was shinning. She didnt had to hide her Mangalsutra again from anyone because she was with her husband now and with others who accepted their relationship.. Arnav crossed the road and came to them. NK shook hands with him while Sheetal passed him a smile.



Arnav: You guys waited for long?

NK: No. We just came 5 minutes back. But even this 5 minutes WAIT was too long for someone else..

He looked at Khushi teasingly who was still blushing all the time not meeting anyone's eyes.



Sheetal: And NK did you notice, Khushi is wearing RED colour a Lot these days.

Khushi (Seeing Sheetal): Bhabhi please. Red was always my favourite colour like Arnavji's.!!

Sheetal (Gigled): Accha so all this is for your Arnavji??



NK and Sheetal bursted laughing while Khushi and Arnav stole glances. She was literally shy facing such teases from her brother and Sister in law. They finally decided to take Arnav's Car and leave for Agra together while one of NK's friend will take his car later from this place. Arnav opened the Car door for the ladies to get inside and NK joined Arnav at the front seat. Khushi was definately sitting at a place where Arnav could see her clearly from the front mirror. This would be easy for them to steal some more glances of each other in the whole trip.



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



Chandra Mahal



Mandira was back from her work and she was shocked to know that NK has taken Khsuhi and Sheetal out to Agra for a day.



Mandira: He asked and you allowed him to take Khushi?



She asked angrily to her mother Madhumati..

Buaji: So whats the harm if Nandakishore takes Khushi along. He is her brother and seeing Khushi's present state, I am sure she needed this little change in her life. Atleast she will be away from that husband of hers for some time.



Mandira (Angrily): Maa you dont understand what I am trying to tell you. What if all this is a plan of Khushi to meet her husband?



Garima who was passing by that room overheard everything and she interrupted in between.



Garima: Tell me clearly Mandira. Dont exaggerate the matter for no reason.!!

Mandira: I am not exaggerting anything Aunty. But I think there is more to this story which NK built for taking Khushi from here.

Garima: What are you saying Mandira? NK is the son of this house and he knows how much we all hate that Arnav Singh Raizada for what he did to Khushi..!!

Mandira (Sighing): He may be the Son of this house Aunty but these days he is fulfilling his Brotherly responsibilities more towards Khushi than being your Son.



Buaji: Mandira stop fussing and tell us clearly.

Mandira: Fine. If you all wish to know then listen. Your daughter Khushi has no intentions to get seperated from Arnav SIngh Raizada AUnty. She loves him and she is very much in touch with him these days. She will never sign on those Divorce papers. She is fooling everyone of us here. She asked time from you because she is making some plan with her husband daily to come out of this issues. She keeps meeting him secretly in the pretext of going to the Temple, garden and what not.. She meets him daily, she converses with him day and night on the phone and I am sure today also she is planning some trip with her husband which made her include NK and Sheetal also in it because she knows no one will allow her to go alone. How can you both be so fool and allow her to leave like that ? Your daughter is fooling you Aunty. She is going against your terms and against your promises . She has no value to her mother's promise which she took few days back stating she will never think of her husband again. All she wants these days is her husband and she can even sacrifice her mother for that.. !!



Garima angrily raised her hand on Mandira but stopped at the right time before she could slap her hard for speaking so much ill about Khushi. Mandira was furious. She never thought Garima will take such a step ..



Madhumati was shocked too seeing Garima so much furious.



Garima : (To Mandira): My Daughter will never ditch me Mandira. She will never do all this.

Mandira: I am Shocked Aunty. Even after knowing so much from me you are not believing me right? Then wait a minute.!!



She immediately dialed on Sheesh Mahal's Cordless phone and placed her mobile in the Speaker mode. Someone picked from the other end and Madhumati and Garima were keenly interested to know what was going on.



Hari Prakash: Hello.. Sheesh Mahal..

Mandira: Kya hum Arnav Singh Raizada se baat kar sakte hai? (Can I talk to Arnav Singh Raizada)

HP: Aap kaun? (Who are you? )

Mandira: Hum unke Office se bol rahe hai. (I am speaking from his Office)

HP: Par Arnav Bhaiyaa toh ghar par nahi hai. Agra gaye hai kissi kaam se. Kal aayenge.!! (But Arnav Bhaiyaa is not at home. He has gone to Agra for some work. He will come tomorrow. )



Mandira looked at the shocked faces of Garima and Madhumati.



Mandira: Koi baat nahi. Shukriya. (No problem. Thanks )



She cut the call and then turned to the ladies.



Mandira: Arnav is in Agra, and even NK , Sheetal and Khushi. It cannot be a conincidence Aunty. Think again. I am sure everyone is planning something big against you and this family.!!



She left towards her room in anger while Garima was speechless. Will her daughter really ditch her in this way ? She lied to her mother that she will forget Arnav? She was lieing all these days? She met him everyday? She talked to him everyday? How can Khsuhi be so mad in his love that she can ignore her mother's promise?



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



It was hardly a 3 hours drive from Delhi to Agra and in between their little road trip all the 4 didnt leave a chance to talk and share their little happiness of lives. Nandakishore was telling Arnav about his passion in Hunting and was asking Arnav to give him a company the next time he goes out for some hunting with his friends.



Arnav: No NK. I am against killing animals. Infact even you should stop it. All living beings have a right to live. Like us, so do they.

NK: I know. But I dont kill them.

Arnav: Whatever!! I must say utilise your passion in something else.!!

NK : Any suggestions for that Jeejaji?



Khushi gigled when NK called him Jeejaji and Arnav was very proud of getting someone calling him by so much dignity..!!!



Arnav (Looking from the Car Front mirror to his wife): Whats there to laugh in it Khushi? I am his Jeejaji!!

Khushi: I know Arnavji.. But this sounds so funny on you. I guess NK bhai should call you Arnav only .!!

Arnav:  (Driving slow but still looking at her): Kya Kahan?

Khushi (Not realising): Arnav..!!



She uttered his name again normally but he repeated the same question..



Arnav: KYA?

Khushi: Ar..(She then realised it was the first time she was removing that Ji from Arnavji's name and calling him Arnav for the first time like that.. She didnt complete the word and blushed again)

NK: Ohh I see..!! So that means my sister never called you Arnav haan?

Sheetal: Aww. Thats so cute of you Khushi.

NK: Sheetal .. You should learn something from her!! You never give me so much respect..

Sheetal: Your name is already so big.. NANDAKISHORE.. And upon that how can you expect me to add two more alphabets in it? NANDAKISHOREJI? Huhh!! It will take ages for me to pronounce that..



Khushi started gigling agreeing to what Sheetal said. NK chuckled too with Arnav and stole his wife's glances turning back..



NK: Not bad Sheetal.!! So you do have some sense of humour. You arent that boring like I considered you before..!!



Sheetal (Smiling): You had many misconceptions about me NK which I think its high time to clear off!!

NK noded in agreement and held her hand which surprised her ..

NK: Just like everything is fine with my sister Khushi and her husband now, I promise you I will work on our relationship too!!



Khushi and Arnav didnt know what it meant.

Arnav (Driving): Whats wrong NK? Kuch hua tha kya tum dono ke beech? (Did something bad happen between you both?)

NK (Turning back to him): Haan Jeejaji!! But ab main sab theek kar dunga..!! (But Now I will make things right )



Khushi was impressed with her brother and not poking her nose in  between their personal matters, she just kept silent and didnt question them anything much about it!!



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



Chandra Mahal



Mandira was walking restlessly in her room not believing the fact on how master minded this couple was. They purposely didnt tell her anything and only kept it between them and NK Sheetal. Did they think she will not allow them go like this? Do they know her intentions? She was really confused with all this. She was still pacing around when suddenly her phone rang and she was little more worried when she saw the caller name displaying on it.. She answered the call before it could actually be late.



Mandira: Hello...!! (PAUSE)... Why did you call me here? I told you I will call you myself .. I dont want anyone to know we are together .. Did you get that?? ..(PAUSE)... NO.. I have no more updates of here except this... That Arnav and Khushi are together .. They have gone to AGRA. I have no idea why? .. (PAUSE)...........Dont shout at me like that Okay? I am not your servant.. I am just helping you.. (PAUSE).. Its easy to give orders to me like that from so far..I think its high time you come back here and handle things yourself. .. (PAUSE).. Let me know about it.. Bye..



She cut the call and threw it angrily on the bed.



Muskaan (to herself): Everyone gives orders.. Only I know how difficult it is to implement them. HUhh!! I cannot sit like this. I have to do something ,..!!



She walked off her room thinking about her next moves..



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



Agra



The couple finally settled in the Lobby of the Five Star Hotel of Agra where NK and Arnav were busy collecting the keys and the ladies were talking to each other about how beautiful this place was.!!



Sheetal: This is the first time I am out with NK you know. In these 2 years we could never come out together Khushi. So all thanks to you and Arnav,

Khsuhi: I really dont know what was so wrong between you and Bhai, Sheetal Bhabhi.. But yes I did notice some issues between you two. There was something missing when you both were together. But after listening to NK Bhai's talks in the Car with you, I am pretty sure all that bad days are gone. He will keep you happy forever now.



Sheetal (Smiled and held Khsuhi;s hand): Thanks and I wish you the same Khushi .. Waise toh bataane ki zaroorat nahi hai ki Arnav tumse kitna pyaar karta hai. Yeh Baat toh Sheesh Mahal aur Chandra Mahal bahut pehle se jaanta hai.. But now what we wish to see is you both start living together happily. I hope that day also comes soon in your life..( Thanks and I wish you the same Khushi. You dont have to tell me how much Arnav loves you and all because this matter is known to Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal from past many months. But now all we wish to see is you both start living together happily. I hope that day also comes soon in your life)



Khushi: I hope the same Bhabhi!!



"Which Hopes Khushi? " Arnav asked walking towards her and Sheetal. NK was also with him.

Khushi: Nothing Arnavji!! But tell me one thing why are we here? We had to meet the Zamindar right?

Arnav: Ofcourse we do Khushi but after some rest.! And arent you hungry? Because I am very much in need of some Food now!!

NK: So am I.!! Lets get freshen up and see each other in an hour?

Arnav (Giving him a thumbs up): Sounds good.!! Chale Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada?



He asked in the sweetest and romantic tone only earning a red blush on her cheeks as she nodded in agreement!! Sheetal and NK left for their room while Arnav walked holding his wife's hand towards the Elevator to check in their room..



To be Continued..





Part 47



Agra - Hotel



Arnav opened their room and directed her inside with  a bow..



Arnav : Welcome inside Madam



Khushi ( laughing at him) : What is all this Arnavji? Itna Royal Welcome? (So much royal welcome?)



Arnav closed the door behind them and held her shoulders looking at her..



Arnav : Princess of Chandra mahal deserves this Royal Welcome Maam. So I am at your service today.



Khushi(holding him) : Don't forget I am the bride of Sheesh Mahal too..



Arnav : Of course ...so I am bound to treat  you  royally as  you deserve all the pomp and respect from both the Palaces!!



Khushi : Maan liya.. aap kuch zyada hi baat karne laga hain aaj kal..(I now agree that you have started to talk a lot these days)



Arnav : I am serious baby.. Just wait and watch how I treat Mrs. ASR royally when we are alone at London..



Khushi blushed at him for his flirty talks and dragged him towards the bed.



Khushi : Enough of my service.. Take some rest now. You haven't recovered fully. This long drive might have exhausted you. Take some rest till then I will freshen up.



She was about to move towards the bathroom when he held her wrist and pulled back beside him on the bed. They both lied on the bed facing each other with their head supported by their elbow.



Arnav: How can I get tired in the journey when my beautiful wife was stealing glances of me throughout my drive boosting my energy?



Khushi (blushing hard and hiting his hand) :  Aap bhi na.. Let me go and freshen up.



Arnav ( Pulling her back) : Oye.. I am here to spend some time with my wife and you seem not at all bothered about my wish.



Khushi : Accha.. kaise time spend karna? (Okay fine. Tell me how do you wish to spend this time then?)



Arnav( thinking) : Tumhe dekhe, phir baat karke, phir dekhe, phir baat karte., phir... (Seeing you, then talking to you,.. then again seeing you and talking to you , then again.. )



Khushi(laughing hard): I am damn sure I didn't marry this Arnav Singh Raizada . I think there is some serious problem with ASR's brain after that accident.



Arnav (caressing her cheeks becoming serious): Khushi .. I am still the same ASR for others but for you I am just Arnav who wants to reciprocate the immense love his wife has for him.



He  hit his forehead with hers and looked at her eyes. Their eyes met each other to remember those moments from their marriage till now. How they agreed for the contract, how he brought her to Sheesh Mahal, what all problems they had to face after that and now their most difficult phase where they want to live together but fate was separating them. He looked into her eyes  wishing to get her out of the past of their mahals & mystery of their dreams and take her to London soon to live their rest of the life peacefully without any problems.



Khushi : Arnavji.. What happened. Anything bothering you?



Arnav(coming out of his thoughts) :hmm.. Kuch nahin. Main apne patni ko theek se dekh raha hoon..  Aise mauka aasani se thodi milta hain? Tumhare gharwale toh  humare  ghar ke beech mein  bandook leke baithe hain hamein separate karne ke liye.. (Nothing.. I am just admiring my wife.. Wont get this chance so easily. AFterall our families are sitting in between our houses with guns in their hand to seperate us )



Khushi :Hawww. Aap mere gharwalo pe mazak Uda rahe hain.. apko mein chodungi nahin. (You making fun of my family? I wont leave you.)



She pushed him on the bed hitting with the pillow while he ran  towards the bathroom to save his life.



*********



Minutes later



She was sitting on the  dressing table combing her hair while she saw him resting on the bed with his mobile checking his mail.



KHushi : Arnavji...



Arnav (concentrating on the mobile)  : hmm..



Khushi : Do you think our families  will come to know about this trip of ours?



Arnav (looking at her): Why do you have that doubt?  That's why we made NK and Sheetal accompany us. I don't think they will suspect us so easily Khushi..



Khushi : But still something is bothering me Arnavji..



Arnav (sighing) : Khushi.. Relax.. There is nothing wrong there. And in case if they create a problem , I wont  wait to even think of staying back. Next flight we are flying to London.. that's it.



Khushi closed her eyes seeing the rage in his words. She knew he wont allow anyone to point fingers at them again. He has already decided the best for them and if at all he stays back it was for her insistence to maintain patience since to obey the family till they find out some solution.



She moved towards him and held his hands.



Khushi : I am sorry Arnavji.. I didn't want to make you worried.. It was just an apprehension.



Arnav (smiling): I understand Khushi.. I promise you anything or everything we will face it together.. I am there with you..



Khushi smiled at him for the motivation. She knew he was very confident of their relationship which always brought happiness inside her.



Khushi: But Arnavji , you think seperating from our families and moving to London will be good? THese families have nurtured us since childhood. They need us, we deserve their love and so do they. I dont think running away from them would be a good choice.



Arnav: Then what else you expect me to do Khushi? You have no idea what is happeneing between them. I cant take a risk. We are trying to convince them and we will till they think of taking a drastic step to make us apart. Thats all we can wait for. I dont wish we spoil our lives living in those orthodox and scary thoughts of these mahal's.



Khushi though wasnt convinced she didnt argue further.



Arnav : Khushi.. uum.. Do you still get those horrifying dreams at night?



Khushi (confused) : No Arnavji.. Since the time I started staying in Chandra Mahal I don't get any dreams or hallucinations. Even I was wondering the same. But why are you asking me now?



Arnav : Nothing.. I was just asking if you are afraid to sleep alone.



Khushi ( blushing): You talk to me every night till the dawn, how can I feel alone ?



Arnav  raising his eyebrow smirked at her words.



Arnav : Accha.. I know that.. but tell me Khushi what did you exactly watch in that dream before?



Khushi (irritated) :Arnavji.. why are you asking me about those horrible dreams now? Did you bring me here to ask about it? Tell me is there anything you are hiding from me about those dreams.



She confessed her suspicion but he didnt spoiled her mood.



Arnav :Kuch nahin Khushi... Lets go down. NK and Sheetal would be waiting in the restaurant.



He hurried her to get out of the room for the restaurant. She could feel he was escaping from her questions. May be this wasn't the time to enquire about it she thought. She decided to make him reveal what his doubts are after they are back from the Zamindar's house.



**********



Restaurant



NK and Sheetal were sitting  in the restaurant. The trip had really changed a lot between them especially since they started helping Arnav & Khushi..It was like the love  between the couple had made some positive changes between NK & Sheetal too.. They started to talk and understand more each other which hadn't been possible for the last 2 years especially because of the resistance from NK's side.



NK : Sorry Sheetal I didn't mean to hurt you all these days.. Its just that I wasn't in a mood to accept relationships in my life so easily.



Sheetal : I understand NK. There is time for everything. Hope from now onwards we try to improve our relationship in a good and positive way.



NK ( holding her hands) : Sure.. I assure you to give all the rights of a wife and in turn give my love and affection as a husband to you.



Both of them looked at their eyes and were lost in thoughts while Arnav and Khushi came near them and sat opposite to them. Khushi snapped her finger to get them out of their reverie.



Khushi : NK Bhai.. Public.. Public.. thoda toh sharam karo.. (NK Bhai we are in public. )



Arnav (smirking at their embarrassment) :Khushi.. we should have had our lunch in the room itself.. Looks like we are wasting precious moments here.



NK : Sheetal Look who is teasing us?  The couple who don't leave a chance to be romantic every second is teasing us.



Arnav:  That's because I don't get time to spend with my wife like you do dear Saale sahib.



All of them laughed at each other. Sheetal and NK glanced at each other on how Arnav easily pointed out their faults. Though they are together they don't spend time for each other. NK decided that he would surely take up the next step of spending time with his wife whenever he gets free time. That would surely be a good step towards their relationship development.



Khushi was excited to  see Jalebi in the desert and squealed like a kid. The others grinned at her childishness. She took a bite and relished the taste of the syrup. She saw Arnav staring at her with amusement.



Khushi : Aap aisa kyun dekh raha  hain mujhe?? (Why are you looking at me like that? )



 Arnav : Kuch nahin.. I didn't know my wife is still a grown up kid at times.



Khushi : Yes.. When I look at jalebis.. I am a kid.. And I should thank you for inviting that kid in me ( she giggled at him). Now this is your punishment.



She brought the jalebi piece she was having towards his mouth insisting him to have a bite. Though he resisted her pout made him have a bite from her hand.



NK & Sheetal were admiring this couple from the other side. Never had they even thought of having food together. Looking at the cute scene of Arnav and Khushi they felt a little jealous that they had spent all these months wasting their life. NK felt guilty of treating his wife like a doormat whenever she was trying to show her love. He vowed to himself that he would recreate a new life for her where he would shower his love on her.



Arnav:  NK.. I am thinking of taking Khushi to the Zamindar's place in the evening. We shall be back by 10pm.



NK : That's good. Meanwhile we both are planning to visit Taj Mahal and spend time till you both are back.



Khushi : Wow Sheetal Bhabhi.. Looks like Bhai is in good mood for outing.. Hope he wont deny to go back home tomorrow.



Sheetal : Good for you too. You were waiting for an opportunity to stay with Arnav..



Khushi : No No bhabhi.. We can't stay back. We have already deceived our family for one day trip. They might get doubts if we extend.

Arnav: I am tired of explaining her that nothing will go wrong but she has her own intuitions. Just enjoy the Dessert Khushi dont think on anything else now.



They spent together for some more time and returned back to their rooms.



********



Evening



Arnav stopped his car  in an old mansion. Khushi too stepped down with him and held his hands to walk forward. They looked at the sky which were clouded impending a rain soon.



Arnav : Khushi , we have to finish fast and return back.. I think it would rain later.



Khushi : Haan Arnavji.. So the Zamindar stays here?



Arnav : Hmm. I just have talked to him on call sometimes but never seen him. Anyways Come let's go inside.



As both of them entered the house they heard a loud noise of a vessel falling inside which startled Khushi. She clutched his arms tightly and hid her face in him.



Arnav : Khushi.. relax.. its just a vessel falling down.



Khushi: Arnavji.. I don't know why I felt so scared.



Arnav: Main hoona tumhare saath.. (I am with you.. )



She nodded with a smile trusting him.They moved towards the hall and Arnav called out for the Zamindar.



An aged old man in his 80s wearing a kurta with a stick supporting him walked towards them. Khushi and Arnav wished him and he looked at their faces scrunching his eyebrows to get clear vision.As the blurred vision started to clear, he felt his heart thumping with fear looking at them.. How was it possible? His eyes widened confusing both Arnav and Khushi who started to move towards him. He stumbled backwards and soon Arnav and Khushi came forward and caught him. They made him sit on the couch while his eyes didn't leave Khushi's face.



Arnav : Mishra Ji.. I am Arnav Singh Raizada and Yeh Khushi hain. Meri Patni.



Zamindar got the shock of his life hearing it. He looked at Arnav who was looking at him with bewilderment. He could see the shock in Zamindar's eyes which he never expected to witness.



Zamindar : Patni?? (Wife? )



Arnav : Haan. Meri patni.. Kya hua?  Aap teekh toh haina? (Yes.. My Wife.. What happened? Is all okay ?)



Zamindar looked at Khushi again intently. She smiled at him not knowing why he was staring at her. She moved towards Arnav and sat with him bending her face down.



Arnav: Mishraji. We are here for the registration. Hope you are ready. I have asked the Registrar to come here now. He will be here in some time.



Arnav's words didn't register Zamindar at all. He looked at Khushi & Arnav simultaneously without any word.



Arnav : Aap sun raha haina?  (Are you listening?)



Zamindar : Swayam aur Muskaan.. nahin.. tum voh ho.. Mandira...??? (Swayam and Muskaan.  No.. You are not her.. Mandira..?? )



To be continued..



Part 48



Arnav: Mishraji. We are here for the registration. Hope you are ready. I have asked the Registrar to come here now. He will be here in some time.



Arnav's words didn't register Zamindar at all. He looked at Khushi & Arnav simultaneously without any word.



Arnav : Aap sun raha haina?  (Are you listening?)

Zamindar : Swayam aur Muskaan.. nahin.. tum voh ho.. Mandira...??? (Swayam and Muskaan.  No.. You are not her.. Mandira..?? )



The name "Mandira" from the Zamindar for Khushi was really shocking for the couple. They both looked at each other while the Zamindar started shiverring in fear and felt unconscious. Arnav immediately helped the Zamindar and called for help. His Son Dilsher came running with the servants and managed to take the hold of the Zamindar. Khushi and Arnav were just watching everyone in confusion.



Dilsher: Sorry Mr Raizada , but my father is too old to manage all this. I guess we have to postpone this registrar work for tomorrow. Hope its fine with you.

Arnav: Yeah ofcourse. We too dont wish to bother him in such a condition. We will come back tomorrow.

Dilsher: Good. Thank you. PLease have some Tea before you leave.



Khushi : No Thanks. We should leave.



Her looks clearly revealed Arnav that she was suffocating in this place. All she wanted now was to come out of here somehow. He came out of the house with Khushi who immediately wrapped her arms around his feeling nervous.



Arnav: Khushi whats wrong? Tum theek ho?

Khushi: Take me from here Arnavji.. I dont wish to be here again.

Arnav: But why ? I know things didnt go inside as expected and the Zamindar confused us by calling you Mandira. Why would he call you by your sister's name? Does he know Mandira?

Khushi: I dont know anything. All I know is that there is something wrong here.

Arnav: Okay theek hai. !! As it is I dont want us to get stuck in the rain too. Lets reach back the hotel and be there with NK and Sheetal. Happy?

Khushi: Jee..



He opened the car door for her and she entered inside. He drove back from here not wishing to spoil Khushi's mood after this. After almost a hlf an hour drive, the rain started pouring out heavily and they due to the darkness and no street lights it was difficult for Arnav to see anything ahead. They managed to skip hitting a truck coming from the other direction and Khushi seemed extremely scared when their Car tyre got punctured on the wrong timing. He banged the fist on the Stearing Wheel and looked at her.



Arnav: We have to find some shelter now. I dont think till morning anyone would be able to repair this .

Khushi: Shelter? But how far is the Hotel from here?

Arnav: I guess some 25 Kms Khushi but we wont get a proper transport to reach back there. Let me check if I can call NK and ask him to send a Hotel Vehicle



He checked his phone and realised there was no network coverage. She checked hers and found the same.



Arnav: So? Mrs Raizada? Ready to spend some time alone with your husband in this unknown place?

Khushi: (Chuckled): Find something for us to stay first. I cannot sit inside this car for long.

Arnav nodded. He turned the other side and found a Small hut at the corner and pointed Khushi towards it.,



Arnav: Lets find some help there. Come.



They both got down the Car and rushed towards the Hut trying to escape the rain which was still pouring heavily. It was a very old place but surely enough for them to spend the night. She clutched his hand entering inside with him .



Khushi: This place is more scary than that Zamindar's House.

Arnav (Chuckled): Better than Sheesh Mahala and Chandra Mahal atleast!!

Khushi: Hmm ..!! (She gigled and finally got some courage in her to stay here at this place )



Arnav made her sit on the hay and then tried finding some lamp to light the place. She scanned the place and then continued admiring him lighting the lamp.



Arnav: Its cold here, isnt it?

She didnt reply and he turned to see what she was doing. She was lost in some thoughts which he had to know what was making her skip her husband's words. He came and kneeled down before her. Holding her hand in his he made her come out of her reverie.



Arnav: Kya soch rahi ho? (What are you thinking?)

Khushi: What if Maa comes to know we are together? She will not let us live with each other Arnavji.. I.. I am really worried. I cant leave her and neither can I leave you..



She expressed her inner turmoils easily to him and he intervened.



Arnav: Khushi relax..!! Koi kuch nahi kahega!! Aur tum aise darr rahi ho jaise ek anzaan aadmi tumhe bhagaa ke le jaa raha hai. Relax..!! Hum pati patni hai aur hum jahan chahe jaa sakte hai. I will find some way to get our car repaired. Okay? (Khushi relax. No one will say anything. And you are so much scared as if you are eloping from your family with an unknown man. We are husband wife and we can go where we wish to. I will find some way to get out car repaired. Okay? )



Khsuhi: Par Arnavji.. I really am feeling nervous about everything happening with us . Firstly we lied and came here to Agra,  then the Zamindar calling me Mandira added more to my confusion.  And who is Swayam? I am hearing this name with Muskaan for the first time.

Arnav's thoughts suddenly drifted towards the past few days where he had dreamt about the unusual wedding of Muskaan and Swayam which inturn had faces similar to him and Khushi.



Khushi (Shook him): Arnavji? Where are you lost ?

Arnav came back to his senses and clutched her hand tight in his.

Arnav: I have to tell you something Khushi. I never paid much attention to all these dreams and stuffs you used to get in Sheesh Mahal but now, I know we are related somehow to all this.

Khushi: Kya?

Arnav: Haan Khushi. When you started staying in Chandra Mahal you stopped getting the dreams of Muskaan, you stopped feeling everything unusual like you did in Sheesh Mahal but on the other hand there is something strange happening with me now.

Khushi : Strange? What are you talking about ?

Arnav: Like the accident I faced ..Not to mention it Khushi but it was not a minor one. I would have lost my life in it. But I was saved luckily. And yes. The most important thing that I have noticed here after you left was that I did get a dream ..



Khushi was numb at his confession. She continued listening and Arnav told her what he saw in his dream. She was all the more confused..



Khushi: You mean in the dream I was addressing you as Swayam and you called me Muskaan?

Arnav: Yes.. And infact in that dream I married you in that same temple where I had first applied Sindoor to you Khushi when we came back from London. Seemed like Muskaan was not interested in marrying Swayam. But he forced her to marry him just like Arnav forced Khushi to be his wife and come with him to Sheesh Mahal..



Khushi: Phir?

Arnav: Then what, I woke up and called you on your phone. Remember I asked you to come on the Terrace and talk to me, so that we can see each other?

Khushi: (Little scared): Yes. And thats when I saw someone who looked exactly like me was trying to push you down the Sheesh Mahal terrace..

Arnav: Yeah! Thats all actually.Nothing much happened after that but I started finding the past on the internet and could really gather some details which would be shocking.

Khushi: Shocking?

Arnav: Yes. It seems few decades back, the Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal had good relationships with each other unlike now . Pratap Singh Raizada was the head of Sheesh Mahal and Ratan Gupta for Chandra Mahal. Both wished to get the Mahal's tied in one relationship and hence they fixed the wedding of Pratap's elder Son Swayam with the daughter of Chandra Mahal. I dont know what happened after that because after this I directly found another writeup where they mentioned Prince of Sheesh Mahal Swayam married the Princess of Chandra Mahal Muskaan on a Full moon night in secret. And then that same night The Bride of Sheesh Mahal which means Muskaan committed a Suicide. Now if we related my dream with this history , you will see what I saw in the dream wasnt just a dream., It was the same sequence of Secret marriage of Muskaan and Swayam but then why did she commit a  suicide?What happened to Swayam after that? Is this the reason for the good ties between the mahal's changing to worst? I have a lot many questions like this  which I couldnt get any answers still.



Khushi was still puzzled with all this past.



Khushi : But then Arnavji what about the small boy whom I had seen sometimes in Arnavji.> Did you read anything abou him there?

Arnav: No. I told you I surfed not for long Khushi but now the way the Zamindar reacted, I think we can get some information from him. We should not leave this opportunity. I know you feel scared to go there again but thats the only hope we have to know more about our past..



Khushi nodded in agreement and suddenly realised something.



Khushi: Our past? You mean you are Swayam and I am Muskaan?

Arnav (Smiled): Think so.

Khushi: You taking it so lightely Arnavji.. I am really worried about this past of ours. This means like this Birth even in the last birth you married me forcibly?

Arnav nodded in agreement but he was holding the laugh inside him seeing her so much confused of everything. She realised that and started hiting her fists gently on him. He stopped her actions and finally made her sit beside him. Both of them indulged in some talks later on like how they missed each other in these few days where they stayed seperate. Regaining the memories of their first meet in London, their cute little fights, their protectiveness for each other, their confession of Love, the hurdles they were trying to overcome to come out of all this mess and start a new life , everything was discussed between them. None of them cared how quickly the night was passing finally leading them to share their rights over each other and starting their married life as a proper couple.



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



Morning



She was watching her husband getting the car repaired from a mechanic. He was finally able to make calls now and the first thing he did was inform NK that he and Khushi were stuck but safe. The Agra trip of their gave her some wonderful memories which she will cherish for lifetime to come. She was admiring him all the time sitting on the rock at the corner while he checked the Mechanic servicing . His eyes did fell on her and he smiled gesturing her from there if she was okay. She nodded and smiled back at him. Everything seemed so better this moment but all she feared is the time when they will return back home and if her family finds out she was with him in Agra, probably she can expect a wild hurricane in Chandra Mahal which will wash away all her happiness once again.



She jerked when he touched her cheeks



Arnav; Tum theek toh ho naa Khushi?

Khushi:  Haan Arnavji.. Hum theek hai. Humme bus ghar jaana hai. (Yes Arnavji.. I am fine. I just need to go back home)

Arnav (Sighing): You are so unromantic Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada. Here your husband is dieing to spend some precious time with you and you wish to go back home and see those old faces of your family!!

Khushi chuckled

Khushi: Dont call my Maa old.!!

Arnav: She is old Khushi.. She is my mother in law and I have full rights to tease her.

Khushi: Accha? So much confident then why not say this before her?

Arnav: Dont challenge me, you know I can do that.



Khushi: Then do that.. But now if the Car is ready lets get back to NK bhai . I hope even they had a good time like us together.

Arnav: Dont tell me you are going to ask them what they did yesterday

Khushi (Gigled and dragged him towards the car): I am not that fool to not read their faces and understand just like they will read seeing us.!! Come..



To be Continued..



Part 49



Arnav and Khushi were back to the Hotel in Agra and met Nandakishore and Sheetal who were worried for them. Arnav narrated to them how their car got damaged and they had to spend night in a small Hut. Sheetal looked at Khushi who was trying her best to hide her smile and crimson red cheeks. She didnt had to ask Khushi anything, she could read it all from her face. After a short conversation, the couples left back for their respective rooms to pack their bags. It was decided that all the four will go back to the Zamindar's house today and after the lunch and then they will start to Delhi again, winding up things here.



Arnav was lying on the bed waiting for the Lunch to come in their room while Khushi was trying hard to call her mother and talk to her. Though the bell was ringing, no one answered.



Arnav: How much will you try Khushi? Stop doing that and come here.



She was pacing around in the room looking at her mobile and then dialing again.



Khushi: Why isnt mumma answering my call? Is she Okay? Arnav sighed and got up from the bed . He came to her blocking her way towards the other corner. She looked in his eyes and found a glint of mischief in them.



Arnav: A mother who doesnt care the person you love , you can be worried for her and a Husband who loves you more than himself, you are not even paying attention to him. Thats unfair Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada.



He tapped her nose once and she tried to calm down her nervousness.



Khushi: You are in a playful mood Arnavji but I am really worried why Maa is not answering my call. Did she come to know you are here? Arnav snatched the phone from her and dragged her towards the Couch. He made her sit on it and then he kneeled down to her level.



Arnav: Khushi I tolf you I hardly care if she comes to know we are together. Dont give your brain so much of work to analyse why she is not answering. All will be okay. I would suggest, use your brain in thinking something else!!

Khushi (Confused) : Something else? Like? Arnav: Umm.. Like our future. Together ?

Khushi (Chuckled): I dont need to think that Arnavji, I already know what it will be like. Arnav (Sitting beside her holding her hands): Accha? May I know that too?

Khushi: Jee nahi. If I tell you everything now, it will be no fun in living that life then. Let it remain a secret.



She gigled seeing him frowning. Khushi: (Resting her head on his shoulder): Pata hai Arnavji.. Kabhi kabhi humme yeh baahari duniya badi ajeeb lagti hai.. (You know what Arnavji.. Sometimes I think the outside world is too wierd)

Arnav: (Smirking leaning his head on her head ): Yeah shayad Baahari duniya ke liye tum ajeeb ho.? (Or may be you are wierd for the outside world? )



She understood he was making fun of him and gently hit her fist on his chest. His phone started ringing . He didnt wanted anything to disturb them but she pushed him towards the phone to pick it up.



Arnav: Hello.



His expressions changed suddenly and he stared at Khushi while hearing the talks. He cut the call in some minutes without speaking anything.



Khushi: What happened ? Arnav: The Zamindar ..!! Khushi was shocked to hear his name again. She got up and came to him quickly.



Khushi: Zamindarji ? What happened to him? Arnav: He is very serious Khushi . And he wishes to see us. We should leave now.

.

**********



Arnav and Khushi rushed inside the hospital where the Zamindar was admitted. They saw his son talking to the doctor about his health. After getting the permission from the doctor not to disturb him much Arnav and Khushi entered into the ICU ward he was admitted.

They saw him lying on the bed with the oxygen mask covering his nose. Arnav moved near his cot followed by Khushi who clutched his hand tightly as she couldnt see the Zamindar lying lifeless on the bed. She felt sad for him though she had her inner fears of his reactions to her presence. As Arnav touched his arm, Zamindar opened his eyes slowly and turned towards them. His blurry vision started to clear as he saw them and the next moment all he could react was shocking. He started to shiver like an hysteria patient when he saw Khushi inside. He shoved away his hands making her fear and hide behind Arnav who was totally confused at his behavior.His actions started to be more severe as he saw Khushi still standing behind Arnav clutching him in fear looking at him. Arnav could sense that Zamindar wanted her to be out of the room.



Arnav : Khushi.. Stand outside for a while.. I will be back..



Khushi nodded a no as she was really terrified to leave him alone with the Zamindar.



Arnav : Maine bola na.. Dont worry Baby.. I shall be back soon. You wait outside .



Khushi couldnt argue much against Arnav as he was stubborn and more rigid in his decision. He might be true that if she goes out of the room the Zamindar might calm down a bit. She moved out of the room wiping her tears.



Zamindar heaved a sigh and his eyes started feeling relaxed after she left. He was still tired to even talk but he felt this has to be informed to Arnav. He slowly opened the mask and turned towards Arnav who watched him with anger and confusion.



Zamindar : uss ladki se  .. tum.. door raho..

Arnav : Kya?  Why?  Voh meri patni hain.. main kyun door rahon?



Zamindar:  Tumhare jaan khatre mein hain.. voh Mandira hain.. Tum.. usse door raho..



Arnav was hell confused at this statement. The Zamindar was panting heavily due to exhaustion. He held his hands and tried to make him understand about Khushi.



Arnav : Ji.. aap ko kuch ghalat femi hua hain.. voh Mandira nahin.. Khushi hain.. Meri patni.. Aap thoda aaram kijiye..

Zamindar (angrily) : Nahin.. Voh Iss janam mein Khushi hoga.. Lekin pichle janam mein Mandira thi... aur voh tumhare jeevan ko katre mein daal denge.. Maine bola na.. door raho usse..



Zamindar's anger slowly vanished when he started to lose his conscious. Soon he fainted and Arnav shouted for the doctors to look at him. He came outside after his son came in and took care of his father. Khushi pestered him about what had happened inside.



Arnav :Nothing Khushi.. He just got emotional and fainted.. Come lets go...



He turned the other side hiding his fears and confusion while Khushi stopped him by holding his wrist and turning his chin to face her



Khushi : Jhoot mat boliye Arnavji. Mujhe pata hain.. Unhone aap se kuch kaha.. I can see your face worried. Tell me the truth.



Arnav explained what had Zamindar told him about Khushi. He extended his doubt on how Zamindar could call her Mandira when she remembers herself as Muskaan. Khushi got the worst of the fears with Zamindar's statement that she would be a threat to Arnav. She remembered how the priests had said the same when they had returned back to Sheesh Mahal from London. She felt like her head was spinning with all the recent happenings in her life. No matter what she will never allow any thing to happen for her Arnavji even at the cost of leaving him. Looking at her confusion Arnav dragged her towards the car to get back to hotel and start for Lucknow.



*********



Arnav had requested NK to drive as he wanted to provide comfort to his wife . He was noticing her from the hospital how she was lost in thoughts. He took the back seat with Khushi and held her shoulders comforting her by some random topics that might interest her. He didnt want her to get stressed and worried for him as he had plans to sort this past out as soon as he reached Lucknow.



Arnav : Khushi.. I am talking to you.. What are you thinking about.

He shook her from her reverie by her shoulders while her eyes started to get tears a bit.



Khushi : Arnavji..I think all my fears are coming true .. Did you notice how the priest and Zamindar said the same?

Arnav : What crap?  Do you believe in that? They were talking about the past. This is Arnav and Khushi.. not the same old people.. how can you even think that you can be the reason for my destruction. I agree to some extent that the past has some connections with us but never ever think that you would be the reason for my destruction.



Khushi : How can you just avoid this  so casually?  Its about your life Arnavji.. it matters for me.. I think its better you stay away from me from now on..

Arnav (growling)  :Stop it dammit. I am not going to do that anytime whatever comes between us..



NK and Sheetal looked each other hearing the fuming couple's arguments. They chose to remain silent till Arnav and Khushi sorts it out themselves.



Arnav took out his hand and turned the other side controlling his anger. His wife is tickling his wrong nerve infuriating him.



 Khushi : Why cant you understand my feelings Arnavji?  I am scared of all these.. I dont want to lose you..



Arnav turned swiftly pulling her towards him.



Arnav :It need not be your presence  the reason for my destruction. Even if you are away from me I will destroy myself..Samjhi tum??  Don't you dare start talking about getting separated..



Arnav left her and turned towards the window to let his senses cool..Khushi felt like piercing her heart when he told her about destroying himself. She saw NK and Sheetal shocked to hear the words from them.



NK : Whats happening ? Any problem Arnav ?

Khushi (wiping her tears) : Thats a long story NK bhai.. will tell you after we reach home.



She saw Arnav still raging in anger and turning his face the other side. She couldnt stop smiling seeing him back as the angry ASR when his nose flares and his jaw hardens. She didnt know why he loved her so much .. she slowly leaned her head on his shoulder wrapping her arms in his elbow.. He corrected her head in the position still not leaving the frown on his face.



********



Their car reached the place where NK had asked his friend to bring his car. NK hugged Arnav and bid good bye to return back to Chandra Mahal. Sheetal left with NK towards the car while Khushi stood back.



Khushi : Aap ab tak naraz ho?



Arnav couldnt resist his smile seeing his wife pouting at him. He brought her near and wrapped her shoulders resting his forehead on his.

Arnav : How can I get angry with my wife? But Promise me Khushi. You wont say that again.. I cant think of a life without you..

Khushi : I am sorry Arnavji..

Arnav (cupping his cheeks) : Khushi, now we are happy husband and wife .. So dont think to back off anytime.. We are into this relationship and will remain till our end.



She blushed in agreement and bid good bye to him after  promising him to call him when they reach their Mahals. Arnav watched as NK's car left the place and he took his car towards Sheesh Mahal.



***********



Chandra Mahal



Khushi, Sheetal and NK stepped out of the car surprised as the entire family was standing outside. The look on their faces truly left some fear on Khushi's face as she was impending something to happen. She turned to face Mandira who was standing beside a fuming Garima giving her evil smirk as if she was welcoming her to hell. She gained courage and moved towards her parents along with NK and Sheetal.

Buaji stopped them in the middle.



NK : What happened Buaji ? Why are you blocking our way?

Buaji : There wont be entry into this mahal who all cheat us.

 NK : What are you talking about Buaji ?



Khushi looked perplexed and looked at her mother who was rushing towards her fuming.



Garima : Jiji is right.. You can go back to your husband. You have no place in this mahal as well as in our hearts.



Khushi got the shock of her life when Garima uttered those words. She had an intutiton that Garima would know about her relationship with Arnav soon but didnt expect her to cut the ties with her.



Khushi : Ma. Please.. listen.. She moved towards Garima to touch her while Garima shurgged her hands off her body.

Garima : Dont you dare touch me. You ditched me for your good for nothing husband even after several warnings from my side that he would leave you when he utilize you for his benefit. You are hell bent on trusting him than your own mother. Now get out from here.

Khushi (crying) :Ma. You are mistaken . Arnavji is not bad as you think. Please .. I ..

Garima : Enough. I dont want to hear anything else.. You believe the stranger who is ready to destroy you for your benefit. How long do you know him? You didnt even think of this mother who gave birth to you, who brought you up with so many difficulty in some other country?



Khushi started sobbing hardly while Sheetal clutched Khushi pleading Garima to stop.



Buaji intervened as she felt bad about Khushi crying outside the Mahal. Mandira was getting goosebumps watching this wonderful scene infront of her.



Buaji : Bitiya.. Now decide yourself.. You want your husband or your mother. This time we are not going to get cheated. You have to cut ties from him totally. Sign this divorce paper and throw that mangalsutra from your neck forever and enter into your family back.. Just think that boy exists no more.



Khushi : No.. Buaji.. Please.. Dont say those words. I trust him and his love. I cant just throw him out of my life like that.



Garima got furious hearing Khushi's words and raised her hands to slap her hard on her cheeks. Khushi flinched expecting a hard slap on her left cheek. But Garima's hand was stopped by a rough hand who stood in between them. Khushi opened her eyes to notice her husband standing with his famous anger gritting his teeth.



Arnav : Apni patni ko haath lagane ki ijazaat maine kisko nahin di.. thapad marna toh door kibaat hain..



All were shocked at the entry of Arnav Singh Raizada inside Chandra Mahal. He shrugged Garima's hands and held Khushi close to him. Mandira was confused as she never expected Arnav's entry at this point. Shashi moved forward to talk to him when he saw Garima glaring at Arnav and Khushi simultaneouly.



Sashi : How dare you get inside our mahal.. OUT..

Arnav : Sh. Sh.. I am not here to receive your welcome or invitation. Arent you ashamed of yourself for putting your daughter in this position that too at the entrance of your house?  I knew something was not well thats why I followed NK's car. I was right you people are so selfish and mean.



Garima : Enough ASR. I wouldnt have seen this day with my daugther if you hadnt come to our life. You just messed up our life. Now dont come and take defense for yourself.



Arnav : What ?You blame  me for this.. You are real selfish to have such a selfless daughter who sacrificed herself to save your life. (Garima felt ashasmed and looked down while he contineud) Mark my words Mrs. Gupta. Khushi was destined to be my wife and she will be forever whoever or whatever comes between us. Now that you all have a problem in letting in my wife inside. I am taking her with me.. She will live happily with her husband and you all can watch it from outside.



He took Khushi's away from there towards Sheesh Mahal. Khushi looked back at her family crying hardly for her fate.



To be Continued..





Part 50



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi stopped Arnav before he could enter the Doors of the house. Seemed like Arnav's mood was already off with what happened in Chandra Mahal today along with Khushi. His hold was still firm as if he was afraid someone will snatch his wife from him. When Khushi stopped not allowing him to take her inside, he turned back to her.



Khushi: No Arnavji. I will not enter this house without seeking a proper permission from the family. Dont you remember what they had told us? To stay apart till the Full moon night which is in 2 days. They will not allow me inside.

Arnav: So? Who told you we are staying in Sheesh Mahal Khushi? Enough of seeing everything here, the enemity , the orthodox behaviour of the families, everything is to a level which I cannot tolerate any further. I am taking you inside so that we pack bags and I will ask Aman to book our flight for London tonight or tomorrow. Thats it. We dont have to be here any more. We will make our own world Khushi. Just you and me. No more families in between us!!



Khushi's eyes teared hearing this statement. She knew her husband wont mind leaving the family forever only to make their life stable and happy.



Khushi: I dont want the family to feel, I snatched you from them Arnavji. And what about the mystery? I cannot leave this place without knowing the full truth.

Arnav (Angrily): Full truth?You thinK I anymore care for knowing that? My Mind is already out seeing the reactions of the Zamindar Khushi . The way he asked me to stay away from you just added more fuel to it. In no conditions I am interested in knowing the full truth. I am happy with what I have today and all I am bothered is our future together. Bus..!!



Saying that he dragged her inside the house. They stopped at the Living room seeing their entire family sitting and probably treating their new Guest "Mr Mohit Jha". It was such a shock for Arnav and Khushi to see Mohit here. None of them knew Mohit was going to be here!! Seeing Arnav back and that too with Khushi whose hand he was holding made them all get up in confusion.



Badi Maa: Chotte? You came back? And what is she doing with you?

Arnav : We have come to pack our bags Badi Maa. Enough of the things happening here between the two families. Its high time I move out with Khushi, the same place where I got her from. We are going to London .. forever..!



Anjali was shocked to hear this from Arnav. Even Nani and badi maa came forward to him in frustration.



Nani: Chotte do you even know what you talking?

Arnav: Haan Nani. I am very sure of this decision. Just like every normal couple, me and Khushi also wish to stay together happily and it wont happen until we stay here. The mysteries of this palaces and the enemity which you share with the Chandra Mahal families will never allow us to be one and I am not okay with it. So we are moving out.

Anjali: Chotte dont say that. Is your wife the only important person in your life? Dont we have any place in your heart anymore?

Arnav: Di dont be so emotional on this matter. I have equal space for everyone out here but the family is more interested in breaking my Love life which I will never let happen.



Shyam: Saale Sahab everyone here wants you to be happy. Thats why we are doing all this.

Arnav: And my happiness lies in the happiness of my wife. I dont think my family will ever realise this. So its better I take a leave from here..



Saying that he walked towards the Bedroom taking Khushi with him who didnt speak a word in between the argument which the family was having down with Arnav. The family was just looking at each others faces not understanding what was happening and what they had to do.



Badi Maa: Let him go. If she is all what means to him, let him leave us all and this Sheesh Mahal forever!



Anjali was in tears and so was Nani.. But they were not understanding how to stop Chotte.



Mohit (Interrupting): Uhh. I know I am not exactly part of this family , but I still wish to say something if you all agree.



The family looked at him now and Badi Maa gave him a go ahead of what he had to say.



Mohit: I guess you should stop Arnav from leaving this house. This is his house and family and I dont think it would be right if he just leaves everything behind just to give happiness to his wife. I know Khushi. She is a nice girl and she deserves to get all happiness in this family. Just give her a chance atleast to prove she is right for this place.



Badi Maa: Thats impossible. We have been told by the Priest how unlucky she is for this family. She will never get a place here.

Mohit: But Aunty, such things nobody believes at this generation. The world is completely moved from such old theories and think it this way. If Khushi is really that unlucky for Arnav then what will happen if they move to London together? What is something happens there? Here atleast Arnav will be having his family beside if things go wrong.



Anjali: He is right Badi Maa. What if something wrong Happens in London? Chotte will be all alone there. I suggest we stop them from moving out of this house.. Please..



Anjali's pleads did open up the ears of Badi maa and she finally took a decision  of Stopping Arnav and Khushi from going anywher.



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



In Arnav's Bedroom..



Arnav (On call): Aman I am serious. Just book the damm tickets and let me know what time the flight is.. (PAUSE).. Bye...



He turned behind to see Khushi in a very stressed expression as she was packing their clothes in the bags. He came to her and made her sit on the bed.



Arnav: What are you thinking Khushi? Dont you wish to be with me forever?

Khushi: I do Arnavji. But not on the condition of leaving our families forever. They need us.

Arnav: Exactly. They need us and they should be aware of their need. If they dont understand this now then may be later when they come to know you are Pregnant , both the families will come running to see us in London and take us back home.



Khushi's mood was completely changed hearing that one statement which her husband teased her with. She blushed and hit her fist on his chest feeling shy,



Arnav: I am not kidding Khushi. Havnt you seen this happens with many couples. They elope, marry and no one accepts them but the day they give the news to their family of being parents soon, the family comes to them and welcome them wholeheartedly.

Khushi: Accha? (She too came in a teasing mood now).. And what if they still dont come to us knowing I am pregnant?

Arnav: Uhh!! (trying to think and then smirked at her ).. Then will go for a second baby . They can miss one opportunity, not the second one for sure..



She gigled hearin g it and then started hiting him for being so besharam. He ran inside the room to save himself while she chased him and finally he bumped with Badi maa who had entered the room along with Anjali and Nani. Khushi stopped gigling and Arnav said a Sorry to Badi Maa for bumping onto her unintentionally.!!



Badi Maa: (To Nani): Did you see what is happening here? They both are not even bothered about leaving us. They are very happy and you both still think we have to stop them? Wont that be unfair? They seem to leave us and get their life settled.!!



Khushi: Nahi Badi Maa . Its not what you thinking. We both were just  ..

Badi Maa gestured her to stop speaking and she became numb.

Badi Maa: Enough of what you have to say Khushi. We are not interested in knowing that. All I came here to tell you is that none of you need to leave this  family and place. We are ready to accept your relationship and you will be again getting the tag of the Bride of Sheesh mahal.



Arnav: I dont believe it Badi Maa.. This is just for some time and later if anything goes wrong again, you wont wait a second to blame my wife..

Badi Maa: (Angrily): So you believe something will go wrong if you stay with her, dont you?



KHushi's eyes teared but she didnt let anyone notice it and wiped her tears..



Arnav: Dont complicate things Badi Maa. Its good that we leave

Anjali (Coming and holding Arnav's arms making him see her): Dont you feel anything for us Chotte? Dont you love us? Now if Badi maa is wishing you both to be together here then what is the harm?

Nani: yes Chotte. Please say a Yes. Its been long that the family didnt get happiness here. None of us want you to leave. Please stay back.



Arnav was bound to say a Yes seeing the expressions on his wife's face which were telling him to agree.



Arnav: Theek hai. We will stay here but Khushi will get full respect and dignity from each one of the family. I dont want anyone to hurt her knowingly or unknowingly.

Anjali noded smiling and hugged Arnav and then even Khushi feeling elated.



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



Chandra Mahal



Buaji: I cannot believe that Sheesh Mahal family have accepted Khushi. Dont they wish their Son to be happy?

Garima was totally in a shattered state while Shashi was caressing her sitting on the couch.



Shashi: Enough Jiji. Cant you think positive for once? Khushi is back to her Sasuraal and her husband. They have accepted her and thats what every parents will wish for. I know she lied and did things against our will but if that keeps her happy, I will never come in her way and neither will I allow others to snatch that happiness from her.

Garima looked in her husband's eyes for some seconds and then tears rolled down her cheeks.



Garima: You think I am her enemy? She is my daughter Shashi. I gave birth to her and I really can understand what can happen when my daughter stays in that house. She will hurt herself and I can never let that happen.



NK: Hurt? Why will she be hurt there Maa ? And wait a minute, if you are so much concerned for her then you should have allowed her to stay with us today rather than pouncing at her for going to Agra with Arnav.

Buaji: You better dont take her side Nandakishore. You too committed a sin.

NK (Getting up): Sin? Making two souls unite is a Sin in your eyes Buaji then so be it. But I know what I and Sheetal did. Arnav and Khushi loves each other very much and that Love is enough for them to cross any barriers that come their way. I have and I will always support them no matter who is against me this time.



Sheetal was happy seeing NK taking such a big and good decision. She entwined her fingers in NK's.



Sheetal: And I am with you in this decision NK. I will provide my full support too

NK smiled at her whereas the oldies just gave them a blank Stare. No doubt they were seeing a change in NK and Sheetal's relationship which was good to see..



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



Sheesh Mahal



Khushi and Arnav came down in the Living room where the entire family was sitting and waiting for them. Even Mohit was present there and was discussing something very enthusiastically.



Mohit: There they come.. Arnav, Khushi, we all were waiting for you both to decide on this Party .



Arnav: Party? For what ?

Mohit: Uhh..!! For nothing. I mean you may consider it as a party for the celeberating the happiness of this family . Or a welcome party for me.. Or the party for you both to agree for staying here. Let it be any reason but we ought to have a nice time partying with the whole bunch of known people. What do you say?



Khushi didnt know how come Mohit was acting so good to them? She just continued watching him and others while Arnav denied for this idea.



Arnav: I dont think its a good idea MOhit. Everyone here needs some time to sort things out..

Shyam: Exactly Saale Sahab and Party will help them re-enjoy their lives. Trust me it will be a great one. Even Badi Maa has given the permision.

Badi Maa: Yes I did Chotte because I want everyone to be happy here..The Oldies majority are less and you youngsters rule this House now so I am okay with everyone celeberating time like this.



Anjali: So Chotte do you have any specific people who should be invited? Tell me now so that I will invite them too.



Arnav: The entire Gupta family Di. Thats the only people I would like to invite from mine and Khushi's side



Khushi was stunned. He wanted to invite her family?Will the Raizada's agree? And most importantly, will her family really come if invited ?



To be Continued..



Part 51



Anjali: So Chotte do you have any specific people who should be invited? Tell me now so that I will invite them too.



Arnav: The entire Gupta family Di. Thats the only people I would like to invite from mine and Khushi's side



Khushi was stunned. He wanted to invite her family?Will the Raizada's agree? And most importantly, will her family really come if invited ?



Badi Maa: Dont even think about it Chotte. That family will never enter the premises of Sheesh Mahal.

Arnav: Kyon Badi Maa? When you can accept that family's daughter then why not them? I dont care what the past these two Mahal's shared Badi maa but I think we all should be forgetting all that and not carry it forward. What kind of enmity is this? Neither are the childrens of these two houses allowed to know it nor they are allowed to talk about it.



Nani: Bus Chotte. You dont have to argue on this matter anymore with Mohini. She is not wrong. In all these years we never shared anything with them and we were happy. But everything started shattering after you got Khushi bitiya in this house. I am not blaming Khushi either. May be fate wanted you both to be together and we have finally knelt down before your wishes but thats all. It doesnt mean we start sharing the same affection and love with Khushi's family now.



Mohit (Interrupting): Naniji I guess Arnav is right here. He is really concerned to make things better between the two families and I too dont see any harm.

Shyam: Mohit. Dont interfere in this matter. Its something which we are not allowed to speak because this is their family, their past issues.

Mohit: But we are also a part of this Family Bhai.



He turned to Badi Maa and then walked to her.

Mohit: Badi Maa. This party is meant for celeberating the happiness and oneness of everyone here then why not clear off the boundaries between these two families? I guess you should give a thought to it.



Arnav was not understanding one thing. Why was Mohit so much interested in clearing off this enmity? Khushi was still holding Arnav's hand tight because she didnt like the family fighting over this topic because of her again.



Badi Maa: (Looking at Mohit): Theek hai.!! If this is what everyone wants here then I am ready to invite that family but that is it. I will never extend my hand for erasing these issues between us. If they wish then will come forward. Afterall we were always from the Groom's side..



The family was happy with her decision of easing off things but what Arnav was still not getting why Mohit was so much behind this matter and how could Badi Maa get convinced with his words so easily and never gave an ear to his words which he tried to conveyed it to her from so long?



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



Chandra Mahal



Seeing Mohini Raizada here was another shock for the Gupta family because they knew she will never step here until its really important. Madhumati didnt invite her inside and maintained her anger.



Buaji: What have you come here for? If you are here to ask us to take Khushi back from your house then let me tell you we are no longer her relatives. She chose her husband and your family over us so she no more has the rights on this family.



Badi Maa gestured her to stop talking and then told her what made her come to Chandra Mahal. Garima and Shashi also came there and heard the entire conversation.



Badi Maa: I have come here to

invite you all for a party tomorrow in Sheesh Mahal.  I have no much interest in inviting you. But Arnav wants this because his wife belongs to this family.

Garima (Angrily): I know why he invited all of us.  (She came forward and stood beside Madhumati).. he wants to insult us. He wants to show his victory by snatching our daughter from us.

Badi Maa (Being Frustrated): Your daughter is not a 5 year old kid who can be snatched so easily. And stop blaming us because we should be pointing at you people for brainwashing our Son's mind.!!

Buaji: Enough of this. You dont have any rights to point at us. We are not interested in coming to that Sheesh mahal.

Badi Maa: Fine. Neither I expected you people to come because if you all do, then I at least wouldnt be able to enjoy my family's happiness!! Its tomorrow.



Saying that she left and Garima and Buaji shared looks at each other.



Shashi: How can they even come and inivte us? Anyways, none of us will go there.

Garima: Tomorrow? But.. Its a Full moon night tomorrow.

Buaji: Haan Garima. And if the prediction is true, then probably Khsuhi's life is in danger.

Shashi: (Sighed in frustration): Ohh stop it now both of you. Why are you so superstitious? Nothing will happen to Khushi.



Garima (In tears): But what if something goes wrong there? I .. I am really worried for her. . I am her mother Shashi..

Shashi: Fine.!! If you are so much bothered about these things then we should be going there and ensuring she is safe tomorrow.

Buaji: There? In Sheesh Mahal? You both will step in Sheesh Mahal?



NK and Sheetal came there as they too had witnessed the whole scene.



NK: Why just you both? Everyone from the family will be going. I am already missing my sister. She needs our presence Dad. The way she had to leave this house was so wrong. Imagine her happiness when she sees us all present in Sheesh Mahal.

Buaji: Stop it Nandakishore.

NK: No Buaji. I dont know about others. But Me and my wife will surely meet Khsuhi and Arnav tomorrow in Sheesh mahal. I really want to see if my sister is happy there. I know Arnav will not leave a chance to shower love to her but still I want to see if she is really fine there..



Garima somewhere agreed to NK's words. Yes she too wanted to know if Khsuhi was happy and especially if she is safe tomorrow because it was a Full moon day!!



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



Sheesh Mahal



Arnav: Saree again? No way. My Bride of Sheesh Mahal will not wear a Saree in tomorrow's party. She will wear something else.



He started finding something in the closet while Khushi stood behind him confused.



Khushi What else Arnavji? The party is at home not outside that I can wear anything. And the whole family will be here. I dont wish to depress them again.



Arnav:(Chuckled): Dont you trust your husband's choice?

Khushi: I do Arnavji, but.. ?

Arnav turned around with a smile showing her a Lavender Dress. Her eyes glittered with happiness seeing this and touching it with her hands.



Khushi: Waahh! This is very beautiful Arnavji. When did you get this?

Arnav: I made it specially for you from the best designers in AR. Actually this was supposed to be my gift to you when we would reach London but then as the plan is Flop and we are going nowhere, why not you wear this tomorrow for the function? And it suits the authentic theme for tomorrow's party too.

Khushi: You think so much about me Arnavji.. Thank you.



She happily placed the dress back in the closet and then removed one Black Kurta for him.



Khushi: And you will be wearing this tomorrow.

Arnav (Raising his eyebrow): No. No way Khsuhi. No kurta's please . I wont be comfortable.

Khushi: Jee nahi. When I am wearing something of your choice, you will have to wear this for me.

Arnav: But Khushi why this ? I have some others too.

Khushi: Thats because this one is more nice than others. Please Arnavji.. Apni patni ki yeh baat nahi maanenge? (You wont listen to your wife?)



She pouted sweetly and it was obvious for Arnav not to deny her at all. He agreed .



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



Night



She had changed into her Pink Night Salwar and was already feeling little scared of this darkness outside the window. It had to be the full moon day tomorrow then even today there had to be some more light than usual outside but the dark clouds on the sky had covered it all. Whenever she stayed in Sheesh Mahal there was some kind of fear that she felt from within her. Her husband was in the Study room discussing work with Aman as he already had missed a lot of official work in these few days from the time of his accident. She felt little unusual today finding a shadow at the window of the top floor of the Sheesh Mahal. As if someone was present in that room. But who can it be? Some servants? Or someone from the family? Should she go and check? But alone ? No. She was scared. But the need of finding the truth was really important.



She gathered some courage and then walked out of the room straight upwards towards the Store room which was on the top floor where she saw the shadow. Her legs trembled with fear as she finally succeeded in reaching the top floor . It was dark there and she tried to switch off the lights but none of them worked and that made her more terrified. She wiped the little sweat beads formed on her forehead and then stepped towards the store room. She remembered her first night of Sheesh mahal when she had seen some shadow of a women with a lighted candle walking towards her in the Living room. And shockingly she saw a similar shadow coming towards her with the Lighted candle once again and that horrified her. She couldnt step back because fear made her root to that place where she stood as today she wanted to know who this person was and what was happening in this Mahal. Distance between her and the Shadow was closing down.



Khushi (Stammering in fear): Kaun? Kaun hai yahan pe?  (Who is there here? )



The Person stopped and finally she saw the face of the person who was walking towards her with the lighted candle.



Khushi: Badi Maa?



Badi Maa was holding the candle in her hand and she seemed to be giving her a different look as if she was not happy seeing Khushi here. The Burning candle light was only spread on her face and she could feel Badi Maa was looking at her angrily.



Badi Maa: Yahan kya kar rahi ho?  Jaao apne kamre mein. ! (What are you doing here? Go back to your room)

Khsuhi : Nahi. I wont go from here until you tell me what were you doing on this floor?

Badi Maa: (Angrily): This is my house and I can go anywhere I wish..

Khushi: But why this floor? And at this time? What is there inside? Why are you here alone? And wait a minute, as far as I remember when I came in Sheesh Mahal as its bride, the first night itself I had seen this same shadow walking with the candle towards me.  Was it you? You were the last one to come that night in the Living room after I screamed. Tell me Badi Maa. Was it you?



Badi Maa was speechless. She once again asked Khushi to leave but Khushi was adamant in going back without the answers.



Khushi: Badi maa I am asking something to you. I want to know was it you who tried to scare me that night?

Badi Maa (Losing her calm): Yes.. Yes it was me.  But I never wanted to scare you. Like today I was returing back from this floor to my room and that same time you saw my shadow. It was not my fault that you got scared seeing me.

Khsuhi : Then why did you run away when I screamed? You could have cleared that doubt then and there when the family came. Why did you hide and came after everything was almost over.

Badi Maa: Thats because I didnt wanted the family to think the same like you.

Khushi: No. You are hiding something from me. Infact you are hiding something from this family. Thats why nobody is allowed to be at this portion of the house. Why Badi maa? What is there in that Store room?

Badi Maa: Enough Khushi. I said get back to your room. One more word on this topic and I will .

Khushi (Angrily): You will what Badi Maa? Try to hurt me? Will you?



Badi Maa had no chance of ignoring Khushi this time and keeping her questions unanswered. She finally held Khushi's hand .



Badi Maa: Theek hai.. You wish to know what I was doing here right/? Then come with me. But before I tell you everything Khushi, you have to promise me that this truth will be only between us. None of the family members should ever know this reality.



Khushi: Theek hai. I promise.!!



She agreed to this proposal from Badi maa and hoping to get half of her things cleared atleast tonight, she walked with her towards that room.



To be Continued..



Part 52



The room was dark and little scary. She still entered it with Badi Maa who was walking ahead. So why was this place closed for other family member's access was her question. Khushi wanted to turn the lights on but Badi Maa stopped her.



Badi Maa: Dont do that.

Khushi: But why? How will we see things inside?

Badi Maa: I am used to coming here. I wont need the lights to show you what this room means for me. And I dont want anyone else to know we are here. This truth was hidden from past many years and let it be so even in the future.



Khushi didnt argue. She walked with her further in and then Badi Maa opened a big Closet. The noise of the Closet was enough for Khushi to understand how old it was. Badi Maa quickly removed a photo out of the Closet drawer and then turned towards Khushi. She took the Photo in her hands from Badi Maa to see whose picture it was. The Candle which Badi Maa held in her hand did gave enough light for her to see. It was Badi Maa's young age pic with a baby in her hand.



Khsuhi (Little surprised): Yeh.. Yeh toh aap hai Badi maa..(This .. This is you Badi Maa..) But.. who is this baby?

Badi Maa: He is my baby , my SON..



Khushi's eyes widened hearing that. She dropped the photo down in confusion because till now what she knew was that Badi Maa was married but never asked where her husband was and neither anyone from the family told her anything about this..The Sindoor that Badi Maa applied in her partition did convey a lot but she never wore the Mangalsutra or followed any other ritual of being a married woman. And now this Baby?



Badi Maa: Due to some unforseen conditions, I had to give my Baby to some other couple who nurtured him all these 24 years . I miss my child, I missed being his mother for all these years. This used to be my room when I gave birth to him. It has his aura, his touch in those little toys he played with. This room has memories Khushi which probably I dont wish to share with anyone else. I had to be strong enough to give my Son to someone else. But the mother inside me never allowed me to be strong. I always missed him and this room gave me some peace. I come here sometimes to feel him with me.



Khushi felt really sad hearing this truth. She wiped Badi Maa's tears and then passed the photo back to her.



Badi Maa: I never wished to scare you Khushi. But you screamed that night and I didnt wish anyone to know what I was doing here at late night. So I had to hide myself.

Khushi: But how did I come in the Living room that night? As far as I remember, I was sleeping in the Guest room holding my mother's photo but when I woke up I was in the living room. How was that possible?



Badi Maa: That surprises me too. But truely speaking. I can relate it to the past somewhere.

Khushi: Past?

Badi Maa: Yes.. The same past which is still hidden from everyone in this house.

Khushi: Is it anything to do with Muskaan? (She doubtfully asked)

Badi Maa(shocked): How.. how do you know about her? Who told you?

Khushi: Thats not the point. I need to know everything about her Badi Maa because this past is now messing with my present. Even Arnavji is unable to understand anything . He can ignore it but not me.



Badi Maa: Arnav ? You mean he too is aware of all this.. ?

Khushi: Haan. He is.. But the actual truth only you know Badi Maa.. Please.. Please help us coming out of this..  Who is Muskaan? Why do I keep hearing that name in my ears again and again ? Am I Muskaan?



Badi Maa: I agree you are the daughter of Chandra Mahal and hence there are chances of your being Muskaan. I dont believe in re-birth Khushi. But you do have her features. You do have Muskaan's habits. Muskaan had the problem of walking in her sleep. May be thats the reason you found yourself in the Living room the first night in Sheesh Mahal instead of the Guest room. But as per the predicitions from our priests, you seem to get ill luck for Chotte and if its so then you cannot be Muskaan. You can be her..  You can be her who cursed Muskaan and Swayam in their last birth.



Khushi (Confused): HER?

Badi Maa: MANDIRA..



The name itself was so terrifying for Khsuhi because she had sensed a fear in this name since the time she heard it from the Zamindar too. The window of the Store room did open due to the wind and blew off the candle scaring both the ladies.



Badi Maa: We should go down. Everyone must be looking for us ..

Khushi: I want to know the whole truth Badi maa.. Who is Mandira? How is Mandira related to Muskaan?

Badi Maa: They were twins .!! Now come out..



She dragged Khushi out of the room locking it again and started walking down ensuring no one sees them coming down from the Store room..



Khsuhi: Twins? So Mandira was bad?

Badi Maa :Talk low Khushi.

Khushi: What did Mandira curse Swayam ? Why did she curse him?

BAdi Maa: I will answer your questions tomorrow. You should go back to your room and dont tell anything to anyone about the Store room.



BAdi Maa was leaving but Khushi caught her hand and stopped her.



Khushi: If I am Muskaan, Arnavji is Swayam and we have taken re-birth again Badi Maa.. Then its important for you to know something..

Badi Maa stopped and looked at Khushi in confusion .



Khsuhi: I dont know if this is some kind of coincidence Badi Maa.. But in this birth, I do have a sister.. She is not my twin but Buaji's daughter. And her name is Mandira.. !! The same girl who saved Arnavji's life when he met with that accident.!!



Badi Maa's eyes widened in shock. She knew this girl who had saved Arnav. She also knew her name but never did she thought it this way. Was it possible that all this was happeneing again? Was this a re-birth of all the 3? And if yes then there was something big coming up in the next few days..



Badi Maa: Stay away from her Khushi. Thats all I can say. If you are Muskaan's re-birth then she will never allow you to be happy. She is your end. !!



She walked away from there leaving Khushi stunned at her statements. Even if the mystery was not much clear until now, she still had figured out what she needed to do. She and her Arnavji had already started getting negative vibes from that Mandira, even the Zamindar had asked Arnavji to be away from her which meant not from Muskaan but from Mandira. Because they were twins in the previous birth, the Zamindar considered her to be Mandira and not Muskan. But who married Swayam? Mandira ?or Muskaan? That was a major question which only Badi Maa could answer.



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



Khushi moved Arnav's hand aside not allowing him to touch her and walked to the bed.



Khushi: Please Arnavji. I am really not in a mood to discuss anything. I am tired and tomorrow being the party, I have many things to start with early morning.

Arnav: Okay. Where am I saying you to be awake and talk to me. All I want to know is where were you since an hour Khushi? I searched you everywhere.



Khushi knew she cannot tell Arnav anything about what Badi Maa told her. She pulled the Duvet on her ignoring his questions.



Khushi: I needed some time alone. But nothing to worry about. Lets sleep. Good night .



She turned her lamps off and he knew she was ignoring him purposely.

Arnav: Fine. Good night.



He was little upset with her but he didnt question her anything much now. He allowed her to take her needed rest because the next day he will make her run behind him for ignoring him to this extent.!!



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



Next Day



She passed him the wallet while he took it without even meeting her eyes..



Khushi: Arnavji I told you I am sorry for behaving like that. I was not ignoring you..



Arnav didnt respond anything and continued looking for his tie in the closet.

Khushi: Let me find the tie.

Arnav didnt allow her to help him and she had to push him aside to allow her for the search.

Arnav: WHAT THE!! (His tone was angered )

She found his tie and tried to make him wear it but she snatched it from her and turned to the mirror..



Khsuhi: Itna gussa? Apni Khushi pe.?

Arnav: Khushi stop buttering me okay? When you wanted to ignore me last night why doing all this now ? Just go and finish all your preperations for today's party. Dont waste your time on me,

Khushi: I wasnt ignoring you but your questions Arnavji..

Arnav (Turning back to her): MY Questions? Were they so tough that you couldnt answer? I just asked where were you .. Thats it.

Khushi: Exactly and I had promised Badi Maa not to tell anyone where I was..



She was so innocent not to realise she almost told him half answer..



Arnav : Badi Maa.. You were with her?

Khushi (Confused): How did you know?



Her question really made Arnav chuckle measuring her innocence and he pulled her towards him.



Arnav: Khushi tum ne abhi bataya ki tum badi maa ke saath thi.. Thats it.. Thats all I wanted to know. I dont wish to ask what you both talked. If you feel it should remain a secret, so be it. I wont mind ..

Khsuhi (Smiled): You are so understanding Arnavji.. Wish everyone was like you..

Arnav: EVERYONE? Who else you want to be so understanding when I am there with you?



She could again read some jealousy in his words and she thought of playing with him a bit for troubling her so much since morning.



Khushi: (In a teasing mood): Hmm. Very true. Everyone here has already understood me completely. Like Badi Maa who I dont think hates me anymore. She is just little insecured and worried.. And ofcourse not to forget, Mohit.. I broke his heart by not marrying him but even then he is so kind enough to convince the family for me and you..



The moment she said this Arnav angrily pinned her to the same closet..



Arnav: You didnt break Mohit's heart for me.. You were destined to be mine in all the births. And ek aur baat.. Never take his side in any matters sidelining me. Mujhe yeh pasand nahi hai Khushi.



Khushi gulped down her fear because after a long period she was seeing the same madness and possessiveness in her husband towards her like before.



Khushi: Hayeee.. Gusse mein aap aur jyaada handsome lagte hai. Aur gussa kijiye naa..Hum taiyaar hai..!! (Hayee. You look more handsome when you are angry. Continue being like this .. I am ready for it..)



Arnav was really serious and she was taking things lightly. He pushed her behind leaving her hands and then walked out of the room. She gigled and followed him trying to stop him from leaving like that.



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



She failed to impress her husband the whole day as he was still blown like a Potato not talking to her because of their arguments. She finally gave up and decided she will win his heart tonight in the party by wearing the Lavender Dress he chose for her. She was in the kitchen checking the sweets for today evenings party when suddenly she saw the same scary lady at the Kitchen window watching her. THe same lady who once had warned her that someone is chasing her and that her life was in danger. She jerked initially in fear as the lady was muttering something even now which Khushi couldnt hear at all. She was quite old and Khushi didnt wish to inform the guards who would then throw her out not caring her age. And most importantly she wanted to know what was this lady trying to convey her. She rushed outside the house towards the Kitchen window to talk to her. She just hoped she gets some answers from her and if even this time she doesnt,she cannot wait for the next chance to come..



To be Continued..



Part 53



When she came out of the house and towards the kitchen window, she saw the lady searching for her by scanning inside the house through that window. Khushi cleared her throat purposely to get her attention. The moment she did this the lady was scared and she turned behind . Khushi gulped down the fear inside her seeing this old lady because she was really looking scary.



Old Lady: Mar Jaayegi tu.. Mar jaayegi.. bhaag ja.. Bhaag jaa Muskaan.. Bhaag jaa.. (You will die..  You will die.. So run away. Run away from here.. Muskaan..)



The lady started stepping towards her and Khushi in fear moved back..



Khushi: Aap ko .. kaise pata hum.. muskaan hai?  (How do you know I am Muskaan,)

Old lady: Hum sab jaante hai.. Sab pata hai humme.. Hum ne tumse pehle bhi kahan tha yeh jagah tumhaare liye theek nahi hai. Woh aa rahi hai.. Woh aa rahi hai Muskaan.. Aaj Poornima ki raat hai, agar aaj woh tumhe maarne mein kaamyaab hogayi toh tum Swayam se kabhi kisi janam mein nahi milogi. Bhaag jaao. Bhaag jaao. (I know everything. I had told you even before that this place is not good for you. She is coming.. she is coming to you Muskaan. Today is full moon night and if today she is successful in killing you then you will never get Swayam in any births ahead.)



Khushi (Stopped moving back): Kaun? Kaun aa rahi hai? Kaun maaregi mujhe?



The Old lady came extremely close to her and then whispered in her ears loudly..



Old lady: MANDIRAAAA..



The moment she said this someone dragged Khushi behind, away from that lady scaring her to hell. Khushi screamed in fear but Arnav immediately turned her around so that she knows it was him and she was safe.



Arnav: Khsuhi relax.. Its me.  Did this lady hurt you ? Tum theek ho ??



He started checking her hands and face to see if she was okay .. She composed herself and then made him calm down..



Khushi: Arnavji I am okay. I am absolutely fine..

Arnav (Angrily turning to that Old lady): How dare you come inside the gates? Security.. Security...



The lady was getting scared of Arnav's anger and in few minutes the security surrounded them..Khushi was trying to tell Arnav not to think the lady was here to hurt her but he was not ready to hear anything.



Khsuhi: Arnavji. Please listen to me.. She was here to save me.

Arnav : Enough Khushi. You can believe such people. I cannot..



The security started taking the lady outside while she kept screaming "Muskaan bhaag jao.. bhaag jaao Muskaan.. Woh tumhe maar daalegi.." (Run away Muskaan.. Run Away. She will kill you.. "



Arnav was hell angry on hearing those words from that old lady and he fisted his fingers in anger while Khushi lashed at him.



Khushi: What did you do Arnavji? She had come here to help me and you threw her out. Do you even realise why she was here? She came here to make me aware my life is in danger..!!

Arnav (Angrily clutching her hands): She came here to scare you. You know who is she? She is a local fortune teller of Lucknow. Infact she was a fortune teller but she is no more now... She is of our Granny's age Khsuhi and everyone knows she is Mad.. She is mad since years and the whole city knows it .. I enquired about her the same day when the guards told me she had come inside Sheesh Mahal weeks back. Khushi dont meet such people. They can harm you Dammit!! Tumhe kuch ho jaata toh?



He shook her to make her realise he cared for her and hence he didnt want to take any risk.. She didnt know what to tell Arnav. His concern was okay but she couldnt ignore the words of this old lady. What if really her life was in danger ? What if really Mandira try to harm her? But Mandira was her sister. Why will she ever hurt her? What was the truth behind all this?



Arnav cupped her face and to get her out of thoughts.



Arnav: Khushi what are you thinking so much?

Khsuhi: Arnavji.. woh.. woh humse kuch keh rahi thi.. (Arnavji.. She.. she was telling me something..)

Arnav: Sshh.. Bhool jao Khsuhi.. Bhool jaao.. Woh aurat pagal hai.. Samjhi tum?  Chalo andar..!! (Sshh.. Forget it Khushi. Forget her.. She is mad..  You getting it? Come inside now..)



He took her back inside but Khsuhi was not convinced..



***********



Evening



She was dressed in the Lavender dress and was perfectly ready for attending this party. Arnav was talking to her , asking her to pass the black kurta which she wanted him to wear but seemed like his wife was stil lost in a different world. He quickly snapped his fingers to get her attention.



Arnav: I asked you to pass me the Black Kurta. If you dont wish to see me in that, I can wear a Suit in which I feel more comfortable.

Khushi: No. I . I am sorry. I was just. nothing. wait



She was so confused and he clearly knew why so. She took out his Kurta from the closet and passed it to him.

Arnav: Still thinking about that lady?

Khushi didnt respond anything.

Arnav: Khushi dont you trust me? If that lady was even true about her predicitions, you think I will let anything happen to you?



Khushi: I know Arnavji. I am not scared of all this. What I am confused is why this is happening? WHat wrong did I do that someone is hell bent in Killing me ?

Arnav (Smirked): Well. Who said only people who do wrong suffer? Even good people do because the wrong ones cannot see their happiness. They are jealous Khushi.

Khushi: So Mandira is jealous?

Arnav (Sighing in frustration): You think Mandira wants to kill you? Come on Khushi. Think practical. She is your sister and even if she is jealous of you I dont think she can plan something so cheap. And please for my sake come out of these thoughts. Lets enjoy this party and hope to see your family too here. I have a gut feeling they will come. Atleast NK and Sheetal.



He touched her cheeks with concern and she passed him a weak smile



Arnav: Good. Keep smiling like this. Now if my wife permits can I change to this Black Kurta ?

Khushi: Jee. Permitted.

Arnav thanked her by pinching her cheeks and then started changing and Khushi was still trying to come out of that fortune teller lady's thoughts.



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



Party



The Gupta's of Chandra Mahal entered the house unexpectedly. If NK and SHeetal wouldnt have forced Shashi, Garima and Buaji to join this party and bless Khushi forgetting all odds that happened in the past, they wouldnt have turned up here. The Raizada's seemed pretty shocked seeing them here. Arnav was the first one along with Khsuhi to walk to them and greet them. Arnav hugged NK and Sheetal hugged Khushi whose eyes were on her mother Garima. But she wasnt looking at her .



Arnav (Turning to them): Welcome Mr and Mrs Gupta.!!  I didnt expected to see you here.

NK: Parents are parents afterall ASR. Who can keep their childrens devoid of their love for long ? Its high time we forget everything today and just share love.

Arnav (Smirkingly replied back): I dont mind if they accept me as their Son in law



Here Khushi was already nervous that her parents had come to Sheesh Mahal and her husband's teases towards them regarding their relationship was all the more making her embarrass.



Khushi: Uhh!! Mandira didnt come?

Buaji: No. She had some work outside so she wont be coming. Where is your family? We want to meet them too.

Arnav: (Gesturing): Yeah sure. This way please.



The Gupta family was escorted to the Raizada's and all they did was just meet each other very formally. Anjali was also not much happy meeting them but she still smiled and talked formally for the sake of her Chotte and his wife Khsuhi. THe families didnt show much interest in sharing the bond of goodness between them again but if they were together today it was only because of Arnav and Khushi's happiness.



Khushi walked to her mother and before she could even utter a word Khsuhi hugged her and started weeping.



Khushi: Thanks Maa. Thanks you came here

Garima was just controlling herself from forgiving Khushi for everything she did, but her tears this time did melt her heart. She hugged her back and then cupped her face.



Garima: If you wish to thank me then Stop crying first because I have seen these tears enough Khushi. No more.



She wiped her tears and Khushi could finally smile .

Garima: But Khsuhi I still cannot believe you are happy here with these people and especially with Arnav Singh Raizada.

Khushi: Maa you think I would have fought with you for a man who doesnt love me ? Just believe me Maa, he loves me more than himself.



Arnav came there the same moment and interrupted their talks.



Arnav: Khushi its okay. You dont need to praise me before your mother because she might still not believe you. Come with me, I need to introduce you to some of my people.



He extended his hand for Khsuhi to hold and then excusing them from Garima he took her aside. Garima kept on observing them. Khushi did seem to be happy with him. No matter what the family here shared from past, but seemed like things were settling down. What she worried at the present was Khushi's life. She knew it can be in danger because thats what was predicted for Khushi by their priest. This full moon night was not common every month. It was special because Khushi's birth stars all pointed a mishap with her on this night and it was predicted right from her childhood that this month's full moon will be very strong on her and she had to escape all the possible wrongs today just to ensure a bright future later.



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



The party was still On with Mohit sipping drink after drink seeing Arnav and Khushi happily moving around, talking, blushing and laughing together. This was really too much for him. Badi Maa saw him drinking so much and came there advising him to stop but he continued after she left him. NK was feeling quite uneasy from the time he stepped in Sheesh Mahal. He felt extremely suffocating here. He wanted to tell Sheetal about this but she was very much engrossed in talking to Anjali along with Buaji. His head was spinning and he thought of taking some Lime Soda to ease that pain. He collided with Mohit and said a Sorry immediately as the fault was his. He didnt see him coming from the opposite. The moment NK saw Mohit's face he felt like he had seen him before. Mohit ignored him as his mind was still not in a state to accept the fact that Khushi was happy with Arnav and in all terms had settled in the Sheesh Mahal with Arnav's family. So without caring much with whom he collided he walked away from there dialing someone. NK was trying hard to remember who this man was. But nothing seemed to be positive in his mind. He gulped the Lime water and then turned back to the party hall but he saw a Shadow of a Lady walking upstairs. Something was unusual and NK got some negatives vibes on who the lady can be ? Everyone from the families were down and why would some guest go upstairs like that? He thought of following. Without letting anyone know, he started climbing the stairs, following that shadow ensuring no one knows he was following.



To be Continued..



Part 54



As NK quietly followed this Shadow upstairs, he could feel something unusual. This was a shadow of a lady who had dressed in a Lehnga Choli of some old style and had covered her head with a Shawl probably not letting anyone see her face. He wanted to give her a voice and stop her but he not unless he knows what this lady was doing here when the whole family was downstairs. He continued following her ensuring she doesnt come to know this. She stopped at the stairs as she heard the footsteps of someone following her. And that made her alert. She started running upstairs now and NK couldnt help screaming at her to stop.



NK : hey.. Kaun hai wahan? Ruk jaao.. Kaun hai? (Hey.. Who is there? Stop.. Who is there? )



She didnt stop and her speed was quite fast compared to NK's, looked like she knew every corner of this Sheesh mahal. In few seconds , she was totally out of his vision and NK was definately panicked because by now he had reached the top floor of Sheesh mahal where there was only one door before him, the Terrace Door..



***********



Khushi was checking if her family was having the Dinner or not. She was very good host and was doing her duties properly..



Khushi (Asking Sheetal): Bhabhi, where is NK bhai?

Sheetal: Dont know Khushi , havnt seen him since long.

Khushi: (Checking her plate): You are eating less Bhabhi... Didnt you like the food ?

Sheetal: The food is very delicious. I have eaten enough Khushi , its time you make your plate now.You are so busy in attending the guests that you didnt even care to eat. Its already 10:00.



Khushi was about to deny when suddenly Arnav came behind her ..



Arnav: You are right Sheetal. She will never care for herself and thats the reason I have to keep an eye on her schedules. Thats why I made this plate for her.



He extended the plate towards Khushi who willingly took it from him and then wrapped her other hand in Arnavji's arms.



Khushi: Aap ne khaana khaaya?

Arnav cutely noded a No.

Khushi (Smiled): Saath Khaayenge?

Arnav opened his mouth gesturing her to feed him ..She scanned the surroundings feeling shy if anyone watches them like this.  Sheetal Blushed seeing this romantic couple



Sheetal: Stop bothering about others. No one cares Khushi.

Arnav : Exactly and even if anyone does, I dont care. I am asking my wife to feed me. Isnt a Big deal. Come on Khushi, feed me.. I am hungry.!!



Sheetal patted Khushi asking to feed and then left aside to give company to Buaji and Garima. Khushi finally took a small peice of roti and dipping it in the Paneer Sabji she fed to Arnav lovingly.



Khushi: Ab Khush? (HAppy?)

Arnav: Not yet.. ! (He quickly dipped the other peice of roti in the Dal and then fed Khushi too).. Now I am happy.



She was really on Cloud 9 for this cute Dinner session with her husband who was trying his best to shower every happiness she deserved.



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



NK was not sure if he had to open this door and check if that lady was inside. He infact was getting a lot many intuitions as if he had been to this place earlier. But this was the first time he had been to Sheesh Mahal then why was he getting such a feeling? His head was still spinning but he managed to push the door open of the Terrace and to his shock he saw a very disasterous scene. He saw Khushi standing at the edge of the terrace with some lady whose back was facing him, holding Khushi's hand . If she by any chance leaves Khushi's hand then his sister will fall down from such a huge height . He screamed out his sister's name in fear but to his surprise, he didnt call "Khushi", but he uttered the name  "MUSKAAN". The moment he screamed out this name, the lady left her hand and Khushi felt straight down while the lady who was actually responsible for pushing Khushi turned behind to see and NK almost stumbled back seeing that face. This lady had the same face of Khushi which really shocked him to the core. This lady started nearing him and NK started moving back in fear. Sweat had covered his face totally and he went on pushing himself behind so as to avoid being caught. She continued coming towards him and the moment she stood just a feet before him, he closed his eyes feeling absolutely scared and shouting at her to move back. He himself didnt know why he wasnt fighting with her ? Why was he getting so much scared of this lady as if he knew she can hurt him too. He was acting like a 6 year old kid who was absolutely frightened seeing his sister been pushed down from such a height and now it was his turn to face the same situation.



After 5 minutes he opened his eyes and saw that there was no one before him, the terrace door was still open and he immediately ran in the terrace to check if Khushi was fine. He leaned over the edge to see if Khsuhi was seen anywhere down. But there was nothing. Infact the guards of Sheesh mahal were normally securing this place as always and greeting the Guests who were leaving finishing the party. Does that mean nothing happened and he was just hallucinating? But how can he see something so wierd? What was happening to him? How can he see Khushi killing herself ? How can there be two same faces ? His head started spinning more badly . He was actually here behind the shadow but instead of finding whose shadow it was, he got stuck in this hallucination . He rushed outside the terrace to get back to the main hall.



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



Khushi had just finished her Dinner with Arnav and she was just back towards the Kitchen to find Arnav's medicines of Diabeties which he takes after Dinner when Mohit followed her and blocked her way while returning back with the medicines..



Khushi: Mohit ? What are you doing here?



Mohit : Bus.. Tumse baat karni thi Khushi. Kuch der.. Akele!!

Khushi: (Little confused): Baat? Kya?

Mohit : Yahan nahin.. Kahin aur.. I dont want anyone to see us both together. So.. Please ..

Khushi: You are scaring me Mohit.

Mohit: Dont worry Khushi.. After tonight all your fear will go off forever..!!



She had no idea what he wanted to tell but being innocent and believing others easily, she followed him so that he can talk to her what he wanted to..



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



Arnav was looking for Khushi from past 1 hour.. The party was almost over. The Gupta's were leaving back home and they wished to meet Khushi once before . NK was still little low after facing such a horrible incident earlier. He was just hoping his sister would be fine and there was nothing connected between his hallucination and Khushi's sudden disappearance..



Arnav: Where is Khushi ? She had been to get my medicines ..



Before the family could really get panic about not finding her , they saw Mohit and Khushi coming from the main entrance. Khushi seemed to be little different in her expressions and was constantly watching Arnav only as she came along to him. Mohit was normal. Seeing Mohit with Khushi, Arnav could feel some jealousy inside him.



Arnav (Angrily walking towards her and clutching Khushi's arms): Where the hell were you? Do you know how much I searched you?



The way Arnav touched her made her shivver and she was still just looking at him only without even blinking properly.



Arnav (Cupping her face becoming little serious): Khushi why are you seeing me like this? Kya hua?

Mohit : Nothing Arnav. She was with me. Actually me and Khushi had been out to get your medicines from the chemist.

Arnav: Medicines?

Mohit: haan woh.. Your Diabties medicines.. Khushi didnt find them in Kitchen and she was planning to go alone, so I thought of accompanying her.



Arnav was little confused on how this was possible? Just a week back he had got the medicines for almost next 3 months. But he didnt question anything else because Garima came there to meet her daughter.



Garima: Bitiya, you should have informed someone before leaving like that.



Khushi didnt react. She just smiled and tried hiding all the feelings she had inside her. NK came there and asked if  she was okay. She just noded in agreement but Arnav was noticing she wasnt speaking anything much. Just what was asked, she replied only that. Khushi hugged Garima, Buaji, Sheetal ,NK and then finally her father Shashi while they were leaving back for Chandra Mahal and Arnav stood stunned there thinking did she forgive her father? She never even talked to her father properly and today she was hugging him?



The Gupta's left and the Raizada family started dispersing back to their rooms discussing how good the party was.. Mohit wished Arnav and Khushi a good night and left too. Arnav then came back to Khushi ..



Arnav: Khushi tum theek ho?



Khushi (Smiling at him): Ab hum theek hai.!!



Her voice seemed different, infact everything she did after coming back from outside seemed different. She was okay till then had dinner together than what happened when she went out with Mohit ?? They reached the room and she started scannning it as if this was the first time she was entering this place.



Arnav: You sleep. I have loads of emails to do. Okay? You must be tired too. And by the way you didnt tell me how am I looking in this Black Kurta? I wore it for you.



She scanned him from top to bottom once..



Khushi: Aaj aap ko iss Kurte mein dekh kar humme woh din yaad aa raha hai.. Jab aapki aur meri Shaadi hone waali thi. Kitne khush the hum uss din..!! Apne Swayam ke intazaar mein..!!

Arnav tried to realise which day she was talking about and then understood she was telling him about the past birth..



Arnav: Hmm.. Toh Swayam ka intazaar ho raha tha haan? Toh phir itni hairaan kyon hui thi jab maine tumse Mandir me shaadi ki? Kyon keh rahi thi ki tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti? Woh sab jhoot tha.. Hai naa? (Hmm.. So that means you were waiting for me that day. Then why were you so shocked when I married you in the temple? Why did you say that day you didnt love me? All that was a lie. Wasnt it?)



She had no response to that and kept looking down as if he had caught her red handed..



Arnav (Sighing): Anyways.. I dont wish to even remember that birth.. Do we have less memories to cherish in this birth ? Since the first time we met in London till today when we fed each other, I have enough such moments to keep rewinding in my mind again and again Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada. I dont wish to talk about that birth which is still unclear to both of us. Theek hai?



She didnt seem to be happy with his thoughts but she didnt argue either. He went to change and she sat on the bed looking at the floor carpet and thinking something deep.



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



Next Morning



She couldnt believe she had slept so easily in that Soft Cushioned bed and that too without Arnav beside her. When she woke up, she saw him sleeping on the recliner only with the Laptop still open.. She went towards him and brushed her fingers in his hair careessing him gently.



Khushi: Kitne sundar lagte hai aap Arnavji.. Jab aap aise sote hai..! (How handsome you look Arnavji.. When you sleep so peacefully.)



She thought of keeping the laptop aside and was fiddling with the button to turn it off when he opened his eyes getting disturbed and saw his wife trying to turn the lappy off.. He caught her wrist stopping her.



Arnav: Power button yaad nahi? (Dont you remember which is the power button for the laptop?)



He was really suspicious of her behaviour. She was acting like everything was new for her since the time she returned back with Mohit.



Khushi: I was doing it purposely.. To wake you up..!!

Arnav (Smirked): Acchaa?



He tried holding her hand and make her sit beside him on the recliner when the door knocked.



Arnav: Uhh.. Bad timing.. Come in..



She stood beside him and Badi Maa came there..!!



To be Continued.







Part 55



Arnav: Power button yaad nahi? (Dont you remember which is the power button for the laptop?)



He was really suspicious of her behaviour. She was acting like everything was new for her since the time she returned back with Mohit.



Khushi: I was doing it purposely.. To wake you up..!!

Arnav (Smirked): Acchaa?



He tried holding her hand and make her sit beside him on the recliner when the door knocked.



Arnav: Uhh.. Bad timing.. Come in..



She stood beside him and Badi Maa came there..



Badi Maa: Khushi you didnt come down for the Puja. Is everything all right with you? You never miss it anytime. So I thought of checking.



Khushi was suddenly alarmed about her duties when Badi Maa questioned her the reasons of not following it.



Arnav: Badi Maa, we slept late after the party. So she couldnt make it.

Badi Maa: Hmm. When you done Khushi, just come down. We have to discuss something.

She left and Khushi angrily went and closed the door.

Khushi: She talks so much.

Arnav raised his eyebrow because this was the first time he saw Khushi complaining and that too about Badi Maa.



Arnav: Kya?

Khushi: Nothing. Uhh. Where are you going?

Arnav: Bath. Why?

Khushi: Cant we just sit together for sometime? I wish to be with you, talk to you .

Arnav was more than happy with her desires but he knew it was not quite possible at this moment. He cupped her face and politely explained.



Arnav: I have an important meet today Khushi or else I would have taken an off. But I promise to return back home very soon. Okay? Now get down and make my favourite breakfast, I will come down in a moment.



He left inside the bathroom and she sighed heavily for not getting his required attention.



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



Everything was wrong she did today. She didnt press his clothes, didnt keep his wallet ready and neither did she cook his favourite breakfast. She was infact finding it hard to even use the Microwave. She placed an Steel bowl in the Microwave which wasnt allowed and damaged it. Anjali quickly came for her help.



Anjali: Whats wrong Khushi? Are you not well today?

Khushi: May be Di. I think I need some rest.

Anjali: Yes you do. Come with me.



She took Khushi along with her and thats when both saw Mohit coming out with his bags.



Anjali: Mohit ?Where are you going?

Mohit: Uhh Bhabhi, I am leaving for some work.

Anjali: Work? What work do you have in India? Does Shyam know?

Mohit : Well, work in the sense, its my friend's wedding in few days so he wants my help. I will stay with him.

Anjali: Friend? Which Friend do you have in India Mohit?



She was asking him a lot of questions while Khushi was just quiet and looking at them. Finally Mohit could convince Anjali and he said he had informed Shyam too. She asked him to meet everyone before he leaves but he seemed to be in hurry and left. Anjali came back to the room and saw Arnav getting ready. She made Khushi sit on the bed.



Anjali: What is this Chotte ?Dont you realise she is not well. How can you allow her to work ?

Arnav quickly turned back and then his eyes were on Khushi.

Arnav:  WHat happened Khushi ? Tum theek ho?



He sat beside Khushi on bed and touched her forehead. She seemed fine but her face was  dull.



Anjali: She is unable to work in the kitchen. She even placed the wrong container in the Microwave. I guess she is very tired of the party. Rest all is fine.

Arnav: Khushi I am sorry. I should spend this day with you. Let me call Aman and cancel the meet.



He was going to dial Aman .. Khushi was very happy but Anjali stopped him.



Anjali: Chotte what are you doing? How can you cancel the meet? You think we cannot take care of your wife? I know we always neglected her before but not now. We all are a family now. So dont bother, I will be with Khushi all the time and ensure she is fine.



Arnav was relieved with that but not Khushi.



Khsuhi; When he wants to stay with me, why are you denying Di? He is good enough to take his own decisions.



She couldnt help herself from uttering these words which shocked Arnav as well as Anjali who felt bad for interferring so much. She had tears in her eyes.



Anjali: Right. I am sorry Chotte..



She left the room wiping her tears and Arnav was totally confused on how Khushi can do something like this?

Arnav: Khushi you hurted Di. She was just trying to help us.

Khushi: (Feeling Sorry): Ohh.. I am sorry Arnavji.. I didnt mean that. I wanted you to stay but ..

Arnav (Sighed controlling his anger): Thats fine. Just be here and take some rest. I will come back soon. Okay?



She noded not to mess with his mood anymore and he left the room.



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



AR Office



Something was pricking his heart today. He felt as if his Khushi was needing him and he was not able to concentrate at the meets at all. He came out of the COnference and dialed Khushi. She instantly picked his call.



Khushi: Arnavji.. Did you start from work?

Arnav: No. Not yet. What are you doing? Is your health better now?

Khushi: Yes. Its much better, I was just thinking if we can both go out today after you come back ? I mean anywhere but away from the whole family. Its been long since we have travelled. Havnt we?

Arnav: Hmm. After the Agra trip we couldnt go out anywhere. Lets have dinner out tonight.

Khushi: (Happily): Done. What should I wear?

Arnav: Saree. !! You know I like seeing you in Sarees.!!



She chuckled and this chuckle was so different from her usual ones..  He ignored it and continued speaking.



Khushi: Which colour?

Arnav: Umm. My Favourite colour. Ab woh toh yaad hai naa yeah Bhool gayi? (Hope you remember that or did you forget? )



There was a silence for some time from her end and he was little confused. He thought of teasing her a bit and hence he lied to her.



Arnav: Kya hua? Black Saree dry cleaning ko di hai kya? (What happened? Is your Black Saree given for Dry Cleaning? )



She quickly smiled and responded back

Khushi: Kuch nahi. Woh.. I have it. I know how much you like me in Black, your favourite colour. I will wear that same one tonight. Theek hai?



This was strange, he thought. Why did she say Black was his favourite. Was she teasing him back? It didnt look so.  He waited for her to come back to reality and tell him that she was kidding and she will wear a Red Saree only but that never happened. She cut the call in sometime telling him she needs to prepare for this dinner date.. What was wrong with Khushi? Why was she acting like she hardly knew his likes ?



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



MAny thoughts emerged his mind since the time the Party was over and he saw Khushi coming back with Mohit. Her talks, her attitude, her way of communication, her behaviour with Badi Maa and Di, her sudden tiredness, her unwillingness to do any household work, and then she planning to wear Black tonight, everything seemed fishy now.As if she was been made to change her behaviour by some external force. Was She not in her proper sense? As per his Badi Maa, the last night, the full moon night was not good for her and hence long time back, they were asked to stay seperate from each other till this night .But they didnt agree. Inafct she was not allowed to leave the Sheesh mahal on this night but she still left to get his medicines with Mohit.  Was this the reason she had changed. Did some external force act on her and tried to control her mind and body? He didnt believe in all this.  But he knew such things can exist. If their Re-birth was possible then why not this? He quickly dialed his Di and asked her to go to the Kitchen and check if his Diabeties medicines were over or not.  SHe did as he asked and opening the drawer she found a heap of bottles in it which were all his medicines only. When she told him that, it increased more of his doubts. When the medicines were at home, why did she go out with Mohit to get it? He asked his Di where Mohit was and she told him he left today morning for some of his friend's wedding preparations in other city. Arnav was not sure if this was true. Why would Mohit miss a chance of being before Khushi ? He had seen MOhit admiring his wife sometimes when she was with the family , even in the party Mohit only concentrated on her then how can he leave the house all of a sudden?



Questions started building up in his mind and he wanted answers. He cut the call and leaning his head back on the chair , he closed his eyes. Thats when he remembered the wierd lady, who had came to Sheesh Mahal the other day and tried to scare Khushi. She was a fortune teller, may be she did all this. She can hurt Khsuhi by playing some magic on her. It was possible. He gritted his teeth in anger and stormed out of his office to meet this lady who stayed in the outskirts of Lucknow city.



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



After finding it for long, Arnav could finally reach this small hut which was at the corner of a small road which lead towards the forest. Very scary place but he knew such people can only hide in these places. He knocked the door but the door was little open. He entered inside slowly and there was a dim light which allowed him to scan the house. It was a very small hut and he could hardly find even the basic ammenities here. He saw some lady sleeping on the broken bed and breathing hard. Was she the same fortune teller? He gave her a voice but she didnt move, She was just trying to breathe and he quickly realised her condition was not good. He went near her and leaned down to check if she was fine. She screamed aloud when he touched her.



LAdy: Go away from here. Just go away. She is not here.  She is not here. Go.



Arnav was very confused on whom she was talking about. He could see the condition of this lady was not good.SHe was sick.



LAdy opened her eyes and saw who was standing next to her .Seeing Arnav at this place she couldnt believe it.



Lady: What are you doing here? You never believed me, did you? Now what have you come here for? Just go away.

Arnav: What have you done to my Wife? She is acting wierd since last night. I know its you who are trying to fool her, hurt her. Did you cast any magic on her? Tell me.



He angrily shook her once so that she can answer him but surprisingly she looked scared and then moved back in fear on the bed. She started scanning her own house with fear as if she knew what was happening.



Lady :  Maa banne waali hai. Tumhaari biwi maa banne waali hai . Usse bachaao. !! Warna woh tumhaari biwi ko maar degi.. Usse bachaao. jaaoo.(Your wife is going to be a mother. Save her. Or else she will kill your wife. Save her. Go)



This sentence shook Arnav;s soul. His wife was pregnant? But how can this lady be so sure? And was this the reason Khushi was acting all strange at home? But to this extent? And who was that "SHE" who wants to kill his wife?



Arnav: Kaun maaregi meri biwi ko? (Who will kill my wife? )

LAdy made the same expressions on her face like she did always while uttering this name "MANDIRA"..



Arnav had heard it enough from her. He knew she was mad . There was nothing she can do for him. He turned to leave but the moment he reached the door,  she screamed again from behind.



Lady: Dhoka de rahi hai woh tumhe. Woh Mandira hai. Woh Mandira hai. Apni biwi ko dhundo. Uski jaan khatre mein hai..!! (She is cheating you. She is Mandira. Search your wife .. Find her . Her life is in danger.)



Arnav had no idea what she was trying to make him understand? Mandira has taken re-birth? If yes, how can she be a danger for Khushi if she is the same Mandira , daughter of Buaji? Because That Mandira stays in Chandra Mahal and Khushi is in Sheesh Mahal. How can his wife be in danger then?



And the most important thing, why was this lady asking him to find his wife? She was at Sheesh Mahal. He had just spoked to her sometime back. Or was she not his wife? But someone else? How can two people have same faces ? Or was she the Mandira , this lady was talking about?



To be Continued



Part 56



"Dhoka de rahi hai woh tumhe. Woh Mandira hai. Woh Mandira hai. Apni biwi ko dhundo. Uski jaan khatre mein hai..!!  (She is cheating you. She is Mandira. Search your wife .. Find her . Her life is in danger.)"



These words from that Old Lady was spinning his head . With full speed he drove towards Sheesh Mahal, hoping he will find some answers today. A different pain was arising in his heart as if his wife Khushi was in danger. He just hoped what that Lady told him was not the truth.  There was no one cheating on him and his wife was Safe. He pulled the brakes of the Car and hurridly got down.  He wanted to see his wife and nothing else.



He rushed inside the house directly towards his room. He pushed the door open and there she was standing and admiring herself in a Black Saree. The moment she saw him she turned and flaunted herself from that same place .



Khushi: How am I looking in your favourite colour  ?



Arnav was speechless. Why the hell was she saying Black was his favourite. ? She knew it was Red. What was wrong with her? What kind of spell she was in?  Or like the lady pointed out, was she not his wife? Was she someone else? And if Yes, then where the hell was KHUSHI?



Khushi: Yeh kya? Hum aapko itni der se pooch rahe hai aur aap jawab bhi nahi de rahe? Kya hum acchi nahi lag rahe hai? (What is this? I am asking you something and you are so silent? Am I not looking good? )



Arnav came out of his reverie and walked towards her. He touched her hands but realised this was so different. Arnav knew his Khushi completely. This touch was so new to him as if she was someone else. Khushi's body temperature was never so cold like she was having today . She was always warm. Khushi's eyes spoke volumes when they stared at each other like this but these pair of eyes before him showered no such emotions.



Arnav: Kuch poochna tha tumse.

Khushi: Hum sunn rahe hai.

Arnav: Khushi tum theek toh ho na? I mean tumhaari health toh theek hai naa?

Khushi: Haan . Humme kuch nahi hua. Kitna pyaar karte hai aap humse.

Arnav  noded in agreement but maintaining no smile or expressions on his face.



Arnav: Haan. Main apni KHUSHI se bahut pyaar karta hoon. Hadh se jyaada.



He observed how she flinched when he took the name KHUSHI. As if she didnt like it. She was crushing her teeth for sure as if he said something against her wish.



Khushi: Aap HUMSE pyaar karte hai. Aur kissi se nahi.

Arnav started leaving his grip on her because his doubts had started getting confirmed now.

Arnav: Wohi toh kahan maine .. Main apni Khushi se pyaar karta hoon. Kissi aur se nahi. Naahi Karta tha aur naa karunga.



He had left her completely by now and she tried to avoid his talks and concentrate back on herself in the mirror. She hadnt even removed his Clothes out for changing unlike she did everytime. His suspicions were clearing now and he had full faith that this girl before him was not his WIFE .



Arnav: (Taking off his clothes from Closet): Aaj kal tum woh gaana nahi gaati.

Khushi (Stopped admiring herself and looked at him): Kaunsa Gaana?

Arnav:  Wohi jo mujhe bahut irritate karta tha. !!



She was quiet as if in a thinking mode. Arnav was just observing her face .



Arnav: Yaad nahi?

Khushi (Faking a smile): Joh Gaana aap ko pareshaan kare, woh bhool jaana hi accha hai. Hai naa?



She knew to twist his own words. His Khushi was simple, naive and innocent unlike her who knew how to protect and defend herself. Arnav left inside the Bathroom to get changed . He stood before the mirror placing his hands on the slab and his head bowed down.



Arnav: (To himself): KHUSHI!! Kahan ho tum? How could I not find the truth that this girl is not you when I first saw her last night after the party? How couldnt I feel my heart was not beating with hers in sync?



Tears pooled in his eyes and most importantly there was a fear in his mind now thinking where can Khushi be and in what condition? He had to find her out soon but how? He had to get some clue and it was possible only through this girl who claimed to be Khushi. Before it gets too late, he had to know his wife's whereabouts.



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



Evening - Road



The Car stopped exactly behind the other Car which was Mohit's. He was already standing down and waiting for her to come though he was not much interested in meeting her. Mandira got down her Car and angrily walked towards Mohit. She knew him from past few months. They had shared a common motto until now and that was to seperate Arnav Singh Raizada from Khushi. The moment she reached him, Mohit angrily barked on her



Mohit: Why are you wasting my time Mandira? Dont you know I am busy?

Mandira : Busy? Doing what? Attending your Friend's marriage celeberations?

Mohit : Who told you that?

Mandira : Ohh come on Mohit. I know how to keep an eye on you. Dont act smart with me at least because I am the one who is partner of all the crimes we did together in seperating Arnav and Khushi. This innocent face of yours can fool the Gupta's and Raizada's not me.



Mohit: Look Mandira. I know what we did and what our motto was. But its not that easy. You want gain Arnav and I want Khushi, but our wants should be controlled for some time until things settle down..



Mandira (Surprised): Settle down? How many more days you need to settle down? I called you up and told you how difficult it was for me to alone work on this matter. And hence you had to come to Lucknow from London but I am noticing Mohit. You dont seem to be interested in our plans anymore. Arnav and Khushi are staying together in Sheesh Mahal, doing parties, enjoying their marriage and what not and you are cool with all that? Infact you should be more frustrated seeing that Khushi always sticking to Arnav before your own eyes. But this isnt happeneing. You told me not to attend the Sheesh Mahal party promising me you will manage to create a rift between Arnav and Khushi somehow that night . But even that didnt happen . You did nothing and I had to finally call you here to meet me. This is not taken Mohit.



Mohit angrily took his car keys out.



Mohit: I am done then Mandira. I already have enough to sort out here except seperating Arnav and Khushi. So you do what you want and I will find my own way henceforth .



He tried to leave but she caught his collar and made him turn back to face her.



Mandira (In Anger): You are leaving me and this plan at such a crucial stage? I cant believe it. Is it really your thought or have you joined hands with someone else who you think is more powerful in fulfilling this motive?



Mohit shoved off her hands  from his collar.



Mohit :Dont you do that again Mandira. I wont spare you. Get lost.



He pushed Mandira behind and drove his car off that place. Mandira was shocked with his behaviour. What was going on in his mind? She had blindly trusted him for everything. She thought their motto was the same. If they seperate Arnav and Khushi, they can win the two seperately. But seems  like he had changed his ways. But why?



Mohit and Mandira studied together in the University. Mohit was already liking Khushi Gupta after seeing her picture through Garima and in few days Garima proposed his hand for marrying her daughter Khushi. Nothing else he could wish for after that. Mandira had a die hard liking for Arnav Singh Raizada who coincidently was Mohit's brother Shyam's Saale Sahab and MOhit had promsied her to introduce to ASR soon when they reach INdia. But their plans shatttered when they heard the news of Arnav and Khushi's sudden marriage . Their heart broke and since then they made this plan. Both had the same need so they joined hands to seperate Arnav Khushi. Mandira came first to India and tried to be closer to Arnav but when she couldnt do that , she asked Mohit to come back too in India and help her. But nothing seemed working as of now because MOhit was changing. He no longer needed Mandira to get Khushi. WHY? THis was her biggest question.



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



Sheesh Mahal - Same Night



Arnav: I am not feeling well. I need some rest.

Khushi; That means we are not going for Dinner outside?

Arnav: No . May be next time.



He picked his phone and left the room in a hurry. Khushi was very upset with this but also little confused what made him change the decision so easily. He reached a secured area where no one can hear his conversation and dialed Aman.



Arnav (On call): Aman listen to me carefully . Khushi is in danger. I need you to find out every possible details on Mandira, her cousin and Mohit.

Aman (Confused): What? What are you saying? Isnt Khushi at home? With you?

Arnav: She is not Khushi, Aman.



Aman: God !! WHat do you mean by Khushi is not Khushi? You are confusing me ASR

Arnav: (Angrily): Aman just do as I say. Find if Mohit and Mandira have any  connection. We dont have much time .

Aman: Ohh Okay. I will. Dont worry . Bye



He cut the call and Arnav took a sigh of relief. But he cannot sit idle until he finds his wife .He had to find some clue where she can be. He can directly confront this girl who claimed to be Khushi. But what if she has some sources who has an eye on them ?If they come to know she is caught, they can hurt Khushi too .. !! He had to do something really quick..



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



Almost an hour passed and Arnav was still in his room when Aman called him up ..



Aman : You were right ASR. Mohit and Mandira have a connection.  They studied in same college and were good friends. INfact I have checked their call logs too .They are in constant touch and the last call she made him was today evening. I think they are planning something ASR because I have traced the last message which Mandira sent Mohit and it said she wants to meet him to discuss about their next plan in seperating you and Khushi.



Arnav fisted his fingers in anger.



Arnav: I thought so. That MAndira always had an eye on me and Mohit never stopped needing Khushi even after knowing she is my wife. I wont leave them Aman.

Aman: Arnav wait. We have to do something in a planned way. Not like this. ANd what is making you think the girl in Sheesh Mahal is not Khushi?

Arnav: There are many things Aman which I cant share and waste time now .I am going to Chandra Mahal to confront Mandira. I am sure to get answers from her.



He cut the call and walked towards the door .Accidently he bumped with Khushi who just entered inside.



Khushi: You are going somewhere?

Arnav: (Trying to control his anger): Haan.

Khushi: Jaldi aayenge yeah der hogi?

Arnav: I dont know.



He just moved her aside and walked off from there. She sighed in relief that he didnt seem to come back home soon which means she will get time to go out for her motive and come back before he reaches.



To be Continued..



Part 57



The road seemed to be very long yet she managed to cover it as much as possible without even turning behind once. She had to reach back to Sheesh Mahal before Arnav could know she was out. Finding the road in this darkness wasnt tough for her .She knew every lane of Lucknow since her childhood. This was her birthplace. She covered her head with the Grey shawl , hiding her face from the world. She didnt wanted anyone to notice her. She was the bride of Sheesh Mahal now, she had to be cautious of her moves and especially such night walks which can lead her into trouble.Just few more hours when the Moon would be full on the sky. This one night will change her fate not just for this birth but also the next coming births too. She will be called as the Bride of Sheesh Mahal for the rest of her life. She will get her Swayam back from the clutches of that Muskaan who was Khushi in this birth.



She stumbled on a small rock while rushing towards her destination and the photo which she carried in her hand flew with the air in the opposite direction. She got up and rushed to pick the photo which was moving away from her . She cannot lose it. It was her Swayam's  photo .. Her Arnav's Photo... She ran like a mad woman to catch hold of it as soon as she could and finally was able to hold it again close to her heart. She wiped the dust off the photo and then started talking to it.



"Aap humse dur kaise jaa sakte hai Swayam? Kya kuch nahi kiya humne aap ke liye? Aap ki rooh peh, aap ke har ek ehsaas pe sirf aur sirf humaara haq hai. Aur aaj hum yeh baat saabit karke hi rahenge. "( How can you go far away from me Swayam? What havnt I done for getting you in my life? Only I have a right on  your soul and your every feelings. And today I will prove this to you)



She remembered the conversation which she had with Arnav today just few hours back. How he confessed to her that he loves his wife.!!



"Main apni KHUSHI se bahut pyaar karta hoon. Hadh se jyaada. " (I love my KHUSHI very much. Limitless.)



The thought itself disgusted her.



She crumpled his photo remembering what her moto was.



"Iss Janam hi nahi balki aane waale har janam mein, aap humaare hi rahenge Swayam.. Aap hi se toh seekha hai.. Pyaar mein Jaan dena.. aur Jaan lena bhi.. " (Not just in this birth , but in every next births you will just be mine Swayam. I have learnt it from you only. To give life in Love and to take one too if required..)



SHe laughed aloud feeling her motto getting simpler and coming to an end finally after putting so much of efforts in it. She started muttering to herself taking slow steps towards her destination.



"Kuch aur pal Muskaan, aur phir tum humaare aur Swayam ke zindagi se humesha ke liye nikal jaaogi.. Yeh.. Mandira ka vaada hai.. " (Just few more moments Muskaan and then you will be out of Swayam and my life forever . This is Mandira's promise)



She laughed again as the Lightening striked in the sky as if highlighting the effect of her words and intentions. She wasnt Khushi.. She wasnt Muskaan. SHe was MANDIRA... And she had swapped  the real Bride of Sheesh Mahal, Khushi Raizada, a day back, after the Party in Sheesh Mahal. She was staying using Khushi's identity with Arnav and his family from few hours.

 Only her face and personality matched with Khushi but there was nothing else which she could inherit from that innocent soul. She was cunning, witty and cruel just like she was in their previous birth and all she needed since then was her SWAYAM who was Arnav Singh Raizada in the present birth. She was everything which Khushi can never be. She had nothing with her which Khushi always had. That was their bond.. That was their mysterious connection which until now only she knew and no one else except the old Fortune teller lady who had raised her since birth. And today as the Life of the real Khushi was going to come to an end, Mandira thought of raising up all curtains before Khushi and telling her what the whole truth was which Khushi was trying to find out since days after coming here in Lucknow. According to the Calender, the full moon night was yesterday when the party had been celeberated, but as per the old beliefs and calculations, tonight was the full moon night, and keeping in mind the old curse, that the Bride of Sheesh Mahal can only be killed on Full moon night, Mandira didnt wish to waste such a golden opportunity to fulfil her intentions which she carried within her from past birth. She speeded towards the dark road finding her way to the Cottage where the real Khushi was trapped by her.



***********



Chandra Mahal  - Same time



Mandira Gupta (Buaji's Daughter - not the one who resembles Khushi) was pacing in the garden still thinking why Mohit changed so suddenly. She really had not accepted Mohit to show his back to her game plan of winning Arnav Singh Raizada. She heard some footsteps behind her and suddenly turned around only to find Arnav coming towards her with rageful expressions.



Mandira: Arnav?

Before she could express her happiness seeing him in Chandra mahal , he clutched her arm in anger.

Arnav: Khushi kahan hai Mandira ?

Mandira: (Shocked): Khushi? How would I know that? She stays with you if you havnt forgot.

Arnav (Gritting his teeth): Dont mess with me Mandira. I may not have known you fully but for sure I know what you trying to do at our backs. Right from day one you had a bad eye on me and tried your best to seperate me and Khushi. Didnt you?



Mandira was speechless. She was really not believeing Arnav was asking her all this so openly. She stammered while responding back to him.



Mandira: I. I dont know. what .. You talking about.

Arnav : Really? You dont know anything ? HAve you even forgot what plans you made joining hands with that Mohit?

Mandira's eyes  widened with disbelief.



Arnav: Dont you dare hide a thing from me Mandira.. I know everything. I have traced your contacts and have clearly noted how many times you have been in touch with Mohit to make such filthy plans. You knew MOhit since your college days . Didnt you?  If you think Arnav SIngh Raizada will keep quiet and let you free so easily then you are wrong. I wont let that happen!! Where is my wife?

Mandira : (Pushing him back): I dont know where she is. But yes, if you have known so much about mine and Mohit's plans then I dont wish to lie further. Yes I did join hands with your wife's lover Mohit to seperate you both. But now he is not with me anymore. He has left this idea some time back for some unknown reasons and is not with me in this game plan anymore.

Arnav: I dont believe this. Dont lie again Mandira. You cannot hide the truth. Just tell me where is my Khushi? I swear if I find even a scar on her body, I will kill you with my own hands.!!

Mandira: Scar ?? (She surprisingly asked).. Wait a minute. You think I am some murderer to hurt Khushi and torture her physically? I have no plans like that Arnav. I just wanted you and Mohit wants Khushi. We were only plotting to seperate you both creating some misunderstanding .. We cannot hurt you or her physically. PLease get that off your head.!!



Arnav : Ohh really Mandira ?(He angrily held her wrist again not allowing her to run off this place so easily ).. But Kidnapping was allowed ? Was that in your game plan or not? How could you kidnap my Wife and replace some duplicate girl in her place?Such a cruel mind you have got that I cannot even believe you are her cousin Sister.!!

Mandira (Confused): Kidnap? Duplicate? What the hell are you blaming me for Arnav? I havnt done anything like that.

Is that clear?

Arnav: No its not clear . I know you will never blurt things out so easily.  I am taking you to the Police Station . Only they can get the truth out..



He tried to drag her while Mandira struggled to be free from him. She was just telling him again and again that she hadnt done anything like that which he was blaming her for. They had just reached the gates of chandra Mahal when Buaji, Shashi and Garima stopped him and tried to ask him why he was hurting Mandira so much for no reasons. He didnt mind letting them know the truth.. They all were devastated to know how Mandira was interested in Arnav and hence trying to create rift between the couple. Buaji slapped her daughter because she could guess it from her daughter's face by now that she was really the culprit. Mandira was scared and very much ashamed of what she plotted with Mohit. But what surprised her more was the fact that there was someone else in place of Khushi in Sheesh Mahal. Who must have planted her there? Mohit?



Mandira: You all have to believe me for once. I havnt Kidnapped Khushi. Its a misunderstanding.

Arnav: Just SHut up!!



NK and Sheetal rushed there too and stopped Arnav from taking Mandira like that.



NK: Arnav wait,  I am sure you have misunderstood. You think its so easy to plant a duplicate girl in Sheesh Mahal replacing Khushi? It cant be.!!

Arnav : NK I have felt it. I know she is not Khushi. Who else than a husband can understand it well? Her touch, her way ot talking, behaving, everything is different. I know she is not Khushi, she is not my wife.

NK: May be. But what if she is Khushi?

Sheetal: Haan Arnav. What if she is been brainwashed or may be some kind of magic is casted on her. I know people who do such things. Khushi had told me some old lady is behind her trying to scare her .What if that lady has done some kind of magic on Khushi and hence she is behaving odd?



Arnav: I dont believe in all this.



He continued dragging Mandira towards his Car but thats when Arnav's phone started ringing. He stopped and attended the call from Aman



Aman (On call): ASR, Khushi is out of Sheesh Mahal. I dont know where she is going in such darkness. I am following her but she is acting all fishy. She is hiding her face with a shawl so that no one recognises her.



Arnav : I told you, she is not Khushi. She is someone else. Just follow her Aman.. And I need every detail who that girl is. I am taking this Mandira to the Police station now.

Aman: Right!! Dont worry. Very soon we will get her ..



Arnav cut the call but Garima was very much tensed. She was fainting thinking what was happening but Shashi held her.



Garima: If that girl resembles Khushi so much.. does that mean she is.. (She stopped looking the face of her husband Shashi who immediately noded a No)

Shashi: No Garima. Thats not possible. You know the truth. Dont hurt yourself remembering the past now.. We just have one daughter..



Buaji was confused and so were others. Arnav needed every bit of information that could lead him to his wife..



Arnav:Do you know anything about that girl Mrs Gupta?



Garima was cold as ice. SHe was not even concentrating on anything.

Shashi: No Arnav. I dont think Garima's intuitions are even true. This cant happen..

Arnav: (Angrily): What cant happen? Say it Mr Gupta.. We ought to know everything to find my Wife..



Shashi (Giving up ): Garima had given birth to two girls. But.. But we were told one was dead when she was born. We didnt even get a chance to see her because the lady who did Garima's delivery, told her that she burried the dead child before it could infect the other.



Arnav's eyes widened with shock. Khushi had a twin sister? And she wasnt dead, but alive. She was the same girl who lived as Khushi with him since past few hours. Things were getting complicated and so were their paths towards the actual truth.



To be Continued..

Part 58



Chandra Mahal



Arnav: Twin ? You gave birth to twins Mrs Gupta?



Garima was very much emotional. Till years she had kept this fact hidden from the family and even Khushi because there was no point in talking about it. She never thought the matter would be coming out this way one day. Arnav left Mandira's hand and clutched Garima in anger.



Arnav:I am asking something Mrs Gupta and if you wish to save your daughter, you will have to tell us the fact.



Garima: I was already 9 months pregnant by then and during those days the technology wasnt that advanced. This part of Lucknow wasnt developed properly and lacked some basic facilities too.  There was hardly any good Dr in this Village and hence Shashi thought of taking me to the City for my Delivery. It was a very stormy night and me and Shashi were both in his vehicle when suddenly I started getting Delivery pains. In fear Shashi stopped the Car beside an old hut just at the outskirts of this place because there was nothing else which we could take help from. We knew that house belonged to some Fortune Teller lady whom the people of our village had banished years ago stating she knows  magic too and can harm the villagers. But we had no choice . The moment she saw me, she was terrified and the first thing she asked Shashi to do was call ladies for help as I could give birth anytime. He went and I was alone with that lady who was reading my pains and finally not able to see me losing my consciousness she helped me alone getting delivered. I gave birth to two kids is all I remember and then felt unconscious. When I opened my eyes an hour later, I saw only one child beside me along with that Fortune teller lady who said the other kid was born dead. I felt helpless and wished to see that baby too but she denied letting me know that the baby was cursed and hence even her shadow on the other twin would lead to complications in my baby's life. When Shashi came there with some old ladies , all were just told about one baby child and none of them ever knew I had a second baby too except me and Shashi.



Buaji: That means the history repeated Garima. You gave birth to the two cursed twins? I guess this is the reason why our Priest always wanted you to stay away with your child from Chandra Mahal. Because they know your child is not a boon to our family. I believed the Priests and thats why even after you being Shashi's second wife, I never allowed you any rights in Chandra Mahal which made you leave this place and settle in Mumbai.



Garima (Weeping): No Jiji. Dont call my daughters as cursed. What is their fault in all this?

Buaji: It may not be their faults of this birth Garima but the previous. You know the past, dont you?

Arnav: Past? What past?



Buaji and Garima were silent again and just staring each others faces.



Arnav: For Gods sake, enough of keeping quiet. If you wish to save your Daughter Mrs Gupta, you will have to tell me what the mystery is?

NK: (Coming forward): He is right Maa. Until that we will never be able to sort these mess.



Shashi was blank and so were the others except Buaji and GArima who started narrating the past of the Chandra Mahal and Sheesh Mahal which was always hidden from most.



Buaji: Many decades back, the ties between the Sheesh Mahal and Chandra Mahal were strong. Both the families belonged like one and had concern for each other. Pratap Singh Raizada from Sheesh Mahal  was planning to get his Son Swayam Raizada married and looking out for proposals. It was Ratan Gupta from Chandr Mahal who proposed Pratap to get Swayam married to one of his Twin Daughter. Muskaan and Mandira were their names. Both were apple of their father's eyes and he could do anything for them. Ratan also had a Son who was born very late and had a huge age difference compared to his two elder sisters. He was just 7 when his sisters were 18. His name was Kishore. Those days only the parents decided the proposals and the childrens were asked to marry without even knowing their concerns. The same thing happened here. Swayam and Mandira's marriage was fixed.



Arnav closed his eyes to supress the flashes of the scenes which came in his mind at that instant as if everything that Buaji was telling him now ,was actually helping him go back in the past and witness himself.



FLASHBACK Starts



Swayam (age 23) and Kishore (age 7) were very good friends. Kishore was more seen in Sheesh Mahal than in his own house. He always peeped from Swayam's door to know if he was free to play with him. Kishore had no friends nearby who were of his age and hence his two sisters and Swayam were the only ones for his company. Swayam and Kishore were sitting in the garden before Sheesh Mahal playing with the marbles.



Swayam : Bhai nahi.. Jeejaji bulaana hoga humme Kishore. Ab kuch hi dino mein humaari shaadi tumhaare jiji ke saath hone waali hai.(Not Bhai. You should be calling me Jeejaji now Kishore. In few days I will be marrying your sister)



He played his turn waiting for Kishore to play his now.



Kishore: Toh kyaa Muskaan Jiji bhi aapko Jeejaji bulaayegi? (So will Muskaan Jiji also call you Jeejaji? )

Swayam stopped playing and gave him  a sarcastic look.



Swayam : Biwi kabhi apne pati ko Jeejaji nahi bulaati .. Woh humme humare naam se bulaayegi.. Yaane.. Swayam..(Why will a wife call her husband Jeejaji? She will call me by my name. Which is... Swayam)



Kishore was confused. He stopped playing and looked at Swayam again.



Kishore: Par aap ki shaadi toh Mandira Jiji ke saath ho rahi hai naa? (But you are getting married to Mandira Jiji right?)

Swayam: Kis ne kahan? (Who said?)

Kishore: Baba ne. Aur hum ne khud dekha Muskaan jiji Mandira jiji ko aap ke naam se chida rahi thi. (Father told me. And I have seen Muskaan Jiji teasing Mandira Jiji by your name too)



Swayam got the biggest shock of his life knowing there was such a big misunderstanding. He was getting married to Mandira? And not Muskaan?



***********



Sheesh Mahal backside



"Arre. Aap hume yahan kyon le aaye? Hum Muskaan hai , Mandira nahi ", (Where are you taking me? I hope you know I am not Mandira but Muskaan), she tried to free her hand from Swayam who seemed to be acting a bit wierd today.  He left her hand and then cupped her face scaring Muskaan to the core.



Swayam: Jaanta hoon Muskaan. Tum Mandira ho bhi nahi sakti. Itni maasoom aur sabki samajh rakhne waali sirf meri Muskaan hi ho sakti hai. Koi aur nahi. (I know Muskaan. You can never be Mandira. So much innocence and understanding only my Muskaan can have. No one else)



Muskaan pushed him back not liking the way he praised her.

Muskaan:Aap aisa kyon keh rahe hai?  Inn sab ka kya matlab hai? (Why are you saying so? And what does all this mean?)

Swayam: Matlab hai Muskaan. Matalab yeh hai ki main tumse pyaar karta hoon. Tumse shaadi karna chahta hoon. Mandira se nahi (It means I love you Muskaan and wish to get married to you. Not to Mandira)



Muskaan: Kya? Yeh aap kya bol rahe hai? Mandira Jiji aap ke wahan sapne dekh rahi hai aur aap keh rahe hai ki aap mujhse pyaar karte hai? Yeh kya bachpana hai Swayam?  (What? What are you telling ? There my sister Mandira has started dreaming about you and you saying you love me? What kind of behaviour is this?)



Swayam: Yeh bachpana nahi hai Muskaan. Dekho inn aakhon mein. Maine jab se hosh sambhala hai sirf tumhe apne jeevan saathi ke roop mein dekha hai. Aur main yeh jagah kissi aur ko nahi de sakta. Jab baba ne shaadi ki baat ki, mujhe laga woh tumhaari baat kar rahe hai. Yeh SHaadi nahi ho sakti Muskaan. Main kissi ko dhoka nahi de sakta. (This is not any childish behaviour Muskaan. Look in my eyes. Since the time I realised what Love is, I have always found you to be in that place. I cannot give this dignity to anyone else. When daady asked me for marriage , I thought he was talking about you. I cannot get married to anyone else. I cannot cheat anyone)



Muskaan: Pyaar? Hum se ?Aap aisa soch bhi kaise sakte hai? Hum ne aapke baarein mein aisa kabhi nahi socha aur naahi sochenge. Aap ke ek galat faisle se saare rishtey toot jaayenge Swayam. Aap ko yeh Shaadi karni hi hogi. Bus. (Love? And that too with me? How can you even think so? I never felt the same about you. Your one wrong decision can break all relationships Swayam. You have to marry Mandira. Thats it )



She ran away from there without even giving a ear to his constant calls to stop her.



***********

Marriage Day



Holding her right hand he made her walk towards the Altar but she was in a struggling mode. She didnt know why he had got her so far from the actual function. It was night and very much breezy as if it would start raining in some time. He stood in his Black Kurta turning towards her and explaining her what she meant to him. Though he had tried conveying this feeling to her many a times till today, she never took interest in it or rather she was ignoring him purposely. But not anymore. Today it was heights of his Wait. He never waited for any moment in his life which would reduce the distance between him and her but today what was told to him in Sheesh Mahal was only increasing the distance between him and the daughter of Chandra Mahal. He can never let this happen. He held her hand making her look firm at his face and not keep struggling to come off his grip. Tonight it was impossible for her to leave him unattended.



Muskaan: Humaare haath chodiye. Kissi ne humme aise dekh liya toh pata nahi kya hojayega. Aap ko andar kissi aur ke saath hona chahiye. Humaare saath yahan mandir mein nahi. ( Leave my hand. If someone's sees us like this, it wont be good. You should be inside with someone else not with me here in this temple)



Swayam: Main sirf tumse Pyaar karta hoon Muskaan. Kisi aur ke liye mere zindagi mein koi jagah nahin hai ( I only love you Muskaan. I have no place for anyone else in my life)



Muskaan: Par main aapse pyaar nahi karti Swayam, naa karti thi. Has bol ke baat karna ek baat hai aur Pyaar karna ek baat (But I dont love you Swayam. To laugh and talk with you and falling in love with you are two different things. )



Swayam: Main hasne bolne ki baat nahi kar raha Muskaan.!! Kya tumhe kabhi bhi yeh nahi laga ki main har waqt sirf tumhaari baatein karta hoon? Sirf tumhaare baarein mein sochta hoon? Main nahi jaanta humhare gharwale kya sochenge par main ab wohi karunga joh humesha se sahi tha. Sheesh Mahal ki bahu koi banegi toh woh sirf tum ho muskaan. Sirf tum (I am not talking about the laughs and talks we share. Did you never realise that whenever we were together , I always talked about you, I always think about you. I dont care what the family will think but I will do now what is right. Only you have the right to be the Bride of Sheesh Mahal)



Taking the Sindoor from the feet of the Goddess Idol, he filled her Maang making her his wife for the next 7 births. It started lightening heavily and then destiny blessed this new couple showering the heavy rain.



***********



Muskaan cried bitterly as both the families fought on this matter. Ratan Gupta pointed at Pratap Raizada for not letting them know what their Son Swayam intended to do. If he liked Muskaan, they would have got them married , why ask for Mandira's hand and spoil her life too because she had already started building castles of her and Swayam's forth coming life. But to everyone's surprise, Mandira came there and handled the situation. She just didnt calmed the families down but also convinced Muskaan to accept the relationship she was tied into by Swayam . Everyone praised her for being so selfless today and thinking so much from her sister's point of view. Even Swayam was touched with Mandira's sudden changed behaviour and sacrificing nature. No girl would like to see her sister getting married to the same man who was going to be her husband today. So what if it was a forced marriage, she should still be lamenting over it, but no such signs were shown by Mandira which made Swayam confused.



The family finally made Muskaan and Swayam marry ritually in that same mandap which was built for Swayam - Mandira marriage. Khushi's attire was changed and she was made to wear a Bridal Lehnga almost similar to what Mandira was still wearing . Mandira showered flowers on the marrying couple staring constantly at her sister Muskaan which Swayam did notice yet ignored in the happiness of finally getting what he wanted. He loved Muskaan from his childhood days and she was his from today. He knew it would take time for Muskaan to realise his love, but he will win her soon because they had a lifetime together.



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



Night



He was all set to get into his room where his newly wedded wife Muskaan, the Bride of Sheesh Mahal was waiting for him , that suddenly he heard a loud scream of hers outside. The entire family rushed towards the main door and came out to see what happened and there they saw one of the twin sister's body fallen down from the Sheesh Mahal Terrace, covered with blood and smashed totally due to the height. The family screamed in pain and rushed towards her but Swayam stood rooted trying to analyse what had happened and hoping she wasnt his Muskaan. Thats when he heard another voice from behind calling out for him and crying mercilessly. He turned around to see the other twin sister in the Bridal Lehnga running towards him screaming "Swayam.. Mandira ne.. Mandira chath she kud kar apni jaan de di. " (Swayam.. Mandira committed suicide falling from the Terrace)



Flashback Ends



Arnav opened his eyes looking absolutely tensed. He was breathing hard trying to grasp the things he just visualised before him.



Buaji (ALmost crying): Mandira ne apni jaan de di kyon ki woh nahi dekh paayi Swayam ko Muskaan ke saath..(Mandira killed herself as she couldnt see Swayam with Muskaan)



Arnav (In an angered tone): Woh Mandira nahi.. Muskaan thi... Maar dala Mandira ne Muskaan ko.. Aur aaj bhi woh wohi chahti hai Buaji.. Par iss baar main aisa hone nahi dunga. Main Mandira ko Muskaan ki jagah kabhi lene nahi dunga.. Apni Muskaan ko main tab nahi baccha paaya par iss janam mein , main apni Khushi ko bacha ke rahunga..( She was not Mandira.. She was Muskaan.  Mandira killed my Muskaan. And today also she aims to do the same Buaji. But this time I will not let her succeed. I will never let Mandira take Muskaan's place. I couldnt save Muskaan in my last birth but this time I will save Khushi from her. )



He rushed towards his Car forgetting what explanations the family needed on the words he just uttered. Only he knew what had happened after that scene in the past birth..!!





To be continued..





Part 59



It was dark inside and she was chained to a Chair in this room which she couldnt even recognise whom it belonged to. Her mouth was tied with a Tape and she had no chances of screaming for help. She tried her best to struggle and come out of those chains to free herself but everything seemed to be in vain. She was scared of darkness and she terribly missed her husband, hoping he would come and save his wife from such a situation. She was locked here alone from hours and till now she didnt know the reason behind it. All that she remembered was she went out with Mohit who wanted to talk to her privately, and the moment they reached outside the premises of Sheesh Mahal, someone hit her head with a rod and she felt unconscious. What happened after that was still a mystery. EVen her clothes were changed. She wasnt wearing the Lavender dress which her Arnavji had gifted her for the party to wear. She was in some Red Chudidar. But what mattered was her Mangalsutra. Even that was snatched from her neck along with the other jewellery she wore for the party. She worried if this had something to do with more than just a robbery. THe people who did this had already taken her jewellery then why had they tied her in this room ? And Mohit? What happened to him ?Was he hurt too? Where was he? Had they kidnapped him and kept in seperate room ?She had many doubts.



Suddenly she heard some sound of a door opening. She was afraid. Her heart beated fast as she felt someone entering this room where she was locked. It was too dark for her to even see the person's face and that made her fear. Sweat beads formed on her forehead as the person neared her and stood exactly at her level . She flinched back when this person touched her cheeks and then suddenly from nowhere the lights were turned ON. She could now see the person standing close to her. Eyes widened in Shock seeing this face because she never expected him to be here.



The man removed the tape from her lips while she hissed in pain.



Khushi: Mohit? You are here? Did they free you? Or did you escape them ?



Mohit (Chuckled kneeling down to her level again): Know what Khushi? This is the innocence that I love in you. I mean you trust me so much? Infact . You always trust everyone to this extent, dont you?



Khushi didnt realise what he meant by all this.



Khushi: Mohit, we should be leaving from here. Otherwise they will come and even you will be caught .

Mohit: They? Who They Khushi?



He got up from the floor and then spread his arms in air lazily.



Mohit: There is no one here besides you and me. (He grinned at her while she just looked shocked)... How nice does it sound right? You.. Me and our little world.. No Arnav Singh Raizada to disturb us.. !! Wow..!!



Khushi was slowly getting what he meant



Khushi (Gulping down her feelings): That means.. You.. You did all this? You kidnapped me?

Mohit : Its bad to lie to your life partner ,hai naa? Then I shouldnt lie anymore. Its time for some truths.!!

Khushi: What Truth?

Mohit: That I trapped you  here khushi . Because the outside world is not meant for you. They wont realise your worth but I do . Look what your family did. Your own mother threw you out of Chandra Mahal, your father never took a stand before for you and not even now. Coming back to Sheesh Mahal, that family always found it hard to accept you , didnt they? And Arnav..!! (He laughed evily again leaning on her chair ).. He never did anything except forcing you to be his wife forever!! How sick is that?



Khushi was getting very angry now .. She struggled to get free from those rough chains..



Khushi: Not a word against my husband Mohit. He loves me.. You understand ? And So do I.. I love him more than anyone in this world.

Mohit tightened his jaw and hit his own fist on the chair handle in anger.



Mohit: Dare say that again before me Khushi..I will kill that man with my own hands. You are just mine,.!! Only mine!! And dont worry about him.. He will never come in search of you .. Never.!!

Khushi: He will (She barked in anger).. He must have started looking for me since the night he didnt find me in Sheesh Mahal after the party. And very soon he will kick you out of our life Mohit..!! How cheap of you to plot such a game with me and my family. I am married to Arnavji and I never loved you . It was Mumma who promised to get me married to you but I never thought so. I never even knew someone named Mohit existed. Destiny had written me in Arnavji's fate and I am tied to him for the next 7 births. You can never seperate us. Do whatever you want!



MOhit: He will look for you only when he knows you are not in Sheesh Mahal Khushi. And thats never going to happen. Things are at their right places now. Khushi is with Mohit and Arnav is with.. (He zipped his lips seeing the curiousity in her eyes)

Khushi: Arnavji is with ?? With whom? Tell me..



Mohit again laughed his heart out seeing her so much tensed ..



"Woh Humaare saath hai ', came a response from the door and Khushi instantly looked at that direction to know how could she hear her own voice ? She felt a sudden shiver in her body realising not just the voice, the person she was seeing standing at the door even looked like her. She was wearing a Saree which belonged to her. The Mangalsutra which was snatched from Khushi was in this girl's neck and most importantly this girl resembled her from top to bottom. There was no one who could deny she wasnt Khushi.. !!



Mandira entered the room slowly and steadily not missing the reactions on Khushi's face. She was still sweating and feeling extremely shocked with the things happening with her. Everything felt like some dream and she wished to open her eyes as soon as she could to come out of it.



Mandira: (She stood right behind Khushi and leaned at her ears whisepering):  Pehchana mujhe.... (She paused for some seconds and then continued. Muskaan ?(Did you recognise me? .. Muskaaan? )



Khushi's eyes widened with fear because she could feel the same voice ecohing in her ear since the time she had come to Sheesh Mahal. Her head started spining but nothing was still clear to her. Mandira chuckled and then came and stood right before her..



Mandira: Nahi Pehchana?  Main hoon.. MANDIRA.. (Didnt recognise. .?? I am.. MANDIRA)



Khushi's heart beated fast and her mind started juggling to flash some memories of their past which they shared ..in the previous birth..



FLASHBACK

 STARTS



Chandra Mahal



Muskaan snatched the potrait (Sketch) from Mandira's hand  and started running away from her gigling. Mandira was chasing her screaming at her to give her Potrait back.



Muskaan (Running around the pillars): Kisse ghoor rahi thi humaari behen? Zara hum bhi toh dekhe.. !! (Whom was my sister admiring so much. Let me see it too)



Mandira (Chasing her): Muskaan.. Tasveer wapas de.. Abhi.. Warna main baat nahi karungi..!!(Muskaan.. Give me the potrait back.. Now.. Or else.. I wont talk to you.. )

Muskaan ran towards the terrace to hide herself for some time so that she can see the sketch at least and then return it back. Mandira still chased her .. Finally in a matter of seconds, Muskaan stopped and saw the Sketch. Mandira came and snatched it from her hiding it behind.



Muskaan: Swayam?



Mandira blushed and turned around not meeting her eyes. Muskaan understood what the matter was. She quickly  hugged her sister from behind.



Muskaan : Accha.. Toh yeh hai jisne humaari behan ki raaton ki neend churaayi hai? (Ohh.. So he is the one who stole my Sister's sleep? )

Mandira: Chup kar Muskaan!! Koi Sun lega..!! (Stop it Muskaan.. Anyone can hear it)

Muskaan: Unke Sunne se pehle hum khud unhe jaakar naa bataaye? Humaari Behan ko ishq hua hai.!! (Why wait for anyone to hear .. Lets get this matter announced to everyone here..)



She tickled Mandira and both the girls happily chased each other.. Muskaan was very happy for her twin sister Mandira for falling in love. .



Muskaan : Chalo accha hai tumne pehle hi bata diya warna kya pata kahi Swayam se main Pyaar .( Good that you told me before. What if I would have started loving him? )



She was interrupted suddenly in between by Mandira who gave her angered looks.



Mandira: Swayam sirf mere hai Muskaan.. Koi aur unse pyaar karne ke baarein soche bhi yeh humme pasand nahi..(Swayam is just mine Muskaan and someone else even thinking to love him, I will not tolerate)

Muskaan (Giggled): Hayee. Lagta hai aag bahut zor ki lagi hai.. Humme intazaar rahega Mandira uss din ka jis din hum tumhe Swayam ke saath iss ghar se ruksat karenge..!! Sachii. (Aww. Guess the love fire is burning high. I will wait Mandira. For the day when you will hold Swayam's hand and leave with him as his Wife to Sheesh Mahal. )



She managed to get a smile again from Mandira and hugged her tight ..



***********



After the sudden marriage with Swayam and still taking it to be her destiny, she was waiting in her bedroom on her First night when suddenly she found Kishore entering her room and giving her letter.



Muskaan: Kishore? Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho? Kishor??



He didnt wait there to answer her questions. Seemed like he was very busy. She opened the letter and read it.



"Mujhe Chath par aake milo.. Abhi.." (Meet me at the Terrace .. Now)



There was no name written on it  but she knew who it was. It had to be Swayam.May be he wanted to meet her there first and clarify everything or feel sorry for forcing her like this for marriage. She held her Bridal Lehnga carefully and walked to the Terrace hoping no one sees her leaving the room. The families were already very tensed because of this wedding. She didnt wanted to add any more problems to them.



When she came on the Terrace she couldnt find anyone there. She looked everywhere and then finally started calling his name ..



Muskaan: Swayam.. Dekhiye humme bahut thand lag rahi hai.. Aap saamne aajaiye warna hum aapno nahi dhundenge. Hum aapse bahut Naraaz hai. Yeh sab jo aap ne kiya woh theek nahi tha Swayam. Mandira bhale hi aap ko maaf kar de par hum nahi karenge. Nahi maante hum iss rishtey ko joh aapne zabardasti humse joda hai.. Sun rahe hai Aap?



She scanned the terrace once again and thats when she suddenly felt someone standing right behind her. Before she could turn around and see, she heard her name being whispered in her ear "Muskaan"



She was scared but she turned behind to see her.. She was Mandira standing before her and that too still in the wedding Lehnga..



Muskaan: Mandira ? Tum yahan?  Tumne woh khat likhke humme yahan bulaaya?

Mandira : Kya keh rahi thi tum? Yeh Rishta tum kabhi manjoor nahi kar sakti . Hai naa?

Muskaan was blank. She could see some rage in Mandira's eyes and tone. .



Mandira (Walking towards her): Sahi soch rahi ho tum Muskaan. Yeh Rishta humara hai. Swayam humaara hai.. Aur humaara hi rahega.

Muskaan(Moving back): Mandira. Par.. Tum yeh sab abhi kyon? .. Tumhare kehne par hi toh humne yeh Shaadi puri vidhi ke saath ki.. Toh phir ?

Mandira: Humme aisa karna pada Muskaan. Kyon ki hum jaante the,  Mandira ko Swayam kabhi nahi apnaata. Woh tumhe chahta hai aur agar tum mar bhi jaao tab bhi woh humse pyaar nahi karega. Iss liye humne yeh sab tumse karwaya taaki.. Humme Swayam humesha ke liye mil sake.. Tumhe maarke.. (Muskaan was very scared ).. Aur  tumhari jagah leke.!!



Before Muskaan could do anything, Mandira held the Mangalsutra that Muskaan was wearing and from the other hand she pushed her from the little gap of that Terrace .. Muskaan fell down the Sheesh Mahal with Mandira still holding the Mangalsutra which she snatched from Muskaan before killing her.



FLASHBACK ENDS



Khushi suddenly opened her eyes remembering her past birth and the similarities it carried even in the present birth too .



To be Continued..



Part 60



Khushi suddenly opened her eyes remembering her past birth and the similarities it carried even in the present birth too. Mandira was standing before her and grinning seeing her scared expressions.



Khushi: That means you and I.. we.. we were sisters? And.. You killed me?



Mandira : Ohh!! So finally you remembered something about our past.!! You have no idea how much I waited for this day Muskaan!! (She again stressed on the name MUSKAAN in the similar fashion which used to get Goose bumps to Khushi when it echoed in her ears all the time she stayed  in Sheesh Mahal )



Khushi (Angrily): Hum Muskaan nahi Khushi hai..!!

Mandira (Walking around her chair in circles ): Kya faraq padta hai..? Humaare  liye Muskaan aur Khushi ek hi hai .. Dono ne humme dhoka diya hai.. Humse humaara pyaar cheena hai..

Khushi: Dhoka? Hum ne tumhe koi dhoka nahi diya .., Naahi tab aur naahi ab.. Swayam se humaari shaadi ek zabardasti thi.. Aur Arnavji.. Unhone iss Zanam mein bhi wohi kiya. Humaari majboori ka fayda uthaaya unhone..!!

Mandira (Placed her hands on either sides of the chair looking straight in Khushi's eyes): Fayda Arnavji ne nahi..Tum ne uthaaya hai Muskaan.. Agar tum chahti toh chali jaa sakti thi unke zindagi se humesha humesha ke liye.. Par tumne aisa nahi kiya.. Tum ne apne pyaar mein aakhir Arnavji ko fasa hi liya..!!



Khushi (Meeting Mandira's eyes): "Pyaar" jaisa naam tum apni zubaan pe naa hi lo toh accha hai Mandira..!! Kyon ki tum ne humesha Pyaar ko sirf apni Zid se pura karna chaha hai . Chahe uske liye tumhe apni behan ko hi kyon naa maarna pade.!!



Mandira: Haan Kiya hum ne aisa.. Yeh humaare pyaar karne aur Haq jataane ka tareeka hai.!! Swayam humaare the aur humaare hi rahenge Muskaan!!

Khushi: (Sighed): Swayam - Muskaan - Mandira ki kahani khatam ho chuki hai .. Par ek baat tum bhi acchi tarah se samjh lo Mandira.. Iss Janam mein aur aane waale har janam mein ARNAVJI humaare pati rahenge. Tum hum dono ko kabhi alag nahi kar sakti..Kabhi nahi!!



Mandira was very hurt and angry with Khushi's statement. In rage she slapped hard on Khushi's cheeks. Blood oozed out of Khushi's lips because it did hurt her a lot. This girl Mandira was really a stone hearted who couldnt even realise what she was doing in her rage. Before Mandira could harm Khushi more, Mohit stopped her..



Mohit (In frustration): Tum ne Khushi par haath uthaaya?

Mandira pushed him back for interrupting them..



Mandira: Ehh!! Tum humse dur hi raho.. Samjhhe tum? Tumhaara kaam yehi khatam hota hai Mohit.!! Ab iss ladki ko main sambhal lungi..!! Is ke saath kya karna hai aur kya nahi yeh hum dekh lenge..



Mohit : No.. I agreed to inlcude you in my game plan to get Khushi back. You wanted Arnav.. I wanted Khushi. Thats what we planned didnt we? I will not let you hurt Khushi anymore!!



Khushi was not understanding what the matter was. So Mohit never stopped  fighting the odds to get her. He joined hands with this girl Mandira, whose existance was still a  mystery for Khushi herself. She was her sister in their last birth but who was she now? How did she know about their past so much ? Whose daughter was she? How could she find Arnavji was Swayam? And the most important fact, how can she look exactly like her? Can it just be a coincidence?



MOhit: Tumhe Arnav mil gaya hai Mandira.. Ab main Khushi ko yahan se lekar jaunga!!



He tried to free Khushi but Mandira stopped him  from doing that. She laughed aloud reading the confusion in Mohit's mind.



Mandira : Tumhe kya laga Mohit? Main iss ladki ko itne aasani se chod dungi? Kabhi nahi!!

Mohit: Baat sirf Khushi ko yahan laane ki hui thi Mandira.

Mandira: Woh aadha sach tha Mohit. Baat uss se kayi zyaada badh chuki hai. Humaare liye iss ladki tak pahuchna aur usse Sheesh mahal se bahar laana mushkil tha aur iss liye humne tumhe chuna. Par Ab humme tumhaari zaroorat nahi hai. Apni jaan pyaari hai toh nikal jaao yahan se. Warna..



She warned Mohit who was still unwilling to leave this place without Khushi//



Mohit (Angrily): Warna kya haan?

Mandira sighed and clapped twice.. Immediately 4 strong built men came inside and surrounded them . Mohit was shocked to see such local Goons here as he never expected Mandira to go to this extent.!!



Mandira: Isse Qaid kar lo ..!!Aur tab tak jaane mat dena jab tak humara kaam poora nahi ho jaata.



Mohit planned to run away but the goons caught him and took him out. He struggled and bad mouthed Mandira for playing this game with him but she hardly cared. By now Khushi had realised this girl here can go to any extent to get what she wants .She just hoped her Arnavji somehow finds her and takes care of things before its too late..



Mandira saw beads of sweat on Khushi's face which she wiped with her thumb and then teased Khushi  again



Mandira: Kya hua Muskaan? Darr gayi? Yeh sab toh kuch bhi nahi hai..Tum soch bhi nahi sakti hum tumhaare saath kya karne waale hai!!



Khushi gulped down her fear and struggled to set free whereas Mandira kept laughing heartily seeing her condition.



***********

Car



Arnav was trying Aman's phone call but he wasnt answering ..



Arnav (Throwing his phone to the next seat): Pick up the damm Phone Aman!!



Suddenly his Phone rang and luckily it was Aman who was calling him back. Arnav answered it via his bluetooth..

Arnav: Aman..??

Aman: ASR.. We.. We have a great problem here..

Arnav: What ? Tell me you found Khushi.!!

Aman: I dont know ASR.. I followed that girl who claims to be Khushi and have reached at this extreme remote place. I cant even tell you where I am .. This place is loacted south of the Lucknow city and amidst a vast forest which seems never ending to me.



Arnav: Any specific signs that could help me reach there?

Aman: Yeah.. Take the first right after the local market and drive on the east lane. I Guess you will need an hour more to reach here ASR..!!

Arnav: Whats happening there?

Aman: Mohit.!! He is here.!!I just saw some 4 goons taking him to the other cottage and tieing him up there. I dont know what he is doing here?

Arnav (Shocked): Mohit?

Aman: Yes..!!ANd that girl who claims to be Khushi..

Arnav: Mandira.! Thats her name.. (He gritted his teeth for  taking that name  which he hated)

Aman: Mandira? But thats Buaji's daughter's name

Arnav: There are two Mandira's Aman!! And the one who claims to be Khushi, is no one else but Khushi's twin sister!!

Aman: Sister?

Arnav (Driving): Its a long story Aman.!!Will tell you later..

Aman: Fine. So this Mandira seems to be a powerful lady here.. She has some more goons hired who are ..

Arnav: Who are what?

Aman: Digging a Grave!!



Arnav was shocked to know that!! GRAVE?



Aman: We should call the cops Arnav!! I am not feeling good. I am hiding here from past few minutes and hope they dont see me.. !!

Arnav: Call the cops.. I am on my way!!

Aman agreed and cut the call. Arnav was sure that this Mandira had planned something big and she was going to harm Khushi. He will not let that happen. He will save his wife .. He will save his love today unlike in the last birth where he could do nothing.



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



Mandira: Kehte hai jiski iccha aduri reh jaati hai .. Woh mar kar bhi nahi marte. Woh dobara janam lete hai.. Aur wohi humaare saath hua.. Swayam ko paana humaari sabse badi Zid thi.. Pure 8 saal ke the hum jab yeh samajh mein aaya ki hum uss budhi paagal amma (Fortune teller) ki beti nahi hai!! Humesha jab hum Sheesh Mahal ke saamne se gujarte the.. ek ajeeb si becheni hoti thi humme. Lagta tha kuch hai wahan joh humaara hai..!! Zyaada waqt nahi laga humme Sheesh Mahal ke andar jaane ke leye. Hum chup chup ke Jaane lage. Wahan ke logo ko dur se dekhne lage.. Kuch apna nahi laga humme tab tak jab tak humne apne SWAYAM ko nahi dekha.. Aur phir sab kuch dheere dheere samajh aane laga. Pichle janam ka ek ek kissasa,  ek ek baat humaare dimaag mein chapne lagi..Hum khush the ki iss baar koi Muskaan nahi hogi humaare aur Swayam yaane Arnavji ke beech. Par shayad kismat ko yeh manjoor nahi tha. Woh Videsh chale gaye apni Padhai puri karne aur phir bus saal mein ek hi baar woh yahan aate. Woh bhi sirf ek Hafte ke liye.. Uss ek hafte ke liye hum pure saal tayaari karte .. unka intazaar karte..  Par iss saal jab woh aaye.. Apne saath TUMHE leke aaye.!!



She angrily stared at Khushi who was still tied to that chair and was mercilessly struggling to free herself. But the moment Khushi heard this, she stopped her actions.



Khushi: Kya? Iss ka matlab hai jab Arnavji humme yahan Sheesh Mahal mein le aaye, tum yahan maujood thi?



Mandira: (Angrily): Haan. Hum the wahan. Sab kuch apni aakhon se dekha humne. Aur dekhkar ek baat samajh gaye ki humaari hi tarah Muskaan ne bhi dobaara janam liya hai .. Khushi bankar!! Takleef hui humme yeh jaankar ki mujhse pehle tum phir se Swayam ke zindagi mein aa gayi..!! Ussi din tumhe maar daalna chahte the.. Par nahi kar paaye. Kyon ki Sheesh Mahal ki bahu ko sirf "Poornima ki raat" (Full moon) ko hi maara jaa sakta tha. Aur iss liye humne intazaar kiya.. Uss din ka jab Poornima (Full moon) thi. Yaad hai tum aur Arnavji , Aman ko lene Airport jaa rahe the ? Uss gaadi mein Bomb humne rakha tha.!! Par ain mauke par uss NandKishore ne aake tumhe bacha liya.!!



Khushi was shocked. She planted that bomb? To kill her?



Khushi: Uss din gaadi mein Arnavji bhi the.. Unhe kuch ho jaata toh ?



Mandira: Kuch nahi hota unhe.. !! Unke graha tumse kayi acche hai Muskaan!! Hum yeh baat jaante the. Unhe chot jaroor lagti par woh phir bhi zinda rehte..!! Aur hum unhe kissi bhi keemat par baccha lete.. Par uss Kishore ne saara khel bigaad diya.!! Pehle humme shaq tha ki yeh NandKishore bhi humaare pichle janam ka hi saath hai.. Aur jaise hi usne Muskaan ka zikra tumse kiya, hum samajh gaye.. Nandakishore humaara 7 saal ka wohi chotta Bhai Kishore tha Muskaan!! Par yeh woh nahi jaanta tha aur naahi tum!!



Khushi: (Thinking): Kishore ..?

Mandira: Haan.. Kishore.. Tumhe shayad pata nahi hoga Muskaan par pichle janam mein jab tumhe hum ne Sheesh mahal ki chath se gira diya tha.. Kishore ne sab kuch dekh liya tha.. Bichara darr gaya tha ki kahi main usse bhi naa gira doon. Meri dhamki ne usse ek dum chup kar diya Muskaan. Bichaara bol bhi nahi paata tha ki uski Muskaan JIji mar chuki hai aur Mandira jiji ne uski jagah li hai! Sab kuch kitna theek chal raha tha par Swayam ke shaq ne, uske dabaav ne Kishore se sab kuch bulwa diya.. Pehchan gaye sab ki hum Mandira hai.. Muskaan nahi.!!Pata hai humne kya kiya?



She came near to Khushi again and whispered in her ears.



Mandira: Hum ne Kishore ko bhi wohi se gira diya jahan se tumhe giraya tha!!



She laughed again whereas Khushi shivered in fear. How can a girl be so heartless to kill her 7 year old Brother?



Mandira: Par sab kuch barbaad ho gaya. Humaare khud ke Amma babuji ne, humme aisi sazaa di jisse sun kar tum kaap uthogi Muskaan!!



She leaned again on Khushi creating a fear in her ..



Mandira: Humme Zinda dafna diya gaya.. Tumhaari wajah se.. Unhone humme Zinda dafna diya.. Apni Beti ko.. Aur aaj wohi dobara hoga..Lekin iss baar humare saath nahi.. Tumhaare saath.



She laughed aloud again and Khushi was nearly half dead hearing such cruel treatment coming next for her.



To be Continued..





Part 61



Seeing the full moon high on the Sky, Mandira could finally take a deep breathe.



Mandira (Seeing Khushi): The END is here Muskaan!!



Khushi was frigtened. She was mentally disturbed with the things happening with her. She feared when Mandira asked the goons to release her hands from the rope but get her outside for burrying her live. She screamed for help but all in vain as there were only her men all around . Mohit could hear Khushi's screams from the other cottage where he was tied in, he performed his best to get unchained and get himself free if not Khushi. He never thought things would turn out so horrible. He had planned everything with the other Mandira until now to get Khushi.. It was only when he reached Lucknow (on Buaji's daughter Mandira's advise) that he met this cruel version of Khushi..



Flashback Starts



Mohit was back in Sheesh Mahal from London because Manidra (Buaji's daughter) told him how Khushi had lied to the family and had left to Agra with Arnav who had some official work there. He had reached Sheesh Mahal and was taking details from Mandira over the call on what they had to do next when suddenly he saw some shadow watching him from the corner. He had to cut the call because he didnt wanted anyone from the family to hear his conversation and know that he was planning to seperate Arnav and Khushi. Without making much noise, he came exactly at the area where this person was hiding and listening his talks to check who it was. The shadow started moving and before this person could run away unidentified,  he caught hold of her. She was wearing a Simple Lehnga Choli which mostly was the kind of dress the maid servants of Sheesh Mahal wore but what was unusual was that she covered her head and face with a Stole.



Mohit (Thinking it some maid): Kaun ho tum? Kya sunna tumne? (Who are you ? What did you hear?)



She struggled to get free, hiding her face still from him . Seeing her not responding, he angrily pulled off her Stole from the head and  thats when his met hers.. He was shocked.



Mohit: Khushi?



The moment she heard this name from him, she realised he was misunderstanding her. She again struggled to get free from him.



Mohit: Khushi I.. Woh.. (Thinking something and then looked back at her in surprise).. But when did you come back from Agra and what are you wearing? These clothes are so not yours..



He saw her eyes and they werent black like Khushi's. This girl had brown eyes.



Mohit :Tum Khushi nahi ho? (You are not Khushi?)

She stopped struggling. There was no point in running away now when he knew she wasnt Khushi.



"Sahi Pehchana. Hum Khushi nahi hai. Aur naahi iss ghar ki bahu.. Par yeh jagah sirf humaari hai.. Aur humme woh wapis chahiye.'" (You guessed it right. I am not Khushi and neither I am the Bride of Sheesh Mahal. But this place is mine. And I need it back)



She confused him.. He left her and she pulled the Dupatta back on her head smiling at him.



"Hum Mandira hai" (I am Mandira)



Mohit: Mandiraa? Kaun Mandira? Aur tumhaari Shakal. Bikul Khsuhi ki tarah hai. Kaun ho tum? (Mandira? Who Mandira? And your face.. You resemble Khushi. Who are you?)



She had no time in explaining him details. She didnt even trust him properly.



Mandira: I have heard your talks. You are Mohit. And you like Khushi.

Mohit was scared.

Mandira: I can help you with that.

Mohit (Confused): Why? Why you want to help me?

Mandira: Because I want to take her place here.



She started explaining him her plan.. If Mohit plans to take Khushi with him forever, he wouldnt make it possible, until he either breaks Arnav Khsuhi relationship or he just kidnap his Khushi and take her away from Arnav ..  Breaking Arnav and Khushi's marriage may take longer and there wasnt any guarantee that it will happen. So making Khushi forcibly elope with him and then somehow make her accept that Mohit was her future and not Arnav seemed much easier. To do that without the Raizada's knowledge would require some substitute here in Khushi's place and Mandira chose to be the one because she wanted Arnav and also this house which according to her, was her right.

There was no much time with Mohit to get any more details on who she actually was. Except her name and her half motto, he didnt know anything else but he readily agreed to follow her commands to get Khushi. Their secrets remained sealed within each other. Once Mohit got this Mandira (Khushi's duplicate) by his side, he didnt need the other Mandira (Buaji's daughter )with whom he planned to create a rift between Arnav and Khushi . So their plan was much simpler now. Somehow make this Mandira come in Khsuhi's place and take Khushi away from India forever. Little did he know that this Mandira had more cruel intentions than he expected and she was only using him for her own benfits.



Flashback Over



Mohit could finally unchain himself. All left now was to save his life from these goons and that Mandira who wont let him leave until she finishes her motive, her motive of killing Khushi which he realised only today. He liked Khushi and wanted her too but never risking his own life. He hide himself behind some boxes peeping slowly from there to see what was happening out.



Khushi was been brought by two goons following Mandira walking ahead of them .She had to finish this ritual quickly  because she had to reach back to Sheesh Mahal too. She stared at Khushi for some seconds and then gave her a winning smile



Mandira: Anth bhala toh sab bhala Muskaan.. Tumhaara Anth hi humme Swayam ke saath ek nayi zindagi dega.. Waada kiya tha hum ne apne aap se ki jab tak hum poori tarah se Swayam ko paa nahi lete, hum janam lete rahenge .Par lagta hai yeh Janam aakhiri hai. Humme Sheesh Mahal ki bahu aur Swayam ki patni banne se ab koi Muskaan nahi rok sakti.!! Kabhi nahi.. (Everything stays good if the end is good. And your end only will give me a life with Swayam. I had promised myself that till I dont get Swayam, we will keep taking births. But guess this is the last one now. No one can stop me from becoming Sheesh Mahal's Bride and Swayam's wife. Not even you Muskaan. Never)



She laughed loudly praising herself and Khushi suddenly stopped struggling from those goons. A smile crept her lips as she looked past Mandira to the person who was here to save her ..



Khushi:(Shedding Tears): Ar..nav... ji..!!



Mandira immediately turned behind .. Her heart started thumping badly .She hadnt expected him to be here. Does that mean everything ends here today ? Again? Will her present life again ditch her and she will not get her Swayam even in this birth? Will she have to take a rebirth with these two again  in near future and then try claiming him? No.. It was too hard to even imagine.



Arnav was standing alone unarmed and before the group of Goons who were just waitig for Mandira's orders to take him into custody. His eyes became moist seeing his wife Khushi in this condition. He was seeing her after so many hours. Why couldnt he find her earlier? Why didnt he recognise that this girl staying with him from past a day wasnt his Wife Khushi? He was guilty for not coming to save Khushi on time. But now that he was here, he promised to safeguard her.



Arnav:( Angrily looking at Mandira): Chod do meri Biwi ko Mandira.. (Leave my wife Mandira)



She was hell shocked that he knew her name and identity now .



Arnav: Tumhe kya laga? Tum itni aasani se Khushi ki jagah le sakti ho? Tum naahi tab Muskaan ki jagah le paayi aur naahi ab.. Tum uski jagah toh kya uski barabari bhi nahi kar sakti. Iss liye behtar yehi hai ki tum Khushi ko mere hawaale kar do .. Warna kuch hi minute mein Police yahan tak pohuch jaayegi aur tumhe aur inn gundo ko yahan se le jaayegi.. (What did you think ? So easily you can take Khushi's place in my life? Neither then you could take Muskaan's place nor now. Forget her place you cant even match her goodness. Thats why its better if you give my Khushi back or else just in few minutes the Police will reach here and arrest you with these goons)



So he had informed the Police? She was very angry on his actions..



Mandira: Swayam ?.. Aap.. Aap ne accha nahi kiya.. Muskaan ko marna hi hoga. Taaki hum aane waale kisi bhi janam mein usse aapke aur humaare beech aane se rok sake. !!



She pushed Khushi in the Grave she had made the Goons dig . Khushi fell down.. Arnav rushed to save her but the goons caught hold of him.. When 7 goons held him together , he couldnt do anything to come forward and save his wife. It was next to impossible. He was still trying his best to shove them off and come forward to help Khushi.. Mandira was laughing seeing his condition. She was really a psyhic girl who was enjoying burrying her own sister.

She was covering the grave with the sand from above so that Khushi doesnt get a chance to come out and she leaves her breathe due to suffocation. Aman was not anywhere near this place to come and save them. The moment Arnav had reached here, Aman had moved little away to guide the police to reach this isolated place . Suddenly someone kicked off two goons who had caught Arnav .. It was Mohit ..



Mohit (Screaming at Arnav) :Arnav.. Go.. Save her..



Arnav had no time thanking him. He kicked the other goons and finally ran towards the grave which Mandira was filling up with the sands. Some goons did chase him and tried to hurt but he had no intentions of stopping today. He fought with some goons as Khushi was falling weak and unconscious in that grave, coughing badly as her mouth and nose was getting choked by the sand which Mandira tried covering her with. Arnav managed to reach Mandira and then slapped her hard  on her face making her hit the stone behind and bleed her head. He started removing the sand back from the grave to help Khushi come out. Khushi was closing her eyes. Mohit was fighting with the goons meanwhile whereas some started pulling Arnav back . He kicked them , punched them again making them fall on the ground for some time.. He reached Khushi's hand and tried to pull her up but Mandira stood behind him trying to stop blood from her forehead .She removed a knife and tried to stab Arnav's back but  the Police reached there on time and gun fired her arm making her drop the knife and fall on the ground again unconscious .



Aman and the Police reached there on the spot.. The Goons were arrested and so was Mandira.. Arnav and Aman managed to pull Khushi out of the Grave .She lost her consciousness too which worried Arnav. He picked her in arms, with Aman rushing ahead to get to the Car to drive her to the Hospital .He couldnt wait till the ambulance was here. His eyes stuck to her face as she lay lifeless in his arms..



**********



Hospital



Khushi was in the ICU being treated by the Dr's who were trying their best to make her stay alive.. Her food pipe and oxygen pipe was choked due to suffocation and she wasnt able to breathe properly . The Dr's came out in sometime and told Arnav how serious her condition was. It was difficult for Arnav to take a NO from the Dr's in saving her life. He was unable to save his Muskaan in the last birth but this time he cannot let her die. She was his love and they had full rights to stay together and live a happy family. He went inside the ICU. Seeing her surrounded with so many machines and tubes was imaginable. She was supported by the Ventilator for Oxygen and she was still Unconscious. He held his tears not letting them fall down and leaned over her ears . He had to put life in her and only this news can give her life again, that was his belief.



Arnav (At Khushi's ears): I know you are listening me Khushi. I know.. I have to tell you something which probably even you dont know yet..(Tears rolled down his eyes hoping he can save her ..).. You have a life inside you Khushi.. You are pregnant.!!



His whispers did reach her heart.. her mind and soul..  through her ears .. Her fingers started making a movement... This wasnt less than a miracle.. Medical science may not be able to prove it.. but the truth was that.. she was coming back to consciousness. !!



To be Continued..







Part 62



Hospital



Arnav (At Khushi's ears): I know you are listening me Khushi. I know.. I have to tell you something which probably even you dont know yet..(Tears rolled down his eyes hoping he can save her ..).. You have a life inside you Khushi.. You are pregnant.!!



His whispers did reach her heart.. her mind and soul..  through her ears .. Her fingers started making a movement... This wasnt less than a miracle.. Medical science may not be able to prove it.. but the truth was that.. she was coming back to consciousness. !!



It took almost few more hours for her to come back to consciousness fully. The Dr after thorough diagnosis, allowed the family to meet her. The first person she wished to meet was her Arnavji. She was worried and wanted to see if he was fine. He came inside and sat beside her caressing her cheeks once. Her eyes were moist and so were his.



Arnav: Ab kaisi ho? ( How are you now?)



Khushi: Hum theek hai Arnavji..( I am fine Arnavji..)



Her assurance was not enough for him. He knew somewhere he too was at fault in realising she was been abducted.



Arnav: I am sorry Khushi.. Mujhe pehchaan ne mein deri hui.. Warna aaj tumhare saath itna sab kuch nahi hota..! Kaash mein pehchaan pata ki Party ki raat se tum nahi Mandira mere saath thi..!! (I am sorry Khushi. I delayed in recognising she wasnt you. Otherwise you wouldnt have had to bear so much. Wish I had realised that the girl with me after the Party was not you.)



Khushi caught his hand tight not to make him feel more guilty.



Khushi: Aap ne phir bhi humme bacha liya.. Kya yeh kam tha Arnavji? Humme yakeen tha aap zaroor aayenge..!! (You still saved me .. Was that less Arnavji? I believed you would come to save me.!!)



She saw the little scars and brusies on his forehead and arms which needed attention too.



Khushi: Aap ko bhi bahut chot aayi hai Arnavji..  (Even you are hurt Arnavjii)



She tried getting up but he didnt allow her to move even an inch.



Arnav: Dr has advised you  complete bed rest Khushi.. And you will have to follow it..

Khushi: For our baby..!! Hai naa?



Her cheeks grew red as she met his eyes. She might have been unconscious when he told her this, but  his words still whispered in her ears even now. That was the one sole reason for her to fight her death and come back to life. She cannot even believe that she and her Arnavji were soon going to be parents..



Arnav: Haan Khushi.. I want you to take complete rest for our baby who has taken birth inside you. Thank you so much. I couldnt have asked anything better than this. ..



Khushi: Aap ko Thank you kehne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai Arnavji. (You dont have to Thank me for this Arnavji.)



Arnav: Phir bhi Khushi. Sab kuch kitna ajeeb lag raha hai naa? Kuch mahino pehle yeh shaadi sirf contract marriage thi. Par dheere dheere sab kuch badalne laga. Kab hum ek doosre ke paas kheechne lage, kab woh kheechav pyaar mein badal gaya aur ab.. kuch hi mahino mein tum hummare bacche ko janam dene waali ho.. This happiness is out of the world for me. (Still Khushi. Everything feels so different  today. Just few months back this marriage was a mere contract. Then slowly things between us started changing. We got attracted and were pulled towards each other. When this pull turned out to be love and then now in few months you are going to give birth to our child. This happiness is out of the world for me)



Khushi (Smiling): Humme to yakeen hi nahi ho raha hai Arnavji.. yeh Sapna hai yeah haqeeqat.. Humme chutki katiye.. (I dont even believe this is happening Arnavji.. Is this a dream or reality? Pinch me) (She extended her arm slowly.)



Arnav didnt wait to make her realise  what was happening was true. He pinched her arm but she didnt expected it from him.. She hissed and started rubbing her arm looking at him in surprise..



Arnav: Ab yakeen aaya,? (Now did you believe?)

Khushi: Hum mazaak kar rahe the.. !! (I was kidding)

Arnav: Par main nahi.. Now listen to me carefully Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada.. Ab tumhe jaldi theek hona hai because Sheesh Mahal is waiting to welcome its Bride again and this time with its Grand child too. (But not me. Now listen carefully Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada..You have to be fit and fine soon because Sheesh Mahal is waiting to welcome its bride again and this time with its Grand Child too.)



She noded affirmatively because she missed Sheesh Mahal very much in these 2 days of her kidnap.. Suddenly this made her realise what had happened to her and all the scenes of the past 2 days flashed i her mind. She had many questions.





Khushi: Mandira..?? Woh kaisi hai? Kahan hai?  (Mandira.. ?? How is she? Where is she?)



Arnav's expressions quickly changed after hearing this name. He didnt wanted to talk anything about what they had been through few hours back but it was necessary for Khushi to know because she had the right.



Arnav: She is where she has to be Khushi..!! The Police have arrested her. She tried to stab me with a Knife when I was saving you but luckily Aman got the police on time and they shot her arm.

Khushi (Shocked): Shot her? Is she okay?

Arnav: You still care for her ? She just tried to kill you Khushi and if I wouldnt have come to save you on time then I cant even imagine what would have been my state today. (He cupped her cheeks).. I have lost you once in our previous birth but not anymore. You are my life.. If you go away even for some time, my heart stops beating Dammit.



Khushi gulped down her tears as she was more than happy to hear this..



Khushi: You always loved me so much Arnavji.. Didnt you? Even in our past birth ..I was so blind as Muskaan. Why couldnt I see and feel that Love of yours as Swayam that time? Wish I had that strength to fight back Mandira's cruel intentions then.. This chain of births would never had started otherwise between us.



Arnav: But we have changed that Chain now.. Muskaan got her Swayam forever and Arnav got his Khushi. There was never any place for Mandira in between us. This is our Story.. Arnav and Khushi's story.. And she will have to realise this at least now.

Khushi: Hopefully.. (She paused and then looked back at him).. I cant believe a girl like her was my sister in the last birth..

Arnav: Not just last birth Khushi. Even today she is still your blood sister.. You both are twins..!



Khushi was startled with this reality. . She asked Arnav how was it possible because her mother never told about it and thats when Arnav repeated the same truth which even Garima and both the families were been hidden from. It was hard for her to believe it.. Everything was falling back to place as Arnav went on telling her..



Arnav: The Police took that old Fortune teller into custody and she revealed how during the delivery of Mrs Gupta, she hide one child due to her selfishness and declared only one baby was born that night. Seems she had no children and that guilt was torturing her. She named this girl as Mandira because somewhere she was aware that history was repeating itself. Muskaan and Mandira had taken births again this time to fulfil their incomplete pasts. She thought of raising Mandira with full values but she couldnt kill her memory as Mandira started growing and remembering each and every thing of her past birth. Handling this girl became impossible after that and as years passed, Mandira started dominating her knowing she was not her real mother. She used to starve her mother for days only because she was not allowed to go to Sheesh Mahal and interfere in our lives..The Fortune Teller's mental condition started worsening as years passed which Mandira ignored. All she wanted was to get her Swayam back..



Khushi : She prepared herself for years to get you Arnavji but when she suddenly saw me with you, all her dreams shattered again knowing Muskaan had taken re-birth too and entered your life before her..

Arnav : (Sighed): Wish she could have stopped her efforts of gaining me at least in this birth. She would have got her family back. But guess God had decided her fate already. She never was meant to get full love and respect from her family.. Even then she broke everyone's heart and today she did the same..



Khushi: Mumma and the whole family must be very upset with all this. After years they got their second daughter back and that too in this stage..



Arnav: Mrs Gupta is fine. Infact she is very surprised that her own blood can be so cruel . She is happy that you are saved and she doesnt even want to think of Mandira as of now.



Khushi could feel the pain of her mother but suddenly she remembered Mohit too.



Khushi: Aur Mohit? Where is he? Did they arrest him too?

Arnav : Yes they have..!! We cannot forget Khushi that Mohit planned all this with Mandira. He is the main culprit for your kidnapping.. Not that he didnt help me in saving you. But the police have to do their duty..

Khushi: (Feeling bad): But he is Shyam Jeejaji's younger brother. I dont want jeejaji's and Di's relation to be spoiled because of Mohit's deeds.

Arnav: Luckily Jeejaji has realised what Sin his brother did and he is on our side. Infact since the time Mohit has been arrested, Jeejaji didnt even speak to him.



Khushi was happy that at least Shyam Jeejaji was supporting the truth..The family came inside to see Khushi because seemed like Arnav and Khushi's meeting session was never ending. They couldnt wait outside any longer and came in to see her.



**********



After 3 long days Khushi was finally discharged. It was Arnav who asked the family not to come in the Hospital and wait at Sheesh Mahal only. He fulfilled all the formalities and then made her sit inside the car very gently. He had started taking extra care for his wife from now only ..



Khushi (Smiling at Arnav): Yeh sab humaare liye hai yeah aane waale mehmaan ke liye? (Is this all for me or for the new member who is joining our family soon?)

Arnav (Starting the Car): Think what you want to Khushi but I have decided. Once we reach home, I am not going to allow you get down the bed. You just have to order whatever needed to me and I will get everything for you. And if by any chance you dont follow this and start doing the household things, I am booking our tickets to London and we are leaving Lucknow forever.. Your pregnancy and delivery will happen there and not here..!!



Khushi (Teasing him): Hmm..  So that in the pretext of taking me to London you will also get time to spend with your ex girlfriend Alisha..!!

Arnav : What the!! Alisha ?Now where did she fit  in between us Dammit ? Just now we have finally been able to seperate ourselves from that Mandira.. I dont want anyone else now. Samjhi?



The thought of Mandira made Khushi serious again and she wanted to meet her once. She knew Arnavji  will never agree for this as he considered even her shadow ill for them but she really had to see her .



Khushi: I wish to see her again Arnavji.. Bus Ek baar..

Arnav: Alisha ?(He chuckled teasing her but she was serious enough )

Khushi: Mandira. I want to meet her once.



Arnav angrily looked at Khushi who was pleading with her eyes for agreeing to her wish.



Arnav: HAve you  gone mad ? She tried to kill you and you expect me to take you again before her? No way . She is harmful. I cannot take this risk.

Khushi: Bus ek baar Arnavji. I promise I will never demand to see her again.

Arnav: But why Khushi? Aisa kya hai joh tumhe uss se milna hai? Sab kuch khatam ho gaya hai. Then why?  (But why Khushi? What is it that you still wish to see her once? Everything is over now. Then why?)

Khushi: Humme kuch jawab chahiye..Jo abhi bhi hum samajh nahi paaye.!! (I want answers .. Which I still didnt understand fully)

Arnav (Sighed): Fine. But this meet shouldnt be long and I will not let you be alone with her. Main rahunga tumhaare saath. (I will be there with you )



Khushi noded and he dialed the Police to enquire where Mandira was. He was little surprised to know something about her and then turned the vehicle driving towards the City Mental hospital. He parked his car inside and Khushi surprisingly looked at him,



Khushi: Mental hospital?

Arnav: They have got her here. Seems she was acting quite strange in the Police station. The Dr's have checked her and according to them , she needs some treatment.



Khushi: Aap ka matlab hai Mandira paagal hai? (You mean she lost her mental balance?)

Arnav: (Opening her side door): Iss mein toh koi shaq tha hi nahi Khushi. Agar paagal nahi hoti toh itna sab kuch nahi karti. Come.. (There wasnt a doubt in it Khushi. If she wouldnt have been mad then why would she do all this? Come.)



He helped her get down and they both entered the hospital.



**********



Private Ward



Mandira seemed to be sitting on the bed turning her back to the door and drawing something on the wall. She was in a white dress which every patient was made to wear here after getting admitted . Khushi pressed Arnav's hand and he stopped with her at the door.



Arnav: You still wish to see her?

Khushi noded in affirmation and he opened the door of Mandira's room. The Police waited outside the door and allowed the couple to get inside.



Mandira: Woh pe rukh jaao Muskaan .. (Stop there .. Muskaan)



She hadnt even turned to see them then how did she know who had come to meet her? Arnav and Khsuhi stopped ..



Mandira: (Turning to see them): Kya dekhne aayi ho yahan? Apni barbaad behen ko ? Yeah phir uske Paagalpan ko?(What have you come here to see ? Your shattered sister? Or her madness?

Khushi: Itna sab kuch ho jaane ke baad bhi tum nahi badal paayi naa? Tum aaj bhi humaari behen ho Mandira. Kyon aise rishtey ko todkar tum woh paana chahti ho jo tumhaara kabhi tha hi nahi? (Even after so much happened, you didnt change.? You are still my sister Mandira. Why you want to spoil this relationship for such a bond which can never be yours.)



Mandira passed a wicked smile to Khushi and then her eyes set on Arnav who was staring at her too.



Mandira: Apne pyaar ko haasil karne ke liye hum kuch bhi kar sakte hai Muskaan. Aur jald hi tum yeh bhi dekhogi ki kaise Mandira apna waada pura karti hai. (I can do anything to win my Love Muskaan.  And very soon I will show you how Mandira fulfils her promises)



Arnav: (Angrily): We are not going to get scared of your baseless  warnings Mandira. Stealing someone's love you can never earn anything good for you. No one is going to accept you back so better stop dreaming ..



Mandira passed a loud chuckle confusing Arnav and Khushi. Suddenly Khushi's eyes scanned the wall where Mandira was writing something.. She was shocked to read the words in Bold.. "I AM NOT QUITTING".



Suddenly Khushi screamed seeing the bottle in Mandira's hand which she had hidden tight in her grip. She rushed to check it and so did Arnav to know why was Khsuhi nearing Mandira.



Khushi: Mandira? You cant kill yourself .. Mandira..? (She patted her cheeks as Mandira's chuckles started becoming weaker .. )



Arnav screamed for the Dr's . The poison bottle feel down Mandira's palms straight to the ground as the Ward boys came and placed a lifless Mandira on the Stretcher and took her to the ICU..



**********



The Dr's declared her dead. Mandira had fully consumed the poison before Arnav and Khushi came to see her. She didnt knew she would get a chance to meet them again after this and hence was leaving a message on the wall for them . She wasnt quitting. What did it meant? The Gupta's felt little bad  for losing their child this way again but nothing was in their hands. They had to accept this and continue their lives.



The little remaining mysteries were  solved automatically when Badi Maa told them the rest of the truth about Muskaan - Swayam - Mandira's past. While  Mandira was burried alive in their previous birth ,  she was continuously  screaming on top of her voice that she will be back. She was cursing the Raizada family that she will come back to take her revenge. Swayam will die too in the coming days because of his lost love and that till the time she actually wins her Swayam completely, they will keep taking births for ages . This cycle will never end.. Never..  Badi Maa told them how things started happening according to Mandira's curse in their previous birth. After almost  a year of Mandira and Muskaan's death, Swayam lost his life in an accident. This ought to happen because the curse of Mandira wanted him to take re-birth soon.



Badi Maa told them that Mandira was burried in the same garden (Ratan Bagh which belonged to the Zamindar)where any Bride of Sheesh Mahal was not supposed to pluck any flowers from. Khushi remembered what she had done months back .When as a new bride she had been to see that garden and plant a Mango Tree there, she had plucked the flower from that garden, unleashing the curse of Sheesh Mahal again which gave its evil powers to Mandira unknowingly to fulfill her motives. The Zamidar was young those days when Mandira was burried and he had seen her face. Hence when he saw Khushi in Agra, he thought Mandira was back and was scared of her .



Muskaan in the previous birth had the problem of  sleepwalking and the same was transferred into Khushi suddenly when she first entered into Sheesh Mahal. Thats why the first night of her stay in Sheesh Mahal she found herself in the Living room alone instead of her bedroom where she last remembered falling asleep. The reason why suddenly Khushi's saree cuaght fire in the kitchen when she entered it for the first time was deciphered too. As Mandira herself confessed to her that she kept on visiting Sheesh Mahal secretly and wanted to harm Khushi, she only had purposely came in the Kitchen somehow and tried burning Khushi's pallu and leave back . There were so many servants surrounding her all the time with those Ghoonghat. How was she supposed to know if one of them was Mandira ?  Things started falling into place for everyone now. But still the words which Mandira wrote on the wall was scaring Khushi. She didnt know what it meant and hoped that it will never come true.



***********

Almost 4  months passed for Mandira's death and total 5 months for Khushi's pregnancy. The good thing was even Sheetal was expecting and it was her 5th month too. Both Sheetal and Khushi had their ultrasound today. Both were accompanied by their respective husbands who were with them inside and hoping to have a positive and a good result . The Dr informed Arnav that his wife Khushi was carrying a boy child and Sheetal was having twin daughters .The moment Dr confirmed this, all the 4 had  blank faces. Was the history going to repeat again? Was this even possible ? Sheetal's daughter's (Chandra Mahal's daughters) fighting for Khushi's Son (Sheesh Mahal's Son)? The couples tried their best to ignore this thought and wanted to enjoy the moment .NK left with Sheetal in his Car while Arnav got back Khushi home . Everyone were informed of this good news which did raise a concern in their mind too. But like everyone even they brushed off their doubts and invited the Priests for a Meal in Sheesh Mahal . Khushi like before followed every tradition of a Raizada bahu, and covering her head with the Pallu, she served the 11 priests and took their blessing .Arnav was not much contended seeing his wife stressing so much but he couldnt ignore it for long too as his wife wanted to do this.



Khushi couldnt help raising her doubt to the head of the Priest regarding the kids to be born , if there was any connection between their past and future again. She told the priest everything that happened and how Mandira warned them that she was not quitting this revenge before she died. The Priest smiled and patting his hand on Khushi's head once he blessed her again asking her to sit before him. Arnav was there too with the family listening to what the Priest had to say.



Priest: The cycle of re-births and Mandira's revenge has broke down. Probably Mandira didnt knew this and she wasted her life thinking she will again take a re-birth and come back to get her Swayam. This aint possible now.



Khushi: Why? Why isnt it possible ?



Priest: Because you Khushi, as Muskaan, is giving birth to Arnav's, means Swayam's child. Not many know this fact what happened after Swayam died in his past birth. There were many havans did in Sheesh Mahal for the prosperity of the coming generations and during those , we priest found one measure to break Mandira's curses which she gave while she was burried. The solution being the Heir of Swayam and Muskaan. !! This child is the only way, the only proof that Swayam always belonged to Muskaan and no Mandira can ever come in between them to snatch her right. Mandira never knew about this solution just like you all. Otherwise she would have given up her struggle of getting  Swyaam the same day if she would come to know about your pregnancy.  So relax my child. You and your husband are totally free from that evil spirit now. There is no more curse hanging between the two Mahal's. You can lead a blissful life with your husband and no Mandira will ever cross your path again.



The truth finally calmed Khushi's doubts and she was free from her own intuitions of finding Mandira back in their lives anytime. Once the priest were gone,  Arnav took her back to their room for some rest . He helped her take off those heavy bangles and jewellery she wore as a part of tradition today.



Arnav: Ab yakeen hua? Mandira kabhi bhi wapas nahi aayegi Khushi. Woh chali gayi hai .. Humesha humesha ke liye. (Now did you believe? Mandira is not going to come back Khushi. She's gone. Forever)

Khushi (Smiled): Haan Arnavji. Ab bus hum yehi duva karte hai ki uski aatma ko shaanti mil jaaye aur jab bhi woh dobara janam le, uska maksad kabhi kissi ko chot pohuchane ka naa ho. (Yes Arnavji.. Now all I pray is that let her soul rest in peace and if she takes re-birth it should not be to hurt others.)



Arnav: Hmm. I wish the same. Waise. I cant wait to take my Son in arms.



Khushi: You will have to wait for 4 more months for that Arnavji..(She gigled seeing Arnav's pout )



Sheetal came inside knocking the door.



Sheetal :Uhh.. May I come in?

Arnav quickly got up and helped Sheetal to get in. She sat beside Khushi.



Arnav: Alright you preggy ladies. Keep talking until I come back . Where is NK?

Sheetal: He is down with the family.

Arnav: Good. I will be back.



He smiled at his wife and then left downstairs. Khushi placed her hand on Sheetals arm



Khushi: What happened Sheetal you look quite tired..

Sheetal: Haan Khushi . These girls are tiring me so much ,They have started kicking too.

Khushi: Aww. So has my Son.. But dont worry. I will advise your daughters not to trouble you so much. Ek minute..



She slowly leaned on Sheetal's stomach and touched her ear on it.



Khushi: Babies.. Dont trouble mumma much  now. Bahar aake jitna sataana hai sataa lena..



Sheetal chuckled and so did Khushi. Suddenly before Khushi could move herself back she heard a strange sound in her ear.. She tried to hear it carefully now and what she heard was just out of her control..



"Muskaan" .. She heard this same word from Sheetal's stomach as if the baby was calling her out by this name again. She jerked back breathing hard ..  This wasnt possible. This cant be possible .. Mandira cannot be back and definately not in the body of one of Sheetal's babies. Sheetal instantly held Khushi to stop her from shiverring .



Sheetal: What happened Khushi? Why are you so scared?



Arnav was back in the room for taking his mobile which he forgot and saw his wife shiverring which wasnt good for her . Quickly he held her and asked her the same if she was fine. Khushi with moist eyes looked at Arnav..



Khushi: She didnt  Quit Arnav.. She is back..



THE END